Haunting Savannah: 8 Dark and Seductive Tales

by Lia Davis

  “If you do say so yourself.” When Grant laughed Cassie relaxed. She’d been on edge since she came to then and now being in the same room with the two of them startled her and not because they were vampires.

  “Grant was very intrigued with me,” Max confirmed, and Cassie wanted to hear about their history. How they found one another and became soulmates. “My point is I can help you get your diploma. I’ll help you prepare for your GED and when you’re ready you can take the test.”

  “I’ve looked into it before, but I haven’t had the resources.” School had been a disaster for her. She bounced from place to place and never really found her groove. “I left the group home when I turned eighteen and decided school wasn’t for me. I didn’t finish my senior year, but I’ll admit I wasn’t passing anything when I left.”

  “Let Max help you,” Grant said as he moved his cool lips along her neck, igniting a fire inside her belly. “He’s very good.”

  So are you.

  She liked when Max watched. A thrill coursed through her, creating a desire she couldn’t tame. As Grant kissed her neck, his hands skimming her hips, she couldn’t take her gaze away from Max. His eyes darkened in response. When he moved closer, the anticipation of having both of their hands on her became too much. Her breathing picked up as she whispered, “Please.”

  “Please what?” Max asked, his lips were inches from hers. “What do you want?”

  “Both of you,” she said as she arched her body.

  “You’re influenced by our presence.” Max’s cool breath caressed her mouth. “Intoxicated by our touch.”

  Who wouldn’t be?

  She closed her eyes when Grant trailed his fingers under her tank top. When he shifted his waist beneath her his erection grazed her back. She reached back and wrapped her arms around his neck, thrusting her breasts toward Max.

  “Grant.” Max ran his lips down her jaw and to her neck, licking her throbbing vein. “You need to take her back to her room.”

  “Why?” She moaned when Grant brushed his fingers over her nipple. “I want this.”

  “Max is right.” Grant withdrew his hands from underneath her shirt and sat up. “Neither of us has fed tonight.” He turned her to face him as Max left the room. “We need to do that before the sun comes up.”

  She looked back, wondering where Max had gone. His absence left her wanting, needing. She hadn’t experienced that earlier in the day, but now she couldn’t imagine being away from him.

  “Look at me.” Grant guided her face back to his gaze. “Hungry vampires can be out of control and unpredictable. We can’t take that chance with you.”

  “Drink from me.” She tilted her head back, trembling over what she had offered. “I can do that for you.”

  “Sweet girl.” When he stroked her neck she tried to calm her nerves. “That’s a generous offer, but not tonight.” He stood from the couch, swooping her up and carrying her out of the room. “We’ve accomplished so much this evening.”

  “Max?”

  “Precisely.” He kissed her temple as he took her to her bedroom. “You’re connecting with him too. I sense it.”

  “I don’t like being away from him.” She touched Grant’s mouth. “What does that mean?”

  “You belong to both of us.” He pulled back the comforter and placed her in her soft, inviting bed. “You’re ours, Cassie.” He tucked her hair behind her ear. “You’ll never be alone again.”

  A strong wave of exhaustion swept over her. It was sudden, unexpected almost manipulated.

  “I need you to sleep now.” He pressed his lips to hers. “Close your eyes.”

  She didn’t want to sleep, but she couldn’t fight it.

  “I belong.” Her eyes fluttered, darkness cloaking the room. Sleep found her much faster than usual. As she fell into a deep slumber images of her two protectors filled her mind.

  Chapter 6

  The aroma of coffee seeped into Cassie’s consciousness as she opened her eyes. Rolling to her side, she squinted at the clock. Three minutes past noon. She stretched, trying to remember the last time she’d slept so late. The house had been quiet, the bed comfortable and the temperature warm and desirable. Nothing at all like what she had grown accustomed to. Sleeping in cars, under bridges and in abandoned houses with no heat made for some cold nights.

  “Good morning,” Lea said as she set a tray down on the bed. “I trust you slept well.”

