by ML Guida
“No, let me ride you,” she said.
He kept forgetting she was a mermaid—not a human.
Willing to grant her anything, he rolled onto his back. Isabella impaled herself on his cock and set the pace. She placed his hands on her breasts and rocked a slow rhythm. The grayness in her skin faded, and her normal pink tones returned. He squeezed and pulled on her nipples. She cried out and arched her back.
He matched her rhythm, the speed quickening. A mass of raw, trembling sensations gripped him. Blood surged through his veins, making part of him alive to her touch. She placed his hand over the top of her curls, and he stroked her. He pulled her hips toward him as he sat up to take her nipple into his mouth.
She cried out his name, then tilting her head back, she yelled, “Harder, harder.”
He rolled her onto her back and plunged deeper and deeper into her. She dug her nails in his shoulders and locked her legs around his hips. Their lovemaking was intense, furious, leading them to a climax that shook both of them.
Isabella came first, her passion full and sweet. Leif followed, spilling his seed into her uncontrollably.
“I should have held back.” He panted.
“Look at me, Leif.”
He studied her. Her eyes shined brighter, and her skin had a glistening tinge. She glowed like the sun setting in the ocean, turning the clouds to pink, gold, and orange.
“What happened? You look so different, so beautiful.”
“Our lovemaking bound us together.” Concern filled her eyes. “It’s what you wanted, wasn’t it?”
He laughed. “More than anything.” He kissed her briefly on the mouth. “That was quick and hard.” He nodded at the clouds hovering near the cave, which had a hint of red from the burning flickering rocks. “I’d like to take you slow, exploring every sensitive spot, driving you to a dragon frenzy passion.”
She tugged at his lips with her teeth. “Promises, promises, dragon.”
He smiled and kissed her deeply, and as the night rolled on, he made good at his promise again and again. He’d never tire of listening to her cry out his name as she experienced a passion that only a dragon-shifter could deliver.
Isabella strolled out of the jungle holding Leif’s hand. They’d spent the night making love. Her sensitive skin was chaffed from his kisses, and she was sore between her legs, but she’d never felt so alive, so happy—until she glanced at the beach. She stopped. Her father sat on a boulder, his arms folded across his massive chest. He was back to being the fierce defender of the sea, his crown securely on his head. The sun was behind him, and ’twas difficult to read his face.
Her thumping heart pumped blood through her like a roaring hurricane. She swallowed the fear bubbling up her throat and squeezed Leif’s hand.
“What’s he doing here?” Leif growled.
She didn’t know if ’twas the dragon or the man, but she couldn’t let either of them rip apart her father. She touched Leif’s tense arm. “Wait here.”
He glowered. “I can feel your fear. I won’t let him hurt you.”
She glanced at her father. “He won’t. I need to talk to him. Alone.”
Leif snorted smoke out of his flaring nostrils. “Fine. I’ll wait here.”
She couldn’t help but smile at her protective dragon. She hoped she was right and her father wasn’t here to hurt her. “I’ll be back.” She spread her palm across his naked chest. “I promise.”
She took a deep breath and walked across the warm sand. The wind blew a light breeze, and salt tinged her lips.
“Daughter,” her father said.
His voice was void of emotion, not a good sign, and his face was a frozen mask.
“Father.” She slightly bowed. “I’m grateful you’ve regained your crown.”
“Thanks to you.” He looked past her. “He’s your chosen mate?”
The minute she dreaded was here. Without hesitation, she raised her chin and met his cold stare, waiting for yet another rejection. “Yes, I love him.”
“You know how I feel about pirates.”
She didn’t say anything. What was the point? Angelica choosing Ronan had been a blow to him, since she’d been his favorite. However, he’d forgiven her, but he’d forgive Angelica anything.
His features softened. Was that admiration in his eyes? It couldn’t be.
“But you taught me something, something I didn’t think possible,” he said.
