Dark Thirst

by Angela Allen

  She thought she must be hallucinating. Or maybe she was experiencing some strange dream. Whatever it was, she didn’t want it to end or to awake from its grip.

  “Selena…Selena…”

  “Yes,” she cried in a strangled voice.

  The invisible hands continued to touch, to taunt and to torment her young, untainted body.

  Selena trembled in the humid night air. Then, just as suddenly as it had begun, it stopped.

  Selena opened her eyes, looking around wildly. Her heart pounded hard in her chest. She caught a glimpse of what looked like the shadow of a man and then nothing. Blackness.

  She was too afraid to tell anyone what had happened to her in the rose garden. They would all think she was mad and she certainly couldn’t tell her grandmother. But she was totally consumed by the desire to again experience the mysterious touch and she could barely wait for the next nightfall. Her young sexual appetite had been unleashed and it craved fulfillment.

  Each night, once she was certain that the household was asleep, she would tiptoe out into the silent garden, awaiting the touch.

  Night after night the visits became more provocative, more daring. Her invisible lover was quickly dissatisfied with only whisper-light touches through Selena’s clothes. Selena soon found herself sitting on the marble bench, her hands rising to push down her dress, eagerly exposing her young breasts for the seductive but unseen touch.

  Selena whimpered each time cool, invisible talons trailed across her tender flesh.

  The following night she slipped out of more of her garments until she lay naked and exquisitely open beneath the cool glide of moonlight.

  She felt those hands that she could not see part her thighs and bend her knees. Something hot and wet laved a wicked trail across her belly and down through the curls guarding her virgin flesh. She choked out a gasp as the delicious wetness settled on her pulsing clit and sucked. A spasm locked her spine as the suckling continued and built with intensity, sending her into paroxysms of delight.

  Night after night, Selena became a slave to her body and the sensations wrung from it by the addictive touch. Her days were spent waiting for night and she listlessly marked the hours between sunrise and sunset. She hardly ate. She barely slept. Her youthful animation drained away, leaving her eyes vacant pools locked into a world that only she could see, a world peopled only by her and the lover who made her arch in ecstasy and cry out in foreign tongues.

  Her grandmother became more alarmed as she watched the slow but steady transformation of her beloved granddaughter. Daily Noelle checked Selena’s neck and her wrists, looking for signs that one of the living dead had defiled the child, but she could find no telltale signs of such unearthly possession.

  A hollow-eyed Selena would simply gaze blankly at her grandmother and drift to her room to patiently wait for dark to fall.

  The secret seductions in the garden lasted for three blissful months.

  But on the eve of Selena’s seventeenth birthday, her life changed forever.

  She was in her bedroom, the door to the garden open to catch a glimmer of a breeze, when she was suddenly surrounded by dancing shadows, the scent of rich earth and a soft mist that coated her skin.

  “Selena, it is time,” the now-familiar voice of her invisible lover said.

  “Yes,” she muttered, transfixed as for the first time a shadow began to coalesce in front of her and the owner of the touch took form until he stood gloriously before her.

  He was a perfect specimen of manhood carved in ebony. Selena tried to make out his face but her eyes refused to focus. Looking at his face was like watching an image through a foggy mirror. No matter how hard she tried to see, his features remained only a shadow, shifting and sliding each time she thought she’d seen his true face.

  She felt herself lifted off her feet and placed gently down on her bed. The months of ecstasy were nothing compared to the sensations he dragged from her that night. She was caught up in sexual thrall, panting for release, her eyes glassy with desire as the sexual torture peaked—only to begin again. It went on for hours. Her body was no longer her own and she gave it freely, needing desperately to reach the satiation only he could give her.

  Spread-eagled on the bed, her young body throbbing with need, she suddenly felt her insides filled with a force and a heat that was so powerful it hovered on the edge of pain, the pain mixing with the pleasure until she couldn’t tell the two sensations apart. Her toes curled and her back snapped up in a taut bow as powerful explosions rippled through her over and over again, leaving her so weak she could do little more than whimper hoarsely.

