Chapter 9
To his surprise, Nicole didn't once say anything about him handing his card out to everyone they met with today. Each time she had reminded them to contact her if anyone approached them about buying blood. It was a sad conversation to have with new foster parents, but that was the way of their world now. It was pretty much protocol.
The rest of the day went the same as their first meeting with Austin. Each showing great gratitude to Nicole and the kids absolutely adored her. She showed the vampire children the same respect and kindness as she did the human children. There was no bias.
“Do you need to go back to the office?” Damon ask, breaking the silence of the car.
“No, not really.” Nicole sighed. “I would really love to get something to eat before we go back to my place though. I really don't want to cook.”
“What would you like?” Damon slowed for a stop light. “There's seafood, steak, Chinese...”
“Pizza!” She chuckled at his pain look.
“Pizza?” He groaned. “Seriously?”
“You can't tell me you don't like pizza.” She teased. “Everybody likes pizza.”
“Never had it.” He replied pulling into the first pizza joint he saw.
“Oh. My. God.” Nicole started at him like he has just committed the worse heinous crime. “Never?”
He shook his head. “Ever.”
Meeting around the front of the car she grabbed his hand. “Well, you are in for a treat vamp.” She grinned leading him inside.
Once at the table she ordered a large pizza with everything and two draft beers. She thought about ordering three so she could dump the third one on the waitresses head. The woman, more or less, laid herself out on the table offering herself to Damon for an appetizer. She decided it would be a waste of good beer and choose to give the hoe the evil eye instead. Finally she noticed everyone was staring at Damon. The women with lust and the men with hate and fear. What the hell. Okay, it looked like her evil eye was going to work overtime tonight.
“Don't Nicole.” Damon took a long drawl of his beer leaning back in his chair looking relaxed.
“Don't what?” She shot another dude sitting behind Damon a nasty glare. He glanced her way then went back to eating.
“Glare at everyone. I'm use to it.” Damon took another swig of his draft. “Not everyone is happy we have made our presence known.”
“Yeah, well I'm not use to it and I refuse to let anyone mistreat you in any way.” She puffed out her chest and lifted her chin daring him to say anything more on the subject.
Damon grinned at her tough girl attitude. “Yes ma'am.”
The waitress brought their pizza asking if there was anything else she could get them, but her eyes never left Damon. “No that's it.” Nicole told the waitress with a roll of her eyes. Placing a piece of pizza on a plate she pushed it toward him. “Time to taste heaven.”
Damon looked at the odd food and frowned. That sure as hell didn't look like heaven to him. Glancing up at Nicole he watched her lift a piece of pizza to her lips taking a large bite, the cheese stringing from her lips to the pizza, her tongue lick out to wrap around the cheese to bring it back to her mouth. Her moan was one of ecstasy. His pants became uncomfortably tight. Damn if this was the way she ate pizza he was going to buy the f*cking place.
Nicole noticed he wasn't eating, but watching her. “Go on.” Nicole urged as she nudged her slice at his. “Eat.”
Damon picked it up eying it. “Do I have to?”
“Yes.” Nicole chuckled shaking her head. “I can't believe you have never had pizza. Go on, don't be a chicken.”
Damon took a bite, then took another showing no reaction at all.
“Well....?” Nicole waited at the edge of her seat. It was so cool to watch someone try something for the first time.
Taking a swig of beer he nodded. “Not bad Callahan. Not bad.” He laughed at her frown. “Okay it's not heaven, but a close runner up.” He didn't add that heaven was being inside her, tasting her, seeing her sweet body quivering underneath his and man, if he didn't stop there he wouldn't be leaving until closing with the hard-on happening under the table.
Nicole clapped her hands smiling. “I knew you would like it.”
Damon would gladly eat the whole damn thing if it meant she would keep smiling at him like that. Damn, he was totally screwed.
They sat finishing off the pizza talking and enjoying each other’s company. Just talking Nicole could really study Damon like she had never been able to do before. He was so handsome she could almost understand the way women reacted to him. He sat across from her filling his side of the table with broad shoulders, his elbows resting on the table making his biceps bulge just below his short sleeved shirt. Her eyes slowly making their way to his face she noticed his crooked sexy grin, that made her crazy, framing his full mouth.
“Did you hear a word I said?” He leaned back, his golden eyes sparkling with humor.
Crap. No she didn't because she was too busy drooling over his studly body, but she didn't want to let him know that. With the grin he sported she knew he did anyway. Crap. “Sorry...what?” Smooth Nicole...real smooth.
“I ask you why you haven't taken my head off for giving out our number at headquarters to your clients?” He cocked his eyebrow and damn, didn't that make him even sexier.
