Chapter 9

Another side of him.



I stared at him with shock, thinking that after all, I needed his help. He was indeed powerful, and I was so fed up sitting on my arse, waiting to hear back from my dad. If other vampires were involved in abducting Claudia, then I knew I had to stick with him, at least for now.
"Do you always get what you want?" I looked at him, taking a small sip of my wine. I knew that if I drank too much, my energy would flare up, so I needed to slow down. Nathaniel La Caz knew way too much about me already, and he made me nervous. My insecurities and secrets were much more complex than he ought to know.
"Yes, most of the time I get what I want." His eyes were focused on my lips. "May I just say that you look very beautiful this evening?"
I laughed. The wine gave me a little bit more courage, but awareness of him being so close to me sent a wave of energy through my core. "You don’t look so bad yourself."
“Tell me about your magic. It seems that sometimes things around you explode, yes?” I was shocked by his sudden question and that he decided to be so forward. He was making me feel even more self-conscious now.
"Only when someone gets on my nerves," I replied, sounding nervous.
He gave me a lazy smile. "Then you can’t control it?"
"Sometimes I can; sometimes it just not up to me. Reading people’s thoughts can be useful, though.” I took another sip of wine, looking at him above the rim of my wine glass.
"Precisely."
"And if one vampire won’t leave me alone, I can just use my energy to kick him in the crotch." I chuckled. I thought that I needed to play hard to get, then later on, I could question him further about his Lucrative Shot guilt free.
He shifted in his chair. “I’m sure that won’t be necessary. I like your independence and smart mouth, so stop playing with me and tell me; how long have you been living in London?"
"Oh, no, Nathaniel, you forced your company upon me tonight, so I’ll be the one asking questions," I said and took a generous sip of wine, never taking my eyes off of him.
"So, you are curious about me, then?"
I rolled my eyes. "Just be honest with me. You never felt attracted to me—you just want to taste my blood. Everyone knows that vampires love fairies and elves blood." I knew that I’d scored because his eyes gleamed.
"Do you always get straight to the point?"
"Yet again, you answer with a question." I sighed. "Can you just tell me what you want from me?"
"We have all evening to talk about my desires. As I mentioned before, I want to get to know you. So, tell me a little about yourself."
“I’m twenty-two and, as you already know, I studied journalism in London. I’ve been working for Paranormal Personnel for over two years and I enjoy what I do. Happy now?" I raised my brow, irritated.
"Why did you choose journalism?"
"Because I thought being a reporter would be cool, but in the end, I couldn’t find a job in that field, and I ended up in recruitment."
"If someone offered you a journalist position, would you turn it down?"
"What is this, quiz night or something?" I asked, tired of dwelling on my career choice.
He drew a breath, studying me. "Always so impatient? Fine, I’ll get straight to the point, as you wish. Are you seeing anyone at the moment?"
"I think that you should start answering some of my questions, Nathaniel. I know everything that you told my dad about the Lucrative Shot and I want to know; did you tell him the truth?" I was beginning to feel a bit light-headed. I really needed to slow down with the wine. My fingertips were sparkling again, and I didn’t want to bring any more attention to myself. The mixture of alcohol and uncontrolled lust wasn’t a good idea.
"You never give up, do you?" he asked, laughing when the waiter showed up with our dishes. Everything looked delicious and my stomach growled instantly. “We can go over this later. I told him the truth because I have nothing to hide. Let’s eat, otherwise our food will get cold.”
When I was around vampires, I had to use a charm to cover my intoxicating scent—it was irresistible to them. I’d used my cover charm before I left home, but something told me that Nathaniel was a perfect gentleman; he wasn’t going to try anything tonight. I had to admit that I liked the way he smelled and the way his tongue caressed my name when he spoke.
I really needed to quit thinking like that.
"So, you can eat normal food and walk in the daylight?"
"Yes. I wasn’t sired like other vampires. My mother gave birth to me, and I age like any other ordinary human."
"But you want to drink blood?" I set my fork on the table, waiting for his reply.
He narrowed his eyes and parted his lips. "Yes, I have craved blood, and my senses are sharper than those of ordinary humans. Some days, I don’t have to sleep at all. So, yes, I’m like you—half magical and half human."
His explanation made sense, but I didn’t think he was anything like me. My family thought that I was a freak, someone who could never achieve greatness through magic. Nathaniel behaved like a normal human being and there was no trace of any kind of blood thirst in his movements. I wasn’t sure whether I had made up my mind about him yet. He was handsome, rich, and available. His confidence and cockiness pulled me towards him. I knew this was wrong, but I couldn’t help myself. The attraction between us was explosive.
"Delicious. I’m surprised that I have never been in this restaurant."
"I discovered it accidentally with Ella when we were hiding from the rain," I told him, then asked the waiter for a glass of water.
"I take it that you enjoy spicy food?"
"Yes, when I was younger my parents lived next to an Asian couple. They always used to bring us homemade curries, and since then, I’ve loved Asian cuisine."
"I love good food, but I have to admit that I love blood more." His seductive voice sent a tremor down my spine.
"Okay, your time is up La Caz. I really need to know exactly what you want from me?” I pushed my empty plate away, folding my arms across my chest.
His eyes filled with fire when he moved forward, staring into mine. "I want to be locked away with you in my bedroom. There, I will slowly undress you, and then we will make love all night until you’re begging me to stop. For some reason, Julia, you’re driving me insane. I can’t control my response to the intoxicating smell of your blood."
My heart stopped beating for several long moments, and I wasn’t able to break away from his powerful gaze. Fireworks exploded inside me. I felt as if I were being swept away by a storm. I couldn’t breathe; but this time, rippling energy was moving over the surface of my skin. He sat back, watching me with a satisfied smile on his face. This was so wrong; I shouldn’t even like him.
