CHAPTER 14
Time was no longer relevant now that I didn’t need sleep. Of course, I liked my rest when I could shut off my mind and forget the world for a little while, but there was too much going on to even consider that.
So, as I stretched out on the couch, tossed my legs over Maciah’s, and glanced at the clock on the wall, I wasn’t really surprised when it showed it was four in the morning. The sun would be coming up in another hour or so, and I’d have to test Beatrix’s magic, hoping it worked.
She was nearly finished with the shield around the property. I felt bad that it was taking so long, but I was also glad, because that made me believe she was putting real effort into keeping us safe.
I wasn’t sure how to feel about her making an extra effort with me merely because I was some sort of responsibility to an old friend. I didn’t want to believe it could be that simple, but then again, I didn’t know witches or how their loyalty worked.
Vampires weren’t often loyal, and that was all I’d put my focus on for the last seven years. Witches and wolves weren’t my problem before, but now that I wasn’t human, maybe I’d have to find some time to learn more about all of the other supernaturals.
“Where are the others?” I asked Maciah.
“Jazz, Gabe, and Nick went to their rooms. Eddie is outside somewhere checking on things. Zeke and Rachel… Well, I don’t pay attention to them anymore. They’re good on their own together. And I think Bennett is sulking somewhere around here while I assume Nikki hides away in her room.”
I laughed. “Okay, by ‘others’, I didn’t mean everyone, just the ones who had been in here when I’d gone upstairs, but thanks for the play-by-play.”
“You’re welcome,” he said, pulling me closer to his chest.
The front door opened, and we looked up to find a frazzled Beatrix standing in the doorway. “You need a smaller property.”
She kicked the door closed before coming into the living room and throwing herself down onto the chair. “I’m going to sleep for a week, but you guys are safe in here. At least safe enough to have a big head start on anyone trying to break in.”
“What does that mean?” I asked.
“Well, if Viktor brings a witch with him, I doubt she’s going to be weak, so I’d expect her to attempt to break through. No shield is unbreakable with the right power going against it, but this one will take work to get through. Though, it’s not the same as mine. People can see in and hear you, so you’re not completely protected. Something of that magnitude would have taken more time and help.”
Maciah sat up, leaning his elbows on his knees. “Thank you, Beatrix. I know you don’t like to involve yourself in business like this, but your actions won’t be forgotten.”
She smirked. “Oh, I know. I won’t let them be. Also, only the people inside the shield right at this moment can come and go as they please. If you’re ready to take it down, throw this at the barrier.” She tossed Maciah a vial of smoky grey liquid, and he tucked it into his front pocket.
“Understood.”
Beatrix groaned and got up. “This witch is getting too old for all-nighters.” She walked over to me and tugged me up.
As I stood, she placed both of her hands on my cheeks and squeezed until my lips pinched together. “Don’t worry about anything. Just do what you’ve always done, and everything will work out how it’s supposed to,” she said, then released me and moved to turn away, but I caught her arm.
“What if I’m not okay with how things are ‘supposed to’ work out?”
She shrugged. “That’s life. We don’t always get what we want, but that doesn’t mean you stop fighting.”
Beatrix continued for the door, and we watched her leave. Maciah pulled me back to his lap. This time I was sitting right on top of him.
“Are you worried?” I asked, because we really had no clue what we were going to do next. We had ten vampires inside the shield, and while I knew the original power inside me was now a natural thing I could access without much thought, I wasn’t sure that would be enough.
Viktor wasn’t stupid. He’d been planning for this, and he was ready. We had no idea what we were getting into.
“Yes and no. Beatrix is right, as you’ve also been this whole time. We can’t let fear rule our decisions. Facing Viktor is something we have to do. If we’re meant to survive, then we will. If we’re not, then I know I’ll find you in another life. Either way, this isn’t the end. It’s only the beginning for us.”
My heart fluttered. Maciah had a way with words when he wanted, and I hoped like hell he was right.
Maciah pressed his lips to mine, and the sound of a piano played softly in the background. A smile spread on Maciah’s face.
“What?” I asked.
“Bennett is trying to get Nikki’s attention. He used to play for her all the time. That's why that piano is even here.”
I listened to the melody change from a heartbreaking tune to one filled with love. He played fluidly, drawing me in with the music, and I wasn’t normally even a fan of the piano.
“I told Nikki she should hear him out, so she wouldn’t have to wonder what might have been,” I said, hoping he’d agree with my choice.
Maciah nodded, leaning his head back against the couch. “Bennett is a good vampire and he loved Nikki. Still does, from the sounds of it. You gave her good advice.” Maciah paused and grinned at me. I was glad he could finally see I’d been right before. Then, he added, “Knowing Nikki almost died hit Bennett hard, and I don’t think he’ll leave her again unless she tells him to.”
“Did he tell you any of that?” I asked.
“He didn’t have to. I know Bennett. He hasn’t changed in the five years since I saw him last. The look in his eyes, the way he softened when he saw Nikki, and the way his shoulders drooped when she ran from him. I know what he wants, but I also know he loves her enough to walk away if that’s what she needs.”
