The Serpent's Kiss

by Claire Marta

  Embarrassment had Jasmine’s cheeks turning cherry red. Was she really that obvious? It was unsettling how easily he could read her. He knew exactly how to use his mouth to drive her insane. Asier had demonstrated it more than once. Jasmine squirmed in her seat. Well this was awkward. What did you talk about after a one night stand?

  The vampire continued to observe her over the rim of his mug. Slowly he sipped at the warmed blood inside.

  Jasmine’s gaze dropped to her half eaten plate. “How come you can cook?” She asked with curiosity.

  Lowering his drink Asier licked his lips. Wet from his liquid refreshment, they glistened ruby red. “It is a skill that comes in useful, especially as I have had human…guests in the past.”

  Jasmine had the feeling he had met to say something else. Pets? Slaves? Blood donors? How many other women had sat exactly where she was as he fed them up? Hundreds? Thousands?

  “So what does this make us now?” She asked unable to meet his stare. They had slept together. That was going to change things even if they never did it again. They both knew that. After all she had told him it was one night. They did not have to repeat it. Still after last night there was no going back. Jasmine knew she had crossed a line. Fuck she had thrown herself eagerly over it without really considering the consequences. It was something she seemed to be doing a lot lately. In the cold light of day she was now starting to regret the soulless night of pleasure.

  “What would you like us to be?” Asier asked quietly. “Perhaps friends with benefits?” He mused before taking another sip from his mug.

  Jasmine gave him an odd look. “You mean fuck buddies?” The Master Vampire of London wanted to be her booty call. This was something new.

  “If that is all you wish Jasmine, but I would prefer the term lovers.”

  Jasmine suddenly felt uncomfortable. It sounded like he expected this all to happen again. “I should get going.” Pushing her plate away she slid from the seat.

  “I will need a list of your food likes and dislikes. Anything you are allergic to.” Asier told her as he continued to lounge against the counter.

  Jasmine hesitated. “Why?”

  “So I can keep some stocked. If you come once a week. It is your choice whether you spend the night or not. I’m still waiting for Twitch to look over the contract I sent to you about our arrangement.”

  Twitch was not happy about it. Jasmine knew he was looking over the fine print just to be certain the Italian was not pulling any tricks. Signing up for his bite was one thing, but the techno mage wanted to be certain he was not doing anything sneaky.

  “Ok, I guess.” She mumbled back. This was all moving too fast. It was not how she had imagined this morning to play out. Jasmine had expected Asier to be smug that she had finally given in. To have lost interest. But this did not seem to be the case.

  Discarding his mug, Asier pulled a pink rose from an elegant vase. The flowers were a touch of colour in the clinical cleanness of the place. A breath of life.

  “Here.” Gently he pressed the stem into her left hand. Jasmine felt the sharp scrap of a thorn as it brushed her thumb.

  “A rose?” Holding it up she admired its flawless beauty. “Isn’t that a little too romantic for friends who sleep together?” She scoffed.

  The vampire smirked. “I don’t do romance Jasmine. I fuck hard. These soft perfect pink petals just remind me of your sweet pussy that was all.”

  Mouth rounding in a perfect O of shock Jasmine felt her cheeks turn scarlet.

  Asier threw back his head and laughed loudly. “Piccola you are so easy to tease.”

  “I’m just not used to this...” Jasmine told him flustered. Fuck. The things that came out of his mouth. “The morning after.” She explained when he lifted an eyebrow questioningly.

  “A first for me as well.” He admitted with a frown.

  “I’ve really got to go...thanks for breakfast...and everything.” She told him suddenly feeling uncomfortable. At twenty-two years of age this was something she should have probably already experienced. But she was not normal. Never really had been.

  Asier placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. “Be careful cara.”

  Asier watched Jasmine go. The passion between them had been electric. Jasmine’s sweet pussy had been even more satisfying than he had ever imagined. He sipped thoughtfully at his mug of blood. The only reason he had not fed from her was to make sure she returned back to him sooner. She had been wary and uncertain this morning. He knew that perhaps she had started to regret giving into him. That was something though he was not going to allow. It was the reason he had taken her tenderly in the shower.

