Blood Moon Rising

by Claire Marta

  Jasmine’s heart sank. Could this evening get any worse?

  Flinging open the lid of her suitcase, Jasmine began to rummage inside. She and Gemma were sharing a room. Sparse and a little drab, they each had a narrow single bed in the cream painted bedroom. They were sharing a bathroom down the hall with everyone else, which had barely been modernised. The first thing they’d noticed was how the pipes made weird noises the moment you turned a tap on. A kind of clunking, then a sharp screech. As places went, it wasn’t the first old building they’d stayed in. Still, Jasmine didn’t like it. There was something about the place. It wasn’t just the oddities and dead things exhibited downstairs. Something had her sixth sense on red alert every second they spent there. And she was sure it wasn’t just the ghosts. It was like an undercurrent. A sensation in the atmosphere. One that grated on her nerves.

  Although the sun had long ago set, the evening was still hot and left Jasmine’s clothes sticky with sweat. Dumping her pyjamas on the bed, she used her other hand to peel the cotton of her dress away from her chest. She still couldn’t quite believe Eric was here. Why did she let him always get under her skin? Angrily, she bit her lip in frustration. What she needed was to handle the situation better. They were stuck working with each other. For now.

  The shrill ring of her phone on the bedside table tore her from unpacking. Checking the number, she smiled.

  Asier.

  Like Eric, he was a Vampiria. A secret breed of immortal born vampires that had been living on Earth since mankind was still primitive. Stronger and more resilient than the human vampires that they had created, they weren’t affected by sunlight. Now, they existed concealed and in secret. Pretending to be human vampires who lived within the darkened hours.

  Memories of the last time she’d been with the Master vampire, only a few days before, broken through her concentration. She had been lying blindfolded on his bed. Her chest rising and falling with fast little pants, excitement and dread coiling through her in equal measure.

  She’d had no idea what was to come first, the sensual caress of her lover’s touch or the hard slap of his belt against her buttocks.

  She bit harder on her lip, remembering how she’d whimpered. Fuck she had been practically begging.

  She had sensed him in the room, felt his eyes on her naked body. Her heart had been racing by the time she had heard him move. The snick of a belt being undone. The rustle of trousers being shed. A whisper of a shirt falling from his muscled torso.

  The strike of his belt across her soft skin had made her cry out. It had fallen several more times in measured strokes, across her buttocks, making her whine and writhe.

  Then, the vampire had crawled onto her body. Hot lips and fondling hands soon replaced the pain. He’d kept rubbing, making her come with his fingers and his mouth. In the end, she’d begged him to stop. Yet still, Asier had continued to pleasure her until it bordered on pain.

  With her handcuffed to the bed, he had then pounded in and out of her. His hand smothering her screams of bliss.

  Afterwards, as he always did, he’d rubbed lotion into the punished areas. It’d soothed the stinging, throbbing flesh. Asier had taken his time with it, tending to her with sweet kisses and a lingering tenderness.

  She still couldn’t believe that she enjoyed being tied up and spanked. Asier was corrupting her. Jasmine found herself unable to resist him. The vampire Master was always able to talk her into something new. She could never say no. He made it so easy to lose herself.

  “Good evening, bella. How is Budapest?” Asier’s sensual accented voice murmured in her ear.

  “Hey, it’s...interesting. It looks like we might be dealing with a ghost, and the Musee Grotesque is scary enough to give me a lifetime of nightmares.”

  She wasn’t about to tell him that Eric was there. He didn’t need to know. Jasmine and the Italian had an arrangement. Asier kept her too occupied and engaged to think about the other vamp. Yet, there were times the heartache would sneak back in. It was if the organ refused to forget Eric.

  “Hmm something new and exciting for you to deal with.”

  “I can’t hear any music; you’re not in the club?” She questioned as she sank down to sit on the edge of the mattress. The Italian ran several successful clubs in London. They catered for dancing and a good time. The other side of the clubs were for his BDSM members. Known as the pleasure palaces of Europe, they were designed to meet anyone’s fantasies or fetishes.

