The Vampire's Bride: Immortal Love, #2

By M M Carley

Dane is a 150 year old Vampire and private investigator. He's seen and dealt with many things in his long life and does everything to protect himself and his heart. But he gets more than he's bargained for when he meets Mikki while working a case to find a  young woman who has gone missing. There's something about Mikki that he can't keep her out of his head. She's smart, caring and beautiful. But she's human and caught up in a world of drugs and ruthless people. Can he keep his promise to himself to never let another woman close to his heart again? Or will he risk everything to save and protect Mikki from her wretched life?

• Language: English
• Publisher: M M Carley
• Release date: Oct 23, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393794257

M M Carley

I am excited to invite you to read my paranormal stories. It is my intention to create a new steamy, action filled and maybe even somewhat dark world that you can completely submerge yourself into. I am a self professed Spiritualist and I have had a long time love affair with all things paranormal and supernatural. Thank you for joining me on my journey of creativity.  Love and Light!

Book preview

This is a work of fiction.

Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are

either the products of the author’s imagination or

used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons,

living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Chapter 1

Dane lounged at the bar of Connor's, the rustic Irish pub in town, savoring his pint of Guinness. Ever since his arrival a couple of months ago, it had become his go-to spot. He couldn't help but notice a woman stealing glances at him, like many others. It was hard to miss a man like him - towering at 6'4, with a rugged, outdoorsy appearance, a hint of stubble, and a well-built, muscular frame. His intense, greenish-blue eyes and tousled, dark locks only added to his allure. As he contemplated inviting her to join him, his phone rudely interrupted.

Hey Mate....I’m at Connor’s having a Guinness. Want to come by for a pint? Dane answered.

After a mere twenty minutes had passed, Luke Tezzar entered the room, and much like Dane, all gazes were drawn to him. Luke was a towering, enigmatic figure, with striking azure eyes and a robust, well-built physique. He was not only Dane's closest companion, but also his most dependable confidant. And, as it turned out, he was also a werewolf.

He walked over to where Dane was sitting. Thanks man. I’m surprised there was a seat. It’s packed in here.

I may or may not have had someone move, Dane replied taking a sip of his Guinness.

I’m surprised you’re still in town. What’s going on? Luke asked.

I’ve had some sudden business come up.

Like what?

Some guy and his wife need me to find his daughter. Possible druggie runaway. I’ll tell ya when I know more. What’s happened with Ophelia? Dane asked.

One month later......

She’s been missing for a month, Wendy said.

Wendy was a small woman with pale skin and unkept strawberry blonde hair. She looked tired and rundown. The kind of tired and rundown that comes with constant stress and worry when your child goes missing. The bags under her eyes said that she hasn’t slept much in days.

Was there an argument? Anything that might make her want to leave? Dane asked.

We’re always arguing these days, Robert said.

Robert, the father, was about 5’9 with light brown hair and a mustache. He too carried bags under his eyes. Dane could tell that he could be a tough and demanding parent but he loved his daughter.

What are these arguments about? Dane asked.

Everything! She won’t get a job; she stays out all night. Sometimes she won’t come home for days. And when she does come home, she just sleeps, Robert replied.

How old is Tracy? Dane asked.

She just turned 20, Wendy said.

Describe her for me.

Well, she’s about 5’4. She has long, red hair and green eyes, fair skin and freckles, Wendy explained.

Do you have any ideas of where she could be or who she could be with?

Yes. There is this boy that she had been hanging out with. His name is Marcus, I think, Wendy began.

He’s a real piece of shit, Robert added.

Tell me a little about him.

He’s tall, brown hair, a little on the heavy side. She is always with him, Wendy said.

Have you tried calling the police and filing a missing person’s report?

Yes, and they said they would handle it but it’s already been about a month. They don’t have any leads, at least not that they’re sharing. She won’t answer her phone. He’s abusive and I think he’s been giving her drugs or something. She’s lost some weight. I’m scared for her safety. We don’t even know if she is still alive at this point! Wendy began to cry.

How do you know he is abusive? Dane asked.

She has come home with some bruises before. She has tried to blame tripping and getting bumped into on the dance floor at some club they go to but I’m not stupid, Wendy replied.

I understand. Do you know the name of this club they like to go too?

It’s Out something. I can’t remember. It’s outside of town.

I think I could find it based on that. Do you have any pictures? Something to reference, Dane asked.

