Patrice Michelle - Kendrians: A Taste for Control (Book 3)

A Taste for Control

Kendrians Book 3

By Patrice Michelle

IrishTranslations

a Chailn - Girl

a Chara - My Friend a Chro - My Heart a Ghr - My Lovea Str - My Dear/Darling a Thaisce - My Treasure Cosain m i gcna - Protectme forever Oche Mhaith - Good Night Saoi - Wise man, sage Saoirse - FreedomShite - Shit Sonuachar - Soulmate Strainsir - Stranger T gr agam duit - Ilove you T t go h-ileann - Youre beautiful Tg go bog - Take it easy

KendrianVampire Terms

Vit -Leader of all the vampires

Pureblood -Pure vampire, born a vampire Hybrid - Part pureblood vampire

Vampri -Humans made into vampire. Their powers, though vampire-like, are less than thevampire who created them. They must drink blood to survive. Only Hybrids andPurebloods can make vampris. Vampris made by a pureblood vampire will not beable to walk in the sun. Vampris made by a hybrid vampire will have the sametolerance or aversion to the sun the hybrid does.

Transer -Human on the brink of becoming a vampri. Hes so close to being a vampri, hewill do anything for the vampire to take that third bite and make him a vampri.

Anima - Themate of a vampire. Once a person is mated to a vampire he/she will have equalphysical powers/limitations to his/her vampire mate.

Sheesh, the crazy things people do for money, RoseSinclair mumbled as she stared up at the tasteful red and gold Lions Lair sign.

The regal lions head insignia reached out andbeckoned, tempting her to walk inside the exclusive nightclub. Squaring hertense shoulders, she straightened her black leather miniskirt and smoothed herfitted sweater. Clubbing never had been her thing.

Downtown Chicago was eerily quiet at one oclock inthe morning. She found she missed the sounds of rush-hour traffic and peoplepassing by. Unseasonably warm night air blew against her back as she wrappedher hand around the cool lions head handle. The music thumped behind thewooden door, begging to be released. As she pulled the heavy door open, thesuction caused her hair to blow around her shoulders, temporarily blocking hersight. And thats how she feltas if she were walking in blind.

Your invitation, miss? A burly bouncer stood in herpath. He scowled and held out his meaty hand.

Well, damn, and here I thought turning thirty gave meperks. So much for plan A of just waltzing right into one of Chicagospremier invitation only clubs. Shit. Think of something. Seven grand isriding on this. She opened the snap on the small purse dangling from hershoulder and riffled through it. I know I have it here somewhere

Someone clasped her elbow in a firm grip and said in adeep voice, Shes with me, Charlie.

Rose jerked her gaze to the man standing next to her.Dressed in an expensive Italian suit, the stranger stood about seven inchestaller than her own five-foot-six-inch frame. Skimming past his square jaw, shenoted his completely shaved head only accentuated his overall stocky build. Shemet his serious hazel gaze and guessed him to be in his late forties. WhenCharlie stepped aside to allow them to pass, she smiled in gratitude at thestranger.

The man escorted Rose inside the posh nightclub, histaller frame shadowing her through the throng of people. The raised dance floorflashed in a kaleidoscope of colors to the thump of the music, while patronsgyrated to the upbeat song. Expensive perfumes and colognes added to theexcited atmosphere. Rose was surprised that even at this late hour the club waspacked as if the evening had just started. Her eyes adjusted to the dim, murkyatmosphere as the stranger led her past the dance floor.

Have a drink with me.

The deep register of his voice blended in with themusics beat, inviting and alluring, making her want to agree. She nodded andallowed him to direct her to a corner booth in the back of the club.

As they sat down in the plush red velvet cushions, hergaze scanned the patrons. From college-age to people in their forties, they allappeared to be having a blast andperfectly normal. How did one go aboutdiscovering if vampires really existed? Carry a mirror around and maybe awooden stake, too? The thought made her smile just as much as this wild-goosechase she was on. Vampireswhat a crock. If it were Halloween shed have a mucheasier time coming up with some kind of proof for her client.

What amuses you? her escort asked, an intriguedexpression on his face. Rose jerked her gaze to his. Hed been so quiet shedalmost forgotten about him as she scoped out the clientele.

She extended her hand across the table. Im Rose.Thank you for helping me get past Mr.Im-two-seconds-from-bouncing-your-rear-outta-here.

The man chuckled as he clasped her hand. JamesConnor. He surprised her when he rubbed his thumb along her palm and finished,It was my pleasure.

A strange tingling jolt shot up her arm as his skinbrushed hers. Unnerved by the sensation, she quickly pulled her hand away. WhenJames lips quirked upward in amusement, she resisted the urge to rub her palmon her skirt.

Your order, sir?

Rose glanced at the waiter who stood by their tableawaiting a response. Whiskey straight up and a glass of Pinot Grigio for thelady, James ordered for them.

Both irritated and surprised hed ordered correctly,Rose waited until the waiter had walked away. Do I look like the Pinot Gristype?

He gave her an indulgent smile. It suited you. Imvery good at reading people.

Ahh. She nodded her understanding. The ability toread others had always been one of her best talents, so much so her colleagueshad teased her about her deadly accurate skill. That talent that had come inhandy with every private investigation case shed worked on. Yet, she couldnttell what she thought of James. An aura of ambiguity hung around him, literallyemanating from him. She neither felt nor sensed his good guy status as shedbeen able to do with most people she met.

The waiter arrived with their drinks and then hurriedoff. She picked up her glass and appreciated the faint peach scent before shetook a sip. The medium-bodied flavor danced on her tongue, making her smile inappreciation as she swallowed.

Rose looked up to see James staring at her. Hedleaned back in his seat, his expression interested as he held his glass andswirled the amber liquid around. What brings you to the Lions Lair? Hisdarkened gaze swept her body, lingering at her breasts, before returning to herface.

He was apparently a regular at the club based on thebouncers deference to him. Maybe hed be the perfect person to ask about thiswhole vampire thing. And if he thought she was destined for the loony bin forasking, at least she wouldnt have to worry about ditching him later.

With a smile on her lips, she leaned back in her seatand raised her glass in a salute. Im hunting for vampires.

As she took another sip of her wine, she almost chokedat the heated look that flashed across his face before he quickly masked it.

James threw back his drink and set the empty glass onthe table. With an intense expression, he asked, And what would you do with avampire if you caught him?

The fact he didnt laugh at her statement but insteadseemed willing to indulge her surprised her. Why not throw fuel on the flame?

Id handcuff myself to him so he couldnt get away.She gave her saucy answer then leaned forward to continue in a conspiratorialtone, You see, Id need proof that he was indeed a vampire.

Would you take him home with you so you could get allyour answers? He raised a dark eyebrow.

She laughed, shaking her head. Im a very persuasivewoman. I wouldnt have to take him home to get the answers I seek.

A slow grin crossed his face before he spoke in a low,serious tone, What if I were to tell you that there are at least twentyvampires in this room right now?