Here Be Sexist Vampires

Chapter Twelve

(Sam)

At eight-thirty in the evening exactly there was a knock on my apartment door. Wow, Jared had actually used the door rather than just teleporting in. He was obviously on his best behaviour. Imagine that. Full points for his punctuality.

Our eyes raked over each other as I opened the door. God there was no denying how gorgeous he looked in his designer pale blue shirt and designer black trousers – such a simple combination and yet he looked edible. I suddenly felt underdressed even though I was wearing a blood-red cocktail dress that was so thin and clingy it was more like an extra layer of skin. Somehow, though, it didn’t look tarty or cheap. Fletcher had sorted my entire outfit. Three hours he had spent rallying around me asking me to try things on. Eventually he had settled on this dress, a pair of high-heeled strap-up red shoes, and a matching purse.

Jared did exactly what Fletcher said he would do. He flashed me the sexiest, hungriest smile and sucked in a breath. “I’m so torn right now.”

“Torn?”

“As much as I know how important it is to go to this gathering at Connelly’s, all I really want to do is push you back inside and ravish you. What to do...”

“What makes you think I’d let you ravish me?”

He settled his hands softly on my hips. “I held up to my side of the bargain, now it’s your turn to deliver.”

“You really got rid of them?” I hadn’t actually been convinced that he would. Not just for me, just like that.

“I told you I would, didn’t I?”

I pursed my lips. “Then maybe I’ll let you ravish me after Connelly’s gathering.”

“You’re a tease.”

“You like that. Now let’s go.”

“Yes, let’s. The sooner it’s over the sooner I can get you back here.”

“How we getting there?”

He smiled. “How do you think?”

There was then that familiar queasy feeling in my stomach and suddenly we were outside a security, double-glazed box that was attached to a large set of black iron gates. One of the two guards stood within it was startled by our abrupt presence but seemed to recognise Jared and dropped his reproachful twist of the lips.

“Evening,” he greeted Jared, carefully taking the invitation in Jared’s hand that had been addressed to him from Connelly. He hadn’t acknowledged my presence at all. Wow, they really were stuck-up round these parts. Stepping aside, he gestured for us to pass through. “Have a good night, Sir.”

Jared nodded and then, with a hand at my back, guided me through. Now, I’m not one to get much impressed by big fancy houses, but this one came second to Antonio’s mansion. The grey limestone building looked as smooth as a baby’s bum. It was three stories high and had varying stained-glass windows of varying styles and sizes, something I wouldn’t have thought would have added to its character. It had a very welcoming, extravagant portico which, right now, was the only part of this angle of the mansion through which light was shining through.

The winding path toward it was a bit annoying, I felt like I was off to see the Wizard of bloody Oz. If I hadn’t been wearing my heels I would have suggested to Jared that we take a small de-tour and just cross straight over the lawn. He’d have probably said no. Tonight I had to do as I was told. How wonderful.

Having entered through the solid pine porch doors, we came to the Grand Entry Hall. It was crowded with vampires. Obviously the gathering began here. It seemed to then branch out further ahead underneath where the chandelier was situated on what was to be something like an eight foot high ceiling, with vampires coming and going from rooms on both the left and right. I guessed them to be the living room and the dining room. Far ahead was a curved solid pine staircase that was carpeted golden and had intricate carvings. Connelly was obviously a flashy sod.

Remember not to leave my side, said Jared.

Sir, yes, Sir.

One hand still on my back, Jared guided me through the crowd. His touch burnt in the most pleasurable way. The vampires had all congregated into circles, some big and some small. Plenty of those heads turned as we squished through and I saw lots of pairs of eyes focus on who was behind me and then nod respectfully. Jared, of course. I got a second look due to being the Heir’s consort. Suddenly I felt like I was in school walking down the corridor with the most popular boy, everyone wondering what it was about me that made him pick me.

The blokes seemed to approve of me. I suppose the blood-red dress helped with that. As for the females...well they seemed to be looking for something about me that might make me worth gossiping about. Once they realised I was a Sventé, they’d be in their element. If it wasn’t for the warmth coming from his hand, I’d be feeling mightily uncomfortable and a little agitated already.

God, so much excess energy buzzed around the place. Snort. Obviously these master vampires weren’t as great as they thought they were if they were leaking energy like that. And to think that they were looking down on me.

The way that Jared once had, I suddenly thought.