Yes. I have one of the two of them together. I found it in her room.

Wendy handed him a wrinkled photo that she had obviously been clutching tightly in her hand.

May I keep this? Dane asked.

Yes.

Mrs. Miller, don’t worry. I’ll find your daughter. I’ll be in touch, and with that Dane shook the couple’s hands and left their home.

Dane pulled his phone out of his pocket and dialed a number. Hey Mate. What you up to? He asked. Meet me at Connor’s? I have a few questions I wanna ask you. Plus, I could use a pint.

Dane pulled into Connor’s parking lot about 20 minutes later and went inside. He found Luke already seated at the other end of wooden bar with a saved seat right next to him and two Guinness.

Mi Amico! Luke said as he slapped Dane on the shoulder.

Cheers Mate, Dane said. They both grabbed their beers and clinked their glasses together.

How’s married life treatin you? Dane asked.

Great! It’s great. I couldn’t ask for someone better. I’m glad you’re still around. Did you take that job you were talking about?

I did actually. I just left from the client’s house. Is everything alright? Any news with the hunters?

Luke's newlywed wife Ophelia found herself in a perilous situation, as she was confronted by a novice hunter who had attacked her. The young assailant, Chad Winston, hailed from a long line of hunters, with his grandfather and father passing down their skills to him. In a cruel turn of events, he held Ophelia captive and inflicted severe injuries upon her. Thankfully, Luke and Dane arrived to save her, but not without the young hunter meeting his demise in the process.

All is good so far. But just because we haven’t caught wind of anything, doesn’t mean that they’re not plotting, Luke said.

Aye.

So, what’s going on?

What do you know about the dance club called Outlands? Dane asked.

Not too much. That’s the bar that I found Ophelia at the night I got into that fight with Chad. Not knowing who was at the time of course. That place is bad news as far as I’m concerned. Why do you ask?

My new clients mentioned it. They said that’s where their daughter hangs out. She’s been missing for over a month and apparently her boyfriend is abusive and possibly feeding her drugs.

Well from what I saw being in there the little time that I was, there are a lot of drugs going around that place. Sounds like you’re going to have your work cut out for you.

Aye, Dane said.

Chapter 2

As Dane entered the dance club, his eyes swept across the pulsing crowd. The throbbing electronic beats echoed from the massive speakers scattered throughout the room. Outlands had become the go-to spot for locals and visitors from nearby towns, situated just on the fringes of Wayne National Forest in southern Ohio. It was the ultimate hangout for ravers.

The warehouse was a spacious playground, with a main area and multiple smaller rooms. Upon entering, a small bar on the left greeted guests, while a massive bar on the right stretched the length of the room. Towards the back, two cozy rooms beckoned with their glowing faux fur-covered couches and chairs under the mesmerizing black lights.

Descending the stairs, Dane was immediately swallowed up by the swarm of revelers. It was no surprise that the ladies took notice; his alluring presence and tantalizing scent filled the air. A blend of spice and cool autumn breeze, he was a sight to behold. But what set him apart was his vampiric nature, drawing women to him like moths to a flame.

One by one, as Dane made his way through the crowd, women reached out to touch him. Their hands caressing his arms and tracing his broad chest. However, Dane remained unfazed, his focus fixed on one goal. He couldn't afford to be distracted, not when this case held such importance. As someone who held a deep disdain for abusers, he was determined to bring them to justice. He knew most of the crowd was under the influence of the popular party drug, ecstasy, which explained their uncontrollable urge to touch anything that caught their eye.

Dane ascended the stairs to the VIP area in the loft above, wanting to gain a better perspective of the situation. The bouncer immediately moved aside as soon as he laid eyes on Dane, a testament to Dane's ability to get what he wanted. From the vantage point of the loft, he could survey the entire floor and everyone on it, his sharp eyes taking in every detail.

The exclusive section was rather small, with a bar situated against the wall on the right and a row of tables lined up along the railing overlooking the main floor. Dane made his way to the railing, weaving between two tables, and began scanning the lively crowd. Despite the flashing lasers and strobe lights, Dane had no trouble spotting his target.

To his right, a group of ladies at a nearby table tried their best to catch his attention. Though he couldn't deny their allure, Dane was solely focused on business at the moment. He pulled up a chair and took a seat at the end of their table. As soon as he did, all four women immediately started primping, tossing their hair and accentuating their curves.

