Bloody or Nothing: Bottoms Up
Kate Hill

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Copyright ©2010 Kate Hill

ISBN: 978-1-60521-383-5
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Editor: Sheri Ross Fogarty
Cover Artist: Zuri

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Bloody or Nothing: Bottoms Up

Kate Hill

Three hearts, one soul and a deal with the devil.

Dana travels to Las Vegas to help a sister in trouble and discovers a vampire underground she never dreamed existed. For the first time in her life she unleashes her repressed passions with two very different men.

An ancient vampire of youthful beauty, Rory lives according to his rules. As a mortal, his love for another man had nearly cost him his life. Now he’s a much loved vampire master. When he saves Dana from an assault, they recognize each other as kindred souls and enter a relationship stronger than friendship and deeper than lust. Then another man arrives who drives them both to distraction.

Handsome and rugged, Jason has spent the past two centuries overcoming the degradation of his mortal life. Used and abused, bought and sold, he had no real identity until a vampire gave him a new life. Now while fighting against an evil reign, he is tempted by a fledgling vampiress and a man he has desired for two centuries. By denying his bisexual nature, he might destroy the greatest love of his life.

Chapter One

“Just take it easy,” said a deep yet sweet male voice.

Dana’s first thought was that she had died and gone to heaven because surely an angel would sound like this.

Though she lay on damp pavement, her head rested against something soft and warm. She realized it was the angel’s hand, but why would an angel feel so… human?

Her eyes opened, but took a few seconds to focus on the handsome young man leaning over her. He had large blue eyes accentuated with black liner and rimmed with long, thick lashes most women would envy. Wavy auburn hair bound into a tail hung over one muscular shoulder, left exposed by a black mesh tank top.

“Somebody attacked me.”

“Yeah. The guy ran off when he saw me. Are you all right?”

“I think so.” She sounded almost as weak as she felt.

Her rescuer helped her sit up and when she tried to stand he gently pressed a hand to her shoulder. “Sit for a minute,” he said. “I think you should see a doctor.”

“No, I’ll be okay… I think.” Dana closed her eyes for a moment. She tried to remember what happened. Brief images of her attacker flashed across her mind and she trembled. “He tried to bite me! What a nut! I think he had fangs. Must have been one of those freaks who pretend they’re vampires.”

“Yeah. Probably.” This time when she tried to stand, he gently grasped her arm and helped her to her feet. He placed a steadying arm around her and she realized that while he wasn’t particularly tall -- probably five nine or ten -- his slender body was rock hard. He had the body of a dancer, or maybe a gymnast.

With every breath, she inhaled the wonderful aroma of his citrus cologne. Toward the end of the alley, streetlights brightened their way and she noted he was even more handsome out of the shadows. He had a square jaw and high cheekbones dusted with a hint of blush. Despite the makeup, he possessed an aura of masculinity. One look at the respectable bulge in the front of his snug faded jeans showed that whatever his sexual preference, in body he was all man. His dusky pink nipples shone beneath his mesh shirt and Dana also detected the glitter of silver piercings. She absolutely loved nipple piercings on guys.

“Where are you staying?” he asked.

“I… I’m not sure. What I mean is, I just got to Las Vegas and I haven’t checked into a hotel yet. Actually I’m on my way to Bloody or Nothing. My sister mentioned it and --”

“That’s a coincidence. I’m staying there.”

A chill rippled down her spine. Now that she had gotten her bearings again, she realized she had no idea who this man was. For all she knew, he could be as dangerous as the one who’d attacked her.

“Bloody or Nothing has a very good hotel doctor. It wouldn’t be a bad idea if he looked you over.”

“Thanks for your help, but I’ll find my own way from here,” she said, tugging away from him.

Raising an eyebrow, he said, “The hotel is just across the street.” He pointed and she glanced toward the tall, dark building that looked more like a Moorish palace than a modern day hotel.

Her sister had mentioned Bloody or Nothing in her letters over the past two years, which was why Dana wanted to check in there. It seemed the best place to look for Mira.

Dana’s phone calls to her sister had gone unanswered over the past few days. Their last conversation had been quite disturbing, so Dana had decided to take a plane to Las Vegas to see for herself that Mira was all right.

“What’s your sister’s name?”

She was about to reply, then narrowed her eyes and asked, “What’s your name?” After all, she knew nothing about him, except that he’d saved her life.

“Rory,” he replied and smiled at her. “And you?”

“Dana.”

His smile faded and his smooth brow furrowed. “Are you Mira’s sister?”

“You know her?”

“Yes, of course. She’d been trying to contact you for two days.”

“Then she’s okay?”

“Yes. She’s staying here at the hotel. I’ll have the front desk clerk call her for you. She’s going to be so relieved to see you.”

She’ll be relieved? Yet another strange feeling swept over her. Was this too much of a coincidence?

The lobby of Bloody or Nothing was done from ceiling to floor in black and red tile. A woman dressed in a black uniform, her dark hair pinned above her exotic face, stood behind the front desk.

“Carla,” Rory said, “would you call Mira and let her know her sister is waiting in the lobby?”

The woman glanced curiously in Dana’s direction, then picked up the phone and did as Rory asked.

While waiting for Mira to arrive, Dana checked in. A bellboy had just picked up her suitcase when Mira stepped off the elevator. She hurried to the front desk.

“Dana, what are you doing here?” Mira demanded. “Didn’t I tell you to stay away?”

“First of all, you don’t own Las Vegas, so I can come here if I want to. When we last talked you sounded like something was wrong. Then I couldn’t reach you for days. What was I supposed to do? And where have you been, anyway?”

The sisters glared at each other. Dana noted that while Mira looked as lovely, but cheap, as ever, her style had changed. She’d swapped her year round suntan for the porcelain look that Dana favored for herself. Instead of her usual pastel colors, she wore an ultra short black skirt with a matching beaded bra top. Her spike heeled sandals would have given a mountain climber a nosebleed, but they showed off her delicate feet and red painted toes. Mira had always been the beautiful sister -- the one men preferred.

“Would you like the hotel doctor to look at you?” Rory interrupted, probably with the hope of putting an end to their bickering.

“Why?” Mira asked with concern. “What’s wrong with her?”

“I was attacked in the alley across the street,” Dana replied. “If it hadn’t been for Rory --” She closed her eyes and shivered. “I don’t want to think about it.”

“Then you should definitely be checked out,” Mira said and turned to Carla. “Call Tyler.”

“I said I’m fine.”

Carla had already picked up the phone. Moments later, she said, “The doctor will meet you in your room.”

“I’ll go with you,” Mira said.

Dana glanced at Rory. Their gazes locked and a strange but pleasant feeling washed over her. She almost hated saying goodbye to him.

“Thanks again for your help,” she said.

He took her hand and bowed over it in an endearing, old fashioned gesture completely at odds with his appearance. “Glad to have been of service. If you’re staying here then we might see each other again.”

“I hope so.”

His smile warmed even more. “In that case we should make a point of it.”

His suggestion as well as the look in his beautiful blue eyes gave her butterflies in her stomach. “I’d like that,” she said.

Rory reached into his back pocket and tugged out a business card. He took a pen from the front desk, wrote on the back of the card and handed it to Dana. “My room number,” he said. “Call at any time.”

“Thank you,” she said. Perhaps she would. Who was she kidding? She planned on calling him just to learn more about this unusual yet fascinating young man.

The sisters walked across the lobby and stepped into the elevator. It dragged upward. “I thought he might be gay,” Dana said, glancing at the business card. It was silver with a black border and gothic style black lettering that read Rory Clemensen. Fencing and Yoga. The card had an LA address and phone number.

“With Rory it’s not a matter of gender, but of personality,” Mira said.

“Is he a friend of yours?”

“An acquaintance.”

“What’s going on, Mira? What was up with that phone call a few days ago?”

Mira shrugged, her blond hair shimmering in the elevator light. “I had some trouble with a guy I was seeing --”

“Really?” Dana raised an eyebrow at her sister’s attire. The way people dressed in this town, it was hard to tell if she was selling her ass or merely keeping up with the competition. Mira had come to Las Vegas to be a dancer, but she’d told Dana during their phone conversations that her plans hadn’t worked out. Yet. She was determined to keep trying, but in the meantime she worked as a cocktail waitress. Dana wouldn’t be surprised if Mira had sex for money as a side job. If the price was right, Mira would do just about anything. She’d always had a wild side.

In a way Dana envied her. Being the serious one in the family was boring. Even as a child, Dana had taken it upon herself to be the “mature” one. Though Mira was a year older, she’d never been much for taking responsibility. Mira believed in living for the moment, while Dana always planned ahead. Well, almost always. This trip to Las Vegas had been the most spontaneous thing she’d done since…

Dana’s brow furrowed when she realized that this was the most spontaneous thing she’d ever done in her life. Ever. Yet deep inside she longed for adventure. Since meeting Rory she had a strange feeling her life was about to change. Mystified that she’d made such a prediction after a brief meeting, she couldn’t help how she felt.

“Rory seems to like you,” Mira added with a knowing look.

“He’s really cute.”

“I didn’t think you’d go for his type. You know, with the makeup and all. Maybe there’s more to you than I realized. Of course we haven’t seen each other in like two years.”

“A lot can happen in two years.”

“Honey, you don’t know the half of it.”

“Mira, if you’re in trouble, why don’t you just tell me?”

“I’m not. I was, but everything is okay now. Sudsy is letting me stay here and --”

“Sudsy? Your friend who owns this place?”

“Yeah. You’ll like him.”

The elevator stopped and the women stepped out. When they arrived at Dana’s room, a tall, slender man with sandy blond hair and blue eyes awaited them. He carried a traditional doctor’s bag and wore black trousers and a white, open neck shirt with the sleeves rolled up, revealing sinewy forearms. Smiling, he nodded at Mira and extended his hand to Dana. “Hi. I’m Tyler, the hotel doctor. You must be Dana. I heard you had some trouble outside?”

“Yes, but I’m sure I’m fine. I should probably call the police, though. I don’t know why I didn’t think of that before. There’s a maniac out there who thinks he’s a vampire. Someone should report him.”

Tyler and Mira exchanged looks and Mira said, “Don’t worry. I’ll call the cops while Tyler is checking you out.”

Dana and Tyler stepped into the hotel room. Spacious and decorated in black and gold, it had a king sized bed and a balcony overlooking a pool surrounded by torch style lights. “Wow,” Dana said. “This is beautiful.”

“Sudsy has good taste.” Tyler examined Dana and though she appeared well, he suggested a trip to the ER for an MRI since she had blacked out.

“But I feel fine,” Dana protested.

“Doctor’s orders,” Tyler said with a disarming smile. He picked up the phone and said, “I’ll call your sister. She can take a ride with us.”

Though everyone Dana had met at the hotel had been quite nice, there was something odd about them, her sister included. She couldn’t place it, so she attributed it to a bit of panic over being attacked by a nutcase with fangs. When all this was over and after a good night’s sleep, she’d probably have a whole different outlook.

* * *

Rory knocked on the door of Sudsy Waters’ suite at Bloody or Nothing. The hotel owner called for him to enter and Rory stepped inside. The spacious room had a plush red carpet, black and red tile ceilings and furniture adorned with gold trim. Sculptures of tropical birds and handsome, half naked warriors interspersed with animal print pillows.

Even more beautiful than the luxurious furnishings was the exotic beauty seated behind the polished oak desk positioned diagonally in a far corner of the room. Sudsy wore a burgundy, Cleopatra style wig and dark red lipstick on his full lips. His flawless ebony skin carried a hint of makeup and even his gold tipped eyelashes didn’t outshine the dark, sparkling eyes that fixed on Rory with their usual discerning expression. Sudsy might be a flirt, but he was certainly not a fool. Despite his pretty looks and preference for female attire, he possessed rare strength of body and mind. Rory had many students in his long life, and Sudsy had been one of the best. Yet that had been nearly a thousand years ago. They were no longer teacher and sword master, but close friends.

Now, after decades apart, they had joined forces again to battle a new evil threatening every decent creature on earth.

“Tell me about this new visitor,” Sudsy said without preamble. He gestured with his long fingered hand toward the chair across from his desk.

Rory settled into it and crossed one long leg over the other. Leaning back against the red cushion, he rested his hands on the carved chair arms and sighed. “It’s Mira’s sister, Dana. She was concerned when Mira disappeared and came looking for her. She was attacked by a vampire in the alley across the street. Luckily, I intervened before things got too ugly.”

“Was she bitten?”

Rory shook his head.

“Was her attacker one of the new reign?”

The new reign. That’s what their enemies called themselves. Their leader had been created by the ultimate force of evil. Centuries after the last of the thirteen original blood drinkers had been destroyed -- by the twelve vampires sent to Earth by the ultimate force of good -- the evil one had created another even more deadly than his first minions.

Both Rory and Sudsy were offspring of two of the twelve blood drinkers sent by the ultimate force of good. Ariel had Created Sudsy a thousand years ago in Moorish Spain and his mate, Adira, had Created Rory during the golden age of the Northmen. She had saved Rory from death by the hands of his own people because he had committed the forbidden act of loving a man. Their ignorance and cruelty sickened him to this day, yet he tried not to think about it. Times had changed, though not as much as he would have hoped. More important, he had changed.

“I’m not sure,” Rory admitted. “I was more concerned with helping her than capturing him.”

Sudsy nodded in understanding. “Carla called and said the doctor is checking her now --” A knock on the door interrupted him.

Rory caught Mira’s scent -- her natural aroma mixed with the heavy perfume she loved.

“Come in, Mira,” Sudsy said. She stepped in looking concerned, and she had good reason to be. They all did. Merely days ago she had escaped from the clutches of the new reign. Being a prostitute was dangerous even for a vampire. One of her customers turned out to be a blood son of the evil Creator bent on taking over the world. He’d brought Mira as an offering to his wicked master, who decided to save her for later. Using her wiles, she’d managed to escape from her rather stupid guard. As Mira had so succinctly put it -- I said I’d blow him then bit it off and ran.

“How’s your sister?” Rory asked.

“Tyler is checking her out. I told her I’d call the cops and report what happened, but let’s face it, guys, that would be a bad idea.”

“Agreed. I already have Jeff and Jonah out looking for her attacker,” Sudsy said, referring to his top security guards.

“He’s probably long gone by now,” Rory said. “At least she wasn’t hurt, but I’m a little concerned that my mind control didn’t completely work on her. I tried to wipe out any memory of her attacker’s vampire characteristics, but she still remembers.”

“You don’t know Dana,” Mira said. “She’s headstrong like no one I’ve ever met. But everything should be okay because she thinks the guy is one of those gothic wannabes with fake fangs. All we need to do is get her out of Bloody or Nothing and back home where she belongs.”

“Do you think that’s a good idea?” Rory asked softly.

Glaring at him, Mira curled her lip. “What do you mean? Listen, she might be pig headed and nosy, but she’s still my baby sister. I don’t want her mixed up in this shit and I sure as hell don’t want her getting hurt. She’s not like us.”

“I realize she’s not a vampire,” Rory said.

“That’s not what I’m talking about. She’s decent.”

“Excuse me?” Sudsy said, raising an eyebrow.

“You know what I mean.” Mira sighed and closed her eyes for a moment. “We’ve all seen the ugly side of life. She’s not --”

“Say no more.” Sudsy held up his hand adorned with several gold rings. “I can understand you wanting to keep her out of trouble.”

“If you want to keep her safe, don’t you think she’s better off here?” Rory said. “This new reign is spread all over the world. Ariel and Adira said so and our contacts all around the globe have reported trouble. At least here at Bloody or Nothing she’ll be under our protection.”

“He has a point,” Sudsy said.

“I guess,” she said. “But, Rory, are you seriously thinking about Dana’s safety or do you want to get in her pants? A better question might be do you want a taste of her blood? I saw how you looked at her in the lobby and she might not be able to smell your lust, but guaranteed not a vampire down there missed it.”

“Mira, I’m insulted. I would never willingly put a human in danger, especially not someone like your sister. Yes, I like her and if you noticed my desire for her, I’m sure you didn’t miss hers for me.”

“It blows my mind to think about it. I never would have thought Dana would go for a guy like you. No offence, but you wear more makeup than I do.”

“Yeah, but I know how to apply it better,” Rory quipped, raising his eyes to the heavens. Mira basically had a good soul, but she was a bit short on brains and a bundle short on class. After meeting Dana, he wondered how these two women were from the same family.

Her eyes flashing, Mira approached Rory and leaned over his chair, placing her hands over his wrists. Her ample cleavage rested almost directly under his chin, but it didn’t impress him much. When it came to women, he liked smaller breasts. Dana’s were perfect. They were round, firm and looked like they could just about fill his hands.

“Listen up. I know you’re a vampire master and I know you can kick my ass, but if you hurt my sister, I’ll find a way to get even with you, Rory. I swear I will.”

“First I don’t like threats, Mira. Second the last thing on my mind is hurting Dana.” Mira lowered her gaze and stepped away. He gave her credit for courage. Few old vampires would dare challenge him, but this young one did so out of love for her sister. He respected that. “If she feels the same way about me, I won’t back off,” Rory admitted. “But regardless of what happens between me and Dana, you have my word I’ll help keep her safe.”

Mira swallowed hard and nodded. “Thank you. I know what it’s like being in the hands of the new reign. I don’t scare easy, but they terrified me.”

“Well you’re here at Bloody or Nothing now,” Sudsy said. No place in Las Vegas was safer than this hotel. Sudsy was known to the public as a gorgeous drag queen and shrewd businessman, but his alter ego was a crime fighting warrior who prowled the streets keeping the peace among vampire kind. “You have my protection and so does Dana. I agree with Rory that she’s better off here.”

“I doubt she’ll stay, though. She has a life back east. For the past few months she’s been talking about leaving her job and opening her own nail shop.”

