Dark Dichotomy

by Aubrey Ross

  He sank to his knees as he dragged her panties down and pressed his face against the juncture of her thighs. Her skirt partially covered her mound, but he quickly lifted it, baring her sex to his hungry mouth. He parted her with his tongue, sliding across her clit as he ventured deeper between her folds.

  “Oh God.” She trembled, rocking up on the balls of her feet to give him better access to her pussy.

  He licked and sucked, bending one of her knees so he could reach the very heart of her. His tongue slid against then pushed into her, arousing her to the very brink of orgasm.

  Tension gathered low in her belly as she squirmed against his mouth. Focusing on her clit, he licked and flicked the tender nub until she arched into each stroke. Her hands tangled in his hair and pleasure swelled within her. The tingling heat rolled through her passage, propelled by his skillful tongue. She gasped and shuddered as his persistent kiss prolonged the blissful spasms.

  He brought her leg to his waist as he stood and kissed her, filling her mouth with the taste of her own release. “Feel what you do to me.” He rubbed the considerable bulge against her sensitized folds. “Soon you’ll feel that moving inside you.”

  “Soon? Why not now?”

  “Nocturnal twins are dominant. I know you know what that means.”

  “Can’t you just wear a condom?”

  He groaned and then kissed her again. “I could, but I won’t. For this to be perfect, Leos has to initiate the bond. That doesn’t mean I can’t help him understand how foolish it is to resist this attraction.”

  She nipped his bottom lip. “What are you planning?”

  “I need to gather some things.” With obvious reluctance he released her leg and placed a parting kiss on her lips. “I’ll return before dusk.”

  * * *

  “I’m going to let Taerok transform me.”

  Brook stared at her sister’s pale face and vacant eyes with mounting horror. “Why in the name of God would you even consider such a thing?” She understood Val’s fascination with vampires. A nocturnal Dichotomy had a lot in common with other creatures of the night. Still, that didn’t explain her bizarre announcement. “Your control over your day-dwelling half is rapidly increasing. With a little more practice you should be able to transition at will. Why would you give that up? Vampires are helpless during the day.”

  “Perhaps, but at night they’re anything but helpless.” Determination gleamed through the glassiness in her sister’s dark blue eyes. “Who had the power to solve your recent dilemma? It wasn’t me.”

  “He was only willing to help me because you’ve been feeding him. Cut off his blood supply and see how accommodating he becomes.”

  Val crossed her arms over her narrow chest. “I won’t be dependent on him or anyone once he transforms me.”

  “It’s a bad idea, Val. A really bad idea.”

  “Well, it’s not your choice to make.”

  “How old is Taerok? Was he born or transformed?”

  “He was born over three hundred years ago.”

  “And you expect to have that kind of power as soon as you awaken—if you survive the transformation that is.”

  “I wasn’t asking your permission.”

  “And I haven’t agreed to transform her, so you can stop scowling.”

  A chill ran down Brook’s spine as she turned to face the speaker. He looked very much like his voice sounded, dark, ageless, and dangerous. Dressed in faded jeans and a black T-shirt, the vampire had appeared without warning, not so much as a stirring of air or creak of the floorboards.

  “I thought vampires had to be invited.” She stared directly into his obsidian eyes, refusing to reveal her anxiety.

  “You invited me last night. Remember? I feasted on your lover, then dispersed his molecules out over the bay.”

  “That was a nifty trick. I must admit.” There had been nothing left in the bedroom to indicate Jason had ever been there. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.” He stalked toward her, his gaze boring into hers. “Valerie has told me a lot about you.”

  “Nothing good, I’m sure.” She glanced at her sister and found jealousy glaring back at her. Damn. They had too many points of contention between them already and she had no real interest in Val’s newest toy.

  Taerok touched her shoulder, his fingers icy against her bare skin. “How long have you been in control of your day-dwelling twin?”

  “Almost a year.”

  “She was the first to transform at will,” Valerie said, “but my brother also achieved that level of control.”

