A Hunter's Challenge [The Hunters 3] (Siren Publishing Allure)

by Suzy Shearer

  He could feel his erection pressing against the bedclothes. He wasn’t sure what to do.

  Should he tell her he was the oldest virgin on the planet or should he hope that he instinctively did the right things?

  What if he did something wrong and disappointed her?

  She opened her eyes and looked into his. Nervously she stretched her hands behind her back and unclasped her brassiere. Brazenly she pushed the straps off her shoulders and it fell forward. Those magnificent breasts fell free.

  Anthan stared.

  They were amazing, full and plump and ripe. He reached out to run his hand across them. The nipples pebbled even harder. He marvelled. Her breasts were so soft but the nipples so hard. He wanted to taste them. He sat up and leant forward to breathe in her fragrance. He ran a line of kisses down her throat until he reached the swell.

  Carefully he took one pebbled point into his mouth. He rolled it around his tongue then he sucked it. He was rewarded by Erica’s moan. With his hand, he began to massage the other breast, playing with its peak. Erica’s hand moved to his head and held him tightly against her breasts. He continued to lave the nipple in his mouth with his tongue. All the while his cock felt harder and harder, till it hurt.

  Erica dropped her hand from his head and Anthan stopped sucking. He sat back a little and looked at her. Her face was flushed and she was panting slightly.

  “Anthan.” Breathlessly she spoke, her face blushed. “I… um…I’ve never been with anyone. I’m not sure...” she stammered nervously.

  Anthan couldn’t stop the silly grin on his face. She looked worried. He leant forward and kissed her then took a breath.

  “Neither have I.”

  Her eyes widened as she took in what he said.

  “Oh.”

  “We can learn together.”

  Erica threw herself into his arms. Then pulled back and jumped off the bed. She quickly stripped off, blushing even more, then grabbing the blankets slid underneath into his arms. He removed his clothes quickly, in the way of all Hunters.

  He kissed her again and again. His heart was singing. He could feel his love for her growing with every passing second and that wasn’t the only thing growing.

  His cock was so hard, he was worried. Was this normal?

  Erica turned slightly in his arms and her leg brushed against it. He couldn’t stop his groan. She grinned wickedly and he almost jumped when he felt her hand wrap around it.

  “Oh my god, Anthan!”

  She lifted the covers and peered down.

  “How on earth will that fit?”

  He laughed.

  “I have no idea.”

  He latched onto the nipple that was closest to his mouth, delighting when it pebbled even more. He squeezed her breast, she moaned so he sucked a little harder.

  “Oh more yes.”

  He bit it gently and was surprised when she screamed softly. He stopped, sure he’d hurt her.

  “No.” She panted. “Want more, harder.”

  He obliged. Rolling the nipple between his teeth and using his tongue, he teased at it then bit down. The hand on his cock tightened. He wanted more so he dropped his hand down to nestle between her legs. She moved them apart slightly. He tangled his fingers in the hair. All the while, he kept sucking and biting.

  She was so wet. He rubbed his fingers up and down, then found a hard pebble. He concentrated his efforts on it and Erica screamed in pleasure. He dropped the nipple from his mouth. Anthan wanted to see more. He pushed her onto her back and wriggled down the bed, throwing the covers aside.

  He spread her delightfully plump legs wider and settled between them. Using one hand he pulled aside the reddened lips and marvelled at how wet she was. The aroma of her arousal was driving him a little crazy. He looked at the hardened nub and bent forward to lick then suck it.

  Erica whispered, “Ah. Oh yes.” She shouted, “Fuck yes!”

  He kept sucking at it then used his fingers to rub up and down before pushing them between the lips and into her hot channel. He felt Erica clamp down on his fingers and then she seemed to hold herself tight. She screamed a drawn-out shout of his name.

  “Anthan!”

  He felt her muscles spasming on his fingers and knew she had come. It wasn’t enough, he wanted more. He wanted to be inside her. Pushing his fingers against her clit, she was still moaning so he knelt between her legs.

