Cursed Hearts (Hearts Duology Book 1) Read online

  It’s not like I require their presence, not at my age. It would be nice, however, to have beings gathered around me not out of a sense of obligation or some sworn oath. What I’m looking for is something I haven’t felt in years.

  Love.

  It’s something I’ve wanted ever since the ill-fated day Luc turned me. Unfortunately, it’s been illusive. I have yet to find a woman worth turning, and there isn’t a supernatural fascinating enough to hold my interest for long.

  I sense a presence outside my door. “Come in, Beaumont.”

  The door swings open. “Master Victor, there’s a young man downstairs. He claims to know you.”

  I don’t know many humans in this forsaken town. I’m ready to dismiss the broad-shouldered vampire with a gray beard, when I remember a teenage boy. A ball player. “Curly blond hair? Kind of shy?”

  “That would be him. Shall I send him up?”

  I face Beaumont and pick up my leather jacket from the white bed, a welcome break of color in a room full of black. “No, it’s fine. I’m going out anyway.”

  “Temptation Club?”

  “Yeah. I might be late.”

  “Think nothing of it.”

  I step past the Ancient and head for the stairs. The kid stands near the front door. He looks up as I approach him.

  “Jonah, what’s up?”

  “Oh shit, I didn’t know you were going out. Lena’s going to kill me.”

  I lean against the banister. “Why is she going to kill you?”

  “She arranged this thing tonight. Tickets to a concert. She set you up with her best friend.”

  There are many things in this world I despise—bigotry, lying, neglect—but one of the more mundane facets of human life has to be blind dates. Who would want to be set up for possible disappointment simply for entertainment? Yes. Call me jaded. I don’t care. Exist for twenty years in the body of an eighteen-year-old and you earn the right to be callous.

  “Do you have a picture of Lena’s friend?” I ask, trying to push aside my disgust. I pray the girl isn’t homely or a bubble-brained twit.

  Jonah removes his phone from a pocket and scrolls through it before passing it to me.

  “You should have led with this.” I feel myself grinning like a stupid schoolboy. The ravishing girl displayed on the screen is a pleasant, mesmerizing surprise. Instantly, her smoky gray eyes and bewitching smile speak to me. The flickering red-tipped, silver aura is a definite bonus.

  A supernatural mingling with humans.

  Intriguing.

  “Her name?”

  “Kelsie. She’s—”

  “Who’s playing?” I interrupt. Details aren’t really important to me, but it would be nice to know what I’ll be listening to this evening.

  Confusion crosses Jonah’s slightly freckled face. He appears lost in thought, and then his topaz eyes brighten with recognition.

  “The concert,” I urge. “Who are we going to see?”

  Nervous laughter bursts from the teen. “Sorry. It’s some fundraiser. Local bands playing eighties music.”

  I resist the urge to roll my eyes. It isn’t the evening I had in mind—hanging with people caught up in the past. But the girl might offer enough entertainment tonight. I gather my keys from the side table. “Mind if I drive? I’ll make sure you get your car back.”

  Lena pulls into the last parking space at the edge of the lot. The Palladium is a multi-purpose venue and the only spot for entertainment in Falls Creek. As soon as we exit the car, the wind picks up and cuts through me. Lena reaches into the backseat, grabs her brown suede jacket, and tosses me my short, black trench.

  I glance up at the dark sky full of stars. In the distance, the faint scent of burning wood wafts through the air. This is my favorite time of year, but the cool breeze reminds me that winter’s coming and with it my birthday. And this year’s celebration might just include a mate not of my choosing.

  “Kelsie? You coming?”

  “Yeah. Of course.”

  Lena squints at me. “Can you stop worrying for a little while? Stay in the moment and enjoy yourself.”

  Sounds like the same words Colt and Cash said to me. It’s going to take a lot of effort on my part tonight. I plaster a smile on my face. “Sure. Let’s go.”

