The Better to Eat You With: The Red Journals

by Cara Villar

  “Oh, he’ll love hearing that,” Jade replied wryly. “He can’t resist playing with the things you give him.”

  “Been that way since his voice dropped,” I remarked.

  “I think you’ll find it was a fair bit before that, chic.”

  I laughed. “I’ll see you tomorrow night.”

  “Bring your dancing shoes!” She laughed, and I hung up without answering that.

  Like hell is she going to get me to fulfill that damn bet with Felix and Vince with me. No bloody way. I turned to the guys, instantly noting Des was gone, and beamed, bloody teeth and all.

  “Boys. I’m going shopping!”

  17

  My fingertips brushed the grain, traced a leaf, and trailed down a vine, smoothing to the edges. My hands, oddly pale, the nails dark now, making me pause and look at them…but I couldn’t hold the thought of why this would be strange to me. I was pale anyway, though not this pale. Freckles decorated my skin usually, a chaotic pattern of blemishes many considered cute. Now they were gone, replaced by this milky white flawlessness.

  I looked back at the trunk, slid my fingers over the warm, familiar carvings, and then gripped the edges to lift it open…

  The lid was heavier than I remembered, and I threw as much of my ethereal weight against it as I could manage, but the lid didn’t budge. I went to my knees to give myself leverage, and braced to push again.

  “You aren’t ready to see what’s inside.” The voice was male, deep, familiar. It made my heart warm in my chest and wish for home. But not the home I had now. It made me long for a cabin in the woods, with its stone hearth and threadbare curtains.

  I stilled before the chest, letting my hands fall into my lap, feeling the presence of the voice at my back, acutely aware of the warmth of it lapping against my back.

  “Who are you?” I asked, but my voice was distant. Pure. Not my voice.

  “You aren’t ready to know that either,” the voice replied, wrapping me up in a big blanket that smelled like pine needles.

  I looked at the chest, at the familiar iron and wood, and tried to remember what I had put in it. But I couldn’t remember. All I knew was that something important was inside, and in order to understand why I was here, I had to know what that something was.

  I reached out my hands for the corners again, determined to open it.

  The soft sound of my alarm playing "Children" by Robert Miles woke me, and my body was sluggish in responding to the mental command to turn it off. It wasn’t a bruised and battered body that kept me from moving. No. Felix had seen to that when he refused to leave until I drank his blood. After what happened last time, I demanded he put it in a glass and downed it just to get him to leave. Then followed it with a few bottles of vodka from the hotel room fridge.

  That’s why I was feeling sluggish.

  I may have a fast metabolism, thanks to being Immortal, but that didn’t mean the dehydration didn’t leave me feeling like a twelve-hundred year old prune.

  Dragging my ass from bed, I headed back to the fridge, inanely surprised by the lack of pain that had nearly taken me down last night when the adrenaline finally faded. Fuck you, very much, Des. My back had hunched due to the crack in it, my elbow was the size of a melon, my face just…well…not even I had recognized my face when I finally saw it. And as I couldn’t go see Jade looking like a zombie-reject, I had capitulated and taken the magical healing brew that was Felix’s life force.

  Blah.

  Grabbing a bottle of water and popping the top, I downed the contents, and instantly felt myself plumping back up again. After the third bottle of water, I headed for the shower. Rinsing away any last remaining trace of my scrap with Des was exactly what I needed, especially after a late night staying up to shop on line for our outfits because the shops hadn’t been open. Not that it was a hardship. Both men had left their credit cards with me, refusing to let me pay for anything, and the unlimited cash flow allowed me to have the outfits delivered within the next eighteen hours. So I’d stayed up late drinking hazelnut coffee to counter the vodka, and eating tiramisu simply because it’s yummy.

  Vincent still didn’t like the idea of being dressed, grumbling and growling that any club that had a dress code wasn’t his kind of club. I’d told him to pull on his big girl pants and get over it. One night out of his comfort zone wouldn’t kill him. Felix had laughed, and hadn’t batted an eyelid about my dressing him. In fact, the prospect seemed to both please and amuse him in equal measure. My lips curved as I stepped into the hot spray, recalling the seductive little glint in his eyes when he had offered himself to me.

  Shivers ran through me. Hot, decadent waves of want.

  I sighed. Definitely still aching, but not the dehydration kind.

