The Serpent's Kiss

by Claire Marta

  The vampire settled his chilling look on her friend. “Easy, wolf. I just saved your friend from getting herself a job as a whore. You really need to keep a closer eye on her.”

  Fergus looked far from intimated. “You know this walking brick wall?” He asked, as he strode to her side.

  Jasmine could sense the feral energy of his wolf just beneath the surface. Wild and untamed. It always felt that way. He was ready to shift at a moment’s notice.

  “Kane’s the second in command to the Master Vampire who runs the city.” She explained, watching the males carefully.

  They were both visibly tense. Each of them sizing up the other as only alpha males could do. Although Fergus was muscular, Kane was massive. His huge physique could give him an advantage. The werewolf was tall but only came to just below the vampire’s chin. Jasmine suddenly felt uneasy. She was not sure which one of them would win in a fight, but it was something she did not want to see. If Fergus got hurt, she would blame herself.

  “So your Asier’s errand boy.” Fergus’s amber eyes widened with enlightenment.

  “Be careful what you say mongrel.” Kane lowered his head to push his face into the wolf’s with aggression, his tone deadly quiet. “I might just take your pelt as a new rug for my bathroom floor.”

  Fergus raised his chin in challenge. Jasmine could feel hostility emanating off both of them in a thick merging dark vortex. Moving in between them, Jasmine pushed them apart by placing her hands on their chests.

  “Ok fellas, that’s enough.” She told them sharply.

  Her boss would have a fit if these two started brawling. It was not the attention they needed. Plus, Mace and his men could exit the other door at any minute. They needed to get back into the concert. With one long glare at Fergus, Kane turned away and stalked back towards the door where Mace’s office was situated.

  “Way to go at making a new friend, champ.” Jasmine uttered sarcastically at Fergus as the vampire disappeared. She was sick of male posturing.

  “Jaz that was just foreplay. Trust me, Fangs now has a raging hard on for me. It’s all good.” Fergus winked at her. A half smile sloped the corner of his mouth.

  Jasmine sighed shaking her head. She really did not understand alphas sometimes. Arm whipping abruptly out, Fergus squished her to his side in a one armed hug. Confused, Jasmine gave a little squeak. “What the heck are you doing?”

  His body heat invaded the layers of her clothing and warmed her skin. She could feel the muscles beneath his t-shirt. The next thing she knew he was snapping a photo on his smart phone.

  Glancing at the screen she could see her shocked expression staring back. “Seriously? You’re taking selfies right at this minute?”

  “You know I like to put them on Insta for my brother.” Fergus pointed out as he released her and quickly typed in a quick comment. “He posted from some bar on a beach in Hawaii yesterday.”

  Jasmine giggled. It seemed to be an Instagram war. They were always trying to outdo each other. With the amount of pictures her friend posted daily she was surprised that his mysterious sibling could keep up.

  “And a photo of me and you in a tiny courtyard is going to outdo Hawaii?”

  “He ain’t got the hot girl, just a pretty piece of scenery.” Fergus responded, shoving his phone back into the pocket of his jeans. The handle of the small water gun was still peeking out from the waistband of his jeans.

  “You think I’m hot?” No one had ever called her that before. The fact it had been Fergus almost made her laugh. He was like a big brother to her.

  Fergus cleared his throat awkwardly. “Brat you’re like an annoying sister to me, don’t go getting any ideas now...”

  “You two better have a good reason for being outside.” Mark’s voice warned them abruptly in their ears.

  Jasmine’s panicked stare met Fergus’s. The smile he flashed her was full of reassurance. It looked like he had almost been waiting for their boss to cut in.

  “I needed to take a piss and Jaz was watching my back.” He told Mark casually.

  Smacking her forehead with her hand she gave her friend an ‘are you serious’ look. That was the best he could come up with?

  She was not sure whether Mark believed him or not. The only reply he gave was. “Get your butts back inside pronto.”

