A Vampire's Thirst: Flint

by A. K. Michaels

  Flint didn’t answer straight away, taking time to think of how he felt. The truth was, now that Kragen was dead, and he’d taken his revenge on Stelian . . . he felt fine. “I’m good.”

  “Right.” Victor stepped away, nodding toward Quinn’s estate. “You’ve been otherwise engaged, but the fighting stopped some time ago. We were right. Lop the head off and the rest turned tail and ran.”

  “That’s a relief.” Flint looked over, seeing Quinn’s men doing clean up but no longer were there the sights or sounds of fighting. “Because, suddenly, I no longer feel like shedding anymore blood, Victor. I’ve had my fill.”

  “I know, my friend, I know.” Victor’s arm wound around his shoulder, leading him away and back toward the estate. “Let’s get home to our women, ehh?”

  “That’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me. You know that?” Flint shook his head in wonder as they traipsed onward, his future lying in wait for him. His heart thudding wildly in his chest at the thought of what lay in store for him. “I can’t go to her like this. I have to clean up first.”

  “We both do,” Victor agreed. “Kimber will not be happy if I trail in this mess.”

  Flint glanced up at his friend. The hard-as-nails Victor Strong, worried about arriving home dirty and that thought hit him full in the face . . . laughter erupting like a dam breaking. He couldn’t stop it, his sides aching as they carried on, Victor joining in and that’s how they arrived at the gates of the estate where Quinn and Ace were waiting for them. A look of bemusement passing between them as they tried to regain some control.

  “I take it everything’s all right with you two?” Quinn asked, quirking an eyebrow.

  “Yeah, it is now.” Flint nodded. “Is everything okay here?”

  “Yes, you were right. They left when I arrived with Kragen’s head and told them nobody was getting a penny and I happened to throw in that the Directive were on their way too. That was the final nail in the coffin, so to speak. They couldn’t leave fast enough, so, it’s a case of cleaning up now and counting our casualties. I’m afraid we lost some good men, but not as many as I’d feared. And Jana is fine, she’s back at the main house having a meal and then she’s got to be on her way. Work, she says.”

  “I’m sorry you lost anyone, Quinn.” Flint sobered. “I didn’t mean to bring trouble to your door.”

  “I’m aware of that but we’ve taken out the worst of the scumbags operating in my country, so I’m not too put out about it, Flint.”

  “If there’s anything I can do to repay you, please, just let me know,” Flint offered, quickly. Knowing the debt for Kenzie’s safety was one he could never fully repay.

  “Not required.” Quinn eyed Victor. “In fact, your payment, Victor, that’s not required either. Let’s call this a service to the community, shall we?”

  Victor didn’t miss a beat. If he was surprised he didn’t show it, merely responding, “If that’s how you want it, Quinn. Thanks.”

  “Now”—Quinn, clapped his hands—“I’ve sorted a cottage for you and Kimber, she’s all settled and Moira has been taken home since Kenzie assured her she is fine. However, Dougie and his wolves refuse to leave. He says that until you tell him his duty is discharged that he’ll not leave his post. That Alpha has taken a liking to the girl and although I’ve told him the threat has been taken care of, well, he still won’t leave. So, Victor, you or Flint, will need to let him know it’s okay for him to go. Or else, he’ll be here forever.”

  Victor chuckled, shaking his head and slapping his thigh. “Yeah, he does take things literally. We’ll let him know he can leave. But, before we do that, can we get showered and borrow a change of clothes? We’d both rather not return to our ladies looking like this.”

  “Ace can sort that out for you . . . and there’s supplies for your women, with flowers and chocolates and such, as well as your usual tipples and blood supplies. If there’s anything else you need, just ask. For now, I’ve got to get back to work.”

  “Thanks again, Quinn . . . for everything.” Flint gave the man a long look, knowing without a doubt if it weren’t for him that Kenzie, and probably him too, would be dead.

  Quinn strode away, waving at him as he left. “You’re welcome. Just don’t make a habit of bringing a horde of madmen to my door.”