For a second, the question of whether he might return to that frame of mind after we had shagged entered my mind. I quickly discarded it. I didn’t want to explore that idea, afraid of the answer. Yes, afraid. I concentrated on the feel of Jared, his scent, his proximity, his promise of what was to come later. The end of this gathering couldn’t come soon enough. I never liked parties. Not vampire ones anyway. Going as someone’s consort made the night even worse. Not only was I under Jared’s control, but I couldn’t wander off and socialise or drink from any of the intoxicated humans. And if any vampires did decide to talk to me and it turned out that they were a total bore, I had to stand there and listen to it, nodding in agreement with things I couldn’t give a crap about or laughing at jokes that wouldn’t be funny at any time in any place.

Worst of all, if any vampire decided to subtly feel me up a little, I couldn’t do anything about it other than tell Jared and hope he told them to get their hands off me. Victor always did, which was something that I had always been grateful to him for. He never let anyone else ever touch me, or bite me, and he would refuse anyone who proposed that I bite them.

Here comes Connelly, Jared informed me.

Yes the friendly looking bloke was on his way over, obviously eager to greet any guests who arrive. He seemed even more enthusiastic due to it being Jared.

“Jared,” he crooned, shaking his hand. “Always good to see you. You look well.”

“And so do you, Rupert.” He flashed him a charismatic smile.

“Your charm is still there, I see. May I enquire about Antonio?”

“He’s great, thank you. Sends his regards.”

“Ah, you must thank him for me. I have hopes to visit The Hollow later this year...”

The conversation faded from my attention as my eyes settled on something else. Bennington. He was stood at the arched entrance to the dining room, sipping a drink...and staring straight at me with a disturbing smile plastered on his grimy face.

Reminding myself that it was important to play my role, I returned his smile of acknowledgement. He gave me a look that said he would see me later, and then he waltzed off into the dining room. I had no doubt that he would see me later, especially now that he had seen me with Jared. If he planned to attack The Hollow the last thing he would want is me fighting on Antonio’s side. Three times he had challenged Victor, Bennington’s idea of a duel, however, was to set one of his vampires against the others’. All three times Victor had used me, and all three times I had won the duel. Bennington knew how well I controlled my gift, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he made one last ditch effort to collect me. Luckily, I was secure in the knowledge that Jared would oppose this.

I returned my attention to Jared and Connelly in time to hear Connelly’s, “This one is a massive improvement on your last consort.”

Could I resist smiling at that? No.

“Yes, she is,” agreed Jared.

“A Sventé?”

I felt Jared stiffen. He was obviously waiting to be frowned upon or looked at like he was crazy. He should’ve listened to me.

Connelly flashed me a smile. “And a beautiful one, too. May I ask your name?”

Say Samantha, not Sam, said Jared. High Master vampires don’t abbreviate their consort’s names, it’s too informal.

I know. My expression was shamelessly flirtatious, only missing the wink. “Samantha.”

His smile became cheeky and his face was suddenly flushed. He turned back to Jared. “It has been so long since I have had an encounter with a Sventé. This brings back some fantastic memories, I must admit. Dare I ask if your new consort is available only to you?”

Translation: Can I borrow her for a few minutes? I couldn’t hold back a smirk. Told you.

“I never was very good at sharing,” said Jared, sliding his hand from my back to around my waist. God that felt good.

“Ah,” murmured Connelly disappointedly but without dropping his smile. “Well, Jared, when you next do a consort spring cleaning, be sure to let me know. I do believe you may set off a trend.”

The noise of the Grand Entry doors opening and closing behind us pulled us all out of the conversation. Connelly laid his hand on Jared’s forearm. “I have to dash. More guests to greet. Please enjoy your evening, I’m sure we will speak again before you leave.” Connelly bowed his head at both of us. “A pleasure to meet you, Samantha.”

“Did he really just suggest I pass you on when I’m done?” asked Jared disbelievingly once Connelly had left to greet his new guests.

“What, you’ve never had anyone do that before?”

“Never. I would never have thought he’d have been so interested when you’re a Sventé.”

“Look, upper class vampires getting involved with Sventés is a bit like dogging – it happens, but no one let’s on that they do it.”

His laugh was silent. “And here I am strolling around with one like it’s the norm.”

“Believe me when I say that if they look shocked it’s only because they wouldn’t have expected you to be so out-in-the-open about it, not because they truly think it’s degrading. If you decided to pass me round this place like a parcel they’d all make sure they handled me at some point, I promise you that.”

