Shon (The Seeker Series Book 2) Page 3

  Ember stood and wrapped her friend in a hug. “I don’t know. But if anyone can destroy the Seeker society as well as Gina Calimari, it’s Vlad.”

  “I sure hope you’re right.” Laura hugged her back. “Stay safe, Ember. I couldn’t bear it if something were to happen to you.”

  “Nothing’s going to happen to me. Now go get your stuff and hurry back.”

  Shon’s warm palm suddenly circled Laura’s wrist, kicking her pulse into high gear. She hated how he still had the power to affect her after all these years.

  “Let’s get going before it grows any later,” Shon suggested, giving her hand a little tug.

  With one last look at Ember, Laura allowed Shon to lead her toward the door.

  Once outside, Laura followed Shon down the stairs, stopping to gawk as he strode to his bike and threw his leg over. “Come on, Blondie. There’s nothing to be afraid of.”

  Laura almost laughed at the ridiculousness of his assumption that she’d be riding on the back of his bike. “You don’t expect me to climb on the back of that thing?”

  Shon’s eyes gleamed in the moonlight. “It’s faster than your car, and no one will be looking for it. Now either hop up here by yourself or with my help. Either way, we’re taking the bike.”

  “Like hell—”

  Her words were cut off as she came up against a wall of immovable muscle. “If you don’t trust me, I won’t be able to protect you. Remember your time spent with the Seeker and Gina in that grove keeper’s house last year?”

  “How could I forget?” Laura seethed, angry he’d brought up the horrific memory.

  “That happened because I didn’t follow my gut, and I allowed you to drive off alone without me. I’ll not make that mistake again.”

  Some of Laura’s anger left with the realization that he felt guilt over her near-death experience with the Seeker. “I’m sorry. You’re right.”

  His gaze softened. “I’ll be careful with you. No wheelies or daring moves. I promise.”

  Shon suddenly bent, scooped her up into his arms, and set her on the back of his bike before settling in front of her.

  He handed her his helmet. “Put this on.”

  Laura slipped the black helmet over her head and secured it beneath her chin.

  Shon’s masculine scent assailed her as she took a deep breath. Butterflies took flight in her stomach, and her breathing grew uneven.

  “Hold on to me,” he demanded, firing up the engine and kicking the bike into gear with his booted foot.

  Laura tentatively wrapped her arms around his waist, pulling herself forward until her front pressed against his broad back.

  The play of muscles bunching beneath her hands sent a fresh round of longing through her suddenly overheated body.

  Resting her cheek against his powerful shoulder, Laura held on tightly as the motorcycle shot out of the parking lot and onto the main road at a high rate of speed.

  With the wind swirling around her, the engine vibrating between her thighs, and her body glued to the back of Shon’s, Laura knew she was lost.

  This was where she’d dreamed of being all her life. This had been her fantasy for more years than she could remember. Yeah, this was heaven.

  Chapter Six

  Shon fought against the heat forming behind his eyes. His gums ached with the need to pull off to the side of the road and sink his fangs into the soft flesh of Laura’s neck.

  He stared straight ahead to avoid glancing down at her luscious thighs that were now squeezing the sides of his own. But nothing could drown out the scent of her arousal.

  Was it him she wanted? Or did the thrill of being on a motorcycle turn her on? Probably the latter, he decided, remembering her reluctance to ride with him to begin with.

  Laura Donovan had made it perfectly clear over the years that she held no romantic interest in him. She’d dated a few of his friends, parading them in front of him without a care in the world.

  Maybe if Shon had made his feelings for her known, it would have made a difference, but he didn’t think so.

  Shon had resorted to sarcasm and scorn as a coping mechanism when in her presence, hurting her the only way he knew how.

  They’d drifted apart over the years, both going their separate ways. But Shon had never forgotten the incorrigible blonde and likely wouldn’t anytime soon, if his reaction to her now was any indication.

  Pulling into her driveway, Shon dismounted his bike and offered her a hand.

  She accepted his outstretched palm without meeting his gaze. “I’ll only be a minute. Would you like to come in?”

