The Last True Vampire (43 page)
Read The Last True Vampire Online
Authors: Kate Baxter
The vampire let out a measured breath and Naya had a feeling that if his hands were free, he would have raked his fingers through the tangle of his tawny hair. “I don’t remember a goddamned thing about last night,” he said. “I may be wrong, but I think we’ve been over this. I’m kind of drawing a blank here.”
Amnesia? Sure, like she’d believe that pathetic excuse. “This isn’t a soap opera, buddy. The my-memory-is-gone excuse is a little tired, don’t you think?”
His mouth turned up in a half-smile and Naya’s stomach did a little flip. Damn, he was sexy. The way she’d bound him showcased his muscled arms and chest in just the right way. His shirtless state was a bonus as far as she was concerned. Who cared where the garment had gotten to? His loss was her gain. She gave her head a shake and tore her gaze from his body.
Gods, Naya. Focus!
“I never said my memory was completely gone. I just don’t remember anything that’s happened since I got to town.” He let out a chuff of breath. “Hell, I don’t even know why I’m in this town. Maybe you could help fill in those blanks, starting with why I’m chained to your bed?”
The question carried a decidedly sexual edge. Apparently he wasn’t too nervous to nix the cocky attitude. “You’re chained to my bed because I was feeling charitable last night and decided not to kill you on sight. I tracked you to an abandoned parking lot just past downtown. Unchecked magic was leeching from you. Before I could get the drop on you, you tackled me to the ground, said my name, and that you needed to protect me.” She added, low, “And passed out. How’s that for filling in the blanks?”
The mischievous glimmer in his emerald eyes dulled, and was replaced with a calculating light reminding Naya that, good looks or not, this male was an unknown variable she couldn’t risk letting loose in the town. His arms pulled against the bindings, more of a knee-jerk reaction than anything, rattling the chains behind him. “Protect you from what?”
His tone vibrated through her, the rough edge coaxing a shiver to her skin. “I have no idea,” she replied. “And since your memory has so conveniently failed you, I guess neither one of us will know anytime soon.”
He studied her with that same inscrutable gaze, as though he were peering right into her soul. His expression softened and the tension in his shoulders relaxed a fraction or two. “Sounds like we didn’t have a proper introduction. Aren’t you even curious to know
my
name? Or are you more of a cut-to-the-chase sort of female?”
His patronizing tone did little for her mounting temper. Naya didn’t care what his name was. If he was a threat, she’d have to put him down. Knowing his name wouldn’t make that any easier. “I don’t need or want your name. All I
want
to know is how you knew who I was, why you think I need protecting, and how you came by the magic so I can decide what to do with you.”
“Aside from my good looks, I’m not sure what magic you’re referring to.” Gods, this male was insufferable! Arrogant, even at a disadvantage. Naya choked up on the hilt of her dagger and centered her energy, lest her own magic echo her emotions and become uncontrollable. “How do you know about vampires, female? And what are you that you could so readily identify me?” That half-smirk returned to his mouth, drawing her eyes away from his. His voice dropped to a smooth, mellow purr that made the tiny hairs on the back of Naya’s neck stand on end. She felt that tug in her stomach again, a rush of excitement that had nothing to do with danger. Well, maybe it had a little bit to do with the danger. Sexy bastard.
After centuries of pain, the unending torture of his existence, he’d found the only creature who could wake him from his stupor and return his soul to him. Immeasurable strength fueled every movement, and he was no longer the shade of the vampire he’d once been. The world melted away until there was only her. He’d found the one thing he needed to survive in this gods-forsaken world. He took off after her, his speed surprising even to him. It would be nothing to catch her, and once he did, he would never let her go. Her blood was the very essence of life, calling to him in a way that no other had in four centuries of existence. Stranger or not, she belonged to him now, and he would not rest until he tasted her again.
Kate Baxter
is a die-hard romantic with a thing for Shakespeare. She lives in the great northwest where she hides away to write about all things fanged, furry, and undead.
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Contents
This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.
THE LAST TRUE VAMPIRE
Copyright © 2015 by Kate Baxter.
Excerpt from
The Warrior Vampire
copyright © 2015 by Kate Baxter.
All rights reserved.
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eISBN: 9781466856479
St. Martin’s Paperbacks edition / June 2015
St. Martin’s Paperbacks are published by St. Martin’s Press, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010.
