Exquisite Breath of Darkness

by Candice Stauffer

  She lifted her chin to look up at him. He was more than an erotic obsession. He was the love of her life, the one man she would happily share her life and her body with. “Make me want more than tonight,” she teased. She was certain he would do that and more. So much more.

  He swept her up into his arms, cradling her body close, carrying her to the bed.

  “What are you doing?” Her voice was shaky, but she fought for the strength to remain calm. A small part of her couldn’t believe they were finally going to make love. “You don’t need to carry me.”

  “Yes, I do. It’s called being romantic.” Looking into her eyes, he smiled. “Do remember the options we discussed before painting your boutique?” Grinning, she nodded. “What I’m doing is making sure there’s no way in hell I’m going to fail to make you want more of me.”

  First her heart jumped, and then it started to race with anticipation at his words, his promise, and his voice. When he lowered her carefully onto the bed she laughed out loud.

  He stood over her. “I’m not doing such a great job if you’re already laughing at me,” he teased

  She reached for him. “I wasn’t laughing at you.”

  His entire body tightened and hardened to a painful throb. “What then?”

  “I’m just so happy.”

  “Happy is good.”

  “Yes.” She felt beautiful and so sexy at that moment with his hungry eyes moving over her body. “It is.”

  She reached for his belt buckle. “You’re a bit overdressed.”

  He grabbed her hands. “Mia, are you really sure this is what you want? I would not be able to go back to way things have been. You will never sleep alone again. You will never wake up alone again. Tell me now if you need more time.”

  “You’re making me crazy. Stop questioning it. I want you. Only you. Forever you.” Mia couldn’t believe the flames of desire sweeping, burning through her body, through her mind. He made her want to seduce him. “I’m absolutely positive this is what I want.”

  She shoved his hands away and unbuttoned his pants. “It’s more than want. I need you, Joseph. I know it’s wrong. It’s selfish. I might not be around for long. But I can’t imagine not ever having you.”

  “Don’t say it. Don’t even think it. You’re not going to die, angel. I won’t allow it.” His voice was an angry, threatening growl.

  The dark menace in his voice didn’t frighten her though it would anyone else. Instead it heightened her body’s unrelenting needs for him. “I know you will do your best. But I also know what I’m feeling.”

  “I couldn’t live without you. I wouldn’t.”

  “Are you having second thoughts?” She smiled up at him. “Please don’t tell me that you don’t want to make love with me.”

  He could smell her desire. He knew her body was already hot and wet for him. She was as hungry for him as he was for her. “Are you kidding?”

  “It’s not too late to turn me down. I won’t lie. I wouldn’t like it. I might even hold a grudge.” She lifted her chin, attempting to appear unconcerned that she might at any second face rejection from him. “But I would understand.”

  “You’re wrong, and you know it.” With a thought, he removed his clothing as a soft growl, a warning escaped his throat. “It was too late the first moment we met.”

  His voice, filled with stark conviction, held a dark, sensual note. Her heart raced. Her breaths quickened. She felt his voice as a hot caress touching her everywhere at once. She saw the truth in his eyes. He wouldn’t allow her to argue with him.

  Her gaze drifted from his and moved over his solid, muscular body. “You look too good. Your body is too perfect. I don’t care how many times you deny it.” She met his gaze. “I will never believe you don’t work out a gym.”

  And then her swallow was audible when her gaze settled and lingered on his swollen cock. He was so big. She couldn’t help but worry. What if he were too big for her? What if she couldn’t take all of him? She wanted all of him. But what if she couldn’t take him? What if she couldn’t please him?

  “You worry way too much. There’s no way in hell you could ever fail to please me.”

  She looked up at him, her eyes wide and cheeks bright red. Before she could yell at him for invading her thoughts, he wrapped his arms around her and bent his head to kiss her.

  He kissed her deeply, completely. She felt drugged by it. At some point, and she had no idea when, he’d lowered his body over her so her hips were cradling his body.

  Something wild and ferocious was stirring up in her. “Joseph, something is wrong.” Panicking, fearing the intensity of its hunger for him, she struggled to take control of it. “We can’t do this. We need to stop now.”

  “No. Do not fear it. It’s a part of you. It cannot, will not harm me. Don’t try to hold it back. Let it go. It’s your wolf. Your spirit. Just as the dragon is mine.” Supporting his weight with one arm, he traced her lips with finger. “Our spirits long to come together—they need to come together just as our bodies do. Feel it, Mia. Savor it with me.”

  She heard the truth in his voice. Nodding, she closed her eyes as he bent his head to take possession of her mouth. His kiss was gentle but insistent. It was designed to encourage, to calm her, and to enhance her hunger, her wolf’s hunger. And it worked. His hands seemed to touch her everywhere at once. His lips left her mouth and began a sweet exploration of her throat, her shoulder, and her breasts.

