Page 15 of Viktor’s Temptation (East Coast Territory #2)

Gracie yelped in surprise when Viktor appeared in the doorway as if by magic. One moment the doorway was empty, and the next, he was striding toward her, smooth and controlled. “Where did you come from?” she blurted, her hand flying to her chest.

He stopped in front of her, his silver eyes gleaming as he took in the soft waves of her hair and the curious worry clouding her gaze.

“I was downstairs in the security office, talking to Mikail and Trent,” he replied.

“We’re tracking your boyfriend to see if he knows anything about what happened to you. ”

“Warren?” Her voice cracked slightly as she said his name.

“Yes,” Viktor confirmed, his tone darkening. He took her hand in his and began leading her toward the dining room. “Did you know he was fired from his construction job six weeks ago?”

Gracie froze mid-step, staring up at him. “He told me he was out looking for new work!” she said, then she shook her head in confusion. “Why did he pack a lunch every day like he was going to work?”

“Because he didn’t want to tell you about his termination,” Viktor offered, his lips tightening in distaste.

Gracie sighed heavily, nodding as her mind pieced it together.

“Yes, that sounds like Warren. He’d see losing his job as…

a weakness. His identity is tied to his work—and to drinking with his friends after work.

He always claimed he stayed out late because he didn’t want to be alone in the house while I was working late, but…

” She trailed off, bitterness lacing her tone.

“I suspect he just preferred downing beers over spending time with me.”

“And he drives home after drinking?” Viktor’s tone was sharp now, his frustration clear.

Gracie gave a resigned nod. “Yes. I’ve begged him to stop, but he insists he has a high alcohol tolerance and can handle it.”

“He’s an idiot,” Viktor said bluntly. Taking her hand, he lifted it to his lips, brushing a kiss across her fingers. “One of the many advantages—and occasional downsides—of being a vampire is that we can enjoy the taste of alcohol, but it doesn’t impair us.”

Her brows shot up in surprise. “How is that a downside?”

He chuckled softly, his deep voice resonating in the space between them. “We can’t get drunk.”

Gracie laughed, brushing her hand lightly against his arm. “That’s hardly a downside! I hate being out of control. I’ve never liked the idea of getting drunk.”

“Do you dislike being out of control in all situations?” Viktor asked, stepping closer, his fingers tangling with hers as he leaned in slightly.

Gracie’s breath caught, her heart thudding wildly in her chest. Every instinct in her wanted to lean into him, to feel the warmth of his chest against hers, the firm line of his body pressing into her softer curves.

But she forced herself to inhale deeply and step back, retreating from the magnetic pull between them.

“I’m…uh…not sure what you mean,” she said quickly, her voice faltering. Desperate for a distraction, she glanced down at her outfit and lifted her arms slightly. “Thank you for the clothes!”

Viktor’s gaze swept over her figure, and Gracie could swear his silver eyes burned brighter. Heat climbed her cheeks as she wondered—was he interested in her? No. Impossible.

“What are the other benefits?” she asked hurriedly, changing the subject.

He shoved his hands into his pockets, giving her a half-smile. “We don’t get sick.”

Her mouth fell open in shock. “Not at all?”

“No.” He pulled a pair of scissors from a nearby desk drawer. “And we heal incredibly fast. Let me show you.” Before she could protest, he sliced through the skin of his forearm.

“Viktor!” she gasped, rushing to him. Without hesitation, she grabbed the scissors and quickly tore a strip of fabric from the hem of her blouse.

Her movements were instinctive, her fingers steady as she tried to bandage the wound.

But before she could even wrap the silk around his arm, the bleeding stopped.

Gracie froze, staring in disbelief as the skin knitted itself back together right before her eyes. Even the fine hairs on his arm grew back as though nothing had happened. “What the hell?” she whispered, brushing her fingers over the now-smooth skin. “The wound… It’s completely gone!”

“Exactly,” Viktor said, his voice tinged with amusement. He tugged lightly at the torn hem of her blouse. “And don’t worry—I’ll buy you another one. You look ravishing in it.”

Gracie blinked, her breath hitching. Ravishing? No one had ever described her that way before. It wasn’t just the word; it was the way he said it, his tone warm and filled with genuine admiration.

“Ravishing?” she repeated, her fingers still absently stroking his arm.

“Yes, Gracie. Ravishing,” he said firmly, his gaze locking with hers.

She could hear his heartbeat now, the rhythmic thrum pounding in her ears. The sound mixed with the rush of his blood in his veins, loud and powerful. Every sense was alive, heightened to an almost unbearable level. The air between them crackled with unspoken energy.

Viktor inhaled sharply, then stepped back, breaking the spell. Gracie felt the loss like a physical ache but tried to mask her disappointment.

“So…no diseases at all?” she asked, her voice quieter now.

“None,” he confirmed, taking her hand and tucking it onto the crook of his arm. “And another perk—you’ll never gain weight.”

Gracie’s eyes widened in delight. “No weight gain? Ever?”

He chuckled at her enthusiasm. “Nope. Not even from chocolate cake.”

She laughed, the sound bubbling up despite the strange intensity of their earlier moment. Maybe, just maybe, being a vampire wasn’t going to be so bad after all.

“Get used to it,” he confirmed with a chuckle. “It doesn’t matter how much you eat, you will remain exactly as you are right now.”

“No way!” she gasped, her eyes moving over his muscular form, then down at her own slimmer figure.

She’d never been this thin. Ever! Nor had she ever hoped to be.

She was constantly trying to lose ten, maybe even twenty pounds.

