Vampires Never Cry Wolf (21 page)

“The better question, Son,” Heinrich said with a sad smile, stepping away from his son, “is why did you let me?”

“What?” Killian blinked as though his father had struck him.

“You heard me.” King Heinrich let out a sigh and unbuttoned his jacket, the formality he'd been displaying swiftly dissipating. “Why did you let me speak to her in such a way if she is so important to you?”

“I—I don't understand.” Killian shook his head and stared at his father in total disbelief.

“Do you really think I've been king for seventy-five years just because of my good looks?” Heinrich smirked at his son before slipping his hands in his pockets. “Your sister, Naomi, was with me when I received the call from Ivan. She overheard the entire conversation because apparently the dear girl thinks nothing of eavesdropping. At any rate, she told me that you had found the woman who bears the mark of the moon, the one you've dreamed about for so long.”

“I thought you didn't believe in that ‘hogwash.'” Killian leaned on the edge of the table, totally stunned by his father's revelation.

“Your mother does,” the king said, smiling. “As you know, I have a very difficult time disagreeing with your mother. She informed me that if I didn't allow you the chance to explore your relationship with this woman, I was not going to see the inside of our bedchamber for many moons.”

“Got it.” Killian held up one hand, begging his father not to go any further with that line of thought. His father was an alpha in every sense of the word, but even alphas had weaknesses. “If you knew who Sadie was, then why didn't you say something? Why did you go on like that?”

“I didn't know what Sadie knew or didn't know. I had no idea if you'd spoken to her about the mark or your dreams.” The king walked the perimeter of the room, looking up at the balcony. “She, however, was quite forthcoming. In spite of her denials, she obviously cares for you. I suspect she said what she did to protect you.”

“Protect me?” Killian scoffed. “From what?”

“Political turmoil?” He waved his hand dismissively. “She's the progeny of one of the czars. I'm sure she doesn't want to rock the boat between our races.”

“That's ridiculous.” Killian squared his shoulders. “Olivia already knows about our involvement.”

“I see.” King Heinrich stilled. “Then what other reason could she have for saying what she said?” Killian stared at his father and irritation crawled up his back when a slow smile cracked the king's face. “You still have quite a bit to learn about women, my boy.”

“What are you talking about, Father?”

“That young woman essentially threw herself on her sword and absolved you of any further entanglements with her.” He folded his hands in front of him. “She believes that you don't care for her and that you were only using her to try and sabotage your place in line for the throne.”

“Holy shit,” Killian seethed. Running both hands over his face, he let out a growl of frustration. “I'm such an idiot.”

“No, my son.” His father laughed. “The heart, among other parts of the anatomy, has a funny way of making us say and do idiotic things. Why didn't you speak up and defend her?”

“I was trying to respect her wishes.” Killian let out a beleaguered sigh and ran both hands through his hair, knowing he'd fucked it up. “Shit. It's complicated, Father. Far more than you would suspect.”

“Of that I have no doubt. I tried to telepath to you but your mind has been closed to me for some time. Not that I can blame you.” He stopped by the front door and an awkward silence hung in the air, filling the seemingly widening space between them. “I know you are reluctant to be king.”

Killian opened his mouth to explain why he hadn't been able to speak with him telepathically, but his father held up one hand and shook his head.

“It's ironic. Your late brother, Horace, was poisoned and twisted by his hunger for power, and you, the one who can have it, are running from it like you're being chased by a silver bullet.” He strode across the room slowly, closing the distance between them. “Listen to me, Killian. I will allow you to run your club and explore your feelings for Ms. Pemberton without any further interference from me or anyone else in the society. In fact, I will even reach out to the czar and let her know that I'm aware of your
interactions
with Sadie. In return, you must promise me that no matter what happens, you will remain open to the possibility of taking the throne. A great deal can change over five years.”

“That's it?” Killian looked at his father warily. “You're just going to give me your blessing to mate with Sadie.”

“That's not what I said.” King Heinrich's voice remained steady and strong. “You still have five years until you are to assume the throne, and for now…I will not interfere with your personal life. We will revisit things in five years.”

“Nothing will change, Father.” Killian remained resolute. “If you want me to take the throne, then you'll have to take Sadie too.”

“Things can change, my son.”

“Sadie won't. She will not change what she is.” Killian spoke slowly and clearly, wanting his father to hear every word. “In five years, she will still be a vampire.”

“Like I said…a great deal can happen in five years.”

“I love her, you know.”

