T. A. Grey Read online

  Again, the Kategans exchanged a telling glance. Dmetri felt that tic in his eye pulse again. God dammit, he’d never experience that before either.

  “Her mother,” Rome said with a grave nod.

  “What about her mother?” he asked, his voice rising.

  The baby fussed at the sound of his voice and Sarina sent him a scathing look that had him withering back down into his chair.

  Vane answered his question. “Her mother is...a fierce creature. She’s always told her to mate up with an Alpha of a pack. The high status means something to her for whatever reason, and she’s always pushed Christine for that.”

  Dmetri shook his head. What was with these lykaens? Giving away daughters for marriage, pressuring them to marry up, it didn’t make any sense to him. Those were the old ways; ways he’d thought were long gone.

  “I’m not looking for a damn mate. I’m going on a date.” The idea of keeping Christine on for longer was appealing. He liked her quirkiness; it intrigued him as nothing else had in a long time.

  “But she is,” Vera said softly.

  Dmetri stood and started for the door. “That’s foolishness.”

  “It isn’t to her,” Vane said after him. “It means everything to her.” Dmetri closed the door quietly behind him even though he wanted to slam it. He was better than any alpha. His wealth and status alone made him a damned black diamond in the rough. Besides, he wasn’t looking for a damned mate. He just wanted her body.

  Chapter 7

  Christine paused in the process of drying her hair when a knock came from the front door. She’d decided to let the sexy Russian vampire take her out even though she hadn’t actually agreed to it. She had to admit she appreciated his persistence. He reminded her of herself.

  Throwing on her silk robe, she made for the door.

  Putting on a sexy smile, threw open the door ready to battle with the vampire for being so early. Her smiled died instantly at the sight of her mother.

  “Oh, mom.” She closed the robe tighter around her. “Come on in.” Her mother gave her an arched look at her attire and came into the house, her heavy heels clicking on the wood floor.

  “Where are you going?” she asked.

  Christine tensed at the question. Her mother’s simple question was not innocent. She should be prepared for this by now, but then she wasn’t used to explaining a date with a vampire to her mother.

  “I have a date.” Hoping that would be the end of it, even knowing that was impossible, she went into the bathroom to finish her hair.

  Her mother followed, a harsh look in her dark brown eyes. Christine flicked on the loud hair dryer and pretended to ignore her mother. Nancy was not one to be thwarted so easily. She unplugged the hairdryer and the cord landed with a thud in the sink. Christine barely held her sigh.

  “With whom?”

  “A friend.” Unable to stay this close to her and lie, Christine walked around her and went to the bedroom to sort through what she was going to wear.

  “Who,” came the stern response.

  This time Christine did sigh, her chest felt like an anvil was sitting on it. “He’s a man visiting the pack.” She gave the vaguest answer she could muster.

  “The vampire?” her mother screeched.

  “Yes, he is a vampire.”

  Her mother rounded on her with a frown so deep it marred her lipsticked mouth. “How many times do I have to tell you, Christine? When will you learn that I know what’s best for you? If you just do what I say then you’ll be happy.”

  Christine gave her mother a close-lipped smile. “Of course. I am happy by the way. I don’t need a mate to be happy.”

  Her mother rolled her eyes. “Yes, but what of children and a husband? You don’t know what that kind of happiness feels like, so you don’t realize what you’re missing.” Christine sat on the bed. She’d heard this lecture a thousand times. It was old after the second time she heard it. Now it was just exhausting.

  She felt bad for her mother, she really did. She’d lost her mate. Christine’s dad died in a fight with another lykaen when she was only four and her mother had never gotten over it. Her mother always said being with him was the only time she’d ever been happy. Seeing as she’d never seen her mother happy, it was probably true.

  “And before you tell me you don’t need to marry an alpha, let me just remind you of what your father wanted. He wanted the best for you. He loved you so much, Christine. I want the best for you. Find an alpha, mate with him.”

