Darkest Hours

by S. K. Yule

  He hugged her to him then pulled back slightly. He pushed a silky strand of hair behind her ear. “Ebony, did you make your decision about us?” He knew why her headache was different. The disease had progressed quickly and she was nearing the end of her life. He could feel the icy hands of death reaching for her. She gasped and he knew that she had realized her precarious situation by the rush of emotions that crossed her face.

  “Yes, I made my decision.” She stroked her fingers down his cheek and sighed. “I love you with all my heart and I want to be with you forever, but is it too late for me now?”

  He had never been more relieved in his life. He hugged her to him and nuzzled her soft hair with his nose, breathing her scent deep into his very soul. “No it’s not too late. It can’t be too late. I can’t lose you, I won’t allow it, but we need to start right away.” He pulled back and gazed into her eyes, still not quite believing that she had agreed to be his forever.

  “Will it hurt?”

  “No.”

  “How will the exchange happen? I mean, will I have to bite you?”

  He chuckled. “No. You won’t have fangs until the change is complete. I will take your blood then I will make a small cut on my body for the exchange.”

  “Oh. “It won’t hurt you will it?”

  He would never get over her selflessness. Her life was in jeopardy and she was worried about him once again. He laughed. “Do you remember how you felt when I tasted you?”

  “Of course.” A blush crept up her cheeks.

  Feeding during sex enhanced the experience to levels most could never imagine and he knew she was remembering how she had felt. He smiled at her blush. God he’d never get tired of it. “Exactly, baby.”

  “Then in that case, I prefer the chest.” She turned even a deeper shade of red and looked away, letting out a nervous giggle.

  He laughed at her request. “Your wish is my command, my lady.”

  He didn’t want to give her too much time to think about what she had to do. Even though it was second nature to him, he knew it would take time for her to accept that she would have to drink blood. He would be able to provide for her unless she was injured. In that case, she would need human blood. However, he would never let her come to harm again. She had already experienced too much violence and pain in her short life. He would spend the rest of his days making her happy and she would make him happy simply by being alive and near him.

  She squeaked when he scooped her up and carried her to the bathroom. He sat on the edge of the tub with her on his lap and turned the tap on. While the water ran he pulled her shirt over her head showering her collarbone with light kisses. He was pleased that she was still without a bra. Her pink nipples stood puckered from her creamy breasts in anticipation of his touch. Before he could oblige, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him in for a deep, demanding kiss. It was full of promises of things to come. She was sweet and tasted of the nectar of the Gods and the subtle aroma of honeysuckle floated through the air. He groaned as her tongue circled his, dancing and dueling with it. He pulled her harder against him and ravished her mouth, nipping, biting, sucking and soothing. When the kiss ended, her mouth was swollen and glistened.

  She pulled his hands away when he stood and began removing his shirt. “Let me. I’ve never gotten to undress you. I want to now.” She pulled him close to look at the place where Shara had sliced into his neck. “It’s almost healed.”

  He let out a deep chuckle. “It’s okay, Ebony. It wasn’t as bad as it looked.” She sighed and kissed him right on the now disappearing wound as if she could make it better even faster before continuing to undress him.

  She rolled the bottom of his shirt up exposing his flat abdomen, her eyes drinking him in hungrily. She pushed the shirt even higher, exposing his chest and flat male nipples that were beginning to harden. He bent down to let her pull it over his head. When he straightened she sighed. Her hands delved into the crisp hair, pulling it gently, skimming his nipples with her soft fingers. She placed her mouth on him and kissed his chest, playfully sucking each nipple into her mouth before trailing her kisses lower. His growl told her that he was enjoying her ministrations.

  She tongued his navel and kissed his abdomen as she went down on her knees ignoring the dizziness that threatened. She reached for the button on his black leather pants, undoing it then pulling the zipper down slowly over the bulge residing behind. He sprang free, long, hard and proud, and she pushed his pants down his muscular legs so he could step out of them. She worshipped his thighs with her kisses and gently cupped his sac in one hand. She wrapped her other hand around his shaft. It was so big her fingers barely touched and she began to gently stroke him from base to tip then repeated the action.

  His growls grew louder and that was all the encouragement she needed to continue. “I love when you do that.”

  “What?”

  “Growl.”

  He chuckled and perused her slowly with his now black eyes. “Well baby, that’s good because I have a feeling I’m going to be doing it a lot around you.”

  She bent and licked the tip of him, tasting the droplet of salty fluid from his arousal. She licked around the broad head while she continued stroking him with her hand then took him into her mouth. She settled into a firm sucking rhythm, taking him all the way to the back of her throat then releasing him until only the head of his erection was barely in her mouth, then sucked him in deep again, his hands tangled in her hair, pulling her to and from him, showing her what he wanted. He threw his head back and pumped into her luscious mouth until he neared release then tugged her up to him laughing at her confusion.

