The Vampire's Bat (5 page)

Maysa
gave a lopsided grin and huffed. Her smile slowly fell, and she continued.
“Yeah, they figured us out, and not just me and my family, but others, too.
They had other kinds of shifters there. Then, about two weeks ago, one of the
interns got cocky and thought I was unconscious, and took me out with his
hands,
only he tripped and dropped me. He tried to catch me,
and he almost did, but I was finally able to fly up high and out a barred
window just as others swarmed the room to help. They hired some kind of bounty
hunter to track me and take me back, but the guy who’s hunting me is a real
evil piece of work. I have no doubt he plans on taking me back dead, not that I
want to go back alive.”

Seamus gave her a sharp look. “I won’t let him touch
you, and you are not going to die. You won’t be going
back,
I’ll make sure of it. You are safe here,
Maysa
.”

Maysa
looked at him with watery eyes. “I left my family behind. I didn’t even try to
help them. They’ve been tortured this whole time I’ve been gone, and I have
been too afraid to ask anyone for help.”

Seamus gave her a sympathetic look. “You didn’t have
any hope of helping them if you were caught. You took the one chance you had,
and that was courageous. You are here now, and we are going to help you and
your family. They have hope,
Maysa
. You have given me
trust, and I won’t let you down. And I assure you,
Alphy
won’t either. Do you remember where this lab is?”

“Kind of.
It was in the States. I crossed the border to try to slow the bounty hunter
down enough to get some distance from him. I don’t really know how far north I
really am, or where I am at all, other than Canada.”

“You are near Bancroft. How about you get a little
more to eat, and we can go lie down for the night. We can tell
Alphy
your story tomorrow morning.”

Panic started to beat faster in her chest again.
Seamus looked worried. “What is it?”

“I really don’t know if I’m ready to be around a lot
of people, and there are a lot of people in the house.”

“Ah, okay, well, every morning
Alphy
has a meeting with his inner circle. Would it be all right if they came up here
for the meeting? It will only be just them, and I promise none of them will
harm you. We have all been concerned for you.”

Maysa
nodded her acceptance. “Okay, I think.” She whispered the last part. She really
didn’t want to push herself to be around people, but remembering her family was
still in that hell, motivated her to overcome her anxieties, just a little,
just enough.

“Please eat some more. I’m going to call
Alphy
and tell him to meet up here tomorrow, while I clean
this up.”

She watched him take out his cell as he started
cleaning off the table of the things she wouldn’t want. She listened to the
conversation as she savored a cherry cheesecake.

“What is it, Sea?” The alpha’s voice sounded a bit
gruff. She cringed.

“
Alphy
, I need to ask if you
would have the morning meeting up here. And if you could bring Tyler.”

“Okay, you
gonna
give me a
bone at least?”

“I’m here with
Maysa
. She is
still too timid to face everyone in the house, but what she just told me is
important, very important. And it’s big.”

“How big?”

Maysa
could hear the trepidation in his voice. Her stomach started to knot.
Will he refuse to help? Will he turn me
away?

“The same size as our other quandary.”

“All right, bright and early, we’ll all be there.
Hey, Sea?”

“Yeah?”

“Is she your beloved?”

“I don’t know, and it will be a while before I can
find out. She’s afraid of needles.”

Silence filled the line until he heard
Alphy
let out a heavy sigh. “Shit. Sorry, Sea. We’ll do
whatever it takes to help out. See you in the morning.”

“Thank you. Good night.” Seamus plopped the device
onto the counter and proceeded to clear off the table.

Maysa
looked at Seamus, worried. He gave her an encouraging look. “Everything will be
okay
. Try to relax. Eat some more and as soon as
you’re done, I’ll show you to a bed.”

The next ten minutes, Seamus made sure she ate more
than she really felt she should have while he continued to place food in
containers, placing them in the fridge, and whipping down the counters and
table. Her stomach ached from eating so much, but truth be told, at least to herself,
she enjoyed him caring for her, and she really enjoyed the food.