Shrugging her shoulders Nicole wiped her hands on a napkin then tossed it on her plate. “I was going to, but I actually thought about it and figured you all are more trained for catching the people responsible than I am.” At his shocked expression she laughed. “Yeah, I know my limits, but if the warriors walked away from this problem tomorrow then I would be back to doing what I was doing before without thought.”
“The 'without thought' is what scares me.” Damon shook his head frowning. “Are you fearless or just think you are lucky enough not to end up dead?”
Nicole eyed him for a long minute. “I was afraid for the first eighteen years of my life. I got tired of being afraid of everything and everyone. I have no idea who my parents are. I grew up in the system. I was not one of the lucky ones that was adopted. I went from family to family trying to fit in. The earliest I remember was when I was six. The man and woman who took me in had wanted children, but couldn't. I was there for six months and happy when she became pregnant. Two weeks later I was sent back into fostering. The next family I swore to myself would love me. I was seven and the first week I was afraid of them. They acted so nice until my case manager left. I was lucky to eat and when I did it was what I could find. I was told that if I said anything about what I saw, which was a lot of drugs and drinking, I would be locked in the closet. I was punished a lot and it took me forever to even be able to open a closet door.”
Damon sat listening anger simmering his blood, but he didn't say a word feeling her need to let this out.
“They got arrested so I was taken out and put back into the system. Two more foster families took me in, but it didn't work out for whatever reason. After that I was in a home for girls until I was sixteen. By then I didn't want a family, so every time anyone came I would act up, dye my hair blue or some other ungodly color and they passed me right up. I had only two more years before I was out on my own. Every time people would come I was afraid to be noticed and wanted. Being wanted and then turned away was worse than anything.” Nicole shifted uncomfortably.
“What happened when you were sixteen Nicole?” Damon leaned toward her.
Nicole swallowed visibly. She had never talked about this to anyone and had no idea why she was talking about it now to a guy she had the hots for in a freakin pizza place. Rubbing her hands nervously she looked away. “It was the last foster family I ever had. It seemed my foster dad had a thing for young girls and my foster mom fed his sickness by doing nothing. It started the second week I was there. He would do and say things that made me uncomfortable. He was good because every time my case manager was there he found a way to stop us from talking alone.” Nicole glanced at him to see his reaction, he just sat listening his face showing no emotion, but she noticed his eyes were darker than before.
“I knew what was coming and was terrified. Every night for weeks I would be in bed and hear him stop outside my door, which had no locks and the doorknob was removed and only put back when the case manager came. I think he was playing mind games. This went on until my seventeenth birthday when I was officially adopted. That night he came to my room and well, tried to do things. I was so afraid and so tired of being afraid. I hid a can of hairspray under my pillow. When he started touching me and stuff I grabbed the can and sprayed him in the eyes. I ran and never looked back.”
Damon had reached over holding her hand rubbing his thumb back and forth on her knuckles. “I'm sorry Nicole.” He would find out who the son of a bitch was and kill him slowly and painfully.
“I didn't tell you this for pity, Damon. I am telling you this so you understand my mindset.” Nicole lifted her chin. “This is why I am like I am with these kids. I know their fear. I have felt it, tasted it and lived it for the first part of my life. I will do everything in my power to keep these kids safe and happy. So when I place one of them in the hands of a monster I take it very personally. I am not afraid for me, but I am terrified for these kids.”
“I don't feel pity for you, Nicole.” Damon stared straight into her eyes. “Far from it. I have never met anyone like you before.”
Nicole snorted trying to lighten the mood. “I bet you haven't.”
Damon smiled then glanced at his watch. “Come on.” He stood digging in his pocket to leave a tip. “We need to be at the warehouse in an hour.”
Moaning Nicole stood. “Ugh...can't we call it a night.”
Holding the door open for her he shook his head. “Mitch would have me fired.”
Surprised when he took her hand in his she glanced up at him. He was scanning the parking lot, alert and ready for trouble. Keeping reality in check she knew his taking her hand was somehow connected to keeping her safe and doing his job, but her heart still skipped a beat at the feel of her hand in his large strong hold.
Damon and Nicole arrived early at the warehouse. They had stopped at her place for her to change, then headed out. Mitch walked in and headed in her direction. Damon was talking to Jared and Duncan while the others who had dribbled in started warming up. Nicole had been hitting a heavy bag when Mitch approached.
“How's everything going Callahan?”
“Good.” Grabbing her water she took a swig leaning against the bag she had been warming up on. “Today all my cases went smoothly.”
“Any problems other than that?” Mitch eyed her like he was a human lie detector.
“I'm still breathing, so all's good.”