  He reached over and turned the taps off. “Baby, if you do that much longer, I’m going to finish before we get started.” She was still so innocent and not just sexually. He was going to thoroughly enjoy teaching her the many ways they could enjoy one another. Although, he had a feeling she might teach him a few things too. He finished undressing her then stepped into the tub lifting her as he went, arranging her on top of him so she faced him straddling his lap. The water was the perfect temperature and steam swirled around their bodies. He grabbed a sponge, poured some soap on it and began washing her shoulders, arms, chest and belly.

  By the time he reached between her thighs, her breathing came in small gasps. She grabbed the sponge from him and soaped him as thoroughly as he had her.

  He ran his hands down her arms then over her nipples, rolling them between his fingers until they tightened into dark pink buds. He bent his head and took one in his mouth and her hands came up to grip his shoulders. He tongued them until she threw her head back and moaned.

  “You like that, don’t you?”

  “Oh yes, Ashe. It feels so wonderful.”

  She let out a strangled gasp as he sucked one nipple deep into his mouth. “Ashe.” Her voice came in a strangled whimper.

  He continued torturing her nipples, sucking them deep into his mouth then rolling his tongue around the hardened peaks. She writhed under him and he could feel her body growing hotter by the second. “Ebony, come for me just like this.” His ragged breath puffed across her skin.

  She cried out again before pulling his head from her. “Not like this, I want you inside me.”

  He let out a growl in response and pulled her closer to his cock. “Then ride me, Ebony. I’m yours, take me.”

  Her pupils dilated and her breathing came in quick, excited gasps. He wanted to pull her under him and drive into her but he wanted her to know that she had free reign of his body. He welcomed her possession as easily as she welcomed his. He knew she would understand that he was giving her a gift by entrusting her to have such power over him.

  She positioned herself over his arousal and he felt the tip press into her slickness. She sat up just a little, grasped him with one hand and slowly lowered herself onto him one agonizing inch at a time until she was seated fully on him. He filled her completely. Her inner muscles worked around him and squeezed
him in small spasms. She began riding him, pulling up until just the tip of him remained inside her then pushing back down, fully impaling herself. His fingers gripped her hips hard, guiding her movement. Water sloshed around them as the thrusts became faster and harder.

  Ashe gritted his teeth as he felt himself sliding over the edge and hoped she was close too. Within seconds she let out a cry and inner muscles gripped him tight as her climax pulsed hard, sending him to his own release. He let out a guttural moan and felt her slump against him in exhaustion. He gently slid out of her, rinsed them both then picked her up and carried her to the bed. She could barely keep her eyes open and he knew it was time.

  He laid her on the bed and covered her with his hard body. “Ashe, if I died right at this moment, I’d die happy.”

  “Don’t ever say that, baby. You aren’t ever leaving me. I won’t let you. I’ve waited too long for you.” He began kissing her breasts, laving them gently. He then worked his way down her belly until he reached her damp curls and started to tongue her. Desire burned through his veins once again. Her hips strained toward him but before she reached climax, he slipped back up her body and slowly slid into her.

  She sighed, wrapped her arms around him and held him tight as if refusing to ever let him go. “I love you so much.”

  He still couldn’t believe that God had given him such a gift. Even though he wasn’t a religious man, he knew she couldn’t have been sent from anywhere else but heaven. He gave her a quick kiss and then nibbled his way to her neck as he continued thrusting in and out of her at a lazy pace.

  “I love you too. You make me happier than I’ve ever been and we are going to have a wonderful life. Just remember, even when we have difficult times, I will never stop loving you. I will always lay down my life for you and protect you from harm.”

  He slid his fangs deep into her neck, and he shivered in rapture as her sweet, coppery blood flowed into him. “Oh, Ashe!”

  He would never get used to the exotic and exquisite flavor that was her and her alone. Her essence flowed into him, became a part of him, wrapped around every molecule in his body, merged with his cells. Her arms tightened around his back and he thought he might burn up from the fire scorching his blood. When he was done, he licked the red drops dotting the punctures and sat up, pulling her with him, never breaking the connection of their bodies. Her legs spread wide and rested on top of his thighs as he sat on his heels and kept one arm locked around her, supporting her. He reached for a small knife on the bedside table. She watched through slightly opened eyes as he made a small cut across his chest. He put the knife down and tugged her closer to him.

  The arm supporting her tightened and he cupped the back of her head with his other hand and pushed her face toward the cut. “Hurry, baby, or the wound will heal.”

  Her small tongue darted out, barely touching his chest. After a small taste, she licked a few more drops then clamped her small mouth over him. He threw his head back in ecstasy, letting out a guttural cry and began pumping into her fast. The suction from her mouth was driving him mad. He cupped her head harder against him, urging her to take more. She was tentative and shy at first, but then became bolder and pulled his life force into her mouth harder seeming to enjoy her task.