  She felt her hair lifted from her shoulders and tenderly brushed aside, baring the tendons in her neck still pulsing with the rush of blood in the aftermath of orgasm.

  “So young,” he murmured, his hot breath beating against her skin. “So innocent.” He moved deep inside her and she trembled. “I’ve tried to stay away, Selena, but this is our dark destiny.” His yellow eyes held her captive. “I know this is wrong, but I can no longer resist you.” A tear of regret slid down his cheek.

  “Forgive me,” the voice of her lover whispered in her ear before he sank sharp fangs deep into her tender flesh.

  Her body arched, a climax catching her up and gripping her with steel talons, tearing through her just as her wild-eyed grandmother burst into the room holding up a huge gold cross.

  Her shadow lover howled in agony and was gone.

  Now, years and centuries later, Selena knew he was out there somewhere. Roaming the earth as lonely as she, as unfulfilled as she. She prayed that he hunted for her as she hunted for him. They would meet again, of that she was certain. But when…when?

  Time was running out. She could feel its hot breath upon her neck like a ravening beast as it loped steadily closer. If she did not find surcease soon, the uncontrollable fire within, the overwhelming need for blood, would become stronger even than she. It would control her. It would destroy her.

  She must take fate into her own hands she decides, as she awakens once more with the heat curling inside her. Perhaps a change in atmosphere and location is what she needs. It has been a while since she has traveled. She smiles, imagining all the new bodies that can be seduced by her touch.

  Throwing back the covers and crossing the cool wood floor of her bedroom she goes to the bookcase and pulls out the encyclopedia and flips open to the map of the world. Her eyes race over the pages searching for the perfect spot to launch her quest.

  Ahh, the Caribbean. Perfect.

  She conjures up the image of its sandy beaches in her mind’s eye, the scantily clad bodies of sun-seeking tourists and cool blue waters. Ahh…an endless supply of new flesh.

  Willing her mind and body to leave the confines of her present space, images become reality and in the blink of an eye, Selena, garbed in a flowing ankle-length skirt in a cool mint green and a matching tank top, casually walks up to the front desk of the Key Hotel on the island of Saint Thomas. She smiles seductively at the young man behind the counter.

  “Good morning,” she says in a husky whisper.

  The young clerk looks up from his newspaper and his eyes spark with interest at the beautiful woman who seems to have appeared out of thin air.

  “How can I help you?” he asks in a lightly accented voice.

  Selena leans forward, letting him inhale her alluring scent, knowing it will slowly seduce his senses, rendering him as putty in her hands. She places delicate fingers on the counter, letting them suggestively stroke the hard, marble countertop as the young man fights his growing urge to touch her. A line of perspiration breaks out across his top lip. She stifles a smile at his easy susceptibility.

  “I was hoping you could tell me about your health club here in the hotel.” She smiles, her teeth sparkling like polished pearls.

  “Uh…we have a wonderful club, all of the amenities. It is open twenty-four hours. Hot tub, Nautilus, and there is also an aerobics class.”

 
“That sounds wonderful. Do you know if they employ a masseuse?” She takes a breath and her breasts rise alluringly.

  “I…uh…no. The last one we had got pregnant and had to leave. We haven’t found a replacement.”

  Selena’s brow rises. “Who would I need to speak with about the position?”

  The young man blinks rapidly. “You’re a masseuse?”

  “A very good one, or so I’m told,” she says mockingly.

  He swallows at the images her words have evoked in his fevered mind. “You would need to speak to Mr. Mack. He’s the hotel manager.”

  She lightly runs her long nails across the top of his hand, a slow touch to tantalize him but not bring him full arousal. Yet. “You have been so helpful.” She leans closer and lifts up the gold name tag on his blue uniform jacket. “Michael,” she purrs. “Perhaps you will be my first customer.”

  His breathing rushes out in an audible rush.

  “Where will I find Mr. Mack?”

