by L. Rosario
Sera met Valentino's concerned look and nodded.
"Jesus.” He ripped free of her now limp fingers and bolted off the bed. “Why the hell didn't you say something?"
Sera twisted the comforter in her hands, then yanked it out from under her to pull it over her naked body. She looked away from Valentino and the accusation in his eyes. “I feel okay now."
"But you took more."
Sera swept her gaze toward Constantine and found him staring back at her, one eyebrow raised. “Is that true?” he asked.
"Stay the fuck out of this!” Valentino snapped.
Constantine got to his feet. “I can't do that. Would you like to know why?” He went on before Valentino could respond. “I made her,” he pointed at Sera, “which means if you kill her, I'll have to kill you. No one gets away with hurting what is mine."
"She doesn't belong to you."
Constantine's chuckle raised goosebumps on Sera's skin. “Oh, yes she does."
"If that's true,” Valentino commented, “then you've treated her like shit for way too long."
Sera whipped her head around to look at Valentino, but his gaze was fixed on Constantine. She'd never seen him so angry. In fact, his expression was rather chilling.
"How I treat her is none of your business."
Valentino's eyes darkened. “You're wrong."
"Stop, both of you.” Sera looked from one angry face to the other and thought of two alpha wolves fighting for territory. “Constantine, go away and let me talk to Valentino."
He looked ready to deny her that one little request, but gave a curt nod and headed for the door. He took a moment to glance back. “If you did take more of his blood, you'll need to be cleansed sooner rather than later. Regardless of what he claims to know about us, I do not relish the thought of losing you.” With that, he yanked the door open and stalked out.
"What the hell does he mean by cleansing?” Valentino demanded the moment they were alone.
Sera fell onto the pillows and pulled the comforter over her head. Maybe it would be easier to just let Valentino's blood have its evil way with her? Maybe she just wasn't cut out to be immortal?
The comforter was ripped away, and Valentino's face appeared above her. “I want answers, Sera."
She sighed. “Then get dressed, because I can't think straight when you're naked."
"Obviously,” he mumbled under his breath.
Sera bit back a retort and watched Valentino step into his jeans. He didn't bother to retrieve his shirt, nor did he button the top of his fly. Well, it was better than naked. Not by much, but when he returned to the bed and sat down, she realized she'd have to find a way to ignore the bare expanse of his chest and the tantalizing ripples of his abdomen.
"Now start talking,” he ordered.
Chapter Twenty
Valentino listened as Sera told him how sick his blood had made her, how she'd mentally called out to Constantine for help, and how they'd ultimately ended up within the coven. She failed to tell him who the man kneeling at her feet when he arrived had been, and the need to know couldn't be ignored. He asked as soon as she fell silent.
"Who was the guy in here with you?"
She blinked, then frowned. “Rick?"
Valentino shrugged. “You tell me."
She waved her hand and shook her head. “He's no one."
Yeah, right. “Sera, he was half naked, on his knees, and about to plant his face in your ass. He's definitely someone."
Her eyebrows flew up. “Are you jealous?"
"Just tell me who he is."
After a little sigh, she gave in. “His name is Rick, and he's one of the mortals who serve the coven."
"In what capacity?” As if he needed to ask.
"Blood and sex,” she answered, looking him straight in the eyes.
Valentino ground his teeth together as jealousy snaked through his veins. “I see. And what did he do for you?"
"You are jealous.” She sounded pleased.
He was, and it irritated the hell out of him. “What right do I have to be jealous? Consider what I do for a living."
Her eyes widened before sliding away to focus elsewhere. “Yeah,” she said softly. “If anyone should be consumed with jealousy, it's me."
Damn, he was an idiot. He reached for her, and she stiffened under his hands. “I'm sorry. That part of my life is over now, and I swear I'll never bring it up again."
She shook her head, still not looking at him. “Ignoring it won't make it go away.” She peeked through her lashes. “We met at Captive Fantasy. Every time I look at you, I'll be reminded of what you did there, and with whom."
"I never slept with Jennifer, if that's what you're hinting at."
Her head snapped up. “I don't care if you did or not."
"That's good to know.” Two could play the I don't give a shit about you game. He met her livid expression. “But the truth is, I didn't. My reaction to your blood prevented me from working. Jennifer wasn't happy when I turned her down."
"I imagine,” Sera mumbled. “So, you did get sick?” Anger gave way to real concern.
Valentino nodded and adjusted his hold on her so he could move closer. She allowed it without too much resistance. “I was very sick. Dying, according to Dr. Reynolds. Seems the only thing my blood is susceptible to is you.” He flicked the tip of her nose and smiled. “The good doctor assumed San Francisco would be free of vampires."
"There are actually quite a few. Not that I'm friends with them or anything, but it's always good to know how many predators live in one area."
Her words bugged him. “You aren't a predator.” She shrugged and he gathered her against his chest. “In fact, you are most non predatory creature I've ever encountered."
"I don't believe that,” she said against his skin. “Do a lot of women rip holes in your throat or take your blood without asking?"
"You didn't take anything I didn't want to give.” He gripped her shoulders and pushed her back to see her face. “Had I known it would make you sick, I would have stopped you from biting me. You should have told me before things got out of hand in here."