  Jasmine was pretty sure she was partially deaf by the time the concert was over. None of them had found the drug dealer they were after, even though some arrests had been made. However, they knew though someone had been there. A couple of metal heads had almost overdosed on the stuff. Both were now in intensive care at the hospital, in comas. Things were starting to get out of hand.

  Mark was not taking the stress well. He wanted results. Yet none of them were sure how to proceed. It was almost as if they were dealing with a ghost. Jasmine had informed him of Kane’s presence. He had gone very quiet at the news. She was not sure if that was a good thing or not. Did he suspect that the Master Vampire of London might have a hand in this new drug?

  Checking her watch, she discovered it was just after eleven pm. It was late. She wanted to go home but knew she had made a promise to Asier.

  “Twitch, I’m going to Liquor and Lust.” She grumbled tiredly, knowing he could hear her. Maybe whatever the vampire wanted wouldn’t take too long.

  The mage gave a little hum. “Ok Jazzy, be careful. Text me if you need me.”

  Jasmine spotted the Master Vampire the moment she entered the room. It was hard not to. His presence was a dominant force across the space. Of its own accord, her gaze was drawn to him. She noticed more than one pair, of both male and female eyes, lingered on Asier’s well-muscled frame. The length of his black, satiny hair rippled around his shoulders as he talked. He was topless and barefoot again. His bronzed, ripped torso temptingly on display. Asier was so confident in his nakedness. So at ease. Unsettling, the demonic face tattoo he had on his right forearm was leering her way. It’s eyes so lifelike.

  The vampire was wearing silver yoga pants this evening. She could see his nipple ring gleaming in the light. It made Jasmine realised she had never seen him in a pair of jeans. He was either formal or in something relaxing. No in-between.

  The room seemed to be the only one that allowed customers to mingle from both sides of Liquor and Lust. It was themed as a strip club. A bar was at one end of the room, and forest green, leather curved couches had been positioned so anyone sitting could watch the show.

  Women wearing skimpy outfits were twirling themselves around dancing poles on high white circle tables. They were moving to a song which was being pumped out of speakers on the wall. All of them were exceptionally gorgeous. A harem of different nationalities and looks as each one was dressed as something different. A nun, a school girl, and a little horned devil were the nearest.

  Patrons gathered eagerly around them, watching and cheering as they worked their stuff. Jasmine felt uncomfortable. She had always been self-conscious. Even more so after she had been raped some years ago. Being so short and slim she knew she couldn’t compete with any of these beautiful, long-legged women. Her breasts were too small for one thing. These women were radiant. The kind of women men fell to their knees just to talk to.

  Jasmine was suddenly glad she had already removed her earpiece. She did not need Twitch listening in on what might be said. He had a habit of eavesdropping whenever the mood took him.

  Dragging her gaze away she looked back towards Asier. The woman he was talking to was stunning. A real blonde bomb shell with slender curves and long legs. Jasmine’s sixth sense was telling her that the female was a shifter. Feline to be exact from the way her energy rubbed itself up against her. Who was she? One of Asier’s workers? A friend? A girlfriend or someone he was just fucking?

  The woman noticed her hovering by the door. With a sweep of her beautiful cat-like eyes she gave Jasmine a dismissive look. Jasmine suddenly felt unattractive and messy. With a sigh, she raked her fingers through her short red hair. Maybe she sho
uld have just gone home. Coming straight to the club from the concert she hadn’t had a chance to change. A baggy sweatshirt with the leader singer of Kiss across its front was a little out of place here, even if she was in jeans and trainers.

  What the fuck was she doing here? Doubt crawled through her. Asier was playing games. She didn’t need a mind fuck, and she wasn’t prepared to have another vampire try to take over her life. If he had something to do with this new drug though this might give her a chance to find out. That thought kept her from turning around and leaving. Distrust still swimming in her eyes, Asier chose that moment to notice her. With barely a word to the blonde, he moved Jasmine’s way.

  Asier caught his lower lip between his teeth. Jasmine had returned as he knew she would. He had tried to immerse himself in his favourite pleasures since the last time they met. Yet it hadn’t alleviated his craving for her. Nothing had worked. Not the playroom, where he flogged a pair of oriental twins, nor the orgy he had taken part in. He felt restless.