“She’s a manicurist?” Sudsy looked thoughtful. “I wonder…”

“What?” Mira asked.

“If I offered to rent her space here at the beauty salon at Bloody or Nothing, do you think she’d be interested? Of course I’d have to check out her work first, but I’m always up for a manicure.” Sudsy glanced at his perfect, red painted nails.

“She might go for it,” Mira said, looking hopeful.

The phone on Sudsy’s desk rang and he picked it up. When he finished the call, he said to Mira, “Tyler wants Dana to go to the hospital for an MRI.”

Mira paled and exclaimed, “What?”

“He said it’s just a precaution. She looks fine,” Sudsy assured her. “He thought you might want to go with her.”

“On my way.” Mira hurried out of the room.

“I’m glad she’s gone,” Sudsy said. “Now we can really talk. First, are you planning to watch over Dana or would you like me to assign one of my security team to her?”

“I’ll handle her,” Rory said.

Sudsy raised an eyebrow. “I hope Mira wasn’t right about you having ulterior motives.”

“Suds, you know me.”

“Mmm. That’s what worries me. You’re not always as sweet as you look.”

“You don’t trust me?”

“Honey, I’ve often trusted you with my life.”

“But not with Dana’s?”

“Don’t be ridiculous. I just don’t want you taking advantage --”

“I don’t need you to police my every move, even if Las Vegas is your territory. And you should know by now that I never take advantage of a potential partner.”

“I know,” Sudsy said. “And that leads into the next topic. I’ve been expecting Jason to come around and I think he’s already in town.”

Sudsy reached into his desk drawer and pulled out a newspaper. He tossed it to Rory, who glanced at an article Sudsy had circled in purple ink. According to the article, a man rumored to be a local crime lord involved in drugs and prostitution had donated a large sum of money to an orphanage after being severely beaten in his home. The assailant had managed to slip unnoticed past his security system.

“There’s also been a rash of attacks on pimps,” Sudsy said. “From what my contacts tell me, for once those bastards are afraid to set foot on the streets. I recognize my boy Jason’s handiwork, so we can expect him to show up here any day now. I thought you might like to know.”

Rory nodded. Despite his attempt to control his emotions, his pulse quickened and his gut tightened. During this battle against the new reign, most vampires had traveled to their families, in particular their Creators, to fight beside them. Rory had recently arrived from Eastern Europe, where he had tracked down his blood mother, Adira. He recalled what she had told him upon his arrival.

I am touched and honored by your loyalty, but you must fight where your heart is. This is not only a time to fight for what is good and righteous, but it is also a time for reconciliation. I know you love me, just as I love you, but there is another love that you can’t ignore.

A shiver had darted through Rory and he had replied, I can’t force him to love me back. Attempting to do so will only make him hate me.

Adira had smiled faintly. You’ve never been a fool, Rory. If there was nothing between you and him, you would have let go of him long before now.

Perhaps she was right. Rory knew that Jason would come to fight alongside his blood father, Sudsy.

“I know why you’re here,” Sudsy said, his dark gaze fixed on Rory. “I understand how you feel.”

“Do you?” Rory snapped. “The man you love loves you back.”

“I have neither the right nor the inclination to speak for Jason. All I can say is you must respect him.”

“I always have.”

“And if he can’t handle what you’re offering, let him go.”

“Shit!” Rory stood, his lip curled, and paced the room. “Why does everyone think I’m the seducer? Mira thinks I’m going to hurt Dana. You think I’m going to hurt Jason. What about me? Just because I’m twelve hundred years old doesn’t mean I can’t feel anymore!”

“Twelve hundred twenty four, and I know you feel. If I didn’t know the kind of man you are, you wouldn’t be here right now. You know what Jason went through --”

“Why do you think I took off all those years ago?”

Sudsy stood and approached Rory. He placed his hands on his shoulders. “I care about both of you and don’t want either of you to get hurt. You’ve caused each other enough pain already.”

“Because he’s ashamed of what he is.”

“He has reason.”

“We all have reason.”

Sudsy stared into Rory’s eyes and Rory sighed. “He might never get over what happened in his youth,” Sudsy said. “You know as well as I do some wounds don’t heal without leaving a scar.”

“If it’s not me he’s denying it will be someone else. We both know it.”

Sudsy nodded sadly and whispered, “That’s true. But deny or accept, it has to be his decision.”

“You’re right. It’s the pleasure and pain of free will. I’m going to have a workout.”

“Want some company?”

“Fencing practice?”

“Of course.”

“Let’s go. We’ll see if you remember everything I taught you.”

“I’m no longer the student. This time I’ll show you some moves.”

Rory gave a snort of laugher. “I’ll believe it when I see it.”

Chapter Two

After Dana returned from the hospital with a clean bill of health, Mira walked her to her room.

“You’re sure you’re okay?”

“Mira, I’m fine. Just tired.”

“Well sleep as late as you want. I generally don’t get up before seven PM. That’s what it’s like working nights.”

“Where do you waitress?”

“Uh… right here actually. I just started. I’m in the Vanilla Room.”

Dana chuckled. “I didn’t think there was anything vanilla around here.”

“Except you?” Mira grinned.

Annoyed, Dana said, “You don’t know me as well as you think.”

“After the way you looked at Rory, I’m starting to believe that. Just remember, he’s not as sweet as he looks.”

“Maybe I’m not either. Goodnight, Mira.”

“Good night. Oh, and thanks for coming here to check on me.”

Dana smiled. “We might not live close anymore, but we’re still family and I care about what happens to you.”

“You too.” To Dana’s surprise, Mira embraced her. She returned the gesture, then stepped into her room and closed the door. No sooner had she laid down than she closed her eyes and fell into a deep sleep. Her harrowing experience earlier must have still been with her because she tumbled into a nightmare about the fanged freak who had attacked her.

She woke with a start, her heart pounding. Trembling, she glanced around the room to be certain she was alone and safe. Releasing a deep breath, she ran a hand over her face. “This hasn’t been my week,” she muttered and lay down again.

After what seemed like an hour of tossing and turning, she rose from the bed and opened the curtains drawn across the balcony. To her surprise, it was dusk. A glance at her watch resting on her nightstand told her it was indeed seven thirty in the evening. She’d been more exhausted than she’d realized to have slept so long.

After her wake up exercises, she showered and dressed in black pants and a silver and purple sleeveless shirt. She slid her feet into high heeled black sandals and pinned up her hair. She’d nearly finished applying her makeup when someone knocked on her door.

Lipstick tube in hand, she left the bathroom and called, “Who is it?”

“Rory.” Hearing his voice put her in a better mood. She opened the door and smiled. He wore snug burgundy jeans and a black shirt open halfway down his sculpted chest. Random tendrils of long, auburn hair had escaped the binding at his nape, but the slight disarray enhanced his sexiness. Mascara and eyeliner accentuated his big blue eyes and his kissable lips gleamed with gloss.

His uniqueness intrigued Dana. A hard male body with an angel’s face, Rory defined androgyny. He’d somehow taken the best of both sexes and created an irresistible persona. “How are you feeling?” he asked.

“Much better.”

“Good. I thought you might like some company tonight?”

“Yes. I would.” Her smile broadened and she stepped back, gesturing for him to enter. “I just need to finish getting ready. Be right back.” In the bathroom, Dana quickly finished her makeup, then blow dried and brushed her chestnut hair. She left it loose. Satisfied that she looked decent, she returned to the main room, where Rory stood on the balcony. Again she noticed what a fine body he had. Though not particularly tall, he had long, muscular legs and broad shoulders. Sinewy and lean, he emanated strength.

He turned to her and approached. “You look lovely.”

“Thanks.”

“Would you like to go to the Vanilla Room? Your sister is working and Sudsy’s there too. His boyfriend, Julian, is performing tonight. He’s a singer.”

“Sounds like fun, but I need to eat first. I’m starving.”

“You can get food there.”

“Great. Let’s go.” Decorated with black and cream colored marble, matching chairs and a plush red carpet the Vanilla Room had a gothic feel. Gunmetal vases filled with black and red silk roses scattered around the place. The waitresses wore French maid style uniforms and the red lipped, full breasted bartender looked like something out of a vampire romance novel.

Taking Dana’s hand, Rory guided her to a private booth in a corner of the room shaded by an exotic potted tree. A sleekly muscled ebony skinned drag queen wearing a long, burgundy wig sat on the outside of the booth, one sinewy leg crossed over the other. His long fingered hand wrapped loosely around a crystal glass half filled with red wine.

Even before Rory introduced them, Dana sensed this was the famous Sudsy Waters. “Have a seat,” Sudsy said after exchanging greetings with her and Rory. His dark, gleaming eyes held Dana’s. While his expression put her at ease, she sensed that he could just as easily ruffle her. His look was that powerful.

Another man, introduced as Anthony, the hotel manager, also sat at the booth. Slim and gaunt, he seemed to have a gothic heart despite his conventional black suit and tie.

Soon after she and Rory had taken their seats, Mira arrived wearing one of the French maid uniforms. Pausing at their table, a notepad in hand, she tugged the satin and lace ties just under her full breasts.

“This underwire is killing me,” she muttered from the corner of her mouth and cast an annoyed look in Sudsy’s direction. “Suds, you’ve got to do something about these uniforms.”

“I’ve never had any complaints before. Now are you going to take our orders or keep bitchin’?”

“Both. Have you talked to Dana about it yet?”

“Talked to me about what?” Dana asked, her brow furrowed.

Sudsy lowered his chin to his chest and leveled a warning look at Mira. “Give the woman a break. She just sat down.”

“What’s going on?” Dana asked, once again wary.

“Your sister tells me you’re interested in opening your own business.”

“I’m looking around for a shop,” Dana said. “Why?”

“I have space to rent in the beauty salon here at Bloody or Nothing. If you’re interested, we could talk. I’d like to see your work first though.”

“It would be a great opportunity,” Mira said. “You’d have no problem getting customers. The salon is always packed. And it’s not like you’d be working for someone else. You’d be renting the space. It would be your territory entirely.”

Dana raised an eyebrow. “Mira, first you don’t want me here at all. Now you want me to stay? What’s up?”

“Nothing. Can’t a woman miss her sister?” Mira snapped.

“Mira, chill,” Sudsy said. “Moving out here would be a big step. Maybe she’s not interested --”

“I didn’t say that,” Dana interrupted. “I haven’t even had a chance to think about it.”

“Take your time and let me know if you’re ready,” Sudsy said.

“Thank you for the offer. I’ll definitely consider it.”

Sudsy nodded, then turned his attention to the stage. The show was about to begin. Julian, a tall, black haired man with lively green eyes, a charming smile and a voice straight from heaven took the stage. Though she enjoyed the show, Dana found it difficult to concentrate on it.

She mulled over Sudsy’s offer. Moving out here would be a major change in her life, yet somehow it felt right. Back east, other than her work, she had no real ties. Her few friends were now married with children and had little time for life outside the home. Dana had never been very close to them anyway. She didn’t blame anyone but herself for her rather solitary life. Despite her conventional appearance, inside she had desires and beliefs that she knew wouldn’t be widely accepted. Mira had been surprised by her interest in Rory, but if her sister truly knew her it wouldn’t have shocked her at all. Dana enjoyed blurred gender lines. To her, Rory was a fantasy come true.

After meeting Sudsy, she realized that maybe Bloody or Nothing was the right place for her. He obviously didn’t hire according to gender stereotype.

After the show, Dana said, “Sudsy, I’ve thought about your offer and I’d like to talk more about it.”

“Great. How about we discuss it over a manicure? That way I can get a look at your work and you can let me know what you want for your business. Let’s say eight o’clock tomorrow night at my suite?”

“I’ll be there.”

Now that Julian’s show had ended, a DJ had taken over.

“Want to dance?” Rory asked Dana.

“Yeah,” she said with a smile and offered him her hand. He took it and they walked to the dance floor.

Dana wasn’t much of a dancer, but Rory didn’t seem to care. They simply had fun working off their dinner. They made plenty of eye contact and attraction burned between them. Impulsively, Dana swept her hand across his warm, hard chest. He responded by placing his hands on her waist and sliding them up her ribs and around to her back. Dana tilted her gaze toward his and gyrated closer to him, her breasts brushing his chest.

When Rory suggested they go to the hotel restaurant for a quiet conversation over tea and dessert, she readily agreed.

A short time later, they sat at an intimate table for two in the dimly lit restaurant. Soft piano music created a more soothing atmosphere than the dance music in the Vanilla Room.

While they waited for their tea and cheesecake, Dana asked, “How long have you taught fencing and yoga?”

“Oh, ages.”

“I love yoga.”

“We should get together and practice.”

“That would be fun.”

“What kind of music do you like?” she asked.

“Alternative.”

“Me too.”

“Movies?”

His blue eyes gleamed. “I’m a sucker for horror.”

“So am I.” Was it possible that they had so much in common? The cheesecake arrived -- they’d both ordered chocolate chip. For a few moments they concentrated on eating the delicious dessert. Then, fork in hand, Dana asked, “Do you believe in destiny?”

“Undoubtedly.” Their gazes locked and they smiled. After they left the restaurant, Rory walked Dana back to her room. It was just past one o’clock, but it felt like the middle of the day. Oh well. That was Las Vegas.

Dana opened the door to her room and glanced over her shoulder at Rory. “Would you like to come in?” He nodded and followed her, closing the door behind him. Tossing aside her pocket book, she turned to him. They stood so close that she saw the tips of his thick eyelashes and caught the wonderful scent of his cologne.

Despite his youthfully beautiful face, Rory emanated strength. He was so adorable that she’d eat him up if she had the chance. “I love your makeup,” she said, moistening her lips. “It’s pretty.”

“You’re pretty.” He stepped even closer and dipped his head toward hers. The tip of his longish nose brushed against hers and his lashes lowered over his vibrant blue eyes. “There’s a lot beneath your surface, Dana, lovely as it is.”

She chuckled softly and lifted a hand to his smooth cheek. “Where have you been all my life?”

“Right here waiting,” he whispered and covered her mouth in a deep, tender kiss that wiped everything from her mind except the pleasure of their nearness. Dana had never been this hot for anyone. Damn. She’d wasted her life dating the wrong kind of men. She’d had it with insecure jerks who could scarcely string a sentence together and she was tired of hiding her deepest desires. Here, with Rory, she could have everything, if only for a single night.

She slid her hands up his back. His body was rock hard yet supple, every muscle perfectly developed without being overly bulky. Caressing his shoulder, she pressed closer to him.

Rory grasped her hips and held her even tighter. His cock pushed against her and she quivered with anticipation. Unable to resist, she slid a hand between them and cupped him through his jeans.

Moaning softly, he nuzzled her neck. His firm, slightly moist lips teased her flesh. He cupped her ass, his strong fingers squeezing and his palms kneading her. “You smell so good,” he said.

“So do you.” She stepped back a bit to unbutton his shirt. More than anything she wanted his bare flesh against hers. Even as he shrugged off his shirt, her hands were all over his smooth chest and sleek abs. She tickled his cute belly button with her fingertip before she reached for his fly. While she unfastened his jeans, she kissed his hard, warm chest. His nipple rings were so sexy.

“I love silver,” she said, gently taking one of the rings in her teeth and tugging.

He drew a sharp, pleasured breath and buried his hands in her hair. “They’re surgical steel. I’m allergic to silver.”

“They’re sexy.”

“Thanks,” he breathed as she dropped to her knees and tugged his jeans down his thighs. They were smooth too and his reddish pubic hair neatly trimmed. She ran her fingertip along the joining of his groin and thighs and rubbed her cheek against his thick cock. It was as gorgeous as the rest of him – well veined and satin skinned with a kissable mushroom shaped head.

Rory kicked his jeans aside and stood wearing nothing but his socks and boots, his long legs spread in a stance that tightened his sculpted leg muscles. Moistening her lips, she tilted her gaze toward his and asked, “Do you happen to have a condom on you?” He withdrew a little package from his back pocket and handed it to her. With a knowing grin, she took it from him and opened it. “Were you expecting this?”

“Hoping for it,” he admitted, a smile flirting with his chiseled lips.

She curled her fist around Rory’s shaft and stroked him. Swelling in her hand, he rose to full mast and she rolled on the condom. One hand kneaded his balls while the other guided his cock head toward her mouth. She swirled her tongue over it, then sucked. Closing her eyes, she focused completely on him. Everything about him aroused her yet at the same time she’d never felt more comfortable with a man before.

After a few moments, Rory stepped away, his fist squeezing the base of his cock as if to hold back a crisis. Dana gazed at him, noting with pleasure the sexual tension on his face and the rise and fall of his chest as he struggled to control his breathing. “And I thought I’d have to show you a few things.” He chuckled. “Honey, you could give most gay guys lessons on how to suck cock.”

Dana wasn’t sure whether to be flattered or insulted. Truly she didn’t have a whole lot of experience, but Rory turned her on so much that any lingering inhibitions had flown out the window at the sight of his tight body and the feel of his tender lips. He extended his hands to her. She grasped them and he pulled her to her feet and guided her to the couch. Sitting down, he tugged her between his parted knees, unfastened her pants and pulled them down.

Dana pulled off her shirt and unhooked her bra while Rory caressed her soft mound through her panties. The friction of his warm hand on the satin material felt so good. Lifting his gaze to her breasts, he leaned forward and kissed first one then the other, then he took a rosy nipple between his lips and sucked it into his warm, wet mouth.

Gasping with pleasure, Dana clutched his head, pressing him closer. Rory slid her panties down her legs and she kicked the bit of satin aside. His long, slender fingers wove through her pubic hair, then he palmed her soft mound.

Dana’s clit ached and swelled. Heat flooded her pussy and she knew she must be quite wet. Rory pushed the tip of a long finger into her and she moaned softly, spreading her legs for him.