Her heart stopped, not believing those words were falling out of his lips. “Which is?” Her voice was so tiny that she wasn’t sure she’d spoken or if she’d whispered them in her mind.
He stood and lifted her chin. “You taught me that not all pirates are evil. Your pirate and the brave men of the Soaring Phoenix risked their lives to free you and to save me. I’d never thought it possible that pirates could have honor and selflessness.” He sighed. “Will you forgive me, daughter?”
“You want my forgiveness?” Her voice croaked.
He put his hands on her shoulders. “I’ve been filled with hate for so long that I couldn’t see what I’d done. I took my rage out on a little girl. ’Twas not your fault your mother died, Isabella. The fault lies with your stepmother.”
“I shouldn’t have—”
For the first time in a long time, her father took her in his arms. “Shhh, daughter. I was the fool to not see the evilness in your stepmother. Your mother would have been disappointed in me.” He kissed the top of her head. “I swear I’ll make it up to you. If you’ll let me.”
Happiness welled up inside her and she hugged him. “I’ve dreamed for so long for your forgiveness. I love you, Father. I always have.”
He released her and then tilted his head. “Now, let’s go see your young man before he changes into a dragon and turns me into a flaming torch.”
Isabella tossed her head back and laughed. She couldn’t believe this was happening and wanted to pinch herself to make sure ’twas real, but her father flashed her a loving smile that she hadn’t seen since her mother had died.
She motioned to Leif. “Leif, please come over.”
Leif hurried over.
Her father squeezed between them. “You love my daughter?”
“Aye, she’s mine.” Leif’s voice was low and deadly as if challenging the king of the sea to deny him.
“You promise to protect her?”
“Always.”
“I believe you, pirate, and will hold you to your word. My daughters are my most precious gifts, and if she consents, I give her to you to cherish.”
Isabella squeezed between the two of them, excited at her father’s words. She had to see Leif’s face, and he didn’t disappoint her.
“She’s my life, and I will protect hers with mine.”
Her father smiled. “Good. I never thought I’d see the day that I’d lose two daughters to pirates. You and your crew have given me hope in humanity.”
“Actually, ’twas your daughter that restored my faith in humanity and myself. She melted my heart and showed me a way out of my misery.” Leif didn’t look at her father. Instead, he looked at her with love in his eyes.
Isabella thought she’d gush into a puddle of joy and didn’t want the moment to end.
“Your friends are approaching,” her father said.
Leif and Isabella turned. William, in dragon form, flew toward them with Mariah riding him astride. They landed a few feet, and Mariah slid off William’s broad back and held a satchel. He changed from a green and blue dragon into a man. Isabella was amazed by how fast both William and Leif could transform. Mariah opened the satchel and pulled out a pair of trousers. William put them on.
Her father cleared his throat. “Seems like the magic would have provided clothing.”
“’Tis a curse,” Leif said. “Not bloody likely.”
Mariah walked over to them, but William limped.
Mariah flashed Isabella a knowing smile. “So, I see you are healed, Isabella, oui?”
Heat flo
oded Isabella’s cheeks. “Yes, I’m fine. Thanks to Leif.” She studied William. “What happened to you?”
“Took a nasty fall and twisted my leg. One of the bastards cut me with a blade.”
Mariah held his hand. “He will heal.”
Leif wrapped his arm around Isabella, pulling her next to him. “What happened to the Soaring Phoenix?”
William rubbed a nasty cut on his arm. “She’s berthed on the other side of the island while the crew makes repairs. Palmer put up a hell of a fight. But the Fiery Damsel won’t be sailing for a while.”
“And Zuto?” Leif asked.
“Still trapped on his island along with his dreaded spiders,” Mariah said. “We are still no closer to finding my brother. I fear time is slipping away, and he will be lost forever.” Bitterness dripped from her voice.
Eldric frowned. “Tell me of these creatures. They are magical?”
“They are from Coaybay,” William said. “There is one that Zuto calls a time spider and it has the ability to fling someone through time.”
