Only Vampires Cry Blood (Alexa O'Brien, Huntress #3)(30)

From the doorway, I could see the wet crimson drops on the cream-colored duvet adorning the large bed. I half expected to find a body but if there'd been one, it was gone.

“What's with the fresh kill smell?” I asked, crossing my arms over my chest. I eyed Harley suspiciously. “I'm not up for tag teaming.”

His jovial laugh had me glaring hard. It was useless. Rather than address my question, he studied me until I grew uncomfortable. “Your first mistake is neglecting your needs. Whether it be food, sex, blood or the rush of the kill, your needs define you.

If you'd fed your own bloodlust, you wouldn't be reacting so strongly to the scent of blood in this room. Now, come in here.”

I didn't budge. I suddenly felt uncertain. The aroma of human blood on the air turned my stomach even as it encouraged my hunger. I ignored Harley's impatient gesture and took a hesitant step inside. I purposely did not close the door, and I did not intend to allow him to shut it either.

“Did I come during meal time, Harley? I'd hate to interrupt.” I surveyed the room, but other than the spilled blood, nothing seemed amiss.

“Don't be ridiculous. Just a little fun and games while I awaited your arrival.”

“Look,” I said, direct and more than a little forceful. “I don't trust you, and I don't have any reason to. Let's just get down to business. I'm limited on time.”

“Are you ever going to tell Arys that you've been coming here?” He smirked and took a seat at the small table. Crossing his legs casually, he simply watched me.

I scowled, refusing the chair he offered. “That's none of your business. I am not here to talk about him. Got it?”

“As you like.” Harley seemed far too amused by my irritation. That only enhanced it.

“So, should we start with your short temper? It seems to me that will be the first place you go wrong.”

Something occurred to me then, something about the way he said that. I raised an eyebrow, staring right back at him. “Why are you really willing to help me? Is it because you're trying to screw me over or is it something else? Because I'm sure it can't just be the promise of my blood.”

He gave me a sadistic smile that instilled a sinking sensation within me. I so did not want to hear his response. I was rife with discomfort, and he loved it.

“Well,” he clapped his hands together and shifted in his seat. “Since you mentioned it, there is something else. I'd like to alter the terms of our little arrangement, if I may.”

I sighed dramatically and huffed. “Go on.”

“I want an exchange of service. Mine for yours. I help you and you in turn, help me.”

“I'm not killing for you.”

“Why is that the first thing that you assume?”

“What else would you want from me? I'm not really in the service industry, you know.”

The smirk he wore never wavered. I was dying to slap it off his face.

“Aren't you? As far as I know, you get paid to kill your own kind.” His tone was flippant, and I knew an insult when I heard one.

“And yours,” I spat back at him.

“Which is exactly why I know you could do it, if it was ever needed.” Harley was beating around the bush, and we both knew it. I had half a mind to spin on my heel and head for the exit. “I want you to provide me with your lovely abilities, should I ever need them.”

“Care to elaborate on that?” My stomach twisted with unease. I had a feeling I knew what he wanted. I wanted to hear him say it.

“A man like me has his share of enemies, Alexa. Should I ever require some powerful backup, I want to be able to call on you. If I teach you about your power, I want access to it.”

He watched for my reaction, and I knew he expected me to lose it. That was exactly what I wanted to do. It took all of my self-restraint to bite back the “f*ck you” that threatened to spill through my lips.

Taking a deep breath, I spoke through my teeth. “I don't think so. You don't have that kind of say as far as me or my abilities go. I'll find someone else to help me. Somehow.”

“It'll be your choice,” his words came out in a rush. “But don't forget … any danger that comes my way makes Arys a target, too. He is mine after all. And, as much as you might hate to hear it, I don't plan on leaving this city any time soon.”

“Why not?” Damn. I sounded far too disappointed. “Please don't tell me you are staying on our account. Arys and I were doing just fine before you got here. Better, in fact.”

Harley shoved his chair back and stood up. “Now, now. No need to be petty. My reasons for staying are none of your concern.”

“It is if you're knowingly attracting trouble.”

He chuckled then, slowly crossing the space between us. My nerves were already frazzled. Each step he took stirred my wolf, and I grew defensive.

“Any trouble that finds me will in turn find you and Arys. Don't tell me that you're so ignorant to that fact that you would endanger yourself and your loved ones. Honestly, I fear no one. Yet, if trouble comes knocking, don't for a moment think it won't end up on your doorstep, too. As much as it may kill you to believe it, you are linked to me by blood and power through Arys. Think carefully about what I'm asking you.”