“Perhaps you should tell her that last part and not me.” The king slapped his son on the arm and pulled him in for a rare hug. In that moment, Killian once again felt like the young boy who'd idolized his larger-than-life father. Pulling back, Heinrich smiled at his son. He gave him a playful smack on the cheek before walking to the door. “See you soon, my son.”

“That's it?” Killian asked. “You're leaving?”

“Yes.” His father buttoned his jacket and that weary look came over his face again. “The jet is at JFK waiting to take us back to Anchorage, and I think we'll leave tonight. Your mother will be pleasantly surprised,” he said with a wink.

“One last thing.” Killian ran his hand through his hair. “I want to buy out the general.”

“You can't.”

Killian opened his mouth to argue but his father cut him off.

“He's already sold his shares to me.”

“Thank God,” Killian said with a heavy breath. “Does Christina know that?”

“No.” Killian's father cast his son a sly grin.

“Thank you, Your Highness,” Killian said, bowing in deference to the king.

“You are most welcome.” Giving Killian a wide grin, Heinrich opened the door and cast one serious look at his son. “Five years, Killian.”

“Will I see you at the opening of the club?”

“Yes! Your mother and sister and I will be back for the grand opening.” Letting out a low whistle, the king gave one last look around and muttered, “Better work fast.”

As the door shut behind his father, Killian couldn't have agreed more. Only, he wasn't thinking about the club. He immediately tried telepathing with Sadie, but as he suspected, her mind was closed to him. Damn it. He'd shut his mind earlier to her because he didn't want to risk his father overhearing, even though it seemed he had nothing to worry about.

Unsure where she would have gone and not willing to waste any time, he yanked his phone out of his pocket. He called the one person who was sure to know where she was. He just hoped he wouldn't wake up the baby.

Sadie had barely stopped crying since flying out of the Loup Garou like some scared little girl. Just when she'd get the tears under control, she'd recall the stone-cold look on Killian's face and the floodgates would open. She managed to hold it together at Xavier's lab when she dropped off the specimens, and even though her friend wanted to talk about the data he'd gotten from that watch monitor, Sadie couldn't deal with it. She had to get away and go to the one place where she could find some modicum of silence in the bustling, lively city.

In the dead of night, Central Park was one of the most serene places in Manhattan. In this city full of fluttering heartbeats, this was one spot where even a vampire could find some peace. Sadie landed silently on the grand turret of Belvedere Castle and swiped at her tearstained cheeks with the back of her hands. Looking out over the Great Lawn and the smooth waters of Turtle Pond, she closed her eyes and reveled in the warm spring breeze. The whisper of it drifted over her like a caress from Mother Nature. Her long, dark hair lifted off her shoulders and fluttered in the wind, while the sounds of the creatures in the park filled her head.

Her eyes flicked open and a wistful smile grew as she stared out at the surrounding view. From this vantage point at the top of the gray stone castle, she could see for miles. The twinkling lights of the buildings winked at her, as though telling her it would all be okay. Sure, she thought, with a roll of her eyes. Just great.

Sadie flew down to the wall of rocks along the bottom of the castle and landed on her favorite place to sit. Vista Rock, which overlooked Turtle Pond, was an oasis in the midst of the dark, gritty, and overly crowded city. Clusters of cattails grew high around the little pond, and the Great Lawn stretched out in seemingly endless waves of green. The light of the almost full moon glittered on the pond in silvery flashes, reminding Sadie of the river by that house in Arizona so many years ago.

The sound of pebbles skittering on stone captured her attention and brought Sadie to her feet in one fluid motion. She remained stone-still, ready for anything, sending her heightened senses in search of who or what was encroaching on her personal space. Another breeze whisked over Sadie, and her fangs erupted as the crisp, smoky scent of a werewolf surrounded her.

But it wasn't just any wolf.

Killian.

Sadie swore under her breath, retracted her fangs, and carefully walked down the rocks toward the edge of the water. So much for having her privacy. Sitting down, she drew her feet up and rested her arms on her knees, refusing to even look in Killian's direction. Based on the sounds of his steps, she could tell he was walking on two legs and not four.

“What do you want?” Sadie reached over to her left and picked a couple of cattails before running the brown velvety tips through her fingers. “I thought I made myself clear earlier. We had our fun, but the party's over. You got what you wanted. You pissed your old man off. Congratulations.”

Ripples of heat washed over Sadie's arm as Killian moved closer, but to her surprise, he didn't respond. She plucked off the head of a cattail and flung it into the water, watching it drift on the surface. The ripples it made stretched wide across the pond and glinted in the light of the moon, giving her something to look at other than Killian.