But she’d never thought she could ever look like this. “That’s impossible!”

“Possible,” he argued. “In fact, it’s possible you could lose a little more weight and gain some additional muscle. That depends on what you decide to do with the rest of your time,” Viktor said, his voice teasing but matter-of-fact.

Gracie frowned, confused. “What do you mean?” Then realization dawned. “Oh… I can’t work at the hospital anymore, can I?”

He chuckled softly and led her back toward the sofa. “Not only can you work, but I’d encourage it. You clearly enjoy it. You could even go back to school and become a doctor if you’d like. And don’t worry—your education costs will be covered by the clan.”

She froze mid-step, causing him to turn and look at her curiously. “What do you mean covered by the clan ?” she asked, her tone wary.

He took both of her hands in his, his gaze warm and steady.

“Gracie, we don’t have medical needs like humans do.

Your house will be paid off. If you need a new vehicle, all you have to do is ask, and one will be provided.

But most importantly, as a vampire, your life will be long—longer than you can imagine.

That gives you the opportunity to explore careers, hobbies, and passions you might never have considered before. ”

She tilted her head, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. “You’re telling me I’ll have no bills, no mortgage, and the freedom to do whatever I want?”

“That’s exactly what I’m telling you.” He grinned at her skeptical expression. “But there’s a catch.”

“I knew it!” She pulled her hands away, crossing her arms over her chest. “What’s the catch, Viktor?”

“The catch,” he said, amusement lacing his tone, “is that you’ll need to change your job, location, and even your name every ten years or so. Humans tend to notice when someone isn’t aging.”

Her jaw dropped. “Wait. I have to change my name ?”

“Yes,” he replied, utterly unfazed by her outrage. “It’s for your protection and the clan’s. No one can know about our existence, Gracie.”

“But I like my name!” she protested, her hands going to her hips. “I’ve had this name for twenty-nine years, and I’m not ready to let it go.”

His lips twitched, but he didn’t laugh. “I understand, but you’ll grow accustomed to the changes. And I promise to make the transition worth your while. You’ll have the chance to explore so many things, Gracie. Think about it—what did you dream of doing when you were younger?”

She bit her lip, pondering his words. “Well… when I was in high school, I wanted to be a rock climber.” A blush spread across her cheeks as she added, “But I was terrified of heights.”

He chuckled, his eyes gleaming with humor.

“Gracie, you’re better equipped for that now than you’ve ever been.

With your new strength and agility, you could climb the highest peaks without fear.

And even if you fell…” He leaned in, his voice dropping to a teasing murmur.

“You can fly, remember? You’d just float gently to the ground. ”

Her eyes widened. “I can fly?”

“Not yet,” he replied, chuckling at the hope and excitement in her eyes. “But I’ll teach you.”

Her mind spun with the possibilities. “This is insane,” she muttered, though the growing excitement in her tone betrayed her. “I might actually do it. I could try rock climbing! Maybe even cliff diving!”

His chuckle deepened. “That’s the spirit. But first,” he said, gesturing toward the doorway where a sleek limousine waited, “we need to get you outfitted.”

For the next three hours, Viktor took her to store after store, each one more luxurious than the last. Gracie found herself standing in front of mirrors wearing clothes she never dreamed of affording: dresses that fit like a second skin, coats made from the softest cashmere, and heels so perfect she barely noticed she was wearing them.

The prices made her stomach churn. Purses that cost as much as a small car?

Sunglasses with price tags bigger than her monthly paycheck?

“Enough!” she finally exclaimed, throwing up her hands as Viktor gestured for the salesperson to bring out evening gowns. “I won’t need evening gowns! When would I ever wear one?”

Sitting in a velvet chair, Viktor regarded her with an amused smile, his head tilted slightly. “Gracie, you’ll need them. There are events, formal dinners, and clan gatherings where such attire is expected.”

Her hands flew to her hips as she glared at him. “I don’t care if I’m expected to waltz into a ballroom with Cinderella! I’m not buying a gown I’ll wear once!” She glowered down at him with mock insistence.

He rose smoothly, his height and presence making her feel as though the room had shrunk. Viktor stepped onto the platform where she stood, his eyes glinting with humor as he loomed just inches away. “You think you can order me around?” he murmured, his deep voice sending shivers down her spine.

“I do,” she shot back, her heart racing as her chin lifted defiantly.

His laugh was soft but rich, the kind that teased and disarmed all at once. “Oh, Gracie, you have so much to learn.” He leaned closer, his hand brushing hers lightly, and the contact sent heat spiraling up her arm. Her breath caught, and her resolve faltered.

The salesperson’s nervous voice cut through the moment. “I’ll just… uh… bring out the next selection,” she said before scurrying away, leaving them alone.

Gracie turned back to Viktor, her cheeks flaming. “We’re done here,” she said, mustering her sternest nurse voice. “No more gowns. No more anything. I have plenty now.”

“Are you sure?” he asked, his tone light but his gaze intense. He reached out, his fingers trailing down her arm.

She gasped softly at the warmth of his touch, her body leaning toward him before she realized what she was doing. The intensity of the moment left her trembling, her resolve crumbling under the weight of his presence.

And yet… he didn’t kiss her. Instead, Viktor smiled faintly, stepping back just enough to give her space but not enough to ease the tension crackling between them. “We’ll leave when you’re ready,” he said softly, his voice like velvet.

Gracie exhaled sharply, willing her heart to stop racing. “I’m ready now,” she said firmly, though she knew Viktor could see right through her.

“Of course you are,” he murmured, the glint in his eye promising that he wasn’t done teasing her yet.