Bound By Blood by Amanda Ashley Read Free Book Online Page B

Kaitlyn. Had she been bothered by the earlier disturbance? He considered that possibility a moment, then shook his head. She wasn’t the type to be spooked by anything so trivial. Had she grown tired of waiting for his return? He shook his head again. He hadn’t been gone that long. It hadn’t taken more than a few minutes to wipe his compulsion from the man’s mind and send him on his way with no memory of what had occurred. So, what had prompted her to leave without a word of farewell or explanation?
    He drained his glass and left it on the bar; then, as was his wont at least once a night, he strolled through the casino. All of his employees were mortal save for the fledgling, Scherry, who was the night bartender, and two of the dealers.
    Zack had sired Scherry six months ago at her request. She had been diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia. She hadn’t wanted to face a lingering death and she had told him, candidly, that she didn’t have the nerve to take her own life. He had never turned anyone before, but he liked Scherry. After warning her that there were no guarantees, he had taken her up to his lair late one night and brought her across. It had been an interesting experience. Other than a desperate effort to save the life of someone he loved, he had never drained anyone to the point of death before. It had been an incredible high. He still wasn’t sure where he had found the willpower to stop before it was too late. But he had. And then he had given her his blood. And watched in amazement as the color returned to her cheeks, and the spark of life returned to her eyes.
    The other two—Steve Walls and Jackson Lautner—had been vampires for several years. The three of them worked at the casino with the understanding that they would not prey on his customers or hunt in his territory, and the sure conviction that Zack would destroy them without a qualm if they did.
    Assured that all was well on the casino floor, Zack started toward his office on the second level, then turned on his heel and left the club. Late or not, he needed to see Kaitlyn, needed to know why she hadn’t waited for him to return.
     
     
    Kaitlyn was watching a late movie when someone knocked on the door. She frowned when she glanced at her watch. It was a little after one A.M. Who would come calling at such an hour?
    Silly question. Since she only knew one person in town, the answer was obvious.
    She ran a hand over her hair and tightened the belt on her robe before she opened the door. “Do you know what time it is?”
    “Four and a half minutes after one. Can I come in?”
    With a sigh, she moved out of the way, felt her heart skip a beat when he stepped inside.
    He closed the door behind him, then followed her into the living room, stood there while she switched off the TV.
    She turned to face him, her arms crossed. “So, what brings you here at this time of the morning?”
    “I couldn’t sleep.”
    “Take a pill.”
    He felt his anger stir at her flippant reply. “Why did you leave?”
    “Excuse me?”
    “Tonight. Why didn’t you wait for me?”
    She sat on the sofa, her hands folded in her lap, her head tilted back slightly so she could see his face. “It was late. I didn’t know how long you were going to be gone, so”—she shrugged one shoulder—“I came home. No law against it, is there?”
    “Hey, I’m sorry if I offended you or . . .” He blew out an impatient breath. “Look, I just wanted to make sure you got home all right and you did, so I’ll say good night.”
    Kaitlyn bit down on the inside corner of her lower lip as she watched him turn and walk away. What was she doing? If she didn’t say something, he would leave. Did she want him to go? What if she never saw him again?
    “Zack, wait!” Jumping to her feet, she hurried after him.
    He stood on the porch, his expression implacable.
    “I’m sorry,” she murmured, not quite meeting his gaze. “I don’t know what came over me. I . . .” She tapped