by Stone, Ciana
“Tearing up some shit,” Shilah added.
“Shi.” Constantine’s voice was a warning. While Chaya was bold and assertive, she possessed more of his practical nature than her twin. Shilah was her mother’s daughter, more prone to rage and as she so aptly put “tear up some shit” than reason and form a workable strategy.
“Sorry. Okay, come on Chay.”
Constantine watched them leave, allowing himself a moment to indulge in pride and love. Chaya and Shilah were his joys, his love for them knew no bounds, and there was nothing he would not do, or sacrifice to insure their safety.
His aide Madron, rushed from the room. “My Lord, she—“
“Did not take the news well? Yes, so I surmised. That will be all, Madron. Thank you for your service. If you will excuse me, I will see to her.”
Constantine marshaled his calm and strode into the room, barely missing being skewered
“Resa.”
She whirled at the sound of his voice and raised her hand, her index finger pointed at him. “Mark my words, Constantine Belenus. Before I let anyone take another child from me, I will slaughter every Alliance member on this planet.”
“Resa, we must talk.”
“No!” She snatched a vase from the mantel and hurled it at him. “Not even you, Constantine. I won’t. Not again!”
“Resa.”
“Stop saying my name! Damn you. You agreed to this, didn’t you? How could you?” She screamed again, and kicked over a marble and wood table, sending it crashing into the stone hearth.
When that, apparently, did not satisfy her, she jumped onto the hearth and started tugging at the old broadsword mounted above the fireplace.
That sent Constantine into motion. A sword in the hands of anyone angered was dangerous. In Resa’s hands, it was lethal.
He hooked one arm around her waist and swung her away from the fireplace. Resa broke free and turned on him, eyes flashing. “Hands off, Vampyre!”
It was an old insult and not one she’d used often. It took extreme stress or anger for her to invoke old invectives. Still, even knowing that the anger was at the situation rather than directly at him, did not stop the rush of fire that had his mind and body sharpening to battle focus.
“Dhampir,” he hissed. It was as harsh a vituperation as what she’d delivered.
And evoked the expected response. With a growl, she came at him.
Constantine, countered, attacking with lighting speed. Resa sidestepped and circled him.
“So, the lust for battle stirs your blood,” he teased, edging in closer. “You cannot win, Dhampir.”
He sought to unbalance her with his words, while setting her up for his next move. She hissed in response, moving carefully.
Circling one another like dancers, they spiraled in toward one another, each orbit bringing them closer. Resa made the first move. Dropping down with her left leg bent, she extended her right leg, spinning as she dropped, seeking to sweep his feet out from under him from the rear.
Just as her foot neared the back of his leg, he leapt, extending his left leg in a snapping motion. The kick caught her across the cheek and the force of the blow threw her off balance.
Resa rolled backwards and bounded to her feet, surprised that he had outmaneuvered her. She smirked at him and saw the returning look he delivered. He was still confident he would best her. His confidence only fueled her anger.
She stepped in with a karate-style, high round kick. The air sizzled with her speed. Rather than try to dodge or retreat, he stepped straight toward her, driving his fist into her midsection as her foot whizzed harmlessly by his head. He followed the punch immediately, hooked his left arm around her upraised knee, and threw her to the ground.
With a howl of rage, she shot to her feet, going at him with a flurry or rapid-fire punches, unbalanced now in her rage. He shifted his body at the waist, dodging the first punch then sprang forward planting both hands in the center of her chest to shove.
She rose again, breathing harshly, more from anger than exertion. “I’m going to kick your ass.”
Constantine did not intend to let the battle escalate. Focusing, he sent his thoughts to her, putting as much power as he could into the projection. Don’t fight me. You can’t win.
"Wanna bet?" her voice came back, strong and clear.
She flew at him with a powerful sidekick to the sternum. His breath whooshed out as the force propelled him backward, stumbling over the debris. He lost his balance and went down.