“Are you just going to stand there staring at me?” Sadie brushed at her bare arm, wishing she'd worn a jacket. Maybe then she wouldn't feel his body heat, which seemed to heighten her intense attraction to him.
Ugh.
How annoying to feel this turned on even though she was hurt and angry. Pressing her lips together, she laced her fingers over her knees and stared out over the water. “Fine. Don't say anything. Why not, right? You were pretty fucking quiet earlier. So why should you speak up now?”

Sadie tossed the green stem of the cattail into the water and let out a scoffing sound. “You and I don't belong together, Killian. I'm not queen material. Even if I wasn't a vampire, I wouldn't be fit for a throne. I'm too rough around the edges, and I'm not one for pomp and circumstance. I prefer ripped jeans to haute couture. We just don't fit, so let's just call it a draw, okay?”

He still said nothing. What the hell?

“How did you know where to find me?” Sadie asked quietly.

Her impatience got the better of her and she finally turned to her right, planning to give him a piece of her mind. What she saw rendered her speechless. Standing in the pale light of the moon, with Belvedere Castle looming largely behind him, was Killian Bane in all his princely glory. A gentle breeze lifted the sweep of hair from his forehead, and those caramel-colored eyes glinted with flecks of gold as they peered down at her apologetically. In his hands he carried a single red rose, which he promptly extended to Sadie. The guy, quite literally, looked like Prince Charming from the fairy tales. All he needed was a horse.

“I'm sorry,” he said quietly. “I called Olivia and she told me where to look for you. I know you came here to be alone and you have every right to be upset with me.” Still holding the flower out to her, he bent at the knees, bringing himself almost to eye level with her. “Will you hear me out?”

Sadie tore her gaze from his and looked down at his gift, then curled her fingers around the thorn-free stem of the flower. When she brought the silky, soft bloom to her nose, her eyelids fluttered closed, and she reveled in the sweet perfume of the unexpected peace offering.

Sadie's heart ached with wanting.

She so badly wanted to accept his apology, to crawl into his arms and pick up where they left off, and yet she couldn't bring herself to do it. If it hurt this badly after only being with him once or twice, how much more hurt would she experience if she allowed herself to fall any further? Her lids flicked open and she found herself staring into a pair of familiar, warm brown eyes. The ache in her chest deepened and the familiar pain of rejection crept back in, but she shoved it aside. She nodded. “I'm listening.”

“Based on what you said and the way you left, it's clear now that you misunderstood what I was trying to do. I'm sorry I upset you, Sadie, but I was doing my best to respect your wishes.” Killian held up one hand, immediately stopping any arguments. “Hang on. Right before we got out of the limo, you told me you wanted to keep this thing with us under wraps for a while. Didn't you? Weren't you the one who said you didn't want me to discuss it with my father yet?”

“Well…yes.” Sadie's brow furrowed because he was absolutely right. She had said that. “But…since your father walked in on us fooling around…I thought…”

“Actually, I should be upset with you.” Rising to his feet, Killian settled his hands on his narrow hips and looked out over the water. “Yup. You should be giving me flowers.”

“What?” Sadie hopped to her feet and pulled Killian around so he would face her. “How am I the one who's in the wrong?”

“You left without letting me explain, and even worse than that, you called off our relationship without even discussing it with me.” Killian inched closer, his tall, strong frame towering over her and filling the space around her with his powerful presence. “And…you lied.”

“What?” Clenching the flower in her hand, she faced his accusation head on. “What did I lie about exactly?”

“You do care for me, Sadie.” Killian brushed her long hair off her shoulder and trailed his thumb along her jawline. “You told my father that you don't love me, and we both know that's a lie. You may not love me yet, but I know you're feeling something for me. Because I feel it too. I want you physically, but it's more than that, Sadie—and you know it. You're the first person I think about in the morning, and your face is the last one on my mind before I fall asleep.”

“Killian,” Sadie whispered, her lips quivering. “This is just too complicated. If Christina and Ivan caused this much trouble for us, what on earth would happen if all of your people found out? Or mine? It just can't work.”

“You sure seem to say that a lot.” Letting out a slow breath, he shook his head and tapped the tip of her nose with his finger. “I know I said I was sick of being surrounded by people who say ‘yes' to me all the time…but you're taking this ‘no' thing to the extreme.”

“Because it's the truth, Killian.” Sadie grasped the stem of the flower tighter and ran the velvety bloom along the tips of her fingers. Staring at the bloodred petals, she found her courage and forced herself to look him in the eyes again. “Being hot for each other is one thing. Getting involved—I mean, really getting involved with one another—is a whole other level of crazy. We would be out of our minds even to attempt it.”

