by 33 authors
“Me, too. But cheer up. Cassy will find a way back from Avalon. She’s resourceful. David, along with most of the missing vampire women, is here, just in an enchanted sleep. The council members are working on it. Don’t worry. Everything will be fine,” Mills said confidently. He drank deeply from his mug of mead and watched as the string of dancers made their way past. When the bride and groom twirled by, Mills raised his mug and whistled.
“I know, you're right. I’m also feeling a little sorry for myself,” she added. Her long, straight, auburn hair braided around her head like a wreath kept escaping in strands and tickled her cheeks. She brushed them aside.
“Hey, Prince Vlad granted you a divorce, right? Like the first one in vampire history?” He still continued to watch the crowd more than look at her as they talked. His eyes scanned the entire room.
Working, as usual, she thought. “Yes and then formally adopted me as his daughter to prevent anyone else from marrying me without his permission. So, yippee for me,” she said and sipped her pink lemonade. The metallic tang came through the heavy citrus. She really wished she could tap one of the nearby thrumming pulses instead.
“Do you want to get out of here?” Mills looked her square in the eye for the first time that night. He gave her the same scrutiny as he used when scanning the room.
“And go where? Besides, we’ll be missed,” she pointed out.
“No, we won’t. We can go back to the estate. Most everyone is here. We can have the grounds to ourselves. What do you say? It’s better than sitting here having to fake being happy,” he said. He offered her his hand.
The estate lay tucked away in the western mountains on the outskirts of Asheville, North Carolina. Having been built by one of the wealthiest families in the country, the place was practically a museum. The Council of Covens bought it for a very low sum after the devastating, worldwide economic collapse referred to as The Fall. Fifty years later and the world still had not completely rebuilt, but the reclusive witches had gained a very comfortable and private setting for their home.
She tossed back the rest of her lemonade and took his hand, asking herself, why not? She gave him the first genuine smile she could remember in a long time. She felt safe in his company.
They made their way to the door through the crowd of people. Stands of flowers and musicians lined the walls. Witches from all over the world hugged and kissed them as they tried to leave. Magic filled the air, causing it to practically crackle.
The beautiful ballroom room stood in stark contrast to the rest of the city outside the hotel. Burned-out shells of buildings stood charred against the night sky. Pockets of artificial lights marked the locations of rebuilding efforts. Most of the city still looked like a desolate wasteland.
He hurried her to his car across the street, locking the doors of his black M3 the moment they were inside. The engine roared to life. Without waiting or warning, Mills floored it.
“Okay, that’s a little too fast,” Liz told him. She had never liked speeding. Even though she understood that they needed to get out of there quickly, his reaction seemed excessive.
“There was someone in the alleyway. They started toward us as we got in the car,” he said calmly. “I think we’re being foll—” He was cut off mid-sentence when another car rammed into the back of them.
Liz screamed.
“Hold on!” Mills shouted. He drove through the stop sign at the end of the street and shot down a side road. The tires squealed as he took the turn.
“Where are we going?” Liz asked, her voice shrill with fear.
Another impact threw her against the window. With no training, she did not know what to do. Holding on to whatever she could, she braced herself.
The other car sped up, trying to get ahead of them.
“Oh, hell no,” Mills growled and slammed on the brakes. “PIT maneuver that, asshole.” The other car shot past them. He spun the M3 around in the road and hit the gas.
Liz noticed the other car had blacked out windows. Instead of heavy tint, however, thick paint coated the side windows. Only one group ever did that.
“Night above! They’re vampires!” Liz exclaimed.
“Yeah, I got that. Now let’s get the hell out of here,” he replied.
A glance in the rearview mirror told her that the other car still followed them. She prayed for a miracle. It came in the form of three large, black SUVs barreling down on them. They drove in a road blocking formation. The center SUV shifted to one side, allowing them to pass.
Liz turned around in time to see it move back into place. The High Prince’s family crest emblazoned the tags of all three of the heavily armored vehicles. They slammed into the other car head-on. She nearly fainted.
“Put your head between your knees,” Mills instructed her. “I think we’re okay now. I’m taking us home.” The car did not slow until he turned down a gravel drive somewhere near the rear of the estate.
The wrought iron gate swung open by itself and closed behind them. “Thank Goddess Almighty,” he said in relief. He parked behind the small cabin, instead of leaving it in the driveway, and helped Liz from her seat. “Let’s get you inside.”
“Where are we?” She knew they were on some part of the estate. The main house looked like a glowing beacon in the distance.
“My house. It’s not what you’re use to, but it’s quiet and safe,” he replied. He opened the door.
The front room held a small love seat and matching armchair. The fireplace came to life when they entered the room. Side lamps clicked on, illuminating the simple room. A few framed pictures hung on the wall, and a rag rug lay on the floor. He was right. She was used to more luxury, but somehow, this seemed more like a home than anywhere she had ever lived.
Liz wanted to cry. First, her husband’s mistress had kidnapped her. Then, Cassy’s door to Avalon closed, severing her magical bond to David. The shock of it had nearly killed him, and forced the witches to put him into an enchanted sleep to await her return. Next, her father-in-law had declared her marriage to his son voided and claimed her as his daughter, giving him total control over her future and her unborn baby. She shoved the thought aside, not wanting to think about that part. A century’s worth of prayers had finally been answered just in time for Max to betray her utterly.
