The Vampire SEAL Collection, page 77
“Jo, I want to speak to you outside.”
Dad’s voice pulled me from my drunken stupor over Webb. It took every ounce of energy to knit the molecules back together in my brain so that my feet would move. If Dad had read any of my thoughts, I didn’t care, not in the least.
When we were in the hall, Dad rubbed his jaw. “You—”
“I know, Dad. Webb asked you if he could take me out. I was going to ask you if I could go, but I haven’t had the chance.”
“You have my permission. I know he’ll be a gentleman, but that’s not why we’re out here. You and Sam need to wrap this up with Ben and Darcy. I don’t want you around when Mr. Jackson arrives.”
“Why?” I scrunched my nose.
“Fewer questions. Fewer emotional outbursts. Sam is headed out to train with Tripp. Say your goodbyes. Webb is ready to go. He needs some time off anyway. Sloan is standing in to help for the day.” Dad kissed me on the forehead and went back into the room.
This was one time I wasn’t going to argue with Dad. After seeing the drool-worthy vampire in jeans and a T-shirt, not to mention a smile that sizzled my insides, I didn’t know if I could even speak to anyone. Still, I had a few things to clear up with Ben. This should be easy, but why did my stomach suddenly hurt? Why did I have to do this just before the start of what I hoped was going to be a wonderful day? Well, it had to be done.
Buck up. Talk to Ben.
Yeah. So, were you not there when Ben said, “When this is over, Jo, we need to talk.” I screamed back at my inner voice.
I straightened my posture, took in a deep breath, and then walked in, stopping near the door.
Sam and Darcy were still chatting with Ben. Webb and Dad were whispering about something near the far window.
My pulse began to race. There were too many people in the room. If I was going to talk with Ben, I couldn’t do it in front of everyone. I’d already been through that once, and it had been painful, especially with Webb and Dad in the room.
I kept my focus on Ben this time. I needed to get my head in the game if I wanted to get this over with. Looking at Webb would only make me more nervous.
“Sam, it’s time. You need to go,” Dad said.
No doubt Dad had read my mind.
“Hey, buddy, you get better. You’re in good hands with Dr. Vieira,” Sam said.
He and Ben exchanged some weird handshake before Sam stopped next to me.
“Have a great time today, sis,” he whispered in my ear. “Love you.”
Then he was gone.
“Darcy, can you please go with Webb? Dr. Vieira wants to check you one more time before your father arrives.” Dad said. “Lieutenant, Dr. Vieira is in his office.”
Darcy said her goodbyes to Ben, then walked over to me.
“Jo, can I give you a hug?” she asked.
I looked to Dad for permission. I didn’t have to, but he seemed to be directing traffic.
He nodded.
“Sure,” I replied.
We hugged each other. As soon as I wrapped my arms around her, my eyes watered. I did miss her. She could be annoying at times, but she had a heart of gold. She was the only person at Durfee High School who came to my rescue that day in gym class when Blake Turner tripped me and I fell face-first into the mud. I hated that she was caught up in all this.
“I’m sorry about everything, Darcy. I’ve really missed you. Maybe we can hang out sometime.”
I had no clue if we could or how that would work. For now, we needed time to settle things. If her dad were mixed up with vampires, maybe our paths would cross again soon.
“I would love that. I have one stipulation, though. No biting. If you bite me then I’ll have to bite back.”
I laughed.
“Darcy,” Webb said, touching her shoulder.
“He’s hot by the way,” she whispered in my ear.
Same old Darcy I loved. Always checking out the opposite sex.
No doubt Webb heard what she said.
“Don’t give him a big head,” I whispered back, grinning at the vampire standing behind her.
She let go and disappeared with Webb.