  Holding his cock against the entrance to her, he began to rub it up and down. Then he pushed it gently against the barrier. He didn’t want to hurt Erica, so he kept his fingers caressing her clit. He leant his head down to take one nipple in his mouth, sucking and nibbling at it as he pushed his cock inside her.

  She gave a gasp of pain. He stopped.

  She pleaded. “Don’t stop.”

  He was unsure but he felt Erica lift her buttocks slightly, opening her legs wider, so he pushed a little more. Finally he felt the barrier tear as her breath was coming in little gasps.

  She cried in pain then shouted as he got his cock deeper and deeper into her.

  “Oh god yes, Anthan!”

  Anthan thrust slowly in. He felt her sheath widen as he entered. Slowly he moved forward until his cock was seated deep within her. He began to thrust in and out. Her nails were in his back. He wanted to come but he wanted her to as well.

  He pulled out a little way then pushed slowly back in. She pleaded with him.

  “Harder, please harder. Oh.”

  He increased his thrusts until he could hear and feel his balls slamming against her.

  “Ah, now!”

  She grabbed his cock with her tight sheath and held it hard. Anthan was lost. He screamed her name as he came, feeling her muscles tighten on his length. His hand between them kept playing with her clit and she screamed again.

  “I’m coming again. Hell, Anthan! Bite me!”

  Anthan needed no second invitation. His fangs lengthened and he sank them into her soft breasts. He wasn’t sure that was what she’d meant but he was lost.

  “Oh my god,” she groaned and stammered. “I want to taste you.”

  She was trying to bite his shoulder so Anthan quickly tore a gash near her mouth. She pounced on it. If Anthan thought it was wonderful before, now he thought it was amazing. His cock was still inside her, half-erect. The feel of her drinking his blood while he drank hers was almost overwhelming him.

  He felt her pussy grab his cock again as she came once more. His fangs withdrew from her breast then he licked the bite to stop the bleeding. Erica had dropped her head back onto the pillow. Her eyes were closed and she was panting as if she had run ten kilometres.

  Anthan quickly licked his shoulder as his cock fell from her. He rolled off Erica and lay beside her. His hand was thrown across her body. Erica turned her head to look at him.

  “For two virgins we did bloody good!”

  He roared with laughter and pulled her into his arms. They lay together until finally their breathing and hearts returned to normal. Erica was idly tracing the tattoos that decorated his body.

  “Iubită, you realise we have just made a blood exchange.”

  “I know. I don’t care, I wanted it as much as you.”

  “Do you understand what that means now? We can talk to each other no matter the distance.”

  “No matter where?”

  “Yes. Do you know that if we exchange blood five times you will become as I?”

  “I knew about blood exchanges, just didn’t know how many.”

  “I won’t force you. This is all about you my dearest love. Whatever you want. But I am glad we can now talk over the distance.”

  Erica started to cry. Anthan held her tight.

  “What is it, Iubită?”

  “If I’d met you a few days ago, it...the...I wouldn’t have been taken.”

  He kissed her head, running his hand up and down her arm.

  “Hush, my love, it’s over. We can’t change the past but we can make our future. Never again w
ill you be alone.” His voice was filled with wonder. “Never again will I be alone.”

  He held her tight while she sobbed. He was so angry with himself that they had not found her sooner. Anguished at the pain she had endured.

  Slowly her tears subsided. She gave him a watery grin and wriggled into a more comfortable position. He felt her give a little grimace as she moved her legs.

  “Are you okay, Iubită? Do you hurt?”

  “It’s a good hurt.” She grinned at him. Erica gave him a soft kiss.

  “Let me take away the pain.”

  “It’s okay.”

  “No. Iubită, there is no need for you to feel pain.”

  Her eyes widened as he once more settled between her legs. Tenderly his tongue bathed across her lips, her clit, her channel. He heard her gasp. Moving back to take her in his arms, she shook her head.

  “It’s gone! There’s no pain, no discomfort!”

  “Our saliva heals, it takes away any hurt.”

