Viking Seduction: Blood Slave
Brannan Black

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Copyright ©2010 Brannan Black

ISBN: 978-1-59596-815-9
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Editor: Margaret Riley
Cover Artist: Reneé George

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Viking Seduction: Blood Slave
Brannan Black

Kierra’s been trying to get Dekker’s attention since they first met. His Nordic good looks and old world charm send shivers of heat straight through her every time she sees him.

An invitation to a vampire themed rave seems like just the thing to help him see her as more than a friend -- until she discovers it’s not just a theme. And now she’s tangled up in a world she thought only existed in romance novels -- only these vampires are far from hunky knights in shining armor.

It’s the twenty-first century. Who keeps slaves anymore? Other than really, really old vampires…

Chapter One

I swerved my chopper around yet another slow driver. Damn it. How could Kierra have believed that weasel Ferine? Like I would invite her to a vampire rave. Shit, I’d never even asked her out on a real date. Not in the three months we’d been hanging together.

Maybe she’d read more into that choker I’d given her than I intended. How could I explain I’d had it magically enhanced to warn other vampires off without telling her about them? Of course then I would have had to explain I was one. So here I was swerving through traffic to save the ass of a young mortal who apparently wasn’t smart enough to stay out of trouble on her own. One I made the mistake of caring about.

She’d left the message an hour ago. It’d take me another hour to get there, assuming I didn’t hit any traffic snarls. Shit. It’d be close. If Ferine hurt her…

I shoved those thoughts aside. I’d already called Nate to meet me there. At least I wouldn’t be alone on Ferine’s turf. Hmm… Adriana. She lived near Ferine’s warehouse. Surely she’d side with me. Maybe we could avoid an ugly confrontation. The inner circle’s main job was to keep peace between the various vampire houses. Yeah, wouldn’t hurt to try.

“Call Adriana.” I really love the wireless headset I had installed in my bike helmet. “Elder Adriana, got a problem.” I dodged another car and shot through the yellow light.

* * *

I saw Nate’s big 4x4 headed around front. Not wanting to have to fight my way in, I squeezed between a couple buildings and slipped down the alley behind the warehouse. Shutting the bike off, I rolled into the shadows.

Muffled curses and a woman’s scream reached my sensitive ears. Son of a bitch. Kierra!

Ferine’s muffled voiced goaded me. “Go ahead, fresh blood. No one who can hear you will care.” I clenched my jaw, listening to his sickening whine. “You’re my gift to the gathering tonight. Come on, mustn’t keep them waiting.”

I hurried around to the back door and twisted the handle. Locked. A harder twist did nothing to budge it. Damn them, they’d beefed up their security.

A rusting pile of old pipe lay nearby. Perfect. I swung once against the doorknob. Both pipe and knob shattered in a spray of metal. I kicked the door open with what was left of the pipe in hand, ready to strike, but no one guarded the back door, which led to a crowded storeroom. Guess I should be glad he was so damn cocky.

Earsplitting techno music covered any sounds I made. I tossed the pipe aside and tested the inner door. Locked, but nothing special. One good twist and it broke. I stalked down an empty hall toward the central room. It paid to know the layout of your rival’s hangouts. Hallways split off, leading to offices, safe rooms and stairs down to where they kept their human cattle. But I figured Ferine would still be up front where he could show off.

By the time I reached the main room, I could hardly hear myself, much less anyone else over the loud music. Pausing in the shadows of the hall, I closed my eyes to sniff. There, a faint scent of fear. Had to be her.

The crowd in the main room didn’t pay any attention to me. The vamps were too busy feeding and screwing, and the mortals getting off being drained. Idiot bite junkies.

Still I stuck to the edges of the crowd, looking over bobbing heads for any sign of Ferine and Kierra. Her scream came from an alcove to my right. I shoved a few bodies out of my way, not caring what or who they were.

Bursting in, I saw Ferine had her pinned to the blanket-strewn platform at the back of the room. I grabbed his collar and shoulder and spun him into the wall. I spared only a glance at Kierra to make sure he hadn’t bitten her yet.

“What the fuck do you think you’re doing with my claim?” I lunged, pinning Ferine to the wall with my forearm. He could almost look me in eye, being just shy of my six foot one, but he’d never carried much muscle on his slight frame. Me, well, I used to be a Viking. Nuff said.

Ferine bared his fangs at me. “Fuck off, book boy. She’s not marked, means she’s fair game. And since I brought her here, she’s mine first. Get in line.”

I shoved harder, driving breath from the other man. I wanted to remind him just how much stronger I am. “You know damn good and well I’ve been seeing her for over three months.”

“Three months and not a mark on her. Fair game,” Ferine spat back. “Get off me, prick.” He struggled, trying to dislodge me. I hissed a warning through my fangs.

The crowd parted to allow Adriana through. She looked like she belonged in a corporate boardroom with her grey silk suit and carefully coifed blond hair. Her perfect lips drew together in a little moue of discontent.

“You summon me, Dekker, and then don’t even have the courtesy to greet me?” Her voice slid from her lips like warm honey, sweet and hypnotic.

I stepped back, letting Ferine go, and offered her a slight nod of respect. “Forgive me, Lady Adriana, I was indeed rude. But had I waited, the matter would have gotten out of hand.”

I glanced over at Kierra, who’d plastered herself in the back corner, as far from us as she could get. Her amber eyes looked like saucers, and the pallor of fear gave her normally tan face a sallow look.

“I see. So this is the mortal in question?” She looked Kierra over with a slow languid gaze. “Not my type, but comely. I am surprised, Dekker. Didn’t think she’d be your type either. At least not for a blood slave.”

Ferine swaggered closer. “He’s no right to her. She’s not marked and I brought her here.”

I turned to Kierra, trying to keep my anger under wraps. She’d crawled as far back on the platform as she could get. The red and black corset barely covered her ample breasts, especially with her chest heaving in near panic. Her honey gold hair swept around to one side and spilled down her chest. A few strands had come loose in her fight with Ferine. She managed to get most of her long, shapely legs under the short black pixy skirt. Damn, she looked good. I felt my cock growing hard despite the situation.

“Where’s that choker I gave you? Your message said you’d be wearing it.”

Her hand flew to her neck. “I, I don’t know. I had it. What the hell is going on here?”

I couldn’t spare the time to respond to her right now. And the others might take it as a sign of weakness. I knew Ferine would.

“Well, without it, there’s no proof he’s claimed her. And I brought her. Mine.” Ferine crossed his arms defiantly across his chest and arched an arrogant brow at me.

I let a wicked grin stretch my face. “Oh, there is. The smith made the choker with my essence and protection spells specifically for her, you can ask him. And here’s proof you intended to poach my claim.” I whipped out my cell phone, dialed my voice mail and put it on speaker.

Kierra’s voice echoed clearly from it. “Hi, Dek. It’s Kierra. Ah, your note said not to call ’til I got there, but I wanted to let you know I’m coming. A rave, sounds like fun! Debbie’s helping me find an outfit that will go with that choker you gave me. Wish you were coming to get me, I’m a bit nervous about getting in some strange guy’s car. Maybe I can talk Debbie into coming too. Hope that would be OK. Well, anyway, looking forward to seeing you. Call me. Bye.”

I stared hard at Ferine. “Especially interesting since I didn’t leave her a note inviting her here. Pet, why’d you get in Ferine’s car?”

“The note said your friend, Ferine, would pick me up.” Her brows drew down in some confusion, as if she didn’t understand why she’d done that.

“Let me guess, you felt nervous until he touched you? Maybe took your hand and then everything seemed just fine?” She nodded, still with that confused look on her face.

I crossed my arms over my chest and glared triumphantly at Ferine. “Had to vamp her, did you?” Maybe she wasn’t as clueless as I’d feared.

All eyes turned to Ferine. He scowled and hissed angrily. “So you gave her a necklace. Doesn’t make it your claim. And who cares if I did use a little vamp persuasion on her? We do it all the time.”

Adriana’s eyes narrowed and her voice chilled the room. “Ferine, you’ve broken more than one rule here. Knowing how you and Dekker feel about each other, I’ve no doubt you intended to poach his claim. Worse, you brought an unwilling and unknowing into our world. This endangers us all. I think your little parties are over. I hear of another one, and I always do, you’ll regret it.”

“Unknowing? She works at the Slivered Moon. Unwilling? Look at how she’s dressed. I’d say she’s looking for something,” Ferine countered.

We all looked at her and she drew even farther into the corner. I had to admit, she looked a lot like a goth hooker in that dress. A really hot goth hooker. We all stared at her, waiting for an explanation.

It took her several tries to clear her throat and choke out an answer. “The note said to dress for a rave, and, well, Debbie thought this would look good…”

Adriana smiled knowingly. “I suspect you wanted to dress for someone in particular?” Her smooth voice flowed out in an almost visible mist and she locked her clear blue eyes on Kierra. I could see Kierra’s eyes soften. Adriana had amazing powers, better than any truth drug known.

“I-I wanted Dekker to see me, you know, like a woman. Not just a friend.” Her sudden blush and panicked confusion showed she still retained some of herself, even under Adriana’s power.

“And were you aware of vampires before tonight?” That honeyed voice gave her no choice but to answer.

“We get wannabes in the store all the time. But I’ve never seen any as sick and delusional as these.” Her eyes flew wide like she couldn’t believe what she’d just said.

Adriana smiled at me, then turned to Ferine. “Ruling stands.”

I gave Ferine a satisfied smirk.

“Don’t get too cocky, Dekker. Dallying with mortals is dangerous, especially for someone already so tied to their world. You’ve a choice to make. Mark your claim on her right now, or she’s community property. There is no way she’s leaving here unclaimed. Understood?”

Son of a bitch. I’d meant to protect her, not claim her. Although my aching fangs and hard as stone cock had other ideas. I had no choice but to nod my agreement.

“Good. And Dekker, she needs to understand her place before she’s allowed out, and then on a very short leash.” Adriana’s cold grey eyes stared hard into mine.

Maybe I could fake it? Say I would once I got home then make sure she got the hell out of Dodge? I nodded again.

Adriana’s slight smile and cocked brow sent my heart sinking. “Well, what are you waiting for? Claim her now or be done with it.”

Shit. She knew me too well. “Now? Here? Lady Adriana, you know I’m not the exhibitionist some are. And I sure as hell am not giving him,” I jerked a thumb at Ferine, “any gratuitous thrills.”

Lady Adriana smiled a bit softer. “Of course, love,” she drawled in her honeyed voice. She turned. “Out, all of you. And Dekker, blood’s enough, though she might not thank you for waiting.”

I offered her a respectful bow. “Ferine!” I stepped to the door and called after him letting all my anger show in my face and tone. “Mess with me again and I won’t seek mediation. We’re done dancing.”

Ferine laughed. “Oh, so scared. Go play with your pet and stick to your stupid books. Everyone knows you’re all hiss and no fang.” He flipped me off as he turned away.

Ferine had no idea who I’d been or the kind of trouble he courted. I had a feeling this wasn’t over.

I turned to Kierra, who was still pressed into the corner. The wild look in her eyes hurt. And I was about to make it worse.

“Dek, what the hell is going on? That man said he was your friend and then he attacked me. And… and those people out there…” She pointed out the door with a shaking hand. “They looked like they were biting each other. What kind of sick freaks are you hanging with?” She started toward me and then froze.

I drew a deep breath. I wished it didn’t have to be this way, here, and now, but Adriana left me no choice. How to explain this gently? “Pet, you’ve stumbled into a world you thought only existed in romance novels. Only we aren’t nearly as nice. Those people are vampires and they’re biting and drinking off mortals like you.” I stopped to let her digest that.

She looked at me like I’d gone nuts. “Vampires? Seriously? Dek, I’m not crazy. There’s no such thing.”

“Then you tell me what you think you saw.” I crossed my arms and waited.

She took a deep shaky breath. “I saw a bunch of sick fucks, crazy sick fucks, pretending to be vampires. And your buddy, Ferine, is the sickest of them all. Dek, he attacked me!” She took a step toward me, her eyes begging me to set her world back to rights.

Only I couldn’t. “Sorry, pet. Real vampires. And Ferine is not my buddy. We’re rivals. No, after this, he’s moved to the enemy column, definitely an enemy. I know it’s hard to grasp, and it’s about to get worse.” I schooled my face into a cold mask. If she had any idea how hard this was for me, we’d both be lost. I had no choice and neither did she.

She backed into the corner again. “Dek, wha… what are you doing?” Her voice quavered.

I didn’t bother to sugarcoat it. “Pet, you have a choice, and not a good one. You can accept my bite, my claim, and go home with me as my property. Or, you’ll be thrown to the crowd.”

“Thrown to the crowd? To do what with? And, what do you mean by property?” Her eyes widened in true fear as I slowly approached. I’d known all along she found me as attractive as I found her. Maybe a little old fashioned seduction would make this easier.

“You’d be my pet. I’d own you. Or…” I leaned close, hands resting against the wall on either side of her, lips almost brushing her neck. “Ferine gets to finish what he started and you’ll be like those you saw on the way in, a bite junky. One hungry, randy vampire after another, for as long as you survive.”

I let my mouth brush her neck. I could smell her sweet hot blood pulsing below my lips. My fangs ached, wanting just a taste. Her clean, fresh woman scent filled my nose. I inhaled. Hmm. Fear, and what was that? Arousal? I hoped it was for me, and not some kinky thing. “I wonder, pet, how many do you think you could take before you passed out? And worse, you’ll crave for them to do it again and again. The pleasure is exquisite and highly addictive.” I brushed the rim of her ear with my lips. The arousal smell heightened. Oh, yeah, she wanted me.

“Dek! Back off, you’re scaring me. I just want to go home.” She tried to push me away.

I took a half step back to give her room to think. “Not happening. Sorry, pet. Me or them. Choose, now.” I made myself like a wall in front of her and waited. I could see the wheels turning as her gaze darted around, looking, no doubt, for a way out. I could have vamped her mind but I didn’t want to start things between us that way. She had to choose.

“Please, Dek. I’m not someone’s slave.” She looked at me with those amber eyes brimming with tears. “Please take me home.”

“Come here.” I took her arm and hustled her to the door. “Look out there. It’s them, or me. Choose.”

She looked at the chaos around her. I tried to see it through her eyes. Gender didn’t matter, although there are always way more men than women. The bigger the body the more blood. Men tend to be bigger, so…

Some sort of danced, brushing suggestively against each other. But the rest were biting necks, wrists and even thighs. And every one of the bitten looked to be in sexual ecstasy. Many were already indulging those desires right out in the open. I hated that we still allowed this kind of shit to happen. I heard her gulp in some air.

“I -- I choose you, Dekker.” She stumbled over the words. She stuffed a fist in her mouth when a man in front of her fell twitching to the ground when the vampire released him. Barely conscious, he still reached for his hard cock and started pumping.

“Easy, pet. That’s not going to happen to you.” I pulled her back and turned her away. “Here’s what will happen. I’m going to bite you, take some blood. I have to take enough to make a claim. You’ll get a rush. We call it bite lust. I’m not going to sugarcoat it. It’s intense. If I did no more than that, you could end up like those out there, addicted. So I’ll take you home and finish the claiming ritual. It attunes your body to mine so my bite won’t harm you. You’ll wake up feeling like you’ve got a bad case of the flu while your body adapts to my vampire essence and my bite. I promise you’ll be fine and safe from those like Ferine. OK?”

I held my breath until she nodded. I doubted she really understood, but at least I’d tried. I positioned myself behind her, arm tight around her middle to hold her if she collapsed. “Hold still, pet. I won’t take much.”

I stroked Kierra softly, leaning down to kiss her shoulder, her ear and the side of her face. I felt her start to relax a little. I stroked her hair and tilted her head just a bit. I kissed the spot over the vein I wanted. Damn, she tasted good. I eased my fangs in and the rush of her blood flooded my mouth. I groaned softly. She tasted like heaven. My cock throbbed with need, but I wouldn’t indulge, not here.