I let out a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. It was crazy. Somehow it was easier to talk to Ben in a fit of rage and panic and hunger on a sinking boat than it was right now in the quiet of the room. All that aside, I did owe him an apology, actually, for two reasons. I wanted to explain why I couldn’t go to the dance with him. I felt that we hadn’t closed the book on that one. Plus, I was a jerk to him on the boat when he was trying to tell me he was sorry. But more importantly, I owed him a huge thank you for saving my life.
You can do this. You have to do this.
“Jo, I’ll be right outside,” Dad said. “Make it quick, though.”
Ha. Quick? We’ll see.
I waited for Dad to leave before I made my way over to the bed.
Ben studied me for a long second. “It’s really good to see you,” he said. “You look fantastic, by the way.”
“You too.” Tears pooled in my eyes.
“I’m so glad you’re alive, Jo.” He reached out and took my hand. “I can’t believe we’re both here.”
“I know. I thought you were dead. When I saw that wave swallow you…Anyway.” I gulped in air. “Thank you for tying me to that buoy, and saving my life. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be here.”
“You don’t have to thank me. I’d do anything to save you, Jo.” His voice was soft.
“I still don’t know how we survived all that.”
He tugged me lightly, motioning me to sit down. So I did. Then he brushed a tear that fell with his fingertips.
“How did you tie me to that buoy? You went under with the large wave.”
I sat facing him with one knee bent.
He placed his hand on my leg. “After the wave washed over me, I was able to swim to the surface. When I did, you were floating toward me, unconscious. I tried to get you to wake up, but I think you swallowed too much water. I managed to get both of us to the buoy this time. The waves were still out of control. We were thrashing around pretty good. My arms were weak, and I was getting tired. I couldn’t hold you and hold on myself. So, I ripped off my shirt and tied you to the buoy. I had just finished when a wave swallowed us and I went under. That was the last thing I remember.”
“Thank you, again,” I whispered. “Ben, I’m also sorry—”
“Don’t, Jo. I’m the one that should be apologizing. I’m sorry about what I said about vampires. I don’t think of you like you’re a ‘fucking vampire’. I just don’t see you as a vampire period.”
“What?” I asked.
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. How could he not see me as a vampire?
I was about to stand when he said, “Please, let me explain.”
I straightened my posture, pulling back slightly.
“I could’ve killed you on that boat,” I reminded him.
“I don’t believe that you would have, Jo.”
“Did you lose a brain cell in the ocean?”
He was stubborn. Or was he insane?
“Remember that night in the women’s barracks, after you got the news that you would have to turn vampire to save Sam?” he asked.
I nodded. I did remember that night. We talked and something sparked between us, but I was human then.
“I’ve always liked you, Jo. But that night, I realized how much I did like you. I told you that night I didn’t want to lose you. I still don’t. I don’t care that you’re a vampire. To me you’re still the same person I knew as a human. I care about you, Jo.”
I sprung off the bed, backing away.
“Ben, I’m not the same person. I’m not even the same species as you.”
“I get that,” he said. “We could try to make us work.”
“What about Darcy? You kissed her on the boat.”
I ran my fingers through my hair and let out a deep breath.
“We’re just friends,” he said.
“What? Friends don’t kiss like that,” I said shockingly.
“She was frightened. I thought it would help to calm her,” he replied. “Jo, we could start slow, you and me.”
“Ben, you’re not listening. There is no you and me.”
“I saw how you struggled when I was sitting in your father’s office. I saw the look in your eyes,” he said in an unwavering tone.
“You’re right. When you saw me in my father’s office, I was struggling. Not for the reasons you think, though. It took every ounce of energy I had not to sink my fangs into you. That’s what I feel. Do you get it?”
A muscle in his jaw ticked, his lips tightening.
A long few seconds of silence settled in the room.
His nostrils flared. “I don’t give a shit,” he said, raising his voice.
“I’m a vampire, Ben. I’m not human. When will you get that through your head? I spoke in a calm tone, holding back my anger.
All that serum that was injected into him had to be messing with his brain.
