A Bite To Remember Read online

  Dallas and Gage grabbed Sutton, as Brax and York took Ronin off his shoulder, then carried him toward the awaiting ambulance. Wyndingo came up to him, and Nick could see the anger in his eyes, but also concern.

  “What the hell were you thinking?” Wyndingo asked through clenched teeth.

  Nick grabbed his head as pain so fierce gripped him. “Why in the hell is everyone yelling? Why is every sound so loud?”

  “Come on, buddy. Let’s get the EMT’s to have a look at you,” Wyndingo said as he grabbed Nick’s arm and led him toward the Ambulance.

  “But what about the chemicals?” Nick asked, then cringed again when his own voice sounded deafening.

  “Illan and his boys are less than two minutes out. Don’t worry, Illan’s dragons and mine will work on getting those canisters out before they blow,” Wyndingo informed him, and helped Nick sit in the back of one of the Ambulances.

  * * * *

  Jagger was so warm and content. He couldn’t remember ever feeling this warm. Or this lazy. He knew he had a lot of work to do today to get the club ready for the grand opening, but he just couldn’t find it in him to move. He just wanted to lay here in bed all night.

  He knew his mate was an animal in bed and had worn him out, seeing that he was the lucky recipient of the man's attention, and the soreness of his muscles and his ass was proof of that, but he was exhausted. He felt as if he hadn’t gotten very much sleep at all.

  When his bear had left this morning, he had gone back to sleep and slept the day away, which was the norm for a vampire, but he was still so tired.

  Jagger stretched his limbs and arched his back, a smile coming to his lip thinking about how his muscles got so sore. Gods, he loved everything his mate had done to him and Jagger looked forward to doing it all again very soon. His mate said he would be back tonight. So, that meant he would be here soon. Maybe he should get up and take a shower? Make his body all fresh and clean for his mate to dirty up again.

  Jagger loved the idea, but knew he couldn’t stay in bed much longer. He had deliveries to receive and meetings to get to before he could come back here and enjoy his mate again. This time though, he wanted to drop to his knees before his man, and suck that godly cock of his. Jagger licked his lips from the thought of taking Nick’s extra-large shaft into his mouth, feeling the weight of it on his tongue, and tasting his mate’s seed.

  Jagger smiled again and rolled onto his side, a warm, bright light hit him in the face, and Jagger peeked his eyes open to see where it was coming from. Had his mate left a light on? Jagger gasped in shock and sat up quickly as he raised his arms, frantically searching his flesh for smoke and burns, but found none. He gently touched his left arm with his right hand, caressing his palm over the flawless skin. Confusion like he had never experienced before filled him.

  Why was he not burnt bacon? He was lying in the sun and he wasn’t burning or screaming in agony as his life slipped away from him. Then a thought hit him. He had fallen asleep with Nick and had forgotten to lower the blackout shades around the room. And Nick wouldn’t have known about them. Then the man had left so fast because of that fire he probably didn’t even think about Jagger laying there asleep in a room full of windows. He didn’t blame Nick for not thinking about it, and wasn’t angry with him for not realizing what could have happened. Their mating was so new, and it would probably take Nick a day or two to make those connections.

  But how was he still alive? Jagger turned and looked back out through the window and realized from the angle of the sun that it was probably a little after noon. No wonder he was still exhausted. He hadn’t gotten enough sleep and the sun was still up. Jagger looked back over Main Street, Maddox, which was laid out before him on the other side of the window and watched as all the residents moved about with their day.

  Cars rolled down the street, people walked along the sidewalk going in and out of the shops, and some sat at the outside tables at the little Bistro down the block as they sipped their coffee and enjoyed the sunshine. He was mesmerized by the view before him. He had never seen the world during the day, only at night. He knew the sights, sounds, and rhythm of the night. He could feel the pulse in the world. But this was different. Daytime events had a different feel to them. People seemed more hurried and stressed as they moved about doing their thing.

  Jagger was totally taken with everything he was seeing and feeling. He felt drawn to the goings on beyond the glass and the warmth of the sun on his face. He had never felt anything so wonderful before. Well, that wasn’t exactly true. The pleasure he got from his mate was a million times better than this, but… he was speechless. He had nothing to compare this feeling to.

  Jagger climbed from the bed, and slowly walked toward the window. He wanted to press his body against its warm surface and let the sun bathe his skin from head to toe, but he didn’t want to give the people below a nude show. So, he stood back a few feet, closed his eyes, and relished in the feel of the sun caressing every inch of him.

  He had no idea what was happening or how this was possible, but he would take it while he could as a gift from above. Jagger stood there enjoying the rays of the sun for an hour before the golden orb moved on in the sky, taking some of its warmth with it. It was just as well, because his legs were beginning to get tired and he knew he had a big night ahead of him. There was a lot of work to get through.

  Making his way to the bathroom, Jagger showered, letting the hot, pulsing water from the showerhead relax his muscles. Then he dried quickly and got dressed. Stepping into the elevator, he pressed the button and watched as the doors closed. As confused and excited as he was about how it was possible for him to have felt the sun’s kiss, he wanted to get all his work over with as fast as possible so that he could see his mate again. He also wanted to share what had happened to him with his mate and see if the man had any idea what was going on.

