Thirst (Incubus Tamed, Book 1)

by Theresa Hissong

  “We have a problem,” Salvatore barks from the other end.

  “What’s going on?” I inquire and slip out the door. The morning is brisk, and I pull my leather coat tighter around my body as I take a seat on the small step leading into the cabin.

  “Kieran’s gargoyles killed two humans last night, leaving bite marks in their necks,” he states. I hear his fist hit the desktop.

  “What are the news reports saying?” If these gargoyles are sending a message, then we already know why they are here. Kieran Wylde will do anything to get Ashera back.

  “They’re calling it an animal attack, but there are medical professionals discrediting their reports. The women were found on the outskirts of town to the west, and some are saying it was a coyote. Others think it’s a madman.”

  “And Lucifer will come for us thinking we left a kill,” I say, finishing his thought.

  “Exactly,” he responds.

  “What do I need to do?”

  “Stay where you are, and make sure you keep your guard up. No one but Victor and I know where you are. That could be to our advantage.”

  “Where are Memphis and Xavier?”

  “Both are here,” he replies. “They are on watch duty.”

  “Good.” The gargoyles are masters of disguise, and we treat them well. They will kill for us, and have no problem taking orders to do so. Even though Kieran sent his own demon dogs to find Ashera, ours are loyal to us over their own kind. “We will lay low.”

  “Check in tomorrow if you don’t hear from me,” Salvatore says, ending the phone call.

  Chapter 10

  Ashera

  We’ve been here three days, and I feel my energy fading. As much as I enjoy feeding from Cassius, I need human souls and blood. He voiced his concern last night as we hunted in the woods. We couldn’t find anything larger than a rabbit and returned to the cabin to sleep.

  Today, we will change our appearance and go back into the city, sticking to the private clubs downtown. We’re risking being found, but I need to feed, and so does Cassius. His eyes are starting to sink in and dark shadows ring his eyes.

  “I don’t think they will be looking for us during the day,” he says, using his tongue to flip the hoop in his lip. He’s nervous, and I don’t blame him.

  “We will do what we need to do and get out of there,” I promise as he leaves the cabin to remove the camo netting and branches from the truck we drove in five days ago.

  It’s noon by the time we reach the city, and I feel my hands start to shake. Being new to this life, I need to learn that not feeding on a schedule can cause these tremors and weakness.

  I never wanted this life. It was thrust upon me by a monster. The night he slit my throat and violated me as I died will forever stay in my memories. I don’t know what happened after I blacked out, but I woke up buried in a four-foot grave in his yard. I clawed my way out in the middle of the night with revenge on my mind. I wanted him dead…I still do.

  I wasn’t the only one. There were others; two females and one male. They were released after a month, sent home with two different men who showed up at Kieran’s mansion in Pittsburg. The man and one woman left with one, and the remaining female with another man with a thick British accent. I don’t know if they were sold as slaves, and I may never know.

  “We’re here,” Cassius announces as we pull up to the valet service in front of the club. A young man in a suit opens my door and holds out his hand. I take it as I climb out of the tall truck. We didn’t have anything nicer to drive, because going to Salvatore’s house is off limits until these gargoyles are found.

  I’ve changed into an Asian beauty with long, black hair. Cassius matches me with the same Asian features, and he’s dressed in an expensive suit to match my luxury gown. There is a banquet for charity going on, and word has it there is a dating auction being held after lunch. I didn’t ask how Cassius knew about the event, I just act like I belong as he produces two tickets to gain us entry.

  “What’s this banquet for?” I whisper as we make our way into the ballroom.

  “It’s a swinger’s banquet,” he chuckles from my side. I try not to show the shock on my face. They have banquets?

  “And how did you find out about this?”

  “My old friend, Ellington, invited us,” he says, taking my hand to wrap around the crook of his elbow. He places his warm hand over mine and continues to walk us toward the bar. “There he is now.”

