by Emily Bex
She turns on the radio and Norah Jones is singing "Turn Me On"...no kidding, Norah. She gets back to her Arlington condo, parks the car and heads upstairs. As she steps inside the door, she removes the shoes, and walks barefoot across the living room to the large window. His jacket still around her shoulders, she looks out over the city, already wondering where he is.
***
Shade teleports back to his penthouse, and watches her as she stands at her window, looking out into the night. She stands there, lost in thought, when she slides his jacket off her shoulders and carries it to her bedroom. He follows her movements as she walks to the other room, tossing his jacket on the bed, walking in her bare feet. She reaches behind her back and unzips the dress. Something he would like to do for her. She slides the black sheath down her slender body, the knit clinging to every curve. She wears a black strapless bra and a black lace thong, and he places both palms against his window as he watches her move around the room in the barely there lace undergarments.
He remembers the taste of her tonight, his tongue exploring her mouth. He remembers her scent, the heady scent of roses, mixed with the scent of her desire for him, and he feels his cock turn to steel.
His eyes never leave her as he continues to watch from his window. She removes the bra, her breasts freed. He fights the desire to teleport into her room, shadow himself, stand next to her, touch her. He feels his beast rear up inside him, and he hears the low growl. The beast wants her now and Shade fights hard to push him down, hold him at bay, but the beast will only be held back for so long before he will demand his due.
He is mesmerized by her as she stands with her back to the window, and raises her arms above her head, running her hands through long red hair that falls around her shoulders. Shade feels his fangs punch through as his eyes glow red, and the beast roars as he steps back from the window. He has not fed in a few days, and this cat and mouse play with Kate has pushed the beast too far. He dare not go to her now. He is past the point of being able to control the black soulless bastard inside him.
He paces the floor. He must have an outlet now, but he is still too new to the States to know where to go. He can’t afford to let the beast loose in a rampage on mortals in Alec’s territory. That might draw unwanted attention, besides, that’s not his style. He grabs his cell and dials Alec.
***
Alec and Rissa are just arriving back home after the charity auction when Alec hears his phone. He creases his brow. It’s a little late for a business call. He looks at the caller ID then answers, “Brother, what’s up?” What he hears on the other end is the hoarse growl of Shade’s beast.
The beast responds, “Need help.”
“A feeder?”
The beast growls, “Too late for that.”
Alec sighs, he knows the feeling all too well, a vampire without another immortal to satisfy the demands of the beast is a dangerous position to be in. “There’s a safe house on Q Street, near Logan Circle. The password changes daily. ‘Renegade.’ Can you get there in time, brother?”
Alec gets no response on the other end as the call goes dead and Shade teleports out to the safe house.
A vamp safe house provides a safe environment for any vampire to release the beast to fuck and feed indiscriminately. There are no mortals here as they would be devoured, destroyed. A vampire will only find other unattached immortals, seeking violent release for their beast. Like mortals, vampires have a sexual preference, but unlike mortals, they have no labels for heterosexual or homosexual practices, the beast only takes what is available, and makes no moral judgments. In the safe house, the beast is released to savagely attack, to feed, knowing their partners, and there will be many, will all be healed by daylight.
Shade teleports to the heavily fortified door of the building on Q Street. The windows are all darkened and barred. He impatiently rings the bell, and a small portal is opened. Shade sees the red eyes of another’s beast staring back at him. He growls the word, “renegade,” and the door is opened. Shade enters the dark rooms and releases the energy of his long pent up beast, who immediately succumbs to the hedonistic pleasures that await him.
There are vampires who will release their beast on mortals, knowing it can mean certain death for the mortal, but Shade will not. His warrior’s code prevents him from unleashing such strength and violence on anything so weak and defenseless that poses no immediate threat to him.
In Florence, he had a regular schedule for feeding, mortals who were willing partners, or immortals he could seek out, as well as a compound full of feeders, but he has not established those relationships here yet. And then he met her, that unexpected redheaded mortal who called to him in a completely different way.
Not all vamps have established that permanent bond with a mate, but as a master, it was expected of him, as royalty it was demanded of him, as he must mate and breed to produce an heir. But in five hundred years, he had not found her. There were two he had thought possible, but in the end, he could not seal the blood covenant with either Adriana or Sabine. His relationship with Adriana was centuries ago, and she is long dead now. His relationship with Sabine was more recent. But with both of these immortal female warriors, he found he could not, in the end, give his heart. And while he fed from them, he could not allow them to feed from him, completing the circle that created the eternal bond between master and mate.
In five hundred years of experiencing the sexual jolt that accompanies feeding from others, both mortal and immortal, and watching the pleasure they received as well, he had never experienced what it felt like to have someone feed from him, that ultimate intimacy of mutual feeding that would bind them for all eternity.
As sunrise nears, the beast is sated and Shade teleports back to the penthouse, stripping away his bloody clothes, and stepping into the shower, watching as blood flows down the drain. He leans his head against the shower wall. His body well fed, his sexual appetite sated, but emptiness in his soul. He hates giving in to the darkness of the beast.