  He had no wish to frighten her away with his rough passion. It was not for everyone. She had however given him her trust last night. That was a precious gift. Jasmine was right where he wanted her now. There was no way in hell he was letting her run. The trick was not to pressure her. He would allow her space and time to relax. Seducing her fully had only just begun. If Eric did come back for her now, it would be far too late. Jasmine was his.

  Asier wanted her addicted to the taste of his lips. To the feel of his cock buried inside her. He would leave her craving his touch. Dependant on the pleasure-pain that only he could give her. He would make her body respond to his words. His wishes. Play it like a perfectly crafted instrument with his powers. One which he would use at his leisure. Jasmine was going to be his for as long as he wanted. His new little screw toy.

  Jasmine huddled in her long armed top. The morning was chilly and the sun was just starting to climb in the sky. Its first rays did nothing to warm her. Nothing stirred as she took the back stairs out of the building. She was walking slowly. Body aching, she could feel every abused muscle the vampire had forced her to use. The pink rose Asier had given her was still clutched in her hand.

  Her head was spinning with the events of the night before. Asier had fucked her silly. Now he wanted to be her casual hook up. What was she getting herself into? Was it wise? Could she really have a pleasure-only deal with Asier? Or would she be far too over her head? It sounded a little too perfect. Too neatly wrapped. The Master Vampire was way to smooth.

  Jasmine worried her lower lip. The fact she hadn’t done anything like this before was also a factor. Was sex all she was looking for? What about emotions and feelings? A loving relationship. If she agreed to what the Italian was suggesting, wasn’t it the exact same thing she would have had with Eric? Distractedly, she threaded a hand through her short coppery hair. A small niggling guilt still plagued her. Jasmine did not know why she was experiencing it. Eric was off probably bedding half the female population of the world right now with his English suaveness.

  All she’d done was use Asier as her rebound guy. And that would not happen again. The Italian’s offer still stood. Jasmine had a feeling he was going to keep it open. Asier, she was sure, was playing games again, which would probably lead to no good.

  The sound of voices jarred her from her worried musings. She was surprised to discover a few of the protesters loitering across the road from the club. Shell was with them. The elf was having a heated discussion with a few of the men. It made Jasmine wonder if they were picking on her. She recognised at least two of the males who had started on her and Gemma the evening they had gotten drunk. As she moved to intervene Shell haughtily tossed her head and stomped off along the road. The men stood watching her. Gazes fixed on her tiny perfect arse, they muttered among themselves.

  “You need to be careful with Asier.”

  Spinning on her heels, Jasmine found the familiar looking bartender resting her back against the wall beside the entrance. It was the young woman Twitch was seeing. Lexi. Jasmine had not really had a chance to speak to her. Things had been awkward the few times she had seen her at the house.

  “Lexi, right? And why’s that?” She asked inclining her head to the side.

  “He’s like a sweet drug. Exciting, and makes you feel oh so good, but it comes with a price. You’ll soon
be addicted to it.” Lexi explained as she glanced at the rose still in Jasmine’s hand. Dark smudges were heavy under her grey dove eyes. Skin pallid, she looked ill.

  Jasmine’s gaze narrowed a fraction. Had she slept with Asier? Did he fuck all this staff members? “And how would you know that?”

  Lexi’s smile in response was sad. “I’ve seen it happen. You’re not the first mortal to go down this path, and it doesn’t end well when he cut’s them loose once he’s bored. And to answer the question I know you won’t ask, I have never slept with Asier...that would just be wrong on so many levels.” She gave a little shudder as she pulled a childish face.

  So this woman was not what she seemed. Why then were Jasmine’s senses not picking up on it? She wasn’t a vampire that was for sure. So what else could Lexi be?

  “Why are you telling me this? You work for him.”

