by Grosso, Kym
Tense, Laryssa went on alert. She strode across his office with a subtle grace, ready to spring at the first inkling of danger. She observed how Martin circled Léopold, engaging him in conversation, his eyes darting over to her every now and then, aware of his quarry. Laryssa scanned the room for objects that could be used as weapons. She approached a plaster statue sitting on a pedestal and was running her fingers over the smooth surface, when she heard Léopold say her name.
“Jessica, we’ll be but a minute. Please stand over near the doorway,” Léopold ordered, never taking his eyes off Martin. He wanted Laryssa near the exit, far away from the devious vampire.
“Yes, sir,” she answered on cue.
Léopold retrieved his cell phone from the inside pocket of his jacket and began to tap the surface. Within seconds, he’d transferred the funds into Martin’s account and returned the device. Laryssa’s energy slammed into him, and he realized she was close to snapping. With her back against the wall, she stood submissively with her hands at her sides, yet he knew she was ready to strike. They needed to get out as soon as possible.
“The transaction’s complete. The book?” Léopold inquired. “I’m afraid we have another engagement this evening and must get going.”
“Leaving so soon? How disappointing,” Martin commented as he checked his phone, making sure he’d received the payment. Satisfied, he put it on his desk and slowly made his way toward Laryssa. “The book is there on the shelf behind my desk.”
Léopold observed the vampire’s actions. He spied a single book, which sat next to a crystal vase.
“That one there, with the black spine. I had it rebound. It was a tattered mess.”
“Tell me, Martin. How did you come about the book? You never did say.”
“I didn’t, did I? Not much to tell. A bird put a bug in my ear at a party once. Told me about rare books and mentioned that the ones written in Greek are quite the fetch. I discovered it in this little antique store on Royal, buried with dozens of other old books. I couldn’t be sure it was real, of course, but nevertheless I snatched it up for pennies. Stole it, really, considering the profit I just made.” Creeping closer to Laryssa, he stopped to lean on the back of a leather chair.
“Lady Luck was with you.” Léopold slowly rounded the desk.
“And you as well. This donor you’ve brought. I beg you to let me show her our unadulterated ways.” In a flash, he stood before Laryssa, gripping her chin in his hands. A man of short stature, he buried his nose up into her hair. “Her skin is radiant, like a virgin. Smells pure. Tell me, are you?”
“Am I what?” she asked, her voice filled with feigned tranquility. Laryssa fumbled with her bracelet. Her finger found the nub and tugged at the hidden wire.
“Do not touch her!” Léopold demanded, reaching for the book.
“She’s special to you, Devereoux? You’ve gone soft, I see. After all these years, I wouldn’t have believed it. You may fool the others, but not me. Tell you what…I’ll keep your secret…in exchange for a taste of the virgin.” Martin hooked his fingers around one of Laryssa’s spaghetti straps and yanked it downward, exposing her bare breast. With a hiss, his fangs descended and he lowered his head to his prize.
Laryssa screamed as Martin attacked. She’d been certain he would bite her, but instantly, Léopold had leapt to her rescue. He wrapped his arm around Martin’s neck in a stranglehold. Enraged that Martin had touched Laryssa, Léopold growled and tightened his grip. But Martin held strong, refusing to let go of her shoulders. Sliding the silver chain taut, Laryssa managed to bend her arms and jammed the chain upward into his throat, scoring his skin. The smell of burnt flesh filled the room and Martin howled in response, allowing her enough time to kick his shin. With a grunt, he released her and Laryssa slipped aside.
“Let this be a lesson to others. Never, ever touch what is mine.” Léopold seethed, and sunk his razor-sharp fangs deep into Martin’s shoulder.
Léopold held tight as Martin flailed, unsuccessfully trying to dislodge him. He extended his fingernails into claws and pierced them into the soft flesh surrounding Martin’s spine. Léopold bore down on his grip, tearing away at the tendons and muscle until Martin’s head rolled onto the floor. Within seconds, the vampire’s body disintegrated into ashes, leaving nothing but silence in his wake.
