Vampire Beware

Vampire Beware

By

Raven anxo

~*~

Book two

In

The vampires of rose city series

Vampire Beware

~*~

This story is entirely a work of fiction.

The names, places, characters, and incidents portrayed herein are the products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or localities is entirely coincidental.

Copyright © Raven Anxo 2016

Smashwords Edition 30th December 2016

Published by Raven Anxo Publications at Smashwords.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the written permission of the publisher, Raven Anxo Publications.

No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded, or distributed via the internet or any other means, electronic or print without permission from Raven Anxo Publications.

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Edited By: M. M. D

Cover Design: Raven Anxo.

Find out more about the author and news of upcoming books and events by visiting her website.

www.ravenanxo.com

Acknowledgements

~*~

To my editor, M.M.D:  Thank you for everything you have done and all you have taught me. To my friends: your continued support and encouragement are a blessing I treasure.  And to my readers: may my stories continue to find a place in your hearts.

Table of Contents

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven

Eight

Nine

Ten

Eleven

Twelve

Thirteen

Fourteen

Fifteen

Sixteen

Seventeen

Eighteen

Nineteen

Twenty

Twenty One

Twenty Two

Twenty Three

About The Author

Other Books by Raven Anxo

Coming Soon

Reviews

One

~*~

Just over a week had passed since Laura and G had their talk. Things were finally beginning to settle down and her anger was slowly diminishing. Yes, they still had some ways to go, but it was becoming easier to view him as a friend, abet an annoying one at times. He still possessed the uncanny ability to push certain buttons - her present situation being a case in point. Wanting to give the rooms in her new home a personal touch, Laura had made what she believed to be a perfectly reasonable request to return to her apartment to collect what few belongings hadn’t already been moved over, and meet up with her friend, Jen. After a lot of going back and forth, and slightly raised voices on either side, she had gained a victory. Unfortunately, it came with one of his damn conditions attached and it stood a couple of feet behind her. The male, though that conclusion was still up for debate, could pass as a cousin of the monster Frankenstein created. Why was he there? Because G worried the need to feed would hit the moment she saw Jen. Nice to know he had faith in her – not. Ignoring the walking block of muscle, she carried on packing what few items held sentimental value into a box. Two suitcases filled with clothing and other essentials already sat by the door. A wry chuckle bubbled up; two suitcases and a box was all it took to hold the life she’d led. Kind of sad in a way, but having moved around a lot after the death of her parents it about summed everything up.

Lau! screamed a familiar voice behind her as a body slammed into her back.

The second they connected Laura knew there was a problem. Her acute hearing picked up her friend’s rapid heartbeat, the sound of blood rushing through the veins and arteries like a siren song - and it made her feel hungry. Struggling to fight back the feeling threatening to overwhelm her, she managed to extricate herself from Jen’s hold, taking a couple of steps forward to put some form of safety barrier between them. A quick glance over to where the unwanted bodyguard stood told her he had picked up on the situation. His look not one of compassion, more like I’ll drag you out if needs be. Deciding it was only right she should reply, a you touch me and your nuts are history glare was tossed in his direction, which apparently unphased him. Maybe to make room for all the muscle he carried, his brain was pea sized. Not bothering about him anymore, she turned to look at Jen.

Hi Jen, she replied hesitantly. It’s good to see you.

Good to see you too. When you said come over I was expecting a girly bonding night, but I gather from the suitcases by the door that’s not happening. So, what’s going on?

Gregori has offered me a job, one which comes with rent free accommodation at his place. Given my current employment situation and diminishing funds, it was just too good of an offer to pass up. Before I terminate my lease though I’m going to donate my furniture to Goodwill, but I want you to take anything you might want first.

Thanks for the offer. But Lau I have to ask, are you really sure about this? Have you thought it through? Don’t get me wrong, it’s fantastic that you’ve got a great job but don’t you think it’s a little too soon to be burning all your bridges?

Burn her bridges? Hell, they had been set on fire, blown up, and turned to ashes. I understand your concern and I appreciate it, but deep down I know this is the right thing for me to do. Given all this I hate to ask, but could you do me a big favor?

You know you can ask me anything.

The people from Goodwill are coming to collect the furniture tomorrow afternoon at two. Could you be here to let them in, and drop the keys at my landlord’s when it’s done?

I will, but only if you agree to one condition.

Gods, what was it with people and their conditions of late? If I can I will. What is it?

That I can come and see you when you are settled.

Laura knew she should run it by Gregori first, but given everything that had happened he would have to accept this on the spot decision.  Sure. Once I’m all settled into my job and place I’ll call you and arrange a night.

Super!

As her friend started to look around, the sound of a grunt from her guard and cases being picked up reached Laura.

Time to go, Miss Davis.

A low growl of annoyance was fought back on hearing the less than subtle order. Guess G had given the behemoth a time limit on how long they were to be away from the mansion and it had been hit. Looked like Gregori and she were going to have another little chat before much longer. Knowing she had no choice but to take the hint, Laura smiled at her friend. Thanks for doing this. I’ve left the keys on the table, once the place is cleared you can drop them off. I’ll let the landlord know to expect them.

