by Erin R Flynn
“You are always angling for something for Nora,” I chuckled, shaking my head. I glanced at Nora, noting her shock that I went there. “Always. Any discussion we have, he thinks of something for you or what you would like or need. He worked to raid that governor’s mansion for your rooms or whatever. It’s always what you like most or would want. It’s so romantic it makes me flush, for real.”
“Thank you for making sure I knew that side of him, as he is always reserved and plays off what’s been done,” she said, giving Sebastian a loving look.
“Something he taught his son,” I muttered, giving Jaxon the same sort of look. “He’s always making sure I know what others are doing or have done, and just slips what he’s done in the conversation, but doesn’t take the credit.”
“It sounds like I’m boasting,” he defended.
“Yes, but I make sure to pay attention,” I promised.
Darius snorted. “Yeah, it’s why he gets so much time with you in the shower.”
“That was a bit more than you needed to say in front of his parents,” I growled, moving my hand over my face when I flushed. “Jacob, if you would check those rail lines from where we’re thinking, I’ll split our half of hides or whatever for your coven.”
“Done,” he agreed. “I will handle all of that tonight while us old guys don’t need to sleep.”
“I’m never going to live that down,” I drawled. “Everyone reminds me I’m a baby vamp all the time so yeah, I give it back a bit.” I stood with a playful huff. “And I didn’t get my nappie today so I’m going for dessert before play time.”
Jaxon snagged me around the waist and pulled me onto his lap. “Nick’s coming with pie now, My Princess. He would never deny your sweet teeth something nummy before you go kill corrupted.”
“He does like me too much for that,” I agreed. “I think he’s trying to get the super posh job of being head chef of the coven.”
“I am in fact,” he said as he came through the door. “It’s an honor to be the head chef of a princess’s castle.”
“Oh, I was just teasing because you spoil me,” I admitted. “Um, yeah, sure, awesome, come feed us all the time. I would have said that right away. Do you want to live there too, with the knights? I think they’re plotting out rooms.”
“Rooms off the kitchen are normal for the head chef and their staff and are in the plans already, My Princess,” Darius told me. “I’ll show you when we get back and figure out who you officially want on your staff, Nick.”
“Thank you, really, thank you,” Nick whispered, blinking at me and sniffing.
I was on my feet and heading to him before I even realized it. I hugged him tightly. “Of course I’m keeping you. I said everyone could be part of the coven if they wanted to be. Some want to stay moving on the ships or whatever, but—whatever makes people happy, okay? There’s been enough sad and difficult. We’re going to make some happy, if we have to beat people to do it.”
“I expected nothing less from our princess,” he chuckled, kissing my hair. “I made fresh whipped cream for the apple pies and apple tarts. Tell me what you like best.”
“Apple cinnamon rolls for breakfast?” I replied with a bright smile.
“Yes, I already have more dough being made, but we’re running low on flour.”
“No, not the carbs,” I gasped, moving my hand to my forehead like I might faint. “But there will be brownies right? Tell me we’ll still have brownies?”
He burst out laughing as he turned and left, the noise echoing in the hall as he headed back to the kitchen.
“That’s not an answer about the brownies,” I called after him, setting him off all over again along with a few in the room. I shrugged as I picked up a whole apple tart. “So this is mine. Share the rest.”
“You are in way too good of a mood,” Jaxon teased me as he grabbed the tart and started cutting slices.
“We’re making deals, getting produce and stuff, friends for if we have issues, and I get to shoot the big guns. Yeah, I’m aces.”
And then I tried the apple tart. I moaned so loudly and was in such heaven I thought nothing could ever top the feeling I had at that moment.
7
“Can I have some time with you after your fun, my love?” Kristof asked me with his lips pressed to my ear after he set me on my feet.