Her knees shook and I had to take most of her weight in my arms. I could smell the scent of her arousal spike as the bite lust hit. For a normal feeding, we don’t release a lot of the hormones that cause it, but for a claiming, I had to pump more into her system. It would change her body so my essence wouldn’t harm her. And so every vampire around could smell she belonged to me.

She moaned and started reaching back, trying to get a hold of me. Her legs spread as she pushed that sweet, tight ass of hers against my hard cock.

I licked the bite, sealing the bleeds. “Done, pet. Can you stand?”

She made strange mewling sounds but seemed ready to stand on her own. As soon as I let go she spun around and reached for my cock. It jumped and I had to bite back a groan. I caught both her hands. “Easy, pet. Not here. Let’s go home first. Then you can play with it all you want.” I had to keep a hold of her wrists as I guided her out or the bite lust would have driven her to start stripping us both. Adriana gave me a brief nod as we passed.

“Dek, oh God, do we have to wait? I need you.” Her voice sounded throaty and strained. She kept rubbing any part of her she could against me as I herded her out.

Nate stood just past Adriana with our buddy Ace. They fell in on either side as we made our way through the crowd. A few dared to hiss and flash fangs at us but with Adriana and her beefy escorts here, they didn’t do more. I could feel the angry stares of every vampire in the place as we left.

Just outside, Nate held out his hand to me. “Look what I found.”

I let go of Kierra for a moment and he dropped the choker I’d given her in my hand. “That son of a bitch sliced it off. Someday soon I’m going to have to put that rabid dog out of his misery.” I gave Nate and the guys a nod of thanks and ushered her around the side of the building to my bike. Fortunately, no one had messed with it.

“On you go, pet.” She stared at the bike like she couldn’t quite figure out what I wanted.

With a sigh I just picked her up and set her on it sidesaddle, then tossed her leg over. She moaned and squirmed on the bike seat, barely aware of the watching crowd. I caught a glimpse of men ogling her bare legs with lust clearly written on their faces. I flashed my fangs, but they just laughed. Sometimes it didn’t pay to keep my past hidden. On the other hand, if certain people knew where to find me, I’d have a lot more to worry about than Ferine.

I tucked her skirt around her legs then swung up behind her, wishing I’d something to tie her hands with. She kept pulling at her skirt or trying to grab my already painfully hard cock.

The big Harley roared to life between my legs and she groaned. I wrapped one arm tight around her. I knew she wasn’t thinking straight and I didn’t trust her to hold on, hence, she sat in front. Driving with one hand wouldn’t be easy but I’d done it before.

Unquenched, I knew the bite lust would drive her mad. I drove as fast as I dared, weaving through traffic that was blessedly light. She started rocking her hips and wiggling. My cock ached in the confines of my jeans. Bite lust might not hit the vampire as hard as the human, but with all her wiggling while pressed tight to me, my cock felt ready to explode.

After a short ride she squirmed so hard the bike swerved. It was all I could do to keep it up right. Then she started humping the seat. At this rate, we’d likely crash. “Easy there, pet. I need you to sit still. We don’t want to crash, now do we?”

“Please! Oh shit, Dek. I’m dying here.”

I barely managed to keep us upright after another series of gyrations. Fuck, I’d cream my pants if she kept this up. There was nothing more I’d like than to soothe her pain. But not while driving.

Finally I whipped the bike into a dark alley, looking for a quiet, private corner. It’d become pretty clear we wouldn’t make it home. Tuning out the rumble of my bike, I listened carefully. Nothing but a few mice nearby. I scanned the buildings, but back here the old brick stores didn’t even have windows. Good enough.

“Pet, I need you to get off for a moment.” I put the kickstand down, but left the bike running, both feet down to help steady it, and urged her up. As primed as we both were, this shouldn’t take long.

“Dek…” Her breathy moan sent shivers through me. Her eyes had dilated so wide they looked like black pits.

Shit, I hadn’t wanted our first time to be with her so stoned on bite lust she’d screw anything. I stood enough to get the zipper down on my jeans. A sigh of relief bubbled up as my cock sprang free. It jumped when she gasped.

“Hmmm, yeah.” She reached for me but I caught her hands.

“Straddle the bike facing me. That’s it, pet.” I pulled her close and slipped a hand under her skirt. I grew a claw to slice through her underwear. After retracting it, I slipped a finger in her sopping pussy. “Sweet Jesus, you’re wet.” I could feel my balls drawing up in anticipation. But I needed to see to her first.

She moaned and thrust against my hand.

“I’m going to lift you up, you guide me in. Wrap your legs around my back.”

It took a moment for my instructions to sink in and for her to get in position. Thank gods for vampire strength. Finally I got her lined up and let her sink onto my aching shaft.

“Oh, man, you feel even better than I thought you would.” I rolled my hips to thrust into her. Shudders of delight rocked through me. Oh, shit she felt good.

It didn’t take long for her to catch on. Matching my rhythm, she rocked her pelvis against mine. Her breasts rubbed against my chest with each panted breath. Moans and soft cries of pleasure bubbled from her lips. “Oh, Dek! Yeah, faster, harder. Fuck me harder.” She clasped her arms around my shoulders, using them to gain more leverage. Her moans and cries grew more frantic.

Shit, I’d never last. I thought she’d go as soon as I touched her but she just kept riding me. I held her with one hand and slipped the other around to rub her clit.

“Ahh, mmmmm, yes! Dekker!” She moaned and rocked harder against me. For a heartbeat she froze then her whole body jerked with her release. I captured her lips just in time to prevent her scream from echoing around the alley.

I thrust once more as hard as I could, her sheath clinching on me, milking my cum from my shaft. Shudders wracked my body so hard as I came I nearly dumped the bike. “Son of a bitch. Damn, pet, you feel so good.” I held her close while our breathing settled. “Think you can make it home now?”

She swallowed and nodded, despite the dazed look on her face.

I tipped the bike slightly to one side to help her dismount. “Face forward this time, pet. And try to hold onto me, not feel me up, OK?” As soon as she’d settled against me, I put the chopper in gear. We roared out of the alley as fast as I dared.

Chapter Two

I leaned back against Dekker, holding onto him as best I could. It didn’t take long for his Harley’s rumble to settle into my sex like the world’s largest vibrator. I bit my lip and tried to focus on where we were going, but soon all I could think about was getting his dick back inside me again. I closed my eyes and tried to hold on.

I jerked my eyes open to stare dazedly around an underground parking garage. When the hell had we pulled in here?

“Pet, we’re here. Off you go.” He put a hand under my arm to help steady me off the bike.

Dek’s hand slid from my arm to my back. I sucked in a breath. Never had I thought such a simple touch could be so erotic. I felt hot juices flowing down my leg.

Dek pushed me into the elevator and punched his floor. I snuggled up to him, caressing his body with mine. Damn, I wanted to get naked. I tried to get his clothes off but he grabbed my hands and whirled me around. He slammed my back up against his front. His hard cock dug into my ass. OK, if that’s what he wants, I can do that. I started rubbing against him. He growled and suddenly I found myself face first against the wall. Shit, all I wanted was to fuck him.

The door dinged open and I stumbled after him. I had no idea where he was taking me. I really didn’t care, as long as he got naked with me soon. He shoved me inside his apartment and pinned me to the wall with his hard body. Oh, yeah, that was better. I thrust against him, hands pulling at his hips, wanting him inside me. His hot mouth teased across my face, neck, and bare shoulders. I gasped and nearly came when he palmed my breast, sliding his hand inside my corset.

“Fuck, pet, this one’s going to be fast. Hope that’s OK for you.” His hot breath tickled against my skin as he spoke. All I could do was reach for his dick. He reached under my skirt and slipped his hands between my thighs. I moaned and spread for him. His fingers danced and stroked my sex before finding my clit. He hissed a breath in and thrust against me.

“Oh, shit, Dek. God that’s good.” I finally jerked the button on his pants open and all but ripped the zipper down. He groaned as his dick sprang free. I hadn’t realized before that he went commando.

I yelped in surprise when he lifted me and all but slammed me against the wall.

“Wrap those pretty legs around me, pet.” His voice sounded husky with lust.

I pulled my skirt out of the way as I wrapped around him tight. I felt the mushroom head of his cock pressed against my sex. I moaned and rocked, wanting him in me.

Somehow he reached around enough to position himself and dropped me onto his hard length. Leaning against my shoulder, his mouth almost on my neck, he groaned. “Gods, you’re so tight.”

I felt a kiss on my neck, then fangs just before they sank in. Ecstasy roared through my veins. My pussy clinched around his hard length. I moaned and rocked, needing him to move.

He rocked his hips gently at first. When I dug my nails into his shoulders trying to get better leverage, he growled and thrust hard. He pounded me against the wall with each thrust. I cried out as my sheath clinched on his hard length. My climax raced through me so hard I forgot to breathe. Then with a roar, Dek threw his head back and shot into me. Shit, he looked so good, blond hair flying back and rippling with the waves of his pleasure.

He held me tight against the wall for a few moments. My pussy ached for more and his dick seemed just as hard. “Hold on tight, pet.” He wrapped his arms around my ass and carried me to his bedroom.

I slid down his body next to his huge bed. He worked the laces on my dress while I tried to rip his T-shirt off. He stopped with a short bark of laughter and let me pull it over his head. I leaned into his chest, finding his flat hard nipple in his curly chest hair.

He gasped, arching into me. He finished with my dress and pushed me back enough to strip it off. His gaze swept me from head to foot. My skin tingled as if his hands roamed me instead. I moaned and shoved his pants down.

“Pull the blankets back, pet.” He gave me a little shove toward the bed as he bent to pull his boots off before stepping out of his jeans.

I flipped the blankets back and he grabbed me and tossed me on the bed. “Time to finish the claiming, pet. I need to touch and kiss as much of you as I can. Think you can handle that?”

“Can you fuck me while you’re doing it?”

He crawled up beside me with a wicked grin. “Oh, don’t worry, you’ll get plenty of that. Now stretch out for me, let me see that gorgeous body.”

He took the closest of my hands, kissed each finger, the palm and then started up my arm. My skin came alive like I had never felt before. My sex grew even slicker with juice. He pinned my arm over my head and started on the other one.

He crouched over me as he kissed, caressed and licked his way down my other arm. I licked his ear, neck, whatever I could reach. God, he tasted good. I arched against him, rubbing my breasts against him. His chest hair sent thrills from my aching nipples clear to my empty sex. “Come on, Dek, fuck me, please.” I moaned and wiggled, thrusting my hips up begging for him to fill me. Heat burned from his touch to set me ablaze with lust.

“Easy, pet. We’ve got all night,” he murmured around my shoulder then trailed kisses to my breast.

I arched into him, moaning. He licked and sucked one, then the other taut nipple until I thought I would come just from that.

I writhed, spreading wide and thrusting against him. I managed to brush my soaking pussy against his hard dick but try as I might, I couldn’t get him in me.

He pinned me down with his hard body as he worked lower. I moaned my pleasure and rocked my hips until my clit found the hard planes of his chest. I ground against him, driving myself higher.

“Hey, not fair, pet. You want me that bad, do you?” He crawled back up and teased me with the tip of his dick sliding along the lips of my sex.

I moaned out a desperate yes. He teased the tip inside me, and I jerked up against him as my sex pulsed so close to that edge of bliss. He let his weight pin me down until I quit moving.

He thrust in and picked up a steady, slow rhythm. I bent my knees to meet each thrust with one of my own. “Scream for me, pet.” He licked where he’d bitten me and fire coursed through me. I gasped and cried out as my sex pulsed with pleasure. He sucked my neck and more molten lust raced through me, driving my orgasm higher.

His thrusts became wilder, harder. His breath heaved and then he jerked with his release deep inside me. My sheath echoed his pulses of pleasure.

I whimpered with loss when he pulled out of me and slid down to take my foot in his hand. I sighed in pleasure as he rubbed my feet. He sucked my big toe into his mouth and my sex clinched with need. I’d never imagined a toe could be so erotic. He worked his way up both legs, kissing and sucking gently.

“Damn, Dek, that feels so amazing.” I squirmed under his touch as I built toward another peak. I closed my eyes and let the sensations fill me. His tongue on my clit made me jump and groan. He held me down and licked my pussy, nibbling the lips, sucked my clit until I thrashed with need. My whole body ached, wanting release.

“Scream for me, pet.”

I felt a sharp pain followed by intense pleasure. I cried out and bucked against his mouth as he drove me over the edge. He rose over me again, laying his body fully on mine, arms outstretched with our fingers entwined. He rested his legs tight against the outside of mine. His dick thrust between my thighs, resting against the outer lips of my sex. He flexed his hips a few times as he drew deep breaths. My breath caught and matched his for a few breaths.

“Turn over, pet. Time for the rest of you to get to know my touch.” He rolled off me and urged me to roll over. My body felt relaxed, like well stretched rubber, and yet excited and alive.

He started with my head this time, stroking through my hair and massaging my scalp until I felt every hair on my head standing up and the scalp tingled. When he touched my arms, his firm hands massaged as well as stroked. I moaned in delight. His touch soothed as much as awakened me like before.

He moaned softly as he kneaded my back, leaning in to lick and kiss. His hands swept down my legs to my feet and he started back up with his massaging and kissing.

He parted my thighs and let his fingers seek my sex. I whimpered sleepily, perfectly at ease with him doing whatever he wanted. Just as long as I didn’t have to move.

“Ah, not yet, pet. Stay awake for me.” He stroked into my wetness with the fingers of one hand while he massaged and stroked my ass with the other.

I moaned my protest when he pulled his fingers from me. Looking over my shoulder I saw him sucking them clean with his eyes closed in rapture. It went straight to my core and more juice flowed out. His eyes opened and locked on mine. The raw hunger I saw there made me moan with anticipation. I lifted my ass slightly.

A sexy smile spread across his face. “Ready for more, pet?” he asked as he stuffed a pillow under my hips, raising my ass to him. He stroked the lips of my sex, watching my face the whole time. I let my eyes flutter closed in ecstasy.

He stretched out once more to cover me completely, letting his full weight rest on me for a few moments, then he shifted down and stroked my sex with the broad head of his shaft before sinking deep into me. My sheath clinched and I moaned my pleasure as he filled me. I felt too boneless to move, so I let him take charge. He began a soft rhythm, letting his chest stroke across my back with each languid thrust.

It felt good, so good. His lips sucked the bite and pleasure flooded me once more. Hot passion flared and I groaned and pressed back into each thrust.

He changed his angle, pressing on areas I’d never felt before. Pleasure rippled through me so intense it almost hurt. My skin felt raw with sensation, yet I couldn’t get enough. His pace quickened, rocking my body. He captured me with his arms over my shoulders, surrounding me in the agony of ecstasy. A whimper rose from deep inside me.

Soft lips brushed my neck and without thinking I turned my head to give him room. The pain of his bite fled before the rush of lust that followed. I gasped and writhed. My body felt on fire. My pussy pulsed as I came in flowing waves that ran up my whole body.

With each suck, he drove harder into me. My brain overloaded with sensations as I spiraled into another orgasm. Wave upon wave of intense pleasure rippled through me until no thought remained, only feeling.

* * *

I needed her to match me, yield to me completely. My cock ached as pressure built. I bit deep and her sweet blood filled my mouth as my seed pumped deep into her. The need to claim, to possess all of her filled me until I mindlessly drove us both. I growled against her neck in animal frustration. She cried and moaned. Finally our hearts synched, my thrusts joined the rhythm, and we shuddered through wave after wave of orgasm.

Even after all my seed had been spent I continued to pound into her, unable to stop. The vampire lust rode me hard. Groaning in pleasure, my body convulsed through intense pulses of pleasure.

As the waves of ecstasy died back, I slid my fangs from her neck. Out of habit more than thought, I licked the bite, sealing and starting to heal it. I groaned slightly, still out of breath, as I rolled off her. A tremor ran through her body.

