Wilder, J. C. - Shadow Dweller 5

by Sins-Flesh(lit)

  "No, I didn't fall." Her voice was unsure.

  Alexandre stared hard at her face. She looked fine, but she wasn't acting normal. Then again, what was normal for Sunni? She was the flightiest person he'd ever met in his life.

  "Are you sure you're not injured?" He released her and stepped away.

  "Oh yes, I'm just lovely." She swayed again, forcing him to step in and capture her before she fell flat on her face. As his hands closed around her arms, she gave him another beatific smile. "I'm just perfect now." She licked her lips. "Can we go to your place?"

  "Why my place?"

  She gave him a sleepy smile as she leaned into him, nestling her check against his chest. "I'm really tired and it's too far back to mine."

  Had she fed on tainted blood? It was barely midnight, so there was no reason for her to be tired this early. If she'd fed on tainted blood, a fresh meal was what she needed and that she could get at his house. What harm would it be to take her there? At least he wouldn't have to worry about her as long as she was secure under his roof.

  You want her more than under your roof. You want her beneath you as well.

  He bit back a groan at the powerful image.

  "Come on." He released her, capturing her wrist to tow her behind him. He led her down the street to where he'd left his car double-parked, much to the dismay of other drivers. When he'd seen Sunni, all rational thoughts had fled and he'd jumped from his car, almost before it had come to a complete halt.

  She stumbled behind him. "Are we going home?"

  "We're going to my house, yes."

  "Oh, goodie." She giggled, then bumped into him when he stopped to open the passenger door for her. "Nice car." She slid into the soft leather of the bucket seat.

  He didn't answer as he slammed the door shut and circled the vehicle to climb in the driver's side. Sunni was humming tunelessly as he drove for the garden district and his secluded home.

  "I'm really hot," she complained.

  He shot her a sideways glance. It was unnaturally hot and humid for this time of year, but vampires rarely noticed the heat. She'd definitely gotten hold of something that wasn't agreeing with her.

  "Have you fed this evening, Sun?"

  She leaned forward to fiddle with the radio, a frown curving her mouth. "I think so."

  "You think so?"

  She picked a blues station before sitting back. "It's been a looong night, my friend."

  "So it has," he muttered.

  The drive to his home was completed without incident and he pulled around the house to park in his customary spot, well hidden from the street. He hastened around to assist his unexpected houseguest, surprised when she opened the door and fell out onto her back.

  He crouched beside her. "What are you doing?"

  "Someone moved the ground," she snorted. Her eyes widened, looking behind him. "Oh my, look at the stars."

  He spared a quick glance at the darkened sky. "Yes, they're still there."

  "And then some. They are something, aren't they? Just sparkling up there for millions and millions of years. Day after day." Her gaze shifted, meeting his. "Of course, they're not nearly as impressive when compared to your eyes."

  "Okay, time to get up." He grasped her by the wrists and pulled her to her feet, her body leaning into him when he tried to stand her upright. She seemed incapable of standing on her own. Giving up, he swept her into his arms, ignoring her shriek of delight as he carried her in the back door.

  The house was as still as it had been when he'd left barely an hour before. His revenant, Nelson, had left for the night and they were alone.

  "Where are we going?"

  He tried to ignore the delightful bundle in his arms as he walked up the servant's steps, but she cuddled against his chest and twined her arms around his neck, her fingers tangling in his hair. Within seconds, she'd removed his hair from its tie as she ran her fingers through it.

  "Stop that," he snapped.

  "I like your hair down," she purred.

  He felt a spurt of unwanted pleasure at her words. Tamping it down, he strode into the bathroom and deposited her on the closed commode. He needed to get away from her and fast.

  "Can you get yourself cleaned up?" He kept his tone deliberately distant.

  "It'd be easier if you helped."

  He ignored the siren's song in her voice as he bent over the massive bathtub and turned on the taps with a turn of his wrist. "I'll get you some towels and there are various bubbles and scents-" He turned in time to see Sunni toss a small red bag onto the vanity before struggling out of her tattered clothing.

