Aiden's Betrayal

by CT Nicholson

  “Yes! And I’ll pay him back as soon as this heals. He tried to talk me into letting him go. Like I’m some fucking idiot. When I didn’t allow him to leave, he stabbed me.” Regretful eyes looked at Aiden. “I’m sorry. I know you’re close so I’ll take responsibility for taking him out.”

  Nicolas had turned rogue? Her chest ached for Aiden given the loss of his cousin, his friend. Then she realized what Aiden was hiding from her.

  Everyone stayed quiet, waiting on Aiden to say something. “I’ll do it. He’s my cousin and I owe him. He was the one who took care of Luciana when I couldn’t.”

  The sadness in his voice caused Elle’s vision to blur as she blinked back the tears and moved to find his arms. Her mind screamed at her to stay put instead of traveling through the crowd of vampires and giving herself away but she didn’t care. With everyone watching her in confusion and awe, she kept going until his arms wrapped around her.

  Conversation picked back up until the sound of booming footsteps came toward them and everyone quieted and watched the door.

  The newcomer stood taller than everyone in the room. The width of his chest and shoulders filled the doorway, blocking the exit and while his size impressed her, it was his white hair braided the length of his back that truly stunned her.

  His eyes narrowed on her and skimmed her body from head to toe before giving her a sexy smile.

  She shivered against Aiden’s stiffened body.

  “What the hell happened to you, Gregory?” The stranger turned his attention to the injured vampire.

  Elle listened to the story and cringed when the sexy vampire's face turned to stone and his eyes turned ice cold. In that moment everything about him screamed danger.

  This vampire had to be the one in charge by the way the others kept their attention on him. He stood with his shoulders back, chest out, and chin high. When he spoke, Elle could hear the authority in every syllable he spoke.

  Then his cold gaze zoomed in on Aiden. “I think someone else should take down Nicolas. You’re too involved.”

  “Hell no! He’s my cousin and I’m responsible for his actions. You can’t keep this job from me.” Aiden’s grip on her hand tightened until she whimpered and he eased off on his hold.

  “I think I can do anything I want since I’m the prince.” One white brow lifted, his stance widened, and his muscular arms crossed.

  Aiden's eyes widened as he sputtered helplessly. “You can’t be—”

  The prince held his hand up to silence Aiden. “If you’re sure, you have my permission to perform this task.”

  Aiden relaxed against her. “Thank you. I only ask one favor.”

  The prince nodded. “I’ll make sure she stays safe while you’re on the hunt.” He reached his large hand out to Elle. “My name’s Julian.”

  Elle couldn’t stop from pressing even closer to Aiden. Strong hands squeezed her shoulders, letting her know he’d be there for her. Leaning her head back to look up at Julian, she placed her hand in his. His large hand engulfed hers as his lips brushed her skin, forcing her to her tiptoes. “Elle. It-it's nice to meet you.”

  Even though she spoke the words, she didn't quite believe them herself.

  Aiden’s growl caught her off guard, and caused her to jerk her hand from Julian.

  Julian’s booming laughter filled the room and everyone watched him as if he’d grown a second head. “So it's like that?”

  He turned back to the others and his tone changed as he spoke his orders. “Ethan, see if Nicolas still has his phone or credit cards. He’s too smart to make dumb mistakes, but we can hope. Collin and Lena, I want you out at nightfall so go get some rest. Gregory, you need to heal before you go back out. Don’t get stabbed again.”

  Orders given, the vampires left the room.

  Julian's gaze landed back on Aiden and Elle.

  “Same with you, Aiden. Get some rest and be ready for nightfall. When you leave, we’ll all keep an eye on her.” With those last demands, Julian bowed his head and walked out.

  Grinding her teeth together, Elle kept her questions for when they were alone and she followed Aiden back to his room.

  Elle chanced a glance at Aiden to find him watching her through hooded eyes with a smirk on his face. Before she realized it, they stood toe to toe and his lips brushed against hers. She had no doubt his kisses would kill her.

