Kraven (VLG Series Book 2) (23 page)

“I’ll take any opportunity I find to touch it.”

She laughed, some of the stress fading. She slowly turned in his arms. “I don’t know how to handle this.”

“We take it one day at a time and talk things out. Don’t hide things from me.”

“You seem pretty good at reading my emotions. That scares me. I worked hard to build walls to keep people distanced.”

He eased one arm from around her and reached up, brushing her hair back from her face and stroking her cheek with his thumb. “You like to feel in control of everything. I can respect that, and understand it was something you needed to do to survive. Things have changed. I’m here now. I’m the one person you can always count on. There’s no pain here, Bat. I’m safe.”

“I want to believe you.”

“Time will prove it. I’m not going anywhere.”

She slid her arms around him and buried her face against his chest. “I’m going to freak out sometimes. I’m just being honest. I want to run.”

“I’m a damn good tracker. I’ll find you if you do. Just try to avoid it until I’m the only one who might come after you.” He kissed the top of her head. “Let me protect you first from the real danger.”

“Okay.”

“Promise me.”

“I do.”

He pulled her against him tighter. “Will you eat now? I can hear your stomach rumbling still.”

“Yeah. I could eat. I just…”

“What?”

She sighed.

“Open your mouth and spit it out. It’s not so hard, Bat. You’re great at expressing your thoughts when you’re angry. We just need to work on you doing that when you’re not.”

“I know. I was thinking earlier about how difficult it’s going to be when you return to Alaska, and how much it mattered to me. I just wanted to get away from you at that moment, put some space between us. You kind of messed that up when you got in my way.”

“Give me the name of the man who hurt you and I’ll kill him.”

She jerked her head up, startled.

“You don’t trust easy and you bolt when you start to feel too much for me. It doesn’t take a genius to add it up.” His lips tightened into a grimace. “Did he strike you? I’ve got no qualms about burying his ass. Just give me a name and I’ll take care of it as soon as I can leave your side for a day or two. He won’t ever get near you again.”

“It wasn’t like that.”

“How was it?”

It hurt her pride to even think about it but she found herself talking. “He was a conman. A good one, too. I never saw it coming. I should have. He was too charming, too smooth. You know? The perfect boyfriend. I actually felt lucky. Most of my friends bitched about the men they were with but I was with someone who always gave me thoughtful gifts and paid attention to me. All the while he was stealing my identity.”

Kraven frowned. “I don’t understand.”

“He opened credit cards in my name and had the statements sent to another address. He paid them at first, got them to up the limits, and opened more credit lines in my name. I wasn’t aware of any of it. One day he called me to say his sister had been in a bad car accident and he was on his way to Italy. That’s where he claimed his family was from. He had a lovely accent. I never heard from him again. I tried to track him down, worried that something had happened. We were in love.” She knew the bitterness sounded in her voice. “At least he had me
convinced
we were. I couldn’t find anyone who’d ever heard of him, his family, or his sister. Everything he’d told me was bogus. He probably learned Italian taking night classes or something.”

Kraven growled.

“Yeah. Everything about him was a lie. I was so involved in my busy life that I didn’t exactly check into his too much. He’d supposedly moved here from Italy less than a year before we started dating, had told me his entire family and all his friends were over there. All I got to meet were the work friends he’d made since he’d started his job. They were as shocked as I was that he wasn’t who he’d claimed. The police got involved because of the fraud. He’d racked up about forty grand in my name. I pressed charges. My credit was ruined for a while but I battled that until it was cleared.

“It turned out he’d done this to other women. It was his scheme. Wine and dine a woman, spend half a year building credit lines, all the while working on his next target. I got to see some of the charges on those credit cards. He’d bought jewelry and flowers that weren’t for me. There were hotel charges. We didn’t live together and I worked a lot. It was easy for him to date other women without me being aware. He was already working on his next marks.”

“Is he in prison?”

“He was sentenced to sixty days in jail. His rich new wife paid restitution to some of his victims and hired him some great lawyers.” It still made Bat angry. “He was good-looking and a damn good conman. I can attest to that. He latched on to some sixty-two-year-old woman with a lot of money. I felt bad for her. He dumped her as soon as her usefulness was up and took her for a shitload of money in the divorce settlement. She got screwed over way worse than I did.”

“No wonder you have trust issues.”

“He talked about our future all the time. I bought into it, Kraven. He said everything I wanted to hear.”

“I’m nothing like him.”

She nodded. “I know that.” A grin broke. “You’re not charming or smooth. You’re more like a sledgehammer.”

He chuckled. “Come eat. We’ll stay here tonight.” He glanced at the windows. “I just wish you had curtains.”