"Are you on crack cocaine or something like that?" I gasped, expecting him to start laughing. But he was just sitting there, staring at me with a tense and unreadable expression.
“I’m insulted, Julia. I don’t take drugs." He shrugged. "Since that meeting, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you."
"Right," I responded, feeling my face heat up. He was trying to tell me that he was serious. "Why didn’t you just say you wanted to screw me and drink from me? That would have been so much easier."
“I’m a gentleman, and I wanted to show you that I have the best intentions," he said, running his hands through his hair.
"Well, let me tell you something, Mr. La Caz," I began, moving closer to him, “I’m not the sort of girl who sleeps around with some random man. I don’t date vampires, or half vampires. And lastly, I would never allow you to drink from me."
His expression didn’t change. I was taking long rasping breaths; my blood was boiling with anger, but I was proud of myself.
"You can ask me anything you want. I don’t have any secrets. I was trying to ask you to dinner, but you declined."
I shook my head and laughed. "Nothing is going to change, Nathaniel. Even if I ask you questions, you still won’t get me into your bed, and you won’t drink from me. I have much more important things to worry about.”
"Okay, let’s forget about what I said. I want you to ask me questions," he pleaded hoarsely.
Fine, if he wanted to play this game, then we’d play it. "I assume you don’t have a girlfriend if you make that kind of proposition to a woman you don’t even know?"
“I’m single and I don’t date, but I do enjoy casual sex with beautiful women."
"Have you ever been in a long-term relationship?"
"Yes, it was a long time ago and it’s in the past now."
"How old are you, then?"
"Twenty-seven," he responded, sounding bored. "Are you going to quiz me all night?"
"You wanted me to ask you questions," I said, frowning. I was sure he was annoyed with me, but I was enjoying this conversation.
"What else do you want to know?"
"I think I’ve heard enough and I still don’t want to sleep with you. If you don’t do dating, then I’m afraid we’re wasting each other’s time now, because I’m not into the sort of things that you like. I more for a traditional relationship.” I hoped he understood that this wasn’t going to work. He looked at me for a few more seconds, and my body reacted again. I flushed.
"Let’s just leave it as it is, then. Think about it. Besides, we need to get going. It’s just after eight and all the vampires should be out by now.”
“Fine, but you’re settling the bill. You forced me to have dinner with you, so now take care of it.”
“I wouldn’t let you pay anyway, darling, but I like your style.” His hazel eyes focused on my lips again. I could tell he was trying to make me lose control, but I was keeping my emotions on a tight leash. He was right about my dad. Maybe it was worth seeing what kind of cards he had up his sleeve.
He produced an elegant wallet and walked away to the bar, most likely to take care of the bill. As soon as I was alone, I sank back into my chair and closed my eyes.
I was worried about Ella. I never wanted to get her involved in this obscure paranormal world. When I opened my eyes, Nathaniel was approaching our table, and I wondered whether I should really trust him. The city was dangerous enough and after all, he was planning to take me to meet with other vampires.
But this was my opportunity to do something for Claudia and I couldn’t back out now. I didn’t need to think about it twice.
Moments later, he handed me my coat.
“My car is just around the corner. Arthur used to work for me, but you have to let me do the talking. The club is safe enough, but I still want you to be careful,” he said softly when we made our way outside. It had started raining, then before I could say anything, Nathaniel grabbed my hand and we began running across the street.
I kept seeing this image of Claudia in my head, being pushed into the black van. It bothered me that I didn’t do more for her. She was probably scared and deep down, I hoped that those scumbags were treating her decently—at least not hurting her. The fear of the unknown was killing me inside. I just wanted to be able to do something, anything to help find her.
Nathaniel was holding my hand and for a moment, I thought about considering giving him a chance. No one in my family had ever dated a vampire and I wouldn’t mind being the first. Maybe I would finally feel like I fit in somewhere, because my loved ones didn’t even think that I was a real elf anyway. He was also willing to help me find my cousin, where everyone else seemed to push me aside. But, we’d have to get past his “casual relationship” rule if it was ever going to work. I really needed to get my head on straight and focus on the task at hand. These back and forth emotions were driving me mad. I wondered if vampires had magic. That would explain a lot.
He had a nice car; it was a white Mercedes with all the fancy gadgets, and scent was drifting around. I slipped inside, ignoring the fact that I was a little aroused sitting so close to him.
“Where are we going?” Electricity crackled between us when I spoke. I had lost control more than enough times tonight. Right then, my magic was infusing the air, lancing down my skin.
“Arthur opened his club only recently, but he has always been very resourceful. There is a rumour on the streets that there is someone new in London, someone who is trying hard to destroy me.”
I shifted in my seat, thinking about the paranormals who had kidnaped Claudia. They definitely weren’t vampires. Everything had happened so quickly, and now, I could barely remember their faces.
Nathaniel wasn’t the sort of man who allowed other people to take advantage of him. Maybe to me his assertiveness was annoying, but in business, it was needed. He worked hard, and he had to appear ruthless.
“We need to hurry; it’s been two days and I’m still worried about her,” I admitted, growing more anxious. Then Nathaniel’s car stopped at a traffic light, and before I knew it, he grabbed my hand, then brought it to his lips.
“Don’t, we will find her. We just need to find the link. Trust me, Julia.” His voice was just above a whisper, and I melted into my seat.
Maybe I was wrong about him. Nathaniel La Caz wasn’t just a heartless businessman; deep inside, he had a kind heart too. I just needed to give him a chance.