The Beast In The Castle

by Daniella Wright

  The next night, Eli called me up on my cellphone while I was on my way home from the newspaper office. I had been working on the report and lost track of time, so I hadn’t met him at the club when I usually did. I answered the phone hurriedly, almost dropping it as I drove.

  “Hi,” I said. “I got to writing, I—“

  “Never mind about tonight,” he said on the other end of the line, his voice sultry as ever. “I’m thinking about tomorrow. I want to take you on a real date.”

  My heart raced in my chest. A real date with him was something that I’d dreamt about, but never thought would happen. I didn’t know exactly what our relationship was but neither of us had mentioned anything about actually dating. It was a private, quiet relationship that we kept to ourselves. The thought of going out with him enticed and excited me.

  “Where?” I asked.

  “It’s a surprise,” he said. I heard a smile in his voice and felt butterflies in my stomach. I was falling for him deeply, and just the sound of his happiness made my heart flutter.

  “Okay,” I said, almost apprehensively. I wasn’t sure what kind of surprise I could expect from a very dominant vampire with a BDSM kink, or how much more surprised I could get by him. But I decided to trust him. It would be fun, whatever we did, because I’d be with him. “Pick me up after dark?”

  “Yes, ma’am,” he said, mocking me. I called him sir when we played and got such a thrill out of it that just thinking about it made me wet.

  We hung up the phone. The night passed slowly, as did the next day. I waited eagerly for dark, and when I saw his car pull up I got in and kissed him softly on the lips, which he returned gratefully. He grinned at me when I asked him again where we were going but he didn’t answer. We drove for a little bit, catching each other up on our days, then pulled into the parking lot of a huge fair that was on the edge of town. I looked at all the colorful spinning rides with my eyes wide, then looked at him.

  “Seriously?” I asked. It was the last thing I expected from him, given our previous encounters. A fair was so innocent, such a wholesome place to go compared to our normal activities together. I looked at him and couldn’t help but to smile, excited for what the night had to bring.

  We went through the gates and inside the brightly-lit, noisy square. We were surrounded on all sides by people, who occasionally glanced up at Eli’s handsome face, shocked to see a vampire out in a crowd of humans. It wasn’t often that the two species intermingled, and some of the patrons of the fair stayed far away from him, as if he would bite one of them at any moment. Eli didn’t seem to mind, but instead was obviously enjoying himself. The two of us walked around the edge of the fairgrounds and played silly games, throwing darts at balloons, “fishing” for quarters. Eli won me a small stuffed fish and presented it to me as if it were an expensive, timeless gift. And it was priceless to me.

  We came to the ferris wheel some time later and I looked up at the massive structure, my heart beating frantically. I was deadly afraid of heights and had never been on one of those rides before. Eli looked at my face and his brow wrinkled in concern.

  “What’s wrong?” he asked, taking my hand and kissing my fingers.

  “Afraid of heights,” I said, swallowing.

  “What if I hold your hand the whole time?”

  I smiled at him, touched. I couldn’t refuse an offer like that, no matter how afraid I was. Plus, he had a way of soothing me, calming me down with his very presence almost as much as he aroused me.

  We climbed on the ferris wheel and he indeed held my hand while we ascended. We were sitting across from each other, our hands between us, and he was looking into my eyes with a smile on his face. My heart almost leapt in my chest. He looked beautiful, and he was looking at me as if he thought the same thing.

  “Are you too scared?” he asked, reaching forward with his free hand to stroke my cheek. “I will keep you safe, Emilia.”

  I found that I wasn’t afraid anymore, not with him there. I squeezed his hand and looked out over the park as we climbed higher. It was beautiful—all the lights blurred together, colorful and pretty. Everywhere we looked there were people laughing and enjoying themselves. It was so much different from the bar, such a different atmosphere. I was enjoying it more than I could say.

  “No,” I said. “I’m not afraid.”

  He smiled. “Good. There’s nothing to be afraid of while I’m here.”

  I believed him. We spent the whole ride just gazing at each other, sending messages back and forth with our eyes. I knew it was time to go home, to get into bed with him. I invited him over to my place for the first time and he accepted eagerly, driving us back in the quiet stillness of the car. For some reason, I was nervous. I didn’t know how to cap off such a perfect night—I wanted things to be absolutely pure between us, perfect, and I wanted him to remember our date with a smile. When we got to my house, we went inside and I shut the door behind us. He stared at me for a long moment, then looked at my lips. I took that as an invitation, and pressed my lips against his, my tongue seeking entry to his mouth. He accepted it and tasted me back, kissing me with feverish desire. We undressed quickly and I led him to my bedroom, where he slowly laid me down and climbed in beside me. We faced each other on the bed and he took time stroking my hips, my waist, touching my breasts with light touches that drove me crazy. I could tell he wanted to take it slow this time, to make it last, and I was on the same page with him. This time would be different than our previous encounters, more tender.