The door flew open and one of Martin’s guards ran into the room. Laryssa reached her hand toward the statue. Calling on her power, she flung it across the room, catching him in the head. As he fell to the carpet, she slammed the door shut. Léopold, in his furor, realized he’d gone feral in front of Laryssa. He’d revealed the beast. Now, she’d finally see him for what he was…a savage animal. The loss of her in his life would break him, but he’d executed Martin with no remorse. Unable to stomach the taste of him in his mouth, Léopold spat on the floor. As he swiped his forearm across his mouth to clear the blood, he forced his blazing red eyes back to black. The truth of what he was had come to light, and he found it impossible to look into Laryssa’s eyes.
“The book? Where’d it go?” Irritated, Léopold focused on the business at hand.
“There.” She pointed. In the melee, it had fallen under the desk. Her heart pounded in her chest, expecting that any minute a deluge of vampires would break down the door, seeking revenge for what they’d done.
“Let’s get out of here,” Léopold calmly said, picking it up off the floor. He slid it under his coat and looked down, disappointedly, to his bloodstained shirt. “Ready?”
“But Leo? What about the others? What if they…” Kill us.
“They won’t touch me. Or you. Don’t be afraid.” Not after he’d just killed Martin. Every single vampire on the premises had heard his words: Never touch what is mine. They didn’t have to see what had happened behind closed doors to know Martin had been killed. But Léopold would not be held at fault. Martin should have known better, did know better. He’d knowingly challenged Léopold and lost. “We’re going to walk out of here right now. Our business is finished. Take my arm.”
Laryssa wrapped her hand around Léopold, confused as to why she felt no sadness over the death of another human being. But Martin hadn’t been human. Vampire. If Léopold hadn’t stopped him, he’d have bitten her, drained her. As her foot brushed through his dust, she silently wished him good riddance.
Chapter Twelve
Léopold threw his head back against the seat in disgust over what had transpired. After making their way safely to the limo, he’d taken off his shirt and jacket, throwing them in the trunk. Arnaud had provided him with clean towels so that he could make quick work of removing the blood and ash from his face and hands. But as he sat bare-chested across from Laryssa, there was nothing that could be done to cleanse his soul.
She’d seen him kill. Not only had he killed, he’d decapitated Martin. He sighed and closed his eyes so he didn’t have to see the disdain on her face. Or worse, she’d fear him. Jesus Christ, this was why he didn’t fall in love. All he ever did was bring pain to those he cared about. Laryssa was no different. No matter how much he wanted her, they had no future.
When Laryssa had finally reached the back seat, she’d hoped they’d celebrate their victory. Exhilarated that they found the book, she soon found her spirit deflated like a balloon. Léopold had seated himself as far away from her as he could possibly get. A chill settled over them like a layer of frost as Léopold retreated within. Laryssa wondered what was wrong with him. She’d seen his beast, and it had been magnificent. Like a great warrior, he’d taken down his opponent in battle, saving them both.
After fifteen minutes of mind numbing reticence had passed, Laryssa could no longer bite her tongue. Falling to her knees, she crept up between his legs and pressed her forehead to his belly. His hand slid to her hair, teasing out the pins, softly tugging the tendrils free. Still, not a word passed from his lips.
“Leo, please. Let me in,” she whispered, rubbing her face into his warm skin.
He shook his head and
closed his eyes. Too much pain. He couldn’t bring this death to her feet, not ever again.
“I won’t give up on you. Talk to me,” she continued, unwilling to relent.
“I can’t,” he hissed. “What I did…”
“I saw you tonight. I saw everything. And I’m here. I’m not leaving you.” She raised her chin and looked into his eyes. “No matter what you think, I’m not afraid. I’m not repulsed. You were…you were amazing.”
“Amazing?” he scoffed. “How can you say that, Laryssa?”
Laryssa reached up to his shoulders, gliding her fingers gently down over his pecs, forearms, finally taking his hands within her own, then pressed his palms to her cheeks.
“Because it’s the truth. You’re the strongest man I’ve ever met. Ferocious when threatened. But you’re gentle. Protective. Courageous.” She kissed the tips of his fingers. “And I want you in my life. One night will never be enough. You’ve ruined me. There’s no one but you.”