  After their last meeting he had been doing some light digging. The barebones about Jasmine’s life were now his to know. That she was a sensitive did not surprise him. He had seen her perceptiveness in Prague.

  She had been adopted as a child, but the couple who had raised her had died in a car crash some years ago. How she was linked to Twitch was unclear. He could not see how they could be cousins. Yet he knew it was not a lie. Deception was his art. He was usually a master at picking them up. It was something though he would learn in time.

  Asier wanted Jasmine in the worst way. Her taste. Her scent. The feel of her skin against his while he fucked her. He wanted her on her knees. On all fours. Strapped to his wooden cross as he played with her. Fucked her. Punished her. Usually these were all reserved for the supernaturals he played with. For Jasmine though, he was willing to make an exception.

  All she had to do was place herself in his hands. He wanted her trust. It was hard to miss the uncertainty in her lovely jade eyes though. The girl was still hurting. Her faith in men shattered. Asier could see her self-doubt. Her young insecurities. The pain she was carrying around inside her like a prickly ball. Crippling her. Making her reckless and over emotional all because of the blood bond she carried with Eric. If left unchecked, he knew she could end up travelling a very dark path. Somewhere that would consume her. Even lead to her destruction and get her killed.

  Tugging the band from his wrist he swept his hair up in a messy bun. Jasmine was standing in a pair of faded jeans and another unattractive sweatshirt. The food he had been sending her was doing her good. He could see that from the colour in her cheeks. Her face was make-up free. She had a healthy glow and a youthful look of innocence, which was drawing more attention than he liked from other males.

  Her short coppery hair was tousled as if she had been running her hand through it a little too often. Another nervous habit? She seemed to have several of those. Asier found them strangely endearing.

  Padding closer, he saw the way she eyed his naked chest. He knew she liked what she saw. His beauty was something no one in the room could ignore. The pheromones in his Vampiria scent, unique only to born vampires, would also be an allure.

  “Buonasera Jasmine. I am happy that you joined me this evening.”

  The smell of flowers, which seemed to be uniquely hers, filled his senses. For a moment he was transported back to the summer fields of his homeland. A happier time before he had lost it all.

  “That was our deal, wasn’t it? So here I am.” She responded tightly. “What’s with the strip club?”

  Asier’s eyes narrowed slightly. She was uncomfortable. He could see by the way she was hugging herself. How she kept looking at the dancers.

  “I am planning to change the theme of this room every six months. For now my customers requested this. It’s entertaining and draws them in.” He replied smoothly. Moving behind her he murmured in her ear, “There’s no need for jealousy Jasmine. In fact, you will find the women in here are far more envious of you.”

  She was so short. He liked towering over her. Watching her reactions whenever he came close. A mix of arousal and a hint of fear.

  Jasmine tensed but did not step away. “Because you’re talking to me?”

  “No.” Lifting his hand he gently stroked her cheek with his knuckles. Her skin was warm and soft. He didn’t miss how she quivered at his touch. “Because you have a youthful beauty that is fresh and pure. It’s not something you can fake.”

  “You don’t need to tell me I’m beautiful. I know it’s not true.” She muttered the words low but he caught them.

  Asier stepped swiftly in front of her. Taking her chin he tipped her face up. Studying her expression he found no sign of deceit. “Bella you really don’t have any idea do you?”

  Jerking away Jasmine took a step back. He could see his touch had an effect on her. The little hitch in her breathing. How her pupils had dilated. Cocking his head, he listened for a second to the excited thumping of her heart. Lust. He had the ability to evoke it in anyone. It was not as strong as the attraction she had for Eric. Love was an entirely different beast. Something that not even Asier had control over. But he could work with what he had. Seduce Jasmine enough and she would soon be under his spell of seduction. An eager student to be taught. Oh the things he wanted to show her. Do to her.

