Unbound, page 15
part #1 of Forbidden Bond Series
NINE~
The rogue looked out over the park beneath the window of his downtown penthouse. He watched the humans milling about from store to store, moving about their lives with no idea of the powerful and dangerous breed of predators moving among them. His people had become cowards, hiding in plain sight from the humans. He was sick and tired of the Council’s rules. He was getting closer to the power needed to breach their ranks and live his life as it was meant to be, without fear of retribution from that panel of weaklings and power junkies. He would rip them apart, turn them against each other and bring about a new era of leadership.
He had almost done it all those years ago, but Leann Vaughn had ruined all his plans. David Deidrick died by his own hand to protect his family and his mate, Leann. It was a very valiant deed. David was to be the bait he used to lure his mate out into the open where she could be taken without the knowledge of her family or injury to the girl. The fact that the couple had been mated was a secret, and David’s capture alone hadn’t been enough to get Leann out in the open. Her family was doggedly protecting her and her ability. The rogue had been certain the news of David’s death would bring her out to attend his memorial, but instead it had crushed his plans entirely. It had been an unfortunate revelation at the time to hear that Leann Vaughn-Deidrick had ended her own life when she learned of David’s death. He’d been gathering power by absorbing the lifeblood of the local vampire youth and, along with it, their abilities. That was the unique talent handed down to him from his grandmother. She could see they shared the trait and taught him never to use his horrible gift. But he had grown sick of that restriction. His grandmother was weak and lacked the courage required to take a life. He didn’t believe he’d been given a talent by mistake, that should not be used.
He’d wanted the Vaughn girl’s precognitive abilities. She was a talented beauty with the sight. He hoped he could convince her to join him. Then he could keep her for himself and not have to kill her to take advantage of her sight. The problem was the unforeseen complication the bond between them caused. It had been the undoing of his plan because the girl so loved her mate that she followed him to the grave as soon as she learned of his death.
“What a waste,” he scoffed. He retreated into the shadows and waited for an opportunity to present itself again. The memory of hiding, of being thwarted by a love-struck girl made his stomach turn. How romantic, how pathetic, that the bad guy’s evil plan had been foiled by true love.
Recently, he had acquired a handy tool in his search for the perfect abilities. The Davis boy’s talent would move things along. Instead of resorting to snatching kids off the street and testing them for extrasensory abilities, he could now discover their abilities with just a touch. He had planned to snatch every spoiled vamp brat he had to in search of power or information that would lead him to it. With the power he absorbed from the Davis boy, and the lucky find of the mystery girl at the club, he could put his plan into motion.
Smiling in anticipation, he stepped over the body he’d just drained. Sending the kids back alive had proven to be too big a risk. The Council had been drilling the Prince girl since she awoke from her drug-induced haze. It hadn’t done them any good, but he wouldn’t continue to take that chance. He still had one hostage. The son of a Council member, a wonderful bargaining chip, should not be wasted. He had no extraordinary power so there was nothing to be gained. He would detain the kid until he was ready to cash in the chip.
* * *
Cayden sat in the lobby waiting for Chase to come down from his penthouse. Chase had discovered the convenience of having his ‘meals’ delivered to his home after he was forced to deal with it when Danielle was under his care. Now he was enjoying it, and currently finishing up with a sweet little redhead. They were going to lunch with Griffin Vaughn today, so Chase needed to get a move on before the limo arrived. Mr. Vaughn needed all the information they could give regarding Danielle and her attacker. His mind began to wander over the events of that night, when Cayden was startled by a voice that sent chills down his spine. Her voice was like fingernails on a blackboard.
“Are you boys ready? Daddy is waiting in the car.” Samantha peered at him over her designer sunglasses. How could such an annoying creature come in such a pretty package?
“I didn’t realize you were coming, Sam. Chase hasn’t come down yet. I’ll call him again.” Cayden went for his cell.
