by Claire Marta
Confused all she could do was blink. “What...are you doing in here?”
A smug smile stretched Lida’s lips. “Naughty Eric not letting you know about this evening. Tonight he’s all mine.”
Her sultry voice was practically a purr. Leaning back she made herself more comfortable on the rumpled mattress. Jasmine took in the mess of pillows and blankets. The scene spoke for itself. They had already been intimate. Most likely fucking like bunnies since she had seen them last.
The urge to hit the blonde surged through her. She couldn’t believe this bitch was in their bed. Where the hell was Eric? Her gaze strayed towards the closed bathroom door. Was he taking a shower? Or had he heard them coming? Was the bastard hiding?
“Jasmine,” Conall’s tone was warning. “Don’t do anything stupid darlin’.”
Jasmine ignored him as hurt, anger, and jealousy roared through her.
“Where is he?” She couldn’t keep the pain from her voice.
Lida fluffed her messy hair with one hand. “Not that it’s any of your business, but he went to get me a donor. I was feeling a little hungry after our love-making. He’s always such an insatiable lover, that’s something that never changes, how well he fucks.”
Jasmine took a step further into the room. She didn’t care who this bitch was, she wanted her out. How could Eric do this? Had all his heated words been just pretty empty nothings to try and get her back into bed? Maybe he had decided Lida was more of an easy lay.
Conall’s hand rested on her shoulder. “Come on lass, let’s go.” His grip was firm and insistent.
Releasing a deep breath, common sense surfaced. No way could she make a scene and blow their cover. This was the vampire Mistress of Prague after all. The cow had all the power here. Without a word Jasmine turned on her heels. Betrayal left a sour taste in her mouth. She had thought Eric had cared. How fucking wrong had she been.
This hurt all the more because she loved him. Fuck she was an idiot. All the vamp wanted was sex. Thank god she hadn’t confessed her fragile new feelings.
“I can’t fucking believe this.” She pressed her hands to her chilled cheeks.
“No you shouldn’t.” Conall had a hand on her back and was steering her down the corridor.
Jasmine glanced at him over her shoulder. “Why?”
His expression was grim. “I’ve been hearing whispers. Lida wasn’t happy Eric produced you as his human companion.”
Jasmine hesitated when they reached a door she didn’t recognize. “Whose room is this?”
“Mine.” Conall gave her a reassuring smile. “I think it might be better if you stay here for now.”
With uncertainty she glanced down the corridor. “What about Eric?” Even though she was angry she knew he would have to be told.
“He already knows. He’s been down stairs talking with Andel the whole time. Lida’s little show back there was a set up just for you.”
Eric wasn’t sleeping with Lida. Something eased slightly in the area of her heart. She believed Conall. For some reason she could sense he wasn’t lying. Suddenly Jasmine felt silly for leaping to conclusions. Eric had her trust, yet her anger and jealousy had been overwhelming. Turning the handle, Conall pushed open the door. The bedroom was a replica of the other rooms she had seen, just in green.
“You mean you told him with your Vulcan mind link.” She asked moving quickly inside.
Conall chuckled as he closed the door behind them. “Aye, it’s a telepathic link.”
“Is that because you share blood?”
“Who told you about that lass?” He asked with surprise disappearing into the bathroom.
“Eric, last time we met.” She called after him. “I know vampires aren’t generally telepathic unless they get that gift when turned.”
A moment later he was back. “Aye, it connects our minds and lets us share a little slice of power with each other. Not many Vampiria are willing to do this mind you. Trust is a big factor. And you’re right, not all human vampires have that particular power.”
“So Eric can teleport too?” Jasmine accepted the wet cloth he handed her. Quickly she cleaned up the drying blood that stained the skin of her arm.
The injury was completely healed thanks to Asier. All that was left was smooth soft flesh. His scent still clung faintly to the material of the shirt and kept washing over her senses. Conall took the used cloth and chucked it back into the bathroom with a toss of his wrist.
“Not far as me and only if I’m in range of a mile.”