  His mouth went dry when he saw pale skin. Her breasts were small and perfectly shaped, her nipples in coral-colored relief against the cream of her skin. A rush of lust hit him below the belt and he had to turn away. Wrenching open the linen closet door, he felt the antique handle give way in his hand.

  What the devil was wrong with him? She was only a woman, for crying out loud. He'd been around many women over the years and he'd managed to keep it together. He certainly didn't remember ever breaking a door over one before. He dropped the damaged handle on the shelf, then grabbed two towels from the closet and dropped them on the edge of the tub.

  "I'll be outside if you need anything." His hand closed over the doorknob leading to the hallway.

  "Like my back washed?"

  He gritted his teeth as he exited, closing the door securely behind him. Leaning against the polished wood, he took a deep breath and slowly released it. He had paperwork waiting for him, including the forensics report on Philippe DesJardins.

  Behind the door, Sunni burst into the sensual "Peel Me A Grape."

  The urge to open the door was overwhelming. He ground his teeth in frustration, for the first time hating the burdens that lay on his shoulders.

  What the devil was she doing up there?

  Alexandre shot an annoyed look at the ceiling, aimed at the bathroom directly above. It had been over an hour since he'd left her there. Other than hearing the water shut off, he'd heard nothing. Not a peep. He glared at the papers on his desk. Maybe he should check on her?

  She's fine on her own.

  Maybe she'd drowned?

  Vampires can't drown.

  What if she was seriously hurt and couldn't call out to him?

  Not likely...

  With a snarl, he shoved his chair away from the desk and rose, stalking out of his office. Regardless of what might have happened to Sunni in the comforts of his bathroom, he wouldn't be getting any work done while she was in his house. Maybe he should bundle her up and take her home?

  That was the ticket. Once he got her out of the house, then he could get back to work. He had a lot to accomplish before meeting Cass.

  He ran up the steps and down a short hall, dismayed to see the bathroom door was still shut. Hesitant, he raised a hand and knocked lightly.

  "Sunni?"

  Silence.

  He knocked again, this time louder. "Sunni, are you all right?"

  He heard the swish of water and a faint sound that could have been a snore. He grabbed the knob and turned. The scent of floral bubble bath assailed his nose as he entered, his eyes widening as he took in the destruction that was once his immaculate bathroom.

  Melting bubbles covered half the antique tile floor as if the bath had run over. More bubbles were heaped in the tub itself, some clung to the wall where they were dissolving while more flecked the windows in white blobs. It certainly looked as if she'd had herself a fine old time. Cautious about slipping, he inched toward the overflowing tub.

  Bubbles swelled over the rim by at least a foot in wobbly towers of white as if they were a mythical castle with towers and ramparts. And in the center lay the princess.

  Sunni was sound asleep, floating in the center of that creation, her head crowned by a delicate bubble tiara. As she slept, her body bobbed in the water ever so slightly, allowing him a glimpse of those luscious nipples as the bubbles parted to reveal them
before closing once more as if to shield their mistress from prying eyes.

  His body tightened. Maybe he wouldn't take her home right away...

  "Sunni, wake up."

  She didn't stir.

  "Sunni." He spoke louder this time.

  Her lips moved as a soft sound escaped her, but she didn't awaken.

  He reached out, delving into the bubbles for her shoulder. "Wake up."

  Her eyelids fluttered, then opened, and he fell headlong into their doe-brown depths. She blinked and a sleepy smile curved her mouth. She raised her arm as if to reach for him and he caught her hand, forcing her to sit upright.

  "Time to get out of there."

  "You won't join me?"

  "No." He turned to grab dry towels and dropped them on top of the closed commode. "I'll leave those right here." He glanced at her. "Do you think you can get out of the tub by yourself?"

  She smiled and, to his astonishment, rose from her bubbled domain. Water and foam streamed from her body, outlining her surprisingly lush figure in blobs of white. Her body was everything a man could ever wish for, strong, graceful, soft, yet resilient. So tiny, Sunni was just a bit over five feet tall and every inch was perfection.