She
gave him a
reassur
ing look
.
“I really can’t eat another bite
.
”

“Good, I want to make sure you are well cared for. You
can use the hospital bed in the other room. It is all set up. If you want to
stay in my shirt, I don’t mind
.
I actually like seeing you
in it.”

Maysa
felt her whole body blush at his compliment. “Thank you.” She moved closer to
him as she followed him into the other room. She looked around at the large
space. The bed and medical dressers didn’t crowd the room, even with a room
divider. She could see a bed she assumed must be his, behind the partition.

“I sleep on a bed on the other side, but if you are
uncomfortable with me being so close, I will move it into the other space.”

“No, I want you near.” She blushed again at her
admission. “I will feel safer with you near.”

Seamus brightened at her confession and held the
blankets up on the hospital bed for her to crawl under. Once she was in place,
he tucked her in, but not too tight. After turning off the lights, he walked
behind the partition. She could hear fabric rustle as he climbed into his own
bed. His scent surrounded her, and even though she’d slept all day, she felt
full and relaxed, quickly succumbing to the pull of her fatigue.

Chapter Five

Seamus had a difficult time sleeping. His head was
filled with worry and excitement. The worry was obvious, but he consoled
himself on that subject knowing he could keep her safe now that she’s here with
him.
After all, I’m not alone. I’ve got
the pack backing me.
But the excitement he felt was bittersweet.

It had been a complete surprise to him when he’d
walked in and seen her standing there in his space. In fact, he couldn’t deny
his attraction to her as he nearly swallowed his tongue at seeing her for the
first time. And seeing her wearing one of his shirts had evoked powerful
feelings of possessiveness. She had chosen one of his white shirts, which
contrasted sharply, but pleasantly, against her olive skin and straight black
hair. The sight of her had caused his dick to hit painfully against his fly. It
nearly swamped her petite frame and hung low from her long slender neck. But he
could easily see in her almond shaped brown eyes, just how afraid she was
of his fangs
. It put a kink in his plans to taste
her.
Damn
. All in all, Seamus
rejoiced that she was in his home. That was a step in the right direction at
least.

Seamus’s mind mulled over what she had told him.
Someone with money was funding experiments on shifters.
Could they have used a drug to force the shift? Drugs …could this have
any connection to the S.I.S.? No, how could it? She said she was in the States.
But Councilman Daily is an American, and he had seemed like he was waiting for
the S.I.S. agents to arrive with Havana.
Seamus couldn’t shut off his mind.
It flooded with questions that he couldn’t answer and possibilities that seemed
farfetched and ridiculous. But in spite of its absurdity, he couldn’t bring
himself to dismiss it so easily.

Just feet away, he could hear her breathing even out
and knew she was sleeping. Knowing she was comfortable enough to sleep near him
allowed him to relax a bit, but by the time morning started to creep through
the windows, brightening the room, Seamus felt haggard. He did manage a slight
slumber, but his body protested to rising with the shining. He crept as quietly
as he could towards the bathroom, but as he passed by her bed,
Maysa
jerked awake and sat up abruptly.

“Easy,
Maysa
.
I’m only going to the bathroom. I’m sorry I startled
you
.
I tried not to disturb you.”

Maysa
rubbed her palms into her eyes before answering. “It’s
okay
.
I haven’t slept well since I was abducted, and especially since I escaped. I
must admit though, I slept better last night than I have since my abduction.
That’s something at least, right?”

Even though her proclamation made perfect sense,
Seamus was surprised nonetheless. He tried to hide his shock, and anger, that
she had to endure such trauma. “Yes. I’m very pleased you felt safe enough to
have had a better night’s sleep.
Alphy
and the others
get up before dawn, to get their reports from our gargoyle friends who patrol
at night, so they start their day pretty early. I’m afraid that means they will
be here pretty soon. Would you like to use the bathroom first? I can use that
time to, perhaps, find you something more appropriate to wear.” Seamus didn’t
want her to feel like it was an inconvenience for her to go first. His need to
provide for her was riding him more strongly than any other urges.

