Chapter Six
Going over in his head, what did he say to Najha to piss her off? Lucien still couldn’t imagine what it was after their five hours of talking. What had made her choose to slam up those damn walls again? They’d talked almost the entire night and now, it was time for him to get inside.
He couldn’t figure out the female vampires, and Najha was the first human he’d been unable to read. But he wasn’t surprised human and vampire woman were alike in that their hormones made them real bitches at times.
Lucien wanted and needed to claim his mate. Was Najha truly his forever mate? How could he find out for sure she was the one? She wouldn’t allow him inside her thoughts and didn’t let him touch her.
He suspected she was his mate but didn’t know how for sure, but he would find out. Just suspecting she might be the one cheered his mood drastically. He would go and find her and see if she would tell him what he’d done last night to alienate her from his mind.
He had to work for a while in the garage. He’d slept the remainder of the day away and once rising, he got immediately back to work. Walking up to his Harley, he started cleaning it by spraying it down with water and washing it thoroughly. He loved polishing the bike. He thought about the dark beauty being on the back of his bike. Would she let him control the machine? He’d seen her travel on her own bike. Her and leather was his wildest erotic fantasy. He wondered if she would let him fuck her in those chaps?
Smiling, he polished the black gas tank picturing her spread out, her back lying across it, her legs around his hips and her long tresses falling freely covering part of the bike as he fucked her hard. His cock buried inside her up to his balls. Not usually allowing anyone to touch the bike, he would be tempted to let her crawl all over the machine if she were naked.
After finishing the bike chore, he wanted to stop himself from dreaming about Najha. So, he decided to meet with his men on club business. An MC had moved into the town next to Shades Run. The people there had come to them and asked for help. He sent out a group text to his men and ordered them to meet at Ruby’s for a quick meeting. After that, he wanted to come up with a plan to force Najha to come to him. If they were mates, he would claim her immediately, even if he had to kidnap her and keep her prisoner until she figured out he was her Alpha. What did vampires do when they met their mate? He would have to ask one of the elders, one that had been mated.
He quickly shifted to a wolf, ran through the woods, fed off a large deer then he headed to his bike again for the ride to town.
Happy to finally come up with a plan, Lucien threw his leg over the seat and sat back to enjoy the freedom of the ride.
After his meeting with his men, they’d come up with a plan to take down the advancing MC. Kaden was taking a couple others with him, and they were going to ask the MC to pack up and move along. If there were any problems, he felt confident the men could handle it.
Cruising the open highway, Lucien and a few of his men, who shadowed him always for protection and safety, followed behind him. He appreciated the fact they allowed him to have his space. It’d always been a problem when his father and mother had demanded he always take a protection detail along with him, even when he’d matured into a fully grown and very powerful vampire.
After hundreds of years, he was used to the men not letting him have this alone time when he was out. He didn’t pay attention to the others while he enjoyed the wind in his hair and up against his body; the power of the bike and his heart seemed to beat in sync. The engine roared echoing off the large rock that made up the mountain to his east. Enjoying the beauty of the scenery, he passed by as he pushed the bike to its limits. His heart kept up with the speed as he pushed out all negative thoughts and enjoyed the freedom the ride gave him.
He needed this run. It would clear up the cobwebs in his mind since his injury. After recovering from the near fatal wounds, he knew his people had been right. It was time to step down being a warrior and executioner to be the leader of the vampires. Lucien knew he could never replace his father among his people, but he had to try to lead the people and show everyone he could be a leader they all depended on to keep everyone safe.
He’d been a warrior first. His dad, the leader, was first a warrior, then a leader. He’d always fought right beside his people. Since his father’s murder, his men had argued with him to lead and not fight. It wasn’t his place to put himself constantly in danger. He wanted and searched for the ones responsible for his parents’ deaths. He’d gotten so obsessed with the hunt, he’d forgotten his people needed him to lead them.
Finding a mate should have always been the one thing Lucien searched for, though battles and the trouble with the Balnov had sidetracked him for many years now. Since he was almost positive Najha was the one, he intended to find her and settle the mystery between them.
His world would then be complete with her at his side. They could lead his people and make sure the women, children, and men were taken care of. Najha had to be his mate, even if she were human as none other could make his body react like hers had done. His heart rate picked up knowing she was within minutes of him the closer he got to Shades Run.
