Blood Relic

by Lucretia Stanhope

  She flicked her gaze from him to the chair. Why wasn’t she more upset? Did she really love him already? How could she give her heart to a creature who drank sorrow, when there was someone at the PPK who sent her crowns, and books, and love notes? “My tears are hot fudge?”

  “Or caramel, or sprinkles, it depends on the emotion behind the tears. It’s decadent topping that makes the experience that much more. Frankly your tears on their own are intoxicating.”

  “Don’t steal my tears.” Her eyes searched his. There was a killer there, but he wasn’t a monster. Was he? “Did you make me cry?”

  “Never. When you were adjusting to being here. When you struggled with what you did on your first mission. When your heart hurts about your past, your parents, you come to me, you cry. I kiss away your tears. Take your pain.” He kissed her forehead and then each eye. “You consented.”

  “I haven’t cried in a very long time.” She pressed her lips against his. “I feel in my heart that is because of you.”

  “They will make you.” He flicked his tongue over her lips. “You need prepared. Just as I am going to make you feel beautiful, I am also going to make you feel awful. One will please me. Know in your heart I would never do the other if it were not for training that was to your benefit.”

  “You really think someone will try to hurt me?”

  “You hum so strongly. We are much more in tune to that.” He waved to the table. “Let’s work. Tonight is about pleasure. Our first bite will be beautiful.”

  She leaned over and rolled the ball under a finger. “Where are you biting me?”

  He ran a hand along her neck. “Here.” His other hand trailed down her arm, circling at her wrist. “Perhaps here if we get carried away.” He pressed against her and dropped his hand to her knee, trailing up the inside of her thigh. “One day, when you scream for it, here.”

  “Don’t do that.” She put her hand over his and turned to face him. “I’m sure I’ve confided in you that I was a sheltered child and young woman. Then I was brought here. I don’t have experience like this.”

  “I know.” He trailed a finger across the goosebumps on her shoulder. “Before we do this, I want to be very clear that when you give your blood to me three times you will be bound to me.” His lips trailed down her neck and across her collarbone.

  “The permanent link isn’t until I feed from you, once more, right?” She gripped the ball in her hand.

  “In our performances, I will bite you at least three times. We may pass three occasions while training. To be bound to me that way will give me a lot of access to you. Your mind is safe from manipulation because of what we did, but I will feel your emotions, and know your state of mind regardless of space between us. It’s a complete emotional link, that you won’t share with me until and unless you decide you want to.”

  “Three bites, or three occasions with several bites? What if a vampire bites me three times in one night?” Her throat dried. How many monsters would she link to in order to get to the root of the relics?

  “Easy. Occasions. Most will pick a new witch each night, unless they find one whose blood is worth the price of a bidding war.” He stared into her eyes. “You will be connected to me before this is over. We can’t avoid that.”

  Was she ready to have him feel how her emotions ranged so widely? Would he feel her love for Amarok each time they were all in the same space and be hurt by that? “I blurt out my thoughts inappropriately anyway.” She shrugged.

  “No, sweetheart, you don’t. I can feel you are nervous, even without a connection. It can wait, we are far ahead of the ridiculous schedule Sarg El gave us now that your mind is trained.”

  “What if another witch dies while I drag my feet? I’m not fragile, Matthias.” She tossed her hair to the side. “Bite me. Decker chewed my ear, my father strangled me to death, I killed a werewolf, and can stop bullets. A little prick from your fangs won’t ruin me.”

  “I do love when you are sassy and I am going to ruin you thoroughly.” His hand trailed back up her neck and his fingers wrapped in her hair. “This should be so much more than training.”

  “Make it up to me later.” Did she say that out loud? It could have been worse. Take me, almost rolled off her lips.

  “I will.” He trailed kisses up the column of her neck.

  She moaned and tilted her head to one side. “Do it now.” Ruin me.

  “Easy, I haven’t even given you the aphrodisiac.” He lifted her and sat them in the chair with her facing forward. “Take the ball in your hand. Do something simple with it.”

