Redson (VLG Book 10) Read online

She didn’t care who fed her grandpa, as long as he woke okay. The men inched back and put her grandpa on the floor in front of the safe. His clothing made sickening sounds as they attempted to straighten his body to lay him flat on his back. She tried to get closer but Red wouldn’t allow it.

  He held her tighter. “Stay here with me. They’ll help him.”

  Emma struggled but Red was too strong. “I need to do this! Grandpa’s out of it. The smell of fresh blood should bring down his fangs. I’m supposed to place a bag of it over his mouth.”

  Velder turned his head and held her gaze. “How much blood will he need to fully recover?”

  “I don’t know. This has never happened. We just talked about it. He said to get a pint of blood, that would rouse him, and it should be enough to clear his head to make sure that he’s not mindless. We figured he could hunt for a donor after that.”

  “What does he normally consume? How much?”

  “A few pints a week in all. He doesn’t have to feed nightly. That’s only when he’s not so injured though.” Her gaze went to her grandpa’s face—she instantly regretted it. Her grandpa looked dead and horrible. Nothing like his normal self. His blond hair appeared even starker white compared to his now dark skin.

  Velder sighed, bending over her grandpa and blocking her view. “It will be fine. All the VampLycans will offer up blood. Except you, Emma. You’re already injured.”

  Graves came forward. “A pint from each of you three should be enough. If not, I’ll offer my blood too.”

  Emma nodded. “Three pints healed him after he got shot seven times.”

  Everyone turned to stare at her.

  “What?”

  “Who shot him seven times? And why?”

  She looked up at Red. “I told you my grandpa likes to play hero. There was a drive-by shooting while he was talking a walk. He tackled the humans in harm’s way and took the bullets instead.”

  “He’s a fucking saint.” Red sighed and rolled his eyes.

  Emma lightly punched him. “For the last time, he’s not bad.”

  “I get it. Let’s hope he doesn’t want to kill me when we tell him you’re my mate.”

  “Emma?” Velder turned. “His fangs aren’t down.”

  “Cut a finger and rub some blood under his nose. It should work.”

  Velder bent over her grandfather once more. “It did. They slid down. Now what? Just shove my arm on his fangs?”

  “And try to hit a vein.”

  “Got it.” Velder paused and then hissed. “That hurt. Fangs are in. He’s not moving.”

  Emma had been schooled well by her grandpa. “Give it a minute. His fangs will automatically draw blood and once it hits his system, be careful. He might come up fighting.”

  More VampLycans came forward and crouched, ready to pounce if needed.

  Emma tried to go closer but Red continued to hold her back. “They won’t hurt him. We know what starved or severely injured Vamps are like. Trust us, Emma.”

  They were clan. She needed to get used to that concept. It was hard though and would take a while.

  “I know it’s just been the two of you, but not anymore,” Red rasped next to her ear.

  Grandpa’s leg jerked and a low growl came from him.

  “Hold him down,” Velder demanded. “Malachi, look at me.” He deepened his voice. “It’s Velder. Stop fighting. That’s my arm in your mouth. Drink, old friend. VampLycans are holding you. It’s safe. We’ve got you.”

  Emma couldn’t see her grandpa with so many big bodies in the way. Her grandpa’s leg stopped moving and he went still.

  “That’s it.” Velder’s tone softened. “The Vampires who did this to you are restrained and contained. Emma is here and safe. Just drink. No, you can take more. I’m not feeling light-headed.”

  “I don’t want to weaken you.”

  Emma felt tears sliding down her face at hearing her grandpa’s voice, even if it sounded weak and hoarse.

  “Take as much as you need from us. This is Lake. Bite his arm. You look like shit, Malachi. We’ve got plenty of donors willing to get you back to your old self.” Velder turned his head and smiled at Emma, nodding. “He’s all intact. Got all his fingers and toes.”

  Jarred chuckled. “He kind of looks like a shelled Gargoyle, only with some blue.”

  “His fangs work fine, Emma.” Lake moved a little to smile at her. “He’s drinking like a champ.”

  Velder stood. “Red, why don’t you take Emma out of here. Maybe for a walk outside. I wouldn’t want my granddaughter to see me in this condition. We’ll get him a shower after he’s fed enough to completely heal.”

  “I want to stay,” Emma protested.

  Velder met her gaze. “Not a request.”

  Red pulled her out of the office. She didn’t fight, going with him willingly. He led her out the front door and into the sunshine. “Malachi will be fine. Men have pride, Emma. Let Malachi get cleaned up and then you can talk to him.”

  She turned and threw her arms around his waist. “Just hold me.”

  “Forever.” He hugged her tight. “You’re hurt. Don’t think I’ve forgotten about that. I can smell your blood. How bad is it? I’ve been damn patient since you haven’t fainted or complained of being in pain.”

  “I’m not sure,” she admitted. “Nothing too serious. A lot of bruising, some cuts, and maybe a few cracked ribs. I’ll heal fast.”

  He growled, gentling his hold. “You should drink some of my blood.”

  “I’ll wait until we officially mate. I’m good.”

  “You need a shower. Those Vampires were touching you.”

  “My room is upstairs. I have a private bathroom.”

  “Let’s go.”

  “Velder said to stay outside.”

  “My uncle can get over it once I tell him why we went inside. I want to check you over myself and see if any of those fuckers need to die. Are you sure you’re not seriously hurt?”

  “I’ve had worse than this in training. The Vampires were attempting to capture me. Not hurt me.”

  He snarled.

  She just smiled and promised, “I’m fine, Red.”

  “You’d better be.”

  He turned, staring at the house. “Is there another way in? I don’t even want you near those bastards.”

  “We could go in at the side of the house and use the back stairs near the mudroom.”

  “Show me.”

  She let her arms drop. Red grabbed her hand, lacing their fingers together. She smiled, walking around the house. Her gaze lifted to the clear blue sky. Thanks for looking out for us, Mom.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Red hated everything about the house. Emma had said it was big. His cabin could have fit inside it and there would still be a good fifteen thousand square feet. It was a huge mansion. Her bedroom alone was bigger than his living room and kitchen combined, and her bathroom beat the size of his bedroom. Not only did it have a huge jacuzzi tub, but a shower they could have thrown a party inside.

  All of it depressed him. How could she possibly give all this up to be happy with him in Alaska?

  He watched her shower through the clear glass, documenting every bruise, cut, and scrape on her skin. He wanted to go beat on some Vampires downstairs for doing that to her. She shut off the three showerheads and pushed open the glass door. He grabbed a towel, opened it, and began to dry her.

  She smiled. “I’m fine, Red. You’re treating me like I’m a baby.”

  “You’re my baby.”

  She chuckled. “That’s kind of hot and disturbing at the same time. I’m never calling you Daddy.”

  He snorted. “I hope not. That’s something I’m not into.” He backed away when she wrapped the towel around herself and passed her another. “For your hair.”

  “Thank you.”

  “You have double sinks and a vanity.”

  She glanced around. “It’s horrible, isn’t it?”

  He scowled. “It’s t