  She felt so hot, her flesh so overly sensitive and aching for his touch, his attention. Hot ripples of pleasure pulsed from her toes to the very top of her head. She felt the heat of his thick, heavy erection pressed against her thigh. There was nothing she’d ever wanted or needed more than to feel his cock buried deep inside her body.

  He went still. “Aww, fuck.”

  She opened her eyes. “What?” And then she felt it. They weren’t alone. In fact, they were being hunted.

  He looked back down at her, but she knew he wasn’t really looking at her. She felt him expand his mind. She knew all his senses were flared and on high alert as he focused on the intruders.

  Mia opened her mouth to say something.

  I’m always looking at you. He put his fingers over her mouth. Do not talk out loud. It’s a vampire. It’s still outside, looking for a way to get in. But their hearing is well developed.

  Duh. I was just wondering what you are going to do about it and how long it is going to take.

  I plan on getting rid of it. You don’t seem surprised it’s here. How often are you visited by vampires? He shook his head. Never mind—I think it’s better if I don’t know. Just stay right here.

  In the bed?

  Yes. You can keep it warm for me.

  That doesn’t sound like a very good plan to me.

  Why?

  What if it hurts you?

  It won’t. He got up out of the bed. Of course, she did too. Don’t worry. It won’t.

  I wasn’t worried about you. I’m not waiting in bed for a vampire to get frisky with me. Besides, I happen to know something that you obviously missed.

  He smiled. I never miss anything.

  There are two out there.

  Actually, one vampire and one human. The human won’t enter the building. It’s here on behalf of Mary to make sure the vampire does what is required of it.

  And what is that?

  It’s here to kill you. It seems Mary was not happy with Jeremy’s failure other night.

  What is it waiting for?

  The vampire can’t enter your home until I remove the protection I placed on it.

  You put a spell on my home without my consent. She frowned at him.

  Sure did. And I’ll do it again.

  The smug grin on his face irritated the hell out her. Well then, I think we should ignore him and get back to you kissing me and touching me.

  Can’t do that.

  If he can’t come in, what’s the big deal?

  He turned his head and focus
ed on her. Duh. I plan to have a talk with the vampire. A robe appeared in his hand, and he handed it to her. At the same time a pair of jeans appeared on him.

  I can’t believe just said ‘duh’. She smiled. And for your information, trying to make friends with a vampire is a terrible idea. I’ve tried it many times. They never play fair. They have horrible tempers. They smell very bad. And they lie a lot.

  I wasn’t planning to make friends with it. And you won’t be making friends with another vampire anytime soon. Mary sent it. I want to make sure that she and all your stinky vampy friends at her club understand that you’re under my protection.

  Pinching his arm, she frowned at him.

  Ouch. He caught her wrist and brought her hand to his mouth. That wasn’t nice. He bit her fingers and then swirled his tongue over them. I want them to think twice before they come after you again. He looked down at her. He would much rather kill the vampire for interfering.

  So it’s like a bragging, beat your chest, ‘I’m bigger than you and going to punch you in the nose if you mess with my girlfriend because she couldn’t possibly protect herself’ sort of thing?

  He figured he wouldn’t point out that she was much more than his girlfriend. I’ve just let him enter the house. When he makes his way into the bedroom, I don’t want you to interfere.

  She pulled her hand out of his because he was sucking on her fingers and creating the sensation of his mouth on her most intimate place. Excuse me. Since when do I allow you to give me orders?

  Grinning, he stared down at her for several seconds. You never make it easy. But I’ve never liked to do anything the easy way. I’m the sort of guy that likes a challenge more than most. Fight me all you want. I’m certain I will win.

  Are you going to open the door? Or would you rather wait and hope he’s in the mood to join us in bed?

  Dragging her into his arms, he growled as he nuzzled her neck. You really are a mean woman.

  The meanest. And I’m okay with it. Especially since my man thinks I’m a helpless little sissy in need of saving. She reached and pressed her hand against his swollen cock. And the horniest.

  Guess what?

  What?

  I’ve changed my mind. I say we ignore the damn vampire for a while. He can’t enter the room until I allow it.

  She rubbed his cock from the outside of his pants. That’s a bad idea. I don’t want to be preoccupied with anything else once you’re inside my body.

  He cupped her breast. I will do my best to make you forget. He pinched her hard nipple and then slid his hand down her belly all the way to her hot, aching sex. Gripping his arms for support when her knees threatened to buckle, she moved her body against his hand. But you’re right. There’s no need to worry about dealing with the vampire later when we can easily do it now. Besides, you’re mean. It’s only right that I punish you, make you think twice next time.

  What vampire? I think my man should stop talking and get to properly punishing me.

  Releasing her and taking a step back, he laughed out loud.

  What’s so funny?