It may have been the news she’d received and the anger and fear it had spawned, or perhaps it was simply years of suppressed anger; but whatever the case, Resa was suddenly divorced from reality. It was no longer her mate she battled, but an old foe, one she’d tried long and hard to vanquish.
She had to get to open ground. When he went down she saw her opportunity and took it. She ran from the door and down the long hall, coming to the winding staircase that led down to the front entrance level. She took the stairs at a dead run.
Lights from the front of the house drew her attention. There was a terrace. She stopped and scanned the area. A large iron gate set in the wall to the far right of the pool drew her attention.
Lightly leaping the rail that edged the terrace, she dropped to the smooth marbled surface that surrounded the pool. Quickly but carefully she made her way around the pool toward the gate, cautious not to slide on the damp surface.
Reaching the gate, she tried to open it. "Damn, locked!" Looking around for another exit, she made a desperate decision. Pressing her back to the wall, she made her way back over to the terrace. A balcony extended over it, running the length of the house. If she could get up to it, she could make it to the top of the wall surrounding the pool then jump down to the other side.
Perching on the terrace rail, she crouched and jumped as high as she could, her fingers just barely managing to catch the bottom of the balcony rail. Her arms strained, as she swung suspended from the rail. Pulling herself up, she climbed over the railing and ran down to the opposite end.
The wide stonewall lay about six feet below. Climbing over the rail, she dropped and landed in a crouch. Looking down she could not see anything on the other side but darkness. Taking a deep breath, she jumped.
Her feet had no more made contact with the ground when two men appeared before her. One man reached out, grabbed her right wrist with his left hand, and raised his right fist to strike.
Before he had time to act she drove her left fist into his face, at the same time twisting her wrist so that her captured arm came up and then circled under her attacker's grabbing arm. Shifting her body back with her right leg hooking around his left, she pulled and sent him to the ground with a scream of pain as his shoulder dislocated.
The second man moved in, throwing a straight front kick at her face. Blocking the kick with her left arm, she dropped to one knee, issuing a straight-arm punch to his groin. The man howled as her fist made contact with his unprotected testicles.
Resa jumped up, turned to flee, and ran head on into another man. Just as she gained her balance to attack, two other men grabbed her, one on each arm. Struggling to break free, she pulled and kicked at them. "No!" she shouted. "Let go of me!"
Her arms were suddenly twisted painfully as the men pulled them straight out to her sides, forcing her to bend forward at the waist in an effort to relieve the strain.
Leading her stumbling and bent over in pain, they shoved her in through a door the third man held open. The door slammed shut behind her as she straightened up, rubbing her aching wrists and arms.
Looking around, she found herself in a well-appointed masculine room. The walls were covered in floor-to-ceiling bookcases, laden with thousands of books. An enormous oak desk sat at one end of the room.
At the other end, a fire burned brightly in the marbled fireplace. Two large leather wing chairs sat before the fire. As she looked in that direction, Constantine rose from one of the chairs and turned to her.
>
Backing up a step, she groped for the doorknob. Discovering it locked she realized with a sinking feeling that she was trapped. With ever-increasing apprehension, she watched as he walked toward her. His face wore an expression she could not read as his eyes shot lavender fire in her direction.
Sudden confused and blurred images burst in her mind, causing her to stagger under their violation. She could make no sense out of the chaos that filled her mind. Struggling to maintain control, she stood with her back pressed up against the door as he stopped just inches from her.
Like a fierce predator closing in on its prey, he smiled down at her. "No more games," he hissed as he reached out for her.
Fear flooded her. “Don’t touch me, Vampyre!”
“Resa,” his voice was low and rough, carrying something that had the fear recede.
“Resa.”
She shook her head, battling the warring sides within her, one side facing an enemy and the other looking upon the face of her beloved. One more time he spoke her name and the fog slowly lifted.
“Constantine?”
“Beloved.”