  Loud music greets us as we approach the auditorium. I search the area looking for Lena’s boyfriend. Jonah stands at the entrance with someone at his side. The golden-haired Adonis wearing faded jeans, a green graphic tee over a thermal shirt, and expensive sneakers takes one look at my friend and shoots a grin her way.

  My gaze drifts from Jonah to the guy with him. He’s six feet of muscular heaven in black—jeans, T-shirt, leather jacket, and boots. He doesn’t look like the guy from the picture. He’s so much better with sexy bed hair and full, kissable lips. His penetrating aquamarine eyes meet mine and something electric passes between us.

  I won’t deny he excites me. Warmth spreads through me and my heart beats stronger. I bite my lower lip trying to calm the craving that’s growing. I’m feeling a connection to him, but how is that possible? We don’t know each other.

  I stare at him. Earlier I thought I saw signs of an aura. With the bright lights from the parking lot I can’t see it. Maybe my eyes played tricks with me.

  A deep moan grabs my attention. I look sideways and find Jonah and Lena lip locking, yet another reason why I didn’t want to double date with them. Every time these two get together it’s like sitting in a freaking porn show. Honestly, I get enough of this with Cash and his hookups.

  I clear my throat with no effect.

  “Don’t mind us,” I say loudly.

  Jonah and Lena fly apart like someone shot a starter pistol. She’s wiping at the smeared pink lipstick around her mouth. He looks around the area, too embarrassed to make eye contact.

  “How about introducing us to your friend, Jonah?”

  “Sorry ‘bout that.” He grins and rubs the back of his neck. “This is Victor Duquette.”

  I lick my lips and tilt my head. “I’m Kelsie.”

  “Hi, Kelsie.” There’s so much bass in his voice that it rumbles.

  My interest meter notches up. Please let him be supernatural. There’s no way I want to bypass kissing him.

  Lena nudges me. “We better get inside.”

  Jonah slides an arm around her waist, and they walk toward the door. Victor steps to the side and lets me enter the building before him. I get the sensation that he’s checking out my butt.

  Please let him be checking out my butt.

  Inside the Palladium, the lobby is filled with people dressed in garish, fluorescent clothing. Women walk by in too-short denim skirts, lace gloves, high heels worn with ankle-length socks, and teased-out hair. Draped on their arms are guys in leather jackets with numerous zippers. It’s like someone turned back time, and we landed in the year 1984. Someone singing Madonna’s Like A Virgin comes from inside the auditorium.

  This is Lena’s scene, not mine. She enjoys all the trappings of nostalgia. The girl is like a walking encyclopedia of historical knowledge. Her phone’s music library is filled with Debbie Harry, the Go-Go’s, Madonna, and Michael Jackson. She even has framed posters of retro musicians like Steve Perry and George Michael on her bedroom walls. I prefer my music darker with a little angst.

  We show our tickets to the security guard and find our seats in the dark hall. Lena and Jonah start dancing with the rest of the crowd. I watch Victor out of the corner of my eye. He’s dancing, too. I must admit he’s not bad.

  And neither is the concert. The music is catchy. I find myself dancing along with everyone else. Soon enough, the music slows down. Jonah pulls Lena close, and they sway to the beat. The flames of jealousy are stoked. I want that type of moment with Victor, but I don’t see it happening. He’s spent the entire night avoiding getting too close to me. He hasn’t even attempted to hold my hand. On top of that, he’s barely said two
words.

  The slow song ends the concert. House lights wash over the crowd, and people file toward the exit. We gather near the door.

  “Who’s hungry?” Jonah asks.

  Lena and Jonah start talking, but I don’t catch a word of it. I’m too focused on Victor. He’s jiggling a set of keys and shifting from side to side. I get the sense he’d rather not go out to eat.

  “We’d love to,” I hear Lena say as she tugs on my sleeve. “Follow us. I drove.”

  “If we get split up, babe, just head to the Depot.”

  “You bet,” she replies.

  I allow her to drag me to the parking lot.

  “So, what do you think of Victor?” Lena asks, putting her car in reverse. “He’s hot, right?”