9
Kate slept late after the charity event at the National Gallery of Art, and spent a quiet Sunday reading, but her social calendar had kept her from getting any work done. So, now, Sunday evening will be spent trying to get caught up for a client presentation scheduled for Monday morning. She pulls out her laptop, but when she goes through her briefcase, she discovers she did not pack up the client file she needs. Fuck! This means she will have to go back to the office.
She stuffs her laptop back into the shoulder bag and shoves everything back in her briefcase. She considers taking the car since it is already dark out, but if she takes the Metro, maybe she can at least get through some email on the trip in. She pulls on a pair of boots with her jeans, grabs a light jacket, throws the briefcase and computer bag over her shoulder and heads out to the Metro station.
She has only walked a block when she thinks there is someone following her. She glances over her shoulder. The man hangs back, looks away, shuffles his feet. She convinces herself it is a coincidence and walks a little faster. She hears his footsteps behind her again, keeping pace with her own. She slips her cell phone from her pocket and calls Shannon, feeling if someone is on the phone with her, she will somehow feel safer.
She picks up her pace again, as she listens to the phone ring, and roll to voicemail. Fuck! She glances over her shoulder again, and he stops, turns away from her, acting like he's looking in a shop window. Okay, this is no coincidence. Her heart starts pounding as she looks around. The streets are empty at this hour. She looks through her phone again, scrolling past out-of-state family members and work associates until she sees his name. Hesitating for a few seconds, she hits dial.
***
Shade is busy at the Dead House, getting ready to call in the gang of so called warriors. It feels good to get back to what he knows best, being a warrior and taking out the rogues that threaten their kind with exposure to the mortal world. Sitting in the beat up old chair, he looks around. This damn pl
ace is a nightmare, but it will serve his purposes, especially once they get the security systems installed. But damn if he doesn’t need something to work on, a desk, or a table. Hearing his cell buzz, he looks and sees it is Kate.
“Kate, to what do I owe this most pleasurable call?”
She tries to control the tremble in her voice. “I... I'm so sorry to bother you... if you don't mind. Could you stay on the phone with me?”
He hears the fear in her voice and starts pacing. “What is wrong? Tell me where you are. Are you home? What is going on? Talk to me, I am right here.”
“I'm walking to the Metro station near my condo. I need to go into work, but I think someone is following me. So, if you'll just stay on the phone...”
Son of a bitch, if anyone is touching my woman. “I am on my way, mi amore, I am in Georgetown, not far. I am coming to you, don’t do anything crazy, just keep talking to me. It will take me about fifteen minutes. I am making my way, stay on the phone. Don’t lose sight of him.”
I am going to rip some fuckers head right off, and I do mean right off, if he as much as looks at her. Teleporting straight out, he has to stall, she can’t know he is a vampire or raise questions by arriving too quickly. He catches sight of her and stays close to her on the rooftops, where he can see her and her predator. He drops down to ground level and keeps hidden, but close enough to nail this scum to the ground if he gets too close to her. He can feel the scumbag’s thoughts, he thinks she is well-to-do, has money and he intends to rob her. Well, think again asswipe.
***
Kate looks over her shoulder, sees the guy stop, again. She talks a little louder, trying to make sure he knows she is on the phone, and aware of him.
"Oh.... you don't need to come out... really. I don't want to inconvenience you. I'm sure it is nothing. I just wanted someone to talk to."
As she continues to walk, she can see the Metro station ahead, and the platform is deserted. That is not unexpected at this hour on a Sunday night, but she was hoping for a few commuters, and now she will have to stand alone and wait for the train. Her heartbeat quickens.
"Are you still there?"
“Si, I am right here mi amore, almost to you. I am not going to let anything happen to you. Tell me where you are now. Take a deep breath. Don’t let him see your fear, he feeds on it. I am so close Kate. I will be there soon. Can you see the moon this night? Stay in the moonlight, and near streetlights. It will deter him, too much light, stay out of the shadows.”
***
He watches her eyes go to the platform and he can tell she is scared out of her mind. He cannot yet make himself known, but if the scumbag steps anywhere close to her, he is prepared to attack.
***
His voice comforts her, and he asks her to look at the moon and move into the light. She looks up in the night sky.
“I’m about a block from the Pentagon City Metro platform. He is still following me. I don't know what to do now. The platform is deserted. I'll stop walking soon." She can hear the panic in her own voice and she is kicking herself for not taking the car.
"Please don't hang up... but is there someone near you? Someone who could call the police? I don't want to hang up."
“Kate, turn around and look right at him, and guess who is walking up behind him? Do you see me? I am right here.”
He sees her turn and his heart is exploding to take her in his arms, stop her shaking and end her fear. He feels his chest puff out, his beast riding his back and he wants blood for the beauty in his sights. He can barely walk past the punk to get to Kate without slicing his head right off.
She looks back at the predator, and sees Shade walking up fast behind him. She has never been so relieved to see someone. She turns in his direction and starts walking fast, then breaks into a run in his direction. The predator looks startled as she runs in his direction, then looks over his shoulder and sees Shade behind him.