Another finger slid into her, stroking and exploring. He withdrew his damp fingers and used them to circle her clit. Dana trembled, her heart pounding and breath deepening. It seemed like forever since she’d been with a lover and already Rory appealed to her more than any she’d had in the past. With him the intimacy was emotional as well as physical. He made her feel free in a way she’d never experienced before. His teeth scraped her nipple and his fingers stroked faster between her legs.

“Oh, Rory!” she gasped. A few more flicks of his fingers and she burst in an orgasm that would have knocked her off her feet if he hadn’t steadied her. While she throbbed and bucked with pleasure, he sat back and pulled her on top of him. She had no choice but to straddle him. His hard cock filled her and she squirmed and writhed. Grasping his shoulders, she rocked upon him, rekindling her waning pleasure.

Rory kneaded her breasts and lightly pinched her tingling nipples. She climbed toward another orgasm. “Rory, oh, damn!”

“Dana!”

“I need… I want…” She rode him faster and harder, her eyes closed as she climaxed even longer than before.

Rory’s lean hips jerked upward. His cock deep inside her, he came. “Oh fuck!” he cried in an aching voice. Dana melted upon him, her cheek pressed to his and her ass resting on his thighs. She stroked his shoulders and he caressed her back.

“Do you have someone?” Dana asked, shifting her position to meet his gaze. She sat beside him and he tugged her legs over his lap. “I mean a regular lover?”

Rory shook his head. His gaze followed his hand, which stroked her knees and thighs. “I’ve been in love before. There is someone -- a guy -- but he doesn’t feel the same.”

Taking his hand, she caressed his slender, beautiful fingers. “It’s his loss.”

“How about you? Do you have someone?” Dana shook her head. He shifted his position so that he lay atop her on the couch. A hand braced on either side of her head, he spoke against her lips, “Now you do.”

“You don’t have to say that. I didn’t expect commitment.”

“One night is enough for you?”

“If it has to be.”

“It doesn’t.” He nuzzled her neck. “I’m already looking forward to tomorrow.”

“Why wait?” He smiled and rose, tugging her with him toward the bedroom.

Chapter Three

A few hours later, Rory raised himself on his elbow and gazed at Dana, who slept beside him. This woman had so much to her. Rory sensed she didn’t realize the extent of her power and passion. He didn’t need his vampiric mind skills to know that tonight had been a release of repressed desire. She was quite lovely in a fresh, almost innocent way. A smile tugged at his lips. Once her lust had been unleashed, she’d been anything but innocent.

Rory hadn’t intended to sleep with her this soon, but their need for each other had been too strong. Despite his flirtatious nature, Rory had been involved in few serious relationships throughout his long life. He’d nearly died for his first love. Then Adira had found him. He had loved his vampiric Creator and still loved her to this day, but not as a partner. They had shared some moments of sexual pleasure, then she had instructed him the ways of the vampiric world, as a mother would teach a child.

No, the man who had stolen and broken Rory’s heart, the man whom he still desired after nearly two centuries, had denied him.

Unlike Dana, who seemed to be a kindred spirit, Jason was the opposite. Full of fire yet fearful of his true passions, he fought hard against the horrors of his mortal life. Rory had suffered as a mortal too, but not in childhood. It was later that he’d felt the sting of people’s ignorance and cruelty. During their conversation over dessert, Dana had mentioned feeling the same way about people.

Most of the time you can’t let others really know you she had said. They’re locked into their private worlds and they fear, mock and hate what they don’t understand.

Rory couldn’t disagree, though by now he had accepted who he was. He had the skill to defend himself when necessary and the wisdom to use his power wisely.

Dana stirred and turned to him. “What time is it?” she asked.

“Almost four.” He pushed wisps of hair from her face, traced her lips with his fingertips and kissed her. “I’ll see you tonight?”

She nodded and cupped the back of his head. “Goodnight, Rory. Or good morning.”

“How about sweet dreams?” He kissed her again, this time lingeringly. His hand trailed over her smooth, rounded hip, slid up her side and caressed her breasts. The sound of her heartbeat, the feel of her smooth body and the delicious aroma of her skin and hair had him hard again, but he ached for something else as well. Something he couldn’t take from her. Not yet. Reluctantly, he left the bed, ducking into the bathroom to emerge dressed.

Dana sprawled on the bed, the black sheet draped over her middle and her legs sticking out. Her toes, the nails painted red, curled then relaxed. “I had a great time tonight,” she said.

“So did I,” he replied with heartfelt honesty. If he didn’t need a blood fix, he’d have gladly spent the rest of the day sleeping beside her. If their relationship continued, he would tell her the truth. A good judge of character, he sensed he could trust her, yet the wisdom of ages kept him from acting impulsively.

He had promised to look after Dana and keeping his word would be easy. The closeness between them was undeniable and Rory hadn’t lied when he’d told her he believed in destiny. Unlike the elusive Jason.

His heart skipped a beat at the thought of Jason. Soon they’d meet again. Rory hadn’t come to seduce him, but to make peace. With the new reign, not everyone would survive the battle. If possible, Rory didn’t want either of them to leave this life with anger between them.

* * *

Dana’s appointment with Sudsy went well. She hadn’t brought her supplies with her to Las Vegas, but Sudsy had an impressive variety of manicure tools, lotions and polish for her to provide an excellent example of her work. Afterward they talked business over a bottle of champagne and the evening ended with Dana agreeing to rent space at Sudsy’s salon. She felt quite good about her decision. After the hell her boss had given her when she’d said she needed time off to find her missing sister, she had no issue with calling and quitting her job flat out. For someone who had spent her life toeing the line, in a matter of days she’d become a risk taking wild woman and it felt damn good.

She decided to open up shop, so to speak, at the end of the week. Toward the end of the month she’d return home to clean out her apartment. Sudsy had given her a great price on a suite at the hotel where she could live year round and be close to her work and her sister. Best of all, she wouldn’t be far from Rory. Sex with him was amazing, but the friendship and warmth between them she treasured even more. In her entire life she’d never felt close to someone so quickly. Of course she’d never opened up to someone as completely as she had to Rory. Not only was he easy to talk to, but she felt he understood her in a way no one ever had before.

When he found out about her deal with Sudsy, Rory took her to a nearby restaurant to celebrate. Later that night, she participated in a yoga class he taught in the guest gym at Bloody or Nothing. ”Tomorrow night I wouldn’t be around until after midnight,” he told her on their way to her room. “I’m going out of town to teach a private fencing class.”

“That’ll work out well. I need time to settle into my new suite, and organize my space at the salon, too,” Dana responded. She’d met the hairdressers who worked at Bloody or Nothing and thankfully got along with them. By the steady stream of clients and the interest many showed in the new manicurist, Dana would have little trouble surviving in her new home. She had never felt so invigorated. Her life was starting over and she realized that sometimes the best decisions were impulsive ones.

* * *

Rory disliked lying to Dana about the fencing class, but right now he couldn’t tell her he and Sudsy were combing the streets of Las Vegas, trying to protect mortals and vampires alike from the dreaded new reign.

Usually Sudsy and Julian patrolled together, but tonight Julian had an extra performance. Both Sudsy and Rory carried the special weapons recently given to them by their Creators.

The evil master of the new reign planned to populate the earth with his minions and those minions willingly sacrificed their lives for him. According to Ariel and Adira, when ten thousand of his minions died, they would be reborn more powerful than ever. Yet they could be stopped. As the first vampires created by the ultimate force of good, Adira and Ariel possessed the power to kill those created by the ultimate force of evil. Their blood or their bite caused a true death from which the wicked minions could not rise, no matter what ancient magic the evil one invoked. Special weapons were created with metal forged with the blood of Ariel and Adira. These weapons had recently been delivered to their vampiric children and grandchildren.

Rory had been given a sword and Sudsy a dagger. Now, carrying their weapons and dressed in black, they walked the streets and dark alleys, searching for members of the new reign.

When making his rounds, Sudsy exchanged his feminine attire for snug black pants, spurred boots and a black tank. He wore his natural hair quite short and abandoned his makeup. Looking at him, no one would guess that the warrior and the gorgeous drag queen were one and the same.

Rory also dressed in black, his hair tied into a tail, but wore his usual eye makeup. Sudsy felt tougher without cosmetics, but Rory felt naked without eyeliner. To him, it was part of his personality and he could no more abandon it than he could deny his love of swordplay.

“I don’t like it,” Sudsy said, his dark gaze slanting from one side of the alley to the other. “It’s too quiet. Lately that’s meant trouble is around the corner.” It was the same all over the world. Minions of the new reign appeared almost as quickly as Ariel and Adira’s warriors killed them. To hasten the prophecy, children of the evil Creator often took their own lives so their numbers would count toward the ten thousand.

Already many good vampires had been killed in battle. Rory had lost friends, blood brothers and sisters. He had few blood children and luckily to his knowledge they were safe, but he worried about Jason since he had yet to arrive at Bloody or Nothing. Sudsy reminded him of Jason’s secretive ways and his obsession with punishing a certain criminal element. According to the news as well as Sudsy’s vampiric connections, pimps were still disappearing from the streets so that meant Jason was alive and well.

As Sudsy predicted, when they rounded the turn to the next alley, a gang of vampires stood amongst several corpses. Dressed in black, bone necklaces adorning their throats, symbolizing their association with the new reign, they licked blood from their lips and laughed. A tall dark haired man caught sight of Sudsy and Rory and sneered.

“We know you,” he drawled, his blue eyes boring into Sudsy as he calmly drew his sword from the sheath on his back. He and Rory usually kept to alleys. When, and if, their paths crossed those of a random policeman, their mind control erased any problems regarding questions about carrying the weapons.

“I don’t know you,” Sudsy said, “but I’m good at guessing.”

“There is a new reign ahead,” said one of the other vamps -- this one with spiked red hair. “When he comes, all you --”

“We know. We know,” Sudsy said with a hint of boredom. “All of us little vampire masters will submit or be destroyed.”

“You guys have got to think of a new line,” Rory said, drawing his sword. Growling and spitting like angry cats, the group of seven attacked with weapons of their own. Back to back, Sudsy and Rory fought them off. Within moments the two older vampires had destroyed the foolish young ones. Sudsy called for backup from Bloody or Nothing to clear the bodies. While he spoke on the phone, Rory caught the scent of another vampire nearby. He reached for his sword again, but was too late. The hidden attacker leapt from a window two floors up and knocked Rory to the pavement.

Just before Sudsy grabbed the burly blond and plunged his dagger into his heart, Rory felt the sting of a silver blade across his ribs. “Fuck,” Rory panted, pushing himself to a sitting position and pressing a hand to the gushing wound.

Sudsy squatted beside him and inspected the injury. “Backup will be here in a minute,” he said and pulled off his shirt. He used it to bind Rory’s wound, then continued applying pressure to it with his hand.

“I got careless,” Rory muttered, his teeth gritted not so much from pain, but from self disgust. How stupid could he be? His problem was he’d been thinking about Jason and Dana -- wondering about the safety of one and wishing he was back in the arms of the other. He needed to leave his love life at the hotel and concentrate while on the streets. A Viking warrior should know that battle required ultimate focus.

“We both did,” Sudsy admitted. “It happens.”

“It could mean death.”

“Well, tonight it didn’t.” Sudsy glanced at the bodies around them. “At least not for us.” It seemed like forever before backup from the hotel arrived, though in reality it took mere moments.

Soon Rory sat in an examination room in the secret vampire hospital on an unmarked floor at Bloody or Nothing. Tyler, though human, had perfected the art of caring for injured vampires. At the moment he worked on cleaning and sealing Rory’s knife wound. Luckily it was a slash rather than a deep thrust.

Once Tyler finished, Rory had a long drink of bottled blood -- not his favorite, but he was saving his next live bite for Dana. Refreshed, he made his way to the salon where Dana set up her area with the new supplies she’d bought.

“Hey.” She smiled and hugged him around the neck. Stepping aside, she gestured with her hand toward the manicure table and the new assortment of nail colors Sudsy had given her as an opening gift. “What do you think?”

“It looks great. When can I make an appointment? My hands are shot to hell.” He held out his long fingered hands.

Dana took one and caressed his calloused palm. “Must be from holding the swords. Calluses are sexy on guys. Even one with eyeliner.”

He bent and whispered in her ear. “How would you like to hold my sword?”

Smiling, she cuddled closer to him. “I’m almost finished here, then I’ll be glad to oblige.” Again she hugged him, but this time she squeezed his injured ribs and he grunted in pain.

If the bastard had cut him with a normal dagger, he’d be well on the road to recovery. Unfortunately the dagger had been made of silver -- potentially deadly to vampires. This injury would heal slowly so there was no way to hide it from her.

“What’s wrong?” she asked.

“I was injured tonight during the fencing lesson.”

“Don’t you guys wear protective gear?”

“Usually, but it was a special class with an advanced student.”

Sighing, she shook her head and said, “You’re the fencing master, so I guess you know what you’re doing.”

He grinned. “Well, thank you very much.”

“Coming here injured doesn’t exactly improve my confidence in your judgment. How badly are you hurt?” She began unbuttoning his shirt.

Grasping her wrists gently, he said, “Not bad. Want me to wait for you upstairs? I’ll order room service.”

“Great. I’m starving.”

“My room or yours?”

“Mine. Here.” She offered him her room key and he took it, his fingers lightly caressing the back of her hand. Half an hour later, Rory stretched out, shirtless and barefoot, on the bed in Dana’s room. Room service had arrived and the food waited on the breakfast table. He closed his eyes and released a deep breath. It felt good to just rest here for a moment.

A short time later, Dana entered. Opening his eyes, he smiled at her as she joined him on the bed. “I thought you said it wasn’t bad?” she said, staring at the bandage on his ribs.

“Believe me, I’ve had worse. Give me a kiss.” She stretched out beside him and did as he asked. Her small, soft hand stroked his smooth chest and hovered over his bandage. Rory reached up and freed her hair from the binding at her nape. He ran his hands through the silky, fragrant tendrils, then took her face in his hands. “I missed you tonight,” he said.

“You too.”

He rose from the bed, took her hand and guided her to the table where they sat close to each other. The dinner of broiled chicken and vegetables looked and smelled wonderful. He’d also ordered fresh strawberries. Making a delighted sound, Dana reached for one of the plump red fruits. Instead of eating it herself, she held it to Rory’s lips. He took a bite, his tongue darting out to tickle her fingers.

Dana grinned and popped the rest of the strawberry into her mouth. This time Rory took a berry and offered it to her in the same way. It was a smaller fruit, so she drew the tip of his finger into her mouth as well and gently sucked on it. Rory’s cock leapt in his pants. “I’m getting to know that look in your eyes,” she said with a sexy glance that turned him on even more. “But don’t you think you should rest?”

He moistened his lips, hooked his foot in the leg of her chair and tugged it nearer. “Later,” he whispered, cupped the back of her head and drew her closer as he bent forward to kiss her.

Dana closed her eyes and surrendered to his probing tongue and the gentle stroking of his hand through her hair. When the kiss broke, she said breathlessly, “I guess dinner can wait.” Smiling, he stood and tugged her toward the bed.

They shed their clothes and stretched out near each other, Rory on his back and Dana on her side, her leg draped over his. He tilted his head toward her and she kissed him while lightly stroking his chest and side, careful of his injury.

Trailing her fingertips over his biceps, she appreciated its hardness and the texture of his smooth skin and the prominent vein running over the muscle. Then she grasped his cock and stroked. Rory closed his eyes and moaned softly, enjoying the hand job. Dana loved pleasuring him almost as much as she loved being pleasured herself.

Their tongues met, teasing and stroking. Rory gently took her upper lip between his teeth. He sucked it lightly and Dana moaned, pressing closer to him. She sat up and braced her hands above his shoulders. Ever so gently she covered his beautiful face with kisses, taking her time with her exploration. Her tongue swirled around his ear and she lightly nipped the lobe.

Dana sat up and reached for a condom on the nightstand. Kneeling beside Rory, she grasped his thickening cock and stroked it. Velvety skin over rock hardness. That not only described Rory’s cock, but his whole person. At first glance he was a beautiful boy in eyeliner, but underneath he was a rock hard warrior.

Her gaze drifted to the bandage and she remembered that despite his prowess, he wasn’t indestructible.

Tender feelings overcame her and she kissed his mouth again. Then she rolled on the condom and settled between his legs. She cupped his balls and nuzzled them, then tickled his smooth inner thighs with her tongue.

Rory’s groan was nearly a growl. He stroked her hair and gently grasped handfuls of it. When she clasped his cock and took the head into her mouth, his back arched and he moaned.

Dana had no intention of rushing. She licked and sucked in a slow yet steady rhythm. While pleasuring him with her mouth, she caressed every part of him she could reach. Her hand stroked his legs and kneaded his balls. She reached up and swept her fingertips over his nipples, then gently tugged on the little steel rings.

His body tensed and strained as she licked and sucked him closer and closer to orgasm. Finally he grasped her shoulders and dragged her beside him.

“Your ribs,” she protested, but he silenced her with a penetrating kiss. At the same moment he placed a hand on her hips and rolled her toward him. Both lying on their sides, facing each other, he filled her with his cock.

The comfortable position put little strain on either of them, merely allowed them to enjoy a slow, tender fuck. Their hands roamed over each other’s bodies. Rory cupped the back of her head and kissed her while she massaged his back and buttocks. His gorgeous ass tightened as he pushed into her. Dana’s hips followed his rhythm, meeting him thrust for thrust.

“I want you, Rory. So, so much,” she breathed, her eyes closed and her body quivering on the brink. He groaned and pushed her onto her back, as if unable to wait any longer. The desire between them was almost unbearable. “Careful,” she reminded him. “You’re hurt.”