Good evening, Dane said.

Hi, the table replied in unison.

I was wondering if you ladies could help me with something?

I’d be happy to help, replied the tall blonde closest to Dane. She ran her hand down his arm. 

I was wondering if any of you ladies know or have seen this girl?

Dane pulled the picture that he got from Wendy out of his jacket pocket and handed it to the blonde.

She looks familiar. What about you guys? The tall blonde handed the picture to her friends.

I’ve seen her, replied a tiny brunette seated against the railing.

You’ve seen her here? Dane asked.

Yeah, she hangs out with Rick’s group I think.

Who’s Rick?

The girl stood up and looked over the railing. He’s right there.

Show me, Dane said getting up from his seat to walk up and stand beside her.

See that guy walking through the crowd with the dark hair? He’s wearing a dark red button-down shirt.

Aye. Who’s that girl with him?

That’s his girl, Mikki.

Thank you.

Dane acknowledged the group of women at the table with a slight nod, noticing their disappointed expressions as he made his way out of the VIP area. He maintained a safe distance as he followed Rick through the bustling crowd, eventually finding himself at the end of the bar where Rick had joined a lively group of people. The camaraderie between them was evident, leading Dane to assume they were close confidants of Rick's.

Rather than joining the group, Dane lingered casually near the end of the bar, covertly observing them. As the group began to disperse in different directions, one lone figure remained standing, a petite girl around 5'2 in height. She caught Dane's eye with her red tank top and form-fitting skinny jeans, accentuating her slender figure. Her long, wavy dark brown hair fell gracefully around her face, partially obscuring it from view as she stood alone against the wall. It appeared that Rick had left her behind while he went off with his friends.

Dane tried his best not to stare, but there was something undeniably alluring about her. She started to make her way towards him, and Dane attempted to play it cool, pretending he hadn't been staring intently at her. The attractive girl reached the bar next to him and waved for the bartender's attention.

Beer please? On Rick’s tab. Thank you, She took a long pull form her bottle and turned to Dane.

Dane looked over at her out of the corner of his eye and set down his glass, Can I help you?

I, uh...... I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to stare. It’s just that um....... I’m Michelle. My friends call me Mikki.

Dane.

It’s nice to meet you, Dane.

Aye and you.

You’re not from around here. 

Is that a question?

More like an observation. I know almost everyone that comes in here but I’ve never seen you before. Plus, your accent kind of gives it away.

That is observant of you.

So, tell me, Dane. What brings you here?

I’m looking for someone.

Well, you couldn’t be looking for anyone in here because I’m watching almost every single girl in here checking you out but you pay them no mind.

I’m actually looking for this girl. Maybe you know her, Dane said as he pulled the picture from his pocket.

Are you a cop?

Not for a long time.

Like a private dick or something like that?

Something like that.

Let me see the picture, Mikki took the picture from Dane so she could get a better look. This is Tracy.

So, you do know her? Dane asked.

Well, yeah. We’ve partied together a few times. I haven’t seen her in a while though. She’s missing?

Aye, she is. For about a month now.

Holy shit. That’s crazy.

Do you know where I might find her. Or do you know of anyone who might know where she is? Dane asked.

I’m not su....

Who’s this Mik? Rick asked with fake kindness in his voice.

Oh, hey babe. This is Dane. He’s a private detective.

How nice, Rick said not taking his eyes off Dane. He grabbed Mikki by her upper arm and jerked her to his side.

Dane's body tensed as he watched Rick forcefully grab Mikki. The mere sight of it caused every hair on his body to bristle. Dane was all too familiar with the type of man Rick was - full of seething anger and consumed by his own ego and self-importance. It was evident in the way he carried himself, like a pungent cologne that lingered in the air. Dane had encountered many like him in the past, and he knew all too well the trouble they often brought.

Babe, wait, Mikki said. He’s looking for Tracy. Did you know she was missing?

Tracy, who? Rick asked.

Dane held the picture up to Rick.

I have no idea who she is, Rick said.

Are you sure? Dane asked.

Rick, what are you talking about? We know her. That’s Tracy and Marc.... The piercing glare that Rick had given her was all the warning that she needed.

Let’s go. Rick said and dragged Mikki away by her arm.

Dane observed helplessly as Mikki was escorted to a back room. His instinct was to burst in and tear