Chaz (VLG #15)

Chapter Two

Chaz paid his bill, left a big tip for the server, and eased out of the booth. Sleep sounded good after he’d eaten a large dinner. The meeting in the morning wasn’t something he really looked forward to, but no one was going to get away with threatening to declare war on his uncle’s pack.

Moe was the last remaining blood relation alive on his mother’s side of the family. He knew their history. His grandmother’s pack had once made the mistake of trusting a Vampire nest. They’d joined forces to protect each other.

At the time, it had probably seemed like a great idea. The Vampires could mind-wipe any humans who became suspicious of Lycans not being human. The pack could grow and thrive without fear of being attacked. In exchange, the Vampires were protected during daylight hours from humans stumbling upon their bodies while they were defenseless.

The Vampires quickly figured out that they could impregnate Lycan females. They’d attacked their allies, killed most of the men in the pack, and mind-controlled the women into believing they were suddenly mated to Vamps. His grandmother, Brontas, had already been pregnant with Chaz’s mother when the betrayal had taken place. Her mate, Chaz’s grandfather, had been killed. The Vamps had spared her life, likely thinking they could breed her after she gave birth. Instead, she’d fled with the surviving members of her pack.

That’s how a Lycan pack ended up living next to a Gargoyle clan. The pack had fled to where Vampires weren’t known to be. Alaska was too harsh, and there were few towns, which meant they didn’t have enough humans to feed from. The Lycan women who’d gotten pregnant by their Vampire attackers had given birth to VampLycans. A deal had been struck that pure- blooded single Lycan females would mate with any Gargoyle males willing to accept one. Hawk, Chaz’s Gargoyle father, had fallen in love with his Lycan mother.

Once the VampLycans had matured, most pure-blooded Lycans from the original pack who hadn’t taken Gargoyle mates decided to leave Alaska. Chaz’s mother had once told him why. Packs weren’t meant to live with a large group of alphas. That’s how the Lycans had viewed the VampLycans. It confused their hierarchy-inclined instincts and made them feel uneasy being around such powerful packmates. That included his grandmother. Brontas had left, too. She’d gone on to join another pack, found a new mate, and had given birth to Moe.

Chaz and Fray had traveled with their parents as children to meet his grandmother, her mate, and their son. Their mother had wanted them to know her family. After their mother’s death, he and his twin kept visiting them.

They’d lost their grandmother a few years ago when her much older mate had died. Brontas hadn’t survived the breaking of a bond the second time. Now Moe was all they had left from that side of the family. There was no way Chaz or his twin would allow anything to happen to him.

The server rushed up as he walked toward the exit, tearing him from his musings. “Have a fantastic night.” She smiled, holding out a card. “Here’s my number.”

He was surprised but took it.

She turned away, speaking over her shoulder as she walked away. “I clock out at ten if you want to hang out together later.”

He shoved the small card inside his pocket, not wanting to hurt her feelings by outright refusing to take it. Some humans hit on him. He’d toss it later. The last thing he wanted was to hook up with one of her kind. Humans were too fragile and not his type.

Chaz left the bar, paused outside the opening, and took a big inhale as he studied the people inside the lobby. He still didn’t smell any Lycans. They were smart to heed his warnings. That boded well for their future. He walked toward the elevators, ready to just go to bed.

An older couple stepped into his path from the gift shop, blocking his way. The woman gripped the man’s arm, pulling him to a halt. “We need to do something about your daughter, Clint.”

“Jesus, Perri. She’s had a devastating time of it. Ease off.”

“She invited all of us here for this farce, and you’re pretending it’s no big deal. Our friends are expecting to see pictures of the wedding, but instead, we’re going to have to tell them what happened. I’m mortified. We missed out on going to Ted and Valarie’s anniversary party for this bullshit. Your daughter should at least refund us for our plane tickets, the meals we’ve had to buy, and our hotel room.”

“She got dumped on her wedding day. Don’t you dare bring this up when we see her in the morning. She feels bad enough.”

“She cost us money.”

“You don’t work. It’s my money that was spent on being here for my daughter. Have a heart. None of this was her fault.”

Chaz stepped around them and kept going. He got a feeling he’d just come across Shoni’s parents. The woman was a witch. He made it to the elevator and pushed the button to call it to the lobby. A slight motion out the corner of his eye had him turning his head.

He identified her by clothing and long hair. It was the blonde, Shoni, and she was pressed up against the wall next to a bathroom sign. Something rustled as she moved. The sound came from the artificial leaves of a fake short tree. Shoni was gripping it with one hand to peek through the branches.

He took in her features. She had a cute face, big eyes he couldn’t see the color of, a perky nose, and a little mouth with full lips. Chaz pegged her to be in her mid-twenties. He followed her gaze, spotting the couple he’d overheard.

The elevator doors parted in front of him, and he went to enter it, but the blonde suddenly ran at him. It was closer to stumbling. He stepped aside, prepared to grab her if she fell, but she made it inside without tripping. She ducked into the elevator and threw her body against the side wall. Then, she repeatedly pushed the button frantically.

