In the old days, Adriel’s ancestors were generally quiet and mostly stayed to themselves. However, one night a stranger came upon them and that stranger just happened to be a vampire with a thirst for blood. He ravaged most of the clan, and those who got away consulted with the eldest of their pack. Something magical happened that night under a New Moon. The men transformed not only into wolves, but something much more terrifying. The large wolf-like beasts with thick leathery black skin and prickly hair stood nearly seven feet tall on their hind feet. Their teeth were as sharp as finely honed swords, true killing machine.
It was that night Adriel’s ancestors destroyed the vampire and saved many lives other than their own. But the curse stayed with them as a reminder vampires still exist.
Adriel’s thoughts drifted back to Caitlin as he drove the dark road home. He clearly envisioned her lips, parting slowly to welcome his, those soft warm pink lips as they kissed him. What would she taste like? What would her love feel like?
A dull pain grew inside of his loins as his thoughts wondered further. Those lovely long legs wrapped around his waist. His hardness as it entered her, so gently and so sweetly until she moaned to him. She would cry out to him in a heat of passion. Her voice would sing for more of him. Her fingernails would dig into his hard muscular back and bring him to an ecstasy that he so desperately desired. Adriel’s fingers tightened around the steering wheel. His foot pressed harder on the accelerated, pushing the car over the posted speed limit.
Adriel envisioned her slender frame as it straddled him. She would ride him hard, like the stallion - the animal he was, until she exhausted her desires. If there was any way he could control his own animalistic desires, he would let her do anything to him she most wanted. He would lay his life down before her. She could take from him anything and he would gladly give it without any remorse. No thought, just to see a glimmer of happiness and joy in those beautiful eyes. There was just one crushing pain which he must deal with; the truth. In his own grief stricken heart, he knew it was just a fantasy that would never come true.
The newly purchased red Camaro stopped abruptly, skidding to a halt in his parking space. The space he hated so dearly. Slowly his fingers ran through his hair one more time before he grabbed the door handle. Tonight it would end. When dawn broke he would no longer be under the services of Dorian.
Adriel opened the car door and stepped out. Instinctively he sniffed the air, noting the subtle smells of desire, blood, lust and sex. The feeding had already begun. To anyone else the scents would not be so bad, but to him they were intolerable because those scents meant human death. The car door slammed shut and he made haste toward the front door. He thought if he could only manage to control himself until sunrise he would end all of this torture.
The years of service to Dorian passed slowly for Adriel, protecting the vampires while they slept. He was Dorian’s personal body guard. Over the years he had been with Dorian, he had seen many things. Uncomfortable sights that made him physically ill to his stomach. Vile things which would make a grown man, even one as strong as Adriel cringe. Adriel knew he could have killed Dorian and relieved himself from his service many years ago. But he remained in solitary service to this monster for one reason; Caitlin. He knew he couldn’t take Dorian’s life, or any other vampire, unless it was in self-defense. A deadly pact kept by his forefathers and himself.
The heart inside of him was tortured every time Caitlin had to be marked. This time all would end.
The door man opened the tall wooden doors to the elegant mansion for Adriel as he passed through the threshold of hell. He walked swiftly toward his room. His black eyes darted around the mansion, noting the expensive paintings that adorned the burgundy colored walls. The large crystal chandelier hung in the foyer, adding to elegant setting of the mansion.
A sick feeling crept into his stomach as he neared the top of the stairs. The scent of sex and blood filled the air. Human blood had been spilled this night, and he knew the scent of death would follow.
In the basement of the large mansion, the vampires gathered, all except Dorian. Adriel was sure Dorian had taken his new sweet to the Master‘s chambers, where Dorian and Alessandra would enjoy her together. Poor thing, Adriel thought, the girl had no idea what real vampires would do to her.