“Pet?” I levered myself up to see the side of her face. “Pet?” I grasped her shoulder and turned her to her back. Her body shuddered hard, wringing a whimper from her.

As I gently turned her face toward me, a strong shudder wracked her body. Her moan ended in another whimper.

“Pet? Kierra, look at me. Are you all right?” Her eyes flickered open but didn’t focus on me. Dilated pupils, vacant gaze and her body writhing followed by her moans. Her breath came in quick pants, echoed by her too rapid heartbeat.

Damn. Had it been too much? Or were the changes just hitting her hard right now? All I could do was help her sleep while her body adapted. I reached for her mind. “Sleep now, pet, sleep deeply.” Her eyelids fell closed and her body sagged limply.

I settled pillows under her head and pulled a sheet over her sweat-soaked body so she wouldn’t get chilled as her body cooled.

I watched her for a short while. Shit. She looked so pale. Was she breathing strong enough? I focused on her heartbeat. It sounded steady, but not very loud. Had I taken too much blood? Damn, it’d been so long since I’d done this. Was I just overreacting, or was she in trouble?

I rolled off the bed, still naked, and dug through my pants to find my phone. There was something else I could do. “Lilura. It’s Dekker. I need a batch of that special tea you make. The one for new pets.”

“Pets? You mean to tell me you’ve gone and gotten yourself a blood slave? Damn, Dekker, I thought after the last one, you’d sworn off.” Her smug voice grated across my nerves. “Is he cute? You ride him too hard to start? Maybe a little too much blood gone?”

“None of your business. I just need the tea.” I paced out of the room, running my hand through my hair. I hated dealing with the witch because she was such a gossip, but her stuff worked. And it was the least I could do for Kierra. “And I need it delivered tonight.”

“Well, guess you must have gotten carried away. Dekker, the soft-spoken writer, cutting loose. And I do need to know if you took too much blood or just wore him out.”

“Make it for both, and it’s a woman, if that matters.” I clinched my jaw, trying to hold back my growing frustration.

“Don’t take that tone with me. Give me a few hours and you’d best still be up, vamp.” She hesitated. “Wait, it’s not that girl from the shop you’ve been hanging with?”

“As a matter of fact, yes. And you should remind your niece why it’s not safe to take sides with vamps. This goes any farther south and I’ll hold her accountable,” I growled into the phone.

“Don’t threaten my niece. What’d she do to get you so riled?”

“Why don’t you ask her? I sure hope whatever she got from Ferine was worth it.”

Silence filled the line. “Well, I’ll get this made up quick. How bad is she?” The witch sounded concerned.

“More a precaution.” I hoped. “But if she does need it, she’ll need it as soon as she wakes.” I let out a strained breath and scrubbed a hand over my face.

“I’ll have words with my niece. Damn, I’m going to need to find another sales girl.” The line went dead.

I paced in front of the wall of windows in the main living area. What else would she need? I called Nate.

“Dekker, how’s the new blood slave? I didn’t expect to hear from you so soon.”

“Listen, I need a favor. Any way you could get into her place and pick up some of her things? Clothes and stuff mostly.”

“You are in luck, my friend. I happened to find her purse in the parking lot. I have her keys. I’ll drop by tomorrow after dark. You want me to pick up some food for her? I bet you don’t have a lot in your fridge.”

I chuckled softly. “That’s an understatement. Thanks, buddy. I owe you.”

Damn, I hadn’t given any thought to having to feed her.

* * *

By the time Lilura finally arrived, the sun had been up for a good hour. Vampires don’t have to sleep during the day, especially older ones. But it does tend to make us groggy and cranky.

“Dekker.” The witch shoved a sack at me as she pushed her way inside. “How is she?” She headed straight for the darkened bedroom, flipping on the light as she went. My automatic shades closed at sunrise, a necessary precaution.

“Sleeping, and I’d like her to stay that way.” I set the package aside and hurried after the witch.

Lilura leaned over Kierra, moving her head back and forth as if scanning for something. “Good, I think she’ll recover, but you pushed it, Dekker. I woke my niece. Apparently she’s been dating a vamp of Ferine’s house. I think they took advantage of her youth. She’s only twenty. Debbie didn’t intend to cross you. You know my policy is to stay out of your affairs. I hope this incident won’t affect our relationship.”

I had to choke off a laugh. So that was it. The Slivered Moon enjoyed a reputation for neutrality and hence did a good bit more business among the ageless. I took her elbow and steered her out of the room and closed the door. “I appreciate your attention and discretion in this matter.” In other words, witch, can the gossip. “What do I owe you?”

“On the house, vamp.”

Wow. She really was worried -- due to my influence in the community, I had to assume. I always gave generously and money talks in the vampire world just like in the mortal one. Unless she knew more about me than she’d let on. I hadn’t always lived as a quiet writer. Few had any idea who I’d been or that I could call up a small army if I chose.

“Thank you, very kind. And here, take this back.” I handed her the dress and shoes.

“I bet she looked totally ravishing in this. You can keep it as a memento of your first night together,” Lilura offered with a sly grin.

“I don’t think either one of us will want to remember this night.” At the witch’s surprised look I decided to give her a better understanding of how much shit her niece had gotten into. “Despite my collar on her neck, Ferine enticed her to one of his blood orgies. I barely stopped him from taking her, unknowing and unwilling. She wasn’t ready for this. And if Adriana hadn’t come to settle it, I would have killed Ferine. We both know what a mess that would start. And to top it off, Adriana insisted I make her a blood slave or turn her over to Ferine.”

Lilura’s face paled and her hand had a slight tremor as she took the dress and shoes. “I see. I am truly sorry for all this. I will make sure Debbie understands.” She gave me a quick nod as I keyed her out.

A vampire house had a lot in common with a gang, or mob family. Ferine heads a large house of burly thug types always looking for a fight. Most of my house had been part of my Viking crew way back when, or the mercenary company I’d headed after becoming a vampire. If I called the rest of my house, all hell would descend on the city.

The last vampire war had left a city in flames. The inner circle of vampires and local council of the ageless managed to blame it on race riots but it had nearly exposed us all. I didn’t want that, but if he pushed me any farther, I wouldn’t have much choice. For now, all I could do was find some sleep.

Chapter Three

I woke to the sound of my automatic shades opening at sundown. I rolled over, but her side of the bed was cold and empty. Shower going. How had I slept through that? I’d wanted to be awake when she woke in case she was in a lot of pain. But I guess she must be all right if she’d made it to the shower.

The thought of that luscious body naked in the shower sent blood rushing to my cock. Damn thing should be happy after last night, not ready for another go.

At first I didn’t see her in the steaming shower. Soft sobbing drew my gaze to the floor in the far corner. She sat pressed into the corner, knees bent in front of her, arms wrapped around them and her face buried in her arms. Wet darkened her hair to an almost black curtain falling over her legs. It swayed as she rocked herself. Too much, it had been too much last night. Damn it, how could I have let myself get that carried away?

“What’s wrong, pet?” I walked through the spray of hot water and settled onto my heels in front of her. She cowered away, covering her head in her shaking arms. Strong tremors shuddered through her. I gently reached out to take her chin, turn her eyes to me. I needed to see just how bad it was.

“No,” she wailed. “Don’t touch me!” Her voice drifted into a sob. Another strong tremor wracked her frame.

“Easy, pet. Just want you to look at me a moment.” I pulled her chin up. Her eyes looked like saucers and didn’t seem to really focus on me. Damn. Bite shock. Too much blood taken, too much vampire essence given. And I imagined the aftershock of Ferine’s attack and all she’d seen last night wasn’t helping. The tea would help with the bite shock, but the other, that would take longer.

“Come on, pet. Let’s get you out of here. I’ve got some tea that will help clear your head and make you feel better.” She pushed feebly at me but another shudder ended her struggle.

She groaned in pain as I helped her stand, rinsed her, shut the water off then wrapped her in one of my big soft towels. I could feel the tremors running through her body as I dried her. I listened to the steady rhythm of her heart, but her pulse felt weak. And the paleness of her face… My heart fell. I’d taken too much. How many times had I drunk from her? At my age, I should damn well know better.

A shudder wracked her body and she almost fell. I pulled her tight.

“Are you cold?” She nodded. “Stand here a moment, I’ll get a warm, soft blanket to wrap you in.”

Another shudder shook her as I wrapped her in the blanket and swept her into my arms. I carried her to the overstuffed couch that looked out over the city. Normally that space would have been a dining room. I had no use for one and loved to sit and watch the lights at night.

“Rest here, I’ll get something to help you feel better.” I hurried to the kitchen to make the tea, really a witch’s potion. Tea sounded a hell of a lot better and less dangerous than potion.

* * *

I curled into the corner of the couch. Thought refused to form in my cloudy mind. I felt cold. Another pain racked my body. I heard someone whimpering before I realized it was me. Cold, so cold, and sore. Aching muscles, joints, even my bones seemed to hurt. And my head. It felt like someone on the inside kept driving sharp spikes into my skull. Sick… I must be sick. Further thought refused to form.

A man who looked vaguely familiar settled onto the glass table in front of the couch. “Here, pet, drink this. It’ll make you feel better, clear your head.” He cupped his hands around mine to steady the mug to my mouth. A shudder shook me, almost spilling it. He helped me take several sips of the still hot tea.

The warmth of the tea settled into my aching body, dulling the pain, warming away the chills. Another shudder ran through me but with less bite. I accepted more tea when he offered it. Gradually the shudders subsided but I still felt disconnected and confused.

“Feeling better, pet?” His face filled with concern as he leaned toward me.

“I think so.” I glanced around at the unfamiliar place then back to the man. Clear blue eyes, shoulder length blond hair and full lips… Dekker, that was his name. I remembered him as a friend… or was he more? “Where am I?”

“My loft. Do you remember how you got here?”

A memory sparked. His fingers in my hair. Touching me all over. I shivered with more than cold and my sex ached. His lips there, his body over mine, thrusting deep and hard. I swallowed hard. “We had sex last night?” I couldn’t help the tremble in my voice.

His lips curved in a smile. “Oh, yes. Do you remember anything else?”

More memories came. A noisy room, people dancing… I felt afraid. A face, not Dekker’s, with a cruel smile. Not dancing, blood, and sex. A strong shudder ran through me as I touched my neck. Dekker behind me, then a sharp pain followed by a flood of pleasure. “Oh, fuck!” I wanted to scream but it came out as a moan. “You drugged me.” My memory started to clear up.

“No, I bit you. I’m a vampire, remember?” He reached for my hands.

I jerked away and glared. “Vampire? You’re still on about that? Why not just admit you stuck me with the rufy from hell so you could take advantage of me? Bastard.”

“I bit you, and that’s one of the side effects. If it makes you feel any better, it hit me almost as hard.”

“Yeah, right. Where the hell are my clothes?” I suddenly realized that under the blanket I wore absolutely nothing. In a madman’s apartment. Another strong wave of pain shook me.

Dekker sighed and dropped his head to stare at the cup. Emotions flitted too fast across his ruggedly handsome face for me to follow but I thought regret might be one of them.

“Look, just give me my clothes. I’ll take a cab home and we can both forget this ever happened. I, I won’t call the cops or anything.” My body shook with pain again. Damn, my head hurt. Never, ever had such a bad hangover.

“I am a vampire and you can’t go home. Promise or not, you’d be a threat, and they’d kill you. Or worse, Ferine might get to you first and you’d wish you were dead.”

“There’s no such thing as vampires, you sick son of a bitch.” I tried to stifle the tears that threatened to spill. “Just my luck, finally meet a nice guy and he turns out to a total whack job.”

“Pet --”

I cut him off. “Don’t call me that, you sick twisted fuck. I am not your pet! I can’t believe you drugged me.”

His eyes narrowed with obvious irritation. “I bit you to save your life. No drugs involved. Don’t you remember anything from that disgusting blood orgy Ferine called a rave?”

Images popped into my head of the bizarre behavior I’d seen. And Ferine. Oh my God. I started to shake again. He’d tricked me, then tried to rape me. Long fangs in his gaping mouth. Could he really be a vampire? No! That way led to the crazy train. I didn’t want to end up like my mother…

Oh, shit. Maybe that was it, I was having a psychotic break. I groaned and hung my head, hands squeezing my temples. Damned headache. Every time I shifted, abused muscles and joints screamed. I glared at him. “Truth, Dekker. What did you give me?” I wanted real answers, damn him.

He sat up straight. “I have told you the truth. Vampires produce something in our saliva that causes the bite lust.” I opened my mouth to protest but he held up his hands. “Wait, think about it. I don’t go out in the day, I don’t eat, super strong and oh, yes the fangs. Starting to make sense?”

“You have porphyria, some kind of phobia about eating out and I don’t see any fangs,” I retorted, hunching down into the blanket.

“It always amazes me how readily mortals believe that crap. You work so hard not to see what’s right in front of you for fear others will call you crazy.” He shook his head.

“Dek, I can’t believe you’re a vampire. That would mean I am crazy, like my schizophrenic mother and screwed up sister.” I curled into myself. Crazy, that had to be it. He leaned forward to caress my cheek, but I jerked back.

“You are not crazy. You’re not going crazy. This is real, not a hallucination.”

“So where are those fangs?” I lifted my chin in challenge.

Dek grinned slowly. “Watch close.” He wrinkled up his lips to show his teeth then closed his eyes.

Shit. Where did those come from? No way!

He smiled impishly at me with his fangs resting on his lower lip. “Fangs. I have claws too.” He shook out his hand and his nails snapped into three-inch long claws.

“No, can’t be, some kind of trick.” I turned away from him with a groan and huddled deeper into my blanket.

“Pet, are you in pain?” He leaned forward.

I glanced at his mouth and hand. No fangs, no claws. Crazy, I’m going crazy. “Yes, you freaking bastard. I hurt all over.” I felt tears boiling up again. Why had I wanted a date with this creep? Oh, yeah, it’s a family thing. Attract the worst loser you can find and make him your boyfriend. Just like my mother, just like my sister. I fought back a sob.

“Here, this will help with the pain.” He offered me the cup of cooling tea. “Finish this then get some rest. We’ll talk when you’re feeling better.”

I turned away, refusing. He set the cup down and grabbed my chin firmly, turning me to look at him. “I have a few rules. One is you do what I tell you. Now, you can drink the tea or I will make you.” His voice hardened with his face.

“So you really are going to keep me here against my will?”

His hard look said it all. I felt a shiver of fear and tears started again. I shook myself. No crying. Reluctantly I held out my hand for the tea. It had helped. He watched closely while I finished it.

I shoved the cup at him. “Happy now?” I had to find a way out of here just as soon as I could walk.

“A few other things you should know. I carry a cell phone that’s password protected. The door auto locks with a keypad. I change the code regularly. There aren’t any items strong enough to stake me. Feel free to watch TV or read. Though for now, you should rest.” He left without looking back.

I huddled into the corner of the couch, pulling the blanket tighter about me. None of it made sense. Memories came clearly now, including the sex. Oh, man, the sex. I’d only imagined it that good. My thoughts swirled in endless circles but my pain started to subside.

I closed my eyes just to rest.

Soft voices woke me from a deep sleep. And the smell of something good cooking. My head no longer pounded and the aches had settled into the background. Until I tried to sit up. Muscles protested and joints felt hot and stiff. My head swam, so I held still for a few moments.

My stomach growled, reminding me I needed to eat. I stood carefully and found my legs would hold me. With the blanket wrapped tightly around me, I headed for the galley kitchen. Just a row of upper and lower cabinets against the wall with a fridge, sink and stove. An island counter separated it from the rest of the living area. A couple of bar stools were tucked under the counter on the main room side.