Stopping by the cafe, he found out Najha was out-of-town and Angie didn’t know when she would be returning. He asked, “Can you check the schedule and see when she’s coming in?”
He could see the fear in her eyes as she stood up to him. “No, Lucien, I can’t, sorry.” She grabbed the pot of coffee and walked away from him.
Pissed off, he stalked toward Ruby. “I need to speak to Najha. When is she due to work again?”
“Why do you need her?” Ruby turned to him, her hands on her hips. This lycan was strong and sure. He liked both Ruby and her husband, Torment. They were considered friends of his. Although at the moment, Ruby seemed to be guarding Najha against him.
“I have some business with her, that’s all. Just do me a favor, tell her to call me.” He wrote down his cell number on a piece of paper and handed it to her.
“Sure thing. Can I tell her what you need?”
Torment had walked in and was standing in the doorway of the kitchen.
Lucien followed her to the next table. “Tell her I need to see her, that’s all.”
Leaving the café without his initial goal accomplished frustrated him. Pushing hard on the glass door, he walked outside. Fog weaved in and out covering the moon. The streets were dark and dreary, but it was a normal night for Shades Run. Being at the base of the mountains, weather could be unpredictable. A slight mist covered his bike with a fine sheen of water.
“Lucien?”
He knew this human, so he turned around.
Angie walked up to him. “I don’t know what you want with that half-wit, but I can give you whatever your heart desires.”
He’d fucked her too many times before. After finding Najha though, he just couldn’t imagine himself being with her any longer. He would let her down gently though. “Angie, honey, I’m not really in the mood.”
“Aww, Lucien, I can sure help you get there.” She rubbed her perfectly manicured fingernails down his chest.
“Why the hell not?” He grabbed her waist pulling her into his body. She was a pretty little thing, and since Najha, he needed some relief. Maybe it would help stave off his anger for a while “Where?” he growled.
“Come on.” She grabbed his hand leading him to the back of the alley behind the cafe.
They didn’t make it quite around when he picked her up swinging her legs around his waist. Her skirt making it simple enough, as he ripped her thong right off her body.
“Ohhh, Lucien, baby. Fuck me,” Angie moaned.
“You want some of me?” he growled. Lucien couldn’t get Najha out of his mind. It was torture. He just needed to forget the dark beauty. Pissed off because she wasn’t here, he needed a release, and the blonde waitress was going to make it easier. Unbuckling his jeans around his chaps, he sprung his hardened cock from the restraining material. Then before he actually buried himself into the waiting pussy, he changed his mind. He didn’t want Angie—he wanted Najha—period. “Look, beautiful, you’re good and all, but not tonight.” He sat her gently back on the ground, pushed his now painfully hard cock back inside his jeans and fixed his clothes.
“You sure know how to hurt a girl’s feelings.” Angie pouted.
“I’m sorry, didn’t mean to. Run along.” He slapped her ass.
Jumping, she giggled but left him to his own misery.
What the hell was his problem? He’d never had a problem before taking what he needed. Now though, he’d found Najha and his world had gone topsy-turvy, then tilted upside down.
When he started toward his motorcycle, he could hear booted feet following behind him. He slowed his step and so did the ones behind him. He again scented human and his senses didn’t feel any danger. He spun on his heel, to find Angie’s father, Wayne O’Brian, behind him. “Wayne?” Angie’s father was the president of the Ghost MC.
“Lucien.”
He shook the offered hand. “What can I do for you?”
“Angie is pretty smitten with you. Do you intend to make an honest woman out of her?”
“No, I’ve told her before, I’m not the marrying kind.”
“You do know she’s pregnant.”
“Well, it’s not mine. I always used protection. What’s this about anyway?” Lucien wasn’t going to fight with another MC over a woman. Besides, they didn’t do that. Women in the MCs were considered property if they were married. Single women were game for every horny man around.
“Just making sure. I have to find the asshole that impregnated my daughter. She believed it was you.”
“Well, until there’s proof, I’m not the father. I’ll make sure she’s cared for. If it is one of my guys, I’ll make sure we have someone to help her.”