  Lexi wrapped her arms defensively around her chest. “Because I don’t want to see you get hurt like me.” Without waiting for a reply she pushed off the wall and plodded back inside the club.

  Jasmine watched her go. Had something happened between Lexi and Twitch?

  Footsteps tapping along the pavement, Gemma appeared from the mouth of the alley. She was wearing the same jeans and top as the day before.

  “Hey Jaz.” She called, when she spotted her. “It looks like we’re sharing the walk of shame together.”

  Jasmine wrinkled her nose as she waited. “Is that even a real thing?”

  “Yes.” Gemma laughed as she flicked some tight curls out of her face as she trotted towards her. “Kane is big in all the right places and he knows how to use it.” Her grin was satisfied. “He fucks like an animal. I had to go back for seconds.”

  He wasn’t the only one. Jasmine felt heat brighten her cheeks at the thought.

  “As my car’s where we left it yesterday, we are going to have to take the tube home.” Her co-worker continued.

  Jasmine nodded. At this stage she did not mind one bit. She noted the way Gemma eyed the rose in her hand with a worried look. They began to walk. It was early but the city was still stirring. Stoic commuters were beginning to bustle on their way to work. Heads down and shoulders hunched it looked like they were ready for another stressed filled day.

  “You stayed with Asier, and by the amount of noise I heard you finally fucked him.” Gemma half teased. “Are you sure you know how to handle him Jaz?”

  Jasmine’s eyes widened at her words. Gemma had heard them? Distractedly, she stepped out of the way of a harassed looking woman. Heels clicking on the side-walk, she seemed to be in more of a hurry than the rest. She shot her a grateful smile as they passed. Jasmine returned it.

  “What do you mean?” She asked, peeking up at her friend from the corner of her eye.

  “He’s the freakin’ Master Vamp of London. He’s into BDSM and god knows what else. He can also control sexual urges...maybe you’re getting in a little too deep?”

  Jasmine felt her stomach flip. Hadn’t that been just what she had been worrying about herself? Gemma really seemed intent on keeping her from harm. She was getting as overprotective as Twitch. With Mark also focused on her, she was going to have a problem. Shit.

  Tiredly, Jasmine sighed. “I really don’t know…maybe I am, but for one night he made me forget about Eric and I really needed that.” With the pad of her finger she caressed the thorny stem on the flower she carried.

  “That’s good, but that doesn’t mean you have to see him again.” Gemma pointed out a little too firmly. “Now maybe you can just move on with your life. Find a nice regular guy to be your boyfriend...someone normal.”

  Jasmine kept her attention on the pavement. That was not an option. Not since she needed Asier for her bite addiction. She trusted Gemma with her life. But with this? No. No one could know. Jasmine knew her team was getting too close. This secret had to stay buried.

  “Asier wants to be my fuck buddy.” She told her instead. “I thought it would be fun. With all the work we do I don’t have time for anything else anyway.” This would at least cover her visits to the club. It was starting to look like she would need an excuse.

  Gemma was watching her with a curious expression. Behind those brown doe eyes she seemed to be trying to figure something out. Trying to work out Jasmine’s secrets. The ones that even now unknowingly shadowed her green eyes and were hard for her friend to miss. Jasmine kept her features as relaxed as she could. The lie though sat heavily on her tongue. She hated this. Hated the fact she could not confide in her friends. But what choice did she have? Telling them would risk losing her job again.

  “I know I'm not the best at giving advice about men, but just please be careful.” Gemma touched her arm tentatively. It was a friendly gesture. Reassuring. “I don’t think Asier is a male you want to cross.”

  That evening Jasmine found herself back at Liquor and Lust. This time however, she was not alone.

  “Fuck Twitch, you look a mess.” Gemma muttered looking him up and down as the burly bouncer showed them through the doors. “Did you go on another sugar binge?”

  He didn’t answer with his normal witty come back. Skin paler than usual, he had dark bags beneath his eyes, and his unruly locks were messier than normal. He gave his co-worker the middle finger.

