The meeting turned to business as the council and warriors threw out strategies, plans, and options but Zander remained half-engaged. His mind kept wandering upstairs to his lovely mate. It had been too long since he’d seen her and he was craving another taste.
*****
Elsie finished putting the rest of her clothes into the antique Venetian dresser in her bedroom at Zeum. She loved her job and had spent most of the past few days at Elsie’s Hope, which was located downtown near the courthouse. To keep her restless mind busy, she threw herself into cleaning, organizing, and adding her personal touch to the office.
Unfortunately, nothing held her attention for long. Her thoughts continuously wandered to Zander and their encounter. Heat coursed through her veins every time she recalled the feel of his lips and fangs on her skin.
The walls began closing in on her. She needed to get out of this room before she went mad. Elsie crossed to the door and almost tripped over a wrapped package sitting outside her door. It was a rolled piece of foam tied with an enormous bow, and beside it was a gift-wrapped box. What had her vampire done now? She picked up the card and smiled at the elegant, masculine script.
I thought you might enjoy actually floating in the pool. I anxiously await seeing your sexy body glistening in the sun. I crave everything about you. Tasting you has irrevocably altered me. Forever yours, Z
“Oh, wow,” she murmured as she gathered the gifts and carried them to the king-sized, canopy bed.
Elsie pushed her clothes aside and set down the gifts. She climbed onto the heirloom quilt and tugged the bow. An expensive pool float unrolled. One she had seen in a magazine and dreamed of owning. She loved that she was living in a house that had a pool she could swim in whenever she wanted. She squeezed the thick lime-green foam. No way was she sinking on this puppy.
Next, she unwrapped the box and removed a sexy, black bikini covered in sequins. It was a designer bathing suit and she would bet her next paycheck that Breslin had suggested it. Of course, it was way too skimpy.
She stood up and looked from the Brazilian-cut bathing suit to her ass. Not a chance that thing was covering even half of her cheeks. Oh, what the hell, she thought. You only live once, and it had been a long time since she had felt so alive.
She quickly stripped and donned her new suit. She didn’t care that it was nighttime, she was going for a swim. And, she’d grab her hunky vampire on the way. Excitedly, she grabbed her float and rushed out the door to search for Zander before she changed her mind.
Her bare feet slapped the wooden floors as she rushed down the stairs, only to come to an abrupt halt on the main landing. Stupefied, she watched about a dozen of the hottest men she’d ever seen exit the war room. Apparently, the Goddess Morrigan didn’t do ugly.
A hush descended over the group, making her want to crawl back to her room. Her eyes met Zander’s, who was staring at her from the middle of the group. As one, the entire group turned to look at her. Embarrassed didn’t begin to cover how she felt. Heat blazed over her cheeks, and she searched for an escape or a place to hide.
Okay, don’t turn around and run or they’ll see your butt jiggle.
Coming to terms with the fact that she was trapped, she waved nervously, “Hi.”
Her smile faltered when the entire group when to one knee and lowered their heads. Were they bowing?
CHAPTER TWENTY NINE
“My Lady E.” Zander said, approaching the stairs. “I see you received your gifts.”
His devouring gaze had her stomach tightening with need and heat spreading through her sex. It was unnerving how the man undid her with his mere presence.
“You look truly stunning. Let me introduce you.” He took her by the hand and presented her to each council, explaining their roles. She hastily wrapped the float around her torso as best as she could.
After she was introduced to each member, the look in their eyes was intense and spoke of a deep reverence. Okay…
Zander kissed the back of her hand and murmured, “Are you going for a swim this late?”
Elsie was grateful for his change of subject. There was so much to his world she didn’t understand. And, standing in his elegant home, wearing a barely-there bikini in front of the most gorgeous group of men she’d ever met, didn’t seem like the time or place to try and make sense of it.
