The Serpent's Kiss (The Hunter Chronicles Book 4)

by Claire Marta

  “One of the clients attacked a house slave. He has her at knife point and won’t leave the room...its Sally, and she’s in a bad way.” Claus explained as he raked a hand through his short black hair.

  Sally was a human employee. The female had only been with them for three months. Claus had shown interest in her. It was not yet a relationship as far as Asier knew. He didn’t care who his vampire subjects fed from or fucked as long as it did not interfere with business.

  “Cazzo! Which client?” Asier vetted many of them himself. If he had made a miscalculation, than this was his fault. An oversight he would correct.

  “James Mayson.” Claus hurriedly responded as they fell into quick steps toward the rooms. “He won some millions playing poker. He’s new, been visiting for about two weeks now.”

  Asier swore again. The young man had not come across as someone who was overly violent. Or with any mental issues. Flashing his money around, he had been looking for some fun. He submitted himself of his own free will as a slave to taste the pleasures and pain of being dominated. Asier wondered if he had overlooked something. James’s records had come up clean, along with his background check. None of the Dom’s had reported abnormal behaviour from him.

  Asier stormed through the building with Claus at his heels. “Where’s Kane?”

  “I looked for him first but I couldn’t find him.” The other vampire told him nervously.

  Asier frowned. His second should have been on the dance floor keeping an eye on Jasmine. Had he been distracted by a female? That was more than likely.

  In a way, it was probably better he had not been found. Kane could be impulsive. He lacked tact for delicate situations, and sometimes made things worse.

  There was a gathering around the door of the playroom. No one had made a move. Asier could sense their concern over making things worse. Vampires and human employees alike scurried out of the way as he approached. Their expressions fearful and worried. Only Claus remained at his side. His well-built form tense beneath the loose cotton trousers and shirt he wore as part of his uniform.

  Asier stepped silently inside. The room was a mess. Sex toys were strewn across the floor. A table and chair had been violently turned on their sides. It looked like there had been a struggle. The couple were wedged in a corner. James had his back to the wall. He was in nothing but a pair of black silk boxers. Hand fisted in Sally’s long brown hair, he held a pocket knife to her throat. A small bead of crimson was oozing from where he had pierced her skin.

  The female’s head rolled as he moved it. She was unconscious and naked.

  Asier knew she wasn’t dead from the thud of her heart which his sensitive hearing was picking up. Cuts had been carved into her face and arms. One of her nipples had been sliced off. Blood was flowing from deep slashes across her pale breasts.

  The scent of it made Asier’s fangs descend. The points pricking into his bottom lip. His gaze trailed down further to her groin. Her smooth shaved mound was now a shallow criss-cross of crimson streaks. They would leave permanently scarring if left to heal naturally.

  He was not too late. If he worked quickly then this would not end with her death. James was jacked up on something. His pupils were far too large and dilated. They were almost black. Only a sliver of blue shone from around the edges of his irises. He was also sweating profusely. Muscles in his youthful body were shaking from whatever had him in its grip.

  “James. Why are you holding a knife to Sally’s neck?” Asier asked calmly, as if dealing with a child. He had no wish to provoke him. Subtlety was needed rather than anger.

  “I’m tired of being everyone’s bitch. I want a fucking slave to beat, tease, and fuck. I wanna feel the power of having her on her knees begging me to stop.” The human hissed back, yanking on the female’s hair. “I fucking paid a lot for this evening and I won’t be disappointed.”

  Sally gave a whimper of pain. If she woke now it would be a problem. Her panic could lead to her becoming even more hurt than she already was. Asier caught Claus creeping closer out of the corner of his eye. With a flick of his wrist he silently ordered him back. He could sense the other vampire’s anger. His need for revenge. It would not help the girl if he acted on his emotions, just endanger her more.

  “Every Dom in this building is highly trained, James. You can’t just take a slave and start whipping them or cutting them up. That is not how it works.” Asier explained, keeping his voice level and patient. “You won’t bring pleasure through pain if you don’t have the skill.”

  “I just wanted us both to feel good.” James continued, the knife in his hand wavering a little where it was held against Sally’s neck. “I wanted her to take it too, but she refused me.”

