Oh shit! The blond Adonis was Lance? It did explain the whole appeal, the guy was too good-looking for anyone’s own good, including his. He was also a serious pig, used to getting everything he wanted, when he wanted it. A spoiled brat that was liable to throw a shit fit if he didn’t get his way. Though, he had apologized to her and it had seemed genuine too. None the less, he was still a colossal dick.
Sarah rubbed a hand over her face. “Oh god! I sound completely crazy. I’ve turned into a deranged woman. I can’t believe that some guy has got me so tied up in knots. Look”—she scrubbed another hand over her face—“don’t worry about it. I leave tomorrow. It’s better that way. I’ve had enough of this bullshit anyway. I’m over Lance and his whoring ways.”
“I’m so sorry. I didn’t know that was Lance…I swear.”
Sarah laughed, actually sounding a bit deranged. “You know what? Call me crazy but I believe you. You should see your face. You look like you’ve seen a ghost…”
“I didn’t know. He didn’t introduce himself.” Alex touched Sarah on the arm. “I swear I didn’t flirt with him and that I’m not at all interested in him…I swear to god.” Alex touched her heart. “I’m glad you’ve decided to forget about him though. He’s no good. He’s out for a good time. I’ll be surprised if he picks anyone tomorrow.”
“It’s just that he’s so sad. So unhappy, even if he doesn’t know it himself. I see his pain.” Sarah’s eyes looked lost in thought.
“You’re not changing your mind about forgetting him are you? The whole lost boy thing is probably just a ploy. Don’t let those good looks fool you.” He really was one fine specimen. Although he was beyond good looking. Lance wasn’t nearly as hot as Lazarus. Not even close…argh…she needed to get a grip and to stop thinking about the giant vampire. Her thoughts constantly wandered to thoughts of him and it was irritating.
It was probably all the excitement and nervous chatter about the pending elite training session. This might be one bitchy, competitive bunch of women but right now, the thought of all that muscle and testosterone had united the group.
Sarah shrugged. “I just wish that he would let someone in…talk about what’s bugging him. I don’t know what it is with him. He isn’t a bad guy. Not deep down.” She sighed loudly. “I just wish last night never happened.” A tear slid down her cheek.
“I told you that I’m sorry and I mean it. I won’t so much as look in that jerk’s direction, I swear.”
Sarah shook her head and giggled. She also cried harder. Mascara streaked down her face. “No…no. That’s not it. It’s not you. It’s just that…just…” She tugged a wayward strand behind her ear, almost pulling her hair clear out she yanked it so hard. “I’m such an idiot. I’m also the world’s worst friend because I’m worried about myself when I should be worried about Jenna.”
“You’re really losing me here. You act like you did something you shouldn’t have…that you regret…” Realization dawned and Alex clapped a hand over her mouth. “Oh my word. You didn’t have sex with him, did you?”
Sarah looked at her through wet lashes. The look was so lost, so utterly forlorn that Alex pulled the other woman in for a hug. “I did. I shouldn’t have but I did.” Sarah mumbled against Alex’s shoulder. “It was the best sex of my life. I’m totally ruined.” She sobbed. “He used me and ruined me.”
“You’ll get over it.”
“I told you that I never slept with any of the others. I’m not like that. I get attached. He’s such a jerk. I’m such a terrible friend.” She rambled on for a bit.
“What does Jenna have to do with it?” Alex asked, feeling Sarah shake even harder as a sob escaped.
It took a few seconds for Sarah to get herself under control. “They took her.” The other woman pulled away.
“Who did?”
“Some guards. They made her pack her bag and escorted her out. I think she was secretly seeing one of the elite, head of security…a guy called Gideon. It’s against the rules to hook up with anyone outside of the ten. Gideon was so distraught when I saw him and King Zane leaving earlier. I’m really worried.” She started crying all over again. “I begged one of the guards to escort me to Lance’s suite. After last night, well…I thought…I had hoped…” She shook her head. “Shit.” She wiped a hand across her eyes. “He was with someone. Can you believe it? He answered the door naked.” She covered her face. “It was awful. He told me to go away…to wait my turn like a good little human, all the while, a woman was calling for him to go back to her.”
