Craig's Heart

Legacy - 7

by

N.J. Walters

Thank you to all the wonderful fans of the Legacy series for embracing Craig and asking for his story, to my amazing editor for encouraging me to write it and last, but certainly not least, to my husband for talking out the ideas for the book over breakfast at the local diner.

Prologue

Evie Pelowski stared at the check the owner of Espresso Yourself—a local coffee shop that carried her artwork—had just handed her. “He bought all three of them?” She was sure she couldn’t have heard right the first time.

“Yes, and asked if we knew how to contact the artist.” Amy pushed a heavy lock of black hair out of her face. “Of course, it’s policy not to give out the address of any of the artists we carry.

According to Karen, who did the deal, he said he really liked your use of color.

She told him she’d try to get some more of your work.”

Her head spinning, Evie tucked the check in her front pocket for safekeeping. Not only did this money mean she could pay her rent on time, but she could also buy groceries and some art supplies. “Did he leave his name or a card?” She was still having a hard time wrapping her mind around the idea that someone liked her work enough to buy three pieces. One, sure. She’d been supporting herself solely with her art for several years now. It sold well from this coffee shop and a few other local businesses that carried her.

Amy shook her head. “No, he didn’t leave a name.”

Evie shrugged. It didn’t really matter. All that mattered was three of her larger pieces had sold. She’d been afraid Amy was going to tell her she wanted to remove the paintings from the shop because they’d been there so long.

The last thing she’d expected was cold hard cash.

“How about I buy you an espresso to celebrate?” Amy slipped behind the counter and began to make the coffee drink.

Evie slid onto one of the stools at the window bar, basking in the sunshine coming in from outside. She dumped her bag onto the empty seat next to her and then pulled out the check Amy had written her. She stared at it. The number didn’t change. The corners of her mouth tilted upward.

Maybe her luck was changing.

But a week later, Evie was sure that her luck was definitely not changing for the better. She was late for a friend’s gallery opening and it seemed every light on the way there was red. Her phone started ringing and Evie dug it out on the second ring. The light changed and she, along with a dozen other people, stepped off the sidewalk and across the road. “Hello?”

There was silence.

“Hello?”

“I love the sound of your voice.” The person on the other end was male and his voice has a slight accent. It also wasn’t familiar.

“You have the wrong number.” She should have checked the number before she answered, but she was in a hurry.

She was about to end the call when he spoke.

“No, Evie, I don’t.”

She stopped dead in her tracks and a man walking behind her almost bumped into her. He muttered an apology and hurried by her.

“Who is this?”

“A lover of your art. Soon to be your lover.” He laughed and it raised the fine hairs on the nape of her neck. This was beyond creepy.

She ended the call and hurried toward the gallery two blocks away. Her phone rang again. Even knowing she shouldn’t, she answered it. “What?”

“Do not hang up on me again, Evie. I don’t like it.” There was anger in his tone. She was getting totally freaked out.

“I don’t know who you are or how you got my number, but this isn’t funny.

Leave me alone.” She ended the call and breathed a sigh of relief as she stepped into the gallery. Several friends saw her and waved. She went toward them, grateful for anything to take her mind off what had just happened.

Evie would have written it off as nothing more than a slightly obsessed fan of her work—something to be cautious of, but nothing to really worry about—

but two weeks had gone by since the night of the first phone call and the mysterious caller wouldn’t leave her alone. Furthermore, his actions had escalated.

Evie glanced over her shoulder but kept walking down the sidewalk. It was just past seven in the evening, but it was dark. Night came early in November.

But there were other people out and about so she wasn’t alone. Nothing to be afraid of.

Breathe.

There was no one following her.

She hurried up to a building that housed a clothing boutique on the first floor and a bunch of tiny studio apartments on the remaining two. Evie unlocked the entrance, stepped inside and pushed the door shut behind her.

Thankfully, the lights illuminating the stairs were bright. No one was lurking.

No one was waiting for her.

She needed to head upstairs to her apartment, but her feet refused to move.

There was no safety to be found there.

Twice in the past two weeks she’d walked in and found a red rose waiting for her on her bed. The lock hadn’t been tampered with and the window was undamaged. Then she’d started getting notes. They were short but to the point.

He loved her artwork and wanted her exclusively for himself. There was no doubt whoever her mysterious patron was he was following her. He not only knew her phone number, he knew where she lived, and somehow he’d found his way into her home.

She’d filed a report with the police, but there was really nothing they could do to help her. She had no idea who was leaving the roses. Sure she knew it was the same man who’d purchased her paintings. There was no one else it could be. But for some reason, Karen at the coffee shop couldn’t really give the police a good description of him. Her memories were vague even though she’d tried really hard to remember him. Evie couldn’t blame her. Karen saw hundreds of people every day. Why would she remember some guy she’d only met once? Brown eyes, brown hair and well-

dressed was the best she could do. That described half the businessmen who went through Espresso Yourself every day.

The nice officer she’d spoken with had told her to change her lock again, to make sure she was always aware of her surroundings and to keep her cell phone handy at all times.

She’d done all that, even added two more locks, but they hadn’t made her feel any safer. She was considering moving, though she couldn’t really afford to.

Evie shifted the tote bag on her shoulder, hitching it higher, and took the stairs one at a time, her boots clicking against the scarred hardwood stair treads. She stopped on the first landing and went down the short hallway to the second door on the right. Her new locks gleamed against the bright blue door.

Her keys jingled when she pulled them out of her pocket and unlocked all three locks. She opened the door, reached in and turned on the lights. She could see the entire apartment from the doorway. The tiny kitchenette took up one corner of the room, the daybed took up another. Bookshelves covered one entire wall and housed her small television. The tiny café table and two red metal chairs sat in front of the lone window. The only other room was the bathroom.

Evie stepped inside and shut the door, making sure it was secured before she set her bag down on the floor. She made herself look at her bed and sighed with relief. No red rose waiting for her this time. No note either.

She took off her coat and hung it by the door before wandering to the refrigerator. What would she have for supper? She wasn’t really hungry, but knew she should eat something. Maybe she’d call for takeout. The Asian restaurant down the road delivered. No way was she going back out there tonight. Not with her unknown stalker out there.

Her phone was still in her coat pocket. She went to retrieve it, already able to taste the wonderful sweet and sour chicken she was going to order. It was a splurge, but what the heck, she deserved it.

A dark shadow detached itself from the bathroom. Evie jerked backward, her shoulders hitting the wall as the shadow moved into the room. No, not a shadow, a man. There was a stranger in her home.

Oh God. It’s him. The man who’s been stalking me.

He wasn’t overly tall, but he had at least half a foot on her. He was dressed in black slacks, shiny shoes and a long wool overcoat. He looked harmless enough with dark-brown hair and brown eyes. But looks were deceiving. Pure evil surrounded him.

Why hadn’t she seen him or at least felt his presence? How had he gotten into her home?

Panic threatened to choke her. Evie scrambled toward the door, her fingers clawing at the locks. She had to get away.

Male laughter taunted her as he moved closer. “You can’t escape me.”

1Vladimir Drake watched the woman tugging at the locks on her door, enjoying her panic. Her fear smelled sweet and heightened his anticipation. He’d been following her for several weeks now.

Evie Pelowski’s paintings had caught his eye and the artist herself had fired his bloodlust.

He licked his lips and prowled toward her. That was the problem with being as old as he was—he’d done it all, seen it all and was bored. But Evie with her long black hair, almond-shaped green eyes and unique artistic talent was exotic, different.

Rather than discard her after he’d gorged on her blood, as he’d done with hundreds of beautiful women over the years, he followed her. Every night he watched her, enjoying her growing trepidation, laughing as her terror of him mounted.

He felt like a god. Was a god.

He was invincible.

“You cannot escape me.” He pushed a fair amount of compulsion through his voice.

She stopped trying to open the locks and faced him. “Who are you?”

He smiled and stopped two feet away from her. “I have had many names over the years. I was born two hundred years ago as Richard Locke in Kent, England. Now I go by the name Vladimir Drake, but you may call me Vladimir.

Much more fitting, don’t you think?”

“What do you want with me?”

He frowned when she didn’t comment on his name. He’d expected better from her. More. Of course, she had no idea just who he was yet, what he was. That was about to change. He’d played with her long enough.

“I’ve chosen to give you a great gift, Evie.” Her eyes widened when he said her name. He took a step toward her and she took one away, moving back toward the small kitchenette.

“Whatever it is, I don’t want it.” She yanked open a drawer and pulled out a knife. “Stay back.”

Vlad laughed, pleased by her puny show of defiance. “I will enjoy teaching you your new place in life.”

“Thanks, but I’ll pass.” She waved the knife toward him, but he barely noticed. All his attention was on the throbbing vein in her neck and the pounding of her heart. He licked his lips again and his fangs elongated.

Her face paled and terror enveloped her like a fine perfume. It intoxicated him and fanned the flames of his bloodlust.

“You’ll be mine. Forever.” Vlad sprang and slapped the knife out of her hand. He grabbed her shoulders and yanked her to him. He struck hard and fast, driving his fangs into her neck. She screamed and fought, her small fists striking his face and chest. He tightened his hold on her until he felt her bones crunch beneath his hands. No matter. The change would heal her.

He was going to keep Evie with him forever. Or at least until he tired of her.

Chapter One

Beep. Beep. Beep.

Craig Lawton pried his eyes open and reached for his phone, which was buried under the mess of papers, takeout containers and empty coffee mugs that littered his desk. The muscles in his back and neck protested and he swore under his breath. He knew who was calling but glanced at the Caller ID display just to be certain.

“Hey, Meredith.” Meredith Striker was a ninety-year-old werewolf who looked more like a very hot thirty-five.

She owned and ran Haven, a jazz/blues club in the heart of Wicker Park, Chicago. She was also a good friend.

“You sound tired. Are you taking care of yourself while your family is away?” Meredith’s smooth sultry voice made him smile. She mothered everyone around her.

“I’m good.” He pulled the phone away from his mouth while he yawned.

“I stayed up late working last night and was taking a nap.”

“I didn’t mean to wake you.” He could hear the concern in her voice and it warmed him.

“It’s probably just as well.” He really should shower and get something to eat.

“You fell asleep at your desk again, didn’t you?” She already knew the answer to that question. She’d been a good friend for five years now and knew him well.

“I wanted to finish the coding on this latest game I’m developing. I worked out the couple of remaining glitches and sent off the final version last night.” He rubbed his hand over his head. “Or maybe it was early this morning. Either way, it’s done and out of my hands.”

He’d get royalties as well as an upfront payment once his latest fantasy quest game made it to market next year.

“I spent the rest of the day catching up on paperwork I’d put off to work on the game.” Craig handled the investments for his family and some of his friends. It was time-consuming, but he enjoyed playing the stock market and making money.

“You need to take some time off.

Have you thought about joining Quinn and Chrissten in Wolf Creek?”

Just the thought of him, a human, in the midst of a small community entirely made up of werewolves made him smile. “No. They need time to spend time alone with their father and I need some time to myself.” He loved his half brother and sister, but it wasn’t always easy being the only human among paranormal creatures. They tended to hover sometimes. Besides, they’d only discovered their father five years ago, and their relationship with him was still tenuous at best.

“I’m pushing, aren’t I?” Meredith sighed. “I’ll back off, I promise. It’s just that I promised Chrissten I’d keep an eye on you while they were away.”

Craig chuckled and leaned back in his leather desk chair. “Meredith, I just turned twenty-six, I’m not exactly a child.” It both amused and annoyed him how they all treated him as though he was a kid because he was the youngest of the group.

“I know. I know.” Music played in the background and Craig checked his watch. It was just after five in the evening so Haven was open for business. “Come to the club later,” she coaxed. “Spend some time and get something to eat.”

“Maybe.” Craig stood and stretched and several bones in his neck and back made a popping sound. He swallowed back a groan. “I’m going to get a shower and something to eat. I may just go to bed after that.”

Meredith laughed. “That might be for the best. If you change your mind we’re just down the road.”

“Thanks, Meredith.” Craig ended the call and tucked his phone into his back pocket before staring at the mess that was his office. “Shit.” He took off his wire-rimmed glasses and cleaned the lenses on the edge of his shirt. He’d really let the place go while he’d been working. With his siblings away it was easier to do because no one was checking on him every day.

Not that he truly minded. He loved his family, loved having them all under one roof, but he was glad they all had their own apartments in the building they jointly owned. He needed his own space.

First things first. Craig trudged out to the kitchen, grabbed a garbage bag and returned to the office. A pizza box, Chinese takeout cartons and several foam trays with leftovers he couldn’t identify were pitched into the bag. Paper bags, napkins and half-used condiments followed. When he could see his desk once again, he shoved all the mugs together. There were eight of them.

Some were empty and some were half-

filled with cold coffee.

Sighing, Craig grabbed four of the mugs and the garbage bag and returned to the kitchen. One more trip and all the garbage was out of his workspace. He forced himself to put the mugs in the dishwasher, and after a quick glance at the coffee pot, he threw that in with the rest of the dishes. He hit the right buttons on the front of the machine and the dishwasher cycle started.

“Crap.” He should have had his shower before he started the damn machine. He obviously needed to get some real sleep and not just catnap an hour or two at his desk. But with his siblings gone, he had the entire building to himself once the gallery on the ground floor closed up for the day, and he’d taken the time to get some real work done.

He looked around the kitchen and living room and noted the fine layer of dust that had settled over the furniture. It was definitely time to call in the cleaning service again. He did his best to keep things up, but at times like these, it was easier to call in the professionals.

“Shower. Food.” These were what he needed. He walked down the short hallway, ignored his office and went into his bedroom. The bed was unmade, the hunter-green comforter half on the floor.

He hadn’t slept in the thing for a couple nights now. Once he got immersed in his work it took a lot to drag him away.

“It was worth it,” he muttered as he emptied the pockets of his jeans before stripping them off and tossing them into the laundry hamper. His shirt followed.

Clad only in boxers and sports socks, he padded into the bathroom and turned on the shower.

While the water heated, he studied himself in the mirror. His eyes were a bit bloodshot, but other than that he looked normal. His memory went back to his early days in Chicago. He’d been skinnier then. Leaner. A regular workout routine and sparring with his brother and brother-in-law had helped him bulk up some. It had been a matter of self-defense. They were both half-breed werewolves and much stronger than he’d ever be. It was build some muscle or get the crap beaten out of him in their training sessions. He’d opted to get stronger.

He tossed his glasses onto the vanity and stripped out of the rest of his clothes before stepping under the hot spray. He groaned when the water pounded his sore muscles. He leaned forward, pressing his hands against the tile, letting the heat ease the stiffness in his neck and shoulders.

When the water started to cool, he grabbed the soap and lathered his body from head to toe before rinsing. Then he gave his hair a quick wash. The water was almost cold by the time he turned it off. He grabbed a towel and ran it quickly over his body before wrapping it around his waist.

He shoved his glasses on and rubbed his heavily stubbled jaw, studying his reflection. He really needed to shave, but he needed food worse than he needed a smooth jaw. His stomach growled again as though in agreement.

Still, if he decided to stop into Haven, he didn’t want to look too disreputable.

Better to just get it done. He shoved in the stopper and filled the sink with water. He shaved quickly and managed to nick his jaw only once. Satisfied he looked better, he slapped some lotion on his skin, ignoring the slight burning sensation from the tiny cut.

Craig padded back to the bedroom and tossed the damp towel onto the hardwood floor. He pulled on clean boxer briefs, socks, jeans and a plain black T-shirt. He’d rather not have to get dressed and go out, but he also knew there was nothing edible left in his cupboards and he was starving. He almost left the towel on the floor, but at the last second, picked it up and carried it back into the bathroom to hang it over the rod to dry.

He grabbed his phone, wallet and keys off the dresser and stuffed them into his jeans pockets before heading for the front door. He pulled on a pair of boots and slipped on his leather jacket. Craig locked the door behind him and hurried down the stairs.

Haven was just down the road. He really should stop in and visit with Meredith and the rest of the crew. Or he could go see Damek. The fact that his best friend was a vampire still surprised him even after all this time. And not just any vampire, but an ancient, powerful one. Damek owned and ran Inhibitions—a club in the Fulton River District—and would be there tonight. He was there for a while every night.

Craig pushed open the door and stepped out onto the sidewalk. The crisp evening air filled his lungs as he locked up the building. It was only a little past six, but it was already dark. He missed the long days of summer.

He stuffed his hands into the pockets of his leather jacket and strode down the road. There were coffee shops and restaurants aplenty. Something for everyone.

“Hey, Craig.” Mr. Prentski was closing up his deli for the day.

“Hey, Mr. P. How’s business?”

“Good.” The older man studied him critically. “You don’t look so good.”

Craig laughed. “Working long hours.

I’m getting something to eat and then heading back home to make an early night of it.”

Mr. Prentski nodded. “That is good.

Do you want to come home with me for supper? Mama is cooking.”

Mrs. Prentski had to be almost eighty, but she was still spry and cooked like a dream. “Not tonight, but thanks.”

The older man nodded. “Okay, but come by the deli tomorrow. I’ll save some of Mama’s pastries for you.”

“It’s a deal.” Craig waved and kept walking down the sidewalk. The city was alive with people and lights and noise, but Wicker Park was a community and he was glad to be a part of it. Putting down roots here five years ago had been the right thing to do.

Craig nodded hello to several other folks he knew as he walked. Bean There was closed or he’d have stopped into the funky coffee shop for soup and a sandwich. He promised himself he’d come back for lunch tomorrow.

In the meantime, his stomach was beginning to complain rather loudly.

Craig crossed at the light and headed up the sidewalk. Haven was only a few blocks away. Teague would be in the kitchen and would cook him up something delicious. Teague was a half-

breed werewolf who looked more like a gang member or drug dealer than the amazing cook he was. Maybe he’d ask Teague to grill him up a steak with onions, mushrooms and fries on the side.

Oh yeah. That was exactly what he wanted.

Foot traffic was getting lighter as the daytime crowd had all headed home and the evening patrons hadn’t come out yet.

Craig didn’t mind. He enjoyed having the sidewalk almost all to himself. He could see the Haven sign in the distance and quickened his step. He was almost past the dark alleyway when he heard a whimper.

Craig stopped and went back a few steps, peering down the alley. The streetlights didn’t penetrate very far, making it difficult to see anything.

“Anyone there?” It was probably nothing more than a stray cat or dog searching for scraps. It was an unfortunate fact that every city had a problem with stray animals.

He squinted, wishing not for the first time that he had the enhanced senses of his siblings. They’d had the same mother but different fathers, and Craig was fully human while his brother and sister were part werewolf. “Hello.”

He heard the whimpering sound again, but this time it sounded more human than animal. Cursing himself for a fool, he started down the alley. He really should go to Haven for help. Any one of the pack would come back with him to check this out. It was pure folly to go alone.

Still, he took another step into the darkness.

His eyes were adjusting a little better, but he couldn’t see where the noise was coming from. “I won’t hurt you,” he promised.

A skittering sound caught his attention. It was coming from the far side of the dumpster on the left side. “Who’s there?” He wished they’d say something.

Taking a deep breath, Craig inched carefully forward until he could see just beyond the dumpster. Curled up next to the nasty smelling metal was a small person. He couldn’t tell if it was a woman or a kid. It was too dark to see what the person was wearing or to make out any details. He squinted again and took a step forward. “Hey.”

A head came up and reddish-tinged eyes peered back at him. Crap. He was in big trouble. Whoever this person was, they were a paranormal creature of some kind. And if Craig was a betting man, he’d say she was a vampire, a young one, potentially unstable and very, very dangerous.

He backed up a step.

“Help me.” It was a woman’s voice and it stopped Craig in his tracks.

“What happened to you?” he asked.

She moaned and closed her eyes. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me.” She panted heavily and Craig could sense her distress.

He reached into his pocket for his phone. “I know someone who can help you.”

“No.” She came to her feet in one fluid motion and jumped at him.

Craig was thrown back several feet and smashed into the wall behind him.

His head cracked against the brick and he saw stars. Something liquid trickled down his collar and he knew he was bleeding. Not good.

The creature came toward him. No, not a creature, a woman with long dark hair tangled around her face.

“Everything will be okay. I promise.” But Craig was no longer sure.

He should have gone to Haven for help.

Dealing with a vampire on his own, especially a young, unstable one wouldn’t be wise for a werewolf, let alone a human.

She licked her lips, grabbed him by the shoulders and dragged him into the shadows by the dumpster. She was incredibly strong.

“Let me help you.” Craig kept talking, trying to reach her human side before she was totally lost to the bloodlust. But it was too late.

Sharp fangs pierced his neck and strong arms held him. Not that he tried to pull away or struggle. That would only make her more determined to drain him dry, maybe even snap his neck.

Physically, he was no match for her. Not yet. Maybe once she was drunk on his blood he could break away and make a run for it.

As she sucked his life’s blood out of him, Craig prayed she wouldn’t kill him.

He wasn’t ready to die.

So good. He tasted like the finest chocolate and red wine. And she was hungry, so very hungry. She feasted on him, gorging herself until she was almost ill. Only then did she pull back and look down at him. Kind blue eyes stared back at her from behind wire-rimmed glasses.

He was wheezing, his skin pale, but he made no move to fight her.

She frowned and studied him more closely. The gash on his neck caught her eye and she gasped. It looked as though an animal had taken a bite out of him.

What had she done?

It all came flooding back to her. The attack. The pain. The several days of agony. The hunger that tormented her constantly, driving her outside even when she knew it wasn’t safe for herself or anyone around her.

She was a monster. Just like the one who’d attacked her. And now she’d killed this man who’d only tried to help her. She could remember his voice, low and calm and filled with empathy.

She’d wanted to reach out to him but had panicked and attacked instead.

“What have I done?” Her voice sounded rusty. It had been days since she’d said more than a word or two. It had been difficult to form thoughts, let alone speak.

“Damek,” he gasped. The man licked his lips and tried to speak again. She could hear his heartbeat slowing down and knew it would soon stop.

“Conserve your strength.” A hospital. She needed to get him some help.

He grabbed her arm with surprising strength. “No time.” He coughed once.

“Call Damek. Phone.” His eyelids fluttered closed and his heartbeat stuttered.

“No.” She couldn’t let this happen.

Even now, after everything she’d done, he was trying to help her. But even more than that, he wasn’t afraid of her. She’d smelled his fear briefly, but she’d sensed his determination as well. He truly had known what she was.

Maybe he had answers to the questions haunting her.

“You can’t die. I won’t let you.” Not knowing if what she was doing was right or wrong, she bit into her wrist. All she knew was she couldn’t let him die. Once the blood began to flow, she shoved it against his mouth just as his heart ceased to beat. “Drink,” she commanded.

Some innate instinct made her tilt his head back so her blood trickled down his throat. Nothing. “Please. Please.

Please.” She started praying to a deity she wasn’t certain still existed. If there was a God, how could something like this happen? How could a creature like her exist?

She choked back a sob when the stranger continued to lie still in her arms. She rocked him and shook him lightly. “Please, come back to me. I didn’t mean to do this.”

Several long minutes past and she finally admitted defeat. She’d killed him.

She was now a murderer. Tears flowed unchecked down her cheeks. She’d have to turn herself into the police. That was the right thing to do. The only thing she could do if she wanted to save what was left of her humanity.

She could no longer deny what she was. What she’d become.

Vampire.

The word sent a shiver down her spine.

Monster.

She pulled her wrist away and licked it to seal the wound.

The man coughed and suddenly sat upright before he rolled onto his side and vomited. Startled, she stared for a moment, unable to believe she’d done it.

He was alive. She moved quickly, holding him while he was sick and watched in amazement as the gash in his neck slowly closed and healed itself.

When there was nothing left in his stomach, he rolled onto his back, eyes closed. He was sweating hard now like she’d done after the monster had attacked her. He was going to be sick just as she’d been.

Oh God, what had she done?

She’d only wanted to save his life.

Instead, she’d changed him into the same kind of creature she’d become. Or maybe not. Maybe he was just ill because of all the blood she’d drained from him before replacing it with her own.

Maybe.

She wasn’t sure of anything anymore.

Memories of her attack and the creature who’d bitten her surged to the forefront of her mind, but she shoved away the dark recollections. She couldn’t think about Vladimir Drake. Didn’t want to.

What little she knew about vampires came from the vague memories she had from the time just after her attack and what she’d managed to learn through trial and error since her escape.

Voices and footsteps hurried by the top of the alley. She pulled the man deeper into the shadows with her until the danger was past. There was no one she could trust.

Once again, she studied the unconscious man in her arms. Maybe there was one person.

She had to get them somewhere safe, somewhere away from the light. The sunlight, that she’d always loved, now burned her skin whenever it touched her.

She’d learned that lesson the hard way.

She brushed his sandy-brown hair off his forehead. “I’ll take care of you.”

She owed him that much and more than she could ever possibly repay.

She stood and easily lifted him into her arms, still surprised by her newfound strength. At the back of the alley was a building with a fire escape.

It would take her longer to get him to her temporary home in an abandoned building, but it was safer to keep to the back alleys and darkness.

Letting her senses flare wide open, she listened hard and sniffed the air. She could sense the heartbeats of the people walking down the sidewalk, hear the rustling of the rats in the dumpster and the murmur of voices from the various apartments and businesses surrounding her. For a moment, it almost overwhelmed her. Then he moaned and her focus sharpened, allowing her to push back the other sounds. All that mattered was his safety and survival.

If he lived and would help her after what she’d done, maybe he knew a way to change them back. And if that wasn’t possible, maybe he would know how she could track down the beast who’d done this to her so she could kill it before she faced the sunlight one final time.

Chapter Two

Craig came awake slowly. His entire body ached and his mouth was dry and pasty, like it had been stuffed with cotton. His head pounded as though someone was trying to break into his skull with a jackhammer and his stomach was none to steady. It felt as though he’d been on a two-day drinking binge, which was impossible because he never drank to excess. He’d probably had yet another marathon work session where he’d mainlined coffee for days. It was more likely eye strain and caffeine overload making his head throb so incessantly and his stomach churn, and sleeping at his desk that was making his back and shoulders complain.

He tried to open his eyes, but it was too difficult. Instead of pushing things, he took a slow, thorough inventory of his body. He frowned. He wasn’t slumped over his desk because he was lying on his back. It took an effort, but he moved one hand and felt a scratchy blanket beneath him.

His stomach ached like he’d been violently ill. A not-so-nice memory popped into his head. He had been sick.

He had a vague memory of running a fever and then shaking with the cold.

He’d been sweating and vomiting too.

Had he caught some kind of stomach bug? And where the heck was he?

Frowning, Craig forced his eyes open and immediately closed them. The light was bright and hurt. He tried again, squinting slightly. Much better.

“You’re awake.” The female voice startled him. Why was there a woman with him? He didn’t have a girlfriend.

Rarely dated for that matter. He couldn’t afford to bring another human into his world. It was much too risky for his siblings’ safety. It was better for them and the Haven pack if no other humans knew about them. Sure, he was lonely at times, but having his family safe was worth the sacrifice.

Had he picked up a woman somewhere? One-night stands weren’t his speed, but right now he couldn’t remember a damn thing. “Who?” He wanted to ask more but his mouth was too dry.

“Here, drink this.” Soft, strong hands helped him into a sitting position and a bottle was put to his mouth. Craig drank, gratefully gulping the water. “Easy. Not too fast,” she cautioned.

Heeding her warning, Craig stopped.

Now that he was sitting, he took a better look around. It shocked him to realize he was lying in the corner of an empty room. There was no light source other than ambient streetlight coming in through the shuttered windows. What then had blinded him when he’d opened his eyes?

He turned his head slowly and got his first look at the woman. In spite of the dim light, he could see her as easily as if she were standing beneath a spotlight. She had long, straight black hair that was tangled around her face.

Worry filled her green eyes before she glanced away. Her skin was fair, her lips full and lush.

In spite of his aches and pains, his cock sprang to life. He almost laughed.

At least that part of him was still working. “Who are you?” He took a deep breath, pushed himself up against the wall and leaned against it. The floor was hard beneath him in spite of the blanket she’d put under him. “Where are we?”

When she turned back toward him, her eyes were no longer green, but tinged with red. Memory came flooding back. The alley. The attack. He touched his neck, but the skin wasn’t torn or scarred, it was smooth.

“What have you done?” he whispered. Shit, this was bad. This was very bad.

She flinched and moved away from him. “I’m sorry.” She wrapped her arms around her torso and began to pace. She wasn’t very big, maybe five-two or five-

three with a petite build. She didn’t look strong enough to have carried him here, but Craig knew she had. She was a vampire and that made her incredibly strong.

“I didn’t mean for that to happen. I took too much blood. You were dying. I had to do something.” She faced him and he could see the anguish in her face and his budding anger died. This wasn’t her fault any more than it was his for going down that alley.

“Come here.” He was weak but he needed answers. There was no telling how long he’d been here. Could be hours or days. He patted the spot next to him on the rough blanket. “Talk to me.”

She crept over cautiously but stopped a few feet away as though she didn’t trust herself. Or maybe it was him she didn’t trust. After all, she didn’t know if he might suddenly attack her.

Vampire. If the situation wasn’t so dire, he might find it funny. Historically speaking, vampires and werewolves were enemies. Considering his siblings were half-breed werewolves, he wasn’t quite sure how they were going to take this latest development.

“How long have I been here?”

She nibbled on her bottom lip. “Two days.”

Crap. That wasn’t good. By now someone would have missed him. He only hoped they hadn’t sent for Quinn and Chrissten. He needed time to come to grips with his new reality before facing his family.

“I’m sorry.” Her whispered words sounded like a shout. Suddenly, the world was alive with sound—the pigeons roosting on the roof, the blare of the traffic, the sound of a hundred voices. He slapped his hands over his ears but the sound didn’t abate.

“Block it.” Smaller hands covered his and her voice pitched above the rising din. “You were doing it instinctually until now. Just block out all the other sounds. It’s nothing but white noise.”

Craig concentrated on her voice and pushed the other sounds to the background. It was like turning down a radio. Using that image, he built a picture of an old-fashioned radio in his head and slowly turned the volume button down and then off.

Blessed silence surrounded him.

She slowly removed her hands. “It will take you a while to adjust. I’m still working on it myself.”

“How long have you been a vampire?” he asked.

She flinched at the word vampire.

“I’m not sure. A week, maybe a little more. I’m having a hard time keeping track.” She raked her fingers through her already tangled hair. “I haven’t killed anyone. At least I don’t think I have. Do you think I have?”

Her horror was palpable and, for some unknown reason, he automatically wanted to soothe her. “I’m sure you’d remember. What happened in the alley?”

She swallowed hard and nodded. “I didn’t mean to drink from you, but I hadn’t eaten in days and days and then you were there.” She leaned back against the wall next to him. “When I realized what I’d done…”

“You gave me your blood.” He could see how it happened, imagine how she felt when she realized how far she’d gone.

She swiveled around to face him. “I couldn’t let you die. I couldn’t. But you have to believe me. I didn’t know that would turn you into a monster like me.

I’m so very sorry.”

A tear trickled down her cheek. He reached out and wiped it away. “Hey, it’s okay.” It was anything but okay, but there was no going back. Maybe he’d yell and scream about the situation later, but right now, he quite frankly was too damn tired.

“Come here.” He put his hand on her shoulder and tugged her closer. She resisted at first but then gave a small cry and launched herself into his lap. She twined her arms around his neck and hugged him almost to the point of strangling him.

“I’m so sorry.”

Craig rubbed her head and her back.

She really was a tiny thing. “I’m Craig.

Craig Lawton. What’s your name?”

She gave a small laugh. “I’m Evie Pelowski.”

Craig took her hand and shook it, making her laugh again. The sound made him feel good and warmed him. He had a feeling she hadn’t had a lot to laugh about lately. “Pleased to meet you, Evie.” He hated to broach the subject but knew he had to. “How did this happen to you? How did you become a vampire?”

Evie wanted to burrow as close as she could get to Craig and never leave.

For the first time since this nightmare had begun, she felt safe. She’d basically killed the man and brought him back to life as a creature of darkness, and instead of yelling at her and condemning her for her actions, he was comforting her.

Surely he was one of a kind.

She didn’t want to lose this moment, the tenuous connection between them, but he deserved answers. She also didn’t know how long her good period would last. She vacillated between moments of complete lucidity and rationality and times where animalistic bloodlust ruled.

Whether she’d ever have any kind of control over the craving for blood that continually gnawed at her was something she didn’t know.

But maybe Craig did. He’d known what she was before she attacked him.

“Evie?”

She eased out of his arms, wanting to be able to get away if she needed to. He was calm now, but that could change in a heartbeat. She knew that all too well as it had happened to her.

“I’m an artist. I was an artist.” She didn’t know what she was any longer.

“What kind of artist? Sculpture, painting, mixed-media?”

She was impressed he knew there were differences. “Mostly oils and acrylics, but I dabble with watercolor as well. I’ve sold at a few local galleries and some of the local coffee shops hang my work for sale. I’m not famous, but I make enough to support myself.” And she’d never needed much, not as long as she had enough to buy paints and canvas.

Now her dreams of having an art career were gone.

“Go on,” Craig encouraged. She studied him, trying not to notice how handsome he looked leaning against the wall in his ripped T-shirt and jeans. His shoulders were broad and his abs taut.

Her stomach fluttered.

Evie glanced away, shocked she could feel attraction toward a man she barely knew. Considering what she’d done to him, she didn’t think Craig would appreciate her interest. Heck, he’d probably run in the opposite direction if he had any idea. That thought depressed her and she went back to her story.

“This mysterious patron started buying up my work. It was flattering at first, you know. The idea that someone loved my work enough to buy so many pieces, to spend so much money.” She gave a wry laugh. “Should have known it was too good to be true.” Evie pulled her knees to her chest and wrapped her arms around them, suddenly cold. She could mostly regulate her body temperature, but she still had problems doing so from time to time.

“Your leather jacket is right there if you need it.” She pointed off to his left.

“I cleaned it up the best I could. You were very sick.”

“I’m fine, Evie.”

She liked the way he said her name.

Liked it way more than she should.

“So anyway, it started with a phone call. After that, I came back to my studio apartment one day after being out and found a rose on my daybed. It happened again and freaked me out. Then there were notes saying he was watching me or that he liked a particular painting I’d done.”

“Did you contact the police?”

She nodded, remembering how alone she’d felt and how frightened. “They took a report, but there was nothing they could do. I didn’t know who this guy was or why he was stalking me. And the woman who’d sold him my paintings could only describe him in the most generic terms. He’d paid for my work in cash so there was no way for the police to trace him.”

Craig scooted across the floor until he was sitting right in front of her and caught her chin in his hand. “It’s not your fault. The vampire targeted you. It was nothing you did, but something about you captured his attention.”

His kindness and understanding almost reduced her to tears, but she couldn’t allow that to happen. She had to be tough. Had to learn how to fight if she was going to defeat the monster who’d done this to her.

“That went on for a few weeks. Then I went home one night, it wasn’t late, but it was dark.” Evie swallowed hard as her remembered fear turned her blood cold.

“I hurried even though I couldn’t sense anyone watching me.” Her boot heels had made a fast clicking sound on the sidewalk as she’d practically run home. “I had three deadbolts on my door and locked them all.”

Craig rubbed his warm hands over her arms and shoulders, but she ignored the comfort. She had to finish. “I was standing in my tiny kitchen when he just seemed to appear out of my bathroom.”

Fear made her sweat and terror almost closed her throat. “He talked to me at first and I thought maybe I could fight him and escape.” She gave a bitter laugh. “I had no idea what I was up against. I don’t remember much. I fought him, but he laughed. He bit my neck and drank my blood. Just when I thought I was going to die, he told me I was his for all eternity. I have a vague memory of him forcing me to drink his blood.”

“It’s okay, Evie. You don’t have to do this now.”

She jerked away from Craig and stood. “Yes, I do. I don’t know how long I was a prisoner in my apartment. Hours.

Days. It’s all a blur. I was sick, so sick.

I thought I would die.”

“I know.”

And she realized he did. Craig was one of the few people in the world who did understand what she’d been through.

“Maybe he thought I was still too weak to do anything. Whatever the reason, he went out one night. I pretended to be passed out so he didn’t tie me up or anything. I figured he didn’t plan on being away for long. As soon as I was sure he was gone, I dragged myself out of there. I’ve been running ever since.”

“Do you remember what he looks like?”

Evie rubbed her brow. “Yes. I’ll never forget his face.” It was etched on her memory for all times and starred in her nightmares every night.

“Okay, here’s what we’re going to do. I have a friend. His name is Damek.”

“You mentioned him when you were dying. Told me to call him.” Evie was getting a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach. “Who is he?”

“Someone who can help us.”

She shook her head. “No, I don’t want anyone else involved.” She couldn’t live with herself if another person got hurt because of her. As it was, she’d have to live with what she’d done to Craig for the rest of her life.

Granted, she didn’t expect that to be much longer than it took to kill the bastard who’d done this to her. No way did she want to exist for centuries as a monster attacking innocent people. She’d rather die.

“Evie.” Craig stood slowly, and when he wavered on his feet she went to his side to steady him.

“You need to rest some more.” She was worried about him, knew he’d need blood and soon. “You might not remember it right now, but you’ve been really sick.”

“I need to get help from someone who knows how.”

Maybe he did know someone who could help. “And this Damek can do that?” She nibbled on her bottom lip and thought about it. “He knows what vampires are?”

Craig offered her a reassuring smile that did nothing to quell her anxiety. “I’d say he knows more about vampires than anyone else in the world.”

“And you just happen to know him?”

It made her suspicious and she took a few steps away.

“Yeah. We’re actually friends.”

Craig held out his hand to her. “Don’t be afraid. Not all vampires are monsters.”

Could she dare to even believe him?

How could she not? Craig needed help she couldn’t give him. And if there was a chance this Damek could give her the knowledge she needed to avenge her death, she really had no choice but to take it.

“Call him.”

Craig slipped his hand into his back pocket, pulled out his phone and hit the second number on his contact list. It was answered on the first ring.

“Where have you been?” The imperious voice, so deep and commanding made him smile.

“I’ve got a bit of a problem.”

“What do you need?” Damek demanded. “Where are you?”

Craig knew Evie was listening to every word of the conversation and could easily hear both sides, so he kept the exchange as neutral as possible. The last thing he wanted to do was frighten her away. He wasn’t up to chasing her.

“I need to meet you somewhere private.

Somewhere safe.”

“I will come to you.”

Craig eased the phone away and stared at her. “Where are we?”

“Who are you with,” Damek demanded.

Evie hesitated and Craig patiently waited, knowing she had to do this at her own pace. “Give me a second,” he told his friend. “Evie?”

He could almost hear her mulling over her options and knew the second she decided to trust him. A huge weight fell from his shoulders when she gave him the address.

“I heard it,” Damek told him. “I’ll be there as fast as I can.”

The line went dead and Craig turned off his phone. “You did the right thing,” he told her.

“Did I?” He could tell Evie was unsure.

“Damek will help us,” Craig promised. He knew a lot of folks who would laugh at his assessment, knew they feared Damek, what he was and the power he wielded. But Craig knew better than most that, at his core, Damek was fiercely loyal to his mate, her family and his small circle of friends. While it was a very good thing to be Damek’s friend, it was a very bad thing to be his enemy. Thankfully, Craig fell into the friend category.

“He’ll be here soon.” Fatigue swept over him and he sat down heavily.

“Damn, I’m tired.”

“You’re doing too much, too soon.”

Evie hurried to his side, practically picked him up and dragged him back to the blanket. She covered him with his leather jacket. “Rest. I’ll watch for your friend.”

Craig closed his eyes, promising himself he’d rest for a minute. That was the last thing he remembered until an unearthly roar jolted him from his slumber.

Chapter Three

“What have you done?” Craig heard the anger in Damek’s low, precise words and opened his eyes to find his friend had Evie pinned to the wall by her neck. Pure menace pulsed through the air, making it heavy with anticipation of violence to come. Evie was fighting, hissing and scratching at Damek with clawed fingers, but she was no match for the ancient vampire.

“Stop.” Craig jumped to his feet. The jackhammers in his skull started up again, but he ignored the pain and he stumbled toward them. He wrapped his arms around Damek’s waist and tried to pull him off. It was like trying to move a mountain. Impossible. “Damek. Don’t hurt her. Let her go. It’s not what you think.”

“And how would you know what I’m thinking?”

The walls of the room warped with power. Fury radiated from Damek, causing the very foundation of the building to shake. Crap, Damek was really pissed. And that was never good for anyone.

As always, Damek was wearing a custom Armani suit, silk shirt and Italian leather shoes. The guy always looked as though he belonged in international banking instead of the nightclub he ran.

But he was the most dangerous creature Craig had ever met.

“Please.” Craig prayed his friend would release Evie before he hurt her.

“For me.”

Damek slowly loosened his grip on Evie but didn’t quite release her. She glared at Craig, a look of utter betrayal in her eyes.

“I promised her you’d help us.”