  Asier’s gaze caught sight of the small clear bag laying at their feet. He could see green coloured pills inside. A drug? How the fuck had that gotten in here? Everyone who entered his doors was searched. Even the knife should have been discovered. This was an oversight which would not go unpunished. His people knew better than this.

  “I don’t think she’s feeling very good right now. Do you?” He pointed out, his attention riveted on the male’s every move.

  “She shouldn’t have fought me then!” James suddenly whined childishly, shoulders hunching. “She just wouldn’t shut the fuck up. I thought your slaves were supposed to be all good sluts...”

  “Why don’t you let me deal with her for disobeying, hmm?” Asier coaxed. Finally, James’ attention locked on his face. Eyes widening, the human soon began to lose himself in Asier’s amethyst stare.

  James licked his lips nervously. “Am I in trouble?” He now seemed to grasp the magnitude of what he had done. His eyes on the Master Vampire’s fangs.

  “Only if you kill her.” Asier responded softly without even a blink. He had become unnaturally still. One small mistake and he would have him. James was frightened. Asier could smell it. The drug was making him irrational, but hopefully not to unpredictable.

  “Everyone who works here wants to be here.” He continued, adding more authority to his tone. “The slaves submit to others of their own free will. You forced your will on her without consent. You tortured her. Cut her up. Scarred her, and here in my domain that is unforgivable. Non qui.”

  James swallowed nervously. “I’m sorry.” He whispered, his gaze still trapped in the vampire’s.

  Asier began to prowl steadily closer, not once breaking the connection. “Put the knife down James.”

  The blade dropped from the human’s hand landing with a clatter on the floor. Within a blink of an eye, Asier was in front of him. James shrieked in fear, thrusting Sally forward. Asier scooped her up before she could hit the floor. Hissing, the vampires who had been waiting outside surged forward. They were on the human before he could scream. Barring their fangs, eyes red with rage, they pinned him like a bug to the wall.

  James began to fight. With a strength not his own he managed to fight off three of them. As they went flying, more took their place. It did not take long before the male, even with his enhanced strength, was overwhelmed.

  “Tie him up. I will deal with him later.” Asier told them as he sank to the floor with Sally cradled gently in his arms. Crimson smeared across his bare chest from her wounds, and stained his yoga pants. Although it stirred his thirst, he did not act on it. He had learned long ago to control his hunger.

  The same could not be said for some of his vampire employees. Eyes dilating in hunger, several of them edged closer, their attention riveted to the red. Asier was not even sure they were aware of what they were doing. Predatory instincts rising, they could not resist the call to feed. It was in their nature. Sally’s vulnerability made her easy pickings. Asier hissed at them. Fear was quick to replace their interest and they backed away. Claus was instantly beside him with a warm blanket. Carefully, they wrapped it around her. He seemed to be unaffected by the sight of so much blood.

  “Sally, can you hear me cara?” Stroking her bloodied cheek, Asier’s
words were tender. He was going to take pleasure in making her attacker regret what he had done. For now though, he needed to ensure she was going to be ok.

  As she began to shake, her eyes moved rapidly behind her closed lids. “M...Master Asier...p...please help me.” She whimpered.

  “Shh, you’re safe.” Asier rocked her gently. “No one is going to hurt you now, I promise.”

  Sally went limp. Asier knew she had passed out again from the pain. She needed medical attention. They had a room for such things in the building, for treatment of any wounds left from hard BDSM play. Claus took her as Asier rose to his feet.

  “Take Sally to the medical room and have Lexi sit with her until she’s conscious.” He told the dark-skinned vampire.

  “She’s not here Master.” One of the vampires who was tying James up informed him meekly. “She left a little while ago with a curly haired male.”

  “Should we inform the police?” A human waitress asked, as she lingered with the others just outside the door.

  Asier was quick to spear her with a glare. “No. If this got out it would be bad for business. We’ll take care of it ourselves. Sally is one of us, and we deal with this our way. Get back to work.” Bowing their heads, his mortal workers knew better than to argue. They quickly disappeared.