  “I’m in the play room.” Asier’s voice had become husky. “I have your favourite paddle in my hand. I love watching you arse turn red when I use it. It turns me on even more knowing you want it, love it. That you offer up those perfect globes for punishment.”

  Asier could be dominating at times, yet affectionate. When his power of lust had her in its grip, she became his sexual puppet to do with as he pleased. In one way, it was liberating. In another, it was disturbing how easily she could fall under his sway.

  Jasmine released a shaky laugh. “I still don’t understand myself, why I like it so much. I mean I never imagined I would be into this type of thing.”

  “It’s nothing to be ashamed of, cara. I am honoured you give me the gift of your submission, and we all get addicted to something to take away our pain.”

  Jasmine stilled. Did he know she still ached for Eric? She hadn’t mentioned him in over a month…

  “I’m not…well maybe a little,” she admitted, adjusting the phone against her ear. “Why are you in there anyway? I thought you’d be prowling around the club.”

  “I miss you.” Three words Jasmine had never expected to hear. Not from this male.

  “Asier...I...I miss you too.” Suddenly, everything felt awkward.

  Somewhere along the lines, they’d fallen into the role of a couple. She wasn’t sure how it happened. It started off with Asier’s bite for Jasmine’s addiction. Then, they had sex. Again, this was supposed to have been a one-night thing. Now, they were more than just lovers. The Master vampire was possessive, but he had a caring side he was showing to her more and more. Jasmine sometimes felt like she might be in over her head. Asier had also become her friend and mentor. He worked hard in training her to improve herself. She knew she owed him greatly.

  “I hate missing our lesson this week. You promised we could move onto swords,” Jasmine continued, trying to steer the conversation onto safer ground. She didn’t want to talk about feelings tonight. With Eric in the same building, it could be dangerous.

  The Italian chuckled. “I did not become a Master overnight. It takes time and patience. Even I was a student once. You need to stay focused on our lessons. Do not let anything else distract you. When you can efficiently throw a dagger to its mark, then we’ll move onto something else. You’re already proficient with hand weapons and several types of self-defence. Your thirst for knowledge is impressive, bella. It almost equals my own.”

  Jasmine grinned. His compliments always left her feeling a sense of pride and achievement. “That’s because you’re a good teacher, and you always leave me wanting to learn more.”

  “Are you alone?” His voice became intimate, a hot hungry growl in her ear. His shift to seduction was always just as quick.

  She glanced towards the closed door. “I am, but Gemma might walk in at any second.”

  “Hmm that could make things more interesting. Add some spice. Go lay on your bed, Jasmine.”

  “Asier...” It felt strange not having the heated kiss of his lusty powers encompass her. Every time they were together, she felt it. The seductive allure that took over her thoughts and body. She never had to think, only feel the pleasure pain he gave her.

  Jasmine’s brows creased in a frown. As far as she knew, he’d never fucked her without his abilities there in play. It influenced her. Turned her into a wanton thing.

  “Now.” The command in his voice made her heart miss a beat. Before she realised what she was doing, her back was flat against the mattress.

&nbs
p; “Fine, I’m on the bed.” Staring up at the cream coloured, cracked ceiling, Jasmine wondered if this was such a good idea. The Italian was going to lead her into trouble one day. Yet, this was exciting. Just the thought of possibly getting caught had her squirming in place.

  “Put me on speaker phone.”

  Pushing the button, she lay the smart phone beside her pillow. “Done.”

  “What are you wearing?” Asier’s sexy accent filled the room.

  With a nervous glance, Jasmine eyed the door. Still securely closed, she could hear no one outside.

  “One of the summer dresses…the green one.”

  “You never wear a bra with that dress, so I know your lovely tits are just waiting to be fondled. Follow my words with the actions, Jasmine. Pretend it’s me there, touching you,” he coaxed.

  “Yes.” She gave a slight moan.

  “I would ease those straps down to bare your breasts. Your nipples would already be tempting me to take them play with them.” The Italian’s breath had quickened as he spoke. “Tease them like I would.”

