Free Vampire Trouble by Sara Humphreys

vulnerable part of herself that she never wanted anyone to see again. Her gut instinct was to run but she was too tired. Exhausted from fighting and running…just…tired.
    Thank you , Maya whispered. Tears spilled down her cheeks, and a sob wracked her body. Shane gathered her into his arms and cradled her against the broad expanse of his chest. Weeping, Maya’s fingers curled around the lapels of his coat. Thank you for making it stop.
    One strong arm linked around her waist, while his other hand cradled the back of her head, holding her while she cried. Shane said nothing, which was exactly what Maya needed. She didn’t need someone to tell her it was okay or that the pain would fade over time or some other load of crap. All she wanted was to be comforted, held, and cherished, to be allowed to weep and let it all out. He rocked her slowly in the shadow of the buildings, and Maya cried until she had nothing left.
    Limp and exhausted, she sagged against Shane’s much larger form. When her sniffles subsided, she could swear the sound of the ocean was swirling around them. Calm and soothing, the gentle, lapping sound of waves washed over her. Swiping at her sore eyes, she lifted her head to look at Shane and was immediately distracted by their new surroundings.
    They were no longer in the dark, dirty alley but standing on a white, sandy beach beneath a cloudless azure sky. Maya let out a sound of wonder, and her hand flew to her mouth in awe. They were in a stunningly exotic location, and the best part was the warmth of the bright yellow sun that blazed over them with balmy warmth. It didn’t burn. Letting out a laugh, she tilted her face to the beautiful tropical sky. Maya hadn’t thought she missed the sun—until now.
    You did this? Maya looked around in awe. You made this place?
    Yes, but my only regret was not being there sooner, Shane murmured, taking her hand in his and placing a gentle kiss on her knuckles. Maya’s stomach fluttered when his lips brushed over her flesh with the gentlest of strokes, and he held her protectively in the shelter of his body. I can assure you that won’t happen again.
    Wh-which part? Maya asked quietly. The nightmare…or you watching what happened?
    Neither. Shane’s voice dropped to low, dangerous tones and his grip on her tightened. A look similar to shame washed over his face. You will never go through that again. It has been centuries since I walked in the dreamscape, and until last night, I never thought I would again. I didn’t even realize what was happening at first, and by the time I did…you were gone.
    So you weren’t there the night it actually happened? You don’t think I deserved it? Maya asked in a barely audible voice. She closed her eyes, terrified at what the answer might be. That I asked for it?
    What? Shane’s body tensed against hers. One strong finger brushed along the line of her jaw and settled under her chin. Maya, look at me. Maya bit her lip and steeled herself before opening her eyes and forcing herself to look at him. She was prepared to see anger, pity, disgust…but not kindness.
    What that animal did to you was indefensible. I would never stand by and watch a woman victimized like that, human or vampire, and if I had been there that night— a growl rumbled in his chest —I would have eviscerated that piece of shit until there was nothing left but a dry husk.
    Olivia beat you to it. Worried that he might vanish, Maya curled her fingers tighter around his coat and pulled him closer. She looked out at the blue, rippling ocean that stretched out endlessly before them. She doesn’t know that I know, but Trixie told me that Olivia killed him while I was in the transformation sleep.
    I’m not surprised. Shane reached between them and took her hands in his before cradling them to his chest. Olivia is one of the most responsible makers I’ve encountered in my four centuries, and