“And present. And future,” replied Cosette.
“Did you feel me, Cosette? Down in the dirt and the dark as I waited? Do you feel me now? Because I’m coming for you,” Elliot said.
Cosette gripped the railing with her free hand. “Yes, I know. Of course I know,” she replied.
It wasn’t fear that seized her. It was hunger. A sharp ache of longing which burned low in her belly and bloomed between her thighs. She had and would always crave Elliot in this way. Her body had been starved of its favorite indulgence and now it howled within Cosette for relief. For just a taste.
“And yet, you still betrayed me,” snarled Elliot. “Why?”
“I opposed the plan, but Gaspard overruled me. We are already dying, ma Cherie. The only thing I was certain of was that you could save us. Save them,” Cosette explained.
There was a pause before Elliot spoke. “You know I’ll still have to kill you.”
“I know. Just as you know you’re the only one who I’d let give me that final kiss goodnight,” Cosette said as a tear slid down her cheek.
“Did I really haunt you all these years?” Elliot asked.
“Every second. I felt you calling for me every time,” Cosette replied.
Glasses clinked together in the background, followed by the splash of pouring liquid. “I missed the sound of your voice when you’re wanting. You’re so transparent, Cosette. So helpless.”
Cosette gripped the rail tighter as she exhaled. The sound was high and breathy. It was dangerously close to a moan. Elliot laughed and she imagined the wicked smile curving her lips, sharp and lethal as a blade.
“So delicious. Would you beg for me?” Elliot asked.
“Yes.”
“Then beg.”
The harsh command in Elliot’s voice lit a fire in Cosette that burned down her spine.
Cosette was the queen of her territory. She’d spent centuries building her empire, striking down her enemies so she’d never have to lower herself before another man or monarch again. She did not bow or beg for anyone.
But with Elliot, the more she surrendered, the more she felt free.
She shivered. “Please, Mistress.”
She missed this game of wills. It was a battle played with bloody kisses, entwining limbs and tangled sheets. The only question lie in which of them would break first. She wanted to resist, but Cosette was so hungry.
“Place a hand between your legs. But do not move it, do you understand me? You cannot have release yet,” Elliot ordered.
“Ellie, please.” That was definitely a moan in her voice.
“Obey.”
A sharp stab of need pierced her belly at the word. Her legs shook unsteadily. Elliot could kill her just like this. In fact, Cosette preferred it end this way. La petite mort.
“You’re slick already, aren’t you?” Elliot asked.
“Yes, Mistress. Please. I need...” Cosette stopped herself.
There was vulnerability and then there was weakness. She would not lose control. She was not weak. But Elliot had always been her weakness.
“Say it.”
Cosette’s insides turned liquid at the husky tone in Elliot’s voice. Maybe she was unraveling too. Maybe she was hungry, too.
“I need you,” Cosette whispered.
“I’m right there. I’m caressing between your legs. Go. Can you feel me?”
“Yes,” gasped Cosette.
She didn’t want to be gentle. Elliot wouldn’t be gentle if she were there. She would be relentless and unyielding as she drove Cosette to the edge. Her back arched as she found release, and her fangs thrust through her gums when she screamed. She could hear Elliot’s labored breathing as she steadied herself again. This time Cosette’s tears were from joy as much as melancholy.
“I wish it didn’t have to end like this,” Cosette said.
“I know. Merry Christmas, Cosette.”
She hung up and Cosette went back inside. Thierry had rolled on to his back in her absence. When she climbed back into bed, Cosette lay her head on his chest and studied his sleeping face. This sacrifice was for him and Adam. It was so all her progeny could have a future. She tried to hold on to that.
She would give them one final gift.
Chapter 5
A warm glow nestled inside of her home the next evening, but Cosette drifted through it as restless as a ghost. Thierry knew something was wrong. He’d caught her more than once staring out the windows with misty eyes. Now she was standing in the dining room, watching as most of her progeny and a few vampire dignitaries tried to make polite conversation. She had invited them to partake in her Christmas celebrations after she, Adam, and Thierry celebrated together that morning. A ruby and gold necklace glittered around her neck. Her favorite gift from Thierry.
Adam tapped her on the shoulder. “You look like you could use this.”
He handed her a blood-laced whisky, which he joked was his version of Christmas punch. He gave the eggnog a suspicious glare, like he expected someone to come behind him and force it down his throat. From the mirthful grin Cosette glimpsed on Thierry’s face as he watched Adam, she suspected he was planning to try just that. She wagged a finger at him, and when Adam caught his expression he scowled. Thierry roared with laughter, startling Evony, who was helping herself to some of the ham.
Most of her progeny had left to form their own nests after a while and she nodded to some of her children’s children while sipping from her glass. Adam still looked uncomfortable around new vampires and he kept finding his way back to her, hovering around her like a skittish puppy. Cosette smoothed the lapel of his jacket.
“They aren’t going to bite you, you know,” she said to him.
Adam huffed. “I know.”
Julian walked up to her. Adam shrank back so he was standing behind her. She bit the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing as she offered Julian her hand. “Julian, I didn’t expect to see you here.”