  Carefully, Jasmine pulled the top of her dress down. The sultry night air licked across her naked torso. It was arousing to feel the cool sheets against her back as she sank into the mattress. Pinching the tight puckered buds, she imagined Asier’s expert touch. Exerting more pressure, she continued until she felt the stab of pain.

  “What are you doing?” she murmured in a half groan as she heard the sound of rustling clothes on the other end of the line.

  Asier grunted with amusement. “You’re not the only one going to have some fun, tonight. Just the thought of you all spread out there waiting for me has my dick begging for a release.”

  Just imagining him sitting in his playroom ready to pleasure himself at the sound of her voice soaked her panties with arousal. His cock would be thick and hard. Pre-cum beaded at the tip. One tanned hand wrapped around the meaty length as he pumped up and down. She had witnessed him jacking off before. It had been a punishment. While she’d been bound and gagged to his bed, he’d pleasured himself in front of her before coming all over her stomach. That evening she’d been denied an orgasm and sex.

  “I ache inside.” Clamping her legs together, she squirmed trying to ease the feeling.

  “Bella, I want you to put your finger in your mouth and suck on it. Then, I want you to slide your hand down between your thighs. Touch your waiting nub like I always do. Rub it lightly.”

  Obeying, Jasmine sucked and licked her finger. Her skin was silky soft as she sensually caressed her way over the curves and dips of her own feminine form. Shimmying, she drew her panties down to her knees. When she found her objective, she gasped. Digging her heels into the mattress, she could smell her own musky, aroused scent.

  “Are your legs spread and waiting for me to fuck you?” The Vampire Master’s breath was harsh on the other end of the line.

  “Yes, ready to wrap around your hips. I’m so wet and ready to feel your cock.” Beads of sweat were drifting down her skin. Moving restlessly, she widened her position. She knew from experience how he fit against her.

  “Cazzo, why are you so far away this evening?” Asier complained with a note of longing.

  “Oh, please I need more. Please, Asier,” Jasmine pleaded as she writhed. After the last few hours, she needed this badly.

  “Slid a finger inside your pussy; pretend it’s me finger fucking you.”

  Panting, Jasmine complied. Working a finger deep inside, she arched as she felt her inner muscles clench around it. Using her thumb, she continued to circle over her clit.

  “It’s not the same. Yours are longer,” she wailed.

  “I know, bella, and the moment you set foot back in London, I’ll give you all the relief you need. I’ll always take care of you and your desires. No matter what they are.” His voice was full of promise.

  Yet, this didn’t feel right. Asier’s words were arousing but not enough. Jasmine groaned in frustration. Thrashing on the bed, she allowed a second finger to join the first one deep inside her throbbing channel. Perspiration was rolling down her forehead. Every part of her was slick with sweat.

  “I’ll have your legs over my shoulders while I pound into your sweet pussy. I won’t stop until your begging me to show mercy. I’m in charge of your pleasure. If I think you deserve a spanking, you’ll feel my hand on your arse, or if I’m feeling generous, I’ll torture you in such an erotic way it will have you pleading with me for a climax,” he assured her with passion.

  “Yes, yes.” Pinching her taut nipple with her free hand, she rolled it between her forefinger and thumb. At the same time, she quickened the rhythm of her thrusting fingers as far as they would go.

  “Come for me, amore. Come for me, now.” The order was roughened with the sound of the vampire’s own strained race for release.

  Jasmine could feel herself teetering right on the edge. Then, out of nowhere, a pair of icy blue eyes flashing into her mind sent her tumbling into an orgasm. Dazed and in shock, Jasmine lay gasping. Her hand was still between her legs as the euphoria ebbed away. On the other end of the line came Asier’s husky cry of completion.

  Feeling unsettled, Jasmine sat up. What the hell just happened? She had just gotten off on an image of Eric while she’d had phone sex with Asier.

  “My little deviant, I can’t wait to have you home again.” Asier’s words were slurred and content.

  Jasmine didn’t answer. How could she when it hadn’t been a memory of his angelic face that had brought her release. Not when it had been someone else her treacherous mind had leapt to.