“Don't be such a smart ass Callahan.” Mitch growled.
Chuckling she put her water down. “I'm fine. I think you guys are overreacting about this protection thing, but whatever.”
“Yeah well, humor me okay. Until they feel it's safe you have a round the clock body guard.”
Nicole rolled her eyes at Mitch who had already turned walking away and that is when she saw them. Two beautiful women heading toward Damon, Jared and Duncan. The one was the same red head from before. Glancing down at her old sweats and Snoopy t-shirt she groaned. God she was pathetic. Turning away, not wanting to see Damon head to the back with any of the women, she started pounding away on the heavy bag.
“PMS or the walking blood banks that just walked in the door?” Pam sneaked up behind her.
“Don't know what you're talking about.” Nicole huffed punching the bag with the combination they had been taught to warm up.
“Whatever.” Pam chuckled. “Jared told me about the women that's supplied for their needs. I mean damn....just look at them. Perfect in every way and their clothes, I mean wow, they must get paid good for this gig cause I couldn't afford the underwear their probably wearing, if they are even wearing any. I don't see any panty lines under those tight white pants the red head is wearing like a second skin. Probably a thong. I don't see them wearing granny panties.”
“Seriously Pam?” Stopping in mid swing Nicole turned glaring at Pam sweat sliding down her face. “Why in the hell do you think I care what kind of underwear they're wearing or not wearing.”
Pam gave an innocent shrug. “I was just making innocent conversation. You know a little gossip.”
“There is nothing innocent about you Pam.” Nicole poked a finger at her. “Now let me warm up.”
“By all means, beat the holy crap out of the bag.” Pam did a sweep of her hand in a courtly manner. “But if I were you I would head over there and stake my claim.”
“We're just friends.” Nicole punched the bag glancing toward Damon who was looking her way at that moment.
“Yeah, with benefits.” Pam snorted rolling her eyes. “I call bullshit. Girl, you are half way in the love with that man if not already there. You need to go fight for him, because as clear as I can see how you feel about him I see that redheaded bimbo is ready to stake her claim.”
Sighing, Nicole turned once again to Pam and grabbed her shirt thrusting it out. “Look at me Pam. I am no competition for her. I am wearing a pair of old sweats and a Snoopy t-shirt for shit sake. If that is what he wants then there is nothing I can do.”
Pam frowned. “You really don't know how gorgeous you are do you?” Pam really looked wowed. “Even in those ugly ass sweats and t-shirt you are hands down the most gorgeous woman I have ever known inside and out. I'd do you before I'd do that redhead.”
Nicole eyed her funny, trying to hold in her laughter. “Listen Pam, I love you I really do, but not that way.” Nicole teased
“Bitch.” Pam snorted then tackled her to the mat. “Come here and let me lay a wet on ya.”
“What the hell is wrong with you two?” Mitch walked up hands on his hips watching the women rolling around laughing and playfully punching each other.
“Pam just proclaimed her secret love for me and I had to turn her down. She didn't take it too well.” Laughing she walked to the center of the mat and plopped down to stretch out.
Damon had seen Nicole's frustration as she beat on the bag and knew the reason. He would feel the same way if another male had been rubbing himself against her, but the bag is not what he would be beating the shit out of. Alice was a beautiful woman, but she was pushy and it was well known she wanted a warrior and wanted one badly. She just wasn't his type and he preferred blondes to red heads, and the blonde he preferred was sitting on the mat looking lost. Pushing himself away from Alice he headed toward the mat. “You guys go ahead and I'll start class. I'm good.”
Jared caught Damon before he made it to the mat. “You need to feed Damon.”
“I'm fine, mom.” Damon shrugged Jared's hand off his shoulder. “But thanks for worrying.”
“If the Council finds out you're not feeding they will pull you and we need you here.” Jared glanced toward Nicole. “She needs you here.”
“I said I'm fine, Jared.” Damon went to walk away and again Jared stepped in his path.
“You cannot and I repeat cannot feed from her.” Jared snapped nodding toward Nicole. “If it's Alice we will call for someone else, but you need to feed and soon dammit.”
“I am walking away and if you step in my way again I will walk over you.” Damon snapped back getting nose to nose with Jared.
“Stubborn son of a bitch.” Jared moved to let him pass.
Damon tuned down his anger as he walked to the middle of the mat. He knew the dangers of not feeding and he knew the dangers of feeding from humans, especially humans they were attracted to and he was more than attracted to Nicole. Two things could happen. You either mated with the human which most vampires adhered or blood lust so strong hit that you become a mindless killer. Not only were humans dealing with addiction to their blood, but vampires were fighting addiction to human blood as well. Mitch had been right, it was a cluster f*ck of a mess. He should just go grab Alice and feed. It would solve the problem of getting too close to Nicole. No matter what she said it would hurt her to see him leave with another woman after being with her and he would bet his last dollar he would never be with her again.