“I will help you, but I’m not so sure about her.” Damek turned to him, anguish in his face. “You are a vampire.”

It wasn’t a question. Craig knew Damek would be able to see, to smell, to hear the difference. “It was an accident.”

Damek sighed and looked back at Evie. “I will release you, but do not run.

You will not like what happens if I have to catch you.”

“He’s a vampire.” Evie shot her accusation at Craig. “After I told you about the monster who attacked me, you told me to trust you and I did. And you call in another one of them.”

Craig walked toward her, trying not to let it hurt him when she flinched away from him. “I told you not all vampires are monsters, Evie. I’m not. You’re not.”

She rubbed her face and tears filled her eyes. He watched her blink them back and knew it was because she didn’t want to appear weak. Didn’t she realize how strong she was to have survived the vampire who’d attacked her and escape him? To survive on her own without being caught out in the light or hunted by paranormal bounty hunters. Obviously not. Craig didn’t even know if she was aware such hunters existed.

They both had a lot to learn.

Evie couldn’t believe what was happening. What was it about her that attracted monsters? The vampire in front of her reeked of power. In spite of her newfound strength, she’d felt like a weakling when he had her pinned to the wall choking the life out of her. She’d half-expected him to yank her head from her shoulders and had no doubt he had the strength to do it.

The ironic thing was when he’d first stepped into the room she’d thought her maker had found her. Her first thought had been to protect Craig and she’d attacked the creature without hesitation.

And he’d swatted her away as though she were no more than a pesky fly.

No, this Damek wasn’t her maker.

There was no way anyone would escape him unless he allowed it. Evie swallowed hard and backed deeper into a corner. Not that it would do her any good. There was nowhere to go, nowhere she could run or hide from this particular vampire.

“What are you going to do?” She had to know. She was tired of her life being dictated by others.

“That depends.” Damek’s crisp tones held a slight accent, but it wasn’t one she could place. It definitely sounded foreign. He turned his back on her and faced Craig. She didn’t for one second think he didn’t know exactly what she was doing. “Usually only older vampires can make new ones. It is very rare, almost unheard of for one so young to make another. Talk to me.”

Craig sighed and ran his finger through his hair. His fingers went to his face and he frowned when he almost poked himself in the eye. “My glasses.”

“They’re in the pocket of your leather jacket. I put them there for safekeeping.” Evie motioned to the jacket.

Craig blinked and a slow smile crossed his lips, making him appear even more handsome. “Wow, I can see everything perfectly.”

Damek shook his head and sighed.

“Of course you can. You’re a vampire now. The change healed any infirmities your body had.” His tone was gruff, but Evie could hear the affection there.

Was it possible Damek would help them? That Craig wasn’t under his thrall, one of his minions. Evie wasn’t exactly sure how this whole thing worked other than what she’d seen in the movies or read in books.

Damek snorted. “Minions. Don’t believe everything you see at the movies. I’ve never sparkled in my life and have no plans to do so anytime soon.”

Evie gasped in horror. He was reading her mind. No part of her was safe.

Damek prowled toward her. “That’s right, little girl. I know what you’re thinking.”

“Damek.” There was a warning in Craig’s voice. Personally, Evie thought he was nuts to challenge this ancient vampire.

“Craig Lawton is one of the few people I call friend.” Damek’s black eyes mesmerized her, capturing her gaze.

She couldn’t look away. “Give me your memories so I can know for certain what happened. Memories don’t lie.”

“Don’t hurt her.” Craig came to stand beside her and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. She wanted to burrow into him but didn’t dare move.

She felt like a tiny mouse facing a killer tiger. Her skin was clammy. Her heart, which barely seemed to beat these days unless she’d just consumed blood or was under stress, was now racing like a runaway train. It was only sheer willpower keeping her on her feet.

She’d never been this frightened in her life, not even when the monster had stalked and attacked her. She had a feeling Damek would laugh at the power of the creature that had made her. She didn’t know if she should be comforted by that fact or scared out of her mind.

Right now, she was terrified. Maybe if she survived the next few minutes she might find some comfort in the idea of Damek’s power.

“Let me do this.”

Evie knew Damek didn’t need her permission, but he was asking for Craig’s sake. Craig gave her shoulders a squeeze. Evie nodded, knowing she really had no other choice. If she didn’t allow him into her mind, he’d do it anyway. And she had a feeling that wouldn’t be a pleasant experience.

The corners of Damek’s mouth turned upward and his lips parted to reveal gleaming, white fangs.

Pain lanced through her skull. It felt as though a giant fist was burrowing inward. She would have fallen to her knees but Craig gripped her, holding her upright. “You’re hurting her,” Craig accused his friend.

“She’s fighting me.” Damek’s tone was one of total indifference.

“Don’t fight him, Evie,” Craig pleaded. “It doesn’t have to be this way.

Relax. I’ve got you.”

She let go then. What did it matter what happened to her? While she wanted to destroy the one who’d done this to her, she didn’t fear death. It was preferable to the way she’d been living.

Hiding in a vacant building during the daylight, scavenging the back alleys for drunks or addicts so she could have enough blood to survive. She was no different than the rats that slunk around the dumpsters of the city.

The minute she stopped fighting, the pain stopped. Her memories rolled backward like a reel of film, stopping when it got to the point just before the attack. She watched, totally detached as her life played forward. She flinched when the monster attacked, but it didn’t really touch her, not now. She felt removed from it all.

She hated having to watch herself in the alley, drinking from Craig when all he’d wanted to do was help her. She’d sunk lower than she’d thought she ever could. The memories played by at the speed of light, but she saw them all.

Finally, it was done, and she felt the second Damek pulled out of her memories. It was downright freaky to know that someone else was in her mind with her. A heaviness lifted and she was alone with her own thoughts once again.

Damek stared down at her and sighed. “This complicates things.”

“It wasn’t her fault.” Craig pulled her against his chest, and this time she couldn’t resist burrowing closer to his heat. She was so cold and couldn’t seem to regulate her body heat.

“You need to feed. Both of you.”

Damek glanced at his watch. “You’re coming home with me.” He frowned at Craig. “Your brother and sister are back in the city and they’re looking for you.”

“Shit.” Craig’s arms tightened around her. “I can’t go home. Not yet.”

“Quinn and Chrissten love you.”

Evie found herself fascinated by the conversation between the two men, or rather vampires. One young and one old, yet you could really feel the bonds of friendship between them.

“I know, but can they accept this?”

Craig motioned to himself. “I’m not sure they’ll understand.”

Damek’s expression hardened and Evie shivered. She did not want to be this man’s enemy.

“If they do not understand after all you’ve sacrificed for them, then it is they who are not worthy of you.” Damek turned and started toward the door of the abandoned building. “Come. My car is waiting outside.”

Damek walked away, fully assured they would follow him. And he was right. They really had nowhere else to go. Evie took one last glance around the dark, empty room and put one foot in front of the other.

Craig leaned his head back against the leather seat and tried to stay awake.

It wasn’t easy. Exhaustion pulled at him, but he didn’t want to sleep. Not until he knew he and Evie were safe.

True to his word, Damek’s car had been idling outside the building, the driver waiting patiently. The vehicle wasn’t quite as large as a limo, but it was close. Evie was sitting next to him, her entire body rigid. Her eyes were on Damek as though she were afraid to blink.

“Everything will be okay,” he promised her.

She shook her head. “You keep saying that, but I don’t see how it can be.”

“We’re safe for now, and we’ll have some time to learn to control our new powers and the bloodlust.” At least Craig hoped they would.

Damek leaned back against the seat opposite them, his expression grim. “I would not wish this on you, my friend.”

“I know. But it’s happened and I have to deal with it.” Craig’s life as he knew it was over. That was hard to swallow, but then again, he hadn’t had much of a life of his own to begin with.

His entire existence had been wrapped up in protecting his siblings and keeping their secret safe. It wasn’t as though his job would be affected. He worked for himself.

What would his family think of him now? Not just Quinn and Chrissten, but his extended family at Haven. They were all werewolves and he was now a vampire.

Damek removed his phone from his pocket and hit a button. Craig was amazed how easily he could hear both sides of the conversation.

“Did you find him?” It was Meredith and she sounded upset.

“I have him.” Damek ignored her questions and spoke over her. “Inform his brother and sister. There is a slight problem and Craig will be staying with me for a few days.”

Damek looked at him and raised one dark eyebrow in question. Craig shook his head. Maybe it was cowardly, but he didn’t want to talk to anyone. Not yet.

Not until he fully came to grips with what he now was and what that meant for his future.

“He will call them when he can. Tell them he is safe.” Damek ignored the questions Meredith fired his way, ended the call and tucked his phone away.

“You know that will not keep them away for long. They don’t know where my home is, but I have no doubt they will eventually find it.”

Craig glanced at Evie who was carefully listening to their conversation.

Her eyes were wide with questions, but she didn’t say a word.

“I know. But it’s the best I can offer them for now. I need to understand myself.” Craig reached out and took Evie’s hand in his. “And I need to help Evie.”

Damek studied them both and sighed.

“I was afraid of that.” The vehicle turned and pulled into a closed parking garage beneath a tall building. “We’re here.” The car came to a stop next to an elevator. Damek climbed out and held the door for them.

Craig stepped out and helped Evie exit. She was swaying on her feet and Craig could sense the fatigue pulling at her. The longer they were together, the more in tune he was becoming to her feelings and moods. It was strange to understand so much about a person without really knowing them or even having to look at them. He was just very aware of her at all times.

He wondered if she was feeling the same with him or if it was all one-

sided?

“This way.” Damek motioned them inside the elevator. They stepped inside and the doors silently shut behind them.

Evie swallowed hard and fought down the panic welling up inside her.

Who was Damek, besides being a vampire, and where was he really taking them? Craig might be safe with his friend, but she was under no such illusions. Damek didn’t like her, didn’t like what she’d done to Craig, and she couldn’t blame him. She didn’t like what she’d done to him either.

Craig stood by her side, his sandy-

brown hair disheveled and his blue eyes half closed. His heart was barely beating, yet he was alive. Just like her.

She couldn’t sense Damek’s heartbeat at all.

She didn’t want to notice how nice it felt when Craig slipped his fingers around hers and held her hand. Nor did she want to notice how his heat warmed her.

He was uncertain about his future, but not truly afraid. That amazed her.

She’d been utterly terrified when she’d discovered what she’d become. Of course, he’d already known vampires existed, so maybe that made it easier for him to accept that he was now one himself.

Evie didn’t know what to think. Her life had become a roller coaster of nightmares and endless nights. She missed the sunlight.

Damek turned dark, soulless eyes on her and she shrank back before she could stop herself. But any sane person would run from the threat in the vampire’s gaze.

“My mate is home. If you make any motion to harm her, I will kill you.”

Craig scowled. “Is that really necessary? Neither of us is going to hurt Sonia.” He offered her a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “You’ll like Sonia, she’s great.”

Evie didn’t know what to expect when they exited the elevator and stepped into a small foyer that contained one door. Damek placed his palm over a fancy metal plate and the door opened.

He stepped inside and held it for them.

The elevator door closed behind them and a quick glance confirmed her suspicion. Another palm plate. This place had more security than her bank.

There were no windows in the foyer. No other way out. The only direction to go was forward.

Craig’s hand was warm against her spine, urging her inward.

Evie took a deep, steadying breath and marched into the room. The door banged shut behind them and she heard several locks engage.

“You’re home.” The woman’s voice was deep and full. Evie blinked at the slender woman with curly black hair and gray eyes who hurried toward them, her arms wide open. But it wasn’t Damek she hugged, it was Craig.

Evie felt her hackles rise and she had to fight the urge to pull Craig away from the other woman. She felt… jealous. Which was ridiculous. She had no real relationship with Craig, no hold on him.

“I’m so glad you’re okay. Damek’s been worried sick.”

“Sonia.” The warning in Damek’s voice was clear, but Sonia ignored it.

“I’m so happy you’re safe.” Sonia paused and slowly stepped back from Craig. Her smile disappeared and worry entered her gaze. “You’re not okay, are you?” Sonia glanced Evie’s way. “Oh no.”

“It seems our friend has had a slight mishap.” Damek pulled his mate to his side. The action reminded Evie of a lion protecting its next meal. There was no doubt Sonia belonged to this powerful creature.

“A slight mishap,” Sonia repeated.

“A slight mishap is when you trip going down the stairs or maybe drop your cell phone in the sink. Being turned into a vampire is a bit more than that.”

“Can we maybe sit down and talk about this.” Craig swayed on his feet.

Damek was by his side in a blink.

“Come this way, my friend. You need to feed and you need to rest.” Damek lifted Craig into his arms as if he were no more than a child and not a grown man at all. He carried him down a hallway even as Craig protested he could walk. Evie followed, not wanting to let Craig out of her sight.

She was very aware of Sonia following behind them.

The room they entered was more luxurious than anything she’d ever seen.

It was as big as her entire studio apartment, but there was no window.

Damek set Craig down on a king-sized bed and removed his boots and socks and then his jacket.

“I’m not an infant you know?” But Craig said it with a smile.

“You are compared to me, my friend,” Damek shot back.

Craig chuckled. “I guess so, but I’m not calling you dad,” he joked. “I’m so damn tired.”

“That will pass,” Damek promised.

He turned to his mate. “They need blood.”

“I’m on it.” Sonia quickly left the room.

Evie swallowed hard. Did they have people chained up somewhere that they fed on?

Damek whirled on her, his eyes hard. “No, we don’t keep people chained up to feed on. What nonsense.”

Shit. She’d forgotten he could read her thoughts. Hadn’t imagined anyone could until she’d met this man.

“Blood banks.” Craig’s words were slurred. He held his hand out to her and she hurried to his side, making a wide circle around Damek. “You okay?” he asked.

Her heart swelled and her eyes welled with tears. His concern for her touched her deeply. “Yeah, I’m fine.

You worry about yourself. I can take care of myself.”

Craig frowned, but before he could speak, Sonia hurried back into the room.

The scent of fresh blood made Evie’s fangs explode and she knew her eyes had turned red. She licked her lips and rose from the bed.

Damek was in front of her in a heartbeat, holding the glass toward her.

“Remember what I said. Make one wrong move toward my wife and your life is over.”

The threat pushed back the bloodlust like nothing else could. It was still there, lurking, hungry but controllable. Evie licked her lips but waited. Damek handed her the glass and she drank, chugging the entire amount.

The blood, thick and sweet, rolled over her tongue and down her throat.

Every cell in her body expanded, reaching for the life-giving liquid. She moaned at how wonderful it tasted.

She licked her lips again, not wanting to lose a single drop. “More.”

Damek shook his head and every muscle in her body tensed, ready to attack. It was only through sheer willpower that she kept from flinging herself at him. It appalled her that she even thought to fight him.

“Very good.” Damek gave her a nod of approval. “Too much blood too quickly will only incite greater bloodlust. You need to learn to make your feedings small but regular until you are stronger.”

Evie nodded. This was the kind of thing she needed to learn if she was going to have a chance to survive and find justice for herself and for Craig. If she hadn’t been attacked, she never would have accidentally converted Craig into a vampire.

“You are only two weeks made. You have exceptional control for one so young who has no mentor guiding her.”

Well, that was something. Not that she felt as though she was in control. She distinctly felt out of control.

“You need to rest. Come.”

Damek started out of the room, but Evie sat on the bed next to Craig and shook her head. “I’m not leaving him.”

She kicked off her shoes, removed her thin black coat and tossed it on the chair by the bed.

Damek studied her carefully. Sonia put her hand on his arm and the two seemed to share some silent communication. “Very well, you may stay. But if you harm him…”

Evie was getting tired of the threats.

“I know. I know. You’ll kill me.” She turned her attention to Sonia. “Does Craig need any blood?”

The other woman gave her a small smile. “He drank when you did.”

Shame filled her. She’d been so caught up in getting blood for herself she hadn’t even noticed Sonia helping Craig drink. That was her job.

Confusion filled her as anger warred with gratitude.

“Sleep,” Damek told her. He guided his mate out of the room and shut the door behind them. Once again, Evie heard several locks engage. They were locked in, but she was too exhausted to care.

Sonia was a brave woman to be married to a creature like Damek. He’d called her his wife as well as his mate.

Craig moaned and Evie immediately forgot the other two vampires. She lay down next to Craig and wrapped her arm around his waist. “I’ll watch over you.

Sleep.” She rested her cheek against his back and closed her eyes.

They both needed a shower and some clean clothes, but now that they’d fed, they needed to rest. The conversion was incredibly hard on a body, and she was shocked Craig had managed to stay on his feet and lucid as long as he had.

The night hadn’t been easy on either of them, and Evie could fight sleep no longer. Dawn was swiftly approaching.

She closed her eyes and gave herself up to the darkness that beckoned.

Vladimir tossed aside the body of the unfortunate creature he’d just fed from. Blood pumped through his veins, strengthening him, making him feel alive.

He tilted back his head and roared his displeasure.

She had escaped him.

It shouldn’t have been possible.

Newly made vampires were weak and undisciplined, killing everything in their path. He’d been one once, a long time ago. He’d even made a few younglings over the years, destroying all of them as unworthy after only a few months.

But she was different.

Evie was to be his masterpiece, his creation. He’d gifted her with immortality and how had she repaid him? She’d run, leaving her apartment when he was out feeding.

It should have been easy to track her.

He’d simply follow the trail of dead bodies until he found her gorging herself on some puny human. But there hadn’t been any bodies, nor had there been a blood trail of any sort.

Vlad sauntered down the alley, scowling as the sky grew lighter in the east. Dawn was only a short ways off.

He’d come to hate the sun over the past two hundred years.

Was Evie dead?

He touched a hand to his chest and felt the lightest of flutters. No, she was alive. He could feel it in his blood.

Blood they shared.

He would find her. No matter how long it took. And then he would punish her for what she’d done.

He stepped out onto the street and turned to his right, searching for prey among the shadows. He smiled, his fangs long and sharp, and ran his tongue over one of the sharp tips. He was still hungry. He wasn’t done yet. Not by a longshot.

Chapter Four

Craig woke briefly twice during the day. Each time it had been like trying to pull himself out of fast-drying concrete, all but impossible. His body hadn’t wanted to move. He’d panicked for a brief moment until he realized Evie was lying beside him and then fallen back to sleep. It was evening now. The sun had just set in the west, bringing with it darkness.

He frowned, not liking the idea that she’d become so essential to him even as he pulled her closer. Her head was pillowed on his shoulder, one of her legs thrown across his thighs and her arm rested on his chest.

His entire life had changed. He took some time to think about how he really felt about things. Worried, for sure.

What would his siblings think? Could he adjust to this new life? What changes would he have to make to accommodate his new status?

He was no longer human. He was a vampire.

It was hard to wrap his head around the idea. Sure, he’d grown up with a brother and sister who were half-breed werewolves, but he’d always been human. It was easier to accept the differences in others than to accept them in himself.

And what about Meredith and the Haven crew? He’d become good friends with them over the past five years.

Would they even let him past the front door of the place anymore? He’d like to think so, but he couldn’t say for sure and that deeply worried him.

Not that he could blame them. Until he had a handle on his powers and the bloodlust that consumed newly made vampires, he wasn’t sure he could be trusted. And that was the part that bothered him most.

He’d always been self-contained and independent. He’d had to be. Now he was totally dependent on Damek for help, not only for himself but for Evie.

Evie. He shifted so he could see her face. She was such a contradiction. So petite in stature, but her personality was huge. She’d been terrified of Damek, yet she’d stood her ground with him. Craig well knew the power his friend wielded and had been terrified for a moment that Damek was going to kill her.

And that would have ended badly for everyone. A protective sensation welled up inside Craig, one that went straight to his very soul. He’d protect Evie at all costs, even against his friend.

Was this a byproduct of her being his maker? He wasn’t sure. Evie certainly felt no love toward the vampire who’d made her. On the contrary, she seemed determined to destroy him.

“You’re thinking so hard I can practically hear you.” Her low, silky voice whispered through his ears like the most soothing music.

Then what she’d said penetrated his thoughts. “You can hear me?”

She shook her head, her hair making a scrunching sound against the fabric of his shirt. “No. I can’t hear what you’re thinking, but I can feel you thinking, if that makes any sense.”

“It does.” He rubbed his hand up and down her arm, and she gave a contented sigh. “How are you feeling?”

She tilted her head back slightly and green eyes stared up at him. “I’m fine.

The real question is how are you?”

They were so polite with one another. Craig almost smiled, but his body chose that moment to come roaring back to life. Throughout the conversion his body had been mostly numb, like a computer that had been asleep. Now he was awake and all his bodily functions were now coming back online with a vengeance. And at the top of the list was lust.

He was suddenly very aware of Evie as a woman, a very desirable woman.

One of her breasts was pillowed against his chest, the weight of her leg rested across his thighs and her soft breath blew lightly against his skin.

“Evie.” He said her name and only that. He could barely think past the throbbing of his dick. He’d been aroused before but never like this. This need was a deep craving eating at his soul until he could resist no longer.

He leaned down, getting closer and closer to her very kissable mouth. Her full, pink lips parted on a gasp of surprise, but she didn’t move away, didn’t stop him. He kissed her lightly, gently. Not sure of his own strength, he was very careful as he moved his mouth over hers. The last thing he wanted to do was hurt her.

He wasn’t the most experienced guy around, but he was no virgin either.

He’d kissed his fair share of women, but kissing Evie was different. It felt new and fresh. Special.

He slipped his tongue past her lips and into her mouth. She moaned and her tongue welcomed his, stroking it. He could taste the remnants of the blood she’d drunk the night before and the flavor exploded in his mouth.

He needed more. Had to have it.

He rolled until she was flat on her back with him looming over her.

Cupping the side of her face, he stared down at her. Objectively, he knew she wasn’t the most beautiful woman in the world, but objectivity no longer mattered. Instinctually, he knew she belonged to him. In his eyes, she was the most beguiling and stunning female he’d ever seen. There was something about her that tugged on his emotions as well as his intellect.

He wanted her.

“Stop me now if this isn’t what you want.” He rubbed his thumb over her bottom lip, and she flicked out her tongue to lick it.

In answer, Evie slid her hands up his arms and around his neck. She pulled him down to her and kissed him with a hunger that left him breathless.

Evie knew the very last thing she should do was to get involved in a physical relationship with Craig, but she couldn’t help herself. She’d been so cold and lost, alone for what seemed like forever. In truth, she’d been alone long before the vampire had found her.

Craig filled all those empty places inside her, made her feel warm. More human than monster.

Was it wrong to use him this way?

Conscience pricking her, she managed to turn her head to the side and break the kiss. “Maybe we should stop.”

Craig stilled, the muscles in his shoulders tensing. “Do you want me to stop?”

No, she really didn’t. She wanted to lose herself in the heat they generated between them, to feel alive and good for what seemed like the first time in forever. “Getting involved this way probably isn’t smart.”

Evie was surprised she could actually string an entire sentence together. Her breasts ached to be touched, her teeth tingled and she knew her fangs were seconds away from making an appearance.

Craig wrapped his fingers around her neck and stared at the pulse in her throat. He licked his lips, and she could sense his growing hunger, both sexual and the bloodlust. Instead of frightening her, it excited her.

That was sick, wasn’t it? Evie wasn’t sure what was normal and what wasn’t anymore.

“Evie?”

She knew he would stop if she asked him to. There was a bedrock of goodness in Craig that nothing could change, not even the fact he was a vampire. For the first time since the creature had attacked her and changed her life, Evie felt a stirring of real hope.

Hope that maybe her soul wasn’t lost, maybe she wasn’t destined to be a monster like the one who’d created her.

Craig started to move away from her and she panicked, throwing herself at him. “No, don’t leave me.”

He wrapped his strong arms around her and eased onto his back, taking her with him. She lay on her side watching him intently.

“I won’t leave you, but we don’t have to do this if it’s not what you want.

I didn’t mean to pressure you.”

Evie could see perfectly in the dark and there was no mistaking the bulge in the front of his jeans. Craig was very aroused. Her heart almost melted and her chest constricted with suppressed emotion. “It’s not that I don’t want you. I want you too much.” There was no way she could be any less than honest with Craig. She’d never been the type to play games in a relationship, and there was no place for any of that kind of thing between them.

Craig rolled out of bed and held out his hand. “How about we get a shower and see how things go from there.”

It would be smarter if they showered separately and then found their hosts.

They needed to talk with them, to find out what came next. That would be the intelligent, the right thing to do.

Evie took Craig’s hand and let him help her from the bed. Screw the smart thing, being with Craig was more important, something she had to do.

Nothing in her life made sense. In all the plans she’d made over the years, she’d definitely never included becoming a vampire in them. She had no idea if she could ever go back to her apartment again or if she’d lose all her belongings when her rent wasn’t paid next week. She had no idea what would happen with her art, her paintings.

Having children and a family was no longer a possibility. Her heart ached for that, but there was no use bemoaning what could not be.

So much was lost to her.

But Craig was standing beside her, waiting and watching. He wanted her.

He knew what she was and he still wanted her.

“Let’s get a shower.”

Craig wished he knew what was going on inside Evie’s head but wasn’t sure reading minds was one of his new powers. He didn’t want to test it on Evie. At least not yet. He didn’t think she’d like him peeking at her thoughts, and he was also afraid he might hurt her if he tried. Plus, he respected her right to privacy. He sure as hell didn’t want anyone reading his thoughts without his permission.

It was enough that he could sense her emotions and knew she was confused.

He could relate.

He’d have to have a long talk with Damek later to find out how the whole vampire thing worked. Did he have whatever powers he would have, or would more develop over time? He’d spent most of his life researching werewolves not vampires. Actually, he’d spent most of his time researching paranormal bounty hunters of all kinds.

He knew the basics about vampires, but not much else. They were secretive creatures, and none so much as Damek.

But that was for later. Right now, Evie was beside him, her hand trustingly in his. He led her into the attached bathroom, not bothering to turn on the light. His new vision was incredible, and the fact that he could see without his glasses was still something that would take some getting used to.

What surprised him most was the lack of sound. Other than their breathing and their slow heartbeats, there was no other sound. “Do you hear it?” he asked.

Evie tilted her head to one side and her hair fell over her shoulder in a tangled curtain. “Hear what?”

“Exactly. It’s so quiet.”

She turned her head slowly to one side then to the other. “There must be soundproofing in the walls.”

“Or maybe we’re both just getting better at blocking extraneous noise.”

Craig concentrated on dropping his protective walls and listening. He could hear traffic in the distance and the murmur of Damek and Sonia down the hallway. He put his barriers back up immediately, not wanting to intrude on them.

Pleased with his new discovery, he looked down at Evie and immediately forgot what he’d meant to say. She was smiling at him. It wasn’t a big smile, more a tilting of the corners of her lips.

But there was a light in her eyes as well that made them shimmer. She looked happy.

Lust exploded inside him, tempered with a softer emotion he wasn’t ready to name. He reached for her, needing to touch her, to know she was real. He put his hands on her sides, lifted her and set her down on top of the marble vanity.

Evie grabbed his biceps, steadying herself. He nudged her legs apart and made a place for himself.

The kiss was explosive. As though they’d both passed some point of no return, there was no being gentle for either of them.

He ate at her lips, loving their taste, their texture, the way she parted them for him. He felt like a conquering king, a marauder as he claimed her. And she was right there with him, digging her nails into his flesh, opening her mouth wider, tangling her tongue with his.

“God, Evie.” He kissed a trail down her jawline and then up to her ear. He caught the lobe and nipped it. She gasped and wrapped her legs around his waist.

Craig wouldn’t have been surprised if steam came out his ears. His cock was ready to explode. But he couldn’t let that happen. He had to get inside her first.

He pulled back, grabbed the hem of her shirt and dragged it over her head.

She grabbed his T-shirt and he heard a loud rip. The fabric parted from hem to neck. He laughed at her impatience, pulled away the remnants and tossed the torn garment aside.

She was wearing a bra, but he had that off in a blink, amazed he could move so fast and efficiently when he was trembling inside. He covered her breasts with his hands, weighing the small, firm mounds. The tips puckered, stabbing his palms. He growled, shocked by how possessive he felt.

Evie placed her hands on his chest and kneaded the hard muscles. Her hands were small and warm and quickly found his flat nipples, teasing them.

Lust swamped him, greater than the bloodlust he’d felt earlier. He caught his reflection in the bathroom mirror and saw the red-tinged eyes staring back at him.

He shook himself, desperate to regain control. It wasn’t easy with Evie’s head tilted back, exposing her long, slender neck. Her hair tumbled down her back and her skin was as pale as cream. Her lips were moist from his kisses, her eyes half-closed.

Craig’s hands shook as he undid the zipper of her black jeans. And if he had any doubts about if Evie wanted this as badly as he did, they disappeared when she helped him strip her jeans and panties off. It only took seconds and he had her sitting totally naked on the marble countertop in front of him.

He moaned as the sweet scent of her arousal tickled his nostrils. He licked his lips and his tongue touched a sharp fang. Craig went to his knees and pulled her butt to the edge of the counter. He pushed her thighs wider and pulled her legs over his shoulders.

Perfect.

He could see her pink pussy, swollen with need, liquid with arousal.

He leaned inward and stroked his tongue over her slick folds. Evie gasped, tightening her thighs around his head.

He growled with pleasure and dipped his tongue inside her hot, molten core, pushing it as far as it would go.

“Craig.” His name was a plea, a promise as it fell from her lips. His cock was as hard as steel, but not nearly as cold. He was burning up inside, like he had a fever, but one only she could cure.

One of his fangs accidentally pierced her delicate flesh. She cried out and he jerked back, horrified by what he’d done. A single drop of blood welled up.

He looked up, but she guided his head back to her.

Taking a deep breath, he inhaled the sweet scent of her blood mingling with that of her musky arousal. He touched the tip of his tongue to the single droplet.

Ambrosia.

Lust rolled through him like a runaway freight train. Unstoppable. He captured her clit between his lips and sucked, careful not to cut her again. She arched her back and cried out his name.

He loved the sound of it falling from her lips.

She caught his head between her hands and pulled him closer. He felt her convulsing against him. Knew he had to get inside, to feel the warm walls of her pussy closing around his cock.

He stood, ripped open the front of his jeans and pushed them down until his dick popped free. Grabbing her into his arms, he pressed her back against the bathroom door and fitted the head of his cock against her opening. Praying for control, he pushed his way inside.

Evie was surprised she was still breathing. Surely her orgasm must have killed her. She’d never felt anything like it in her life. It made all her other sexual experiences pale in comparison.

When Craig’s fang had accidentally cut her in such a sensitive spot, instead of being appalled or afraid, she’d been filled with a need for him to taste her blood, to take it and her. Rather than fighting it, she’d given in to the urge, pulling him to her. When his tongue had lapped up her blood, she’d almost come.

When he’d sucked her clit, she’d orgasmed so strongly she’d splintered into a million pieces.

Now her back was against the door and he was pushing his way inside her.

She couldn’t remember moving at all.

Craig was fast and strong, even stronger than she was. She didn’t have to worry about hurting him like she would with a human male. She could be herself and not be afraid.

His cock was thick and he stretched the walls of her pussy, demanding she accept him. She locked her arms around his neck and her legs around his hips and arched against him.

“Fuck, Evie.” His vocabulary had shrunk dramatically in the past few minutes, giving her a sense of feminine power. He forged inward and she bit her bottom lip to keep from crying out. He was long and thick and she’d never felt so full before. It was almost overwhelming, but she wanted all of him.

They were both panting hard by the time he was seated to the hilt. He rested his forehead against the door next to her, his lungs expanding and contracting. She gasped for breath and just hung on. Both of them simply clung to one another. She had no idea how much time passed.

Then Craig began to move.

Slowly at first, he circled his hips, withdrawing the slightest bit before pushing his way back inside her. She moaned when his pelvic bone brushed her clit and angled her hips so it would happen again.

Craig laughed and the lighthearted sound pleased her. Before long, his thrusts were harder and faster. He powered his way in and out of her, his cock stimulating and stretching her inner channel with every penetration.

She skimmed her hands over his broad shoulders, across his strong back, down his muscular arms. She licked and nipped at his neck, careful not to break the skin.

Craig swore under his breath, his movements growing faster and more frantic. Heat built in her core and she knew she was close once again.

“Bite me,” he ordered.

Her fangs ached and she licked her lips in anticipation of tasting his blood.

Yet fear stopped her. What if she took too much? What if she hurt him?

“Do it,” he commanded as his hips pounded against her.

He tilted his head to one side, exposing the thick column of his neck, and she was lost. Her fangs dropped down and she sank them into his skin.

Blood spurted into her mouth, sweet and savory. The taste of him flooded her senses, rocking her to her very soul. He groaned and fucked her even harder.

Then he angled his head and sank his fangs into her neck. She screamed his name and came fast and furious, lost in the maelstrom that engulfed them both.

The first thing she became aware of was the smell of blood. Her eyes flew open and horror filled her as blood dripped slowly from the bite she’d made in Craig’s neck. She leaned forward and licked the wound, stopping the bleeding.

Thankfully, her saliva contained some kind of antibodies that did that. Might not be sanitary but it worked.

“I’m so sorry.” Shame filled her and she tried to get away.

Craig tightened his hold on her and nuzzled her neck. “I’m not. That was amazing.” He lifted his head and kissed her lips, hard and fast. “Are you okay?

Was I too rough?”

Evie realized he was as unsure as she was, still trying to understand his own strength and this new world they both occupied.

A heavy thud pounded on the bathroom door. “Everything okay in there?” Damek’s concerned voice was like a bucket of cold water. She tried to get out of Craig’s arms, but he wasn’t having any of it and the more she squirmed the harder his cock grew.

She looked at him, eyes wide. Craig shrugged and whispered. “What can I say? You have that effect on me.” In a louder voice, he called, “We’re fine. Be out after we get a shower.”

Damek muttered something under his breath in a language Evie didn’t recognize, but she expected he was swearing. They both waited, breath held until they were sure Damek had left.

Then Craig looked at her and he started to laugh.

It left her spellbound. He looked so young, so carefree. He slowly slid out of her and they both groaned. Still holding her in his arms, he carried her to the shower and set her on her feet next to it.

“Sorry about that.” Craig stripped off his jeans and underwear. She couldn’t take her eyes off him. Even though he’d just come he was still aroused. He reached around her and adjusted the water before turning back to her. “Now, how about we get that shower?”

Chapter Five

Craig sat on the sofa next to Evie and waited for his friend to speak. Both he and Evie were clean and fresh from their shower. Sonia had loaned Evie a clean blouse and underwear that she wore with her own pants. Her hair was braided and she looked rested. Craig was wearing a silk shirt that belonged to Damek along with his own jeans. Like her, his feet were bare.

Damek hadn’t said anything about them obviously having sex in the bathroom, but Craig could see the unasked questions in Damek’s gaze.

Unfortunately, Craig had no answers.

Right now, he was operating on his gut and all his instincts were telling him to keep Evie close.

Fortunately, Damek was willing to let it go for now, but Craig knew he’d have to answer his friend’s questions sooner or later, probably sooner than he wanted.

“So you’re an artist?” Sonia asked Evie.

“Yes.” Evie picked at a thread on the knee of her jeans where the material was ripped. “I have some paintings in a few small galleries around the city.”

“I’d love to see your work.”

“Enough.” Damek gave his wife’s shoulder a squeeze. “We have no time for small talk. I expect Craig’s family to show up at any moment, and we have to make plans.”

Evie straightened and inched away from Craig. “I’m grateful for everything you’ve done, but I really should leave.”

Damek pinned her with a black glare. “That is not possible.”

“Sure it is. All you have to do is unlock that fancy elevator and let me go.” Craig admired the way Evie didn’t back down even if he disagreed with what she was saying. “I’m nothing to you,” she continued. “Why should you care what happens to me?”

“I don’t.” Damek’s blunt words earned him an elbow in the ribs from Sonia. He frowned at his wife. “Well, I don’t care, but she is important to Craig, therefore she must stay.”

“Really?” Sonia shook her head at her husband. “You’re really going to pull the I-am-lord-and-master-of-the-

universe routine?”

Craig rubbed his hand over his mouth to cover the fact he was grinning.

He was used to their byplay. Damek had lived for a thousand years and was used to everyone doing his bidding. Sonia had put an end to that and constantly challenged the vampire.

Evie on the other hand looked slightly appalled and yet fascinated by the exchange.

Damek leaned back against the supple leather sofa and sent his wife an intimate smile. “You weren’t complaining earlier this evening.” The low, sensual purr of Damek’s voice caused his wife to blush.

Evie jumped up from the sofa and started to walk toward the door. “Yeah.

Too much information there. I really have to go.”

Damek was in front of Evie before Craig could even think to move. “No, you really have to stay.”

Sonia rose and walked over to join her mate. “Please, stay and talk with us.

You really need help, and it’s not safe to be out there alone. Not only do you have to worry about the crazy vampire who made you, but there could be paranormal bounty hunters out there or even other young vampires made by the same one who made you. And trust me when I tell you that most newly made vampires have very little, if any, self-control.”

Evie hesitated and Craig took that as his cue to step in. He went to her and held out his hand. “Stay, Evie. Stay with me.”

Craig wasn’t fighting fair. After what they’d shared, she wanted to stay with him more than anything. And that was dangerous. The more she grew attached to him, the less focused she was on her goal of destroying Vladimir Drake. If he was still out there hunting, nothing would stop him from finding her. The last thing she wanted was for Craig to be caught up in her fight.

And then there was Sonia. Evie liked the other woman in spite of who her husband was. Sonia was open and giving and extremely kind. And the way she stood up to Damek was brave to the point of insanity.

Damek. Just thinking his name made her shiver. She might want to leave, but there was no way for her to get out of this fortress he called home without his permission. And it didn’t seem likely she’d get that anytime soon.

Well, she’d escaped from one vampire. She’d bide her time and escape from this one too. At least this one wasn’t obsessed with her and didn’t want to keep her chained to his side for eternity. No, Damek only wanted to kill her for what she’d done to Craig. She could live with that.

Evie ignored both men and answered Sonia. “I’d appreciate any information you could give me on vampires and how to kill one.” When the other woman appeared slightly horrified, Evie amended her statement. “I don’t want to kill your husband, just the bastard who did this to me.”

Craig slung his arm around her shoulders and guided her back to the sofa. “You’re lucky I don’t feel the same way.”

That stopped her in her tracks. He was right. She’d done to him what Vladimir had done to her. She hadn’t given him a choice either. Instead, she’d given in to the bloodlust and stolen his life from him.

Her shoulders drooped and shame filled her. “You’re right. I deserve to die.”

“No, you don’t.” Craig pulled her against his chest and hugged her. “You were running for your life and trying to do what was right. You didn’t want to hurt me. I know that.”

Evie was appalled to feel tears in her eyes and blinked them back, not even daring to sniff. The last thing she wanted to do was to appear weak in front of Damek. Sonia she didn’t mind so much.

She thought the other woman would understand. She seemed more modern than Damek did, who was a throwback to a bygone era—the Stone Age.

She sat on the sofa next to Craig, trying not to lean too heavily against him when all she really wanted to do was curl up in his arms and stay there.

They’d showered and dressed in a hurry, leaving no time for post-sex snuggling.

And she really could use some first-

class snuggling right about now.

The other couple settled onto the sofa across from them. Evie studied Damek and asked the question that had haunted her since she’d first set eyes on him. “Just how old are you?”

“That is of no matter.” He waved aside her question. “Tell me about Vladimir Drake.”

Evie took a deep breath and sighed.

“That’s what he called himself. He said he was born Richard Locke, and that he was born in Kent, England two hundred years ago. And for some reason he seems obsessed with me and my art.”

And Damek had read her memories so he knew all this. Was this for his wife’s benefit or was he simply talking to help her feel more relaxed?

“Got a computer?” Craig asked.

Damek smiled and Evie was struck hard by the depth of love and friendship she saw in his gaze. “Ah, my friend. I knew you’d want your laptop and sent one of my people to pick up a few things from your apartment. I gave them your keys.”

Craig patted his jeans pocket and laughed. “I’m not going to ask how or when you got them.”

“Probably for the best,” Damek agreed.

Evie felt her cheeks heating. It had to have been while they were in the shower together. That was the only time Craig hadn’t been wearing his jeans. Had Damek seen them naked in the shower?

How embarrassing.

She wondered why she even cared.

She didn’t, not really. It didn’t matter what any of them thought of her. She had a mission and she couldn’t forget it.

She’d inadvertently turned Craig into a vampire. Now she had to protect him from her maker. She couldn’t forget for one second that Vladimir was obsessed with her and would probably destroy Craig out of sheer jealousy. There was no telling what the crazy vampire might do if he found out about Craig.

A phone rang and Damek pulled his phone out of his pocket. “Yes.”

Since they were all vampires, they could all easily hear the conversation.

“Hey, boss.”

“Yes, Byron.”

“Byron is the head bouncer at Damek’s club,” Craig whispered in her ear.

“I got what you asked for, but I’ve also got some company. I swear I didn’t know they were following me until I reached your building.”