***
Shade watches her turn, sees the absolute terror and then relief wash over her, and he can’t stand the look of fear on her face. He watches as she breaks into a run, straight into his arms. He picks her up, crushing her to his chest, spinning her around, and feels her shaking.
He looks over her head and sees the predator watching them and Shade shows him a bit of fang and watches his eyes bug out of his head. Now you fucking bastard! You know what it feels like to scare someone. He watches as the scumbag almost falls trying to get the hell out of there. Retracting his fangs, he releases Kate from the grip against his chest.
“Mi amore, shhhh, it’s okay now, I’m here. I will protect you. He is gone. I have you. You are safe now.”
***
Kate feels him lift her up, crush her to his chest, and his strength catches her off guard. She can feel the muscles in his back, the hardness of his chest, as she clings to him. When he releases her, she looks up at his face. His blue eyes catch the light from the street lamps, looking intense even in this dim light. His words soothe her, telling her she is safe. She lays her head against his chest again as the tears start to fall. She can't remember the last time she was that frightened.
"I don't know how you got to me so quickly, but I am so glad to see you. Thank you, thank you for coming.”
He feels her shaking. This is what he was born to do, protect this woman... his mate? It hits him hard, in his soul and in his heart. She is the one. The one he has been searching for his entire life. This beautiful female with the crimson locks is his. He wants to throw back his head and howl, letting all the vampires in the night know ‘This is mine!’ He lets his hands slide into her hair. He can feel her heart racing against his chest. Pulling her face back, he looks down to see her tears and it damn near breaks him. He leans down and kisses the tears from her cheeks. Licking his lips, he tastes the salty sweetness and his beast wants more. He wants to taste more of her, all of her, her life’s blood, which he wants for his own.
“It is fine now. He is gone, I am here. No more tears. I will never let anything happen to you, I promise you.” Tipping up her chin, he kisses her lips gently at first and then intensifies the kiss, letting her know he wants her, he is always here for her, and he will be hers for all eternity, if she will let him.
***
She feels his tongue flick across her lips, a most erotic sensation that sends a bolt of desire through her. He covers her mouth with his and gives her another one of those kisses that leaves her unable to process thought. He sets her back down gently on her feet, as they both reluctantly break from the kiss. She looks up at him, not wanting him to leave her.
"Do you mind... if I’m not imposing... could you wait with me until the train comes?"
“Of course I will wait with you and I am riding there with you as well. No more scary business this night and no argument from you, si? It is done. What in the hell are you doing out here at this time of night, woman? What am I going to do with you?” He smiles down at her.
"I could ask the same of you, sir. I am going in to work for a few hours. I had planned to work at home, but I left some of the files I need at the office. We have a presentation to the client in the morning, so I needed to run in. I have lived here in this condo for five years, and I went to college here before that. I have never had a problem before, even though everyone warned me. I guess my good luck ran out. Well, maybe not completely out, you came along."
The subway train arrives, and he gets on with her, sitting close to her on the bench seat. Snuggling in beside her, he lets his hand lay softly on her thigh. “So, tell me, how long will it take you to run into the building, grab this file and come back out? I will wait, si?”
"Oh, that’s not necessary. Please, I have inconvenienced you enough for one night. I was just going to work there a few hours, and I can take a taxi home. I promise to take a taxi. I'll be safe."
Sliding his hand along her thigh, he smiles at her. “No inconvenience, I assure you. You call me any time you like, or whenever you need me. Do me this one courtes
y, Kate. I worry for you out here at night. I will wait for you to get your files and I’ll call for a taxi to take you home. I am not leaving you alone in that building. It is not safe, and I will not be comfortable until I know you are safe at home. That is that, si?”
She lets herself lean against his shoulder on the small bench seat of the subway train, and she loves how he makes her feel protected, and when was the last time someone made her feel protected? To be honest, she hates working alone in that building late at night, it had always creeped her out.
"Thank you." She kisses him on the cheek, a quick kiss, before turning her head and looking down at her hands, clutched together in her lap. “I will take you up on that offer."
The subway pulls into L'Enfant Plaza and they exit the subway car, and make their way up the steps to the streets of D.C. He takes her shoulder bags and tosses them over his own shoulder and holds her hand as he walks her to the building. She grabs her ID card and swipes it through the card reader to gain access to the building. "I'll just be a minute."
He grabs the door as it opens, and follows her in. “I will not let you out of my sight this night."
She smiles back at him as they make their way to her cubicle. She quickly finds the files she needs and they leave the building together, the taxi already waiting outside.
He walks her to the taxi and grabs her around the waist, kissing her, not ever wanting to let her go.
“Now, instructions. You get in this taxi, which is paid for. You go straight home. And when you get there, you get inside and lock the door. Are we clear? This is how it is going to be, si?”
He pulls her hard against his chest again, and she fights the desire to run her hands up his chest and shoulders as he kisses her again. She is surprised by how much she likes how he takes control. She likes that he leads the way, looks after her, and commands her. Normally, she would bristle at someone giving her orders of "this is how it is going to be." But from him, she finds it...sexy. Is it just because she was so spooked tonight? She thinks not.