Vampire Mine

Chapter Sixteen

“Stay and find out what’s going on. Use my private number for updates. Keep me informed.”

“Yes sir.”

Kinsley MacGregor returned the phone to the cradle and rested back in his chair. His spies had seen Aldon attack and wanted to put him on alert. Kinsley wasn’t surprised. In fact he’d suspected it would happen. Often he had premonitions about what was to come. A nifty gift when one dealt with creatures and insane humans who wanted to kill him.

He rocked back and forth, trying to compartmentalize his thoughts.

The timing was bad but the pack didn’t have to have him in New York.

He knew Sadie was good for the wolves.

His gut told him the pack shifters wouldn’t welcome a vampire with open arms but something would transpire that would make them see the light. Apparently Sadie had placed herself in harm’s way to save Ava. Very smart. None of the wolves could turn their backs on anyone who’d protected the Omega’s mate, especially with the female being pregnant.

She’ll carve her niche. That’s one problem solved.

As for the other woman—the vampire named Leigh.

He had a strange feeling about that one but he couldn’t put his finger on what nagged him. Something was going to happen and it wasn’t entirely good. Yet he couldn’t pinpoint why he had the feeling something was going to go wrong, nor could he get any kind of mental impulse that forewarned of what might transpire.

Was it Aldon?

He let the question sink in, mulling it over.

No. It wasn’t Aldon. There was a threat but it came from somewhere else.

Aldon was a danger to be sure but what was going to take place didn’t involve him. Not yet. The scenario was one Kinsley couldn’t see. Knowledge existed but remained out of reach.

Perhaps it had to do with some form of magic.

He’d always had issues sensing future events when that element was involved. Since they were taking Leigh to an enclave Kinsley wasn’t surprised he didn’t have a solid grip on what he was experiencing. Maybe it was even more than that. Perhaps it was Ava’s brother and the amulet everyone seemed so keen to get their hands on.

Better wrap things up. You’re out of time.

He felt the presence of his butler before the man had a chance to enter the room. Going still, he anticipated his guest. This was the one thing he’d waited for. Something he desired beyond measure. But it wasn’t going to come easy.

When it came to matters that involved him, Kinsley’s gift never helped.

He’d never been able to gauge his own future.

He’d never seen what was in store for him.

“Master MacGregor?”

Lifting his head, Kinsley looked at George.

The human had served him faithfully for decades, never asking any questions. It was a relief, really. Everyone always wanted him for something. Over the centuries he’d grown accustomed to it. Whenever things got crazy they asked for his help. He was old, having seen a lot of things. He shared his knowledge and gained favors from shifters all over the world. It had been easy, offering his aid. And why not? He’d gained a fortune and notoriety. Wonderful things considering what he was about to face.

It was his time to take a blind leap of faith, to venture into unknown territory.

“Is everything ready?” he asked, even though he knew it would be.

“Yes sir. They’ve loaded the car. The plane is ready and waiting at the airport.”

His eyes flicked up to George’s and he gave him a curt nod. “Have the car brought around back. I’ll be down shortly.”

Tension knotted the back of Kinsley’s neck as he watched George leave. He rolled his head, trying to loosen the aching muscles. Visiting Diskant had actually been a welcome distraction. He’d needed time away from his home to put a bit of space between him and his…guest.

She’s more than that and you know it.

And there rested the shame of it all.

The first time he’d laid eyes on Persephone Maples he’d known what she was. Like all shifters, he’d felt the animal within shouting its content, telling him he’d finally found the woman meant for him. But she wasn’t what he’d expected when he’d pictured his mate.

It wasn’t that she lacked beauty.

In her mid-twenties, Persephone still retained the youthfulness that radiated from women. Her hair—a long, lush mahogany—was wavy and thick. And her mismatched eyes—one brown and one blue—were utterly captivating. Unfortunately she’d lived a hard life, experiencing more than she should have in her short years. She’d done a good job of hiding it but he’d eventually seen right through her.

He went back in time, recalling their first encounter.

He’d used his charm to seduce women in the past but it hadn’t worked on her. He’d tried thickening his brogue, giving her the look so many women adored. When that didn’t help he’d dressed to impress, wearing clothing he thought she’d appreciate. He ditched the business suits, going for jeans and casual shirts. She’d actually laughed at his attempts, giving him the cold shoulder. She’d even poked fun at his muscular form, asking if he’d heard the story about steroids and the male anatomy. He bore her insults, letting them slide off his back. Frustrated that he didn’t take a hint and kept returning to her place of employment, she’d made fun of his hair, asking if he was giving Fabio a run for his romance cover model glory.

She taunted him.

She refused him.

But he didn’t let her stop him.

He bided his time, returning to the antique store she worked at several days a week. She’d asked the owners to make him stop coming to the store but he was a good customer so they refused. She had been polite but aloof after they’d informed her to get over it, answering his questions but remaining unmoved by his charm. He tried everything he could think of to get her to open up to him, if only a little. When he couldn’t get answers from the source he’d decided to search for them elsewhere.