“No, wait. I’m kind of glad to find you alone. I think we should talk. And could you please stop calling me Sam?” She put her hand on Cayden’s arm to stop him from retrieving his cell.
“What could you possibly want to talk to me about, Sam?” He enjoyed watching her grimace at the use of her childhood nickname. She tried so hard to be a grown up but she was just barely eighteen, and to him she was still the little girl that would run and cry to her mom because he and Chase wouldn’t play tea party with her. Some things never change. She was still pissed because they wouldn’t play her games, only now she wanted to play adult games.
“You see, Cayden, I believe we have a common interest. I am interested in keeping this new toy of Chase’s away from him. She’s all shiny and new to him now, so he’s obsessed and doesn’t want to play with anything else. He thinks he loves her, but he’ll grow tired of her, just like he does with the rest of his playthings.” Samantha waved her hand in a dismissive gesture, as if to wave her competition away.
Cayden’s brow furrowed in annoyance, “What’s your point, Sam? This has nothing to do with me.”
“The point is that I hadn’t missed the way you looked at the half-naked tramp when we were in Chase’s room the other day. I also didn’t miss the lost puppy expression on that sweet face of yours when you came back in from chasing her down. Neither did I miss the dreamy way you described her collapsing sadly into your arms in the hall. I can’t believe Chase hasn’t seen it yet, but I see it clearly. You want that girl, too, don’t you Cayden?” Sam raised a perfectly shaped eyebrow at Cayden. She was daring him to deny the truth. He kept looking at the elevator, hoping Chase would hurry. Cayden wanted nothing to do with Sam’s conniving ways.
“I don’t need an answer because it’s all over your face, Cayden. Why should Chase always get what he wants? He has tons of girls and he is going to be bonded in the near future. Why can’t you date her if he can’t be with her anyway? She walked out on him, right? I mean, who could blame the girl? He did lie to her to get her into bed.” Samantha was encouraging him to see things her way and planting the image of Chase in bed with a girl Cayden so clearly wanted. A muscle in Cayden’s jaw began to work and his eye’s flashed to black.
“He did not sleep with her! We were helping her. He was doing what Doc said, that’s all, Sam.” Cayden didn’t want to think of what Chase may have done with Dani if Sam hadn’t shown up. He’d never been so happy to see her as he was that day. She had busted up Chase’s little love nest right on time. Cayden was doing his best to pretend he had no interest in Dani until Chase lost interest. Chase always lost interest after a while. The night they met her Cayden had hopes it wouldn’t take too long due to the way Dani dissed Chase. He made the mistake of calling Chase the night he came across her drunk and in need of a hand at a party. He should have just moved in on her then, but he knew Chase would have caused trouble for him if he weren’t done pursuing her. Cayden always deferred to Chase’s wishes. It’s just how it had always been. Then Danielle told him he was beautiful. She thought this rough-edged, arrogant guy that did all he could do to put off angry vibes of aggression to keep others away, was beautiful. The words and the soft, honest expression on her face stunned him. He decided to take her home with him and let Chase sniff around in circles all night. Then Chase showed up and snatched Dani right out of his car. Damn it!
“Touchy much? Don’t get your shorts in a twist, big boy. I don’t blame you. I guess she is pretty in a freaky punk sort of way, if that’s what you like. You sure he hasn’t hit it yet? They looked awfully familiar with each other when we walked in to find him all wrapped around her in bed.” Samantha knew she had him and she was stoking the flames of jealously and encouraging Cayden’s imagination to run with that memory.
He turned to look at her, anger apparent in the set of his jaw, “Get to the damn point Sam! I’m not gonna stand around and listen to someone of your ‘experience’ tear her down, and her hair is natural by the way. I’d like to see you tell your father his hair is freaky.” He hesitated a moment, “You should really watch your step, Sam. She’s more talented than you can imagine.”