  Flint smirked as he turned to follow Ace who was waiting patiently for them, his heart speeding up at the thought of finally being alone with the person this was all for. Why hundreds of men fought, and some died for: his love, his beauty, his Bloodmate.

  Chapter 26

  Flint stood outside the door, his stomach in knots of apprehension as his hand reached to open the door. Dougie’s men looked at him, smiling knowingly and he gave them a frown and a snarl of warning, his cheeks flushing as he growled, “Cheeky pups.”

  Dougie was right there when he walked in, standing proud and erect, still on alert. “Hey, Flint, you all right?”

  The Alpha looked him over, checking for injuries. Didn’t he know how old he was? He was no Wolf that required healing time. Even if he had been hurt, he would’ve recovered by now. Flint gave the man credit though for not leaving his post and keeping Kenzie safe. “I’m fine, Dougie. Thank you for watching over my Bloodmate, but you can go now. Everything’s been taken care of and the threat has been neutralized.”

  “Are you sure? They could come back. That Kragen, and particularly that fucker Stelian, well, they’re both sleekit bastards.” Dougie’s entire body was tense, his muscles bunched tight and he held himself as if he expected an attack at any moment.

  Flint stepped further into the room, ready to convince him without giving details. “I’m certain. I took care of those two personally. They’re dead, Dougie, so they won’t be coming back and certainly aren’t able to hurt anyone ever again.”

  Dougie’s head tilted to the side, his eyes appraising Flint as if he’d only just met him. “Both of them? You’re certain they’re both dead?”

  “Yeah, both of them,” Flint confirmed. “I handed Kragen’s head to Quinn so he could parade it around to convince his men they wouldn’t get paid and that’s how the battle ended. They were only there for the money. Stelian . . . that was personal. He hurt Kenzie. No details, but he’s dead.”

  A smile spread over the Alpha’s face, one that lit up his entire countenance as he strode toward Flint. “That’s the best news I’ve heard, shit, in forever. I’ll get my men and we’ll head home to drink the night away in your honor. Goodnight to you, Flint. I hope we meet again in better circumstances.”

  “My thanks to you and your men, Dougie.” Flint held out his hand, shaking the Alpha’s firmly. “I can’t repay you for your help, but if you ever need me for anything, just ask.”

  “Aye, I surely will.” Dougie shook his head as if he couldn’t believe what he’d heard before leaving, closing the door with a soft thud behind him.

  That’s when Flint turned full circle, realizing he was alone in the cottage with just Kenzie . . . wherever she was. Where was she? Maybe she was still feeling the effects of her injuries and was resting? Yes, that was the most likely explanation. She’d be resting in bed so that’s where he headed. Heart in his mouth and mind full of boundless possibilities for their future . . . it was mind-blowingly exciting and terrifying at the same time.

  Except . . . when he arrived at the bedroom, she didn’t look as if she were recuperating. Or resting. Or still feeling the effects from her injuries. No. Instead she was standing by the window with nothing but a towel wrapped around her slim frame, wet hair hanging down her back . . . obviously she’d just had a shower. Her reflection in the window clear as day and she saw him . . . her lips tugging up into a nervous smile as she slowly turned to look over her shoulder.

  “Hi, you’re finally back. I’ve been worried about you.”

  His breath caught in his throat at her beauty. She was stunning. So fucking beautiful that he couldn’t string a sentence together . . . a long sigh escaped as he s
tepped toward her. His hand outstretched, urging her to come to him. He needed her in his arms, to feel her against him, to taste her lips beneath his, run his tongue over her skin and so much more. His brain was in overload as all manner of thoughts stampeded through it with the many ways he wanted to lavish her with pleasure, how to show her she was his. That he’d love her for eternity . . . and beyond.

  “You need to know something about me,” she whispered nervously as she turned towards him, nibbling her bottom lip.

  Damn! His cock twitched to life, his fangs springing against his gums but he forced them back. Not a chance in hell was he allowing them to break free and scare her. Not happening. Flint’s voice suddenly made an appearance, husky with need as she took a tentative step in his direction. “What do I need to know other than you’re the most beautiful woman alive?”