  I stare out the window. There are so many cars in this lot. I don’t think we’ll be leaving anytime soon. “Yeah, he’s hot. Can’t comment on anything else.”

  “And why the hell not?” She hits the steering wheel with her palm. “Kelsie, did you even give him a chance?”

  I face her. “You’re kidding me? If you had kept your lips off Jonah for five minutes, you would’ve noticed.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “No conversation. No contact. I could’ve stayed home and listened to the radio. It would’ve been the same disappointing experience.”

  Lena sighs deeply. “Look, Kelsie, the night’s not over. We’ll get some food, and you can talk. Not every guy wants to spend an entire date talking. Maybe he’s a guy of action.”

  “Yeah, maybe,” I say, doubt coating my words.

  An opening suddenly appears, and Lena takes it. She pulls the car forward and out onto the street. “Can you please try not being so negative? If you want to find love, you have to be open to it.”

  Lena has a point. Maybe if I open myself up, I’ll find love. But then again, everyone is expecting me to commit to the match even if it’s something I don’t want.

  “Humph. We’ll see.”

  Whoever coined the phrase “speed demon” didn’t know a real demon. Contrary to popular belief, demons don’t do things fast. Well, maybe vampires, but that’s a whole different species. Most demons like to take their time. Torment, seduction…those are things that require finesse and a leisurely pace.

  The term, as defined by humans, does fit Lena’s driving style. Speedy gets us to the Depot, an all-night diner in an old Art Deco train station near downtown Falls Creek, ahead of the guys. Lena applies more lipstick during the five minutes we wait in the parking lot. I spend the time wishing for a reason to go home early.

  A heavyset waitress with graying blonde hair leads us across the chipped, dingy marble floors to a booth in the back of the room. The torn and patched, blue vinyl seat squeaks as we slide in. I’m next to Victor.

  Jonah grabs a menu.

  “I’ll have a root beer,” I tell the waitress.

  “I’ll have the same thing and french fries,” Lena orders.

  Jonah pulls her closer to him. “Double cheeseburger, french fries, and a chocolate shake.”

  The woman holds her pen poised over the pad waiting for Victor’s order. “Just a water.”

  I turn to speak with Victor, and he slides closer to the window. I glance over to get help from Lena, but she’s useless. The only thing she’s helping herself to is another make-out session with Jonah.

  “Are you really hungry, Victor?”

  “Not particularly,” he admits.

  I’m surprised he spoke. “Then, let’s get out of here.”

  Jonah and Lena don’t even notice our departure.

  Outside I realize my error. What on earth would we talk about? It’s not like this guy is interested in me. Stupid, stupid, stupid.

  “Did you drive?” I ask Victor.

  “Yeah. It’s the black Charger with the tinted windows.”

  Hell! He would have a hot car, too. Oh well, maybe Colt drives a nice car. I’m sure he could afford to drive something equally hot.

  “Would you mind taking me home?” I glance over at Victor. “Lena can drop Jonah off.”

  “No. I don’t mind at all.” He unlocks the vehicle and holds the passenger door open for me.

  “Thanks.” I strap on the seat belt and wonder what went wrong tonight. I tried to stay in the moment. I tried to have fun. Instead, I end up with a date who seems very eager to get rid of me.

  Victor cranks the motor and asks, “Where to?”

  “Off Ann Street.”

  “Cool. I live north of Monroe.” He steers the car out of the parking lot.

  Is he calculating how long it will be before he can get home?

  “How do you know Jonah?”

  “We met at a baseball game.”

  “Oh. So, you’re not like good friends?”

  “We’re more like acquaintances. We have a mutual friend.”

  And that’s all the conversation he volunteered. After a few minutes of riding in silence, I finally say, “Can I ask you something?”

  “What?”

  “Why did you agree to be my date tonight? It’s quite obvious that you aren’t interested.”

  He leans against the door and glances at me. “Is that what you think?”

  I fold my arms. “What else should I think? This is the most you’ve said to me all night.”

