Protected by the Vampire (Protected #4)

Chapter 1

CHAPTER ONE

Spade

A few weeks ago, I met a man who interested me in ways I’d never felt before.

He’d been standing across the street from the Fury MC compound, watching my prez and his man getting heated in their car.

Of course, when I’d pointed it out to Razor and his psycho twink, Riker, the imp had raced across the road to investigate.

Luckily, he knew the guy.

Soren.

A man who looked flawlessly elegant.

Before I saw him, no one like him would’ve caught my attention.

When his gaze had run slowly up and down my body, something inside me had come awake.

“Well, hello. We haven’t been introduced,” he’d said in that light, smooth voice.

I’d snorted, thinking our lives were worlds apart, so of course we hadn’t met. Still, I’d held out my hand. “Spade.”

He’d taken my palm in his cool one and simply held it as he smiled. “Spade. I like it. My name is Soren.”

When he finally let go, I’d looked down at the card he’d left behind.

“My contact details are on there. Come by for a drink one night, if you’re game.” He’d winked and turned back to Riker. “I must go, my sweets. I’m sure I’ll see you both around.” He’d bopped the redhead on the nose. “It’s a true treasure to see you glowing.”

Then he’d strolled to a car that had already started, and the moment he climbed in, it pulled away.

Now, weeks later, I was done waiting.

I was done letting the shit in my own head talk me out of seeing him—despite still trying to wrap my mind around that this was the first guy who’d caught my attention.

Being with a man didn’t scare me.

I’d witnessed my prez, my closest friend, take his new relationship by the balls and not give a fuck if anyone had an issue with him being with Riker. The Prez had booted out the members of the club who’d kicked up a stink over him loving Riker.

So, fuck anyone who thought me a fool for taking Soren up on his offer for a drink at his nightclub.

A club that I’d never really heard about, and when I’d looked it up, I couldn’t find anything mentioned. Which was why I asked Riker about the place. He’d told me it was private and exclusive.

Blowing out a heavy breath, I climbed out of my car and looked around the parking space.

Where are the cars?

The noise?

The people?

Before I started for the secluded black building, which seemed quiet and closed, I took my phone out and hit Prez’s number.

“You bored already?” he asked in an amused tone.

“Haven’t walked in yet. Can I talk to Riker?”

There was a scuffle on the other end before Riker’s cheery tone came through. “I’m here. What’s wrong? Did Soren freak you out? Is his penis deformed? I haven’t seen his penis yet—”

“And never fucking will,” Razor barked.

“That’s right, my perfect, luscious man,” Riker cooed.

Chuckling, I shook my head. “Riker, this joint looks locked down. You sure this is the right one?”

“Oh, yeah, totally. Don’t worry. Looks can be deceiving, and there’s a rear private parking space for his… other customers. Go on in, and you’ll see. Good luck and have fun. Get your gay on by dickin’ down with that… man?”

“He’s going now,” Razor called before the call ended.

I swore he hesitated over the word “man,” which was weird.

Then again, Riker was a strange one. But easily a guy that everyone liked.

He was good for Razor too. Never seen the Prez as happy as he was now with Riker around.

Hell, the compound even felt lighter since Riker became Razor’s guy.

Pocketing my phone and keys, I made my way over to the door just as someone stepped out.

Holy fuck.

The guy was a mammoth. Wide, tall, and intimidating in a way that could make even me piss my damn boxers.

“What do you want?”

“Here to see Soren.”

He cocked a brow, smirked, and ran a hand over his buzz cut, shaking his head. “Sure you are. And I’m the fuckin’ tooth fairy. Get out of here.”

What the actual fuck?

“Man, he invited me here.”

The guy snorted as his gaze ran over me. “Quit lying and get the fuck out of here.”

“Now you’re just pissin’ me off.” I clenched my hands at my sides, wanting to pummel his face in, no matter how goddamn huge he was.

When my phone rang, I pulled it out of my pocket and hit Answer.

“Spade?” Riker sang through the line.

“Yeah?”

“I forgot to tell you to show the card Soren gave you at the door.”

Shit.

“I didn’t bring it, and there’s already a guy here who ain’t lettin’ me in.”

“What does he look like?”

“Like a goddamn dumb bull.”

The guy actually fucking growled.

Riker cackled. “Put me on speaker.”

When I did, I called, “You’re on.”

“Danny, Danny, Danny.”

Holy fuck. The big man paled.

“I was with Spade when Soren gave him the card. You’re going to let my friend in to see your boss. Yeah?”

“Fine,” he clipped before opening the door, and the music hit my ears.

Damn, the insulation on this place must be top-tier.

“Thanks, Riker,” I said.

“Welcome, bye-bye.”

After he ended the call, I pocketed my phone and stepped through the entrance, which led me to a long, dim hallway. I glanced back to see Danny disappearing into the room on the left of the entrance.

What the hell had Riker done to scare that big prick?

Actually, I didn’t give a flying fuck. All that mattered was that Riker helped me get inside the building.

My heart knocked against my ribs as I approached the door at the end.

I pushed through and gaped.

“Fuck me,” I muttered. I didn’t realize that this place had two levels. I didn’t know what was upstairs, but downstairs was pure class.

Dark colors with splashes of red were everywhere. There were two bars—one on each side of the large room—and in the middle were tables and chairs surrounding a dance floor. To the far end there were booths, blocked off by a thin see-through curtain to give the illusion of privacy.