Another man joined Dekker in the kitchen. Where Dekker was fair haired, blue eyed and had hard masculine planes, this man was dusky and smooth, his café-au-lait skin and stunning green eyes set off by his smoothly shaved head. His smile outshone the sun and his face held that perfect line between too harsh and too feminine. He looked like a model for men’s clothes, or maybe Playgirl magazine. In short, I’d never been this close to such a gorgeous man. And I had on nothing but a blanket.

Dekker smirked at me. “You can stop drooling and close your mouth now, pet. You’re just feeding his already oversized ego. And yes, he’s a vampire too. No, I won’t let him bite you, don’t ask.”

“Hi darlin’. I’m Nate. We didn’t get introduced last night. Are you hungry? I’ve fixed you some chicken soup.”

Chicken soup? It’s not like I’m a sick kid. Still, it smelled pretty good.

Dekker jerked a thumb at his bedroom. “Nate picked up some clothes for you. Why don’t you dress first?”

A suitcase sat on the end of his bed. My suitcase. Full of my clothes. My initial excitement cooled when I realized someone had been in my apartment! Well, at least I wouldn’t be naked in front of two very sexy men. I pulled on an old pair of sweats and baggy T-shirt.

A bowl of soup waited for me on the counter along with a glass of water. I slid onto one of the barstools on the other side of the counter.

Nate leaned against the counter with a big smile. “So, darlin’, Dekker tells me you’ve got a bad case of denial.” His smile could melt the heart of the Antarctic.

I shrugged. “It makes a hell of a lot more sense to believe I’ve been drugged than bitten by a vampire.”

“So what will it take for you to believe it, if everything you saw at that little bloodfest won’t convince you?”

“Maybe watching you get a nice sunburn? Oh, and that Ferine guy too. I’d really like to see him fry.” All this was his fault, tricking me like that.

Nate chuckled. “Maybe old man Dekker would be willing to take a sunbath but I avoid pain. And that hurts, darlin’.”

I snorted. Like getting a tan would really kill them. Freaks. “So who broke into my apartment? Is Sass OK?” I looked expectantly from one to the other.

“I found your bag at Ferine’s warehouse. It had a key.” Nate gave me that panty melting smile again. I could have sworn I heard Dekker growl softly. “Sass is your cat?”

I nodded and sucked in more of his great soup.

“Other than trying to slip out the door, she’s fine.” He gave Dekker a wink.

What the hell did that mean?

Dekker sauntered across the large room. The main area made a large rectangle with floor to ceiling and wall-to-wall windows on the same end as the kitchen. The couch I’d been sleeping on sat facing them. Waist high book shelves made a divider between it and a larger sitting area with a huge flat screen TV on the far wall. Chairs and a long couch made a cozy seating area.

Dekker opened a door just a few feet from the TV. From the kitchen it looked like a bathroom or laundry room. He stepped in and I heard a familiar hiss, yowl and Dekker swearing. Sassafras didn’t like to be picked up.

“Sass? You brought Sass?” My elation turned to dread when I realized that meant one thing. Dekker had no intention of letting me go. Why else bring my cat?

A small grey fur ball streaked out of the room and under the couch. I couldn’t help but chuckle at Dekker sucking a bloodied finger.

I caught Nate staring at me with an odd look, something like sympathy on his face. “I’ll be goin’, Dekker. Listen, darlin’, Dekker’s a good man. He’ll take care of you. Just give him a chance.”

I scowled at him. “I don’t need anyone to take care of me. This is kidnapping, and now you’re an accomplice.”

He sighed and leaned close. “Darlin’, Dekker’s just trying to protect you. Ferine’s a nasty piece of work. But I think you know that already. If you leave here, he’ll find you and finish what he started. Or the inner circle will see to it you have a nice accident. Either way, you’ll be dead.”

He sounded so earnest, like he really believed my life could be in danger. He shoved off the counter and swaggered to the door Dekker held open for him. He looked just as hot from the back. But my gaze still drifted to Dekker in his formfitting blue jeans and black T-shirt. I remembered how good he’d felt tight against my naked body. Try as I might, I couldn’t deny the man still made my panties wet.

I finished eating an unbelievable amount of soup. A few sacks and boxes sat on the counter and floor.

“Why don’t you get that stuff put away? Nate and I put the stuff in the fridge already. Feel free to arrange things any way you want. It’s not like I use the kitchen.”

“Right, because vampires don’t eat. But apparently they cook.” I waggled the pot of leftover soup at him.

His lips twisted in a wry grin. “If you call opening a can and adding a few things cooking, then sure, Nate cooks. I don’t. So if you want to eat, you’ll be doing your own cooking -- and cleaning up after.”

A quick survey showed most of the cabinets to be empty. That’s when I noticed the bowl I’d eaten out of was mine. Along with the pan Nate had cooked it in. I started digging around in the boxes and bags. All of it from my kitchen. My gut clinched and cold fingers ran up and down my spine.

“You really aren’t going to let me go, are you?” I felt a lump rising in my throat.

Dekker pulled out a stool and sat. “I can’t, pet. You’re my blood slave now. I didn’t want it this way, but we can’t go back.”

I kept my back to him so he wouldn’t see the tears welling up. “So even if Ferine wasn’t after me, you’d still make me stay?”

I heard him draw in a deep breath. “Pet, you can’t go home. You know about us now, and the inner circle won’t leave you alone even if Ferine doesn’t go after you. I can keep you safe as long as you’re here.”

“And the price of my safety is my freedom. That’s hardly living.” I’d watched my mother go from one domineering man to another looking for safety and never finding it. Of course being certifiably crazy didn’t help. No way would I be like her. I pushed the bags aside. Unpacking them felt too much like giving up.

“You aren’t going to put that stuff away are you?” His voice sounded sort of sad, even though his face betrayed nothing of what he felt.

“I’m not moving in with you, Dek. I won’t be anyone’s slave.” I leaned on the counter and looked him hard in the eye. “You can’t seriously think you can just keep me against my will. And if you drug me again, I’ll…”

He cocked a brow in challenge.

“OK, I don’t know what I’ll do other than hate you. I don’t for one minute believe you’re a vampire or that my life is in danger. I think you’re crazier than any of my completely nuts family. And that’s saying a lot.”

His eyes narrowed slightly. “So if I can convince you, will you believe everything I’ve done has been to protect you?”

I snorted. “Like drugging me so you could seduce me? Or insisting that I’m your property? Nope, not buying it.”

He sighed heavily. “Kierra, I had no choice but to claim you as my blood slave or watch Ferine tear you apart a piece at a time, just like those mortals you saw at his warehouse. As your master, I have to provide for you. Hence, Nate brought some of your stuff. You’ll also need food and other things. So make me a list of what you need.” He came around and dug a pad and pen out of a drawer and set them in front of me.

I glared at him with my arms crossed over my chest. I had no intention of cooperating.

He leaned close and took my chin in his hand hard enough to hold it but not leave bruises. “If you don’t make a list, you won’t have anything to eat but canned soup. And after that runs out, you go hungry.”

A shiver of fear ran up my back. I’d never seen this Dekker, cold, hard and without mercy. I swallowed hard and reached for the pad. He wanted a shopping list; I’d give him one. Hmm, what really expensive things would I like to eat?

Chapter Four

“Pet, join me on the terrace? I’d like to watch the sunrise with you.” I tossed back the first glass of whiskey and poured a second. “Please, I have something to show you. You’re welcome to some whiskey or wine if you want it.”

The main living area went to the edge of the building, but on either side were stone-walled terraces. I chose the terrace where the sun would hit first. “I think the view from here is spectacular, don’t you?” I leaned against the rail looking over the city. The rising light filtered through the tall buildings of downtown.

She joined me at the rail but kept a cautious distance. “Shouldn’t you be getting under cover? I thought vampires turned to ash in the sun.” Her brows drew down in confusion and perhaps a bit of concern.

“Actually, it only burns the part that the sun hits, and we melt more than burn. Still hurts like hell and if enough surface gets roasted, it will kill us.” I shrugged. “The older a vampire gets, the more sun he can tolerate. Which is why you often saw me out before full dark.” I turned to face her with a slight smile. “I did wear a hat if you recall and kept my hands in my pockets or left my bike gloves on.” A beam of rising sunlight hit the railing. I trapped her gaze with mine and stuck my hand in it.

“Dekker! You have porphyria. Of course you’ll burn. Now stop this.”

She tried to grab my arm but I easily held her off with the other. “Not yet, pet. At my age, it takes awhile for the burn to start.” I gave her a wink and tried to decide if that was really concern on her face.

“I’ll bite. Just how old are you?” Her lips drew into a line that clearly said she thought I was nuts.

Could I trust her with the truth? If I wanted her trust, I’d have to offer some first. “I don’t share that information lightly. The older a vampire gets, the more powerful, and there’s always some young buck looking to make a name taking out an elder. I prefer to live quietly without looking over my shoulder all the time.”

She snorted. “How could I tell anyone when you’ve got me locked up?”

I could feel my skin start to burn but I needed a really bad burn to break through to her. She glanced at my hand and looked like she might protest. So I distracted her. “I was born in what’s now Norway. My mortal life ended in 1066 at Stamford Bridge with Harald Sigurdsson, also known as Hardrada.”

Her face paled. “That would make you a thousand years old.”

“Almost, yes.” I leaned forward and spoke firmly. “Very few know this, pet. I prefer it not get around.”

“Oh. My. God. You’re a real Viking.” Now her eyes went wide.

“That’s what history calls us. I thought of myself as a soldier, more than a pirate, which is what Viking means. We were neither as savage as older histories told or as noble as some romance stories make us out to be. As a people, we weren’t that different from the rest of Europe.”

She snorted. “The rest of Europe didn’t terrify the known world.”

I shrugged. “I was born at the end of that era. Christianity and the growth of kings, nations changed it all.” God damn my hand was starting to hurt like the devil.

She looked down to see my red, swollen hand. “Dek, stop it.” She tried to shove me into the shade. I only moved enough to keep just half my hand in the sun.

“Why are you doing this?” A look of horror and guilt flooded her face.

“I want to make sure you understand what I am and how serious this really is. I want there to be no doubt in your mind that everything I have told you is true.”

She gasped and turned away, looking more than a little sick. Half my hand burst open like a cooked sausage leaving a raw bloody mass behind. Yep, that’d do it. I shoved past her into my loft.

She hurried after me. “Dekker, let me help you. We need to call an ambulance.”

I ran cold water over my hand and all four fingers and the tip of my thumb sloughed away as muddy wet ash.

She clapped a hand over her mouth and ran for the bathroom. It hurt almost as bad as it looked but I’d endured worse. Now I just had to make sure she couldn’t deny what she’d seen.

“You are going to take a very good look at my hand.” I turned on the vanity lights over the sink, making the room extra bright.

She gasped and tried to back away but I grabbed her. “It will have regenerated completely by dark. I want to make sure you remember exactly what it looks like now and that I am not faking anything.”

When she gave me a quick nod, I gritted my teeth and laid my hand cradled in a bloody towel on the counter.

I got the feeling she felt like puking again.

I have to admit, it looked bad. My fingers had vanished and most of the flesh, leaving raw, bloody tendons and bone where the back of my hand used to be. Closer to my wrist it started to look just burnt. Then smooth healthy skin.

“Touch it, turn it over. Make damn sure I’m not tricking you here.” I shoved her closer. “Now, damn it. I’m not doing this again.” Shit, it hurt. I focused to drive away the pain. Sunburns hurt worse than any other injury to a vamp.

She sucked in a breath and hesitantly touched my charred flesh. She touched a piece of exposed bone and drew back with a grimace. Her face got even paler.

“More,” I demanded.

She examined my wrist and compared the length of both arms. Although in only a T-shirt, I don’t know how I could have hidden any prosthesis.

“It’s real.” Her voice choked to a whisper. “I didn’t mean for you to hurt yourself.”

I wrapped it back up. “If it finally convinces you, it’s worth it,” I replied softly as I turned for the bedroom. “I could use some help with my zipper.” I tugged on it but it just pulled my pants lower.

She swallowed hard but came to assist me. I watched her face flush when she saw I wore nothing underneath. She stood there stealing glances at the door.

“You sleep here, next to me. And you stay here until I wake, understood?” I lay back with a sigh. “Come on, I won’t bite you or try to seduce you, at least not tonight. And I’m not going to hold you down and take it either, not ever.”

She continued to fidget. “And if I don’t?”

I levered up on my elbow. “Even one handed I can drag you over here and I’m sure I can find something to tie you to the bed with.” I arched a brow in challenge.

With a resigned sigh, she joined me.

A slight noise woke me before I’d gotten fully to sleep. I could see her quite clearly in the darkened room digging through my pants, probably looking for my cell. Then she tried the locked door. I had to appreciate how carefully she ducked behind the curtains to check the door to the terrace. Not a single ray of sunlight hit the bed.

“Are you done stomping around? Come back to bed, I need to sleep.” I stifled a chuckle when she jumped.

She slipped out from behind the shades and gave me a guilty shrug.

“Wondered when you’d get around to that. Now, please, my hearing is quite good and you’re keeping me awake.”

She let out a deep sigh and crawled back into bed. I debated vamping her to make her sleep but I’d already taken her freedom. I wouldn’t take her will, too.

* * *

The opening drapes pulled me from sleep. Pain and hunger surged through my consciousness. I smelled living blood, my blood slave. Sweet, hot and right there. I rolled over and pinned her down before I felt even awake. My cock throbbed and my fangs ached to be in her.

Too soon, too soon. I dragged myself back from the edge. “Get up, now.” I didn’t have to tell her twice. She scampered into the bathroom and locked the door. I smirked at the locked door. If I wanted her, that wouldn’t stop me. But if it made her feel better…

I could smell the fear on her. Damn. I should have let her sleep in the other room. I knew I’d wake hungry after burning myself like that. I flung off the covers and dressed.

“It’s all right, pet, I’m awake now. Won’t hurt you. You must be hungry. Come eat.” I unlocked the bedroom door and headed for the kitchen.

After a few minutes, she cautiously followed. “Feeling better today? Any pain or shaking?” I did my own visual inspection of her oh-so-tasty form. My cock twitched and my fangs dropped again. Tonight she’d put on a tight pair of jeans with a baggy T-shirt.

“Fine, thanks. Want to stop that? You’re making me nervous.”

I chuckled. “Just making sure my pet’s doing all right. You have very nice legs.”

She glowered at me and yanked open the fridge. “I left a grocery list. If you’re intent on keeping me here, I need food.”

I towered over her. “Watch your tone. You’re my pet, not my partner, understood?” I let my gaze bore into her with all the intimidation of my long life.

She swallowed hard and nodded. I caught the whiff of her fear.

I hated to do it, but she had to learn her place, or she’d be seen as a threat.

Time for a little show and tell. I peeled the bloody towel off my hand. Her eyes widened and her mouth gaped open.

“Take a good look. Touch it.” I held my hand out to her. It still had a red tinge to it and hurt just a bit, but the fingers had all regenerated. I waited for her to say something as she traced a single, shaky finger across the back of my hand.

A chime at the door interrupted us.

“Go in the bedroom, shut the door and stay quiet.” She ignored me so I grabbed her arm and gave her a little shove in the right direction. “Bedroom, now, make a sound and you will regret it.”

She stumbled slightly and turned to glare. I put on my do it now or die face. It worked. She whirled and ran into the bedroom, slamming the door almost in my face.

I keyed open the front door. “Bring it in here.” I pointed toward the kitchen. The delivery guy grunted and deposited the bags on the counter. He kept darting glances at me as I walked him back toward the door. I knew what he wanted. Bite junky. “When were you last fed off of?”

“Three weeks, sir.” His voice sounded way too eager but he didn’t look pale, so maybe he spoke the truth. I shoved him face first into the wall. He grunted excitedly and reached to undo his pants.

“You can take care of yourself. I just want your blood.” I licked the man’s neck, ready to feed.

“Yes, sir,” came the less than enthusiastic response. Bite junkies craved the sexual high that came from the bite. Tough. I didn’t feel like fucking him. After Kierra, no other would do.