Wayne nodded his head. “That’s good enough for me.”
Angie walked around the corner. Her face told Lucien she hadn’t expected to see her father outside with him. “Daddy, what are you doing here?”
“I came to talk to Lucien about club business. Leave us, woman. Haven’t you caused enough trouble?”
“You’re being an asshole, why?” Sarcasm and arrogance dripped from her every word.
Lucien wasn’t sure why she was even working. Her family had plenty of money. They ran a lot of illegal activity around Shades Run. Lucien and Thorn had told Wayne and his men, they could live here as long as they helped keep the town safe and peaceful. This was one MC they didn’t mind.
He gently searched through Angie’s memories. Lucien found she fucked just about every member of almost every MC. The father to her unborn child would be a crap shoot. But he didn’t want to embarrass her in front of her father. “Angie, I suggest you go home and rest. In your condition, you shouldn’t be on your feet.” He reached into his pocket and withdrew a wad of cash. Counting off three grand, he handed the money to her. “Here, take this. I don’t want you working until we can figure out a better job than you being on your feet all the time.”
Angie, with her mouth hung open, had nothing to say. She took the money and put it in her purse.
He gently persuaded her father to turn around and take his daughter out of there.
“Come on, Angie, let’s get you home.” Wayne steered his daughter toward her waiting car.
Lucien cruised down the street stopping in front of the lycan bar, he so wanted a beer right now. Shutting down the bike, the silence was welcome. The owner, Andrew Kristiansen, was out having a cigarette. “Hey Andy, how are you tonight?”
“Great, how are you?”
“I’m good, need a beer.”
“Then you’ve come to the right place. Go on in, Sam is serving tonight.” Samantha Kristiansen, a young female lycan, was Andy’s daughter and off limits to all.
“Thanks, I’ll see you inside.” Lucien pushed his way inside the booming establishment.
“Hey, Lucien.” Sam walked over to his end of the bar.
“Hi, Sam, can I get a beer?”
“Sure, here you go.” She’d already uncapped the bottle setting the amber liquid in front of him.
“Thanks, darlin’.” Grabbing his cell phone from his black leather vest pocket, he dialed Kaden’s number.
“Hey, Lucien, what’s up?”
“Call a meeting, at my estate.” He disconnected the call without another word. Swigging the cool beer, Lucien finished the bottle within seconds. Setting down the empty container, he nodded.
Sam gave him another one. “Anything else?”
He shook his head.
“You okay?” Sam stopped in front of him, smiling. She was a sweet, beautiful lycan. Samantha was still a pup, but developing into a strong and beautiful woman. Some lucky man would have himself an amazing wife.
Finding your true mate was difficult for both the lycan and the vampires. He only prayed each one of them found their mate before the darkness swallowed them up. “Nah, I just needed a beer.”
“Okay, let me know if you want anything else.”
He nodded, finishing the second beer. “Thanks, sweetheart.” He threw a twenty dollar bill up on the bar. “Keep the change.”
“Thanks, Lucien. Come again.”
A man with a purpose, Lucien needed to head home for his meeting with his men. They had enough business to get through and his night would be shot.
Before heading home, he had one more stop. Sheriff’s office. He needed to check in with Cade.
Looking surprised to see the lycan healer, Taraji manned the desk, Lucien masked his emotions and smiled. “Taraji, what are you doing here?”
“Well, hello to you too, Lucien.” She smiled. “I’m great, how are you?”
He chuckled. “You’re right.” He held up his hands. “It was rude of me. I’m good. How are you, lovely?” He smiled and leaned on the counter.
“Now, what is it you’re confused about?”
She had an easy smile, and he liked this young woman. Aiden, Thorn’s man o’ arms, was lucky to have such a beautiful and talented woman, even though she was too young yet for the lycan to claim her. Thorn told him how surprised everyone was when Aiden discovered this young healer was his mate. “You are manning the front desk for the sheriff’s office?”
“Oh, that.” She chuckled. “Just helping out until they replace Mabel.”
“Mabel, did she finally retire?” Lucien remembered Mabel celebrating her eighth birthday a few years ago.
“Yes, she did, finally. Wanted to do some traveling, I guess.” Taraji chuckled.