  “It’s amazing!”

  She glanced over him to see the clock beside the bed.

  “Oh bugger! I told Amy we’d be there for dinner!”

  Anthan grinned and kiss her back. He climbed out of bed and held out his hand for her.

  “Come on. We’d better shower and get dressed then go before Martin turns up here wondering what happened.”

  Erica laughed and took his hand, allowing him to pull her to her feet. He pushed her into the bathroom.

  “You shower, I’ll grab your clothes.”

  She entered the shower and seemed to revel in the warm water over her body. Anthan hoped she no longer felt a little tender and sore. He was still finding it hard to believe.

  He gave a laugh.

  No longer was he the oldest virgin on the planet!

  He checked the database then brought her clothes in and watched as she finished washing. He handed her a towel then rubbed her dry. He quickly showered himself while she dressed. Anthan had to laugh in delight when she gasped as he dressed himself, untangling and drying his hair in the way of all immortals.

  They went back into the bedroom. Erica blushed at the sight of drops of blood on the sheet. Anthan followed her eyes.

  “Iubită, are you really okay? I mean.” Anthan knew he was blushing. “I hope I didn’t hurt you too much.”

  “It hurt at the very first then I was a little tender but, as I said, it was a good sore.” She leant forward and kissed him.

  “I can take any more pain away but er... I doubt we would be on time for dinner.”

  Erica laughed. “I’m sure we wouldn’t be in time. It’s fine.”

  Anthan bundled the soiled sheet up and threw it in the corner then he held out his hand.

  “Come on let’s go before I change my mind.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  They drove to Erica’s in the car. Anthan had his hand across the back of her seat and was rubbing her neck. He couldn’t get enough of her. He wanted to continually touch her. It was as if he wanted to keep reminding himself she was real. He felt like he was drowning in love more and more with every passing second. He never, in his wildest imaginings, thought it would be like this. Anthan wondered if his heart would burst from the love he was feeling.

  When they arrived at the house and entered, Martin grinned at him in delight and then threw his arms around him. The pair of them couldn’t stop smiling. Martin broke the hug and kissed Erica’s cheeks. Martin joked as they all walked into the kitchen.

  “Looks like we’re all related now.”

  Anthan let out a fake groan.

  “Damn that’s just what I don’t need, having you for a brother, Martin.”

  Martin laughed delightedly.

  “You know you love me.”

  Anthan pulled him into a bear hug. He whispered, “Thanks.”

  He knew Martin would know exactly what he meant.

  Amy was checking on the couscous as they entered. She looked over at her sister and smiled at the men’s antics then shyly kissed Anthan’s cheeks. Erica helped her to gather everything for their meal and carried plates and silverware into the dining room. She hesitated a second at the doorway. Anthan “heard” her. She was remembering when she had been there last. He was beside her in a second. He wrapped his arms around her waist and whispered in her ear.

  “It’s all over now, Iubită, the monster is destroyed.”

  She leant back into him. Turning her head she kissed him, then moved to set things on the table. Martin followed carrying the tajine, while Amy brought in the couscous. They settled around the table. Erica still looked very unsettled.

  “Relax, Iubită, you’ll never again have to face your fears alone.”

  Erica squeezed his hand and then accepted the plate Amy was passing her. Amy looked over at Anthan and asked, “So we are safe now?”

  “Safe from that strigoi yes, but unfortunately there is still at least one other in the area.” Anthan looked over to Martin. “I checked the database before we left. A man has been missing for over two weeks and another body, a woman’s, was found this morning. We still have work to do.”

  Martin slumped slightly.

  “Damn I was hoping it was over. Okay. I guess we go back to searching and try to find the beast.”

  Amy looked frightened but Martin reassured her.

  “We’ll find it, nîcimos, don’t worry.”

  They continued eating and talking. Erica looked lovingly at Anthan.

  “So, Anthan, what did you find out about our grandmother?”

  “Well it depends on your grandmother’s name. Was she born in Hungary and was her name Elisabeta Strobl?”

