CravingLadyStarr

by Ruth D. Kerce

  A small sound escaped him. “No other shall have you, Starr. Only me. Say it.”

  “Only you.” And only me for you. She would extract that promise from him soon. Her eyes fluttered closed as she pulled the pillows out from under her hips. Sleep quickly overtook her.

  Aleron remained awake long after Starr’s breathing became deep and even. Her confession had pulled emotions from him that he never knew he had. Carefully, he slipped off the mattress. He cleaned himself and also cleaned her body while she dreamed. He enjoyed taking care of her.

  In the quiet, so many thoughts swirled through his mind. Their capture, their future, his place in the Toussaint family line.

  He wanted to officially make Starr his. The only way to do so was to feed from her sexually. Perform the ancient vampire rite of Ero-X on her—un rite entre conjoints. A rite between mates that would bind them mentally and physically at the same time. More than a simple exchange of blood. An exchange of souls. An actual genetic bond. The rite, once done, prevented them from breeding or attaining the highest sexual satisfaction with anyone but each other.

  Would she agree?

  If he performed the act without her permission, it would be a breach of honor and a serious offense. The High Council could punish him severely, even execute him. The rite could only be reversed by a circle of sorceresses. It was quite arduous and painful and not something he would want to put her through. No. He would not perform the act without her acquiescence.

  She had not even fed on his blood in a normal fashion yet. He did not want to rush her, to ruin the trust they had built. Though he had already declared her as his, he knew their relationship still needed to grow in order to endure. He lay down beside her and caressed her body.

  A vision of Démon entered his mind, spoiling his contentment. But unfortunately, he could not ignore their predicament. He needed sleep before he put his plan into motion. And a bit more time for it to be believable.

  Certainly after he got them out of here, Starr would be so enamored with him that she would deny him nothing. The thought rested in his head as his eyes closed and he drifted into a deep sleep.

  Chapter Five

  Under the full, white moon, a massive wolf shifted from a wild, animalistic predator to another type of predator—still wild but wholly man now. And wholly naked.

  After his long run, the cool night air felt good wafting over his sweaty body, drying his skin and hair. Démon stretched his muscles, working out a kink in his arm from landing off balance earlier, after jumping a log.

  Overall though, he felt good. He had fucked a bitch earlier. Her tight cunt had milked his cock dry. He would remember that female and return to her often.

  His prisoners remained at his mercy. He had imprisoned the two together for his own entertainment, knowing they would either fiercely battle one another or start fucking like savages. He had bet on the latter. And after seeing them together, he knew his instincts had been right.

  From a break in the cover of the trees, under the glow of the moon, he stared up at Château de la Lune atop the mountain. His.

  Many years had passed but finally he had amassed a wolf pack large enough and strong enough to reclaim what belonged to him, what had been stolen from him and those Of the Bane de L’Night long ago.

  Of the Blood would never truly understand the historical significance Château de la Lune held for his kind. And special significance for him, as his birthplace. Many Of the Bane lay buried in a secret location not far from where he stood. The ancient, powerful ones.

  Aleron would regret his decision if he continued to refuse to return the property to Les Loups. As would any Of the Blood de L’Night he came across who had allowed this piece of land to switch hands. They were all to blame. It never should have been wrenched from his kindred simply to appease those engaged in some territorial war.

  That particular war was now long over and he had returned to claim what belonged to the pack. Anyone who had not realized that this would eventually happen was a fool.

  A howl drew his attention. A call from one of his own. He listened. Yes. Good. All remained secure.

  His prisoners would ensure the safety of the pack. Their presence gave Les Loups negotiating power. Sooner or later, he knew soldiers Of the Blood de L’Night or Toussaint would come.

  Though another war was not what he truly wanted, a part of him looked forward to a battle with the fem-vamp of Castle Toussaint and Lord Viper de L’Night himself, if they both came. Just to prove himself and to show his power. If they did not come, but sent their soldiers instead, so be it.

