Renegade: Volume 2 (6 page)

I
woke up to the sound of the office door opening. Colin came in the room and
took his usual seat behind the desk. I glanced up at the clock on the wall. It
was a little after ten at night. I sat up slowly and stretched.

“I
didn’t mean to wake you. I just have some things to do,” Colin said as he
sorted through papers on the desk.

“It’s
fine. I needed to get up anyway,” I said as I swung my feet over the couch. I
wasn’t sure what I was going to do. I had no clothes and no way of taking a
shower. I would have to get a hotel or something. I crashed at the warehouse
because it was easier than finding a place.

“Rumors
are already starting to fly. The death marshal didn’t return; so they will be
looking for him. Keep the guns on you and keep your eyes open. If you go near
Aubrey’s club don’t trust anyone. There are vampires that are loyal to the
council everywhere,” Colin said firmly.

I
smiled because he was starting to sound like Luca. Luca was always worried
about me. For several years I would get a huge speech from him every night
before I went out hunting. “Don’t worry I am a big girl,” I said amused.

“I
know that, but don’t let your confidence blind you. Stay on guard and pay
attention,” he said watching me. He wasn’t playing around. He was serious and
it worried me a little.

I
stood and put the guns on, then grabbed my jacket. “I’ll check in later. I am
going to find a hotel or something.”

He
nodded, and I walked out leaving him to do whatever it was he did for the
renegades.

I
parked downtown near the café and Aubrey’s club. There were a couple hotels in
the area. I figured I would stay in one nearby. I was hoping everyone would
assume I would stay out of vampire territory. Being right in the middle of it
would give me the upper hand if someone did arrive to kill me. I stepped out of
my car and looked around cautiously. There wasn’t that much traffic on the
street, but there was enough.

“Do
you really think going into vampire territory is wise,” Aubrey asked from
behind me.

I
spun around and glared at him. “Do you always have to sneak up on me?” I
growled.

He
was standing only a few feet from me. He must have seen my car from wherever he
was lurking. I wasn’t sure how else he would have known I was here. “I am not
sneaking; you just aren’t paying attention,” he said smiling.

“I
always pay attention,” I countered. His tone was slightly irritating. It was
almost like he was teasing me.

His
smile widened. “Then you must trust me deep down.”

I
scoffed then glanced around. Everything seemed quiet, almost too quiet. “I
don’t trust anyone,” I said then looked back at him.

He
looked me over. “Why are you wearing the same clothes as last night?”

I
shrugged. “I don’t have anything. Everything is at my uncle’s house. I am
looking for a hotel so I can shower; then I am going to get some clothes.”

His
expression darkened as he closed the gap between us. I didn’t pull away when he
wrapped his arms around me. “You can bathe at my place. I am also sure I have
something that will fit you.”

I
was going to protest, but I didn’t have time. There was a sudden rush of cool
air and the world around me spun. We were suddenly standing in a bathroom. The
room was lit by candles. There was a huge bathtub full of bubbles. I looked at
him a little startled.

He
leaned into me and pressed his lips to mine before I could speak. Part of me
wanted to protest, but I remained quiet as he gently kissed me. He slid my coat
off and tossed it aside. His mouth distracted me as he unclasped my holsters
and set my guns aside. I could feel my cheeks burning as his mouth moved to my
neck. He was right, I did trust him even though I hated to admit it. His hands
slid down my sides to my hips. He pulled me against him. His erection strained
against his pants. I felt my pulse quicken at his confirmation that he wanted
me. He watched me for a second; when I didn’t protest he slid my shirt up over
my head. He tossed it aside, then his fingers went to the clasp on my bra. His
mouth found mine again and he kissed me aggressively as he removed my bra. I
wrapped my arms around his neck pulling him closer. I kissed him hungrily
pressing my body to his. He broke the kiss and smiled, as he slowly sunk to his
knees in front of me. I closed my eyes as he laid soft kisses over my belly. He
unsnapped my jeans as he continued to kiss me. My body was hot, his touch was
sending sensations through me that I never experienced before. He slid each off
my shoes; then slid my jeans and panties down. His lips brushed my heated skin
in different spots as he stood.