Jasmine perched herself on the end of the bed. “How many vamps are in your nest?”
The scene with Lida still left her feeling unsettled. She needed something to get her mind away from it. Jasmine still had so much she wanted to know about Eric and his friends. Would the Irish vampiria confide in her though?
Conall’s expression turned wary. “I’m not sure I should be answering these. If Eric wanted you to know, he would have told you by now.”
A smile curved her lips. “Maybe he just hasn’t gotten around to it yet.”
Conall slowly grinned back. “I like you Jaz. I can see you tying Eric up in knots. It’s something I thought I would never see.”
“Why?”
The vamp flopped tiredly down into an arm chair. “Eric’s work is his life. He doesn’t have time for anything else.”
Jasmine began to fiddle nervously with the buttons on the shirt. “You mean he doesn’t have girlfriends?”
“Not in the way you mean lass. He doesn’t sleep with the same woman twice. You though seem to be different.”
Her eyes met his. “Is that a good thing?”
“Aye. Even a cold hearted bastard like Eric needs a female in his life.”
Jasmine’s brow furrowed. “He’s not cold-hearted.”
Eric was displaying more emotion lately than she had ever seen. Yet she had never thought of him as cold-hearted. He could be sweet and thoughtful sometimes, even caring.
Conall laughed, stretching his leg out in front of him. “Only you melt his ice Jaz. He acts differently around you. I’m not sure you would want to see his ruthless side.”
A shiver of foreboding rippled down her spine at his words. “Is he normally that way?”
“Aye. His bloodline prides themselves on their cold logic. To them showing emotion is a weakness. Normally, he’s quite ruthless in everything.”
Jasmine’s frown deepened, marring her brow. “Emotions aren’t a weakness.”
Conall released a long pent up sigh. “They don’t feel the same way we do. It’s why it’s amusing to see Eric so flustered. The other Vampiria in our team and I have seen glimpses of emotion from him over the centuries, as we’ve lived together for so long, but nothing like this.”
“Because I somehow make him feel things?” She asked, shifting a little on the mattress.
Conall nodded.
“Are you guys using magic?”
The vampire blinked in surprise at her abrupt change of subject. “No. Why?”
“I keep sensing it.” She admitted softly. “I thought I better mention it.”
Swiftly he straightened up in the arm chair. “You do? When?”
“Around Eric a few times and once or twice with Asier. In fact I felt it when I was with Asier this evening. It’s just so fleeting, I can’t work out where it’s coming from.”
Conall’s expression had become serious. “I’m sensitive to magic, but I haven’t sensed anything myself. Are you sure?”
Jasmine nodded. “Yes. I’m used to Twitch’s spells, so I know when I am feeling something like that even when it’s different.”
Running a hand through his hair, he tugged on the longer red locks on the top of his head. “If you sense it again come let me know. Magic here, it’s probably up to no good.”
Jasmine’s eyes darkened with worry. “What do you mean?”
“Vampires don’t generally mess with magic. It’s not their thing so to speak. Maybe our killer is using
it to hide their presence from us as a distraction.”
Using the back of her hand, she stifled a sudden yawn. Tiredness was settling over her. She was still trying to get used to the weird sleeping hours, which were messing with her internal clock. Blood loss from Vilem’s feeding was probably also not helping.
Conall gave her a lopsided smile. “Why not have a nap Jaz. I’ll watch over you.”
“Are you sure?” She asked with uncertainty.
“Aye. Go on now and get into bed.” Tipping his head back on the upholstery of the chair, he closed his eyes.
Jasmine stared at him for a moment. When he didn’t stir, she crawled exhaustedly under the blankets.
JASMINE WOKE TO FIND HERSELF back in Eric’s room. He was spooning her from behind. The vampire was deliciously warm. One of his big hands was resting on the curve of her hip possessively. She was naked, even the collar had been removed. The shirt Asier had given her was nowhere to be seen.
“I am sorry that I left you unprotected.” This was whispered against her hair.
“Eric, it wasn’t your fault.” Jasmine assured him as she found herself curling back into his heat.