  His gaze never shifted from Brook’s face. “I’m convinced the key to breaking free of my solar trance lies in the blood of the Dichotomy.”

  “We’re two completely different species,” Brook objected.

  “You’re nocturnal by nature, yet you control the cycle during which you are meant to sleep. Is this not true?”

  “Has taking Val’s blood given you any more control over your sleep cycle?”

  “No, but she has not yet gained that level of control.”

  It only took a moment for her to see where this was leading. “No fucking way are you drinking from me!”

  He laughed, the sound oddly sedating. Brook blinked rapidly, determined to clear her head.

  “It only hurts when his fangs go in.” Val stepped up beside her and wrapped a slender arm around her waist. “After that it’s incredible.”

  The vampire took another step toward her and Brook held up both hands. “Stay away from me.”

  “There is a longstanding truce between your kind and mine. I would prefer not to start an interspecies incident.”

  “Then keep your fangs to yourself.”

  “We’re allowed to feed from any species if the blood is offered willingly. What can I do in exchange for your blood? I’m entirely at your disposal.”

  The temptation took root with insidious appeal. He had taken care of Jason without blinking an eye and the Burtons were still on high alert. “How do you feel about kidnapping?”

  “I’m a far better assassin. Kidnappings have too many variables.”

  “I want to kill this one myself, but I could use your help obtaining the bait.”

  He considered her offer for a moment then asked, “Who do you wish me to kidnap and where shall I take them?”

  “I’m still working out the details. It might take a couple of days.”

  “Then you agree to my price?”

  “After the deed is done, I’ll allow you to feed.”

  Chapter Four

  Daniel was restless as hell. All he had to do was close his eyes and he could picture Nicole arching and wiggling against his lips while her unique taste filled his mouth. He’d been hard since he kissed her in the park and relief might still be days away. Leos had to initiate the bond and Leos could be irrationally stubborn.

  As if to acknowledge the complaint, Leos tossed within the confines of sleep state. Not yet. Daniel sent the thought inward, calming his nocturnal twin.

  With a gym bag clasped lightly in one hand, he climbed the steps to Nicole’s townhouse. She answered the door in the same colorful sundress she’d worn that morning.

  “You’re cutting this a bit close, aren’t you?” She nodded toward the setting sun.

  “It took me a little longer than expected to get everything together.”

  “What sort of everything did you need to gather?”

  “I’ll show you.” He locked the door behind him and motioned toward the stairs. “You’re right. We don’t have much time.”

  She started up the stairs then paused. “Where am I going?” Her beautiful eyes shone with emerald fire, the luminous orbs dominating her delicate features.

  “Your bedroom.”

  With a stiff nod, she continued up the stairs. “If Leos is opposed to having a mate, why aren’t you?”

  “Leos isn’t opposed to mating with you. Trust me. He wants this as much as I do. He doesn’t want to put yo
u in danger.”

  “But Aidan is dead. The danger is gone.”

  They reached a small landing and he brushed her cheek with the back of his knuckles. “The world is filled with danger, sweetheart. We will always have enemies. But we can’t let fear rule us or we become prisoners in our own lives.”

  “Leos is afraid of me?” She didn’t sound convinced.

  “He’s afraid for you. Too many of our females have been lost or harmed by our enemies. He’s convinced the only way to keep you safe is to keep you away from us.”

  “Well, that’s just unacceptable.”

  He smiled at her conviction and followed her into her bedroom. “I agree.” The bed had a simple wooden headboard that matched a functional dresser. A colorful quilt saved the room from austerity, but it was obvious she spent the majority of her time elsewhere. “Now all we have to do is convince the most obstinate man on the planet.”

  “And how do we do that?”

  “You can start by taking off your clothes.”

  “Our argument will be more convincing if I’m naked?” Amusement made her eyes sparkle.

  “Absolutely. He told you last night what he likes in a lover. I think we should give it to him.”

  “Bound, gagged and on my knees?”

