The Serpent's Kiss

by Claire Marta

  “I know the games you play vamp.” Mark growled, eyeing Asier’s sculpted chest as he accepted the offered drink. “You always have a price. Nothing you provide is given for free.”

  “She’s a grown woman, and quite capable of making her own decisions or mistakes. Free to choose who she wants to see and where to go.” Asier countered, his expression becoming hard. The girl was not a child.

  “Yes, but I know how you like to manipulate situations to your liking. She’ll be in too deep before she even realises. Even your friendship comes with a cost.” Taking a swig of his whisky, Mark downed the contents in one go.

  “I am allowing her to play in the shallows. Jasmine will only swim deeper into my world if she chooses to. I am not about to let her experience anything I don’t think she can handle.” Raising his own glass, Asier took a more leisurely sip.

  Mark ran a hand through his hair in frustration before pouring himself more alcohol. “She’s an innocent. She knows nothing about your brand of seduction, or the business you deal in.”

  Asier was fully aware of that. It made the girl even more tempting. He was not about to spend the evening though arguing over her when he had far more pleasurable things in mind. “Candy is here if you wish to have your monthly session early.” He murmured, leaning over to press a button on the phone which sat on one corner of the desk.

  He saw interest flash in the detective’s eyes. He wanted to. Asier could clearly see the longing. Mark needed his fix of pleasure just like many of his clients. A small knowing smile curved Asier’s mouth. How easy it was to manipulate someone when you knew exactly what they wanted. Right on cue there was a light tap on the door before it opened. Candy stood in the doorway still wearing her horny little devil outfit. With a seductive sway of her hips she slowly entered.

  “Hey baby.” She purred, giving the detective a sexy look.

  “Hi Candy.” Mark began to adjust the collar of his jacket with a shaking, nervous hand.

  “You feel like playing tonight?” She asked, wetting her lips with the tip of her tongue.

  “If that’s OK with you.” Gulping down the rest of his whisky, he hurriedly discarded it.

  “You know it always is, sugar.” Candy responded, making her way over to stand before him. Mark’s cheeks reddened slightly as he adjusted his specs on the end of his nose.

  “No need to go downstairs.” Asier assured them as he strolled toward the door. “You can use this room. All the things you will need are in the cupboard.” Glancing back, he found Candy was already in the process of stripping him. Asier’s attention lingered for a moment on the two long vertical scars that marred Mark’s back on either side. They were deep. Running jaggedly from the top of his shoulders and ended at his hips. Old wounds. They must have been painful once.

  Candy giggled as she kissed the detective’s chest. He seemed just as eager. Asier could see they were already lost in their own little world. As quietly as he could he closed the door behind him. He knew he would have to accelerate his plans now with Mark’s interest in Jasmine. This distraction would only work once. There would be nothing she would not have experienced at his hands by the time he was done. She would be well broken in when he finally discarded her.

  Asier always grew bored of a female. Jasmine would be no different. Yes, she stirred softer feelings in him he very rarely showed, but that meant nothing. The girl was a means to an end. A way to annoy Eric, and to satisfy a purely selfish desire to have her.

  The ground beneath his feet suddenly began to shake. Bracing an arm against the wall in the hallway, he stood patiently waiting for the tremor to end. These earthquakes were getting worse. He also noticed they were striking with less and less time between. Asier’s brows snapped together. This was another problem he did not need. Unfortunately, this one he had no control over.

  Jasmine released her death grip on the bar only when everything ceased to shake. Shrieks had erupted around her when it had started. Even Asier’s staff had been frightened. Yet they had quickly dealt with any broken glass or mess left without a fuss. Jasmine was starting to get sick of the quakes. They left her feeling unbalanced. There were fewer days between them now, which Jasmine knew could not mean anything good.

  Her sixth sense was also pinging all over the place tonight. The club was crawling with supernaturals. It looked like the Master Vampire catered to more than just humans. As the music started up once again, the people on the dance floor resumed moving to the beat.

  “Are you alright?”

