The Blood Covenant

by Emily Bex

  "Damn woman, I need you, fuck do I need you!"

  "And I’m here for you, Shade."

  His eyes glowed red and his fangs had punched through when she kissed him, aware of how desperately he needed to feed. He felt her hands in his hair when she slid her tongue across his fangs.

  It sent a bolt of erotic pleasure straight to his core. He pushed away from her and was pacing the floor. His growl was deep and low, agitated that his desire for her pulled the beast to the surface, and he couldn’t control the beast’s beckoning.

  He spoke harshly. "Bel, never do that again!" He could see the look of hurt and confusion on her face when he pushed away from her.

  "I don't understand. What's wrong?"

  He didn’t mean to hurt her, but she didn’t understand what lay beneath his surface, crouched and ready to attack. Standing with his back to her, he stopped the pacing. His voice was low and yet stern.

  "I am sorry Kate, but there is darkness in me. I have told you before, and I have struggled to hold it at bay, but you tempt that dark evil beyond anything I have ever felt. You have done nothing wrong, but I can’t control it when you lure me with such open need and wanting. Licking my fangs takes me into fucking orbit. Do you understand what I am saying?"

  He saw her bow her head, looking at the floor when she spoke.

  "You have underestimated me. I’ve always seen the dark side. From the first time I laid eyes on you. I know you shield me. I’m always aware when you do. But I’m telling you, it’s not necessary. I love the darkness. I was drawn to it. Please, don't push me away. You think I need protection from you, and I know better."

  He spun on his heels. His eyes burned like flames they glowed so intensely. His fangs were bared, and his growl was fierce. She was mortal and had no knowledge of what she spoke. "You know nothing of what lies inside me, woman. Nothing! He will eat you alive, drain you, kill you. I cannot let that happen! I have no idea how the beast will react. I know from past experience, he rears up inside and plays no games with immortals. I will not take the chance of letting him loose on you, Kate. He would destroy you, have...Cazzo! I can’t take much more, I can’t let him loose on you, please understand this."

  Taking deep breaths, he retracted his fangs and his eyes returned to their normal blue. He began to strip off his clothes and walk into the bathroom, his body still clenched like a steel rod, every muscle tense.

  "Taking a shower, think about what I have told you. This is no game, no tease, he will be something you have never seen, and it frightens me for you."

  She watched as he tossed his clothes aside and walked to the bathroom alone, sending a clear message she wasn’t to join him. She heard the water running as she picked up his discarded clothes, then undressed, sliding a gown over her head before climbing in bed. She couldn’t imagine there’d be anything about him she wouldn’t accept, and his rejection hurt to the core.

  ***

  The water flowed over him, cascading down his muscular form, washing away the night of grit and grime from the Dead House. His body ached and his heart cried out with pain at the words he’d screamed at her. His hunger was still vividly alive. Although he refused to let the beast free, he struggled to keep his inner darkness from touching her. The fucking beast was winning. He was torturing them both, bringing pain to both of them. Shaking the water from his hair, he raised his hands above his head, wanting to strike at something, kill it, rip it apart, but he knew he could never tame his beast.

  Could she tame him? He dared not try, but he knew he must go to her now. Finishing his shower, barely running the towel over his body and hair, he flung the towel to the floor and slowly walked back into the bedroom to find her sitting on the bed. She was backlit by the bedside lamp, making her silhouette visible through the gossamer gown, and her crimson looking even redder against the backdrop of her white gown. His breath halted in his throat. She had no idea how the mere sight of her brought him to his knees. Her back was to him, displaying her pain of his hurtful words.

  "Kate, look at me."

  She looked over her shoulder at him, and then turned in the bed and held her hand out to him. "Come. Whatever haunts you, please, show me, teach me. I’ll not turn away."

  He gently took her hand and sliding in bed beside her, pulled her to his chest. He felt calmer, the beast pushed down for now, but Shade still felt the gnawing pain of the hunger. His hands stroked her crimson silk, letting the feel of her hair roll through his fingers, calming him.

  "Bel, I do not mean to reject you. The beast inside me is dangerous. You are not strong enough yet and I have fears of letting him go. Please understand this. I do not know what he will do to you. I have never released him on a mortal before. I could not bear him harming you. I may not be able to control him once he is loose, do you understand? I love you beyond anything I have ever known, and I will not let him take from me what I love most in this world. I promised to protect you with my life, and that includes protecting you from what lies within me. You have my blood flowing in you now, the more you feed, the stronger you will become, and you will feel him rise inside you. I have no choice but to back away when you bring him so close I lose control of him. I love you desperately with all of my being. Forgive me."

  "There is nothing to forgive, lover. I fear you worry over nothing. I feel the darkness already. I have always felt it, and I embrace it. It is part of you. This beast is part of you. Teach me what he needs. Let me tame him, let me calm him, as I calm you."

  "It will take time, mi amore, and more strength. But I will work with you, so you can feel him more rapidly, knowing the signs of his approach within me. You must learn to feel me deep, follow my lead, and listen to my commands, not just for the beast but in all things Kate, for your own safety and protection until you become stronger. It will come with time. Do not rush it, but I need to learn better control myself. I will kill myself if I ever harm you."