“Why?” Hooking his thumbs in his pockets, he stared at her and waited patiently for an answer.

“It will end badly.” Sadie tapped his broad chest with the rose. “You'll hurt me or I'll hurt you, or our people will hurt each other.
Ugh.
Why on earth would you want to venture into a relationship with those kinds of risks?”

Staring at her intently, he looked like he was seriously considering what she said. A moment later, he extended his hand and cast her his charming smile, revealing that one dimple. “Walk with me?”

“Where?”

“Anywhere.” Killian winked and leaned closer, dropping his voice to a whisper. “There are two turtles staring at us from that log over there, and I want to talk to you in private.”

“Well, this
is
Turtle Pond.”

“Whatever. They're being nosy.” Killian wiggled his fingers. “Come on.”

“Oh fine.” Sadie smiled in spite of herself and accepted his hand. As Killian's fingers wrapped around hers, a familiar heat spread over her skin. Smelling the rose, she peered at him over the petals. “But this better be good.”

Hand in hand, they walked along the edge of the pond and continued across the Great Lawn. It felt natural to have his hand around hers, and in that moment, Sadie felt surprisingly normal. He wasn't a werewolf and she wasn't a vampire. They were simply two people walking through Central Park holding hands. It was one of the sweetest and most intimate moments of her life.

If only everything between them could be this simple all the time.

While they strolled along the moonlit expanse of grass, Killian told her about the conversation with his father that took place after she left. To say she was surprised would be a colossal understatement. Stopping along the edge of a grassy hill, Sadie reveled in the feel of her hand in his, and when she captured his serious gaze, that ache in her chest eased.

“So you're telling me that we have your father's blessing to pursue a relationship?” Sadie asked, still not believing it was true.

“He didn't give us his blessing to formally mate, no, but I'm confident that will come with time.”

“And he's taking the two troublemakers back to Alaska with him and you're free to live your life here in Manhattan? Vampire girlfriend and all?”

“Well, I never said you were my
girlfriend
,” Killian said dramatically. For a split second she thought he was serious, but the teasing glint in his eye quickly betrayed his intention.

“Hey.” Sadie poked him in the belly and laughed as Killian put up both hands in surrender. An evil smile curved her lips when he squirmed while she poked him along the waist a few more times. “You're ticklish?”

“You should stop that,” Killian said through a laugh, playfully attempting to avoid her attack. “I'm warning you.”

“Why? What are you gonna do?” She laughed and stuck the stem of the rose between her teeth so she could torture him with both hands. “Where's the big, bad alpha now?” she said, the rose clenched in her mouth.

Laughing while trying to avoid the onslaught, Killian grabbed her by the wrists and dragged her body up against his. Sadie gasped, the rose tumbling from her lips as her breasts crushed against the hard planes of his chest. The beat of his heart pounded through his body and throbbed through her seductively as his eyes flickered to a deep shade of orange.

Allowing her body to melt against his, Sadie floated in the rich rush of lust that flared between them. Tangling her fingers in his, she reveled in the magnificent feel of him. This time, when her fangs begged for freedom, Sadie parted her lips and succumbed to the surge of bloodlust, allowing them to break free.

A growl rumbled around her, and she couldn't stop staring at the devilish smile that played at Killian's lips. Loosening his hold on her wrists, he slid his hands along her arms. The whisper of flesh along flesh made Sadie moan. As she linked her arms around his neck, her lips parted. She flashed her fangs before flicking her tongue over his lower lip.

“This is going to be complicated,” Sadie murmured as Killian tugged her T-shirt from the edge of her jeans. She let out a contented sigh when his heated palms rushed beneath the thin cotton fabric before cupping her breasts. Letting her head fall back, she closed her eyes and focused on the seductive feel of his talented fingers as they danced over her eager, sensitive nipples. “And it could get messy,” she rasped. “I mean down and dirty, no holds barred. Messy.”

“Look at me, Sadie.” Killian tangled one hand in her long hair and lifted her head, forcing her to meet his hungry stare while his other hand paid thorough attention to her breast. Flicking the lacy fabric aside, he rolled her nipple between his fingers and brought her face just inches from his. The heat of his hardening cock seeped through the fabric of their clothing, an erotic, teasing reminder of what was still to come.

“I don't want you to hold anything back. Do you understand me? I want you to give me everything you have and take whatever you want, whatever you need. All that I am is yours. My body, my heart…my blood. Everything,” he rasped, “belongs to you.”