  His mouth went dry as she stepped from the tub, her movement self-assured. She reached around him, her taut nipples mere inches from his chest as she selected a washcloth. He tried to look away, but his eyes were glued to her, the insistent throb of his cock overriding any demands from his logical mind. His knees grew weak as she moved to the sink, presenting him with a perfectly rounded backside.

  Turning on the water, she wet the cloth and began removing the suds from her body. First her arms. Raising one hand above her head, she swept the dampened cloth along the inside of her arm, then up the outside before turning her attentions to the opposite arm. In the mirror, her breasts bobbed with her movements, her coral nipples alert as if begging for his attention.

  Next she cleansed her breasts, taking great care with their aroused tips, running the cloth once, twice, then a third time over each. He licked his lips, imagining the taste of her pearled flesh in his mouth.

  She trailed the cloth over her stomach, removing the last of the bubbles, and he glimpsed an intricate mehndi tattoo encircling her belly button. His cock gave a wild lunge for freedom. What was it about that tattoo that turned him on so? In his world, good girls didn't indulge in that sort of behavior...

  She raised her foot and placed it on the closed commode before bending over. The supple curve of her spine stood in relief as she stroked one leg, then the other.

  His breath sounded harsh as she placed her foot on the floor. Spreading her thighs, she moved the cloth between them, a soft sound escaping her lips as she rubbed, once, twice, three times... then a fourth. Her movements slow and methodical. He licked his lips, his gaze flicking to her face, surprised to see her watching him in the mirror.

  His control snapped and he reached for her, whipping her around to face him. "Damn you, Sun-"

  He plundered her mouth, groaning as her taste rocketed through his system. Their tongues tangled as she sucked, wrenching a surprised whimper from him as she nipped his lower lip. Her nipples prodded his chest as he ate her mouth.

  His heart dropped to his knees as she stepped between his legs, her fingers plunging into the front of his pants and freeing his erection. Her hands were sweet as they closed around him, one massaging his rigid length while the other cupped his balls, treating them to a gentle squeeze.

  He broke the kiss, a groan escaping as she stroked, his hips involuntarily jerking. Her friction caused a rush of sensation down his spine and his knees wobbled. He wouldn't last long if she kept up this delicious torture.

  "I need to be inside you," he growled. "Now."

  Sunni stepped back, her eyes dark with desire. Silently, she took his hand and led him from the room. In the hall she hesitated, as if not sure which direction to go. He grasped her shoulders and pointed her to an open door, ushering her into his bedroom. Sliding his hands around her waist, he guided her onto his bed.

  He stepped between her thighs as she lay back against the cool satin covers. She raised one knee, her silken skin caressing his hip.

  "Come inside." She arched her hips as if to offer herself to him.

  He was greedy, but he knew that, if he took her now, it would be over in a matter of moments. He was too close to the edge. He pressed forward, his cock brushing the wiry blonde hair at the apex of her thighs. She made a small noise from the back of her throat as she reached for him. He intercepted her, running his hand over her lower belly, his fingers brushing her curls before moving inside.

  She was wet for him.

  His teeth came together with a sharp click as her damp heat poured over his skin. His thumb brushed her clit, her back arched and she cried out. His cock lunged forward, and he knew it was no use, he didn't want to take another breath without first having her.

  He stripped off his shirt and flung it to the side. He found her entrance and remained poised there until she looked up at him. Their gazes met and he thrust forward, burying his length in her damp heat. For a second he feared he would lose it immediately. It had been too long since last he'd sought release and, with his first thrust, he was ready to finish it. He struggled for control, moaning as Sunni moved, raising her thighs to draw him deeper.

  Her entrance rippled with tiny contractions, as if she too were near to falling over the edge. He couldn't hold back any longer. He leaned forward and braced his torso on his arms, and he began to thrust. Slowly at first, then with increasing force.

  He was dimly aware of the massive mahogany headboard hitting the wall, but he didn't care. His hands curled over her shoulders as their pace increased, pressure thrumming through his body.