  Stepping out of the elevator, a scent so powerful hit him, Jagger was shocked to find himself actually drooling. His mouth filled with moisture and all he wanted to do was follow that scent and take a bite out of it. It was nothing as wonderful as the manly smell of his mate, but it was incredible. Jagger followed the smell into the kitchen, where his new chef, Blake, was busy by the grill.

  “What is that amazing smell coming from in here?” Jagger asked as he stopped on the other side of the counter that Blake was behind.

  Blake looked at him over his shoulder and gave Jagger a smile. “You’re up early, boss. I wasn’t expecting you for a few more hours.”

  He wanted to share his news with someone, but didn’t think Blake was the right one to start with. Even though the panther shifter knew what he was, Jagger thought his mate should come first now. “I couldn’t sleep. Thoughts of everything that still needs to be done, you know?”

  Blake chuckled. “Yeah, but all the liquor and my goods were delivered today. Also, the new bar stools and tables.”

  “How about the chairs that go with those tables?” Jagger asked.

  “Now that would be a no,” Blake answered with a shake of his head.

  “Great, so our customers can stand at the tables and sit at the bar.” Jagger sighed. “What about the bar glasses and dishes?”

  “Yup, I grabbed one box already and brought it in here. The rest is out by the bar,” Blake answered as he flipped a hunk of meat.

  “Well, at least they can drink and eat. Thanks, Blake. Speaking of eating, what are you cooking that smells so amazing?” Jagger asked again, swallowing the pool of saliva that gathered in his mouth.

  “This here is a T-bone. And that other smell is a new recipe I’m trying for chocolate mousse. Would you like a try?” Blake offered.

  Jagger smiled at the nice man. “Thanks, but…you know,” Jagger said and shrugged.

  “That’s right. Damn, that must suck not being able to eat food. I think I would go crazy if I couldn’t eat anymore,” Blake said as he pulled the steak from the grill and placed it on a plate, then turned, putting the plate
on the counter before Jagger.

  “It’s not like I lost the ability. I never had it. It’s also not that I can’t eat, but I don’t need to,” Jagger explained.

  “So, physically it is possible for you to eat?” Blake asked, picking up a knife and fork and cutting into the succulent meat.

  “Physically yes, advisable no. Food can make a vampire very ill. A small amount like a teaspoon, probably not so much, but more than that and I don’t even want to know. And any vampire I have ever known who tried food said it was bland and tasted like cardboard. No matter what they tried.”

  Blake cut a small piece and held it up in front of his face between them. “Too bad, man, because this is one of the most delicious cuts of steak there is, in my opinion.”

  “Gods, it smells really good,” Jagger whispered.

  “You sound surprised,” Blake commented, then put the morsel in his mouth and began to chew. Jagger watched, fascinated by the look of bliss that crossed Blake’s face as he closed his eyes and enjoyed his meal.

  “I am a little surprised, actually. Just because I can’t eat the food doesn’t mean I can’t smell it. But this seems different. More, somehow.”

  “Would you like to try just a tiny piece?”

  “As much as I want to say no and know I should say no, I also want to say yes. It looks and smells so good,” Jagger answered and focused on the meat.

  He watched as Blake cut another small piece and held the fork up to him. He eyed the meat and worried about accepting it. He had heard stories of vampires that had tried to eat food and how sick they had gotten. But surely something this small wouldn’t do any harm? And if he didn’t like it he could just spit it out. He didn’t have to swallow it. Even if he did like it he could spit it out instead of ingesting it.

  Hesitantly Jagger reached out and took the fork from Blake’s fingers. He pulled it toward his face and smelled the brown and pink morsel. Taking a tentative whiff, his senses went on overload from the delicious smell. Without giving it another thought, so that he wouldn’t chicken out, Jagger put the fork in his mouth and pulled the meat from the tines and froze. He allowed the taste to fill his mouth, then his eyes closed as his taste buds exploded. The rich goodness of the meat spread out through his mouth and the slight taste of animal blood coated his tongue. Jagger had never tasted anything so amazing in his life. He began to chew and the flavor only intensified, giving Jagger a new sense of bliss.

  A moan of delight rose from his throat, and Jagger’s eyes popped open. How was this possible? First the sun, and now this.

  CHAPTER 3

  Nick was exhausted. He didn't understand what in the hell was wrong with him. His head was banging like a bongo drum from everyone screaming at him all day. The smell of burnt wood and chemicals from the fire that morning had now been replaced with the pungent odor of his soap. Damn, Nick had always loved Irish Spring, but after scrubbing down three times, the smell of lavender, rosemary, lemon, and who the fuck knows what else started to get to him as much as the fire scents had. Nick found himself rinsing off and tossing the stupid bar into the trash next to his dove shampoo. What in the hell was wrong with these companies thinking they had to perfume up men's toiletries? He was a man, damn it, and wanted to smell like a fucking man. Not some woman ready to walk the streets of Maddox looking for a good time.