Grunting, he braced his hands on either side of her head and kissed her. His tongue thrust into her mouth, keeping time with his cock. Dana gasped and moaned. She convulsed, her entire body trembling and her pussy throbbing around his cock. Tearing his mouth from hers, he gasped and jerked as he came. Then he relaxed onto her, breast to chest and thigh to thigh. Dana stroked his hair and kissed his temple. Rory raised himself enough to gaze into her eyes. At the moment they didn’t need words. They understood each other perfectly.

Chapter Four

Over the next week, Dana and Rory became even more inseparable. They spent each day in either her room or his and in the evening practiced yoga before going shopping, for a meal or a movie. Dana quickly adjusted to the nocturnal lifestyle that dominated Bloody or Nothing. Toward the end of the week she started work in the salon. When Rory wasn’t off teaching private fencing classes, he hung around the hotel.

She realized that part of her already loved him and unlike most men, he didn’t seem afraid of commitment. Yet she’d known from the first he wasn’t like most men and that’s what had attracted her. Their friendship and understanding of each other was solid and nothing would change that.

On Saturday evening, Mira had an appointment to get her nails done. When she didn’t show up, Dana stormed to the elevator and hit the button to Mira’s floor. “Of all the inconsiderate, idiotic things to do,” Dana muttered, glad she was in the elevator alone so that she could rant at her sister. What if something had happened to Mira again? She’d never said exactly what kind of trouble she’d been in when she’d disappeared before. Her heart pounding, Dana stepped off the elevator and strode to Mira’s room. To her surprise, the door was slightly ajar.

“Mira?” Dana called, stepping inside, fearful of what she might find. Her sister didn’t have the safest lifestyle. She always picked up strange men and --

Dana froze in the archway leading to the bedroom area of Mira’s room. Her sister and a dark haired man sat naked on the loveseat by the picture window overlooking the city. Mira straddled him, her legs wrapped around his waist and her hands braced against his broad shoulders. Her face, which had been buried against his neck, lifted as she turned toward Dana. Blood stained her mouth and trickled down the man’s neck. He wore a dreamy look and it took Dana a moment to comprehend what was happening. The realization struck her like a blow. “Oh, God,” she whispered, angry and disgusted.

“Dana, wait a second.” Mira tried to pull away from her lover -- or was it her dinner? The man tightened his hold on her, but Mira slapped him away. “Let go, you big jerk!”

“But, baby --”

“Baby nothing!” Mira pulled back from him, tripped and landed on her broad buttocks. Dana turned away in disgust and hurried out of the room. Partway down the hall, Mira caught up to her. Wearing a flimsy pink robe that left nothing to the imagination, her sister wiped blood from her lips. It was then Dana noticed her sharp little fangs.

“This can’t be happening!” Dana said.

“Honey, just let me explain.”

“What’s to explain? You’re all crazy. That guy who attacked me on my first night here, he really was a… a…” Mira glanced over her shoulder at another guest who had just stepped out of a room at the end of the corridor. She glanced curiously at the sisters and Mira nudged Dana into the elevator.

“Mira, what the hell is going on?” Dana demanded. “I want the truth.”

“Yeah. I know. I just…” She sighed deeply and ran a hand through her disheveled blond hair. “Where do I start?” The elevator dragged to a stop on Sudsy’s floor.

“What are we doing here?”

Mira took her hand and tugged her toward Sudsy’s door where she knocked hard. “Suds! Suds!”

Wearing nothing but black bikini underwear, Sudsy flung open the door. His dark eyes narrowed. “What’s the problem?”

Dana glanced behind his tall, muscular frame and saw Julian approaching, a towel wrapped around his lean waist, his long black hair in disarray. The sisters had obviously interrupted something, but Dana was too furious to be embarrassed.

“She knows,” Mira blurted out. “Dana caught me and John… you know.”

Sudsy raised his eyes to the heavens, but stepped aside and beckoned the women to enter. Mira did so, but Dana remained rooted in the hall. “Don’t be afraid,” Sudsy told her and took her wrist.

“Let go!” Dana struggled, but he was strong as a proverbial ox. He gently pulled her inside and she stood, her heart pounding in terror. They were all insane!

“Julian, call Rory please,” Sudsy said. The singer nodded and disappeared into the bedroom.

“Dana, I know this must be scary for you,” Sudsy said, “but believe me, you’re in no danger. At least not from us.”

“I just want to know what’s going on!”

“Have a seat.” Sudsy gestured toward the couch. After a moment’s hesitation, she sat, realizing she had no other option. Surely they wouldn’t let her get away even if she wanted to. Oddly, she had no desire to flee anymore.

Julian returned wearing a black robe belted at his lean waist. He tossed a leopard print robe to Sudsy, who slipped it on and sat on the opposite end of the couch, his penetrating gaze holding Dana’s.

“The guy who tried to attack me on the first night, is he with you?”

“Absolutely not,” Sudsy told her. “I’ve spent my life protecting people from vampires like him.”

“Is everyone here a vampire?”

“No. Some of my guests are normal humans. Most of my staff and many of the other guests are my kind, though.”

“Mira?” Dana turned to her sister, still feeling rather shell shocked.

“I was bitten shortly after I got to Las Vegas,” she admitted. “The bastard who did it to me left me for dead, but Carla, the front desk clerk, found me and helped me Change. Believe me, Dana, Sudsy and his friends here are good people. They’re protectors and now more than ever the world needs them.”

Someone knocked on the door and Julian opened it. Rory, looking unusually tense, stepped inside. His gaze immediately riveted to Dana. “You too,” she said, a statement rather than a question.

Rory glanced at Sudsy. “How much does she know?”

“Just about everything.”

Drawing a deep breath, Rory approached Dana, dropped to one knee in front of her and took her hand, but she pulled away from his grip. “I planned to tell you,” he said.

“When?”

“Soon.”

She curled her lip. “You’re a liar.”

“I know and I hated lying to you. On the night I found you, I used mind manipulation to erase the memory of your attacker, but it didn’t work. Your mind and your will are quite powerful, Dana. That’s why you remembered the fangs.”

Dana closed her eyes because when she looked at him, she couldn’t resist him. Perhaps that was mind control too? “Are you still using it on me?” she demanded. “Your mind powers?”

“No. Not since that first night.”

“How do I know that’s not another lie?”

“Don’t you feel it in your heart?”

She opened her eyes and stared at him, then shook her head. “I don’t know what to believe anymore. You all have fangs. Why didn’t I see them until tonight?”

“The mind power was still partially working,” Rory explained. “My suggestion plus your natural instinct not to believe in the paranormal set up a mental block. Now it’s broken.”

“Did you want me to stay here so you can convert me?” she asked, glancing at each of them in turn.

“No, honey, we wanted you here so we could protect you,” Mira said.

“From vampires?”

“From a particular group of vampires,” Sudsy said gently.

“Maybe we shouldn’t tell her yet?” Mira said.

“No!” Dana snapped, glaring at her sister, then at Rory. “I want the whole truth. Right now.” The story she heard next was so unbelievable that Dana thought she might be going mad. Vampires fighting since the beginning of time? A super vampire made by the ultimate force of evil? Warriors descended from vampires created by the ultimate force of good?

Memories of her attacker flooded her thoughts, this time unclouded by Rory’s mind manipulation. Not even an hour ago she had seen her sister biting a victim -- or donor. These people voluntarily fed vampires, receiving tremendous pleasure in return. Her shock faded, replaced by an even more powerful feeling. “Make me like you,” she said.

Mira stared at her in shock. “Huh?”

“You heard me.”

“Baby, you can’t make a decision like this so fast,” Sudsy told her. “There are risks and considerations.”

“In the short time I’ve been here I’ve learned a lot about taking risks. How can you expect me to know what you are but not want to be part of it?”

“You are part of it.” Rory took her hand and this time she didn’t pull away.

Fixing her gaze on him, she said, “You know I’m meant for this. Why else would I be here?”

“Wait a minute.” Sudsy stood, a wry grin on his lips. “Other humans know about vampires. It doesn’t mean our life is right for everyone.”

“But it’s right for me,” Dana said, glancing at each of her companions. When her gaze locked with Julian’s she saw understanding in his expression.

“Don’t be looking at her like that,” Sudsy scolded his lover.

“Why not? Just a short time ago you Changed me.”

“That’s different.”

“Why?”

“Yes, why?” Dana asked. “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life. Almost from the moment I stepped into this place I felt like I belonged.”

“You do belong,” Rory said softly.

“It’s too dangerous,” Mira told her. “You could die from the Change.”

“As a human I’ll die anyway. I could die from stepping off a curb and getting hit by a bus. Old age. Heart disease. I could be killed by this new reign you’re talking about. At least as a vampire I’ll have a fighting chance and I can join you in the battle.”

“It would take years to prepare you for that,” Rory said. She raised an eyebrow in his direction and he added, “But it can be done.”

“No! Rory!” Mira grasped his arm and tried to pull him away from Dana, but he remained unmoving, on his knees in front of her.

“You don’t make a decision like this in an hour,” Sudsy said with no room for argument. “We’ll think about your request, Dana.” Without another word, Dana rose to her feet and headed for the door.

“Dana!” Mira called and tried to follow her, but Sudsy grasped her arm.

Rory approached Dana and placed a gentle hand on her lower back. “Come on. We’ll talk more,” he said.

In silence, they made their way to her room. Once inside, she said, “I want this, Rory.”

“Sudsy’s right. You can’t dive into this --”

“You told me you believe in destiny.”

“I do.”

“Then you know as well as I do I’m here for a reason. In my entire life I’ve never felt as happy and free as I do here. We haven’t known each other long, but you understand me better than anyone.” He held her gaze, then closed his eyes and tilted his beautiful face skyward. His struggle between intellect and instinct was almost tangible. If she hadn’t been so desperate, she’d have felt sorry for him. “Rory, please.” She grasped his shoulders, her fingers biting into the rock hard muscles. Dana had never wanted anything so badly. Until coming here, she’d lived life according to a formula. She’d struggled to fit in to normal society, but had always felt like an outcast.

Staring into her eyes, he nodded. “All right. This will be painful. You might not survive.”

“I accept the risk.” He spoke the truth. Kindred spirits. Dana nodded and stepped into his arms. His mouth covered hers in a deep kiss filled with passion, love, hope and a power stronger than any she’d ever imagined.

He unzipped the back of her short black dress and slid it down her arms and over her gently rounded hips. It pooled at her feet. She kicked it aside along with her high heeled sandals. Rory released her hair from where it was pinned atop her head. “Please,” she said fiercely, taking his face in her hands and kissing him again. She thrust her tongue into his mouth and pressed her lips hard against his.

Rory growled, an animal sound that sent a thrill of fear and desire through her. She shivered and stared into his eyes that gleamed with a passion she’d never seen in him before. His lips parted, revealing the tips of his fangs. They were sharp and white, but almost delicately beautiful. She shouldn’t have expected any less from him.

“There will be pleasure at first,” he said, taking her hand and guiding her to the bed. “But when I initiate the Change, it’s going to hurt.”

“No pain, no gain.”

“You’re young, healthy and strong. If you weren’t, I wouldn’t attempt this tonight. Whatever happens, I’ll be with you.”

“I trust you,” she said, sitting on the edge of the bed to remove her stockings and underclothes. Rory pulled off his snug black T-shirt. His piercings glistened against his stiff, rose colored nipples. “Are you really allergic to silver?” she asked. “Is it a vampire thing?”

“Yes.” Naked, he stepped closer and took her hands, holding them to his sculpted chest. Her thumbs swept the steel rings. “The piercings were made with silver because it’s the only metal that causes permanent scarring. Otherwise the holes would seal up. But the jewelry is surgical steel.”

“How about religious objects?”

“Most of us have no problem with religious objects.” He kissed her palms and joined her on the bed.

“Sunlight?”

“It depends on your bloodline. Some can abide and others can’t. You’ll be able to tolerate it because I can. Do you still want this?”

Their gazes locked. “Yes. More than anything.”

Rory nodded and kissed her again. He pressed her onto her back and kissed her breasts. The tips of his fangs teased her nipples and when he lightly pierced one of them, a wave of intense pleasure rolled through her. He sucked, licked and nipped the sensitive nub and Dana gasped and clung to him. While his mouth toyed with her breast, he dipped a hand between her legs and fondled her clit. His fingers slid into her soaked pussy, rubbing gently before they returned to her clit. A few more gentle caresses and she came, her muscles straining and her hips lifting toward his hand.

Rory kissed his way down her ribs then rolled her onto her stomach and caressed her shoulders and back. His hand stroked her ass and he kissed the spheres, then swept his fingertip between the indentation. Dana trembled with anticipation. “You have a cute ass,” he said and nipped it. He licked the shallow wounds and Dana moaned, more pleasure breaking over her.

Rory tugged her onto her hands and knees and wound her long hair around his fist. He tugged her head slightly to the side and knelt behind her. The tip of his cock brushed her ass and she tried to look over her shoulder at him, but his hand in her hair prevented her from doing so. “Do you like it like this?” he asked, his voice deeper and huskier than she’d ever heard it.

“However you want to give it to me.” Rory slid a hand between her legs and pushed two fingers into her pussy. She wiggled with pleasure, longing for him to fill her with his cock. She didn’t need to wait long. He withdrew his fingers and replaced them with his cock. Slowly he worked into her from behind. At the same time he slid his arm around her and fondled her clit.

Dana gasped and moaned. She lowered herself onto her forearms and closed her eyes, almost dizzy with pleasure. Over and over he pumped while at the same time teasing her clit with his fingertips. Dana came hard, her bottom thrusting toward him as he grasped her hips and continued driving into her. The second orgasm built and just as she came, he withdrew from her and pulled her close to him. Cupping her breasts, he sank his fangs into the side of her neck. Dana cried out with the most intense pleasure she’d ever felt in her life.

He groaned and drank from her, possessing her in a way she’d never imagined. It was as if she could feel his pleasure mingling with hers and the sensation completely overwhelmed her. “I’m yours,” she panted, her body throbbing and weak. Rory supported her completely, his rough palms kneading her breasts and his sharp little fangs deep in her neck.

* * *

Struggling through the fever of change, Dana was scarcely aware of anything except heat and anxiety that made her writhe and struggle against a need for something she couldn’t quite place.

Rory remained by her side, feeding her blood and comforting her as best he could. She knew several times she hurt him with her clawing hands and bitter words. Later she’d probably regret it, but at the moment the changes in her body were too powerful and painful for her to feel anything outside of herself.

Once she heard Mira arguing with him. “How could you do this, Rory? You had no right!”

“She wanted it.”

“She has no idea what it’s like!”

“On the contrary, your sister knows exactly what she wants.”

“Like Sudsy said. What you’ve done is irresponsible.”

“You would have gotten that from Sudsy because irresponsible is an awfully big word for you, isn’t it, Mira?”

“You bitch! Sudsy said --”

“Sudsy has no business telling me who I can and cannot Change.”

“If she dies, Rory, I swear I’ll find a way to kill you.” The fever overcame Dana again and their voices faded as she tossed and turned in red hot darkness. It was only later that she understood the depth of Rory’s feelings for her. Changing a vampire took its toll on the Creator, if they performed their duty honorably and watched over their blood child. Rory had cared for her while facing Mira’s anger and Sudsy’s disapproval.

Two nights later, when Dana rose healthy, clear headed and filled with vampiric power, Rory’s was the first face she saw and the first voice she heard. He brought her to the vampires-only room on an upper floor of Bloody or Nothing, where they intended to celebrate over dinner and champagne. Then in the privacy of his room, she would have her first taste of blood by bite.

To their surprise, partway through the meal, Mira delivered a chocolate chip cheesecake and handed Dana a gold bracelet with a card attached. It was signed by Sudsy, Mira and the staff of Bloody or Nothing. “Welcome to the club, so to speak,” Mira said. “Glad you made it.”

“You can thank my Creator for that.” Dana and Rory locked gazes and exchanged intimate smiles.

“I would, but I’m not sure he’s talking to me right now,” Mira said, watching Rory from the corner of her eye.

He glanced at her and said, “Let bygones be bygones. I know you acted out of concern for Dana.” Mira smiled slightly, nodded and left them alone.

“Thank you,” Dana said. “You didn’t have to forgive her. I heard some of what she said to you during my Change.”

“She’s your family and she cares about you.”

“You’re my family.” Dana reached across the table and squeezed his hand.

“We are family. Always. But there will be times when you might desire blood from other sources. Tonight we’ll begin your bite training so you can take from donors safely and give them pleasure rather than pain.”

“I’m an eager student.”

He smiled, revealing the tips of his fangs. Even while under the influence of his mind control, she wondered how she could have missed them. His fangs were quite attractive and she already loved hers.

After dessert, they went to Rory’s room where they kicked off their shoes and stripped to their underclothes. He sat on the couch and she straddled him. Her mouth actually watered for a taste of him. Since the Change, her senses were much stronger. His scent and the feel of his skin against hers aroused her to previously unimagined heights.

His long auburn hair hung loose about his shoulders and she ran her fingers through it and swept it behind his back, baring his neck. His neck and shoulders were well developed from years of swordplay, martial arts and yoga.

“I want you so much, Rory,” she whispered, bending to kiss the side of his neck. She trailed her tongue along an artery and closed her eyes, actually hearing his heartbeat.

Holding her loosely, he spoke in a husky voice, “The most important thing is technique. Try to be swift and smooth.”

Her desire for his blood almost overwhelmed her. “I don’t want to hurt you,” she breathed, her pulse racing with passion as she continued kissing and licking his neck. His cock hardened against her, exciting her even more.

“Don’t worry. I can take it. Just try to be gentle. Technique will come in time.”

Reaching down with one hand, she released his cock through the flap in the front of his black silk boxers and stroked it while trailing her lips over his neck.

He groaned and tightened his grip on her. Moistening her lips, Dana drew a deep breath then pierced his flesh with her fangs. Rory moaned, a sound of pleasure-pain. She nearly pulled back, but he held her even tighter, encouraging her to continue.