“Like my sister,” Leif said, as misery echoed in his words. “We’ve got to find a way to find her.”
“We have looked for ways. Not even Grand-mére knows how to find Lark.”
Eldric rubbed his chin. “A time spider, eh? I have not heard of such creatures, but I know of a man that may have answers. He is many leagues from here. He visits a remote island every solstice, which is in three days’ time. He possesses a power that I have never known. He is very wise and may know of a way.”
“Father, why do you think he would know of the time spiders?”
He put his hands on Isabella’s shoulders. “He is the one that told me about your stepmother, then asked me to forgive you. I should have listened to him, but my grief blinded me.”
William frowned. “That doesn’t mean he knows about time spiders.”
Eldric glared at William. He wasn’t used to having his word questioned. “’Tis more than that, dragon. He has the power to talk to beasts, and they do his bidding. He may be able to talk to this creature and find out where your sister is.”
“And Cé,” Isabella said. “We can’t abandon him.”
“Then, we need to go now,” Mariah said, desperation riddled through her voice. “William change. We can fly there in no time.”
William shook his head. “Mariah, ’twas difficult for me to fly here from the other side of the island. My arm is not completely healed. I do not think I could make the flight.”
“I could,” Leif said.
Isabella squeezed his hand. “No, we could.”
“I will take you to him,” Eldric said. “But it is at least a three-day journey from here. Are you sure you’re up to it, daughter?” Doubt filled his eyes.
Isabella turned to Leif and wrapped her arms around his neck. “As long as I have my dragon with me, I can conquer anything.”
“Aye, you will, love,” Leif said. “You have my heart always.” He bent down and kissed her.
She knew whatever adventures that they faced, they’d face together. Her mother always said that even in a world of darkness, true love survives.
Did you like Claim of the Vampire? Want to read about more vampires and mermaids? Check out the next book, Destiny of the Vampire. This is Ewan’s story!
Excerpt for Destiny of the Vampire
June 1671
Isle of Tortuga
The angry flames grew hotter and higher, casting eerie shadows in the witch’s parlor. A glistening of sweat slipped down the temples of Penelope’s face. She squirmed in a wooden chair, winding her shaking hands into the folds of her dress.
“Morgana, why are we calling upon the demon Natasa?”
Penelope had never met a demon, and the stories of the black-hearted demoness made her want to jump out of the chair and race out of the room. After her mother died, her father had told her that she was the key in protecting her people as long as she remained pure. Before she left to care for Angelica during her pregnancy, he had called her to his private chambers. His words echoed in his head.
“Penelope, your power is growing, and it will be strong enough to protect your people from the humans and the demons that hunt them––as long as you do not taint your soul.”
Unfortunately, meeting with a demon would mean breaking the rule.
Morgana Fey opened an earthen jar with her gnarled hand and released the sweet smell of mint. “I told you, mon chère, because of my dreams. My dreams are never wrong.” Her scratchy voice was strong and sent icy chills down Penelope’s back.
Penelope absently toyed with the enchanted pearl necklace that dangled around her neck. Her father had given it to her. Each pearl reflected the state of her soul, and as long as they remained pure, her powers would grow.
“Morgana, I don’t think I should be around a demon,” she said slowly.
The witch gave her a hard stare. “You cannot hide from your destiny.”
Penelope lifted her head and repeated what her father had told her over and over again. “My destiny is to protect my people.”
“I know what your father told you, but not even he can stop fate.”
Chills flushed down her back, and she worried Morgana knew she’d fail like she did in everything else. Trying not to focus on her rising fear or self-doubt, Penelope changed the subject and painted a false smile. “That smells good. What is it?”
“’Tis Pennyroyal.”
Penelope waited for Morgana to give her an explanation. Instead, she opened two more jars. The aroma of anise and green tomatoes filled the room. She mixed all three herbs, then took a handful and tossed it into the fire.
