Page 4 of The Vampire’s Hunter (Rogue Brotherhood #2)

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B efore Dani knew what was happening, Corbin had lifted her off the floor again, whisking her out of the club, as if she weighed no more than a feather. A blur of lights and color flashed before her eyes, until suddenly they were standing in a back alley outside the club, Corbin no longer holding her close. A luxury town car lied in wait for them.

Corbin didn’t need to lift a hand to signal to the driver to pull forward, before the vehicle was already beside them, another vampire opening her door. Without hesitation, he took Dani’s hand in his, ushering her into the vehicle and then rounding to the other side’s door.

The town car pulled out onto Chicago’s dimly lit streets moments later.

“Where are we—?”

“You choose now to ask questions?” Corbin cut her a perturbed look. Whatever warmth had passed between them in the club was gone now, lost in the interest of business. “Was this not your intention from the start or would you rather I leave you with, Zane?”

Dani fell silent then, wringing her hands in her lap. She knew their intimacy had been only for show, and yet…

She couldn’t bring herself to regret it.

Not when it had felt real.

One night. Nothing more. His words echoed in her ears.

They drove across town in silence, not stopping until they’d reached one of the city’s many high-rises. As soon as the car was parked, Corbin flung himself from the vehicle with supernatural speed, as if he could no longer stand to be in such a small, enclosed space with her.

Uncertain what to do, Dani followed, exiting the cab quickly, only to speed up once she’d joined him inside the lobby. Even at a normal pace, she practically had to jog to keep up with him. A doorman summoned the elevator whilst Corbin’s expression remained distant, cold. He didn’t even acknowledge the doorman, or her for that matter.

A small ding signaled the lift’s arrival.

The elevator ride to his penthouse felt long and tense.

With each passing floor, Dani was acutely aware of every little noise she made, of the sound of her heels. Each breath she took. Of the brush of her skin against her clothes, the way she fidgeted where she stood, the sound of her pulse in her own ears. Hell, even the nearly silent sound of her tongue wetting her lips. Humans were noisy, she supposed.

Corbin, on the other hand, was silent. Painfully so.

Preternaturally still.

Like a predator lying in wait, and yet, not once, did he turn his attention toward her.

The moment the elevator doors opened, Dani practically dove out onto the main floor, desperate to be free, only to find herself standing in a handsomely decorated vestibule. There were two armed vampires waiting outside the door, identifiable from the stillness with which they stood, like sentries standing guard over their king.

Or their mafia boss, truth be told.

Corbin didn’t so much as acknowledge them, before he opened the door to the penthouse and led her in, the entrance behind them falling closed with a subtle little snick .

Dani’s breath stopped short. She’d always known the other half lived a different existence, and it wasn’t as if Cillian hadn’t taken her to one of his own glittering abodes, but something about specifically seeing where Corbin rested his head each night stole her breath away. Though vampires didn’t need sleep, she supposed. Or at least, Cillian hadn’t.

She wasn’t certain whether to consider that a blessing or curse.

The inside of the penthouse was filled with modern décor, tastefully decorated, particularly so. As if its owner wasn’t explicitly attempting to showcase his vast wealth, but he simply couldn’t help it. The design was subtle, understated, and yet so grand in contrast to the diner and her own dingy apartment, she could hardly stand it.

“It’s beautiful,” Dani breathed.

Corbin didn’t acknowledge her compliment. Instead, he crossed the room to the glittering window wall that overlooked the city below. He stared down at the night lights before him, as if the whole of the city were sprawled at his feet. As distant to her now as he’d been years ago. “Now, I’m assuming you plan to tell me what you were doing in my club tonight, Dani.”

Dani wasn’t certain what it was that made her feel brave then, as if for once, she could manage to lie and get away with it. “I’m not sure what you mean.”

Corbin’s cold gaze cut toward her. “Don’t play coy with me, love. It only becomes you when it’s genuine.”

Dani swallowed. “I was there as a patron,” she dared. “Nothing more.”