"I know.” She lowered her gaze and traced her fingers across his chest. “I'll need to have a transfusion to rid my body of your blood.” She looked up and her hand stilled between his pecs. “I wasn't going to let them do it if you were dead. I didn't want to lose the only connection I had with you, even if it killed me."
Something squeezed at his heart and trapped the breath in his throat. Unable to speak, he dipped his head down and captured her mouth. She sighed as he kissed her and worked her hand up his chest and around to the back of his neck.
After a few moments, he ended the kiss. “What happens now?"
She put both arms around his neck and snuggled closer. “I need to get this transfusion done, but I'm not looking forward to it."
Valentino pulled Sera onto his lap and the comforter fell away. He cursed his jeans. “Will it put you in any danger?"
She shook her head under his chin. “No, but I don't want anymore of Constantine's blood."
Nor did he want her to have any. “Is there no one else?"
"He said he is the one who makes the most sense, and he's right.” She looked up. “He doesn't own me, regardless of what he said to you."
He cupped her face and traced her lips with his thumb. “Someday, will you tell me the history between you two?"
"You won't like what you hear."
He kissed her forehead, then tilted her face down to kiss the top of her head. “As long as it's all in the past, I'll be fine."
"So, you are jealous?"
He wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tight enough to prevent her from looking up at him. “I like believing I'm the only guy who does it for you, if that's all right?"
"You are,” she murmured against his throat.
"Good. That's exactly what I want to hear.” He loosened his grip and reached for her waist. “You know what else I want
to hear?"
Her hair brushed his chin as she shook her head.
Valentino gripped Sera's waist, lifted her from his lap, and laid her down on the bed. She stretched like a happy kitten before reaching out to clasp his upper arms. He pried her hands off one at a time and pinned them above her head. “I want to hear you beg,” he finally told her.
She licked her lips as a faint blush stole into her cheeks. “What should I beg for?"
"Whatever you want."
"Anything?"
Valentino nodded. His cock pressed eagerly against the tight fly of his jeans as Sera's expression turned pensive. Hopefully she'd figure out what she wanted really damn quick.
"You know I'm not any good at telling you what I want."
He lowered his face to brush her lips. “Do we need to resort to yes's and no's again?"
She nodded and arched up to chase his lips as he pulled away. “Kiss me,” she whispered.
"See, that wasn't so hard, was it?” He took her open mouth in a kiss that knocked their teeth together. She giggled quietly and pulled back, but he only followed to claim her again. She surrendered to the deep thrust of his tongue and raked her nails down his back.
A light knock on the door prevented the kiss from escalating into something more and Valentino shot a glare over his shoulder. “Who is it?"
Whoever it was clearly took the question as an invitation to enter because the door swung open and a stunning redhead walked into the room. Her lithe curves were barely hidden under a semi-sheer, black, t-shirt dress, and her long legs were bare all the way to her toes. She stopped abruptly, and her pink lips parted in surprise. “Oh, I'm sorry.” The unabashed interest on her face said otherwise, as did the fact that she made no move to turn around and leave.
Valentino rolled off Sera at the same time he pulled the comforter over her. She flashed him a grateful look before he stood up to confront their latest visitor. “Can I help you?"
The redhead's gaze took a leisurely stroll up and down his body before settling on Sera. “Are you Seraphina?"
"Yes."
"The master says it's time, and he sent me to fetch you."
Valentino looked back at Sera to find her paler than usual. “I'll go with you."
"No, you won't,” the redhead countered. She smiled when he looked at her, but the expression looked more deadly than friendly. “Sorry, but this is vampire business. No mortals allowed.” She let her gaze walk all over him again. “No matter how delicious they might look.” She took a step closer.
"He's mine,” Sera said from the bed.
Valentino arched a brow at the surprising level of possessiveness in her tone. He didn't know she had it in her.
The redhead chuckled. “I suggest you mark him very well then, my dear, or you might discover he's wandered off when you weren't looking."
"I'm perfectly happy where I am, thank you,” he assured the troublemaker.
The redhead lifted one shoulder in a lazy shrug and shot Sera another look. “Do hurry or the master will be most unhappy.” She headed out the door, but left it open behind her.
Valentino didn't know what to say as Sera tossed the comforter off and slowly crawled out of bed. Her hands shook as she reached for the black silk robe crumpled at her feet. She pulled it on and belted it without looking at him.
"I'll be right here when it's over.” What else could he say? She was on her way to undergo some vampire cleansing ritual that clearly frightened her and he was the reason for it. Should he apologize?
She finally looked up and without a word, closed the distance between them to throw herself into his arms. She buried her face in the hollow of his throat. “I don't blame you."
Before he could ask how the hell she'd known what he was thinking, she darted away from him and hurried out of the room without a backward glance. He took a step to follow and the redhead reappeared. She shook her head and closed the door.
The sound of a key turning infuriated him.
He'd spent his whole life as a captive. Damn if he'd be one now. Not here.
After locating his boots and pulling them on, Valentino stalked toward the door, stopped a few strides away, and gave the solid wood a good kick. To his surprise, it splintered and the latch popped. His triumph was short lived.