  Long fingers tangled in her hair as his free hand grabbed her ass. She couldn’t stop her moan against his lips or the way her body melted against his. Nothing mattered at that moment except them. After a year of no sex, her whole body screamed at her to hurry up.

  She wanted his touch and prayed he didn’t turn out to be a disappointment like her last lover. If you could really call the two-minute man a lover. When he left her bed after sex, she was forced to please herself to ease her frustration. She'd been handling her own sexual needs since.

  Now she stood in the arms of a huge, god-like vampire as his tongue penetrated her mouth.

  A devilish smile formed as he pulled his overlarge socks from her legs. “Take those off, too” he growled as he stepped back to watch.

  Oh boy. She swallowed the lump in her throat before obeying him. Slowly, she grabbed the waist of her panties and slipped them down one leg at a time.

  “And my stolen shirt.”

  His voice sounded strangled and for the first time in forever, Elle felt proud. She was the cause of his arousal. Not Anya, not some other girl; just her. Wasting no more time, she gripped the hem and pulled the shirt over her head. She unclipped her bra and bared herself to him before he could demand anything else.

  Watching his hands reach out to touch her bare legs, she relished in the thought of driving his control out the window right along with hers.

  Never seeing him move, she knew she’d been thinking too much when his finger grazed her clit and her hips lifted off the bed as she begged for more. One finger slid across her wet slit then circled around her slowly. Hot air hit her sensitive folds as he moved closer and used his other arm to keep her from bucking against his hand.

  Her whole body was on fire and she nearly exploded when his tongue slid along the line of her cleft. Strong arms kept her legs apart as his thumbs separated her folds for better access. He flicked her clit then penetrated her with his tongue.

  A whimper escaped as he pulled back, leaving her empty, until he latched onto her and sucked. Her hands fisted the sheets and her head thrashed back and forth while his mouth taunted her.

  About to come, she prayed he didn’t quit. Shifting his hands, her breath caught until a thick finger pushed deep, filling her.

  “Please.”

  With his mouth still latched to her swollen clit, his growl vibrated her over the edge. Her body tensed, growing tight as her muscles quivered. A scream tore from her as her orgasm left her body bucking uncontrollably against his mouth. He never stopped but let her ride wave after wave until she stilled against him.

  “Wow.” She didn’t know what else to say. What did you say after experiencing the most explosive orgasm ever?

  Aiden pulled his mouth away as his finger slipped out of her. Her body jerked when his finger spread her release around her over-sensitive sex. Unable to move away from the sensation and not wanting to, she opened her eyes when the bed creaked from his weight as he climbed above her.

  At some point he removed his clothes letting his very hard, and very impressive length press against her entrance without a barrier. He teased her as he slid the thick head up and down her slit.

  Looking up, he squeezed his eyes shut and pressed his mouth together. She gasped when his eyes popped open to show raw need. The same exact need eating through her body.

  “If you want me to stop, tell me now.” His words shocked her more than the strain in his voice.

  Shaking her head, she gripped his ass and pulled him forward. “I need this as much as you. I want this.” Nothing could stop this from happening. “Wait! What about protection?”


  “I can’t catch any disease or give you anything,” he spoke through clenched teeth, his face drawn back in pain as he held himself in place.

  “Can you get me pregnant?”

  His nod caused her heart to stop. “I don’t have a condom but I’m sure someone has one somewhere in this damn house.”

  As he pulled away, Elle had to bite her lip to keep from whimpering. She watched him start toward the door without his clothes. “You’re going out there like that?”

  She giggled when he looked down.

  “Shit!” Pulling on his pants, Aiden moved over to her then kissed her. “You stay ready for me.”

  Elle fanned herself unsuccessfully with her hand. What had Anya gotten her into?

  Chapter Twelve

  Tucking his straining and extremely frustrated cock between his stomach and waistband of his jeans, Aiden hurried through Sanctuary trying to find someone who could help. Not caring about stealth, his feet slapped against the floor. His mission; find a condom. He had no plans of failing.

  He shoved his hand through his hair. Why the hell didn’t he think about getting her pregnant? Maybe because he’d been too damn busy trying to bury himself inside her tight, warm, wet pussy. He groaned and couldn’t hide anxiousness as Ethan stepped from his room.

