9781936653027BorntobeWildArsuaga

by Cynthia Arsuaga

  With the plan in place, she decided to spend the remainder of the afternoon researching more names on the computer. There wasn’t enough time to venture back to the hotel before Stefan awoke. Hunger pangs surfaced again. At the late hour, the time for lunch had passed and it was too early for dinner. “Drink lots of water.”

  Sitting down at the computer in the study, she combed through the files of the Families of the Vampire Syndicate. After an hour scrolling, she came up with a couple of names with possible connections with privately owned, human-controlled corporations. She had her work cut out for her cross-referencing with the Hunter database. Glad Jordan would be in town, she’d welcome his help. Jordan hated administrative type computer work, but he knew his way around the Net enough for research. Definitely more a hands-on type of guy, working in the field was more to his skills as a hunter. He depended on his brawn more than brain.

  The natural light in the study faded. Random veils of brightness painted fanciful images on the surrounding walls. The sun grew low in the sky and the images faded into the darkness of the night. Her eyes became tired watching the monitor screen as well. Deciding to take a break, she embarked on a different kind of exploring—Stefan’s house before he arose.

  The remainder of the third level consisted of another balcony on the front of the house and another camera set up. What exactly did he take pictures of, the neighbors? Was Stefan a peeping tom? Kinky pervert. She laughed to herself, knowing he couldn’t be, or could he?

  Unable to resist temptation she peered through the viewfinder. The sun approached the horizon. This camera was set up like the one overlooking the ocean on the backside of the house. “He’s taking pictures of the sun rising and setting.” She thought for a moment. “The photos on the wall were his? Oh, my god, they are.”

  Rushing back into the living room, she stopped short and looked to the far wall, then turning to the wall to the right and finally the wall above the windows facing the ocean. The photographs of the sunrise in various stages and color variations hung everywhere. Never truly noticing them before, she went to the bedroom, and above the bed, hung another photograph of a sunset, beautiful, with colors of violets, blues, pinks and reds. Tears welled. Stefan tried to capture what he could never have, to surround his environment with daylight at night. The pictures were moving and provocative. The man was full of surprises.

  What else could he have up his sleeve?

  Taking the stairs to the second level, she found three empty bedrooms with their own private bathrooms and a utility area. Nothing special, but what does a vampire need with this much space anyway? Descending to the next level, she assumed Stefan had to be on the ground level, as no other space was left. Upon arrival, she opened the first door and flicked on the switch. Exercise equipment. The man worked out. Made sense–he had nice muscles in all the right places. Retreating from the room, she stepped back out the door, continuing her exploration.

  The next room came as a surprise. Switching on the light, it glowed red. A dark room set up for photography. Another switch illuminated an incandescent light. Slowly stepping over the threshold into the room, her eyes went on sensory overload when photographs in various stages of development gradually materialized in the irregular lighting. Chemicals in trays sat on a table, pushed against the far wall, and a digital machine against the other wall gave the space a very cramped feeling. Heavy black drapes hung across the one window in the small room. The space perfectly ordered, arranged efficiently and compact, like Stefan kept the rest of the house. Perusing through a stack of photographs lying on the table, she found sunsets and sunrises, identical to the ones spread throughout the third level walls. Another stack sat on the corner of the table, with different subjects—a woman, a vamp woman. A beautiful, skinny vamp woman.

  “A former lover Stefan? Hmm, I knew you possibly liked them extreme and thin. Not like me.” Who am I kidding?

  Alex put the photos down and backed out of the room. “Son of a bitch. I’m doing it again. He’s sucking me in to liking him and he’s not even here. I’m falling for this guy. And then I find out something to bring me back to reality. Damn! Sexy and beautiful my ass.”

  Standing at the entrance to the room for a few moments gathering her thoughts, she realized the stupidity of her action once again. This is a job, stay focused. Stefan had a past for sure, duh, an old vampire equals a dangerous existence, one with something to hide. Use him like he obviously used her…simply play the game. Make it work to her advantage. Spaghetti and meatballs, pancakes with chocolate syrup, yes, lots of chocolate, and chocolate ice cream, with whipped cream, and chocolate syrup poured on top, peanut butter and chocolate, Reese’s candy, yes, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Oh god, now I’m starving again.