I’d thought Bennett was a Grade-A asshole before for leaving, but I could see he and Maciah were probably very alike. The way Maciah spoke about Bennett told me everything I needed to know, and I hoped our two friends found a way to work things out and be happy again.
The music stopped. Nikki’s voice echoed through the quiet house.
“What are you doing?” she hissed.
“Playing a song,” Bennett replied innocently.
A huff I was sure came from Nikki sounded, then silence for a few more beats.
“Would you like me to stop?” Bennett asked, and I could hear the smirk in his voice.
Nikki must have shaken her head because the piano resumed.
I glanced at Maciah. “We should give them some privacy.”
“Or better yet, give us some privacy.” He picked me up, cradling me to his chest and carrying me to our room.
The door clicked closed behind us, and he settled me onto the edge of the bed before running his hands down my legs. “I’ve been wanting to take this dress off you since I saw you in it earlier.”
Luxury was comfortable. I’d almost forgotten I was still wearing the shimmering little black dress.
Maciah pulled one heel off me, then another, kissing my ankles before working his way back up my legs. His fingers slid under the hem of my dress, raising the fabric until it bunched at my waist.
His hand cupped my center. “I don’t think I’ve told you yet, but I like your new clothes.”
“You’ve only seen this one outfit,” I said, already breathing heavily in anticipation of the actions to follow.
He hooked a finger around the lacy material, rubbing his finger over my folds. “I’ve seen enough.”
Maciah tugged, and the underwear followed his command, easily sliding down my legs once I leaned back.
Just when I thought he was going to pull the dress over my head, Maciah spread my legs and had his tongue licking at my center before I could blink.
I gasped, sucking in air I didn’t need, then moaned loudly as he flicked
his tongue across my clit over and over again. Holy hell, I was going to come in a matter of seconds if he kept that up.
His hands gripped my ass, lifting me higher off the bed before his fingers replaced his tongue and I was rocking against his hand, shamelessly needing more of him.
“Please, don’t stop,” I begged as tingles soared through my body, begging to be released.
Maciah adjusted his hold on me, draping my legs over his shoulders before his tongue lapped at me once again. His thumb kept pressure on my sensitive nub while my hips bucked underneath him, pleading for more.
One of his hands slipped around my backside, applying pressure over my ass. An unfamiliar yet welcome sensation rocked through me, unleashing my orgasm so severely that I nearly blacked out from the overload. As I fought to keep consciousness, my back arched and I cried out Maciah’s name, tearing the bed cover from gripping it so roughly while I was locked in the throes of passion.
That had never happened before, but I was here for it.
Maciah gripped my thighs, keeping his mouth over my clit until the tremors in my legs ceased. He kissed each of my inner thighs, then moved up my stomach, lapping at my belly button like it was the last source of water in the Sahara.
My hips jolted from his assault. I didn’t think I could take any more after that release, but he was quickly proving me wrong.
He pulled the dress over my head, his eyes heating as he finally got a peek at the matching black lace bra to my underwear. His mouth homed in on my left breast and sucked my nipple between his lips.
I clawed at his shoulders, holding on for dear life as he slowly built me up again. Damn, I would never get enough of this man.
He moved to my other tit as he unhooked the clasp in the back. The bra straps fell down my shoulders, staying there until Maciah had his fill.
His hand gripped my chin possessively while the other one tugged the bra from my arms. “All mine,” he murmured against my lips.
“Always,” I whispered.
In a blink, he had his pants off and I tore his shirt from his chest. Once he was gloriously naked, he propped my legs over his shoulders again, and he slammed into me with one thrust.
I cried out, calling his name and digging my nails into his forearms as I held on for dear life.
I was already ready to come again, but I was going to wait for him, knowing how much better it was from his previous torture.
He pounded into me, keeping his eyes locked on mine and stroking my hair out of my face with one hand while the other pinned my shoulder to the mattress.
“I love you,” I murmured.
“Love you so damn much,” he nearly growled before lifting me a little higher and increasing his pace.
“Jesus,” I breathed. There was no more holding my release back. My core tightened as tingles of ecstasy spread up my spine and down my arms.
Maciah tensed and slowed his movements above me, bringing my legs down, so that he could settle himself above me.
“I’ll never have enough of you,” he said softly.
“Good thing you’ll always have all of me.”
CHAPTER 15
The sun was up, and the moment had come for me to step under its rays for the first time since I was turned. Well, the first time that I wouldn’t have to be worried about my skin boiling off.
More than half of our small nest was waiting downstairs to watch, which wasn’t really saying much, given there were only ten of us. An unfortunate fact I tried not to think about too much.
“Are you ready?” Rachel asked excitedly.
“I’m not sure if I should be disturbed by your happiness or more comfortable because you have that much faith in Beatrix,” I said.
She laughed. “You’re overthinking this. A sun protection spell is easy. Any properly trained witch could do it if they felt so inclined. It’s just normally they don’t want to help.”
Yeah, I could understand that. Helping often caused more trouble than it was worth when it came to dealing with supernaturals.
Nikki blurred into my room, repeating Rachel’s previous question. “Are you ready?”
She was glowing this morning, and that made me smile. “Is Bennett waiting out there as well?” I asked with a wink.