Jared’s lips were suddenly at my ear. “The only vampire who’ll be manhandling you tonight is me.”

“If I let you.”

“You get such satisfaction out of teasing me, don’t you?”

“I still maintain that you like it.”

It wasn’t long before master vampires came to greet Jared, each with the same questions – How was Antonio? Was Jared well? Was I his new consort and did he like to share? I could sense that Jared was getting more and more aggravated by that last question. His grip on my waist intensified until it was possessive and a blatant display of ownership. Even that didn’t discourage people from asking. Of course there were the odd looks of disapproval but never did those snobbish vamps let Jared see their distaste; they probably feared causing offense.

One by one the High Master vamps that Jared had told me about last night also came to greet Jared, except for Bennington. Although I glanced around and feigned disinterest, I was listening intently to every word that was exchanged and the tone in which those words were delivered. I almost laughed aloud at how their consorts, all Kejas, seemed to look down on me. They disliked me even more when the High Masters questioned Jared about me, his new consort. I didn’t let it show that I was getting sick of being referred to as a consort. It brought back memories I didn’t want to think about.

When Jared discretely gave my hand a supportive, comforting squeeze I gathered that he had picked up on my irritation. It unnerved me that we could read each other like that. I had slowly gone from being able to sense when he was near to also picking up on what he was feeling at times. If Jared and I had shared blood at some point then I could blame this weird link on that and have the comfort of knowing the link was only temporary. But right now I had no idea what this link was or how to get rid of it.

What do you think about the High Masters then? asked Jared as we made our way out of the patio which overlooked a large, fancy swimming pool complete with a man-made waterfall.

I’d say Carlos’ loyalty is questionable, and I’d say the same about Winston Jones. But I reckon the others would be loyal to Antonio, especially Bran.

You and me are on the same wavelength then.

Oh I knew that and it was what disturbed me.

Have you noticed Bennington acting odd?

A couple of times I saw him whispering and lingering around the other High Masters. He’s been looking over at you quite a bit.

Actually, I think it’s you he’s been looking at. The idea seemed to piss Jared right off.

If he is, he’s probably thinking how best to approach the prospect of you passing me onto him. An idea popped into my head. How about you go leave me alone for a sec and let him have the opportunity to speak to me on my own?

Hell no, Sam, I’m not leaving you alone. I told you, you don’t leave my side.

Just act as if you’re going to answer a call of nature, it’s not like I can’t defend myself if I have to but I can’t see anyone, not even Bennington, trying to hurt me.

No, I’m not comfortable with having you out of my sight.

I pressed myself up against him, seizing his gaze. Instantly his irises began to glow.

Don’t even try seduction to get your way, Sam.

Just give me five minutes.

Hell. No.

With my tongue, I drew a circle on the patch of skin that was exposed by the V of his shirt. He shuddered. I scraped my teeth over the patch the way I knew he liked. Jared, you know this is a good idea.

Sam, will you quit the teasing.

Oh this isn’t teasing, I’ve got every intention of biting you tonight. So let’s get the business crap out of the way and then we can get out of here. Don’t you want that?

He shuddered again. You’re evil.

Five minutes, Jared.

He sighed, half surrender half frustration. Three minutes. He swatted my arse and then pointed a finger at me. Making a show for anyone who might be watching, he sternly said, “Stay here. I’ll be back in a minute.” I nodded. If anyone hurts you I swear to God I’ll kill the pair of you for it.

I mentally rolled my eyes. I suspected that it wouldn’t be long before Bennington came over; he wouldn’t want to chance Jared getting back before he’d had a chance to get whatever it was he had to say out of his system. I was right. Something like thirty seconds later I heard:

“Well hello, Samantha. It’s been a while.”

I nodded and smiled a little. “Yep, it has.”

“I take it that Victor had a price for you after all.”

“Oh he didn’t sell me, he’s dead.”

Bennington’s thick black brows rose. “Dead? How?”

“I killed him.”

“You killed your own Sire?”

“I’d kill anyone who tried to hurt Antonio. And if Victor really thought he could attack Antonio and live to tell the tale he was a daft sod who was just begging for an immediate death.” I saw Bennington’s head working away. He probably didn’t like that I was clearly very loyal to Antonio.

“It is little wonder, then, that Jared has you as his consort. For now, I should say.”