  Pulling her closer, he nuzzled deep into her neck, nipping her ear and then her shoulder, his fangs punching through.

  "Let me taste you, soothe me and the beast, I need you to help me. The blood will help him settle and then I can become stronger to fight him down, si?"

  She pulled her hair back, tilting her head so the pale skin of her long, slender neck was fully exposed to him, offering herself.

  "Lover, in all things, you lead, and I will follow."

  Sinking his fangs deep, her words rung loud in his ears and he knew she’d always follow him, even to the depths of hell. He only hoped he could bring them back together. Her blood slid like silk down his throat and his growl rattled the bed, her healing energy filling his veins and he felt the beast settle. Drinking his fill, he felt the intense sexual pull of her body, but he dared not take her tonight.

  He slides his hand over her hip, and between her legs. His fingers walked through soft curls and over her clit. Feeling her body grind into his fingers, he growled, his fingers sliding further between that silken cleft, plunging deep inside her.

  "Let me take care of you, mi amore, cum for your savage lover."

  Stroking her deep, he brought her to climax. She was the most beautiful creature when she came for him. He licked the blood from his lips and then licked his fingers clean as her eyes bored into his.

  "Relax, bel, I am close to my slumber, it is calling me. Tonight, when we awaken, I will stay home. I am not going into the city. I have a request of you, so listen carefully. You will come to me in the evening. You will dress in one thing only. Think about what will please your savage lover. The night will belong to us and us alone, si? And I will teach you how to respond to your master."

  Feeling the pull of the death slumber, his arms hugged her close to his chest, his hand tangled in her hair, and the words barely audible as the slumber took him from her once again.

  "I love you, bel."

  She watched as his face relaxed in his death slumber, and his pledge of love was still on his lips. His request replayed in her head. One thing? He want
ed her to come to him wearing the one thing that would please him. She’d have to think about that one. She curled into him, her head on his chest as she felt his arm encircle her, protecting her, even in his sleep.

  36

  Shade woke before her, slipped from their bed, and pulled on a pair of leather pants before walking barefoot and bare-chested downstairs to call Tomas, leaving him in charge at the Dead House and letting him know he had decided to take a night off. Activity had been light, and there were some things he could monitor from home. He poured himself a Midnight and plopped down in his office.

  His beast was getting the upper hand, and there was only so much Shade could do to control him. She teased and seduced, with no idea of how close the beast rose to the surface. If he couldn’t control the beast, then he must control her. He must teach her to hear his command, respond to his demands, and restrain her desires when he could no longer restrain his.

  ***

  Kate woke and knew immediately he’d left their bed but could feel he was still in the house. She remembered their conversation from earlier. That he would teach her how to respond to him. She felt confused. Didn’t she already respond to him? And the beast, he always worried about the beast.

  She got out of bed and still wearing her nightgown, walked barefoot down the stairs, opening herself to him, feeling his presence in the house, and following him into his office, where he sat in the large leather chair. She walked to him in the dimly lit room and climbed onto his lap. He gave her a stern look.

  She ran her finger across his lips. “You should have told me your fangs were an erogenous zone.”

  “Beyond anything you can mortally imagine, mi amore. But one day, you shall experience the same.”

  “But...you told me to never do it again. I don’t understand.”

  He laid his head back against the high-backed chair, closing his eyes. “Bel, I have only so much control over the beast. You can only tempt him so much. You do not listen! Must I remind you that you are to follow my lead?”

  Kate laid her head on his chest. “I didn’t think I was pushing you too far.”

  A wicked snarl escaped his lips as he gripped her chin in his hand, turning her face up to his, his eyes bored into hers. “Keep it up, my walking sin.”

  Kate smiled coquettishly at him. “You have much to learn about me, lover.”

  He raised his eyebrows. “Then you shall teach this old vampire some new tricks?”

  “Oh, I am pretty sure you know all the tricks. If you want me to respond differently, you're going to have to think of a different approach.”

  His blue eyes reflected the dim light. “You will remember there is no pleasure without some pain.”

  “I remember well. Are you tempting me now?”

  “You, mi amore, are the goddess of temptation! You breathe and you tempt me, you move and I want to kiss every inch of your pure white skin, you look at me and I want to ravish your body. But be careful what you wish for, bel, the beast does not understand limits.”

  She ran her fingers along his strong jaw, “Tempting you is my favorite thing to do, actually, my second favorite thing. What comes after the tempting is always my favorite thing. Last night, you put a rose tipped flogger in my dreams. Do you need to put me across your knee? Or would you prefer to have me kneel at your feet? Is that what you want? Do you want me to obey and kneel at your feet?”

  She slid from his lap and knelt on the floor at his feet as he stood up from the chair. “Like this? Is this what you want? Do you want me to wait for your direction...sir?”

  His voice was hard, emotionless. “You will not call me sir. I am master, and you will address me as such. Last night, I told you to come to me wearing one thing. I hope you have thought about what will please me. Now, rise and kiss me.”

  “Yes, master.” She stood before him and lifted herself on her tiptoes to kiss his lips, as he didn’t bend down to meet her. She placed her arms around his strong shoulders and kissed his beautiful mouth.