  “Sorry. I’m not a big people person.” He coughs. “I just learned about this date right before the concert. I had other plans tonight.”

  “Sorry I screwed up your night,” I say flatly. It’s taking too much effort for me to stay calm. Never since I started dating have I ever been treated like this.

  “It’s not like that at all,” he rushes to say. “I’m not a big fan of blind dates. Had I arranged a night with you, we wouldn’t have gone to a concert. I would have chosen some place different.”

  Intriguing.

  Maybe I should cut him a little slack. “You know, it’s not too late for that. Where would you take me?”

  Victor stops at a red light. “If you’re not opposed to it, how about a real date? Next week?”

  Crap! Another week of dodging the consort issue. “Sure. I’d love it. Maybe we should exchange numbers?”

  He removes a phone from his jacket, taps on the screen, and then passes it to me.

  I enter my contact info. “Here you go.”

  I dig out my phone, and he adds his name and number.

  “Great. I’ll call you tomorrow, and we can go over the details.”

  “I’m looking forward to it,” I say.

  It shouldn’t have surprised me that Victor didn’t try to kiss me, but it hurt a little bit. I know what I said earlier, but I am a succubus. There are certain things we expect—males come on to us all the time, and every one of them attempts to kiss us.

  After a night of no contact, I don’t expect Victor to want to see me again. It could be that he is supernatural, and he knows what kissing me means. Or maybe he’s just a perfect gentleman who respects a girl.

  My mind is so wrapped up in the possibilities that I don’t notice Cash sitting on the stairs.

  “How did it go?” he asks.

  I jump. “How long have you been sitting there?”

  “Not long. How was the date?”

  “It sucked. But he wants a do-over next week.”

  Cash shakes his head. “Kelsie, we can’t drag out this consort match. Colt’s still interested, and Mom’s ready to throw an announcement party.”

  I sit beside him. “I know. Can you tell Colt I’ll do it? I just want this second date. It’s my last chance for a little fun.”

  “You know you can still have fun with Colt? He can teach you a lot, and the guy is definitely not boring.”

  I cover my face with my hands. The last thing I want to hear about is how much fun Colt Najex can be.

  “I’ll make a deal with you,” Cash says.

  I lower my hands. “What kind of deal
?”

  “Hang with me this weekend. Mom went to New York, so it’s just us. We’ll stay out all night, and you can even practice control.”

  “In exchange for what?”

  “I’ll help you stall.”

  “Will you tell Colt?”

  “You can tell him yourself.”

  A weekend of incubus debauchery in exchange for more time? It shouldn’t be a hard sell, but it is. “What about Mom? She won’t like me hanging with you.”

  “She won’t know. Mom’s seeing this new human. He set her up in a fancy hotel for the entire weekend.” Cash bumps my shoulder. “Come on. Have a little fun with me. You don’t have to drink or anything else you don’t care to do. Once you and Colt strike this arrangement, we won’t be able to party together.”

  I frown. “Why not?”

  “I can deal with strangers kissing you, but I don’t want to watch my friends making out with you.”

  Ohhhh. That’s why he left the shop the other day. “Okay. Do I need to change?”

  “Got any leather?”

  “I’ll raid Mom’s closet. Why leather?”

  “We’re going on the Ducati.”

  I jump up. This night might be fun after all.

  I couldn’t stop thinking about Kelsie—the way her body moved to the music, her eyes, her smile, even her smell. I wonder if she tastes as good as she looks? The thought alone excites me. Something I haven’t felt in far too many years.

  I scrape a hand across my face and drive through the wrought iron gates of the mansion. It’s the last place I want to be, but the only place I can go right now. The Temptation Club became less appealing right after I laid eyes on her. And I don’t feel like driving out to the hills.

  Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine meeting someone so interesting, especially a succubus. The only ones I’d ever come across were hyper-sexed, self-indulgent females. Thankfully, Kelsie is young enough not to have gotten caught up in that nonsense. If she’s mine, I can promise that will never happen.