  Feeling the uncomfortable scorn of her mother’s eye, Christine looked away. “I tried it your way, mom. Even to my embarrassment. I pursued Vane and a number of other alphas. They don’t want me. Why don’t you leave it to rest?”

  Her mother straightened, round cheeks flushing. “I will not disrespect my mate’s wishes for a disobedient brat who doesn’t see what’s good for her.”

  “Mom, I think you need to go,” she said softly. She kept her eyes trained on the ground.

  Her mother gasped. Then she heard the sound of heavy heels beating on the floor and the slam of the front door a minute later. Feeling the overwhelming need to cry, Christine curled up on the bed and stared at the white wall above her bedpost. She’d tried, she really had. Even with men she felt no attraction to whatsoever. And inside she knew she was still trying to please her mother. That’s why she was thirty and had never been mated or even in a real relationship.

  Her love life consisted of dozens of dates, half of which were set up by her mother, with alphas from packs across the country. God, even one of them came from Europe. None of them had held her interest for more than a conversation or a quick roll in the hay.

  She rarely ever thought about one question. Now she did.

  How long could she go on trying to please her mother? The question scared her on a deep level because she knew the answer. She craved her mother’s, and maybe even her father’s, acceptance too much. She’d go on forever until one day she found an Alpha who’d mate with her.

  Straightening from the bed, Christine finished dressing. She tried not to let her mother’s visit get to her but her movements were slow as she dressed. She didn’t know where the vampire planned to take her. Were there restaurants that served steak and blood? She laughed at the thought. If anyone knew of a place like that, it was probably him. He had a worldly aura to him.

  An energy that said he’d been around for a very long time, and he probably had.

  When the brisk knock came, she was dressed and ready to go. She may never find her mate and please her mother, but she liked to let herself enjoy little things—like passion. The way the vampire looked at her promised her a whole lot of that.

  They hadn’t agreed on a time; hell, she hadn’t agreed to go, yet he arrived with perfect timing. Maybe it was a strange vampire sense.

  She opened the door and had the distinct pleasure of watching his lips part and his pupils dilate. She leaned against the door and loved this feeling. The rush of excitement, the look of desire in a man’s eyes as they traced over her. It never ceased to make her giddy or grin like a fool.

  “You’re perfect.” His accent was thicker than usual; it did something to her that she thoroughly planned to explore.

  “Of course.”

  He smiled at her and grabbed her hand. Before she knew it, he was pulling her close. She could have fought it but she was too curious to see what he was about. He pulled her against his chest and rested a hand lightly at her hip. The soft touch teased her better than if he’d gripped her. Her blood rushed, breathing growing heavy with anticipation.

  “I had no idea you’d be wearing...this.”

  Christine looked down at her outfit and laughed. She wore a flowing black dress that fell modestly enough to her thighs and her favorite heels—a pair of black strappy shoes that wrapped all the way up her calves. She loved them because the heel wasn’t so tall that she couldn’t walk in them and they were the sexiest shoes ever. They were meant to captivate and tease
. Judging from the look on Dmetri’s face, they were doing their job well. Money well spent.

  “I’m glad you approve. Let’s get out of here.”

  She was eager to get away from the negative conversation she had with her mother that still lingered in the house. When she tried to pull away though, the hand on her hip tightened.

  Christine looked up at the vampire and got lost in his eyes. Blue like clear water, his eyes were lovely and framed by silver lashes.

  His lips came down on hers. Like the first kiss, this one was gentle, soft, barely tasting.

  He pulled back before she could really get into it and nodded at her.

  He led her to a black BMW parked outside and opened the passenger door for her. After he seated himself in the driver side she asked, “Where are we going?”

  “Le Marquis.”

  Her brows shot up and she whistled under her breath. “You spare no expense do you?” He smiled at her as he pulled away from the curb. “It’s not that bad when only one of us will be eating.”