His warm, rich blood flowed into her and she mewed with pleasure, licking, tasting and losing herself in him. This was her first real taste of vampirism and she loved it.

Chapter Five

Over the next week, Dana and Rory worked on her biting technique. He also taught her everything he knew about their kind.

Rory started her fencing lessons and during the nights when he protected the streets, she studied martial arts with Julian or Sudsy. Meanwhile she worked on building her clientele at the salon. Dana had never been busier or happier in her life. She had also never been more concerned. Each time Rory went to battle the minions of the new reign, she feared he might not return. Though she immersed herself in training, she knew it would be months, perhaps years, before she possessed the skill to fight beside him.

Despite all the hard work, Dana found time to enjoy her new life. Rory, Mira, Sudsy and her other friends at Bloody or Nothing saw to it. “Did you ever hear of overtraining?” Sudsy asked one night when he dragged her out of the gym and to her suite. “Have some fun tonight. I’m hitting the streets with Rory, but Julian will be around. You can go dancing in the vampires-only room and keep him out of trouble for me.”

“As if he has eyes for anyone but you,” Dana said.

“Come on. Get pretty and I’ll send Julian down to escort you.”

Dana chuckled. “You’re showing your age, Suds.”

“Shut that bratty mouth of yours,” Sudsy teased.

An idea struck her. It was something she’d longed for. Maybe tonight…”Sudsy, would you and Julian help me with something?”

“What?”

“I want to dress in drag tonight.”

Sudsy lowered his chin to his chest and stared at her. “Say what? Girl, you want to look as pretty as Sudsy Waters?”

“Not pretty.” She shook her head and smiled broadly. “Handsome.”

“Hmm.” Sudsy paused in the hallway outside of her room and circled her, his discerning gaze upon her. “Maybe we could pull it off. Let’s go up to my place and get Julian to help.”

An hour and a half later, Dana stood in front of the gold rimmed mirror in Sudsy’s suite. Wearing a fedora hat, a crisp white shirt with a pink tie, black trousers and a matching jacket, she smiled at her reflection. Her long hair was tied into a ponytail and other than ivory colored base to smooth her skin tone, she’d abandoned all makeup. “Cool,” she said and glanced over her shoulder at her charming hosts. “Thanks so much, guys.”

“You know, she’s kind of cute like this,” Julian admitted.

“Yeah, well, you control yourself.” Sudsy cast him a warning look. “She might look like a pretty boy now, but under all that she’s still got boobs.”

“True.” Julian sighed. “If she’s not careful, she’ll break some hearts, though.” Dana chuckled and glanced at herself once more. Here she was, a vampire and a drag king. Other than nights spent with Rory, this was the best time she’d ever had in her life.

“You don’t even have to change your name if you don’t want to,” Sudsy said. “Dana works for a man as well as a woman.”

“I guess my mama knew what she was thinking when she named me,” Dana quipped. “I wonder if Mira will notice?”

“With Mira you never can tell,” Sudsy muttered.

Dana gave a little laugh and headed for the door. “Ready, Julian?”

“I am,” he said, then turned to Sudsy, wrapped an arm around him and kissed him soundly on the mouth. “You be careful out there tonight.”

“We’ll have both Jonah and Jeff with us,” he said, referring to his top security guards. “Besides, Rory and I have no problem kicking ass.”

Dana and Julian left the suite and entered the vampires-only room, where a drag queen band called The Elixir Maidens played a limited time gig. They had come to assist Sudsy with new reign activity in Las Vegas. From her booth across the room, Dana stared at the performers. It amazed her that these beautiful, talented singers were actually men. When The Elixir Maidens had formed, Sudsy had helped them with their look. Since then, they performed at Bloody or Nothing at least once a year.

Dana soon became so relaxed with her new appearance that she almost forgot she was in drag. Only when a few women cast her flirty looks did she remember. She playfully returned their smiles and enjoyed their expressions of surprise and disappointment when she joined Julian on the dance floor.

“You’re shameless, you know.” He grinned.

“I know. Which one of us is supposed to lead?”

“Let me have the honor, will you? After all, I’m the one with the right equipment.”

When they finished the dance, Julian excused himself to talk to a friend. Dana sat at the bar and ordered a glass of blood laced wine. A strange feeling swept over her, like someone was watching her. She glanced to her left. A tall, handsome man with buzzed blond hair and several days’ growth of golden stubble on his strong jaw stared at her. His intense blue eyes seemed to burn right through her. Long legs encased in worn jeans stretched out in front of him. His broad shoulders rested against the back of his chair and his snug white shirt clung to his sculpted torso. It was open at the throat, revealing a broad, chiseled chest dusted with golden hair. His rolled up sleeves showed off powerful forearms, also glistening with pale hair.

Shit, he was gorgeous. Unlike Rory, who was truly beautiful, this man was handsome. A slow smile spread across his finely drawn lips, revealing gleaming white fangs. He nodded in her direction and Dana’s stomach clenched.

Obviously he was interested, but he had to think she was a man. He stood and approached, taking the stool beside her. Dana’s heart pounded. This could turn ugly. All she had to do was tell him she wasn’t interested. She wasn’t that kind of girl -- er -- guy. “You’re new, aren’t you?” he asked.

“Excuse me?”

“You haven’t been one of us for very long.”

“What makes you say that?”

He shrugged. “Experience. What’s your name?”

“Why?”

Sighing, he said, “Are you trying to be difficult?”

“No.”

“Well then?”

“Dana,” she said, locking gazes with him. His attitude irritated her and she longed to wipe the cocky smirk off his face. Worse of all, she wanted to jump on him and sink her fangs into his gorgeous throat. He was so fucking sexy. Was this what Rory had meant when he said she might desire blood from others? It was startlingly similar to mortal desire for sex. But Rory had said that it was normal to mix blood sharing and sex. As a very young vampire, he said she would want to experiment.

“Dana,” he repeated.

“Well, do you have one?”

His smile broadened and his gaze traveled down to the respectable bulge in the front of his jeans. “Yeah, I have one.”

“What is it?”

“Oh you mean a name.” He chuckled. “Jason. You’re thirsty.”

“Experience again?”

“No. Your scent. It’s telling me you want blood. My blood.”

She leaned a bit closer, staring at him with her most seductive look. “Is that an offer?”

“I’ve always been a sucker for a pretty girl.”

“Girl?” Her brow furrowed.

“Sure.” He gave a snort of laughter. “You don’t think those clothes could actually fool anyone? You’re too pretty to be convincing in drag.”

Annoyed, Dana turned away from him. “That’s your opinion.”

He grasped her bar stool and spun it around so that she faced him again. “Yeah. It is. So, Dana, have you had your first real taste of blood yet?”

“Yes.”

“Your Creator?” She lifted her chin, but didn’t reply. Jason’s cocky expression faded to one of pure lust. He gently cupped her cheek and used his thumb to stroke her smooth flesh, all the while gazing at her with those penetrating blue eyes. “Do you want to try someone new?”

Not just anyone new. She wanted to try him. Just as she had recognized Rory as a kindred spirit, something told her this man was her opposite and everything needs an opposite. Yin and yang. Darkness and light. One needed the other to be truly recognized. “You don’t want me,” she whispered. “I’m still… in training.”

His brow furrowed and he wrinkled his long, well shaped nose. “Huh?”

“My biting technique isn’t --”

“Oh.” He smiled, then leaned so close that the tip of his nose brushed against hers. “Don’t worry about it. I like it rough.”

Dana’s heart skipped a beat. Again she moistened her lips and said, “Okay.”

She glanced around the room for Julian and saw that he was headed to the rest room. Turning to the bartender, she said, “Would you please tell Julian I took a friend back to my room?” The bartender nodded.

Jason offered Dana his hand and she took it. His hands were long fingered like Rory’s, but larger. A pang of guilt darted through her. Rory was still coaching her with her biting, yet he’d never said she had to check with him before taking a donor. If Jason were mortal, she wouldn’t risk hurting him, but he was obviously aware of what might happen by hooking up with an inexperienced biter.

By the way he stared at her, the prospect turned him on.

Moments later, they stepped into her room and Jason took her in his arms almost before the door closed. His lean body was big boned and muscular. “You’re fucking beautiful,” he said, his voice deep and husky. He nuzzled her neck and Dana closed her eyes. Wasn’t she supposed to be seducing him? Cupping the back of his head, she enjoyed the feel of his ultra short hair against her hand. She rubbed her face against his shoulder, inhaling his delicious scent.

“Jump,” he ordered and she did as he asked, giving a little hop. He grasped her ass, lifting her higher, and she instinctively wrapped her legs around his waist. Clinging to him, she kissed his neck as he carried her toward the bed. He tossed her on it, not too hard, but not gently either. Standing with his long legs braced apart, he quickly unbuttoned his shirt and shrugged it off.

Damn his chest was amazing -- incredibly broad, the pecs thick and lightly dusted with blond hair. Dana rose onto her knees and ran her hands over the broad expanse. She leaned closer and nipped first one tight, dark pink nipple, then the other.

He pulled off her hat, unfastened her hair from the ponytail and buried his fingers in the thick tendrils. “Get out of those boy’s clothes,” he ordered.

“I like these boy’s clothes.” He smiled, exposing bright white fangs, far more wolfish than Rory’s. With surprising gentleness, he pulled off her jacket and unbuttoned her shirt. When he finished, she shrugged it off. A long white scarf Sudsy had loaned her bound her breasts.

Jason carefully unwound it and her rounded breasts sprang free. “Why the hell do you want to hide tits like this?” he demanded, his harsh words at odds with the tenderness of his touch as he cupped her breasts and gently swept his thumbs over her nipples.

“It was fun unwrapping them, wasn’t it?”

He chuckled. “You’ve got me there.” Cupping the back of her head, he bent and guided her face to his chest. She licked one of his tight nipples and scraped it with her fangs.

Jason groaned and held her tighter. His reaction strengthened her confidence and she kissed his broad chest, then rose higher on her knees and licked the side of his neck, tracing the length of the prominent artery. Closing her eyes she inhaled his fresh, masculine scent and listened to his strong heartbeat. She pressed close enough to feel his bulging cock pushing against her. This was supposed to be blood sharing only, but he kicked her libido into overdrive. Usually this type of guy did nothing for her. He was a big, hairy ape with a caveman complex. In short, he was everything she loathed.

Why, then, couldn’t she seem to get enough of him? The way he touched her was completely at odds with the image he seemed bent on cultivating. His big hands stroked her shoulders and back as if she were a piece of fine porcelain. When he took her face in his hands, his kiss was deep and possessive, yet tender.

She lightly scraped her nails over his chest and ribs, then she ran her fingertips lightly up and down his spine. Her breasts flattened against his steely, hair dusted chest and she sighed with pleasure. Vampiric hunger rose in her and her mouth watered for him. “You want some?” he asked, his voice low and husky.

“Yeah,” she said breathlessly. He tugged a pocket knife from his jeans and she fell back onto her hands, her pulse racing. Maybe she shouldn’t have been so quick to take a strange man to her room. Talk about Mira… Dana had pushed risk taking to its limits and now she was going to pay --

Casting his gaze downward, he used the blade to make a shallow cut across his chest. Luscious red blood leaked from the wound. Its scent filled her with every breath. Her heart pounded, belly tightened and clit ached nearly as much as her fangs. Tossing the knife onto the bedside table, he grasped the back of her neck and drew her toward his chest. Dana’s tongue swept over the wound. The first taste of his blood sent her to the edge of orgasm.

Rory’s sweet blood comforted and aroused her, but Jason’s hurled her into a state of passion she’d never experienced before. Drinking his blood allowed her a brief glimpse into his soul and what she saw surprised her. Despite his rugged exterior, many emotions battled inside him. He quickly shut her out of his thoughts and she was too inexperienced in mind control to challenge him.

The wound on his chest healed quickly, long before she’d satisfied her thirst. Lost in bloodlust, she moaned and clung to his shoulders. She kissed his neck, but hesitated before biting. “It’s okay,” he whispered against her hair. “I want it.”

She needed no further encouragement. Her fangs pierced his neck and his grunt of pain soon turned to a groan of pleasure. Dana licked and sucked, her heart keeping time with his and her arms holding him so tightly they ached. He was big, hard and strong and his blood tasted so fucking good.

While she concentrated on his neck, he unfastened her pants and pushed them down along with her underwear. Rather awkwardly, she managed to discard them without breaking contact with his gorgeous neck. Jason unzipped his jeans and his thick, velvet skinned cock pushed against her belly.

Again he grasped her ass and lifted her, impaling her on his cock.

Dana mewed and clung to him even harder, her legs wrapping around his waist. Using his arms, he pumped her upon him.

This was too fucking hot! Their feverish skins pressed close and their hearts beat out of control. He staggered a few steps and tumbled onto the bed, his cock never leaving her and her mouth pressed to his neck. “Fuck! Oh damn!” he gasped, thrusting faster and harder.

Orgasm struck her hard. She tore her mouth from his neck and panted, “Yes, oh don’t stop, Jason! Please don’t stop!”

“Bite me!” Her teeth pierced him again and with a savage growl he came. His big, hard body strained into hers and he moaned her name over and over. Finally he rolled off of her and lay on his back, breathing hard. He dragged her close to his side and Dana rested her cheek against his chest, listening to his heartbeat slow.

Lifting her head, she gazed at him. Her first seduction. His blue eyes opened and she nearly lost herself in them. Or had he seduced her? “Your Creator did a great job with the bite lessons,” Jason said.

“I guess I passed my first test then,” she quipped.

“Oh, baby, you got an A plus.” His words delighted her, but the moment was tainted by underlying guilt. Rory had said he wouldn’t stop her from sharing blood and pleasure with other partners. He told her it was natural, yet this had been more than a mere bite. Would Rory understand?

The image of her, Jason and Rory sharing a bed flashed across her mind and her clit tingled with renewed passion. Jason’s gaze locked with hers and she had the distinct feeling he’d read her mind. “I need to get dressed,” she said, but when she tried to rise from the bed, he pulled her on top of him and kissed her. He tasted so good that she wanted to surrender, but she couldn’t. Not now. Before she did anything like this again she needed to talk to Rory.

“What’s the hurry?” he asked.

At that moment, she caught Rory’s scent. “Oh, shit,” she whispered, and when she rose from the bed again, Jason didn’t try to stop her.

Chapter Six

No sooner had Rory stepped into Bloody or Nothing after a hard night on the street than he caught the familiar scent of the one man who made his heart beat out of control. Jason had finally arrived.

Rory headed for the elevator, but Julian called to him. The singer jogged across the lobby and joined him in the elevator.

“We need to talk. Jason --”

“Is here. I know.”

“He’s with Dana.”

Rory stared at him and blinked. “What?”

“They left the vampire room together. She doesn’t know who he is, at least I don’t think she does.”

“She doesn’t. I never told her his name -- only that there was someone in my past.” Rory closed his eyes and sighed, then opened them again.

“I’m sorry, Rory.”

“No.” He held up his hand. “Don’t be.”

“It’s probably just blood sharing.”

“Probably,” Rory said, though he sensed this situation would intensify. The elevator stopped and Rory stepped off, leaving Julian.

Making his way to his room, he felt rather numb. The strong, mingled scents of Dana and Jason indicated they were still in her room next to his. Rory paused halfway down the corridor, then continued past his door and stopped in front of Dana’s. His heart pounded in his chest and his breathing quickened. He shouldn’t still feel this way after so many years.

Without another moment’s hesitation, he knocked on the door. Seconds later, Dana opened it, looking guilty. “Hi, Rory, I --”

“I know you have company. I won’t be long.”

“Rory,” Jason said, his voice as deep and husky as Rory remembered. The sound of it sent a shiver of raw passion down his spine. Dana must have caught the scent of his desire -- and that of Jason. Whatever the man pretended, he couldn’t disguise his passion.

Glancing past Dana, Rory stared at Jason, who approached wearing nothing but jeans and boots. Bare chested, he was as gorgeous as ever. Tall and lean with perfectly defined muscles, he carried himself with the strength and grace of the expert martial artist he was.

“You know each other?” Dana asked softly.

“Yes, we know each other,” Rory replied, and waited for Jason to continue.

“He was my fencing master,” Jason said.

Her gaze still fixed on Rory, Dana said, “He’s my Creator.”

“Sudsy’s mine,” Jason said, also staring at Rory. “I came to see him.”

“I knew you would. We’ve been waiting for you.”

“Have you?” Jason curled his lip. He shrugged on the white shirt he carried, approached Dana and cupped her face. “I’ll see you again, love?”

“We’ll talk about it,” Dana replied.

Glancing from her to Rory, then back again, Jason shrugged. “I see. Well, I’ll be around if you want to talk.” He brushed past Rory, who glanced after him, torn between anger and pain. Why did it still hurt after all these years?

“Rory, I didn’t realize --” she began, then shook her head. “I don’t need mind powers to know he’s the one you told me about. But I swear when I brought him up here I had no idea --”

“It’s all right.” Rory gently took her chin in his hand and held her gaze. “I believe you. He knew, though. He would have caught my scent on you and in this room.”

“You think he did this out of spite?” The expression on her face wounded him. If he said yes, that would imply that Jason had used her. In truth he had no way of knowing if spite was the only reason Jason had shared blood with her. She was a lovely woman and Jason preferred females.

“I should go kick him in the balls,” Dana snapped, and headed down the hall, but Rory caught her arm and tugged her back into her room. Holding her close, he kicked the door shut. “What exactly happened between the two of you?” she asked, resting her cheek against his.

“After Sudsy Changed him, he asked me to teach him swordplay. We trained for years and the attraction between us grew, though he constantly denied it. Then one night… Well, after that, Jason withdrew. And I backed off. He had issues --”

“That’s no excuse for being a jerk. If he didn’t want you, then he should have left you alone.”

“But he did want me. He still does.”

“Yes,” she whispered. “I could smell it. On both of you.”