“Constantine.” She breathed, feeling the hunger steal over her, washing away the vestiges of fear and anger.
“Come.” He took her hand.
Hand in hand, they walked downstairs and outside to the pool. She didn’t have to be asked to undress. She quickly peeled off her pants and top, tossing them aside.
Constantine smiled and with movement as fast as a viper, reached out and snapped the thin band of silk that encircled her hips.
A tidal wave of longing crashed over them when he took her in his arms. Their bodies contacted in a feverish embrace, lips meeting in a clash filled with wild need.
Constantine pulled back from the kiss, quickly undressed and walked to the edge of the pool. In a fluid motion he dove, slicing through the water. His lean form glided smoothly along the bottom, his head breaking the surface as he rose on the opposite size. Leaning back with his elbows propped on the rim of the pool, he smiled at Resa.
He watched as she moved toward the shallow end of the pool, walking slowly down the steps, the water rising up her body until it formed a glistening shield over all but the tops of her breasts. She dove forward in a flowing move, slicing through the water, her dark hair streaming behind her like a mermaid.
Hunger burned brighter as he watched her rise and wade slowly toward him, her body emerging in by inch.
Her long hair clung to her skin, streaming down across her breasts with sparkling beads of water dripping like gems down her body. Like Venus rising from the sea, he thought as he watched her draw near.
Coming to a stop before him she gently reached out, running her hand along the side of his face and down his neck. Her fingers worked their way back along the nape of his neck, encountering the leather band that held his hair tied back. Moving closer she put her other arm around him, both hands working the band free. Tossing it aside, she separated the dark strands, raking her fingers through its wet thickness and letting it fall free to his shoulders.
Constantine could not stop the growl of need that rose in his throat, nor would he have wanted to. Even after years, his woman excited him more than he thought was possible. Just the feel of her hands in his hair aroused him. He closed his eyes, giving in to the pleasure.
Pressing herself lightly against his hard body, Resa dipped her hands beneath the surface of the water to grip him firmly. His eyes flew open and he engulfed her in his arms. Her lips me his with a sense of urgent need he both recognized and shared. Rising with her clasped firmly to him, he turned and pinned her securely against the side of the pool.
Constantine sank down into the water with her held her fast in his grip, his hands wrapped around her arms. Applying firm pressure, he forced her arms back, causing her breasts to thrust forward as her shoulders angled back. Capturing a full nipple between his parted lips, his tongue circled the sensitive tip, teasing it as he held her captive in his grasp.
Resa gasped, communicating her pleasure. He could feel it, in his mind, their constant connection communicating the fiery torrent of feeling that raced through her body as his mouth performed its magic on her. Near orgasmic sensations flashed through her as he held her in place.
But a sudden sense of dominance surface and she sought to wiggle free from his hold. Rather than rebuke, it served to fuel his passion. Among the V’Kar, dominating a mate was a male’s greatest pleasure. She was a strong woman, a formidable warrior, but her strength could not equal his. There were times that caused her annoyance, as she hated to be bested.
Now was not one of those times. She would not submit easily, but when she did, her surrender was complete and provided passion beyond anything he’d dreamed in his long life.
He abruptly lifted her up and placed her in a sitting position on the edge of the pool in front of him. A smile spread across his face as he stood and lowered her down on her back. Bending over her, he ran his tongue down her body, his hands preceding its path.
His fingers raked through the downy hair between her tight thighs. Taking hold of her legs just above her knees, he pulled her slightly forward so that her hips hovered over the swirling water. With slow deliberation, he forced her legs apart, looking down wolfishly at her luscious core.
She growled, not yet ready to surrender, and attempted to break free of his hold.
Her struggle merely heightened his excitement. Pushing her legs wider apart he simultaneously lifted her up as his mouth asserted control of her. His tongue plunged, penetrating her wetness and eliciting a moan as she yielded to the onslaught of pleasure.