  No one could force him out now. He would trade his prisoners for official ownership rights of the château—a blood signing. He did not feel his terms unreasonable. When they realized they could not banish him and his pack by force, they would agree to his demands. A small sacrifice, certainly, on their part, for the return of loved ones.

  His pack had already turned back one messenger. A Sun-Lifer of Lord Viper’s. Unharmed this time, so the man could relay what he had found. Subsequent intruders would not be treated so kindly.

  They would honor him as was his due. For he was Alpha Prince. If Aleron remained uncooperative, Starr’s brother was his best bet. If he had to go that route, he wanted a face-to-face meeting with Lord Viper. Only when the time was right though and only on his terms. If not, Viper and Dominique would never see their relations again.

  Yes. He smiled slowly. After so many years, it was now time to show them the power Of the Bane, of Les Loups, of the Ancient Ones. This battle was one he did not intend to lose.

  * * * * *

  The archer, disguised as a blood soldier, had tracked Viper’s Sun-Lifer back to Lady Dominique’s territory. Interesting. He briefly glanced around the grounds in front of the castle, noticing Viper’s insignia on many who passed, which he found even more intriguing.

  A nearby guard narrowed his eyes and stepped forward as if to question him but a group of soldiers rushed by, cutting them off. While the guard was blocked, he slipped inside Castle Toussaint through the kitchens, which buzzed with activity. That had been too close.

  When nobody paid more than a passing glance at him, he relaxed. He was tempted to question some of the servants but that would appear too suspicious.

  Viper and Dominique had obviously joined forces just as Démon had said they would. Démon knew his cousin well. Still, he needed to know more and hoped the suspicious guard he had encountered earlier would not happen upon him again. With luck, no one else would notice him among all the other soldiers. He strolled through the kitchens as if he belonged.

  In the main hall, he found the Sun-Lifer he had trailed. The man was speaking with a blood soldier. After their conversation, the soldier ascended the stairs. He quietly ascended behind him and hid down a side hall, out of sight of the guards on duty.

  The soldier disappeared into a room, but soon exited again, followed by Viper de L’Night, who softly closed the door behind them. Tall and dark, his presence filled the hall. The way Viper moved and carried himself spoke of a man in charge.

  “What is it?” Viper asked in a hushed tone.

  “The messenger has returned.”

  “So soon?”

  They paced down the hall. But the archer’s keen hearing did not fail him. He was still able to make out their words.

  “He was unable to get up the mountain. Lord Aleron has apparently made a pact with Les Loups de Démon. They are patrolling and keeping vigil over Château de la Lune and the surrounding territory. They would not even allow the missive to be left after the messenger showed your seal.”

  Viper rubbed his chin.

  “This proves Lord Aleron has Lady Starr, in my mind,” the soldier advised. “Otherwise, he has no reason for the added security or for sending away the messenger.”

  “What could Lord Aleron possibly offer the Demon Wolves in return for their help? He does not even hold power over a Blood Territory.”

  The archer leaned fo
rward. Aleron did not hold any power? Viper must be referring to Toussaint lands in general, not the château.

  The soldier shrugged. “He must hold some secret. How do we get to him now, lord? Shall we invade?”

  “Not yet. I must think on the situation first. I do not want to go in without a plan and perhaps endanger Starr more.”

  The archer eased away from the wall and descended the stairs in haste. He had to get out of the castle before anyone in the château caught him lurking where he should not be and became suspicious of him and his lack of an insignia.

  Viper’s soldier had incorrectly assessed the situation at the château, thinking Aleron had been the one who kidnapped Starr. However, it would not take long for Viper and Dominique to discover the truth.

  Their delay in attacking would give Démon more time to convince Aleron to acquiesce though. Perhaps this battle could be won without bloodshed.

  He knew that Démon and his Of the Bane followers would fight to the death for what they believed to be theirs but long-lasting victory was often better achieved through patience and diplomacy.