  Crooking his finger at the nearest dancer, he motioned for her to come. It was the dancer dressed as the horny devil. Tall, and with a figure of a runway model, she had a beauty which made her look untouchable. Ivory skin and piercing blue eyes topped off with a golden river of glossy hair that hung to her shoulders. She obeyed immediately. With a warm smile, she quickly reached his side.

  Jasmine glared at the newcomer suspiciously. Arms still wrapped around her body, she looked a little intimidated. Asier smirked. He doubted she had a clue what he had in store for her tonight. It was going to be entertaining to see how she would react. Would she be brave enough to go through with it?

  “This is Candy.” He introduced. “She’s going to teach you how to dance.”

  That snapped Jasmine’s attention to his. “Dance?”

  “Pole dance honey.” Candy smile was friendly. “It’s great fun. I’m gonna teach you to work your stuff.”

  Blinking, it seemed to take Jasmine a second to register the sentence. Then, as they watched, her cheeks went slightly scarlet with embarrassment.

  “Whoa...no...I don’t know about this.” With frantic hands she gestured at the other dancers. “I mean just look at them. There is no way I can do that!”

  “Cara, just try it. You might enjoy it…please?” Asier added the word as an afterthought. He had noticed she did not like being ordered around.

  “You’ll be fine. We can use my table.” Candy said quickly before Jasmine had any more time to protest.

  Reluctantly, Jasmine followed them. The closer they got the more nervous she became. Asier could practically taste it by the time they reached their destination.

  “Don’t be shy.” Taking her hand he laced his fingers through hers and tugged her patiently forward.

  “I don’t know the first thing about pole dancing, and I’m way too short.” She protested. “This is really not a good idea. I’m going to end up on my butt.”

  “It’s easy once you know the moves.” Candy assured her.

  Everyone was watching them now. They seemed curious with what was going on. This just made Jasmine stiffen up further. A look of vulnerability flashed across her face.

  “As you’re so hesitant, I will start.” Asier told her, quickly making up his mind. She needed to loosen up for this to work. If he showed her it was fun, maybe she would relax.

  This just seemed to confuse and shock Jasmine even more. “You?”

  “Si.”Asier grinned.

  Asier slid his hand around the pole. Gyrating his hips in time with the music, he began to dance. His every movement was confident, sensual. Slow and graceful he pulled himself up on the pole,
then slowly slid down. Jasmine released a shaky breath. Every lick-able line of his beautiful body was made for sin. How could one male ooze so much sex appeal? It couldn’t be natural. His silvery nipple ring glinted in the light as he swung himself around. Every pair of eyes in the room were on the Italian. Everyone watched entranced.

  “See cara, you just need to have fun with it.” His voice was husky as he leapt agilely down from the table.

  “How do you know how to pole dance?” Jasmine asked, her curiosity peaked.

  Asier smiled mysteriously with a careless shrug of one muscled shoulder. “I had a job as a male stripper once. It was fun for a while. Now it’s your turn.”

  Stripper? He had to be kidding. Yet from his expression she could tell he was serious. Jasmine could only imagine the women going wild as this vampire performed a striptease up on stage. Had he done the full monty? Jasmine kept her eyes on his chest. The urge to dip her gaze lower and stare at his crotch was almost too hard to resist. Yet somehow she managed.

  Asier though was not paying attention. Noticing where his stare was lingering, Jasmine tugged down the arm of her sweatshirt. She’d rolled them up forgetting about the burns on her inner arm.

  “The scars make you feel uncomfortable.” Asier stated observantly.

  “They’re ugly.” She told him, shifting self-consciously from foot to foot.

  “Jasmine they are your battle scars. You survived that attack in Prague. You should wear them proudly.”

  She looked back unconvinced. They just marked a time in her life she wanted to forget. Asier nudged his chin toward the table. He seemed to be waiting for her to climb on up. She did not miss the knowing smile on his angelic face.

  Jasmine glanced nervously around. Even though this wasn’t the main part of the club there were still quite a lot of people around. They were all now staring at her with interest. Fuck, she couldn’t do it. What if she messed up? Made an idiot of herself? The Master vampire was watching her with a perceptive gaze.