“I told you I still love him.”

“He’s very attractive.”

“There’s more to him than that. Jason has a hard outer shell. He’s had to. You don’t know the sort of life he had before Sudsy found him.”

“Your life wasn’t easy, either. When your people found out you had a male lover, they would have killed you if Adira hadn’t stepped in.”

“That was the punishment among Northmen for two men loving each other. I was a man grown when it happened, but Jason --” Rory shook his head. “It’s not my place to tell his story.”

“It wasn’t his place to share blood with me under false pretenses.”

Their gazes locked and Rory said, “Jason has reason for his actions.”

“Don’t make excuses.”

“I’m not, but you can be sure that he’ll never be truly happy until he comes to terms with who and what he is.”

Dana took Rory’s hands and guided his arms around her. “I said it before and I’ll say it again. Denying you is his loss. Rory, if I hurt you tonight --”

“You didn’t.” They embraced and Rory rested his cheek against the top of her head. “By the way,” he said, “What’s with the suit?”

* * *

The following night, Rory and Dana decided to go to the rooftop pool at Bloody or Nothing. It was off limits to everyone except vampire guests. Under the light of the moon, they swam and snoozed in lounge chairs. They caught Jason’s scent and Dana glanced at Rory. “We can go somewhere else.”

“I’m not trying to avoid him,” he replied.

“Right. I know.”

“Would you like some seltzer water? I’m going to get some.”

“Yeah. Thanks. I’ll grab us some chairs.” The rooftop wasn’t crowded tonight and Dana noticed that while Jason’s scent was strong, he was nowhere to be seen. Then she noticed an area hidden behind a row of potted trees.

As if drawn by a force beyond her control, she ventured toward it and found Jason sleeping on his stomach upon a big black beach towel. Despite her irritation at him, she couldn’t help admiring him. Shirtless, he wore white shorts that left his muscular calves bare. His broad shouldered torso with its lean, hard muscles sent a thrill of desire through her. Regardless of his good looks, he was a jerk for what he’d done to Rory.

She was about to turn away when he moaned softly in his sleep. His brow furrowed in a pained look and he twitched as if someone had struck him. Her keen hearing picked up his thundering heartbeat, but only when he jerked violently did concern replace her annoyance toward him and she squatted beside him.

“Hey, Jason,” she said, placing a hand to his steely shoulder and shaking it.

He leapt up and grasped her. The snarl on his lips exposed his fangs, but despite his vicious expression, horror glistened in his eyes. Upon seeing her, he let go and sat on his knees, panting. “Sorry,” he muttered, scrubbing a hand over his face. “I must have been dreaming.”

“It looked more like a nightmare.”

“Just… living in the past I guess.” He lifted his gaze to hers.

“Are you all right?” she asked, trying to sound indifferent, but she didn’t quite succeed.

“Yeah. I’ll be okay. How are you?” His attempt to sound nonchalant almost made her laugh. He tried to be such a regular guy, but she already knew too much about him to fall for that act.

“Rory and I are sitting over there.” She pointed to the empty chairs near the pool. “Want to join us?”

He shook his head. “Thanks, but I need to hit the gym. I’m on the streets with Sudsy tonight.”

“Well, if you change your mind, you know where we are.” Their gazes locked for a moment and the need to touch each other was almost tangible, but they refrained. Finally she stood and walked to the chairs. She spread towels upon them and just as she was about to stretch out on hers, Rory joined her with their drinks. His gaze riveted toward Jason.

“I asked him to come sit with us, but he’s on his way to the gym.”

“He wouldn’t be caught dead with me anyway. That’s fine. I’m over him.”

She glanced at him from the corner of her eye. “Uh huh.”

“All right I’m not over him, but I’m too old and wise to make a fool of myself over a guy I can never have.”

“I think you’re right. He’s got some deep problems. It’s too bad. If he ever dropped the macho act I think he’d be a nice guy. He tastes damn good, that’s for sure.”

“And he looks good too,” Rory said, his gaze sweeping Jason, who had his back to them as he picked up his towel and slung it over his shoulder. When he turned around, Rory glanced away.

“Handsome is as handsome does,” Dana said, then chuckled. “Whatever that means.” On his way past them, Jason glanced at Dana and winked, then looked at Rory, who pretended not to notice. Once he’d gone, Rory released a sigh of relief. Dana felt for him, but there was little she could do to help. “Whatever’s on his mind gave him a helluva nightmare,” Dana said.

“He used to get them a lot.”

“It’s the past, he said. I’d still like to know what happened that turned him into an insecure asshole.”

“He’s not an asshole.”

“Rory! Stop defending him.”

“I’m not.”

“You are. He looks to me like the kind of guy who has everything. Good looks. Money. And from what I hear he’s great with a sword.” Rory cast her a knowing look. “I mean the iron kind,” she said.

“Whatever Jason has, he’s worked hard to get. He came from nothing. I told you Sudsy picked him up off the street. He was only twelve years old.”

“How did it happen to him?” she asked softly.

“His mother died when he was seven. He never knew his father and he had no other relatives, so he ended up working for a chimney sweep. Back in the early eighteen hundreds there was no protection for those children. It was dangerous, dirty work and many of them died.”

A sick feeling washed over Dana. She almost didn’t want to hear any more. Already she felt guilty for prejudging him. “When he was ten he ran away and fell into worse hands on the streets of London.”

“What could be worse?”

“A man who sold pretty boys, if you get my meaning.”

“Oh my lord,” Dana whispered and curled her lip. That explained a lot.

Sudsy had told her that Jason was the pimp stalker the newspapers had been buzzing with lately. Though his vampire companions disapproved of Jason’s indiscretion in his punishments, they at least understood his reasons.

“He was running from the monster who abused him when a carriage struck him. That’s when Sudsy found him and took him in. When Jason was thirty three, he asked Sudsy to make him a vampire. That’s when I met him and you know the rest.”

They fell silent for a moment, then Dana said, “You’re right about one thing.”

“What’s that?”

“Until he comes to terms with his past, he’ll never be happy.” For the next couple of hours, Dana and Rory enjoyed themselves, swimming and relaxing.

Then Carla approached and said, “Rory, Sudsy has some hotel business to take care of and can’t hit the streets with Jason tonight. He asked you to pair up with him.”

Dana heard his heart skip a beat. She placed a hand on his shoulder. “Of course,” Rory said. “I’ll get changed and meet him around the back of the hotel.”

Carla nodded and left to deliver his reply.

“You okay?” Dana asked.

“Yes. Fine.”

“This is probably for the best.”

“Something tells me that’s what Sudsy thinks too.”

“Maybe it’s true.”

“Or maybe he just wants me and his blood son to get over whatever problems he thinks we have. Hotel business. How stupid does he think I am?” Dana sighed. Now wasn’t the time to provoke him with her opinion, but in truth she agreed with Sudsy.

* * *

Jason paced in the alley behind Bloody or Nothing. It wasn’t like Sudsy to be late. Tonight he could scarcely wait to hit the streets and vent his frustration on the creatures of the new reign. Battling them satisfied him almost as much as cleaning pimps off the streets. He despised anyone who preyed upon the weak and he detested anyone who made money off another’s flesh.

Lately Jason had other things on his mind as well, such as Rory. Seeing him again had stirred up so many old memories. Worst of all, the attraction he’d always felt for the man hadn’t lessened with time. If possible it had increased.

He’d hesitated before coming to Bloody or Nothing, but loyalty to his Creator drove him to fight beside Sudsy during this dark time. When he’d spoken to Sudsy on the phone, he’d been told that Rory was staying at Bloody or Nothing. Just hearing the man’s name had sent his libido as well as his anxiety into overdrive.

Jason wasn’t usually into men. He enjoyed women. After the horrors of his past, he’d done his best to avoid men in the bedroom, until he’d met the beautiful sword master. He’d tried for so long to deny his passion for Rory and when they had finally come together -- quite literally -- he realized that the freedom he’d worked for meant nothing.

He’d treated Rory coldly and while it hadn’t been his intention to hurt him, Jason wouldn’t -- couldn’t -- accept a male lover. Women he could have. He immersed himself in the pleasures of the female form. Most of his donors were women.

Though he had the feeling Dana believed he’d used her to strike out at Rory, that couldn’t be further from the truth. He’d been very attracted to her and only after sitting beside her did he realize Rory’s scent clung to her. Maybe that should have put him off, but when she’d looked at him with those beautiful brown eyes so full of desire he hadn’t wanted to resist her. Besides, he had no idea what her relationship with Rory had been. They could have been friends and nothing more. After all, Rory’s taste didn’t usually run toward those with hourglass figures.

Why did she have to be the one to witness his nightmare? It had been humiliating, waking up to her startled look and watching it turn to one of pity. It turned his stomach just thinking about it. Sometimes he was so fucking weak.

He thought the nightmares about his past had long disappeared, but seeing Rory again had stirred up old, painful memories. Damn. Even now the man’s scent was strong, as if he were standing beside --

The back door opened and Rory, dressed for a night of hunting, stepped out. “Ready?” he asked.

“Ready for what?” Jason demanded.

Lifting a curious eyebrow, Rory said, “Ready to hit the streets. Sudsy asked me to fill in for him.”

“No.” A furious, disbelieving sneer tugged at Jason’s lips. “No way. I don’t believe this shit.”

“He didn’t tell you?”

“Thanks, Rory, but I don’t need a partner -- in any way.”

Rory looked as disgusted as Jason felt. “I’m not keen on the idea either, but this is Sudsy’s territory. He prefers we travel in pairs and he’s probably right.”

“Did you talk him into this?”

“Why would I do that? Because you’re so irresistible?” Rory said sarcastically.

“Maybe to you.”

Rory’s blue eyes blazed and he stepped closer. It must have killed him to look up to Jason, but being several inches shorter, he had no choice. “Listen to me, Jason. I’m going to say this once. I had nothing to do with tonight’s arrangements. While we’re standing here bickering, the new reign is wreaking havoc on Las Vegas. Are you going to stand here acting like a brat or are you going to do your job?”

Jason made an incoherent sound of utter annoyance, then turned on his heel and walked down the street. Rory fell into step beside him. They walked for nearly two hours before running into trouble. Two vamps were trashing a convenience store. When Rory and Jason stepped in, they fled out a back door.

After chasing them for several blocks, they drove them into a dead end alleyway. The fanged thieves were armed with knives. Rory and Jason disarmed them quickly and without injury.

“Kill us if you want,” spat one of the vamps. “We’ll return even stronger than we are now.”

“That isn’t much of a threat,” Jason said, “considering we just kicked your asses in less than thirty seconds.”

“Our Creator promised us eternity.”

“Yes. In hell,” Rory said.

“Hell on Earth.” The fierce eyed redhead in his clutches grinned wickedly. He managed to twist out of Rory’s grasp, then pulled a razor.

Inspired by his friend, Jason’s prisoner struggled and the tall blond snapped his neck, then unsheathed his sword and plunged it through the minion’s heart, ensuring that he wouldn’t rise with the evil Creator’s ten thousand. Upon witnessing this, Rory’s opponent turned and fled, but Jason gave chase, knocked him face first onto the pavement and finished him as well.

Panting, Jason stood and turned back to Rory, who stared at him, torn between arousal and disgust. “You really enjoy this, don’t you?”

“You’re the Viking by birth.”

“That was a long time ago.” Rory stepped closer to Jason.

Heat emanated from their bodies and Jason tried to control his thundering heartbeat.

“You’re still so full of anger,” Rory said, his voice just above a whisper.

“There’re worse things to be full of.”

“I’m sorry for you.”

“Don’t you fucking dare!” Jason snarled, his heart beating even faster. “It’s bad enough you arranged this to be alone with me again.”

“You’re wrong, Jason. I did come to Bloody or Nothing because I knew you’d be here, but I didn’t want to meet with you for the reasons you think. I know what happened between us was a one time thing, but that doesn’t mean that over the years we trained together we didn’t develop a friendship that transcends whatever mistake you think we made. I didn’t come here to rekindle what we had, but to reconcile with you. With this new reign we’re all in danger. Any of us could die at any time. I’ve already lost friends. I just… I don’t want to leave this life with hatred between us.”

Jason’s anger faded, replaced by sorrow. He closed his eyes tightly. “I don’t hate you, Rory. I never did.” He spoke the truth. Part of him had always loved and admired Rory, but as a friend and a teacher. Their attraction still confused him. Had he fucked Rory that night so long ago because he truly wanted to, or because he’d been trained that way? If he had a different past, would he be attracted to men, or had his twisted life driven him toward an unconventional lover?

“All right then. That’s what I wanted to be sure of,” Rory said. He glanced around the alley and Jason studied him carefully. Even after all these years he was still beautiful, with his sculpted features, thick reddish hair and a lean, hard body. Jason recalled how good that body had felt, how hot and tight his ass had been. A shiver rolled through him and he closed his eyes again, even more tightly this time.

“We should call for someone to clean up this mess,” Rory said, reaching into his back pocket for his cell phone. Jason grasped his hand before he could remove the phone. Their chests almost touched and if their heads dipped the slightest bit closer…

Grasping Rory’s shoulders, Jason covered his mouth in a kiss so hot and deep that his head spun. When the kiss broke, Rory closed his eyes and pressed his cheek to Jason’s shoulder. Their hard cocks pushed against their bodies. Rory reached down and cupped Jason’s crotch.

His heart pounding, Jason fought an internal struggle. He wanted to walk away, to stop this madness, but now that they’d started he wasn’t sure he could stop. Rory’s scent filled him and his lean, hard body felt so good against his. Even after all these years this auburn haired swordsman roused so many emotions within him. Whenever they were together the attraction between them was uncontrollable. Jason thought he’d mastered it, but…

Oh fuck. Rory unzipped his jeans and curled his hand around Jason’s cock. His thumb brushed the underside and Jason nearly came then and there. Growling, Jason clutched a handful of Rory’s auburn hair and kissed him again. He thrust his tongue into Rory’s warm, wet mouth. Rory’s fangs scraped Jason’s tongue and the taste of blood fueled their passion even more.

Jason roughly unzipped Rory and yanked down his jeans. He forced the smaller man against the side of the building and nuzzled his neck. Rory moaned and held him tighter, kneading his shoulders and thrusting his hips in time with Jason’s.

“Fucking pretty bitch – bastard -- whatever you are,” Jason murmured. The fluttering kisses he rained over Rory’s face were at odds with his bitter words, but Jason couldn’t -- wouldn’t -- vent his frustration on Rory’s tight little body. This man had been his mentor, his friend and ever so briefly his lover.

How many times had Jason beat off while remembering the feel of Rory’s body, the passion of his kiss and the tightness of his hot ass? “Fuck me,” Rory said, his blue gaze filled with lust.

Jason grasped his narrow hips and turned him to face the bricks. Rory braced his hands against the wall. His lean chest rose and fell with each eager breath. He tilted his head toward his shoulder, exposing the side of his strong neck. Jason ran his fingertips along the smooth flesh and placed his lips to the throbbing artery. He licked it while kneading Rory’s ass.

One thing about vampires, they could fuck without lube and not cause permanent damage. Good thing, because at the moment Jason was almost too far gone to stop himself. Still, he entered Rory slowly and as gently as possible. Jason had never harmed a lover, even accidentally, and those who did sickened him.

“Please,” Rory whispered. “Give it to me, Jason. I want it.” His heart pounding, Jason moistened his lips and sank his fangs into Rory’s neck at the same moment he began thrusting into his gorgeous ass. “Yes, oh fuck yes!” Rory panted, his fingers clutching the bricks. Jason covered those slender hands with his. He thrust and sucked, lost in a haze of lust so intense that he forgot about everything except pleasure.

He slid one hand down Rory’s side. Reaching around, he grasped his thick cock and stroked it. That was all Rory could take. Gasping and moaning, he came hard, his essence spurting against the wall. Jason continued stroking his cock until orgasm overtook him. Then he pressed his hands against the wall, his hips jerking and breath coming in ragged gasps.

For several moments they rested, Rory’s tight, warm body pressed between Jason and the brick building. When Jason’s head finally cleared, he gritted his teeth and growled, stepping away from Rory. Hitching up his jeans, Jason averted his gaze and said, “This shouldn’t have happened.”

“Don’t do this again,” Rory said. “Don’t lie.”

Jason glared at him. “What are you talking about?”

“You’re making it seem like I seduced you. You wanted it as much as I did.”

“I’m not blaming you. All I mean is, it’s the last time. Never again. Never.”

“Why won’t you --”

“Rory! I don’t want to talk about it. Just enjoy it for what it was.”

Folding his arms across his chest, Rory stared at him, hurt glistening in his liquid blue eyes. A pang of guilt shot through Jason. Just what he needed -- guilt on top of shame. “So this was just an average back alley fuck to you?”

“Yeah, Rory. That’s what it was.”

Rory swallowed hard, then a frigid expression passed over his face and he curled his lip. “I guess that’s all you’re comfortable with after all.”

Hell, that cut deep. “Maybe that’s all you’re worth,” Jason said, and stalked out of the alley without looking back.

Chapter Seven

Jason’s words rang in Rory’s head.

Never again. Never.

He’d said the same thing in eighteen twenty. Now a hundred ninety years later he’d done it again. Rory hoped he wouldn’t have to wait another hundred ninety years.

Maybe that’s all you’re worth. A back alley fuck. Rory tried not to linger too much on that insult. After all, he’d slung mud first. The way he’d flung Jason’s past in his face with a petty insult made him sick to his stomach. How could he have said such a thing?

Maybe Jason was right. Love shouldn’t hurt and last night they’d definitely hurt each other. Their magnificent lovemaking had yet again turned to heartbreak. When he’d returned to the hotel, Dana immediately guessed what had happened. She didn’t need her new mind powers to tell. She knew Rory that well. “The guy is damaged and if you keep letting him get to you, he’s only going to hurt you again,” she’d said.