  Jasmine turned to the owner of the softly spoken question. It was the elf she had seen Kane speak to at the concert. She was perched with her flowing purple skirts gathered around her in a puddle on the floor. Snow white hair, still in an intricate plait over her right shoulder, held sparkle in the strands. With one slender hand she was stirring a colourful cocktail that had been placed before her. The elf’s almond shaped eyes, the colour of quicksilver, were watching her enquiringly.

  “Yes thanks. Just not used to these quakes yet.” Jasmine responded with a small smile. Her senses were prickling faintly with the newcomer’s energy. It felt different that the elves she had met on Avalon. There was something darker about it. She couldn’t help but glance at the other female’s chest. The black corset looked as if it was as tight as it would go. Her waxen breasts were straining to get out.

  “The name’s Shell.” The elf lifted one dainty hand to shake.

  “I’m Jasmine.” Taking it carefully, Jasmine shook it briefly feeling the strength beneath the grip. Shell looked harmless, but obviously was more than she seemed.

  Shell’s eyebrow rose slightly. “I’ve not seen you around here before.”

  “I’m...new to the club.”

  The pink haired bartender was observing them across the bar. She looked distracted. Jasmine had seen her leaving Twitch’s house a few days earlier. Apparently her name was Lexi. Something was going on between her and the mage. Jasmine was kind of hoping they were going to get together. Twitch was lonely. He needed a woman other than herself around. Someone who could show him love, and that his scars did not matter.

  “Can I get you something for your pain?”

  Jasmine frowned at Shell in confusion. “I’m not in pain.” She assured her as she wrapped a hand around her bottle of beer and took a quick sip. It was her second one. Already she could feel a pleasant buzz.

  “Heartache is plain to see. I recognize the signs. Been there a few times myself.” The elf continued as she pursed her lips. She had a knowing look on her face as if she had been through it more than once.

  Jasmine looked away from her sympathetic gaze. Fuck. Was it that obvious she was hurting? “You sound like you’re trying to sell me something.”

  Reaching into one of the ruffles of her long skirts, Shell produced a couple of tiny glass bottles. With a flourish she set them on the surface of the bar.

  Jasmine stared at the strange green liquid within. “What is it?”

  “Something that will take away the feelings that are plaguing you and give you peace.” The elf explained.

  “A poisonous potion.” With one hand Jasmine pushed them away.

  “It’s not dangerous. And before you ask, no they’re not drugs. It’s all natural. Do you think they would let me in here if I sold shit that was fatal?” Shell gave a little hurt sniff of outrage. “The vampires would hang me.”

  “What do you want in return?” Jasmine replied in suspicion. She knew these things were never free.

  “Nothing sweetie, just helping out another female in distress. I’ll even let you have two. They last for a few weeks. Then you can come find me if you want some more.” Shell pushed them towards her again. “I’m always around the club. If you decide you don’t want them, just bring them back.”

  Jasmine eyed them sceptically. They were probably just bottles of flavoured water for all she knew. “Thank you...” She replied, stuffing them into the pocket of her sweatshirt. Would she use them? No. Probably not.
She had a feeling though that the elf was not going to leave her alone until she accepted them.

  “A word of friendly advice, stay away from the vamp with the amethyst eyes.” Shell murmured softly as she stirred her cocktail. Her eyelashes lowered as she kept her attention on her task. “He’ll whisper sweet nothings in your ear until he gets what he wants, but you’ll get burned in the end, and it won’t be pretty. He’s left a string of broken females in his wake.”

  “You mean he’s a man-whore?” Jasmine replied dryly. This news was not a surprise. She could not imagine Asier ever being celibate. Not with all the women who came to his clubs and no doubt threw themselves at him. They probably lined up at his door one by one just to fuck him. The Master Vampire was a walking wet dream. He oozed sex.

  Shell laughed. A high tinkling sound. “Yes, and you aren’t the first to catch his eye.” Sliding from the bar stool, and sucking alcohol from her straw, the elf sauntered off.

  Jasmine sat watching her go. The little bottles felt heavy in her pocket. Maybe she shouldn’t have accepted them. It was not like she was ever going to use them. Had they really been free? Or would Shell be back for some kind of payment? Maybe she was just becoming cynical. Jasmine ran a hand though her short hair. Fuck. She was really not thinking clearly. If she had been her old self she would never have taken them.

