Zane grunted letting his head fall into his hands. His elbows rested on his thighs. “Thank you.”
“You’re bleeding quite a bit.”
She tried to staunch the flow with his ripped shirt.
“Leave it. I want the poison to bleed out. I’ll heal quicker in the long run.” His low voice was uneven and weak. “Give me a minute and then get me to the shower.”
She felt useless. Not sure of what to do. “Do you have a first aid kit? Maybe…” She tried to move out from behind him.
“Stay there. I find your touch oddly soothing.”
His biceps filled her hands, her legs had fallen open and her chest rested against his back. Her breath caught in her throat. Even amongst this blood and gore, their position seemed oddly intimate.
“You didn’t kill that girl did you?”
Zane sighed. “She didn’t die by my hand but I feel responsible,” he paused. “I thought that giving her space would be the best thing. That she could do with time to adjust. I was wrong.” His voice broke and she wasn’t sure if it was because of the physical pain or the emotional kind.
“Those guys were after me weren’t they?”
He nodded. “You are the only female capable of bearing vampire heirs now that my chosen is...” he shifted wincing as his wound pulled. “With you out of the way, vampires would become extinct.” Before his words had a chance to sink in, he turned his head slightly. “I need to get to a hot shower. The wound needs to bleed some more and hell…” He looked down at himself. “I could use a wash. You need to help me.” He still looked like shit but at least his voice was a little stronger.
Getting him off the sofa took a few attempts. Using his good arm, he leaned on her and they made slow but steady progress.
The shower was all glass with a stunning view of the forest. There was no shower door or curtain. Come to think of it, there wasn’t even a door on the restroom itself. “Not so big on privacy?”
“I prefer open spaces.”
Chapter 8
It occurred to her that if she tried to leave right now, he might end up falling. The guy might be all muscle but he was seriously weak. “How are we going to do this?”
Using his good hand, he ripped what little remained of the shirt from his body and unbuttoned his jeans. “Help me get them off.”
Her first instinct was to tell him to go to hell but when she glanced at his ashen face she swallowed her words. She took her lip between her teeth, took hold of the lapels on his jeans and tugged the denim down. Clearly Zane enjoyed the freedom of commando. His thick cock rested, what seemed like, halfway down his left thigh. Even covered in congealing blood and dripping with sweat, he was a sight to behold. A warrior in every sense of the word. He cleared his throat. “I’ll let you explore me thoroughly some other time.”
Heat scorched her cheeks when she realized that she clung white knuckled to his pants, which were still half way down his thighs. Avoiding his gaze, as well as other parts of his anatomy, she dropped to her haunches and took his jeans down to his ankles. He stepped out of the fabric. Zane rocked and took a shuffling step backwards. She sprang up, just managing to catch hold of him before he fell.
“Damned poison has done a job on me.” His eyes were scrunched shut.
“I’ll help you.”
He nodded once, clearly not used to being at the mercy of another. Zane put his arm around her. Tanya glanced down at her cashmere sweater. His eyes were still closed. Damn it, she wasn’t going to ruin the garment. They shuffled to the vast cubicle and he leaned against one of the glass windows for support. Tanya took the opportunity to peel off the sweater, throwing it a safe distance away. Her jeans could handle the water, there was no way in hell she was taking those off. She turned the faucets on, squealing as freezing water hit her square in the chest. With a quick adjustment of the showerhead, she breathed a sigh of relief. Cold showers were so not her thing. When she turned to face Zane, his eyes were focused on her chest in untethered…hunger. So feral she had to stop herself from taking a step back. His cock jutted from his body. Heavy, seeking, it had her blood heating.
“Um…I thought you were on death’s door.”
“Sweetness, you’re like the water of life to a dying man. If I was just a little bit stronger I’d take you right now.” Zane swayed, having to use his hands on the glass to keep from falling. “I need you to get the water as hot as possible.”
****
Zane tried hard not to focus on her lush breasts. He’d never seen cleavage so deep. Had never wanted to bury himself into a female more than in this minute. Her nipples were tight buds against the shear white fabric of her bra. Pink smudges on deep curves had his mouth filling with drool. His focus blurred reminding him that he was in no condition to be thinking along these lines. Pain throbbed across his shoulder shooting down his limbs like scorching heat through a flame thrower.
When the water steamed, he angled himself under the steady stream. “I need you to reopen the wound.”
She stepped into him, those hard little nipples abrading his chest. A wave of vertigo had him clutching her shoulder for support.
“How?”
“Use your fingers.”
“Oh my God. You are so going to owe me for this one.”
Zane had closed his eyes but could hear that she meant every word. He felt his lips pull into a smile. “Do not worry sweetness, I will repay you the favor tenfold.” He circled his thumb on her satiny skin.
Not for the first time since meeting her, he smelled the intoxicating scent of her arousal.
“Whatever,” she mumbled. “What should I use, how—”
“Stick your fingers into the wound …both sides.”
The female made an incredulous noise but moved to his side. A better angle to do as he had instructed. Her chest heaved against him. The smell of arousal was replaced with…fear.
“I don’t want to hurt you, Zane.”