“We’re all here. After Bernard decided to bring her with him, we had to be,” Julian replied.
Cosette frowned. “What are you talking about?”
Julian raised an eyebrow. “You haven’t seen her yet?”
But Cosette did. As the crowd of people parted, Elliot appeared, moving towards her. She looked innocent in a shimmering white dress that fell just below her knees. Her long red hair was curled in soft, face framing waves and her cheeks were humanly pink, like she had just stepped in from the cold. She must’ve fed recently.
Thierry walked to stand at Cosette's other side and wrapped his arm around her waist protectively.
“How is she here?” he whispered into her ear.
There was no time to explain as Elliot stopped in front of her. “It’s nice to see you too, Thierry. I trust you’ve been well?” she said, addressing him.
It was like the whole room was holding its breath. No one but the members of the Consortium knew about their plans to wake Elliot. A glass shattered as someone dropped it, breaking the silence. Elliot smiled and Cosette realized she’d been right.
It was wicked and slightly menacing.
“I am,” Thierry replied as he recovered from his shock.
“And you. You’re adorable, but not exactly what I expected of Cosette,” Elliot said to Adam.
Cosette spoke up before Adam could respond. “I didn’t know you’d be coming, Ellie. It’s an unexpected surprise.”
Elliot’s gaze snapped to her so suddenly it left Cosette a little short of breath. “I’m sure. But I thought it best everyone know that I’m back sooner rather than later, and that I’m going to be sticking around a long time.”
She raised her voice at the last part of the sentence so that the rest of the room could hear. Elliot lifted her eyes to something above Cosette. She raised her head and gasped when she saw it. A fresh clump of mistletoe. It was part of the decorations Thierry had brought home from the store.
Elliot pulled Cosette to her, nudging Thierry out of the way as she c
aptured her mouth in a kiss. Cosette felt Elliot’s fangs pierce her bottom lip and suck. Her lips and teeth were stained with Cosette’s blood when she released her.
“Such a perfect present. I wish I could stay and unwrap you,” she whispered to Cosette.
Elliot winked at Thierry as Bernard grabbed her arm and dragged her away. But as she shot Cosette one last look over her shoulder, Cosette read its meaning perfectly clear.
Elliot’s games were only just beginning.
* * *
The End
Enjoyed this story? Be sure to leave a review! Want more of these characters? This story continues in Elliot’s upcoming novella A Heart Black as Midnight. Sign up for my newsletter or follow me on Amazon to be notified when it releases.
About the Author
N.J. Ember is a paranormal fiction author who loves to write stories about survival and triumph over adversity. Whether her characters are dealing with the paranormal or everyday life, she seeks to show that strength is not always about being superhuman or invulnerable. She enjoys anything with mystery, suspense and horror, so when she’s not writing you can find her watching shows like Orphan Black, Penny Dreadful and Sherlock. She currently lives in Michigan with her grandpa and a forever growing collection of books and Funko Pop! figures.
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Read More of N.J. Ember’s Books
Witchy Wonders (A Limited Edition Paranormal Halloween Anthology)
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A Christmas Bite
R. L. Wilson
Bailey
The searing rumble awakens me. I’ve been traveling the freezing ocean for seven days. Glancing out the window, I view a flash of lightning. I squint then lower my head back to the coffin. I hate light, but at least it’s not daylight. However, I’m only a couple hundred feet from land. My fated mate awaits me. Lauren doesn’t know it yet, but she’s mine. I’ve been granted permission by the vampiracy gods to convert her. I have until Midnight on Christmas.
A loud boom shakes the boat. My claws immediately turn long and black. Exhaling, I crawl out the coffin. What the hell happened now? I emerge from the bottom of the boat to the upper deck. The crisp wind makes me shiver as smoke floats from my mouth. I glance to the left and notice my boat is amongst a sea of docked boats. Only problem is my boat crashed into a yacht.
The pungency of New York’s sewer intermingles with the smell of fire. Steam floats from the front of the boat. I see a short male step onto my boat. Let me guess, I hit his boat. There’s no time for this shit. I pivot around to walk down the stairs to my living quarters when the monotone voice screams, “Hey, you hit my boat.” I ignore him and continue down the stairs. If he knows what best for him, he’ll go back to his boat.
I reach the sofa and take a seat. The pounding of his footsteps marching into my domain causes anger to boil. I raise my hands and observe the paleness. I need a feeding. If he says anything, I don’t like I’m eating his ass alive.
“Excuse me, you hit my dad’s boat,” he barks.
“It's time you leave,” I growl at the skinny neck kid, who couldn’t be any more than twenty. And he is approaching me. He has no clue of the danger he’s in.
“You need to pay for that. Where’s your insurance card?” he grunts with anger flitting on his face.
I shoot him a sharp stare and my vampire roar forces its way to the surface. My fangs elongate. I rise from the couch. The once fussy, loud, young adult is now as quiet as a whisper, shaking uncontrollably. I can smell his fear and the blood pumping through his veins. It’s almost feeding time.