  “Yeah,” he muttered, walking alongside her toward the porch. “I need to do a sweep of the inside before you enter.”

  Laura unlocked the door without commenting, stepping back to allow him entrance.

  Shon moved through the small house with vampiric speed, checking every room and window for signs of intruders.

  Laura’s amazing scent nearly staggered him by the time he reached her bedroom.

  He inhaled deeply, drawing her essence into his lungs. It settled inside him, awakening his hunger as well as the semi-erection he’d had since she’d climbed on the back of his bike.

  “All clear?” she asked from a few feet behind him.

  Shon adjusted his rapidly growing cock before turning to face her. “Yes. Go ahead and get your things together while I do a perimeter check.”

  He couldn’t get out of there fast enough. The sight of her standing there with uncertainty swimming in her large blue eyes bothered him more than he cared to admit.

  Perhaps it was only lust he felt for her, and fucking her unconscious would scratch that itch, soothe the beast into submission. He didn’t know, but something needed to give where she was concerned.

  The faintest smell of vampire reached his nose the moment he entered the tree line. He didn’t recognize the scent as anyone he knew, and thankfully it didn’t belong to Gina. But whoever it belonged to had no business snooping around Laura’s place.

  Shon hurried back inside, nearly running into Laura at the door.

  Startled, she jumped back, her hand going to her throat. “Jesus. You scared me.”

  “Sorry for the scare, but we need to get out of here. Now.” He took her bag from her and quickly ushered her outside.

  “What’s wrong? Did you see something?”

  Packing her bag beneath the bike’s seat, he lifted her onto the back and climbed up in front of her. “No, but I could smell them. A vampire has been here recently.”

  The spike in her adrenaline lengthened his fangs. “Put on the helmet,” he growled without turning to look at her. She’d been through enough, and the sight of his beast would only serve to make things worse.

  * * * *

  Angel opened the door to his condo and strolled inside. He laid the key on the kitchen counter. “Ember took the liberty of putting some food in the fridge. It’s not a lot, but it’ll work for one person. She also stocked ours in anticipation of Nita’s arrival. Although I doubt she’s anticipating the shifter will stay with us.”

  “Yep. You can bet the farm on that, Angela. If I know Em, she’s madder than a rooster in a pen full of nothing but roosters. You just better pray this Nita isn’t hot, or you’re liable to be sleeping over here with us.”

  The Bulgarian’s gaze wavered.

  Shon barked a laugh. “She is hot. Oh, yeah. You’re in a world of shit, my friend.”

  Angel ran a hand down his face. “What am I to do? Nita’s the only one I could ask for protection. The only one strong enough to protect my family while we sleep.”

  “You’re preaching to the wrong choir, Angelo. It’s not me that needs convincing.”

  Angel nodded. “You’re right.”

  “I usually am.”

  With a shake of his head, Angel shouldered past Shon and kissed Laura’s cheek on his way out. He closed the door behind him.

  Laura picked up her bag and strode off toward the hall. “I don�
��t know why you insist on ruffling his feathers. And I’m taking the guest room.”

  Following her down the hall, Shon propped his shoulder against the open doorway of Laura’s new sleeping quarters and watched as she unpacked her belongings. “I ruffle his feathers, as you put it, because he displays them so innocently. He needs to lighten up a tad.”

  “He’s a nice guy,” Laura retorted, bending to place her shoes beneath the bed.

  Shon’s gaze zeroed in on her ass. “And I’m not?”

  She straightened. “Not what?”

  “A nice guy?”

  A sarcastic laugh burst from her. “Hardly. You have your moments, I suppose, but ninety percent of the time, you’re an asshole.”

  For some reason, her admission bothered him. “Well, I’ll give you some privacy to change or whatever. Remember, there’s food in the kitchen if you get hungry.”

  “What about you? Don’t you think you should…um…eat too?”

  Shon was more than aware of her hidden meaning. She worried he might get hungry and snack on her. “I already ate tonight. I’m all good, but thanks for offering.” He spun on his heel and left.

