Chapter 3 #3
“It’s not crazy. It’s life. It’s fate. Sometimes we meet people by chance who become lifelong friends,” he offered without sharing he’d felt the same way. Something about her was familiar but he was certain they’d never met.
“I’m a firm believer that some people and situations come into our lives for a reason.” She wrapped her arms protectively around her waist and looked up to her door.
“Hey, if you ever need me. I’ll be there for you. Just give me a call. You’ve got my number now.” As the words left his lips, he regretted it. His beast hungered for the human, for her blood, and he struggled to reign back his thirst.
“Why is it I believe you?”
“Because I have a trusting kind of face?” he joked.
“Maybe it’s because we both like dogs.”
“I guess that’s it.” Rafe stilled as she reached for his hand and squeezed it. Her energy washed over him, his body reacted to her scent, teasing, tempting him. Rafe’s chest tightened with warring emotions. She was off-limits yet his wolf yearned for more: one kiss, one taste.
“Your wolf suits you,” she continued. “They have protective natures. Like you.”
Rafe’s cock stirred as he closed the distance between them and she brushed her fingertips to his chest. His mind raced with all the reasons why he shouldn’t fuck her. He had no business getting involved with anyone, let alone a human.
Just one taste, his wolf urged him to take her. One kiss.
As he leaned toward her, his hunger tore at him. Unable to resist, his lips crushed against hers. She tasted like honey, delicious and sweet. He deepened the kiss, his tongue brushing against hers.
The scent of her blood teased his nose as he kissed down the nape of her neck.
His tongue grazed the soft skin behind her ear, and she moaned in response.
Bite her, the beast called to him. The thirst for her beat like a drum in his ears.
She moaned once again, driving his wolf wild with arousal.
The vampire emerged, his fangs aching, descending in anticipation of his bite.
Rafe had played with fire. Too close to the flame, he couldn’t risk being burnt.
He forced restraint, retracting his fangs and pulling away, his head resting on hers. In the moment, he realized he’d unleashed a wild passion he might not be able to control.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have—” He offered the lie but didn’t mean it. Confused by his own emotions, he took her hands in his.
“Hmm…that was amazing.” A shy smile crossed her face as she pulled away from him. She walked to her door and opened it, turning to him as she stepped inside her home. “Call me when you get to L.A.”
“Absolutely,” Rafe lied, his eyes on her as she shut the door.
He searched his soul for answers. His beast demanded for him to take her now, but he refused the visceral craving. He couldn’t have her. Not now. Not ever.
“Where’s the girl?” Greyson asked.
Rafe stared at the fire. His mind reeled with thoughts of Skylar. The kiss. Their only kiss. The most delicious kiss he’d ever had in his life.
But now she was gone.
“Hello.” Greyson stared at him from the kitchen and held up a large brown paper bag. “You want a bagel? I got sesame. Raisin cinnamon. Chive cream cheese. Hey. Wolf. You listening to me?”
Rafe released a low growl. Though he’d heard Greyson in the distance, his thoughts remained afar. He inhaled. Her scent lingered in the room reminding him of the last time he’d held her.
Rafe had walked her home knowing it might be the last time he saw her.
Though he’d restrained his wolf, the thirst of his vampiric nature threatened to lose control.
He’d allowed her to walk out of his life.
One more stolen kiss would have resulted with his teeth and cock sunk deep inside the lovely human.
Though he’d fed, the yearning gnawed at him. The vampiric cravings were like a virus to his wolf. Nothing good ever came from dating humans or witches. It was a brutal lesson he’d watched others learn the hard way. It never ended well.
“Rafe. What is going on?” Greyson slid onto a leather chaise, half a bagel in his hand. “Onions and capers on sesame. This is the essence of life. Well, at least it is on this fine Saturday morning.”
Rafe shook his head. “You’re a vampire. I’m sure you’ve eaten better things than a bagel. Although they are pretty damn good.”
“I am not my brother. I don’t need caviar to be happy. And I don’t flaunt my wealth. Or my desires.”
Rafe stared at the fire, silent.
“You must take pleasure in this life. Savor it. And so, I have many, many favorite things. And one of them is bagels.”
“We’re in New Orleans,” Rafe grumbled.
“There’s a new bagel place on Bienville. Owners are from New York. This,” he held his bagel in the air, “is a masterpiece.”
Rafe sighed as he watched the vampire bite into the bagel. Greyson chewed and swallowed, shaking his head. “What is wrong with you? Hey, where’s the girl?”
“You were out all night,” Rafe deflected answering.
Greyson smiled and waggled his eyebrows. “Yes, I was. Now where’s the girl?”
“The woman has a name. Skylar.”
Greyson took another bite of his bagel and groaned. “Hmm. So good?”
“Something’s wrong.” Rafe’s expression fell flat.