  “He…he’s in the back office. I’ll call him.” He quickly reaches for the phone.

  Selena places her hand on his, her soft grip causing a tightening in another part of his body. “Why don’t I surprise him?” She looks him deep in the eyes, holding him in place. “He won’t mind.”

  “No,” he says, transfixed. “He won’t mind.”

  “Where is his office?”

  “Down the hall,” he says, the words coming out in slow drips.

  “Thank you, Michael. You have been very helpful. I won’t forget that.” She lifts his hand and brings it to her lips, her breath a hot whisper across his palm. Smiling slyly she places his hand back on the desk and walks down the hall.

  Michael watches her walk away, his unblinking eyes glued to her undulating hips.

  Mr. Mack is a large man with skin the color of burnt sugar. He is a symphony of circles, from the shape of his perfectly round head and bulbous facial features to the rotund shape of his body. His small, dark eyes peer out at the world from behind thick glasses.

  Mr. Mack was the boy that never made the team, the one ignored by the girls and tormented by the boys. He turned to books and finding ways to make people pay. Mr. Mack takes great pleasure in making people pay even for the smallest in-fractions. He runs his tiny hotel like a general, terrorizing his employees with threats and slavelike hours. Turnover at the Key is notoriously high.

  Mr. Mack almost falls out of his chair when Selena appears before his desk. He is just finishing a scathing letter of dismissal to the new accountant.

  “How did you get in here? Who the hell are you?” he says in a voice like sandpaper.

  “I was sure that you wanted to see me,” Selena says, smiling beguilingly.

  “What?” He adjusts thick glasses that have oddly fogged up. When he finally is able to focus in on her, he eases back in his seat at the sight.

  “As I was saying,” Selena continues, “I knew you wanted to see me because you have a job for me.” She sits on the edge of his desk and casually plays with his desk calendar, flipping the pages faster and faster. Selena watches from the corner of her eye as he slowly slips under her spell.

  “I can begin in the morning. You need a masseuse. Your last one left. I can bring new guests to your establishment.” She laughs, the sound like tiny bells in the quiet room. She extends her hand, which he hypnotically grasps. “My name is Selena LeBeau.”

  “Selena,” he murmurs, unable to tear his eyes away from her.

  “I’m sure you have a room here that I can stay in.”

  “I have a room here that you can stay in,” he echoes obediently.

  “Why don’t you call the front desk and tell them to reserve a room for Ms. LeBeau? She will be staying indefinitely.” She picks up the phone and hands it to him.

  Mr. Mack dials the front desk. “Michael, please have a room ready for Ms. LeBeau. She will be staying indefinitely.”

  “Something on one of the upper floors,” she says.

  He duly relays her order.

  “And let him know that I will be ready for work tonight,” she commands.

  “Ms. LeBeau will start work as the new masseuse tonight.”

  “Very good, Mr. Mack.” She takes the phone from his hand and hangs it up. “Well, I won’t keep you. I know you are a very busy man.” She hops down off the desk and is gone as suddenly as she came, leaving him staring at his half-finished dismissal letter with only a vague memory of a very beautiful woman.

  Selena takes her time strolling through the hotel, taking in the sights, memorizing all the exits, zeroing in on the guests and deciding which ones are possible customers. The bar is always a good place to meet people, she decides. She smiles at the possibilities.

  When she enters the hotel bar, there are only a few patrons, mostly couples. But she does spot several people sitting alone. She finds a secluded seat by the front window, a perfect place to watch the comings and goings unnoticed.

  “Can I get you something to drink?” boldly asks a young man wearing tight black pants and a white shirt open almost to his navel, displaying a formidable set of toned abs.

  Selena’s eyes rake over him until he begins to fidget. She places her hand lightly on his muscular arm.

  “Yes, a glass of very red wine,” she requests.

  He swallows hard. “Right away.”

  Selena stretches out her long legs, then crosses them. Yes, this place will fill her needs, she thinks, watching the array of men and women walk into the bar. The bare arms and legs, the allure of tender flesh, drive her wild. Her heart races with anticipation.