He fumbles his words as I get closer, my tall stature overshadowing his petite frame. Although my stomach sizzles with hunger, I’ll let the kid breathe. As long as he helps me find Lauren.
“What did I hit?” I question as I stare at my long nails, then straighten my ring. It’s my protection ring, the one I have to prevent daylight from blinding me.
“Nnnnothing,” he responds, stuttering.
I narrow my gaze to his panicked face. I pin him with a smile. Assuring him I don’t want to hurt him. “Well, I’ll need your help. I’m trying to locate someone.”
He holds his hands up. “Sure, whatever you need.”
I sigh and walk back to my couch. “She’s a beauty that I have only two days to find.”
“I know nearly everyone in Brooklyn, so it shouldn’t be a problem,” he insists.
“Good, we need to start on our journey immediately.”
He darts his gaze around the boat in horror once his eyes rests on the coffin.
“What’s with the coffin? And the darkness?”
I wince, frowning. “Nothing that concerns you.”
“Right.” He nods as his hands tremble. “Do you have a picture of your lady friend?” he questions as I make my way to the stairs. I step onto the deck and pull a picture of Lauren from my pocket.
He takes the picture from my grasp. Wrinkles appear on his face. “You have anything in color?”
I snatch my picture from his hands. “No.” I’ve had this photograph for at least a century. I’ll never let it out of my sight.
Lauren was sent to earth again without being a vampire or having any knowledge that she was one. It’s time she comes home to be with me. I must bite her and get her to indulge in some human blood before Christmas night. As long as I keep my ring on, I can navigate daylight until I make it back to my realm.
“Well, we better be on our way. What’s your name?”
I cut him a mean glare. “Bailey,” I growl.
“But that’s a girl's name,” he says with a smirk. Until he realizes I'm not laughing. His eyes widen. “NO, that’s a unisex name.” He nods. “Yeah, I know a boy named Bailey.”
I hop off the boat and we trot toward the city limits. In my previous life on earth, everything moved at a slower pace. This is a new world. Faster moving automobiles and more buildings. My shoes aren’t made for the snow, I think as I feel the dampness in my shoe.
“Bailey, my name is Cruz. You can crash at my place tonight,” he urges before zipping his checkered jacket. “Maybe we can search for your love in the morning.”
I nod and push my hair back.
“My roommate went home to Alabama for Christmas. He’s about your size. You can borrow some clothes.” His gaze trails me from head to toe. “You stick out like a sore thumb. “
Judging by his attire, I guess my clothes are different. He had on faded jeans with rips. I had on linen pants with snakeskin loafers. I killed the snake myself to make these. But I guess tennis shoes aren’t a terrible option.
“Fine, but we must locate Lauren first thing tomorrow.”
Lauren
The sound of a car backfiring brings to mind gunshots. I reach down to the gun at my side, a force of habit I suppose. I’ve been shot at before, and the employee psychiatrist says I have PTSD. But what does he know? Just because he went to medical school doesn’t make him a god.
Only three more days until Christmas. Then the crime rate might drop. Me and my partner Jasper have been working overtime. With all the thefts and home burglaries, law enforcers don’t get any rest. I take in a deep breath and continue to my squad car. First stop is to pick up my partner to start our beat. He is running late, as usual.
The howling winter wind hits my face as I button my coat. It’s starting to look like Christmas. The sweet scent of pine splits the air. Snow covers the rooftops of all the buildings. The best time of
the year. Even though it’s a constant reminder that I don’t have a family.
I open the door of the car and wipe the snow on the rubber mats. My drive is meditation, the quiet before the battle. And once you get on these New York streets, it’s war.
I arrive in front of Jasper’s building and what do you know, he’s still not down stairs. I honk the horn.
He appears at the front door. “Hold your horses,” he complains as he makes his way down to the car. “Good morning.”
“Morning.” I give him a side-eye. “It’s afternoon and our shift started an hour ago.”
“Thanks for clocking me in. What did Sargent Woodard say?”
“He told me I’m responsible for my partner when he’s late, so we’re both late.”
“Can we get some coffee?”
“Sure,” I respond.
Jasper is handsome. But he’s a womanizer. I’m sure he didn’t get to bed until late. He spends his night entertaining. Momentarily, I pause and take in the appeasing scent of his cologne. I snap out of it and put the car in gear. He thinks he’s slick with the sharp clothes, cologne, and slick car. He’s a magnet for females. I won’t fall in his trap.
The dispatcher comes on while we are getting coffee. “Any units near 125th and Lexington?”
I grab my walkie. “This is Lauren. That’s my beat; I’m in the area.”
“Copy, Officer Green. There’s a domestic dispute.”
“We’re in route,” I respond as I swerve out of the parking lot. Jasper puts the lights on as I'm flying down the street, going sixty in a thirty.
Domestic disputes can sometimes leave a victim stabbed or worse. A crowd of twenty people have gathered on the street. I gasp, certain this is the location but hoping no one is deceased.
Holidays Bite: A Limited Edition Collection of Holiday Vampire Tales Page 72