by Dannika Dark
“You really don’t trust me, do you?” Lenore sighed and folded up her fan. “A few sanctuaries exist around the country that secretly harbor these women and keep them safe. But like everything else, they rely on donations. Humans have taxes to keep such places operational, but we do not. And if you think the wealthy are eager to part with their money, you are mistaken. Most people blame victims. They think they chose their circumstance, so they’re less likely to be generous. Everyone needs a purpose, and mine is to empower women. What’s yours?”
I suddenly felt as small as the beetle traveling by my shoe. “We pool our money with Viktor’s.”
“Ah. I suppose that’s convenient. But if you want some advice, you should find a passion and use your influence or money to aid in that cause. There is no greater duty you have in this world as an immortal.” Lenore stepped closer and tucked a lock of hair behind my ear as she looked deep into my eyes. “What are you passionate about, Raven? What’s your cause to fight for in life?”
I felt a fire stirring within me. “Killing evil men.”
“What kind of evil men?”
“Men who prey on the weak.”
Lenore broke eye contact and admired my necklace. “Working for Keystone isn’t about money, is it? Not for you.”
“Viktor pays us well.”
“But the money isn’t what’s holding you here. It’s not what drew you in.”
“I don’t think any of us are here for the money.”
“Don’t count on that.” With her clutch in both hands, she resumed strolling toward the gate. “People join an outfit like yours for two reasons: money or protection. Once they’ve secured their protection, they start thinking about their future. And you can’t think about a future without money. An immortal’s never-ending quest is to build a fortune. If you haven’t learned this by now, you will soon enough. There is nothing more tragic than a destitute Vampire. Or Mage, in your case. You and I are going to live for a very long time, and there’s no sense in making your eternity a miserable one. Plus… one can use that money to help others. Like I did with you. I saw a fighter in you, and you’re someone I’d like to mentor.”
“You called me weak.”
“When did I say that?”
I tucked my hands in my pockets. “At the auction.”
Her eyes searched the stars. “Oh yes. I forget how personal the young ones take everything. You interpreted that conversation as an insult, but you missed the warning.”
“That your talons are still wrapped around him? Think again.”
“No, foolish girl. My warning about Christian. Once an addict, always an addict. How many times have you fed him your blood since we last spoke?”
I kept a straight face but felt my cheeks heat.
“Don’t let an inferior man lead you.” She glanced back at the mansion. “Your friend Switch has quite the tattoo. What is it with men and tattoos? The novelty I get. The permanence of using liquid fire I don’t.”
I thought about my father and how each of his many tattoos meant something personal to him. “Because forever is the best way to honor what matters.”
“Death is the only permanent thing in this world.” Lenore’s disposition became calmer and quieter. “Whatever he told you, just remember there are always two sides to every story. Christian was devoted to a fault, and it terrified me. A rejected man can’t be trusted. But… people can change. After all, I’m not the same woman I once was. Life shapes us, and we shed our skin like snakes when that change comes.”
“You just said a minute ago that once an addict, always an addict.”
“Addictions never go away. We only learn to suppress them.”
Headlights beamed on us as a car buzzed through the gate.
She stopped to look at me. “Maybe you are doing this job for the noblest cause. Charity donations go toward fixing the broken. But killing—now that’s a solution. You understand the value of stopping the problem before it escalates out of control. That takes gumption. I admire you, Raven. You’re not obsequious, and so many in your line of work are. You have far more power than you realize for a woman your age.”
From there, Lenore and I parted ways. She got inside her car, and I strolled back to the house. What a strange conversation. It almost felt cordial, and yet I hated the woman for what she’d done to Christian.
Once inside, I returned to the dining room, but Viktor was gone. The smell from the snuffed-out candles on the chandelier was strong, some of the sinuous trails of smoke still rising to the ceiling.
“Viktor gave Kira the rest of the night off,” Blue said while clearing the table. “Figured I’d clean up before we attract rats.”
“Do you need help?”
After setting the empty glasses on the cheese tray, she looked around. “No. I just need to scrape wax off the table and wash the dishes. How’s your dad?”
“One step closer to a quadruple bypass, but we had a good time.”
She slowed her pace when she reached me. “He’s human. When you only have limited time, you want to do the things that make you happy.”
“Even if it means cutting your life short?”
She snorted. “We’re hardly ones to talk, Raven.”
“Good point. Christian might not make it through the night after that bowl of chili.”
Her eyebrows drew down in a slant. “I thought he didn’t like to eat.”
“I think he was trying to impress me.”
“Serves him right.”
We branched apart, and I headed out. Sometimes I liked to take a stroll and admire the grandeur of it all. Keystone didn’t have opulent chandeliers or garish décor. It was designed like a river—the hallways flowing into each other, the steps cascading down the winding staircases in an architectural waterfall. Archways framed the hallways and entrances to rooms, and most of the doors were hand carved. Well, except for the soundproof ones made of steel. We used three main stairways, each located in a different section of the mansion. I went up the central one, and when I reached the third floor, I headed toward the interior balcony. We used to keep the doors unlocked, but after Gem’s recent abduction, Viktor was still keeping them locked at night.