With one last look at her he actually saw relief on her face. God he was screwed because to please her was the only thing that seemed to matter to him. Taking his focus where it belonged, he noticed everyone staring at him waiting for him to start their lessons. “Okay people let's get a partner and start the defense moves you learned last class.” Damon ordered then felt his breath catch when Nicole slipped him a smile. Yep, he was totally screwed.
After their class and shower Nicole headed over to her bag smiling. It was a good class, but better yet Damon had not gone into the offices with the redhead and that sent her stomach flipping happily. Damon had gone to shower telling her they would leave as soon as he was done.
“Hey” Pam grabbed her stuff and headed out the door. “I brought that book you wanted to read. I'll grab it and bring it in.”
“I'll walk out with you. I have to wait for Damon anyway.” Nicole followed Pam outside in the sticky August air.
Pam opened her door grabbing the book. “Don't worry about giving it back. I don't usually reread them.” Pam hugged her. “Gotta get. Kenny worked a double so I want to make sure he has a good dinner tonight.”
“Tell him I said hey.” Nicole waved watching her friend pull out of the parking lot. Opening the book she thumbed through it while walking back to the warehouse. A chill shimmied up her spine causing her to look up and then behind her. Suddenly she didn't feel alone. Flipping the book closed she turned again to start walking faster and screamed. Standing in front of her was the redhead.
“God, you scared me to death.” Nicole laughed nervously bending down to pick up the book she dropped.
Alice looked her up and down without apology. “Damon needs to feed.”
Nicole slowly straightened instantly on alert knowing this wasn't going to be a friendly conversation. “And you're telling me this why?”
“I heard Jared and Duncan talking.” Alice picked a piece of nonexistent lint off her sleeve. “If Damon doesn't feed soon they are going to have to tell the Council.”
“Damon is a grown man. I'm sure he knows when he has to...” Nicole couldn't bring herself to say feed especially to this women who she knew he had fed from.
“Feed?” Alice gave a nasty laugh. “God, you humans are pathetic. I could kill you with one swipe of my hand. Just hear me out, human. While you may have a little crush on Damon he will never commit to you. Ever.”
“Why are you telling me this?” Nicole was getting angry, but she wasn't stupid enough to go up against this woman since she could actually do what she said and kill her with one swipe of her hand that furnished long sharp red painted nails.
“Because Damon has been good to me and I plan on making him my mate and nothing will stand in my way. Jared and Duncan agree that you are going to ruin Damon. We have already talked about it and I was elected to fill you in. As long as you are in the picture Damon is not going to hurt your pitiful little human heart by feeding from me and that will lead to the Council being informed, which in turn will lead to Damon's downfall. He is one of the top warriors and it would be a dishonor for him to be pulled because of blood lust.”
“Blood lust?” Nicole hated being ignorant about anything.
“The longer he goes without feeding from one of his own the more unstable he becomes. Soon he will lose control and feed from a human, which would probably be you.” Alice wrinkled her nose as if the thought disgusted her.
“And that would be bad because...?” God she hated asking this woman these questions, but she needed to know what the hell was going on.
“Oh you poor thing. You really think Damon would want your blood. Look at you.” Her laugh was humiliating. “Listen, do yourself a favor and give it up. It's not going to happen. He might be screwing your brains out and believe me I know how good he is at that, but he will never take your blood. He is a warrior and he needs pure vampire blood, my blood.”
Okay that hurt, but Nicole hid her emotions because no way would she let this vamp bitch know she was killing her slowly with her words. “Jared and Duncan feel the same way?” She didn't know why she ask it, but the question popped into her head and out of her mouth before she could stop it. She didn't want to think Jared and Duncan had been talking about her and she sure didn't want to be a burden to anyone. No...that place in her life was long gone.
“What, that you're a pathetic human they have to watch over now? Yeah, they do. All they want is for you all to disappear so they can get back to what they were doing before and protect their own kind.” Alice smirked. “I cannot believe you can't take a hint. Why humans have been in charge this whole time and we have been in hiding is beyond me. Seriously, if you like Damon at all leave him alone so he can save face. Jared and Duncan are very concerned and serious about calling the Council.” And with that she was gone.
Nicole stood in the parking lot still as stone not knowing what to do. Pain not only about Damon, but the others was too much, overwhelming her with emotions she fought so hard her entire life to control. She couldn't face any of them. Seeing Eddie come out of the warehouse she jogged up to him. “Hey Eddie, can you do me a huge favor?”