Chapter Nineteen
Kai was the first to wake up. He smiled, feeling Azurdee’s soft golden hair tickling his face. He took in a deep breath, excitement rushing through his body at the mere scent of her. He pulled her a little closer when he noticed his brother.
Noah had his head between her large breasts, using them almost like pillows. There was a wild grin on his face, his features calm and innocent.
Kai shook his head before he reached over, punching Noah’s side.
Noah jolted almost immediately, scanning the room for danger when he spotted his brother… in his bed with him. It took him a minute to realize that what they had done last night had actually happened. “Why did you wake me?” He growled, rubbing his eyes. “Is it even night yet?”
“We have to go into the city.”
“What the hell for?”
“You tore off her clothes last night. Do you really think she wants to walk around naked?”
“I wouldn’t mind it,” Noah answered with a grin, looking at the beautiful young woman who was still sleeping between them. He gently ran his fingers through her hair, as if scared she would disappear at any moment.
“Well, I say we go into the town and get her something nice to wear. I’m sure she’ll appreciate it.”
“Why don’t you go and I’ll stay here with her?”
“Do you really think I’m stupid enough to leave her alone with you?” Kai shook his head, getting out of bed before he started putting his clothes back on. He didn’t leave the room until he was sure that his brother would follow.
***
Kai and Noah once again found themselves in the Mercantile District, lurking in the shadows, searching for unsuspecting victims.
“Got one.” Noah walked out, whistling softly as he followed an older gentleman wearing a top hat. The gentleman didn’t seem to notice the vampire that followed him. He stopped at a nearby bench and sat down, pulling out a folded newspaper he had just bought.
Azurdee was still on the front page, the reward for her return doubled since last time. Peering over the man’s shoulder, Noah read a statement written by her fiancé, Fredrick.
I truly wish Azurdee would be returned to me safe and sound. Even though we’re merely betrothed, I love her dearly and my world would be shattered without her. If you know anything about her whereabouts, please contact me as soon as possible.
Noah scoffed. The old man turned around, nearly spotting him, forcing Noah to walk away empty-handed.
“What was that?” Kai chided.
“He was reading the newspaper. Azurdee is still on the front page. Fredrick is playing the victim. Leave it to a politician to lie through their teeth.”
“Look, we both don’t like the man, but he’s just doing his part, trying to get his fiancée back. Wouldn’t you do the same?”
“I would never force someone to marry me in the first place,” Noah said, crossing his arms over his chest. “We both know how that turned out.”
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to bring up Cathleen.”
“Whatever. She left me, it was her choice. There was nothing I could’ve done to stop her. But Azurdee… she’s different. You see the way she looks at me? She loves me. I’m sure of it.”
“She slept with us both.”
“Only because she didn’t want to hurt your feelings. You know damn well I’m the one she truly likes.”
“Why would she like an aggressive egomaniac like yourself?” Kai snarled, shoving him against a nearby wall. “She made her decision and she wants both of us.”
“I just can’t accept that.” Noah turned the tables, slamming Kai into the opposite wall, his breath ragged. “And I won’t let you take her away from me.” His teeth were barred. “You hear me?”
“Bite me.”
Noah had half a mind to actually do it, but he just let go of his brother, disgusted. “Azurdee is mine.”
***
By the time they got back, Noah was still in a bitter mood. He had never liked to share. His anger quickly dissipated the second he entered the house and smelled smoke in the air.
Quickly, he rushed toward the source, finding Azurdee struggling to put out a flame that had ignited in a frying pan. She was holding it away from her body, panicking slightly, trying to figure out what to do with it. Eventually, she threw it into the sink, but the flame snagged a dishcloth, growing even larger, threatening to consume the whole kitchen if she didn’t find a way to put it out.
Finally, she managed to turn on the tap, but that only seemed to make the fire angrier. It sizzled and smoked, making her cough and her eyes water.
Noah came to her rescue, snuffing the flame with a wet dishrag. “What the hell were you doing? Trying to get yourself killed?” His words came out harsher than he intended and Azurdee shrunk back.
“Are you alright?” Kai entered the room to find the fiasco over with, but he could tell that Azurdee was clearly shaken up about it. He came up behind her and hugged her gently, his hands rubbing her arms up and down.
Noah glared at his brother but knew Azurdee wouldn’t want his comfort, especially after he had just yelled at her. Thinking he was unwanted, he walked into the living room and plopped onto the loveseat, a clear pout on his face. He had saved her and yet, it was his brother who had her in his arms.
It wasn’t fair.
He was just about to go back in there and pry them apart when he heard something outside.
Someone was there!