“Don’t you see what I’m capable of?” he asked. His voice faltered. “So long ago…I fought…to keep my family safe. But they killed my wife. My daughter. My son. I left them vulnerable to my enemies. It was no different than if I had sliced my own sword into their necks. When I became vampire, there wasn’t a soul inside my chest to be taken. It died with them. For centuries, I’ve done nothing but kill, ruthlessly climbing my way to the top of the food chain. Those people you saw tonight at the party…this is the danger that surrounds me.”
“It wasn’t your fault. You cannot continue to think like that, to die this way. What you do is not living…it’s experiencing without really knowing, tasting life.” Tears brimmed in her eyes, empathizing with the guilt he carried. “I’ve lived with danger in my life ever since my own death. Every. Single. Day. You are the first good thing to happen to me since I’ve been reborn. I’ll fight for you in my life. But you have to choose me, not guilt. Choose. Me.”
“Laryssa,” he croaked. For the first time since he’d been turned, someone was offering him the keys to the shackles he’d willingly worn since he’d found his family slain. His prison walls began to crumble. Freedom beckoned. All he needed to do was take it. Goddess, he wanted to open his heart to Laryssa, never let her go.
“Do it, Leo. Believe my words. I saw you tonight. You did your worst. And I am still here…offering myself to you. All you need to do is say yes. You can do it. Just choose me.”
Léopold’s heart exploded. With her knelt before him, she’d taken an ax to the centuries-old barrier he’d erected. She was everything he’d desired for a thousand years but nothing he’d ever had. Demanding and seductively submissive, at times, she’d witnessed the very darkest he’d become and still sought his attention, his heart.
“Yes.” He buried his lips into her hair, raking his hands into her locks. “Goddess, please forgive me, I choose you.”
Laryssa let the tears fall as he pressed his lips to hers, pouring all her love and passion into her kiss. Never would he think he was undeserving of her in his life. She’d make sure that he’d know, with no room for doubt, that she was his and he was worthy.
Léopold shattered, releasing the fire he’d held back for so long. Embracing the craving he’d held at bay, he claimed her with his mouth. Sweeping his tongue against hers, he sucked and teased at her lips. His little nymph had torn away his defenses, leaving him splayed open for her bidding. An urgent hunger built in his chest as she moaned into his lips. Tonight, Laryssa would be his.
“Leo,” Laryssa panted.
Her hands frantically tore at his buckle and within seconds, she’d unzipped his slacks, taking his swollen flesh into her hands. Stroking his smooth taut skin, she gave him no warning before capturing his cock with her warm mouth. She sucked him hard from the root to his tip, plunging him in and out of her lips. Opening her heavy lids, she caught his eyes and smiled. Swirling her tongue over the plump head, she darted it over its slit, tasting his seed. Twisting his shaft at its stem, she sucked him once, twice then moved her lips over his tightened balls, suctioning them into her mouth.
“Fuck, yes. That feels so good,” he grunted. “If you keep doing that, I’m going to…ah, no, no, no.”
Unwilling to come in her mouth, he quickly grabbed her by the shoulders, bringing her upward. Recapturing her lips, his hands found her zipper and ripped at the material. He slipped the straps over her shoulders, letting the dress sag at her waist. With a final tug, the fabric left her bare save her panties, garter belt and stockings. Reaching for her breasts, he gathered the soft flesh together. Gently kneading them, he parted his lips catching a nipple, licking and biting at its ripe tip until she screamed with pleasure. Moving from the right to the left, he took his time, lavishing attention to her body.
“You’re the most beautiful creature I’ve ever known,” he breathed into her skin.
“I want you so much, Leo,” Laryssa managed. As she writhed against his growing arousal, she could feel the length of him through the thin silk barrier. “Fuck me now. I can’t wait. Please.”
Léopold extended his claws, ripping at her panties until only her stockings remained. Laryssa put her hands on Léopold’s shoulders, slowly impaling herself. She threw her head back, thrusting her breasts forward. Léopold held her waist, taking in the glorious sight of his nymph riding him hard. Cupping her breast, he caressed it, altogether aroused by the way she’d got lost in the passion, undulating on him.