  I just realized that you’ve referred to me as your man. It is a good sign. I won’t lie to you. It feels pretty damn good to know you’ve accepted you belong to me. Now, don’t you worry about a thing, my naughty little angel. I will spend a great deal of time and energy properly punishing you. But first, I will deal with our intruder. He turned away from her and made his way to toward the door.

  Following him, she grabbed his shoulder as he reached out for the doorknob. Wait!

  He turned to face her. What’s wrong? She nearly burst with the laughter bubbling up in her when she saw his startled expression.

  On the very tips of her toes, she wrapped her arms around his neck. Oops. Did I frighten you? I just wanted to correct you. I said you are my man, as in you belong to me, not that I am your woman.

  You truly are the meanest woman ever born. He bent his head to kiss her.

  I’ve never tried to deny it. She kissed his lips. Once. Just a tiny peck. Nothing like what he needed before she retreated. Okay. That’s enough of that. I’m ready to greet our guest now.

  Intruder. He’s not a guest. He pointed toward the bed. Go and get on the bed. Stay on it so he focuses on you.

  Yeah. I don’t think so. She shook her head. You go sit on bed and bat your pretty li’l lashes at the big, bad rotting corpse.

  Do it.

  She crossed her arms over her chest and shook her head. Nope. Forget it. It’s not happening.

  You’re wasting time.

  So are you if … wait. I have a question. You’re acting all grumpy. Once you’ve chatted with our new friend will you still be in the mood?

  Moving with blurring speed, he scooped her up and lowered her onto the bed just as the door was shoved open.

  Mia directed her gaze toward the vampire. “It’s nice you’ve stopped by for a visit, but I’m not in the mood to play right now. Go away and don’t come back.”

  Joseph cleared his throat.

  The vampire turned and looked right at Joseph and then turned back to her. “Who’s here with you?”

  Mia glanced over at Joseph. His hip against the wall and arms crossed over his chest, he blew her a kiss. He was clearly visible. Why couldn’t the vampire see him? As if he knew something she didn’t, he was grinning at her. She tried to get up, but she couldn’t move. She instantly realized he was using a spell. “What the hell is going on, Joseph?”

  He shrugged his shoulders casually. He can’t see me.

  “Yeah. I sort of figured that out. Why the hell can’t I move?”

  I didn’t trust that you would leave him to me. There’s no reason for you to fight with vampires when I’m around. He winked at her. Which, from now on, will be always.

  The vampire glanced around nervously. “Who are you talking to?”

  Mia glared at the filthy creature. “Shut the fuck up!” Then, smiling sweetly, she turned her gaze onto Joseph. “Do you fear retribution, Joseph?”

  I suppose a little fear would be justified at a moment such as this. He grinned. Okay, maybe a little more than a little. But I only wish to show you that I can prevent a vampire from touching you. I can send this type of protection to you at anytime. I was just thinking it might be a useful tool for you in this war you’ve waged against them.

  “Protection? From what? From vampires? If I could move I would’ve already kicked this one’s ass.”

  I don’t doubt it. But I thought it would be a good idea for you to conserve your energy for later when we’re alone.

  “You’re an idiot.” Mia shifted her gaze to the vampire and rolled her eyes. “Come on, Joseph. Do something. Anything. This is totally embarrassing—he actually looks like he’s getting bored.”

  I think you’re reading him wrong. He doesn’t look bored. He looks like he’s trying to figure out if you’re nuts because you’re talking to someone who isn’t there.

  “Do something now.”

  I will. But only if you say pretty please.

  “It’s not happening.”

  The vampire lunged for her.

  Joseph moved faster and took tangible form directly in front of her. The vampire crashed into Joseph’s solid body and fell onto its back. The vampire shook its head and then jumped up. Hissing at Joseph, it took a step back.

  “Now that was cool.” Mia was finally able to move, so she got up from the bed and stepped forward.

  The instant she got up, the vampire lunged for her again, but he didn’t make it far. Joseph grabbed the back of his shoulder and threw him back. He crashed against the wall, cracking the drywall, and fell to his knees.

  Joseph stood in front of vampire. “I must say I’m troubled. You seem to know the layout of her home. I‘m assuming that means you’ve been here often.”

  “I didn’t know you were here.” The vampire was visibly shaking in fear.

  “Yes, I know. It’s a fact that didn’t escape me.” Joseph wrapped his arm
around Mia and pulled her to his side. He was thrilled when, rather than resist, she settled against him. Oh sure, he knew it wasn’t a matter of her seeking shelter or safety. It would’ve been nice, but Mia would never seek his protection in the manner he would like. She was a strong woman, a warrior. He knew all too well she wasn’t afraid of the vampire. “Why was a nasty freak of a slimy leech sent to harass my woman?”

  “It was a mistake. I didn’t know she was here.”