Damek sighed. “I expected that might happen. It’s not your fault. Give them the items I asked you to retrieve and return to the club.”

“Sure thing.”

Damek rose in one fluid motion and walked to the intercom by the door.

“Your family is here.” He pushed a button and an aggressive male voice spoke. “Let us in, bloodsucker. I know my brother is with you.”

“Come up, wolf, but mind your manners.”

Evie looked at Craig. “Wolf? Is that his name or just a nickname?”

For a moment, she wasn’t sure Craig was going to answer her. And it hurt, unbearably so, to think he was going to keep a secret from her. The walls she’d begun to lower went back up again with a resounding thud.

She’d briefly forgotten that they weren’t really a couple, weren’t really anything at all. They’d come together through circumstance, but nothing else bound them together, certainly not the sex they’d shared earlier. Sure it was great sex, but what did they really know about one another or have in common other than the fact they had both been turned into vampires against their will?

Craig dragged his fingers through his sandy-brown hair and gave a deep sigh.

“It’s not his name. It’s what he is. What both my siblings are.”

She frowned. “I don’t understand.”

He took one of her hands in his and closed his fingers around it. “Well, vampires exist and so do other creatures.”

“Other creatures?” she parroted.

This was getting to be a little much for her to take in. Damek had called Craig’s brother wolf. “Do you mean he’s a werewolf?” Surely not, but Craig was nodding.

“Not pureblood, but a half-breed.

Both my brother and sister are half-

breed werewolves.” He gave an unapologetic shrug. “Same mother, different fathers. I’m totally human, or was.” Now he frowned and released her hand to stare at the door. “I’m not sure how they’re going to take the news I’m now a vampire.”

Craig turned away from her, all his attention on the front door. Damek flipped open the locks. “They’re here.”

He opened the door and two couples walked in.

Craig took a deep breath and slowly released it to calm his nerves. He wanted to reach out to his sister and brother and hug them, but wasn’t sure how they’d react. Evie slipped her hand into his and squeeze. He immediately felt more grounded and centered. This was his family and they loved him. That wouldn’t change, no matter what.

He gave Evie’s fingers a returning squeeze before releasing them to step forward. “Chrissten. Quinn.” His sister flew to him, throwing her arms around his neck. He returned the embrace even as he was very aware of the beating of her heart and the sound of her blood rushing through her veins. Hunger pierced him, but he ignored it, needing his family more than he needed to feed.

Quinn was quickly beside them, wrapping his arms around them both.

Family. It was everything to them.

“Where the hell have you been?” Quinn growled.

Craig eased back and managed a shaky laugh while keeping his head ducked down in case his eyes were red.

“It’s a long story.” He gave Quinn’s wife, Bethany, and Chrissten’s husband, Hank, a quick wave. They both looked worried.

“Why don’t we all sit down.”

Coming from Damek, that was more an order than a suggestion and, predictably, Quinn bristled at the tone.

“I think we should be going.” Quinn grabbed his arm and tried to pull him toward the elevator. Craig dug in his heels and didn’t move. And for the first time in his life, his brother wasn’t strong enough to make him follow.

Quinn pulled up short and turned back, his expression a combination of surprise and anger. “What’s going on?

And where the hell are your glasses?”

“Ah, I don’t need glasses anymore.”

Craig raked a hand through his hair.

“Something’s happened. You need to sit down.”

Hank came forward and handed him a bag. The half-breed werewolf was a tall, imposing figure with his buzz-cut and piercing blue eyes. But he’d always been kind to Craig. “The guy we followed had this with him. It’s some of your stuff.”

“Thanks, Hank.”

Bethany stepped forward and gave him a hug. “We’re all so glad you’re safe,” she whispered.

“Thanks.” His brother was lucky to have a mate like Bethany. She was sweet and feminine, but beneath it was a core of courage that had to be respected.

Craig went to introduce Evie to everyone and frowned when he realized she wasn’t right beside him. She was standing in a dark corner of the room, not moving, barely visible.

He set down the bag Hank had given him and went to her. “Evie?” He held out his hand, willing her to take it. He didn’t like seeing her so isolated and alone from everyone else. She wasn’t alone. She had him. He knew it was crazy to think that way, but it didn’t change how he felt about her.

Was she feeling the bloodlust the same as he was? He hadn’t thought about how hard this might be for her. He loved his family, but they were strangers to her. He didn’t think she would attack them, but it was a concern.

“You sure you want to do this?” she asked. “I can wait in the next room or something.” She fiddled with the end of her braid. “Or I could just leave.”

“No, you can’t. You know that’s not possible. It’s too dangerous for you to be out on your own.”

She glanced at his family, her eyes lightly tinged. “It’s dangerous for me to be here too.”

“I trust you.” Crazy as it was, he trusted Evie not to harm his family because hurting them would be like hurting him.

The redness bled out of her eyes and they went back to the familiar green.

“You’re nuts, you know that don’t you?”

Her exasperation made him smile.

“I’ve been told that on numerous occasions.”

“Will someone tell me what the hell is going on?” Quinn’s words were clipped and Craig knew his brother was at the end of his tether.

Craig grabbed Evie’s hand and practically dragged her into the light.

“This is Evie,” he told his family. Then he turned to her, ignoring the fear in her face. “This is my brother Quinn and his wife, Bethany, and my sister Chrissten and her husband, Hank. They’re all half-

breed werewolves.”

The four he’d just introduced all gasped. Their emotions bombarded him.

Quinn was furious while his sister was hurt. Craig glanced toward Damek. No help there. The vampire looked damn amused. Sonia, on the other hand, looked concerned.

“How could you tell our secrets to a complete stranger?” Quinn took an aggressive step toward him. “What has that bloodsucker done to you?”

The accusation rolled right off Damek, but Evie surprised him by jumping in front of him. She held her hands out, stopping Quinn in his tracks.

“That bloodsucker didn’t do anything.

This one did.”

Evie was surrounded by werewolves and vampires. How had her life come to this? Two weeks ago, she was happy spending all her time painting, occasionally meeting her friends at an art opening or at a coffee shop. She would have laughed at anyone who suggested such creatures existed.

She wasn’t laughing now.

Quinn and Chrissten were both tall and blond. Even Craig’s sister was slightly taller than him. But she could see the resemblance in their features and their pale-blue eyes. They might be related, but something inside Evie had kicked in the moment she’d felt Craig was being threatened. She wasn’t having it. None of this was his fault.

Quinn’s scowl grew darker and his brows drew down in a frown. “What are you saying?”

Craig gently pushed her behind him.

Evie blinked at Craig’s back, unable to believe what he’d just done. He was protecting her from his own brother.

“What she means,” Craig began, “is that there’s more than one vampire in the room.” Craig’s shoulder’s tensed and Evie stepped out to stand beside him.

Evie couldn’t stand the tension. “I’m a vampire and I accidentally turned Craig into one too.” She let the bloodlust have partial reign inside her. It was difficult to control but necessary. With her eyes tinged red and her fangs showing, there could be no doubts as to what she really was. Vampire.

It was out in the open. No more secrets. She was more than willing to shoulder the blame for what had happened to Craig if it helped his family accept what he now was. She hated the thought of him losing his siblings because of what she’d inadvertently done.

Nobody moved for the longest second and then Quinn attacked. Evie had been expecting it and braced for it.

His head partially morphed into a wolf’s head and his two hands became claw-

tipped weapons. Quinn’s strength was enormous, but so was hers. She shoved back and ducked under his arm, barely avoiding being cut by those sharp claws.

Evie could hear everyone else yelling and Bethany screamed at her mate.

Craig yelled, grabbed his brother’s arm and held it immobile. “Stop it, Quinn. Stop.” He held on until Quinn’s features went back to normal. “Everyone needs to calm the fuck down.”

“As usual, my friend is right.”

Damek stepped forward, and this time he allowed his power to expand until it filled the space. “I won’t have this kind of violence around my wife.” The threat was clear. If they didn’t all cool down, the vampire might easily kill them all and dispose of their bodies. Well, all but Craig’s. Evie really didn’t think Damek would harm him.

The short hairs on Evie’s arms all stood on end and she swallowed hard, feeling a heavy pressure on her mind and body. How much power did this guy have?

“This is my home and you will behave yourselves or you will leave.”

Damek motioned toward the two sofas.

No one contradicted the vampire and all of them sat. All but the tall werewolf with the buzz cut. He stood behind Chrissten like a protective warrior.

The tension was so thick it was difficult to breathe. Not that she really needed to breathe, or at least she didn’t think she did. She still had a lot to learn about being a vampire. There were things she needed to know and, unfortunately, only one person who could teach them to her.

Evie moved as far away from the group as she could without bringing Damek’s attention to her. Even with Damek’s warning, she wasn’t sure if any of the werewolves would attack her if given the opportunity. It’s what she would do in their shoes.

She liked the fact they were willing to fight on their brother’s behalf, even if it was her they wanted to kill. She perched on the arm of the sofa farthest away from the rest of them but stayed ready to move if need be.

Quinn shot her a murderous glare before turning his attention to Craig. “I think you’d better tell us everything.”

Craig leaned his head back against the leather headrest and talked, starting with the night he’d found her. He left out the details of how sick he’d been. She wasn’t sure if it was to spare his siblings, to keep them from attacking her or simply because he didn’t remember.

Either way she was grateful.

She hadn’t known the entire story of how he’d come upon her that night and eagerly soaked up the details. There was so much about Craig she didn’t know.

What she did know was that he was incredibly kind and good without being a pushover. He was strong and loyal.

Determined. Independent. And intelligent.

“Damek brought us here and he’s been helping both of us learn how to deal with our new reality.” Craig was pale when he finished. He sat forward, linked his hands together, resting his elbows on his knees. “Now you know everything.”

Chrissten shook her head. “No, not everything.” There was genuine pain in her voice, pain Evie could feel. “Why didn’t you call us instead of Damek?”

Craig rose, went to his sister and crouched down in front of her. Her husband stirred behind her but didn’t move to stop Craig. Which was good, because if he tried to do anything like that, Evie would have to stop him.

She stilled and frowned. What went on between Craig and his family was none of her business. Intellectually, she knew that. But emotionally it was quite a different matter.

“I didn’t mean to hurt you,” Craig told his sister. He touched her cheek, rubbing his thumb lightly over it. “I didn’t know how you’d react.” He gave her a lopsided smile. “I know historically speaking vampires and werewolves aren’t always the best of friends.”

Chrissten captured his face in her hands. “You’re my brother and I love you. Nothing will ever change that.” She kissed his forehead and the loving gesture brought tears to Evie’s eyes.

She’d never had that. She’d been given up at birth by her drug-addict mother and had no idea who the hell her father was. She was probably better off not knowing. Her childhood had been spent in a series of foster homes. While some of the homes had been good, none had been permanent. Evie had left the last one as soon as she’d turned eighteen and had never looked back.

But this, this was how family was supposed to be. Hunger beat at every cell in her body, but for the first time since her life had been changed, it wasn’t for blood. No, she hungered for something much more basic—love, acceptance, family.

Quinn rose and went to his brother.

Craig slowly stood and faced him. Quinn swore and yanked his brother into his arms, hugging him tight. Then he turned his attention to her.

She shivered. Quinn might accept Craig, but he sure as hell wanted to see Evie pay for what she’d done. So be it.

They didn’t have to be friends, but they did have one thing in common—their desire for Craig’s safety.

She could use that. “You need to take Craig far away and keep him safe. The creature that made me is insane and will stop at nothing to get me back. Being with me puts Craig in danger.”

Chapter Six

Craig didn’t know whether he should hug Evie or yell at her. She was obviously trying to distance herself from him and was enlisting his family’s help, using their obvious concern over him to get her own way.

Both Chrissten and Quinn began to speak, but he talked over them. “That’s not going to happen.”

Chrissten tugged on his arm. “We should go home. I think that’s for the best.”

“Listen to me.” Craig sighed, not wanting to hurt anyone, but they were leaving him little choice. “I’m not a kid anymore who needs protecting. I’ve been taking care of myself for a long time now.”

He heard his sister’s moan of pain and felt it in his heart. There was pure torment and torture in his brother’s eyes, but he couldn’t let that sway him. “None of us can change the past, but it’s over.

We all did what we had to in order to survive.”

Hank squeezed Chrissten’s shoulders and Bethany moved up to stand beside Quinn. He loved all his family, but he had to make his own decisions, live his own life. “I didn’t ask for this to happen, but neither did Evie. Yet it did, and we both have to deal with it. The best one to help us learn what we need to know in order to survive is Damek.”

The vampire finally stirred and came forward with Sonia locked tight beneath his arm. “My home is Craig’s for as long as he needs it. Or, if he prefers, there is a vacant apartment beneath this one. But they do need supervision. They both have remarkable control for newly made vampires. But we can’t trust it to hold, not yet.”

He motioned to Sonia and she went to the wood and leather bar in the corner of the room. Craig smelled the blood and his fangs immediately dropped. His family all gasped and automatically took a step back. As much as it hurt him when they did, Craig knew Damek had done this for a reason. They loved him, yes, but they didn’t understand his new reality, what he was.

How could they when he couldn’t either? He had so much to learn and so did Evie.

Sonia brought two crystal glasses on a tray. Each was filled with blood. She stopped by Evie first and waited until she took one. Then she brought the remaining one to Craig. He didn’t hesitate. He lifted the glass and drank deeply while keeping one eye on Evie.

She hesitated and then followed his lead.

“I can supply what Craig needs,” Damek continued. “He needs to learn the scope of his new powers. Every vampire is different, but there are some basics all need to know.”

“We can help him,” Quinn insisted.

“Not as well as I can.” There was no challenge in Damek’s statement, and no one could dispute the truth behind it.

Craig closed his eyes and felt the blood filling his cells. His senses expanded, and for a brief moment, he could hear every individual heartbeat, every breath, the brush of fabric as his sister shifted on the sofa. His skin tingled, every nerve ending alive.

He opened his eyes and had to close them again. Everything was too sharp, too colorful.

“Craig, are you all right?”

He wanted to answer his sister, but it was impossible for him to speak. He jumped to his feet and was by the far window in a heartbeat. He didn’t want his family to see him like this.

Another hunger began to beat at him and this was one that only Evie could slake. As the blood filled his body, another basic need rose to the fore. His cock was hard as steel against the zipper of his jeans. He wanted Evie and he wanted her now. One wrong move, one wrong word and he was afraid he’d pounce on her and take her in front of everyone, not caring who saw as long as he got what he wanted.

Sex and blood. The two primal needs seemed to be tied together in his head. That kind of craving scared the shit out of him.

He smelled her before he felt the light touch of her hand against his back.

“You should leave me alone right now, Evie.” He dug his fingers into the window casing, his extended nails gouging the wood deeply. He’d have to pay to have that fixed.

“I feel it too.” Her softly spoken words almost made him howl with need.

He eased his head around so he could see her, but not far enough for his family to see his eyes, which he knew had to be blazing red.

“Then you know why you shouldn’t be around me.”

“It’s why I should.” Craig closed his eyes and swallowed hard. Need beat at him. His skin felt hot, his clothing confining. All his senses were on overdrive.

“I think you should leave.” Damek’s voice seemed overly loud to Craig’s ears.

“What’s wrong with him?” Quinn demanded.

“It is too much for him to have all of you here right now. Your voices, your emotions, your blood all torment him. I told you he will have trouble controlling himself at first. You need to help him by leaving.”

Craig wanted to reach out to his brother and sister and reassure them he was okay. But he couldn’t manage a word. Every cell in his body was demanding he claim Evie, take her now.

He knew the smoothness of her skin, the scent of her arousal, the sexy sighs she made when he touched her. He knew how she looked when she came, all flushed with her head thrown back and her lovely, slender neck exposed. He licked his lips, almost able to taste her arousal and blood on his tongue.

“Call us. Promise me you’ll call as soon as you can.” Chrissten’s plea pierced the sexual thrall surrounding him.

“I will.” His voice sounded hoarse even to him. He swallowed hard. “I’m sorry.” Sorry for his lack of control, for his inability to reassure them when they needed it.

“Nothing for you to be sorry about.”

Quinn’s gruff voice comforted him.

“We’re here for you. Whatever you need. Whenever you need it. Call day or night.”

Craig nodded.

He felt them leave the apartment and enter the elevator. Knew the moment they left the building. “What’s happening to me?”

Evie was beside him and Damek had come up to his other side. “Every emotion, every sensation will be magnified for a while until you become used to controlling them. You both show incredible control for such newly made vampires. I was not so restrained when I was made. I got drunk on wine and women and blood. Unlike you, I unintentionally killed some before I realized what I’d done.”

Damek never shared stories from his past. Ever. Craig slowly turned toward his friend. “Thank you. For everything.”

He nodded. “Sonia and I are going out to the club for a couple of hours.

There’s no more blood left in the place so you will not be tempted to overindulge. I will bring more home when I return.”

Damek turned his attention to Evie.

“I own Inhibitions, a club not too far from here. If anything goes wrong, call.”

He handed Evie a cell phone. “It’s the only number in the contacts. I can be home very quickly if I’m needed.”

Evie slipped the phone into her back pocket and nodded.

Damek sighed and put his hand on Craig’s shoulder. “What you feel for her is not a result of her having made you.

This is something different altogether.”

With that, Damek joined Sonia and the two of them departed, leaving Craig alone with the object of his lust.

He turned and faced Evie.

Evie wasn’t quite sure what she was feeling—anger at what had been done to her by Vladimir Drake, anger at what she’d accidentally done to Craig, guilt at the problems Craig and his family now had to deal with and a growing need for vengeance. But overriding all those other emotions was the combination of bloodlust and sexual lust.

The blood she’d just drunk had helped slake her thirst. But the sexual hunger kept expanding with each passing second. “Craig?” She wasn’t sure what to say or do. Her emotions were all jumbled inside her, each vying for supremacy.

“You should probably leave me alone for a while. Let me get some control.” Craig’s voice was deep and guttural. Sharp white fangs gleamed when he spoke.

“I don’t want to leave you alone.”

Uncertainty filled her. “Unless you want me to.” Maybe once had been enough.

She knew he was aroused, but maybe Craig didn’t want to want her. After all, she’d turned him into a freaking vampire.

Evie took a step back and turned away. She’d go to the bedroom and give Craig his space. She would not get upset over this. She wouldn’t.

She’d taken two steps when a heavy hand came down on her shoulder. She whirled around and hissed, anger and frustration at war within her.

Craig’s eyes were burning with desire. The red was gone from his eyes.

Instead, the blue had intensified, as though it were being lit internally.

She licked her lips and his gaze narrowed. His tension ratcheted up another notch. He wrapped one hand behind her neck and slowly pulled her toward him. “I know everything in both our lives is crazy right now.”

“It is.” That was an understatement if she’d ever heard one.

“The only thing I know for sure is that I want you.” He lowered his head and drew his tongue over her bottom lip.

Evie sucked in a breath and leaned closer.

“Let me have you,” he whispered. “I know I shouldn’t ask. Know I should have enough self-control to let you walk away.” He stroked her upper lip and she felt the hardness of one of his fangs. “But I can’t.”

This was seduction, pure and simple.

She already wanted him, but she’d been determined to walk away, to give him space. But he was weakening her resolve.

“Craig.” She didn’t know what she wanted to say, what she might have said, but he chose that moment to kiss her.

He pushed his tongue past her lips and into her mouth, exploring the moist inner recesses. She groaned and locked her arms around his neck. Craig straightened, lifting her right off the floor. She locked her legs around his hips and held on.

Her hands were everywhere she could reach him. She speared her fingers through his hair, lightly dragging her nails along his scalp. Craig moaned and deepened the kiss, stealing her breath.

The blood she’d recently consumed made her heart pump faster. Evie dragged her hands over Craig’s shoulders, feeling the play of his hard muscles underneath the fine shirt Damek had loaned him.

She hated having anything between them and tore at the fabric, sighing with relief when her palms stroked warm male skin.

Craig pulled away and laughed. “I’m going to owe Damek quite a bit before this is done. I’ve already destroyed his windowsill and now you’re destroying his clothing.”

Evie peeked over Craig’s shoulder at the windowsill and saw the deep gouges in the wood. “Somehow I don’t think he’ll mind.” There was no doubt in her mind that the vampire considered Craig his friend. Evie had the feeling that Damek didn’t have too many of those.

Craig laughed and tossed her into the air. He’d forgotten his own strength and she barely got her hands out in time to keep from smashing her head into the ceiling. As it was, there were now two hand-sized holes in the plaster.

Craig caught her, his face pale.

“Holy shit. I’m sorry. Are you hurt?”

Evie shook her head and smiled.

“I’m fine, but you might want to dial back the momentum a bit the next time.”

One corner of Craig’s mouth slowly rose in a half smile. “Next time?”

“Hmm.” Evie played with the ends of his hair, enjoying the way he easily held her in his arms. She wasn’t sure he even realized he hadn’t set her down but continued to hold her.

“Evie.” The depth of emotion in that one word made her lose her breath.

There was so much there—confusion, frustration and more, but most of all there was need.

His eyes were slightly tinged with red and his fangs were visible. Sexual desire was riding him hard. She knew because she felt exactly the same way.

Her breasts were full and heavy. The light weight of her bra abraded the tips, making them hurt. Her core felt empty, pulsing with a growing need.

She cupped his face in her hands and stared into his eyes. They glowed. And she knew without seeing them that hers did as well. His fangs gleamed. They knew what the other one was, understood the depth of emotions beating within each other.

Craig gave a low growl, locked his arm around her waist and pulled her tight against him. His pelvis rubbed against her jean-clad pussy in a delightful way. She arched her hips into him and moaned.

He kissed her, pressing his lips against her forehead, her cheeks, her nose and finally her mouth. He ate at her lips, voraciously tasting and licking, sucking and worshiping every inch of her mouth.

If she wasn’t a vampire, she probably would have passed out due to lack of oxygen, but thankfully that was no longer a problem. She didn’t know how long she could last without air, but definitely long enough.

She tore at the shirt that was still half on Craig. She wanted him naked. He wasn’t overly tall, but his body was lean and muscular. He was strong without being muscle-bound. His sandy-brown hair just touched his broad shoulders.

She loved being able to sift her fingers through the silky mass.

He walked across the room and suddenly stopped and set her on her feet.

She half expected him to tear her clothing off. Once again, he surprised her. Carefully, and oh so slowly, he undid the buttons on the blouse Sonia had loaned her. He slid the silky fabric off her shoulders and let it fall to the floor behind her.

He covered her breasts with his hands and her nipples pushed against the thin covering of her bra. Craig undid the clasp and eased the straps down her shoulders. “You are so beautiful.”

Evie had always been confident in her looks. She wasn’t the most stunning woman on the planet, but her hair was great and she had a decent figure. But the way Craig was looking at her made her feel like a goddess.

He went down on one knee in front of her and unzipped her jeans. Then he peeled the fabric down her thighs and shoved it around her ankles. Evie stepped out and kicked them away.

Craig gave a low sound of need and buried his face against the crotch of her panties. “I can’t hold out much longer.”

She caught his head in her hands.

Need thrummed through her like a living beast, demanding to be fed. “Then don’t.”

Craig inhaled deeply and the spicy scent of Evie’s arousal filled him. He felt as though he’d knocked back a bottle of whiskey all by himself. Intoxicated was too tame a word for the sensations coursing through him.

But there was fear as well. He’d almost hurt Evie earlier without meaning too. He had no idea how strong he was and that was scary. The last thing he wanted to do was harm her in any way.

He wanted to cherish her. Worship her.

His cock was being strangled by his jeans. He’d surely never felt this horny before, not even when he was a teenager. But the pain helped center him.

With his hands on Evie’s hips and his face against her mound, he struggled for control.

And then she took it all away from him with two simple words. “Then don’t.”

It was as though something inside him burst free from its chains and there was no going back. Craig gave a roar as he ripped her panties away, shoved her legs apart and buried his face against her hot, moist pussy.

Nirvana. Evie fell back but came up against one of the couches. Craig moved closer and indulged in what he’d been wanting to do since Damek and Sonia had left. He licked at her slick folds, nibbling here and there, paying special attention to places that made her gasp or moan.

Evie lightly scraped her fingernails over his scalp before digging them into his shoulders. The sensual sting shoved his lust up another notch. He sucked her clit into his mouth, lapping at the sensitive bud with his tongue. Evie screamed his name, but he didn’t stop.

He shoved two fingers into her tight channel, loving the way the walls of her pussy closed around him. His world narrowed to Evie—the sweet perfume of her orgasm, the frantic strokes of her hands over his arms and back, the little sounds of completion, the taste of her thick cream on his lips.

His balls were so tight he was vaguely surprised they hadn’t exploded.

Craig stood, stripped off his jeans and shoved them aside. He wasn’t wearing any underwear so his cock sprang forward, eager and ready.

Evie was staring at him, a slightly dazed look in her eyes. Her gaze dropped to his cock and she licked her lips. His erection jerked, bobbing toward her and liquid seeped from the tip. He longed to feel her sweet mouth around him, but he couldn’t wait. One touch and he’d come.

He spun her around. “Put your hands on the sofa and spread your legs.”

Evie leaned forward and planted both hands on the back of the leather couch. Craig moved in behind her, his entire body covering hers. Once again, he was reminded how delicate she was compared to him. She might be a vampire, but she was still a woman, a much smaller one.

Craig took a deep breath and bent his knees until the head of his cock was probing her opening. “Don’t let me hurt you.”

“You won’t.” Her confidence steadied him like nothing else could have.

He pushed forward, slow and steady. Her body fought his penetration at first but suddenly gave way, accepting him. Craig closed his eyes and swallowed, fighting hard not to totally lose it. Home, he thought. It was like coming home.

Evie was panting hard, every nerve ending poised for another explosion.

She’d just come but was building toward another orgasm. Desperation and need powered both of them. She knew he felt it just the way she did. Borrowed time.

Reality would rear its ugly head soon enough, but for now it was just the two of them and what was between them.

The leather sofa was cool beneath her hands, but her skin felt hot. She knew she should be able to regulate her body temperature but, at this moment, it was beyond her capabilities. All she could do was stand there, bent over the back of the sofa, and hang on as Craig filled her.

His cock pulsed inside her core, setting off miniature fireworks. He was so deep. It was delicious. Perfect.

But Evie wanted more. She shoved her butt against him and he groaned. He said her name once and she knew he was trying to give her time to get used to him.

Even now he was looking out for her.

Her chest ached even as her libido went into overdrive. She squeezed her inner muscles tight and Craig swore. He rested his hands on the sofa next to hers.

His were so much larger, his skin more tanned. The veins in his hands and arms pulsed with life-giving blood. Her fangs ached to bite him, to sink into his wrist and feed.

Finally, he began to move. He slid his cock almost all the way out before plunging back in. Evie moved with him, pushing her ass back to meet his thrust and arching forward when he pulled out.

His strokes quickly went from slow and long to fast and short. His hips pounded against her butt, his balls bumping her clit, arousing her even higher.

Craig shifted his hands from the sofa to her breasts, cupping them, using them to hold her against him, to help him control the tempo of their lovemaking.

The slap of skin against skin, the spicy perfume of sex and their breathy gasps filled the room.

“Evie.” He pulled her back against his chest as he drove his cock home one final time. Warmth filled her pussy and the spasms of his cock sent her spiraling over the edge once again. She cried out, letting her orgasm burn through her. Her channel squeezed him harder, milking every last inch of him.

The tip of his fangs dragged over the back of her neck to the curve of her shoulder. She tilted her head to one side, giving silent permission. Craig sank his fangs into her skin and she felt the hard pull as he drank from her. Her pussy exploded and another orgasm rocked her to her core.

It was instinct, not intention, that made her grab his hand and lift his wrist to her mouth. He groaned, his cock jerking inside her, when she bit him. His blood was sweet and warm. She orgasmed yet again as his blood slid down her throat. Sublime.

Craig licked at her neck and she knew she had to stop drinking from him.

But it was so hard to make herself stop.

With a cry, she retracted her fangs from his skin. Blood dripped from his wrist and she quickly bent to lick at the wound, ashamed of her lack of control.

Evie lowered her head. Craig pulled out of her in one smooth stroke. Then he lifted her into his arms. Her braid got caught between them and she pulled it out of the way so it lay across her chest.

“Look at me.”

There was compulsion as well as command in Craig’s voice. She didn’t think he even knew he was using it. She could easily resist the compulsion, but didn’t. His eyes were once again vivid blue. Not the blue she’d seen when they first met, but the one that seemed to be illuminated by an inner light. They were mesmerizing.

“Thank you.”

Evie swallowed hard and nodded.

“We’ve got a lot to figure out, but we can do it together.” Craig carried her down the hallway to their room. Their room. When had she started thinking of it as that?

He set her down beside the bed and put his hands on her shoulders so she was facing him.

“I should have had more control.”

There, she’d said it. It shamed her that he’d been able to release her first, hadn’t been so caught up in the bloodlust. But was it really bloodlust? It felt different somehow.

“You have more than enough control, Evie. Give yourself a break. You’re only human.”

Evie laughed. She couldn’t help herself. Craig paused as though just realizing what he’d said and then he began to grin. “Okay, maybe not quite human anymore, but you know what I mean.”

She did. And somehow that made it easier to accept her shortcomings.

“You heard Damek. Most vampires don’t have as much control as either of us. I think we’re doing just fine. And sticking together will only help us strengthen that. You help me and I help you. Together.”

Evie knew their togetherness couldn’t last. She had a vampire to kill and he had a family that would never forget what she’d done. Still, she couldn’t resist imagining what it could be like, what it must be like to feel a part of a couple or a family.

“Evie?”

She nodded. “Together.” At least for now. She strengthened the walls in her mind, the ones she’d built to help keep the vampire out of her thoughts. She had no idea if Craig could read her thoughts.

She couldn’t read his, not yet. His emotions, yes, but not his thoughts.

Evie was under no misconception that she could keep Damek out of her thoughts. He was simply too powerful.

But that wouldn’t matter. The older vampire wanted what was best for Craig and that included keeping him safe. She didn’t think he’d stop her from leaving when the time came for her to hunt her maker.

Craig pulled down the covers on the bed. “Climb in.”

As Evie crawled between the covers, it hit her that she didn’t feel the least bit awkward about being naked around Craig. It felt normal. Natural.

“I’ll be right back. I don’t know how long Damek and Sonia will be gone, but the last thing they need to see when they come home is our clothing strewn around their living room.”

Evie felt a blushing heat rise up her cheeks. She yanked the covers over her head and imagined what Damek and his wife would think about that. Even though their clothes would be gone, there was no way Damek wouldn’t know they’d had sex out there. If nothing else, he’d be able to smell it with his vampire super senses.

Locked in her cocoon of covers, Evie realized her skin smelled like Craig, like sex. Her pussy began to throb.

She tossed back the covers and flapped them in the air and quickly realized her mistake. Now the entire room reeked of sex.

Craig strode back in and tossed their clothing onto the chair. He kicked the door shut and started toward the bed, coming to a halt, like he’d hit a wall. He inhaled deeply and closed his eyes.

When he opened them, they were tinged red. His cock went from semi-erect to totally erect.

He prowled toward the bed and slid in next to her. His gaze never left hers as he reached for her once again.

Chapter Seven

Craig felt better than he had in quite some time. Evie was nestled next to him, her head pillowed on his shoulder. He’d taken her twice more before he’d felt sated enough to stop. He would have felt bad about it and worried about her being sore, but she’d been right there with him every step of the way, urging him on and using her hands and mouth to drive him out of his mind.

He ran his fingers over her arm and sighed. The dark seemed different now, not really dark at all. He could see everything clearly when he looked around the room. The rich fabric on the bed, the gleaming wood of the dresser.

And he could hear every sound Evie made when she moved or sighed.

For the first time since his life had been changed, he felt optimistic about his chances of not only surviving, but finding peace and happiness in his new life. Sure there were obstacles ahead, but he’d had those as a human, just different ones. And he was good at finding solutions to problems.

He knew that Evie was going to leave at some point. Or she was going to try. He wasn’t about to let that happen. If he thought she truly didn’t care about him that would be a different thing entirely. But he’d come to know her well in a short time and knew she’d leave him to protect him.

Every male instinct he possessed roared in displeasure at the wrongness of that. It might not be politically correct or very evolved of him, but it was his job to look after her, not the other way around.

He mentally shrugged. So sue me, he thought. But since the change, his primal instincts had deepened. And at the top of the list of things he needed to do was to protect Evie. Whether she wanted him to or not.

He could just imagine the argument they’d have about this subject if he broached it with her, which he didn’t plan too. He was too smart to do that.

He’d just go about his business, keeping her beside him. He’d love her so long and hard she wouldn’t want to run from him.

He smiled at the thought of putting all his efforts into that task.

She stirred and he eased her off his shoulder until her head was resting against the pillow. Her hair was still braided. It was a shame he hadn’t thought to loosen it. He longed to see that black, silky curtain of hair running over his skin and flowing over his pillow.

Yup, he better not let her see his thoughts. He was becoming quite possessive of his Evie. Craig concentrated on building a titanium reinforced wall in his mind. It snapped into place with a resounding slam. He couldn’t be sure, but he felt as though his thoughts might even be protected from Damek, at least for a while.

Maybe it was because he used his mind so much, understood his thought process and what he could do with it, that allowed him to do this. And maybe he was totally wrong. He’d have to test his inner walls before making any final analysis.

“Hey.” He kissed her sweet lips simply because they were there and he could.

Evie gave him a sleepy smile. “Hey, yourself. What time is it?”

He thought about it and without hesitation said, “Ten after four in the morning.”

“Really?”

He shrugged. “I think so. Feels right to me.” His watch was over on top of the dresser so he rolled out of bed and padded across the room to pick it up. He held up the timepiece so Evie could see it. “See, ten after four.”

“That’s incredible.” She hooked a loose piece of hair over her ear. “I knew it was late and dawn was getting closer, but I had no idea of the exact time.”

Craig shrugged, tossed the watch back down and went back to the bed.

“Probably just the way my mind works.

I’m sure you can do things I can’t.

Damek said that all vampires develop different skills and at different rates.”

He plumped up the pillows and leaned his back against the headboard.

“Tell me about yourself. Tell me about Evie Pelowski before all this happened.”

She shrugged. “Not much to tell.”

“Where were you born? Do you have any family?” He wanted to know everything.

She sighed and settled next to him, making sure the bedclothes were covering her. She brought her knees to her chest and wrapped her arms around them. The posture was a defensive one.

“I was born in Boston. I grew up in a series of foster homes and left when I turned eighteen.” She rested her head on her knees. “You?”

Craig wanted to pull her into his arms and hold her. No one should have to feel so alone. He could hear the loneliness in Evie’s voice and wanted to reassure her that she’d always have a place with him. But he knew she’d see that as a sign of pity and it might make her run.

Instead, he told her about himself. “I was born in New York. My mom didn’t have the best of luck with men.”

“You mentioned that you and your siblings have different fathers.”

Craig propped one foot up on the bed, his knee tenting the sheet. He left his other leg stretched out. “Yeah. Quinn and Chrissten’s father was a werewolf.

Mom knew his secret but never let on.

He never knew and eventually left before she could tell him she was pregnant. They found him a few years ago and they’ve been slowly building a relationship.”

“That has to be awkward.” Evie’s eyes were half-closed and her hair was tousled, giving her a sleepy, sexy look.

Craig’s cock stirred yet again, shocking him. He’d always had a healthy sex drive, but nothing like this. He cleared his throat and tried to ignore his straining erection. “That’s an understatement. Anyway, Mom met another guy a few years later. He left when he found out she was pregnant.”

“I’m sorry.”

Craig reached out and rested his hand on her head, brushing her hair lightly. “It’s okay. Mom was great.

Always cheerful and happy, always making us feel special.” He missed her.

Her passing had left a hole in all their lives.

“She died when I was a teenager, but the three of us stuck together. At least until Chrissten was kidnapped.”

Evie sat up, her eyes widening.

“Kidnapped? By who?”

Craig reached for her and pulled her into his arms. “That’s a story for another day.” He settled her into his arms. “All that matters is we got her back. That’s how I met Damek.”

He kissed the tip of her nose. He couldn’t stop touching her. Evie was so very kissable. “Now it’s your turn. Tell me something about you. What brought you to Chicago?”

Evie settled her head against his shoulder. “Once I turned eighteen, I left my foster home. They couldn’t afford to keep me if the government wasn’t paying my room and board. I had some money saved from the part-time job I worked. I thought about New York, but for some reason I told the guy at the ticket booth to give me a ticket to Chicago.”

“Fate.” Craig pulled the elastic holder off the end of her braid and began to unwind the strands.

Evie shrugged. “Maybe. It doesn’t matter. The art scene here is vibrant and welcoming. I found a small hole-in-the-

wall apartment and worked at a coffee shop, painting in my spare time.

Eventually, I was selling enough to quit the day job and paint full-time.”

“Did you get a bigger place?”

Evie laughed and then sighed when he combed his fingers through her inky-

black hair. “No. I’m still living in the tiny place I landed in when I first moved here seven years ago. I guess I’d always wanted a permanent home. And my place might be small, but it’s home. Or it was home. Now I’m not sure I ever want to go back.”

Craig rubbed his hand over her head and down her back. “It will be okay.

We’ll get your things from your apartment.”

She gave a sad little laugh. “If there’s anything left. Vladimir struck me as the type who would destroy stuff.”

“I think it’s time to do a little research.” As much as he wanted to make love with Evie again, it was time to start thinking with his bigger head.

Neither of them would be safe until they dealt with the threat.

Craig deposited her onto the mattress and climbed out of bed. He raised his arms over his head and stretched. With each passing hour, he was starting to feel more like himself again, except a stronger, more-improved version. “Get dressed. We’ve got some work to do.”

“Dawn is coming soon,” Evie reminded him.

“We’ve got some time.” He pulled on his jeans. It still felt strange not to be wearing glasses, but he loved having better than perfect vision.

He watched as Evie quickly dragged on underwear, jeans and the blouse that Sonia had loaned her. Her hair was a curtain across her back. His cock jerked, but he ignored the insistent organ. They had work to do.

“Come on.” Craig held out his hand, smiling when Evie slipped her hand into his.

Damek stalked into Inhibitions, his mood foul. Byron was escorting out the last of the stragglers. It was past closing time. The bouncer glanced once at his boss and then looked away. Smart man, Byron. Damek was in no mood for idle chitchat.

He’d been busy since he’d left Craig and Evie at his place. He’d hated to leave Craig alone, but his young friend had quite a bit of self-control. More than he’d had when he was turned all those centuries ago.

Plus, there was an alarm on the apartment that would alert him if either Craig or Evie tried to leave. He had faith in his friend, but he hadn’t lived this long by being stupid or careless.

The stench of spilled liquor, desperate sex and pungent drugs permeated the space. Maybe it was time to close the nightclub and move on to something different. He’d owned Inhibitions for quite some time now and he never aged. Someone was bound to notice sooner or later and questions would be asked. He’d hate to let the place go, but there was always money to be made off of human vices, always another opportunity to be exploited. Not pretty, but true nonetheless.

Then he caught the lightest whiff of vanilla. Not perfume, but his wife’s soap. For the first time in hours, Damek smiled and made his way toward his office.

He pushed open the door and sighed, the anger draining from him at the sight of her curled up in his large hand-carved chair. She was reading from an old journal that belonged to a vampire hunter from the early nineteenth century. He was constantly on the lookout for such journals and purchased them when he found them. Sonia was fascinated with them and was piecing together the history of the vampire hunters. It seemed hunting paranormal creatures was often a family business, which was allowing Damek to build a database of people to watch.

She sensed his presence, lowered the book and smiled at him. His heart skipped a beat and he entered the office, shutting the door behind him. This woman was everything to him, and he would use every resource at his disposal to protect her.

His anger came roaring back and the walls undulated with his fury.

“Uh-oh. I know that look. What’s wrong?” Sonia tossed the book onto the desk and pushed out of the chair to go to him.

“Vampire hunters.” They’d had a few quiet years since he’d disposed of the last ones, the ones who’d almost killed Sonia.

She wrapped her arms around his waist and he held her close, never wanting to let her go. He’d come so close to losing her. “Tell me what you’ve found.”

“Either that idiot Vladimir Drake is killing indiscriminately or he’s creating new vampires that have no control or guidance. The police are finding bodies all over the city and are baffled. They’ve decided they must have some satanic cult in the city, draining bodies of blood.”

“Great. That’s all we need.”

His wife’s exasperation made him smile. She was more annoyed than frightened. “And of course, those reports have brought the vampire hunters to our fair city.”

Damek nodded. “They always show up when there are reports of unusual deaths.” His sigh ruffled his wife’s curls. He was tired of always having to fight. He wanted to live in peace. But as long as there were idiots like Drake and the bounty hunters, he had no choice.

She went to the desk, picked up the book she’d been reading and slid it into her tote. “Let’s go home and talk to Craig. We need to let him and Evie know what you’ve found out.”