  A soft blush started on her skin, low on her breasts . . . well, that’s where he thought it started as the towel covered those but it was spreading from that area upwards and carried on over her silky soft neck onto her face, her cheeks flushing a rosy pink as her eyes widened and she gasped, “No, I’m really not, but thank you for saying that.”

  “Yes, you really are.” He stepped toward her, his hand still reaching for her, desperation overwhelming him as he fought to control his urge to rush and pick her up and slam her against the wall and kiss her senseless.

  “Stop, Flint, I need to tell you about me . . . about my peculiarities. I don’t want to freak you out when we . . . you know, take this further.”

  He couldn’t stop himself from grinning. This tiny part-Faery thought she was peculiar? Really? She was standing in the room with an ancient Vampire and she was worried about how she was different? “And I’m not peculiar? In the grand scheme of things, I’d think I was a little unusual too. Don’t you think?”

  “Well, aye, you are, but I doubt things happen to you like they do me when you . . .” She stopped, talking and moving as her face flushed scarlet.

  What the heck was she so embarrassed about? Flint had no idea and he didn’t care. She was his and all he knew was that he loved her with an intensity that was astonishing and literally took his breath away. “Okay”—he crossed to the bed, sitting down and trying to look relaxed when, in fact, he was anything but—“Tell me what’s bothering you. I promise I won’t interrupt and don’t feel embarrassed, although that rosy glow you’ve got going on is a freaking turn-on, Kenzie. I’m finding it extremely difficult to keep myself from ripping the towel off you and . . .” He stopped, shrugging. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to say that. Carry on.”

  “Oh damn.” She took another few steps toward him, stopping just out of his reach and gazing down at him with dark green eyes that were dissolving before him as her pupils dilated to almost obscure them . . . at the same time as her eyes started to . . . sparkle? “Some things happen to me when I’m aroused. It’s why I’ve had a lousy love life and not many boyfriends. They kinda freak out when their girlfriend’s eyes begin to sparkle when they’re kissing. Or if I’ve managed to keep them closed and they’ve not noticed that part, if her skin starts to glow when things progress, well they sure as hell freak out then. So, I thought I should tell you about it now. So you don’t have a hissy fit when we . . . well, that’s if you want to, and shit. I’m making a fool of myself.”

  “They’re sparkling now,” Flint whispered, “and I’ve never seen anything so fucking incredible. You’re gorgeous, Kenzie, sexy, beautiful, and I’m so ready to make you mine that my head is about to explode. I need to know, though, do you understand what that means? What a Bloodmate means? Because once we do this, there’s no going back. You’re mine from this moment on. From now for all eternity. Do you understand? I need you to know that. Really know that.”

  “I do.” She nodded, a hand rising to land over her heart. “Kimber and I had a really long talk and she explained it to me, but even if she hadn’t, I would’ve known. I feel it in here . . . I’m sure, Flint.”

  “I’m glad you two spoke, because truth is, I’m not sure I can put everything I’m feeling into words. It’s too . . . intense.”

  “I know what you mean.” She reached for him now, her tiny fingers searching for his as she stepped between his thighs. “I’ve been dreaming of you for weeks, felt your touch, your lips, and woke every morning with tears on my face because you weren’t in my bed.”

  “No more tears.” Flint reached up, pulling her onto his lap and finally, finally his lips covered hers . . . and it felt like he was in heaven.

  Her arms wrapped around his neck, her body so tiny against him, his cock hard and twitching against her ass as she moaned into his mouth. Flint couldn’t resist keeping his eyes open, not after what she’d said earlier, keenly watching her skin as it started to show signs of her growing arousal. And, damn, sure enough, he soon saw a soft glow beginning to shine beneath her silky skin, lighting her up like a fucking Angel. It was breathtaking to see and turned him on like no woman ever had before . . . the physical symptoms glowing brighter as he slid a hand beneath the towel, his fingers sliding up between her thighs to swipe over her dripping wet folds. Fuck! She was sopping! Ready and eager for him as she thrust her hips into his touch, impatient for more . . . but he denied her as he played around outside her opening, gently caressing, teasing and forcing her moans to grow louder as he toyed with her mercilessly.