He
smiled at me as he offered me his hand. I felt like I couldn’t breathe. Being
near him was so overwhelming. I took his hand, and he led me to the tub. I
stepped in and sunk down into the bubbles. The water felt incredible on my
already over sensitive skin. I closed my eyes and let the feelings overwhelm
me. I stiffened a little when I felt him slide in the tub next to me. I opened
my eyes as he moved over me. His bare skin pressed against mine, and I felt
like I couldn’t breathe. His turquoise eyes were dancing with amusement. He
pressed his lips to mine and teasingly kissed me. I deepened the kiss as I
tangled my fingers in his silky blond hair. He suddenly broke the kiss. I
yelped in surprise when he moved forward quickly and sunk his fangs into my
neck. I gasped as the pleasure of his bite rolled over me. I closed my eyes and
a moan escaped my lips as he slowly encouraged the blood to flow. He suddenly
released me and pressed his mouth to mine. The metallic taste of my blood
filled my mouth, exciting me more.

He
pulled away and watched me as he ran his fingers down the side of my face. He
leaned into me, and I was caught in his gaze. “I have been waiting for this moment,”
he whispered.

I
smiled. My body was humming from the pleasure of his touch. I leaned into him
and pressed my mouth to his as I ran my hands over his perfect chest. He pushed
my legs apart and grasped my ass. He pulled me closer and pushed his body forward
at the same time. I cried out in surprise breaking the kiss, as he filled me
with his hard cock. He moaned in my ear, as he began to move against me. I
couldn’t believe how good he felt. His mouth found mine again and he kissed me
desperately as he moved. I held onto him and moved my hips encouraging him. My
body felt like it was on fire. Every part of me that he touched was exploding
with pleasure. He sank his fangs into my breast. I cried out as pleasure from
his bite came crashing over me. My orgasm was so intense I dug my nails into
his back. He pressed his lips to mine, and cried out as he released. I kissed
him, clinging to him as I did. He held me tightly returning my desperate kiss.

He
shifted so he I was laying on his chest. He stroked my hair with his hand. I
peeked up at him. His eyes were closed, and he looked completely relaxed. It
was odd because he looked so human. The thought that he wasn’t bothered me, but
I quickly pushed the feeling away. I didn’t want to think about that right now.
I wanted to enjoy the moment.

“Have
you spoken to your family?” he asked after a few minutes.

“No.
I spoke to Luca briefly, but not my uncle. I am sure he wants nothing to do
with me,” I said quietly.

“I
don’t believe that. Your family cares for you. Perhaps you should just speak to
them instead of assuming they want nothing to do with you,” he said softly as
he ran his fingers up and down my arm.

I
sighed. “You saw the way they were looking at me. They looked at me liked I
killed a fellow hunter for no reason.”

He
scoffed. “They have to know everything you did was to help them,” he said
quietly.

I
smiled sadly. “Unfortunately with my people; the why doesn’t matter. All that
matters is what actions were taken. My actions were against my people’s laws.
They won’t see it any other way.” I sat up as I spoke. Talking about it was
putting me in a bad mood.

He
gently kissed my shoulder. “Well if it makes any difference I am glad you
decided to fight for me.”

I
closed my eyes and leaned into him. I wasn’t really sure what I was fighting
for. I hated to admit I cared for Aubrey, but I did. The fact that he was a
vampire would continually haunt me, and I wasn’t sure what I was going to do
about it. I was suddenly very uncomfortable at the thought. I hated it when my
heart interfered with my mind. I made irrational decisions because of it. “I
should go. I need to check in with a few people,” I said softly as I stood. I
was making excuses because I didn’t know what else to say. I didn’t want to
upset him, but I had already gone too far with him.

He
made no move to get out of the tub. He just watched me as I dried off. I
couldn’t tell what he was thinking, and it drove me insane. “How many times are
you going to run from me before you realize you and I are perfect together?” he
asked softly. He didn’t sound angry, but he didn’t sound happy either.

I
looked at him then quickly looked away. His eyes made me nervous. I felt like
he could see right through me. “I’m not running. I just have things to do. Do
you have clothes for me?” I wasn’t trying to brush him off. I just didn’t want
to argue.

“They
are on the bed,” he said curtly.

I
grabbed my guns and walked out leaving him in the tub. I had a feeling he was
in a mood now. I didn’t intentionally try to make him angry, but it seemed like
I was good at annoying people lately.

