A Vampire for Christmas(115)

If she’s in danger, call the police.”

He pulled out his badge and shoved in her obstinate face. “Damn it, I am the police. Now talk.”

Some of the female’s aggression died down. “Right after she left, Daniel called. When I told him that she was heading for his house, he sounded really worried and asked how long ago she’d left. He hung up before I could get more out of him.”

Eagan pulled out one of his cards. “Here’s my cell phone number. If you hear from her or the kid, call me immediately.”

He headed back outside to start hunting. He closed his eyes and breathed deeply of the night air. Before he’d gone two steps, the diner door opened again. It was the male wolf shrugging on a biker jacket.

Eagan did not have time to screw around with Della’s friends. “What do you want?”

Tennessee held up his hands and tipped his head to the side, a sign of surrender among his kind. “I know you can feel her through the bond, but it’s too new to make finding her all that easy. I thought maybe you could use a second nose. Besides, I’m pretty handy in a fight.”

The guy pulled up his sleeve to reveal a familiar tattoo. Eagan asked, “Special Forces?”

Used to be. Now let’s get moving.”

As they loped down the street, Eagan prayed they’d get to her in time. If those young vamps sensed the bond between him and Della, they might kill her to end the connection.

The entire downtown area was clogged with last-minute shoppers. Every store and street were festooned with Christmas decorations. He bet Della loved it all.

But this was not the time to get distracted by bright shiny lights and thoughts of making love to Della underneath the mistletoe.

Right now the only Christmas present he wanted was to find Della and make sure she was safe. He struggled to keep his lips closed over his fangs, but it was difficult with all of his protective instincts running hot. Whoever had dared threaten his mate would pay with their blood.

He turned his focus inward, trying to sense if there’d been any change in what she was feeling. She was still scared, but no worse than she had been. He wasn’t sure what that meant.

The only good news was that she was close. He could feel her too-rapid pulse and taste her fear on the night air. Tennessee had slowed down, tipping his head back as he turned in a circle to hunt for Della’s scent.

Am I glad to see you, young man. You, too, Tenn.”

Eagan was so focused on Della that it took him several seconds to recognize the elderly man headed straight for them. The last thing he need right now was a distraction, even if Harry was one of Della’s personal favorites.

Not now, Harry. We’ve got a problem we’re working on.”

The old man caught Eagan’s sleeve and refused to let go. “I know. I just called the diner to summon help and spoke to Lupe. You’re looking for Della, and I know where she is.”

Where?”

If Harry noticed Eagan’s eyes were the color of obsidian or that Tenn’s were gleaming gold, he didn’t say anything. Instead, he started shuffling back down the street.

This way. I saw her and Daniel run into an alley down this way. Two young men followed them in. There was something definitely off about those two. Something about the way they moved. Sorry if I’m not making myself clear.”

Actually, he was. The young vamps were in predator mode, moving with the inhuman grace and power of their kind. At their young age, they wouldn’t stand a chance against Eagan or even Tennessee, but the two humans were no match for them.

At the next corner, Harry pointed down the cross street. “See that alley? That’s where they went. I’ll stay here out of the way.”

Eagan clapped the older man on the shoulder. “Thanks, Harry. We’ll make sure she’s safe.”

See that you do, since I’m not up to doing it myself.” His voice wavered. “She’s like a daughter to me.”

Eagan understood a man’s need to be useful when it came to protecting those he cared about. He handed Harry his cell phone and flashed his badge. “Hit two on the speed dial and tell my lieutenant where we are. When my backup gets here, point them toward the right alley.”

Harry stood taller. “I’ll do that. Now get going.”

Tenn, you take this side while I come in from the far end. Hopefully I’ll be able to drive them back in your direction before they get to her.”

Tennessee nodded. Eagan waited for him to get in position before using his strength and speed to go up over the buildings to the opposite end of the alley to make sure they trapped the young vamps in between them.