  “Well, the gagged part will have to wait. I have other plans for your mouth.” Understanding spread across her expression as she reached back to unzip her dress. “Let me.” He lowered the zipper and she stepped out of the sundress. “Underwear too.” He was disappointed to see that she’d put on another pair of panties. At least she hadn’t bothered with a bra.

  As each garment hit the floor, he grew more determined to keep her naked. Her legs were long and toned, her hips gently rounded. She had a sweet little ass, perfect for holding while he thrust between her thighs. Her tan lines hinted at a bikini stashed somewhere in one of her drawers and deep rose nipples crowned her soft white breasts.

  “Damn,” he muttered. “You look even better naked.” She smiled and reached for his gym bag. He laughed and turned toward the bed. “Don’t get grabby. Impatience will accomplish nothing.” Heat seared his spine then stabbed into his chest. “Shit! I take it back. We have to hurry. He knows we’re up to something.”

  “What do you want me to do?”

  Unzipping the bag, he found the wrist restraints he’d retrieved from the playroom at the estate. “Hold out your hands.” She did and he fastened the velvet-lined cuffs around her wrists. “Now kneel with your feet close together.” It would have been more dramatic with her hands behind her back, but he didn’t want to risk her losing her balance when transition claimed him.

  He secured her ankles then pushed to his feet. His pulse thudded in his ears and pressure built in his chest. She knelt there silently, her eyes wide and watchful. “Don’t be afraid. This is a natural part of our existence.” Except when his nocturnal twin was fighting his way to the surface rather than letting transition progress naturally.

  Daniel groaned and clutched his chest. It made no difference. Light burst from him with blinding intensity. Leos took on form in an instant and ripped free in one violent motion. Daniel sank to his knees, panting for breath.

  “What the fuck is going on?” Leos looked at Nicole, his chest heaving. “Is this supposed to be a joke?”

  “I’ve never been more serious in my life,” Daniel managed between ragged breaths.

  Leos shot at Daniel like an over-wound spring. He grabbed him by the throat and shoved him against the nearest wall. Nicole yelped and tried to intercede. The ankle restraints brought her up short.

  “I will not see another woman die because of me!”

  “Danger is unavoidable. What about Kendra and Lark? Should we send them away too?” Daniel ignored the pain in his throat and glared into Leos’s eyes. “We can’t stop living because someone might die.”

  “Brook is still out there.” His grip loosened but he didn’t let go. “She could use Nicole to—”

  “Nicole is already connected to our family. What’s to say Brook won’t target her anyway? Depriving us of what we need most won’t guarantee her safety. We can protect her better with a soul bond in place.”

  “I can’t…go through that again.”

  Daniel guided Leos’s hand away from his throat. “And I can’t go through the rest of my life without our mate. I let you have your way before. I won’t lose her again.”

  Nicole had inadvertently witnessed her first transition when she was eleven years old. Still, it hadn’t prepared her for this violent separation. Did Leos always emerge so abruptly? She’d often wondered if Dichotomies argued with themselves and now she knew. Never had the contrast between them been so stark.

  The sadness in Daniel’s tone brought her attention to his flushed face. What had he meant by “I won’t lose her again?” If he was talking about her, when had he lost her the first time?

  “If you want her, I won’t argue.” Leos crossed his arms over his chest and raised his chin. “But I won’t be manipulated.”

  Daniel turned to her with an exasperated hiss. “I told you he’d be stubborn.” He reached down and unfastened one of her wrist cuffs. “Put your hands behind your back.”

  “I thought he had to…”

  “He does. That doesn’t mean we have to be miserable. Let’s show him what he’s missing.”

  She put her hands behind her back and Daniel refastened the cuff. Her breasts were thrust forward by the position and she felt a bit off balance.

  “Move your knees farther apart,” Leos suggested as his gaze focused on the apex of her thighs. Her pussy tingled, responding instantaneously to his blatant stare. “Then you won’t feel like you’re going to topple over.” Even angry and uncooperative, he was worried about her safety.

