Forbidden by Leanna Ellis

Elvis, Kurt Cobain, Jim Morrison, or Jerry Garcia had apartments here. But these dwellers of the night brought a whole new meaning to the Grateful Dead. It had proven to be a good place to live after Akiva had been changed. Nobody bothered nobody. Nobody cared if they heard strange sounds coming from apartments in the middle of the night or even screams.
    Stephanos was one of the most dangerous. Akiva had seen him bring young girls and women into the building. They’d disappeared into Stephanos’s apartment, clinging to his hand, curving their bodies around his as they sought a good time. But Stephanos was merciless. Akiva had heard the unending screams.
    Now Stephanos’s black gaze traveled over Rachel, noting each swell and curve with keen interest. “Well, hello. And who are you?”
    Rachel kept her hand on the railing and glanced back toward Akiva as if he would save her. He might have to try. He leapt up the last few stairs in one bound and put an arm around her shoulders. With a brief nod, he said, “Stephanos.”
    â€œAkiva.” The vampire smiled, but his gaze remained on Rachel. “This your rent?”
    â€œI sent payment while I was away.”
    â€œYou were gone a long while.” Stephanos shrugged a shoulder then ran a ringed finger along Rachel’s bare arm. “This could be payment for my watching after your stuff.”
    Akiva stepped between Stephanos and Rachel, blocking her with his body. “What do you mean?”
    â€œYou weren’t here. Others wanted such a choice apartment.”
    â€œSo? I paid—”
    â€œSo, others were interested. Others needed a place. Some wanted to know more about you, where you came from, what interested you.”
    A growl emanated from Akiva’s throat.
    Stephanos’s smile widened, then he chuckled. “Don’t worry.” He placed a congenial hand on Akiva’s shoulder. Still he continued to watch Rachel with great interest. “I watched out for you. And you—”
    â€œLook what Akiva brought home with him!” Orphelia’s voice trailed up the stairs after them. “Do you see? Can you smell her?” She drew a great breath, expanding her broad chest like an opera singer.
    Stephanos breathed deeply, luxuriating in the delicious scent emanating from Rachel. “I do indeed.”
    â€œShe expecting,” Orphelia said, coming up the stairs. “He cannot—”
    â€œEnough!” Stephanos shoved a hand out toward Orphelia, and she immediately stilled. “Akiva knows what he is doing, right?”
    Akiva gave Rachel a nudge to the next set of stairs, and she stumbled again but righted herself this time. Akiva moved behind her, his hand still on her arm, but his gaze remained on Stephanos, who gave a slight wave of his fingers. “See you later.” He leaned to one side in order to gain one more look at Rachel. “You too, beautiful.”
    When he reached the top floor, Akiva opened the door to his apartment without a key. What would a lock accomplish here? It wasn’t necessary or helpful. He couldn’t keep the bloods out, and no halfway intelligent criminal would dare cross the threshold below. At least not and live to tell about it.
    But one quick glance told him others had been in here. His keyboard’s cover was on the floor, the keys and controls exposed to dust, and the power turned on. His state-of-the-art stereo hummed, and CDs, which consisted of an eclectic pairing of greats from Bach to Beethoven and Meatloaf to Ozzy Osbourne, were scattered on the floor.
    Something fluttered above him, but he ignored the fact they weren’t alone. Here, they would never be alone. He should not have brought her here. Rachel leaned in the direction of the lumpy sofa he’d inherited, but he pushed her through the apartment. He couldn’t leave her alone for a moment, because another blood might swoop down and end his plan. “Come on.