Page 70 of Craving Her Vampire

I glance one more time at Lace’s window before continuing.

I resist the urge to reach for the knife in my waistband. Since coming to Micah’s place, I haven’t had any use for it. If it weren’t for the bond pushing me to return to my mate, the past few days seem like a dream. I’m walking back into hell, willingly giving myself over to the monster of my reality, except I have a monster on my side; well, several monsters. Thinking of the fear and shock on Turner’s face if he was faced with Micah makes me grin.

Fuck, he would piss himself.

I could have brought Micah with me and seen the vision in real life, but the need to finish this on my own is fierce. At least the first part of the fight. I know Turner wouldn’t talk if he faced the wall of power from my friends. Micah could make him, but I have to be the one to get the answers. I have stayed in a house of hell for too long for it to be for nothing. I did it for my brother. If I let others finish the job I started years ago, wouldn’t it be like I’m giving up my fight?

I pause, lean against the brick of a building, and pull out my phone. Lace was scared when I made the mistake of telling her about my plan. I understand her fear, but I was more scared for her, getting hurt because of me. I am reassured she is protected in the middle of our new friends.

It would be so much easier just to call the fucker. Turner was paranoid and switched phones all the time. He gave me his number once, but the following week he changed it. I don’t know how many burner phones sat in his desk drawer. I text Micah that I’m good, no sign of Turner, and to give me the time I need to draw the fucker out. After ensuring the ringer is off, I slide it back into my pocket and push off the wall.

I’m slowly approaching Lace’s business. Turner knows I wouldn’t leave her unprotected. I thought he would have someone watching and reporting back to him. Lace loves this place. I hate that I was the cause of its destruction. Micah fixed the door and gave me the key. He doesn’t ask; he just does. He sees a problem and fixes it. I think it’s sweet.

Pulling the key from my pocket, I unlock the door. As I pass through the doorway, the smell of books hits me. I love it. I associate the smell with Lace, and her scent is sprinkled with it. I shut the door but leave it unlocked.

Most of the books are scattered across the floor. Lace is probably anxious to come back here to clean up. I wish she could. I didn’t read much when we met, but she introduced me to the idea of getting lost in a make-believe world. It opened my eyes to a way I could escape the life I was forced to live. I pick up a book, brush off the cover, and ruffle through the pages. I loved living in someone else’s world. She told me it was how she survived a horrible childhood and now lived her dream, sharing her love of reading with others.

It’s sad, and it pisses me off that he took it from her. Some of them can be saved, but he tore through everything. Shelves are knocked over. Did he think I hid the coin in a book?

Once everything is settled, I’ll help her rebuild.

When the door opens, I tilt my head to the side. I smell him. He was lurking nearby, or his men were. The plan is working, but I still feel a little fear of being near him again.

“What happened to my men?” he growls as he slams the door. He brought two men from the pack. I flinch from the echo of the lock engaging, but I don’t turn around yet.

No fear. No urgency to face him. It shows him I’m not afraid to have my back turned. I lock down my emotions, shoving them behind the mask of indifference.

The book in my hand is placed slowly, carefully on the one shelf still standing. I stare at it momentarily and then brush my hands on my jeans before turning. He does look like he hasn’t showered since I saw him last. His hands are balled into fists at his side, and he’s glaring. I don’t glance at the other men. Their scent identifies them as William and Shawn. Total assholes. They both tried to force their advances but didn’t get far.I take a couple of steps closer. I stop and put my hands on my hips.

“I killed them. I don’t like being chased through the forest.” I move within reach. “Unless it’s a man who I plan to fuck,” I grin gleefully.

Chapter Twenty

Daisy

There have been many times I’ve pissed Turner off, but this is a different level. His cheeks redden, and his rage floods his scent.

“What did you just say?” he asks and takes a threatening step.

“Careful,” I advise, flashing my claws. “Remember, you’re fond of your dick.” I lift my eyebrows at Shawn. “Your finger was painful to grow back. Do you have all the sensation back yet?” He growls and takes a step, but Turner slaps his chest.

“You knew I would be watching the witch bitch’s building,” he guesses. “What was your plan?”

I laugh softly, which angers him more, but being asked the question numerous times today is funny.

“A deal,” I state, and he narrows his eyes. I put my claws away.

“What kind of deal?” he asks.

“Don’t pretend not to know,” I sneer. “What have we been fighting about for years?”

“Your brother,” he spits. “My coin.”

“Ding, ding, ding,” I sing, shaking my finger. “You want the coin, and I want my brother.”

“You’ll give me the coin?” he asks.

“I will.” I turn my back and wander around.

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