“What are you doing out here? I thought you had work to do.”
Christian didn’t move from the stone railing, which overlooked the front property. We had a clear view of the road that led to the circular driveway. But mainly the balcony provided a stunning view of the surrounding meadows and distant trees. Foggy mornings were especially breathtaking.
“What were you two talking about down there?”
I hopped onto the flat railing and leaned against the archway, my right leg higher than my left. “Girl talk.”
He flashed me a look of reproach.
“If you heard everything, why should I repeat it?”
“Maybe I wasn’t listening.”
I bit back a laugh. “Oh really?”
When he looked at me, his eyes got all serious and a crease appeared between his eyebrows. “You told me more than once that you didn’t care for my eavesdropping on your private conversations. I never made you that promise, but I’m trying, Raven. I’m trying real hard to be the man you deserve.”
I found it hard to believe he’d resisted that kind of temptation. Especially when it came to Lenore the—
“Can you not tell me? I’m only making conversation.”
I sighed and searched the darkness. “She talked about charity and finding a passion. I brought up her calling me weak and all the shitty things she said to me at that auction.”
“Jaysus. You shouldn’t make an enemy of that woman. Did you tell her you know about her past?”
“Do I look like an idiot? Besides, you haven’t really told me anything she’s done. Not specifically. Just all the things you’ve done.”
“Better that way.”
I reclined my head against the wall and closed my eyes. Christian eased between my legs and put his hands on my hips.
“I don’t think it’s us you have to worry about anymore.”
He leaned back and studied me for a beat.
I dipped my chin and threw him a skeptical look. “You didn’t notice the way she was all over Viktor?”
“He’s not her type.”
“Viktor’s charming. He’s a silver fox with a big heart, connections, and lots of money. He’s everyone’s type.”
“And Lenore is a Vampire.”
“Yes, but that aside, she’s stunning. Maybe a little small on top, but men prefer blondes.”
“Not this man.” Christian’s mouth dragged below my jaw and was getting a rise out of me.
“Funny. I seem to recall you seducing a blonde around the time Viktor hired me.”
“That didn’t turn out well, did it?” His kisses moved up to my cheek and then the other, intentionally passing over my lips and making me yearn for that connection.
Christian seduced me like no other, drawing out my lust in a game we often played to see who would beg first.
I lifted up his tank top and pitched it over the ledge. Then I kissed his tattoo all the way down to his nipple. When I circled my tongue around the hardened peak, he sucked in a sharp breath.
Christian’s fangs punched out, and a wild look stirred in his eyes. I knew exactly which vein he wanted to sink those teeth into, and it wasn’t the one in my neck. Sexual energy buzzed at my fingertips, but it melted away when I touched his shoulders. Mage energy had no impact on a Vampire, so at least I never had to worry about shocking him to death.
I arched my back when he slid his hand up my shirt. With a quick pinch, he ripped my bra open and dragged his palm over my breast.
I moaned. Christian’s touch was so easy and left me wanting. I raised my shirt and pressed myself against him. When our heat collided, our lips found each other. The feather-soft kiss grew desperate and deepened into something passionate and primal.
My fingernails scored his back as I nibbled on his bottom lip. “I want a hot bath.”
“Aye. What else?”
“Lots of soap. Get myself all slick.”
His head dipped down, and he took my nipple into his mouth.
I tunneled my fingers through his hair and felt myself close to actually climaxing right there on the ledge of the balcony with my pants still on. “Then I’m going to rub oil all over my body. My breasts, my hips, my ass—everywhere.” I sucked in a sharp breath when his tongue flicked my nipple.
“And then what?”
I slid off the ledge and wrapped my arms around his neck. “Then I’m going to crawl onto the bed and lie on my back… with my knees bent.”
Christian liked the sex talk, but I was unraveling in his arms. When his fangs pierced my neck, mine punched out.
“What else?” he growled.
“I’m going to touch myself, and you’re going to tell me how to do it.”
The button and zipper on my jeans broke away as Christian wedged his hand into my panties. “Like this? Do you want more, lass?”
“Yes.”
His touch was gentle, lightly stroking until I was wet and needy. “Where am I?”
“You’re sitting in a chair at the foot of the bed.”
His beard brushed against my skin as he kissed my throat, my clavicle, my shoulder, and down to my other breast. How did he know exactly how much pressure to apply and when to speed up or slow down?
“And when do I join you?” he inquired.
My cheeks burned and my arms quivered as he stroked me faster. When a finger slipped inside, I gasped.
Christian kept a firm hold. “Answer me,” he said, his mouth between my breasts.
“You don’t join. You just watch me.”
His dark eyes rose to meet mine as if I’d said the magic words that awakened the beast in him. He straightened up, clutched me with one arm, and stroked me to the edge of release.
“I can’t do this out here,” I gasped.
“Aye, you can.”
“No, stop.”
Christian not only stopped, but he pulled his hand free and stepped back. When I felt the absence of pleasure, I decided it didn’t matter who the hell heard us.
I yanked him close. “Don’t stop.”
“Then tell me what you want.”
Our lips touched. “Put your hand inside my panties.”