  Alice adjusted in his lap. His cold presence sent waves of heat racing over her. “Just float it?”

  “That’ll do.” He pulled the candy bowl closer. “May I bite you now?”

  “Yes.” She let him crane her head to one side. The ball lifted off her hand.

  He purred and brushed her hair out of the way. “I will adore you forever.” His lips brushed her skin. A sting, was followed by tugging warmth and cold kisses.

  Heat prickled her nerves. Her breathing grew rapid. Alice closed her eyes. The warmth spread from his bite. Each sensation against her skin amplified. His hand, lips, his chest against her back. “Matthias,” she whispered his name.

  One of his hands was buried in her hair, the other wrapped around her, holding her against him.

  She panted, tugging her lip into her mouth. Work magic. Focus. Waves of pleasure flooded over her. Her eyes closed. She writhed in his lap. “Dear god.”

  His hand drifted down, holding her hip and pulling her against him.

  Pleasure wound tight and then exploded. She grabbed his hand, grinding against him. The light snapped off. Reason left. Her whole world became sensations. Touches. “Yes. Touch me more.” She pulled his hand toward her breast.

  His bite stopped and he moaned. He untangled his hand from her hair and pressed a candy against her mouth. “Eat, my love.”

  “Bite me again. Don’t stop now.” She nipped the candy from him, sucking his fingers. “I need more.”

  A slight sting pierced the other side of her neck. Images of them in his bed. Hands caressing. Lips exploring. Pleasure knotted deep inside, spiraling out. She screamed and the ball levitated higher, exploding.

  Glass shattered in all directions, raining down on them.

  Matthias spun her around and cradled her against him. “Delicious. Decadent. Mine.”

  Thoughts came and went. No words formed. Alice let him rock her, occasionally eating a candy he offered.

  “Dearling? How are you?” Matthias petted her hair and kissed her closed eyes.

  “I can almost breathe again.” The sensation of his touches and kisses threatened to send her into another frenzy. “This is still too much.”

  “Was it painful? Did my injection not work?”

  “It was shattering. It worked. I broke your light.” She swallowed hard and reached up to the bite. “I don’t feel it, but I can still feel tingles from each place you bit or kissed or breathed. That’s not fair at all.”

  “Lighting is overrated. You destroyed that ball along with my expectations. You won’t find a bite. I healed it. It’s plenty fair, your blood is humming in my mind. I would promise you anything for one more sip.” He turned her head toward him. “I didn’t hurt you?”

  “A small sting and then all pleasure. Is that normal? Did I taste bad?” She relaxed against him. “I want to taste good to you.”

  “You taste too good. I didn’t want to stop. We will have to be very careful. I need to sleep you off before we try anything else.” He tightened his hold on her. “You realize you are already mine, don’t you?”

  “You may have doubts, but I know you won’t hurt me. I am safe in your arms.” She closed her eyes as the waves of pleasure continued.

  “That’s my drug talking. I’m a killer.”

  “Do you really think you would kill me?”

  He licked his lips and rolled his eyes. “Give me a second. I haven’
t had fresh human blood in a very long time and I haven’t had witches blood since, a while. Frankly there isn’t any blood like your blood. This is a bad idea. If you are bought by someone else at the den before I get there, they would pay to take you home.”

  “We can do it again tonight. I’m not sure I can stand up just yet anyway.” Alice sat straight. “They do that? Buy a witch to take home?”

  “Not as a rule, but if we find the den that makes relics, they would sell you for the right price. We need a different witch.” He pulled her back down against him.

  “What other witch could resist entrancement? I couldn’t until we broke the rules. If I can find out all that I have over the last few days and keep it together, you can restrain yourself from killing one of your great loves, can’t you? You told me you had centuries of restraint. Do you already want another nip?”

  “I do.” He kissed the top of her head.

  “Will you always want it now that you tasted it? It’s addictive. Will you just want to bite me whenever we pass in the hall?” She peered up at him to see his eyes filled with desire. For what? Blood? Tears? Her?