I could guess Bennington’s game. He wanted to turn me against Jared. “So he’s a bit of a slut?”

“I’ve never seen him with the same consort twice. It strikes me that he gets bored most easily.”

“That works out well for me then; I’m pretty much the same.”

He didn’t seem to like that answer. “Don’t you miss your days as an assassin?”

“What’s there to miss? Blood and gore?” I shook my head, my face scrunched up in repugnance. “Don’t get me wrong, if Antonio asked me to work for him as an assassin then I’d do it, but I’m quite content as I am.”

His expression said he wasn’t convinced. “You’re a most spirited individual, Samantha. I cannot imagine you being satisfied being nothing more than a consort, even if it is to the Heir of The Hollow. The offer for you to join my team is still open. Then you can exercise that spirit of yours, end your consort days.” It wasn’t a question. He had every intention of consulting Jared about it and was letting me know in advance, giving me incentives to be cooperative.

“I can’t say I’ve any need to complain. Jared’s a good shag. But by all means ask him.”

“Ask me what?” I’d already known Jared was approaching; I’d felt it in my bones. He laid a hand on the small of the back and greeted Bennington. To his credit, he was as civil and relaxed as he had been to the other vampires; giving nothing away about his hatred of him.

Bennington spoke, “I was just saying to Samantha that my interest in her is still great. Victor was never open to negotiations about selling her. I wondered about your own willingness to do so.” His facial expression and cunning smile told me that he was confident that Jared wouldn’t be possessive over a consort.

“I’m afraid my interest in her is just as great,” replied Jared as his arm snaked around my waist once again.

“Oh I didn’t mean my interest in her is as a consort, no. But if the idea of losing a consort bothers you much, I’m sure we can come to some arrangement.” He gestured at his own consort; a blonde Keja vampire who was gazing at Jared like he was a Christmas treat. I had to fight against the urge to cook up a gust of wind that would get her away from Jared and out of my sight.

“No disrespect to you or your consort, but my answer is a resounding ‘no’. I’m nowhere near finished with this woman yet,” he added in a cheeky voice. “Enjoy your evening.” With that, he guided me back into the mansion. I almost punched the sleazy sod of a bitch.

You’re not the only one.

What did he say while I was gone?

Just trying to entice me to become part of his little collection. Typically he’d set up a fight-off between his best assassin and yours, me being the prize. But he hasn’t got his team with him so had to use a different tactic. He probably reasoned that I could take you on with my gift and thought that if he could make me want to leave you I could fight for my freedom or something.

My brows arched as we entered the dining room to find plenty of vamps chomping on their consorts. It seemed that they were making a ‘toast’ to Connelly for his hospitality. I knew what Jared would say next, and instead of it unnerving me, the idea excited me.

“It would be rude not to join in toasting our good host, don’t you think?” Before I could say a word he’d spun me around and was grazing his teeth over the pulse in my neck. Sam?

I couldn’t believe that he was actually asking my permission and keeping to his word that he wouldn’t do it unless I wanted him to. As his teeth grazed my skin again I quivered. Do it.

I’ve wanted to taste you for so fucking long. He fisted a hand in my hair, yanked my head back slightly and sank his teeth down hard. As he took a long, greedy gulp he moaned against my skin. The moan vibrated through every fibre of me. Instantly desire began to coil low in my stomach and tingly sensations overtook my body which he kept crushed to his as he continued to drink greedily. You taste so good, baby.

The tingling intensified when he called me that, which was dumb really because it wasn’t like I hadn’t been called that before. And it wasn’t as if I hadn’t been told that my blood tasted good before now, and yet hearing Jared say those words had a primal, raw desire like nothing I’d ever felt before coursing through me.

I was a little light-headed by the time he had ceased his gluttonous drinking. When he looked up at me his irises were glowing like they’d never glowed before, making me hitch in a breath. What I really, really, really wanted to do was bite down on his neck and have my own little party, but I knew that was against consort etiquette. Instead, I grabbed the index finger of his left hand and brought it up to my mouth slowly, giving him time to object. He didn’t. I sank my teeth into the tip of his finger and sucked eagerly, making him moan and shudder. God the taste of his blood was amazing; wild and potent with a male spice to it. Conscious that a little too much of my saliva could have him emptying into his pants, I took only a little before stopping.