I nodded as I settled, giving him a quick kiss in thanks for the lift before hurrying over to Tyson. I bumped fists with my favorite lion, missing us training and working together like we had been. He seemed to get where my mind was, because he winked at me with that soft, comforting smile he gave me that seemed to always make me feel better.
We loaded up the chopper, and I was shocked some of the princesses had opted to come see what we were up to. Then again, how often did someone get to say they were on a destroyer, and especially when it shot missiles at corrupted?
The flight was quick, as we were basically just jumping over to the destroyer parked right off LA’s coast. It was somewhere between what used to be Santa Monica and Redondo Beach, not even a mile off the coast. Corrupted did not like water, but there wasn’t a real place to dock for a ship of that size, so it was smart to not get any closer so they didn’t run aground.
James was already there when we arrived, since he was boss, but there was a different captain and crew in charge of this ship, instead of everyone on the aircraft carrier. Apparently this was the original group—minus the humans that had gotten infected—on the ship, and they seemed happy it was in use again.
Well, they also seemed happy that they would have a coven to live at, but wanted to keep training on the ship and do all that Navy stuff. Hey, I got it. I was all about the fun of their toys for sure.
I had gotten a tour when I had put the ship back online, but it looked worlds better than when I’d gone to find it with Trisha, so I was glad they were taking care of it. It felt like it was a step towards some normalcy, or getting some of what we’d all lost back.
Maybe?
Maybe they were just clean freaks?
James gave me the brief rundown of the options given what the target was and what would be worth using. Then, when everyone was onboard and the chopper was in place so we didn’t risk any accidents, they actually let out a floating thing for target practice. That way I could get a feel the massive gun and the controls to use it.
“It’s going to take you a bit to figure out the sighting, as it isn’t like sitting at the gun and getting the feel of it,” he warned me. “This is more removed and you don’t have video game or drone experience, so just don’t worry about it.”
I nodded, noting all the readings like wind speed, and gave myself the right lead to take that all into account. It was pretty damn big of a target, but also a good distance away, so it made sense to have to be patient. I let out a slow breath and went to my quiet place before firing.
A squeal slipped out when I saw the thing pop and deflate. I glanced up at James, only to find his mouth hanging open.
“I’ve never seen anyone hit it their first try,” Tyson muttered. “And never heard of someone who wasn’t in the Navy without massive amounts of training.”
“My knights are awesome and good teachers,” I praised, wiggling in the chair. “Okay, how much longer until dark? How much blood was put down? Should we do more?”
“I think you’re going to have enough ghosts,” James chuckled. He ruffled my hair. “Hot damn, that was awesome, sexy bite.”
We went over some more of what I needed to know but then it was finally dark enough where corrupted started coming. James brought me up on the deck and handed me binoculars. I couldn’t get over how many there were. It was like pictures I’d seen of completely overcrowded concerts or festivals. The burnt out beach and blown to shit area behind it were teeming with corrupted.
“A few missiles and you won’t be able to see much for a while, so it’s an easy night, and we’ll do it again and again,” he told me. “We can do it as many times as
you want, so the main focus is not to waste ammo and get as many as we can.”
“I take that seriously,” I defended.
“I know, I’m saying it for the guests who look like they might ask to play with the toys,” he explained, taking the binoculars from me. “Get to it, because I heard Nick made apple pie and I want some with the whiskey we’ve got.”
I chuckled, shaking my head at their antics but getting they wanted to have some fun too. I sat back in the right seat, and my fangs wanted to come out when I started shooting the massive gun into packs of corrupted. They flew everywhere, and while I knew they were once people, they weren’t alive anymore.
Plus, they wanted to eat me. It was my blood they were being drawn to.
Plus, it was sort of hard to not have some fun with the zombie apocalypse. I’d lose my mind if I didn’t.
“Good, let’s let the wounded get eaten, gather more, and shoot some missiles,” James said after a bit.