“He got to you the moment you met him,” he reminded her.

“That’s different. It was just blood sharing.”

“Was it?”

“Yes, damn it!” She’d protested too loudly. Rory knew her well too.

That had been last night. Now they stood in Sudsy’s private gym engaged in her fencing lesson. At the moment they were completely alone. She was coming along well for a beginner. Strong and flexible, she was also dedicated and that was probably her greatest asset.

Shortly before the lesson ended, Jason stepped into the gym. He nodded to Dana then briefly locked gazes with Rory. Neither spoke before Jason turned away. Rory stole glances at him as he warmed up. He carried his favorite rapier. Rory loved watching him train with it. His movements were sure and powerful. Jason had been one of his best students and Rory missed him greatly.

“Earth to Rory,” Dana said. He glanced at her, realizing that for the past moment or so he’d been instinctively blocking and countering since his attention was split between his new student and his old one.

“Sorry, hon,” he said.

“You should be paying attention to me, not tall, blond and butch over there.” She jerked her head toward Jason who warmed up across the room.

“Say it a little louder. I don’t think he heard you.”

“Sorry,” she muttered, removing her fencing mask and tucking it under her arm. If their conversation had reached Jason, he gave no indication of it. “Why don’t you ask him to practice?” Dana suggested.

“Bad idea.”

“Why? It would give me a chance to watch a couple of pros at work.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“In a purely innocent way, I assure you.”

He snorted. “Despite your doe eyes I don’t think you have an innocent bone in your body. It’s just a carefully cultivated disguise to lure in unsuspecting lovers. Besides, I thought your advice was to forget him?”

Smiling, she stepped closer to him, slid her arms around his neck and whispered close to his ear, “Obviously that advice is wasted on you, so if I can’t beat you I might as well join you in trying to break down his defenses. Not only that, he seems lonely, doesn’t he?”

They glanced toward Jason, who glanced in their direction, then turned away, his expression stony. “I’m sure he is,” Rory said. “But like you said last night, it’s his problem.”

“Maybe I was being a little harsh.”

“You can’t seem to make up your mind.”

“Then I fit right in with you two.”

Rory chuckled. “You have a point.”

“Good. I’ll ask him.”

“Dana!” Rory called, but she was already halfway across the room.

“Jason, how about an exhibition?” she said.

He rose from his lunge position and a very masculine grin spread over his face. “What would you like to see?”

“I’d like to watch you and Rory duel, if you’re up to it?”

Jason’s smile faded. His gaze locked with Rory’s. “Forget it, Dana,” Rory said. “This lesson is over.”

Smirking, Jason turned back to Dana. “Looks like he’s not up to it.”

Rory’s jaw tightened. Don’t let him get to you. “Maybe a duel is a good idea after all,” Rory said. Sword in hand, he returned to the roped off ring where he and Dana had been practicing.

Jason picked up his weapon and joined him while Dana stood outside the ring, her gaze fixed on the men. She couldn’t help feeling a bit concerned. Emotions ran high between these two. Her sole purpose hadn’t been to observe a duel, but to offer them a way to work out their problems.

Within moments, she realized that maybe she should have chosen a safer meeting ground. After the first few tentative blows, they unleashed nearly two centuries of passion at the ends of their swords.

Though Jason was the bigger and stronger of the two, he wasn’t quite as skilled as Rory. Almost, but not quite. They fought with steel blades, not the silver plated ones they used when patrolling the streets. She flinched when Rory’s blade nicked Jason’s cheek, then sliced his chest. The shallow wound bled freely, staining Jason’s snug blue T-shirt.

Jason thrust his sword. Rory spun, blocked it and smacked Jason’s tight ass with the flat of his blade. The blond gritted his teeth, his eyes blazing, but he kept his head and fought wisely.

The tip of his blade pricked Rory’s sword arm. Scarcely missing a beat, Rory switched the sword to his other hand. He was equally skilled with both. Dana worried that they might do each other serious damage until they locked blades, their bodies close and their faces mere inches from each other.

To the surprise of both his companions, Rory kissed Jason full on the mouth. Jason leapt back, his chest heaving. Their blue gazes fixed on each other and Dana thought for certain Jason would storm off due to Rory’s unwelcome advances. Instead, he attacked the smaller man with a series of blows so powerful that Dana marveled at Rory’s ability to block them.

Then Rory disarmed Jason so quickly and with such skill that Dana missed the exact move that sent Jason’s sword into the air. Rory caught it in his free hand. Jason dropped to the ground and spun, one leg lashing out in a sweep that would have knocked Rory off his feet if he hadn’t jumped into the air, knees drawn up toward his chest. Rory landed, both swords poised for defense.

“Drop ‘em,” Jason said, his voice even huskier than usual. Dana drew a deep breath and clenched her fists. She sensed something was about to happen, but couldn’t tell if it would be good or bad. After a moment’s hesitation, Rory dropped the swords. Jason strode toward him, roughly grasped the back of Rory’s neck and kissed him hard on the mouth.

Dana couldn’t keep from smiling. So this was the man who’d said never again. She climbed into the ring and approached. Rory and Jason’s mouths were still fused, their eyes closed and their hands groping one another. The scent of their arousal filled the gym. Watching them turned her on so much that her clit ached and her nipples strained beneath the layers of protective fencing gear she wore. Rory had insisted that as a new student she wear it. Later there would be enough time to fight unshielded.

Jason’s hands slid down Rory’s back to cup his tight ass. Moaning, Rory tightened his fingers on Jason’s muscular shoulders. Their kiss broke and they stared into each other’s eyes. Already their wounds had begun to heal and fade away. “Now this is more like it,” Dana said.

They turned to her and Jason shook his head. “No.” He withdrew from Rory and took a step backward.

“Why not?” Dana asked. She placed a hand on Jason’s hip and tilted her face toward his. “He’s beautiful, isn’t he?”

“You’re one strange woman,” he said, though not viciously. His fingertips lightly caressed her cheek, then her throat.

“Isn’t he?” she whispered, casting a sidelong glance in Rory’s direction.

“Yes,” Jason replied, the word torn from his lips and his gaze locked with Rory’s. The auburn haired man remained motionless, though his big blue eyes devoured Jason.

“I know you’re the kind of guy who takes what you want,” Dana continued. “What do you want?”

“At the moment it’s hard to decide,” he admitted, cupping the back of her head and brushing her lips with a kiss.

“I suggest the three of us go upstairs and work it out,” she said. “Rory?”

In reply he picked up their swords and also took Dana’s from her hand just before Jason swept her into his arms. She grasped his neck and moistened her lips. His handsome brow furrowed and she kissed it tenderly, hoping to smooth away some of the unhappiness reflected there.

If only he’d allow her and Rory fully into his life, she knew they could replace his anger with affection. It sickened her when she thought of the kind of suffering he’d endured to still carry such rage and fear after two centuries. Gaining her own freedom made her realize how important it was to be loved for who you truly were. If they were consistent in their affection toward him, he might eventually open up to them.

They took the back stairs to Dana’s room, which was just one floor up. The handsome blond carried her while Rory led the way, every now and then glancing over his shoulder at them with a hungry look that pushed Dana’s arousal to even higher heights.

In her room, Jason tossed her on the bed. Rory drew the curtains and lit vanilla scented candles on the vanity table. All three quickly discarded their clothes. While she pulled off hers, Dana glanced from Rory to Jason. Both were gorgeous, though in different ways. Rory’s pretty face and Jason’s handsome one reflected their lust. Both had lean, fit bodies, though Jason was almost a head taller than Rory.

Jason finished undressing first and stretched out beside Dana. Covering her mouth in a passionate kiss, he stroked her from breast to hip. He caressed her inner thighs and cupped her soft mound.

Her eyes closed, she wrapped her arms around his neck and ran her feet up and down his hard, hair dusted legs. His powerful chest pressed against her breasts. The man felt so damn good.

Rory joined them on the bed, his warm, supple body close to her and Jason. When the blond broke their kiss, Rory tilted her face toward his and kissed her. His tongue met hers and his long hair tickled her face. He braced a hand against Jason’s muscular shoulder and shoved him hard. Jason refused to move and Rory broke the kiss to glare at him.

The men growled at each other, but their rivalry couldn’t disguise their desire for each other. Dana kissed Jason again and he wrapped his arms around her, rolling onto his back and dragging her on top of him.

With a teasing grin, she slid from his embrace and returned to Rory. Placing a hand to her Creator’s chest, she pushed gently and he let her guide him onto his back. Their gazes locked and they smiled. No matter what, Rory would always hold a piece of her heart. He had set her free. Before him, she had never really lived. She knew that deep inside Jason felt the same way about Rory. The beautiful vampire master could free him too, if he would only let it happen.

Dana kissed Rory’s neck and licked her way down his chest and stomach. Kneeling between his legs, she clasped his cock and sucked the head into her warm, wet mouth. It felt so good not having to worry about protection. Vampires couldn’t contract or pass on diseases, nor could they procreate.

Her tongue rolled over Rory’s cock head and flicked the underside. Moaning, he arched his back and grasped handfuls of her hair. She stroked his shaft and kneaded his balls while her teeth, tongue and lips teased his bulging crown. She didn’t stop until he arched off the bed, his body straining as he came into her mouth. Dana sucked and swallowed, drawing out his pleasure to the last second.

Jason’s growl drew her attention and she turned to him. He lay on his back, his gaze fixed on his partners and his hand stroking his pole hard cock. “Don’t look so neglected,” she purred and crawled toward him. Kissing both men and blowing Rory had her so turned on that when she mounted Jason, his long, thick cock slid easily into her drenched pussy.

“Ah!” Jason cried, his eyes closing halfway and his neck arching into the pillow as his hips shifted upward. His cock filled her even more deeply. Dana gasped with pleasure and rocked atop him, controlling their pleasure. He offered her his hands and their fingers entwined, squeezing each other tightly. From the corner of her eye she noticed Rory rise from the bed and walk to the bathroom. Dana closed her eyes for a moment, enjoying the friction of her and Jason’s bodies. His cock rubbed her in all the right places.

She sensed Rory’s return and glanced at him. He stood near the bed, a container of lube in his hand. He squeezed some into his hands and rubbed them together, then grasped his semi erect cock and stroked himself to full mast.

Beneath her, Jason growled and moaned. His deep, sexy voice and the fiercely passionate look on his face turned her on so much that she lost what little control she had left. Crying out, she rocked faster, hurling herself into orgasm. Panting hard, her body still pulsing, she dismounted the gorgeous blond stud. Jason reached for her and tried to drag her back onto him, but she pushed against him, though she was no match for his strength. “What’s wrong?” he demanded. “We’re not finished.”

“I am.”

“But I’m not,” he said, his voice deep with passion. His stiff cock pressed against her and she glanced over her shoulder at Rory, who still stood nearby, his fist curled around his straining cock.

“Take him,” she said to Jason.

His chest heaving and blue eyes blazing, Jason stared at Rory. If possible, his scent grew even stronger and she heard his heart beat faster. “No,” he said.

“Why?” She twisted from Jason’s grasp and approached Rory. Standing behind him, she pressed her breasts against his sinewy back and slid her arms around his lean waist. She placed her hand over his on his cock, stroking with him. Rising onto her tiptoes, she glanced over Rory’s shoulder at Jason. “You want him. He wants you.”

“I’m done.” Jason stood and dragged on his pants. Lucky for him they weren’t jeans or else he’d have never forced his huge erection behind the zipper.

Shirt and shoes in hand, he headed for the door.

“Jason, wait!” Dana said. He didn’t pay attention but left, slamming the door behind him. Dana pulled on her robe and hurried after him. She managed to slide into the elevator before the door closed.

“Do you enjoy torturing people?” he demanded. “You’re nothing but a fucking seductress. I’m not even sure you have a soul.”

“At least I’m honest. I know what I want and I’m not afraid to take it anymore. I lived most of my life repressed. Just like you.”

He snorted. “Baby, I’m not repressed.”

“You love Rory.”

“I don’t --”

“You can’t hide it from me and it’s not a crime. He’s easy to love.”

“Too easy,” Jason whispered, then looked furious at himself for admitting it aloud.

“You can’t let people from the past rule your life. The bastards who hurt you are long dead.”

An angry look burned in his eyes. He hit the button to stop the elevator. “What do you know about my past?”

“Enough.”

He closed his eyes for a moment and his faced drained of color. For a moment she thought he might lash out at her and she prepared to duck a blow, but he didn’t. Thank the lord he wasn’t that crazy. “Don’t you get it?” she pressed. “It’s not about gender. It’s about love.” They stared at each other for a moment, then he shook his head. “I understand how you feel --”

“You have no idea how I feel,” he said.

“All right, maybe that was the wrong phrase. Whatever you’re feeling, Jason, I want to help and I know Rory does too.”

“If he wanted to help he’d have left me alone.”

“Alone. That’s what you want? Jason the island. Life is easier to deal with that way, isn’t it, tough guy?”

A quirky smile played around his lips. “Lady, you’re a pain in the ass.”

She grinned. “I try my best. Come back to my room.”

“Not tonight. I have to hit the streets.” The elevator door opened and he stepped out, but held the door and stared deeply into her eyes. “Do you want to have dinner tomorrow night around two? Both you and Rory?”

“I’d like that. When I get back downstairs I’ll ask him, but I’m sure it will be all right.”

“Good.” He bent and kissed her, then stepped out of the elevator. They gazed at each other until the door closed between them.

Chapter Eight

Though Rory had agreed to the dinner with Jason, he was called upon to partner with Sudsy for another night of tracking down minions of the evil reign. He told Dana to enjoy the night and hopefully he would be back in time for dessert.

She thought he seemed relieved to miss dinner. The tension between him and Jason was difficult for him and while she wanted to place all the blame on Jason, she couldn’t. He had issues, but Rory kept returning for more. Dana knew both men wanted a relationship, but uncertainty kept them apart.

Jason took Dana to eat at a restaurant on the Las Vegas strip. Afterward they returned to her room, where they stretched out in bed and watched a movie she’d been wanting to see. It was her favorite kind -- loaded with sex, blood and guts. Jason obviously didn’t like it much because by the time it ended, he lay deeply asleep beside her.

Raising her eyes to the heavens, she smiled slightly, then kissed his cheek and cuddled close to his warm, hard body. She’d nearly drifted off when the door opened and she caught Rory’s scent. Within moments he stood at the foot of the bed. “How was it tonight?” she whispered.

“Rough night. Lots of minions,” he replied softly, and undressed.

Her gut tightened with concern. “You’re not hurt, are you?”

“No. Just tired. I’m taking a shower, then I’ll come to bed. Did you two have fun?”

“Dinner was great, but I don’t think Jason likes horror movies.”

“No. He’s into action adventure.”

“I never would have guessed,” she quipped.

Rory disappeared into the bathroom and she heard water running in the shower. When he returned, he slid naked into bed. She rolled toward him and they kissed. Dana gently caressed his damp hair.

Sighing, Rory said, “I can’t seem to relax tonight. Too many fights. It seems as quickly as we destroy these members of the new reign, the evil Creator makes more.”

“Try not to think about it right now. You’re doing all you can.”

“I know, but I’m afraid it won’t be enough.”

Dana kissed his eyelids, then his lips. “I think I can help you relax.”

“I bet you can.” Rory smiled slightly, buried his hands in her hair and tugged her even closer for yet another deep kiss. Their tongues searched each other’s mouths.

Dana broke the kiss only to trail her lips down the side of his neck and over his lean, smooth chest. Taking one of his nipple rings in her teeth, she tugged it gently and he groaned.

She straddled him and continued kissing his chest and shoulders. Sliding down his body, she left a wet trail down the center of his flat stomach. The chiseled muscles rippled and he moaned again.

Kneeling between his parted thighs, she clasped his cock and stroked it while blowing little puffs of air onto the head. The she took it into her mouth and flicked her tongue along the underside.

Rory moaned softly and caressed her shoulders and hair. Lost in his taste and feel, she didn’t realize Jason had awakened until she felt his heated gaze upon them. She glanced at him from the corner of her eye and found him staring intently as she sucked Rory’s cock. The strong scent of his lust mingled with hers.

She slowly withdrew Rory’s cock from her lips. Rory’s eyes opened. They burned with desire and curiosity about why she’d stopped, then he glanced toward Jason. The look that passed between the men was all Dana needed to understand this moment was crucial.

When Jason moved closer to Rory, as if drawn by an invisible yet irresistible bond, she moved aside and Jason grasped Rory’s cock. He stared at it and licked his chiseled lips. After a moment’s hesitation, he spread Rory’s legs farther and took Rory’s cock head into his mouth. He sucked and licked it while sliding a hand beneath his ass and kneading it.

Rory closed his eyes. His body arched. He moaned and clung to Jason’s powerful shoulders. Within seconds, Rory cried out sharply and came hard. When it ended, he lay with his eyes closed and chest heaving.

Jason rose from the bed and walked to the bathroom while Dana took a moment to admire Rory’s resting form. A faint smile touched her lips and her fingertips hovered over his lean, hard chest. She’d just drawn the sheet over him when Jason grasped her from behind.

She gasped in surprise and smiled at him over her shoulder. His eyes still burned with lust and he knelt behind her, nudging her with his erection.

Aroused from watching her lovers together, Dana was more than ready for some fulfillment of her own. Jason was in just the mood to give it. He caressed her ass and bent to kiss her between the shoulder blades.

Jason lay on his side and tugged Dana against his chest. Little thrills of pleasure rolled through her at the feel of his arms around her and his cock probing her pussy from behind. He swept her hair aside and kissed her neck. “I want to taste you,” he said in a husky voice.

“I’m yours.” He licked her neck and thrust into her while at the same time fondling her clit. Dana wiggled her ass against him and lost herself in sensation. Her clit tingled beneath his stroking fingers and her pussy throbbed around his cock. Just as she hovered on the verge of orgasm, his teeth pierced her and pushed her over the edge. “Oh, Jason!” she cried, her eyes closed and her body trembling and pulsing.