“Are you really that stupid? You want her and I want him. I don’t care what she can do. I just don’t want her sharing her ‘talents’ with Chase. You need to find a way to get closer to her while I keep him tied up with Daddy and Council business. I’m going to be co-chairing the gala committee with him, and that’ll mean a lot of time together in the next several weeks. Daddy will be talking to him about the schedule today. It’s expected that he will ask me to the gala. That would be the perfect time to let Chase see how she prefers you. That is, if you can convince her to attend the gala with you. You can be the one to introduce the new girl to our society. I bet if we play our cards right, you could be bonded before too long yourself.”
Samantha could now see the wheels turning in Cayden’s head as he paced the floor in front of her. This was easier than she expected, but just in case she may as well try to push him as far as she could.
“If you can’t handle it, let me know and I’ll find another male to distract her. I’m sure I can find another guy that would love to try her on for size, if you know what I mean.”
Cayden’s head snapped up and he glared at Samantha.
“I’ll keep her busy. You keep your bloodhounds away from her. I’ll do my part, but don’t blame me if you can’t do yours. Chase is not going to give up easily, and he won’t wanna be with you until he’s forced to by a blood bond.”
“The truth may hurt Sam, but that doesn’t make it any less true.” Sam looked at him as if he had just slapped her.
Just then, Chase came off the elevator with a sleepy looking redhead under his arm. He froze when Samantha came into view. He whispered something to the girl and she left on wobbly legs. “What are you doing here, Sam?”
“Hello, Darling. I’m here for our lunch date. Daddy has been waiting so we should get a move on.” She turned and wagged her ass all the way out to the car.
“What is she up to, Cayden?”
“Looks like you two are going to be spending some quality time together planning the gala. Congrats!” Cayden slapped him on the back in sympathy on the way to the car.
When they arrived at the country club, Griffin had to make the rounds at the bar, socializing and rubbing elbows before taking his seat. Today he insisted Chase go with him to watch and learn. This gave Samantha more time to drive home the fact that Chase was being groomed for the Council and prepared to be bonded. Over lunch, they discussed plans for the gala and planned for Chase to come over and meet with Samantha frequently for the next several weeks in preparation. They would be attending several meetings with vendors to assure a smooth-running event. Chase knew this was an attempt by Samantha and their respective parents to kindle a romance between them. He was thinking Brandi was looking better and better every day. After lunch, Samantha was pissed when her father dismissed her so the men could talk. The guys relayed everything they knew about Danielle and the attempted kidnapping.
“We haven’t found Nathan yet, but Vince won’t give up. He feels responsible. He does all the hiring and this guy made it past him.” Chase decided not to admit to knowing her last name. He found it odd that Griffin would not know a member of his family was attending college so close to his home. There can’t be any relation but sitting across the table from Griffin the resemblance between him and Danielle was striking. It was hard to dismiss it when they even had the same hair, the same chestnut color, and the same streaks that looked like purposely placed snow colored highlights.
“I think I should meet this girl. If she’s all you boys say she is we may need to contact her family and place her under our protection until we get this mess sorted out. If her talents were to fall into the wrong hands it would be disastrous.” Both the boys stiffened at this comment. “Do either of you have a number for her? Cayden, maybe you can go pick her up and bring her over? I’ll be home all evening.”
Chase spoke up quickly, “No. I will go get her, Mr. Vaughn. She’s a friend of mine,” he wheedled.
“Really? I was given the impression, by Samantha, the girl wasn’t speaking to you and that I should go through Cayden to reach her.” Griffin turned.
“Are you friends with the girl also, Cayden?”
“Yes, sir, I know just where to find her.” Cayden beamed and was now thanking his lucky stars for Samantha. He knew Chase was cursing her with a fierce fury for interfering.
“I would be more than happy to speak with her, Mr. Vaughn. I’m sure she’ll cooperate,” Cayden assured Griffin.
Chase was now banking on the fact that once Griffin met Danielle he would want her protected. He had the advantage in this situation.
“Mr. Vaughn, I live five minutes from the university. I would be glad to put her up in my spare bedroom if she needs protection. It would be convenient for her to get to school. I have the space and security in the lobby of my building. You still live at home, about thirty minutes from the university, right Cayden?”