Mills pulled her into his arms and kissed her. “I wasn’t sure I could keep you safe,” he whispered against her lips. “Before anything else happens, I have to tell you something. I think I’ve fallen in love with you.”
Liz froze. The tears that threatened to spill over rolled down her face. She pulled away. “How could you know that? We’re friends, but we don’t know each other well enough,” she protested.
“I knew you were the one for me the moment I saw you come out of that portal in the woods with David over your shoulder. For all your feminine wiles, Your Highness, you’re a strong and capable woman. I may not have active powers because I’m male, but I am a witch. I can still tell when the magic is right between two people. It’s there, if you’re willing to give it a chance,” he explained.
She walked to the fireplace mantle. Several pictures of him with different women stood looking back at her. In some, the family resemblance seemed obvious but not in all. Old girlfriends, maybe?
“When you are through with me, would you add me to your shelf of memories?” It came out more harshly than her intent. “Sorry, I’m still feeling raw after Max,” she apologized.
“I understand, but those aren’t ex-girlfriends. They’re my sisters and their friends. I didn’t have a lot of male friends until I went to work in New Atlanta. David’s not just my best friend. He’s the first real guy friend I ever had. Just to make it clear, I would never treat you like a piece of property. You’re not chattel to be used to seal a treaty,” he said. He walked up behind her and rubbed his hands across her bare shoulders and down her arms.
Energy ran over her skin. It caught her off guard, and she gasped. “Please, no magic,” she
requested a little breathy.
“I didn’t. When I said there was a certain amount of magic between us, I meant it. The same thing would have happened had you touched me instead,” he said quietly. He pressed his lips to her shoulder and then again, at the base of her neck.
She tilted her head to one side, giving him more access. It was the first time anyone had ever touched her quite like this. This was not out of a sense of duty. The rake of his teeth along her carotid artery sent chills up her spine.
He started pulling the dress zipper down. The fabric loosened and hung by the thin straps. His fingers slipped under the straps and eased them from her shoulders.
She caught the dress before it fell, clutching it to her chest. “I can’t do this,” she said. A wave of shame came over her.
He stopped. “Are you okay? I thought you felt the magic, too,” he said, sounding a little disappointed.
“I did. I mean I do. I…I want to, but…” The words stuck in her throat. How could she make him understand something she did not understand completely herself?
“Take your time. But what?” Mills prompted gently.
“It’s over with Max, but we were married for nearly a century and a half. Unlike him, I’ve never been with anyone else.” Part of her fears came out at last. Logic told her the marriage had ended, but it still felt like cheating in her heart.
“And?”
“And I don’t want you to see me like this,” she blurted out. Oh, hell's bells.
“Like this? What does that mean?” Mills asked patiently.
Night above, she thought, I’m really going to have to face this.
“I’m carrying Max’s child. How can you stand to see me fat and heavy? I had to wear flats because my feet are too swollen in the July heat to put on my heels. What grace I ever had is gone, and I cry all the time. My hair won’t cooperate, and drinking all this extra blood has made my skin look human. Why would you want anything to do with someone who looks like a troll?” A pink-tinged tear rolled down her cheek.
Mills spun her around and caught her up in his arms. “Come with me,” he said more as a demand than a request. He tugged her by the hand to the bedroom.
The room was just as simple as the rest of the house. An old iron bedstead sat in the middle, its full-sized mattress covered in handmade quilts. A plain table with a lamp sat on one side, and a wooden chair sat on the other. A dresser with a beveled mirror lined one wall across from the only window in the room. Heavy drapes blocked any light from coming through.
He took her to the mirror and positioned himself behind her. “Do you think I don’t see you? Witches have a deep respect for the female form in all its guises. Male witches love a woman with curves.” He gently released the fabric from her fingers, and let the fluffy pink dress fall into a pile. “This is exactly how you’re supposed to look, round, soft, and glowing.” Still looking in the mirror, he wrapped his arms around her ribs. “You’re not fat and from behind, it’s hardly noticeable. You look like a woman should, and I enjoy it. The rest will pass. As for the baby, it is as much a part of you as anything else. I love everything about you, baby included. What I see is perfection,” he said in a soothing tone.
She stood there for a few minutes and tried to see things from his point of view. Her silver-gray eyes drifted over the reflection. His words made her feel better, more normal. She smiled and gave a little giggle.
He went back to nibbling her neck from behind. This time she let go of all her fears and gave in to him. His hands slid from her ribs and up to cup her breasts. He circled her nipples gently with his thumbs, causing them to rise into dark pink peaks. They became hard and sensitive. The sensation nearly drove her over the edge.
She closed her eyes and ran her hands over the rest of her body. Her skin felt like it was on fire. Her pussy clenched in anticipation. Never had she felt so sensual and wanted. She needed Mills to touch her all over, to kiss every square inch of her skin.