With all the new hype over vampires, people these days had an unrealistic view of the creatures they really were. The vampires had partially come out of hiding and greedily accepted this new wave of phantasm. Thousands of humans across the world disappeared each day without anyone knowing the truth that vampires walk among the living. Humans acquainted themselves with clubs like Bloody Mary’s and Tiffany’s just to be a part of the vampire’s ingenious plans for feeding. Adriel knew the difference and was disgusted by his first-hand knowledge.
For years Adriel had watched Dorian and his coven deceive and devour thousands of humans. They remained in somewhat of an isolated state, except until the last few years. He watched silently as the vampires emerged from their hiding places, as mortal humans welcomed them with open arms.
Adriel wasn’t an immortal like Dorian, however his lifespan was prolonged. It was Adriel’s legacy for a long life. It was his birthright. Although, Adriel appeared to be in his mid-thirties, he was in fact much older and wiser. Over the last one hundred and twenty years he had lived, aging slowly, until his time spent on this earth was over.
Adriel’s race had almost died out, except for the few remaining cousins who would carry on the lineage. He had no sons or daughters to carry on his line. His dreams of having a family didn’t die. Hope still knocked on the doors of his heart, reminding him not to give up on love.
Love, the most desired object in the world, brought Adriel to this place in his life. It was love that would change the course in the history of his life. Only a few hours ago, Adriel spent an enchanting evening with Caitlin. The dinner was followed by a lovely stroll in the nearby park. Yes, it was an evening he would remember for the rest of his life. Just to spend a few moments with Caitlin, alone, soothed a lifetime of nightmares for him. Nightmares which included the service to one called the Master. The Master Dorian.
Chapter 5
Adriel’s service to Dorian was one that he had openly accepted. It was the right thing to do at the time. Many years ago, as told by his fore fathers, Dorian saved them from a group of vampire and witch hunters. To Adriel, they were no more than crazy men who were ignorant of the true nature of a man. In Adriel’s case it was the nature of a beast.
Dorian happened to ride by on his horse as a group of these crazy people had captured one of Adriel’s forefathers. With no interest in the man, Dorian almost passed by without saying anything. He stood aside and was willing to watch them burn the man at the stake like a common thief. It wasn’t until the man saw Dorian in the woods and called out to him for help did Dorian’s interest peak.
The man tied to a stake and hands bound behind his back, cried out to Dorian. He pleaded with him to save his life and his daughters. He made the unfathomable mistake of offering his services in return. For the man on the stake knew Dorian was a vampire. Dorian’s scent clearly gave him away.
In Dorian’s eyes, the man marked for death had his full attention, and of course, Dorian highly favored servitude.
“Save my life and I swear my services for a season at a time,” the man cried out.
Dorian stepped through the woods, followed by his entire coven, out numbering the seven local villagers and farmers. As calmly as he could manage, Dorian raised his hand, bringing the youngest one to a halt. The crowd stepped back as Dorian walked up to the man firmly bound to the stake.
Dorian‘s eyes narrowed. “So you know what I am? How can you protect me?” he sneered.
“Save me and set me free and I shall show you,” the man begged.
Dorian paused for a moment and considered the man’s request. He knew if the man was lying he would take his life with pleasure. With a single gesture of his hand, the v
ampires moved on the crowd. Blood curdling screams filled the night as the vampires descended. Dorian stood by the man and watched. He waited, biding his own thirst, capturing the youngest one of them for himself. A victim he would use to satisfy his thirst if the man were telling the truth. If not, the man would serve the same fate as the young man.
The screams subsided, which meant only one thing; everyone was dead. Dorian motioned for one of his coven to free the man. Quickly the woman moved and ripped the restraints to set the man free. He stepped down, stumbling over the piles of un-burned wood to stand before Dorian.
Dorian shifted his weight with the boy in his arms, holding the young man tightly to his cold hard chest. His eyes roamed over the man that he stood before him, clearly taking note of the bloody wounds to his thigh made by spears. These people had captured him.
“Show me now, for I grow impatient,” Dorian seethed.