  Between that delicious hulk of blonde surfer Alpha and the lean sensual enticement of the dark-haired Vampire, my body was in sensation overload, and ready to put out regardless of what my brain or heart might think. It wanted and it wanted bad.

  I could feel it in the tension-ache in my thighs, in the irritation running through my mind, the slight tremble in my hands. That orgasm on the plane with Felix and that naughty foot massage from Vince had only amped up my hormones and shot to hell the brakes I’d put on my sex drive the last few centuries. I couldn’t go out with them to Jade’s club—a club that offered only the finest pleasures for its select clientele.

  Damn. This could cause an issue in the field.

  Time to take care of my own business. Even if only to take the edge off. I had an hour before I was to meet them in the foyer. I could get my head back on straight and my body back under control by then…right?

  Think my inner voice just snorted.

  Leaning back into the corner of the stall, I propped a foot up on the ledge and closed my eyes. Instantly, the image of Vince kneeling between my thighs came to mind, his smile wicked, his blue eyes gleaming hot, his hair curling damp around his glistening neck and shoulders.

  My eyes flew open. Blimey, I thought breathlessly, that was vivid.

  Bracing myself, I closed my eyes again, sliding a hand down my belly. The images were still vivid —shockingly accurate in detail. From the hot slide of Felix’s hands on my breasts, the rough rasp of Vince’s stubble on my inner thighs, the smoldering chest pressed to my spine, to the strong swipe of a tongue through my most sensitive parts.

  Sweet Jesus on a pogo-stick, the real thing might just kill me.

  Even as my fingers rolled through my folds and circled my clit, it was the tantalizing rub of Vince’s tongue I felt, working me over and delving deep, spreading me open for greater access and making me moan loud and long as he suckled right where I needed him. Felix’s white-hot touch slid over my ribs and up to my breast, cupping the weight and plucking the nipple, rolling it until my hips undulated to mimic the movement. His chest was a molten brand on my spine, my imagination leaving no room for chilled tiles. Even the echo of his lips brushing the curve of my shoulder added to the swamping wave of sensation I was fantasizing about. I rubbed harder, delved deeper, heightened the feel of sun-kissed stubble and the golden hue of Alpha skin, amplifying the heat of roughened hands and hot breath and soft lips.

  “Ohhhnnnnn…. Jeepers….”

  Glorious sensation, however imagined, was enough to bring me to the edge and throw me over. The climax was swift and heady, and only mildly satisfying, but it did take the edge off. I was prepped for another day of resisting sexy Immortals, though a part of me knew neither of them was going to make it easy. Sighing again, tasting the thick aroma of my own arousal amidst the hot, damp air of the bathroom, I turned off the shower and stepped out. Wrapping myself in the big terry-cloth robe again, I swiped a hand over the mirror and considered what to do with myself.

  I toweled my hair, dried it sleek and smooth, and styled it back into a high ponytail, letting it fall straight and glossy between my shoulder blades. Considering my small supply of make-up, I went with a simple classic, giving myself a smoky cat’s
eye effect all around. The soft teal of my eyes became sharper and more vibrant against the black and a splash of turquoise I used, tipping it off with a slight dusting of silver at the tear ducts. My cheeks took a light sweeping of blush, and my lips a nude gloss. The effect was quite striking, and satisfied, I headed into the main room to change into my outfit.

  Simple black satin panties and matching push-up bra were the starting points. A low cut plain white blouse that flowed with my curves was then tucked into a simple grey pleated skirt that barely covered my backside. Thigh-high white stocking socks with a silver bows at the top came next, followed by a single-button, fitted black blazer with a little silver kerchief in the pocket. It was naughty, sexy and very, very me.

  The piece de resistance was, of course, the shoes, and what beautiful shoes they were. Ostensibly, they were just Jimmy Choo Mary Janes, but really they were sex styled to look like patent black pumps with a twist. The heel was four and half inches high, but with a platform of one and half, it was really just like walking in three inch heels. The heel was also a thick spike to make balance easier, and made my diminutive height less noticeable. In fact, as I slipped them on and swaggered over to the mirror, paired with the white stockings and short skirt, they made my legs look like they’d go on forever.

  Not a bad way to spend fifteen hundred dollars. Hehehehe.