  Beyond the white tablecloths and fancy china, I see a man standing by a bar top. He’s dressed in a suit similar to the one Cassius is wearing. It’s fitted and he takes a flute of champagne from the bartender, turning to hand it to a beautiful, auburn-haired female to his right. They gaze into each other’s eyes for a moment before he whispers something to her and she takes a sip.

  “Ellington,” Cassius says in his actual voice. He never changed his accent to match his new look, and I wonder if he has a reason for it. I now know why he stayed the same in that matter.

  “Mr. Snow,” his friend chuckles and holds out his hand for a shake. “Good to see you, old friend. Who is this beautiful succubus you have on your arm?”

  I cringe at his blatant use of the word for what we are. It isn’t a good idea to toss that around a public setting with so many human ears close by.

  “Ellington Church, I’d like for you to meet Ashera Andrews, my mate,” Cassius announces. I see the shock in his eyes and glance toward the female on his arm. I see a smile light up her face, her blue eyes sparkling with happiness.

  “The pleasure is mine,” Ellington says, taking my hand so he can kiss the back of it. “Cassius, Ashera, I would love to introduce you to my mate, Ansley.”

  Cassius kisses her hand in the same formality as Ellington had done mine. She holds out her hand to me and we shake. I feel her power as she gives my hand a little tug. “You’re new?”

  “Yes,” I nod. “Less than a year.”

  “Dear, if you’ll please excuse us,” Ellington interrupts. “I have some business to discuss with Cassius. Would you show Ashera around and maybe find her something to…eat?”

  “I would love to,” she says, accepting a kiss on the cheek.

  Cassius leans over and mimics the action but whispers in my ear, “Find someone and meet me back here soon.”

  “Okay,” I reply.

  Ansley takes my arm and turns us toward the bar. “I’m sure you’ll want a drink first.”

  “Actually,” I chuckle, “that would be a great idea.”

  We order our drinks and find our way to the edge of the dance floor. Several of the people in attendance are already swaying to the slow music as we approach. We don’t sit at any of the regular tables, but I find a bistro style one off to the side to set my drink down. I place my back to a tall, fake shrub and glance around the room.

  “See anything to your liking?” she asks, swirling the straw in her drink. “I’m liking the one with the blond hair coming in the door. Oh! Look, he has a friend.”

  The two men entering together look like businessmen. They can’t be over thirty-five, and while the blond one is very handsome, I am more intrigued by the one beside him. Tall, black hair, with obvious muscles, because the fitted suit he wears shows every dip and valley in those arms. His thighs are thick, and he moves with grace despite his size. Two women approach him, but he makes his excuse to follow his friend to the bar.

  “Come on, we need another drink,” Ansley says, her eyes flashing red.

  As I walk with a little extra sway to my hips, I glance to my left and see Cassius watching me. He tracks my movement as I make my way to the bar. He knows I need to feed, and I know he needs to do the same.

  I’m not jealous, and from the heat of his stare, I know he isn’t worried for me, either. Ansley throws a wink over her shoulder at Ellington, and we focus our attention on the two men at the bar.

  “Hello,” I announce as I slip between the two men. I notice the dark-haired one inhale slightly
. The tops of his cheekbones darken every so slightly as he catches my succubus scent. “What are we drinking?”

  “Scotch,” he says, tossing back the rest of his drink. I’m mesmerized by the way his Adam’s apple bobs when he swallows. “Can I buy you a drink?”

  “Crown and Coke,” I reply. “Thank you.”

  Ansley is flirting with the blond behind me. He offers to buy her drink as well. She asks his name, and I don’t catch what he says. He offers her his arm, and they take off across the floor, disappearing out a side door that leads to a covered patio.

  “Are you going to tell me your name?” he asks as he hands me my drink.

  “Lola,” I lie. I won’t be with him for long, and after we’re done here, Cassius can take me back to the cabin to hide out. I know he’s watching my every move, and he won’t let the gargoyles from Kieran’s territory get to me. I’m as safe as possible here, and I relax in knowing I have someone to help me should things turn south.

  “What’s your name?”

  “Michael Negan,” he replies and mimics his friend by offering me his arm. I take it and let him lead me away from the bar.