  A familiar scent stopped him cold. He glanced around, his heart racing. Was it possible? Where? Damn it! He had not the time to search.

  The scent he picked up—one he would never forget—added to the intrigue of this situation. She was here.

  He slipped out into the night. He had acquired interesting and important information that he needed to relay. Whichever way this situation ended, he knew to what side he would remain loyal.

  * * * * *

  Aleron awoke from a sexually intense dream to find Starr on top of him, his cock hard and inside her cunt. He groaned as she moved atop him. “Ah, a most exhilarating way to awaken, my lady.”

  “You do not mind, I hope.”

  He grabbed her ass and thrust up his hips. “I could be awakened this way for the rest of my life and not tire of it.” Her cravings were a perfect match to his. He loved fucking her, however and whenever he could, and would never turn her away.

  “I cannot get enough of your cock.” She rode him hard. “Ah, ah, ah!” Her breasts bounced enticingly and her fingers dug into his chest. “I need to feel the same pleasure you gave me before. I crave it.”

  He reached up and tweaked her nipples until she moaned his name. “As often as you need. Take what you desire. Take all of me.”

  “I do want you.” Her pupils grew large. “All of you.” She bared her teeth and lunged forward, toward his neck.

  Aleron’s heart accelerated. Yes! When he felt the scrape of her fangs, he trembled. Do it. He slid one of his hands into her hair and tangled his fingers in her tresses to encourage her.

  At the first prick, he came. “Oh, fuck, yes!”

  She sucked hard, taking his blood and giving him sheer ecstasy in return.

  The harder she sucked, the more he came. He jerked beneath her. “Ah!” No other had ever given him this much pleasure.

  She took her fill of him and then gently closed the wound with a swipe of her tongue.

  As soon as he felt his flesh return to normal and before his cock became useless, he rolled her over on the mattress and plunged into her cunt repeatedly. “Come for me, Starr.” He felt unstoppable. He had never before stayed hard like this after climaxing.

  “Ah, Aleron!”

  “Scream for me! I want to hear your pleasure. I want everyone to hear your pleasure.”

  The expression on her face reflected pure need. “Oh yes! Fuck me.” She thrust her hips up. Her whole body bowed. “Y-Yes!”

  He felt her climax and imagined the entire château heard her scream out in ecstasy. Good. They would know without a doubt that she was his and no one would dare harm her now. If they did, they would suffer his wrath.

  Every muscle in her body went limp beneath him.

  He relaxed atop her but was careful to support his weight with his arms so he did not crush her. He was barely able to take a breath and his heart pounded heavily from their lovemaking. As he pulled out of her, he lapped lightly at one of her nipples.

  Her eyelids fluttered closed.

  Staring down at her, he smiled. Yes. Starr was his perfect mate.

  * * * * *

  In the denseness of the forest, the archer approached his twin.

  “Where have you been?” his brother asked.

  “I followed Démon’s spy. He was spotted by Viper’s messenger, who managed to evade him. Our pack brother assumed the messenger’s destination to be Viper’s castle and headed that way.”

  “And you did not?”

  “No. Which proved to be to our advantage. The messenger returned to Castle Toussaint.”

  “Indeed? Viper and Dominique have joined forces then.”

  “Yes, as Démon suspected they would. Although…”

  “What?”

  “It seemed as if Viper’s soldiers had overtaken the castle. I saw many soldiers with the L’Night insignia but almost none with a Toussaint one.”

  “Interesting. You told the prince?”

  “No. I am concerned about Démon’s decisions. His patience is waning. He is restless for a conclusion to this situation. Even war. I fear a battle of that magnitude could rip the Underworld apart.”

  His brother glanced behind him, then briefly up into the trees, before responding. “If Viper has not amassed his soldiers yet, there is still time. We can speak to Aleron ourselves and convince him to comply to avoid bloodshed.”