  Christine flushed as she recalled he didn’t eat...at least not food. Her body warmed the more she thought about it, of what it might be like if he fed from her. She’d heard the experience was sensual, almost orgasmic for both parties. The thought excited her and she bit her lip as she looked at his mouth, trying to spot the fangs she knew he had.

  Her thoughts waned as they pulled up to a stop at the front gate. Dmetri rolled down his window to speak with Gerry.

  “No one leaves. Your rules remember?” said Gerry.

  Dmetri laughed. “My rules mean I get to break them. We’ll be back soon anyway, just getting something to eat.”

  Gerry shook his head. “I don’t think so.”

  Dmetri’s voice grew hard. “Open the gate now.”

  The two stared hard at each other, as a violent energy whipped between them. Gerry must have seen something on the vampire’s face because he slowly nodded and motioned for the guards to open the gate. A moment later, they were on the road.

  Christine sighed, loving the fluttery feeling of butterflies dancing in her stomach. She always got nervous on dates, and this one was no exception. Hell, this one was the worst. She was going out with a vampire. This night would definitely be going in her little black diary.

  “These seats are amazing!” She writhed against the leather, loving the way she slid in the seat.

  Dmetri gave her an unreadable look, but there was definitely heat in that look. She loved it.

  “I’m glad.”

  So he wasn’t much of a talker. That was fine by her because she might make a fool of herself with how nervous she was.

  They pulled into a small parking lot some time later. Le Marquis was a small French restaurant that required a reservation made months in advance to get in. She had no idea how he planned to get them inside, but she didn’t doubt he’d do it.

  He opened the door for her, and escorted her inside. He whispered a few words to the maître d’ and shook his hand. She didn’t know how much was exchanged in that simple handshake but she was sure it was hefty.

  The silver-haired maître d’ led them to a secluded table in the back of the quiet restaurant. Violins played softly over the speakers, taper candles lit the tables in a dim glow, and there was more silverware on the table than she knew what to do with.

  Dmetri excused the maître d’ and pulled a chair out for her. He looked absolutely decadent in the dim light. His hair hung long and was pale like the color of white sand. He slid her seat in under her and his fingers lingered for a moment on her shoulder before he took the seat opposite her.

  When a waiter in a black tuxedo came by, Dmetri ordered them a bottle of wine without even looking at the menu.

  “Are you going to order my food for me too?”

  Dmetri’s lips pulled into a small smile. “Yes.”

  Without looking at the menu in front of her, she asked, “And what do you think I’ll want?”

  He considered it seriously as he watched her, his head cocked to the side. Long hair fell over his shoulder, nearly reaching the middle of his chest. As he usually did, tonight he wore another black suit. This one somehow looked even more expensive than the others did but she couldn’t really be sure.

  “Steak au Poivre.”

  She clasped her hands to her heart. “You said steak, you can’t go wrong.” The waiter came by and poured their wine. Dmetri did order her food, though nothing for himself.

  Picking up her long-stemmed glass, she swirled the white bubbly wine around then sipped it. At once, the bubbles popped on her tongue with sweetness that reminded her of pears.

  Her eyes lit up. “This is wonderful.”

  He smiled again, just one edge of his nicely made mouth curving up. “I’m glad you like it.”

  “So why have you been so persistent about taking me out? You don’t know me or anything about me, really.” If he said because her body rocked then she might seriously consider kissing him tonight.

  He seemed shocked by the question as if he hadn’t thought about why he was so interested in her. Or he was just surprised she’d asked. He leaned forward and the round table grew smaller. She could see the clear blue of his eyes in detail now, the black of his pupils, which watched every move she made.

  “I don’t like women like you.”

  A heavy pause.

  Then Christine laughed in disbelief. She covered her mouth with her hand, afraid she’d be yelled at in a place like this for making any sounder louder than a whisper. But then she saw his face—and laughed harder.