  Instead of following Ansley and her man, he takes me to a table only feet from Cassius and Ellington. The two incubi ignore us, but I see Cassius glance my way a few times as I take a seat Michael offers me.

  “Tell me about yourself,” he says, adjusting himself as he sits. I know my scent is driving him wild with lust, and I know he thinks he needs small talk, but I’m really in no mood. I need to feed and get out of here.

  “Come on now, Michael,” I purr, leaning closer to him. My hand lands on his knee and I tighten my hold. “We both know what we want, right? Why don’t we skip the small talk? We’re at a benefit for a swingers club, and I’m willing to bet you and your buddy are here for a good time after you make your donation to charity.”

  “You have a way of getting right to the point, sweetheart,” he says, his voice dropping an octave as he leans in to put his lips close to my ear. “Why don’t you and your friend come upstairs to the room I have with Kellen? We can all have a good time and be back in time for the auction.”

  “I thought you’d never ask,” I reply with a husky voice.

  Michael waits until I finish my drink and takes the cup, setting it down on the table next to his own. He stands and holds out his hand. I stand and use the excuse of pushing the chair under the table to lock eyes with Cassius. He nods once and returns to his conversation with his friend.

  Michael escorts me through the ballroom and exits the same door Ansley and Kellen left through only moments before. He ducks into another door that leads to an elevator. As soon as we enter and the door closes, he spins me around and kisses me.

  I press myself against him, feeling his hard cock against my thigh. He’s eager, but I can already feel the energy inside him. My hand cups his erection, and I bite his bottom lip to drive him a little crazy. “Soon.”

  “I’m sure your friend and Kellen are already waiting for us,” he whispers as the elevator reaches the fourteenth floor. Michael takes my hand and walks with me toward his room. It’s at the end of the hallway, and when he uses the key to open it up, I am amazed at the suite before me.

  Ansley is in the living room, already on her knees. Kellen’s cock is down her throat and he glances in our direction. His eyes heat as his gaze travels over my body. My panties are already wet, and I feel the thirst for blood rising up in my throat. I’m parched for human blood, and I follow Ansley’s lead.

  I kneel next to her at the back of the couch and free Michael’s cock. His hands tangle in my hair and I look up at him as I take him to the back of my throat. He pumps into my mouth a few times before cupping my face. He thinks he’s dominating me by increasing his thrusts as he tightens his hands on my face. He wants to properly fuck my mouth, so I let him. It’s hot, and I feel his energy start to seep into my body.

  Ansley pulls back off of Kellen a moment later and giggles as he pulls her from the floor. She turns around and leans over the couch as he lifts her dress, ripping her panties from her body. “That’s a beautiful pussy.”

  “Michael, you should do this,” Kellen says, gesturing to Ansley. “We can take turns if the ladies are game.”

  “Oh, we are,” Ansley says, looking over at me. Her expression is devious, and I give her a short nod as I lean over the back of the couch.

  “Do with me as you please, Sir,” I urge, taking on the title because I’ve already determined Michael likes control.

  “Oh, you have no idea the things I want to do to that pussy, Lola.” Michael pulls my panties free and drops to his knees, burying his face against my wetness. I try to hold off on the chuckle that bubbles up when Ansley looks at me and mouths “Lola?”

  I shrug and let Michael have his fill. Kellen has already started fucking Ansley, and she’s moaning with every thrust. Michael kisses my back as he rubs his cock through my wetness. I spread my legs wider as he guides himself into my body.

  With each thrust, I feel my soul opening, absorbing his energy. My moans match Ansley’s, and within a few minutes, the two men behind us are starting to tire. I use my power to ease Michael a little more. He pauses.

  “Want me to take over?” I ask in a sultry tone.

  “I have a bed in the next room,” he offers and slips free of my body. I take his hand and let him lead me to the room as Ansley takes Kellen to the floor. He’s still aware, and I watch her as she plays with him, riding him for a moment before she stops so he doesn’t find his release right away.