“Only thanks to Asier once again.” He continued with a hint of annoyance, regret and what sounded almost like jealously. “He keeps saving you when I cannot.”
“I think the whole fucking thing was planned.” Jasmine murmured back.
Eric’s hand began to stroke the smoothness of her hip sending pleasurable little tingles to other places.
“I believe Mistress Lida had a hand to play in this. She does not seem to like your presence. Last night I believe she was trying to drive a wedge between us in one way or another.”
“Do you think she’s jealous?” Jasmine asked breathlessly.
His every touch was driving her crazy. Fuck, having him naked behind her and she was already wet and aroused. Jasmine wanted him to finish what he had started. Waiting until the end of the case was just not doable. She needed him now. Thinking straight was impossible when she was in a constant haze of simmering sexual frustration.
Eric pressed a lingering kiss to the curve of her neck. “I do. She has made it more than clear that she wants me in her bed and I think perhaps it is becoming a little dangerous for you to remain at my side.”
His words were like being doused with a bucket of cold water.
Surprised Jasmine rolled onto her back to look up at him. “What?”
The vampire’s expression was tender. “Hell has no fury like a woman scorned as the saying goes. Lida is not to be trifled with. You should go back to your colleagues and stay with them. Any information I gather, I shall willingly share with you.”
“Eric…”
One long finger was pressed to her lips, to stem the flow of words. She could tell he didn’t want to listen to her protest.
“Jasmine please, I do not wish to see anything bad befall you.”
Jasmine felt torn. Leaving would be letting her team down. Yet Mark wouldn’t want her in danger. She had already been lectured once on her stupidity.
With a sigh she reluctantly agreed. “Fine, but I am not leaving until tomorrow morning. This evening I’m staying here.”
One more evening to question the other companions was all she had. Maybe she could learn something new. She wanted to talk to Tina. The woman hadn’t been seen since the sex dungeon incident. Mel also might tell her something useful.
“Very well. But only because there are no events scheduled for the companions this evening. You should be safe.” Eric agreed. Then he hesitated with his next words. “Kitten, have you ever considered that perhaps this line of work is not for you?”
Jasmine’s gaze became wary. “What do you mean?”
Eric’s knuckles grazed her bruised cheek gently. “It is dangerous. The type of creatures and cases your department deal with are not to my liking. I would never wish to see you come to harm. I am not sure you are suited for such tasks.”
Anger and disbelief lanced through her. He didn’t like her job? Or didn’t he think she was good at it?
Jasmine sat up. The blankets puddled at her waist baring her breasts. “Look, I may be new at it, but I love my job and nothing is going to change that.”
“I did not mean to upset you.” Eric’s deep baritone rumbled back. The vampire’s hand caressed the curve of her breast. Instead of leaning into it Jasmine slid off the bed.
“You haven’t.” She muttered. Stalking naked to the dresser, she quickly gathered underwear.
Eric remained silent. She could feel his eyes on her though. They glided up and down her naked body with a hungry burning heat. Without looking back, she padded quickly to the bathroom and closed the door. In silence, she turned on the shower and ducked under the pounding spray. Furiously she began to soap herself. She was fuming with anger.
Jasmine could not believe Eric’s words. This job was her life now. She fucking loved it. Using her gift of sensitivity to help the team made her feel useful. Of course there was danger involved, she had known it the first day she had signed on.
Eric didn’t like it. Well that was tough shit. He wasn’t her boss and all that between them was hot monkey sex. The vamp hadn’t mentioned the L word. As far as she could tell, he just enjoyed fucking her. That didn’t give him the right to tell her what to do.
Jasmine felt her chest tighten. Ok so she loved him, but it was her life and job. She wasn’t about to change it all just for him. Flicking off the water, she got out and dried herself briskly. What he said didn’t matter in the end. The vamp wasn’t going to hang around anyway. He would probably vanish again after this assignment was done.
Ok she was a rookie and made mistakes that would pass with experience. She would prove to everyone that she could be the best fucking agent the department had ever seen. Finishing up, she slipped into her underwear and stormed back into the bedroom.