She smiled at him and his love for her almost brought him to his knees. He would kill Drake and the bounty hunters if they threatened one hair on her precious head. She was everything to him.

“Damek?”

“We will go home.” He reached for her again, his cock stirring and his fangs dropping. “Soon.”

Sonia laughed as he lifted her against him. She wrapped her thighs around his hips and her arms around his neck.

“Soon,” she agreed.

Damek lowered his head and kissed his wife’s neck. He could scent her arousal, her need for him. He wanted her now and knew that need would never wane no matter how long they both lived.

Evie was fascinated as she watched Craig’s fingers dance across the keyboard. Data flew across the screen at lightning speed. “Are you actually reading any of that?”

“Of course.” He absently pushed his finger against his nose, stopped and laughed. “I keep thinking I have to push my glasses up.”

He went back to his work and she continued to watch him. They were both seated on the sofa, but Craig was perched on the edge while his fingers manipulated the keys. She was curled up next to him, watching.

Obviously, Craig was at home with computers. She could find her way around one, but he was way out of her league. He was a professional. She used it strictly for recreation. In fact, she didn’t even own a laptop. She had her cell phone, which she used for email, music, social media and surfing the web.

Or at least, she’d had one. She had no idea if it was still at her apartment or if Vladimir had taken it or destroyed it.

“What are you looking for?”

He never stopped moving his fingers. “I’m looking for any trace of Vladimir Drake or Richard Locke. I’m taking the search back a couple centuries because that’s how old you said he is. I could work better if I had several computers, but this is a start.” He glanced toward her and smiled. “Don’t worry, Evie. We’ll find him.”

And then what? She knew she had to kill him, but wasn’t sure how.

“How do I kill him once we find him?”

The front door opened and Damek and Sonia strolled in. Damek raised one imperious eyebrow, obviously having heard her last question. “You don’t kill him. I do.”

Evie jumped off the sofa and faced her scary host. “It’s my job. My right.”

Damek closed the door and helped his wife remove her sweater. “I admire your courage, but you cannot kill a two-

hundred-year-old vampire.”

Damek’s dismissive tone fired Evie’s anger. She was tired of overbearing vampires telling her what she could and couldn’t do. “How do I kill him?” she repeated. Craig rose to stand beside her, but she ignored him, her entire focus on Damek.

“Beheading works, but I’d recommend burning the body afterwards just in case. Some vampires can be destroyed by sunlight, but not all. A stake to the heart will kill a young vampire, but it will only slow down an old one.” Damek strode across the room and went behind the bar. He pulled several bags of blood out of the small refrigerator and opened them.

“Hey, I thought you said there was no more blood here.” Evie knew she’d heard him say that earlier.

Damek shrugged. “I lied. But it kept you from craving it, didn’t it?”

Truthfully, Craig had kept her so busy she hadn’t thought about it. Of course, they’d exchanged blood several times. It wasn’t the same as having fresh blood, but it had kept the bloodlust at bay. Now that she could smell fresh blood, she wanted it. Her fangs dropped and she licked her lips.

She lowered her head and struggled for control.

“Hey.” Craig lifted her chin and smiled at her. His eyes weren’t tinged red, nor were his fangs exposed. “It’s okay, Evie. You’re doing great.”

“You don’t seem to have any trouble resisting.” She was frustrated. Why did he have better control?

He leaned down until his lips were almost touching her ear. “That’s because I give myself something else to think about. Something more powerful than the bloodlust.” His tongue stroked the curve of her ear and suddenly she didn’t crave blood anymore, she craved Craig.

Damek cleared his throat. “I think you both should drink. As I said before, small amounts regularly at first will help you learn to control the bloodlust.” He handed both of them a half-filled glass and waited patiently while they drank.

Evie wanted to lick the glass but refrained. “So what you’re saying is that most of what we think we know about vampires is fiction.”

“Some, but not all.” He took the crystal glasses from them and went behind the bar to place them in a compact dishwasher. “There is a kernel of truth, but vampires are all different.

Some are stronger when made, some are weaker. All have improved senses and need blood to live, but we all have different abilities.

Craig put his arm around her and guided her toward the other sofa.

Knowing resistance was futile, she followed. She wanted Damek to keep talking. The more information she had, the better.

“I want you to try something,” Craig said to his friend. “Try to get past the barriers of my mind.

“I don’t wish to hurt you, and that will happen if you resist.” Damek’s distress at the thought of hurting Craig was very real. Something inside Evie relaxed. No matter what happened to her, Damek would make sure Craig was safe. That was all that truly mattered to her. They might not have known one another very long, but Craig had gotten under her skin and worked his way closer to her in that short time than anyone else ever had. They’d connected on a deep emotional level that frightened Evie even as she craved it.

“We’ll stop if that happens, but I want to test my limits,” Craig continued.

“I can’t find them and improve them if I don’t have a starting point.”

“You and your analytical mind.”

Damek’s gaze flickered to hers and then back to Craig. “We will start slow.”

Craig nodded. “I’m ready.”

Damek’s gaze narrowed and Evie could feel power building in the room.

The air grew thicker.

“Harder,” Craig demanded.

The glasses on the shelves behind the bar rattled. Neither man gave an inch. Evie’s eyes darted from one to the other. Both looked determined. One crystal goblet shattered. It was quickly followed by the one next to it and the next, until every glass exploded in a row.

Both women gasped and instinctively ducked, but neither man moved. Craig winced but didn’t back down.

“Stop,” Evie yelled. She pulled on Craig’s arm. “Stop this right now.” The walls were practically moving and the front door began to buckle under the pressure.

“Damek. Stop,” Sonia implored.

The pressure backed off immediately. Evie gave a fearful cry when she saw blood dripping from Craig’s nose. “What have you done?”

Evie yelled at Damek, not caring the other vampire could crush her like a bug.

“I thought he was your friend.” She lifted the tail of her blouse and used it to stem the flow of Craig’s blood. For once, the scent of it didn’t make her crave it. If anything, seeing Craig hurt curtailed her need for blood.

“He is.” Damek rose and came toward them. Evie wanted to jump in front of Craig to protect him but knew that was a stupid idea. Damek could easily move her if he wanted to.

The older vampire shoved the laptop to one side and sat on the coffee table in front of Craig. The two men stared at one another and then the corner of Damek’s mouth quirked up in a smile.

Craig’s answering smile made his entire face light up. Evie dropped back on the sofa and shook her head in disbelief.

Men were idiots. Evie now had tangible proof. Damek had almost fried Craig’s brain and now the two of them were smiling at one another. Evie glanced toward Sonia who seemed just as bemused as she was. Yup, women were obviously the smarter sex of the species.

“You did well, my friend,” Damek praised. “I only caught a glimpse of your thoughts at the very end. You have a very strong mind.”

“Good. I thought the walls I built would hold, but I couldn’t be sure.”

Craig suddenly raised his head. “Dawn in four minutes.”

Damek glanced at his watch, his smile growing. “Another talent?”

Craig laughed. “Yeah, I can tell time without a watch.”

“A useful skill.”

Evie had had enough. “Laugh all you want. I’m going to bed.” She’d had enough of idiot men—no, make that idiot male vampires—for one night. She stalked off toward the bedroom, but she could still hear the conversation behind her. She stripped off her clothing and climbed into bed, turning her back to the door.

“I’ve started some searches, but I’ll keep working tomorrow night. I’ll find something,” she heard Craig promise.

Then he said goodnight to their hosts.

Evie knew the moment he entered the room. The brush of fabric against skin as he removed his jeans sounded very loud.

She tensed when he climbed into bed next to her.

“Don’t be mad, Evie.” He ran his fingers over her bare shoulders. “I have to test my limits if I’m ever going to learn and grow.”

He was right. She knew he was right.

She’d done the same thing herself after she’d escaped from Vladimir, venturing out at dawn, retreating quickly when the light burned her skin. But this was different. “He could have seriously hurt you.”

Craig turned her over and pulled her into his arms. “No, he would have stopped long before it got to that point.

Besides, I kept him out.”

She could hear the pride in his voice and didn’t know whether to praise him or yell at him. She did neither, and two seconds later, Craig went still in the bed, his breathing all but stopped. The sun was up and he was in a deep sleep, his heartbeat almost nonexistent.

Evie looked around the room and fiddled with the covers. She wasn’t tired, but there was nothing else to do.

She sat up and studied Craig’s still form.

He was asleep and she wasn’t. A slow smile crossed her face. She hadn’t realized not every vampire could stay awake during the day. This was something she could do that he couldn’t.

Now she didn’t feel quite so inadequate. If she could figure out a way to go outside during the day she might have a huge advantage over the creature who’d made her. Maybe she should try going out on a cloudy day. She’d only tried it once and during full sunlight.

Maybe if she was wearing a hat, coat and sunglasses, she could be outside on a dull day.

She’d have to talk to Damek about that and find out how common this ability of hers was. She hoped it was rare.

Craig looked handsome lying there with his hair tousled. Even relaxed, the muscles of his arms and torso were hard.

She touched them, running her fingers over his biceps. Her breasts began to tingle so she stopped. No point in torturing herself when there was nothing Craig could do about it.

Evie settled against Craig and pulled his arm around her. She’d try to sleep.

That would help the time pass faster.

Vladimir Drake lay in his bed in the basement of the Victorian mansion he owned here in the city. The room was in the basement, but it certainly didn’t feel as though it was. It was sumptuous with its king-sized bed and damask curtains.

All the furniture was antique, the art on the wall were all one-of-a-kind masterpieces and worth a fortune. His sheets were Egyptian cotton and his bathrobe was silk.

Dawn had arrived.

Vladimir prided himself on being able to remain awake a full minute past dawn. He was strong. Stronger than all other vampires. He’d never met one older than himself. He was king of the vampires.

The room he slept in was perfectly safe. The walls were reinforced with steel with the best locks money could buy on the door. Upstairs, two of his minions would watch over him, making sure no one entered his home uninvited.

They would give their lives for him.

He’d seen to that with a little brain manipulation.

Humans were weak. He was strong.

Like cattle, they were here to serve him, to feed him.

He’d wanted a queen by his side.

Evie. He’d chosen her to be his consort.

But he could see now that was a mistake.

He was better off alone. Women were nothing but trouble.

Yes, she was a mistake. One he’d have to take care of before he moved on.

As soon as he was finished in Chicago, he’d spend some time on his estate in Cornwall. He hadn’t been home to England in a long time.

Unable to hold off sleep any longer, Vladimir closed his eyes.

Chapter Eight

Craig came awake in the span of a heartbeat. One moment he was totally unaware, the next he was wide awake and totally conscious of all his surroundings. He was also horny as hell, his cock throbbing incessantly. There was one problem with that. He was alone.

Evie wasn’t beside him.

He jumped out of bed and leapt at the door. He misjudged his strength and crashed into the thick panel. He shook off the blow and yanked the door open.

“Evie,” he yelled. His heart was racing.

Had she left? Was she out there even now searching for Vladimir Drake by herself?

Evie appeared at the end of the hallway. “I’m here. What’s wrong?” She looked around, searching for the threat.

He raked his fingers through his hair.

“Ah, I woke up and you weren’t there.”

The last was said sheepishly. He felt like an idiot now that he knew she was still here and safe.

She gave him a soft, understanding smile. “It’s okay.”

“Promise me you won’t leave without telling me first.” If he could get that guarantee, he’d sleep much better.

She frowned. “I can’t promise you anything.”

Damek appeared next to Evie. “She will not be allowed to go anywhere without my knowledge,” the older vampire promised. Evie glared at him, but he ignored her, his attention all on Craig. Damek’s gaze flicked downward and a ghost of a smile appeared on his face. “I think you should get dressed and join us.”

Craig suddenly realized he was naked. Great, Evie was making him totally crazy. He glared at her and she threw up her hands and stalked off after Damek, muttering something about arrogant male vampires. Craig admired the sexy motion of her jean-clad butt and the way her black braid swished from side to side as she walked away.

Feeling better now that he knew Evie was still here and safe, he went back to the room and quickly dressed. There was a change of clothing in the knapsack Byron had brought over yesterday. It felt good to wear clean clothing that belonged to him even if it was only jeans and a long-sleeved wool sweater.

When he was ready, he ambled down the hallway. Once again, everyone was congregated in the living room.

There was a kitchen fit for a world-

renowned chef in the place, but it was rarely ever used. A glass filled with blood waiting on the coffee table next to his laptop.

Craig swallowed hard, fighting the growing need inside him. He would conquer this craving, control it instead of allowing it to rule his life. He was master of his own mind and body.

He lifted the glass and made himself sip the liquid. It slid down his throat and his entire body seemed to sigh in relief.

He set the glass aside and opened up his laptop.

Sonia was wearing a coat with her purse draped over her shoulder. Craig wondered where she was going. She dropped a quick kiss on Damek’s lips.

“I’ll be at the library most of the night.”

“Jerome will drive you.” Craig knew it wasn’t a suggestion but an order.

Jerome was Damek’s limo driver and well trusted. “Call me when you get there.”

Sonia grinned, grabbed her tote bag and headed toward the door. “I will.”

“I will join you there later,” Damek promised.

Craig smiled at the couple’s banter.

He was glad Damek had found someone who loved and accepted him as Sonia did. She’d literally given her life for him, which is how he’d ended up converting her into a vampire.

He glanced at Evie and found her watching the couple with a wistful expression on her face. She hadn’t had much family and love in her life. But that had changed. She had him now. And once his family settled down and accepted things, she’d have them too.

Evie glanced his way and frowned.

Craig hoped his thoughts hadn’t slipped out. So far he hadn’t been able to read her thoughts, only her moods. From what she’d told him, she was able to do the same with him, but he wasn’t taking any chances. He pulled his mental shields into place. They locked down easier and faster than last time. Over time, he might not even have to think about them anymore. He hoped it would become as automatic to him as breathing.

He checked the information on his laptop, vaguely aware of Damek walking Sonia out to the elevator. The door closed heavily when Damek returned. Without looking up from the screen, Craig spoke. “You know, you can go with Sonia. We’ll be okay.”

“No. There are things you need to know, things I didn’t have time to tell you last night. Sonia will be fine.”

Damek’s phone rang and he grabbed it.

“I’m in the limo.”

Craig could hear Sonia’s voice easily. He felt bad for eavesdropping on their conversation, but he hadn’t quite figured out how to control his hearing yet. He could thankfully block out extraneous noise like traffic and people far away, but when it was this close it was more difficult.

“Be careful, Sonia. Don’t forget there are hunters in town.”

Damek’s words made Craig’s blood run cold. Craig could barely contain himself until his friend finished his call with his wife. “There are vampire hunters in town?”

Damek sighed and eased down on one of the rich leather sofas. “Yes. I didn’t spend all my time at the club last night. I did some investigating of my own. It seems that this Vladimir Drake is an idiot. Either he’s been making other vampires indiscriminately and letting them run amuck or he’s killing humans all over the place and not disposing of the bodies.”

Evie made a small sound of fear, but when Craig looked her way her face was impassive.

“The police have found three bodies in the past two nights alone.” Craig could sense Damek’s growing anger.

“The authorities think they have a satanic cult in the city. They do not comprehend the danger of what they are dealing with.

And, of course, any sign of unusual deaths brings the vampire hunters.”

“There really are vampire hunters?

Like Van Helsing?” Evie looked pale.

Craig grabbed his half-filled glass of blood and went to her side.

“Drink this.” He didn’t give her much of a choice, pressing the glass to her lips.

She resisted at first, but he persisted until she took a sip. “That’s yours,” she protested. “Drink some, please.” It was the please that did it. He’d do anything to make her happy and keep her safe. He took a swallow but then made her finish it.

He kept one arm around her shoulders and guided her to the empty sofa and settled her next to him.

Evie swallowed hard and took a deep breath. “Tell me about the vampire hunters.”

Craig glanced at Damek who inclined his head. “They’re a secret society that’s been around almost as long as vampires,” Craig began. “They destroy vampires—all vampires, the good alongside the bad. They’ve murdered humans who they suspected were vampires as well as those who they believed associated with vampires.”

“That’s barbaric,” Evie exclaimed.

“It is.” Damek leaned back and spread his arms across the back of the sofa. “The last time vampire hunters came to town they killed my Sonia. She was human, a researcher, a professor at a university who studied myths and legends. Her only crime was finding me.”

The walls began to undulate and Damek’s eyes turned red. His fury was like a living entity. The vampire shook himself and stood. “All the paranormal creatures have trouble with bounty hunters.”

“What are we going to do?” Craig asked. That was the big question.

“If they do not leave the city willingly, they will have to be dealt with.”

Craig knew Damek would kill them in a heartbeat if they threatened him or Sonia, and he couldn’t blame him. If anyone threatened Evie he knew he could kill them to protect her.

“I will do some scouting tonight and see if I can locate either the hunters or the rogue vampire.”

Craig checked his laptop, bringing up the results of some of his searches.

“I’ve got some possibilities for property where Vladimir might be living. The name of the purchaser isn’t quite the same as either of his names, but they’re close. There are about thirty places.”

“I can probably get to about half tonight. I still have to spend time at the club and with my wife.” Damek gracefully rose from the sofa and straightened the cuffs of his shirt so the sleeve of his jacket was aligned perfectly.

Craig stood and went to his friend. “I appreciate everything you’ve done for me, for us. Thank you.” He reached out and hugged Damek. The older vampire stiffened slightly and then pulled Craig against him.

“I will protect you, my friend.”

“Take care of yourself and your wife first. I couldn’t live with myself if anything happened to either of you.” That was one of Craig’s biggest worries. He was prepared to fight and die if necessary, but he wanted his friends and family safe.

Damek pulled back and there was a predatory smile on his face. “Do not worry about me. I can take care of myself and my own.”

Craig believed him. Evie silently watched them and he wondered what she was thinking. He considered trying to read her thoughts but decided that would be not only rude but a violation of her trust.

“I’ll text you the list of properties,” Craig promised.

Damek nodded and headed out, leaving them alone in the apartment.

Evie breathed a sigh of relief as soon as Damek left. That was one intense dude. He wasn’t an overly large man, but he was well-built and there was no doubting the power that emanated from him.

She was still trying to digest everything they’d just told her. Vampire hunters. It was hard to believe. But then again, so was the idea of vampires. Yet here she was.

“Are you okay?”

Craig placed one finger under her chin and tilted it upward. His hair touched his broad shoulders and the gray sweater he was wearing brought out the color in his eyes, making them look even bluer. It had been difficult to leave him this evening. It would have been so easy to stay snuggled next to him. If she had they probably would have made love again.

She was getting too close to him and that couldn’t end well. Evie was a realist. No matter what Damek believed, she didn’t expect to live through the coming confrontation. Vladimir Drake might not be as old as Damek, but he was cunning and strong. Most of all, he was obsessed with her and undoubtedly angry at her escape. He would stop at nothing to find her, if only to kill her.

“Evie?” Craig brushed a lock of hair away from her eyes, hooking it gently behind one ear. A shiver of desire raced down her spine and her nipples stood at attention. Craig’s gaze narrowed and he licked his lips.

“No.” It wasn’t easy, but she pulled away from him. “We have work to do.”

“Is that the only reason why?”

Evie damned him for being so smart.

“Of course, what else could it be?”

“You tell me.” He tilted his head to one side and studied her.

She shrugged. “We’ve got a lot to deal with right now. It’s not smart for us to get involved.”

His expression turned gentle. “We’re already involved, Evie.”

She wrapped her arms around herself, feeling cold in spite of the fact she could usually control her body temperature. She concentrated on becoming warm, but it didn’t help. “We need some distance. Some perspective.”

“You mean you want to keep me at a distance.” He prowled closer, his movements more fluid than they’d previously been. He was changing by the hour, just as she was. It was strange to keep expecting her body to behave as it had when she was human. How she walked, her strength and all her senses were so different, foreign in many ways.

Craig dragged his thumb over her bottom lip and she almost whimpered.

Her pussy ached for him. He was a vampire. She knew he could smell her arousal, yet he didn’t refute her claim of wanting distance even though her body betrayed her word as a lie.

“Don’t be afraid. I won’t leave you.”

In those last four words, Craig laid her fears out bare for them both to see.

She’d been left her entire life, never important enough to anyone else for them to stay or to ask her to stay.

She started to turn away, but he wouldn’t let her. He didn’t try to kiss her and there was nothing sexual in the way he pulled her against his chest and simply held her.

“I’ve got you,” he promised.

Never in her life had someone put themselves between her and danger.

Never had anyone put her first. Not until Craig. And what had she done for him?

She’d turned his life upside down, changed him into a vampire and put his life in danger.

“I know what you’re thinking and you can stop it right now.”

Horrified, she stared up at him. “You can read my thoughts?” She desperately tried to build walls in her mind to keep him out.

“I don’t know if I can or not. I’m not trying. That would be rude.” He cupped her face and softly kissed her lips. “But, sweetheart, I don’t need to read your mind to know what you’re thinking. It’s written all over your expressive face.”

She frowned, not liking that idea at all.

She’d always been tough and independent, taking care of herself and depending on no one. She’d left home at eighteen with her meager savings in her pocket and set out to an unknown city with a dream. And she’d made it happen on her own.

But Craig had gotten under her skin, not by pushing. That she could have resisted. He had a way of simply putting her wants and needs ahead of his own. It still baffled her that he wanted to do things for her, take care of her. It was foreign and yet enticing at the same time.

She couldn’t afford to be weak. She needed to be strong in order to defeat Vladimir.

“If you know what I’m thinking then you know I’m right.” She eased away and wandered around the room, touching the books and knickknacks in the bookshelves. She was starting to go a little stir-crazy being shut up in the apartment. She was used to being out and about every single day, not having to curtail her activities because some crazy vampire was looking for her.

What about her career? She couldn’t afford to let things slide much longer or she wouldn’t have a life to go back to even if she was still alive when this was over.

Evie froze and swore under her breath. This is what Craig had done to her. She’d been prepared to die, had almost wanted it. But now she wanted a future. Maybe one that included him.

It was nothing but a dream. That’s all it would ever be.

“I know you think you’re right, but you’re not,” Craig told her.

In spite of herself, Evie laughed.

“That made sense. I think,” she teased.

Craig smiled and she got lost in his eyes and the strong, handsome planes of his face. She shook herself out of the sensual web that threatened to entangle her. “So what’s our next move?” Better to make plans than to think about things that probably wouldn’t happen anyway.

Even if they both survived the coming storm and Craig wanted to have some kind of relationship, there was still the not so small matter of his family to deal with.

“I need to keep researching. Damek will check as many properties as he can tonight.” Craig wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her into the sheltering curve of his body. “Don’t worry, Evie. We’ll find Vladimir Drake.”

“You should call your family,” she blurted out. “They’ll be worried about you.” She’d seen the way they’d looked at Craig and knew they loved him in spite of what he’d become.

“You’re probably right.” He sat on the sofa and pulled her down next to him. She moved away and curled up on the end. She needed to put some distance between them. He might not think it was necessary, but it was to her peace of mind.

He frowned but drew out his phone and made the call. Evie didn’t even pretend not to eavesdrop. It was answered on the first ring. “Craig?” It was his sister’s voice and Evie could hear the concern in it.

“Hey, Chris.” Craig leaned back and closed his eyes. “How are you doing?”

His sister laughed. “That should be my question.”

“I’m doing okay. Getting a handle on things.” Evie’s chest hurt and she absently rubbed it. He needed to spend time with his family whether he knew it or not. It was hurting him to be away from them.

She didn’t know how she knew this, but it felt right. She was picking up on his emotions even if she couldn’t read his thoughts. Concentrating, she tried to hear what he was thinking, but it was like hitting a steel wall.

Craig glanced her way as though he’d felt her attempted intrusion. Slightly ashamed, she glanced down at her lap, but that didn’t stop her from listening to his conversation. She wanted to know as much about him as she could.

“How is Quinn taking things?” There was a strain in Craig’s voice that made Evie frown.

“Quinn is just angry he wasn’t there to keep this from happening. You know him. He feels responsible for us.”

Chrissten sighed. “I want to see you. I don’t like you being away from us at a time like this.”

Evie found herself liking the other woman more.

“I’m perfectly safe with Damek.”

“I know that.” His sister sounded exasperated with him. “But we’re your family.”

Craig didn’t respond other than to close his eyes. Evie knew he wanted to be with them too but didn’t quite trust himself yet. Once again, he was putting other people’s needs ahead of his own.

“Have you told Meredith and the others?”

“No. We didn’t know what you wanted us to do?”

“That can’t be easy on Hank considering he still works at Haven.”

“What do you want us to do?”

Chrissten asked. “Whatever you need, we’ll do it.”

Craig sat forward and rubbed his free hand over his face. His body was tense and Evie couldn’t take it any longer. She scooted over next to him and placed her hand on his back. He tensed and then immediately relaxed, sighing softly. She blinked, unable to believe one tiny touch could make such a difference, but the proof was in front of her. There was no denying Craig was a lot more relaxed. Come to think of it, so was she.

“I need you to be careful. There are vampire hunters in town.” Craig thought a moment and then seemed to come to a decision. “I’m going to talk to Meredith and Isaiah myself. They need to know what’s going on so they can take steps to protect themselves and the pack.”

“Are you sure?” Chrissten asked.

“Yes. I’ll take care of it. Listen, I’ve got to go. Damek is checking out some stuff tonight. I’ll call you as soon as I know something.”

“Call any time you want. I’m here for you, little brother. I love you.” Evie could hear the emotion in Chrissten’s voice and it made her own throat tighten.

“I love you too. Tell Hank I said hey and give my love to Quinn and Bethany.”

“I will,” she promised.

Craig ended the call and tucked his phone away. He took her hand and brought it to his lips, kissing each knuckle before turning it over and placing a kiss in the center of her palm.

For some reason, Evie felt like crying.

He looked at her then and she sensed all his pain and frustration, all the love he had for his family and the determination he had that they would end this and come out the winners.

She wished she had his faith, because at that moment, Evie Pelowski knew one thing for sure—she was in love with Craig Lawton.

She hadn’t meant for it to happen.

Had fought against it. But it had happened anyway. The heart didn’t run on logic, but emotions.

Craig was more important to her than anything, even her need for vengeance.

But as long as Vladimir was out there, Craig wouldn’t be safe. Determination filled Evie. She would see her maker dead no matter what she had to do to accomplish it. Craig would go home to his family and friends. That was a promise she would keep.

He couldn’t know the whirlwind of emotions and thoughts spinning in her brain. And for that she was thankful.

Craig stood and smiled down at her.

“Want to go out?”

She frowned at him. “Damek locked the door when he left.” The vampire was very careful when it came to security.

Craig rubbed his hands together and walked toward the door. “This is as good a time as any to test our new vampire abilities. Let’s find out if either of us is any good with locks.”

There was something in his tone that reminded her of a kid about to get into something he knew he probably shouldn’t. She could tell he was looking forward to the challenge.

“Do you think that’s wise?” The last thing Evie wanted to do was anger their host. She didn’t mind so much for herself, but she didn’t want to see the friendship between the two men damaged in any way. She followed Craig to the door and watched as he studied the palm plate just beside the thick steel door.

He shrugged. “What’s the worst thing that can happen?”

Evie didn’t answer him. She wasn’t sure she wanted to know.

Chapter Nine

Craig knew something important had happened back at Damek’s place, but he wasn’t quite sure what. There was a subtle difference in the way Evie was acting. She’d tried to pull away from him earlier tonight even though he’d smelled her arousal. He could sense she was thinking. A lot. Somewhere along the line, it seemed as though she’d come to some decision. Craig wasn’t sure whether that was a good thing or not.

Only time would tell.

Of course, what he was doing probably wasn’t a good thing either, but Craig knew going to Haven and talking to his friends in person was something he had to do. He owed it to Meredith, Isaiah and the others to warn them of the trouble that had arrived in their city. But most of all, they deserved to hear from him about the radical change in his life.

They were his friends. Family really.

And his stomach was in knots wondering if they would accept or shun him.

The way things were going, all his friends might not be talking to him by the end of the night. Damek was certainly going to be pissed with him for leaving the apartment, but Craig had to do what he thought was right. And finding out one of his new vampire skills was the ability to open locks, electronic and old-

fashioned, was a bonus.

“We’ll stop at my place first, if that’s okay?” He kept all his senses open, staying aware of everyone and everything around them. It was a cold night, but he didn’t feel the chill of the air like he used to and was quite comfortable with his leather jacket open.

Evie, on the other hand, was hunched over, almost shivering. He knew it was more nerves than the night air.

“Sure.” Her eyes darted here and there, and he knew she was searching for Vladimir Drake in every shadow. And, like him, she was concentrating on not becoming overwhelmed by all the outside stimulus. It might be late, but the city was still alive with people and sounds.

“You’ll have to forgive the dust in the place. I was going to call in the cleaning service but…” He shrugged when she looked at him. “When I’m working I forget about things like cleaning and laundry and food.”

One corner of her mouth tilted upward and he felt as though he’d won a huge victory. He stopped in front of an older brick building. “What do you think?”

She studied the plate glass window in front of them. “This is a gallery.” She looked up at him, questions in her eyes.

“My sister and Bethany own the place.” He took her hand and pulled her to the door next to the gallery. He pulled out his keys and unlocked it.

“You live above?” she asked as he pulled her inside and ushered her up the stairs.

“Yeah. We each have our own apartments.” Neither one of them made a sound as they made their way to the top floor. “Actually my family owns the building.”

She came to a sudden halt. “You own the building?” There was tension in her voice and he wondered at it.

“Yeah. Is that a problem?”

Is that a problem? Evie didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Craig owned a building with his brother and sister. His sister ran an art gallery, one that had made huge waves in the local art scene over the past few years. She was very familiar with the Artistic Endeavor, had even been to a showing here earlier this year.

She lived in the same tiny studio apartment she’d lived in since she moved to the city. The chances of her owning her own home, let alone an entire building were next to nil. She lived hand to mouth, finding the necessary money each month to pay the rent and buy art supplies. Some months there wasn’t a lot left over for food, but she was okay with that as long as she was painting.

He was way out of her league.

“What exactly do you do for a living?” She’d told him about her art, but she’d never asked him what he did.

Craig unlocked the door and ushered her into his apartment. The scent of fresh lemons permeated the air. Evie looked around the living space. It was comfortable, yet all the furniture and finishes were high-end. The kitchen had new granite countertops and stainless-

steel appliances. She half-expected the sofa to be leather, but it was a dark brown fabric of some kind. Two leather club chairs were angled around a wooden coffee table. A large flat-screen television sat in the center of an entertainment unit that took up most of one wall.

“Well, what do you think?” He removed his leather jacket and hung it on a hook by the door. Then he held out his hand and waited until she handed him her coat.

What did she think? She studied the place and tilted her head to one side considering. “I think the cleaning lady was here while you were away.”

He laughed, the sound deep and joyous. “I guess Chrissten must have had someone take care of it.”

Evie found herself smiling. “And you never did tell me. What do you do for a living?” Her gaze narrowed. “It’s not illegal, is it?” Not that she thought that for a minute. Craig was too open and honest for that.

He shook his head. “No, it’s not illegal.” He took her hand and led her down a short hallway, stopping at the first door on the left. “But I’ve done my fair share of hacking.” He led her into what had to be his office. There were several framed prints on the wall that depicted scenes from popular video games. Several computers sat on a long table, along with a gaming system. A bookcase was filled with books, games and several pictures of Craig and his family.

“You work with computers?”

Craig nodded. “I’ve designed several games.” He gestured to the pictures on the walls. “I’ve also developed a few Apps.”

He dropped into his desk chair and pulled a laptop in front of him and opened the cover. How many computers did the man actually own? She’d assumed the one that Damek’s employee had brought over to the apartment was it.

Craig’s fingers flew over the keys and several screens opened. He made a humming sound and kept typing. She had no idea what he was doing. The man was a freaking computer genius.

Evie leaned against the back of his chair and watched, bewildered as he seemed to be in some kind of banking program. “What are you doing?”

“Sorry, I obviously haven’t been keeping up with things over the past few days. I needed to sell some stock now that the prices have gone up. I think they’ve topped out and don’t want to wait until they start dropping.”

She felt as though he was speaking another language. “Stocks?”

“Yeah. I fool around with the stock market.” He shot her a boyish grin. “It’s fun. It’s a numbers game, a puzzle at times, but I enjoy it.” He closed down the computer, pushed out of his chair and wrapped his arm around her waist.

“Come on. I need to change and then I’ll take you down to Haven.”

Her stomach clenched. “Are you sure that’s a good idea?” She didn’t think either of them should be out running around town, not until they knew where Vladimir was. She needed a weapon too. If the only way to kill a vampire was to behead him, she needed a sword or an axe or at least a sharp chef’s knife.

She hated walking around the city feeling so totally exposed. She also knew Damek wouldn’t be pleased either when he found out. And he would find out. Of that, she had no doubt.

She wouldn’t be surprised if some sort of silent alarm had gone off the moment they’d left the apartment. Craig was certain he’d shut down all alarms, but she wasn’t quite as confident as he was. All the way over here, she’d kept expecting Damek to appear out of the dark and confront them. Since he hadn’t, maybe Craig’s skills with locks and security systems were as good as he seemed to think they were. He was obviously a computer geek who understood how such things worked.

It wouldn’t do her any good to keep worrying about it. She put it out of her mind and looked around and simply let herself enjoy being in Craig’s home.

His bedroom was simple, but the furniture was good quality wood. A dark-green comforter covered the bed and wooden blinds covered the windows. She peered out the window at the city skyline. Streetlights, signs and stoplights illuminated the sky for as far as the eye could see. She looked up and down the street but saw only a few people out walking.

She sighed and turned away, finishing her examination of the room.

There were no pictures on the walls in here, no knickknacks or books, making the room feel stark. She had a feeling he slept here and nothing more. He really lived in his office. That’s the only place she’d seen anything remotely personal.

“Do you want to borrow a shirt or sweater?” Craig yanked off the sweater that had been in the knapsack Damek had had delivered. He tossed it onto the chair in the corner, went to the closet and pulled out a black long-sleeved pullover.

Curious, in spite of herself, Evie wandered over to stand beside him. Like everything else in the apartment, the closet had been customized. Built-in shelves and drawers took up half the space. The rest was for hanging clothes.

She touched a sweater the color of oatmeal. It was so soft.

“Go ahead. I don’t mind if you wear it. We’ll need to get you some clothes.”

Reality slapped her in the face and she took a step back. “I don’t need anyone buying me clothes.” She took care of herself. Always. She didn’t owe anyone anything. That’s the way she’d always lived her life.

Craig frowned as he pulled on the sweater he’d chosen. “You can’t get your clothing from your place and it might not be wise to access your bank account until we deal with Drake. He might be watching it in case you make a purchase.”

She hadn’t thought of that. Not at all.

Evie walked to the bed and sank down on the mattress. Until this matter was settled, she was truly homeless.

She’d known that. Had lived on the streets and in abandoned buildings for almost two weeks before she’d accidentally converted Craig into a vampire. But she hadn’t been very lucid most of the time. Now she was thinking clearly and the scope of the problem ahead of her frightened her. Craig was right. Vladimir could be watching every aspect of her old life, and he could afford to wait for as long as it took her to make a mistake.

She couldn’t contact any friends or acquaintances, go to the galleries or cafes that showed her work, or even eat at the same restaurants she used to frequent. He’d watched her for weeks, stalking her, learning her routines.

Craig crouched down in front of her and took her hands in his. “It will be okay, Evie. I know this has to be hard on you, but I can help you. I know you’re independent.” He chuckled. “There’s no doubt about that. If it helps, think of it as a loan. You can pay me back when this is over.”

Shame burned in her belly and she swallowed her pride and admitted the truth. “I can’t pay you back. I have fifty dollars in my account and about three hundred bucks cash in my purse back at my apartment. I was supposed to get paid by one of the galleries before the end of the month.”

“I see.”

Evie glared at him, almost hating him for what he had and she didn’t. Life wasn’t fair, but she’d never whined or complained. Instead, she’d gotten on with the business of living and doing what had to be done. Being dependent on another person didn’t sit well with her, even if it was the man she loved.

Especially then. She didn’t for one minute want him to think she was sleeping with him because he could take care of her financially.

“Oh, Evie.” He cupped her face and stared deep into her eyes. His blue eyes deepened in color, drawing her in.

“There’s nothing wrong with allowing someone else to help you. It doesn’t make you weak.”

She made herself look away, disconcerted by how well he seemed to be able to read her. “I don’t want you thinking I’m only staying with you because you have money.”

Craig stared at her for a long moment, then threw back his head and laughed. She frowned and smacked his arm. Here she was pouring out her guts to him and he had the audacity to laugh at her.

“You’re truly one of a kind. A rare gem. That’s the last thing I’d think.” He stood and pulled her into his arms.

“After all, you slept with me before you knew I had money.”

She wanted to burrow closer to his warmth. She was having a hard time regulating her body temperature tonight.

“That’s all you know. You obviously had rich friends.” How could he be so sure? She wasn’t certain she’d trust him as easily if the tables were turned.

He chuckled again, rocking her from side to side in his embrace. “Your independent soul wouldn’t allow it. But

—” he looked down at her, “—it will hurt my feelings if you don’t allow me to help you.”

His smile faded and he brushed a stray strand of hair off her cheek.

“You’re important to me, Evie. More important than any other woman has ever been.”

Her heart skipped a beat and then sped up. She ached to shut out the world and make love to him in his bed, in his home. But the clock was ticking, the night passing quickly, and they had a lot to do.

Breasts aching, her body practically vibrating with need, Evie forced herself to take a step back. “You better get changed. If you’re going to talk with your friends, we need to get going.”

He leaned down and dropped a quick, hard kiss on her lips. “You’re right. I don’t have to like it, but you’re right.” He kicked off his boots and shucked his jeans and socks. She cursed under her breath.

“Was that really necessary?” His erection was thick and long and it made her pussy clench. He should look ridiculous wearing nothing but a black sweater. Instead, he looked delicious.

She strode to the closet and yanked out the sweater she’d admired earlier.

“Sorry.” She could tell by his tone, he was anything but. The man was deliberately teasing her. Well, two could play that game.

Evie yanked the blouse Sonia had loaned her over her head and dumped it on the floor. She almost removed her bra too, but thought better of it. She wanted to tease him, not make him totally forget their purpose tonight.

Craig groaned and she watched him pull on clean boxer briefs and jeans, admiring the way he filled out the denim to perfection. She looked away and tugged on the sweater. It was huge on her, falling to mid-thigh. She rolled up the cuffs on each sleeve several times. It felt comfortable and comforting at the same time.

“Ready?” Craig was fully dressed and waiting.

Was she ready? Not really. But there really wasn’t any choice. No way was she letting him face down a room of werewolves on his own.

Once again, the unreality of her situation struck her. How many other people in this city actually knew that creatures like her and Craig’s family existed? How many lived blissfully in ignorance as she had until she was attacked?

“I’m ready.”

Haven would be closing when they arrived. Craig had deliberately timed it that way. The club was popular in the neighborhood and always busy. The food was your typical pub food, but cooked to perfection by Teague, a member of the Haven pack. The music was first rate and both Meredith’s adult sons—Michael and Benjamin—who worked behind the bar were popular with the female clientele.

Hunger was beginning to flutter inside him, and he had to work to control it. Maybe it was nerves making the craving seem more volatile than it had been only moments ago. He glanced down at Evie walking silently beside him on the nearly empty sidewalk and wondered what she was thinking and how she was feeling.

It was getting easier for him to guess her thoughts. But was it truly guessing if he knew in his gut he was right? He wasn’t reading her mind, per se, but there was no denying he could easily read her expressions.

He knew she wasn’t comfortable with the fact he had money. That angered him even as he understood it. He hadn’t grown up with money either and knew what it was like to live paycheck to paycheck. His entire childhood had been spent that way. His mother had worked hard, but she’d had little education and three children to feed on her own. He’d eaten more than his fair share of macaroni and cheese and canned soup.

But life was different now, and he enjoyed having money. It didn’t change who he was, but it did allow him to give his family and himself stability and a nice place to live. And he wanted to share that with Evie.

But now was not the time to bring up the subject. She’d only balk and probably run. “We’re almost there.” He pointed to the sign just down the road and his heart jumped. He’d missed his friends and wondered how they would react. “You’ll like the place. It’s a fair size but it still manages to be intimate.”

“Tell me about your friends.”

He tightened his grip on her hand as they crossed in front of an alley.

“They’re great. Meredith and Isaiah run the place. They’re both full-blooded werewolves. Meredith has two adult sons from a previous mating. She also has a bunch of adopted half-breed werewolves that she took in when they were mostly teens. They’re all grown now and all work there.”

“Isn’t that a bit weird? Didn’t any of them want to leave home and strike out on their own?”

He knew so much about werewolves, he took that knowledge for granted. It was strange to realize most people knew nothing about the species.

“Werewolves are pack animals just like wolves are. They prefer to live together.

Plus, there is safety in numbers. Don’t forget, they have bounty hunters after them too.