“It is so time to leave.” He gripped my hips tightly and then we were gone. I barely noticed the queasy sensation in my stomach this time; I was too hyped up on anticipation and excitement. And on Jared’s blood. I definitely had to taste that again sometime soon. He didn’t ease his tight hold on my hips even as we arrived at his apartment. His gaze was serious and penetrating and searching mine. “Tell me,” he breathed against my lips. “Say it.”

“I want you.”

And then he was kissing me. Kissing me so hard and so desperately and clutching me to him as though he was half-expecting me to disappear. The very second that those lips touched mine there was that familiar bang; an explosion in my veins and the sensation of a hot raging fire spreading through me, just as I knew there would be. I fisted my hands in his shirt, pulling him to me, refusing to accept that there wasn’t a way of getting any closer.

His hungry, greedy kisses more or less devoured my lips and overwhelmed my tongue. As I pulled at his shirt with such force that I involuntarily took backward steps, he stalked me predatorily and slid his hands all over me, never parting our lips. We stumbled and staggered and swayed and then my back slammed against something hard, smooth and cold.

Opening my eyes, I realised with surprise that rather than being halfway through his apartment we had at one point somehow spun around and now I was crammed against the front door.

Jared, too, opened his eyes and was equally surprised. He braced his hands against the door, forming his own little prison around me, grinning. “I hope you’re not trying to escape. But I guess restraining you might be fun.”

“I hope this isn’t your idea of caging me in. Because if it is, your cage is kind of” – I wiggled his outstretched arms – “flimsy.”

He slammed his body against mine, crushing me. I could feel his heart hammering in his chest. I could see those red Pagori irises glowing. “Better?”

I pursed my lips. “Yes. But I could still get away.”

“Not a chance.” He kissed me so hard and with such intensity that it was as though he meant to back up his words; that he was letting me know that he wouldn’t let me pull back this time, that he wouldn’t allow me to pretend any longer that I didn’t want this as much as he did.

Still, that didn’t mean I couldn’t play with him a little, did it?

While his hands were preoccupied with scrunching and tugging my hair I slid my hands down his chest to his waistline and bunched up the bottom of his shirt – which I’d noticed did not button all the way down and so could only be removed by being pulled over his head. Perfect for what I had in mind. I slowly slid it up and up and then, just as I’d hoped, he raised his arms for me to slide it over his head. God he was all muscle and sinew! Instead of tugging the shirt off, however, I left it covering his face and trapping his arms slightly as I used the opportunity to escape.

I squeezed out from between his gorgeous body and the door, and bolted, calling over my shoulder, “That was just too easy!”

I heard him mumble something in surprise and then he was pursuing me as I nimbly dashed at human speed around the living area, hopping from the floor to the coffee table to the sofa to the –

Arms seized me abruptly. I was twisted around in those arms, and lips found mine as my legs were simultaneously wrapped around his hips. Again my back collided into something hard and the wind was literally knocked out of me.

Jared chuckled. “I can’t believe you just did that.” As he resumed kissing me wildly his hands, fingers splayed, skimmed up my thighs and under my dress. “You won’t get away again.”

I smiled against his lips. “You have this habit of underestimating me.”

He grinded his hips against mine, making me moan and tighten my arms around his neck. “Same goes for you if you still really think you won’t be calling out my name.”

“Like I said, it’s nothing personal. I don’t call out anyone’s name.”

“We’ll see.” Jared’s eyes bore into mine as he let his hands journey further, cupping my arse. While one hand lightly ran over my breast he slid his other hand, fingers splayed again, further underneath my thigh. It was almost painful when his fingers stopped on reaching on my thong, refusing to go any further. Unable to help it, I twisted my hips toward his hand but he only drew his fingers back, smirking.

Fine. Let’s play some more, shall we.

It was a squeeze seen as he was pressed tightly to me, but my hands soon slid down his naked chest and reached the waistline of his trousers and slowly tackled his belt, my eyes still meeting his. With the belt gone, I took the button and zip out of the equation. Then I tried lowering my legs. He let me, anticipating what I had in mind. I pushed slightly against his chest, creating just enough room for me to slide down the wall. I placed my mouth against the tip of the erection that was straining against his trousers and exhaled heavily, making him groan.

As I planned, he was now off-guard. I tugged on both his trousers and his underwear, pulling them all the way to his ankles. A horse would be envious of what I was looking at right now. I met his eyes and smiled...and then I dived to the side, sprung to my feet and bolted again. “Typical male – the slightest chance of getting sucked off and your mind went blank.”