  “Hey.”

  A familiar voice snapped her out of her self-doubt. Gemma was standing by her side. She was still in her outfit from the concert. A short black denim skirt and matching ankle boots with shiny silver studs all over them. The red top she was wearing had ‘bite me’ written across the front. It was tight, showing off her exquisitely tall figure and large breasts. Black tight ringlets were tumbling around her gorgeous features. Her long lashes were extenuated by mascara, and she was watching Jasmine curiously with her big brown eyes.

  “Gemma! What are you doing here?” Jasmine asked in shock. Bloody hell. She did not want anyone to know that she was coming here to see Asier. If her boss found out about her addiction...she was screwed.

  Gemma pouted. “I thought I would check out the club. Twitch mentioned it. I sure as hell didn’t expect to find you here.”

  “Someone mentioned it to me too...I thought I might come have a look.” Raising her beer, Jasmine took a large gulp. Maybe Gemma would get bored and leave. Her next words though shattered her hope.

  “Need a drinking partner?”

  Jasmine smiled brightly trying not to let her disappointment show. “Sure.” She knew her friend would only get suspicious if she tried to get rid of her. The best course of action was to just wait her out. If she was lucky Asier would stay away.

  Lexi appeared in front of them with a couple more drinks. How she knew what they wanted before they even asked was a little odd. Jasmine flashed her a look of thanks.

  “Have you seen Asier yet? I’ve heard he’s a real man-slut.” Gemma commented, as she adjusted her skirt and crossed her ankles on the stool beside her. Her little bag dangling off her shoulder.

  She was attracting the attention of many pairs of male eyes. Men were drawn to her like bees after honey. The problem was they had no clue that beneath the stunning exterior lurked a huntress. Gemma came from a long line of hunters. From birth she had been trained to track, hunt, and kill supernaturals. Any man lucky enough to peak her attention soon realised they had bitten off more than they could chew.

  “I’m sure he’s around somewhere...” Jasmine replied vaguely before taking another long sip of her drink.

  “You know, when I said whatever helps you sleep at night I didn’t mean this.” Gemma gestured towards the busy dance floor. “You really haven’t been acting like yourself lately...since Eric.”

  Jasmine tried not to cringe. Her friend had tried to have a girly talk with her about what had happened with Eric back in Prague. It had been awkward. Neither of them had really known what to say. Gemma didn’t do relationships. One-night stands were more her thing. Gemma was just as dysfunctional as the rest of their team. They were outsiders. Misfits. And that was probably why they had all bonded so well.

  “I’m just curious about the club, that’s all.” Jasmine told her, toying with the edge of her bottle.

  “Uh huh. I’m really not sure Asier is the right kind of male you should be rebounding on.” Gemma twirled a finger around a lock of one of her long black curls.

  “We’re just friends, that’s all.” Jasmine couldn’t meet her friend’s disbelieving stare.

  “Have you used my present yet? The one I bought to cheer you up?” Gemma asked, abruptly tilting her head as she studied a guy that was trying to get her attention further along the bar. She wrinkled her nose in disgust. Giving him a deadly glare, his interest waned.

  “No.” Jasmine admitted uncomfortably. “I’m not sure I’m going to use them.”

  “Why?”

  Suddenly Jasmine found herself fixed under Gemma’s brown eyed scrutiny. She hunched her shoulders, her voice low as she answered. “You bought me penis candles…”

  “And? What’s wrong with that?” Her co-worker asked loudly. “I know I have moments when I want to set a dick on fire. After what that fucker Eric did screwing you over like that you should want to as well. It’s therapeutic, and they smell nice.”

  “Seriously?”

  The smile which curved Gemma’s mouth was malevolent. “Honestly, they do. A glass of wine, a hot bath, and you can watch one slowly melt before your eyes and imagine it’s attached to the blue eyed jerk.” She said the last few words slowly as if she was savouring the image in her head.

  Jasmine sat staring at her, a chill whispering against the back of her neck. “That’s kind of disturbing.”