  “Stefan, you owe me dinner tonight buddy,” she mumbled walking toward the last uninspected door. Upon pushing the door open, a cold rush of air sent chills across a half-naked body dressed in a silk shirt. Candles flickered radiating an amber glow. Their sweet, soothing scent along with burning incense permeated the room, a familiar aroma but exotic scent.

  Stepping inside, the cold air filled her lungs. The room was a wine cellar maintained at an extra cool temperature which served a second purpose that soon became apparent. In the corner of the room sat a coffin, with dark polished wood and brass fittings. The top was closed. Alex slowly walked toward it, knowing Stefan had to lie within. Her heart pounded hard in her chest. She stood above it with only a few inches of the wood and cushioning inside separating them. Dare she open it and look inside? What did he look like sleeping? Slumbering vampires were a common sight in her line of work, except never had it been one she knew intimately. To see Stefan lying in a coffin seemed different from the others.

  With much trepidation, she slowly opened the lid. Staring down at his face, emotions flooded her conscious. He looked so at peace, so serene, so different from the cold-blooded killer tradition and folklore predicted. His tenderness and gentleness the previous night showed a side of him she thought impossible for a vamp. This man created gorgeous pieces of photography hanging on the walls of this house. This man who slept in front of her couldn’t possibly be the one involved with the deadly virus raging up the East Coast. The email message must be about something else. It had to be. Damn why did I read it? It was wrong of me.

  Her fingers trailed over his cheek, his stubble prickled her knuckles. She smiled, thinking about the night before, and his eyes opened. Staring back at her, he returned the smile, raised his hand, and grabbed her wrist.

  Alex jumped back, shocked by his movement. The room closed in, spinning and then everything went black.

  Chapter 7

  “Alexandra, wake up. Alexandra.” Stefan called out to her, cradling her in his arms.

  “Wha…what happened?”

  “You fainted. I’m sorry I scared you.”

  “You’re awake? It’s not sundown yet. How’s this possible?”

  “I’ve lived a long time and don’t need as much sleep and if I stay out of the sunlight I can stir before the actual rise and set of the sun. A real advantage if I need it.”

  “Really? Interesting. I didn’t know that was possible.”

  “Let me help you up.” He put his arm around her waist and shoulder, bearing her weight to help her stand.

  “Thanks.” Covering her face, she turned away from him. “Stefan, you’re butt naked!”

  “Yes. Why are you embarrassed to look at me? Remember you had your naked body on top of me last night. Seeing me naked shouldn’t be a big deal.”

  Keeping her eyes firmly focused on his face, the rest of him faded into a blur.

  Then smiling, she fisted him on the arm.

  “And what was the punch for?”

  “For scaring the shit out of me. You could have given me a heart attack.”

  “Why were you snooping around in my house, in places where you had no business?”

  Blushing, thoughts designed to block his influence turned ov
er in her mind. Chocolate candy, ice cream, spaghetti and meatballs, French fries, cheeseburgers, and…

  “Are you hungry? Didn’t you order in food like I told you?”

  “Uh, no. You owe me dinner Mister Marin, and a new shirt.” Winking, she tugged at the silk shirt appropriated from his closet.

  “Hmm. I think it looks better on you.” His eyes fell over her body and returned to her face.

  The gaze sent a surge of arousal straight between her legs. Instant wetness. Glancing down, she caught sight of his growing erection and quickly returned her attention to his face. Damn, I’m pantiless. Oh, I’m in need of some chocolate! Don’t look at his dick. Oh god, it’s twitching at me. Don’t look. Chocolate pancakes, bread and butter, mayonnaise and crackers, oh, this isn’t working.

  “You don’t say.” Reaching around her waist, he pulled her into his embrace.

  “Get out of my head, Stefan. It’s rude and not very gentlemanly.”