“Probably a great idea.” He rubbed the day’s growth of hair on his face. “By the way, speaking of the sheriff, is Cade in?”
“He’s not in, is there something I can help you with?”
“Nah, just wanted to say ‘hi.’
“Oh okay, yeah he had to take his wife to take care of their daughter’s place. How’s Cordelia doing?”
He knew the two were friends and had shared their methods of healing with each other. “I’ve kept her hidden away from all the horny men.”
She wrinkled her nose and shook her head. “You’re terrible.”
“I know.” He chuckled. “Seriously though, she’s been too busy lately. Her schooling, studying under the elders, and taking her talents to a new level has kept her locked up in her home. I’ve told her a few times to get out and do something.”
“That’s too much for her. There’s a band playing Friday night over at The Lucky Seven. Would it be okay if I asked her to come with me?”
He knew the younger generation liked the music Andy brought to his bar. He didn’t mind if his people frequented the lycan establishment as long as they did so with respect. A simple rule he assumed everyone abided by. It didn’t matter if it was lycan or vampire owned, Shades Run businesses served everyone.
Lucien expected Cordelia to check in with him before going anywhere. The main reason being that her father’s last words spoken as he died in Lucien’s arms was take care of his daughter. He’d become both her father and leader. Normally, they had at least two healers among his people. But her parents, both healers, had been murdered trying to protect his father, Lucius. “Why don’t you give her a call, tell her I said to go and have fun for a change. She can have her studies put on hold for a bit. Maybe letting loose a little will get her mind focused again.”
“Thanks, I appreciate it. It’s been far too long since we had a girls’ night out.” Taraji then turned to answer a ringing phone, “Sheriff’s office.”
He waited for her to finish with the call. Leaning up against the desk, Lucien looked around the empty office building. He couldn’t help but notice how quiet it was.
She finished the call and looked up at him. “Is it true, you were injured a few weeks ago?” Taraji would have heard this from Cordelia, there wasn’t a reason to lie to her.
“Yes, I was. But as you can see, I’m good.” He held up his arms, turning around in a circle.
“Well, I can see Rory did a great job healing you.” Smiling, Taraji referred to Cordelia by her nickname Rory.
Her friendly use of the childhood name made Lucien like her even more. The young healer didn’t have many friends; she was a teen with a larger than life job. “She learned from the best. Thank you again for helping her learn what she could at such a young age and surprising my people. The elders told us she had great powers and would do a fine job. It is nice that you and her work together.”
Her face turned red, she lowered her eyelashes. “Thank you.”
“Where did the sheriff’s daughter run off to now?”
“I’m really not sure. They don’t tell me much.”
Taraji seemed to be honest with him, but something with her eyes didn’t speak the truth. “Can you tell me if there’s a way for you to tell if a human is having a half-vampire baby?” He needed to figure out the Angie problem before something bad happened. If anyone suspected they lived among paranormal individuals, it would be a disaster.
“Um…” She looked up at Lucien. Her gaze then dropped down away from him. “Lucien, is this possibly your baby?”
“I’m not sure. Her father said she’s claiming it’s mine and could very well be. But I’ve always used protection. If there’s a chance, we need to figure out immediately a way to resolve the problem.”
She nodded. “I honestly think between Rory and me, we can figure it out.”
“Okay, perfect. I’ll let Kaden know, and you all can let me know.”
“Who’s the girl?”
“Angie.”
Her eyes widened then she smiled. “She’s had sex with just about every walking male with a dick. I’m glad my Aiden stays away from her.”
He laughed but agreed with her, “Yeah, Aiden is a good man. When are you two?” He waved.
“Um—well, I’m still considered a pup.” She lowered her eyes and stared at the desk.
He didn’t mean to embarrass her. “Hey look, you’ve got a lot going on. Give it time and soon you’ll know when the time is right for you both.”
With a pink blush on her cheeks, she nodded.
“Do me a favor. Tell Cade I stopped in. Hey, do you know when his daughter is coming back from her,”—he glanced at the calendar—“vacation.”
“Don’t know. What’s your interest in Najha anyways?” Taraji smiled, showing off her beautiful white teeth. She’d always been such a beautiful, young lycan and one of his favorite females.