“Yes, that’s correct.” Cayden tried to control his scowl as he answered.
“I will speak with the girl and decide if protection is in order. We’ll speak again after I decide where she will be safest, if protection is called for.” Griffin was beginning to sense tension between the young vampire males. He couldn’t wait to meet the girl that had everyone so worked up. She must be a beauty.
The two young males were now jockeying for position. They didn’t speak to each other directly the rest of the afternoon, and Samantha sat back to enjoy the fruit of her labor. Chase would not want to spend so much time with his party animal of a friend when he stepped in to sweep away Chase’s new toy. She would get rid of Cayden and Danielle in one shot.
* * *
Cayden didn’t bother to say goodbye to Chase when they were dropped off in front of his building. Chase had spent the afternoon reminding Cayden of his authority and social standing. When the driver opened the door for him, he bowed his head respectfully to Mr. Vaughn and exited the vehicle in search of a fight. That could be hard to find. His size alone made most people stay out of his way. He was six and a half feet of hewn muscle that screamed menace. Cayden Paris came from a long line of warrior class vampires. They were the strongest of their species and took great honor in protecting their community and families. So, Cayden had an inborn temper and an aggressive streak that just wouldn’t quit. His father, Gage Paris, was the commander of the warrior class, who reported directly to the Council. By all rights, Cayden should be well on his way to following in his father’s footsteps. Until now, he had had no interest in becoming a warrior. It was a source of disappointment for his father. Of course, Cayden had plenty of training. He’d been wrestling and sparring with his father pretty much since birth. He was deadly with a gun, and as accurate as any warrior with a blade, but hand-to-hand combat gave him the most pleasure. He enjoyed making others submit to his strength.
Right now he was pissed off and ready to break someone’s face. Stalking off to his car, he decided to pay his father a visit. Maybe he could work out some aggression at the compound. Samantha should have left him alone. He was used to the way things are. Chase was from a ruling house and Cayden never had a problem dealing with his dominate nature. It had always been that way. They grew up together. Gage, Griffin and Chase’s father were good friends so their families mingled often. Cayden was comfortable in the knowledge of his lower-class status. It never mattered as long as Cayden wasn’t eyeing something or someone Chase wanted. Now, all he could think of was Danielle. He realized that Sam had been playing a head game with him in order to secure her own happiness, but she made some valid points. There was no reason he shouldn’t be able to pursue Danielle. Chase would do nothing but break her heart in the end. She would be nothing but a memory once he was bound to Sam. The one good thing about being lower class was he would bond to someone for love, not out of obligation or duty to his house.
His father was in a meeting when he arrived, so Cayden went to the locker room and changed. There was no shortage of warriors willing to spar, so Cayden made himself busy getting bloody knuckles and working out his pent up rage. He’d need to be calm when he went to see Danielle. His father’s satisfied look of pride when he left the ring was worth the world to Cayden. He didn’t like disappointing his father. Today would be the end of his resistance. Cayden would join the warriors and make his father proud. The thought of having purpose made him feel oddly settled. His life would be about more than just the next party or night out on the town. Cayden would make himself worthy of his family name. He would be worthy of Danielle, and he’d make it his job to protect her. He would use his father’s authority to be assigned to her detail and personally assure her safety. Chase would use his father’s influence to get Dani under his roof. Cayden had to use his father’s sway to make sure he would be right there beside her, no matter where she ended up in the end.
“Dad, we need to talk. I’ve been doing a lot of soul searching lately. I need to start thinking about the future and what I’m going to do with my life. I’m ready to join your ranks, if you’ll still have me. I hope you can forgive me for my hesitation in the past, but I wanted to be sure I was ready for the commitment. I am now, Dad. It would be an honor to serve you and our people.” Cayden spoke to his father from the heart. Every warrior in sight stopped and watched father and son staring at each other.