“I guess that makes sense.” She kicked an empty plastic bottle out of her path. “I can’t imagine having that much family around at all time.”

He drew her closer to him. “You get used to it.” He wanted her to get used to it. Wanted to share his family with her.

“Are Chrissten and Quinn going to be there with their spouses?” There was worry in her tone, and he knew she was concerned how they would react to her being there. Their first meeting hadn’t gone so well.

“Yeah. Hank works there full time as a bouncer, but everyone helps out when they need it. They weren’t at home, so they’ll be here.” At least he had some extra backup if the Haven pack didn’t take kindly to his new status in life. Or would that be his new status in death?

Were vampires really undead? He felt very much alive and his heart still beat, only much more slowly. Something to think about another time.

The door opened when they reached it and Hank ushered out a group of four guys. They weren’t falling-down drunk, but they’d obviously had a good time. As the humans laughingly stumbled down the sidewalk toward a waiting cab, Craig nodded at his brother-in-law.

“You going to let us in?”

“Do Meredith or Isaiah know you’re coming?”

Craig shook his head. “No, but I wanted to talk to them in person rather than call.”

Hank nodded, his expression grim.

“Everyone is inside. That was the last of the customers and there is no human staff on tonight.”

When Craig raised one eyebrow in silent question, Hank gave a shrug.

“They’re out with the flu. Both Bethany and Chrissten worked the floor tonight.”

Hank opened the door wide. “Come on in.”

Chapter Ten

Evie liked the vibe of the place but didn’t get much of a chance to look around. They were immediately surrounded by people.

“Craig!” A beautiful woman with a lush figure, long black hair and lovely blue eyes came forward with her arms wide open.

“Meredith.” There was a wealth of caring in Craig’s voice and Evie understood that these weren’t just friends of his. He considered them family.

They hugged briefly, but Meredith quickly stepped back. She sniffed the air and glanced behind Craig, her eyes narrowing on Evie.

A giant of a man with shaggy brown hair and rugged features stepped up next to the woman before sliding slightly in front of her. “What the hell is going on?”

His voice was low and demanding.

“Isaiah.” Craig nodded at the big man. Evie knew this man and the woman beside him were full-blooded werewolves. She was still trying to come to grips with the idea that real shapeshifters actually existed.

The rest of the group circled them.

The people she didn’t know were lining up behind Meredith and her man while Craig’s family stood behind them.

Evie’s spine tingled. She hated having them at her back. She wasn’t sure they wouldn’t attack her if given half a chance.

Craig put his arm around her and pulled her into the curve of his shoulder, leaving no doubt that they were together.

Evie stood a little straighter. Not that she could intimidate any of these people.

They were all much taller than her. More muscular too. She wasn’t sure who would be stronger if it came to a test of strength—vampire or werewolf. She hoped for Craig’s sake it didn’t come to that.

“It’s a rather long story.” Craig’s tone was even, but she could hear the hurt in it. “I wanted you to hear it from me.”

Meredith smiled and shifted to stand in front of her husband. “Why don’t we all sit down.” It was more a command than a suggestion and all the others immediately sat. All but the big guy.

“Isaiah.” Evie almost smiled at the slight warning in Meredith’s tone.

He sighed. “All right.” Isaiah stepped back and Craig walked past him. Evie kept one eye on the werewolf.

She wondered what he’d look like when he shifted. One thing for sure, she wouldn’t want to have to face him in a fight. He looked like the type to do whatever it took to win.

Craig held out a chair for her and Evie sat. She tapped her boot on the floor, her nerves frayed almost to the breaking point. It took an enormous amount of effort to control all her senses.

Even the dim light of the club was hard on her eyes. She wished she had a pair of sunglasses.

Craig seemed to be holding up better than her. Either that or he hid it better.

He was calm in a sea of tension and unasked questions.

“What happened?” Meredith asked.

Craig didn’t answer. Instead, he introduced her. “This is Evie. Evie this is Meredith Striker and her husband, Isaiah. They own Haven.”

“Hi.” She didn’t bother with any other pleasantries. The big guy currently had a scowl on his face and had his arms crossed over his chest. Not exactly the friendly sort.

“You’ve already met my family,” Craig continued. “The two men next to Meredith are her sons, Michael and Benjamin. Just behind Isaiah are Kevin, Teague and his wife, Neema.”

Evie nodded.

Suspicion filled Isaiah’s gaze. “Now that we all know one another, who exactly is this woman and why don’t you smell like yourself anymore?”

Craig knew he’d probably smell different to them. They were wolves after all, with keen senses. But he hadn’t expected them to catch on quite so quickly. He owed them all answers.

“I was on my way here the night I disappeared.” He gave Meredith a slight smile. “I heard a sound coming from an alleyway not too far from here.”

Evie tensed next to him and he took her hand, silently reassuring her she wasn’t alone.

“You had to check it out, didn’t you?” Isaiah’s question made Craig smile.

“Yeah, I did.”

“You should have come and gotten one of us to go with you.” Isaiah’s scowl couldn’t get any darker. Craig knew it was because he was protective of those he considered to be in his pack.

“I thought about it, but I figured it was a stray cat or dog.” Evie made a small sound beside him and he smiled.

“Instead, I found Evie.”

Craig felt his brother stirring behind him. The last thing he wanted was a fight among the werewolves so he hurried on with his tale. “Evie had been stalked and attacked by a vampire. He’d changed her but she’d managed to escape from him.”

Isaiah surged to his feet. “Vampire?

You brought an unknown vampire into our home?” Isaiah’s face partially morphed into a wolf and his fingernails lengthened into deadly claws.

Beside him, Evie gasped and he felt the sudden surge of her fear.

Craig slowly rose, trying to control the anger bubbling through his veins.

He’d always accepted everything about them, done all he could to help the pack.

He’d trusted them. Why couldn’t they do the same for him? A part of him knew he wasn’t being fair. A part of him didn’t care.

He knew his eyes had turned when Meredith put a hand across her mouth and stared at his face. “Actually, I brought two.” He faced his friends who were looking at him with equal parts fear and pity. “Evie attacked me and when she realized what she’d done, she tried to save me. Instead, she turned me into a vampire like her.”

He could hear all their individual heartbeats growing louder and faster, hear their blood swooshing through their veins. He sucked in a deep breath, desperately struggling for control. He didn’t want a fight with his friends. All he wanted was for them to understand and accept. He knew he was asking a lot. Maybe too much.

“Come, Evie. It’s time for us to leave.” He guided her toward the door.

None of them tried to stop them.

Disappointment threatened to break him.

Chairs pushed back and he knew his family was following, including Bethany and Hank. He could smell their individual scents getting closer instead of farther away. Craig worried most for Hank as he was an official part of the Haven pack and one of Meredith’s adopted sons. Being seen as taking Craig’s side in this could damage his relationship with the rest of the pack.

But it was Hank’s choice and he couldn’t help but feeling a sense of relief at knowing his family had his back.

Craig shoved open the door and stepped out into the night, taking a deep, calming breath.

“Are you all right?” Evie’s concern was a balm to his anger and disappointment.

“No, but I will be.” Her eyes were tinged red as well. Her fangs dropped.

Craig knew he shouldn’t have brought Evie here, exposing her to both temptation and possible danger. It wasn’t easy for either of them to control the bloodlust when they were around so many people. For whatever reason, it was easier to control around Damek and Sonia. Maybe because they were vampires too. He took both her hands in his. “Forgive me.”

She went up on her toes and placed her hands on his face. “There is nothing to forgive. Ever. I’m the one who should be begging you for your forgiveness.”

“Well, can you do it back at our place?” Hank said as he scanned the street, his eyes ever moving as he peered all around. “We shouldn’t be standing

around outside leaving ourselves so exposed.”

“Hank is right. We need to get home.” Quinn clapped Craig on the back. “Come on.”

Home. Craig wasn’t sure what that was anymore. A few days ago, he’d been certain it was Chicago and Wicker Park. He’d felt a part of something, an extended family. Now, that sense of belonging seemed to have disappeared.

Well, almost. He still had his brother and sister and their spouses. He turned to face them, keeping Evie tucked safely under his arm. The need to keep her close and protect her overrode everything else.

“Thank you for standing by me, but I don’t want to make things difficult for any of you. We’ll be going back to Damek’s.” They probably shouldn’t have left there in the first place, but he’d missed all his friends. “Thank you for having my apartment cleaned. I appreciate it.”

Chrissten gave a small cry and threw herself into her brother’s arms. He wrapped his arms around her and gave her a reassuring hug. Evie discreetly moved out of the way, which Craig didn’t like at all, but he understood why she did it. He knew Evie was upset on his behalf at what had happened in the club.

“We want you home with us.”

Chrissten clutched him, and he felt her desperation. They all wanted to turn back the clock and return to life the way it was. But that was impossible. There was no changing what was.

“Not until the threat is gone. I won’t put any of you in danger.” Craig sighed and kissed his sister on the temple. “I shouldn’t have come here tonight.” He gave a rueful smile, “But I missed you all.”

He felt Evie edging away from the group and reached out. He grabbed her arm and tugged her toward him. The last thing he wanted was for her to slip away by herself. “I wanted Evie to meet everyone and I wanted to talk to Meredith and the others in person. An error in judgment on my part.”

A familiar long black vehicle rolled up beside them. The back door opened and Damek stepped out. “I thought I might find you here.” The older vampire pinned him with a steady look. “Alarm systems and locks?”

Craig shrugged. “Seems I have a talent for bypassing them.”

“So I discovered.”

Craig knew his friend wasn’t happy with him, but he also sensed Damek understood why he’d come. Fatigue washed over him. He was tired. His entire life had been filled with one struggle after another, and he’d spent almost two long years of that time alone, unable to see his family or shared his worries with anyone. That might have been more than five years ago, but he hadn’t forgotten for one moment what it felt like.

Then his family had been reunited and he’d found Haven and Damek. The need to keep them all safe and cherish them was his goal in life. Now he didn’t know what was going to happen. All his plans were dust.

He squared his shoulders. He had money and he had drive. Plus, he had Evie and Damek and his immediate family. He nodded at Damek who inclined his head. The older vampire knew his thoughts. Craig wasn’t even trying to hide them from his friend.

Craig went to his brother and hugged him. “I love you.”

Quinn slapped him on the back and returned the hug. “I love you too. We all do. Whatever you need, I’m there.”

Next Craig hugged Bethany, who kissed his cheek. Then his sister.

Finally, he turned to Hank. “I don’t want to make any problems for you.”

Hank shook his head. “There’s no problem. If they decide they don’t want me working at Haven anymore, I’ll find a new job. No big deal.” Hank took his hand and pulled him into a half hug.

“You’re Chrissten’s family and she’s everything to me.”

Craig believed the big half-breed werewolf.

Evie stood by the door of the car, patiently waiting. Craig urged her into the vehicle and started to follow, but then paused. “Are you coming?” he asked Damek.

“I’ll be along shortly. I still have one final property to check. There is blood in the refrigerator behind the bar. One bag each. Then you should rest. We have a lot to do tomorrow night?”

Craig nodded and slid in beside Evie. Damek shut the door and the car slid away from the curb. The dark, glass panel separated them from the driver, giving them privacy. He closed his eyes and rested his head against the smooth leather. He was physically tired and emotionally drained.

A small hand covered his. Craig opened his eyes and stared into her concerned green gaze. “I’m sorry you had to witness that, Evie.”

She shook her head. “It’s okay. It was a lot for you to expect them to accept all of this so easily.”

“Why? I had no problem accepting them.”

“But they don’t know me. They probably think I’m controlling or manipulating you somehow. They’re afraid for the safety of their pack.”

He brought her hand to his lips. He opened his mouth and sucked on the tip of one of her fingers. The fatigue that swamped him only moments before was quickly being replaced by something else, something more powerful. His cock lengthened, pushing against the zipper of his jeans.

Evie gave a low, sultry laugh when he nipped on the pad of flesh at the base of her index finger. “It’s not going to take us that long to get back to Damek’s place,” she reminded him.

“I can work fast,” he promised. He needed to touch her, needed the connection to the one person who truly understood what he was going through.

“Maybe I shouldn’t ask this of you, but I am.” Craig lifted her easily, placing Evie on his lap. “Let me love you.”

In answer, Evie yanked off her jacket and then reached for the hem of her sweater.

Damek stood on the quiet sidewalk outside Haven with Craig’s family, outwardly showing no emotions.

Inwardly, he was seething.

Craig had made no attempt to shelter his thoughts, had freely shared them.

Damek knew exactly what had transpired inside Haven. He also knew his friend had neglected to mention a few pertinent details.

He studied the other four and raised one dark eyebrow. “Are you coming inside or leaving?”

Quinn motioned Damek forward.

“Lead the way. I wouldn’t dare miss this.”

Damek flowed forward and the door slammed opened before he reached it.

All heads turned toward the entrance, the male werewolves positioning themselves to defend the women. He ignored the growls and went straight to Meredith.

“A pleasure as always.” He took Meredith’s hand and brought it to his lips, knowing it would piss off her mate.

Isaiah, predictable as always, growled louder and pulled his mate away.

“Why are you here?” Isaiah asked.

“That is not exactly welcoming. But it seems you’re not in a welcoming mood tonight.” He was angry for his friend and for himself. How many times did these wolves expect him or Craig to prove themselves? He was done. From now on, they would have to prove themselves worthy of his friendship.

“Damek,” Meredith began, but he raised his hand and she went silent.

Isaiah quickly moved in front of her.

“What none of you seem to understand is that if I wanted to truly harm you there is nothing you could do to stop me.” He paced away, disappearing into the darkness, reappearing on the other side of the room.

Quinn and his small group settled in by the door but kept a close watch.

Damek knew Craig could depend on them and that curbed his anger, not by much, but enough to ensure he wouldn’t do or say anything he’d regret. He missed Sonia at a time like this. She was the only voice of reason he listened to other than Craig.

“I’ve done nothing but help this pack over the years. Every time you’ve come to me with a request, I’ve done everything in my power to see it carried out. And how do you repay that? With suspicion and mistrust.”

No one spoke. The only sounds came from the hum of the coolers behind the bar, the traffic on the street, the buzz of the lights and the heavy sound of breathing.

All eyes were on Damek.

“And Craig. Puny human that he is.

Excuse me, was. He’s helped track werewolf hunters, vampire hunters and accepted all of you without question. So glad you repaid him in kind.”

“He’s a newly made vampire, Damek.” Isaiah took an aggressive step forward. “And the girl is unknown.

Young vampires are unstable. You can’t expect me to trust them with my pack.”

Damek shook his head, wondering why after all these long centuries he was still disappointed by people’s reaction to certain situations. Human nature—or rather werewolf nature—never seemed to change no matter the era or the place.

“Not all vampires are the same. For example, the one that made Evie stalked her first. He fed on her fear. His name is Vladimir Drake and he’s moved into Chicago.”

“The string of bodies,” Michael spoke up, his words not a question but a statement of fact. They all knew what happened when an out-of-control vampire moved into a city.

“Yes. The police, of course, believe it is a cult.”

“That will bring the hunters.” There was concern in Meredith’s voice as she glanced at her family. Damek could easily read her concern for her pack.

“Yes. I’d say they’re probably already here.” Damek turned to Craig’s family. “Be on your guard. This vampire is dangerous and unstable. And the hunters are no better.”

“We will,” Quinn promised. Damek read his determination to protect his small pack from harm. Good.

“What are you going to do about it?”

Isaiah asked.

“Me.” Damek lightly touched his chest. “You expect me to do something about it. Chicago isn’t as welcoming a city as it once was. I’ve been considering selling my club and moving on. Of course, Craig, Evie and their family are more than welcome to come with me.”

Meredith pulled away from her husband’s grasp and went to Damek, placing her hand on his arm. “I’m so sorry for what happened here tonight.

We should have been more accepting of Craig and his friend. It was just such a shock. Craig was always special.”

Damek covered Meredith’s hand.

“He still is. Both he and Evie are. Other than my Sonia, I’ve never seen such control in two so young. And Sonia had some paranormal blood in her. These two were totally human. I think they draw strength from one another.”

“Fuck!” Isaiah dropped into a chair and sighed. “How can we deal with this threat? We can’t have a crazed vampire running around the city. It’s bad enough with just you. And the hunters definitely have to go.”

Damek knew the werewolf meant the taunt affectionately. In spite of himself and the way they’d disappointed him, he liked this pack. “I’ll let you know. In the meantime, you might like to place a call to our mutual friend and pray he’s willing to listen.”

The door to Haven opened when Damek walked toward it. “I have some things to do before dawn, but I’ll be in touch.”

He became one with the darkness, moving faster than the human eye could see. There was one final property on the list Craig had given him. He’d check that out and head home.

Meredith set her phone down on the bar. “He’s not answering.”

Isaiah slipped his strong arms around her. “Give him time.”

She sighed and leaned her head against his strong shoulder. “Damek was right. After everything Craig’s done for all of us over the past five years, we should have trusted his judgment, asked questions and found out what he needed.” She spun around on the stool and wrapped her arms around her husband. “We failed him. All he needed was for us to accept him, even if we didn’t understand the situation.”

“We’ll do better,” he promised. He lifted her into his arms and started toward the back stairs that led to their apartment.

“I hope we get the chance.” She rested her head on his shoulder, all the while wondering how Craig was dealing with the outcome of the night.

Vladimir Drake was not pleased.

He’d searched since the sun went down.

He’d had his minions searching for Evie at all her regular haunts. Nothing. No one had seen her. How could she evade him? She, who was so newly made.

When he found her he would have to destroy her for her betrayal. But he could spend some time with her first. It would be fascinating to study her, to see how strong she was, what her weaknesses were.

It was science and she would be his project. If he was going to make more vampires in the future, it behooved him to learn from his mistakes. He didn’t want to make a creature stronger than him. What he wanted was loyalty, an army of vampires willing to do his bidding.

Yes, he would find her and then the fun would begin.

Smiling, Vlad flicked his long wool coat open and made his way down the alley. There was someone cowering behind a dumpster and he was in the mood to play hide and seek.

His fangs lengthened and he smiled.

Chapter Eleven

Craig stretched out on the bed with Evie in his arms. The ride home had passed in a blur of lust. Evie had twined her naked limbs around his. He’d buried his hot, hard cock deep within her. And blood, the giving and taking of the life-

giving liquid.

At times he wondered how he could accept it all so easily. Maybe it was because he’d grown up with the paranormal. Maybe it was because he’d been friends with Damek for years. Or maybe it was simply his personality.

He’d never spent much time complaining about what he didn’t have, instead making the best of what he did. Evie was much like him in that respect. At their core, they were both survivors.

They’d fallen into bed and made love until dawn sent them both to sleep.

Or at least it sent him to sleep. His last memory was of Evie looking down on him and smiling. She hadn’t seemed the least bit tired. Not like him.

He should have waited in the living room for Damek to return home, but his need for Evie was too great. They’d barely remembered to drink the blood as Damek had instructed. It was strange to realize that his lust for Evie outweighed the bloodlust.

He’d known when both Sonia and Damek had returned and when they’re retired to their bedroom for the day.

Having him and Evie there had to be cramping the other couple’s lifestyle, even though neither of them had done or said anything to suggest such a thing.

They should probably move out tonight or at least talk to Damek about the possibility. Craig didn’t want to do anything that might jeopardize Evie’s safety.

He ran his fingers over her bare arm, loving the smoothness of her skin. She was an enigma in many ways, even though he felt as though he knew her better than anyone else in her life ever had. He liked that about her. She had layers to peel back and explore.

“You seriously can’t be considering having sex again.” She pushed her dark hair out of her face, her voice sleepy and slightly disgruntled. “Because I may not walk for a week as it is.”

Craig grinned, knowing she was teasing him. Their new healing powers as vampires allowed them both to recover quickly. “That’s not what you were saying last night.”

She laughed and poked him in the stomach. “A gentleman wouldn’t remind me of that.”

“I never said I was a gentleman, now did I?”

Evie grinned. “I guess not.” She nestled against him. “What time is it?”

He didn’t even have to think about it.

“Five minutes past sunset.”

“We should get up.”

“Soon.” Craig wanted to stay like this as long as possible. When it was just him and Evie, life somehow made sense. “Tell me more about yourself?”

He felt her tense and modified his request. “About your art? How did you get started?”

The hand she’d rested on his stomach began to move, her fingers making circles on his skin. “I’ve always drawn, always doodled, ever since I was a kid. My favorite toy was crayons and paper. Maybe because they were cheap, I always seemed to have some.”

His heart ached as he imagined a much younger Evie quietly drawing.

Alone.

“One of my foster mothers gave me some colored pencils when I was about twelve and I became obsessed. I was lucky enough to attend a school with a good art program for a couple of years.

That really helped me develop. I discovered pastels, water colors, oils and acrylics. I scrounged supplies and worked whenever I could.”

Evie tilted her head back. “What about you? Tell me about your childhood? When did you discover your love of computers?”

Craig smiled down at her, captured her wayward hand and brought it to his mouth. He kissed her palm and held it over his heart. “I was always computer mad. We didn’t have much money when I was growing up. Mom worked two jobs constantly to put a roof over our heads.”

“You didn’t come from money?”

Craig could hear the surprise in her tone and realized there was a lot they didn’t know about one another.

“Far from it.” He let the memories take him back. “But that didn’t matter.

Mom was always smiling, always making the best out of things. She did janitorial work at several office buildings, and when she discovered some old computer equipment being thrown out she asked if she could have it. They said she could so she brought it home, figuring Quinn and Chrissten might be able to use it for school, but it was broken. I took everything apart and built one good system out of the parts.”

“That’s impressive.”

Craig shrugged. “Like you with art, it came naturally to me. She brought home more computer equipment and parts when she found them and I scoured the garbage bins in the richer neighborhoods for more. I enjoyed the challenge.”

“What happened to your mom?”

Evie’s soft question made his heart ache.

His mother had been still so young when she’d died.

“She got sick but didn’t go to the doctor. No time and crappy health insurance. By the time we figured out something was really wrong it was too late. The cancer had spread.”

“I’m so sorry.” Evie lifted herself up on one arm so she was looking down on him.

He shrugged. “Me too, but life isn’t always fair.” He touched her cheek, running the pad of his finger over it.

“You’d know that better than most. I never doubted that my mother loved me.

That’s more than a lot of people get.

Plus, I had Quinn and Chrissten. We pulled together and made things work.”

Evie could only wonder at that kind of closeness. Most of the people she’d known would have looked out for themselves at a time of crisis. It made her respect Quinn and Chrissten even more knowing they’d automatically taken care of their younger brother when their mother died. She could only imagine the kinds of bonds that living through such an event would forge.

She’d only had the most superficial of personal connections. Sure, she’d lived in a few decent foster homes, but they were always temporary and lasted only as long as the families got paid and the foster kids weren’t too much trouble.

“Were you ever close to any of your foster parents?” Craig’s soft question pulled her out of her thoughts.

“There was one woman, the one who gave me the colored pencils.” She’d never spoken about this to anyone. “The home was in a decent neighborhood and the school was the best I’d ever attended. There was always enough food and I had clean clothes. They came from the thrift store, but it was good quality.

She taught me how to look for labels and to shop at the thrift stores nearer the upscale neighborhoods.” Evie laughed.

“She used to say that only rich people threw out good stuff.”

Craig brushed his hand over her head and let it settle at her nape. “What happened?”

“I was there two years.” They’d been the best two years of her short life.

“I was beginning to think I was going to stay there, you know?” The dark memories still hurt after all these years.

“She found out she was pregnant. They were so happy. My foster father had never paid much attention to me, but that all changed. I was suddenly in the way.”

“Fuck.” There was such anger in Craig’s voice and it was all for her. It made it easier to finish telling her story.

“Yeah, you know what comes next.

They fought a lot and finally my foster mom came to me and told me I’d be moving. She’d been crying and felt bad, but she didn’t fight hard enough to keep me there. She gave me up just like everyone else in my life has.”

Craig pulled her down until their faces were only an inch apart. “I’ll never give you up.”

His promise sent a shiver of longing through her even as she struggled not to believe it. He said that now, but if it came down to a choice between her or his family, she didn’t hold out any hope of being the winner. That’s just the way life was.

Craig kissed her, moving his mouth softly against hers. She sighed and gave herself up to the passion that simmered constantly between them. She’d tried to hold herself back from him, but it was impossible. There was just too much passion, too much everything.

He understood her like no one else ever had. He talked to her as though her opinion mattered, made her feel important for the first time in her life.

That in itself was seductive. She knew they were on borrowed time, but she’d tossed caution to the wind. She didn’t expect to live for much longer and, for the first time in her life, she felt as though she belonged with someone.

Not that she’d ever admit it to him or anyone else. No, she’d protect her heart as best she could, but that didn’t mean she was going to deny herself the pleasure of being with him. If she was going to have the heartbreak when the time came for them to part, she reasoned she might as well enjoy all the good stuff.

He eased back and studied her.

“What is going on in that brain of yours?”

She shook her head. No way was she going there.

“We should get up and talk to Damek.” Because if they stayed in bed much longer, she knew they’d end up making love again. Not that she’d particularly mind. She loved Craig’s body, his broad shoulders, wide chest and six-pack abs. She loved his slightly callused hands on her skin and his hard, hot cock inside her.

But she was particularly vulnerable now because the memories from her past were so close to the surface. She needed to rebuild her walls, reinforce them as much as she could, before they made love again.

And it was making love. She’d had sex with a couple of guys before and there was no comparison between what they’d done and what happened when she and Craig came together.

Craig studied her for a long moment and then released her. “Whatever you want.” He sifted his fingers through her long hair, combing it carefully. “All I want is for you to be happy.”

And all she’d ever wanted was a man who would say these kinds of things to her and mean it. Too bad she’d turned the only one who ever had into a vampire. Not to mention the fact that both their lives were in danger until she killed the creature who’d made her.

Yeah, as always, her life sucked.

Although, for the first time in what seemed life forever, she had something good in her life, someone good.

Craig released her and dropped a quick kiss on her lips. “We’ll talk more later.” There was a thread of steel beneath his words that sent a shiver down her spine. He might want to talk more later, but there was a limit to what she’d tell him. He already knew more about her than any other living soul.

He rolled out of bed and padded to the adjoining bathroom. Evie simply lay in bed and enjoyed the view of Craig’s naked butt. After about thirty seconds, she sighed and climbed out of bed and followed him.

Damek was waiting for them when they entered the living room a half hour later. Craig’s shower had taken a little longer than he’d planned, but he didn’t mind. Making love to Evie in the shower was becoming his favorite way to start the day. Or rather, night.

He only wished he knew what was on her mind. She seemed pensive. One moment she was right with him, the next she seemed a million miles away. Her revelations from her past weren’t much of a surprise. He’d known she’d been in foster care and had left as soon as she’d turned eighteen. She wouldn’t have done that if she’d been close to the family she’d been living with.

Like him, for good or bad, her past defined her. Craig knew she was a guarded person, a loner. But he wasn’t going to let her stay that way any longer.

It would take some time, but he knew he could convince her to trust him with her love. She already trusted him with her body, but that wasn’t enough. There was something special between them and he wasn’t about to lose it. He’d waited too long to find a woman like Evie—intelligent, giving, honorable and, best of all, she knew all about him and his family.

Evie was one in a million and worth fighting for.

He also knew she was still planning on sacrificing herself if need be. Knew she felt she had to face Vladimir Drake alone and kill him. Evie wasn’t used to anyone having her back, being on her side. But she’d learn or he’d die trying.

She was holding herself slightly away from him and Craig knew she was trying to put some emotional and physical distance between them. He wasn’t having it. He caught her hand and twined their fingers together.

Damek and Sonia were already seated on the sofa waiting for them.

Craig nodded to his hosts. “Good evening.”

Damek motioned to the glasses of blood on the coffee table. “Drink and we’ll talk.”

Craig seated Evie next to him, ignoring the dirty look she sent him. As long as she was sitting next to him she could look at him any way she wanted.

He almost grinned at the uncharacteristically possessive thought.

He’d certainly changed since he’d met Evie. Craig was beginning to understand his friend more and more with each passing day. Damek was certainly possessive when it came to Sonia.

Craig picked up one of the crystal glasses and started to hand it to Evie.

She ignored him and took the other one that was still on the table. He shrugged and sipped the ruby liquid. “Did you have a chance to check the properties?”

“Yes.” Damek absently ran his fingers up and down Sonia’s arm. “I checked all the ones you sent me. One was a possibility, but it was empty. The rest were a bust.”

Craig nodded. “I probably need another half hour on my computer and can send you everything else I’ve found.

I should have done it last night, but—” He broke off and lifted the glass, drinking deep. No need to rehash last night’s debacle.

“Have you checked your phone messages?” Sonia asked. The compassion in her voice soothed some of the ache in his heart. He still had friends. Good friends in her and Damek.

And his family.

“No.”

“You should.” Damek’s crisp words made Craig stop.

“What did you do?”

Damek scowled at him. “I did nothing other than talk to those stubborn wolves.”

Craig reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. He’d automatically put it there when he’d dressed but hadn’t bother to check it for messages. There were half a dozen missed calls from Meredith and almost as many from his sister.

The ones from his sister were easy enough to figure out. She probably wanted to tell him what Damek had said.

The ones from Meredith weren’t quite as easy to figure out. “If they have to be blackmailed into talking to me, I’m not interested.”

Evie had been keeping her distance but was suddenly plastered alongside him, her hand resting on his leg. He could feel her tensing, ready to jump to his defense if necessary. He covered her hand with his, loving the sense of togetherness it gave him.

Damek raised one eyebrow. “Now why would you think they were blackmailed?”

Craig set his glass down on the table and pointed an accusing finger at his friend. “I know you. I know how you operate.”

Sonia laughed and playfully punched her husband in the side. “He’s got your number.”

“The abuse I take.” Damek caught her hand, brought it to his lips and kissed each of Sonia’s knuckles before turning back to Craig. “I didn’t blackmail them.

I didn’t have to. I simply pointed out a few truths to them. But you don’t have to take my word for it, talk to Meredith. Or your siblings for that matter. They were there.”

Damek rose. “I must leave for work.”

Craig jumped to his feet before his friend could leave the room. There was no expression on Damek’s face, but Craig knew his accusation had hurt his friend. “I’m sorry. You didn’t deserve that.” Craig raked his fingers through his hair, frustrated with himself and with the situation they all found themselves tangled in.

“I’ve got a lot on my mind right now, but you’ve been nothing but kind and understanding. Hell, I probably wouldn’t be standing here if you hadn’t come to my aid. I don’t doubt that Vladimir would have found us by now if we were still roaming the streets, trying to survive. I owe you my life. Our lives.”

Damek swore in a language Craig didn’t know, but there was no doubt what was coming out of his friend’s mouth was profanity. Some words didn’t need translating. “You owe me nothing.

Nothing. You are my one true friend.”

Craig pulled Damek into his arms and hugged him. “And you’re my friend.

Now and always.” Damek returned his embrace and then pulled back.

The older vampire stared at him for a long moment, both of them sharing their thoughts before retreating behind their separate walls once again. Damek nodded and Craig knew he’d been forgiven.

Damek glanced at Evie and then back at his wife. “We must plan our next move.”

Chapter Twelve

Evie’s head was still ringing with Damek’s instructions on how to defeat a vampire, especially one as old as Vladimir. Nobody said it was going to be easy, but from what Damek had told them it seemed almost impossible—at least for her.

But she wouldn’t accept defeat.

There was no doubt in her mind that Damek could destroy Vladimir Drake.

Whatever Vladimir’s skills, she couldn’t imagine him defeating Damek in a fight.

But then, fate didn’t always play fair.

She had to be prepared in case her opportunity arose or Damek failed.

Fresh from her shower, she dressed in a pair of new jeans and the sweater she’d borrowed from Craig’s closet. It might be juvenile, but she liked wearing his sweater. It made her feel closer to him.

Sonia had thoughtfully shopped for some new clothing for her and Evie now had several underwear sets, some new tops, a pair of jeans and a pair of leggings. She’d pay the other woman back as soon as she could.

She sat on the bed, pulled on her boots and laced them up. Craig walked out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his lean waist and another one around his neck. A bead of water rolled down his broad chest, making Evie lose her breath. The urge to step up to him and lick that small droplet of water away was almost overwhelming.

They hadn’t had sex last night before they’d fallen asleep or when they’d woken this evening. It was obvious he wanted to, but she’d put him off and then felt guilty when he’d immediately become concerned about her wellbeing.

They’d still slept together, and she’d spent the night with his arm draped across her. She’d lay awake in the daylight hours, soaking up the sensation of being tucked up next to his big body.

Safety. Craig represented safety to her on so many levels.

As much as she cared for him and wanted to be with him, she needed some perspective, and that only came with distance. Unfortunately or fortunately, she wasn’t sure which, they were stuck together until the trouble with Vladimir and the bounty hunters was dealt with.

Evie finished with the laces of her boots and leaned back against the headboard and watched Craig drop his towel and pull on a pair of boxer briefs.

She almost broke out in a sweat at the sight of his firm butt cheeks. Too soon, he was covered, pulling on a pair of jeans and a dark-brown wool pullover.

He picked up both towels and went back into the bathroom. She knew he was hanging them on the towel rod. He was good about things like that.

Evie closed her eyes and sighed, but the image that filled her imagination was the one of Damek and Craig sparring in the empty apartment beneath Damek’s home. As soon as the sun had set this evening, Damek pounded on their bedroom door, demanding their presence. They’d barely had time to swallow the glasses of blood he’d thrust at them before he was hustling them downstairs to what seemed to be a workout space. He’d handed each of them a sword and demanded they pay attention and learn.

And learn they had.

Damek was a tough task master, exacting and driven. He’d drilled them over and over on different positions and maneuvers. She’d found them difficult, but Craig had taken to them like a duck to water. Before long, she was watching the two men spar. And while it was obvious that Damek was far superior, Craig held his own.

Damek had explained about staking a vampire through the heart. Younger vampires it would probably kill. Older ones might be incapacitated, but not for long. The head needed to come off and the body had to be burned. A grizzly and bloody business.

“Are you okay?” Craig asked as he came toward her. She rose quickly from the bed, not needing the temptation of having him sit next to her on a nice firm mattress.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Just thinking about everything we learned.” They’d spent three hours drilling before Damek dismissed them for the night. She had a feeling they’d still be at it if Damek hadn’t needed to go to work. Thankfully, being a vampire meant no sore muscles.

She seemed to heal incredibly fast, her muscles strengthening as she’d gone through the various exercises.

She felt more capable of defending herself than she had been, but nowhere near ready enough to defeat another vampire, especially not one of Vladimir’s age.

Craig grinned. “That was one heck of a workout.”

“You enjoyed it,” she accused.

She’d sweat and struggled, while he’d seemed to have fun.

He nodded and chuckled. “I admit, I did. I used to practice fighting techniques with Quinn and Hank all the time, and I miss it. But we’ve never used weapons before.”

“Those swords were sharp.” A shiver trickled down Evie’s spine.

Those blades were sharp enough to remove a person’s head if enough force was used. And with his new strength, Craig could easily do it. But that meant Vladimir could too.

“Hey.” Craig caught her hands and held them against his chest. “Don’t worry. Everything will be fine.”

She snorted. “You keep your Pollyanna outlook on life if it makes you happy.”

He frowned and released her hands.

“It’s better than always looking on the dark side of things.” He raked his fingers through his damp hair. “Look, I’m not stupid. I know bad things happen to good people all the time. But I have to believe we can get through this, that we can come out the other side. What’s the alternative? To give up and throw in the towel?”

Angry at Vladimir, angry at the situation they both found themselves in, and angry at herself for what she’d done to him, Evie lashed out. “At least I’m being realistic about the situation.”

“What you’re being is a coward.

You want to pretend that what’s between us isn’t happening. You’re afraid of me getting close to you.”

“In your dreams.” She wanted to scoff at his words, to call him a liar, but she was very afraid he was right. She was afraid of him, of Vladimir, of what was to come. She started to stride past him, needing to get away from his masculine presence for even a short while. As she went by him, he caught her around the waist and pulled her back against him.

“Let me go,” she demanded through clenched teeth.

“Make me,” he taunted.

Fury erupted inside her and she began to fight. He countered her moves easily, pinning her arms by her sides and lifting her off the floor. She threw back her head and slammed it into his face.

He swore and she smelled blood. Her fangs exploded from her gums and her nails extended into claws. Animalistic growls spewed from deep inside her.

All her fear, all her pent-up frustration and rage poured out of her.

Like lancing a wound, now that the poison was escaping there was no way to stop it.

She heard Craig calling her name, but she was lost in a void darker than midnight. The only color was the deep-

purplish red of rage. It filled her vision.

She thirsted for blood.

Like a caged wild thing, she fought the human bars that enclosed her. It was no use. As strong as she was, he was stronger. He pushed her face first against the wall and she dug her claws into the drywall, gouging deep. With his chest against her back and his arms around her, she was powerless to move. His legs surrounded her, immobilizing them.

She howled like a wounded animal.

The door slammed open and she heard a woman gasp and Craig’s command for her to leave them. Jealousy speared through her. Why was there another woman there? Craig belonged to her.

That stopped her cold.

She could hear them both breathing heavily, feel his hot, moist breath on her neck. Her heart was racing. She was hungry. Oh God, the hunger was eating at her insides along with the need for vengeance. She hauled a lungful of air into her and the enticing aroma of fresh blood made her moan and lick her lips.

So good. It would taste so good.

“It’s okay, Evie. I’ve got you. I won’t ever let you go. You’ll never be alone again.”

Craig’s words slowly sank into her psyche as the haze of rage slowly evaporated, leaving her feeling empty and spent.

What had she done?

A lone tear trickled down her cheek.

Craig slowly released his tight hold and turned her so she was facing him. He leaned close and captured her teardrop with his tongue. There was blood beneath his nose from where she’d hit him with the back of her head. She tugged at the hem of his shirt, lifting it until she could wipe the blood away. As much as she wanted to taste it, she was afraid of what she might do if she did.

Her claws and fangs had receded with her anger, but the shame and disappointment remained. “I’m sorry.”

What else could she say? She’d attacked him for no reason. She owed Craig everything. If not for him, she’d be alone on the streets. No, that wasn’t quite true.

If it weren’t for Craig, Damek would have killed her the moment he met her for what she’d done to his friend, or Vladimir probably would have tracked her by now.

Craig smoothed his hands over her arms. “It’s okay, Evie. It’s perfectly natural to get upset. Things have been out of your control from the beginning.”

“I don’t see you having a hissy fit over the situation.” And that made her resentful. How come he seemed to be handling things better than her?

He cocked his head to one side and studied her intently. She fought the urge to squirm.

“Maybe because I already knew about vampires and werewolves and accepted them. I know this world and understand the reality of it. This is all new to you. You had no idea what had happened to you. I knew all too well.”

“Not making me feel better.”

Her comment surprised him and then he laughed. “I guess not. But it’s the truth.” He took her hand and tugged her toward the door. “Come on, we need to reassure Sonia everything is okay before she calls Damek.”

Evie was suddenly in a hurry to do just that. The last thing she wanted was for Sonia to feel threatened by her. That would sign her death warrant. If there was one thing Evie was sure of, it was that anyone who was a threat to Damek’s wife died. Plain and simple.

And she couldn’t fault him for that.

The fact that he loved Sonia so much was a point in his favor.

She glanced at Craig as he led the way down the hall to the living room, amazed by how he treated her considering she’d turned him into a vampire. Even when she’d attacked him, he hadn’t harmed her, had only protected her. Her heart skipped a beat.

Craig stopped and swiveled around.

“Are you okay?”

Even now, he seemed so in tune with her. It was scary and enticing at the same time. “I will be as soon as I apologize to Sonia.”

She stepped around Craig and took the lead. She knew the other woman was waiting for them, could easily feel her presence. That was a skill she’d gotten since becoming a vampire. It was a weird, but useful ability.

“I’m so sorry,” Evie began. “I’ll pay for any damage to the room. I’m afraid the drywall took a hit.” She tried to make light of the situation, but her attempt fell flat.

Evie expected to see fear or maybe disgust on Sonia’s face. Anything but genuine concern. “I’m just glad you’re fine. Please, sit.” She motioned to the sofa and, although Evie wanted to be anywhere else right now, she sat. She figured she owed Sonia that much.

“I know it can be a lot to take in, and it has to be worse for you because you knew nothing of this world until you were attacked. I’d be shocked if you weren’t having more than a few problems adjusting.”

“That’s what Craig said,” she muttered. She didn’t feel worthy of their understanding. Having her here was complicating their lives to no end.

“And he’s right. It’s a lot to take in and adjust to. Give yourself some time and cut yourself some slack.” Sonia rose to her feet and smiled at them. “If you don’t need anything, I’m off to the library to do some research.”

Evie frowned and glanced at the clock on the wall. “Doesn’t it close in an hour?”

Sonia laughed. “With the amount of donations Damek had given them, the library is never closed for me. The night watchmen all know me and let me in.”

“How are you getting there?” Craig asked.