“Yes, I was on my way to find you and see if you wanted to join me. I love the float and bathing suit,” she answered as she fingered the ties on the side of the bottoms. “I couldn’t wait to try this out.” She held up the green float and lost her breath with his appraisal.
He looked at her like he would die if he didn’t have her. Electricity zinged across her skin, leaving chill bumps. And, she enjoyed every second of it.
“El, honey, a plastic bag would be better than that pink nightmare you had before. It was rather funny to watch, though,” Orlando laughed, breaking the tension.
She whirled around and smacked Orlando on the shoulder. “You’re still upset because I punked you, and you got wet. Poor kitty doesn’t like the water.”
“Oh, now you’ve asked for it,” Orlando threatened.
She jumped behind Zander and tried to hide, but Zsander scooped her in his arms and threw her over his shoulder, running toward the pool. She couldn’t help laughing as she bounced across his shoulder.
“Hell yeah, skinny-dipping,” Rhys whooped as he tossed off his shirt and undid his pants.
“Put me down, Zander,” she pleaded but he ignored her.
She screeched like a banshee when she was tossed towards the water but managed to grab onto Zander’s shirt sleeve, and they both fell into the pool. When she surfaced, he was laughing harder than she’d ever seen. He was the sexiest man alive.
“Och, I thought you liked these leather pants, a ghra,” Zander husked. “Now, you’ve gone and ruined them. Whatever will you stroke now?” he teased as he shook his head, water flying in every direction.
“Serves you right. You had my ass bouncing to a room full of strangers. I think they were following the white light, thinking your Goddess was calling them home,” she replied and she pushed her long hair from her face, laughing.
Rhys shed his boxer-briefs in one graceful sweep. The move was definitely not human, and he wasn’t shy about his nudity being on display. “Sweetcakes, watching your ass bounce on Zander’s shoulder is indeed like gazing into Annwyn,” he said and jumped into the pool.
As he floated on his back, his erection stood at attention, a foot above the water, and bobbed like the periscope of a submarine, raised and looking for a target. Elsie chuckled, accustomed to the way Rhys operated. He was a sex demon and none of his flirting, or arousal, was about her.
“Rhys, put some bluidy trunks on. Now. My ma…Elsie doesna want to see your naked arse,” Zander snarled, striking out at the warrior. Rhys ducked the punch and swam away.
She waved off their exchange. Rhys didn’t bother her with his actions. While he was a gorgeous man with a hot body, he did nothing to make her blood boil. No, that would be the sexy, brooding vampire looking at her from across the pool.
“He’s Rhys,” she shrugged, as if that explained it all. “And, he’s harmless enough. Besides, he isn’t the one for me,” she quirked a brow at Zander and splashed him.
Zander jumped out of the water, tore off his shirt, shoes, and pants then dove back into the pool. Elsie admitted she was disappointed that he kept on his boxers. She would’ve loved a peek at what he had to offer.
Suddenly, she felt hands on her legs and a hard tug. She went beneath the water and saw it was Zander. His touch sent her up in flames. She broke the surface, panting. Not because she was out of breath but because Zander made her hot with desire. She glanced around to see the others had joined them in the pool.
She wished she’d had a chance to grab a margarita from her machine. “What we need now is some Monsteritas. Orlando, can you grab some, please?” She batted her eyelashes at him with a sly smile. �
��I turned the machine on when I got home from work. That gift was a stroke of genius, by the way.”
“Sure, anything else, my Queen?” Orlando asked sarcastically.
Elsie stuck out her tongue. He was her brother from another mother. He brought out the child in her every time. Despite everything that had happened in her life, she was part of this family now, and couldn’t be happier.
“I see you have my warriors wrapped around your wee finger.” Zander picked up her hand and kissed the back of it. Goosebumps broke out over her skin.
“That’s not true,” she objected. “I didn’t mean to interrupt your council meeting but I can’t say I’m sorry.”
His lips lingered on her fingers, causing her breath to hitch. With everyone nearby, this wasn’t the time or place to explore their obvious attraction, so Elsie pulled her hand from his grasp.