  Jasmine already knew something was up. The mage had been quiet. Too quiet. Every time she had tried to get close to ask what was wrong, he had shied away. Pain. It was clear in his peridot green gaze. After what Lexi had said that morning, she was guessing they had split up. Jasmine felt anger towards the girl. The techno mage had lost his twin sister some weeks ago, and now he was being put through this?

  Twitch was hurting. Jasmine recognized the signs. It was clear as day. He’d finally found someone to love, and it had been ripped away. Mark was waiting for them at the bar. The place, as usual was packed. Vampires and humans freely mingled as they danced to the songs. Jasmine sensed the hum of other supernaturals, but did not bother to search for them this time. She was more curious to know why her team was there. Curious and scared. The thought of seeing Asier again so soon had put her on edge.

  A few days. That is what she had expected between setting eyes on the Master Vampire again. She needed more time to think. A breather away from him to know what she wanted. Away from his intoxicating presence.

  “Where’s Fergus?” Mark asked sternly, as he surveyed his crew over the top of his glasses. Handsome features severe, he looked extremely stressed.

  “He’s on his way.” Gemma replied back before blowing a pink fruity gum bubble.

  Lexi appeared from behind the bar. “I will show you to Master Asier.” Voice heavy with tiredness, she looked just as bad as that morning. Whatever she was suffering from, it seemed to be getting worse.

  Jasmine sneaked a peek at Twitch. He seemed hell bent on ignoring the girl. Face tilted away, he was very keen on examining the floor.

  A look of anguish fluttered across Lexi’s expression before she bowed her head. “This way.”

  Jasmine followed them quietly. Maybe she had been wrong. Maybe Twitch had been the one to break if off. It was obvious Lexi was hurting too. Could she have it all wrong?

  Of course Jasmine should have known where the vamp would be. She did not say a word as they were lead towards the playrooms. A strange sense of disappointment settled over her. Was he fucking someone else already? Jasmine balled her hands at her side. She was such an idiot. Suddenly she felt cheap and used. What had she been thinking? Thank god she had not agreed to be a casual fling.

  Lexi paused silently by an open door. As everyone shuffled forward, Jasmine half feared to look. But when she finally did, it was not what she expected. In fact it took a second to process.

  Asier was standing beside another man, talking softly. He was fully dressed in grey yoga bottoms and a matching tight cotton top. The silky strands of his long hair were swept up high in a familiar messy bun. A woman was suspended by ropes in front of them. Arms tied behind her
back, her legs were bent, her heels resting on her buttocks. She was half naked. Breasts bare, only tassels covered her nipples. Pink panties covered her lower half. A leather collar was adorning her neck, marking her as a submissive. The man abruptly reached forwards to grip the woman’s throat gently. A small smile on her face, she stared back at him trustingly.

  Mark cleared his throat.

  Asier turned and smiled in welcome. From the look on his face, he had known they were there the whole time. “Ciao. It seems my club is becoming very popular for your team lately Detective Cummings.” Asier murmured in amusement.

  “We need a consultation.” Mark informed him with a flush.

  Jasmine watched her boss in confusion. Why was he embarrassed? That was a little odd. Mark never lost his cool exterior. Not around them at least.

  “Hmm bene. Anything to help your esteemed department amico mio. Let us go somewhere a little more private.”

  “What’s all that?” Jasmine couldn’t keep the suspicion from her tone as she gestured towards the female.

  Asier glanced back with an innocent look. “Playing, cara.”

  “Really?” She responded, folding her arms under her chest. Cinnamon. The smell was already invading her scenes. Asier’s scent. It stirred memories of the night before. Made Jasmine aware of how her body still ached.

  “We run many classes in the correct way to play from bondage to spanking, and that was one of them.” Asier explained patiently. The gleam in his stare told her he was aware of how she felt. “These things must be learned for the safety of both parties if they want to be members here.”

  Mark was watching them closely. Jasmine tried to relax her posture. Shit. She had to act normal. If Mark caught on something was going on between her and the Master Vampire he’d have her desk bound.