He groaned and lapped her blood. Both lost in passion, their thoughts mingled. Their bodies ground together and as he drank even deeper she came again, this time so hard that she descended into blackness.

* * *

Throughout the day, Jason slept fitfully while his partners slumbered peacefully beside him. After these past few days, there was no way he could shrug off his desire for Rory as a phase.

It was strange that he’d never had a problem accepting his relationship with Sudsy. Of course that had been a parent/child relationship from the first. The only time he and Sudsy had shared blood was during Jason’s change and they had never had sex.

Everything was different with Rory. The gorgeous auburn-haired man had fascinated him from the moment they’d met. For the first couple of years of his training, he’d told himself he merely admired Rory’s swordsmanship. He tried to hide and ignore the way his cock twitched and heartbeat quickened at the mere thought of the man.

He’d sworn that he would never be with another man, not after the horrors of his past. Jason would never be used or abused again. When he fucked, he would be in control. Ironically, Rory had no desire to claim Jason. He preferred to be claimed instead.

Sex with Rory was unlike anything he’d ever experienced before. He’d never known a man could be so loving and gentle in the bedroom, or so fucking hot. Rory had turned his disgust into desire and that terrified Jason more than anything.

In his youth, the only thing that had kept him alive was anger, stubbornness and the need for revenge. He’d never had the chance for revenge against the men who had abused him, but he’d dedicated his life to fighting those who harmed others. A self-proclaimed protector of orphans and prostitutes, he’d spent the past two centuries traveling from city to city, meting out punishment to the worst vermin who crawled the streets.

Rory was the first person he’d ever truly loved -- not in friendship or a parent/child love such as he had with Sudsy, but a deep, romantic love. Perhaps Dana was right. He would never be happy. His soul was a battleground and he didn’t know how to call a truce.

It was strange, how a young vampire was wiser than two men who had outlived her by centuries. Jason struggled with himself and Rory -- well Rory couldn’t seem to give up on him no matter how deeply and repeatedly Jason hurt him. If only he could erase the past.

Just before dusk, while his lovers still slept, Jason rose from the bed and glanced at them. Dana was so lovely. Young, with small hands and an innocent face, she had the guts to go after what she wanted. And Rory… well Rory didn’t seem to know how to stop loving people. Love had almost destroyed him in his mortal life and it continued to hurt him now.

Jason needed time alone to release his frustration with some intense physical exercise. The gym wouldn’t be enough. He dressed quickly, then returned to his room, picked up his silver plated sword and decided to hit the streets.

Outside, he traveled quickly, seeking out trouble in whatever form came first -- either human or vampire. Not far from Bloody or Nothing, a strange feeling swept over him. He’d entered a dark, silent alley that somehow seemed separate from the rest of the city. A warm breeze, laced with a bittersweet scent, blew across his face.

The sound of a woman crying nabbed his attention and he walked deeper into the alley. The bittersweet scent grew stronger. Behind an oversized trash receptacle, a fanged man pinned a woman in torn, bloodied clothes to a graffiti covered wall. His trousers pooled around his knees and he thrust savagely. The woman’s tear streaked face turned toward Jason.

Furious, Jason ran toward the pair, but when he lunged at the man, both faded into mist and he slammed into the brick wall. Stunned, Jason staggered back a few steps. Powerful hands grabbed him and smashed him against the wall again. He struggled, but there were too many. The pungent scent of vampires filled him and he growled and bellowed in rage. He seemed to fight for hours until he no longer had the strength. Panting and sweat drenched, he stopped struggling. His captors chained his wrists behind his back and shackled his legs. They released him and he dropped to his knees, his legs too weak to support him.

“So much rage,” said a soft, smooth voice. It sent a shiver down Jason’s spine.

He tilted his gaze upward, staring at minions of the new reign who looked at him through black silk masks. They wore black boots and loose black trousers, leaving their thickly muscled upper bodies bare. How had Jason not heard them approach? How had he not caught their scent until they were already upon him? More important, what had happened to the man and woman? Obviously they hadn’t been real, but he knew few vampires with mind powers strong enough to create such an illusion.

The minions stepped aside, giving him clear view of a tall, reed thin man dressed from head to toe in black. A bone mask covered his face and he wore his long black hair loose down his back. “I know you, Jason. I’ve watched you and followed your work. You would be a marvelous addition to my army.”

“You’re the Creator of the new bloodline,” Jason panted.

“A new reign is coming. Join me and be part of it, or die with the little vampire masters.”

“No contest. I’ll die.”

“Why die before you’ve ever truly lived? I know what you desire more than anything. A clean slate, so to speak. Years of degradation and torment. I can wipe it all away, if you join me.” Jason grimaced as memories flooded his mind, so clear it was as if he was again reliving the torments of his youth -- forced into a dark, filthy chimney, working long into the night when a child should be asleep in the comfort of his bed. Then the streets. Cold, damp, hard, and lonely. And the slave master’s house. More pain, worse than any other, a pain that scarred his body and soul.

“I can make you forget,” said that soft, soothing voice. The skeletal figure knelt beside him and cupped his chin. Jason tried to look away, but the bony fingers cut into his jaw and held him fast. “Join me and those memories will be gone, as if they never were.”

Could this beast truly deliver such a promise?

No! He’s evil. The past is the past. It no longer matters.

“The decision is yours.”

A battle cry erupted in the night. Rory, Sudsy and several others from Bloody or Nothing tore into the alley, their weapons drawn. Rory’s sword cut through the hulking minions who guarded Jason and their evil master. They dropped to the ground, their lives bleeding away from wounds inflicted by Rory’s silver tipped sword.

Just as Rory’s blade thrust toward the evil one, the bony figure leapt over the auburn haired warrior’s head and struck him from behind before he could turn. Rory smashed face first into the wall and the evil master ripped the sword from his hand. When Rory turned, his face scraped raw from the bricks, the evil one plunged the sword into his gut.

“No!” Jason bellowed. He pulled at his bonds until his wrists bled.

The evil master leapt onto a fire escape and fled. Two of Sudsy’s guards bounded after him while Sudsy and Carla knelt by Rory. “It’s his own weapon. Silver,” Carla murmured. “And it’s deep. This is serious.”

Jason’s vision blurred with sorrow and rage. Then he heard the evil one’s voice in his head. It’s your choice, Jason. If he dies, your past dies with him and our pact will be sealed.

“Then it’s not my choice!” Jason bellowed.

Sudsy glanced at him. “What are you talking about?”

“Do you hear me, you bastard! It’s not my choice!”

There is a way to save him. Find it and you risk losing your life. If you join me, you’ll gain so much. Think about it. A life without shame or guilt or desire for this man. The past will no longer matter. Only the future. You’ll know where to find me, but come alone, or it will be death to anyone who follows you.

“Jason!” Sudsy lightly slapped his face.

His eyes snapping open, Jason glanced around, his heart pounding. Only he and Sudsy sat in the alley. The others had gone, yet the scent of Rory’s blood remained strong. Glancing to his left, Jason saw remnants of it staining the pavement. “Rory?” he asked.

“He’s back at Bloody or Nothing. Tyler is trying to save his life. Can you stand?”

Jason nodded. He rubbed his raw wrists, glad to finally be free of his bonds. Sudsy grasped his upper arm and guided him to his feet. “What happened to you?” Sudsy asked. “You were really out of it.”

“Did your guys get him? The evil master?”

Sudsy shook his head. “He seemed to disappear. I think it has to do with mind control. I’ve seen few vamps with that kind of power. Can you tell me exactly what happened?”

“If you tell me how you knew I was here.”

“An anonymous tip.”

“Damn.” Jason closed his eyes. “I think it was a setup.” He told Sudsy about his experiences with the evil master’s mind control and his offer.

“I don’t think there is a way to save Rory,” Sudsy said, his voice heavy with sorrow. “The bastard lied. You know it and I know it.”

“What if he’s not lying? Ariel and Adira should know.”

Sudsy nodded and rested a hand on Jason’s shoulder.

Chapter Nine

Back at Bloody or Nothing, Jason and Dana sat in the waiting room of the private vampire hospital at Bloody or Nothing. Tyler had been working for hours to help Rory. The damage was serious and might be irreparable.

Sudsy had contacted Ariel, who said there was no known cure for a silver wound. Vampiric powers of regeneration were helpless against silver wounds. With such injuries, they healed, or died, as a mortal would. Hearing about Rory’s injury affected Adira deeply. Their blood might possibly strengthen Rory enough to fight the silver. When used against the evil vampires, their blood could kill, but when used among their own blood children, it had healing properties as well, which probably explained why Rory’s injuries hadn’t yet killed him. Adira planned to travel to Las Vegas immediately. Unfortunately she would be coming from Australia, which meant she might arrive too late.

Jason stood and paced while Dana sat, her face pale and her eyes tinged red from crying. He couldn’t blame her for being upset. Rory was her Creator and she was a very young vampire. She needed guidance and support. While he, Sudsy and others at Bloody or Nothing would do all they could to help her, it would not be the same as having the love of her blood father.

When they’d returned to Bloody or Nothing, Carla had given him Rory’s sword and he still held it, as if it somehow connected him to his lover. The waiting room door opened and Tyler, looking strained, entered. Dana rose and stood by Jason. “He’s stable,” Tyler said. “But critical. The silver did a lot of damage. I won’t lie. The outlook isn’t good.”

Dana stifled a sob, but quickly regained control of herself. “Can we see him?” she asked.

Tyler nodded and escorted them to Rory’s room. Still unconscious, he lay pale and unmoving. A bandage covered his lean torso and he was hooked up to several monitors. Stunned, Jason could only stare in disbelief. This was wrong. A vampire wasn’t meant to waste away like this. “My fault,” Jason whispered.

Dana took his hand and squeezed it. “No it’s not.”

“Yes. He tried to help me out of… love.” It’s not about gender. It’s about love. The realization struck Jason like a bolt of thunder. Dana, a vampiric child, had discovered the cure that even the ancients didn’t know.

The master of the new reign said Jason could save Rory, but only by risking his life. Kneeling by Rory’s bedside, Jason touched his lover’s hand. He kissed his cheek, then stood and headed for the door.

“Where are you going?” Dana asked.

“Stay with him. Don’t leave his side.”

“I have no intention of it. But where are you going? Jason, don’t make me worry about you too.”

“I know how to help him, Dana, and I won’t lie and say I’ll be back because I don’t know if I will.”

“Damn you, Jason! Don’t do this. Not now!”

He walked back to her, took her face in his hands and kissed her. “You’re a very smart woman. I should have listened to you sooner and none of this would have happened.” This time he didn’t hesitate before leaving.

Jason quickly returned to the alley where the evil one had lured him earlier. Closing his eyes, he focused on his mind control. I’m here.

The evil one’s voice filled his head. I knew you’d come. Follow my lead.

Jason opened his eyes and let the evil one’s thoughts guide him down several blocks and into an abandoned shop. He wasn’t surprised to find the evil one alone and waiting, his skeletal body draped in a long black coat and his face covered in the bone mask.

“What’s your choice?” he asked, his voice soft and smooth.

“Love,” Jason replied simply.

He could almost see the evil one’s sneer through the mask. “Wrong choice.”

The bony figure flew at him, tugging two short swords from the folds of his coat. Jason drew Rory’s sword from the sheath on his back. It took all his skill to defend himself against the evil master’s blades. A flurry of silver, almost too quick for even vampiric eyes to see, whirled around him. The little blades lashed his arms and face. The blows were painful, but not deadly.

Jason possessed tremendous skill with a blade, but the evil master surpassed him. Still he couldn’t -- wouldn’t -- surrender. Not when Rory’s life hung in the balance. The evil master would have to take from him and taking wouldn’t satisfy his wickedness. The only way to truly feed his power would be to give freely.

It seemed the ultimate force of evil had bestowed upon the leader of the new reign uncommon stamina as well. After what seemed like hours of nonstop battle, Jason’s vampiric strength failed while his opponent seemed fresh.

By a sheer stroke of luck, Jason slipped his blade into the evil one’s ribs.

The skeletal figure recoiled and hissed, his fangs gleaming within the mask.

“For love,” Jason panted. “Nothing else matters.”

His opponent lashed out with one of his short swords, cutting Jason across the cheek before he fled.

Too tired to follow, Jason dropped to his knees and sat for several moments, breathing hard. Sweat dripped down his face and dampened his shirt. He trembled from exertion and feared that he might be wrong and even after this battle, Rory might die.

Then he rose to his feet. Covered in blood from his injuries, he didn’t want to hail a cab and call attention to himself. Instead he jogged through back alleys toward Bloody or Nothing. His heart pounded with anxiety about what he might find at his destination. Was Rory still alive? He didn’t want to think about life without him. Even over these past decades, he knew that Rory was alive somewhere. In the back of his mind, he knew they always had a chance to…

He didn’t want to imagine a world without Rory in it. Despite the lingering fatigue from the battle, Jason pushed himself faster. He needed to know. When he arrived, he took the private elevator to the hospital. At least it gave him a moment to catch his breath.

No sooner had he stepped off the elevator and headed toward Rory’s than Dana ran toward him. She stared at him, her eyes wide with concern. “Are you all right?”

“Rory?”

“Whatever you did, it worked.” She smiled. “About twenty minutes ago he started healing as if he wasn’t injured by silver at all. It was amazing.”

“You’re amazing.”

Her brow creased. “Why me?”

“Because you told me the answer… it was love.” Jason closed his eyes, his throat tight again. This had been one hell of a night. “You’re sure he’s okay?”

Taking his hand, she tugged him toward the room. “See for yourself.”

In the room, Tyler and Sudsy hovered around Rory, who had yet to awaken, but looked better already. “What did you do?” Tyler asked Jason who lurked in the doorway, as if fearful of getting too close. “And you look like hell.”

“Been there,” Jason said, his voice rough.

Dana’s focus had been on Rory, but at the moment she felt even more concerned about Jason. His pale, blood streaked face looked like stone, but his blue eyes glistened with emotion. “About twenty minutes ago I wounded the evil Creator with Rory’s sword.”

“Coincidence?” Tyler suggested.

“I don’t think so,” Sudsy murmured.

“What did you mean when you said it was love?” Dana asked.

“This was my fault. He promised to erase my past, but the price was Rory’s life. That was the deal. I didn’t take his offer, so it terminated. That’s why Rory is healing.”

“A deal with the devil,” Sudsy whispered. Jason nodded and stepped out of the room. “I think I should talk to him,” Sudsy said.

Placing a hand on Sudsy’s arm, Dana said, “Let me.” She followed Jason’s scent to a nearby rest room. Her keen hearing detected his ragged breathing and she hoped he wasn’t wounded more seriously than he’d let on. Opening the door slightly, she peered inside. Jason sat on the floor, his knees drawn up to his chest and his eyes tightly closed. “Jason, are you hurt?” she asked, kneeling beside him.

“I almost killed him.” His blue eyes opened. They gleamed with pain and sorrow. “My guilt, my shame almost destroyed him. It was so strong that… that bastard used it to manipulate me.”

“But he didn’t, and Rory is fine.”

“I would never hurt him like that.”

“He knows that.”

“How can he know? I never told him.” Dana tried to hold him, but he drew back. “Don’t,” he whispered.

“Why not?”

“Because I don’t think I could handle it right now.”

“I think you’ve handled enough on your own for one night. Families share.”

“Family?” He sighed deeply and again closed his eyes. “Like I said before. Dana, you’re amazing.”

This time when she reached for him, he didn’t push her away but held her tightly. They embraced for a long moment, then she said, “Let’s get back before Rory wakes.”

“If he’ll ever talk to me again after what happened.”

“You saved his life tonight.”

“After I almost got him killed.”

“He went into that alley because he loves you.” When they reached Rory’s room, he had already come to. Tyler and Sudsy stepped out, giving the trio privacy.

“Feeling better?” Dana asked, perching next to him on the bed and kissing his disheveled auburn hair.

“I’m feeling too good to be in bed, at least not without company.”

“That’s good to hear,” Jason said, still standing in the doorway.

Rory turned to him. “Are you all right?”

“Did they tell you what happened?”

“Yes. Thank you.”

“For almost getting you killed?”

“For facing demons to save my life.”

Jason shrugged. “There was only one.”

“No, there wasn’t. There was a lifetime’s worth.”

Jason approached and sat on Rory’s other side. Leaning nearer, he gazed into his eyes and said, “I love you.”

A faint but beautiful smile curved Rory’s lips. “I know.”

“It’s good to have family,” Jason admitted, taking Rory’s hand in one of his and Dana’s in his other.

“Yeah, but this was a wakeup call, wasn’t it?” Dana asked quietly. “The new reign is even stronger than we imagined.”

“On the contrary, I think we learned something very important tonight,” Rory said. “It’s only as powerful as we allow it to be.”

“Temptation is hard to resist,” Dana said.

“And you’d know, wouldn’t you?” Rory quipped. “Seductress.”

“Look who’s talking.”

“Don’t ask me to choose which one of you is more irresistible.” Jason grinned.

“Not without a taste test.” Rory kissed him.

“My turn.” Dana took Jason’s face in her hands and touched her mouth to his.

They still had a rough battle ahead, but not tonight.

Tonight was just for them.

Kate Hill

What do trips around the world, endless nights of breathtaking sex, and a muscular, 6-foot 3-inch, brown-haired, blue-eyed significant other have to do with Kate Hill? Absolutely nothing, but she can dream, can’t she? In reality Kate is a single, thirty-something vegetarian New Englander who loves writing romantic fantasies. Visit her online at http://www.kate-hill.com, www.myspace.com/katehillromance, or join her newsgroup at groups.yahoo.com/group/katehill. Stop by Kate’s Amazon blog at www.amazon.com.

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