  Grabbing Ethan’s shoulders unsuspectingly, Aiden nearly shoved him into the wall with his excitement. “I need a condom.”

  Ethan’s shocked expression turned into his signature annoying goofy ass grin.

  “It’s about damn time.” Ethan slapped him on the shoulder then his smile dimmed. “I don’t have condoms. Jodi’s on birth control.” He shrugged his shoulders. “Hate the damn things anyway.”

  Well, shit! He didn’t give Ethan another thought as he shoved him away to stalk toward Drake's room. Banging against Drake's door as loud as he could. Aiden didn’t care who heard.

  The red door swung open to reveal a sleepy, pissed off Drake, his Mohawk going every direction.

  “What the fuck do you want? It sure as hell better be good to be waking me up.”

  “I need a damn condom and no one in this house seems to have one.” Aiden growled at him.

  Drake laughed. “I’m happy you’re getting some but I don’t have a condom.”

  Boots thumping against the floor caused Aiden and Drake to look down the hall. Julian walked toward them and he didn’t look any happier than anyone else in Sanctuary.

  “What the hell is all the noise about? I was about to get some sleep when I heard the banging.” Julian crossed his arms over his chest, one white brow lifted as he waited for one of them to answer.

  “Aiden needs a condom and I'm all out.” Drake had the same goofy grin as Ethan.

  Aiden felt his chest and cheeks heat under their probing gazes and his situation only got worse when Lena hurried toward them.

  “Ethan doesn’t have one either,” Aiden groaned, his cock now completely deflated.

  “I have some,” Julian and Lena announced simultaneously.

  Looking between them, Aiden didn’t know which confession shocked him more. Julian hadn’t taken a woman, to Aiden’s knowledge, in a long time. And Lena had eyes for only one person.

  “What? A girl can’t have a sex life?” Lena stomped to her room and came back a minute later to find the three men standing in the same shocked state. She threw the opened box at Aiden and left without another word.

  Drake slapped Aiden on the shoulder as he smiled at them both. “This has been quite a show, but I’m going back to bed.”

  Aiden nodded at Julian and took off back to his room and to the naked woman in his bed.

  Finally at his room, Aiden shoved the door open and stalked to his bed. Her breathing even, he knew she'd fallen asleep. How long had he been gone? Thinking about last night, he realized it only stood to reason she was exhausted.

  Letting out an exasperating breath, Aiden dropped the box of condoms and climbed into bed, pulling her naked body into his. If they weren’t having sex, then he wouldn’t go without holding her close for the rest of the morning.

  ****

  An hour before sundown, Aiden woke to find Elle curled into his chest. He wanted to give her a good wake up call, but now wasn’t the time. He knew he'd failed getting out of bed without waking her when she spoke, her voice filled with sleep.

  “Don’t go. It’s not time to get up is it?”

  He leaned down to kiss her. “It’s okay. The night before was long and eventful. This will be over soon.”

  She nodded and watched him dress. Damn it, he never realized having a woman watch him dress would be so damn erotic or maybe he was just that damn horny.

  “I'll be back, I promise.” He walked out of the room wanting to kiss her but he knew he'd never leave if he did.

  In the training room, Aiden strapped himself with his two favorite daggers, a Smith and Wesson semi-automatic pistol, and a sword sheathed on his back. Going after his cousin would be no small feat and Aiden prepared accordingly.

  Collin and Lena left right at nightfall as ordered and Gregory followed suit shortly thereafter. The time had come for Aiden to leave and his feet turned into lead. His feelings toward Elle were too strong. Feeling protective of her, he didn’t want to leave Elle alone with anyone. Not even his prince.

  Aiden needed to check on Anya so Elle wouldn't worry about her friend. Aiden felt confident of her friend's safety because there hadn’t been a body found. Yet.

  The clubs would be the first place everyone would check, but Aiden knew better. Nicolas was way too smart. He’d know the clubs were off limit. The only choice Aiden had was turning to Nicolas’ favorite method of getting around. Rooftops made moving through the city easier as long as they kept humans from seeing them.