“Just asking.” He held up his hands, backing away toward the front door. “Just wondering how she’s doing, is all. Haven’t seen her lately in town. At the cafe…” He shut up as he pushed the front door open with his hip.
“Well, then.” She put on a headset. “I’ll let Sheriff Mills know you stopped by, and I will tell Najha you were asking about her.” A trace of laughter rippled in her voice. “Have a wonderful day, Lucien.” The phone rang as she waved then answered into her mic on the headset, “Sheriff’s office, Taraji speaking.”
Leaving the station, he mounted his bike and drove out-of-town toward his estate to meet up with his men. Nothing accomplished in town, but the freedom of the ride proved how much he enjoyed the power between his legs. The MC life suited him well. His feet rested on the pegs out front, his hands gripped the handles comfortably as his body molded to the leather seat perfectly. He had it custom made for his body. He headed to his least favorite job to handle their MC business. Despite loving the life, keeping up this appearance of a normal everyday motorcycle club was wearing on a soul as dark as his had become. Every time he had to claim a life that was evil, Bolnav or rogue lycan, it chipped away at his soul.
Lucien wondered what would happen if his soul turned evil before finding his mate. Could he continue to lead his people and still be able to execute humans if they were destroying mankind around him? He needed the freedom of his property to let his men run free. They could shift to any animal of their choosing. Most of his men chose a large cat or a wolf, and some actually preferred to fly.
His thoughts turned suddenly toward Najha. She’d been trouble from the word go. Smiling, he remembered seeing her walk around carrying that damn sword. When he’d asked, they all said she had a class where she’d learned to perfect the skill of using it. Who in the hell was she and why did her appearance cause such emotions to run through his mind and body?
He hadn’t felt anything remotely like he would expect if she were his mate…serenity, calm. That is what he’d always thought happened. Instead, a deep longing sailed through his soul as if it were on fire. Burning lust careened through his blood and right into his cock. Standing a little on the cruising bike, he had to shift his body a little to adjust himself for the hard-on he now sported. Frustrated, he let his mind wander, enjoying the peace and quiet of the open highway, nobody was on.
Pulling through the large iron gates into the estate, he shut down his motor and took out his cell. A missed call from Sheriff Cade, he quickly redialed. When the sheriff answered, Lucien asked, “Cade, how are you?”
“Well, hello stranger, how are you doing? How is the wound healing?” Cade asked.
“Yeah, it was a few minor scratches, no worries. Have you seen any of that club’s members come to town since then? Sorry to leave the whole mess in your hands. Had to go out-of-town on business. Left you kind of hanging there a few weeks ago.” Lucien liked this man even before he’d become sheriff, now he respected him more. It was a tough job he’d placed himself in. Besides, any human who could be friends with lycan and vampires was okay in his book any day.
“It’s okay. Thorn stepped up and has been riding through town keeping it clear of the riff-raff.”
He heard the intake of breath from Cade. Something wasn’t sitting right with Lucien today. “Hey, you okay, Cade?”
“Yeah, why do you ask that?”
“Something just seems off these days?” Lucien couldn’t put his finger on it, but there was a reason he trusted his gut.
“Sorry, just busy with the wife and the kid. You have a great day. I’ll talk to you later.” Cade hung up.
Lucien stared down at his phone. Sometimes, he wondered what Cade Mills had become since taking on the job for the city. All Lucien knew was the sheriff was different. More confident and strong. Even his appearance had changed over time, the man had continued to grow even into his thirties.
When Lucien and Thorn helped Cade get into office, he seemed to be a shy and not so confident individual. They’d promised him as long as he stayed in office, they would protect his town with both MCs.
He knew Cade Mills didn’t know he was a vampire and Thorn was a lycan because they’d all agreed only a few humans would know who and what they really were. To most, including the sheriff, they were two motorcycle clubs protecting Shades Run. It was their town, and no one else was allowed to move in.
Lucien and Thorn had made sure no others moved in. They would drive them out of the city or even kill if need be. But they only executed a human if it was the last resort. As far as a rogue lycan, Bolnav demon lup, or a turned vampire, Bolnav davul, they were hunted by the warriors and executed immediately.
Since Cade married Myra, he’d changed. His confidence, strength, and courage had grown leaps and bounds. What was different about the man? He hadn’t been able to answer that but intended to figure it out.