That night the secret was revealed. The man turned into a large wolf before Dorian’s eyes. A Lycan, the elders called it. To Dorian’s amazement he made an alliance with the man and accepted his proposal. To this day, every child of his lineage served one season protecting the vampires and their lair from outsiders.
Adriel knew this was his last year, but he couldn’t bring himself to leave. Not after he met Caitlin. His eyes closed tightly, remembering the endless nights he heard her cry in her sleep. The whispered prayers to a god he only hoped would hear them. The heart broken moment came for him when he heard her pray to her god that they would be forgiven.
It was that moment Adriel saw the beautiful heart of this lovely woman. From that moment, he was utterly in love with her. She showed such compassion for her enemies. Would she show him the same compassion? Surely a woman like Caitlin could accept him, understand him. In his own heart he prayed, maybe even love him.
Adriel growled softly as the urge consumed him. He closed the bedroom door behind him. His back against the door as his hands balled into tight fists. He took a few steps forward. The towering body dropped to its knees beside the well-furnished bed. He buried his head in his hands as the waves rushed over him. There was only one way to rid himself from the demon which possessed him and he passed it by. He could take his chances on the vampires and be tortured or he could deal with the demon-beast himself.
Another growl rumbled from deep within his throat when he bore down against the pain. The feeling grew and he couldn’t stop it. It was too late because the man would meet the beast tonight.
Chapter 6
Caitlin paced back and forth in her room. She paused momentarily, noticing the light from a car enter her window. Adriel had arrived. She moved quickly to the window and glanced down. Her heart fluttered lightly as she watched him pause beside the red Camaro. He was alone. In her mind, she knew this was not good.
In the years past, Caitlin kept Adriel’s secret. She knew under a new moon he would turn into a raging werewolf if the beast was not tamed. She had witnessed the event before. Little did she realize at the time, Adriel needed to release his rage to keep the evil beast from coming forth. It was not the wolf which she had come to love. No this beast was an evil which came forth every new moon.
A few years ago, Dorian kept Adriel busy cleaning up his reckless messes. The new moon was upon him. Caitlin watched from afar, while the strong and handsome man as the beast brought him to his knees. Painful screams streamed from him as the evil creature came forth and left no resemblance of the man she secretly loved. A tall, monstrously wicked and evil looking creature stood in the spot of her beloved. That night, the monster killed more than five vampires before they could chain it down until the moon’s phase was over. When Adriel returned to normal Dorian warned him if he ever let that beast free again he would kill him.
Earlier, Caitlin spent the evening with Adriel, as she had done in secret many times. While the vampires slept in the dark basement, she found entertainment elsewhere.
Adriel remained the perfect gentleman in Caitlin’s presence. He never made any advances toward her. She knew his fears were more of himself than of Dorian. Adriel feared the beast which resided inside of him. His concern remained the same, would he be strong enough to hold it back?
Caitlin watched Adriel walk toward the front doors. She couldn’t bear to see anything happen to him. Not to her Adriel. This time he would be safe. Alessandra was with Dorian as they preoccupied themselves with the young woman. She knew she had at least an hour to try and help Adriel. She pulled her bottom lip inward with her teeth, and with nothing but pure determination, she vowed in her heart to save him. Caitlin knew she would not be able to save the girl, but she still had one chance to save Adriel. Swiftly she turned toward her bedroom door, as she reminded herself she was Adriel’s only hope. The deep feeling that she needed him more than life itself overtook her soul.
***
The bedroom door squeaked and Adriel’s head suddenly popped up. He questioned if it was Alessandra who had come to torture him. He would be thankful if it was the bitch. Before he could give any more thought to the sadistic idea, a silhouette of a body moved forward from the shadows and Adriel’s heart stopped.
“Adriel,” the soft voice cooed. “Everyone is downstairs. Alessandra is with Dorian and…”
“Caitlin? What are you doing here? You shouldn’t be here! Dorian will be looking for you,” he growled, fighting back the violent urge.