I slid my fangs into a vein at the base of his neck. As his blood rushed into my mouth, I felt him shiver from the bite lust. His shoulder moved as he stroked his already hard cock. Soft moans oozed past his lips.

I heard a slight noise. Kierra peeked out of the bedroom, eyes wide as I fed. The man groaned and a shudder shook him. I could feel him coming and watched the shock and yes, sexual excitement on my pet’s face. My cock pulsed hard with need, a small wet spot growing inside my jeans. Her gaze snapped up to mine and I captured it as I finished licking the bite closed. I stepped back and gave the man a brief moment to collect himself before keying the door open. All without taking my gaze off her.

I stalked over with a slight smile on my lips. Damn, I wanted her so bad.

I saw her eyes widen suddenly. “Hmm, let a little slip?” I licked my lips slow and seductively.

Her eyes dilated and I smelled her arousal spiking higher. My body heated as she ran her gaze down me to my throbbing cock. “We call it bite lust, and it affects us almost as much as mortals.” I ran my hand down my hard cock. “Unless you want to help with this, go put your pet food away.” I pointed toward the kitchen. Wild eyed, she spun around and hurried to the kitchen. She glanced at me a couple of times, as if afraid I might sneak up on her.

I wanted to, oh, how I wanted to feel her tight little pussy surround me while I thrust into her. Her smell intoxicated me even more. A hint of arousal mixed with too much fear. If I wasn’t careful, I’d jump her right there in the kitchen. But her furtive glances told me I needed to give her some space yet. I put the island counter between us so we could talk while she put stuff away.

“So, now do you believe?”

Her hand shook slightly as she took things out of a bag. “Would they really kill me if I left here? This inner circle is sort of like a bunch of vampire mob bosses?”

“Yes, Adriana made that clear. Ferine took you unknowing and unwilling. You didn’t agree to join his house, or mine. We work hard to stay just a myth. That means not letting freaked out mortals run around telling tales.”

Her short bark of laughter sounded strained. “Like anyone would believe me.”

“You’d be surprised. And you know how to find a major vampire holding, as well as knowing me all too well. Even if I convinced the circle that you could be trusted, Ferine would just come after you again.”

“So the two of you have been rivals for centuries?” She stopped for a moment to meet my gaze.

“Yes.” I really didn’t want to get into it right now.

“I think I deserve more than just a yes. He attacked me because of you, didn’t he?”

She had a point. “Close to three hundred years ago I got into a bit of a jam with vampire hunters on my tail. Ferine was a wealthy man, but his money couldn’t buy him the one thing he wanted, a longer life. He found me and we struck a deal. He’d protect me and I’d turn him. Becoming a vampire is not a simple thing and not everyone who tries it survives. The first step is becoming a blood slave.”

Her eyes widened then a wicked grin spread across her face. “Oh my God. You were lovers.”

I shrugged. “That’s how Ferine saw it. Blood and sex go together for us, but it was just feeding, not like between two mortals. This isn’t well known, but we get a certain amount of our sustenance from sex. It produces an energy we feed off.” I ran my gaze down her body and back, then gave her a wink. “In fact, older vampires need sex more than blood. Once I turned Ferine, I had no more interest in being with him. I really don’t like men that way.”

She smirked at me. “Unless you’re sucking their blood.” Her brows drew down in thought. “So why not have sex with the delivery guy?”

I leaned across the counter and let my desire for her show. “Because I’d rather save it for you. I don’t have to get both from the same source and you are way more attractive.”

“Oh. So you won’t bite me every time?”

“No, that would kill you. Unless injured, I only need blood every week or two, now, but that’s still too often for one mortal. But I don’t think I could go that long without the comfort of your sweet touch.”

She drew back and crossed her arms protectively over her chest, then turned to put things in the fridge. “So I’m just another type of food for you.”

“No, pet. You know why I never kissed you before? I knew once I did, I’d never want to stop.” I came around the counter and wrapped my arms around her back. I pressed tight, letting her feel the raging hard-on threatening to tear through my jeans. “Worse, I can smell your desire. I know you want me. Why try to deny it?”

She struggled to speak. “Because you scare the shit out me. Because I’ve never been good at casual sex. I couldn’t live with being just your blood whore. I need more. A partner, not a master. Anything less would destroy what little self-respect I have left.” Her amber eyes glittered with rising tears as she searched my face, begging for something to make it all better.

I brushed her hair back from her face. “Pet, Kierra, this is not casual sex. Between a vampire and a mortal, there can be no closer intimacy.” I stroked her face softly. “I haven’t had a woman to care for in a very long time. Forgive me if I’m rusty. I am trying to meet your needs as much as I can.”

She swallowed heavily and started on the next bag of groceries. “I appreciate the effort, and I am grateful, but that doesn’t change the facts. No matter how gilded you make the cage, it’s still a prison.”

“I really wish things hadn’t turned out this way. But I will do whatever it takes to keep you safe, Kierra. Even if you hate me for it.”

“Even if it kills me, my soul?”

“I think you’re stronger than that.” I pray you’re stronger… but I couldn’t say it. Didn’t dare let my guard down or I’d want to take her in my arms and do whatever it took to make her feel better. Or tear her clothes off and fuck her brains out again.

I shifted my aching cock as I walked over to stare out the window. How the hell am I going to give her time when everything about her makes me hard and needy? Damn, I couldn’t remember the last time I wanted a woman so much. Or cared so deeply what one thought of me. I leaned my head against the glass. Shit, I had it bad.

Chapter Five

Dekker leaned against the window looking so sad it nearly broke my heart.

How could I feel sympathy for a man who would hold me against my will? Or desire? I hadn’t missed the large bulge he shifted more than once since feeding. Bite lust. Why didn’t he just demand I satisfy him? “Dekker, you said you need sex as much as blood. But you haven’t even asked me. Why?”

He drew a breath before answering. “I won’t force you, pet. Much as I want you, need you, I won’t ever force myself on you.”

Crap, why did he have to be so nice? It made it hard to stay angry. At that moment it occurred to me this might be as hard for him as it was for me. He’d even said as much.

Gathering up my courage, I crossed the room and ran a hand across his shoulder. “Dek, would it help if… if I, ah.” The words I wanted to say got stuck in my throat and I blushed. How did one offer a blow job? Could I really do that? It’s not like I had all sorts of experience at it.

He reached a hand to pull me around. His deep blue eyes, so full of passion, stole my breath away. “Whatever it is you’re offering, I would be happy to accept.” He leaned down to capture my lips with his.

My sex warmed with desire. Yeah, I could do this, and maybe more. I kissed him back. He pressed me up against the glass, his hard dick digging into my pelvis and belly. Shit, that thing felt like a monster. A flash of memory hit, of him driving into me. My sex slicked, but at the same time I felt a rush of fear. I still felt raw from the last time, and that had to be the worst hangover I’d ever had. No, I couldn’t have sex with him. Not yet.

He must have sensed my reluctance. His hold loosened. “It’s all right. I understand. I really wish our first time together hadn’t been so hard on you. That you hadn’t been forced to accept my bite.”

He tucked me tenderly against his chest with the side of his face nestled against my hair. His dick twitched as I pressed close and my breath caught. I slipped a hand between us and cupped him firmly. “Does that hurt? After feeding and not… getting off?” I could hardly believe my brazenness.

He pulled back enough to look down at me with a surprised look. “Yeah, but I’ll live.” He stroked the side of my face tenderly, but his gaze held a fiery passion that I couldn’t deny.

I took a breath and gathered my courage again. “I could, ah…” I licked my lips nervously and his dick jumped against me.

A slow smile spread across his face. “I would very much like to feel your luscious lips wrapped around my cock.” He rubbed himself against my hand.

I gave him a few hard strokes that left him gasping in pleasure. His fly unzipped with a loud hiss as I tugged it down. He looked down as I palmed his hard length. A few drops of precum glistened on the fat head. His chest heaved and his cock pulsed in my hand.

Nerves got the better of me again. “I haven’t done this a lot. So…” I choked up when he smiled at me.

“It’s OK. Do it like this.” He pulled my thumb to his mouth and licked it, swirling around the tip, then he slipped his lips over it until he had it all inside. His tongue worked along it and then he sucked, hard. I gasped when the sensations flowed down to my sex. A rush of juice soaked my panties. His eyes lit with amused passion and he released my thumb.

I swallowed and let him guide me down until I knelt in front of him. I caressed his dick, marveling at the soft texture on top of his rock hardness. I leaned in and licked the tip. He tasted salty, and a bit bitter, but not bad. He smelled clean and male. Not like the only other guy I’d ever sucked. He moaned and leaned against the glass with one hand while the other caressed my head.

I licked around the head again and then down the large vein. He gasped and his dick pulsed. I loved the smell of his musk.

“Yeah, that’s it,” he moaned. I glanced up to find his eyes closed and a look of pure lusty passion on his face. Watching him, I took him in my mouth. He made that funny grimace guys do when it feels too good.

“Shit. That’s good, pet.” His hips flexed in a gentle thrust. I took the hint and started working his length in and out, my tongue slurping and exploring all the ridges I could feel. He moaned and sighed, urging me on. He shifted to lean his head against the glass as if he could barely stand. His dick swelled in my mouth and got even harder.

“Gods, pet, soon, I’m going to come soon.” He tugged at my hair to let me know I could back off. More of his salty, bitter precum covered my tongue. I’d never swallowed before but for him, I’d do it. I sucked him deep. His body grew still and hard.

“Fuck.” He jerked and his cum filled my mouth. I fought the urge to gag and swallowed, sucking and licking as I did. His cock jerked. He gasped and shoved deeper as he pulsed out the last of his cum. I choked and he pulled back. “Sorry. Damn, pet. I thought you said you weren’t very good at that.” A few more tremors rippled through his body as I gave his dick a last lick. His chest heaved as he slowly came back. I tucked him back inside and zipped up his pants.

He helped me stand and kissed me hard, then gentler. “Thank you.” His words caressed my lips he spoke so close to them. A shiver of pleasure ran down to my sex. “Would you let me pleasure you now?”

“I… I don’t think I’m ready for that just yet.” As much as I wanted him, that fear niggled at the back of my mind. That and I still felt just a bit sore here and there.

He hugged me and kissed the top of my head. “Let me know when you are, Kierra, and I promise I will rock your world -- without having to bite you.”

His cell rang and he stepped away. “Damn, pet, I have to take this. It’s work.”

“Work? I thought all vampires were rich playboys.” My lips twitched as I tried to hide my smile.

He laughed. “No, ’fraid not. Places like this don’t come cheap and I have a feeling my expenses are going to skyrocket.”

I gave him a wicked grin. “Uh huh. Pets can be very expensive.” I couldn’t help admire his tight ass as it disappeared into what must be his office.

I wandered about before settling in to watch TV. At least he had cable with pay-per-view and a DVR. An evil chuckle rose in my throat. Oh, yeah, his cable bill at least would be shocking.

I don’t know what time he finished working. I’d long since gotten bored and headed to bed with Sass curled up by my chest. I slept right through him coming to bed.

* * *

I startled awake with Dekker wrapped around me. His hard dick pressed against my ass. “Evening, pet. Sleep well?” His hand caressed my shoulder, reminding my skin how to feel alive. A twinge started in my sex.

He leaned in close and whispered, “Much as I’d enjoy the warmth of your lovely body, I have to meet Nate.” He heaved a sigh and rolled out of bed. He shot me a look full of mischief and disappeared into his enormous walk in closet.

I sighed and got up. Sass had left sometime during the night, make that day. I rummaged through my suitcase. I’d have to do laundry soon, Nate hadn’t packed much. Same for the kitchen stuff. Dekker had nothing but a few glasses and Nate brought only a bag of canned and boxed foods, a small box of dishes, a sauce pan and a large fry pan. I started washing the fry pan so I could fix breakfast, even if it was dinner time. A frustrated sigh bubbled up.

“I get the feeling something’s missing here?” Dekker leaned against the counter watching me like he’d never seen someone wash a pan.

“Where do I start? You’ve nothing to cook with, and little more to eat it on. I’m out of clean underwear and I don’t like your soap. That’s on top of the slave thing.” Though I had to admit, he treated me more like a guest than a slave.

A big grin crossed his face. “I’ll make you a deal. You get your stuff put away and while I’m out running errands, I could stop by and get you a few things.”

At first it felt like such a kind gesture. Until I started thinking about where I’d put things. “How long are you going to keep me here? You know, to protect me and all.” I locked on to his blue eyes, needing to see the truth in them.

He met my look steadily. “You live here now. Yes, to protect you, but also as my blood slave. Learn your place and eventually you’ll be granted some freedoms. Until then, work on following my orders. Put your stuff away.”

I swallowed hard around the lump in my throat. So easily he turned from the man I thought I knew into the cold, hard hearted vampire. I felt tears rising in my eyes and focused on serving the scrambled eggs I no longer felt like eating.

“I won’t be alone when I return. I’ll expect you to stay quiet and out of sight. Understood?”

I didn’t trust my voice, so I just nodded. I stared at my plate until he left. How could he expect me to just roll over and play slave? The tears rolling down my face came from anger as much as sorrow. Vampire or not, he had no right to treat me like -- like a slave. Vampires must have missed the whole civil rights thing. Damn him.

* * *

The doorbell chimed, startling me half out of my skin. I quickly shut the TV off. I knew I couldn’t open the door; I’d spent nearly an hour trying to figure the code out. But I could activate the screen to see who stood outside. Maybe they could hear me through the door and call for help. A small voice wondered if I really wanted to be free of Dekker, but I ignored it.

I only recognized one of the men on the other side of the door and he was enough to send me backpedaling. Ferine! My head started to hurt and I felt a strong need to open the door. Hadn’t I heard them say something about using some kind of mind thing? The pain and now pressure increased. I found my hand twitching as if to answer that unseen compulsion. But I couldn’t open the door even if I wanted to.

I stumbled away from the door and the pressure let up for a few moments. Then it came back even stronger. Only this time, it urged me toward the kitchen. I fought it as hard as I could but my feet slowly moved me toward the kitchen. I clung to the counter as if I could hold myself there. A knife, I needed to find a knife, then I could end it all. Make all the pain go away. All I had to do was find a big knife.

A warning bell went off deep inside. Only one reason he would force me to find a knife. With a strength I didn’t know I had, I tore loose of his grip and raced for the bedroom. I slammed the door shut as unbelievable pain sliced into my head. I think I screamed as I fell to the floor, writhing in agony.

Get up. Get the knife, end the pain. Over and over a voice whispered in my mind. I found myself clawing at a door that wouldn’t open. They all locked automatically when closed. Some part of me had known I wouldn’t be able to get out again. I jerked at the handle so hard I nearly ripped my shoulder out.

I fought with all the will I had to ignore it. Focus on something else… but what? My head hit the door hard enough to make me see stars. No! I shouted inside. Get out of my head! I imagined a fire hose in my hand, blasting against that pressure.

Suddenly it was gone. I collapsed on the floor feeling shaken and sick. My stomach rebelled. I made it as far as the bathroom before I started heaving up everything I’d eaten. Tears and sobs followed. I’d never imagined someone could assault me in such a way. I felt violated in the worst way. I crawled to the toilet and heaved over and over but there was nothing left to throw up.

In a haze of fear and exhaustion, I cleaned up the floor then found the darkest corner I could to hide in. It wouldn’t protect me from Ferine but I still felt better.

I heard the bedroom door open and curled tighter into a ball in the back of his closet.

“Pet?” Dekker’s worried voice carried through the closet door but I couldn’t seem to move.

“Pet? Kierra?” The light flipped on and I shrank back, squinting against its brightness.

“Is she OK?” It sounded like Nate.

Dekker crouched in front of me. “Are you all right? What happened?”

“Fffferine.” All I could get out was his name.

Dekker’s eyes grew dark and his face cold, then he softened. He cradled me in his arms and lifted me up. “Nate, check the security logs.”