  The sound of a shoe landing behind him in the hallway brought a chuckle to the surface. No matter how many times he’d sworn to never bait her again, he always defaulted. He just damn sure couldn’t help himself when it came to her.

  Once inside the master bedroom, Shon checked the locks on the sliding-glass door, crawled up onto the king-size bed, and switched on the television.

  The sounds coming from the flat screen did little to block out the whispers of cloth coming from Laura’s room.

  She’s changing clothes. Shon rolled to his side with a groan. Thoughts of Laura peeling off her clothing plagued his mind in torturous detail.

  He knew exactly what her nude form looked like. He’d seen her in that damn red string bikini more times than he could count.

  His cell rang from the depths of his pocket, pulling him out of his heated thoughts. He fished it out and pressed the green button. “Wells.”

  “It’s Ember. Vlad is on his way from the airport. He’ll be here in thirty minutes.”

  Shon sat up in bed. “How the hell did he get here so fast?”

  “He took his private jet. And apparently he was already on his way when he called Angel.”

  Another thought surfaced. “Does he know that Nita is coming to stay with you?”

  Ember grew quiet for a moment. “Not yet. And I have no idea how he’s going to react to a shifter being under the same roof as him.”

  “He’s not going to like it,” Shon assured her. “And for once, I won’t have to be a fly on the wall to see his reaction. I’ll be there to witness it firsthand.”

  Ember sighed into the phone. “This isn’t funny, Shon.”

  “Sure it is. Do vampires get heartburn? Because Angel might need some antacid before this night’s over with.”

  Shon disconnected the call and threw his feet over the side of the bed. He would be next door at Ember’s for Vlad’s arrival, come hell or high water.

  Chapter Seven

  Laura stood in Angel’s kitchen, munching on a sandwich she’d recently made and drinking a glass of wine. She’d been so lost in thought she hadn’t heard Shon slip up behind her.

  “That actually looks good. Pour me a glass?”

  Laura jumped and spun around to face him “Stop doing that. My heart can’t take it.”

  “My apologies, ma’am. I’ll try to take heavier steps in the future.”

  “See that you…do,” she whispered, lowering her gaze down his body. He’d removed his shirt and stood before her with nothing on but his low-riding jeans.

  Clearing her throat, Laura swallowed around a mouth gone dry. “You.” She tried again. “Would you like red or white wine?”

  He stepped in closer, forcing her to tilt her head back to hold eye contact. “Whatever you’re having is fine.”

  Laura didn’t move. Hell, she couldn’t. Her feet refused to cooperate, and her breath stilled in her lungs. It took her a moment to remember to breathe. “So…red?”

  “Sounds delicious,” he rumbled, his deep voice hypnotizing her as his sexy mouth slowly descended.

  Laura’s lips parted without conscious thought. Warmth swirled through her, heating her up inside in preparation of his long-awaited kiss.

  “I brought ya’ll some fresh towels,” Ember called out, barreling through the front door.

  Laura sprang back as if burned and snagged a clean wineglass for Shon. “We’re in the kitchen.”

  Ember entered the small space, forcing Shon to crowd Laura’s already anxious form.

  Setting the towels on the counter, Ember rested her hand on her hip and blew her bangs out of her eyes. “It’s like a madhouse over there. I’m trying to get everything cleaned and organized for our impending guests.”

  “I’ll help you,” Laura offered, turning to the side to squeeze past Shon. Her breast brushed against his arm on her way through, and a fresh bout of butterflies took flight in her stomach to keep the previous flutterers company.

  Shon grinned. “I would have moved back, had you asked.”

  “Sure you would,” Laura snapped on her way out the door with Ember tight on her heels.

  Ember stopped outside her condo door and laid a hand on Laura’s arm to get her attention. “What was going on between you two when I walked in?”

  “Nothing,” Laura quickly denied.

  “Are you sure about that?”

  Reaching around Shon’s cousin, Laura opened the door. “I’m positive. And for him to parade around shirtless is ridiculous. No one wants to see his half-naked body,” she lied.