  “I always want it now. But, I will not just want to bite you. I need a tolerance. I told you it’s been a very long time since I had a magic drop.” He clamped his mouth shut with a snap and winked. “I feel the question you want to ask. I told the witch, I shouldn’t need to tell you, it’s pure. This isn’t and will never be about feeding. A dearling is about love. That you are mighty decadent and enjoy my bite is a bonus. Unexpected, mind you.”

  “I do enjoy it. It’s the most magical thing I’ve ever felt. You know, it could be me that ends up craving you when I pass you in the hall.” She turned her head and held back her hair. “Go on. None of that magic sexy juice. A small sip, then you can carry me to bed.”

  “The smallest.” His words were cold breaths on her skin. “I will always cherish you, my dearling.”

  Chapter Seven

  “DID YOU KNOW that pure witches can traverse shadows?” Alice hugged Matthias and kissed the side of his jaw. A spicy cologne faintly covered his usual scent. “I bet Morrigana can teach me to do that.”

  “I did know that. You are animated today. Sleep well?” He kissed her mouth and nipped at her bottom lip.

  “I slept like a baby. I feel, different.” She looked away from his gaze. “You look, less pale. You feel warmer too.”

  “We are good for each other. Fresh blood does that. Brightens my mood, my pallor, and increases my cravings.” His finger trailed across the edge of her collar. “You are particularly tempting.”

  “Good. We do have to practice.” She grinned and shrugged. “Witches can spell entire family lines, hexes mostly. They do some pretty vile things. Did. Do still, I guess. Maybe not, since they try to fly under the radar. Why do you think she stays here?”

  “You are electric today. Pure witches are not a concern right now. You can learn all about that directly from Morrigana.” He took both of her hands and walked back toward the table.

  “Well it was a concern for me. I didn’t want to go back to her without knowing what all she could do to me if I screw something up or annoy her.” Alice closed her eyes as his presence tickled her. The tone he used and look in his eyes were hungry. “Do you think they will ever let a light elf train me?”

  “If you do what they want. You don’t want to work with one of those disgusting things.” He slid the chair out. “Dark elves are much more helpful. Jasper will train you. Decker would. I’m certain. You have his father’s favor.”

  “Disgusting?” She glanced to the table. The bowl of chocolates and the ball were sat out. Ready. Painful biting tonight. “I’m one of those disgusting things.”

  “The only one I’ve ever enjoyed knowing.” He nodded at the chair.

  She smoothed an imaginary wrinkle from her shirt. “I’m stalling.”

  “I know.” He wrapped his fingers in hers, stopping her fidgeting. “I’m sorry.”

  “I understand why we have to do this. After last night, I wish we didn’t have to make bad memories like this.”

  “I’ll be as mild as I can.”

  She glanced at the table again. Last night was the most intense thing she ever felt. What would it be like to actually have sex with him? Would he bite her then? Stop that. “Do what you need. After today what else do we need to do?”

  “If you can handle today we are done. We can go early and save lives.” He slipped into the chair, still holding her hand and tugged her between his legs.

  “I like that.” She eased into his lap.

  “I’ll take your wrist tonight. It hurts more there. I really need to put some fear into you. That is usually the emotion we aim for.” He grasped her hips and scooted her back.

  “Okay. Don’t hold back. This is work. I understand the difference.” Alice picked up the ball and held it in her hand.

  Matthias twisted her again and brought her other arm to his lips. “Work magic. Strong magic and don’t stop regardless of how this feels.”

  Alice trembled at the timbre of his voice. Acting. He is trying to scare you. She filled the ball with water and concentrated on moving bubbles around in the fluid.

  The cold of his touch lost its gentleness. The erotic sensations it usually sparked were gone. Had they ever been real? Was that all his influence? No. Morrigana took away his influence.

  Teeth pierced her skin. Pain flashed hot, followed by a deep pulling that burned her vein. With her mind alert and the pain heightening her senses, she could hear him swallow. Blood. Her blood.