I found my feet as he guided me to the couch in front of the window. He pulled me down, wrapping his strong arms around me. Someone handed me a glass of wine. My hand shook slightly as I gulped it down.

I heard Nate’s smooth drawl behind me. “Ferine was here with a few of his goons.”

Dekker’s arms surrounded me with security and I burrowed against his chest. “Tell me what happened.”

“Oh, God, Dek. I heard this voice in my head and this pressure. Shit, it really hurt! Like something wanted to split my skull open from the inside!” Once I got started it poured out in a torrent of pain and fear.

Not one of the men standing around said a word. After a moment Dekker looked up at Nate. “Call Segrun. Set up a perimeter. Ace, check out the building security. He shouldn’t have been able to get that close.”

I heard men moving, heard the door close, and then it was just us. I wanted to stay wrapped in his warmth forever but when he shifted I figured I should move. “Thanks, Dekker.”

“For what? Leaving you here alone so one of Ferine’s scum could invade your mind?” He sounded disgusted as if it were his fault.

I shook my head. “Not your fault, Dek. You warned me and I didn’t believe you.” I took a deep breath to steady my shaky nerves. “Did he do that to me before? Get in my head to make me go with him?”

Dekker’s lips twisted into a wry grin. “Either that, or you’re way more stupid than I thought.”

I slapped his arm in mock affront. “So why did it hurt this time? Because I wouldn’t do what he wanted?”

Dekker’s fist clenched and a dark rage settled on his face as he spoke. “No, normally we can only persuade, suggest, not force, and most vamps have to be in the same room, even touching. No, this was something more. And being my blood slave should make you resistant to others’ influence. After we examine the security tapes, we’ll know how, and I will make sure he never does anything like this again.”

I had no doubt he would find the guy and serve vampire justice on him. A memory surfaced. I’d seen Dekker look this murderous once before, when he confronted Ferine those few nights ago. “So who is Segrun?”

A sly smile crossed his face. “My sister.”

“Sister? As in thousand-year-old vampire sister?”

He nodded. “A very old vampire offered to turn my hafna in return for our assistance. Segrun had fought at my side since she was old enough to hold a sword. In all, thirty-five of my forty-two warriors made the turn.”

I got up to get another glass of wine while I digested that. “You must have had some reputation to warrant that vamp’s attention.”

“I think it had more to do with being one of the few pagan companies left. Christians would have burned him for witchcraft.” He stood looking out over the city. “Don’t forget the rest of your things.”

Several more boxes and two more suitcases sat just inside the door. They’d obviously gone to my apartment again, since the cases were mine. I stalked over and stood staring down at them with my hands on my hips. I didn’t know whether to hug Dekker or slap him.

His voice right at my shoulder startled me. “I thought you might like more of your things.”

I just nodded numbly.

“There’s room in the closet and I made space in the dresser as well.” He traced a finger along my jaw. “Pet, talk to me.”

“And say what? Something like ‘Yes Master, I’ll get this all cleaned up right away’?”

Dekker turned me to face him and I raised my eyes to his. For the first time I saw the conflict inside him. “Shit, I can’t do this.” He dropped my chin and scrubbed his hand across his forehead like it hurt.

“Do what?”

“Pretend you’re just a blood slave. Kierra, I wanted a relationship between us, but not this one. Unfortunately, Vampire law and custom doesn’t recognize any other kind with a mortal. But I can’t stand the thought of breaking your spirit to turn you into the circle’s idea of a submissive slave.”

His admission shocked me. But it did explain why his behavior toward me kept changing. I let out a deep breath. “So what do we do? I mean obviously I can’t leave here. Not after…” A shiver of fear ran icy fingers down my spine. “Not after what Ferine just tried.”

He took me in his arms and held me close. “I won’t let anything happen to you, Kierra. Not Ferine, not the inner circle. No one will hurt you again.”

I sighed into his arms, feeling so safe. I felt his dick rising against me and my sex warmed in response.

His phone rang, startling us both. “Damn it.” He looked at it then back at me. “You feel up to putting some of this away while I go take care of some business?”

I nodded and offered him a real smile. He returned it and headed for his office. “Dekker, thank you,” I called after him and waved at my stuff. It really was a sweet gesture.

He paused at the door. “Just enriching my pet’s environment. I understand that’s very important.” He winked playfully at me.

I chuckled and started with the suitcases. At least I knew where to put them. I stood in horrified embarrassment when I opened the first one and found my pink vibrator right on top.

Chapter Six

I woke to an empty bed, again. Kierra had been fast asleep by the time I’d come to bed and now, from the sound of it, she was in the kitchen. I sighed. It would take a while for her to adjust to a vampire’s sleep schedule. I’d just have to be patient, especially now that we had a better understanding.

She must have been hard at work for some time. All the cabinets had been emptied and she was cleaning them before putting her stuff away. “Well, since you’re so busy, I guess I’ll follow suit and head to my office.” I couldn’t resist a light swat on her firm ass as I went by.

I padded barefoot into my office. I started on my latest edit but my mind kept drifting. I kicked back in my chair and let it. How long before she gave in to her own needs? What about the pink vibrator? Should I leave it out, give her a hint? I could just see her spread out on my bed, naked. One hand teasing a breast while the other thrust the vibrator in and out of her wet pussy. Her soft moans, her hips rocking in time to her thrusts. Then the other hand would stroke down to her clit, rubbing and pinching.

My cock surged to attention, necessitating a little rearranging to avoid painful crushing. Damn, that was good stuff. I called up a new file and started writing.

Lonely, bored and aching, she dug out her little pink friend… At last, her body writhed in wave after wave of release.

No wait, it would be better if her man catches her at it.

He stood in the doorway unnoticed. His cock surged hard as he watched her plunge the vibrator in deeper. Her moans flashed through him like liquid fire. He slipped his sweats down far enough to release his cock. A soft cry from his partner had him gritting his teeth to stay quiet, suppress his own moans of passion. He stroked his length, matching her rhythm. One last squeeze on her nipple and her hand reached for her clit. Closer, closer. He stroked harder, breath heaving. He knew she was close from her growing cries. He couldn’t stand it anymore.

She jerked when his hand moved hers and his tongue took its place, driving her to come, hard.

A knock on my door jerked me back to reality. I switched back to my edits.

“Dekker, can I come in? I have a couple of questions for you.”

I smoothed a hand down my raging hard-on and keyed open the door. I lifted my brow in question but she seemed more interested in seeing what was inside.

“You wanted something, other than to look at my office?” I grinned down at her blush and waved her in.

“Ah, sorry, just wanted your OK before I rearranged any more stuff…” She zeroed in on my laptop. “Hey, I thought you were working in here, not reading! This is an AJ Dane isn’t it?”

I nodded with a sly smile.

“I thought I had read all of hers. Must be new. When did it come out?”

“It’s not out yet because he hasn’t finished his edits. Keeps getting distracted by a certain female.”

She stared uncomprehending for a moment. “You’re AJ Dane?”

I shrugged but couldn’t keep the grin from my face.

“A thousand-year-old vampire -- Viking vampire -- and you write romance novels?” She looked from me, to my wall of weapons, to the story on the screen.

“Paranormal romance.” I cocked my head, trying to gauge her reaction. It looked like she was shaking. Was something wrong? Then the laughter started. I glared at her. “There is nothing wrong with being a writer. I’ve been on several bestseller lists.”

She choked back on her laughs. “The others know about this? Ferine knows about your work?”

“Yeah, so?” I crossed my arms, feeling rather put out.

“No freaking wonder the man keeps dissing you.” She choked trying not to laugh, then gave up and let it out.

I should have been used to this. Romance writers get no respect whatsoever, and a man, even less.

“Sorry, it’s just, well… Vicious Viking and all.” She snickered. “So I guess your books are inspired by your life or your friends?”

I nodded. “Some parts. Want to see my most recent inspiration? I haven’t decided where to use it yet. Might have to write a whole new book around it.” I pulled up the piece I’d just written.

I watched her face as she read. She grew more flushed by the moment. I could hear her heart speeding up and smell her sweet juices flowing. I half sat on the desk, watching her as she devoured the short but hot scene. “Must be a pretty good piece, even before editing.” I lightly caressed down her chest to brush her breast. She sucked in a breath.

“You wrote this about me?” She flushed brighter red. I raised her chin so she’d look at me.

“I did.” My voice dropped to a deep rumble of passion.

She swallowed and glanced down at the bulge stretching my jeans and sucked in a huge breath and held it.

“So, pet, you going to leave me like this again?” I caressed her breast harder, finding her nipple and teasing it through her T-shirt.

She choked off a moan. “Dekker, I…” She swallowed but seemed unable to form thoughts, much less words.

I leaned close, my breath tickling across her face. “Yes, pet? You want something?” My lips brushed hers as soft as a butterfly’s wing. Her eyes fluttered closed but she made no move to deepen our kiss. I pulled back and waited.

After a moment she found her voice. “Dek, I’m sorry about laughing at you. You really are a good writer. It’s just, I don’t know, ironic? A Viking vampire writing romance stories about vampires?” She shrugged her shoulders in apology but refused to look at me.

“They always say write what you know…”

She nodded and asked with a wicked look, “So which character is you?”

“They all are -- and none of them. I do draw on my millennium of experience.” I slipped close enough to tease my fingers through her hair.

She blushed slightly.

“Let me guess, one of my boys featured in your dreams? Maybe while playing with that wicked pink B.O.B.?” I teased with a wicked grin. She just blushed harder, and shrugged, but she leaned into my touch. I trailed my finger down through her hair to lie over her breast, then stroked along it, making sure to graze her nipple.

The flutter of her eyes and the flush rising in her cheeks urged me on. Please don’t let her back out this time. Damn, my cock might just explode. Her eyes met mine. Her lips parted in a soft gasp as I ran my finger softly across them. She swept her hair aside, baring her neck in an open invitation. I smiled softly and leaned down to kiss her neck, ear, and work my way along her jaw.

My lips hovered at the corner of hers. “I’m not going to drink your blood tonight.”

She turned to me with a quizzical look.

“Sometimes, Kierra, it’s about sex with someone I care about, not blood.” I brushed my lips across hers. When she softened, I deepened the kiss, parting her lips and delving inside to taste her sweet mouth.

When I let her up for air she murmured, “What if I wanted you to?”

“Not tonight. I want you to know how much I want you, not your blood.” I leaned closer to claim her lips before she could respond.

My tongue teased its way inside her mouth and she answered it, tangling her tongue with mine. I stroked her breast then cupped it gently. Her nipples rose hard against her bra. I teased one through the fabric. She moaned against my mouth.

I worked it in circles until she arched into my hand demanding more.

“Tell me you want this, Kierra.” I pulled away so I could see her face clearly.

She ran a finger along the side of my face and over to my lips. I parted them slightly and licked the tip of her finger just before I sucked it into my mouth. A soft moan signaled her enjoyment.

“Yes, Dek, I want this. I want you.” She breathed softly into my face. Her lips replaced her finger and our tongues danced. She yelped as I swept her up and carried her to my bed.

I wanted to do it right this time. I stretched out beside her, draping one leg over hers, parting her thighs to rest firmly against her sex. She slid her hand under my shirt, trailing warm tingles in her wake.

She combed across my chest to find and rub a nipple in circles. Then took it between two fingers, rolling it until it hardened. My breath caught and sighed out, my cock pulsed hard against my jeans.

I stripped off my shirt, then tugged hers up and off. Her bra quickly followed. I feasted my gaze on her firm, round breasts, with their dark red nipples standing out just begging for attention. I bent to lick, then suck one in. Her eyes fluttered closed in delight and she pressed up for more. I reached for the other one and she gasped again.

“Ah, pet, you are so beautiful I could come just watching as I pleasure you.” I swept a hand down her toned middle to tease at the top of her jeans. Her heart sped up and her breathing spiked. I stroked along the outside of her jeans down along her inner thigh and then back up the other one.

Impatiently, she rolled to her side and tugged my hair until my lips met hers. She palmed my hard cock through my pants and swallowed my moans of pleasure with her kiss. She tossed a leg over mine, pressing her sex against me while thrusting softly.

I flipped her over and stripped her jeans off. A quick caress and her panties followed.

I stood up to strip while I feasted on her beauty, spread out on my bed, hair spilling around her head, breasts begging to be suckled and her sex slick with cream ready and waiting for me.

I crouched over her, devouring her lips, leaving a hot trail of kisses down to her breasts. She moaned and arched into me as I licked around her nipple, then sucked it in. Each of her moans and sighs went straight to my cock.

Her firm grasp on my cock nearly killed me it felt so good. “Ahh, yes!” I bucked into her hand.

“Dek, do we need to worry about protection?”

I snickered as I shifted to pin her body with mine. “Mmmmm. You’re more likely to get pregnant by a mortal while on the pill and using a condom than by me. And we don’t get sick or carry disease.” Gods, she felt so good under me.

I shifted enough to slip a finger down to her clit. She gasped and surged up, grinding against my finger, and I slipped it lower. “Ahhh, so wet!” I stroked her labia then dove in. She moaned and rocked her hips against my hand and I slipped another finger inside, stroking and stretching her.

“Please, Dek. Now please.” She strained against my hand and her fingers brushed the head of my cock.

I shifted to stroke the lips of her pussy with the head of my cock. My eyes flickered shut as heat pulsed up my cock. And right into my fangs. I fought the urge to bite and slowly thrust into her. She rose to meet me, sighing and moaning with each thrust.

I rose up on my hands as far from her neck as I could. A thrust and then roll of my hips had her moaning and straining against me.

Her sex clinched and tightened as her climax neared. She grasped my hips, rising off the bed to meet me, harder, faster. She shuddered and cried out as her pussy pulsed.

It sent me crying out into my own orgasm. My whole body pulsed with each spurt, her pussy answering with a pulse of its own. Still breathing hard, I gave her one last lingering kiss then rolled off so I didn’t crush her. A feeling of strength filled me from our lovemaking, much as her blood would have.

“Mmmmm. You felt so good inside me.” She snuggled up against me, one leg bent over mine.

“Kierra, you are amazing. So much passion.” I ran my fingers through her hair. My hand rested on her tummy -- which growled loud enough for even a mortal to hear. She flushed red.

“Sounds like you need feeding. Should I go put some kibble in a bowl?”

She slapped my arm and glared before rolling out of bed. Damn, one fine ass on that woman. I crooked an arm behind my head to watch while she shimmied into those sinfully tight jeans. She tossed her hair over her shoulder and strode from the room like a queen, not a slave.

Shit. How was I going to sell her submission to the circle? Heaving a sigh, I joined her in the kitchen, still thinking.

As if on cue my phone rang. Adriana’s sultry voice purred through the phone. “Dekker, the full moon gathering is tomorrow night. The entire inner circle will be in attendance as well as other prominent members of the community. I suggest you be there with your well mannered blood slave. Ferine continues to agitate others about you, including your writing. Many find your public persona worrisome.”

“I will, of course, be honored to attend. Where is the gathering being held?” It took all I had to keep my voice polite. How dare he stir trouble after a direct attack on my house? That mangy dog needed to be brought to heel.

Maybe Segrun could get here faster…

“I’ll text you the location. It will be dressy, not some blood orgy.” I couldn’t miss the slight irritation in her voice. Maybe she’d had enough of Ferine’s shit too.

“Excellent. I look forward to it.” I hung up then paced in thought. My gaze returned to Kierra quietly munching at the counter. “Pet, do you need anything special to wear with that killer red dress of yours? Heels? Hose?”

She glanced over her shoulder at me. “I’ll need to check. Is that your way of asking me on a date?”

I chuckled. “Sort of. We’ll be attending the full moon gathering so I can show off my very sexy and submissive blood slave to all the inner circle and other heads of houses.”

“Oh.”

I hopped up on the barstool next to her. “Pet, you will be on display as my blood slave, not my date. You need to appear submissive, or the circle might try to interfere. So let’s go over the protocols.”