  He didn’t return her touch when she kissed him. He’d never be able to train her as he saw fit if he couldn’t control his response, for it would be as much torture to him as it was to her. Inhaling deeply, he could smell her rose scent and he wanted to take her in his arms and hold her, kiss her until she passed out from not breathing.

  “Your kiss is sweet. Go now and put on the one item you think will please me. Do you understand?”

  “Yes, master. Would you like to give me a hint as to what the one item should be?”

  “No. I will give you no hints. You do not ask me questions. You ask permission to speak. I think, my sweet bel, you need some rules.”

  “Master, I think I know what one thing would please you. Would you allow me to go change for you?”

  “You will first bathe, cover your skin with the scent that pleases your master. You will choose the one thing to wear that will please me. Show me you understand your master by making the right choice. Make the wrong choice, and the game ends tonight. Understood?”

  “Yes, master.”

  “Now go. And do not return until I call for you.” As she turned to flee past him, he swatted her ass hard. “Go, my sweet bel rosso.”

  37

  Entering the living room, Shade willed the furniture from the center of the room, leaving a large area in front of the fireplace for his bel. Taking the flogger in his hand, he stuffed the handle into the back pocket of his leather pants, letting the soft leather strips hang down, clearly visible. He wore the black leathers and nothing else, bare-chested, and barefoot. He threw a large white satin sheet upon the floor and willed the fire to blaze. He considered bringing the handcuffs, but he didn’t want to scare the hell out of her. Tonight, he’d go slowly, teach and guide her, yet be the vampire master he was. She must learn to obey his word and trust his dominion over her. Like a warrior, she must learn to respond to his command without question. The room was ready. He stood facing the fireplace with his back to her entrance.

  “Bel rosso! Your master calls for your presence. ”

  Kate had followed his instructions, or at least she hoped she had. She heard him call and hurried down the stairs and into the living room where she could see him silhouetted against the fire, his back to her. “Yes, master. I’ve given much thought to what you asked of me and I hope I please you.” She entered the room completely nude, with the exception of the thigh-high patent-leather red boots. She was second-guessing her choice. Maybe he wanted her to wear something else or carry a single red rose. What if I'm wrong? Please don't let me be wrong! She was eager for him to turn but anxious that she may have made the wrong choice.

  “I’m ready, master.”

  Her eyes were glued to him and she quickly noticed the flogger as he stood, legs spread, in those tight leathers with no shirt and no shoes. He flexed his arms and she followed the subtle movement of the muscles in his back, his ass in those tight pants, drinking him in. She was saying a silent prayer over and over in her head, please like the boots, please like the boots, please like the boots. She’d hate getting banished to the bed alone this night before this game even got started. As he started to turn, her heart was in her throat, and she continued the mantra in her head. Please like the boots, please like the boots.

  He stood tall and looked at her, his expression unchanged, but she could see in his eyes she’d made the right choice. She breathed a tiny sigh of relief. He was asking her to turn slowly for him. She felt braver now, knowing she’d chosen the "one thing".

  “Turn around for your master, bel, let me see you. Turn slowly, so that I may admire your efforts to please me.”

  She slid her hands down her hips and onto her thighs, and stood with her feet apart, and shifted her weight onto one hip. She glanced up at him and locked eyes but quickly looked down. She started to shift her weight to one foot and turn, slowly, rolling her hips as she did so, like a sensuous dance. When her back was to him, she paused and resumed the spread leg stance with her weight on
one hip. She flipped her hair and looked back at him over one shoulder. She wanted to tease him now. Was that in the rules? Could she speak? She didn’t think she was supposed to speak. But she was biting her tongue, because she wanted to say to him, "Like this, lover? Is this what you wanted?" But she thought that was breaking the rules, and she wanted to do this right. She wanted to please him. So, the words remained unspoken as she continued her seductive turn until she was back facing him. Once again, she quickly glanced up at his face before looking down. She recognized the metallic taste of blood in her mouth. She realized she’d been biting her lip this whole time in anxious anticipation.

  ***

  Shade watched her move. She was still the temptress and he didn’t seriously think he’d ever tame that part of her, nor did he want to. She was all his. He had felt her hesitation, heard her prayers and had kept a stern look on his face, showing her nothing, but she was driving him wild. She tempted his beast, and he needed to control both her and the beast.

  He walked to her. Towering over her, her face hit him mid-chest and he reached out and slid his hand through her hair. He felt her intake of breath, but she was learning fast, she didn’t speak, and that was exactly what he wanted. Walking around her slowly, he slid his finger down her spine and breathed against her neck. Walking back to the front of her, he whipped the flogger from his back pocket and used the handle to slide it under her chin and tilt her face up towards him.

  “You have pleased your master.”

  ***

  Kate couldn’t believe the tension in her body as he walked toward her. Her attention was laser-focused, and she was trying to second guess his moves. When he snapped the flogger from his back pocket, she stifled the urge to flinch, and thought "What did I do wrong?" He told her she’d done well, that she’d pleased him, but then he started the rhythmic slapping of the flogger in his hand, and it both terrified and teased her.