  Shoulders shaking, she ignored his shocked face. It took a while but eventually she got herself under control.

  “Obviously not,” she said with mock seriousness.

  His eye twitched. “I didn’t mean it like that. I meant that I don’t normally date...”

  “Women like me?” she finished for him.

  He nodded once, looking uncomfortable. Christine looked at the vampire and realized something quite endearing about him. He wasn’t all charm and smarm after all.

  “You’re cute,” she said.

  His face curled in disgust like he just smelled something awful. She started laughing again but quieted at his hard look. This night was turning out to be more fun than she thought it would be.

  * * *

  The Steak au Poivre tasted like heaven in her mouth. Juicy, tender meat with a creamy sauce and a side of roasted potatoes easily beat anything she’d ever cooked. She cleaned her entire plate and then frowned because she wouldn’t have any leftovers. Sighing she sat back in her seat and resisted the urge to rub her full belly.

  “That was one helluva meal.”

  He nodded like a king at her. “I’m pleased you enjoyed it.”

  “I don’t even want to know how much it cost.”

  “You probably don’t,” he said.

  Laughing, she picked up her wine and finished her glass. When he moved to refill it, she held out the glass for him.

  “Tell me about yourself,” he said.

  Christine always hated questions like this. She wasn’t a unique or interesting person.

  Voicing her life always made her realize just how un-special she was.

  “You already know I’m the pack’s healer.”

  “Where did you learn your skills?”

  “From the previous healer. I apprenticed under him. When he died, I took over the reins.

  How about you tell me about you?” If he noticed how quick she was to turn the conversation around, he didn’t say anything.

  “I’m an Elder with the Justicars.”

  “Oh, fancy.”

  He almost looked like he’d laugh, but he didn’t. “I suppose to some it is. It’s mostly boring work. Paperwork, hearings, trials, things like that.” Christine leaned forward in her seat, one elbow resting on the table. Her hand teased the stem of the wine glass. “How old are you?”

  “Old,” he said stiffly.

  “A little self-consci
ous are we?”

  He grimaced and took a long drink of his wine. “Six hundred and something. I don’t count anymore.”

  “That’s a lot of candles on your birthday cake.”

  His eyebrows furrowed. “I don’t eat cake, and I don’t celebrate the day of my birth.” Shaking her head, she grinned at him. The wine made her feel relaxed and light as if she were walking on air. “It was a joke, Dmetri.”

  He gave her a tight-lipped smile. “Of course.”

  They sat there for a moment in awkward silence, their gazes locked, and thoughts flying.

  Christine wondered if he always kissed as restrained as he had before. He kept his control tight around him as if he was afraid of what might happen if it came loose. Cool and indifferent, that’s what he was. Nothing particularly revved him up. She had the distinct interest in seeing what did.

  This might be due to the three or four glasses of wine she’d just imbibed.

  Dmetri gave her an arched look as she stood. She smiled in return and crossed around the table to him. The restaurant was mostly empty now and the nearest table of people wouldn’t be able to see them from the partition that separated them.

  “What are you doing?”

  She pushed at his shoulder until he leaned back in his chair, then she skillfully sat in his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck. He stared at her with shock...and heat in his eyes.

  She liked how she felt in his lap. He was warm but not excessively so, not like a lykaen would be. His suit was soft against her bare skin where she rested on it. The material was fine and well made, probably even tailored. She had no doubt that it was expensive, too. The man did have higher tastes. That only made her smile that she’d attracted his attention. The air that he held himself in said he was the kind of man, or vampire, that only went with classy broads. She shivered, women like her mother probably.

  “What are you doing?” he asked again, his voice low, rough.

  Christine pressed her lips to his ear and bit down on the soft lobe. His entire body tightened in response, hands coming up to wrap around her back and thigh. She inwardly applauded him for not touching her beneath her dress; instead, he cupped her from atop the material. Like a gentleman, she mused.