“You’re as bad as Damek,” Sonia playfully scolded.

Evie could only watch the byplay and wonder. She’d never had good friends, not like Craig did. Lots of acquaintances, sure, but she’d never lowered her guard enough to allow someone to really know her. It was her way of protecting herself. Now she could see how much she’d missed by doing so, how she’d isolated herself.

“But don’t worry,” Sonia continued.

“Jerome is waiting downstairs with the car. He usually comes inside the library and reads until I’m ready to go unless Damek needs him for something.”

Craig gave Sonia a kiss on the cheek.

Evie curled her fingers into the leather of the sofa to keep from jumping up and going after the other woman. It was crazy. She knew Sonia was very in love with Damek and that Craig was only a friend, but that didn’t seem to matter at the moment.

She was jealous and it didn’t sit well with her.

The door closed, leaving them alone in the apartment. “I should leave.” Even as she said it, she knew she wouldn’t.

First of all, she had nowhere to go, and she wasn’t stupid enough to think it would be easy to survive on her own with a crazy vampire after her. And secondly, she didn’t want to leave Craig, liked being around him. Plus, she felt a burning need to protect him and she could only do that if she was with him.

“Stay.” He sat on the sofa next to her and pulled out his phone. “I need to make some calls. If you want to go out after that, we will.”

She slumped back against the cushions and sighed. “I’ll wait.”

Craig rubbed his thumb over her cheek. “Don’t be so hard on yourself, Evie. You’ve come such a long way in a short time.” A slow smile curved his lips, making her want to kiss them. “And you were hot when you were wielding that sword. Although, I’m thinking you might be more of a knife girl.”

His observation made her laugh.

That was one of Craig’s gifts. He made her forget her problems. No, not forget them. He made them easier to handle.

“You like a knife-wielding woman, do you?”

“I guess I do.” He leaned down until their lips were almost touching.

“Although, not just any knife-wielding woman.” He touched his lips to hers.

“Only you.” He kissed her then, deeply, hotly.

She slid her hand up his nape to tangle in his hair. He tasted so good, spicy and warm. All hot male with a tinge of the blood he’d drank earlier.

She made a soft sound in the back of her throat and shifted closer.

Then his phone rang.

The last thing Craig wanted to do was stop kissing Evie, but he knew he had to answer his phone. If he soon didn’t make contact with his friends, they might come here. And he wasn’t sure Evie was up to that yet. And he sure as hell knew Damek wouldn’t be pleased. The older vampire valued his privacy and zealously guarded it.

Knowing Damek like he did, Craig wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if the older vampire moved, and sooner rather than later. In fact, he’d be shocked if he didn’t. He probably had another apartment all ready in case he had to move in a hurry. Damek was nothing if not organized and prepared. Craig admired that and hoped to learn from him.

Evie was calm now, but her eruption of anger hadn’t truly surprised him.

She’d dealt with so much in such a short time that her emotions were bound to be volatile. He was lucky in that most of this wasn’t new to him. Plus, he had his family and Sonia and Damek supporting him. She was alone.

He eased back, letting his lips linger one final second before grabbing the phone before it went to voice mail.

“Hello.” He knew it was Meredith from the call display. He pulled Evie close to him, wanting her to hear the conversation. There could be no secrets between them. He wanted her to truly understand that they were in this together.

“Hi, Craig.” Meredith took a deep breath on the other end of the line. “I’m so sorry about last night. We’re all sorry. We shouldn’t have reacted as badly as we did. That was wrong of us. I just want you to know that you’re welcome at Haven anytime and if you need anything from us, you have only to ask.”

The hole their lack of acceptance had created in Craig’s heart began to slowly close. This was a new beginning for all of them. The parameters of their relationship had changed, but the basis of their friendship remained. They had years of shared history, of memories that nothing could erase. If he was a jerk, he could blow off her apology or he could take it and reach out to her, to all of them.

He chose the latter.

“That means a lot to me, Meredith.

You mean a lot to me.”

She sniffed and he knew she was crying. “You mean a lot to me too. To all of us.”

Craig wasn’t sure about that part.

“What does Isaiah have to say about that?”

Craig heard a muffled curse in the background and knew Isaiah was listening in on the call. “You’re welcome here, Craig.” The alpha wolf sighed. “I wasn’t exactly expecting two vampires to walk into our place last night. I maybe didn’t handle the situation quite as well as I could have.”

Craig heard Meredith mutter, “That’s an understatement.” It made him smile.

“I shouldn’t have sprung it on you like that,” Craig admitted. “I should have called ahead and prepared you first. Not surprised you. But in my defense, I thought that was the kind of thing I should tell you in person.”

“It was a surprise, for sure.” The dry tone in Isaiah’s tone made Craig laugh.

“I imagine it was. Was a shock for me too.”

“How are you dealing with things?”

Meredith asked. Once again, she’d fallen into her familiar role of mothering him.

It might take a while, but they’d get their relationship back on track.

“I’m managing. We’re managing.

Listen, I’m sorry if Damek gave you a hard time last night.”

“I’ll deny it if you ever tell him,” Isaiah said, “but the vampire was right for once.”

“You know, you can’t keep calling Damek the vampire now. There’s more than just one,” Craig pointed out.

“Don’t remind me,” Isaiah groused.

Craig heard the teasing note in his voice and relaxed. “When are you coming over?” the werewolf demanded.

“Meredith won’t rest until she sees you in person.”

Craig glanced at Evie, who nodded.

“How about we come over after closing so we can talk?”

“Sounds good. See you then.”

Craig ended the call and turned to Evie. “Is that okay with you? We won’t go if you’re not comfortable with it.”

“They’re your friends,” she pointed out.

He tossed his phone aside and lifted her, pulling her over him until she was straddling his lap. “You’re more important.” He wanted—no, needed—

her to understand that what he felt for her transcended other relationships. Even the one he had with his family. It didn’t matter to him if they accepted Evie or not, she belonged to him, with him. He’d been prepared to give up his life in Chicago, his friends and family, if necessary.

Thankfully, they were coming around. He didn’t want to lose them. It would hurt him deeply. But losing Evie would devastate him to the point he wasn’t sure he could recover.

He had no idea why he felt so tied to her and on such a deep emotional level.

It was as though their souls were joined.

It sounded hokey as hell, but was true nonetheless.

Craig didn’t want to talk anymore.

He cupped her breasts through the sweater she wore, his sweater. The possessive side of him liked the fact she was wearing his clothes. The saner part of him told himself not to read too much into the action.

“I want you.”

He’d meant to seduce her with words and light touches, but that was beyond him now. Whereas anger had filled her earlier, now lust consumed him. He understood Evie better than she thought. He’d channeled his anger into another physical outlet, one much more pleasurable.

He ran his thumbs over her pebbled nipples. “Let me have you.” He leaned forward and nuzzled his lips against her throat. “I need you.”

She made a small sound in the back of her throat and then she pushed him away.

He made himself release her when what he most wanted to do was band his arms around her and never let her go.

Evie yanked the sweater up and off, exposing her lace-covered breasts. He couldn’t read the expression on her face.

Part resignation, part arousal and maybe something more.

“Yes.”

She kissed him then, and he lost himself in the beauty that was Evie.

Vladimir studied the fawning minion in front of him. “Tell me again what you saw?”

The man looked up at him, a rapt expression on his face as his words eagerly fell from his lips. “I saw another vampire. No, I felt him. His power is immense.”

“Really?” A growing rage was filling Vladimir. There was no vampire more powerful than he. He was the oldest. He’d taken care of that detail by killing the one who’d made him. It had taken him ten years to gain Andre’s full trust and, once he had it, he’d wasted no time dispatching his maker. Andre had often bragged about being the oldest vampire, therefore, now he was the oldest. And if he wasn’t, he’d find a way to destroy this other vampire. “And where did you see—no, feel—this vampire.”

“Outside a small bar in Wicker Park.

Haven.”

Vladimir leaned back in his chair. It was more a throne really. It had once belonged to an Austrian king who hadn’t needed it in a long, long time. He surveyed the large living room. Four more of his minions stood, waiting for his instructions. What he really wanted was a family of his own making.

Vampires loyal to him, willing to do his bidding at a moment’s notice. Intelligent beings unlike these mindless creatures.

He tapped his fingers on the fine oak arm of the chair. “Hmm. Watch this Haven club, and call me if the creature returns or if you see Evie.” He’d taken several photos of her when he’d been stalking her so his minions all knew what she looked like.

Maybe this other vampire had found his Evie. Maybe she’d wanted to return to him but couldn’t. She’d been frightened when he’d left her and run after him, not from him.

Vladimir liked this scenario much more than the other ones he’d imagined.

Yes, maybe Evie was even now trying to come back to him. If that were the case, he’d forgive her. If not, she still had value. He would study her, learn from his mistake and kill her.

Either way, he won.

“Go.” He infused his command with power and his minions stumbled all over themselves trying to get out the door.

Vladimir laughed. Sheep, all of them.

Humans were good for two things—

slaking his hunger and serving him.

He rose from his chair, slipped on his expensive wool coat and headed for the door. It was time to go hunting.

Chapter Thirteen

Craig knew there were a hundred things he should be doing, but for the life of him, he couldn’t think of any single one that was as important as kissing Evie. Their lips clung briefly before separating. He looked into her eyes and saw the same need he felt mirrored there.

Sexual need burst through him like a bolt of lightning, and he took her mouth, kissing her like there was no tomorrow.

And who knew? There might not be.

Taking. Giving. She gripped his head, holding him to her as their kiss went on and on, their tongues dueling for supremacy, their breath mingling.

A sense of urgency pushed him onward, growing with each passing second. He couldn’t shake the idea that they were on borrowed time, that something terrible was about to happen.

He pulled back from the kiss when his fangs dropped and a low growl rumbled up from his chest. “I won’t let anything happen to you.”

Evie shook her head. “You can’t promise that. No one can.” Her sweater was already gone, so when she removed her bra and tossed it aside, it left her naked from the waist up. Her unbound breasts swayed with every movement she made. “But you can give me this.”

She lifted his hands and brought them to her chest.

His hands covered the bounty, enjoying the weight of the mounds, the softness of her skin. So soft and perfect.

He bent his head and took one ripe nipple into his mouth. He sucked gently, pulling on the nub while flicking it with the tip of his tongue.

Evie moaned and rubbed her hips against his pelvis. His cock strained to get closer. He could smell her growing arousal, that spicy perfume unique to Evie that drove him to want her even more.

He left one pert nipple and kissed his way over to the other, enjoying the way Evie tugged on his hair. “Harder,” she groaned.

Craig obliged, sucking harder on the taut bud. He loved the way she gave herself to him, holding nothing back. At least not while they were having sex.

When they were dealing with other issues, there was no doubt Evie was holding back on him.

But he’d come to know her well in a very short time and knew how her mind worked. And he had no doubt she was still stuck on confronting Vladimir on her own, on protecting him.

He lifted her and turned, laying her flat on the sofa. He yanked off his sweater and let it fall to the floor. Evie made a low purring sound and rubbed her hands over his chest. He gritted his teeth to keep from falling on her like a sex-starved maniac. Since he’d met Evie and become a vampire, his sex drive had gone into overdrive. He had no idea if that was normal or not and didn’t care.

He also didn’t want any other woman but Evie.

He unzipped her jeans and pulled them down her legs. They got stuck when he reached her feet. He gave a growl of impatience and removed her boots and socks and finally her jeans.

Evie was wearing a scrap of lace, which passed for underwear. Personally, he never understood why women even bothered with such minuscule panties.

Better to wear nothing at all.

He leaned down and rubbed his face against the lacy-covered mound. She smelled hot and aroused. Delectable.

Craig used his teeth to grab the rather thin band that covered one hip. He caught the fabric on one sharp fang and tugged. The panties ripped. He kissed his way to the other side and did the same thing. Then he caught her underwear in his mouth and tugged it away, leaving her bare to him.

He tossed aside the shredded garment and stared down at her. She was looking back at him, her green eyes practically glowing. She looked so beautiful with her pale skin, slightly flushed cheeks, full lips and high cheekbones. Several short strands of hair had escaped her braid. They curved around her jawline and framed her face.

There were so many things he wanted to say to her. Instead, he said nothing. Now was not the time for talking. All their sexual encounters had been explosive. This time he wanted to go slow, to savor each touch, each sound she made.

He stroked the inside of her thighs, stopping when he reached the apex. She arched her hips slightly in invitation. He didn’t have to be asked twice.

He spread her thighs wide and made a space for himself between them. His shoulders pushed them even farther apart. Her pussy was flushed and wet, totally exposed to his view. He licked his lips and went in for a taste.

Sweet. Her unique flavor exploded on his tongue. He had to have more.

He gripped her hips in his hands and ate at her pussy, gorging himself on her taste and texture, leaving no fold, no crevice unexplored. Her hips thrashed beneath him as she bucked against his mouth. And when his tongue found her swollen clit, she cried out.

“Yes. Oh, yes.” She shoved her hips upward toward his mouth.

Craig teased the bundle of nerves, using tongue, lips and teeth to maximum effect. She tunneled her fingers through his hair, pulling him closer.

He laughed, feeling totally alive and in the moment. His cock throbbed and his balls ached, but he wanted to make Evie come before he joined her, wanted to hear her broken cries as she came, taste her cream on his lips.

He pressed two long fingers into her slick channel. She accepted them easily so he added a third, stretching her even more. Evie cried out, her eyes widening a second before they glazed over.

She cried out, her body bucking wildly. He sucked her clit, wanting to prolong her orgasm. Her pussy clamped down on his fingers. He almost came, but he recited computer code in his head to keep from losing it.

When she finally relaxed against the leather sofa, he removed his fingers from her body and sat back, wiping his lips and face, which was slick with her juices.

“That was…” Evie waved her hand weakly in the air.

“I know.” He sat up and lifted her again so she was sitting on his lap facing him. He yanked open his jeans, raised her up and positioned the head of his cock to press against her opening. She gasped when he pulled her down slowly but surely until she’d taken all of him.

The ripples of her orgasm swept up and down his cock.

“Mmm, you feel good.” She wiggled her hips slightly.

“Evie.” He wasn’t sure if he meant to warn or encourage her.

She put her hands on his shoulders and moved downward, rubbing and petting his chest. Her breasts were right there in front of him. What was a red-

blooded man or, in this case, vampire to do? He palmed her breasts, rubbing her nipples with his thumbs. They tightened further beneath his touch.

“We’re meant to be together,” he told her.

She didn’t answer but grew still. He let his hands slip down her torso and around to her hips and then lower to her ass. He squeezed the round, firm globes.

“There’s more between us than this.” He lifted her a few inches and then brought her back down on his cock. They both groaned.

“There can’t be anything more than this.” Her inner muscles constricted around his shaft, leaving him no doubt what she was referring to.

He caught her face between his hands, hating the fear he saw etched there. “My darling, Evie, there already is.” He kissed her. Hard. He gave her everything he was and would be. He kissed her so hard that he tasted blood and knew she did too.

She hissed and attacked, clamping down hard on his neck. She sank her fangs deep. His orgasm boiled up from his balls, shooting out through the tip of his cock. He felt her response, the spasms of her pussy as she came.

He angled his head and bit into her shoulder. Blood spurted into his mouth and he came again, even harder than the first time. So damn good.

Some little voice in the back of his head screamed at him to stop, so he did.

He eased his fangs out and licked the wound, closing it. He felt Evie hesitate and then do the same. They stared at one another for the longest time. There was a drop of blood on her bottom lip so he leaned forward and licked it off.

She shuddered. “What am I going to do with you?”

He almost gave her an answer. He wanted her to love him. But some semblance of common sense or wisdom held him back at the last second.

“Whatever you want,” he quipped. “Just remember, I’m not going anywhere.”

She shook her head and eased off his lap. Her pussy sucked at his still-hard dick one final time and he could swear he saw stars. They both groaned and he let his head fall back against the sofa. He was on edge but content—a strange combination.

He wondered what time it was and as soon as the question was formed in his head he knew the answer. “If we’re going to Haven tonight, we should get going.”

“Are you going to call your family and tell them we’ll be there?” Evie reached for her shredded underwear, picked them up and dangled them in front of him. “Really?”

He shrugged. “I couldn’t help myself.” And he couldn’t. Not when it came to Evie. Maybe in a hundred years or so.

Craig paused. He would be around to see her in a hundred years. He’d always thought his siblings would outlive him. Now he had the potential to live long after they were gone. It was unsettling to say the least.

“What’s wrong?” Evie slipped on her bra and sweater. The sweater was so long it came down to the tops of her thighs.

He thought about not telling her, but wanted there to be honesty between them. “It occurred to me that I’ll outlive my family, which is weird, because I always thought they’d outlive me.

Werewolves live hundreds of years, even half-breeds.”

Evie sat on the coffee table in front of him. “You’ll live a long time and do great things, I have no doubt.”

“So will you.”

Evie shook her head. “I don’t think I’m cut out to live forever, or for hundreds of years.”

“Of course you are. Think of the artwork you can create, the places you can go, the things you can do.” Craig was beginning to panic at the finality in Evie’s voice.

“That’s not likely with Vladimir looking for me. I don’t think he’ll be too forgiving of me running out on him.”

Craig’s fangs erupted and he roared.

Evie jumped back, her fangs automatically dropping, her eyes blazing red. Both of them stared and then Craig shook his head and wrestled for control.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for that to happen.”

Evie sighed and rubbed her eyes.

“Neither did I.” She grabbed her jeans.

“Call your family.” He watched as she padded down the hallway to their bedroom. Theirs. That’s how he thought of it. He didn’t think in terms of himself anymore, but of them.

Knowing there was little he could do to change Evie’s mind until Vladimir was dealt with, Craig decided to stop trying. He’d use actions, not words to show her he was committed to their relationship.

He hauled his jeans up over his hips and zipped them. His sweater was on the floor so he grabbed it, shook it out and pulled it on. He could hear water running in the bathroom and knew Evie was cleaning up.

One thing about being a vampire, there was no need for contraceptives. He could no longer get a woman pregnant.

That much he did know.

He’d never thought much about having kids of his own, a family.

Frankly, he’d never thought he’d marry or have a serious relationship. His need to protect his siblings’ secret had always taken precedent. Now that was no longer an issue. Evie knew everything. For the first time since he’d discovered his brother and sister were different, he finally believed he could actually have a life of his own.

It was liberating and scary at the same time. He’d always been so focused on them and what they needed that he’d never really considered what he wanted.

He grabbed his phone and pressed his sister’s name on his contact list, not wanting to think about the situation any longer. He knew vampires weren’t supposed to get headaches, but his head wasn’t listening.

“Hey, Craig.” Chrissten’s voice soothed the voices in his head. Family was what was important. Evie and family. “I was just thinking about you.”

“Hey.” He struggled to make normal conversation. “Are you going to be at Haven tonight?”

“We can be. Why?”

“Meredith called and apologized for last night. She also asked us to come by.”

“What time do you want us to be there?” His sister’s question was like a balm to his senses. He knew they’d be there to support him.

“We’re heading out soon. I’d say we’ll be there within the hour.”

“We’ll be there.” Chrissten paused.

“I love you, little brother.”

“Love you too.” He hung up the phone. He knew Evie was standing just behind him. He stood and tucked the phone away. “We need to get some weapons.”

“Is everything okay?” Evie asked.

“No, but it will be.” He wouldn’t let it be any other way. He held out his hand. “Come on. Damek left me the key for downstairs. We can get what we need before we head out.”

Chrissten slowly set her phone down on the bedside table.

“Everything will be okay, baby.”

Hank’s strong arms came around her and he pulled her back down onto the bed beside him.

“I’m so worried about him. He’s all alone.”

“No, no he’s not.” The flat tone of Hank’s voice made her really pay attention. “I know what it’s like to be truly alone. To not know what you are or if there are any others like you out there.

He’s got us and Quinn and Bethany and, most importantly, he’s got Damek. That vampire treats him like a little brother.

Always has. He’ll protect Craig and help him get through this.”

“I know you’re right.” Chrissten gently caressed her husband’s face. “I’m sorry you were so alone.”

The corners of Hank’s mouth turned upward. He still didn’t smile much, but when he did it made her heart sing. “It was worth it because it brought me to you.”

He eased her closer and never took his eyes off her as he kissed her. She sighed and lost herself in her love for him. They’d already made love and she’d hoped to again, but that didn’t seem likely now. She broke the kiss.

“We have to meet him and Evie at Haven in less than an hour.”

Hank rolled until she was under him.

“I can do a lot in an hour.”

She laughed and playfully pushed at his shoulder. “We don’t have an hour.”

“A half hour then.” He caught her hands in his and raised them over her head, pinning her to the mattress.

She sighed and tried to look put out.

“Okay, if you have to.”

“I do.” He nibbled on the corner of her lips. “I really do.”

Chrissten laughed and kissed him back.

Damek drew out his phone and hit one of the three programmed numbers. It was answered on the second ring.

“Hello, husband. Where are you?”

As always, the sound of Sonia’s voice soothed the demons inside him.

“I’m about to search one of the last properties on the list.”

“Anything yet?” He heard the sound of papers turning and knew Sonia was deep into research.

“No, but I’m hopeful.” More than that, he had a feeling of dread, like something was about to happen. “I want Jerome to take you to New York. You should go stay with your parents until this situation is dealt with.” He’d miss her but he’d feel a hell of a lot better knowing she was safe.

He’d been invulnerable for centuries, but now he had something, someone important in his life and that made him vulnerable. He still hadn’t come to grips with that. If he had his way, Sonia would never leave his side.

He smiled at the thought of what she’d say if he told her that. She’d smile, pat him on the head and tell him everything was going to be all right. She was one of the few people on the planet who didn’t walk in fear of him.

“I’m not going to New York. I’m staying here with you.” He could tell she was ready to do battle.

“Then at least go home. The apartment is protected and there are weapons there.”

She sighed. “Very well. If it will make you happy.”

“It will.” And it was what he’d wanted in the first place. He’d known in his heart she’d never leave him to go stay with her parents. But he was learning how best to deal with his independent mate and figured if he started out totally unreasonable then she’d eventually agree to what he’d wanted in the first place.

“I’m on to you, you know,” she told him. He could tell by the sounds that she was packing up her belongings.

“Oh?” Despite his question, he wasn’t sure he wanted to know what she meant.

“As if you’d let me go to New York without you.” Even though she was trying to sound stern, he could hear the smile in her voice.

“What is that saying you use? Ah, yes. Busted.” She laughed as he intended. “I want you safe, Sonia. And make no mistake, I’ll do whatever it takes to make certain no harm comes to you. You are the only thing standing between me and my demons. If any harm were to come to you—” He broke off, unable to finish the statement. He knew if anything happened to her he was capable of razing the entire city in his grief.

“I’ll be fine. You just make sure you take care of yourself. Don’t underestimate this other vampire, Damek. Remember what you always tell me. No two vampires are the same and all have different skills. Just because he’s younger than you doesn’t mean he isn’t powerful.”

“I remember,” he promised. “Now call Jerome and head home.”

“I’m on my way. Love you.” She ended the call.

Damek tucked his phone inside his coat. “I love you too,” he whispered. He set off down the street, keeping to the shadows. He detected several other humans outside the house he was interested in.

“Well, well, what do we have here?” Damek sped through the darkness, stopping right behind one of the men.

Chapter Fourteen

Evie felt like a modern-day Van Helsing with a wooden stake strapped to her back beneath her shirt and a knife concealed beneath her coat. Craig was carrying even more weapons than she was. He had several long, sharp knives in protective sheaths strapped to his thighs beneath the long, black leather duster Damek had given him and two smaller blades tucked into his boots.

She glanced at Craig and decided he looked like a badass even with his boy-

next-door good looks. There was an aura of menace about him that hadn’t been there when she’d first met him.

He’d changed. They both had.

He reached out and caught her hand in his. “What are you thinking?”

Craig was probably one of the few men in the universe who actually wanted to talk. It was a little disconcerting at times. “I still have moments when all this seems surreal, like a movie. I keep expecting a director is going to yell cut at any moment, or I’ll wake up and realize all this was nothing more than a dream.”

He kissed the back of her hand. He was always doing that. Little touches and kisses that left her feeling unsettled.

She simply wasn’t used to being touched so much by another person. But she was quickly growing used to it from Craig.

“It’s real. It will take all of us a while to adjust, but we will.” His assurance certainly helped ease the butterflies in her stomach. They didn’t disappear totally, but she no longer felt like she might toss her cookies.

Both their bodies were still adjusting to becoming vampires. She had no idea how long that would take and really didn’t feel like asking Damek. She knew Damek didn’t trust her and she did everything she could to remain under his radar as much as possible. Even now, when he was nowhere around, she could almost feel his eyes watching her.

A shiver trickled down her spine and the fine hairs on the back of her neck stood up. Evie stopped and slowly turned around in a complete circle, searching the streets and shadows. Even though it was late, there were people around, some walking, some in cars and taxis.

“What is it?” Beside her, Craig tensed, his eyes scanning their surroundings.

“I don’t know.” She absently slid her hand beneath her coat to the long blade that rode against her hip. “Probably nothing.” She moved her hand away.

“I’m just nervous about going back to Haven.” That’s probably all it was.

“There’s nothing to be nervous about. I’m with you.” They started walking and she could see Haven in the distance.

He might be confident of his welcome, but she sure as heck wasn’t.

Those people would always look at her and blame her for changing Craig’s life, for tampering with his destiny. And they’d be right. She had.

But there was no going back for either of them.

Vladimir had started all this and the ripples of his action were still being felt and would be for a long time. Evie wondered where he was and what he was doing. Was he changing another unsuspecting woman while she casually walked down the street with Craig?

“We should be out looking for Vladimir, not socializing.” She dug in her heels and stopped. “This is wrong.

He’s been killing innocent people, feeding on their blood while I’ve been hiding.”

“Evie.” Craig eased her into the shadow of a building. Immediately, she scanned the nearby area, sensing nothing but a cat and several people partying in an apartment on the back of the building next to them. “There was nothing we could do, nothing we can do until we find him. Walking around the city searching for him does nothing but expose both of us. We have to get strong and learn how to use our newfound strengths before we face him. Anything less is suicide. And I don’t know about you, but I’m not ready to die yet.”

She raised her hand and touched his cheek. Craig was strong and powerful, but there was a layer of compassion and common sense beneath it. While she might do something rash, he would always have a plan, probably several. If she was going to defeat her enemy, she needed to think more like Craig.

He covered her hand with his, his blue eyes brighter than a summer sky.

“I know you’re right,” she began.

“But that doesn’t make the waiting any easier,” he finished.

Evie gave a small laugh. “Yeah.”

“Once things are settled with the Haven pack, we’ll move into the apartment below Damek’s and start strategizing. We’ll train and work and get stronger. Then we’ll go hunting,” Craig promised. “Damek will find Vladimir and then we’ll have the advantage.”

“I hope you’re right.” Evie couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that Craig was being too confident. It all seemed too easy. Vladimir was cunning and ruthless.

She could testify to that. He’d taunted her for several weeks, like a cat with a mouse, making her feel helpless and afraid in her own home. He’d stripped away her sense of security before destroying her life. No, she wouldn’t underestimate the vampire for one moment.

“Let’s go.” Craig eased them out of the shadows and propelled them both down the sidewalk. “They’re waiting for us.”

Evie wished she shared his sense of excitement. She could sense his growing anticipation, and with each step closer they came to Haven the tenser she grew.

But no way was she letting Craig face down those people on his own.

He wouldn’t be alone, a small voice in the back of her head reminded her.

His family would be there. He didn’t really need her.

But she owed it to him to protect him. She had his back.

She really didn’t see how any kind of relationship could work between them in the long run. Even if they defeated Vladimir and she survived, she would always be the one who’d turned Craig’s life upside down. His family would never accept what she’d done to him, and she couldn’t blame them for that.

Craig was special. She knew that, had sensed it the first time she’d laid eyes on him. It had momentarily cut through her bloodlust until she’d lost it and taken him to the point of no return.

Now that she knew him better, she knew just how special he was.

She loved him. That was both her saving grace and her punishment.

For once in her life, someone else was more important. She’d spent her entire life looking out for herself, mostly out of necessity. But now Craig’s safety and happiness was more important than her own, and not just because she owed him.

No, she’d done the supremely stupid thing of falling in love with him.

And because she did love him, she’d protect him with her life. And, if they both survived Vladimir’s wrath, she’d set him free to have the life he deserved without the shadows of the past, of her, separating him from his family and friends.

Maybe it could work between them, the little voice whispered. Maybe his friends and family would accept her.

Maybe Craig could love her back.

But that voice was drowned out by the one she’d heard for years, the one that screamed loudest in her ears. That voice reminded her that she wasn’t good enough for Craig. That he was smarter than she was. That he had a family who loved him where she had no one.

No, better to leave when this was done rather than risk her heart any more than she already had. The longer she stayed the more it would hurt when it was time for her to leave. Craig would always have a piece of her, but it was worth it to have this time with him.

“Are you ready?”

While she’d been lost in her own thoughts, they’d reached Haven. She looked up at Craig and swallowed the lump in her throat when she saw the concern in his gaze. No one in her entire life, no one, had ever worried about her like he did.

“I’m ready.” She grabbed the door handle and pulled it open. She’d already scanned the room, a talent that was becoming as natural as breathing. There were no humans inside, just half-breed and full-blooded werewolves. She stepped inside and Craig followed.

The door shut heavily behind them.

From two blocks down the road, a man watched the couple enter the small bar. He noted the name before removing his phone from his pocket. He called the one and only number programmed into his phone. It rang until it went to voicemail.

The man frowned but left a message.

“She’s here. At Haven.” He gave the address. “And there is another with her.

He is vampire as well.” He’d seen the way the male had looked at the woman.

Seen his eyes flash red for a brief moment.

He ended the call and moved a little closer to the club. It was his job to watch and wait. And until he received further orders, that’s exactly what he planned to do.

Craig followed Evie into Haven, wishing he knew what was going through her mind. He sensed that her emotions had run the gamut from sad to fearful to determined. He knew she was worried and had a right to be. He was a little nervous himself even though he was doing his best to pretend otherwise.

Quinn, Chrissten, Hank and Bethany were sitting at a table near the door.

They all rose when he and Evie walked in. He nodded but kept his attention on the two people who mattered most right now. Meredith stood in the center of the room with Isaiah beside her. Behind them, the rest of their pack waited for their alphas to make the first move.

Craig took a step toward them. “Hey, Meredith.”

The older woman took a step toward him and then suddenly she was practically running. She threw her arms around him and hugged him tight. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered. Not that the others couldn’t hear. They were all paranormal creatures with preternatural senses. “I reacted badly. We all did.”

He smiled down at her. “Totally understandable.”

Meredith shook her head. “No, it isn’t. But there’s nothing to be done about that now. All we can do is move forward.”

Craig felt the shift in power and knew Isaiah was moving toward him. He released Meredith and stared at the alpha werewolf who’d helped Craig reunite his family all those years ago, who’d offered all of them a home and a pack to belong to.

The alpha male towered over Craig, but whereas he’d once been human and weaker, now he was vampire and much stronger. But physical strength wasn’t everything. He respected Isaiah very much. The werewolf would hate him for saying it or even thinking it for that matter, but Craig thought he was a lot like Damek.

Both of them were dominant males, ready to do whatever it took to protect their mates and families.

Craig glanced at Evie, standing so proudly beside him, the scowl on her face daring anyone to say a cross word to him. Love swelled in his heart and practically robbed him of breath.

Suddenly, the pounding of heartbeats filled his ears and echoed in his veins.

Hunger poured through him, a raging beast demanding to be fed and appeased.

Evie grabbed his hand and squeezed tight. The contact allowed him to gain control of the bloodlust once again. This time it was quicker, but it was still difficult. He built a cage in his mind and shoved the beast inside. He’d feed it later when it was safe to do so.

The scene before him was a frozen tableau with no one moving, barely breathing. Everyone had felt the surge of power. Evie had immediately reached out to him, helping calm and center him.

Craig half expected the males to jump in front of their females, but they hadn’t.

All were waiting to see how he could handle himself. They were offering him their gift of trust. He blinked several times and then offered his hand to Isaiah.

The big male took it and then pulled him into a bear hug. “You are doing well, my friend. Control is not easy to master.”

Craig gave a self-deprecating laugh.

“I know that well.” He took a step back and pulled Evie closer to his side. “You all remember Evie.”

“Welcome to Haven.” Meredith took Evie’s hand and led her to a table. Evie glanced over her shoulder and Craig could read the panic in her eyes. He was behind her in a blink of an eye, his hand on her arm.

Meredith’s eyes widened. “You’re very fast.”

Craig shrugged. “I’m still figuring out what I can and can’t do. It’s a steep learning curve.”

Behind him, Quinn laughed.

“Sparring with you is going to be fun now that I no longer have to hold back to keep from crushing you into the mat.”

His brother’s good-natured taunt made Craig smile. “No, now it’s you who need to be worried I’ll crush you.”

Hank snorted. “We’ll see about that.”

That easily and quickly, the tension broke and the crisis passed. All the others came over to hug him and shake hands or nod at Evie. She wasn’t totally accepted yet, but Craig knew that would come in time.

They all sat and Craig did his best to answer all their questions, with Evie filling in the blanks whenever she could.

This was what he wanted, his woman by his side and his family around him. Life was good.

Damek walked up behind one of the humans watching the house. Really, this vampire hunter was most unaware of his surroundings, which wasn’t a good thing in his line of work. At the last second, Damek purposely made a sound with his foot. The hunter spun around, his eyes widening in fear. Before he could draw a weapon, Damek took control of his mind.

“What is your name?” He could easily get it, but it was always easier when it was volunteered. Damek couldn’t afford to waste too much of his energy on the human hunter.

“Evan.”

“Hmm.” Damek walked closer and the man’s pupils dilated. He estimated the male to be around thirty with short brown hair and brown eyes. He was tall, taller than Damek, but size wasn’t everything. “And why are you here, Evan?”

Even though his tone was even, Evan’s fear grew. The hunter was obviously new and untested. He’d probably staked a few newly made vampires and thought himself a great hunter. They all did at first until they finally met a vampire who either taught them the true meaning of fear and respect or killed them.

“All the killings. We knew there was a vampire in the city. We saw one of his minions getting rid of a body and followed him back here.”

That made sense. The older vampire was sloppy when he fed, but he wasn’t stupid. He had to know he had to clean up his mess behind him or it would bring hunters after him. A vampire didn’t live as long as Vladimir Drake without learning to deal with hunters. Too bad he hadn’t cleaned up his messes sooner, before attracting the attention of the hunters.

“How many hunters are there?”

Evan swallowed. “Two of us. Me and Leroy.”

Damek slowly circled the hunter, intentionally breathing on the back of his neck. “And where is Leroy?”

Evan shook his head, but Damek ruthlessly punched into his brain and drew out the information he needed.

“Leroy is on the other side of the building.” Damek sifted through the hunter’s memories. “Now, you will go back to your hotel and you will stay there until I come for you.” It would be easier to simply kill the hunter, but Sonia frowned on such things if it wasn’t a life-and-death situation. “Leroy will be joining you.”

He couldn’t take the time to deal with the hunters now. He had a vampire to catch.

Evan nodded. “I need to wait at the hotel.”

“That’s right.” Damek disappeared in the shadows and reemerged next to Leroy. In seconds, he had control of the large man’s mind and gave him the same instructions he’d given Evan.

When the hunters were well on their way, Damek strode up to the front door and knocked. The minion opened the door, looking totally confused. The male appeared to be in his mid-thirties but already his dark hairline was receding.

“Is your master at home?” Damek politely inquired.

The minion shook his head, but said nothing. That was the problem with minions, especially when they were chosen from those less intelligent. They would follow orders to the letter, but they couldn’t think for themselves at all.

Damek had never had any minions, found the entire idea repulsive.

“When will he be back?”

The minion opened his mouth but then closed it. Damek sighed and reached into the minion’s mind. It was total chaos. Screams lay beneath the outward calm. The human he’d once been was horrified by what he’d become. Damek picked through the layers and found what he was searching for. The information turned his blood cold.

He released the minion and caught the man when he slumped. This man wasn’t a particularly smart one, but he hadn’t been a bad one. Damek looked him in the eye. “I am going to kill Vladimir Drake. When I do, you will be free.”

The minion shook his head, panic in his blue eyes. For a brief second, he fought the compulsion of the other vampire. “Kill. Me.”

Damek thought about it, but denied the man. “No. I’ll find you and take your memories. You won’t remember any of this.” He’d probably have nightmares for the rest of his life, but at least he’d be alive.

As he turned away from the minion, he pulled out his phone, praying he wasn’t too late.

Vladimir Drake stared down at the lifeless body of the prostitute he’d just fed from. Her legs were splayed open and her pretty green eyes were wide and unseeing. She had black hair, like Evie’s, but it was curly, not straight. A poor substitute for what he really wanted. Still, she’d satisfied a basic craving.

He licked his lips, savoring the last drops of her blood from his mouth.

Waste not, want not. Her blood was tainted with alcohol and drugs, but that only heightened the high he got. It was also laced with fear, which he particularly enjoyed and gave him a bigger buzz.

He turned, straightened his coat and walked away, sparing the dead woman not another thought or glance. Vladimir pulled out his phone and checked his messages. One of his minions had called him several times.

The voice message made him smile.

Finally, things were happening the way they were supposed to. His lost Evie had been found. Now all he had to do was claim her. And if anyone got in his way… Well, he was still feeling a little hungry.

Craig felt his phone vibrating in his back pocket. He pulled it out and his heart jumped when he saw the caller display. “Hey, Damek.” The others chatting around the table fell silent.

“Are you at home?” Damek demanded.

“No, we’re at Haven. We came to talk to everyone.” He didn’t say they came to make peace, but that’s what it amounted to.

Damek swore. “Vladimir Drake is on his way. His minions have been watching the place, so if you’re there it’s only a matter of time until he is.”

“You’re sure.” Craig stood, his gaze going to the front door. All around him, the male werewolves leapt to their feet.

“We’ll leave.” No way did he want to bring danger to his friends.

“It’s too late for that. Even if you leave, Vladimir will question everyone there.”

Damek didn’t need to spell out exactly how that questioning would go down. Vladimir would torture them all to death to get the information he wanted.

“I’m on my way. I’ll be there soon.”

The call ended and Craig turned to face his family and friends. He knew they’d all heard what Damek had said.

Evie drew her knife and gazed at the entrance.

“I’m sorry. I brought this to your door. I never meant for this to happen.”

He should have thought of this, should have realized it was possible. The vampire could have minions everywhere, watching, and he and Evie had been out at night before. Had come here. Maybe it was good searching on the other vampire’s part. Maybe it was simply luck, bad for them and good for Drake. Either way, what was done was done.

“Take the women and go. This is my fight.”

“This is our fight,” Evie said.

“Actually, it’s my fight. You need to leave with your friends. I’ll kill Vladimir.”

“I’m not leaving you.” Quinn stood beside his brother and allowed his hands to morph into claw-tipped paws. “I can rip out a vampire’s heart with these.”

“Go for the throat,” Craig automatically corrected. “A vampire this old needs to be beheaded.” He frowned at his brother. “But you’re not staying.”

“Yes, he is, and so am I.” Chrissten grabbed Craig’s arm. “We’re family.

We stand and fight together.”

“You need to get away from here,” Craig told her. It was bad enough that he knew Evie wouldn’t leave. But he couldn’t risk the safety of his family as well. “Now.”

“Enough.” Isaiah didn’t roar, he didn’t have to. His tone carried absolute authority and everyone went silent. “No one is going anywhere. If this vampire thinks to attack anyone in my pack, he’s going to face the wrath of us all.”

Craig swallowed the lump in his throat. Isaiah had included him in that statement. And when the alpha’s gaze flicked toward Evie, Craig knew that Evie was included as well. She’d been accepted by one and all. They would stand beside him and Evie and fight.

A sense of determination welled inside him. Power surged through his veins. He would protect his family at all costs.

Benjamin, one of Meredith’s sons, came up to Craig. The large, powerful werewolf shoved up the sleeve of his shirt, exposing his muscled forearm.

“You need blood to be at your most powerful. And there is nothing more powerful for a vampire than paranormal blood.” He offered his arm. “Drink.”

Nothing could have convinced him more of the pack’s acceptance. The offer of blood wasn’t made lightly. “Are you sure?”

Benjamin gave a curt nod.

“Thank you, my friend.” Craig took his proffered wrist. His fangs punched down from his gums and he bit, careful not to cause any pain to his friend. Blood filled his mouth and slid down his throat, but it was unlike any he’d tasted. It was full and powerful and energizing. He sucked harder, very aware of everyone watching him, including Evie. He could feel her hunger growing.

Chrissten yanked off her cardigan.

“Here, Evie, you can drink from me.”

His sister’s offer brought tears to Craig’s eyes. Evie was thunderstruck, backing away from Chrissten with her hands out as though she could ward off the other woman. The offer was unexpected and Craig knew Evie didn’t trust herself.