Turning in his arms to face him, she tilted her face up to kiss him. Her fang snicked into place. The lusts for blood and sex ran so close together they were hard to distinguish one from another at times. She traced her tongue along his lips and enjoyed the taste of him. She forced herself to resist giving into the bloodlust.
He maintained the kiss while kicking off his shoes and untying the corded belt. The robe’s drawstring tie at the neck came loose, allowing the garment to fall the length of his body, pooling on the floor. Muscular shoulders and a sculpted chest tapered down to a toned waist.
She traced the v-line of muscles along the top of his hips lightly with her fingers down to his blond curly hair. She wrapped one hand around the hard, long shaft of his cock. Giving it a little squeeze made him moan into her mouth as they kissed. She wanted to hear more of his pleasure.
Dropping down on her knees, she took his cock in her mouth. Careful to center everything up between her fangs, she rolled her tongue over and around the head. Another groan was her reward. She sucked and teased his cock, stroking his balls with one hand while gripping the shaft with the other. When the sticky, sweet fluid dripped from the slit, she stopped. This time the groan sounded dissatisfied.
Liz stood up, still clutching his balls. “I want you to make love to me, not fuck me,” she said.
Mills looked down at her with wild eyes and nodded. Picking her up, he carried her the few steps to the bed and laid her back gently. He buried his face between her legs, nuzzling her clit.
She thought she might catch fire when he ran his hot, wet tongue along her slit. Magic layered her body with each lick. Tension built. The clenching in her pussy turned to quivering. Her clit stiffened and felt swollen. The smell of her desire filled the air. She wanted him to finish her. Higher and higher the tension spiraled. Time felt like it stood still, ceasing to exist for them.
Suddenly, he slid a finger into her slippery slit, catching her by surprise, and found just the right spot. A second finger joined the first when she cried out, gripping his back of his head. He continued to suck her clit, flicking it with his tongue as he fingered her pussy.
Liz felt like the fire on her skin seeped into her soul. The pleasure awoke a wild part of her, a creature capable of true passion she never knew existed. An aggressive need for release took over. She rocked her hips and held his head in place with her hands. The quivering in her pussy felt like an earthquake as her orgasm finally broke free.
Wave after wave of ecstasy rolled through her body. A gush of hot juices flooded her pussy, coating Mills and her thighs. Her heart raced as she panted. A dizzying sensation made her feel drunk. She lay still for a few minutes to regain her self-control.
Mills sucked and lapped her delicate folds, gleaning every drop of her come. He raised his head, sweet nectar dripping from his chin, and smiled at her. “Now, roll over and get up on your knees,” he instructed her.
Still lost in the bliss of her orgasm, Liz obeyed without thought. She was not sure could actually think properly. The movements were slow in comparison to her usual reflexes, but she managed to assume the desired position. Bracing herself on her forearms, she raised her hips, giving him the best possible access to her slit.
“Absolutely beautiful,” Mills said as he rubbed her ass cheeks with both hands. He positioned his cockhead against her opening and eased into her body. “Goddess bless. You’re so wet, woman.”
Liz begged, “More. Please, give me more.” The tip of him in her was not enough. The need to have him fill her completely surprised her. This was not just a duty to be fulfilled. An aching need to give herself freely to this man demanded to be satisfied. She wanted to take him, all of him, into her body.
With a deep, rumbling groan, he sank his cock into her pussy. He slowly pulled back out and hesitated before sinking the entire length of this shaft deep inside. The slow movements gained speed with each successive stroke.
Liz enjoyed the feel of her nipples brushing against the fabric beneath her. Reaching down between her legs, sh
e rolled her clit under her fingers. More quivering rippled through her pussy as she enjoyed the feel of him stretching her around his thick cock. The plump fleshy pearl sent more waves of pleasure through her body.
Her fangs pressed painfully into her lower lip. A trickle of blood drizzled down when she gasped. The metallic scent drove her lusts to mingle until there was no ending of one or beginning of the other. Her body needed sex and blood equally.
Mills's cock thrust into her over and over. His hips pressed against her ass with each stroke. Longer, deeper, he drove his hard flesh into her pussy. Throbbing, his cock began to spasm. He cried out a primal, guttural noise as he came, filling her with his sticky cream.
Liz fought to maintain control. Her deft fingers rolled the sensitive clit. She clenched his cock hard as he came. Her own orgasm rocked her. Exhausted and thirsty, she collapsed.
Laying down beside her, Mills pulled her into his arms. Cradling her head, he exposed his neck. “Drink from me,” he said.
Liz hesitated. She questioned her control over the bloodlust. What if she went too far?
As if hearing her doubts, Mills added, “You’ll be fine. I can stop you, if I need to. You need to feed, sweetheart. I trust you.”
Without another thought, her fangs punctured his neck. A gush of hot, sweet, coppery blood flooded her mouth. Swallow after swallow, she felt his life force filling her like a drained battery recharging.
The magic that layered her body during sex was in his blood. If the sun and the moon could have a flavor, she knew deep down, this was it. The scent of freshly turned earth filled her nose as she drank. He did not just posses magic. He was magic. In that instant, she knew. His powers may not have been outwardly active, but they were no less great.