Vampire Lane by Anjela Renee Read Free Book Online

from her pile of bills. “Okay, so what’s the big deal?”
    “She’s the one. The one Tanek wanted for a mate the one that broke his poor vampire heart.” She continued a million miles a second.
    “I still don’t understand why you are having a witchy freak out. We both agreed to help plan the baby shower. I thought she was your best friend?”
    “She is and I love her more than anything, but it’s just that I don’t want you to hate her for what she did.”
    “Laya, it’s not a big deal. They dated, it’s over.”
    Natasha watched Laya as her face changed to that of confusion. “You don’t know, do you?”
    “Know what, Laya?”
    “Gretchen is the one that broke him. Tanek, he liked her, like really liked her. He wanted to mate with her. He found out she was in love with another man. I’m sorry, Natasha. I thought you knew,” Laya added softly.
    Natasha listened to Laya, trying to take in everything she just heard. It made sense why he said he was incapable of loving her. He was hurt so badly he didn’t want to risk being hurt again.
    “Laya, I didn’t know, but regardless, it happened before I even met Tanek. Tell Gretchen to come back and we will have a chat.”
    “Okay, just wait here.”
    Just as quickly as she had arrived, Laya rushed out of the office. Natasha put away her paperwork and shut down her computer, as she decided after her meeting with Gretchen to call it a night.
    There was a soft knock at the door before it opened. Gretchen stood there with her hand on her enlarged baby belly.
    “Don’t be shy; come in, Gretchen.”
    Gretchen smiled and came inside.
    Natasha sat next to her on one of the office chairs. She felt the awkwardness, but she knew she needed to get through it. Everyone had a past, including her. The more she knew, the more she could help Tanek get past it.
    “I have to admit, I find this is a bit strange,” Gretchen finally said, breaking the silence.
    “I know it. I feel it, too. So you went out with Tanek?”
    “Yes, I never really dated and was flattered he asked me out. I was surprised someone as good looking as he is, was even interested in me.”
    “But you weren’t really interested, were you?” Natasha asked. As much as she wished she could not have this conversation, she knew any information she got would help her with Tanek.
    “Well, I mean, he’s hot and all, but I had met someone else at the same time. I was new to dating and didn’t think things through. I had no idea Tanek had thought of me in a serious way.”
    “I know he’s hurting over it, but I hope to get him over this, and I think planning this baby shower will help.”
    “I am so sorry, Natasha,” Gretchen said with sadness, and Natasha could tell she really meant it.
    “You are young. We as vampires know all too well pain in relationships. It is our lot in life.”
    “Do you really believe that? That vampires can never be happy in a relationship?”
    “I hope not, but so far, it is what I know to be true.”
    Natasha looked over when she heard a knocking at the office door. Laya peeked inside, waving her hand just inside the door. “Are you two getting along in here?”
    Natasha and Gretchen looked at each other and gave each other a reassuring smile.
    “I think everything is great,” Natasha said. “I think we need to go out and have some fun, just the three of us.”
    Natasha, followed by Laya and Gretchen, entered the bar area. Maureen was behind the bar being trained for her new bartending job. She waved, but immediately went back to work. Natasha saw Tanek and ran over to him.
    “Hey there, boss man, we need the rest of the night off to plan the baby shower,” Laya said happily.
    Natasha stood shoulder to shoulder with Tanek. All she wanted to do was to take him into her arms and show him what love could really be like. “Is it okay?” Natasha asked sweetly.
    Tanek nodded. “How could I refuse three lovely ladies? Where are you headed?”
    “Just somewhere we can