“Holy motherfucking shit,” I muttered when I focused on the people instead of the place. The wait staff walked around half naked while carrying trays. Class and topless people… I fucking liked it. Plus, there were people dancing, touching, and flirting all over the place.

And then there were some who made their way upstairs or down while holding hands and sharing heated looks.

Is this a sex club?

I mean, it made sense. Soren oozed sex appeal.

Swallowing thickly, I moved over to the bar on the right side, trying to take it all in. Though there wasn’t a vehicle out front, the place was packed, and, like I said, the people barely wore anything. Though there were some dressed to impress.

I was in jeans, tee, and my club cut, with well-worn boots on my feet.

I stuck out like a sore thumb.

Fuck.

Trying not to cringe, I slipped to the side and claimed the only empty seat at the end of the bar. While I waited to be served, I took another look around. A lot of the patrons were ridiculously attractive— I was talking out-of-this-world hot.

Then there were the other kind… scary motherfuckers.

The ones who had every instinct I possessed screaming at me to look away. One glance was enough to set off alarm bells in my head, and I found myself fixing my attention elsewhere before they noticed I was staring.

I’d always thought my club was dangerous. Hell, we had a reputation around town for a reason.

But, for some fucked-up reason, I had a feeling we were pussy cats compared to some of the people in here.

The hairs on the back of my neck rose.

I wanted to run.

My gut told me to.

“Hey, what can I get you?”

The woman appeared out of thin air on the other side of the bar and had me jolting back as I blurted, “Ah, bourbon with cola.” With a quick glance, I noticed her tits were perky and pretty, and she seemed unbothered by displaying them.

Hell, I should be used to seeing near-naked people, because the club girls liked to wear next to nothing, but this place felt different.

Charged. Like the air itself was thick with lust, desire, and want.

She winked. “You got it.”

How the hell had I not seen her approach?

I’d barely started turning away when a glass appeared in front of me.

“Here you go. That’ll be twelve.”

What the hell? Did she have the drink already prepared?

“Thanks.” I think. I handed over a twenty, pocketed my change after leaving a tip, and took a sip of the bourbon and cola.

A shout cut through the noise. My attention snapped toward the crowd to see two men squaring off against each other.

“You stole it.”

“I did not.”

Before I could process what was happening, the first guy picked up the other and threw him—fucking threw him—across the room like he weighed nothing. I was on my feet instantly, pressing my back to the wall. My hand itched for my gun at my waist, but I didn’t pull it yet.

A woman in a sheer gown drifted up beside me. “Hmm.” She inhaled deeply. “You smell delicious.”

Grunting something noncommittal, I kept my eyes fixed over her shoulder as a security guard, who looked similar to the front guy, Danny, caught both troublemakers by the backs of their necks and walked them out.

My gaze snagged on the woman when she stepped into my personal space and walked her nails up my arm to trace a finger over my chest. “Don’t worry about them.” She drew in another breath as my heart slowed to its normal rhythm. “May I have a little nip?”

A little nip?

She was stunning, but she didn’t do anything for me. “What?”

“I want a taste, my dear.”

Whatever the fuck she meant put me on edge and had me clipping, “No.”

Her face screwed up in anger. “You’d deny me? You’re a piece of trash.” She wound her hand around my throat.

I grabbed at her arm, trying to pry her away, my fingers digging into her skin.

Fucking bitch was strong. I kicked out, landing a good jab to her thigh with my boot, but she didn’t even flinch.

How is she this strong?

“Cellie, unhand him now.”

I flicked my gaze over her head to see Soren glowering at the woman in front of me.

My cock twitched from the sight of him and his sharp tone.

Christ, even when I was getting choked out, I still reacted to the guy.

No wonder I couldn’t stay away. It didn’t matter that I still thought he could do way better than me. Even if it was just for the night.

Cellie hissed in my face before she said, “Eminence, I asked nicely.”

“He said no. Listen.”

When she released me, I sucked in some much-needed oxygen.

Cellie spun around to face Soren, and I knew she was about to rant, but Soren palmed her face and shoved her to the side, where she stumbled back and dropped to her ass.

How had he moved her when I couldn’t?

“Don’t you ever question my order again or you won’t like the consequences.”

Cellie glared up at him.

“Do you understand?” Soren snarled, making my cock and heart jerk.

Hot damn.

His voice really did sound sweet, exactly like I remembered it. Though, I swear the fucker got better-looking since that brief encounter.

Cellie stood and bowed. “Yes, Eminence. Sorry.”

Eminence?

What the fuck was up with that? Could it be because of the fact he owned and ruled over this sex joint?

Yeah, that had to be it.

Soren waved his hand toward her, shooing her away, before he turned all his attention to me. His smile had me swallowing hard as he smoothed a hand over his black silk shirt, which went well with his pale hair and dark gaze.

“Spade, you’re here.” His hips swayed, grabbing my gaze before I pulled my eyes up to his when he stopped in front of me. He brushed a finger over my cheek, jaw, and neck. “It’s such a pleasure to see you.”

Jesus Christ. I wanted to stuff my hand down his pants and take hold of my first cock.

Well, one that wasn’t my own.

Bet Riker would be damn proud of me for not freaking out at the thought of another man’s junk in my hand. Hell, I was.