“Look.” I moved closer to the bed. “I’m ecstatic that you’re alive. I’m overjoyed that you saved my life. I care what happens to you. I consider you a good friend.”
His eyes bored into me, like he was trying to change me back to a human.
“Pumpkin, is everything okay in here?” Dad asked. I looked to see him leaning in the doorway.
The door to the room was never closed. I imagined Dad had been listening the entire time.
“Yes,” I said to Dad. Then I turned back my attention to Ben. “Just so we’re clear. I care what happens to you. I would like to be friends. However, if being friends is not possible, I understand.” My tone rose with every sentence.
I wanted to wrap my hands around his throat and shake some sense into him.
“Are you leaving with Webb?” Ben asked. Anger threaded through his words.
“Son, that is none of your business,” Dad cut in.
I jerked my head toward Dad. His eyes silvered.
Power charged the room. Ben was about to piss off the most powerful vampire. Christ! Didn’t he learn his lesson with Webb? He had no idea what he was getting himself into.
“Dad, stay out of this,” I pleaded.
I needed to leave. Ben’s anger was climbing and fast, but I had to make sure he understood.
“Ben…”
Before I could finish the sentence, Ben reached out and yanked my wrist, pulling me onto the bed. God, he was strong. I landed in his lap.
In a blur Dad had his hand around Ben’s arm.
“What do you think you’re doing? Remove your hands from my daughter,” Dad said through gritted teeth.
“What’s going on?” Webb had returned. His eyes narrowed and he stilled.
“Get her out of here, Lieutenant,” Dad growled.
Ben stared at me like I was the spawn of the devil before his gaze darted to Webb.
“Ben, let her go,” Webb said calmly.
“Listen to him, son,” Dad added.
After several long quiet seconds that felt like hours, Ben released me.
I stood up. “Why are you acting this way?”
Ben jerked his head toward me. “I told you I wasn’t giving up. I’m not, Jo.” His voice was shaky.
“Humans and vamps just won’t work, Ben. Why can’t you get that?” I asked.
“Because I don’t agree,” Ben snapped.
“Lieutenant, now.” Dad’s deep voice indicated he was on the verge of exploding.
Webb took hold of my hand. “Jo, let’s go,” he intoned.
I stared at Ben as Webb tugged me to the door. Anger painted Ben’s face red.
“I’m sorry, Ben,” I said before I lost eye contact with him and the door to his room closed.
Why didn’t he understand? Why would he lash out in front of my father?
When Webb and I made it into the elevator, he pushed the button for the lobby.
Once the doors were closed, he pulled me to him.
“Are you okay?”
I nodded once. “I don’t get it. Why would he act like that?” I asked, more rhetorically than anything.
“I don’t know. But let’s get out of here.” He leaned down and placed a light kiss on my lips when the elevator doors opened.
While my heart skipped like a schoolgirl playing hopscotch from his gentle kiss, I was still baffled and angry with Ben.
Damn it! This is supposed to be a good day. No, a great day. I have a date with a sexy-as-hell vampire. My first date, no less.
When we walked out into the warm sunshine, I froze.
“What’s wrong, beautiful?”
“Is that for us?” My mouth hung open.
He held out his hand. “Yes. Now, come on.”
I walked toward the tall man in a black suit who held the door to the limo open, and tears came to my eyes. A limo!
All thought vanished. Nothing mattered at this moment except one vampire.
We had been on the road for over an hour. The car was still dead silent for some reason. Maybe it was my nerves keeping my brain from functioning. I’d never been in a limo before, and I had no idea where we were going.
Suddenly, anxiety took hold of me. My hands became clammy, my throat became dry, and the inside of the car became too small. I started tapping my foot.
“You don’t have to be nervous,” Webb said, placing his hand on my knee. “There’s nothing scary about this. We’re safe.”