With his connections it hadn’t taken him long to find out everything about her.

Married at eighteen, she’d had a child—a son—when she turned twenty. She’d moved with her husband from a small town in Alabama. New York had been foreign but exciting. She’d gotten a job at an antique shop, using her years of combing through flea markets to her advantage. Things were going well until destiny had thrown her a cruel curveball. As fate often did, it had taken all of her hopes and dreams away.

Everything she loved. Gone in an instant.

He suffocated his rage, locking it away.

The thought of her with another male infuriated him, as did the fact she’d had a child with someone else. But that anger had died when he learned what had become of her family.

Her husband—a wild and reckless youth with a penchant for heavy drinking—had taken their infant out for a spin to the local supermarket. The moment the moronic human had lost control and veered into the oncoming traffic, slamming headfirst into an eighteen wheeler, he’d snuffed out the one thing Persephone lived for.

The guilt that crept over Kinsley wasn’t new. He’d been dealing with it for a little over a week. He hadn’t liked having to intervene and interfere with his mate’s life but she’d given him no choice. If he’d had his way he’d have given her more time. But she’d forced his hand, her will to live slipping away.

His eyes drifted shut, rage no longer content to remain hidden.

She’d hated it when he prevented her from jumping from the Brooklyn Bridge. She’d lashed out at him, screaming through a river of tears. He’d expected her to be embarrassed. What he hadn’t prepared himself for was her misery at being denied the death she longed for. He knew then that he couldn’t watch her walk away. If she was given another chance to end her life, she’d take it.

He’d waited too long for her. He wasn’t about to let her go.

Over the course of the week he’d tried to talk to her without success. She threw things at him, called him a kidnapper and threatened to turn him over to the police. What she hadn’t realized was each day she’d developed the fire she’d lacked. In hating him she’d found something to look forward to. Her consuming loss had turned into a raging fury. Even if it was in destroying the things he’d acquired over the years—she’d already demolished two of his guest bedrooms—she’d found the spark she’d long forgotten.

He laughed quietly, imagining what she’d do when they reached Caledonia. The private island in the Bahamas was secluded and private. She could run all she wanted but she could never escape. There he could finally set her free. She’d be able to roam and explore the beautiful location. Of course he’d watch over her, keeping her safe. Eventually—he hoped—she’d come to him for some kind of companionship. He’d already instructed the staff to stay away from her unless she engaged them in conversation.

The trip would give her what she needed to heal.

Maybe one day she’d find it in her to forgive him.

Or maybe you’re being a hopeless romantic with happily mated fantasies.

True, he’d thought about what his mate would be like. What male didn’t? He’d assumed she’d be a feline, with lean muscles and curves. A woman who’d meet his passion with a healthy dose of her own lust. He’d never expected that she’d be a human female who was so thin she looked like she’d break with a strong wind. That was the first thing he’d worked on. He’d made sure his cooking staff prepared the finest meals, so he could put weight on her tiny frame. She’d refused to eat for a day or two and then hunger had gotten the better of her.

Thank heavens for that at least.

Knowing he couldn’t delay any longer, he rose from his seat. He dreaded taking the trip to her room, braced for what she’d do next. She hadn’t accepted any of his visits, telling him to get the hell out or let her go. For that reason he’d kept their upcoming trip under wraps. She’d spook if she knew what he was up to. He couldn’t take the risk she’d harm herself.

He retrieved the syringe he’d gotten from the doctor in Diskant’s pack and rolled it between his fingers. Doc had been curious about Kinsley’s request, asking what he needed a sedative for, but he’d given the medication to him without receiving answers to his queries. Thankfully the male knew Kinsley shouldn’t be questioned. The pack needed him too much. In a pinch, he’d always come through.

This is it. No more waiting.

He loathed the shame he felt. Hated what he had to do.

All you’re going to do is let her rest. She needs it. When she wakes up she’ll be in paradise. You can start anew and let her see the beauty of the world. Give her a reason to greet each day. Take your time and let her rise from the ashes. She’ll be beautiful when it happens. And you’ll get to witness her rebirth.

Sliding the capped needle into his pocket, he silently prowled from the room. Any woman from the pride would have given anything to share a night in his bed. He could only imagine how receptive they would be if he accepted any of them as a mate. They threw themselves at him, fawning over him. Sometimes he welcomed their advances, finding them amusing. After all he was a male with an enormous sex drive.

But that wasn’t going to happen ever again.

He’d found the one meant for him. She’d have to adapt.

Especially when she figured out he wasn’t human.

He knew she had an idea about his nature. Most mortals were nervous around shifters, their natural instincts warning them something was off. Persephone was no different. She watched him warily, as though she knew he could pounce at any moment. Despite his attempts to put her at ease, she remained cautious and unrelenting. Once she discovered he could change into an animal he was certain she’d really give him a run for his money.

She’ll probably bolt from you screaming and try to swim the length of the ocean to get away.