Still at human speed, I rushed passed the conference table. I could hear him struggling behind me; obviously a little delayed by the fact that his ankles were more or less bound by his own pants. Soon, though, he was chasing me again. I leaped onto the counter in the kitchen and ran along the length of it, hopping over the hob and other appliances. Cheating, he came after me at vampire speed and caught me just as I reached the end of the counter. It was a good tackle, I’ll give him that. Suddenly we were diving toward the floor. He twisted his naked body to break my fall and then immediately rolled on top of me, grinning evilly.

“Bitch,” he said endearingly. His lips came down onto mine, almost teasing in the way that they moved now. “Seen as it hardly seems fair that I’m naked and you’re fully clothed...” He ripped open my dress, tearing the entire length of it. He moaned at the view he then had of my body.

“I liked that dress.”

“I’ll buy you a new one,” he murmured against the column of my throat. Starting there, his lips began working their way down in an almost precisely straight line, kissing the hollow of my throat and between my breasts and along my abdomen until he reached my navel. Then he gazed up at me wearing a knowing smile. He was perfectly aware that I was desperate for him to go further, to remove my thong, to use more than just his lips, but again he seemed intent on teasing the life out of me. Teasing really wasn’t my thing, but neither was begging for what I wanted.

Fine. Let the games continue.

I pulled my leg toward my chest and swiftly untied the straps of my shoe before flinging it to the side of me. Jared’s eyes had followed the movement closely, sliding a hand along my leg. Correctly anticipating that I would do the same with the other leg, he elevated his body a little to allow me better access to my shoe. That was all I needed. The second my shoe was off I pushed him backwards with my foot, rolled from beneath him and scrambled to my feet. He grabbed an ankle but I wrestled free and bolted again.

I didn’t get far this time before he had scooped me up into his arms, laughing. “Okay, fair enough, I did underestimate you.” His voice suddenly became deep and rough as we entered another room. “This is where we find out if you underestimated me.” Then I was flung onto a soft surface, making me bounce and giggle. The material beneath me was silky-smooth. Silk then, obviously.

Details of the room registered only barely. The warm gold, cream and ivory theme continued in here, as did the solid oak flooring. The bed I was on was absolutely huge and the sheets were golden.

Jared slowly crawled up the length of me, bringing his angelically gorgeous face to mine. His lips and tongue overwhelmed my mouth as my torn dress was removed entirely. He gripped my wrists and drew my hands above my head. There was then tearing and fumbling as a strip of my destroyed dress was used to bind my wrists together and then secure them to the iron headboard. “Shall I tell you what’s going to happen now?” He moved his mouth to my ear. “First I’m going to play with these gorgeous tits here, suck on these pretty little nipples. Then I’m going to fuck you with my fingers and my tongue until you come in my mouth. Only then will I slide my cock inside you. It’s not going to be slow and gentle, Sam. I’m going to fuck you hard and fast until you come so hard you scream. And do you know what you’ll scream? My name.”

(Jared)

Before she could deny it again I tugged on her bottom lip with my teeth and slipped my tongue inside her mouth. Sam met it with her own, stroking it and sucking on it while she arched beneath me. A groan escaped me as I palmed and kneaded her full breasts. Christ, the feel of her...No fantasy had lived up to it. I’d almost surged inside her when I had her against that front door. But having waited way too long, I was going to make the most of every minute of it. The way she was protesting with her body wasn’t helping me restrain myself from taking her right now, and her burning gaze told me that she knew it.

I swooped down and took a nipple into my mouth, suckling and nibbling and licking and then curling my tongue around it. When her moans became whimpers I closed my mouth over her other nipple and gave it the same attention, loving every raspy moan she made. That amazing scent of hers – vanilla musk with a hint of honeycomb – was shooting up my nostrils and threatening to splinter my self-control.

Suddenly her legs were around my hips and her thighs were squeezing to bring me closer so she could thrust her hips toward mine. I nearly lost it there and then. Bringing my face to hers I gave her a reprimanding look. “And here was me thinking that you’d be a good girl.”

“Not in my nature.”

Smiling a little devilishly, I trailed a hand down, down, down at what I would guess was a frustratingly slow pace.

“Jared,” she growled warningly.

“You can take it, you’re tough.” On reaching her thong I tore it and chucked it aside, taking a minute to enjoy the view. Perfect.