Meredith stepped forward. “No, she needs pure blood. It’s stronger.”

Meredith eased Chrissten aside and offered her wrist. “Take it, child.”

Evie shook her head. “I’m afraid I’ll take too much.”

Craig withdrew his fangs from Benjamin and licked the puncture holes to close them. “You won’t take too much, Evie. I won’t let you,” he promised.

He went to stand behind Evie and wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. “Drink,” he ordered. “It’s the only chance we have of defeating Vladimir.” As he’d hoped, that was all the impetus she needed. Her fangs descended and she eased their sharp points through Meredith’s flesh.

Meredith jerked at the penetration, but her smile never wavered. Isaiah hovered behind his mate, ready to stop the feeding if he deemed it necessary to do so.

It was erotic as hell to watch Evie drinking, even if it was from another woman. Craig felt the rise of his dick and willed it down, knowing it was brought on by a combination of the feeding, the danger and having Evie pressed against his front.

In less than a minute, Evie withdrew and closed the puncture wounds.

Meredith leaned against her husband, not because she seemed weak, but more to reassure him she was okay.

Craig knew what Evie was feeling, the flood of adrenaline, the surge of energy rocketing through her. Her body trembled so he held her tighter. “I won’t let you go,” he promised her again, not in the least concerned that the others could hear.

Evie slowly straightened away from him and he released her. She turned her head slowly toward the thick paneled door. “He’s here.”

Craig jumped in front of her, eyes blazing, teeth bared. He felt it then, the surge of unfamiliar power. The other vampire had arrived.

Chapter Fifteen

Evie’s body hummed as though it were powered by a high-performance race-car engine, whereas before it had run like a lawn mower. The difference in blood was astounding. She could feel her cells soaking it in, feel them changing, getting stronger.

She was still in shock over what had just happened. Instead of fleeing or being angry with her for bringing an unknown vampire to their door, the Haven pack was standing beside them.

The entire pack, his siblings and their spouses were spread in a semicircle, all facing the main entrance of the club, all ready to fight. She knew them by name only. Had barely spoken to any of them, but they were willing to put their lives on the line for Craig and, by extension, for her.

They’d given both her and Craig blood, for crying out loud. If she ever had any doubts about Craig’s friends, they were gone. He had a family here, both by blood and choice. He would be fine if anything happened to her.

With that in mind, she stepped around him. His gaze was fierce, unlike any she’d ever seen on him. Craig was usually easygoing, laidback and intelligent. Sure he was competitive, but this was different.

Craig was ready to kill. For her.

It was in his stance, the way his eyes glowed red and his fangs flashed. He wasn’t as tall or quite as broad as the werewolf males, but he was more powerful. His brown hair brushed his shoulders and she wanted to reach out and touch it one more time, just in case she didn’t make it.

She was a vampire, but immortality was different for each vampire. Remove her heart and she would die. Do that for Vladimir and he might not. It seemed that immortality grew stronger with time.

And time was one thing she’d run out of.

Her enemy was here, and this time there was no running away.

Even if she tried to lead him away from Craig and his friends, the vampire would come back for them. She couldn’t let that happen. Vladimir had to die.

The front door slammed open and Vladimir strolled in like he didn’t have a care in the world. She could almost taste his arrogant assurance that he would walk away the victor in this fight. Good.

If he was overconfident he would be more likely to make a mistake.

Off to her left, Isaiah cursed. “Damn vampires always want to make an entrance.”

If the situation hadn’t been quite so scary, Evie might have laughed at the disgruntled tone of the werewolf. He sounded totally irritated by Vladimir’s actions, not scared at all.

Vladimir, the monster from her dreams and waking hours, was just as she remembered. He was about the same height as Craig with dark-brown hair and eyes. He looked young, about the same age as her and Craig. But looks were deceiving. He’d lived for more than two hundred years. She didn’t even want to think about the number of people he must have killed over that time period.

“Evie.” Vladimir ignored the others as if they weren’t even there and strode toward her, stopping about five feet away. “You’ve been a naughty girl, running away from me.” He tipped his head to one side and studied her. Evie could feel him trying to get into her head and concentrated on blocking her thoughts from him.

Vladimir frowned and turned his focus on Bethany. Craig’s sister-in-law immediately cried out, grabbed her head and fell to her knees.

Craig pounced. He flew across the room, knife extended and ready to strike.

But Vladimir was faster. He moved out of the way and attacked at the same time, hitting Craig hard. Craig flew backward and smashed into the wall, leaving a huge hole in the drywall. The blade fell from his hand and clattered to the floor.

The force would have killed a human.

But Craig pulled himself up slowly and shook himself.

An unearthly growl came from deep within Evie. Fury, the likes she’d never known exploded inside her. She jumped at Vladimir, claws extended, fangs out.

She only had a second to realize her mistake when he snatched her right out of midair. He wrapped one arm around her neck, choking her. The nails of his other hand dug into her chest over her heart, gouging through the sweater and into her skin. She could smell her own blood.

“How nice of you to come to me, my dear. Now we really must be going. I’ll come and visit your friends again some time.”

“No.” She couldn’t let him live.

Craig would always be in danger.

“Let her go, Drake,” Craig demanded.

Vladimir’s hold on her neck tightened and threatened to snap her neck. She didn’t think that would kill her, but she really didn’t want to test it.

“Have you taken a lover, my dear?”

His words were mild, but she could feel the fine tremor in Vladimir’s arms, feel his anger beating at her.

“No.”

“Yes,” Craig contradicted, practically taunting the older vampire.

“She is mine and she will never be yours. Let her go. Fight me, unless you’re afraid of me.”

Vladimir roared and the power behind the ear-splitting sound shattered all the liquor bottles behind the bar.

They exploded outward, sending shards of glass ripping through the air like deadly missiles. All the werewolves ducked, but not all of them got out of the way in time to keep from being hit.

She heard a female cry and a male’s yell of concern. Teague dragged his mate to the side and worked quickly, carefully removing several large shards from her bare arms and one from her torso, while ignoring the several pieces piercing his own body. Benjamin, the dark-haired werewolf who’d given his blood to Craig, yanked a six-inch jagged piece of glass out of his leg and tossed it to the floor.

Evie sensed their pain and smelled their blood. She struggled harder, but Vladimir’s grip on her was as strong as an iron bar across her throat—

unyielding and potentially deadly.

He grabbed her braid and yanked her head back, exposing her neck. “If you’ve had her, then maybe I’ll just drain her dry.” Her stomach roiled when Vladimir licked her neck. She desperately tried to get away, but he held her as though she were a rag doll. His strength was astounding.

“Coward,” Craig taunted. “It’s easy to subdue a woman or even a human. Bet you’ve never taken on a male of your own kind.”

Vladimir laughed, the sound low and deadly. “I killed my maker and he was much older than you. I can squash you like a bug whenever I choose.”

Evie wanted to yell at Craig to shut up even though she knew he was stalling for time until Damek came. She turned her head so she could see Craig and was rocked by the pure determination and banked fury in his gaze. He really wanted to fight this crazy vampire.

She had to think. There had to be something she could do to get Vladimir away from here. “Let’s just go.” It wasn’t easy to speak with him choking her, but she managed. She had to get him away from Craig and his family and friends before anyone else was injured.

“See,” Vladimir taunted. “She wants to be with me. Don’t you, Evie?”

“Yes.” She’d lie to the devil himself if it got Vladimir away from here. “Let’s go. Now.”

“So eager.” Vladimir smirked at Craig. “You must not be very skilled in the bedroom, my friend, if she is so eager to leave you.”

Craig’s gaze never wavered, never changed. She could practically hear him thinking and planning, examining and discarding various scenarios, trying to figure out how to defeat Vladimir.

Isaiah exploded into the air, morphing into a giant wolf as he flew across the room, his heavily muscled brown and black body flying toward them. The massive muzzle with sharp teeth closed the gap between them in a heartbeat. Vladimir, caught off-guard, all but threw her at the massive beast.

At the last second, Isaiah twisted his huge body in midair. She hit him full on and they both went flying. Before she could recover, the wolf clamped his jaw around her arm and dragged her away from Vladimir. Powerful jaws that could easily harm or kill were gentle and protective with her.

Craig saw his opening and pounced.

He sliced at the vampire with his knife, catching Vladimir in the arm. Vladimir cursed, his eyes blazing, fangs glinting in the light. Before her very eyes, the deep cut began to close.

Vladimir attacked, backhanding Craig. The blow would have shattered every bone in his face if he’d been human. But Craig was fast. Somehow he managed to avoid the worst of the strike, but he still tumbled backward, knocking a table and several chairs askew.

Evie scrambled to her feet and launched herself onto her enemy’s back.

Without hesitation or thought, she wrapped her arms around his neck and twisted, determined to break his neck if she could.

Roaring his displeasure, Vladimir reached behind him. He grabbed her hair and yanked her forward. Evie flew through the air and crashed into a table, splintering it into pieces. The blow knocked the air out of her lungs, but she didn’t stay down. She couldn’t. Craig was on the attack once again.

“I will kill you all,” Vladimir promised. And Evie believed him.

Tonight would mean the end of either him or them, because there could only be one winning side. And in spite of the number on their side, the odds weren’t necessarily in their favor.

If it were closer to dawn the wolves would have a definite advantage, but she sensed the fight would be long over by then. Vladimir was smart and cunning and wouldn’t allow the battle to last that long. He’d run if he had to, and she couldn’t allow that to happen.

The male werewolves had all shifted and attacked as a pack, moving quickly forward and back, nipping at the vampire but managing to stay just out of his reach until one got too close.

Vladimir swatted one brown wolf, sending him flying. Evie had no idea which one it was. Maybe Kevin, the quiet one.

Isaiah was coming up behind the vampire as Craig attacked from the front.

Evie reached beneath her sweater in the back and drew out the wooden stake she’d hidden there. It wouldn’t kill him, but it would definitely slow him down.

Stake in hand, she hurried behind Vladimir. Isaiah saw her coming and moved out of her way. Evie didn’t hesitate. She rammed the stake through the vampire’s back beneath his left shoulder and prayed she’d hit his heart.

Vladimir lurched forward and whirled around, his gums drawn back over his elongated fangs. “How dare you? I made you. I gave you more than your puny human existence. And this is how you repay me.” He reached around and yanked the stake from his body.

Blood spurted from the wound, but he ignored it. Vladimir pulled his arm back and threw the stake like a dagger. Evie managed to jump to the side, but it struck her in the arm and drove her backward.

Pain shot threw her shoulder and coursed down her body.

Craig howled and attacked, forcing Vladimir to turn away from her and defend himself. They couldn’t beat him.

He was merely toying with them. She could see that now.

She yanked at the stake in her arm, biting back a cry of agony as she pulled it out. Pain radiated down her arm. She ignored it and the blood that quickly soaked her clothing and spilled onto her hand. Tightening her grip on the wooden stake, she moved forward. She’d kill the bastard if she had to hack him up one

tiny piece at a time.

The two vampires continued to grapple with Craig surprisingly holding his own. Evie moved closer, ready to strike the second she got an opening.

Craig could smell Evie’s blood and it made him crazy. He could also smell werewolf blood and knew several of them had been hit by flying glass. The vampire had gotten in a few strikes when his friends had attacked as well.

Vladimir Drake had hurt Evie, his family and friends, and therefore he had to die. He couldn’t be allowed to live. If he did, he would always be a danger to the Haven pack, and most especially to Evie.

The vampire would kill her. Oh, he might keep her alive for a while, but he would eventually tire of her. Craig would stake his life on it. There was something not quite right in Vladimir’s eyes. A tinge of insanity, perhaps.

Maybe living all those years had driven him to the brink, but Craig honestly believed there was something intrinsically wrong with the other vampire. He had no moral center, nothing to ground him.

He was also incredibly strong.

Craig battled with the vampire, trying to get the upper hand. They flew around the room, knocking over chairs and tables as they fought with neither of them getting the upper hand.

This had to end tonight.

Craig silently thanked his brother and Hank for all the hours they’d sparred with him as a human. Those lessons held him in good stead. He fought dirty, using his feet to kick at the other vampire, butting his head against his opponent’s face. But nothing seemed to faze Vladimir.

Evie was back on her feet. He could sense her getting closer. And if he could, so could Vladimir.

“It’s time to end this and take my prize,” the other vampire taunted.

Over his dead body. Craig freed one hand and tried to slam it through his opponent’s chest, but Vladimir was incredibly quick. At the very last second, he dodged to the side and pulled himself free of Craig’s hold.

Horror filled him when Craig realized his hand was shooting straight for Evie’s chest and the wooden stake she had clutched tight in her fist was aimed right at his heart. Evie’s eyes widened with horror and she yanked her hand back. Craig threw himself to the side, barely avoiding the sharp weapon.

He crashed into a table and rolled across the floor. He felt a bone in his right arm break and pain streaked up his arm. Almost immediately, the damage to the bone began to mend, but there was no time to marvel at the miraculous new healing powers of his body. He surged back to his feet, his gaze finding Evie, who’d stumbled into a chair but quickly righted herself.

Together, they turned to face Vladimir. The Haven pack was spread out around the room. All of them watching and waiting for a chance to strike. The scents of blood and sweat filled Craig’s nostrils and the bloodlust within him surged to life. Blood. He wanted blood and there was so much of it available to him. All he had to do was take it.

“Craig.” Evie’s sharp voice snapped him back, and he shook off the compulsion to feed. It could be fatal to lose concentration. If he’d ever needed control over his mind and body it was now.

“This is getting tedious.” The older vampire straightened his torn and bloody coat with a quick tug. “Evie, come.” He held out his hand, clearly expecting her to obey.

Craig felt the compulsion behind the command. He saw Evie struggling to overcome the vampire’s command even as she moved a step closer.

“No.” He banded his arm around her waist and pulled her away from Vladimir. No way was he letting the other vampire have her.

“I will kill you slowly for that,” Vladimir promised. “But not tonight.

Tonight I want my Evie and we will leave.” He held out his hand again.

“Come to me,” he demanded.

Craig knew Evie was mentally fighting Vladimir. Sweat rolled down her face and her features contorted in growing pain. Evie dug her fingers into his arm and Craig wasn’t sure if she was trying to hold on to him or get away. A trickle of blood seeped from her nose.

Frustration and anger flashed across Vladimir’s face. He turned and imperiously held his hand out to Chrissten. “Come.” Chrissten’s feet were moving before he finished speaking. She was halfway to Vladimir before Hank grabbed her and dragged her back kicking and screaming.

“You see what I can do,” Vladimir taunted. “How long can you continue to resist me? I can make you all crawl.” He smiled at all of them before arrogantly smirking at Craig. A shiver raced down his spine. The vampire was going to make a move of some kind. Craig could feel it. He tried to read the vampire’s mind but it was totally closed to him.

Everyone in the room was in danger, and Craig was worried he might not be able to protect them all.

“I can kill your friends one at a time until they are gone.” Vladimir moved so fast he was a blur, ending up behind Meredith. He yanked her head back and lowered his mouth to her exposed neck.

“I suppose I could drain her dry. All this fighting has made me hungry.”

“Let her go.” Craig shoved Evie behind him and took a step forward before Isaiah did something that might get himself or his mate killed. “Take me instead.” If he could get the deranged vampire away from his family and friends maybe he could find a way to defeat him. All he needed was time.

Damek was coming. They only had to hold out until he arrived.

Vladimir’s laugh made all the hairs on Craig’s body stand on end. If he’d had any doubts that the other vampire was pure evil, they were now gone. That laugh promised death and let them all know Vladimir would enjoy dispensing it.

The vampire enjoyed killing, enjoyed the rush of taking another’s life.

Craig took another step closer as Isaiah crept behind the creature holding his mate.

The front entrance slammed open and power rushed into the room like a wind roaring down a mountain peak during a storm, freezing everyone. The air turned so cold that Craig half expected ice crystals to form on his breath. The walls of the room pulsed, undulating with the disturbance.

Vladimir’s eyes narrowed as he searched for the threat.

Damek coalesced out of the darkness like an avenging angel. He shook his head. “You couldn’t wait for me, could you?” he chided them. He walked toward Vladimir, totally confident.

“You’ll want to release the woman.”

Vladimir tightened his hold on Meredith. Craig could see the fear in her eyes and his fury and sense of helplessness grew. She might be a powerful werewolf, but she was no match for a two-hundred-year-old vampire.

“I don’t think so.” Vladimir turned slowly toward the door and saw Isaiah behind him. “Get back or I’ll kill her.”

Damek shook his head. “You cannot win this. You’ve brought vampire hunters to my city. And you’ve made quite a mess these past few weeks.”

“Your city?” Vladimir straightened and Craig could see the fury building in his eyes. He wasn’t used to being questioned. He was accustomed to taking whatever he wanted. Damek had found the other man’s weakness—his vanity. And like the master fighter he was, Damek wielded his weapon well.

“My city.” Damek’s blunt words left no space for argument. “I was here when it was nothing but wilderness, and I’ll still be here when you are nothing but dust.”

Vladimir drew himself up and lifted Meredith by her throat. Her feet left the floor and she began to struggle, using her wolf claws to tear at his hand and arm.

Vladimir didn’t even seem to notice or care he was bleeding. The deep, vicious cuts healed almost as quickly as Meredith could inflict them. “I am the oldest vampire in the world,” he announced.

“Really?” Damek raised his hand and deliberately closed his fingers into a tight fist. Vladimir’s eyes widened and he began to wheeze. He dropped Meredith and clutched his throat. Isaiah moved in swiftly, grabbed his wife and dragged her to safety.

A sense of destiny settled over Craig and he grabbed the sharp blade he’d dropped on the floor earlier in the fight.

He silently moved to stand beside Damek. Evie took up position beside him, her gaze focused on Vladimir. He could sense her determination to end this here and now.

The other vampire struggled and finally broke from Damek’s hold. Damek simply shrugged and lowered his arm.

“Who are you?” Vladimir demanded.

“What does it matter?” Damek countered. “You are a dead man and dead men don’t need to be concerned with names.”

Vladimir moved at a blurring speed, racing for the door and freedom. Craig surged forward to stop him. If Vladimir escaped and left the city it might take them years to find him, and the threat to Evie and his family would hang over their heads like a sword waiting to fall.

Damek made it to the door before any of them. He stood in front of it, blocking the exit. Vladimir skidded to a halt, knowing he’d have to fight his way past Damek. Craig took advantage of Vladimir’s momentary lack of concentration, raised his arm and struck out with his knife. Blade met bone as Craig drove it deep.

But once again, Vladimir was fast.

He was on the far side of the room in a flash. He yanked out the blade and blood spurted from the wound. Vladimir slapped his hand over his neck to try to stem the blood loss. The wound began to heal, but more slowly than before. The fighting and having to continuously heal himself from the smaller wounds they’d inflicted seemed to be taking their toll.

Craig knew Vladimir was weakening and would need blood soon. That made him even more desperate and dangerous.

“Enough.” Damek stepped forward, his dark eyes focused solely on Vladimir. “You come to my city and bring your troubles with you. You threaten my friends.” Damek moved forward slowly, each step deliberate.

Craig followed behind his friend, ready to lend a hand if necessary. Evie was right beside him, determination etched on her face and a wooden stake in her hand. Dried blood caked her shoulder, but otherwise she seemed fine.

“I’ll leave.” For the first time, Vladimir seemed conciliatory and ready to bargain. Craig could almost see the wheels turning inside the vampire’s mind, searching for a way out of his dilemma.

Damek shook his head. “No, you won’t. You’d go back to your home and rehash everything that happened tonight until you convince yourself you can defeat me. Then you’d do something stupid like attacking my friend. I cannot allow that.”

Power warped the space and Vladimir flew back against the wall, pinned their like a fly caught in a spider’s web. Damek had given him the opening and Craig didn’t hesitate to use it. He gave a primal yell and leapt at the vile creature. Blade in hand, he struck hard and fast at Vladimir’s neck. The sharp edge driven by his newfound vampire strength cut straight through muscle, sinew and bone.

Evie was right beside him unleashing her own fury. She screamed her anger and plunged the wooden stake straight into Vladimir’s heart. “Die you bastard! Die!” She yanked the stake out and drove it in again and again before staggering backward.

“Evie.”

She turned to him, fangs flashing.

She was breathing heavily and blood stained her clothing and skin. Evie was wild and untamed, partly out of control.

Her eyes were tinged red and he knew both her anger and the scent of blood were bringing on the bloodlust.

He felt the same.

He grabbed Evie and pulled her out of the way as Vladimir’s head toppled off his shoulders and onto the floor, rolling until it came to rest against the leg of a table. Blood spurted from the stump of his neck and sprayed toward them. Craig yanked her back, avoiding the worst of it, and both of them watched as Vladimir’s body slowly tumbled to the floor.

Silence reigned.

Then Evie gave a broken cry, whirled around and raced from the club, shoving her way past the broken front door and out into the night.

“Evie,” Craig called her name and started after her. She shouldn’t be out there alone. Not tonight. Not ever again.

His family blocked the doorway, forcing him to stop. They stepped in front of him, creating an impassable wall. He either had to stop or hurt them.

He stopped.

“Are you okay?” Chrissten patted his chest and shoulders, trying to reassure herself he wasn’t seriously injured.

“I’m fine,” he promised her.

“Really.” But Evie getting farther and farther away from him. He could still sense her presence inside his head, proof that they were connected on many different levels. He could also sense her desperation and fear. “I have to go.”

“No.” Damek came up beside him.

“You need to help me deal with the fallout from this night’s work. Evie will be fine. You’ll be able to find her after we’re done. Her blood is in you.”

Damek clapped his hand on Craig’s shoulder. “She needs some time.”

Every cell in his body was screaming at him to run after Evie. But after everything his friends and family had done to help, he couldn’t leave them to deal with this mess alone. This was his problem and he’d clean it up.

“I’m so sorry, Meredith.” He went to the woman who’d been like a mother to him these past years. He touched his fingers to her neck and scowled at the bruises there. That bastard Vladimir had come close to strangling her.

She caught his hand and gave his fingers a squeeze. “You have no need to be sorry. It was our fight, our choice.”

Her voice was hoarse but steady. “I’m glad you’re okay. And I like your Evie too. She stood beside you and fought.”

“She ran.” That hurt him more than anything. She’d run from him after it was over, leaving him behind.

“She’s afraid,” Meredith whispered.

“Afraid of what’s happened to her, to what she did here tonight, and most of all of her feelings for you. Give her some time and then go find her. Let her know what she means to you.” She sighed and shook her head. “I know you’re not as stubborn as most of the alpha males around here. Don’t be afraid to tell her you love her. I know you do. I can see it every time you look at her.”

Craig released a deep breath. He hated to admit it, but Meredith was right.

Evie was running not from him, but from herself. Even though he knew that, his feelings were still hurt. Well, he’d have to just suck it up and deal with them. He loved Evie and there was no turning back from that. He’d fight for her. Do whatever it took to convince her they belonged together.

Next he faced Isaiah, who stood beside his mate. “Thank you, Isaiah. For everything.”

Isaiah clapped Craig on the shoulder. “You’re pack.” And that was everything to a man like Isaiah. No more needed to be said.

The first thing they needed to deal with was injuries. Teague and Meredith went to work cleaning up various wounds they’d all received. Neema, Teague’s mate, and Benjamin, Meredith’s son, had the worst ones.

They were quickly stitched and Craig knew they would heal quickly due to their paranormal werewolf genes. For that he was thankful.

Next came the cleanup. Michael, Meredith’s eldest son, got an old tarp from the basement and they tossed Vladimir’s body on it and rolled it up.

They placed the head in a garbage bag, not willing to take any chances. Until the body was burned to ash there was always the possibility, no matter how slight, that he could somehow heal himself. Better to be safe than sorry.

Isaiah picked up the tarp with Vladimir’s body. “I’ll take care of burning the body. There’s an old coal-

burning furnace in the basement. It hasn’t been used in years, but it’s still functional. Won’t take long to burn this guy to a crisp.”

Damek nodded. “He’s old so he’ll burn quickly. Be sure to burn the head separately and gather the ash when you’re done. Take it down to the water and sprinkle it to the winds.”

“Consider it done.” Isaiah nodded at Damek and Craig then headed out of the bar toward the stairs to the basement.

Michael grabbed the bag with the head and followed him.

The rest of the pack began to clean up the mess. Kevin, one of Meredith’s adopted sons, and Quinn hauled broken tables and chairs out to the dumpster behind the building. Bethany and Chrissten swept up the shards of glass littering the room and carefully disposed of them. Even Damek went to work, helping Hank repair the front door, at least well enough until they could get a new one delivered.

Craig filled a bucket with soapy water and began the task of mopping up the blood and alcohol staining the floor.

All the while he worked, he worried about Evie. She was out there in the city alone. He was here with his friends and family, but he felt as though a part of himself was missing. It was difficult not to go after her, but there were obligations that had to be met first, things he needed to do.

Plus, Evie needed time to come to terms with everything that had happened.

Or at least that’s what everyone kept telling him. He wanted to go to her now but was practicing patience and biding his time. But there was nothing that would keep him from Evie.

After cleaning up the worst of it, he dumped the dirty bucket of water and detoured to the bathroom. He yanked off his blood-and-sweat-stained shirt, grabbed a handful of paper towels and cleaned himself up as best as he could.

He left the bathroom, dirty shirt in hand, and headed for the employee lockers just beyond the office. Because he often helped out at Haven, he kept some extra clothing on hand. Good thing too, because all the werewolves were much larger than he was. He opened his locker, grabbed a clean black T-shirt and yanked it on. He shoved the dirty one in a plastic bag and hid it in the back of the locker. He’d dispose of it later.

By the time they finished doing what they could, dawn was a little less than an hour away. The bar would probably have to be closed for a day or two while they fixed the damage to the walls, ordered new furniture and restocked the liquor supply.

Still, Haven was almost back to normal. Craig didn’t doubt that all the werewolves would be hard at work, after a few hours of rest, repairing their home. That’s what Haven was to them, a home, not just a place to work.

“We must leave.” Damek inclined his head toward the Haven pack. “Until our next adventure.” He jerked his head toward the door.

“I’ll call you tomorrow,” Craig promised his sister when he stopped to hug her. He found himself enveloped in a huge family hug, his siblings and their spouses surrounding him.

“I want to spend some real time with you.” Quinn frowned at him. “But I guess that will have to wait until you tie up loose ends and find Evie.”

“We’ll spend some time together soon. I promise.” Craig yearned to have life go back to some semblance of normal. He missed his family and his work. But none of that compared to the emptiness in his heart Evie had left when she’d run.

He had to find her and talk with her.

Damek was waiting. Craig could sense his growing impatience so he quickly said his goodbyes, left his family and hurried outside. Damek peered up at the night sky. “Come. We still have work to do. This is a good time for you to test your skills. I want to see just how strong your mind is.”

Evie ran and ran and ran until she finally collapsed against a brick wall.

She’d only used her preternatural speed for a short time before reverting to normal running. She wanted to exhaust herself so she wouldn’t have the energy to think.

It was over. She’d staked Vladimir in the heart, but it was Craig who’d delivered the killing blow, taking off the vampire’s head. But none of that would have happened without Damek’s help.

She owed the ancient vampire big time.

She’d brought nothing but trouble to Craig and his family and friends. The best thing she could do was disappear out of his life. His family certainly wouldn’t want her around, all things considered. And she couldn’t blame them.

Dawn wasn’t far off. She wondered what Craig was doing and immediately chided herself for it. She had to let him go.

Why?

She ignored the soft voice in the back of her head. Maybe she should have stayed and helped them deal with the aftermath of killing Vladimir. She’d left them to dispose of the body and clean up the mess. “You’re a coward.”

She pushed away from the wall and started walking. She was afraid now that the threat was over and Craig could settle back into his old life that he might not want her. Better to leave than to be left.

Once again, she’d fallen back into the pattern she’d lived her entire life.

When you let people get close to you, they inevitably let you down and hurt you.

But Craig hadn’t. He’d put himself in front of her, protected her. And she’d done the same for him. His family and the werewolf pack had stood beside them, fighting for them as well.

She absently rubbed her chest. She ached to see Craig, to touch him. As it was, she could feel him inside her mind and her heart and knew he was safe.

That would have to be enough.

Glancing around, she realized she was in her old neighborhood. She trudged to her building and pulled the door open, barely noticing how easily the lock gave way with her preternatural strength. She was outside her apartment door before it occurred to her that she didn’t have any keys.

She didn’t want to damage the door.

Of course, it might not even be locked.

No reason to believe Vladimir would have bothered. She turned the knob and, sure enough, it opened easily. Taking a deep breath, she pushed the door wide.

Her belongings were strewn everywhere. Not that she had much, but what she owned was one jumbled mess scattered all over the floor.

Evie shut and bolted the door. She stepped over her clothing and books, ignored the open paints and canvases strewn across the floor and grabbed her pillow off the daybed. The curtains had been dragged down and the rod hung haphazardly from the window frame.

There was no window in the bathroom so she’d be safe there. She trudged into the tiny room and tossed her pillow into the tub. It was pitch black, but with her perfect night vision, she could see her reflection in the mirror—sunken eyes, pale skin and the sad expression on face.

She could still smell blood and knew it was on her. No way she could sleep knowing Vladimir’s blood was on her.

Evie pulled her sweater off and used it to clean off as much of the blood as she could. She wondered if she could salvage it. She’d liked wearing Craig’s sweater. It was like having him wrapped around her. The garment was probably damaged beyond repair, not just with blood, but with rips and holes from the fight. She reluctantly tossed it aside.

Then she grabbed a facecloth and wet it under the tap. She rubbed at her arms, neck and face, cleaning away the remnants of the battle. She rinsed the facecloth several times until it no longer ran with blood. A shower might be the best thing, but she was too tired, not just physically, but emotionally. She promised herself she’d take one tomorrow night as soon as she woke.

She went into the other room long enough to find a clean shirt and pull it on. Then she went back into the bathroom and shut the door. She climbed into the tub and curled into a little ball, hugging her arms around herself. It was only then she really allowed herself to think about the mess of her life. She wondered where Craig was and what he was doing. The first tear fell and then another. And as the night waned, Evie cried herself to sleep.

Chapter Sixteen

Craig followed Damek to another part of the city. They traveled with preternatural speed, racing along the sidewalk faster than they would if they took a vehicle. Damek slowed and came to a stop in front of a very impressive house—a large Victorian that had been totally restored.

“This Vladimir Drake’s home?”

“Yes. And there is someone we must help.” Damek strode to the front door and knocked.

The door opened and a dark-haired man stood there, his blue eyes bloodshot, his body trembling. “You’re back. I wasn’t sure if I imagined you or not.”

The unassuming man appeared to be in his mid-thirties, but with his receding hairline he could be older or younger.

Craig couldn’t be sure. What he could be sure of was the man was afraid. Craig could smell his fear.

“You don’t know what I’ve done, what I’ve seen,” the man began. He seemed broken. This had to be one of Vladimir’s minions. Craig felt sorry for him.

“Your master is dead.” Damek’s tone was almost gentle. He reached out and placed his hand on the man’s forehead. “You will forget everything from the past few weeks. All else will be nothing more than a dream, which will fade over time.”

“A dream,” the man repeated. His eyes went vacant.

Fascinated, Craig opened his mind and tried to feel what Damek was doing.

Damek put up no blocks, allowing him inside his mind. The process was as delicate as any brain surgery. It was like writing code for a computer program.

Damek was literally reprogramming the man’s memories.

It was over in a matter of seconds.

The man slumped slightly, but Damek caught him. “Go home,” Damek ordered him. “Forget me. Forget all that has happened. Go back to your home.”

He nodded and left the house, front door wide open and trudged down the sidewalk.

“Will he be okay?” Craig wondered if they shouldn’t follow him home.

“He’ll have to be. There’s no time to waste.” Damek closed the door to the house, making sure it was secured.

“We’ll come back here tomorrow night and deal with Vladimir’s belongings.

Anything that hints of him being a vampire must be destroyed.”

Craig hadn’t thought about that.

“Being a vampire isn’t easy, is it?”

Damek shrugged. “It has compensations, but you must always be careful. Only a trusted few can know your secrets. I spent hundreds of years with no one knowing what I was at all. It was safer that way.”

His friend faced him. “You must learn to use your powers, test them, strengthen them. I didn’t allow you to do that with this man because he is an innocent and deserved no further harm to come to him.”

He digested what his friend said and nodded. It made sense. “Wouldn’t Vladimir have had more than one minion?”

Damek nodded. “He had a half-

dozen. Only this man was innocent. All the others were hardened criminals to begin with. Murderers. They won’t be returning to their homes.”

Craig swallowed hard, realizing that Damek had already killed them.

“I know what you’re thinking, my friend. Yes, I destroyed a couple of them, but the vampire hunters had already done most of my work for me. I found them here when I arrived earlier this evening.”

“What about other connections? The vampire who made Vladimir?” Craig had so many questions.

“No, his maker is dead. I caught that much from Vladimir’s memories when I held him in my command. He murdered him because he wanted to be the oldest.”

Damek shook his head in disgust. “Such arrogance.”

“Are you the oldest vampire?” Craig asked. He’d often wondered but there’d never seemed to be the right opportunity to ask.

Damek shrugged. “I don’t know and don’t care. I have no idea what became of the one who made me a thousand years ago. Dead or alive, it matters not. I have carved out my own life and that is enough to concern me.”

Damek glanced at the lightening sky.

“We must hurry. Follow me.”

In a blur of motion, Damek zipped down the street, moving easily around obstacles, never slowing. Craig followed. It wasn’t easy to keep up, but he managed. He’d get better over time, or at least he hoped so.

Damek stopped outside a motel just this side of seedy and waited until Craig pulled up alongside him. Craig studied the motel. It wasn’t quite rundown, but it certainly wasn’t going to get more than a two-star review, and that was only a good day. They walked down the side of the building and stopped in front of one of the rooms that had an outside entrance.

“There are two hunters staying here.” Damek pointed to room eight. “I want you to find out what they know.

Then you will decide what is to be done with them.”

Craig knew this would be one of the most difficult things he’d have to do since becoming a vampire. It was one thing to kill an enemy in the heat of battle, a vile creature who wanted to kill his loved ones. But this was different.

This was cold-blooded.

“It is who you are now,” Damek reminded him. “Who you must become if you are going to survive. Your brother understands this. As does your brother-

in-law. All paranormal creatures must face this moment. It is a matter of survival.”

Survival. Craig thought about the men waiting inside the cheap motel room. They were in the city for one purpose—to hunt vampires. They would kill whatever vampires they could find, not stopping to question whether it was right or wrong. It’s what they did. They didn’t differentiate between vampires like Damek and Vladimir. All vampires were evil to the hunters.

Something inside him hardened and he strode to the door. He glanced at Damek, but his friend stood to one side watching. He knew then that Damek would interfere only if absolutely necessary. This was Craig’s show now.

He concentrated on the locks and felt them turn easily. They were no challenge at all. He opened the door and stepped into the darkened room. There were two double beds crammed into the small space. A man slept fully clothed on each one.

Craig waited until Damek entered and then shut the door. He didn’t need light to see, not with his new and improved night vision. Damek motioned to the man closest to them. “That’s Evan.

The other one is Leroy.” Then his friend withdrew into the shadows by the door until Craig couldn’t see him at all. Quite a feat, that. He’d have to ask Damek to show him how that was done.

Knowing he was procrastinating and the clock was ticking, Craig went toward the first bed and sat on the edge.

The man—Evan was his name—woke, his eyes widening. Craig slapped his hand over the man’s mouth before he yelled or made enough noise to wake his friend.

He’d felt how Damek had eased into the mind of the minion at Vladimir’s home and did the same with the man in front of him. He reached out with his mind and connected easily to Evan’s. He traveled along the delicate neural pathways until he came to the man’s memories. What he found there was disturbing. This particular hunter had a sincere wish to protect mankind from the monsters he knew existed. His sister had been killed by such a monster. The other man, Leroy, had come to him after his sister’s death, telling Evan about the monsters. At first, Evan hadn’t believed Leroy. But then he’d been shown undeniable proof.

But Evan wasn’t comfortable with all the killing. He didn’t mind slaying the monsters. They deserved to die. But the minions were another thing all together.

Weren’t they victims too?

Craig backed out of Evan’s mind, releasing his hold on his memories. He was careful not to damage or disturb any of them. It was such an intimate thing to dig around another person’s mind. Much like searching someone’s home when they weren’t there. None of his secrets were off limits, there was nothing he could hide that Craig couldn’t find, given enough time.

This kind of power was both seductive and frightening. It reminded Craig of hacking into a computer. It would be very easy to do lasting damage.

There was so much anger, sadness and fear whirling around inside this man.

Craig swiveled his head so he could see Damek. “He’s not a bad man.”

“I know.” Damek said nothing more.

Craig knew if he didn’t deal with the situation, Damek would, and Craig wasn’t exactly sure how his friend would handle things. In many ways, Damek was primitive at heart. He’d been born into a more violent and basic time in the history of the world, and civilization was a thin veneer he wore when it suited him.

Craig looked back at Evan. The man was sweating profusely, but he hadn’t moved. Damek must have him under a compulsion. Craig straightened, lifting his hand from Evan’s mouth so he could speak.

Evan swallowed hard. “You’re one of them, aren’t you?”

“I’m a vampire, yes,” he answered honestly. “But I’m not a killer. Not a bad person.”

“You drink people’s blood,” Evan accused.

“And you eat cows,” Craig shot back. “At least I don’t have to kill people to get sustenance. There is plenty of blood to be had from blood banks.

And there are those who know about vampires, some of whom are more than willing to give their blood when needed.” He thought back to earlier tonight at Haven. His friends had come through for him in ways he’d never imagined they would.

“You don’t kill them?” He could hear Evan’s confusion.

Craig sighed. “I’m so sorry about your sister. That was a tragedy, but not all vampires are like the one you were chasing. You don’t need to worry about him any longer. We took care of him.”

“We?” The man reeked of fear, his clothes damp with sweat. Damek stepped out of the shadows and the bed began to shake with the man’s trembling.

“Be calm, human,” Damek commanded. “If I wanted you dead, I’d have done it earlier.” He pointedly stared at Craig. “Time is running out.

Even I cannot hold back the dawn.”

“I’m not so sure of that,” Craig countered, drawing a small smile from his friend who simply shrugged.

“Okay, Evan, here’s what’s going to happen. I’m going to erase some of your memories and give you some new ones.

And I hope to hell we never cross paths again. Don’t waste your life on anger and vengeance. I don’t think your sister would have wanted that.”

Damek nodded and Craig felt the older vampire inside his mind, watching what Craig was about to do. He knew Damek would keep him from making a mistake and that gave him confidence.

It was just like hacking a computer.

It required skill, a light hand—or in this case mind—and the ability to adapt and adjust to fluctuating situations when the need arose.

Craig struck without warning, sliding much more quickly into Evan’s mind. He picked through Evan’s memories, slowly at first, but then with speed and growing confidence.

He felt Damek monitoring him and adjusted what he was doing whenever Damek gave him a suggestion. It felt strange, yet somehow normal, to hear Damek in his head while he was smack dab in the memories of a human.

Good thing he was used to multitasking.

Craig removed some but not all of Evan’s memories. He left enough so the man wouldn’t think he was losing his mind. That would be an injustice to Evan and he wanted to avoid making that kind of mistake. The mind was such a delicate thing, so easily damaged.

Craig also implanted some new thoughts, especially ones about distrusting vampire hunters, who in many ways were as bad as or worse than the creatures they hunted. He planted questions about vampires and the thought that not all of them were bad. Only some of them. Much like humans.

When he was done, he carefully withdrew from Evan’s mind, praying he hadn’t made any mistakes. He glanced at Damek, who simply nodded at him. That set Craig’s mind at ease. If he’d left something undone, Damek would have alerted him. Confident now, he looked back at Evan. “Now you will collect your things, go to your car and go home.”

Damek stirred. “Have you had contact with other hunters or just Leroy?”

“Just Leroy,” Evan answered, his voice shaking. “Who are you?” he asked.

“No one you need to worry about,” Craig answered. He waited until Evan had all his gear and was by the door.

Then he seamlessly slid into Evan’s consciousness one final time. This time he wasn’t trying to manipulate a memory but plant a suggestion. It was a different process and it took him a minute to adjust and find the proper area of the brain. It was shocking to him how easily he was able to do this.

“You will not remember tonight once you drive away from here,” Craig told Evan. “All you’ll know is that you want to get home.”

“Home.” Evan echoed the word and left the dingy motel room. Craig watched from the doorway as Evan tossed his belongings into is truck, started the vehicle and drove off.

Craig hoped Evan made it home all right and put his sister’s death behind him. He’d done what he could to ensure Evan would stay away from the vampire hunters, but only time would tell.

Damek pointed to the other bed.

“Now we deal with Leroy.”

Dread built in the pit of Craig’s stomach. He knew this man was very different from Evan. He could sense it without even entering the man’s mind and viewing his memories. There was a darkness surrounding Leroy, a sickness that seemed to cling to him.