He forced his eyes open and turned his head to face her. Large eyes that seemed to be made of melted chocolate stared back at him. For the barest second he forgot what he wanted to say. His need to fuck her was obviously affecting him.
“Do it,” he bit out harsher then he intended.
Her eyes darted from the wound on the one side of his shoulder to the one on the other. Her hands held a slight tremor. “Here goes.”
Zane bit down hard. Any more of this and he’d surely crack his molars. She pushed her little fingers deep into both wounds. White, hot pain seared through him. Just when he thought she must be done, she scissored her fingers further tearing the wound. He greatly admired her bravery. The human females that he had encountered were usually weak, timid creatures. Based on experience, she had to be flawed in some way. It was just a matter of time before this became apparent.
Feeling his hot blood pump from the gashes, he angled his shoulder so that the spray from the shower would help prevent the wounds from sealing too quickly. He could already feel some of his strength returning. Vampires healed quickly and it wasn’t long before he felt his flesh begin to knit. There was only one thing that would help him more at this point.
Blood.
Zane needed to drink. His fangs extended at the thought. The female’s delicious scent wasn’t helping things.
“Wash me.”
“No freaking way. Just who do you think I am?” Her voice came out in an angry rush, but another intoxicating burst of arousal filled the small space. His fangs throbbed and he felt his dick begin to fill. Damned if he could stop it. He didn’t like the lack of control though.
“You are my female and I need you to wash me.”
“Listen buster. I’m not your female.” Her beautiful eyes blazed as she dragged them down his body ending on a harsh gasp. She pointed at his manhood. “Stop that right now.”
“I can’t. It seems the thought of your hands on me is appealing.”
“I refuse.” She folded her arms over her chest and her eyes narrowed. His eyes d
“Hey buster, my eyes are up here.”
With extreme reluctance, he lifted his gaze. Her auburn hair was plastered to her scalp, her cheeks were flushed from the heat, a look of defiance firmly in place. How had he ever thought her plain? Using his good arm, he reached behind him grabbing the soap. Her eyes stayed on his. Truth was, at this point, he could probably manage on his own but where was the fun in that. Zane had a burning need to feel her hands on him. To have her do as he requested.
****
The overly large vampire was even more attractive wet. Then again, maybe it was the fact that he was naked. Rivulets of water caressed every contour of his magnificent body. With roped muscle on every single solitary inch, ridges and valleys were plentiful. Tanya suddenly felt thirsty. She also felt like a dirty slut perving over a man just hours after she’d had amazing sex with another.
She shook her head. “I can’t. I’m sorry.” Was her voice really tinged with regret?
His eyes hardened. He reached forward and slipped a bar of soap into her hand. “I am not offering you the choice. Do it now female.” He had a deep voice. The lowest baritone she had ever heard on a man. Tanya always assumed that she would hate it if a man told her what to do. In this setting, in this moment, the command sent shivers down her spine. She had to work to keep her breathing even as her nipples hardened. Hopefully he didn’t notice. There was something she liked about it, yet she had the feeling if he used it too often it might just irritate her. Right now it titillated.
“Fine, but only because I don’t want to spend the rest of the day with a dirty, grumpy vampire.”
Something in his eyes flared and his lips twitched. She moved her hands under the spray and worked the soap into a healthy lather. The thought of touching him excited her. Tanya tried to keep her hands from shaking.
Where to start?
There was so much of him. She’d start at his back. It was safest. Tanya swallowed hard as she took in his broad back and beefy ass. Avoiding his bad shoulder, she placed her hands on his skin. He jerked at the first tentative touch. She followed the natural contours and was soon finished so she moved to his arms which were relaxed at his sides. So freaking big. So gorgeous to touch. After a deep breath, she slid her hands over his ass. Sheesh he was all hard muscle. Oh so good to squeeze. His legs were long thick steel. His chest was hair free yet so manly that her breath caught in her throat as she rubbed her hands across his pecks. Feeling his nipples harden beneath her touch. The light smattering of hairs led down from his belly button to…she avoided even looking at his very hard cock, concentrating rather on the firm ridge of muscle that led down from his hips. The ones that spoke of how well built a man was. Next she slid her hands up and down his legs, keeping her eyes away from a certain area. When she finally finished, she dropped her hands at her sides and looked up at his face. His eyes were darker than she’d ever seen, his jaw was locked in a tight line.
“You’re not done.” He glanced down at…
No freaking way in hell. Excitement coursed through her veins.
Tanya shook her head. “I couldn’t possibly,” her voice was shaky.
“You can and you will.” Deep, commanding. Everything in her tightened.
“Fine, but you had better not enjoy it.”
Instead of answering, Zane ground his teeth.
More soap. Extra lather. Tanya used one hand to palm his balls while the other wrapped around his wide girth. His cock jerked and he hissed. His cock throbbed beneath her finger as she slid up and down his length. She moved to his other ball, lightly squeezing the sensitive flesh.
“Your touch…” His voice was filled with surprise. “I have never felt such a thing before. So soft, so good.” A low growl that had her insides turning to mush.