“Oh, um, okay.”
Maysa’s
delicate tanned legs swung over the side of the hospital bed as she hurried for
the bathroom. Seamus’s dick tented the front of his shorts. As she passed, his
mouth watered, and his sensitive fangs ached to sink into her. Not wanting to
scare her, he held still until he heard the snick of the door being closed
softly behind him.
Damn, she’s beautiful.

Quickly thinking what to get her to wear, an idea
occurred to him. Grabbing his cell, he looked over his favorites list, tapping
on who he wanted and hit send. He held the phone between his ear and shoulder
as he took some leftovers out of the fridge for her to eat.

Nix’s cheerful greeting came through the line. “
Mornin
’, Sea.
Alphy
was just
telling us about you. What can I do for you?”

Seamus grabbed a plate from the dishwasher and a fork
and took them to the table. “Could you, perhaps, ask
Bronya
if I could borrow some clothes from her?
Maysa
has
none, and
Bronya
is the closest to her size.”

“Sure.
Shorts?
Sweats?
Or actual jeans?”

“Something comfortable.
How about shorts? I can tell it’s going to be another
warm day today
, and that storm we’re expecting won’t
reach here until later tonight.
” Seamus finished setting a place at the
table, and had some leftovers set around it for her to choose from.

“Will do.
I’ll grab them real quick and beat these guys up there.”

Seamus cut the connection just as
Maysa
exited the bathroom. “I got out some of the leftovers. Go ahead and start
eating. I’ll be right back out when I’m done.”

Seamus had just exited the bathroom and was by the
table, ready to ask
Maysa
something when he heard a
knock on the door. He saw
Maysa’s
posture go rigid,
and she stopped eating.

“It’s ok
ay
,
sweetheart, it’s just one of my friends with some clothes for you. I promise I
won’t let anyone hurt you.” He was relieved to see her shoulders relax a
little, but she still didn’t touch her food.

When Seamus opened the door, he was a little surprised
to see
Bronya
at Nix’s side, but he didn’t turn her
away.
Maybe another female presence will
help calm
Maysa
.
The guys can be
intimidating even to other guys.
He quickly ushered them in
with a smile and a greeting. “Thank you for doing this.
Maysa
,
this is Nix and his mate
,
Bronya
.
Nix,
Bronya
, this is
Maysa
.”

Nix smiled warmly. “Good morning,
Maysa
.”

Bronya
greeted her happily but calmly.
“Hi,
Maysa
.
I adore your
name. Sea mentioned you and I are about the same size, so I brought you
something to wear. You’re a bit more petite than I am, but I think what I
brought should
be
good
enough
.”

Maysa
gave a grateful smile, and both girls disappeared into the bedroom, closing the
door behind them.

“Wow, Sea, she really is a little thing. I thought
my
mate was small.”

Seamus spoke as quietly as he could. “I don’t think
all of it is genetics. She’s been through a lot, Nix.” He couldn’t hide his
concern for her that came through his facial features.

Nix looked at him and gave a look of sympathy. He
spoke just as quietly. “Well she is here now. We all will help take care of her
and keep her safe.
Bronya
even brought some new
undergarments she had recently bought and hadn’t worn yet. Do you know yet if
she’s your mate?”

Seamus shook his head. “She’s been through hell and is
now afraid of needles.”

Nix grimaced.
“Is that why we’re going to have the meeting up
here?”

“Partly.
She has a story to tell, but she isn’t ready to face the swarm in the house.
I’m glad you brought
Bronya
. I was thinking maybe we
can ask her to stay for the meeting for
Maysa’s
sake.
It’s going to be super hard for her to be around all the guys.”

“
Bronya
is meeting her
parents to do some more work and planning on the airfield while they’re up
here. They are heading back to Toronto later today. But we can ask Gale.”

Seamus nodded. Gale was a good choice. Not only was
she the Alpha’s mate, she was smart and caring. Nix sent a text to
Alphy
as the girls stepped from the room.
Bronya
went to her mate, and to Seamus’s delight,
Maysa
came and stood by him.

