Page 6 of Unsanctioned
He felt Audor smile against his neck. “That’s okay. I’ve got you.” Audor urged him to turn and stepped into his arms. Before Waylon had time to decide where things were headed, his feet were swept across the floor. Music fired to life. Their dance was slow at first before the music changed to something fast. Before long, laughter bounced from the walls of his tiny kitchen as he tried to keep up with Audor. The sound was silenced whenAudor’s mouth covered his. Waylon had never felt so much, and he didn’t understand why.
“I take it you’re no longer seeing Audor.”
The words ripped Waylon from one of the few good memories he kept for only himself. He glanced over. A vampire who had come with Leif leaned his hip against the counter and studied Waylon, waiting for a response.
“Sorry. I don’t remember your name.” It was all Waylon could think to say. Obviously, he had become the talk of the town already.
“I’ll bet. You were with Audor when we met. I don’t think you even looked away from him to catch my name, much less match it with a face.”
Gods. He hurt. Why had this vampire come to torture him?
“It’s Stone.”
Waylon had a hard time looking at the guy’s eyes. All vampires had an unnatural glow that saw too much. “That’s modern for a vampire.” He had nothing to talk about.
“Or just unoriginal for peasant parents.”
Despite everything, a chuckle escaped Waylon at the humor in Stone’s voice. Waylon sipped his beer.
Stone took it from him and set it aside. “You don’t know much about matters of the heart, do you? Otherwise, you’d be outside with me, fighting fire with fire.”
Waylon finally met Stone’s stare at the comment. Interest flashed back at him. Waylon didn’t think it was personal. He had a feeling vamps were just a horny lot.
Stone didn’t stop. “Sometimes, people think they’re through until that jealousy stirs.” He took a step closer, invading Waylon’s space. “You’re just as capable of that as he is.” Stone’s gaze moved to Waylon’s lips. “More so, I’d say.”
“I’ll get a beer later.”
Waylon’s gaze shot to the kitchen doorway just in time to see Audor’s retreating form.
A low chuckle slipped from Stone. “Now it’s a party.” He handed Waylon back his beer. “Come on, sexy. Don’t let him see you hurt.” He took Waylon’s free hand and headed for the backyard. Waylon went with his heart in his throat. He didn’t know what was happening to his life, but he let it happen. Stone was right. Two could play this game. If Audor didn’t want him, someone else would. He wouldn’t play the fool.
A hot coal burned inside Audor’s gut. It felt a little like jealousy. The night became like a tennis match. Each time Waylon served him a helping of jealousy, Audor hit back just as hard. By the time darkness fell and everyone had drunk way more than their share of alcohol, Stone sat on Waylon’s knee and Fen stared at Audor like his next meal. Things were a mess. He felt like all eyes were on them, waiting to see who broke first. It was a nightmare.
Audor tried tuning out everyone’s thoughts. Waylon’s hurt, anger, and determination to punish him was beating at Audor’s brain. He couldn’t be the only vampire who felt it. Audor had never experienced such deep hatred focused his way… and Lucifer had ripped off his leg.
“I can feel your hunger.”
Audor tore his gaze away from where Waylon rubbed Stone’s back. He focused on Fen. “What?”
A wicked smile stretched Fen’s lips. “You’re hungry. When was the last time you fed?”
Audor searched his mind. He was an ancient. Audor could go weeks without feeding. Since he started sleeping with Waylon, he hadn’t drunk from anyone else. Waylon’s blood was strong. An alpha’s blood held him longer than any human’s or other vampire’s would. He hadn’t even thought of blood in a while. Now that Fen mentioned it, he was starving. He had just ignored the sensation. The thought of sinking his fangs into anyone other than Waylon hurt his chest. He swore he felt Waylon’s stare, as if he too suddenly felt Audor’s need to feed.
Fen stood and took his hand. “Come on. We’ll step out of sight.”
Audor allowed Fen to lead him to the side of the house where no one could see. Darkness shadowed them, but Audor’s perfect night vision showed him everything.
Fen backed him against the cabin. The rough wall met his shoulder blades. Fen stalked him, closing the gap between them. His fangs peeked out, as if he was the one getting ready to bite. Audor could practically smell Fen’s lust. He begged for Audor’s bite. His pulse beat in Audor’s ears. He leaned closer—like a moth being drawn to the flame. Audor couldn’t resist the call.
An angry growl rent the air.
Fen went flying backward.
Audor blinked in confusion, still under the spell of his needs.
An enraged alpha was there in all his glory. He was terrifying, even knowing vampires were technically the stronger species. Waylon was still the top dog in this town. His wrath was epic.
Leif held Fen back. Fen kept trying to dissipate and escaped the hold to get at Waylon. Leif simply stuck with him every step of the way. They had been best friends for centuries. Leif wouldn’t let Fen get involved in this.