  “I never said I was a gentleman, Alexandra.” His voice low and velvety, like the first time he spoke to her at the club.

  A shiver ran through her, as her nipples pressed hard against the silk shirt. Was it him or the damned cold temperature in the wine cellar, or both?

  He leaned forward and kissed her, hard and passionately. She felt boneless, and whimpered. Stefan didn’t play by the rules while rules provided the foundation to her life. This isn’t fair.

  He pulled back. “You’ve been a naughty girl, Alexandra. Snooping into my affairs and not doing as I told you. How should I punish you for your disobedience?”

  With a surprised expression, she looked up at him. “What? Punishment, you’re not serious?”

  “Oh, prinţesa mea, but I am. You are a guest in my house and you disrespect me by going through my computer messages and personal belongings. Then you come and disturb my sleep before the sun disappears below the horizon. What would you call it if not being bad and needing punishment?”

  “Uh, I didn’t mean to disrespect you Stefan. I’m a hunter and curious by nature. I…I’m sorry. Please forgive me. I’ll do what you want, just don’t hurt me. Please.” Slowly she pulled away and backed toward the entrance door.

  Faster than the eye could follow, he appeared behind her, blocking the exit. “Where are you going, sweetheart?” he whispered in her ear.

  “How the hell did you do that?” After taking a breath, she answered his question. “Nowhere. Don’t you want to sleep some more? I don’t want to keep you and I need to get ready if we’re going out, right?”

  “Yes, you’re right. I could sleep more or less. I will think about what punishment will suit your insolence and let you know what I plan to do with you after dinner. Don’t leave the house. If you do, I’ll hunt you down. Now, don’t disappoint me anymore and go and get ready.”

  Alex swallowed hard, her heart racing so fast she thought a heart attack waited right around the corner. What the hell had she gotten into? It frightened yet excited her. What am I thinking? Getting turned on by a vamp ready to punish me and I don’t know how he’s going to do it. What rule am I breaking now?

  “Okay, I’ll see you later.” Alex left him with a half-smile, maneuvered around to the door and exited.

  He grinned.

  * * * *

  Aware of Alexandra’s presence in the house the entire day, Stefan slept restlessly. The night spent with her making hot, steamy love was the best sex he’d had in years, many years. Including the time spent with Ecaterina, his lover at the time. That is, before going psycho on him. For many years she liked to be the submissive one until getting a taste of domination and becoming too kinky even for him. Upon trying to make him submit to a humiliating routine in front of the Syndicate members at a Board meeting, he drew the line. The break up lacked amicability. Ecaterina hysterically threatened to take Stefan down one way or the other. Blowing it off as scorned bitch talk, he threw her out. Sixteen years had passed and nothing had happened. He last heard she took up with a mega-rich industrialist in Europe somewhere and lived the jet set life. Good for her.

  For a human, Alexandra was sensual, seductive, and responsive to his touch and mind. The shower incident proved her awakening passions, and a strong will as well. Defying his demand to drink blood, he vowed the issue remained open. With patience and training, he’d get her there. Alexandra was a woman to possess and love; to give pleasure to and take pleasure from. When at his lowest, a rare gem came into the scene, giving him a reason to go on. In return, he promised to worship her, dispense pleasure beyond her wildest dreams, and share a life of eternity. He had waited so long for a woman like Alexandra, a light for his darkness.

  And just now, frightened yet excited, demonstrated he could possess her. Every action confirmed a desire for the pleasure of his touch. It thrilled her. He smelled her arousal. Tonight he would probe the depths of her denial, guiding her down the path of awareness. She’ll find her way to me. Only I can satisfy the pleasure she seeks. Alexandra will be addicted to my touch, my blood, my love.

  “I will possess her mind, body, and soul.”

  Stefan crawled back into his sleeping chamber, pulled down the cover, and closed his eyes. His thoughts were of Alexandra. If he was lucky, he would get an hour of sleep perhaps, maybe more. His mind could not settle. The desire to touch, to kiss, and devour every inch of her delicate porcelain skin coursed through his veins. He wanted to soak in her essence, the sweet smell of blood coursing through her veins, to taste the creamy juices on his face as he tongued her to climax. Oh by the gods, he would have this sexy vixen that already possessed his heart.