“Bullocks.” Corbin placed his hands in his pockets and leaning against the wall, though there was nothing leisurely about the piercing look he gave her. “You’ll find my kindness runs thin in the face of liars and thieves, Dani.”

In other words, he wouldn’t stand for her to betray him, to sell him out to the Execution Underground. She known that from the start though. She owed him better than that.

Dani fell silent then, hanging her head low. How did she keep her word, stay the course when Corbin had undoubtedly been kind to her and—

As if he could read her mind, Corbin’s expression turned from distant and cold to something far more fearsome. “Did that brother of yours put you up to this?”

It’d only been a matter of time before he realized, of course.

Dani gave a small nod.

At the mere mention of Quinn, Corbin swore. “Absolute bastard.” He raked a rough hand through his hair, pacing a little as he muttered, “And I suppose he told you to use whatever means necessary.” Corbin’s eyes shot to her slender form.

As if to indicate all the places he’d touched her.

Dani’s face heated. “If you’re asking if that’s why I let you touch me, then the answer is no.” The fact that he thought that little of her hurt, frankly. Though she supposed she hadn’t exactly built a reputation among the syndicate that she was proud of. “I made that choice of my own volition. I was caught up in the moment,” she lied. “Take that as you will.”

If Corbin cared about what had happened between them in the alcove, he didn’t dare show it then. “And I suppose your brother tasked you with gathering information for him? About my holdings, my dealings, where I keep my—”

“No,” she cut him off, before he revealed anything she couldn’t unhear. “No, it’s Lucien who’s his target. Not you. Quinn just…thought you might know something, something that could point him in the right direction, that’s all.”

“And you believed him?” Corbin’s frustration seemed to settle then. “You agreed?”

Dani shrugged. “I didn’t have much of a choice.”

Corbin lifted one smooth brow, prompting her to go on, but confessing how truly vulnerable she was pointed to the crux of her problem, the part she hadn’t been able to fully admit to herself. “If…If Lucien decides to come for me…to…to target my brother, or worse, to retaliate against me for Cillian’s death, then—”

“Then you’ll need protection,” he finished for her.

“Yes.” She nodded.

“And your brother and his band of human thugs couldn’t possibly offer that themselves?”

It wasn’t her place, nor in her nature, to make excuses for the life her brother had chosen. He’d made his choice, and she’d made hers, and yet…

“Quinn says politics in the Execution Underground are…complicated right now.” She shrugged her shoulders. “Apparently, there’s been a split in the organization. A rift.”

As if that were an excuse to throw her to the wolves. Her brother likely hadn’t intended for her to share that tidbit of information, but he hadn’t exactly given her much choice.

“Of course.” Corbin strode closer, coming to stand in front of her, eyes no longer cold. Slowly, he reached out, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “And so, you ran to me.”

Dani’s breath quickened. The way he was looking at her then terrified her. It was almost…startingly in its reverence, so unlike every other version of him she’d ever seen before, and yet, still so wicked she couldn’t help but consider all the things she’d beg him to do to her, if given the chance.

One night. Nothing more.

She pulled away from him then, remembering herself. “In a manner of speaking.” She lowered her gaze a little, but not fast enough to miss Corbin’s bemused grin.

“Clever, clever girl,” he repeated.

Her eyes shot to his, searching for the pride that had settled there once before, but then his hand returned to his suit coat, leaving her standing there, alone.

As he had so many times before.

What exactly about tonight had been different?

“And what’s the Execution Underground want with Lucien this time? A petty theft charge? Fraud?” Corbin sneered, making it very clear exactly what he thought of the human organization’s prior efforts.

They’d failed to pin Lucien down more than once before.

“Quinn says Lucien’s been trafficking human women for blood sport,” Dani said, watching the club owner make his way back toward the window. “Tell me you didn’t know.”

Corbin didn’t offer her any such comfort. He simply paused for a prolonged moment. “Must you think so little of me?”

Dani frowned. “That’s not an answer, Corbin.”