“I can buy some but no one can see in.” She swallowed. “Unless they can fly. Do you really think we’ll be attacked by Gargoyles?”

“I hope not. GarLycans would try like hell to avoid flying in a city this size. We’ve survived all these years because we take great care to protect our existence.”

Kraven led Bat back into her dining room and helped her sit. He retook his seat across from her. It was a bad idea to stay in her condo but she needed a little stability tonight. One night hopefully wouldn’t hurt. Tomorrow he’d talk her into moving locations after they spoke to Dr. Brent.

He needed to gain her trust. The idea of her running away from him made Kraven break out in a sweat. She knew the human world far better than he did. It was a miracle no Lycan pack or Vampire nest had ever attacked her or Dusti. The talk with the doctor might shed some light on it. She smelled human but her blood carried a slight scent of other. At some point she had to have suffered cuts. Everyone did.

He watched her eat and went through the motions of filling his own stomach. His thoughts were elsewhere. The things she’d shared about her past helped him understand some of her resistance to let him get close. Betrayal was tough to recover from. He’d barely known the woman who’d tried to stab him in the heart. Bat implied she’d spent at least six months with the man who’d used her. She’d fight Kraven at every turn.

Something his mother always said floated through his thoughts.
Nothing worthwhile in life is ever easy.
Those words finally made sense. Bat came with a complicated past but he had motivation and desire to stick it out.

They finished eating and Bat offered to clean up. He shook his head.

“I’ll do it.”

“Let’s make a deal, okay?”

He waited.

“I’ll put away the leftovers while you shower. I’m sure you want to take one after all that driving you did. We’ll meet up in the bedroom in about ten minutes.”

He turned his head, studying the door.

She easily read his concerns. “No one is going to break in.”

“VampLycans can get past your security downstairs, Bat.”

“I promise to haul ass shouting for you if someone so much as knocks. Okay?” She lifted her hand and crossed her finger over her chest. “I swear. I also won’t run around with scissors or do anything dangerous.”

She was cute as hell. “Fine.”

“I left my shampoo and conditioner in the guest bathroom. There are fresh towels under the sink.”

“I’ll hurry.”

“Okay.”

He strode over to the door and lifted his bag, double checking that her locks were secure. Bat began clearing the table as he went to the guestroom. The desire to keep her close was strong but she was right. He wanted a shower. It would just be a fast one.

He left the bathroom door open and dumped his bag on the counter. He stripped quickly and turned on the hot water. The stall wasn’t as large as his one at home. Humans were so much smaller. He sighed, stepping inside the confined space.

Chapter Fifteen

Bat closed the fridge and glanced around to make certain she’d thrown away all the empty containers. The counters were clear. She was heading toward the hallway when the phone rang. She switched directions, walking over to the machine. The readout flashed the number and name of her caller.

She snatched up the receiver. “Hello, Jacob.”

“You’re back? I thought you’d be gone for a few more days.”

She opened her mouth to explain but he cut her off before she could say a word.

“I’m glad I reached you. I was just going to leave a message and hope that you checked your machine daily. Are you familiar with Travis Bales?”

“The name sounds familiar.”

“He lives in your building and he’s a new client. He’s out on bail.”

That news didn’t shock her. It wasn’t the first time one of the building’s tenants had had trouble with the law. “What was he charged with?”

“We’ll discuss that in the morning. We’re holding a seven o’clock meeting at the office. Don’t miss it.”

She winced. No way would Kraven agree to that. He didn’t even want to stay in her condo for one night. “I was in a plane crash.”

“What?” Jacob gasped.

“It’s a long story. I’m not going to be able to make that meeting. I have no idea when I’ll be returning to work. I have to go see my doctor first thing in the morning.” It wasn’t exactly a lie. She planned to talk to Dr. Brent.

“Mr. Bales is a close friend of Warren’s. You know what that means.”

She clenched her teeth. Warren Otis was a one of their special clients. He brought in a lot of referrals and she was pretty sure he was a major player in organized crime. It could kill her future with the firm if she let their big fish down.

“Warren personally called me and insisted you take care of Mr. Bales, Batina. I’ve been trying to reach you all day to tell you to get your ass back home immediately but you didn’t answer your damn cell. I was desperate enough to call your home phone, hoping you at least checked
those
messages. Get patched up first thing tomorrow. Mr. Bales is having a little cocktail party tomorrow to meet with the team that will represent him. Wheel yourself there or go on crutches. I don’t really give a damn. It’s at six sharp inside your building. It’s being held in some lounge. I assume you know where that is? Be there. It’s not a request. Warren will be there too. Am I clear?”