“I know, Adriel.” She stepped closer to him.
Caitlin cautiously knelt down beside him, and reached out to touch him with her slender fingers. Her fingers feathered the side of his face as she carefully watched his eyes close slowly.
“Caitlin,” he turned away from her. “You can’t possibly…” Another wave of pain shot through him. It was her scent that encumbered him. The smell of her own desire caught him off guard. Surely she didn’t know what she offered him. “You can’t…”
Before Adriel could say another word, Caitlin removed her silky shirt. Her breasts heaved with each deep and alluring breath.
“I know if you don’t take me…,” she paused. “Adriel, I know what will happen to you. Dorian will kill you.” Her voice was soft and pleading.
Adriel questioned her words, but he knew they were true, but he would not allow her to sacrifice herself for the beast. He glanced away then quickly his black gaze locked onto hers again, his soul tormented with anger by her offer. “So you are giving yourself to me because you are protecting me from Dorian? I can take care of myself,” he growled harshly.
Caitlin moved closer, ignoring his discomfort with her help. Gingerly she took his head in her hands. Her face was so close to him the soft scent of her breath lingered against his lips.
“I know you have protected them,” her gaze fell from his. “And me.”
He shifted his weight and moved his body to face hers.
“Truly you do not know why,” his voice was soft and lustrous.
“Truly, I know if anyone, you care. Adriel, I’m not a fool. Please…”
“Caitlin, I can’t. You have never known a man, much less known someone like me. I would hurt you. I can’t. Please go.” He pushed her away with his hands firmly locked on her shoulders.
“No.” She insisted. Her fingers reached around her back and unsnapped her bra. “I can’t.”
“Yes you can.” He demanded.
“No I can’t. I can’t bear to see anything happen to you.” Her gaze lifted to his again. “Adriel, take me. Maybe we both might find some salvation in this night.”
“Caitlin,” Adriel pleaded.
Her heart gave no heed to his plea. Her eyes glimmered with the hope he would soon realize how much he really meant to her. Through the hundred years she spent with Adriel not even the careful eye of Dorian could deny her love for the man-beast. Her heart longed to set him free, to set the beast at peace.
Adriel tried to ignore her request, but the overwhelming desire burned against his skin. Wave after wave he knew what was to come. If he didn’t take Ca
itlin now her life would be in danger. There was a chance he would kill her without thinking.
Caitlin leaned closer, touching her pink lips against his. Softly her tongue grazed against his upper lip. Hunger and desire consumed him. The very scent of her fueled a fire inside his soul. Desperately he fought to control the animalistic urge, the same urge that no woman had tamed.
“Caitlin,” he whispered against her lips. Gently he took her face in his hands. He drew her to him and demanded those luscious pink lips to his. His mouth consumed hers, exploring the sweetness of her mouth with his tongue.
Adriel was overwhelmed by one thought; having Caitlin. He stood swiftly and lifted her to her feet. With one quick motion, he ripped his shirt from his body, and threw the shard pieces of clothing across the bed. Deep within him the violent war waged between beast and man.
Caitlin released a soft gasp as her fingers ran over his muscular chest. Adriel’s body quivered from the touch of her fingers that traced the ripped muscles in his stomach.
Cautiously, he watched her eyes as they marveled over his muscular physique. Her blue eyes smoldered, taking notice of every inch of his lengthy torso.
Of all the many women he had experienced, Caitlin alone reduced him to a state of weakness. Another tremor from the beast threatened him. Quickly he braced himself against the edge of the bed as the severe pain continued its course. For all that was good in this life he knew he didn’t want to hurt her. In this moment of haste, Caitlin meant the world to him.
Caitlin’s heart blistered with pain as she watched Adriel pull away from her. He sat down on the edge of the bed, hands balled into tight fists, battling against the rage. Now more than ever she knew he needed her compassion and far more her love.
The NightMan Page 3