Thorn was one of his best friends. But since his father’s murderer was a lycan, the trust just wasn’t as strong anymore. It saddened Lucien because he loved Thorn as a brother. Finding his father lying there with his throat ripped out and his mother’s broken, raped and beaten dead corpse next to his father’s, it had torn a large hole in his heart. Their friendship had suffered greatly.
Until Lucien found the one responsible, it would be impossible to trust a lycan. His main goal was to keep Shades Run free of criminals and hunt down the murderous lycan who murdered his parents and Cordelia’s parents.
Looking out across his vast estate, Lucien felt proud of what he’d built in the last hundred years. Before that, he’d kept his people hidden in the mountains or Shades Run. Never one to regret a decision, Lucien brought Thorn and his few remaining people over here to make a better life for the lycan.
If Thorn were hiding the man or men who killed his father, Lucien would execute the leader of the lycan without blinking. Their loyalty to each other would end on that day, and he would take his life. He believed Thorn when he’d told him he didn’t know who killed his father. But all the evidence pointed to a lycan. He could never forget his mother’s broken body lying under his father’s. They’d fought hard and lost.
Trying not to smother himself in negative memories, Lucien gazed up at the sky to see the light from the sun trying to peak up over the horizon. Maybe today wasn’t a good day to have a meeting with his men.
Lucien’s weariness came on suddenly, telling him his body wasn’t quite there yet. This time, he hadn’t healed well. Was it because the darkness had finally started to take over and he hadn’t found his mate to help counteract the growing evil from surrounding his heart and soul? With the sun so close to rising, he decided he would cancel the meeting. If his men were caught out in the sun or couldn’t get to their own homes, they’d have to stay with him. The curse of his people tired him to no end. They couldn’t do anything outside while their bodies were lethargic and the sun would kill them instantly.
In many instances, controlling the weather and clouds, a skill and power of his people, they could summon up enough darkness to reach their homes safely or actually kill a Bolnav or rogue lycan in the daylight. But it’d always been risky business and Lucien didn’t encourage it from any of his people.
Keeping the women and children hidden away helped prevent some of the exposure. Until you reached a matured vampire, you weren’t allowed to show yourself to humans or lycan. It was a secret Lucien felt necessary to maintain.
Lucien had always suspected Thorn, and the lycan did the same. Finding Dane, a lycan, cooking at Ruby’s had confirmed his suspicions. He wondered how many lycan Thorn had hidden from him. His thoughts turned back to Cade Mills, which was what the man reminded him of, a lycan. Rubbing his face, he cleared the thoughts from his mind. If Najha was a lycan, she couldn’t possibly be his mate. “No fuckin’ way,” he mumbled.
Kaden and his men pulled into the estate, the loud noise of their motorcycles breaking the silent moments Lucien had been enjoying. A headache from hell cursed him, rubbing his hand through his hair.
The bikes all shut down at once, the quiet surrounding them.
Kaden dismounted from his bike. “How are you, my brother?”
Shaking the offered hand and hugging Kaden to his body, he replied, “I’m good. Sorry to call all of you here, I find I need some time alone and rest. My body is still trying to heal.” He didn’t like to admit his weaknesses to his men. But right now, his mood didn’t want to put up with club business. He had a lot on his plate requiring his vampire leadership.
“You okay, Lucien?”
“Yeah, just need to feed and rest. I’ll be stronger tonight. We have a lot to talk about and settle. Especially, the Bolnav running in packs. That needs to be addressed. Make sure everyone is there tonight. Also, set up a meet with Thorn, as well.”
Kaden nodded. “Alright, got you, brother.” Kaden circled his hand above his head, and the motorcycles started back up. The rumble echoing off the mountains surrounding their home. Each of the men had their own house and lair. He didn’t need to keep track of where they lived. If they turned, Lucien knew how to hunt and execute a Bolnav. He prayed his men would come to him first if they weren’t strong enough to fight off the darkness. Sometimes, it just happened and there wasn’t a damn thing Lucien could do about it.
Nodding, he pulled away from the rest of them. A split in the drive led to the main house, his home. The entire estate fed through the Cascades housing hundreds of vampires. His people had multiplied and found peace living in America for over four hundred years now.