“Perfect. You’re so goddamned perfect.” Léopold whispered as he slid his hand down between her breasts and over her belly.
His fingers descended between their bodies, until he found her slick pussy. He brushed his thumb through her lips, finding her aroused nub. Léopold felt her shiver in response and he knew he’d captured her attention. Letting his other hand slip down her back, he took her ass into his hands. She moaned, rocking against him, surging into his touch. His fingers trailed down the crevice of her bottom.
As his grazed his forefinger over her puckered skin, her eyes flashed to his, but she didn’t say a word. Instead she raised her hips, sliding upward, and then rocked him back into her.
“Yes, that’s it, mon amour,” he reassured her. “Let me have all of you.”
Laryssa took only a minute to adjust to the new sensation. She’d never been touched there, but as he continued to circle her anus, she found herself arching her back so he’d increase the pressure.
“Goddess, you’re so responsive. I’m going to make love to you in every way possible, Laryssa. There’ll be no part of you left unexplored by my touch, my lips,” he promised.
“I’m yours to take.” She’d given him permission, she knew. Having done so, she trusted him with her pleasure, her life. As he slowly pressed his finger into her tight hole, she quivered, stilling her movement. “Ah.”
“Mais oui. Your lips.” He kissed her. “Your pussy.” He kissed her again. “Your heart. I’ll take all of you… as mine. But do you want this, ma chérie? Are you certain?”
“Yes,” she cried, as he plunged his finger all the way into her ass. Enveloped in all that was Léopold, she clung to him, her nails dragging down his pecs. Rocking into her orgasm, her chest heaved, desperate for air. “So full. So close. Don’t stop. Don’t fucking stop. Please, Leo. I’m coming…I’m coming…”
The moment her pulsating contractions took hold of his flesh, he drove himself up into her pussy again and again. Infatuated with her loss of inhibition, Léopold’s fangs descended, scraping her neck. Only a whit of suppression kept him from transforming into his naturally feral state. Feed. The urge to pierce her sweet skin flourished in his chest. He had to have her. The need for her blood grew unbearable.
“Leo, yes. Do it!” she screamed, her body shuddering upon his. Raptured in climax, Laryssa knew he desired to take her essence. Yearning to have his fangs buried deep in her flesh, she clawed at him, drawing his blood with her nails, becoming the wild mate he rightfully deserved. “Do it. Make me yours.”
With an animalistic growl, Léopold exploded, sinking his teeth into her neck. He could feel her buck underneath him in release as her nectar flowed down his throat. It was as if her blood had been created solely for him, and the reality shook him to his core. There’d never be another woman for him but Laryssa. His emotional celibacy had been shattered within days of meeting her and this final act had destroyed the possibility he’d ever return to solitude. The bond he’d fought so long to prevent registered immediately. The memories in her cells meshed with his. He knew she couldn’t possibly feel the bond, for it was he who was destined to her for eternity. Waves of ecstasy from her energy filtered into him, and he’d never been more certain of anything in his life. This magical being he held in his arms was forever his.
Chapter Thirteen
Dressed in nothing more than their bathrobes, Léopold and Laryssa sat in silence staring at the pages. After making love in the limo, they’d come home, changed and immediately started working on the book. As much as each of them would have preferred to linger in the afterglow of their lovemaking, the demon’s words and the threat of Laryssa’s impending death pushed them onward.
For over two hours, each of them had taken turns looking through it, yet they’d found nothing that’d tell them where to find the Tecpatl. Even though Laryssa was unable to understand the Greek language, she’d hoped that because it was her book, it would reveal its secrets to her. Frustrated, she flicked her fingers through the pages one more time before slamming it down on the table.
“I don’t get it. Are you sure this is right? There’re chapters on sand? Ocean temperatures? Crustaceans? Fish? Even mermaids? But nothing about naiads? Nothing about Aztecs or Tecpatls? It doesn’t make sense. Listen, I know you haven’t read it page for page yet, but I don’t have a good feeling about this.”
“You must have patience. There’s close to a thousand pages here, all in Greek. You have to give me time to read through the details.”