“He didn’t say that! The prick.”
She nodded and cried harder. “I’m such an idiot. Here I am feeling sorry for myself when Jenna is…” She shrugged. “I don’t have a clue. She might be in the damned dungeon for all I know.”
“You have every right to feel sorry for yourself. That bastard is bad news. I can’t believe you are still defending him.”
“There is good inside…somewhere. I know it. He is hurting. You’re right though, he is a prick.”
“It doesn’t give him the right to treat you that way. To treat us like we’re pieces of meat. He’s a real jerk. I don’t like him one bit.”
Sarah nodded. “I never thought I would say this but I’m looking forward to going home. I’m done with Lance. I feel sorry for him but I’m done with him.” She dried the last of her tears and squared her shoulders. “I look like shit.” Sarah gave a small smile.
“So do I.” Alex tried to run her fingers through her knotted mess of hair. “I’m not wearing make-up. I barely brushed my teeth. I didn’t get the memo that cocktail dresses were a requirement for morning wear which means I’m seriously under dressed.”
They both laughed. “Come on.” Alex put her arm around Sarah. “Let’s go and enjoy the view while we are still here.”
Sarah sighed. “They might be bastards but they’re sexy bastards.” Then she turned serious. “I’m hoping I get some information on Jenna. It’s really the only reason I’m attending this thing.”
Alex nodded. “Let’s go and see what we can find out.”
Chapter 9
Sexy bastards was an understatement.
Alex’s jaw fell open. It wasn’t just the ten that were practicing, it was a whole swarm of them. The big field to the side of the castle was full. The focus, however, was on a small section, on the far north corner, where the ten had assembled.
They were in sleeveless, leathers from head to toe, so no bare torsos. They weren’t fighting with their bare hands but with short gleaming swords. Man were they a sight to behold. Several guards surrounded the area so that none of the crazy women could interrupt the fighting.
“Stay back.” One of them said to a redhead in a little red number.
Her eyes were drawn to the biggest of the vampires. Lazarus. His arms were like massive tree trunks. Thick and corded. His sword moved from left to right with a speed that both shocked and excited her. His eyes were so intense, so focused.
So much for being a cuddly teddy bear.
He flashed his fangs as he roared, slicing his opponent across the chest. The ladies around her shrieked in terror. Wow! He kicked the other guy square in the chest with a loud thump jumping on top of him as he fell. His bloodied sword came down in an arc, stopping just short of the other guy’s throat.
The guy on the ground closed his eyes. “You got me…again. Thank you for not killing me.” He croaked.
Say what?
The guy on the ground sounded serious. Was he really thanking Lazarus for not killing him? Surely not?
Lazarus stayed where he was, glaring at the guy on the ground. Just as the big vampire gave a small nod, a loud cry sounded from the back of the group, drawing Lazarus’ attention. Hell, it drew all their attention.
It was the blond Adonis prick being…wouldn’t you guess…a prick. He slashed his opponent across the face opening up a wide gash on his cheek. There was a spray of blood and her stomach lurched. Many of the women shrieked. Would you believe it? It was in excitement this time. Go freaking figure. Alex felt her stomach lurch as blood poured from the guy’s injuries. He had multiple cuts and stab wounds.
This whole training thing really wasn’t for sissies. She heard a retching noise. One of the women was bent over next to some bushes and saying goodbye to breakfast.
The other guy was putting up a good fight considering he had lost so much blood. His leather vest thing ran slick with it. His hair was plastered red. His eyes were wild and would you believe it, still focused? These vampires were badass. That much was for sure.
Sarah gasped next to her.
Her attention moved back to Lazarus as he stood up in a graceful move that would’ve made her take serious notice if it weren’t for the fact that she was here, technically, on official business and not for him. She just wished she could snap a few pictures. His muscles bunched as he held out a hand for his downed opponent who took the help, wincing as he was pulled to his feet.