  “He would not listen. You saw the look on his face when we delivered the news of his nest. He would not trust anything we have to say.”

  “Lady Starr will listen. I saw a kindness in her eyes.”

  “Perhaps. But I doubt even she could convince him.” He tugged on his brother’s arm, pulling him closer as he lowered his voice. “I learned something else unexpected while at Castle Toussaint. Something quite intriguing.”

  “Intriguing? I like the sound of that.” His brother cocked an eyebrow. “What did you learn?”

  “Lady Raine is there.” Just mentioning her name aloud caused his heart to pound. He saw the surprise on his twin’s face and knew what he was feeling. He felt the same rush of emotions through his own body. It had been many years since their last sighting of her.

  “You actually saw her?”

  “No. But I picked up her scent. It is one a man does not forget.”

  “She is Of the Bane. One of us. And not a part of this battle. Why has she returned to France now?”

  “She is a L’Night. Loyal to Viper. Part sorceress. And a potential problem.”

  “You think she will come?”

  “It is a possibility.” He lowered his voice even more, to barely a whisper, sensing bane sentries nearby. “If so, we must be prepared.”

  * * * * *

  With his fist, Aleron banged on the door. “I wish to speak to Démon. Get him now.” He knew guards stood outside in the hall. He could smell their stench.

  “Your plan?” Starr questioned.

  “My plan.” Now was the time. They had been imprisoned long enough for his frustration and acquiescence to appear logical. Truly he did not have to fake the former. Not knowing what was going on outside this room made his thoughts travel in crazy directions. In front of Starr though, he had done his best to maintain his calm.

  In reality, he wanted to rip the door off its hinges and take his chances with the guards. But he would never do anything to place Starr in more danger than she already was.

  He had thought rescue would come quickly from Toussaint or L’Night factions. His reclusive lifestyle had apparently worked against them. He was known to disappear for long periods of time without contact, especially after a battle. Nobody would think it odd.

  But certainly the same was not true for Starr. Viper must be searching for her. Someone had to have seen them together at the party and told her brother of their meeting. Still, he could not wait any longer.

  He pounded on the door again. “I demand to see the prince! I k
now you can hear the commotion I am making here. Answer me!”

  This time a stern voice filtered through from the other side. “Prince Démon will be informed, lord. Now step away from the door and be quiet.”

  Aleron’s first reaction was resentment at being told what to do by a lowly bane guard but then he stepped back, not wanting to push his luck further. “Good,” he said more to himself than to anyone else.

  Starr paced the chamber. “I do not have a triumphant feeling about this sudden requested meeting of yours, not after you showed such little interest in one earlier.”

  “I changed my mind.” Sort of, he thought with an inner smile. “Besides, you do not even know what I am going to say.”

  “Exactly.”

  This time, Aleron smiled outwardly. Control was hard for her to release to another. He understood. “Do not worry, my lady. All will be well.”

  Though waiting around for someone else to decide his and Starr’s fate did not sit well with him, timing was crucial. Shifting the balance of power before Démon and Les Loups became entrenched too deeply on his land to ever get them out would be tricky, but possible if executed correctly.

  Starr stopped pacing and stood in front of the windows. Not much could be seen from up here except for the dense forest. Where are you, brother?

  Démon was smarter than she thought Aleron gave him credit for. She trusted Aleron when he said he had a plan but Viper was more accustomed to dealing with such enemies within the family. He knew their weaknesses. He knew when to be accommodating and when to be ruthless. However, she would remain patient and maintain her faith that Aleron also knew what he was doing.

  * * * * *

  What seemed like hours later, she heard the lock click open. She and Aleron both turned to stare at the door.

  Démon entered, looking smug. “I was told you wished to see me.” He stepped up to Aleron. “Have you come to your senses?”

  Starr could feel the tension and the anticipation in the air. Two bane guards stood in the doorway, ready to protect the prince, if needed.