“What do you mean? How much easier can it be? Your food came to you. It’s like delivery.” He laughed.
“She’s not food,” Rafe snapped.
Greyson raised an eyebrow at him.
“It’s not you. It’s me.”
“Ya think?”
“Wolves only mate with wolves,” Rafe told him.
“Yeah, so? Is this some kind of a lesson because I’ve been around way longer than you.”
“I’m feelin’ some kind of way about her. It’s not normal. Fuck.” He blew out a breath. “I don’t think she knows I’m a wolf.”
“Seemed that way last night. But this is New Orleans. If she lives here? Which, apparently, she does. Let’s just say most humans wouldn’t be surprised to meet a vampire. Which you are.”
“No, no, no. There’s something going on. I’m…” He shook his head. “I don’t just want to feed from her.”
Greyson’s expression turned serious, his gaze set on Rafe.
“I want to consume her,” Rafe confessed.
“The heart wants what the heart wants, but that doesn’t mean it gets it. Just ask Ilsbeth.” The vampire smirked. “You need to get laid. Forget her.”
“She’s leaving anyway. Going to L.A.”
“There you go. Problem solved. Which is a good thing because there’s something we’ve got to take care of.”
“No. Dude. Don’t you get what I’m sayin’? This girl…she—”
“Forget about it.” Greyson changed the subject. “I got a call from Kade. There’s a situation. We need to go to Vegas.”
“Greyson. This is serious. I think I might have to ask Ils—”
“Nope!” Greyson held up a finger. “Do not say her name.”
“Ilsbeth said she could help.”
“I’m not talking any more about her.” Greyson smiled and stood. “We’re expecting company.”
Rafe’s stomach growled as he looked to the spread of bagels on the dining table. Fucking vampire.
“We thought you were dead, my friend,” a familiar voice called to Rafe. “Yo! Heard the witch snatched your ass.”
Rafe jumped up from his seat as his friend, Xavier, entered the room. Wearing a steel-blue suit and tie, the good-looking vampire reached for him.
“Good to see you, dude.” Rafe nodded with a smile and patted his shoulder. He hadn’t known Xavier well, but they’d fought together in Japan. Trust was everything. “Glad we all made it out.”
“That was some fight.” A handsome man dressed in a black suit and tie entered the room and waved.
“Kenji. My brother.” Rafe brought his hands together and bowed, which was returned. “I’m sorry about Makoto. It was a difficult battle.”
“I’m sorry as well. He fought honorably,” Greyson added.
“He died with honor.” Kenji remained stoic, not discussing it further.
“How’s your sister, Sayuri?” Rafe asked.
“She’s back in Japan. Taking some time for herself.”
“Come have some bagels.” Greyson gestured to the kitchen counter.
“I’m here on business today.” Xavier wore a concerned expression.
“Please. Have a seat,” Greyson led them to the living room and slid into a leather chair.
“We’ve had a situation in Vegas,” Xavier told them. “Vampires. The coven is in crisis. Their leader died a couple of months ago.” He shrugged. “It’s not an easy situation.”
“Unfortunate accidents.” Greyson bit into his bagel.
“What happened?” Rafe pressed, his focus on Xavier.
“I’m not in full knowledge of all the details.” Xavier glanced at the ancient vampire. “There’re rumors of missing humans. The police contacted P-CAP who contacted Kade. There’s been no evidence to show who’s responsible. Kade has asked me to go to Las Vegas, and we’d like you to come.”
“I’m still failing to see why you need me to go along. I’m a wolf.”
“We’ve got wolf problems too,” Xavier countered. “Vegas has never been particularly stable. Hunter and Logan thought you might be the right person to help.”
“Me? No.” Rafe sighed. He looked to Greyson then back to Xavier, Kenji averted his gaze, looking to the floor.
“Just hear him out,” Greyson said, his voice stern.
“It probably won’t be for very long. There’re not many wolves, but you’re being recognized as an Alpha and—”
“I just got out of battle,” Rafe protested, refusing to address his Alpha tendencies. As long as he was a hybrid, he’d never lead a pack. “Xavier. Please understand. I need a break. I just bought a new bike. I’m headed across country. I met someone.”
“What are you talking about? You met a human. She’s food. And she’s leaving. You need something constructive to do,” Greyson looked to Xavier. “Do you see what I’m dealing with here? The wolf doesn’t listen to his elders.”
“Come on now. You know I respect all of you. Julian. Viktor. Even you.” Rafe gave Greyson a pointed stare.
“It sounds like Hunter’s involved. I’m sure he’s got it handled.
He probably already has scouts sent to check things out.
Hey, I get it. I feel bad for the stray wolves.
I know what it’s like to be without pack more than anyone.
Maybe Hunter can relocate them to other packs until they find an Alpha. ”
“You’re going to be an Alpha,” Greyson pressed.