Chapter 23: Chapter 23: Ass-Whooping

Rose

“Rose! Rose!”

I jolt awake; my face still smushed from resting on the pillow.

How long have I been out? It’s still dark outside, so no more than a few hours, I guess.

KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!

“I’m coming!” I moan, pulling myself together as I rush to the door, sensing the urgency of whoever is knocking. I comb my hand through my hair as I open the door.

“Vic?”

“Sorry to wake you,” he says breathlessly. “But we have an unexpected guest.”

“A guest?” I ask. “A wolf from Black Opal?”

“No,” he answers. “Clanless vampire.”

“Oh shit,” I hiss, rushing out the door. “Male or female?”

“Male.”

“Even worse!”

Clanless vampires approaching a clan without asking permission first are usually not the kind who will be well-behaved and consign to authorities. He was likely kicked out of another clan and is now looking for a new home.

Or is angry and looking to stir up some trouble.

I follow Victor to the square, where the clan members have gathered, circling the newcomer.

“Finally!” he says with a wry smile. “I thought the fearsome Clan Leader would never show!”

I chuckle, rolling my eyes. “Seems like I was woken from my nap for nothing too serious,” I reply, sizing him up. “Not impressed.”

“Are you sure?” He asks. “Maybe your hormones need a few minutes to kick in.”

I raise my brows, crossing my arms over my chest.

“What did you just say to me?”

“I said that maybe you’re a little emotional right now,” he answers smugly. “This is why women usually aren’t Clan Leaders.”

“I’d change your tune very quickly if you’re asking for asylum from me,” I warn. “Undermining my authority will get you killed if you keep it up.”

“You think you could kill me?”

“I don’t think,” I answer sharply. “I know.”

He smirks, licking his lips.

He’s tall and was probably bitten in his late twenties. He has blonde hair that’s shaggy and bright blue eyes that are almost unnatural. He looks strong, too—a mountain of a man.

He’d be attractive if he weren’t such an ass.

“What’s your name?” I ask.

“Cadmus,” he answers. “Wondering what it is so you know what to scream later?”

“Oh please,” I quip. “As if you could make me moan.”

“I meant when you’re screaming for mercy.”

“Why don’t you go ahead and try?” I ask, stepping into the circle and holding my arms out in a “come and get me” gesture. “If you’re so confident, you should have no trouble stepping up to a good old-fashioned challenge.”

“Don’t mind if I do,” he answers, charging me, and I quickly step out of the way.

“Gonna have to be quicker than that,” I tease as I step back, grinning ear to ear.

I love putting unruly misogynists in their place.

His face contorts in anger, his eyes darkening to a deep shade of burgundy.

Oh, he’s mad. Real mad.

He charges again, and this time, I let him attempt to tackle my waist, but my wide stance stays upright as he pushes against me as hard as he can.

I pat his back and ask, “You okay, hun?”

He hisses, swiping at my face, and I dodge, sending a quick jab to his nose.

“Done yet?” I ask.

His canines extend, and he swipes again; this time, his nail grazes my cheek, leaving a scratch.

“Ouchie!” I cry, a little surprised.

Usually, nobody can so much as touch a hair on my head.

Must mean he’s faster than the average vampire, but not much stronger.

Still impressive, though.

“Alright, playtime is over,” I announce, quickly grabbing his arm and flipping him over my shoulder so he lands on his back, and I put him in an armbar. “Want me to break it, or will you behave now?”

“Shit!” he hisses. “I’ll stop! I’ll stop!”

“Apologize first.”

“I’m sorry!”

“For what?”

“For disrespecting you.”

I release him and reach my hand down to help him up.

“You know, most can’t get close enough to scratch me, but you did,” I applaud as I help him to his feet. “There may be a place in our ranks for you if you want.”

“I do,” he answers, his eyes back to their blue color, his mouth open as he breathes heavily. “But I understand if I fucked that up.”

I smile warmly. “Vampire males are cocky sons of bitches once they’re kicked out of a previous clan. You can stay as long as you behave yourself and don’t make my life harder. You’ll have to pull your weight, though.”

“I will,” he says with a smirk, and I notice him shifting his jeans.

He has an erection.

I chuckle, rolling my eyes.

“Rose, are you sure this is a good idea?” Victor asks, pulling me aside. “That guy is bad news!”

“Oh, come on! You’re telling me that you never acted like that?” I ask.

“A long, long time ago!” He protests. “But I was never that bad!”

“It’ll be fine,” I assure him. “I think he gets the message.”

I turn my head over my shoulder and watch him talk with some of the guys in the clan, and he looks at me, a cocky smirk still on his lips.

He’s interesting. I wonder where he came from? I want to ask him maybe another time and learn his story.

He came in real hot, and I wonder why? What created the chip on his shoulder? The overcompensation?

And the rapid shift in attitude?

I’m certainly not romantically interested in him or even the slightest bit turned on. My heart is still elsewhere, after all.

But there’s no harm in looking.

“I have a bad feeling about this,” Victor mumbles, his hands on his hips. “Please, for the love of God, don’t hook up with him.”

I giggle. “Oh, Vic,” I sigh, shaking my head. “There is no way that is going to happen.”

If only he knew just how much I mean that.