  “Bella is something wrong?” The swift change in tone alerted her to the fact she’d been silent too long.

  “It’s nothing.” Pulling up the straps of her dress, she quickly made herself presentable. If Gemma arrived, she didn’t want to be caught dishevelled and half naked on the bed. Jasmine knew she was lucky not to have been caught.

  “You sound…different. You know you can share anything with me,” Asier continued coaxingly. “Are you exhibiting symptoms?”

  His worry brought her a twinge of guilt. Since the day she had revealed to him her addiction to a vampire bite, he’d been nothing but attentive to her needs. He’d been the one to help her come to terms with the situation Eric had unwittingly left her in, held her when she’d broken down. Built her back up from her broken misery. Kept her secret. Gone out of his way to keep her happy and out of pain when the need to be bitten struck.

  “No. It’s just been a long day, and I’m tired,” she lied. Retrieving her phone, she took it off speaker and pressed it to her ear. “You fed from me before we left. I won’t feel the effects of the compulsion for at least a week more.”

  “Why not try and get some sleep?” the vampire suggested softly. “I have a new toy to play with when you come home.”

  Jasmine smiled. When he mentioned toys, they were always the sexual kind. She could only imagine what he had up his sleeve this time. “Oh yes. What is it this time?” she enquired trying to lighten her mood.

  The Italian chuckled. “Hmm…you’ll have to wait and see.”

  “You’re a tease.”

  “Always. Good night, Jasmine,” he murmured warmly. “We’ll talk again soon.”

  “Night, Asier.”

  Ending the call, Jasmine tossed her phone down beside her on the bed. Her skin was still damp with sweat. Grimacing, she wiped the back of her neck with her palm.

  Would she still want Asier sexually, she wondered, if he didn’t use his powers? Want him the way she wanted Eric?

  The sharp ring of her phone broke her musings. Reaching down distractedly, she scooped it back up.

  “Hey, I thought you were going to let me sleep?” she answered in surprise, automatically expecting it to be Asier.

  “Te mind meghalunk.” The words sent every hair on her body rising in fear. She didn’t know what it meant, but the menace in the tone was clear. It also wasn’t the voice of the Italian vamp. No, t
his was pure evil.

  Her grip tightened on the phone. Shivering, she realised the temperature had dropped in the room sharply. Jasmine wasn’t sure when it had happened. It didn’t feel like Eric’s wintry cold. No, this was otherworldly. The sweep of ghostly fingers brushed her skin. Jerking around, Jasmine glanced fearfully about the room. She could feel goose bumps crawling over her skin.

  Drawing in a sharp shallow breath, she shivered. Her breath came out in a small white puff. Heart pounding in her chest, her grip tightened. Fuck. There was something in here with her. She could sense it. Something hovering at the edge of her senses. A dark presence full of malice. The shadows around her crept closer. It was if they had a life of their own and were intent on closing in.

  Suddenly, being alone felt terrifying. Jogging to the door, she yanked it open. She needed to find Gemma.

  A large form hovered over her. Giving a startled cry, she pressed a hand to her thumping heart as she backed away.

  “For fuck sake Eric, you almost gave me a heart attack.”

  Frowning at her distress, the vampire advanced into the room and closed the door behind him. “Jasmine, are you all right?”

  “No. No, I’m not,” she admitted shakily. Turning, she searched the bedroom for the presence she had sensed, but it had melted away into nothing.

  Wrapping his arms around her from behind, Eric rested his chin gently on the top of her head.

  She shuddered at the contact. It was more the fact she felt so cold than anything else. The warmth of his big body enveloped her. Without thought, she pressed into him. He felt strong, familiar. The arms that held her were solid and safe. Her heartbeat regulated. Calmed.

  The phone call left her shaken. Unsure.

  “There…was something on the phone...it spoke to me.”

  Slowly, Eric pulled her around to face him. The cold hard plains of his face were furrowed with concern.

  “Do you remember the words?” he asked her softly.

  “Te mind meghalunk…I think that’s what it said. Do you know what it means?”