  He proved it by planting slow, gentle kisses over my jaw and my neck, then gazing into my eyes as he pulled my hips against his. He wrapped my leg over his hip and then guided his cock inside of me so that we were lying face-to-face and making love on our sides, his body rocking into mine while we kissed. It was slow and passionate while he pushed as deep as he could go, filling me up one inch at a time while I moaned breathlessly. There were no commands issued, no power play, just the two of us making love, relishing each other’s bodies as our hips moved in rhythm with one another. After I came, he put his lips to my throat, sank his teeth in slow and gentle and drank from me while he filled me with his come. We stayed like that, facing each other, even after we were finished. His eyes held mine and there was a smile on his lips. He pushed my hair back from my face, which was damp and curly with sweat, and leaned in to kiss me very softly on the mouth. I felt my heart swell with the look in his eyes, and knew then that I loved him, that I wanted him to be mine. I wanted to say it, but I kept it to myself. If he didn’t feel the same way, it would ruin the moment, and I wanted the moment to last in its perfection. After a while of just spending time in bed, gazing at each other and kissing and touching with tender hands, he got up to leave to go to his light-proof home. It was almost morning by the time we finished, and though I knew he had to get home, I regretted the fact that he had to leave. He seemed to know what I was thinking, because he promised to see me again the next night.

  Chapter 7: Eli

  We spent the next several days together, just enjoying one another’s company. Sometimes we made love and sometimes, when the mood was right, I fucked her the way she really liked it, rough and dirty. It depended on the mood. Either way, we spent the rest of our evenings in bliss. Being around her brought me to life, so to speak, made me feel like I was almost human again. I was overwhelmed by my feelings for her but wasn’t sure how to identify them. It had been so long since I’d felt anything, since I’d enjoyed love, that I almost didn’t recognize it.

  Emilia finished her story and it was published in the local paper the next week. I was hesitant to read it, wondering just what she said. A small part of me was worried that I’d read something negative, that she’d focus on the dominating part of my personality and imply that all vampires had a bad streak. Most of me knew this would never be the case. From the look in her eyes, the way she talked, Emilia’s feeling for me were tender and powerful. So I read the article. It was a story, deeply personal, about t
heir relationship and how deeply they had connected. I felt my heart swell while I read it, completely touched by her words. The piece was enlightening and moving, and I found myself engrossed in the story as I read it. It had gotten major positive feedback and I could tell why; Emilia had put together a story that was emotionally powerful.

  Reading it made me realize my feelings once and for all. I had fallen for her. Hard. Even harder than I had with the human girl before. I had never felt anything like I felt for Emilia, never experienced such a powerful feeling of desire and adoration before. Her smile, her curiosity and willingness to try anything despite her trepidation were intoxicating to me. My whole heart belonged to her, and I wondered where I stood in hers.

  It was only a week after the story was published when I asked Emilia to meet me at the café we had met up at so long ago. She eagerly agreed and showed up looking radiant in a pale pink shirt that complemented her beautiful skin. I couldn’t keep my eyes off of her, couldn’t keep from staring. She blushed when she met my eye, her cheeks turning a pretty shade of pink that made my heart thunder in my chest just to look at her.

  “Hi,” I said softly as she took her seat next to me. She leaned in to kiss me and I responded gently, savoring the taste of her lips, of her tongue. We kissed for a long moment before I noticed people starting to stare. I pulled back and grinned at her, unable to help myself.

  “Hello,” she said, her voice light and airy. “I’ve been wondering what this is about. Did you like the story?”

  “I loved it,” I said honestly. “It was perfect. I’m constantly amazed by you.”

  She blushed even deeper red at the compliment, smiling nonetheless.

  “Thank you, Eli,” she said softly, looking at me with adoration writ all over her face.

  “I wanted to talk to you,” I said, taking her hand in mine and kissing her fingers.

  “About?” she asked, raising her eyebrows. She looked a little apprehensive, but I soothed her by kissing her mouth.

  “I love you,” I said, my heart beating fast. “I’ve never felt this way about anybody before.”

  “Oh,” she said, her lips parted. Her eyes were dancing, filled with joy.

  “I want you to be my mate,” I told her. “My partner. I want to be with you, Emilia, if you’ll let me.”

  She looked at me breathlessly, biting her lip. Then her face burst into a radiant smile, and she leaned forward to plant a kiss on my cheek.

  “Of course,” she said. “Yes, Eli. I love you more than anything.”

  My heart swelled. Those were exactly the words I’d wanted to hear. I sat there and gazed at her, reading her face, hoping it was true. The sweet look she gave me was absolutely genuine, and I felt myself relax. I leaned in to kiss her again, our lips locked together in a passionate embrace. I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her close, ignoring the other people in the restaurant. All that mattered was her, touching her, loving her until the end of my days. She kissed me back, and when she pulled away, she was smiling brightly.

  “So this is it,” she said. “You’re mine.”

  “I’m yours,” I promised, and kissed her again. We left the café then and went back to her place to celebrate by making hot, passionate love to each other for most of the night. She fell asleep with her face pressed against my chest, and I spent the rest of the night reveling in her touch, my heart swollen with love.