The missiles were awesome. I mean, yeah, of course they were, but like, really, they were awesome. It was thrilling and terrifying to launch one and I was a mix of almost every emotion when I saw it land and the damage I’d done by hitting a button. Yes, it was the good kind of needed damage… But still damage.
I swallowed loudly as I watched the monitor, reminding myself I wasn’t firing against civilians or even live people. No, this was saving other people from being infected or any of us chomped on. I knew that, but I didn’t think a normal person wouldn’t have had at least a slight hesitation.
I fired six total and then it was time to call it done. I was wound up and a bit frazzled and several other things when I got on the chopper. Tyson flew towards the damage to let me see and yeah, I really took out some corrupted for sure.
But at least everything had already been blown to shit, so it wasn’t like I was doing destruction to LA. Which was almost amusing to think of when I was destroying buildings and houses so they weren’t just left there to be sad and fall apart. That was destruction too, after all. But the good kind.
The moment we landed, Kristof told the others he had me and whisked me off. I bit back a frown, since we were planning on having whiskey and fun.
Well, the others had already started, but there was no way I was having drinks when playing with big guns and missiles, no matter how we’d goofed around.
“Will you wear something for me?” he asked when he brought me to a lingerie store. It was a spicier one than I’d been to before, more an adult toy store, like I’d been to with my female knights.
“Can I clean up a bit?” I checked, wondering what he was up to.
“Of course.” He cleared his throat and seemed to understand he was pushing. “I’ll get the keycard for your room and come back.”
I nodded, sighing when he was gone. Something felt off, and we were in such a good place that I didn’t want problems. Well, I never would, but I assumed it was because of the guests and maybe that crazy. I picked out something I thought he would like and stuck it in a bag just before he came back.
I blinked, and we were at the hotel and he was opening the door. He kissed my cheek. “I brought up your bags so you have your supplies. Let me know when you’re ready.”
I nodded and headed to the bathroom, finding my bag I’d left at the camper by the coven tree. I took a quick shower and made sure I was also cleaned up where I’d want to be for intimate times, as that was clearly on the docket. I only did a quick dry of my hair after combing it out as it was pretty warm at night. Then I put on what I’d gotten and the matching robe before tying it up.
“Lovely, you are always so lovely,” he praised, smiling when I flushed. “Ready?”
I wasn’t sure what to answer, so I just moved closer and hugged him as if giving my consent. He blurred us away and it was a bit cooler outside than it had been earlier. He gave me a deep kiss as he set me on my feet, running his fingers through my hair.
I glanced around and realized where we were. “Montana?”
“Yes, Cerdic told me that you liked this ranch and mentioned you would like it to be your getaway place. We think that is perfect and I’m working on getting it ready for you.” His fingers teased the tie of the robe. “Can I see what you picked for me?”
I nodded, swallowing a flinch when I realized we weren’t alone. I shivered when he pushed the short robe off my shoulders and the cool night air hit a lot more of my skin.
A lot more. The white lace halter teddy had next to no back or sides. Two ties held it up, and the bottom was a teeny thong.
He kissed me again as his hands ran all over my back and naked ass, but then turned me so he could see… And I got clued in a bit on what was going on.
There on the impressive and massive terrace were two large curved stone benches with a large unlit fire pit, and the three nobles I’d not been introduced to, along with Branko. All their eyes were on me as they held or sipped bottles of whiskey.
“We know she’s lovely, Kristof,” the Asian one said. I was trying to think of what he’d said his name was, but I’d been so upset over how angry he’d gotten that I really didn’t hear it. “She’s probably the most gorgeous princess I’ve ever laid eyes on.”
I felt my cheeks flush but was distracted when Kristof turned me back around. He teased my ass cheeks like he was showing off what I had. I wasn’t sure how to handle this, but I didn’t think I liked the direction we were heading.
He licked his lips and ripped the teddy off of me, staring over my body with so much desire it was hard to focus. He wrapped his arms around me and nuzzled my neck. “Show them what you do for me, My Princess. Let them see how different you truly are.”
