Claws and Fangs Read online

  “I don’t date anyone I meet at Mooning.” His hand returned and he stroked her cheek with his thumb. “You’re much more attractive to me than any of those women.”

  Jasmine laughed. Her body didn’t ache anymore and she felt good. “Now I know this is a dream. That’s such a load of bullshit.”

  He grew solemn. “Never put yourself down.”

  “I’m not. My boobs are real, I like to eat, and no one is ever going to want to pay me to be on film without my clothes. I’m more of the girl-next-door type.”

  “Exactly. There’s a sweetness about you that I find very appealing. You fascinate me.”

  “I would say you must lead a very boring life but I know better. Your club has a reputation for being pretty wild.”

  “It’s not technically my club. I just work there, running security.”

  “Ah. Do you get tired of patting down all those super-skinny girls? Are they too bony?”

  He chuckled, his eye color fading to brown. “Let’s just say I prefer someone with curves and a personality. Those women didn’t last long the few times I attempted relationships.”

  “You dumped them?”

  He leaned back and stopped touching her. “No. They couldn’t handle my lifestyle.”

  “Jealousy.” She could understand that. “It would be tough knowing you were hanging around all those women with your looks. You must get hit on often.” She paused, unable to resist. “You admitted to being part dog.” She laughed at the joke. He didn’t.

  “You’re almost fully recovered.”

  He took her hand to study her wrist. Jasmine looked too, and the ugly injuries from the shackles she’d fought were gone. Pink, healthy skin appeared unmarred.

  “Very cool dream. I wonder if I can fly.”

  His gaze held hers. “No. That’s one thing you can’t do. You’ll be a little bit stronger, faster, and you’ll heal quickly from most injuries.”

  “Am I a vampire now?” The concept was intriguing.

  “No.”

  “You’re almost his mate!” The cold voice belonged to a rail-thin, tall blonde who stepped closer to the bed. Her eyes—fixed on Chase—resembled two chunks of jagged emeralds. “How could you?”

  He rose to his feet. “How did you even find this place, Arry?”

  “You were so worried about her that you didn’t notice my car trailing yours.” She glanced around. “Tell me you aren’t completing the bond. She’s human.”

  Jasmine could hear the insult in the other woman’s tone and she looked to Chase for answers. “Who is she? What is she talking about?”

  “Leave,” Chase ordered the blonde coldly, ignoring the questions. “You aren’t welcome here, Arry.” He took a threatening step forward. “I told you it wouldn’t happen when you showed up.”

  Arry planted her hands on her hips. “Everyone fears us and we’re both alone. It’s a given that we’ll mate!”

  “We’re not feared. We’re pitied. Vampires believe we’re inferior and werewolves think we’re unable to form tight bonds with others.” He paused. “I chose her. There’s nothing for you here.”

  Arry chewed on her bottom lip. “It’s easier if we mate.”

  “I want to be happy.”

  “Sex would be good between us.”

  “It’s not enough.”

  Arry glanced at Jasmine. “What can she give you that I can’t?”

  “Her thoughts are easy to read. She’s sweet and funny.” He paused. “Smart. Honest. She’s everything I want in a mate.”

  Jasmine slid out of bed and walked to Chase. One glance down her body revealed a frumpy, faded nightshirt that hit just above her knees. It was comfortable, covered her for the most part, though she’d never seen it before in her life. Her attention returned to Chase and she tapped his shoulder. He turned, peering down at her. His eyes were blue again.

  “You read my mind?”

  “It’s a vampire trait. I can only read surface thoughts, but yes.”

  “She isn’t even sure this is reality,” Arry said. “It’s too crazy to be real. That’s what she’s thinking. That, and something about infection from the bites...” She smirked. “I see the attraction is mutual. She thinks you’re hot but your eyes are confusing her.”

  Jasmine was stunned as she looked at the blonde. The dream was becoming more than a little disconcerting. “Stay out of my head.”

  “It’s real, honey. He saved you from that basement and healed your wounds. Vampires and werewolves do exist. His eyes change color when he’s angry, turned on, or using his special traits.” Arry opened her mouth, wicked fangs extending. “See? The better to bite with. You’re beginning to believe, aren’t you? You’re afraid now.”

  It was true. Everything seemed too real and denial was great, but it could only last for so long. Jasmine dropped her hand and backed away from Chase as fear crept up her spine until the hairs at the base of her neck stood on end. He reached for her but she jumped out of the way to avoid his touch.

  “Trouble in paradise.” The blonde snorted. “Wipe her memories and send her home.” She approached Chase. “Mate me. We’re the same!”

  His head snapped forward. “We aren’t. Leave, Arry. Return to wherever you came from. We’ll never be mates.”

  “We’re in a world that has no place for our kind,” she argued. “Your vampire friends don’t trust us completely, regardless of your faith in them. While your little wolf pack tempts me to try to find one of my own, you know you only rule them because they fear your strength. They’d chop you into pieces if given half the chance, because you aren’t truly one of them. I catch some of their thoughts, the way you must too when their guards are down. It has to be tiring to always worry they might come after you. I’d have your back, and you’d have mine.”

  “My friends and pack are none of your business. I’d be more worried, if I were you, that they’ll come after you. They swore allegiance to me. You’re just a visitor who refuses to follow orders. Watch your own back—and get out of my house. Never return here or reveal the location. I’ll hunt you down and kill you myself if you do.”

  Jasmine watched them stare at each other as more chills ran down her spine. It was obvious the two weren’t friends, not even close, and the dangerous vibes pouring from Chase were strong enough for her to feel. The room seemed to grow colder as the seconds passed.

  The blonde raised her hands in defeat. “I’ll go. But call me after this blows up in your face. No human is going to accept and love you for what you truly are. She’s already frightened, and it hasn’t even fully sunk in yet.”

  Arry spun around but hesitated by the open doorway, turning her head to peer at him. “Your den is safe. I’d never betray you, regardless of the stupid mistakes I believe you make.” She glared at Jasmine, and then retreated.

  Chase watched Arry go before facing Jasmine. She’d backed into the corner by the fireplace. He knew her thoughts centered on using the fire poker as a weapon if he attacked. He wanted to assure that wouldn’t happen.

  “I’d never hurt you.”

  “You’re really part vampire and werewolf?”

  “Yes.”

  “How?”

  She was too cute. Part of her wanted to bolt but she was also very curious. Her strong attraction to him helped. She’d fantasized about him often since they’d met. He could read all that as he concentrated on her thoughts. It would be easy to force her to agree to mating him, but once the bond took, she’d have free will. It would be a bad way to start their future together. It was also forbidden.

  “My parents had sex.”

  She frowned, not appreciating his attempt at humor.

  “My father was a vampire, my mother a werewolf and vampire half-breed.”

  “Vampires don’t have kids. They can’t.”

  “You read that in a book?”

  “Yes.”

  “I don’t sparkle or burst into flames in the sun. I bet you read that, too.” He continued before she could