He released a shaky breath and obeyed my command. But his hand was still, and I knew where this game was going.
“Touch me.”
And he did, but with a look of mischief on his face. “Like this?”
“No. Harder. Stroke me harder like before.”
Christian obediently ran his fingers over my clitoris as if waiting for more instruction.
“I can’t think, Christian. Just fucking touch me. Make me come. Hurry. I need it.”
“Open your legs wider, Precious. Are you ready? It’s taken me decades to learn this little trick.” He gave me a sardonic smile as he skillfully touched, stroked, and revered me.
Christian did something with his fingers that I couldn’t describe, nor did I have time to process exactly what had happened. My release came suddenly, and my entire body locked as every muscle tightened. Hungry eyes watched mine possessively, and I cried out. He made no attempt to silence me. Instead of drawing out my pleasure and letting me ride those final pulses, he abruptly pulled down my shirt and swept me off my feet.
“Where are we going?” I asked, out of breath.
“Quiet, lass.” Once inside, he locked the door and carried me all the way to my room.
I felt like I’d just had a taste of the most heavenly cake, and I wanted the whole damn thing.
“Do you want me to just skip the bath?” I suggested. “Light a fire, and I’ll get you a chair.”
After setting me on my bed, he struck a match and lit a candle. “No need.”
“Right to the sex, huh? Mr. Romantic.”
He set the candle on the bedside table. “As much as I’d like you to show me your fanny, this is where we part ways.”
I eased up on my elbows. “Huh?”
Christian circled his hand over his stomach. “I’m afraid your all-American chili has given me a case of indigestion.”
I fell back. “I’ll get you back for this.”
“You already did.”
“I hate you.”
Christian swaggered through the door and then peered back, a twinkle in his eyes. “Not as much as I hate you.”
Chapter 3
Gem gripped the long rope that hung from the gym ceiling and ran until her feet lifted off the ground like Tarzan swinging on a vine. Her purple hair had a silver sheen to it. Claude had uniquely layered the colors, and the gym lights were really drawing my attention to it. Sprawled on the floor mat, I stared at the ceiling, wishing that Christian had brought me a second thermos of coffee this morning. I’d stayed awake much of the night, hoping that maybe he had been teasing about the chili and would sneak in and rekindle some of that passion.
No such luck.
But at least he remembered my coffee.
Shepherd’s muscles looked like boulders as he continued doing his reps on the pull-up bar. He’d done about sixty. Shep always worked out in either track pants or sweats, but he never wore a shirt. His scars and tattoos blended right in with his gruff demeanor and stony look. His buzz cut made his square jaw and stern brow stand out even more. He was the kind of man who made people cross over to the other side of the street. Rough around the edges didn’t begin to describe Shepherd Moon.
We had an awesome gym. All the workout equipment was on the right side of the room, and the floor mat in the center. There were kettlebells, pull-up bars, jump ropes, and the climbing rope. Since the gymnasium was big enough, we used it like a track, making sure that nothing obstructed the path along the walls. Sure, the property outside was large enough to run, but nobody liked jog
ging on uneven terrain. Especially in the rain. Unlike your typical gymnasium, ours had weapons and target boards mounted on the walls. It kept things fun and allowed us to sharpen our skills.
Christian took a seat on the weight bench on the far side of the room. The rest of us were clustered together. Blue and Claude continued their game of rock, paper, scissors from their seat on the floor near Shepherd.
The door slammed as Wyatt made a dramatic entrance. Clutching a shirt in one hand, he hitched up his sweatpants. Judging by his messy hair and unshaven face, he obviously hadn’t been awake when Viktor had sent everyone a text to meet in the gym. Punctuality wasn’t his strong suit. “What the immortal hell is so important that I have to get out of bed this early? I didn’t even get to brush my teeth.” He yawned wide and sat next to me. “Is this all your fault?”
I threw my arm over my eyes, shielding them from the bright overhead lights. “Maybe this has to do with your cannabis farm that you think nobody knows about.”
“Don’t let us interrupt your workout, Rocky Balboa,” Wyatt said, ignoring me.
I heard Shepherd’s feet hit the ground. “This isn’t a workout. I’m warming up.”
Shepherd liked to work out alone. He also meditated in his room alone. He used to spend more time with Christian than anyone, but Hunter had been bringing him out of his shell.
“Someone should have brought food down,” Blue remarked.
“Mmm, blueberry pancakes and maple syrup,” Gem drawled.
I pushed myself to a sitting position. “Bacon and french toast with powdered sugar.”
Wyatt rested his arms over his knees and locked fingers. “Buttermilk biscuits and homemade gravy—but only the way my granny made them. You know, I’m still not sure to this day what kind of meat she really used to season it.”
Claude crossed his feet at the ankles. “Beignets and hot chocolate.”
Shepherd gripped the bar over his head and wiped his sweaty forehead against his bicep. “A big plate of sausages and coffee. Not those flat patties but the real ones.”
Niko crossed the floor and leaned against the wall by Shepherd. “Natto, rice with eggs, and hot tea.”
“A breakfast burrito,” Blue joined in, licking her lips. “I can still remember the first one I ever ate.”