  She floated the ball above her right hand, staring at it and letting her mind drift to the books she read that day. This isn’t real. This isn’t Matthias. It’s an act. Work.

  Matthias reached up and traced under her eyes with a fingertip.

  Alice froze the water in the ball. Was she supposed be crying? Did he expect one little bite would hurt her that much?

  He yanked her arm to his mouth again and gnashed into her flesh. The bottom of one fang hit bone.

  A trail of pain raced up her arm. She squirmed and gasped. The ball rested on her hand a second before she made it rise again. Testing. He’s making sure if another vampire does this she could still work. That was all.

  “You aren’t a very good witch, are you?” Blood trickled down her arm from his mouth.

  Hate pressed into her peace. Anger. Disappointment. She disappointed him. He hated her. Black hate overwhelmed her, pushing out her logic. Please don’t hate me. Not you too. “Stop,” she whispered.

  A finger rubbed under her eye, catching a tear. He let her hand drop and purred as he licked the tear from his finger. “So much fear. Nothing should ever taste as sweet as your fear.”

  “Let me go.” The ball dropped and she turned to him. “You have hate in your soul.”

  “I do. You never have to see it again.” He kissed her forehead and hugged her tight. Peace radiated from him. “I’m sorry. You did great.”

  It was her killer now. The killer who loved her was back. Just work. Matthias is kind and gentle with all of the ambassadors. He’s a peacekeeper. “Did my tears really taste good? Will the monsters like it?”

  “Yes.” He didn’t let her go when she squirmed. “If any of them makes you shed a single tear, I’ll be dishing out the punishment off the record.”

  “Then why did we do this? It was awful.”

  “You had to be able to work under all the conditions you might encounter. If you are really a roving gypsy witch hybrid, who ekes out a living from den to den, this type of treatment won’t phase you. You were convincing. I didn’t feel you pull away and your magic hum never dulled.” He planted kisses on her wrist between words. “It was on my imperatives. Me or Reginald would have tested you on this. While it left a tear shaped scar on my heart that will never heal, he would have enjoyed it. I would have had to kill him.”

  Alice swallowed hard. He spoke about scars on his heart and killing in the same breath. “Don’
t kill in my name.”

  He kissed the top of her head. “I’m the master here.”

  “As if. You said I was more dangerous than you.” She rubbed her fingers together. “Don’t make me pull out my icky magic.”

  “You are far more dangerous. That doesn’t negate the fact that you belong to me. I’ll kill who I want to.” He nipped toward her finger. “How about I guarantee the killable offense will be more than looking cross at you?”

  “You are trying to make me smile.” She looked at her wrist. The bite was gone but blood stained her skin. “Did it really taste good like that?”

  “Incredible. The tears and blood together are potent. I will inform Sarg El my goals have been met. They will probably insert me at the start of the night tomorrow.” He pulled her arm to his mouth and kissed away the blood.

  “They want a pretty long gap between when we arrive. You are going to be with a lot of witches.” Her tone grew serious. “Don’t hurt them like this, please.”

  “I won’t.”

  “Don’t make them feel like last night either.”

  “Now, now.”

  “Make it nice, but not too nice.” She nestled closer to him.

  “Adorable. Stay away from Reginald.”

  “I’ll try. I have a few things on my list still.” She kissed his chin. One more night of biting and she would be emotionally connected to him. More emotionally connected. One more. Her stomach knotted. The PPK didn’t get to make that work. “Can you delay your leaving one night?”

  “Why?” His eyes were closed, a smile on his lips.

  “If you go tomorrow, our third time, when I give myself to you, will be in a den for money.” She waited for him to open his eyes. “It should be here. Special.”

  “I agree. Tomorrow is our night, and then we take down the den. Do you want my blood?” He watched her consider the offer.

  Alice saw the ever-patient Matthias she considered her dear friend. The creature who never pushed her. Was she ready to trade that friend for a lover? That would change things, surely. “Not yet.”