  Amy looked stunned as Erica answered.

  “Yes she came from Hungary. Her name was Elizabeth Strobl so I’d say yes to your question.”

  “Okay. Look, please understand, I’m only telling you what was discovered. I’m not making judgments.”

  The two women looked at each other and Anthan could tell they were worried as to what he may say.

  “About seventy years ago, a woman of twenty-five was taken by a strigoi. It just happened that a Hunter was on the track of that same beast, so he actually rescued her a few hours after she went missing. That woman was Elisabeta Strobl. When he returned her home, her parents were naturally ecstatic that she was safe. They knew all about Hunters, strigoi, and were overjoyed to have her back. Anyway, there was another daughter and she turned out to be the mate to the Hunter.”

  “Okay, but what does that mean for Gram?”

  “I’m sorry, girls. I’m only repeating the truth. Elisabeta said he was meant for her. She went a little crazy when the Hunter explained that it was her sister he was in love with, that the sister was his One. Elisabeta was angry and wouldn’t believe it. Then she disappeared and no one could find her despite all their searching.”

  “About a year later she turned up with a baby, a little girl. She told her parents that the Hunter had gotten her pregnant and then rejected her.”

  “That’s what she always told us!”

  “You can imagine what happened when she announced that. The council got involved and explained to the parents that it was a physical impossibility for the Hunter to be the father. The parents then got tough with Elisabeta and told her she must tell the truth. Finally she admitted she had made it all up. The father of the child was some man she had picked up when she first ran away. She had imagined herself in love with the Hunter and was furious when he rejected her for her sister.”

  Erica was looking shocked. She looked at Amy, who shrugged. She seemed as puzzled and surprised as Erica.

  Anthan felt sorry for the two girls.

  “The little girl’s name was Madalina.”

  Amy started to cry. Martin drew her into his embrace. Erica looked at Anthan, he took her hand.

  “Our mother’s name was Madeline.”

  “I’m sorry, Iubită.”

  “Hey it isn’t your fault. It hurts but at least we now know the t
ruth. I just wish my mother had known. Gram filled her with terrible stories about her father.”

  Amy looked up at Martin and whispered, “I’m sorry, too. Sorry I tried to send you away but I honestly believed what Gram had told us.”

  “Of course you would. If it was me I would have believed my own flesh and blood, too.” He kissed her forehead then looked over to Anthan.

  “I wonder if the girls have any relations in Hungary still?”

  “Well naturally there is the Hunter and his mate. She would be your Aunty. But I would imagine there are plenty of other relations still. We can ask Viorel to check.” He looked at Erica. “Viorel is a good friend and he is the head of the Hunter’s Council.”

  Wide-eyed the two girls looked at him.

  “Will we be able to meet our Aunty? Do you really think we might have some other relatives?”

  “We will soon know. It’s too early to ask yet, they’ll all be asleep there. But I’ll ask someone on the Council after three this morning, that’ll be around six at night their time.”

  “Thank you!” Erica looked excited as she grinned at her sister. “Wow, we aren’t alone in the world.” Sadly she asked, “I often wonder what happened to our father, too?”

  “You’re not alone, Iubită. As well as your Aunt, you have me and, unfortunately, you now have Martin.”

  Martin roared with laughter. “At least I am not some ancient decrepit old man like you.”

  “About our father?” Erica looked at Anthan. “Do you think your friends could find out if he is still alive or when he died?”

  “We can check. What’s his Christian name?”

  “Oh. I have no idea,” she answered sadly.

  “Doesn’t matter. Just need to check the records for someone Collins who then married a Madeline Strobl about forty or fifty years ago.”

  “Wait! It won’t be Collins. We changed our name. Gram said we had to, our last name was Collingswood.”

  “Oh, Erica, I’d forgotten that!”

  “I’ll get Viorel onto it. If he is still alive, he’ll find him. Where did you live before you came here?”

  “We lived in England. When Gram took us we went to Wales then came out here.”

  “I’ll let Viorel know all that.”

  Erica leant over and kissed him.