It irritated her that her boss didn’t seem to give a shit that she could have possible injuries. He didn’t even ask. That wasn’t a surprise. “Crystal.” She grit her teeth. “I’ll take pain pills if I have to.”

“That’s the spirit. Just don’t take too many of them. Six sharp. And Batina? Don’t fuck this up.” He ended the call.

She slammed the phone down and spun, bumping right into Kraven’s damp chest.

He gripped her as she stumbled back. He looked furious when she looked up at his face. “Why did you answer the phone? Now someone knows you’re here.”

“It was one of the partners at my law firm. I looked at the caller ID first.” She lowered her gaze, appreciating the sight of him with just a towel wrapped low on his hips. He had an amazing body. She wanted to reach out and touch him. And there was really no reason not to. He said they were mates. She might as well take advantage of the perks of having one. Sex sounded like more fun than stewing over what a jerk Jacob could be.

He shook his head, still glowering.

“I wish I
hadn’t
answered it. Does that help?”

She reached out and used her fingertip to catch a drop of water that had threatened to fall off his taut nipple. She brought it to her lips and sucked on it, peering at him. His eyes narrowed. She put her other hand on his biceps and rubbed. Her finger left her mouth so she could flatten that palm on his chest.

“Don’t do that. What was so damn important that you had to get that call?”

“It was work.”

His eyes narrowed. “I’m pissed at you.”

“How is that working out for you?”

“Stop touching me and avoiding my questions. What was that about?”

“Work. I’m not lying.” She released him and backed up, skirting him and strolling down the hallway. “You look really good though. Sexy.”

“I hate avoidance, Bat. And we need to leave now that you’ve answered that phone.” He followed her.

She stopped and turned to confront him when she got inside her bedroom. “It wasn’t anything related to my grandfather, so it doesn’t concern you. Let’s just go to bed.”

“Did it ever cross your mind that it would be a smart move for Decker to grab one of your bosses and make them call you to find out where you are?”

“No. Because I’m not paranoid.”

“Damn it, Bat. You’re in
danger
and every human you know can be mind-controlled!”

“Give me a break.”

“It’s possible.”

“I don’t want to fight with you. Are we having sex or not?”

A muscle in his jaw twitched. “Not.”

“Fine.”

“I won’t be manipulated. That’s what you’re doing. You know you screwed up and you’re trying to seduce me to get your way. We need to leave.”

His accusation stung, as if she only wanted him for that reason. “I can’t believe you just said that to me.”

“Isn’t it true?”

“No. You said we were mates and you gave me the long spiel about what would happen if we denied it. You have an amazing body. Excuse the hell out of me for wanting you. My mistake. Let me give you some advice for the future—you’ll get laid a lot more if don’t open your mouth.” She took a few steps, paused, and shot him a dirty look. “I wasn’t trying to use you. I was trying to get lost in you. Think about that.”

She stormed over to the bed and yanked back the covers, climbing under them in her pajamas. She punched the pillow, rolling on her side until her back was to him.

“Bat.”

“Tell it to the hand.” She threw up her arm and flipped him off. “I’m going to sleep. You can take the floor or the guestroom but you’re not welcome in my bed anymore. Invitation revoked.”

“We need to get the hell out of here.”

“
You
leave.” She dropped her hand and curled her arms against her chest. “I think I’d rather take my chances with some rock guys crashing through my windows. Though I highly doubt that will happen. I’m going to sleep. I’m tired of all the bullshit I’ve been through.”

He loudly sighed.

She closed her eyes and snuggled against her soft mattress. “Turn off the light. Maybe that will fool the flock of Gargoyles you believe are flying around outside into thinking we’re not home.”

“Sarcasm is not an attractive trait.”

“Neither is being an asshole, so I guess we’re even.”

“You drive me crazy!”

“We have something in common.”

“It’s safer if we leave.”

“It’s safer for you if you shut up and let me go to sleep.”

“I’m getting dressed. I’ll be right back.”

“Go for it.”

He did flip off the light on his way out of her bedroom. She relaxed, trying to slow her breathing. They were fire and water. The two just didn’t go well together, one always putting the other out. She couldn’t win with him. It was just one argument after another. She liked a good fight inside the courtroom but not in her bedroom.

“Damn,” she whispered.

She was falling in love with Kraven and it wasn’t going to end well. Their relationship was doomed. It didn’t come as a surprise but it still hurt. The urge to cry surfaced but she was afraid he’d hear her, or worse, see it. She’d be damned if she gave him the satisfaction of knowing how he affected her. She had her pride.