She sighed loudly.

“I know you don’t like the idea, but this is a test for both of us. We can’t afford to fail, and we have to go.”

She nodded. “Got it, play slave or die. I’ll do my best.”

Chapter Seven

Despite my nerves over tonight, I couldn’t help but enjoy his huge shower. Custom tile with a large dragon covered the back wall. Dual rain shower heads were set up for two, and it had a hand held massager. The floor looked like round river rock. It felt decadent under my feet. I’d nearly finished showering when he opened the door to join me.

“Evening, pet.” His impressive dick pressed up against my ass. Strong hands stroking and tweaking my breast to hardness. My sex slicked with desire.

“Not tonight, Dek. Do you have any idea how long it takes just for my hair to dry? Not to mention styling it, putting on makeup, etc. I’m trying not to have to rush,” I explained as I tried to slip past him and out of the shower.

His strong arm caught me around the middle. “We can be fashionably late.” His lips nibbled along my neck to my shoulder. “I need to refresh my claim so there aren’t any misunderstandings. Just a quick nip, not a full feeding. OK?”

I sighed as if being taxed beyond patience, but my sex already throbbed in anticipation. “If you have to…”

He laughed, nipping my ear. “Scamp.” His lips brushed my neck again.

“Dek, wait.” I pushed at his arms until he let me go. I turned around. “Can you do it from the front this time?”

He smiled brightly and bent to seize my mouth with his, then lipped his way across my jaw to the base of my throat. I wrapped my arms around him and took a deep breath.

“Relax, Kierra, it won’t hurt, nor will it be as intense as last time.” I felt his smile on my skin. “Although I think we might want to deal with any bite lust before you put that pretty red dress on. I’d hate to mess it up before we get to the party.”

I started to chuckle and he bit. A flush of pleasure swept through my breasts, bringing my nipples to hard attention, then shot all the way to my sex, flooding me with need. I pressed into his hard dick and moaned.

His hands swept down to part my thighs and tease over my sex. His mouth dropped to take my aching nipple into his mouth, sucking and laving it. I moaned and arched into his mouth, spread for his probing fingers.

“Damn, pet, you’re already wet for me.”

“Mmm, then fuck me already.” I took a firm hold of his dick and started stroking it. He gasped and thrust into my hand. With a suddenness that took my breath, he pulled me out of the shower and set me on the counter. I spread my legs for him, loving the rapt look on his face as I opened for him. I stroked a finger over my nether lips and his cock jumped.

“Hmm, somebody’s anxious.”

I chuckled deep in my throat. He dropped to the floor and licked a trail of fire up the inside of my thigh. He parted the hair and placed a full kiss on my labia. I moaned and leaned back on my arms giving him as much room as I could. His tongue swiped across my sex. I moaned and let my head fall back.

He teased my clit with the tip of his tongue until I thought I would go mad from the sensations. No one had ever gone down on me before. Now I know why he liked it so much.

His tongue speared into me. I cried and tried to press into him.

“Careful, don’t want you to fall off.”

“Shit, Dek, then finish me. I need you in me, please.” I didn’t care how needy I sounded, I just wanted his hard, thick dick buried to the balls inside me.

He stood and thrust home in a single move. I cried out and bucked up. His thumb found my clit and circled it as he thrust hard and fast into me. I moaned and cried out with each exquisite surge.

“Come for me, pet. Scream for me.” He rolled my clit between his fingers and I rocketed over the edge. I cried out and pulsed again as he shot his semen deep into me.

“Damn, that was good. I think I need another shower.” I smiled up at him and he helped me hop off the counter and back into the shower.

I had to rush a bit, but it was worth it. I shooed him out of the room as soon as I could to finish dressing, slipping the simple red sheath over my body and smoothing it down. It showed every curve and dip. I might as well have been painted red. If only I’d lost that last ten pounds it would look really good. I stepped into my heels and with a last tug at the hem, stepped into the main room.

Dekker stood by the window petting Sass. He’d pulled his blond hair back in a ponytail. Dressed in black slacks, a thin black cashmere sweater and steel grey sport coat, he looked like a fashion model straight out of GQ. I felt so out of my league. What was I thinking, going anywhere on the arm of such a gorgeous man?

Then I noticed his dropped jaw and hot stare as his gaze roved over me.

“Dek, do I look OK? I don’t think I’m skinny enough for this dress.” He gave no sign he’d heard me. “Dekker?”

He shook himself. “Oh, pet, you look… good.”

“Dekker, what’s wrong, you keep staring.”

He snickered and walked toward me. “What did you expect, dressed like that? All I can think about is how soon I can peel that sexy wrapping off your gorgeous, sexy body. You should have more dresses like this one.”

I felt heat rise to my face. “A friend gave this to me a few years ago. We were supposed to go fishing, catch and release she called it. But I moved before I got the chance.” I didn’t tell him it was supposed to make me feel better after my last disastrous relationship left me feeling ugly and worthless.

“Catch and release?” Dekker looked puzzled for a moment, then started chuckling. “No doubt the fish would have been jumping to get in your net. Although, pet, it’s really unfair to the other women for you to trawl in that dress.”

I felt my face get even redder. Could he really think I was pretty?

“Here, I got this repaired.” He handed me a box with the silver choker in it.

I started to put it on. “Not that one, I have something much better for dressy occasions.” He held up a gold collar necklace made to curve along the base of my throat, dipping between the collarbones. It was about a half inch wide and etched with Norse runes. A single drop of amber hung from the point, a red stone just above it.

I took it with trembling hands. “Dekker, is this solid gold?”

He smiled. “Of course it is, and that’s amber. The red stone is garnet.”

“These are runes. What does it say? Property of Dekker?” I winced. That hadn’t come out right, but no one had ever handed me such an exquisite piece of jewelry.

He chuckled. “No, a protection prayer. Now, etched into the amber is my mark and essence.”

I handed it back. “I can’t take this. It’s too much for a slave to have.” At the moment I wasn’t sure if I was kidding about the slave part or not.

He smiled and moved behind me. “Since I own you, I own everything on you. And I want you to wear it.” He set it around my neck and fastened it. It fit like it had been made for me.

“When I saw this piece I knew I wanted it for you. I’ve just been waiting for him to finish the inscriptions and spells. Yes, it has real protection spells in it. And I had stronger ones set into the silver one, too. Here, earrings to match and two wrist bands.”

I took them with shaking hands. I felt too stunned to say anything.

“Come, look at yourself.” He tugged me into the bathroom. I stared wide eyed at the mirror. Who was that beautiful woman staring back?

“See, Kierra, you are stunning.” He kissed my neck over the faint trace of his last bite. I shivered from the rush of warmth. “Now come, we mustn’t keep the circle waiting.”

Dek guided me out through the garage, past his Harley to a covered car. I gasped when he whipped the cover off the shiny black sports car, a little Mercedes of some kind. All I really knew about cars was this one looked expensive. I doubted he’d made that much money as an author but then he had been a Viking noble of some kind.

Dekker just grinned and took my arm.

“I thought you drove a Harley?” I stammered. I had wondered how I would manage to ride sidesaddle in the short tight dress.

“I do, but not tonight. Tonight, pet, it’s all about reminding the circle I am a man of resources. Hopefully, someone will muzzle Ferine and then I won’t be forced to kill the prick. Not that killing him bothers me, I just would rather avoid the clean up.” He opened my door and I slid onto the butter leather seat. I couldn’t help but grin as Dekker stared at my legs until I had them safely tucked inside. A warm tingle settled into my sex to match the growing bulge in his slacks.

The engine purred to life. I had never been in a car like this, or worn hundreds of dollars worth of custom gold jewelry. Oddly, I felt like a high priced call girl… and liked it.

We drove a good half hour out of the city to reach the gathering. The Mercedes purred into the circular drive in front of a beautiful old art deco style mansion. The large double doors stood open and the entry held plenty of folks staring at us. I took the valet’s offered hand and managed a credible movie star in small sports car extraction. Hopefully without showing off my thong. Dekker tossed the man the keys and headed for the door without a backward glance at me. I followed as he’d instructed, just to the side and half a step behind. Normally slaves should be a full step back but he wanted me where he could see me.

A whistle of appreciation hissed out of Nate’s mouth as we entered. He waited with a group of five other vampires.

“Nice.” Nate gave me that drop dead gorgeous smile.

I kept my eyes down as Dekker had told me to. If nothing else, he wouldn’t be able to see me ogling his friend. Nate looked like a rich playboy with an entourage. Dekker greeted each man with a handshake and slap on the shoulder. As he moved deeper into the opulent mansion, they fell in around and behind him. Dekker’s entourage now.

I noticed several men looking me over but keeping just far enough away not to touch. We made our way through the middle of the house, tiled in marble with grand pillars, twin sweeping staircases like something out of an antebellum mansion, and filled with expensive antique furniture. Drop dead gorgeous women in scant skirts and halter-tops wound through the crowd serving drinks. Music floated in from the back of the house. I felt we should all have been in old forties style movie star gowns.

Double doors opened to the immaculate gardens and terraces behind the mansion. More well dressed people milled about talking, drinking and even laughing. The buzz of noise quieted as we exited the house then burst out even louder.

Adriana swept up in a lovely strapless gown that perfectly fit the mansion. “Dekker, so good to see you. Welcome to my home.” She offered her hands. He took them and then kissed both cheeks, European style.

“I see you’ve collared her. Hmmm, the smith’s work?” Dekker nodded with a smile. “My, sparing no expense.”

Dekker shrugged as if it were a minor thing. “I thought it would look nice. And eventually, I will be taking her out and about. Can’t have her in old leather.”

I felt flushed by all the attention. Others began to crowd in to greet Dekker and ogle me closely. I felt a presence behind me and glanced back to see Nate and Ace directly behind us both, almost like bodyguards. Dekker began to move slowly through the throng, stopping to greet and exchange pleasantries along the way. I’d no idea the romance writer/former Viking warrior could work a crowd like a seasoned politician.

I noticed others being followed by collared men and a few women. Now I could see just what he meant by submissive. He was right, he’d have had to break me to get me to behave like that. Or, convince me my life depended on it.

Every now and then he would pull me close or stroke my arm. One particular man leered at me the whole time he exchanged pleasantries with Dekker.

Finally, we found a quieter corner surrounded by the walls of the terrace on two sides. Dekker sat in the corner behind a small table with Nate and Ace. Others of their group stationed themselves like bodyguards. I’d seen a few others with such groups, including Ferine who had been unable to make his way to Dekker through the crowd. At least once I’d seen Adriana intercept him. Keeping the peace I guessed.

“Here, pet, sit with me.” He patted a spot on the bench next to him. I slipped past Ace and slid in beside him. He draped his arm over my shoulder, caressing his bite. My breath caught as heat flushed me. Out of the corner of my eye I could see his lips twitching, holding back a smile. Behind the wall I heard Ferine’s voice.

“The man has no sense of propriety, dressing his slave like that and letting her sit with him.”

Another deep voice snickered. “If that were mine, I’d sure as hell dress it up. And I don’t know where you got the idea he isn’t using her, I can smell it from here.”

I couldn’t help blushing.

Dekker leaned close. “They know you can hear them. Ferine never did have any manners.” He lipped the rim of my ear for good measure. I wished we’d spent more time in the shower working off my bite lust. At this rate, not only would my skimpy thong be soaked but so would my dress.

Adriana and two other well-dressed male vampires joined us. The swarthy looking one had a collared man standing behind him, waiting on his every whim. Drinks appeared. For the vampires. Dekker had told me blood slaves ate and drank at their master’s whim. My throat felt parched.

“Pet, go fetch yourself something to drink. There’s a bar inside to the left. Talk to no one except at the bar. Understand?” He stroked down my arm, turned my palm over and petted it. Tingles radiated up my arm.

“Forgive my question but what if someone speaks to me?” I asked as quietly as I could. His lips curled slightly, telling me I’d done well.

“You may tell them you are not allowed to speak with them. Be polite,” he instructed then released his hold on me. I slid off the bench and past Ace.

I found the bar easily enough. At first I’d been uncertain about getting through the crowd. They leered but no one tried to stop me. It gave me courage; that and I’d never had so many men ogle me. Like I was beautiful. I ordered a glass of red wine. The bartender looked at my gold collar with a raised brow.

“You must be the gorgeous new blood slave I keep hearing about. And honey, none of them are doing you justice. Here.” He handed me the glass, careful not to touch me. What was that about? On the way back, I paid attention to how close others would get to me. All the wait staff and other collared folks avoided even looking at me. Most vamps even seemed to shift slightly out of my way, careful not to touch me. His protection spell? Or something else? It didn’t really matter. I would answer to Dekker and only Dekker. I lifted my chin and walked like my friend had taught me all those months ago. “Work it, girl,” she’d said.

I worked it.

Chapter Eight

I stopped in mid sentence, stunned to silence by the honey haired angel in red parting the crowd on her way straight back to me. No, not an angel, but a tawny lioness prowling her way back to me. That skintight dress showed every luscious curve on her tanned body. Damn, where had she learned to walk like that? Where had the uncertain but lovely blood slave gone? This woman walked like she owned the place. Heads turned following her. They just better not do more than look!

“Dekker, what’s the matter with you?” Adriana asked obviously irritated. “Your fangs are showing.”

My brain refused to form an answer and they all turned to see what had me so captivated.

“Holy shit,” Nate choked out, breaking some of the spell.

“Well, so much for a quiet, submissive blood slave,” Anderson groaned. “But I can see why you’ve fought to keep her from Ferine. She’d be wasted on him.”

I took a deep breath. “Would you believe she thinks she’s not thin enough to wear that dress?”

She stopped next to Ace. Her gaze locked to mine and the outside world faded away. I could hear her heart speed up and when I subtly licked my lips, I could smell her sweet pussy juices. Her nipples strained against the stretchy fabric of her dress.

Adriana laughed. “Well, she may think she owns the floor but I can see she knows who her master is.”

Alexos’ deep laugh joined hers. “And the cocky bastard knows it. You going to make her stand there all night with a damp cunt?”

His blunt comment broke the spell. She burned red with embarrassment and dropped her eyes, her jaw clenched slightly.

Alexos could be such a prick.

“Alexos, mind your words.” Adriana’s smooth voice took on a sharp edge. “I’ll not have such crude language here.”

I didn’t trust my voice, so I simply waved her to join me. She slipped in beside me again. My hand strayed along her thigh to her knee and back, fingers trailing to the inside. I could hear her heartbeat racing and the soft little mews she choked back. Served her right for giving me a painfully hard cock again.

“There are private suites upstairs if you like, Dekker,” Adriana admonished.

“What were we discussing?” I asked lightly, taking my hands off her thigh with a slight squeeze. She glanced at me and I gave her a wink of approval.

From inside the house a disturbance interrupted further conversation. A moment later, a trio of black leather clad vampires strode out and stood scanning the crowd on the back terraces. A sudden hush spread out from them.

I couldn’t help admiring the rise in fear the three elicited. I had to admit they made an intimidating entrance.

Tall, fair-haired Eli stood on the left, unremarkable save for the scar that ran from his ear to his chin. Segrun topped his 5'11" by a couple inches. Golden hair framed piercing blue eyes and a face just a bit rugged for a woman. Her well proportioned body filled out her black T-shirt and leather pants in a way no one could mistake for masculine.

Several inches shorter and cover girl pretty, Eira stood on the right. Her hair, skin and eyes were so pale she looked silver to her partner’s gold. All three wore long black leather dusters and very visible weapons, from guns to knives. A sword hilt peeked over each one’s shoulder.

The crowd on the terrace grew still and silent with tension. Segrun’s gaze lighted on Ferine and a predatory grin spread across her face. Eira made a slight gesture toward our group in the corner. They sauntered down the three steps to the lower terrace, and the crowd parted, giving them ample room.