  The handsome, half-dressed waiter returns with her wine.

  “Thank you. By the way, do you see that man at the far end of the bar?”

  The waiter turns and looks. “Yes.”

  “Do you know if he’s alone?”

  “I believe he’s by himself.”

  Selena smiles up at the waiter. “Whatever he’s drinking, it’s my treat.”

  “Yes, ma’am. Anything else?”

  “Perhaps you might like to stop by the massage parlor later on this evening.”

  His eyes widen. “Excuse me?”

  “Oh…” She giggles and extends her hand. “Selena LeBeau. I’m the new masseuse. I start this evening. And I would love to work some of those kinks out of your body.” She watches with fascination as a thin film of perspiration crosses his hair-line.

  “Uh…sure. I don’t get off until ten.”

  Her gaze holds him in place until she’s ready to let him go. “Perfect. I’ll expect you.”

  He turns and walks toward the bar, stopping next to the gentleman Selena has pointed out. The man turns his head toward Selena as the waiter speaks to him. She gives him a finger wave and smiles in invitation.

  He picks up his drink and walks toward her.

  “Mind if I sit down?” he asks, his features even more striking up close.

  “I’d like nothing better.”

  He takes a seat and pulls his chair close to her. “Thank you for the drink.” He takes a sip.

  Selena’s right brow rises. “I can give you much more than a drink,” she says.

  For a moment, he’s taken aback by her bluntness. He laughs nervously. “Can I at least know your name first?”

  “Selena LeBeau. And you are?”

  “Marcus Hunter.”

  She takes his hand. “A very strong name.” She strokes his knuckles with the tips of her nails and watches his Adam’s apple move up and down.

  “Are you here on vacation?” he finally asks.

  “In a way. But I work here.”

  “Really.” He takes a swallow from his drink.

  Selena signals the waiter for another drink for Marcus. “I’m the new masseuse.”

  “That must be an interesting job.”

  “Oh, it is.” Her eyes flash dark fire.

  “What made you decide to become a masseuse?”

  “I suppose you could say it was a calling.” She laughs
lightly. “I’d love to work on your body.”

  She can feel his heart rate escalate.

  Marcus swallows hard. “That might be nice.”

  “Have you ever had a full-body massage?”

  “No.”

  “Then you’re in for a treat. Actually I start tonight.”

  “Tonight?”

  “Yes, in the hotel spa.”

  The waiter appears with his drink. Marcus quickly takes it and downs the liquid in one long gulp.

  “Would you like another?” she asks in a husky whisper.

  “I think I’ve had enough for now,” he says slowly, measuring his words.

  “Then why don’t we go over to the spa and I can demonstrate what I was talking about?” She holds him steady with her gaze.

  Unable to help himself, he nods.

  Selena takes his hand and eases him to his feet. “Are you here with anyone?” she asks as they leave the bar, needing to know if he will be missed.

  “I’m alone.”

  Not for long.

  Marcus follows Selena into the spa. She walks up to the reception desk attended by a young woman.

  “Why don’t you take a long break?” she says to the young woman. She places her hand on the woman’s arm and looks intently into her eyes. “Your services are not needed now.”

  “I think I will take a break,” she says in a stilted voice. She turns off the computer, gathers her purse and heads toward the exit.

  “I’ll let you know when you are needed again,” Selena calls cordially as she watches the woman walk out.

  She looks around. The spa is deserted at this early hour, the other guests out frolicking in the bright sun. Perfect, she thinks.

  “Come. Let’s get started.”

  She leads Marcus to the private room in back and locks the door. Quickly she assesses the space. She raises her hand and the supply cabinets open. Not the fragrant oils that she would use, but they will suffice. She turns to Marcus.

  “Why don’t you take a hot shower? I’ll prepare it for you and then we can get started.” She leads him to the shower and adjusts the water. “There’s a robe and towels right there,” she says, pointing to a stack of fresh towels and the robe hanging on a hook.