  “Really well.” Cassie sat up, taking in the beautiful display on the tray. Coffee, juice, fruit and yogurt. “This is for me?” She reached out and caressed the pink rose resting in a small crystal vase.

  “Grant instructed me to include the rose.” She unfolded a linen napkin and handed it to Cassie. “He’s quite smitten with you.”

  “He’s sweet.” She glanced out her bedroom door and to the sitting room. “I guess they’re still asleep?”

  “They usually emerge around five unless it’s a rainy day then we could expect them by three.”

  “Oh.” Cassie noted the strong stream of sun invading her window. Disappointment dominated her emotions when she realized it could be another five hours before she saw them.

  “Don’t worry,” Lea said. “I’ll keep you busy.”

  Cassie popped a blueberry into her mouth, giving the kind woman a curious look.

  “Max has asked me to accompany you to the salon today.”

  “Salon?”

  “Yes, we’re getting manicures, pedicures, haircuts and whatever else you’d like. He thought you’d enjoy the experience.”

  “I’ve never done anything like that before.”

  “Then eat your breakfast. We’re leaving in half an hour. I would have woke you sooner, but you were dead to the world. If I didn’t know better I would have thought you were a vampire.”

  “I think I had some assistance with sleeping. Is that something Grant can do?”

  “He can do all sorts of things, but he’s very good at knowing what a person needs and when they need it,” she said. “He’s very in tune to feelings.”

  “And Max?”

  “He’s very good at taking care of Grant.” She picked up the throw pillow that had fallen off the bed and tossed it on the chair. “He’s good at being in charge. His job as keeper is very stressful. Grant keeps him grounded.”

  “They’re perfect for one another.” Cassie couldn’t help but wonder how she was going to factor into their lives. She hated to think this was yet another mismatched placement for her. Stop it! You’re not in the system anymore. This isn’t a foster home.

  “What’s wrong?” Lea pulled her from her unpleasant thoughts.

  “Nothing.” Cassie picked at the food on her plate.

  “If you’re worried about something maybe I can help ease your mind.” Lea sat on the edge of the bed. “I was in your place once.”

  “What do you mean?” Cassie looked up at her.

  “Many years ago,” she said. “I was in a situation much like yours. I was living on the streets. I had no money and no job. I didn’t know what I was going to do or how I was going to live.”

  “What happened?”

  “I had heard rumors of the auction house on the streets. We were expecting a huge winter storm. Several feet of snow. I wouldn’t survive another night outside so I put myself on the block. The vampire community saved my life.”

  “You didn’t stay with your vampire?”

  “No.” She looked down at her hands, lost in a distant memory. “Anton was great. An amazing man. I stayed with him for several years, and made some fantastic friends. That’s how I met Max and Grant. Anton wanted to travel the world, but I wanted to stay here.”

  “So you weren’t his true companion?”

  “No, but we were very compatible.” She winked. “He wanted a vampire companion and I wasn’t willing to become one. He made sure I was well cared for when he left and I’m very happy taking care of your two vampires.”

  “My vampires?”

&
nbsp; “Trust me,” Lea said. “I know them well. If they both didn’t want you here you wouldn’t be here. If you’re worried about how you’re going to fit in I wouldn’t. They’re taken with you.”

  “Grant maybe, but Max is harder to read.” She thought Max was coming around last night, but he didn’t seem as interested as Grant. He left so abruptly that she wondered what she had said to make him go.

  “That’s just Max.” Lea nodded. “He’s guarded. His whole purpose is taking care of Grant, and now you’ve thrown his world into a frenzy.”

  “That’s what I’m afraid of.”

  “It’s a good thing.” Lea stood from the bed. “As I said the other night, let everything fall into place. You’re here for a reason. You’ll see.”

  “Okay.” Cassie took a sip of the strong smelling coffee. “I’m excited to go to the salon. Maybe I need a makeover.”