Picking up the box she took in the room one last time, her gaze coming back to rest on Jen. Guess I’d better go. I’ll call you soon to sort out the girly night. What more could she say? The moment she stepped over the threshold, a part of her life would be consigned to the past. While it had to happen, it didn’t mean she had to like it. With nothing more left to say or do, she turned and walked out.

With all her worldly possessions stored in the trunk of the car, she watched her guard pull out his phone and fire off a message. Assuming it was to let G know they were heading back Laura left him to it, making her way to one of the passenger side doors of the Mercedes when a feeling of someone watching them made her pause. A quick look around taken revealed a few people were making their way along the sidewalks, most likely heading to clubs before they got too packed. Suddenly the sounds of a scuffle caught her attention, and what she saw filled her with dread. The walking block of muscle assigned to her was under attack. Not wanting to be a helpless spectator she was about to step in and offer some help when an arm wrapped around her throat quickly followed by the sensation of something sharp being pushed against her neck. Instantly a burning sensation spread through her body from the point of impact. Starting to lose consciousness, the last blurry image she saw was her guard’s attacker falling to the ground.

~ ~ ~*~ ~ ~

Since letting Laura leave with the protector he’d assigned, Gregori had done nothing but pace back and forth across the floor of his study and he was seriously in danger of wearing a hole in the carpet.  To pass the time his mind decided it would be fun to play out different scenarios, each one ending in the same way -  with Laura’s death. To say he wasn’t amused didn’t even come close to describing how he was feeling. He trusted the male accompanying her, but that still didn’t stop the nagging voice telling him he should have gone instead. No, his decision was the right one because it showed, or at least he hoped it did, that he trusted her. If you trusted her you wouldn’t have sent a guard with her. Liam was a necessity. He was with her to guarantee her protection more than anything else. You totally sure about that? Yes, he was. You’re scared. Was he?  Laura had shown great restraint around both the doves and the servants, so being near one female shouldn’t pose too much of a problem. What if he was wrong though and she wasn’t ready for this? Being in a place which invoked memories of her old life could weaken her resolve. Shaking his head Gregori tried to push the doubts away. He knew she would be okay.

 Why aren’t you back yet? he murmured, crossing the room for the umpteenth time. A sudden chirping from the phone on the desk grabbed his attention, his long stride eating up in seconds the distance between himself and where it rested. Opening the messages the moment he grabbed it, he saw the new one had come from the bodyguard informing him they were heading back. Even though the news eased his concerns a little, he wouldn’t rest until Laura was home in his arms. Phone set back down, Gregori braced his hands against the polished wood as a sense of foreboding continued to nag at him. Over the centuries he had learned to trust his instincts, and by doing so had walked away from attempts on his life without so much as a scratch. But what had caused them to flare to life now?  There was peace amongst the council and the sections of the city they represented, and Laura was safe. Yet still knowing that he couldn’t shake the sensation something was wrong and it continued to hover over him like an ever darkening storm cloud. Glancing towards the window he looked out at the sky, night taking a stronger hold as his impatience and unease grew even stronger.

Gregori didn’t know how long he’d stared out the window. It was only the sound of his phone ringing again which dragged him back. Picking it up to answer he noticed the time on the screen. Twenty minutes had gone by since he’d received the message from Liam informing him they were on their way home, and given the location of the apartment the Mercedes should have been passing through the main gates by now. Therefore, it was with some confusion he noticed the Caller ID. Liam?

I’m sorry, Mr. Duchan, I was attacked just after we left Miss Davis apartment. Someone has taken her and I have no idea who.

Laura taken? The phone case groaned under his tightening grip as he fought to hold back his temper. His clipped reply was to the point.  Get back here and tell me everything you remember. Even the slightest piece of information could be crucial in helping to find her.

Of course, sir.

The phone slipped from his hand as the call ended clattering onto the desk, the noise echoing through the large room. Now he knew the reason for the dark feeling - Laura had been taken. But by who and for what purpose or reason he had no clue.

~ ~ ~* ~ ~ ~

It had taken more money than Travon had wanted, but in the end the prize gained was worth every penny paid. Seemed Gregori’s pretty houseguest had been turned by the esteemed High Council leader, and he was keeping it secret. Well it had been a secret until one of the spies Travon paid stumbled across the information. Unfortunately for the poor fool who handed the news over, it came with more of a cost than expected. His headless, decaying body a testament to that. After all he couldn’t have anyone else discovering what Duchan had done. It wouldn’t suit his plans at all to have others seeking the female.

Deciding how to take her had called for careful planning and execution but it was all worth it. His research had led him to vervain; a particularly nasty herb for vampires. Two effects it sparked being feverishness and weakness. Both perfect for incapacitating his guest. The muscle he’d employed to take on the bodyguard was most probably on the run, trying to save his own pathetic neck. Frankly it didn’t bother Travon what the Neanderthal did because he had no clue who his employer was so nothing could be dropped on his door step. What, or rather who he wanted was in his hands, and that was all that mattered. Resisting the urge to step on the gas to get them away from the area fast, he held his composure. It wouldn’t do to get pulled over for speeding. The last thing he wanted was to try to explain to inquisitive officers why there was an unconscious female laying in the back.

He felt certain that by now word had gotten back to the Duchan about the abduction. How he wished to see the reaction on the fool’s face at the news. Soon enough though they would meet and on