The only regret Lucien had, he couldn’t share his joy with his parents. Someone had taken that from him, he intended to find out and soon. He’d been searching for the answers but not finding them had him frustrated; turning his grief into anger. Not a good combination for a vampire close to turning.
The main house loomed up over the trees where he lived alone. Not wanting to be around the others, Lucien liked his privacy too much to share it.
After parking his motorcycle in the garage, he walked up the stairs and into the mudroom.
His personal assistant and groundskeeper, Eric Foster, walked in. “Hey, Lucien, didn’t know you’d risen. How are you?”
Eric had been with him for years. He and his family were worth their weight in gold. He didn’t know what he would have done without them. Eric had been the shoulder he needed to cry on after his parents’ death.
Sitting down on the wooden bench to remove his boots, Eric knelt down in front of him, reaching for his boots. “Let me help you, sir.”
“Thanks, kind of tired tonight. To answer your question, I’m good, just need to eat something and sleep more. Guess the body isn’t healed all the way.”
Eric hesitated, pulling off his boot. “Seriously? You expect me to believe that?”
Lucien smiled. “No.”
“Okay, well I was hoping you didn’t think I woke up this morning and became dumb. What is really going on with you?”
Eric was his everything guy, but his friendship was the most important of them all. “I’m frustrated, tired, and just plain angry.”
“At?” Eric finished pulling off the other boot.
Standing up on his bare feet, Lucien waved his arm, changing his leathers and dirty clothes to a fresh t-shirt, jeans, and socks.
“Uh oh, you’re in a bad mood. You don’t ever use your powers to dress. Come on, you and I are going into the kitchen, I’m getting your nutrition and your tea. Then, you’re going to tell me everything going on.”
Nodding, he loved this man. He didn’t ask for anything from Lucien, but he expected honesty and respect which Lucien gave freely to Eric and his family.
After Eric poured him a glass of blood, he set it in front of him. “Speak freely, sir.”
Lifting his eyebrow, he stared across the counter.
“Don’t give me that look. I’m not giving in. You have something bothering you, it needs to come off your chest, or you’re going to let it eat you away.”
Eric was right, he knew him way too well. “You know for centuries now, I was a prince and could do whatever the hell I wanted. I’ve become the leader, a king if you insist, to my people.”
“Okay, so you’re bothered by that how?”
It’d been over a century since his parents’ death, why was this bothering him more now than before. “I know it’s been years, but I can’t find closure until I solve their murder. I can’t lead my people until I can settle my family business. This is unsettling to me because I’ve stopped trusting the lycan, my brother, Thorn, and everyone else around me. Well, except for you, Eric.”
“Why is that?” Eric poured hot boiling water over a tea bag. Pushing the cup of herbal tea in front of him.
Lucien picked it up and sipped it. “Thank you, my friend.”
Eric nodded, before pouring his own cup of tea.
“Because I’m suspecting the lycan are hiding more from me than I care to let them. My world around me is surrounded by people and lies. I’m not sure what’s going on. Eric, have you noticed anything different lately in Shades Run?”
“No, and Jayden hasn’t reported anything other than the normal activities and an occasional rogue lycan or turned vampire.”
“I feel as if the lycan are our enemy, not our friends. Could my best friend, Thorn, be hiding something from me?”
“I don’t think it’s any different than before. You have to remember he is my son-in-law, my daughter, Jayden, is lycan now and she is extremely important to me. But she wouldn’t hide or intentionally keep anything from you or me. I think your suspicions are unfounded and you need to rethink your loyalties to Thorn.”
Scrubbing his face with his hands, Lucien picked up the glass filled with blood, and in one shot, downed the entire thing. Blood from the banks wasn’t as strong as taking from a human. He frowned, not feeling the strength and nutrition from this blood, he wondered if it was old. “How long has this been in the fridge?”
“Two days.” Eric walked around the counter. “Lucien, please take what I give to you freely.” He held up his wrist.
Lucien had fed from Eric in the past. He shook his head. “I’m afraid I’m too close to the darkness, and I wouldn’t want you to become a casualty.”
Chuckling, Eric shook his head, holding his wrist up in front of his mouth. “Take, I give to you freely.”