  “Come here,” Michael orders and pushes me to the bed. He fumbles with my dress until it’s out of his way and finds his place back between my thighs. His thrusts are punishing, but I don’t care. It’s what I need from him. He’s slowing again, and I use my power to put him in a trance. My need for blood is nearing the breaking point.

  “Come for me, Michael,” I purr into his ear. My words of encouragement spur him on. He pumps once…twice. I feel his cock pulse inside me. Its time to get what I came for.

  He slumps as he falls into my trance, but I catch his head with both of my hands. My fangs are already extended, and I waste no time in sinking them into his neck, savoring the blood I take from his body.

  Chapter 11

  Cassius

  “Tell me about your mating with Ansley,” I begin. The two women have gone off to feed, and I search the faces of the people in attendance in hopes I don’t find any other paranormal beings. I don’t want those gargoyles near Ashera.

  “We’ve been together for a while,” he begins. “She saved me from almost being beheaded one night in Miami. We became friends, and during a hurricane, we were stuck together at our territory leader’s home. She was in need of a feeding, and since I was a proper gentleman, I offered my vein.”

  “Were you aware of her succubus scent?” I ask, knowing I could pick out Ashera’s scent from a mile away. It was my weakness.

  “Oh, yes,” he chuckles. “I’d been drowning in her scent ever since we’d met. It was hard to keep my sanity around her. Now, I understand why the human males flock to her.”

  “What happened when you fucked her?” I press.

  “Oh, my dear friend.” He pauses, shaking his head. Ellington gives another soft laugh. “If you felt the threads between you strengthen and your magic pulse while you were inside her, you already know the answer to your question. Once you make love to your mate, there is no reason to seek validity of your thoughts.”

  “That’s what I thought,” I mumble, wondering where she is with that human.

  “I don’t even need to ask how your first sexual encounter went, because the look on your face tells me everything I need to know, friend,” he states. “Ashera is your mate.”

  “Now what do I do?” I ask in desperation. “The incubus who turned her thinks she is his queen. I will risk Hades to keep her out of his reach.”

  “For now, keep her safe,” Ellington suggests. “I have
friends in some very low places. It will only take one call once I’m back in Miami to find your answers.”

  “Thank you,” I reply and shake his hand.

  “No problem.” Ellington orders another drink and pushes a scotch into my hands as my eyes travel around the room.

  “They’ve been gone for a while,” I fret. I have no way of knowing where she is, and it unnerves me. Not because of her feeding, but because I don’t know where these gargoyles of Kieran’s are roaming in my city.

  “Ansley won’t let anyone touch her,” Ellington says, sipping his drink. He nods over my shoulder at two women who’re entering the ballroom. I feel my throat parch from the thought of feeding. “I think it’s our turn.”

  “I do believe it is,” I respond when the women’s eyes darken as their gazes land on us. We set our drinks down and head over to meet them as they cross the ballroom floor. As we near, I notice they’re related, and one is slightly older than the other. The younger one smiles warmly in my direction, and I maneuver my body in a way that tells her, and every other male in the room, she is the object of my desire. It’s a hunting technique, and one that works.

  “Gentlemen,” the one on the left says as she holds out her hand. “My sister and I are looking for some company before the auction.”

  “My friend and I are as well,” Ellington replies, reaching for the one on the right. “I have to say that we are pressed for time, though.”

  “That won’t be a problem,” the one in front of me giggles. “I know just the place.”

  Before I know what’s happening, we are locked in a single bathroom with the sisters. My cock is buried in her throat and Ellington is balls deep in the other one.

  I have no emotions toward this woman, and I close my eyes when the revelation hits me that the only time I actually feel something is when I’m with Ashera. These women, the ones I need for survival, are nothing but food. They are the same as the dinner Fagan feeds me at home. There is no connection in what I’m doing.

  As depressing as it sounds, I know this will be my life until the day I die, or the day I decide Hades is the better option. Only now, I have someone destined for me…someone to live for. Regardless of who we are, the demons inside us rule our human lives.