“I told you I didn’t want to talk about it,” she said, trying to be snappy, but there was too much joy radiating off her to make that happen.
I clasped her shoulder. “You don’t have to talk for us to know. Vampires, remember?” I pointed to my ears.
She rolled her eyes and snatched my hand from her shoulder. “Come on.”
I let her drag me out of the room with Rachel right behind us. As soon as we entered the living room, I saw Maciah talking with Bennett. He didn’t seem angry or excited, but more cautious. I understood why, and I hoped that Bennett wasn’t going to run off again. I’d hunt him down myself for hurting not only my friend, but my…
I had no idea what to call Maciah. Boyfriend seemed too lackluster, but mate sounded weird in my head. Mine sounded perfect. My Maciah.
Nikki shoved me forward, and the beams of sunshine in front of me loomed closer. The heat from the sun permeated the room, and I ached to swipe my hand through the particles floating in the glow.
Maciah was at my side in the next instant, forcing Nikki and Rachel to back up. “Are you ready?”
I took a deep breath. “You all are making such a big deal out of this, but also downplaying it at the same time. You’re confusing the crap out of me.”
It wasn’t often that I was honest and vulnerable, but I was surrounded by Maciah, Zeke, Rachel, Nikki, and Bennett. Sure, I didn’t know Bennett, but I trusted the rest of them with my life. For the first time in much too long, I didn’t have to hide who I was. That was priceless to me.
“You’ll understand once you step outside, but you can test things out from inside first if you want,” Maciah said encouragingly.
I nodded my head and took another step forward. Maciah shadowed my movements.
My hand raised hesitantly, fingers loosening as I brought them closer to the warmth. With my palm up, my skin connected with the sunrays.
My shoulders tensed, but nothing happened. Well, nothing bad.
Heat coated my skin like an old friend as I twisted my wrist around and moved another step closer. There was no burning sensation, but it was different from when I was human. Though, with the tinted window acting as a filter, I couldn’t quite place what was different.
Without saying anything, I headed for the front door and slowly turned the handle. It had to already be in the high sixties, and there wasn’t a cloud to be seen in the sky.
Maciah reached for my hand, but I stopped him. I wanted to do this on my own, and with one look into his dark eyes, I knew he understood that.
I stepped onto the wooden porch, still covered by the awning, and didn’t stop until I was standing on the last step to the yard. The last step before there would be no more cover above me.
A quick glance behind me showed everyone had followed me out, but I didn’t let that distract me. I moved onto the sidewalk, fully in the sun for the first time in weeks.
Tingles moved from my head down to my feet. Warmth filled my chest. My head tilted back as I took a deep breath in and out, closing my eyes. Every muscle inside me relaxed as the UV rays soaked into my exposed skin. There was an energy humming through my body that I didn’t expect.
A shadow moved in front of me, but he said nothing as I kept my eyes closed. I knew it was Maciah and smirked at the fact that he couldn’t stay away for long. I blamed the swirling of emotions rising inside me and not him. With our bond, he was no doubt feeling what I felt, and I hoped it brought him a sense of peace as well.
Minutes later, I opened my eyes to find everyone had moved from the porch and was standing behind Maciah.
Rachel and Nikki were grinning like fools. Zeke was smirking at something only he probably found funny while Bennett was standing there with no expression at all
.
But it was Maciah’s eyes that held my attention most. They were filled with love and pride and joy.
“I can see why nobody would tell me exactly what to expect,” I said.
Maciah closed the distance between us and wrapped his arms around me. I hugged him back, then encouraged him to move to my side since the others were still watching us.
“You can’t really describe how the first time feels,” Rachel said.
Nikki snorted, and Rachel punched her, hissing, “Not that first time.”
“Rachel’s right. I can still feel the energy from the sun moving through me. Will it always be like this?” I asked.
Zeke nodded, still smiling. “Yep. You’ll get used to it after a while.”
“What has you so giddy?” I asked.
He shrugged. “This is the first step to starting over. We’ve been through hell this week, but we’ve managed to stick together. Like a family.”
I’d misread Zeke’s grin before. It wasn’t mischievous; it was true happiness, something not a lot of us had always known. That was like a pleasant punch to the gut.
“Anything else I should know that I don’t already?” I asked.
Bennett hissed as Maciah spun around toward the driveway. I followed their gazes and caught sight of two vehicles speeding down the road that dead-ended at our house.
“Is that Viktor?” Nikki asked.
“I doubt it,” Maciah answered.
Well, that didn’t matter. Whoever it was, they were coming for us.
“Get the others,” Maciah said, and Zeke disappeared in a blur.
The two vehicles skidded to a stop at the end of our driveway. The passenger door to the first one opened and Simon stepped out.
I hissed, taking a clipped stride forward, but Maciah’s hand spread across my stomach, stopping my movements.
“Let’s see what they do first,” he murmured.
“If they can see us, then they can likely hear us,” Rachel said.
“They can do both. Beatrix only made a barrier, not an illusion like at her house,” I said, thankful she had mentioned that before she left.
Vampire Vow (Scorned by Blood Book 3) Page 10