He turned to her, red eyes aglow. “It’s being addressed.”

“Being addressed?” Dani’s felt herself stiffen. Everyone who’d ever had even cursory dealings with the Cosa della notte knew what that meant. “In other words, you’re planning to make a move toward him?” To end Lucien, once and for all.

“My plans are none of your concern, human .” Corbin’s expression was so hardened then, that for once, Dani was glad for the distance between them. “But should your brother wish to end Lucien, he best get in line.”

Relief coursed through her. She’d hoped Corbin wouldn’t be involved, and yet, she hadn’t known for certain. The vampire before her had undoubtedly done more than a few terrible things in the span of his long life, but recklessly hurting women wasn’t one of them.

Corbin was above that.

Vampire or not, he didn’t need to prey on the weak to keep himself from being small.

“Do you know where they are then? The locations where he’s holding them?” she asked.

Corbin bristled. “That’s a bold ask, Dani, even for you.”

Dani fought not to roll her eyes. She doubted anyone had ever called her bold before, though she had just encouraged him to finger her in full view of his club, hadn’t she?

Perhaps she was bolder than she gave herself credit for.

“It’s what Quinn sent me for,” she added. “The locations of the drop houses.”

“A lofty task, if not unmanageable.”

Dani stepped forward, ever hopeful. “Does that mean you’ll help me then?”

“After that little show at the club, I’m not certain I have a choice, do I?”

Something inside her prickled at his words, but whatever emotion she was feeling, she pushed it down. To that place that held any hint of defiance or self-defense. Like she had so many times before. Such hope for the future had gotten her nowhere. Had never helped her. “So, you meant it then? That I’m yours? That I’m under your protection?” she whispered.

“Make no mistake, Dani. I meant every word.” The red glow of Corbin’s eyes cut toward her as he unbuttoned his suit coat, stripping down to his only shirt. He rolled the sleeves up to his elbows, exposing the muscled forearm below. “Until this is over, you’re mine and mine alone. Do I make myself clear?” he asked, looking directly toward her.

And I will do everything within my power to keep you safe.

He didn’t say the words and yet, she heard them all the same, as if she’d wished them into existence. All she had to do was agree.

She repeated the phrase in her mind, mulling the words over.

Until this is over .

Which meant…

Which meant this really wasn’t permanent. It was still for show. A fake. Exactly as he’d told her before, and as for what happened between them…

It truly had been a one-time occurrence. Nothing more.

She couldn’t help but feel a bit…put out by that.

“And what do you get out of this? What do you gain by helping me?”

“The pleasure of your company for an evening, nothing more,” he answered.

She wanted to believe him, but she couldn’t help but feel as if there were something he wasn’t saying.

“Do we have an agreement?” Corbin prompted.

“Yes,” she said, unable to say anything more.

Corbin had helped her, protected her, so why couldn’t she shake the feeling that she’d just made a deal with devil?

“Good. Come.” Corbin beckoned her forward, drawing her thoughts to a close.

Dani accepted the reprieve, following him further into the penthouse and through a short series of halls and doors, until finally, he stopped at the farthest end of the row. A room tucked away like secret. Corbin turned the handle, holding open the door like any human gentleman, though they both knew he was something more.

More dangerous, more beautiful. Just more.

Dani stepped inside, taking in the sight of the immaculate bedroom. The soft down of the bed, the marbled floors, and a fireplace that in the winter she would have loved to read by to keep warm, all working together to paint a portrait of comfort and luxury.

“You’ll sleep here.” Corbin turned to leave then, moving to close the door.

“What about Lucien?” she said, placing her hand against it.

Corbin lifted a brow at where her hand stayed his movement.

Instantly, she dropped it to her side again, eyes falling low, as an embarrassed blush filled her cheeks. “What I mean is…without information to give to Quinn, I…I won’t be safe,” she clarified. “Not in the long-term.”

Corbin’s gaze fell to the blush on her cheeks, and had she not kept her eyes low, she might have missed the subtle writhe of the muscles at his throat, despite that his expression remained unmoving, disinterested.