Undeterred, he slid his arms around her waist. “Doona ever hesitate to get me if you need me. You will always come first. I’ve missed you these past few days.”
“I missed you, too,” she whispered, finally meeting his eyes.
Orlando broke the moment. “Here’s your Monsterita, milady.”
With a flourish, he handed Elsie a sparkly, pink cup. She gratefully grabbed the drink and took a sip, enjoying the tart lime and tequila.
“I loved the margaritas you made for us the last time, Elsie, but this,” Santiago said, taking a healthy gulp of his drink, “this recipe of yours is fantastic.”
“Why, thank you, good sir.” She tipped an invisible hat to Santiago and yelped when Zander nipped her neck.
She enjoyed the nip a little too much. Wanted his fangs to sink into her neck again. Instead of begging him for more, she hefted her body onto her new float. And, didn’t spill a drop of her drink.
“I now understand why people say you get what you pay for. This float is fabulous! Don’t you wish you had one?” she quipped and splashed Zander, figuring they could both use a cooldown.
“Nay, lass, I plan to share yours.” In the next breath, Elsie was off the float then straddling Zander as he lounged with his hands behind his head.
How did he do that? She hadn’t seen him move. His speed was incredible. And, this was a dangerous position for her to be in, she amended as she felt his erection between her legs. In fact, his black briefs struggled to contain his long length.
Oh my! her inner sex kitten purred.
Elsie leaned down and placed a kiss on his lips then she rolled off him, spilling her drink in the process. When she glanced up, his groin was right next to her face. Okay, that position wasn’t any better. She attempted to flip him from the float, but his heavy weight didn’t budge.
“Ugh, this was supposed to be easier,” she grunted, as she put her shoulder under his back and heaved. “Come on, Orlando, help me dump him.”
“It won’t do any good now, El. You need the element of surprise for that to work. Otherwise, our reflexes are too quick.”
To demonstrate Orlando’s point, Zander hopped off the float and Elsie went under as he latched onto her waist. As his body slid against hers, they became entangled. She held tight, enjoying the friction of their bodies moving together.
Luckily, their moment was interrupted by a no-holds-barred water fight. Elsie acknowledged the time would come when she would give herself completely to the vampire. Question was, how long could she put it off, and did she even want to anymore?
*****
Elsie glanced up from her preparations at the granite island, and watched Zander stride into the kitchen. His presence made the large room seem small and intimate. The sexual tension between them was steadily rising. She finally admitted that she was falling in love, and it frightened her. Still, she wasn’t sure if she was ready for a relationship. Especially, knowing she would grow old and he would remain disgustingly handsome.
He did nothing to hide his love and desire for her and did little things to let her know. Just that morning, she entered the kitchen to find Angus, whom Elsie learned was a dragon shifter, directing the staff as they replaced the cookware with a brand she wanted. Now, the kitchen contained every piece the company ever made. She’d never been lavished upon by anyone, and found that she rather enjoyed it.
Her heart fluttered as she met his Sapphire-blue eyes. “Hi. How are you?”
“I’m better now that I’m with you. I doona know my way around the kitchen but may I help you?” he asked.
Zander came up behind her and placed his hands on her hips. She gasped from the zap of electricity, and twirled to face him. His heated gaze lingered on her breasts. Did he know she had on the lingerie he’d given her?
“Sure. I was about to start making my Vietnamese burgers and egg rolls. I would love your help. I hope you aren’t starving because this will take a while.”
“I’m famished, actually. I want to lick and nip your body until you scream my name.” She shivered as waves of arousal rippled through her core from his husky words. The low timbre and lilting accent evoked provocative fantasies.
“Good. Famished is good,” she croaked.
The ability to form a coherent thought eluded her. Her gaze ran over him greedily, taking in his powerful stance.
Zander grabbed her and placed her on the counter. He wedged between her legs then claimed her lips. That fast, desire erupted and their passion quickly whirled out of control.