  Ember laughed, backing up to allow Laura entrance. “Whatever, freak. I saw the look on your face when you brushed up against him.”

  “You didn’t see anything but what you wanted to. You’ve been playing matchmaker for years with us, and you see how that’s played out.”

  Laura strolled inside, passing Ember’s kitchen to take a seat at the bar. “Where’s Lucius?”

  “Angel took him for a walk. He’s always restless at this time of night.”

  “That’s odd,” Laura remarked. “I wonder why?”

  Ember shook her head and leaned against the kitchen counter to face her friend. “I think it has something to do with his natural instincts. We sleep during the day, so he does as well. But I have a feeling he prefers to nap at night.”

  Laura frowned. “I hope he grows out of that. It wouldn’t be safe for him to be up, running around the place while you slept. At least not until he’s older.”

  Ember suddenly stilled.

  “What is it?” Laura anxiously glanced around the room.

  “Vlad has arrived,” Ember whispered.

  “How can you tell?”

  “I sense his nearness.”

  A soft tap on the door sounded a few seconds later. The corner of Ember’s mouth lifted. “Right on cue.”

  Laura watched in awe as Ember strolled to the door to let the elder vampire inside. The fact that her best friend was a vampire never ceased to amaze Laura.

  “Vlad,” Ember acknowledged, pulling the door open before stepping back to allow him entry. “Come in.”

  The elder vampire stood well over six feet tall, wearing a long, dark jacket with a hood that hid his face.

  “Ember, my dear.” Vlad took hold of Ember’s hand and brought it to his lips, brushing a kiss across her knuckles. “It is good to see you again.”

  “Likewise.” Ember closed the door and waved her hand in Laura’s direction. “You remember Laura?”

  Vlad’s head slowly lifted. He drifted past the kitchen, stopping next to Laura’s side and pushed the hood away from his face. “Of course. How I could forget one so lovely?”

  Laura could feel herself blush. She had never met a man as beautiful as Vlad. She wasn’t sure what he possessed that made him so appealing, but nonetheless she found it hard to loo
k away. Perhaps it was the powerful set of his jaw, coupled with his pale blue eyes that seemed to see right through her.

  “Well, look what the bats dragged in.” Shon suddenly appeared next to Vlad.

  The elder vampire slowly turned to face Ember’s cousin. Laura held her breath in anticipation of Vlad’s anger over Shon’s lack of respect.

  Vlad threw back his head and laughed, startling Laura.

  “Damn. I hadn’t realized how much I missed your humor,” Vlad murmured, jerking Shon into a hug. “How have you been?”

  Shon appeared uncomfortable with hug, but thankfully, he kept his opinion to himself. He pulled back to face Vlad. “Any better and I’d need a manager.”

  Another chuckle escaped Vlad. “You are a refreshing addition to the vampire community.”

  “Any news of Gina?” Shon questioned, taking a seat at the bar next to Laura.

  It wasn’t lost on Laura that Shon had inserted himself between her and Vlad.

  Vlad tilted his head. “Can you not feel her near?”

  “I have felt a strange pull since I crawled out of bed tonight. But I’m not sure it has anything to do with Gina.”

  “You are only now coming into your powers, young Shon. Your instincts will take time to hone. Embrace your gift. Open yourself to Calimari and find her before she finds you.”

  Chapter Eight

  At the mention of Gina’s name, Shon felt Laura stiffen next to him. He glanced at her profile, noticing the tight set of her mouth. “I won’t let her come anywhere near you, Laura.”

  “I know,” she whispered without looking at him. “But how will you stop her from coming near you?”

  “Don’t worry about me. I can take care of myself.”

  Laura slowly turned her head toward him, meeting his gaze. “Really? Like you did before? If memory serves me, you were stuck to her neck like a tick.”

  “You’re jealous,” Shon accused, grinning at her indignant expression.

  Laura slid off her stool. “Jealousy would require giving a damn. And I don’t.” She marched past him, striding off toward the hall.