“You remember what I told you,
Maysa
,”
Bronya
said kindly. She turned her face up to look at
Nix. “I’ve
gotta
run.” Nix gave her a slow and sweet
kiss before she pulled away and headed out.

Seamus turned to
Maysa
. “I’m
curious, what did she tell you?”

Maysa
shrugged and looked down.
“Just girl stuff.”

Seamus tentatively reached for her hand, holding his
palm side up next to hers, giving her the opportunity to refuse. He hid his
surprise but not his delight, when she placed hers in his without hesitation.
It was warm and soft, and her touch was light. He let his fingers curl gently
around her delicate hand. “We invited the alpha’s mate, Gale to the meeting. I
am worried you will get too unsettled with all the guys and thought another
girl here would help you feel less intimidated. Is that
okay
with you?”

Maysa
silently nodded, and all three sat down at the table to eat more of the
barbecue leftovers while they waited for the others. They didn’t have to wait
long.
Maysa
tensed next to him, and he could scent
her fear rising as the heavy pounding of everyone’s feet plodded up the stairs
and the low rumbles of voices added to the heavy sounds.

“I promise you,
Maysa
, none
of these men will hurt you. I wouldn’t allow them near you if I ever, even for
a brief moment, doubted for your safety with any of them.”

Maysa
reached for his hand, which he gladly took. He squeezed it to reassure her. He
could see her battle her fears and was starting to become worried she might
give in and flee. “I promise,” he repeated.

Fortunately, the door didn’t bang open as the large
group entered. Seamus stood to greet his alpha and the others. He chanced
putting an arm around
Maysa
as she stood up beside
him. His stomach flipped when she didn’t pull away and he was allowed to feel
her warmth and curves lightly press against his side.

Alphy
led the group, with his mate holding his hand, by his side. Seamus introduced
them to her. “
Maysa
, this is our alpha, Ralph
Kaska
, but everyone calls him
Alphy
.
Next to him is his mate, Gale. Alpha, this is
Maysa
.”

Alphy
gave them a thoughtful look before nodding his head. “I’m pleased to finally
meet you,
Maysa
. My mate has also been earnest to
meet you.”

Gale’s face was nearly glowing with the blinding smile
she offered before sticking her hand out.
“Hi,
Maysa
.
Gosh, I love your name.”

Maysa
shook the offered hand. Seamus spotted his brother approaching, eagerly
sticking out his hand, and not waiting for any introduction.
“Hi,
Maysa
.
I’m Ryker, but you can call me Rye if
you want. I’m Sea-salt’s twin.”

Maysa
gave him a true smile. She took his hand and shook it.
“Hi,
Ryker.”

Everyone sat down in the chairs around the table as
Seamus introduced them. “That’s our beta, Enzo, our lead enforcer, Slate, and
our other two enforcers, Matteo and
Dultyn
. Next to
them is
Kace
. He’s a tracker. Ryker and Nix are
trackers, too. Behind them,” he indicated the men leaning against the wall and
windowsill,
“are our sentries
,
Henry, Peter, Marley,
Gavin, Marek
,
and
Neto
.
We have two others, but they’re the gargoyles I spoke about, so they’re
roosting right now.”

Maysa
waved a timid hand in greeting.

He waited until the last to introduce Tyler.
Because Tyler was a councilman, he was more highly ranked
than any pack-member could be. But he stayed with the pack often, due to his
mate, Betty, so Seamus felt he could get away with the informality.
“
Maysa
, this is Tyler Ghost. He’s a shifter councilman.” He
felt her stiffen only slightly, but smelt surprise more than fear come from her
so he continued. “He’s mated to
Alphy’s
aunt, who is
a pack member. He’s a good man.”

“Hello,
Maysa
. Thank you,
Seamus, for your compliment.”

After everyone was situated, with Gale sitting on the
other side of
Maysa
,
Alphy
started the meeting. “I would first like to say, great job everyone, for such a
successful pack run. Everyone I came across expressed how much they enjoyed
themselves, and I’ve heard more than several times that they thought the
hayride was a great addition. Everyone is eagerly looking forward to the next
pack run, so really good job. Now, Ryker, you said you had an update?”