Perhaps he did want her. Or a taste of her at least.

So, what game was he playing at?

“Lucien’s hosting a party at his home tomorrow. Play your role, and you’ll have your revenge. Leave the details to me.” Corbin turned to leave then, but she stopped him once more.

This time, with a gentle hand on his arm.

“Corbin, I…I’m not certain I can face him again. The last time I saw Lucien, he—”

Corbin’s dark gaze pierced through her. “The shame is his. Not yours.” He captured her chin, forcing her to look at him. “Don’t forget that.” He let her go.

Dani swallowed, trying and failing to rid the tears that gathered at the edge of her eyes.

“And your plan?” she asked.

“We’ll discuss the plan later, once you’ve rested.” He turned to leave again.

“Thank you, Corbin. Really,” she whispered. She really was grateful to him, even if she didn’t yet know what to make her decision to trust him.

“Don’t thank me. Not until this is over.” He moved to leave once more, but this time, it was his turn to hesitate. “And Dani.”

“Mmmm?” she hummed from where she’d flitted over to the bed. She was suddenly so tired she could hardly stand it, sleep calling to her.

Corbin cast her a cursory glance over his shoulder. “Next time that coward you call a brother sends you in his place again, I’ll kill him where he stands.”

Dani nodded. “Noted.”

She slipped into bed just as Corbin closed the door, quickly settling into the sheets.

For once, Dani fell asleep the moment her head hit the pillow, falling into a deep and peaceful slumber that was better than she’d had in far too many years before, restful in the assurance that, at least for tonight, no one would hurt her.

Not if Corbin had anything to say about it.

“We’ve been through this before, Zane.” Corbin glared at the vampire pinned against his desk inside The Blood Rose. The bastard’s nose already bleeding, Zane’s face battered and bruised from where Corbin’s men had delivered the other vampire to his office hours ago. Once Dani was asleep, Corbin had only returned to ensure this situation was handled, personally.

“I said , how many times must I ask you to keep your hands to yourself, Zane?” Corbin roared, slamming his fist down onto the desk beside Zane’s head.

The other vampire flinched. “I told you I won’t touch her again, Corbin. Fuck! I swear it,” Zane pleaded. Zane was smashed flat and straining against the wood of Corbin’s desk, where Fox and Luciano held him down, hands restrained behind his back. Blood trickled from his nose, staining the starch white legal pad beneath his cheek.

“I…I didn’t know she was yours. It won’t happen again.”

“Mine or not, your task was simple.” Corbin crouched low, coming eye-to-eye with the other vampire. Even though they were brethren, they were united by species alone. Zane wasn’t a part of the family. Of Corbin’s branch of the Cosa della notte . He wasn’t even among one of the other four with whom they were constantly at war. No, Zane was no better than the filth beneath Corbin’s shoes and unwilling to keep his hands to himself to boot.

That much was clear.

“Leave the humans in my club alone. Do you understand?” Corbin hissed.

“Yes! Yes, I understand,” Zane panted, this face quickly turning red, from anger and shame rather than lack of oxygen. Vampires didn’t need to breathe.

A fact that made torture far more complicated.

“Good.” Corbin stood again, nodding to Fox and Luciano.

Luciano released one of Zane’s hands, bringing his flattened palm forth along with the stake and the hammer that would soon go with it.

Corbin plucked the stake off the table, aligning it over Zane’s palm. “Now the next time you get handsy with one of my patrons again, you’ll remember it.”

Zane thrashed, suddenly realizing exactly where this was going as Fox stepped forward, menacing the hammer in one meaty fist.

“No. No! Please, Corbin! I—”

Corbin ignored the other vampire’s pleas, driving the first blow in. Zane roared, his blood spattering across Corbin’s desk as the stake drove through tender tendons. Corbin took his fill, his pleasure at the sight of Zane’s pain, before casting the hammer onto the floor.

Fox handed him a towel for his hands.

“Clean it up once you’ve finished,” he ordered, abandoning the task to his men.