  “Ah, sweetie, you’re perfect, but a little pampering might make you feel better.” She drew the curtains back, letting the sun shine in. “I don’t get to do that often in the main house during the day. It’s nice having you here.”

  “I’ll be ready in a bit.” Cassie stretched as she let the heat that streamed in hit her face. She wondered if Max and Grant missed the warmth of the sun.

  Grant made his way down the large staircase leading to the foyer. He’d had a restless sleep, not an easy task for a vampire. Usually once they sealed the room as the sun began to rise he had no problems falling into a deep, uninterrupted sleep, but last night was different. After he put Cassie to bed, and left instructions for Lea, he couldn’t settle his mind. Max couldn’t either. Instead of making love, like every other night, the two fell into a conversation of ‘what-if’s’. Even after the time the two of them had spent in their bedroom with Cassie, Max still had his apprehensions. Grant decided he was just going to let things play out. He was devoted to Max and would never let anything or anyone come between them. Max was going to have to realize that eventually.

  Max hurried into the room, his face buried in the afternoon’s mail.

  “Anything important?” Grant motioned toward the stack of envelopes.

  He shook his head as he tossed the mail down on the foyer table.

  “Lea and Cassie had an early supper while we slept.”

  “Good.” Max nodded. “Are you suffering much from not feeding the natural way?”

  “The reserve serves a purpose but we haven’t fed from a warm body in a few days. I’d be lying if I said I was satiated.”

  “That and your lack of sleep today isn’t the best thing for you.”

  “Did I disturb you much?”

  “You never disturb me,” Max said. “I just don’t like to see you so torn.”

  “I’m not torn. She’s here for both of us. I’m certain of it.”

  “Regardless, I need to know–” Max’s breath caught in his throat as he lost his focus when Cassie came down the staircase.

  “Berries,” Grant murmured. “She smells like berries.”

  “She’s exquisite.” Max’s gaze followed her delicate form as she took the last step and stood in the foyer.

  As she awkwardly shifted her feet, Grant took in her appearance. The gray dress accentuated her subtle hips, the skirt stopping just above her knees as the black riding boots graced her long, fit legs. All of her new clothes suited her, but this ensemble was more remarkable than anything he’d seen her in so far, even more appealing than the yellow dress that had captivated him the night they had first met. This dress dipped low, revealing every inch of her long, flawless neck. Biting his lip, he suppressed the need to reveal his fangs. Max took his hand and quietly spoke for only Grant to hear.

  “Touch her.”

  Grant didn’t hesitate as he moved toward Cassie, reaching for her waist he pulled her to him, obeying Max’s request. She gasped at his abruptness, but he couldn’t help himself. “You look amazing.” He ran his fingers through her soft, mahogany curls before caressing her cheek. “Did you enjoy your day at the spa?”

  “I’ve never been to one before.” She focused on Grant’s mouth. “I got a pedicure.” She let out an adorable little giggle like a princess in one of those cartoons. It was pleasant to see her stress free, letting her guard down and not looking like she carried the weight of a thousand bricks on her shoulders. “Thank you for providing the day.” She looked at Max. “It was more than I could ever have imagined.”

  “I’m glad you enjoyed it.” Max’s words lingered in the air, adsorbing the sudden quietness that filled the room. “You seemed like you needed a day of relaxation.”

  Cassie was guarded in their presence. That was her human compulsion. Smart girl. Vampires were calculated creatures, but every so often they could snap and their animalistic instincts could kick in. That was why Max was so controlled. One of them had to be when dealing with a warm, supple human who would give in to their every desire at the slightest request.

  “Kiss her,” Max said for only Grant’s trained ears without taking his attention away from the stunning woman waiting for one of them to speak. “I want to watch.”

  Grant traced his thumb down Cassie’s cheek and to her throat, taking his time to indulge in her soft flesh. “You’re so beautiful,” he whispered as he stroked her hair. “I can’t stop thinking about you.”