“Oh, shit, they’re headed this way,” Alexos groaned. “I wonder who they’re here to kill?”

“If they were just here to assassinate someone, they’d be dead already and we’d never have seen them,” Adriana observed. Her gaze swept to mine. I offered her nothing but a raised brow.

“Assassinate? Are those Svartdraken?” Anderson whispered.

Alexos and Adriana both nodded solemnly.

My companions relaxed back in their seats while the tension around us rose. The trio stopped across from me, and the elder sitting there scooted aside to make room.

“Someone order a protection detail?” Segrun’s lips curled slightly in amusement.

I sat forward and addressed Adriana. “I hope you can forgive the intrusion, but there was an incident at my apartment two days ago.”

“I take it you know these… people… well?” Alexos asked in a clipped, irritated tone. Men of power hated feeling fear, and the Svartdraken instilled fear wherever they went.

“We have some history,” I admitted while both my companions and the trio snickered. “Although I wouldn’t call it a protection detail.”

Alexos cocked a brow. “I see.”

The eerie quiet that had followed the trio suddenly erupted in noise as news spread. Several of those who had just joined us made polite excuses and left.

Adriana showed no overt emotion, but her face seemed even paler than normal for a vampire. “I understand.” She turned to the trio, her silky voice calm. “I do hope there won’t be any trouble here?”

Segrun smiled coolly. “I assure you we’re housebroken. As long as no one else starts anything.” Her eyes drifted toward Ferine and his crew.

Alexos ignored the three well-armed vamps, but his eyes narrowed in challenge at me. I met his angry gaze. “It is polite to introduce one’s friends, Dekker.” Alexos turned his arrogant glare on Segrun.

I grinned impishly. “Ah, well, then. The tall one is Goldie Locks. That one is Snow White.”

Segrun glared at me but Eira snickered.

“That would make me Prince Charming,” Eli added brightly.

Segrun snorted then both women dissolved into laughter. “I was thinking more likely one of the dwarves. Dopey perhaps?” Eira teased with a wicked grin.

Alexos looked ready to spit with anger. Segrun stopped his tirade before it got started. “We don’t use our names on the job. You should know better.” Her soft, calm voice only added to the rebuke. Her cocked brow promised something more violent if he didn’t let it go.

Anderson cleared his throat and glanced at Eira sitting next to him. “So, ah, you’re not here to kill anyone?”

She smiled sweetly. “Let’s just say it wouldn’t be a good thing to be on Dekker’s bad side right now.”

Alexos snorted. “I have to wonder how long a writer of silly novels can afford such protection.” He leaned forward in a clear threat. “The circle won’t tolerate you starting a war with another house, especially not with a bunch of mercenaries.” He looked to Adriana for support but she offered none.

I leaned forward to meet him and put steel in my voice. “I respect the circle and the need to keep order. I didn’t start this, but if he comes after me or mine again, I will finish it. Permanently.”

I stood. They’d all seen enough. Now I just wanted to take my pet home and get her naked, sweaty naked. “Adriana, thank you for your hospitality. I look forward to seeing you again.” I offered a polite bow to the others of the inner circle. “Elders, it’s been a pleasure.” A path cleared for us toward the door. Kierra followed closely behind but I could sense her unease. We stopped out front to wait for the valets to bring our cars.

I had to bite back a groan as the valet assisted Kierra into my Mercedes. All that leg showing had my cock weeping in anticipation. A soft chuckle came over my shoulder.

“I don’t suppose you’d be interested in sharing?” Segrun winked mischievously at me. She leaned closer. “I think Ferine already left. I haven’t seen him since we first arrived. We’ll be on your tail the whole way to the loft.”

I gave her a brief nod. I doubted Ferine would be stupid enough to come after us directly now. Not with Svartdraken all around me.

The car filled with the scent of Kierra’s pussy creaming. I’d never smelled anything so heady. Soon all I could think about was getting her alone so I could slip that dress up enough to bury my cock in her sweet pussy and my fangs in her neck. I couldn’t keep my hands off her long, strong legs. She moaned softly every time my hand slid toward her hot core.

I gasped and nearly swerved off the road when she got a hold of my already hard cock. With a wicked grin on her face she started stroking me through my pants. I groaned and pulled her hand away. “Reminds me of the last time I took you home. Only we aren’t stopping in some alley this time, so keep your hands over there.”

“Just trying to please my master.” She bit her lip coyly and tried to look innocent.

I stepped on the gas. Why did we have to be so far from home?

* * *

We rushed into the elevator. The door barely slid closed before I had her pinned against the wall. I covered her mouth in hot, urgent kisses. She wrapped her fingers in my hair and rolled her hips into mine, pressing her mons against my hard-on. I captured her soft moan with my mouth.

I stroked along her body before cupping a breast. My thumb brushed the already taut nipple. She moaned again, rubbing against me. I could smell her arousal so strong it drove me wild, and I slipped a hand up her thigh and under her too short skirt. She gasped and spread to give me access. I pulled her thong aside with a groan. She’d soaked it already.

My cock throbbed painfully against my pants. I leaned away just enough to hit the stop button on the elevator. Her hands tugged at the button at the top of my pants then swiftly unzipped me. I gasped, my cock jumping as her soft hands caressed it.

I raised one of her legs, urging her to wrap it around me. She clasped tight to me, face pressed against my shoulder, back to the wall as I thrust hard into her. Oh, shit, so wet. So tight. I wanted it hard and fast. Her hands clawed me closer telling me she wanted it as much.

I pounded into her, nearly lifting her off the ground with each thrust. Her cries of pleasure vibrated into my shoulder.

I slipped a hand in to find her clit, massaging and chasing it in circles, wetting my fingers on her juices running down my cock and her thigh. Her cries grew louder, harsher, signaling her rise toward climax.

I nuzzled into her hair. Gods, she felt so good! Tight, but wet, and so hot. I threw my head back and cried out as I convulsed into orgasm. Her pulsing sheath kept me pumping hot seed into her as she found her release.

She let out a long groan, body trembling and legs shaking. I held her as she slid her leg down and found her balance.

“Shit. I’m going to get wet every time I use this elevator now.” She tugged her dress back into place.

I laughed and hit the button setting the elevator back in motion. I wrapped my arms around her, placing hot little kisses against her neck.

The elevator opened with my back to the door. What the fuck was I thinking? I could smell them, vampires. I whirled around. Four vamps dressed in bad-ass black waited, grinning in the hallway. I recognized Ferine’s number two guy.

“Head back to the garage, Segrun should be there. If not, stay in the elevator, jam the door shut.” I shoved her into the elevator as the four advanced. Damn. How had I missed sensing them before the door opened? Getting slow, old man. I moved into a defensive pose, fangs bared, claws ready.

“Ooh, so tough looking, book boy. Careful you don’t hurt yourself,” the lead one sneered.

I quickly assessed them as they approached. Cocky and sure of themselves, they hadn’t pulled the knives I could see. I feinted toward the leader, aiming instead for the one on his right. Blood flew from the man’s nearly severed neck and the ends of my sharp claws.

They didn’t look so cocky now, but I had little time to gloat. I threw a kick at one, connecting with his knee and sending him down with a shattered kneecap. A flat palm strike against another sent him into the wall hard enough to break the drywall. The lead guy had hung back waiting for an opening.

I provided one, only instead of planting his knife in my gut, I trapped it and broke his wrist to make him drop it. I spun and his man’s knife sunk into his heart. He’d ashed before even hitting the ground.

The last one left standing ran.

I shot down the stairs after him. The stairwell didn’t have a large enough opening to leap down several flights at a time. It slowed us both down, but I still managed to gain ground. A lunge sent us both crashing into the door at the bottom of the stairs. I moved with the precision and experience of the trained killer I used to be. The other vamp’s neck snapped in my hands.

* * *

I huddled against the back of the elevator praying Dekker could handle four at once. I had no idea how good a fighter he was. The elevator reached the garage and the door opened. I jumped back and hit the button to close the door but Ferine’s hand slapped it open. His predatory grin sent shivers down my back. He made a show of inhaling deeply.

“Now I know why it took so long for you to reach the top.” He raked me over with a sneer on his face. “But he missed the best part.” He leaned in and yanked me out. “Your blood. Only good thing on a whoring female.”

If I could delay him long enough, Dekker or his sister would reach me. I fought as if my life depended on it. I knew it did.

Ferine yanked me against him, spinning me like a doll so my back rested against his chest. “Don’t worry, they won’t kill Dekker, just delay him -- enough. I want to see his face when he finds you in my arms, drained and dying. Then I will kill that arrogant bastard myself.”

I snorted. “You have no idea who you’re up against.”

“You mean his protection detail? They’re having car trouble. It will be all over by the time they arrive. My friends on the circle will protect me and send those disgusting dogs back to their kennel.”

I laughed. “Your only hope of living is to let me go now.” I screamed as his fangs pierced my neck.

“Police, hands in the air.” A gravelly man’s voice echoed across the underground garage.

Ferine jerked up and spun around. He held me tight while with a nod he sent his gang after the two cops. Faster than they could fire, the vampires were on him and his partner.

Ferine growled, “Keep them penned. I’ll decide what to do with them later.” He nuzzled the side of my head as if gentling a lover. “I’m not done here yet.”

I hated feeling bite lust at the hands of this vile man. My sex burned with need, but I only wanted Dekker.

He thrust his hard cock against my ass. “I hate fucking a used cunt, whoring bitch. I think I’ll make you suck me instead. Then I’ll finish draining you.” He spun me around and shoved me to my knees. He held me by my hair and thrust his covered cock in my face, grinding against me. He smelled foul, dirty. “Suck me, bitch. Maybe I’ll let you live if you do it good.”

I licked my lips as if preparing to suck him. I zipped his pants open, slowly and seductively. His breath heaved in anticipation. But instead of a nice mouth job, I grabbed his cock and balls, squeezing and yanking with all my strength.

Howling, he struck me hard across the face, sending me skittering across the floor. I scrambled to stand and run but he jumped on me like a rabid dog. He yanked my hair aside and bit hard.

I screamed in pain, lust and fear. All thought fled, and dizziness crept up to darken the corners of my mind. I fought to hold on even as I felt my life’s blood being sucked out. Dekker would come. I just had to hold on.

* * *

I surged into the garage, nostrils flared, scanning for scents. My gaze widened to take in the scene without losing my focus on Ferine. The man stood slowly over Kierra’s still body. Hot red rage flooded my mind for a heartbeat before warrior cold took over.

“You’re too late, book boy. I will have to have a talk with my men. They weren’t supposed to let you go so soon.”

I curled my lips in a feral snarl. “Hard to talk to the dead, Ferine.” A whistle and slight movement heralded the arrival of Segrun. “Segrun, see to my pet.” I continued to advance on Ferine. I’d chew her out for being late after I finished this.

“If she’s not dead, she soon will be,” Ferine sneered, clearly trying to throw me off. I smiled as his gaze darted about only to find his men busy with my company. All but one, who circled to come behind me.

I smiled wider at Ferine. “Two on one, hardly fair of you, Ferine.”

Ferine pulled his knife, as did the man behind him.

My grin deepened. “Now, that’s better.”

“Think you’re so tough, book boy? Looks like your hired hands are too busy to save your pansy ass.”

“Here’s a hint. They aren’t my hired hands. Segrun is my sister. They came out of loyalty to their thane.” I whirled, snatching the knife from Ferine’s man and cutting his throat with it, all in one flowing move. Ferine’s frightened gasp made me smile as I turned on the smaller vamp.

Ferine’s face paled. “Not possible. Torgeir Svartdraken died centuries ago!”

“It’s hard for a man with that many enemies to live the quiet life of a writer.” I shrugged casually, although I felt anything but.

Ferine darted, trying to escape, but I closed in on him until his back met the wall. “You have dishonored the gift I gave you. So now I am going to take it back.” I stalked closer, dropping the blade I’d taken from his man. Ferine crouched, ready for the attack. He lunged, striking for my heart. I blocked Ferine’s blade, breaking his wrist in the process. I spun the slighter man into the wall, breaking his nose. With a snarl I sunk my fangs into his carotid artery. Ferine screamed once as his lifeblood sprayed into my mouth too fast for me to swallow it all. Bite lust softened his body against mine. It would be the last pleasure the bastard ever felt.

I heard Segrun with Kierra. “Easy. I’m going to lick your wounds, seal them.”

I bit harder into Ferine, drawing deep. I wanted this over.

“That’s it, pet, stay with me. You’ll live. Just stay awake.” Segrun’s voice held nothing but confidence. I hoped that wasn’t just for show.

“Nate, you and Eira take care of those mortals when you’re done playing with Ferine’s dogs. I’m taking her up to the penthouse. She’s lost too much blood. I’ll call for some O neg and start an IV.”

Shit. I dropped Ferine’s limp body. He couldn’t die from being drained, but he wouldn’t be getting up any time soon, either. I surveyed the carnage in the garage. Ferine’s dogs lay dead or close to it, like their master. The mortal cops were getting new memories thanks to Nate and Eira.

“Chop off heads or burn the mongrels?” Eli cocked a brow as he took in my blood soaked clothing.

I smiled slightly. “Arteries are so messy.” Eli snickered. “If you’ve got a sword, let’s severe heads. Get the bodies ashed before anyone else shows up.”

Eli pulled a long knife from his boot. “Not a sword but will do the trick. You go see to your woman. I can handle this.” I clasped my friend’s shoulder in thanks.

The elevator ride felt like forever. I rushed in the open door of the penthouse. We kept it stocked with medical supplies, but blood wouldn’t keep. If she’d lost too much she might not survive long enough for a fresh supply to arrive.

“How is she?” I knelt next to my sister at Kierra’s side. She’d put her in the first bedroom.

“I called Adriana for blood and clean up. She’ll probably make it without that, but I’m not certain. She lost a lot, Dek.” She finished hooking up the IV with saline.

I took Kierra’s pale, cold wrist to feel her pulse. “How soon will she be here?” Kierra didn’t stir and that worried me, a lot.

“Any minute now. I take it Ferine’s no longer an issue?”

“Yeah. Should have done it decades ago.”

“I hate to say it…”

“Then don’t. I know I should have dealt with him before this.” I’d kept hoping he’d get over it and move on. After the first hundred years or so I should have known better. Then Kierra wouldn’t be lying here at death’s door.

“Why the hell weren’t you right behind us?” I knew something had to have gone wrong. Segrun had never let me down.

“Car trouble. We had to secure a new one.” She turned at the door. “I suspect that prick Ferine had something to do with it.” She ducked out and closed the door partway.

I leaned close to whisper in Kierra’s ear. “Hang on. Don’t leave me, please. I never told you I love you. Ah, pet, please don’t break this old vampire’s heart.”

Her eyes flickered open. “Dekker?”

I took her small hand in both of mine. “I’m here, pet. You’re going to be all right as soon as we top off your tank.”

A small smile flickered to life. “I knew you’d come, if I could hold on long enough.”

I lightly caressed her face.

She turned to look at me. “Dek, I think I was dreaming but I have to know. Did you say you love me?”

I crawled onto the bed next to her and settled gently around her. “I did, and I do, Kierra. I love you. I have for a long time. I’m so sorry for involving you in all this.”

She sighed and snuggled closer. “I love you too, Dek.”

I buried my face in her hair as tears formed. She loved me. We could work out the rest. Everything would be all right.

Brannan Black

Brannan Black grew up dreaming about epic adventures with strong women doing heroic deeds. She’s been a belly dancer, horse breeder, mom, Reiki master and crazy. Really, certifiable crazy. That’s what folks say when the people in your head won’t leave you alone. When their worlds and lives seem as real as this one. Now she writes their stories, making them happy, and people call her an author instead of nuts. She lives quietly, more or less, on a small ranch with her husband, multiple cats, dogs and horses.

Blog: http://brannansfantasies.blogspot.com

Website: www.EpicRomances.com

Email: brannanblack@epicromances.com