Craig didn’t want to be in Leroy’s memories any more than he had to. He had a feeling it wouldn’t be a pleasant place to be. It would probably be more like being stuck in a horror movie, one that he had a very upfront and close view of.

Dawn was nearing and there was no time to waste. Craig tried to push into Leroy’s mind but something stopped him.

“Many vampire hunters build up a barrier around their minds to keep vampires out,” Damek informed him.

“Think of it as a firewall you have to get around just like you have to do when you’re doing your computer hacking.

Find the weakness.”

Craig examined the barrier from all angles. He tried one approach and then another. Stymied, he turned to Damek for assistance. “What am I missing?”

Damek took over and nudged Craig’s attention to a tiny break in the edge of Leroy’s mind barrier. “There is always a weakness. Sometimes it’s no more than a pinprick, but if you find it, you can exploit it.”

Craig was both horrified and fascinated. He probed at the area and felt it give a little, like a water balloon.

All he had to do was figure out how to pop it. He didn’t think brute force would do the trick, plus that wasn’t his way.

Instead, he pulled a stray memory from Leroy’s brain and inserted himself in the middle. Then he surrounded that image with the feeling that everything was okay, that Craig was safe and Leroy knew that. Then he went back to that tiny weakness and gently nudged it.

Craig felt Leroy’s consciousness assess the memory and decide it was okay. That was the opening Craig needed and he slid right past the barrier and into Leroy’s mind. He hovered there, keeping his presence cloaked as he looked around.

Craig felt Damek’s presence watching over him, but he ignored his friend. He had to concentrate on what he was doing. Leroy’s memories made Craig sick to his stomach. This man had killed not only vampires, but minions and innocents who’d had contact with them.

He pulled out, gasping for air, wishing he could scrub what he’d seen from his brain, but the images were as engrained there as they had been in Leroy’s brain. If he’d had anything in his stomach, Craig would have lost it.

“Easy, my friend.” Damek rested his hand on Craig’s shoulder. “There are many men like this in the world. He has killed many and will go unpunished if you do not bring him to justice.”

“But if we elect ourselves judge and jury, how are we any different?” That’s what worried Craig the most—the great responsibility that came with having such enormous power and abilities.

“There is a very big difference.”

Damek paused, gathering his thoughts.

“The man lying on the bed is a vampire hunter. He kills without thought. He sleeps peacefully each night, feeling righteous and just, never doubting he did the right thing by killing vampire, minion and human. You, on the other hand, will think about Vladimir Drake’s death often. Even though the vampire had to be destroyed.” Damek’s eyes were sad and filled with ancient memories. “And Leroy’s death will still haunt your dreams hundreds of years from now even though you’ll know you had no other choice but to destroy him. That is the difference.”

“You still see them all, don’t you?”

Craig asked. “The faces of all the men you’ve been forced to kill.”

“And the ones of those I wasn’t forced to kill but did so before I gained control over my vampire nature.” Damek walked away from the bed and paused by the window. “Unlike you though, I am able to live with those deaths.”

Damek pulled back the curtain and peered out at the waning night. “Your mind is even stronger than mine was after two hundred years. You will be an extremely powerful vampire, Craig.

There is no doubt about that. The combination of your intellect and your deeply rooted sense of curiosity will lead you to try to discover your limits. I think you may find you don’t have any.

All you will have are your morals to guide you.”

Damek turned back to face him. “It is up to you to decide how you will use that power. Will you protect innocents and live with the consequences of your actions or will you simply walk away and leave the weak to deal with the monsters alone?”

Craig knew which choice Damek had made all those years ago. And he was right. A man like Leroy was a killer. Worse, he enjoyed the rush of power killing gave him. He was as bad as Vladimir Drake. No, worse. Leroy didn’t need blood to survive. He simply enjoyed watching people and vampires die, liked the feeling that he was God, deciding between life and death and always choosing death.

Not giving himself time to put off the inevitable, Craig struck hard and fast.

Leroy gasped and sat upright. His eyes flew open and terror filled them. Craig knew he’d see those eyes in his dreams for as long as he lived. Still, he didn’t stop. He knew the way past Leroy’s barriers and into his mind. It was easier now that he’d already done it once.

Knowledge flooded Craig’s thoughts and he knew it was Damek sending him the information he needed to do what he had to do. He seized on the area that controlled Leroy’s heart and gently squeezed. Leroy fell back on the bed, clutching his chest. It only took two minutes for him to stop breathing.

With a cry of pain, Craig wrenched himself free from Leroy as he gasped his last breath. Tears slowly trickled down Craig’s cheeks. He’d killed a man on purpose. He swiped at the evidence of his weakness.

Damek’s arm came around his shoulders, offering him support. “Not weakness, my friend.” Craig realized he’d left himself wide open. He’d gotten so used to having Damek in his mind during this process he hadn’t realized the vampire was still there. He thought about slamming the barriers down, but it was too late. Damek already knew how he felt.

“It is a sign of your humanity. Your compassion. Pray you never lose it.”

Damek gave his shoulder a squeeze and then left him to do a quick search of the hunter’s possessions.

“Check this for numbers.” Damek tossed Leroy’s phone to him.

Craig automatically caught the device, knowing Damek was giving him something to do in order to take his mind off the horror of what he’d just had to do. He appreciated Damek’s effort, but nothing would ever remove this memory, and he hoped nothing ever would. He regretted it had been necessary to kill Leroy, but he wasn’t sorry he’d done it.

It meant he didn’t have to worry about the vampire hunter coming after Evie, Damek or Sonia. It meant his friends and family were safe. And that was everything to Craig, certainly worth whatever nightmares he might have in the future.

He checked Leroy’s phone. There were only two numbers programmed in.

He memorized them and then removed them from the contact list. All the while he worked, he made sure he didn’t look at Leroy’s body. Maybe it was weak of him, but he’d had enough death for one night.

“Come. Dawn is near.” Damek ushered him to the door.

He took a deep breath of fresh air, needing it to help clean away the stench of death from his body and soul. “How come it’s easy for me to use my mind to control and kill others? What I didn’t instinctually know, I easily picked up from your memories and experiences.”

Craig’s analytical side wanted to know as much as he could about the process so he could test himself and learn as much as he could. With understanding, he would gain greater control over himself and his newfound abilities.

They stood in the shadows outside the motel. Two vampires. One young and one ancient. Both friends.

“Who knows why one vampire has certain skills and another doesn’t. All vampires acquire the ability to control minds to a degree. I have built my skills over time. You, my friend, are like a surgeon. Your precision and control is unlike any I have ever seen, unheard of in one so young. Maybe it is because of your work with computers. The skill set is similar. Whatever the reason, it will be interesting to see how it develops over the years.” Damek glanced at the skyline. “Dawn is coming.”

“Eight minutes and twenty seconds,” Craig supplied.

Damek laughed. “Then we must be off.” Damek sped through the night and Craig followed. He’d shut off all his thoughts about Evie while dealing with the vampire hunters, but now they returned with a vengeance. Where was she? He could feel her out there, but he couldn’t quite pinpoint where she was.

He wished she was with him.

He focused on Evie. Only her.

Suddenly, he knew exactly where to find her.

Craig slowed and stopped. Damek returned a few seconds later. “What is it?”

“Evie.” Craig said nothing more.

Damek shielded his eyes from the lightening sky. “Go. But we need to talk more later. There is much you need to know and you’ll need to feed. I take it you know where she is?”

“Her old apartment.” There was no doubt in Craig’s mind.

Damek nodded. “I will have one of my people deliver a package later. It will be outside her apartment door when you wake. The blood will be packed in ice so it will be fine. Not exactly fresh, but it will give you the sustenance you need. But you will need to return to my home as soon as possible. Both of you still have much to learn, and you need time to make certain you have control over the bloodlust.”

“Thank you.” He reached out to Damek and pulled him into a hug.

They’d been friends before but the connection went even deeper now. They were both vampires, brothers by blood, if not familial ties. Damek had saved not only his life, but the life of the woman he loved, not to mention his family and the Haven pack. He owed Damek everything.

“You owe me nothing.” Damek’s voice was hard and uncompromising even as he hugged Craig back.

“I need to get you out of my head.”

Damek immediately withdrew and Craig’s barriers automatically slammed into place. They’d been through a lot together in the past, but tonight had deepened the bond. They’d fought and killed together, and Craig knew this was only the beginning. The years ranged before him, unending. But he knew Damek would be there beside him whenever he needed him. No matter how many years went by, there would always been a special connection between them.

“Thank you for being my friend.”

Damek nodded. “It is my pleasure.”

He stepped back and clapped Craig on the shoulder. “Now go to your woman.

But hurry. I don’t want you to end up fried to a crisp on the sidewalk.”

Craig pulled away and laughed.

“Will that happen?”

“Who knows?” Damek shrugged.

“All vampires are different.” Then he was gone, leaving Craig alone.

But not for long. Craig raced against the coming dawn, following Evie’s essence as easily as following a marked trail. He would always know where to find her.

He shoved through the door of her building and all but flew up the stairs.

He paused at her door and had to concentrate on the locks. It was slightly harder than the one at the motel had been, but he still managed easily.

Craig stepped inside the tiny apartment. It looked as though a cyclone had blown through. Her things were scattered everywhere, some of them broken beyond repair. The window was devoid of covering and the early dawn light would soon be shining through the uncovered pane of glass.

But there was no sign of Evie.

Dawn was starting to break and a heavy lethargy pulled at him. He stumbled toward the only other room in the apartment, the only other place she could be. It made sense to sleep in the only room without a window, even if it was the bathroom.

He shoved open the bathroom door and Evie sat up in the tub. There were tearstains on her cheeks and the sight of them made his chest ache with sorrow.

He shoved the door closed and practically fell on top of her in the tub as the dawn sleep overtook him. “Told you I wouldn’t let you go,” he muttered.

Evie knew the sun had risen, could feel it in her bones. Beside her, Craig was passed out cold, his body unable to resist the death-like sleep that the sun brought to most vampires.

How had he found her?

It didn’t matter. All that mattered was he’d come for her. His last words gave her hope. He was half out of the tub, his upper body bent at an awkward angle over the edge. Not a comfortable position, not that he knew. He was passed out cold.

She pulled him all the way into the tub with her. He was too tall for her to be able to straighten out his legs, so she settled him as best as she could, using a couple of rolled up towels for an extra pillow. There was no way to make him really comfortable. He’d definitely have a crick in his neck when he woke.

She almost laughed. They were vampires. Neither of them would have a crick in their necks, or if they did, it wouldn’t be for long. Her injuries from the fight earlier tonight were already healed, and Craig had looked fit and hearty before he’d dropped into a deep sleep exactly at dawn. He’d washed and changed his shirt and there was no blood, dried or fresh, on him anywhere.

She couldn’t believe he was here.

That he’d really come for her.

The barriers around her heart crumbled into dust.

Craig had never let her down. Not once.

She loved him. That meant she had to take the chance that they could build something that could last. Any other option was unthinkable. She’d panicked and run from him. She’d have to apologize to him and his friends for that.

She settled next to Craig and pulled his arms around her. Sighing, she closed her eyes. Before she could settle into sleep, her phone rang. She glanced at Craig but he didn’t stir. It rang again so she plucked the device out of her pocket and answered. The call display told her it was an unknown number. “Hello.”

“I did not think you would be asleep.” Damek’s voice startled her.

“Craig made it to you.”

It wasn’t a question, but a statement of fact, as though the vampire had no doubt Craig was with her. “Yes, but he’s asleep.”

“Ah, his mind is strong, but his physical body succumbs to the rise and fall of the sun.”

“Yours doesn’t,” she pointed out.

“And neither does yours. I sensed that about you.” Damek paused and then continued, “Over time, you may be able to be outside on dull days, early in the morning and late in the evening.”

“Really?” Wow, that was something to look forward to.

“I do not need to tell you to take care of him, do I?”

The threat was there, but for the first time, it made Evie smile instead of turning her insides to ice. “No, you don’t need to tell me that.”

“He will need you when he wakes.”

It wasn’t so much what Damek said as his tone. “What happened?” Had something else occurred after she’d run off.

“That is for Craig to share or not. It is his choice.” He continued on, his voice brisk. “I have someone delivering blood to your apartment later today. If you hear someone outside your door, that is probably who it is. Still, take no chances. Craig is in your care.”

“I’ll handle it.”

“I will see you soon.”

The line went dead and Evie tucked her phone back into her pocket. She hesitated and reached for Craig’s phone, finding it easily. She went through his list of contacts and found what she was looking for. She didn’t want to talk to anyone, not yet, so she sent a quick text message. Satisfied, she laid his phone on the edge of the tub. Craig was as still as death, the beat of his heart all but nonexistent. She settled her head on his chest and pulled his arm around her again.

Knowing he was in a deep sleep and couldn’t hear her made it easier for her to say what was in her heart. “I love you.” She’d never said those words to another person in her life. Saying them seemed to shake some of the heaviness pressing down on her.

Maybe their relationship wouldn’t last. But maybe it would. For the first time in her life, Evie believed love could happen for her. Craig obviously cared for her. That was a start. And for now it was enough.

The sky was lightening outside, bringing a yellow glow in through the front windows of Haven. The club wouldn’t open at all for business today, but two tables in the back near the kitchen were filled with people. Quinn looked around and wondered for the millionth time how his life had brought him to this point.

Bethany leaned against him and kissed his cheek. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah.” He kissed her lips, slowly and leisurely. She opened to him, as she always did, welcoming his touch. When he finally pulled back, he smiled. “Now everything is perfect.” She gave a small laugh, her cheeks turning pink.

Around them, the rest of the Haven pack and his family laughed and talked.

They’d defeated another foe last night. It was time to celebrate.

The only person missing was Craig.

Quinn wondered where his younger brother was and what he and Damek had done when they’d left. Damek had been on a mission for sure. There was a lot Quinn didn’t know about vampires, but he knew some of them had minions. Then there were the vampire hunters.

He wouldn’t relax until he heard from Craig. But that wouldn’t be until tonight at the earliest. He’d have to keep busy today. Otherwise, he’d go crazy waiting. He wasn’t even sure where Craig was. He only hoped he was with Damek. He might not always trust the ancient vampire, but he knew Damek would protect Craig with his life.

His phone pinged, letting him know he had a message. He fished it out of his pocket and his heart skipped a beat. It was from Craig. He was safe and would call later. Quinn checked the time. The message had just been sent.

How was that possible? It was after sunrise.

Quinn’s gaze narrowed as he studied the message. It wasn’t signed.

Furthermore, if his brother could text, he could call. Either Damek had sent it or someone else had.

An image of Evie popped into his head. Was it possible? Quinn didn’t know and didn’t care. All that mattered was Craig was safe. The rest would work itself out.

“What is it?” Chrissten asked. “Is it from Craig?”

Quinn nodded. “A text message.

He’s fine and will call later.” A sense of relief went around the table. Meredith smiled and everyone resumed their conversations.

Suddenly hungry, Quinn dug into the mound of pancakes and bacon on his plate.

Chapter Seventeen

It was fifteen minutes past sunset when Craig woke slowly to the feel of a hand on his chest. The hand was small, feminine and very familiar. He smiled in the darkness and tried to stretch, only to discover there wasn’t enough room for him to move, let alone stretch.

Beneath him was smooth porcelain instead of a mattress. Towels under his head instead of a pillow. Why were they lying in a bathtub instead of on a bed?

As though a switch had been flipped, he remembered everything, including his frantic run through the city streets to be with Evie when the dawn arrived. He had a vague memory of falling on top of her. Not exactly a graceful entrance.

“Here.” Evie sat up and reached over the side of the tub. He heard ice scrunching together as though she was pulling a container out of an ice chest.

He smiled when she handed him a bottle.

It wasn’t filled with wine, as the label suggested, but blood. The smell of the rich liquid made his fangs explode from his gums. He was ravenous.

He tipped the bottle back and drank deeply. Last night had depleted him in more ways than one.

The image of a dead man flashed in his mind, but he shoved it aside. He would not dwell on the murderer he’d been forced to destroy. He consumed half the blood and licked his lips. The life-giving liquid flooded through his body, refreshing his cells and replenishing his strength.

“Tell me what happened.” Evie was curled up on the opposite end of the tub, watching him. Her hair was half out of her braid and her eyes looked slightly bloodshot.

He frowned, worried about her health. Hadn’t she slept?

“Craig?”

Craig shook his head, not wanting to share his nightmares with her and add to her own. Evie glanced away, but not before he saw the hurt in her eyes.

Relationships were complicated things and he hadn’t had much practice with them.

“It’s not pretty,” he warned her.

“Not much of this situation has been.” Her quiet, calm reply settled him.

“Not here.” He stood and climbed out of the tub. He held his hand out to her and she took it, allowing him to help her.

Holding the half-full bottle in one hand, he opened the bathroom door and peered out at the mess. The daybed was still intact, although the covers and pillows were strewn on the floor. Her bookshelves had been toppled and her chair and coffee table were in pieces.

He led Evie over to the one unbroken piece of furniture and urged her to sit.

“Where did this come from?” He hefted the bottle and drank some more.

“Damek had his people deliver it.

He called after you fell asleep.” Evie pushed back on the daybed and leaned against the wall.

“And you were awake?”

Evie nodded and grinned. “Seems the daylight sleep doesn’t really affect me the way it does you.”

Now that was interesting. What other differences existed? The fact that she could be awake during the day was a tremendous advantage.

She licked her lips, her gaze on the bottle in his hands.

“Did you drink?” He held out the bottle to her as shame filled him. He should have offered it to her first.

“Yes, I had some when I brought the chest inside.” She pushed the bottle back toward him. “You need to finish that.”

Craig settled beside her, close but not quite touching. If he touched her, there would be no talking. He wanted to feel her naked body under him, her hands touching him, her lips and tongue on his skin.

He shuddered and finished the last of the blood before setting the bottle down on the floor. “The day sleep doesn’t affect you?” This was a power he didn’t have at all and he was fascinated by it.

“Not so much. I get a bit sleepy, but it’s no different than the mid-afternoon slump I’d get when I was fully human.

Back then I could drink coffee. Now I can just push through it. Drinking blood helps too.”

“Amazing.” Craig reached out his hand to touch her face, but she moved just out of reach. He tried not to let her reaction hurt him, but it did. He sighed and let his hand fall to his lap.

“I’m sorry,” she blurted.

His eyes widened. “Why are you sorry? You did nothing wrong.”

“I ran. From you. From your friends.” She pulled her legs up to her chest and wrapped her hands around her knees. He noticed her tendency to do so when she was stressed, as though she were trying to make herself so small no one would notice her. That habit, long ingrained, came from her childhood.

Fury raced through him like a runaway train, which he barely managed to contain. The thought of some adult hurting Evie as a child angered him deeply. How could anyone hurt her?

“It’s understandable.” He leaned forward but didn’t touch her. “You were frightened. No one blames you for that.”

“I do.” She buried her face against her knees for a moment before raising it again. Her green eyes glowed like emeralds. “Thank you for everything you did. Thank you for fighting and for defeating Vladimir.”

“It was a group effort.” Damek probably could have done it alone, but he hadn’t been there at the beginning. It had taken all of them to hold the other vampire off until reinforcements arrived.

Evie tipped her head back against the wall. “Your friends put themselves in danger. I don’t understand them at all.”

Unable to resist any longer, Craig scooted closer until he was sitting next to her. His much longer legs hung off the mattress, his feet touching the floor. “I know you don’t, but you will.”

“What happened after I left last night?”

Craig pondered his options, but knew he could be nothing less than truthful. If Evie was going to turn away from him because of what he’d done it was better to know now than later.

“I stayed at Haven and helped them clean up the worst of the damage. Isaiah and Michael were off disposing of Vladimir’s body and head when we left.

Damek and I went to Vladimir’s home first. We have to go back tonight and destroy anything that might lead anyone to suspect he was a vampire. No one can know.”

Evie nodded. “I understand.”

“There was a minion there. A man who’d been enslaved by Vladimir. Not an overly smart man, but a good one.”

Evie reached out and took his hand.

He folded his fingers around it and held it tight. “What happened to him?”

“Damek took most of his memories of the time he’d spent with the vampire.

He’ll always have blanks in his memory, will have nightmares for the rest of his life, but he’s alive and free.” Craig paused and plowed forward, wanting this done. There could be no secrets between them, not if they hoped to have a future together. “The vampire hunters killed most of the minions and Damek took care of those they missed. They weren’t good men.” He left it at that.

Evie squeezed his hand. “What happened then?”

Craig peered across the apartment. It was past dusk, casting the apartment in shadows. They had a lot of work to clean up this place. Most of her belongings were broken or damaged beyond repair. Garbage.

She’d definitely have to move. It wasn’t safe here, and he didn’t like the idea of Evie on her own.

“Damek discovered there were vampire hunters in the city.” He raked the fingers of his free hand through his hair. “They’re a deadly bunch. They kill vampires, sometimes those humans who like to dress up and pretend, humans they think might have aided vampires, minions and sometimes innocent bystanders. They don’t usually take the time to differentiate between vampires who are good and those who aren’t.

They kill them all.”

Evie swallowed hard. “That’s… that’s horrible.”

Craig glanced her way and then back to the window. The drapes that used to cover them were on the floor. The glow of the streetlamps shone into the apartment, spotlighting several different areas of destruction. “We went to the hotel where they were staying. Damek had sent them there under compulsion.”

“Compulsion?” Evie asked.

“Basically, he plants a suggestion in their minds, one they can’t disobey.”

Craig was still coming to grips with the idea that he could do that too.

He felt the shudder that went through Evie. “Is there anything Damek can’t do?”

“Hell if I know. Damek keeps to himself, even with his friends.” Craig had always thought he understood why, but now he truly understood. Damek was protecting his friends as much as he was protecting himself. In all the centuries the vampire had lived, how many evil creatures—vampire, paranormal and human—had he been forced to kill in order to survive and spare innocent people? It boggled the mind.

“Anyway, one of the hunters wasn’t all bad. He was conflicted, had only joined the hunters after his sister was killed by a vampire.”

“How awful.”

Craig nodded. “I scrambled his memories and sent him on his way. He should be home by now.”

Evie shifted, coming up on her knees beside him. “You scrambled his memories?”

“Yeah.” Craig stood and began to pace the small space. Broken items, clothing and books crunched beneath his boots. “Damek thought I should test my abilities.” He whirled around. “It was amazing what I could do. I dampened some of his memories until they were all but gone. Then I implanted a few new ones, using his existing memories to fashion them. Kinda like rewriting computer code using an existing one as the base.” What bothered him the most was that he’d actually enjoyed the challenge of figuring out how to change Evan’s memories. “It fascinated and sickened me at the same time.”

Evie scooted off the daybed and came toward him. “That’s only normal.

You’d be abnormal if you didn’t get some joy out of your new powers.” She placed her hand over his heart. “It’s the fact that you were sickened by it that means you haven’t lost your empathy.”

He hung his head and rubbed the back of his neck. “Damek said something similar.”

Evie gave a low chuckle. “Who’d have thought the ancient guy and I would ever agree on anything.”

Craig’s mood lightened, but only for a brief moment. He hadn’t told her the worst of it yet.

“What is it?” Evie moved closer until their bodies were almost touching.

He could smell the spicy fragrance of her skin. Every muscle in his body tightened and his cock jumped to attention.

He wanted to grab her and kiss her until he couldn’t think, didn’t have to think. For that reason, he walked away, leaving her standing in the middle of the room with her hand still in the air. He stood by the window and gazed out over the city.

It hadn’t changed, but he had.

Irrevocably.

“I killed a man,” he blurted out. “Not with my hands, but with my mind.”

He heard—no, felt—her moving up behind him. She slid her arms around his waist and pillowed her breasts against his back.

“Why?”

Craig dropped his forehead against the glass, enjoying the bite of cold against his skin. Not that he really felt cold, it was more the sensation of it.

“The other hunter was older. He’d killed so many people. Many of them were innocent, and he knew that in his heart.

He just didn’t care. He enjoyed killing.”

“And if he’d lived he’d be a danger to you and me, to Damek and Sonia, and maybe even to Isaiah’s pack. Am I right?”

Evie’s hands on his stomach were distracting him and making it harder to think straight. “Yeah.” Unable to not touch Evie any longer, he turned and pulled her against him. “I stopped his heart. Made it look as though it was natural causes. The authorities will find him and that will be the end of that.”

“Wow.” Evie’s hold tightened on him. “I’m so sorry you had to do that.”

Not what he’d been expecting her to say. Craig leaned back and stared down at her. “You’re not disgusted by what I had to do? Afraid of my powers?”

The soft smile she gifted him with almost brought him to his knees.

“Afraid? Never. I know who you really are.” She cupped his face. “The real man. And I know that having to kill him hurt you, but you did it anyway because that’s who you are. You protect the innocent and your family and friends. I understand that.”

He caught her chin and made her look at him. “Do you also understand that you’re mine? We belong together.”

He took a breath and said the same words he’d said last night. “I told you I won’t let you go.”

“I know. I’m counting on it.” She went up on her toes and pulled his face down. Their lips met and passion exploded.

Craig yanked her into his arms and lifted her feet right of the floor. She wrapped her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist.

He had to have her. Right here. Right now.

Evie’s very soul ached for what Craig had been forced to do. She almost hated Damek for making Craig do it, but she understood his reasoning. He wasn’t trying to be mean. He wanted Craig to know he could defend himself and those he loved in case Damek wasn’t there to do it for him.

Last night, the older vampire had almost been too late. Craig had to learn just how much power he wielded and how to do so to the best of his abilities.

Damek was a hard taskmaster, but Evie couldn’t wish for a better teacher for Craig.

“Evie,” he gasped her name as he turned and held her against the wall. He kissed her, his lips and tongue devouring her, stealing the very air from her lungs.

The tip of one fang nicked her lip and Craig groaned, sucking on the small wound, licking away the blood and healing it. “I’m sorry. I can’t stop. I need you so much.”

She’d never had anyone need her the way Craig did, needed anyone the way she did him. “I want you.” She peppered his face with kisses, wanting to show him how much she cared.

Craig’s lower body pinned hers against the wall. He tugged at her shirt and she helped him pull it off, leaving her naked from the waist up. He gave a low groan and cupped her breasts. They weren’t overly large, but they were firm and well-rounded.

“So beautiful.” He kissed and licked the mounds, getting closer and closer to her taut nipples. She tugged on his hair, dragging his mouth to where she wanted it. His low, pleased laugh made her pussy clench.

Then he was sucking the tip of one breast, gently pulling at the nipple with his lips, teasing it with the tip of his tongue. Evie gasped and clutched at his shoulders. Frustration filled her when she met fabric and she tore at the offending garment until it shredded under her elongated nails. She tossed the pieces aside and feasted on his bare shoulders and back, wherever she could reach. His skin was almost hot to the touch, not cold as most might expect of a vampire.

He lifted his head, his eyes glowing, not red, but that brilliant blue she loved so much. “Naked. I have to get you naked.”

He pushed at her legs until she released the grip she had on his waist.

The second her feet hit the floor, he attacked. He pulled at her jeans and panties. He had her naked in seconds.

She tried to get at his jeans, but he made that impossible by kneeling at her feet.

He shoved her legs wide and buried his face against her pussy. She cried out and grabbed his shoulders for support when her legs threatened to give out.

There was no gentle preliminaries, no tentative touches. This was a man out of control. This was sex at its most primal.

He drove two thick fingers into her slick channel, pushing deep. His lips found her clit and he sucked. Hard.

There was no gradual climb to pleasure. It was practically forced on her. Evie’s orgasm struck her hard. She came, screaming his name, as he continued to power his fingers in and out of her core.

When she started to slide down the wall, Craig surged to his feet. He ripped at the opening to his jeans and released his cock. It was long and thick, the bulbous head red and slick. Evie reached for his shaft, but her fingers had barely closed around it when he pushed her hand away. “No. I’m about two seconds from coming.”

He lifted her, spread her legs and pressed the thick head of his cock against her opening. “Evie.” He said her name and she managed to look at him, still partially lost in the fog of her previous orgasm. She knew what he wanted, what he needed.

“Yes.”

He gave a broken cry and thrust, driving deep. She clung to him, rubbing her aching nipples against his firm chest.

He held her tight, breathing heavily.

“Evie. My Evie.” He said the words over and over, chanting them like a prayer.

His cock flexed and pulsed inside her. She felt filled by Craig, surrounded by his power, his caring.

She loved the flex and play of the muscles in his arms and back as he began to move. He was strong and hard and absolutely perfect. She touched him everywhere, unable to get enough.

He powered in and out of her slick channel, her inner muscles rippling around his hard length. Her body was already rocketing toward another orgasm. It had never been like this with anyone else. Only Craig.

“Harder,” she encouraged. “More.”

She bucked her hips, trying to take him deeper.

With a yell, he wrapped his arms around her and staggered to the daybed, falling heavily upon it. Flat on her back on the bare mattress, Evie gazed up at her lover. His fangs were down and his eyes were now glowing red. She turned her head to one side and stretched her neck, offering him everything she was.

He struck hard and fast, his fangs easily piercing her skin. She cried out, her pussy clamping around his cock. He continued to drink from her, thrusting his hips, slamming his cock in and out.

Evie was lost in a haze of sexual pleasure. She thought she screamed but wasn’t sure if it was out loud or only in her mind. Her pussy rippled as her orgasm surged through her, even more powerful than the last one.

Craig eased his fangs out and licked the wound. Then he turned his head, exposing his neck. “Bite me.”

She didn’t hesitate. The thick cords of his neck beckoned. Then his blood was spilling into her mouth. She moaned and her body continued to shake and shudder. Another orgasm or one long one. She didn’t know and didn’t care.

Craig’s cock grew thicker, his movements more frantic. She knew if she were still human she’d have bruises. But as a vampire those small marks from their lovemaking disappeared almost as soon as they formed, her body almost immediately healing itself.

Craig’s big body shuddered and he held the back of her head, encouraging her to keep drinking. She felt the burst of liquid heat as he came inside her. She withdrew her fangs and closed the puncture wounds, savoring the taste of his blood in her mouth and the feel of his cock rippling inside her.

Perfection.

Craig collapsed on top of her. Evie wrapped her arms around him and hugged him as tight as she could.

He was muttering something under his breath, and it took her a moment to realize what it was. When she did, she slowly released him.

Craig pushed up onto his hands, their bodies still joined. Evie gasped and jolted slightly when his cock seemed to grow rather than get smaller.

“You heard what I said?”

She nodded.

“I meant it, you know.” He leaned down and kissed her lips. It was such a gentle caress it brought tears to her eyes.

“I love you, Evie.” He flexed his hips slightly, wringing a groan from her.

“And not just because we’re so compatible sexually. You fascinate me.

You’re so independent and strong, yet you have a vulnerable, artistic soul.” He sighed and lowered his forehead so it was resting against hers. “I wasn’t going to rush you, but I want us to be together.

Come live with me. Share my life.”

Whether it was endorphins from her sexual release or her pleasure at his words, Evie didn’t know, but she couldn’t stop herself from laughing.

“This is you not rushing me?”

Craig gave her a sheepish grin. “I didn’t ask you to marry me, did I? I’m saving that for maybe tomorrow or the next day.”

Fear leapt to the fore, practically strangling her, but she fought it. This was one man who would never let her down.

She knew that all the way to her very soul.

“I appreciate your restraint.” Her wry tone made him smile. But there was a tension thrumming through him, and she knew why. It was time for her to be brave too. She stroked his face, his straight nose, his cheeks, his strong jaw.

“I love you too. I don’t know how it happened. I fought it, but it didn’t matter.

I love you.”

Craig rolled to his back, taking her with him so she was lying on top of him.

They lay there in silence for a long time, simply holding one another and savoring their declarations of love, their commitment.

“I wasn’t kidding about marriage,” he finally said.

“I know. But let’s take it a little slow and see how your family feels first.”

That was a worry for Evie.

He smiled up at her. “You make me happy. That’s all they’ll care about.”

She wasn’t quite so sure, but she didn’t say anything to spoil the moment. He rubbed his hands over her butt, squeezing the firm mounds. She squirmed slightly and his cock flexed inside her.

“You can’t be serious.” She lifted until she was sitting up. The action drove his shaft deeper, making both of them moan.

“Deadly serious.” He held her hips and urged her to move. “But we better be quick. It’s probably only a matter of time until Damek shows up at the door.

We were supposed to go to his place as soon as the sun went down.” Craig glanced around the room. “Plus, we’ve got a lot of work to do here, cleaning and boxing what we can save and getting rid of the rest.”

Her stuff. She’d forgotten all about it in the heat of the moment.

“Hey.” Craig cupped the side of her face. “We’ll fix everything. Together.

You’ll paint, I’ll design video games and invest. It’s all good.” The corners of his eyes crinkled slightly. “There’s a small attic space in the building that would make a great studio. We could put in a skylight with a retractable shutter so you could paint by moonlight or during the day if you can’t sleep.”

God, if she didn’t already love him, she would now. “That sounds perfect.”

He looked slightly uncomfortable. “I tend to get lost in my work sometimes, not surfacing for days.”

Evie smiled at him and began to move, rising and falling on his thick erection. “That’s okay. I’ll think of something to distract you from your work when I want your attention.”

Craig laughed and then groaned when she deliberately squeezed her pussy muscles, squeezing his cock tight.

“I bet you will.”

Then there was nothing but the sounds of their passion filling the night.

Epilogue

Craig surveyed the small space, satisfied with what had been accomplished in such a short time. He had his family and the Haven pack to thank for that. Everyone had put in time on the project, working extra hours to get it done quickly.

His life had changed so much in the past month. Only four weeks ago, he’d wandered down a dark alley when he’d heard a cry. Now he was happier than he’d ever imagined he could be.

“What do you think?” Chrissten slipped her arm around his waist. “Will she like it?”

“Evie will love it.” He’d kept her away from the space, which hadn’t been easy. The daybed from her old apartment took up a place of honor in the corner. It was no longer bare, but covered with soft sheets, a thick comforter and about a dozen pillows in various earth-tone colors. The skylight let in the light of the moon and the city. It also had a metal shutter that could be closed during the day to keep out the sunlight. One wall consisted entirely of bookshelves, filled with the belongings they’d salvaged from her apartment. A brand new easel stood in one corner alongside a table filled with paints and brushes. All waiting for Evie.

Craig sensed his brother coming up behind him. “That’s the last of it.” Quinn had removed the last of the tools and empty boxes from the room. The space was truly done.

“Thank you, Quinn. For this and for everything.” It hadn’t been easy for them, but they’d done their best to accept Evie.

Seeing him and Evie together had made it easier for them. Like he’d told Evie, once they saw how happy she made him, they’d love her. And while they weren’t quite there yet, it was getting better every day.

“You’re my brother.” Quinn pulled him into a quick hug and whacked him on the back. “Whatever you need.

Whatever makes you happy.”

“Evie does.”

“We can all see that,” Chrissten said. “We’re all going over to Haven.

Join us there later?” They’d gotten into the habit of meeting at Haven after closing a couple of times a week.

Spending time together was helping all of them adjust to their new reality. Craig and Evie hung out with the group and caught up on all the news of the day while the rest of them had a drink or something to eat.

“We’ll stop by for a few minutes, but we can’t stay. We promised Damek we’d spend some time with him and Sonia tonight.” Craig had spent a lot of time with his friend these last weeks, talking and learning, training with weapons and learning battle tactics to use against humans and other paranormal creatures.

Damek was giving both him and Evie a full education. He’d also monitored them closely, making sure their blood intake was sufficient to keep the bloodlust at bay. So far, things had been working out great for both he and Evie. Sure, they had their moments, but they helped one another through them.

It was funny, but Damek had accepted Evie more easily than his siblings had. Maybe because Sonia and Evie had become fast friends and there was nothing Damek wouldn’t do to please his wife. Or maybe it was because it had finally occurred to the older vampire that he had a friend for eternity now that Craig was a vampire.

Either way, Craig was happy.

And speaking of happiness. “Evie is coming.”

Chrissten laughed. “We’ll leave you here. I’m surprised you managed to keep her away at all.”

“I made her promise.” And Evie always kept her promises.

His brother and sister left and he heard Evie exchange a tentative greeting with them as they passed on the narrow staircase. She slowed as she reached the door.

He walked to the thick wooden panel and opened it. Evie stood there dressed in dark jeans and a deep-purple turtleneck sweater. Her hair was loose around her shoulders and she looked good enough to eat. He had her several times every night, but it never seemed to be enough. He loved the sound of her moans when he pleasured her, the touch of her soft hands on his skin, especially wrapped around his cock.

He shuddered but managed to control his unruly hormones. Now was not the time. He smiled and invited her in.

“Welcome to your new studio.”

Her eyes widened as she stepped into the room and turned in a slow circle. “It’s incredible.” She took in the entire space. “It’s almost exactly like my old space, only better. I love it.”

Craig wrapped his arms around her from behind and rested his chin on the top of her head. “I wanted you to have a space that was just yours. A place where you felt comfortable and at home.” He rocked her slightly as he pointed out the different features. “There’s no kitchen, for obvious reasons, but the daybed, the bookshelves and your belongings are all here.”

“The easel. It’s incredible. And all those paints.”

“It’s time for you to get back to doing what you love. You have a new gallery waiting to show your work.”

Evie tilted her head back and scowled at him. “You made your sister and Bethany ask me if they could show my work, didn’t you?”

He shook his head. “I simply showed them a few of your paintings that survived Vladimir’s wrath when he destroyed your things. I’m so glad he never bothered with most of the things in the closet.

She shivered and snuggled closer.

“Me too. They really want my paintings?”

“They really do. Bethany is already rubbing her hands together with glee, talking about how much they plan to charge for them.”

Evie laughed. “That girl does enjoy her work.”

Both Bethany and Chrissten had found their niche in the local art world and they both loved it. Now his Evie could be a part of it. Everything was perfect. Or it soon would be.

“Do you remember what I said that night in your apartment?”

Evie turned in his arms and kissed his chin. “I remember. You told me we’d make this special place for me. Thank you.”

He caught her before she could kiss his lips, because if she started he’d never say what he wanted to. And this was too important to put off. “I said something else too.” He dug into his pocket and pulled out a diamond ring. “I told you I wouldn’t rush you and I tried not to. But I want you to be my wife.” He went down on one knee in front of her.

“Evie, will you marry me?”

Her eyes widened and her lower lip trembled. For a moment, his stomach clenched with fear. Then she launched herself at him. “Yes. Oh, yes.”

He fell back on the floor with her in his arms. She kissed him and he could resist the lure of her no longer. He rolled until she was under him. “Thank you for making me the happiest man, the happiest vampire in the world.”

Evie laughed and then frowned.

“Where’s the ring?”

Craig threw back his head and laughed. That was his Evie. Bold and beautiful. He scanned the room. “Over there.” He crawled off her and snagged the ring.

She pushed herself into a seated position and held out her hand. He slid the ring on her slender finger. It fit perfectly. Evie raised her hand and examined the glittering diamond. “It’s beautiful.”

He caught her hand and brought it to his lips. “No, you’re the one who is beautiful.” His gaze went to the door.

“We’re about to have company. Come on in,” he called.

Chrissten and Bethany burst into the room with their husbands close behind them. “We hadn’t left yet.” Chrissten motioned to all of them with her hand. “I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop, but there were still a few empty boxes on the stairs and I figured I’d take them down to the trash to save you the trouble.” His sister was totally out of breath but kept talking. “I heard you propose.” Chrissten glanced at Evie’s hand and saw the ring.

Both women squealed and jumped up and down. “You’re getting married,” his sister cried. Bethany and Chrissten hugged him for a brief moment and then abandoned him to hug Evie. She gave him a deer-in-the-headlights stare, but he shrugged. Evie’s eyes narrowed, promising retribution later. He simply laughed.

“Oh, let me see your ring,” Bethany exclaimed. “It’s beautiful. This means you have to let us show your work.

You’re family now, and family sticks together.”

Evie burst out laughing and Craig muscled his sister and sister-in-law aside so he could reach his future wife.

“I told you.” He felt smug and happy.

“Let’s go to Haven to celebrate,” Quinn suggested. He was a bit more subdued than the women, but Craig knew he was coming around.

“It’s too early for us to go to Haven.” It was still difficult for both him and Evie to be around large groups of humans. “You go on ahead and we’ll join you later.”

“Promise?” Chrissten asked.

“Promise.” He kissed her cheek.

“Okay, everybody out.” Hank ushered his wife and the others out, giving Craig a nod as he shut the door behind them.

Craig turned to Evie. “Now where were we?”

Evie laughed and launched herself into his arms. He carried her to the daybed and laid her down on the thick comforter. “I love you, Evie.”

“And I love you.” She pulled him closer. “Thank you for not letting me go.”

He cupped her precious face in his hands, wondering how he’d gotten so damn lucky. “Never.”

Content

Craig's Heart
Legacy - 7
by
N.J. Walters

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Epilogue