Kraven put on a pair of black sweatpants and ran his finger through his wet hair, shoving it back. Bat had been clear she wasn’t about to allow him to take her from her home. He brushed his teeth in the guest bathroom and glared at his reflection in the mirror. Razors hadn’t been packed so he’d need to buy some. His facial hair grew fast if he didn’t remove it daily.

His thoughts drifted inward as he stepped back from the counter. Her words echoed in his head.

“I wasn’t trying to use you. I was trying to get lost in you. Think about that.”

He was. She’d looked upset when she’d gotten off the phone, and he’d picked up anger and stress in her voice. He hadn’t heard both sides of the conversation but his mate was clearly upset. She’d looked to him for comfort. It was possible she linked sex to that need.

He’d fucked up by getting angry with Bat. She was just so damn naïve about the danger she faced. Anyone with a lick of sense wouldn’t have answered that phone. Her carelessness made him see red. He’d said things he regretted.

He flipped off the bathroom light and crept down the hallway, checking out her apartment to give her a little time to cool off. They’d just fight again otherwise. He didn’t blame her for being angry.

He walked to the large windows in the living room, staring out at the city. He leaned against the wall next to the glass and admired the view. He could see why Bat might enjoy it. All those lights were spectacular.

He and Bat may as well come from two different planets. The parts of the world they lived in were vastly dissimilar. She liked the city. He craved the woods. She’d been raised human. She made phone calls to get things done. He just did everything himself. It was going to be tough to find some kind of middle ground they could both be happy with.
If it’s even possible. I’m starting to doubt it.

Movement over the top of a distant building made him tense but he identified it as a helicopter. It wasn’t a threat. He scanned the sky but didn’t see anything else that shouldn’t be there. Aveoth might hesitate to send any guardians into Los Angeles to search for Bat. Humans had cameras and surveillance videos all over the place. It would be impossible to avoid being spotted on all of them. He just didn’t want to discount the possible threat.

His skin prickled and tingled. Kraven clenched his teeth. The stress made him want to shift and run for miles to burn off his excess energy. There was nowhere to do it inside her small condo. Bat would probably have a fit if he shed any fur on her expensive floors, or worse, he’d terrify her if she got out of bed and saw him on four legs. She hadn’t exactly taken it well when Carver had shown her the truth of what they could do with their bodies.

His possible future flashed in his head and it appalled him. Bat would want him to stay in the city. He
had
offered, so that was his own damn fault. He’d wanted her to calm down after breaking the news of them being mates. Part of him had hoped she’d understand what it would cost him, but he kept failing to take into account how little she knew about VampLycans. There would be nowhere for him to run. He’d be trapped inside her home when he shifted, the only safe place away from prying eyes or discovery. No running free in the woods. No hunting to keep his skills sharp.

He’d also have to visit every damn Lycan pack and Vampire nest in the area to let them know not to fuck with his mate. They might target Bat otherwise, when they discovered him living in their city, viewing him as a threat. He stared out into the night, pondering how many asses he’d have to kick or kill. He’d have no idea how many there were until he’d learned the territory he was about to become a part of.

He’d have to do it alone, without backup. It would be worse if he asked his cousin Red to fly out and help him. The less intelligent packs and nests might think they were trying to claim the area and declare outright war if they had to deal with more than one VampLycan. It would start a shit storm. Bat wouldn’t be allowed out of his sight, day or night. That would probably piss her off, not that it would dissuade him. Her safety came first.

The impulse to shift became stronger so he turned his head away from the glass and forced his body to relax. He slowed his breathing and tried to focus on something else. Bat was his mate. She was worth anything he might have to do or give up. They’d argue all the time but that sounded better than returning to Alaska alone. Misery would drive him to return to her within two weeks or less.

He pushed away from the wall and quietly strode down the hallway. He paused inside the bedroom door, his gaze fixing on Bat. Her slow, steady breathing assured him she slept peacefully. Kraven crept forward and just watched his mate sleep. Exhaustion had wiped her out.
So damn fragile. I was too hard on her. I need to stop doing that by remembering this is all new to her.

He backed away and moved to the bedroom window, staring out at another sparkling view of Bat’s beloved city. Vehicles filled the streets, their head and brake lights helping him determine which directions they traveled. He lowered his chin, watching humans walk on the sidewalks far below. There were too many of them, even later in the evening. Vampires were out hunting but the humans were oblivious to the danger of becoming a quick meal.

He didn’t belong in a city, and he sympathized with his mate about how she’d feel living in Howl. The only difference between them was he didn’t fear anyone or anything in her home. Carver’s shifting had frightened Bat. She’d be surrounded by people who transformed. In time she’d adjust, but it wouldn’t be easy for her. The only saving grace would be Dusti.