“In case you haven’t already guessed, I really don’t like being teased.”

I arched a brow. “It never bothered you when you were doing it to me.” I chuckled at her low growl and then slid a finger between her wet folds and circled her clit. “Is this what you want?”

She moaned. “Jared, no more teasing.”

“Was that a ‘please’?”

“What’s the matter, aren’t you very good with your hands? Seriously, is this the best you can do?”

I had to admire her spirit, but I wasn’t going to let her get away with taunting me. I sent that familiar electrical charge through my body and out of my finger onto her clit. She bounced, gasping, as the electricity zinged through her. I smiled evilly. “You decide.”

I released another charge. And another. And another. Always watching her, revelling in every moan and groan she made. Then I slipped two fingers inside her. Her gasp was gratitude and pleasure mixed together. “You’re so wet, baby,” I murmured as I thrust my fingers in out of her. I released one final electrical charge and then, sensing that she was at the crest of an orgasm, replaced my fingers with my tongue. That pushed her over the edge and four lashes of my tongue later she shattered, her entire body convulsing as the orgasm overtook her. I wasn’t done. The taste of her was addictive. I continued tormenting her with my tongue; alternating between stabbing deeply inside her and suckling on her clit over and over until she exploded once more.

Snatching her gaze I crawled back up to her. “Get ready to call out my name for me, Sam.”

“Not gonna happen,” she panted.

In one quick movement I hooked her legs over my shoulders and slammed inside her. Her back bowed from the bed as a husky cry tore out of her throat. “Take more, baby.” I reared back and then rammed in deep, groaning as her muscles tightened around my cock. “All of me.” Again I roughly plunged inside her, forcing her to take every inch. Finally I was buried balls deep in her body, finally I was where I needed to be. That was it: the little control I’d had left just snapped. Every thrust was deep, fast, hard, urgent, almost violent. There was a sense of relief mixed in with it all; the urge to do this had been repressed for way too long.

“Oh my God,” she rasped.

“Look at me.” Aquamarine eyes met mine and a shudder ran through me. “Do you like me fucking you hard? Do you? Tell me.” When she didn’t answer I abruptly slowed my movements until they were practically sluggish.

“What’re you doing? Don’t tease!”

All innocence, I said, “I asked if you liked it hard. When you didn’t answer I figured you wanted it slow.”

“Bastard.”

“That wasn’t nice. Maybe I should just stop.” I withdrew from her body completely and smiled at her low growl. “What’s the matter, baby? Do you want my cock back inside you?”

“Yes,” she bit out.

“You sure?”

“Yes.”

I slammed into her, driving deep, but then kept my movements slow as I thrust in and out of her. When she began writhing restlessly I asked, “You want more?” She nodded, moaning. “You want me to fuck you hard again?”

“Yes.”

“Then I’m afraid you’re going to have to beg for it.” I almost laughed as her mouth fell open. Seeing that she was about to curse me I pounded hard into her once and then went back to soft and slow. Again she growled. “Beg me, baby. Beg me to fuck you hard, and I will.” Again I abruptly punched my cock hard inside her before going back to gentle thrusts, every now and then giving her another hard singular thrust. Soon she was so totally mindless that she was whimpering. “You need to come?” She nodded. “You need it harder?” Another nod. “Then give me what I want.” It seemed like forever before she croaked out the one word ‘Please’. “Good girl.”

I reached up and destroyed the knot binding her wrists and then I was ruthlessly powering into her and she was clinging to me like I was the only solid thing in her world. She nipped my lips and tongue, lapping up each trickle of blood that came for those short seconds to the surface before the skin healed itself. I did the same, and with the combined bliss of the moment, of the taste of her blood and of her Sventé saliva running through me I was about ready to break. I upped the speed to vampire momentum, groaning at the sensations that were so agonisingly good that they were at the same time bad and just about bearable. Seeing every feeling she was experiencing shining from her eyes spurred me on – hunger, passion, desire, pleasure, pain – and intensified my own pleasure ten-fold.

God, Jared!

“Out loud.” I knew I was wearing a boyish, smug grin. “Out loud for me, baby.” It went beyond wanting to hear her say it. I needed to hear it, though I didn’t bother to try to understand why it was important. I tugged hard on her hair as I demanded, “Sam, now!” At last she screamed my name, her muscles clamped around my dick like a vice and I came harder than I ever had before in my life. “Sod of a bitch!”