  Animal Prince

  ~ Bonus Story ~

  A Bear Shifter Romance

  Hudson

  I am a Prince. No, seriously, I am. I’m a bear-shifter and in order to take the throne and become king in my clan, I have to take a mate—which will never happen. I don’t do long-term and I’m definitely not looking to settle down.

  One night, no attachments, sounds simple right?

  Well, it was, until I saw her.

  Fay

  When I saw him that first night, I knew I wanted him to take me. I might not date—too afraid of getting hurt—but a girl has needs. One night together is all I expected, but when he wants more, I run.

  But I don’t get far.

  Hudson wants me and won’t stop until I’m his, but can I accept Hudson and his bear? And when I’m in danger, will Hudson come in time to save me?

  Can love conquer all?

  * * *

  Hudson

  I know I’m here with someone, but I can’t help but watch the girl with the flaming red hair dance with her date on the dance floor. She’s beautiful, captivating, and she has stolen all my senses and seems to have no intention to give it back. From the moment my gaze came into contact with her form I was smitten.

  Then our eyes meet for the first time and I was lost.

  As if knowing I’m thinking about her right now, she glances my way. Her blue eyes practically glow underneath the moonlight and the smirk she throws my way—a smirk that shows she knows I’m enchanted by her—makes my shaft stir in my pants. She then proceeds to grind her ass against her date’s groin and his eyes widen in shock. Considering the fact that she smacked his hands away earlier when he tried to grab her waist, I don’t blame him for being stunned either.

  But that doesn’t mean I don’t want to strangle the human myself for touching what is mine. I clench my fists and growl low in my throat at her actions and I swear that the feisty sprite is silently laughing at my anger. She’s going to get it once I get my hands on her tonight. And I have every intention to have her underneath me at one point this evening. If I’m anything, it’s persistent, and I always get what I want.

  And I want her.

  “You’re supposed to be on a date with me, Hudson.” Amelia hisses out, standing up from our table, and then throws her napkin down on top of the table in fury. She glares at me as she grabs her purse and shakes her head. “I don’t know why you asked me to accompany you to this stupid benefit charity if all you were going to do was watch some other girl dance. You’re supposed to be giving me attention! Look at me!” she gestures down at her too short skirt and barely there top. “I did all this for you and you’re treating me like a piece of gum at the bottom of your shoe!”

  I narrow my eyes at Amelia and she’s smart enough to keep her mouth shut. Her shifter instincts have her averting her gaze from mine. “I do not appreciate your tone, Amelia, and I’ll remind you, just once, who you are taking to. I am your Prince, not your boyfriend. Remember your place.”

  Amelia grinds her teeth together, obviously wanting to tell me to fuck off, but nods her head in understanding. “I’m sorry for my offending tone, Prince. I meant you no disrespect.” she doesn’t look into my eyes as she speaks and I growl my approval. She might be new to our clan, but she has enough sense not to stare directly into my eyes when I’m pissed. “I’m just upset that I finally gained a date with you, but you don’t seem to be enjoying my company.” she pouts and I roll my eyes.

  This is why I don’t date or ask women out to dinners anymore. From the first night, they expect so much of you, even if you’re clearly not interested. Hell, this isn’t even a date and Amelia is already acting like a needy girlfriend who needs my constant attention and pouts and whines when she doesn’t get it.

  “The reason why I asked you to accompany me here tonight is not because I want to fuck you, Amelia.” she blushes and I shake my head, knowing I dodged a bullet with this one. I don’t do timid, submissive girls. I like my woman to have more bite. Glancing up, I see the red-haired beauty now arguing with the man she came here with and my body is anxious to go over there to make sure she’s okay. I turn my focus back to Amelia and sigh when I see she’s glaring at me for looking at the girl again. “I invited you here to discuss including some of your pieces in my store, since my sister Laney isn’t here to do this meeting herself. I specifically recall telling you this and I know for a fact that I did not lead you on or gave you the idea I wanted anything more from you. But after your behavior, I do not think I’m interested in your pieces any longer.”

  Amelia’s face
brightens in fury. “I said I was sorry!”

  I shake my head and sigh. “I don’t mix business with pleasure, Amelia, and I’m afraid that if I decide to work with you, you’ll try to blur those lines.” her face flushes again and I know my assumption is correct. “I do not like to play games, Amelia, and above all, I do not like working with people who are high maintenance. Odd, considering I work in the fashion industry, but still true.”

  “I’m not high maintenance, Hudson.” she twirls a piece of hair and looks up at me from under her lashes. Classic. Since I said no, she’s going to try to seduce me so I change my mind, or decide I do mix business and pleasure. She probably thinks I’m playing hard to get but that is so not the case here. “I know I’m just a clan member, a weak one at that, but we can be good together,” she grins up at me and trails a shaking finger down my shirt until she reaches the top of my slacks. Grabbing her hand, I push it away and she frowns. “I don’t understand what that girl has what I don’t? I can please you; Hudson, and I’ve wanted a chance to show you that from the moment I laid eyes on you. Forget the line and take me instead. That way business won’t be mixed with pleasure.”