The flickering blaze changed colors from red to green to purple and highlighted Morgana’s white hair with a ray of rainbows. If Penelope wasn’t quaking so bad, she’d have thought ’twas beautiful.
Morgana coughed, her body shaking, then put her frail arm across her mouth.
Penelope picked up a pitcher and poured water into a goblet. “Morgana, here, drink this. Maybe we shouldn’t be dabbling in black magic.” She trembled as she thought of her father’s fierce reprimand and disappointment if he knew they were calling forth a demon.
Her violet eyes watering, Morgana inhaled a shaky breath and took a swallow. She gave Penelope a sly look. “Think you are the only one in danger?”
“I know I’m not.”
“Demons will start with those you care for most.”
Guilt flushed Penelope’s cheeks, and she avoided the witch’s perceptive gaze. Morgana was a powerful witch, but her health was failing. Penelope didn’t think Morgana had the strength to face a demon.
Penelope sat straighter in her chair. “You mean Angelica and the twins?” She couldn’t entertain the thought of losing the precious babies and her sister Angelica. Bringing her niece and nephew into the world had been the most exciting thing she’d ever done. She’d do anything to protect them—even face a demon. “We should wait for my father. The king of the merpeople is more powerful than a demon.”
Morgana cleared her throat. “Eldric would not get here in time. He is slated to help the Soaring Phoenix reach the island, as you are destined to face Natasa.”
Penelope doubted her father would want his youngest daughter facing a demon without him. Unlike her older sisters, she was small and frail and clumsy. “But I’m not—”
“Powerful enough? You have always underestimated yourself, mon chou.”
Penelope refused to get in the same argument with her.
Morgana frowned. “We need to prepare.” She shuffled over to another table. Her arms trembling, she picked up a pitcher.
Penelope hurried over. “Here, let me help you.”
“Nonsense. Sit, princess. You need to find some bravery in your willow reed body.” She dropped the pitcher onto the table, but luckily it didn’t break. “This wine has been charged with dragon’s blood and eyebright.” She poured the wine into a goblet and sat it in front of Penelope. “Drink, ch
ère.”
Penelope eyed the goblet suspiciously. She sniffed and only detected the fragrant smell of fruity wine. The last time she’d drank any spirits she’d accidentally made it snow in her quarters for a month. But what was worse, one of the pearls on her necklace went from pure white to ghostly white––her father had banished her to her room for six months.
Morgana slapped her palm on the table. “Drink! Before ’tis too late.”
Penelope snatched the goblet, splashing crimson onto the table. Ignoring her dread, she drank the wine in one swift gulp. It was smooth with a taste of chocolate. Her eyes blurred, then the room spun around. She wiped her damp forehead with her palm. “Sorry...I usually don’t drink.”
Morgana chuckled. “You are a special girl, and you will soon find out how special.”
Penelope gave her a slight smile, knowing Morgana’s powers were fading if, like her father, she thought Penelope was going to do something great.
She patted Penelope’s warm hand. “I know you do not believe me, mon chou, but nevertheless, ’tis true.” Her old eyes grew hard. “She is coming. Do not let her see your doubt. It will be your downfall.”
Penelope thought she’d be sweating, but an icy cold descended on her like a wet blanket. She shivered and could see her breath.
The blaze swirled around faster and faster. Sparks crackled. A shape formed into a feminine face—flames turned to fiery red hair, lips formed into a smirking smile. Blood-red eyes stared at Penelope, stilling her rapid heartbeat.
Morgana thumped her cane on the floor, drawing the demon’s attention away from Penelope. “What do you want, Natasa? You have haunted my dreams enough.”
Penelope released a shaky breath and tried to imitate Morgana’s stoic face.
“No greetings? No hello? Tsk, tsk. How disappointing.” Natasa’s purring voice was an obvious attempt to bait Morgana, but the old witch was wise to her tricks.
Not a muscle moved in her face, and she looked at the demon with boredom instead of the terror festering inside of Penelope. Morgana flicked her hand. “Out with it, demon.”