Wiping his palms clean, he cast the towel aside, before he closed his office door, smoothing a rough hand down his shirt as he sealed off the sound of Zane’s continued screams from the few remaining patrons below. It was nearly past close, though the music thumping from the floors below still provided adequate coverage.

“That was a bit excessive,” Kharis murmured to his right, “even for you.” The ancient Greek leaned against the hallway wall, a lit cigarette in his hand as he waited for him.

“Your point?” Corbin lowered his shirt sleeves, buttoning his cufflinks. Thankfully, he hadn’t gotten any blood on his shirt this time. Bloodstains were a beast to clean.

“My point is that one good finger fuck, and she’s already gotten under your skin.”

Corbin scowled, flashing fang. “I thought we discussed this earlier, Kharis. Underboss or no, stay out of my sex life.”

“I’ll make it a point when you stop fingering helpless humans in full view of your club for show.” Kharis gave him a pointed look, before taking a long pull.

Corbin smirked. “Enjoyed that now, did you?” he taunted.

“You’re shameless. Truly.” Kharis flicked the ashes of his cigarette, stubbing out the ember it left on the carpet with his toe. “We’re this close.” Kharis made a pinching gesture with his fingers. “This close and you’re going to let your feelings for some human cunt get in the way.”

The lust for violence that filled Corbin then had little to do with being a vampire. Its grip on his psyche sharp and fierce. “Speak of her like that again, and friend or no, you’ll find yourself in a similar position to Zane,” he warned. Corbin’s eyes flashed crimson, making the seriousness of his threat clear. “No one understands how close we are better than I do. You think I don’t know?”

Kharis fell silent for a beat, the glow of his cigarette pulsating in the dark.

“She’s distraction. Nothing more,” Corbin reassured.

“For you or Lucien?” Kharis sneered.

“Both.” Corbin’s eyes narrowed. “I don’t see a point in the distinction.”

Kharis cast the butt of his cigarette onto the carpet. “And what’s your plan tomorrow when your sire attempts to hold her close? Whispers in her ear? What will you do then?” The Greek lifted a brow. “What you did to Zane?”

“Call him by that title again and true death will be yours before morning,” Corbin hissed, crimson gaze aflame. “Lucien doesn’t need to touch her. He only needs to look, to be tempted.”

“If you think he won’t want a taste of her in a show of good faith, you’re a fool.” Kharis waved a dismissive hand.

“And what exactly do you suggest as an alternative?” Corbin lifted a brow. “Use her as bait?”

Kharis crossed his arms over his chest, leaning against the wall again with a shrug. “In not so blunt of terms.”

For a moment, Corbin dared consider it, before finally, he shook his head. “No. No, we stick to the plan.”

“Which is?”

“She serves as a distraction, and Lucien need not touch her.”

“And when this is over?” Kharis prompted.

“I let her go.”

His friend chuckled. “If you say so.”

“I do say so,” Corbin said, eyes narrowing again.

“And the information she requested? In exchange?”

Corbin shook his head. “She’s not going to get it. Not before Lucien is dead, that is.” He moved to brush past Kharis, to return to his apartment before the sun rose. He needed to escape the overpowering scent of sex, of blood and tobacco that lingered inside the club. He had no intention of being cooped up here. Not all day. “That’s all she truly wants anyway.”

“For your sake, Corbin, I hope you’re right.”

Corbin simply nodded in response, before he disappeared into the club’s ether, blending amongst the shadows. He was a true creature of the night. A swath of darkness without a soul.

He didn’t pause until he was out in the streets below, climbing into the back of the town car again. His eyes settled on the orange rim of the sunrise just beyond on the Chicago skyline.

For the last hundred years, he’d worked toward this moment, to when he could finally take his revenge, and as Kharis had reminded him, it was supposed to taste sweet. As sweet as the sun had once felt upon his face as he’d watched it rise each morn. Never once had he questioned whether it was worth the sacrifice.

But for once, Corbin felt himself hesitate.