“Get in! Hurry.”

He paused.

“They are coming! Get in. Please.” She hit the button harder, almost punching it with her thumb.

He lunged forward when the elevator doors began to close, making it inside before they did. She blew out a relieved breath and lifted her hand, wiping her forehead. “That was close.”

“Are you okay?” He reached over to punch his floor number.

“No. Not really. I’m having a terrible day, but I’m drunk, so that makes it somewhat better. What about you?” She lifted her chin and looked at him then.

Chaz gazed into a pair of beautiful gray-blue eyes. They widened as she just stared at him. He decided she was cute. Her features were almost elvish in appearance. That wasn’t normally his type, but he could see the appeal. “I’ve had a bad day, too,” he admitted.

Her mouth opened, but she didn’t say a word. He inhaled through his nose but didn’t pick up the scent of fear. She smelled nice, like honey and strawberries. Also, bourbon. She lowered her gaze, mouth still hanging open, but lifted them to stare at his face again.

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

Her mouth moved, but nothing came out.

“What’s wrong?”

She blinked, continuing to stare at him.

“Do you think I’m going to hurt you? I’m not. What’s wrong?”

“My ovaries just exploded,” she blurted.

He was taken aback. “Excuse me?”

Pink flooded her cheeks, and she lifted her hand, covering her mouth. She appeared horrified.

“Do you need medical assistance?” He inhaled again, not picking up blood coming from her. “Your ovaries ruptured?”

She shook her head and spun away, giving him her back. “Oh, shit. I just said that out loud.”

“Who are you talking to?”

“You. I’m so sorry.” She slowly turned around again but kept her head down, as if she couldn’t look at him. The elevator doors opened when it came to a stop, and she bolted out into the hallway.

Chaz glanced at the numbers and stepped out. They were on the fourth floor. She hurried down the hallway but came to a halt, staring at the plaque on the wall.

“Wrong floor.” She spun around, slamming directly into him.

He grabbed her shoulders so she didn’t bounce back and fall on her ass. Shoni really wasn’t a big human.

She jerked her head up, gazing at him with tears in her eyes. “I’m a mess. I’m so sorry.”

He bent his knees a little to get closer to her face. He also kept hold of her because she swayed a little. “Take some deep breaths. It’s okay.”

“It’s not. I’m such a dork, and you’re crazy hot. I said my ovaries exploded. What is wrong with me?”

“I can guess pretty accurately. You smell like you’ve been drinking.”

“I stink?” More tears swam in her pretty eyes, and she put her hand in front of her mouth.

“No. I like bourbon.” Someone coughing loudly inside a room they were next to reminded Chaz that anyone could walk out on them in the hallway at any moment. “Why don’t I escort you to your room? I won’t try to go in it with you, but you seem a little tipsy.” She was flat-out drunk, but he didn’t want to say that. It seemed rude.

“I can’t.” Panic showed on her face, and she gripped his arms. “Anywhere but there.”

Chaz felt bad for her. He remembered now that she had the honeymoon suite. That would be tough to stay in after her near-husband had betrayed her. “Would you like to go to my room? I could order you some coffee. I won’t take advantage of you.”

“Of course you won’t. We’re a different species.”

He tensed, alarmed. Does she know I’m not human? How?

“You’re a hunk, and I’m a dork. We’re from two different worlds.”

He relaxed. “What’s your name? I’m Chaz.” He couldn’t admit that he already knew the answer. Then he’d have to confess to overhearing her inside the bar.

“Shoni.”

He smiled. “Let me order you some coffee, Shoni. My treat. Otherwise, I’ll escort you to your room.”

“Your room, please. Thank you.” More pink fused her cheeks. “You’re being very nice.”

“I’ve had a bad day too, remember?” He gently steered her to his room and pulled out the keycard, sliding it through the lock and pushing the door open. “We’ll have coffee together, and you can explain your ovary issues.”

“Oh, God.”

He closed the door behind them and herded her to the table and two chairs, helping her take a seat. He picked up the room phone, glanced at the numbers displayed, and connected to room service, ordering two cups and a pot of coffee. He hung up and approached her.

She had put her elbows on the table and was covering her face with both hands. “You must think I’m nuts.”

He liked the sound of her voice. It was soft but pleasant. “No. I’m just confused.”

She spread her fingers, peeking at him between them. It was cute as hell. He smiled. Long seconds passed before she spoke.

“It’s a saying. The exploding ovaries. You’ve never heard that before?”

“No. I’m from a small town in Alaska.”

“You’re extremely attractive. It just means that, okay?”

“Thank you. I think you’re extremely attractive, too.”

She lowered her hands. “You must be going for the nicest guy of the year award right now. You have my vote. Thank you. Why was your day bad?”

He had to choose his words carefully. She’d think he was crazy if he said he’d just helped exterminate a small colony of rogue Gargoyles. Ones who’d done a lot of damage to humans before they’d been taken out. All he’d wanted to do afterward was relax. Instead, he had to deal with a Lycan pack intent on starting a war. He stayed as close to the truth as possible.