My brain screamed in laughter. Nervous. Safe. Yikes. I wasn’t worried about my safety. However, he was right. I was afraid, but not for the reasons he might think. Did he think I’d been out on dates before? Heck, did he even know that I hadn’t ever been kissed until his lips grazed across mine in the prison cell?
I turned. “I know we’re safe.”
I actually got out those words.
“Then why are you afraid?” he asked, his voice soft.
“Where are we going?” I asked as the city disappeared behind us, ignoring his question.
“We’re going up the coast to Maine.”
“What’s in Maine?”
“You’ll see. Now, I asked you a question, beautiful.”
He really didn’t play fair. How could I not answer him when he called me beautiful? I darted my gaze between Webb and the driver.
As if he understood my silent gesture, Webb said, “It’s okay. You don’t have to answer me right now.”
I could have talked to him telepathically, but I wasn’t ready to bear my secrets just yet.
We rode in silence once more. My body relaxed as Webb traced figures of eight on my leg.
“Mr. London, another fifteen minutes,” the driver finally said.
“He called you Mr. London.” Surprise tinged my voice.
“You have a problem with that?” Webb grinned.
“No. I guess I’m just used to people calling you Lieutenant.”
“I’m not working. And George is a…family friend.”
“So why would he call you by your last name if he’s a family friend?”
“Well, let me rephrase. George works for my family,” he said.
A crease formed between my brows. “I thought it was just you and…” I stopped short. I didn’t want to ruin the day by bringing up his sister.
“There’s a lot you don’t know about me. In time you will, though,” he said.
His silky tone promised a future of guilty pleasures.
The limo pulled into a long driveway that led up to a cottage-style home.
“Where are we?”
“This is my hideaway.”
“You own this house?” I sat up straighter in the seat.
He nodded. “I come here when I have time off, which isn’t often.”
“Miss,” George said, extending his hand to me through my open door.
When did he stop the car and open my door?
Hesitating, I swallowed.
“Jo, please don’t be afraid.” Webb slid out on his side.
I placed my shaky hand on top of George’s palm. Thank God he had hold of it. My body trembled. Webb came around and replaced George’s hand with his own.
“Come on,” Webb said excitedly.
The place was breathtaking. The two-story, shingle-sided home had four dormers on the front, and a large porch that wrapped around three sides, disappearing into the back as though it was a path to the pristine ocean behind it. Rocking chairs adorned the front porch while plants and flowers decorated the steps and the ground below it. Rose bushes climbed a trellis on the right side. A water fountain took center stage in the front yard, surrounded by the greenest carpet of grass. In the distance, waves crashed against the shore.
He leaned down, his breath tickling my ear. “Do you like it?”
“It’s amazing.” I closed my eyes and inhaled. The salt air drifted up, mixing with his clean, soapy scent.
“I’m glad you do.” He threaded his fingers through mine. “Let me show you the inside.”
As I climbed the steps, a sudden thought flashed in mind. Did Kate own this house too?
Webb opened the door, waving me in first.
Thoughts of his sister went out the window when I entered and my mouth fell open.
The entire first floor was completely open. A high ceiling exposed thick beams, which traveled from one side to the other, giving the home an expansive feel. A fireplace, a large leather couch, two oversized chairs, and a couple of tables took up the majority of the left half. To the right, a bar separated a small kitchen from the rest of the room. All that paled in comparison to the awesome view in the distance. The sun glinted off the Atlantic Ocean, throwing bright light through the floor-to-ceiling swivel doors that sat slightly ajar. A breeze trickled in, carrying with it the salt air.
I made my way to the back, and stood admiring the view. The waves roared, repeating their pull and push routine against the shore.
“What do you think?” Webb said, encircling his arms around me from behind.
“It’s…beautiful,” I whispered, my voice escaping me.
“Just like you,” he whispered back, nuzzling his nose behind my ear.
I leaned back into him. I was standing with Webb London in his house overlooking a breathtaking scene. I was surprised I could even speak.