The vein throbbing in front of his mouth had him drooling, his canines lengthened, and he struck fast and hard. Swallowing the warm blood from his servant, he finally found the strength and nutrition his body needed. Breaking the seal with his tongue, he sealed and healed the wound instantly. “Thank you, my friend.” Lucien bowed his head to his servant. The man gave more of himself than any other in the past hundreds of years, serving Lucien and his family.
“No need to thank me. Drink.” Eric pointed to the herbal tea.
He knew the man had put a gypsy spell on the herbs in his tea. It would help the healing process of his mind and soul. He sipped the tea, the warmth and healing agents ran down his throat into his stomach. “I’m not sure on the whys, but something isn’t adding up. The lycans are lying to me, this I feel strongly in my gut.”
“Why do you say such things?”
Lucien began to feel a mistrust. “I’m sorry, is there a reason you’re questioning my words?” His voice hardened ruthlessly.
“No there is no reason or personal agenda here. Jayden is lycan, but she is my daughter. I’m sure you’re frustrated and need to find your parents’ murderer. I want that too. Trust in your brother, Thorn, until he gives you a reason not to.”
“I feel as if he is hiding his people from us.”
“He probably is, you’re hiding most of your women and children, aren’t you?”
Lucien had his reasons for that. To protect his women and children from anyone who’d use them against him. “You know why I do that,” Lucien stated with quiet emphasis.
“Yes, I know, but does Thorn? He must do the same and for the same reasons.”
He knew Eric spoke the truth. Why did he insist Thorn was an enemy? “Do you believe he is keeping me close because I could be the enemy to him?”
“No, he isn’t like that. He’d come out and tell you, ‘Lucien, I keep my friends close but my enemies closer.’ No, you know when you’re an enemy to Thorn. He’ll kill you without blinking. The man is ruthless, and that’s why I trust my daughter with him.”
Eric told truths and made Lucien actually acknowledge what was right in front of his face. “You’re right.” He chuckled. “Something is going on in my head and heart. There’s this crazy waitress in town, I can’t stop thinking about.”
Eric raised his eyebrow. “Which one?”
“Najha.”
The intake of Eric’s breath warned Lucien he’d hit a sore spot in his man.
“No, it can’t be,” Eric’s voice came out as a soft whisper.
Lucien couldn’t believe it. There was no way, she’d been right in front of his eyes, and he didn’t know. “What are you babbling about, Eric?”
“Nothing, I’m not sure what to tell you, Lucien. You need to find out who she is to you. I will leave you now. Go rest, the sun is high in the sky. Don’t forget you need to go to Bainbridge Island tonight, you have that party for Jonas Andreiko.”
He’d forgotten about the invitation he’d received a while back.
Flying in his private plane would be the only way he could make it there and back in the dark. He could use his powers as a vampire and shift, but that was no way to cover his trip to the humans. Heading to his lair for much needed rest, he reached out and sent a text to Kaden, telling him to make the meeting at sunset, then he’d still have time to go into the city.
Shutting down his thoughts, he laid down on top of his king size bed, deep in the recesses of earth far under his home in the mountains. Trying to reach out to the one person, he needed the most. ‘Najha, I’m sorry.’
Nothing, he tried again. ‘Najha?’
‘Not now, I’m busy.’ Her voice just a mere whisper in his mind.
‘I’m sorry about the other night, please forgive me.’
‘It’s all good. I’m with someone, please get out of my head.’ Her voice sounded rushed and tired.
‘Everything okay?’
‘Wow, just letting you in for a chitchat, you think you own me?’
Why was she so pissed off? He tried pushing gently into her mind to see her thoughts.
‘Get out!’ Her mind closed off completely, shoving him out before he even got a glimpse of who she was.
The pain in his neck and face became intense. He rubbed his eyes to massage it away.
This woman was powerful and extremely talented with her psychic ability. He needed to find her in person and force her to tell him everything. Especially, if he knew she was his mate. He didn’t want to have to make her, but he was running out of ideas, as well as time.
Quieting his mind, he tried to push himself into a deep sleep. A sudden pain became so intense, he knew someone was trying to see into his memories. ‘Who in the fuck are you?’