Leaving his office, he crossed the foyer and started climbing the stairs. He was grateful he moved without sound. Persephone freaked out whenever she knew he was coming. Even if he’d not taken her body, he could easily sense her emotions. She’d been rattled for so long fear and hatred practically oozed from her. In a way her animosity was a relief. He’d rather see her angry with him than heartbroken by what she missed with all her heart.

He reached the top of the stairs and walked to the door at the end of the hall. The guards he’d placed there acknowledged him and moved aside. He stood at the entrance to her door, knowing she was on the other side. The hair on his nape rose, the panther slithering under his skin. Being around one’s mate did all kinds of things to a male.

Taking a deep breath, he opened the door.

She sat on the windowsill, gazing outside. Her eyes saw nothing, her brows smooth as she looked into the night. His heart broke at the sight, the wrenching agony like a fist to the chest. Slowly she turned her head, her thick hair falling over her shoulder. The emptiness in her features changed as he expected it to, shifting from vacant to livid.

“You!” she spat, rising to her feet.

She looked around, trying to find something to throw at him. Since she’d done this plenty of times in the past he’d had most of the things she could toss with ease taken from the room.

“Aye,” he said softly, observing her. “It’s me.”

“You can’t keep me here.” It was an argument they’d had more than once. Her soft, Southern lilt—even when she was furious—was like a symphony to his ears. He could listen to her talk for hours. “Eventually I’ll find a way out. When I do you’re screwed. You’re going to jail. You’re going to rot behind bars. This is illegal. You’re crazy for thinking you can get away with it. Your face will be splashed all over the news!”

“We’re about to leave.” He continued speaking quietly, not wanting to upset her further. “I’ve come to take you downstairs.”

“Leave?” Contempt turned to suspicion. “Leave for where?”

“A special place.” It was the truth. He’d always loved the island. “Somewhere safe.”

“It’s not your right,” she hissed, her beautiful brown and blue eyes furious. “This is my life.” Pounding a fist to her chest, she snarled, “My. Life.” She lowered her arm, glaring at him. “You don’t have any say in it.”

Not your life. Your death. If allowed such a thing.

Never.

“That’s where you’re wrong, little one.” Sliding a hand into his pocket, he carefully removed the plastic shield from the needle and crossed the distance to her. “When it comes to you I have more of a say than you think.”

She tried to get away but there was nowhere to go. When he cornered her, she gazed up at him with terror in her mismatched eyes. “I’ll scream. I swear I will. I’ll bring the house down.”

“I won’t hurt you, Mo chride,” he promised, edging nearer to her. “Easy, lass.”

“You take it easy!” If she could have vanished into the wall he was certain she would have. “Stay back. Don’t come any closer.”

He admired her attempt to fight, although she didn’t stand any real chance. As a human she’d never match his speed or strength. He pinned her to the wall, preventing her from seeing the syringe. Before she could break into a full-fledged fight he slid the needle into her arm and pushed the plunger.

As she’d warned him earlier, she screamed. “No! You said you wouldn’t hurt me!”

“And I will no’. I’ll never harm you.”

He hated the way her anguish and obvious feelings of betrayal corroded his insides, eating away at him like battery acid. The sedative was strong and he only had to hold her for a couple of minutes before she rocked unsteadily on her feet. For the first time since he’d brought her to his home he was able to sweep her into his arms.

Christ, she felt so right.

Nothing was more perfect.

“Put…me…down.” Her words were slurred, almost impossible to make out.

“But I like having you like this. So close and warm,” he murmured against the shell of her ear. “You’re a sweet little armful. If I could I’d keep you this close all the time.”

The panther within loved the nearness, urging him to swipe his tongue along his female’s throat. It ached for the taste of her, wanting to lap at her skin. His cock went instantly hard, his fangs dropping of their own accord. She wasn’t aroused but he knew the first time he smelled a hint of her cream the beast would want to lick at her slit, discover exactly how sweet she tasted. Thankfully the panther also felt her pain and wanted to take it away. It knew she needed more than it could give her so it took a backseat. As long as he was able, he’d make sure the man and not the animal stayed in charge.

“Sleep for me, wee little creature.” With care he swept heavy strands of hair from her face. Like this, with her peaceful and resting in his arms, he never wanted to let her go. A surge of protectiveness and longing spiked through him. He’d attend to her. Give her good memories. Love her beyond measure. “When you wake up you’ll find a whole new world waiting for you.”

He strode from the room, carrying her with ease. She settled against him, her deep breaths telling him she’d fallen asleep. The guards stood aside but followed him as he carried his female down the stairs. He turned in the foyer and made the trek to the back of the house. The car would be waiting. Soon they’d travel to the airport and be on their way to paradise. It was beautiful at the island. The water was so clear you could see the sand. She could frolic and play or spend her days gazing up at heaven.

Whatever she wanted would be hers.

If it took everything he had, he’d make her happy. No matter how long it took. No matter if she hated him and would never give him her heart and soul. He’d gotten everything in order for the packs and the prides in the area. Diskant was going to have to hold his own for a while. This was his moment and he wasn’t letting anything else get in the way.

He’d finally found his female, the most important thing in his world.

God knows he’d done enough for everyone else.