  Grant pressed his lips to the corner of her mouth, darting his tongue out to part the seam of her lips, taking his time, listening as her heart beat pounded erratically in her chest. As he deepened the kiss, Max stepped close enough for his breath to dance along Grant’s neck. The thought of both Max and Cassie so close drove him wild with primal need. Cassie sighed into Grant’s mouth as she gripped his biceps, pressing herself against his chest, taking him with an eagerness he hadn’t expected. The things the three of them could do clouded his thoughts. Images of Cassie naked and bound as Max worked her into delirium made him hard. Would she let them explore her fragile body? Allow them to take liberties no man had ever dared with her?

  “She tastes like berries too.” Grant spoke to Max as he stared into Cassie’s eyes. “Don’t you want to see for yourself?”

  “Not tonight.” Max went toward family room. “Tonight she’s yours.”

  “What?”

  “You said you didn’t want to do this without me.”

  “That’s not what I meant.”

  “Are you two speaking to one another again?” Cassie asked, causing Grant to lose his focus. “What are you saying?”

  “Maxim wants to watch us.” Grant took her hand. “But I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”

  “Let him.” She took a deep breath before pressing her luscious lips together. “I want to be with you. I don’t want to wait anymore.”

  “There you go.” Max opened the large, wooden doors that concealed the massive room.

  Once the three of them entered the space, Cassie gasped at the numerous candles illuminating the room. The fireplace crackled, providing more light as Grant took in the pillows and soft throw that were carefully placed in front of the hearth. The normally closed drapes were pulled back giving them a beautiful view of the well landscaped backyard. The October moon shone down, creating shadows along the path that led to the pool.

  “You did this?” Grant asked Max as he took in the room.

  Max nodded.

  “Why?”

  “Because I want this for you.”

  Grant led her into the family room as Max followed closely.

  “It’s beautiful in here.” She let go of his hand and dropped in front of the fireplace. Her long, dark hair tumbled over her shoulders as her creamy flesh glowed in the light. She rubbed her hands in front of the fire. In the few days she’d been here she looked happier, healthier and content. When she glanced over her shoulder, she flashed him a flirty grin before threading her bottom lip between her teeth.

  Grant released a low growl, realizing it would be difficult to tame his feral side.

  “Don’t keep her waiting,
” Max said. “Her arousal is very distracting.”

  “Join us.” Grant took Max’s hand, drawing him closer. “I know you want to.”

  “Not tonight.” Max squeezed Grant’s hand as he kissed him. As always, the connection was strong and forceful just the way Grant craved. When Max broke the kiss, he held Grant’s gaze. “I want you to do this.”

  Grant shook his head, trying to look away, but Max’s influence was too strong. Max was manipulating him.

  “As your creator, I’m telling you to make love to her.”

  “You’re going to pull that card?” It was too late. Grant had no choice but to do as Max requested. Not that what he asked was a hardship. Grant wanted her.

  “I believe I already did. It’s the only way you’re going to let go and do what you need to do.” He let go of Grant and took a seat on the couch, his eyes now locked on Cassie. She had removed her boots, and stretched out her silky legs. He noted her freshly polished pink toenails matched her perfectly manicured fingernails.

  Grant wouldn’t argue as he joined her on the floor. Kneeling in front of her, he pressed his palm to her cheek and twisted his fingers in her hair.

  “I don’t understand what’s happening,” she whispered.

  “Do you think you could just go with it?” He kissed the corner of her mouth. “You said you wanted to be with me. Is that still true?”

  “Very much.” She sat up on her knees and faced him. “More than I’ve ever wanted to be with anyone.”

  “I understand.”

  “Is this what you meant when you told me you wanted Max when you first saw him?” She traced her fingers over his lips, her touch releasing a slew of emotions. “It’s a yearning. I can’t stop.”

  “It will never stop,” he admitted. “They’ll be times when you’ll be sated.” He lowered the zipper at the back of her dress, kissing her neck as he slid it from her shoulders. “Times when I can fill you completely.”

  “You do that.”