Blonde & Blue (Alexa O'Brien, Huntress #4)(57)

I bit back a series of curses that threatened to explode forth. Freaking out was not going to help. I kept my mouth shut, refusing to look at him. I guess Maxwell didn’t like the silent treatment because he gave me a shove as we ascended the few steps leading up to the porch. The vampire holding my arms let go, and I hit the old, creaky, wooden planks hard. My upper fangs dug into my lower lip from the impact, and I tasted blood.

Shaz’ growl was low and menacing as he struggled to come to my aid. They wouldn’t let him. Maxwell waited for me to get up before opening the door so his flunkies could usher us inside.

The heavy aroma of potpourri wafted into my face, a cloying cover for the death and fear that lingered.

Directly in front of me was a staircase with old, worn carpet. To the left was a living room with an older model television and very few gadgets or electronics.

I had the distinct feeling an older couple had lived here. It pained me to think of Claire and Maxwell killing them and taking over their home. If only the old myth about vampires needing an invite was true. As it was, they could enter any building they damn well pleased.

To the right of the stairs was a dining room that appeared untouched, as though it hadn’t been used in years. It was simple enough. A large table that had once seated an entire family paired with a cabinet filled with fine china and ornamental items. A plaque among them caught my eye. Praying hands were carved into the wood with the words: One Day at a Time.

Before I could take in more of the house I was pushed into the living room and forced down on the couch. The scent of perfume rose up to haunt me, flashing images of the aging woman who had worn it. Searching the end tables and bookshelf, I found a photo of her – it had to be her – with her husband at her side. They were beaming at the camera, arms around each other. They had to have been well over sixty.

I fumed, angry with what had happened to them. I shot Maxwell a glare, but he was too busy keeping Shaz separated from me to notice. They sat him down in an armchair on the opposite side of the room. I could see into the kitchen behind him but just barely. I kept expecting Claire to appear. I couldn’t sense her, but I’d had no awareness of Maxwell before he took me down either.

Maxwell grabbed Shaz’ wrist and sniffed at the wound. “Someone’s already been at you, hmm? Pity. I like to have the first bite.” Shooting me a warning glance, Maxwell inclined his head toward Shaz. “Try anything and this one dies.”

I glowered at him. “Is there a point to this? Because I’d like to get to it.”

Forgetting about Shaz completely, Maxwell glided across the room to stand before me. I braced for the hit, knowing it was coming before his hand collided with my cheek. My face stung, and it took all of my inner strength to take it. If I didn’t, he would hurt Shaz.

My white wolf was being restrained by two of the three lackeys. He was snarling and straining against them. If he shifted he would have an advantage, but with a powerhouse like Maxwell present, it could get him killed. I tried to meet Shaz’ eyes, to will him to calm down. He was already past the point of calm.

“You,” Maxwell pointed a finger at Shaz. “Sit and shut up.” A slap of energy had Shaz sitting whether he wanted to or not. “And you,” Maxwell grinned down at me from where he stood. “Keep flapping that pretty yap of yours. I love a woman who doesn’t know her place.”

“Is that so?” Claire’s voice rang out as she descended the stairs. “Careful, Maxwell, some women don’t take kindly to chauvinism.”

His eyes flashed with something close to anger before he turned to her with a big phony smile plastered in place. “Of course, my dear.”

Claire stopped in the entrance to the living room and surveyed us. She wore a long black cocktail dress and held a goblet of blood in one hand. I was dying to roll my eyes at her. Like Maxwell, she was drawn to Shaz because of his wound. If I got out of this alive, I just might have to kill that black-haired vampire bitch at The Wicked Kiss.

“Oh my, you’re a gorgeous thing.” Claire fawned over Shaz much in the way one would admire a perfect holiday meal. “I can’t wait to taste you.”

“Oh, f**k no.” I risked another slap from Maxwell. The bitch wasn’t touching my mate.

The slap never came. Instead, Maxwell stepped away from me. Though he had all the power, Claire was the one pulling the strings.

Eyeing me with interest, she came to sit next to me on the couch. As if we were old friends, she smoothed a few tendrils of hair back from my face. I shot her a look of pure venom.

“You know, Alexa. This never had to happen. You could have played along and given us what we want. Now we have to torture it out of you.” She smiled so sweetly as she spoke.

The word torture set off every survival instinct I had. My heart pounded despite my best efforts to remain calm. She would sense it and know she had me right where she wanted me.

“I prefer it this way.” This from Maxwell who stood in the center of the room watching the door. They had to be expecting Arys.

“Really?” I was feeling better. Stronger. As long as Maxwell didn’t slam me again, I might be able to draw on Arys’ power to reinforce my own. “You honestly expected me to hand myself over to you just so you can take over where Harley left off?”

Sipping from her goblet of human blood, Claire pinned me with an appraising gaze. “This is business. It’s all about supply and demand. And, you are in demand. I’m sure you understand that. You run a little business of your own built on the very same foundation. Do you not?”