  “I can heal her with my blood Master Asier.” Claus quickly cut in as he held Sally close in his embrace, as if she were the most precious thing in the world to him.

  Asier’s stare wavered a fraction. He could see the signs. The fool was in love. Claus would soon learn it was nothing more than a fool’s dream. A dream which did not exist.

  “Si, very well. But you must realise your blood will heal her body, but not any mental trauma.” Asier told him with a sigh. “Trust me, we will take care of her. Any expenses you charge to me.”

  “And her attacker?” Claus asked, the need for vengeance burning in his gaze.

  “Oh, he will be dealt with.” Asier smiled. It was cruel, merciless, and sent a shiver down the spine of those who saw it.

  “Can I stay with Sally?” The other vampire continued boldly.

  Aiser quirked an eyebrow. Claus had never been so forward before. It was amusing. “Si. Until the sun rises, then you need to be ready for your day sleep. Reassure her that she is safe, and make sure if she needs comforting you hold her.”

  “Thank you Master.” Claus bent his head respectfully before hurrying from the room with the unconscious girl tucked safely in his arms.

  James was bound like a hog. His wrists tied to his ankles. A muffled scream erupted from behind the ball gag which had been secured between his lips. Asier ignored him. He was going to have to change and clean himself up before finding Jasmine again. Kneeling, he retrieved the clear bag. The pills inside were a luminous green. Tiny snake heads glared up at him from where they had been stamped on one side.

  “Wanna dance?” Gemma suddenly asked Jasmine.

  They had spent the last half an hour downing shots. Jasmine was pretty sure she was more than drunk now. But she didn’t care. It was leaving a warmth running through her veins. The constant pang in her chest for Eric was dulled to the point of almost being numb. She knew it was the alcohol, and that it wouldn’t last. For now though, she was happy.

  “Sure.” Jasmine took her hand as they stumbled together onto the dance floor.

  Finding a spot near the packed crowd, they both giggled. Gemma’s arms looped loosely around Jasmine’s waist. Resting her hands on her friend’s shoulders Jasmine tried not to wobble too much. Their movements were a little uncoordinated, but they still managed to be sexy as they started to dance.

  The sounds of the club goers and music were a weird muted buzz inside Jasmine’s head. A kaleidoscope of colours was pulsating over their jiggling forms as they lost themselves to the beat. She was feeling kind of floaty. Carefree. This was the first time she had ever mixed her drinks. Normally she was careful. Tonight though, she felt reckless.

  The smell of strawberry gum reached her nose. Without effort, Gemma blew a pink bubble before it popped. Her eyes were glazed and she was smiling to herself happily. Jasmine’s intoxicated mind began to wander. Was Eric fucking other women? Probably. He was such a cold bastard. What if she did have sex with Asier? Would he be a good lover? Maybe he did have a big cock. Would she be embarrassed if she saw it? Jasmine giggled at the last thought.

  Fuck it. She could do whatever she wanted. Screw Eric and his frigid stuck up manner. What she needed was someone who had feelings. A real man...or vampire. Someone who wouldn’t turn into an iceberg at the drop of a hat. Someone who could give her a mind-blowing fuck. Would Asier be like that? Maybe he was an animal in bed. He was into kink. Could she enjoy something like that? She was tired of being a good girl. Jasmine wanted to be bad for once. Maybe she should forget about resisting the Master Vampire’s wicked smirk.

  “Hey ladies. Why don’t you come dance with me and my friends?” A male voice asked.

  Glancing over Gemma’s shoulder, Jasmine realised they were no longer alone.

  She recognized the big beefy guy and his skinny little friend. They had been two of the protesters she and Twitch had seen when they had first come to the club. Had they come inside to stir up trouble? She frowned trying to think through her muddled thoughts. They were leering at her and Gemma. Greedy eyes running over their bodies.

  “No thanks.” Gemma replied without even looking as she continued to dance. “It’s a girl’s night and we aren’t interested.”

  Jasmine felt unease wash over her. Something felt off. Even in her inebriated state her senses screamed in warning. The two men weren’t leaving. In fact they looked even more determined.