He rocked his hips forward as she slipped back down his long length. His eyes closed and his head fell back. Tanya had planned on tugging on him a few times, on getting him horny and then leaving him, but suddenly she wanted to see him find completion. Needed it.
“Move back.”
His wild gaze landed on her.
“I said to move back.” She tugged on his cock. His mouth parted and he groaned taking a step back as she commanded. Spray hit them both. Within seconds the soap was removed from his body.
“Take a step towards me.” Another tug this time as she zoned in on his head.
Zane growled as he stepped forward, his mouth opened exposing long, scary looking fangs. Damned if they didn’t make him look sexier. Deadlier. Who was she kidding, he was a killing machine. For some ridiculous reason though, this heightened her excitement.
Here went nothing. Tanya knew she shouldn’t be doing this but dropped to her knees anyway.
“What are you…?” His words turned into a snarl as her lips closed over his head. She swirled her tongue over the tip before sucking lightly. Another snarl erupted from above her.
“Whatever it is…do not stop.” His hips rocked. His hands were fisted at his sides. She took him deeper, as far as he would go, his head hit against the back of her throat. He made the cutest little grunting noises as she pulled back. A drop of precum hit her tongue. So yummy. She swirled her tongue over his tip then circled his rim. She glanced up, dark, dangerous eyes stared back. Every muscle on his hard body was corded and ready.
It was time to kick it up a notch.
Tanya found she was enjoying this. It was a heady feeling to know that she was in full control of this warrior. In this moment he would probably agree to anything she demanded just so long as she kept sucking him off. She took one of his heavy sacs in her hand while taking his cock deep. Zane snarled. If he liked the feeling of that, then he would enjoy this even more, using a finger, she massaged the sensitive area of skin directly behind his balls and sucked his head at the same time.
“Female…” A warning, a plea? Only one way to find out. Tanya did it again. He grunted threading his fingers through her hair. His hips jerked as she took him as deep as she could.
“I’m going to…” He growled. “I’m nearly…” The hand in her hair tightened clasping her to him before he removed it fisting it at his side.
Tanya picked up speed. His body turned to stone. Zane groaned as hot cum spurted into her mouth. She struggled to swallow the copious amounts. Just when she thought he was finished another hot spurt, less this time. He growled threading both hands through her hair in a gentle caress. She slowed, easing the level of suction.
“Where did you learn to do that?”
She released him and shrugged. Her cheeks heated. She really shouldn’t have done that. “It’s a human thing I guess.”
She glanced up at him. His brow was furrowed. “I enjoyed it very much.”
“I’m sure you did.”
“I didn’t think I would like anything human.”
It was probably as close to a thank-you as she would get. They were so glaringly different. Something he seemed to highlight at every turn. “Sure thing. How are you feeling?” She rose, feeling a bit shaky. It was his turn to steady her, which he did with a hand to her waist. Once she had regained her footing he released her. He took a slow step towards the faucet and turned off the water using his good arm. His movements were careful, deliberate.
“Still so damned weak,” he spat out the word. “If I had a little more strength, I could repay you.”
“No need really. I shouldn’t have done that anyway.” She turned to leave. Zane gripped her upper arm and turned her back to face him.
“While you are with me, you are my female. Do you understand?”
She swallowed hard and nodded not trusting her voice.
“I will take you to my bed. I will take care of your needs. Am I clear?”
She didn’t respond. How could she agree?
“Even though I enjoyed the feel of your mouth on me…” His gaze turned hungry. “I have a feeling I will prefer your tight pussy clamping down on me as you come. Your gasps of pleasure will be nectar to my ears.”
What the…
Her female bits screamed yes. Hell, her whole body practically begged for him to do it now. There was no way she could go back to Brant if she allowed Zane to make good on his threats though. She would never be able to look him in the eye. Brant, with his dimpled smile and easy way. The powerful king had left all the control in her hands. Had promised her long walks on the beach and candle lit dinners, and she couldn’t wait to do all of those things with him. To make love to him again. To feel how his powerful body would surge into hers. She had never felt the way he made her feel. Guilt rose in her. Soft fabric brushed over her skin bringing her back to reality. Zane pulled the towel more securely around her.
“We need to get dressed. My phone was destroyed in the fight. It’s a ten mile hike to the castle.” He wiped the moisture from his body in long easy strokes.
“I have a phone.”
His eyes widened. The tension eased out of his wide shoulders. “Gods be thanked. Just for the record, I would’ve made the ten miles on foot.”
Tanya shook her head and giggled. “No doubt in my mind. I’m not so sure I would’ve though.”
Zane made a choking noise which she realized was a laugh. From the sounds of things, those muscles never got worked. The slightest half smile appeared on his face. She was in so much shit. The man was a sight to behold when he was angry which seemed to be most of the time and he was utterly…beautiful when he smiled.
Just as quickly as the smile appeared, it left, his face hardening once again. “Get dressed and fetch me that phone.”
“You need to stop bossing me around and you can try and say please once in a while.”
“Female, we do not have time for niceties. I am certain that the elf king will send more men as soon as those do not return.” He gestured to where the fallen pixie…elf lay. “I may not be able to fight them off this time.”
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