Eric was still in the bed. Bright blue eyes intent, he watched her unblinkingly. Jasmine ignored him. Heading to the dresser again, she started sorting through clothes. If it was her last night at the nest, she needed to make some progress. There could be no wasting time.
Goosebumps raced across her back as she suddenly became aware of a presence behind her. Eric’s muscled arms wrapped around her waist. With a gentle tug, he pulled her back into his hardness.
“Forgive me my lovely.” His words were soft. “I cannot help but worry about you.”
Sighing Jasmine leaned back into him. “I’m a big girl Eric. I can take care of myself.”
Maybe she had been over reacting. Her emotions were such a fucking mess at the moment. This place, Lida’s nest was making her loopy. That and the fact she was wound tighter than a drum with sexual frustration.
Finding Lida in their bed last night had not helped. Jasmine still felt anger over it. Warm lips kissed down the curve of her neck. The graze of fangs made her shiver with desire.
A moment later she was free. Turning she watched Eric saunter naked towards the bathroom. The muscles rippled on his back as he moved. Her eyes dropped to his taut, tight, perfect buttocks. God he was like a walking sinful temptation.
The gold medallion’s chain was still around his neck. He hadn’t, as far as she knew, ever taken it off and it looked like he was wearing the damn thing in the shower. Jasmine couldn’t drag her eyes away. She was tempted to join him. Teeth sinking into her lower lips, she sighed. Why did he have to walk around naked? She was trying to be good.
Distractedly she yanked on her ring. Twitch’s magic prickled faintly against her skin as it slid into place. Eric was doing it on purpose, she was sure. Damn him. He was such a fucking tease. She was practically jumping out of her skin from wanting him.
The click of the bathroom door closing broke the spell. Releasing a breath she hadn’t realised she was holding, she dragged on a pair of skinny jeans and a long armed blue t-shirt. Getting distracted was something she couldn’t afford. Getting out of the vampire’s presence was what she neede
d. Then she could think clearly.
With a sigh, she hurried from the room. Jasmine found the kitchen empty. Frowning she noted there was no sign of the women. Where were the companions? Continuing her search, she found some vampires skulking in one of the living rooms. Their hushed voices had drawn her in that direction.
The males were ones she had seen about the house. They were ones Conall had been keeping his eye on, underlings not very high on the nest ranking. Jasmine stopped just inside the doorway eyeing them thoughtfully. Maybe they knew where the women had gone.
Suddenly she became aware that she was now the focus of their cold intense scrutiny. Every muscle in her body tensed. The sharp shrill sound of warning vibrated through her skull, as her sixth sense kicked in. Danger.
Jasmine could see the interest in their eyes. Several of them had even licked their lips hungrily. Unease coiled through her as she began to back up quickly. When her back hit a hard chest, she pivoted away to her left. The male who had been standing behind her smiled broadly while his fangs began to elongate.
Jasmine kept moving backwards until her back hit a wall. “What the fuck do you want?”
“We want to play with you.” The vamp replied, running his tongue along his bottom lip.
Panic sent her heart racing. “You need my Master’s permission for that.” Jasmine’s eyes darted around the room for a weapon. Asier still had her dagger and Twitch had the holy water bra.
She had left the bedroom without thinking about a make-shift weapon, because she had been too busy distracted with Eric’s nakedness. Fuck.
“Where’s your collar if you have a Master sweet-thing.”
Jasmine’s hand flew up to her neck. The familiar leather was missing. Cursing inwardly she realised she had forgotten to put the fucking thing on.
“Did he get tired of you already?” Another one asked, a nasty little smile curling his mouth.
“No. I just forgot to put it on.” Jasmine assured them quickly, trying not to let her panic increase. “So you fuckers better keep away or he’s going to be really pissed you touched me.”
The vamp standing in front of her snickered. “We can make it our little secret.” His hand was suddenly around her neck. Grip tight, he used his unnatural strength to hold her in place. Pain sliced across the area, as he pressed the bruises she already had.