  Slender fingers stroked his neck and he knew what she wanted-to taste the blood that ruled him. He'd never allowed another woman to drink from him during sex; it was too intimate, too emotional.

  Yet he found himself relaxing, allowing his chest to rest against hers, shuddering as her warm mouth brushed his skin. He dipped his head as he, too, found the spot where her frantic pulse beat.

  In unison, their teeth broke skin, allowing a few drops to coat their mouths. That was all it took. Exhilaration screamed through him as, within seconds, Sunni convulsed around him, milking him into orgasm. Raw sensation poured over his skin as her body clasped his, urging him to join her. Reality faded as he came, moaning as he jettisoned the evidence of his desire into her heat. On and on it went, his body demanding every second of pleasure it could attain.

  Finally drained, his mouth slid from her neck as his eyes closed, his mind numb with pleasure. Mustering the last of his strength, he rolled to one side, taking her with him. Cuddling her to his chest, he closed his eyes and allowed his mind to relax for the first time in a very long while.

  Her skin was warm, almost absurdly so.

  Alexandre stroked the long line of her side, reveling in the soft warmth of her skin. Sunni was asleep in the nude, sprawled on the wadded covers of his bed. Her skin was pale against the dark brown spread and he couldn't shake the feeling of rightness for her in his bed.

  His gaze skimmed her torso, coming to rest on her nipples. Now soft, they slumbered, as did their mistress.

  Reaching over, he brushed a finger over a tip, once, twice, feeling it harden beneath his touch. Even in sleep she was responsive to him. Unable to resist, he teased her burgeoning tip with his tongue, bringing it into full arousal. Suckling, he leaned into her, taking the other between two fingers so it wouldn't feel abandoned.

  She woke with a sigh, her lashes fluttering before her eyes opened. She reached for him, tangling her fingers in his hair as he feasted on her flesh.

  "Hi," she whispered.

  He released his treat. "Hi."

  He kissed a lazy path down her stomach, taking great care to nibble at the edges of the mehndi design encircling her belly button before continuing south. She parted her thi
ghs at his urging and he was gratified to see that, already, she was aroused.

  Her skin was damp as he slipped his fingers inside her. Her hips rolled as he stroked the center of her desire before dipping his head to taste. She was soft and warm against his tongue, tart yet sweet as he lapped at flesh. Her cries increased as she ascended her summit. Her hands tightened their grip in his hair, but he paid her no mind, his concentration focused on pleasuring her. Her drew her clit into his mouth, sucking for all he was worth. Her cries grew more frantic until she came against him.

  Breath raging in his lungs, he rose from his crouched position and entered her in one swift thrust. She curled around him, her thighs rising to embrace as he took them both on a journey, this time, together.

  An hour later, he stirred. He noted with some amusement that Sunni slept, her limbs heavy against his. Her arm was draped over him as if she couldn't bear to let him go, even in sleep.

  She was insatiable.

  He grinned. Then again, so was he.

  He gently took her arm, drawing it off him. His gaze followed the graceful sweep of her skin before locking on something unusual. A small bruise on the delicate skin inside her elbow. What had she done to herself?

  He leaned closer. It wasn't a bruise; it looked like a needle mark. What would Sunni have been doing with a needle? Vampires didn't need to, although sometimes they opted for a transfusion rather than feed. A popular choice for the vegetarians among them.

  He frowned as he settled her arm by her side. Was Sunni a vegetarian? She'd certainly been eager enough to taste him, which told him this wasn't the case-

  The phone interrupted his train of thought. He grabbed the receiver and heard, "We have another body."

  Forty-five minutes later, Alexandre crouched by the charred, shriveled remains of a young woman. Her face was untouched, perfect, her once golden hair scorched while her arms and legs were sprawled in awkward angles from her damaged torso. The ignition point appeared to be the area where her heart should have been. Like Philippe, a large hole was burned through her chest and he saw the damaged carpeting beneath her. Unlike Philippe, though, this woman wasn't as shriveled, more bodily fluids had remained this time.