  Standing up with her in his arms, Flint walked around the bed, gently placing her in the middle of the bed, her eyes popping open as their lips broke apart. And there he saw her glorious eyes sparkling like a firework as she lay gazing up at him with lust and desire flooding through her . . . and then her words from earlier came back to him. About how she’d barely had any boyfriends. Shoot. Was she a virgin?

  He had to know that before things went any further but he didn’t want things to cool off, so he started to undress, grateful he wasn’t in full combat gear and only in jeans and a t-shirt after cleaning up earlier. Kenzie’s tongue darted out, running along her lips as she watched him, her eyes glued to his chest as he removed his top. “I hope I’m not a disappointment after your dreams?”

  She shook her head, a cheeky tug to her lips as she smirked. “Nope, definitely not disappointed. You’re much better in the flesh.”

  Kicking off his boots, he undid his jeans, sliding them down and her eyes popped wide when she saw he was commando and when his cock sprang free, her tongue came out again, licking her lips. Damn, he couldn’t stop himself from seeing her mouth wrapped around his cock, and it twitched against his belly, causing her head to rise and look at him with look of pure lust and longing. Her hand held out to him as she urged him to her, but first he had to know . . . would he need to take things far more slowly this night if it were her first?

  Stepping up to the bed, he stopped just shy of her touch, knowing if he allowed her fingers near him that he’d crumble. “Baby, you said earlier about having problems with boyfriends because of how you glow when your aroused and stuff . . . and, by the way, I just have to say how fucking glorious you’re looking right now. But, I’ve got a question . . . were you trying to tell me, in a roundabout way, that you hadn’t, you know . . . that you’re a virgin?”

  Kenzie’s hand shot to her mouth, her eyes twinkling as she giggled. “No! Oh god, no! I might not have had much success with humans and not had long term boyfriends, but I’m not a virgin. I’d go to the gatherings with my grandmother, and well, look, the answer’s no. That’s all you need to know . . . right? I might not be the most experienced woman you’ve been with, Flint, but I’m not a virgin.”

  “That’s all I need to know,” Flint agreed, kneeling on the bed to join her, relaxing now that he knew he wasn’t dealing with someone brand new to the world of lovemaking.

  Even if she weren’t, in her words, experienced. She, at least, had been with a man . . . or probably a boy. But he looked forward to showing her the pleasures of the flesh and his first task was having her scream to the heavens as he brou
ght her to the best damn orgasms of her life . . . yes, plural. He wasn’t allowing her to leave this room until he’d given her the night of her life, and then some.

  When she reached for him again, he shook his head, gently taking her hand and placing it on the bed. “No, Kenzie, it’s my turn to show you how much I feel for you . . . in here.” He pumped his fist against his chest, hard. “I’m going to worship you and make you quiver beneath my touch, make you glow so fucking bright that you’ll be in no doubt that you’re mine, and I’m yours. Then I’ll take you, make you mine forever, my exquisite Faery, so lie back and let me take care of you because I want to taste every last part of you.”

  She shuddered as he took up position between her legs, reaching up to unwrap the towel and feast his eyes on her nakedness, his breath catching in his throat at the magnificence that lay before him. “Damn, you’re fucking gorgeous.”

  Running his hands up the inside of her thighs, gently prying them apart, he saw her juices coating her folds . . . he’d been right. She was sopping wet, so turned on and ready. But she wasn’t getting his cock. Not yet. Not anytime soon. Even though he wanted nothing more than to dive in and thrust deep inside her. This was her night. The night he proved his love to her and he was going to do it right.

  Leaning forward to pepper her skin with soft kisses and making his way up one leg, then the other, Kenzie sighed, then gasped as he reached her inner thighs, her hands clinging to the towel beneath her. Flint tugged on it, releasing it from underneath her and flinging it to the floor, and returned to his ministrations, his breath whispering over her hot core. Her hips bucked beneath him as she sought his mouth, “No,” he laughed, reaching up with one hand on her stomach to hold her down in place, his tongue darting out to sweep over the very outside of her folds.

  “Oh shit,” Kenzie groaned, her head thrown back, her voice high-pitched, almost a wail as he continued.