As
I finished up dressing, he walked out wearing nothing but a towel. My eyes
skirted his body. I felt myself flush. He was a beautiful creature. His skin
was pale like it was made of marble. His hair and eyes were gorgeous with his
complexion. The thought of the feelings he gave me earlier made my cheeks burn.
No one I had ever been with made me feel the way he did. He smiled like he knew
I was checking him out. I quickly looked back at what I was doing. I was a
little embarrassed that he caught me looking.

“You
know you don’t have to leave. I am more than willing to take you to bed so you
can look me over more thoroughly,” he teased as he poured himself a drink.

I
smiled at his suggestion. It actually didn’t sound like such a bad idea, but I
was getting antsy. “I should go find out what is going on,” I said making an
excuse.

Before
he could respond there was a loud knock on the door. “Come in,” he said then
took a sip of his drink. The female vampire I had run into before came in the
room. She saw me and her expression darkened. “Do you need something Ann
Marie?” he growled.

Her
gaze shifted to him and she fidgeted nervously. “There was an attack in the
alley. The vampire got away, but we have the man that was attacked in the other
room.”

The
way she glanced at me made me nervous. I was beginning to think she was leaving
something out specifically because I was there. “Who is he?” I asked before
Aubrey could respond.

She
glanced at him nervously and he nodded as if he was giving her permission to
speak. “It is that FBI agent you were here with the other night.”

I
felt the blood drain from my face. I didn’t know why he would have come here
again without me being with him. “Take me to him,” I said trying to keep my
tone even. I was worried he was seriously hurt and the way she was acting made
me think he was.

She
glanced at Aubrey again and it annoyed me. He nodded and she turned and walked
out. I followed her down the hall and Aubrey trailed behind me. She held the
door to one of the rooms for me. I walked in even though I was terrified that
what I would see would be horrible.

Nick
was lying on the bed unconscious. There was blood everywhere. Whoever went
after him went for his throat. There was an older female vampire in the room.
She was beautiful and elegantly dressed. His wounds were healing so I was
guessing she gave him her blood. For a human that wasn’t the ideal situation.
Vampires could easily sway and manipulate humans especially when a human took
blood from one.

“Do
you know who did this?” I asked Ann Marie as I went to Nick and felt his wrist
for a pulse. It was weak, but it was there.

“I
believe it was a death marshal, at least that was what he muttered before he
lost consciousness,” the older female vampire said instead of allowing Ann
Marie to answer.

“Who
are you?” I asked trying not to sound too rude. I was getting really upset. If
another death marshal had already shown up then things were going to get bad
fast.

“My
name is Victoria, and you should mind your tone. You are in enemy territory,”
she growled.

Before
I could reply Aubrey cut in. “She is not, and if anyone attempts to harm her
they will find themselves in enemy territory.”

She
glared at him like she wanted to argue, but she held his tongue. “Is he going
to be ok?” I asked her.

She
nodded. “In a few hours.”

“I
am going to find whoever did this,” I said angrily as I walked out of the room.
I had my hands clenched again. It was almost an automatic response whenever I
felt like my anger was getting the best of me.

“Is
your plan to kill every single one of them?” Aubrey asked as he followed me out
into the hall.

I
turned around and glared at him. “Do you have a problem with that?” I asked
angrily.

He
watched me for a minute before speaking. “I have a problem with the fact that
you think you are invincible. You are going to get yourself killed.”

I
scoffed. “I don’t really care as long as I kill as many vampires as possible
before I’m dead.” I turned to walk away from him. He was making me angry. He
was acting like I was being unreasonable.

He
caught me by my wrist and pulled me roughly against him. “I won’t let you kill yourself,”
he growled.

“How
are you going to stop me?” I countered.

He
watched me for a minute. His expression was cold and blank. “You want the
vampire that killed your parent’s right?”

I
looked at him a little startled. “Of course I do.” I had a horrible feeling he
knew who it was all this time, and he hadn’t said anything.

“I
am that vampire; so kill me, and stop your suicidal crusade,” he said simply
like it was no big deal.

I
watched him horrified. I felt like I had the breath knocked out of me. I couldn’t
move or speak.

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