He stepped into the hall and came face to face with the green-eyed beast who had broken him out of Captive Fantasy.
"I was told to make sure you stay put.” The hulking vampire shoved Valentino back toward the room. “I suggest you stay put of your own free will."
Considering how unhappy Sera would be if she returned to find him beaten and battered, Valentino admitted defeat and glowered at the broad back of his jailer.
* * * *
Sera eventually discovered her guide's name was Nadia, but that bit of personal information did nothing to put her at ease as she followed the woman into the deepest bowels of the mansion. The air grew cold and thick with moisture the further they went, until finally, Nadia led her into a vast stone chamber. What lay inside was far from inviting.
About a dozen vampires turned their gazes toward Sera. She recognized no one save the master, his wife, and Constantine, but even those faces weren't comforting. The master barked at Nadia to leave, and she slipped out, leaving the queen and Sera as the only females among the group of ominous looking males. Perhaps if everyone weren't in black Sera wouldn't feel so threatened. Though, even if dressed in pink, a dozen somber looking vampires would be scary.
She gripped the front of her robe, wishing she'd taken the time to actually get dressed. It only heightened her unease to know a thin layer of silk was all that prevented her from being naked and vulnerable.
The master moved forward and reached for her hand. He'd replaced his more casual attire with an exquisite suit of black silk. The fabric whispered as he moved. He didn't flash a brilliant smile, and his eyes looked straight through her. His power could not be ignored or denied. It caressed her skin like a ghostly touch.
"Come.” He clutched her fingers and guided her deeper into the chamber. “We've put this off long enough, and now Constantine tells me you've taken more of the clone's blood."
"His name is Valentino."
A collective gasp echoed around the room, and Sera swallowed uncomfortably. Maybe speaking out wasn't such a good idea here.
The master merely nodded and led her across the cold stone floor toward the other coven members. Placed within the semi-circle of vampires was a fainting couch upholstered in deep, rich, plum-colored velvet. Black wooden legs, carved to resemble paws, supported the decadent piece of furniture. Torches flickered around the room, giving the whole scene a surreal atmosphere.
Constantine separated from the others, and the master motioned him forward. “The sooner this is done, the better.” He coaxed Sera toward Constantine, joined their hands, then faded away into the shadows.
Sera met Constantine's gaze and saw lust burning in his eyes. Oh dear. “What exactly is going to happen?” Her whisper sounded too loud as it bounced off the stone walls. She flinched.
Constantine shook his head and reached out to cup her cheek. “No talking, my pet.” Sliding his hand into her hair, he gripped the back of her head and swooped down to capture her mouth in a feral kiss. His fangs scraped over her lips, and his tongue plunged inside, taking advantage of her gasp of outrage.
Sera struggled, but it was no use. Constantine's grip could not be broken, and she only managed to dislodge the silky robe from her shoulder. The front gaped open above the belt, and she felt the cool brush of his shirt against her bare breasts. The contact ignited a maelstrom of fear. Whatever was about to happen in this strange chamber, she no longer wanted to be a part of it.
Constantine lifted his mouth and pinned her with a dark glare. “You will do this, my pet. Your foolishness has put you at risk, and I meant what I said about not wishing to lose you."
She wanted to shove him away and wipe the taste of him from her lips, but his embrace l
ocked her in place. “I'm not yours,” she said in a low hush. “I don't think I ever really was."
He shifted his hold to her shoulders and hauled her onto her tiptoes. “You can play with your science project if he makes you happy, but remember you will always be mine. No matter where you go, who you fuck, or what blood runs in your veins. You are mine.” He shook her to stress his point. “Do you understand?"
"You're hurting me,” Sera whispered.
Constantine spun her around and shoved her toward one of the fainting couches. “Let's get this started.” His voice was now loud enough for all to hear.
Sera tripped on the hem of her robe, and with a quiet curse, she gathered the material in her fist and held it above her ankles. With Constantine breathing down her neck, she had no choice but to take a seat on the couch and await whatever torment he had in store for her. One thing was certain, however; she was bound to despise him even more when this was all over.
Paralyzing fear gripped Sera as three vampires came toward her. Two held her, while the other effortlessly removed the robe from her body. Naked, shaking, and more scared than she'd ever been, she watched Constantine peel the clothes from his own body. One piece at a time. He didn't seem to be in too great a rush, and she suspected he was attempting to put on a show for her.
She wasn't interested.
Once naked, he knelt before her and with a flick of his wrist, sent the other vampires away. He laid his hands on her thighs and slowly pried her stiff legs apart. “You might enjoy this, if you can force yourself to relax."
Sera licked her lips and dropped her gaze to Constantine's fingers. “I'm not one for an audience."
"They are necessary to insure the cleansing is done properly."
She lifted her eyes to his. “I refuse to have sex with you. If it's part of the ritual, you'll have to rape me."
His face hardened before he released her to stand up. “You'd like that, wouldn't you? You'd like to have something to hold over me for the rest of eternity. Well, sorry to disappoint you, my pet. I don't intend to rape you."
Relief washed away much of the fear. “Then why must we be naked?"