  That snapped her friend out of her macabre daydreaming. “I knew I should have just bought you a bloody vibrator instead. You would probably be home right now moaning into your pillow.”

  Jasmine almost choked on the gulp of beer she had just swallowed. “Excuse me?” She dropped the bottle back on the bar with a thud.

  Gemma casually signalled Lexi for more drinks. “Our job is stressful. A couple of dozen orgasms a night will relax you. It’s obvious you need them.” The pink haired bartender quickly and efficiently made them something new. She was trying hard not to laugh at their conversation. Lips pressed together, it did not stop a giggle escaping. She flashed Jasmine a sympathetic look.

  “You’re nuts.” Jasmine muttered at Gemma. She could not believe they were having this conversation in public.

  “And you’re way too uptight.” She countered, as she dragged the frosted glass of something fruity and alcoholic toward her. “Admit it, it’s that vamps nuts you’re interested in.”

  Jasmine could feel her cheeks starting to turn red. “Shut up.”

  “With a bulge like that in the front of his pants it’s a good size package, if you get my drift.” Gemma purred before sipping on her cocktail.

  “Can we please stop talking about penises?” Jasmine muttered, trying to shush her. “You’re starting to sound like Twitch. Besides, I thought you said I shouldn’t be interested in Asier.”

  Gemma tipped back her head and laughed huskily. Her curls bouncing around her beautiful face. “You need to loosen up Jaz. I’m teasing you.”

  Giving her a growl of annoyance Jasmine took the yellow straw in her full glass between her lips and sucked. A blend of fruitiness hit her taste buds laced with a heavy concentration of alcohol. Maybe she did need to loosen up. It had been a long day. Too long. A glimpse of familiar curly locks caught her eye. Twitch? Stretching her neck, she tried to see over the crowd. Instead, a flash of bright pink hair mingled with the other dancers before it was gone. Glancing towards the bar, Jasmine found Lexi had vanished and a male bartender was now in her place. That was odd. She had not seen her leave.

  Why was Twitch at the club? He had not mentioned coming here tonight. Had he come to see Lexi, or was he trying to find them? Jasmine slid worriedly from her stool. Moving to the edge
of the dance floor she stood on tiptoe to try and get a better look. There was no sign of the mage though. Maybe she had imagined it.

  Gemma was right where she had left her. Her chin cupped in her palm with her elbow resting idly on the surface of the bar. A perfect pink bubble blew out from her lips before popping.

  “How can you still be chewing gum when you’re drinking?” Jasmine asked as she slipped back onto her seat.

  Using the tip of her tongue Gemma dragged the sticky residue back into her mouth. “It curbs other urges.” She told her as she began to line up shot glasses the cute bartender was pouring her.

  Jasmine blinked at her slowly confused. “Smoking?”

  Her friend laughed. “No. Killing things I’m not supposed to. Mark would be pissed if I tried to shorten my kill list…again. Try this.”

  Jasmine accepted the glass. “What is it?” She mumbled before taking a healthy swig of the amber liquid. The alcohol burned on her tongue making her eyes water. Spluttering in shock, Jasmine dropped the glass.

  “Neat scotch.” Gemma laughed, watching Jasmine pull a face as she coughed. “Beer and cocktails were getting totally boring.”

  Asier flattened his lips in annoyance when one of his minions tried to stop him on his way back to Jasmine. He had already been waylaid by a certain curly haired mage. That conversation had not gone well. Twitch’s demands over Lexi had irked him. At least now they were on the same page. The boy understands more than he should.

  “Master Asier.” Claus called to him again as Asier slowed his pace. “There is a problem in one of the playrooms.”

  The dark skinned vampire’s brown eyes, normally sparkling with curiosity, were shadowed with worry and fear. Asier sensed the latter was not for himself.

  Halting, he cocked his head. “Problem?” They rarely had incidents. He made sure his business ran smoothly and safely.

  “One of the clients attacked a house slave. He has her at knife point and won’t leave the room...its Sally, and she’s in a bad way.” Claus explained as he raked a hand through his short black hair.