  “You taste hot, tangy, and spicy. So good. I never thought it would be like this.” He grinned.

  “That’s exactly how you taste to me, baby.” He watched her drink from him in fascination until a blush crept up her neck, and she gently pulled her mouth from him. “Everything’s going to be okay now. Don’t ever be embarrassed for wanting me like this. Believe me. I enjoy it as much as you do.” Although, he didn’t think anyone could enjoy it as much as he did. He’d never get enough of her.

  He pulled her to him and kissed the top of her head, then gently pushed her back down and thrust his hips over and over until their climaxes took control, her muscles milked him with convulsive spasms, tightening and releasing, pulling every last drop from him. He kissed her slowly and thoroughly then let his body slip from hers. He was careful to keep most of his weight off her, supporting himself on his elbows. She still looked so tired and she would need sleep to allow her body to go through the change.

  He rolled on his side and pulled her back against his chest tucking her head under his chin. “Go to sleep. You need to rest while your body changes.”

  “I don’t think that will be a problem. I feel like I haven’t slept for days. Will you stay with me?”

  “Yes.” He would stay with her until she woke again. Hell could stay like this with her in his arms forever. She would have a little trouble adjusting to her new senses at first and he wanted to make sure she was not alone the first time she felt them.

  She wiggled closer to him and was asleep in seconds.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Estril found Aldin and Aiston sprawled on the couch in the family room playing video games. Men, they never grow up. Although, she had to admit it was a comforting sight to see. She knew her brothers loved one another, and her as well, she just craved a closer relationship between all of them sometimes. They were always kind and caring and loyal to a fault and only got into tiffs now and again, usually at the expense of one of Aiston’s pranks gone wrong. However, they rarely spent quality time together as a family.

  There was always breakfast where most times the whole Aleksandrov clan was present, which she thoroughly enjoyed. She wanted times where they would all sit around and play games or just laugh and talk about how their lives were going. Her brothers needed more than just fighting shadow drifters and protecting mankind. She needed more too. She had always felt lonely, but lately it was getting worse. Ebony had helped ease the feeling and the girl’s night she shared with her and Avril went great lengths in soothing her.

  For some reason she had begun to feel restless like she should be doing something, something important. She had no idea what that may be, but she was sure that whatever it was, fate would lead her to it. She could use some excitement in her life and even though she wanted her family to spend more quality time together, maybe some time away from her brothers wouldn’t hurt either. They were wonderful, but sometimes they were over-protective and smothering. She could never find it in her heart to be angry at them for caring though.

  “What are you two doing?” She walked over and plopped on the opposite end of the couch.

  “Practicing our fighting skills with interactive video.” Aiston gave Aldin a smirk.

  “Geez, you should really stop putting me in the same category as the other daft females you usually hang out with. I mean you really can’t believe I would be dumb enough to fall for that.” She tried to hide a smile and failed.

  “You know I think you’re way too smart to fall for that little sister.” Aldin grunted in agreement. “We’re just wasting time down here playing games until, um, well—”

  “Until Ashe comes down? Yeah, I figured that. Call it women’s intuition but I think everything is going to work out excellently. Ashe deserves a special woman like Ebony. In fact, all of my brothers deserve a woman as wonderful as Ebony.”

  “Run, Aldin. Here she goes again.” They both stood as if to make a run for the door.

  “Oh, for crying out loud, sit back down.” Estril hoped maybe Avril might be the woman for Aiston. However, she wouldn’t hold her breath because that would be a long, bumpy, possibly disastrous, road to travel. Aldin on the other hand, well he needed a strong woman that could hold her own against his domineering personality. She knew that one woman had to be out there somewhere.

  “What about you Estril? When are you going to find a man?”

  Aldin choked and Estril cracked up. “Yeah, right, if I brought a man here, he’d be running for the door within two minutes from being harassed by my three brothers. You do remember John?” John Walker, the one and only man she had ever thought herself in love with had taken one look at her three domineering brothers the first time she had brought him home and she had never seen h
im again after he left that same night. “You know I couldn’t be with a man that wasn’t strong enough to stand up to you three, and I don’t know if such a man even exists in this world. You know you guys can be pretty intimidating.”

  Aldin responded this time. “Yeah, but that’s our job. We’re supposed to protect you.”

  Aiston chimed in, “Yeah.”

  “Give me a break. You know I can take care of myself.” Seeing they were gearing up for an argument she raised her hand in surrender. “Look I really don’t want to talk about this now anyway, okay?” I just came down, found you guys here and thought it would be nice if we all waited for Ashe. By the way Aiston, is Avril still sleeping?”

  He nodded. “I put a compulsion on her earlier after she insisted that she was going to keep checking on Ebony. She should be waking up soon. I should probably go up in a few minutes and see if I can convince her to come down here and wait for Ebony, if she isn’t already down here. Which, I hope she is, because I don’t think I have a hope in hell of keeping Avril from checking on her.”