  On top of one of the largest structures, Aiden kept his gaze zoned to every movement around him. The smell of car fumes drifted into his nose, streetlights changed, and horns blew. But Aiden only cared about finding Nicolas.

  How did this happen? Carefree and full of life, Aiden never doubted his cousin would make it until he found his mate. Even if his cousin joked of never settling down, Aiden knew Nicolas truly wanted a mate of his own.

  Peering over the edge into the street proved to be pointless and netted nothing but punk kids smoking in alleys and homeless people sleeping or begging for money. Aiden ignored the humans walking on the streets below and moved to the edge on the backside of the building. He didn’t need a damn audience as he jumped across to the next roof.

  He couldn’t jump as far as Nicolas, but the buildings stood close enough for him to manage. After jumping the twelfth building, he grew tired. There was still no sign of Nicolas. Resting for only a moment, Aiden tried to think of anywhere else he could look.

  Loose pebbles crunched under heavy boots. Aiden jumped up and spun with his daggers exposed. Nicolas stood before him not looking his best with his clothes ripped in places, probably from where he fought with Gregory. He had no weapons as he held his hands up.

  “Hello, cousin,” Nicolas said.

  ****

  “Quit biting your nails, he’ll be fine.” Jodi spoke with confidence, but worry covered her face.

  Elle dropped her hand and glanced around at all of the computers. Ethan had surveillance everywhere both in and outside the home.

  “I didn’t realize how much danger he was in. I remember my mom staying up late waiting on my dad to get home.” Elle missed them so much. Tears blurred her vision.

  “What did your dad do?” Ethan asked as his fingers flew across keys without ceasing.

  “He was a cop. He’d just gotten a promotion to detective when he was murdered.” She paused as she stopped herself from sobbing. Crying in front of strangers didn’t suit her. “They thought whomever killed my family was some criminal he put away, but they never found the killer. I always knew the truth, no matter how many doctors my grandparents sent me to. I kept up with trying to convince everyone until eventually I lied and preten
ded I didn’t believe in vampires anymore.”

  “Oh Elle, I’m so sorry for your loss.” Tears in her eyes, Jodi jumped up and hugged Elle. “How about I give you a tour to take your mind off things?”

  After her parent's death Elle thought vampires to be evil, the devil's minions, yet now she stood before a vampire who cried for her. Man if her whole view on life hadn’t changed in twenty-four hours. Elle nodded then followed Jodi out.

  “Obviously that was Ethan’s play area. I swear I think he loves that room more than me sometimes.” Jodi laughed.

  Ethan come running out of the room at that exact moment and gave Jodi the most passionate kiss Elle had ever seen in person as she watched sparks explode around them.

  Then she twisted her hands together and turned her gaze away, feeling like she should leave them alone. While Aiden kissed her with more passion than anyone else ever had, she didn’t think he was looking for a life-long relationship.

  “Don’t ever say that again. You know I love you and my ‘toys’ the same.” Laughing, Ethan kissed her on the forehead then went back to his chair.

  “How long have you been a vampire?” Jodi acted and spoke more modern, but so did many of the others.

  “Since nineteen sixty-four and I’ve loved every minute of it. Some things can be irritating. Like how all the men will nearly smother you with the overprotective genes they all seem to carry. I love them all as family, but sometimes I just want to scream at them to let me go shopping on my own.” She shot a quick grin at Elle. “I’ve done that. They make me laugh, though.”

  Elle could see the love and happiness in the way Jodi’s eyes jumped with excitement as she spoke about the men and Lena. “When were the others turned?”

  “Oh, the others weren’t turned. They were all born vampires.” She opened a door and walked into a huge dining area.

  Looking around at the large table, Elle saw at least twenty chairs. “How many people live here?”

  “You’ve met everyone so far. But Julian’s convinced more of the others will meet their mates like Ethan and I did so we could grow. It's taking a while for that to happen.” Jodi walked around the table toward another door. “We don’t eat here much, but sometimes I can manage to round them all up for a good meal. They meet here other times.”