  He shut his eyes and breathed the incense deep into his lungs, cleared his mind and made an attempt to seek rest, if only for another thirty minutes.

  * * * *

  Alex ran up the three flights of stairs, forgetting in her frightened state to use the elevator. Getting out of the wine cellar and away from Stefan as quickly as possible became her highest priority. He might change his mind about letting her go and follow-up with a bite or something worse. What the something might be gave her shivers and she forced the thoughts from her mind.

  Upon reaching the third level, and out of breath, she collapsed on all fours onto the floor. Beads of sweat formed on her brow. The moisture-soaked silk shirt clung to her chest and back.

  “Jeez, I’m going to have to take another shower after that work out.” She laughed. Crawling a few feet, slowly moving on hands and knees, she managed to get to her feet, the walked to the bathroom stripping the silk shirt off and headed to the shower.

  An hour and a half later they were in her Mustang leaving the beach house. They’d barely said two words to one another after the incident in the wine cellar.

  Since Stefan knew the area, Alexandra let him drive instead of relying on the GPS to get around town. He drove to the Hilltop area, a borough a few miles west of the beach. They parked and went into a cute corner clothing boutique.

  “Why are we here?”

  “You need clothes since I destroyed a few pieces last night.”

  “Oh.”

  “I hope this is a place to your taste and liking.”

  “You mean to my size?”

  “Alexandra you are a perfect size…beautiful.”

  “Yeah right, we’ll see what they have. Are you coming in with me?”

  “Yes.”

  Wow, a vampire who likes to shop! What is the world coming to?

  He grinned. “I heard that.”

  “I wanted you to.”

  They entered the chic boutique. Esmeralda specialized in trendy, young, modern casual wear and lingerie. Alex gravitated to the jeans and casual tops.

  The young and pretty salesgirl approached them.

  “Good evening, may I help you.” With a flirty voice, her full attention fell to Stefan, ignoring Alex.

  “I’m looking for a top to go with these pants,” Alex remarked, tugging on the slacks.

  “You can look over there along the wall.” The sal
esgirl pointed toward the wall keeping her attention toward Stefan.

  The attention didn’t go unnoticed by Alex. “Stefan, help me pick something out?”

  Smiling at the salesgirl, he put his arm around Alex’s shoulder and moved her toward the clothing display.

  Alex looked through the assortment of tops. They were cute. Pulling a few off the rack, she put it up to her chest to model them for his approval. The sapphire blue baby-doll top seemed to catch his eye. As she started to try the top on, she noticed the price tag.

  “Okay, this is too much. It’s more than a room at the Holiday Inn.” Shoving the top back on the rack, she said, “Let’s go.”

  “Alexandra. I like it. Try it on.”

  “No, Stefan. It’s too much.”

  He pulled the top off the bar and handed it to her. “I want to see you in it. Try it on Alexandra.” His voice resonated in a firm, yet husky and sensual tone.

  “Okay, just for you.” Turning, she entered the dressing room.

  While Alex tried the top on, Stefan perused the lingerie. He selected a few from the assortment of bras, corsets, and panties and brought them over to Alex as she stepped out to model the top.

  “What do you think?”

  “I love it. Try these on.”

  Taking the lingerie from him, she examined them. “They aren’t my size. Uh, they’re too small and too indulgent Stefan.”

  “I want to see you in them. Try them on prinţesa.”

  Overhearing the conversation, the salesgirl quietly followed Alex into the dressing room asking her correct size. Pleasantly surprised by the girl’s interest, Alex obviously misjudged her. A few moments later, the salesgirl brought new garments.

  Alex hesitantly walked out wearing the corset and panties. The garments revealed too much self-conscious bare skin. Such feminine and provocative lingerie had never graced any underwear drawer of hers, but after seeing the look on Stefan’s face, her reluctance to try it, faded.