I slowly knelt, staring up at him as my brain tried to race and figure out what to do. I leaned in and kissed his jeans-covered groin. Rubbing his thighs but I didn’t reach for his belt or fly. “Why do you want them to see this?”
He frowned, confusion filling his eyes, and I realized he didn’t get it, which made me feel worlds better.
I rubbed my hand over his groin. “I do this for you, it’s between us.” Anger filled his eyes, and I wasn’t scared this time, understanding he was pissed because he wasn’t getting it. “Are you showing off what a princess will do for you? Is this what you want them to see of your princess that you’ve conquered?” His frown deepened. “Do you want them to think of me like those other nobles did?”
“What, no?” he hissed, his eyes full of hurt.
“So you’re not showing off to guys I don’t even know that your princess will suck you like you’ve won the prize and are bragging about it? You don’t think they’ll assume I’m just a slut who will do whatever for blood and act like that towards me?” I was up in his arms in a flash.
He kissed my neck, wrapping me around him. “I’m sorry, Inez. I’m so sorry. I didn’t—I would never treat you like that. That’s not what I meant at all. I never want any man or noble or anyone to think of you like that.”
I brushed my lips over his. “We’ve teased Branko with what we have, what I give the men I love and care for, but it wasn’t a man showing off he tamed his princess.”
“It’s the presentation, Kristof,” one of them added. “You can show she’s different and what you have is amazing without acting as if she’s your pet.”
I nodded, glancing over my shoulder and locking gazes with the one I thought was called Moon, the Hispanic-looking one. His eyes were magical. They were such a deep blue, they were actually a purple hue, like eggplant. I gave him a grateful smile for helping before focusing on Kristof again.
“Just because we’re engaged, we still check when playing or anything involving others,” I stated for Kristof. “It’s important to check with the baby vampire, right?”
He nodded. “I would always stop if you said no.”
“I know that, but I don’t know these guys or the court games. I don’t fully get what you’re doing or who they are. You seem to know them so… Please check.”
“Of
course,” he whispered against my lips. “I want to play like we did with Branko. Yes, I want to gloat a bit, but not to show off my pet or I’ve tamed you, but the amazing woman you are and how different you are to others.”
“And they’ll keep quiet like Branko?” I felt better when I saw understanding light up his eyes. Yeah, I didn’t need them running their mouths to the other princesses or whatever.
“Yes, you have my word,” he promised.
I moved my legs so I was standing and turned around with my hands behind my back, leaning over so I was in that position I thought he’d like, the prison guard. “Then what does my fiancé want tonight? Was I a naughty princess? I threatened to shoot some people and was rude to other courts, right?”
“Yes, you are a naughty princess for sure,” he groaned, his hand grabbing both my wrists before his other one smacked my ass hard.
“Too hard,” Branko muttered, watching my reaction.
I glanced over my shoulder and saw Kristof’s destroyed expression. “It’s okay. Baby vampire and we’re still exploring.”
“Promise you’ll tell me?” he checked.
I nodded, giving him a wink before leaning back over. I met Branko’s gaze and mouthed “thank you.” I should tell Kristof, but it wasn’t easy when it was an issue with him but also something he wanted. Life wasn’t easy.
“Spread your legs a bit,” Kristof murmured and spanked me twice when I did. “Such a naughty princess, aching to be spanked.”
“Good, that felt good,” I gasped, my heart racing as my body reacted. “If you’re boss tonight, I’m going to be tomorrow.”
“Oh you are?” he growled, slapping me several more times, but never harder than what I’d said. “Would you tease me?”
“Yes, you love when I do.”
That got me another five slaps. “I do. I so love when you put me in my place and order me that I’m yours.”
“You are mine,” I hissed, moaning when I got more spanking. My fangs came out and I eyed over Branko as I licked my lips. “I think you’re making him hard for me, my fiancé.”