  “Fuck off.” She told them waggling a finger in the air. Right now she felt so fucking good she did not need anyone to spoil it.

  Gemma’s attention abruptly focused behind her. Her eyes darkened with what looked like annoyance. The back of Jasmine’s neck prickled as she sensed a presence. A moment later an arm slid around her waist. The next thing she knew her jean covered bottom was pressed into a male crotch. It began grinding against her suggestively.

  “Whoa, get off me you son of a bitch!” She squealed, trying to jerk herself away from the blatant hardness which had been rubbing up against her arse.

  “Easy sweetheart. There’s no need to get upset. Come have another drink.” The man muttered in her ear as he held onto her hips and continued to dry hump her.

  “Leave my friend alone, shitbag.” Gemma snapped. Hauling her forward she tried to free her from the pervert’s grip. This ensued in a tug of war with Jasmine stuck in the middle.

  “Ah come on, that’s not very friendly.” Another one cajoled teasingly. There were four males now circling them. “We just want to show you a good time.”

  “We don’t need dicks to have a good time.” Gemma responded with a growl as she finally got Jasmine free. “Go hassle someone else.”

  Lurching forward, Jasmine found her face squished in her friend’s large breasts. “I love your boobs.” She told Gemma as she straightened up with a snicker. Her co-worker flashed her a grin.

  “Maybe we can change your mind.” The guy muttered as he reached for Jasmine’s arm. It was a big mistake.

  Even tipsy Jasmine saw the moment Gemma went from normal to deadly. A stillness came over her. It was as if something sleeping inside her had been awakened. Drawing her arm back, her friend punched him in the solar plexuses. He went down hard. Then, without a pause, she swung around to kick his friend between the legs. With a high pitched squeal he folded onto his knees clutching his balls. Jasmine jabbed the man who suddenly grabbed her arm in the nose.

  Swearing loudly, he let go of her to cover his face. “Fucking crazy bitch!”

  Gemma swung around again. A cold lethal look had settled over her stunning features. Launching herself across the distance, she kicked the guy hard in the chest. Tumbling backwards, he hit the dance floor with a grunt.

  With a snarl
Gemma straddled the man’s shoulders, his head wedged between her thighs. “When a woman says no, it means NO jerk off!” She spat the words jabbing a finger into his bleeding nose. Even drunk she was a frightening sight enraged.

  Jasmine scowled. Why did these fuckers have to ruin their fun? It was always some guy. A large hand roughly took hold of her shoulder. Turning so sharply she almost stumbled, she found the beefy guy right behind her. Jasmine’s eyes darkened in anger. No one touched her. She hated being manhandled.

  “What part of fuck off do you not understand?” With a cry she took an unsteady swing. A curse broke his lips when her punch connected with his shoulder. He was a solid muscular mass, unlike her last opponent. Fury gleamed in his glare as he stared down at her.

  Raising his hand, he balled it into a fist. Bringing her knee up, Jasmine drove it into his balls. The loud scream that ensued was more feminine than male. Cupping his privates he doubled over, his face going cherry red. Jasmine caught movement out of the corner of her eye. A blurred fist coming straight at the side of her head full force. Flinching, the impact never came.

  Popping one eye open she soon discovered why.

  Asier stood in front of her. One hand was wrapped around the man’s fist. The guy’s arm was shaking with effort as he continued to strain, trying to follow through with his assault. The vampire was holding him at bay with ease. A grim expression was on his beautiful face.

  “You don’t hit women in my club.” His accent made the low controlled words sound even more deadly.

  Asier’s vampires were gathered around them. Hungry eyes pinned on the human who had displeased their Master. Every one of them was unnaturally motionless. Jasmine could feel their powers bubbling as they stood poised to strike. They were dangerous and formidable. Only held back by their sovereign’s command.

  Something far more powerful slid across Jasmine’s senses. It wasn’t coming from Asier this time. Confused, she glanced at Kane. He stood beside Gemma, one tattooed muscled arm around her waist, he held her in place. She was fighting against him with little success. Jasmine could see an odd fuzzy glow around his titan like form. Blinking rapidly a few times, she realised it was not her eyes playing tricks.