  Daniel knelt in front of her, momentarily blocking her view of Leos. “I won’t let you fall.” He tilted her face up and pressed his mouth over hers. Kiss me, love. Show him how sweetly you surrender.

  She hadn’t realized the link was still active. A soft gasp parted her lips and his tongue pushed into her mouth. He steadied her with one hand while the other cupped her breast. All the while she imagined Leos watching, restless and frustrated.

  Daniel kissed his way down her neck, leaving her lips moist and parted. She wanted to respond but Leos’s brooding presence distracted her from the sensations. He should be part of this. Without his involvement they would never be complete.

  Closing his lips around one of her nipples, Daniel began to suck. His mouth was warm and the firm pulls sent tingles down her spine. Even so, her gaze drifted to Leos.

  His eyes were narrowed, his lips pressed into an angry line. She tried to twist away, but Daniel easily followed her movements. “It’s all right,” he said. “He’ll give in soon enough.”

  “I don’t want him to ‘give in’.” She licked her lips and lowered her gaze. “If he’s not ready, we should wait.”

  Leos chuckled. “Are you feeling sorry for me?” His brittle tone belied his laughter.

  Her heart lurched and she risked a glance into his eyes. Emotion swirled within their inky depths but she couldn’t begin to decipher what he was feeling. “No, Sir. Pity is the furthest thing from my mind.”

  “Really? Then why deny Daniel release when he obviously needs you?”

  Uncomfortable with his assessing stare, she lowered her gaze again. “You’re the dominant twin. You must initiate the bond.”

  “There are many things we can do that don’t involve a soul bond.”

  “We?” she asked hopefully. “Are you going to participate?”

  “Perhaps.” He moved closer, but she didn’t raise her head. “Daniel, sit on the foot of the bed.”

  “Why?”

  “Just do it.” Leos grabbed her bound wrists as Daniel moved to the bed. “Stand up,” he directed her. It was awkward, but with his help, she struggled to her feet. “You can’t come in her mouth. It’s not nearly as effective as conventional fucking, bu
t it will still feed the fire.”

  “Then stop trying to keep us apart.” Despite the complaint, Daniel unbuckled his pants and lowered his zipper.

  “I can’t reach him.”

  “Bend over.” Leos gently pushed her head down as he used her wrists to counterbalance her stance. If he let go, she’d tumble face first into Daniel’s lap. Leos wanted her off balance, dependent on him for everything. The realization sent a secret thrill through her. Daniel was right. Leos was far from indifferent.

  Daniel cupped the side of her face and guided his cock to her mouth. His flared tip felt velvety beneath her lips. She circled him with her tongue and warmed him with her breath. He murmured her name and pushed into her mouth.

  Warm fingers swept down her arm and across the small of her back. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the simple caress. She was naked and restrained. What more did Leos need?

  “Is she wet?” Daniel’s voice sounded tense and anxious.

  She moved her mouth up and down Daniel’s shaft as Leos stroked her thighs, her hips, and her bottom. “Your skin is so soft,” he whispered. “Do you want my fingers inside you?”

  I want your cock inside me.

  One step at a time, Daniel cautioned. At least he’s touching you.

  Leos eased his hand between her thighs and she opened her eyes. His fingers slid in her creamy folds, easily finding her clit. She moved faster, her head steadily bobbing. Daniel matched her movements with the rocking of his hips. His shaft was marble-hard and hot against her tongue. She swirled her tongue and sucked at the top of each stroke.

  “Harder, love, suck me hard. I can’t hold on much longer.”

  She tightened her lips and sucked until her cheeks ached. He threw back his head and cried out. Light burst all around him. Her lips tingled and her mouth went dry. She tasted the faint hint of come as his body disintegrated.

  “Did he come in your mouth?”

  “Not exactly.”

  Leos slid his fingers in and out, stoking the embers of her smoldering arousal. “He either came or he didn’t. ‘Not exactly’ isn’t an answer.”