His lips crashed against hers. The force of his kiss was bruising. She gasped for breath as he trailed his mouth across her jaw and along her throat, to return to her mouth.
“I need you, a ghra,” he murmured.
As he licked and sucked her tongue, Zander’s hands grabbed her top and lifted it over her head. Her bra fell to the floor next. He caressed her breasts and pinched her nipples. She arched, pressing more flesh into his palms. Fire licked over her skin as it heated with his touch. A fluttering caress in her chest enhanced the sensations. This happened every time he was near her, and it robbed her of reason.
She clawed at his chest, wanting to feel his bare flesh. She fumbled with the hem of his shirt. “Off,” she ordered.
He broke the kiss long enough to remove his shirt. He leaned in and began kissing and sucking her nipples. With each tug on her hard tip, her core clenched with need.
He took one nipple between his teeth and his fangs penetrated the skin around her areola, making her go up in flames. Her orgasm hit fast and hard. Stars winked in her vision and she cried out, riding the pleasure.
Suddenly, cool air hit her legs, telling her that Zander hiked up her skirt. Moisture flooded her panties.
She ran her hands up and down his chest, exploring his nipples and reactions to her touch. His skin was hot and covered in sweat. He responded to her slightest touch and she loved making this strong man shudder with desire.
Her fingers slipped beneath his waistband and gripped his hard shaft. Zander grabbed her panties and ripped them from her body. She had pushed him too far. But she needed him as much as he needed her. Nothing felt as good as his thumb pressed against her, teasing the folds of her flesh.
“Oh, God, Zander,” she moaned.
She was close again and didn’t want him to stop. The sound of a zipper reached her passion-muddled brain, and she felt his hard cock slide through her slick channel. Back and forth it rubbed against her clit, teasing her. The pressure of his shaft at her entrance had her tensing. She knew how big he was and worried how much it would hurt to have him fill her.
“Relax, a ghra. I willna take you. I just want to find our pleasure like this. We willna go any further yet,” he promised, his cock gliding over the sensitive skin at the apex of her thighs.
He set a relenting pace, stroking back and forth, careful to keep his word and not enter her. Slowly, she allowed the pleasure to consume her. He was all over the place. Kissing, biting, thrusting, and Elsie completely let go of her inhibitions. She may not be ready for intercourse, but she needed this as much as he did. Her body was an inferno as his pace i
ncreased. He was close and so was she.
He wrapped his arms fully around her and murmured words of affection in her ear. She buried her face in his chest and placed kisses across his flesh. As her muscles tensed with her impending climax, she grabbed his ass and pulled him as close as possible without him entering her. He continued to glide relentlessly through her wet female flesh.
“A ghra,” he grunted. The moment he called out to her, she came.
His entire body tensed before his shaft began to convulse against her, releasing his hot seed.
As their orgasms waned, they stood in each other’s embrace, catching their breaths. Her body was a limp, satisfied noodle. She lifted her head and met his gaze.
“Are you alright?” he asked tentatively.
“Honestly, I have no idea. I don’t think I can move. Everything I feel with you is so new and different. Just when I think I have my footing, you do something and sweep me away.”
“‘Tis how it should be between us. It will always be raw and unhinged. You own every part of me.”
Zander picked her up and carried her into the large laundry room.
“And, the best is yet to come. Here, lass. I had Angus bring some of our clothes to store in here. Seems the kitchen is our place,” he said with a wink.
She could only nod her agreement and accept the clean clothing. After they were dressed, he grabbed her close and kissed her forehead. “I need food, a ghra. Shall we cook?”
“Definitely,” she agreed. She was suddenly starving.
CHAPTER THIRTY
“You mentioned that you don’t know your way around the kitchen. Can you use a knife?” Elsie asked, glancing sideways at Zander.
His expression was comical as he picked up a cutting board, clearly trying to figure out its purpose.
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