Cole's Redemption (Alpha Pack #5)(51)
Though he couldn’t be sure, he assumed she was one of Tarron’s coven. They were so far into the mountains, and there were no houses around these parts. If she was a vampire, how could she be out in the sun? He’d heard only ancient vampires, and now rogues, could do that.
The urge to reveal himself was strong. In fact, the pull became so irresistible that he took a few steps forward—but a loud voice shattered the tranquil atmosphere.
“Calla! Calla! Dammit, where are you?”
Tarron. That was the prince’s voice, and he sounded both annoyed and worried. The vampire he now knew was Calla snapped her head up, startled, looking around. Moving quickly, she slipped from her rock, uttered a curse—
And vanished.
Nick couldn’t understand the sudden despair that washed over him as he stared at the empty space where she’d been. He’d observed her for only a brief time, so his reaction didn’t make sense.
In the next instant, Tarron appeared close to the spot where the mysterious Calla had been. Muttering, he looked around and shoved a hand through his hair. Nick kept his cover for some reason, instead of going to his new friend. Who was Calla to Tarron? Friend? Family?
Lover?
A low growl rumbled in his chest, but thankfully Tarron didn’t hear the noise. The vampire vanished, translocating to who knew where. Teleportation was one ability that sort of freaked Nick out. Hammer, his friend and right-hand man, could do it, but he was the only Pack member who could.
Deciding to head back, he took off at a trot. All the way back to the stronghold, he found himself recalling every minute of his observation of the beautiful vampire. Calla. He wondered if he’d see her again, perhaps meet in person sometime. He very much hoped so.
He located his clothes and got dressed, then made his way back to the metal door and knocked. The same guard let him in, appearing no happier than he had before.
He thanked the soldier anyway, started to take his leave, then stopped and faced the man again. “By the way, do you know a vampire named Calla? About five-five, beautiful, long chestnut hair, sings like a bird—”
“That would be Princess Calla Shaw,” the guard said, eyes narrowing. “Prince Tarron’s sister.”
Well, f**k a duck. “Maybe we’re talking about different females? Tarron’s last name is Romanoff, not Shaw.”
“The princess is the only Calla in this coven, and she is a widow. She is much adored and fiercely protected by her brother, and I suggest any leanings you have in her direction you allow to pass.” His tone was curt.
Aw, hell. “Thanks for the warning.”
Heaving a sigh, he walked to Tarron’s office, cursing his luck, which never seemed to change. Then he booted up his laptop. He’d check his e-mail, see if anything of interest had come in today.
Immediately, he was sorry he looked.
All thoughts of beautiful vampires vanished at the knowledge of the choice he now faced.
Two days later, Zan was declared fit to leave the infirmary, as long as he promised to take it easy. Which he did, with his fingers crossed under the sheets. He was a wolf. They didn’t do sedentary very well.
He wouldn’t be taking it easy in other areas, either. Today, his rampaging dick simply would not stand down. All of this nearness, cooped up in the infirmary, smelling his mate’s sweet scent night and day, was making him bug nuts, so to speak.
He wanted to have wild monkey sex in the infirmary bed. But that’s where his mate drew the line, messing around in such close proximity to people who weren’t well and where the doctors and nurses could appear any minute. Kink in the dark of night was one thing, this something else entirely.
Zan got his walking papers, and he was never so glad to get out of confinement.
One of the prince’s household staff led him and Selene to their room. The vampire stopped in front of a door, opened it, and stepped in, gesturing to the expansive suite.
“This is yours while you are here,” she said; then, to his surprise, she stepped boldly forward, as if his mate weren’t standing right there, and rubbed the front of her body against him. And, unfortunately, his rampant erection. “If there’s anything I can do to improve your stay, let me know.”
Two things happened simultaneously. He jumped back, putting distance between himself and the vamp as though he’d been electrocuted, and his mate partially shifted, shoving the vampire to the floor and snarling at her with canines the size of butcher knives.
“Get the f**k off my mate! And don’t ever touch him again unless you want to end up as my evening meal!”
White-faced, the vampire stammered an apology and practically ran from the room. Selene stood there seething with rage. Hating to see her upset, he stepped forward and caressed her face.
“Come on, baby. Deep breaths. I’m not interested in her. You know that, right?”
She nodded. “You’re mine!”
“I know. Yours.” Inside, his wolf howled in joy at her possessiveness. Her claim.
“Why would the stupid bitch do such a thing? Does she have a death wish?”
“Vampires are very sexually free, my mate. To her, that offer was probably as natural as breathing.”
“Well, if she wants to keep breathing, she’ll keep her f**king body to herself!”
Gradually, she shifted back to her human form. But her possessiveness remained. He knew what she wanted without question when she palmed his erection through his jeans and rubbed.