  Shit, Nick could feel his anger rising again. He knew he was just frustrated because the doctor couldn't find a fucking thing wrong with him. He wanted Nick to see an ENT. The thought of someone sticking something in his ear, then his nose, and then his mouth gave Nick the willies. What if they didn't change out the cover? But what in the hell? Shifters didn't get sick and they didn't see specialists. Nick knew he was making excuses, but all he wanted to do was get home, grab a bite to eat, and snuggle with his mate.

  His mate. Nick couldn't help but smile knowing that after so many years, he was finally going to walk in the door and find the man of his dreams waiting there for him with open arms. Would Jagger be in bed naked and ready to continue where they had left off the night before? Maybe he'd have a bubble bath ready for them to share. Or better yet, soft music playing on the stereo, with candles on the dining room table and a nice juicy steak waiting for him to consume before he did the same to his mate’s cock. Hell, when had he become a fucking romantic?

  Finally arriving at the club, Nick thought about all the things he and Jagger would have to decide. Where they were going to live was one of those things. Opening the door, Nick started towards the stairs. Seeing Blake. "How's it going?"

  "Hey, Chief, I heard that the old Fowler Textile warehouse burnt down this morning. Everything go all right?" Blake asked.

  Nodding, Nick sighed, "As well as could be expected for an old building filled with chemicals and shit. I don't know why Tyler hadn't gotten rid of all that shit, we almost died trying to put it out."

  "When the people started closing up shop and leaving Maddox, I don't think they gave a shit about what might happen. I'm afraid that there might be more places in the same situation as the warehouse," Blake replied.

  Nick didn't like that thought at all. "I sure hope you’re wrong, because had that damn alarm not gone off, we would have all been in that building when it came down. I guess I'll have to get with the Battalion Chief and see if his men might be able to make the rounds to the abandoned buildings and see what we might need to take care of before something like this happens again. Problem is, that's going to be a tall order. Most of the town shut down before the sale."

  Blake sat there looking thoughtful, then his eyes widened. "Maybe you should talk to Zen? He grew up in these parts and might be able to pick out some hot spots so you can get to those first."

  Giving a sharp nod, Nick replied, "That's a good idea. Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to go and see how my mate fared while I was gone."

  "Mate? I didn't know you had a mate. Word around town was all you Keystone guys came into Maddox single and looking for a good time," Blake said with a laugh.

  Nick laughed along, saying, "That we did. I must have done something to please the fates because mine walked right through this door yesterday."

  "Holy crap! Who?" Blake asked.

  Nick wiggled his brows. "Your new manager."

  "Jagger? Seriously? Damn, I can't believe he didn't say anything earlier," Blake replied.

  Nick gave Blake a curious look. "I can't believe you didn't scent our mating."

  Blake looked away and Nick could see a sadness come over the man. He whispered so softly, that had Nick not had this super hearing thing, he would have had a hard time hearing the man, "The only ability I have left as a shifter is my ability to shift."

  Nick's eyes went huge. "What the fuck? How did that happen?"

  Shaking his head, Blake replied, "Just suffice it to say, trust your instincts, Chief. If you are sensing something is off, believe it."

  Neither man said anything after that, until Nick turned to go up the stairs. "Oh, Nick, if you're looking for Jagger, he's in his office doing paperwork."

  Nick looked at his watch. "But it's barely five."

  Nodding, Blake replied, "Yeah, surprised me when he got up this afternoon and came into the bar. I thought all vamps were night owls."

  Nick was a bit baffled, mumbling, "Me, too." Then started in the direction Blake had indicated. Just as he started to pass the bar, Nick stopped and turned to Blake. "You know, if you ever need to talk, I am always willing to listen?"

  Blake looked at Nick and gave him a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Thanks Chief, but I'm good."

  Giving the man a sharp nod, Nick said, "The offer is always open." Then made his way down the hall to the door marked OFFICE.

  Nick was unprepared for what he would see when he opened the door. Jagger was sitting at his desk and instead of paperwork scattered about, there was a large pepperoni pizza, cheeseburger and fries, fried chicken, and Caesar salad. He had the cheeseburger gripped in his hand whispering, "You smell amaz
ing. Please taste as wonderful as you smell."

  Just as he opened his mouth, Nick asked, "What are you doing? Why is your desk filled like a buffet table? I thought vampires didn't eat food?"

  Jagger jumped, but never let go of the burger. "Damn Nick, you scared the shit out of me."

  "Sorry, what's going on?" Nick asked.

  Shaking his head, Jagger replied, "I have no idea. Usually if a vampire eats food we get really sick." Giving Nick a wide-eyed look, Jagger said, "And I do mean really sick. Normally, we aren't even tempted because those that have tried to eat talk about how there is no taste, but I have to tell you, since the moment Blake gave me that tidbit of steak earlier. I was beyond tempted. The smell had me salivating almost as much as O positive from a diabetic. So rich and sweet in flavors."

  "Jagger," Nick growled.

  Nick watched Jagger put the cheeseburger on his plate, before he said, "I can't tell you why I can eat, but the point is, I can. Hell, this day has been strange from the get go. First I woke up and felt this glorious heat touching my skin. When I realized it was the sun, I kind of freaked out. I mean, one touch of that and I'm nothing more than a crispy critter."