Taking her almost to the moment of release, he unexpectedly lowered her hips down. They both lost themselves to the maelstrom of hunger that could not be resisted. A sudden cry cutting the still night as he stabbed himself inside her, filling her with himself.
Resa wrapped her legs around his hard body she pulled him even deeper, abandoning herself to the feelings and losing herself in the sensations. Flowing with one another in complete abandon, they moved in a primitive dance of desire.
Time and time again, he carried her into the abyss, her orgasms shaking her with their fierce intensity. Feeding off of her passion like a starving beast, he savored her lust, allowing it to become part of him. She moved against him in complete uninhibited desire, carrying him dangerously close to losing control, then backing off and beginning again.
Time ceased to exist as they lost themselves in one another. Their harsh breathing and moans of pleasure and passion punctuated the sounds of the night. He held on as long as he could, finally reaching the point that he could not stop the climax that built within him.
As a violent spasm began to claim her, Constantine pinned her to him, her internal contractions gripping him in overwhelming sensations. Held tightly within her wet, pulsing center he erupted, waves of ecstasy washing through him.
After a few moments he laid her gently back on the deck, looking down at her. She lay limply on the cool wood, her heart still pounding loudly in her ears. Looking up at him, standing framed against the starlit sky, she saw a smile cross his face as he looked down at her. "Constantine” She whispered and she sat up and slid into the water, her eyes maintaining contact with his.
"Resa," he breathed, gathering her to him. "My beloved.” His voice carried the tone of an invocation. Looking up to the night sky he smiled, thinking to himself as he held her in his arms. Through you, I am complete. For all time you will belong to me.
There was much in life she fought, much she mistrusted or doubted. But of that thought he made no effort to hide, she had complete faith.
Chapter Two
Constantine found her sitting on the balustrade, overlooking the deep valley and quiet lake below. Despite the chill of the early morning, her arms were bare, the thin silk gown damp from morning dew against her skin, molding to her form like a second skin.
He did not speak as he approached. He merely wrapped his arms arou
nd her from behind. She laid her head back against his chest with a soft sigh.
It was not a sound of contentment, but of deep frustration. He had no doubt that she knew what had transpired behind the closed doors as he’d met with his advisors. What did surprise him was that her thoughts were on the past rather than the present.
It was akin to experiencing a rapid sequence of clips from a film, the film of their life. It inspired memories of his own, memories he knew she would share, experiencing it through his perspective.
I saw the initial rush of fear as I seized you. I've seen that look countless thousands of times; the blackness of the pupil contracting in upon itself to become a pinprick of darkness in a shimmering island of blue on a widening white sea. Yours is not the first heart to pound like hooves in a stampede, or the first breath to catch like a rabbit in a snare. No, you are not the first at all in ways too numerous to mention.
Yet, you are different from all others for never has the terror transformed without my willing it so. Never has a woman looked at me with such rage, such curiosity, wonder, infatuation, courage, and pity. It is the pity that amazes me. How could you, frail human, pity me?
Now, I sit and watch as you go about the task of cleaning the tools of your abominable trade. Your excitement is a palatable thing. I can taste you in the air. It excites me and repels me. Soon you will leave for the hunt, and once more we will be adversaries, pitted against one another in a battle that cannot end until one of us is no more.
Unless, of course, you fall victim to my considerable powers of persuasion. I’ve yet to unleash the full power of my charm on you. I find the dance we engage in far too stimulating to sway the balance in my favor.
"How many chances to live have I granted you?” I asked as we stood there beside your rumpled bed, your slender throat easily held in one hand.
"That's not what this is about and you know it," you replied, brave in your fear and ignorance.
I must say that your answer surprised me. True, I've been aware of your efforts for some time. You haven't exactly made a secret of your attempts to find me, or to destroy me. In fact, you've made something of a name for yourself in certain circles. Unfortunately, you would not approve of the name you are sometimes referred to behind your back.