“Work has been killer for the past few days. I just wanted to take some time off, but one more problem arose. I have a meeting in the morning to handle it. It’s probably going to be brutal.” Chaz suspected that he might have to beat the hell out of some Lycans or maybe even kill them. He couldn’t tell her that, though.

She ran her gaze over his shoulders, down his chest, then back to his face. “I have eye drops up in my suite if you need some.”

“Eye drops?”

“Your eyes must be bloodshot. The sunglasses,” she gently pointed out. “I get that way when I don’t sleep enough. Light hurts.”

“That’s nice of you to offer, but I’m fine.”

“Okay. What do you do for a living?”

“You could say I do business negotiations.”

“Like company mergers and stuff?”

He just nodded. “What about you?”

“I was a loan processor, but I’m going to quit my job.”

“You don’t like it?”

“Um…”

“You’re unsure?”

“I need to avoid someone from now on, and he works where I do. I mean, not actually, but I met him there. He comes in a few times a day. It’s time for a career change. Somewhere without document delivery and pickup service.”

Marco must have that job. He didn’t pry any deeper. She obviously didn’t want to tell him she was a jilted almost-wife. Chaz didn’t blame her either. He couldn’t imagine planning a future with someone and the other person betraying his trust.

Not getting the Hawaii tickets would be the least of their problems. He’d kill a man who stole his intended mate. Then again, from the conversation with Marco and the texts he’d seen, Shoni deserved better than that human. Any woman did.

“Would you like to use the bathroom? They said it would be about ten minutes to deliver our coffee.”

She shook her head. “I went potty downstairs. It almost got me caught, but I drank a lot. I couldn’t wait until I reached the suite. I didn’t need peeing my pants to add to my horrible day.”

He grinned, liking her bluntness. It was rare for a human, but he figured her inebriated state might have something to do with it.

“You have a girlfriend, don’t you? Never mind. I know you do. Wow, you’re good-looking. Even with the sunglasses on. It makes you look hotter, actually. Shit. I should shut up, but you’re so handsome that it’s making me blabber.”

Her words flattered Chaz since he was certain she was sincere. He’d usually lie when a woman asked about his relationship status by saying he was taken. Those women were looking for more than he could give. That’s not what came out of his mouth. “I’m single.”

Surprise flickered across her features. “No way. Are you gay?”

He chuckled. She was amusing him. “No. I’m not attracted to men.”

“What’s wrong with you then?” She put her hand over her mouth, her eyes going wide. Then she lowered it to the table. “I’m sorry! I didn’t mean that. I have to go. My filters are gone. Shit.” She stood too quickly and staggered.

Chaz moved faster, standing too, and gently gripped her hips. “Easy, Shoni.”

She tipped her head back and placed her hands on his chest. “You’re so tall.”

He tried to ignore the gentle touch of her small hands, but she kind of stroked the material of his shirt. His body responded. That reminded him that it had been a long time since he’d gotten laid if her touches through clothing triggered his dick to harden. “I am taller than average. Why don’t you sit?”

“I should go. Yeah. I need to leave before I put my foot in my mouth more. Next, I’ll be asking you if you’re into pity fucks.” Heat bloomed into her cheeks. “Shit. Gotta go.” She pushed against his chest and tried to spin away.

He let her go, tempted to ask her what the hell a pity fuck was. He hoped it wasn’t what he thought that meant. Feeling bad for her wasn’t on the list of reasons he’d take her to bed. He’d have seduced the little human if she wasn’t drunk. It would be wrong if he tried to keep her there to see where their unusual conversation led after she sobered.

He watched her leave, tempted to insist on escorting her to her room, but she opened his door and fled. He reached down and adjusted his semi-erect dick. Chaz knew it was best if he just let her go. Regret surfaced a minute later. Shoni was drunk. Men could take advantage of her. He strode to the door and jerked it open to check the corridor. She was gone.

Part of him was tempted to go after her. Her scent would be easy to track since she’d just left. He assumed the honeymoon suite would be on one of the upper floors. A trip on the elevator, stopping at each one until he picked up her scent, would allow him to follow her directly to her room. He could order more coffee to sober her up and then see if she still found him attractive enough to talk about fucking. Pity or otherwise.

“Damn. I don’t do this. I can’t. Bad idea. Let her go,” Chaz muttered to himself aloud. He closed the door to his room and rubbed the back of his neck.

Minutes later, someone knocked, and he hated that part of him that hoped Shoni had returned. The little blonde amused him, and worse, he’d have totally given her any kind of fuck she wanted. Once he sobered her up first.

He yanked open the door, but it was just room service bringing the coffee he no longer needed. He accepted the cart and slipped a tip to the man who’d brought it. It really had been a shit day. Then, he flicked the interior lock in place as an added security measure.

He silently swore he’d murder the shit out of any Lycans stupid enough to try to break through the door to attack him. He was ready to catch up on his sleep.