At that very moment she, without warning, sunk her teeth into my neck and drank like an alcoholic would from a whiskey bottle. My hand twisted in her hair and pressed her head closer, and by the time she was done I actually exploded inside her a second time. She matched my smug grin, and she had every damn right to.

Still all tangled together, we then tipped onto our sides. The silk sheets didn’t seem so soft now that I had the feel of Sam’s skin beneath my hands. We just glared at each other as the tingly shudders from our orgasms slipped away. In spite of how weird she may have felt at having done what she feared and lost control, the silence wasn’t awkward. No feeling that a big, fat pink elephant was dancing and prancing around us. She didn’t even squirm under my glare the way she usually did.

Minutes later she puffed and glanced at the bedside clock. “Well, I should go. We should forget this happened, needless to say it was a big mistake.”

“What?” Even as I rolled us over and trapped her beneath me she was laughing. “You better be kidding.”

“You should see your face.” She was still giggling.

“It wasn’t funny. No way will I let you go off into another state of denial.” But I was giggling even as I said it. Mostly with shock; I hadn’t thought it would bother me that much if she were to do that. I shook off the issue. “And never has anyone left me straight after sex.”

“Oh but it’s okay when blokes do it.”

“I’m not doing it. I believe you were warned about the ‘over and over and over again’ part. Oh and never has anyone run from me before.”

She shrugged, smiling sweetly. “Just making you work for it a little.”

“A little?”

“I took it easy on you.”

“You were like Houdini.”

“But I stuck to human velocity. And I never used my gift either.”

I brushed a kiss across her lips. “Feel free to conjure your whip some time.”

She grinned. “I’m not sure you could handle it. Not if you can’t even manage one female Sventé.”

“In my defence, this one female Sventé is a hard-ass.”

“And you’re used to girls throwing themselves at you rather than legging it away from you. Speaking of which, how did your consorts take it?”

“As I expected.”

“Would I be right in thinking that Joy took it the worst?”

The memory of her plea entered my mind.

“What? You’ve got a weird look on your face. What did she do?”

“Nothing worth talking about.”

“Your expression says otherwise. What happened?”

I sighed. Sam would no doubt find the truth shudder-worthy but I didn’t want to lie to her. I had a feeling that she would know if I did anyway. I rolled off her and back onto my side. “Joy, um, guessed that I was getting rid of them because it was you who I wanted, though she actually thinks it’s to make you my only consort.”

“And...?”

“Joy can make herself into a perfect replica of someone, so she offered to morph into you as often as I wanted and then things could stay as they were.”

Sam grimaced but I couldn’t read her expression. She twisted her body to face mine. “But you said no?”

“You sound surprised.”

“I am. I mean, as creepy as Joy’s little offer sounds to me, it’s probably a decent one from a bloke’s point of view. You could have kept your consorts and still, sort of, shagged me.”

I kissed her neck as I spoke. “It wouldn’t have been you, so it wouldn’t have been real. She wouldn’t ever kiss me like you do. Or tease me like you do. She wouldn’t have had your scent, your voice, your blood, or your mind...And I wanted every part of you.” I looked up at her then, shrugging. “I guess that makes me a greedy, spoilt brat.”

Again her expression was unreadable. She brought her face to mine and gave me a long, soft, searching kiss. Nothing like any kiss I’d ever had before. And just like that I wanted her again. I slid my hands around her and pulled her close, aligning her body to mine. I explored every curve and line all over again, but this time lightly and not so insistently, and never invasive.

Wriggling and squirming in frustration she said, “I’ll tell you what, you don’t tease me so much, and I won’t fight you this time.”

“I’d say ‘not a chance’, but I did notice that my caging-in techniques need some work. Not surprising seen as I’ve never had to use them before.” I rolled us so that I was on top of her again and I arranged myself securely over her. “Let’s see if we can get you calling out my name again.” I kissed her again. “Sam?”

“Hmmm?” she murmured through another kiss.

“Promise me you won’t go back into that state of denial again.” She seemed just as surprised to hear me say that as what I was to hear me say it. I decided that it should be another one of those things that I knew was important but didn’t bother to try to understand. Whatever it was, it meant enough to me to voice it.

Her fingertips traced my cheek. “No more denial. It’s too late for that now anyway.”

This time when my lips came down to hers they moved fiercely and urgently. I then trailed my hands down to the backs of her thighs, raised her hips to mine and surged deep inside her.