  I leaned back on the elevator railing as the door slid shut, and stared at my reflection, my hands sitting lightly in my blazer pockets. My black feather and silver chain earrings brushed the sides of my neck, and my silver bracelets gleamed in the overhead light. A fine black ribbon choker adorned my neck, both simple and provocative to any Vampire whose eye I might catch. But as my thoughts wandered to my earlier shower, I knew there was only one Vampire I wanted.

  Removing my hand from my pocket, I flared my fingers and inspected my nails. Only the tips were painted the dark purple color I’d chosen, the rest were merely done in a shiny clear coat. The tips were long and oval, imitating claws, which I knew from experience, wolves were attracted to, making them think of being raked in the heat of the moment. Vince flashed across my mind, his back muscles rippling as my own claws dragged red lines across his golden skin.

  I shivered. Goddamn. So much for taking the edge off. If anything, taking care of business and using those two as material had been a monumental disaster. Things were worse and it had only been forty-five minutes. What will it be like by this time tomorrow? I cringed. I so-o-o don’t want to know.

  The elevator doors swished open, and I strode onto the marble foyer, my Jimmy Choo’s authoritatively clicking as I walked. As my gaze swept the small clusters of people, it took me a moment to recognize Felix and Vincent, despite the fact that I had picked out their clothes for the evening. When I did finally did spot them, my brows rose and my lips curved in appreciation. Hot damn!

  For Felix I’d chosen a charcoal colored three-piece suit with a fine silver pinstripe running through it all. Paired with a crisp white shirt and brilliant red tie that contrasted beautifully with his eyes and leather loafers set it all off. I’d also acquired a plain black fedora on instinct, and damn didn’t he look good in it all. He’d taken my fabulous taste and put his own twist to it; rolling the sleeves up to the elbow to showcase his delicious forearms, slinging the jacket over one shoulder. The fedora sat back on his head until the front brim was pointing up along with his swept back hair, giving him an Artful Dodger style that just smacked of playful wickedness.

  Vincent, by comparison, looked positively decadent; the very essence of old-money-never-worked-a-day-in-my-life. I’d gone for something that would enhance that astonishing height and amazing breadth of his shoulders, and woo didn’t it make me a little hot under the collar. His blond locks were swept back and curling at the nape of his open-collared white shirt, the little v showcasing sun-kissed skin and a dusting of blond chest hair. Over that he wore a pale grey, two piece suit that shimmered ever so slightly when he moved, giving the effect of fine silk threads interwoven with the cotton. The jacket was long, flowing to his knees and drawing attention to the sharp line of his slacks and patent effect loafers.

  As both men’s eyes lifted and found me, I felt the flush of heat from their gazes raking me from head to toe and back again. The delicious scent of anise and ice, sunshine and sea salt, prickled the air and intensified as I drew near, enveloping me until it felt like I’d never had a shower at all. Naughty but luscious images of them and me flashed like wildfire through my mind, a kaleidoscope of sensation, longing and need. I saw Vince’s nostrils flare first, and then Felix’s in quick succession. They could scent my desire, and hell if it didn’t make me blush all the more. Not from embarrassment, but from want. I wanted. Still wanted. Bad!

  I halted before them with a saucy smile. “Hot damn, gentlemen.” I fanned my flushed cheeks. “You two make up enough eye candy to excite a sadistic dentist!”

  Felix grinned, flashing me those sexy dimples, while Vince grumbled, “And why are we dressed like this?”

  I turned for the doors. I’d arranged a car to drive us to Jade’s club—uniquely called Emerald City— and was pretty sure the big limo outside was it.

  “Emerald City caters to a certain kind of clientele, providing very specific services.” I waltzed out into the drizzly evening as a doorman held the door. I smiled and thanked him. “If you aren’t dressed to par, you don’t get in.” I spun to face them. “Regardless of whom you’re with.” Namely, me.

  “And what you’re wearing,” Vince gestured at me, “is acceptable?”

  My grin widened. “I’m a regular, Cujo.” I spun for the car, feeling the soft burn of their gazes on my back.

  A chauffer with an umbrella opened the door for me and I climbed in, hoping across the leather seats to make room for the big Alpha and lithe Vampire. Vince was opposite me, slouching his large frame and making it look elegant. Felix slid in beside me, sprawling in that sexy masculine fashion he had. The door shut, the driver got in, and we were on our way.

  However, Vince and Felix were both looking at me funny, and not in the good way. General appreciation for my appearance was one thing. Intense focus, as if trying to figure out what was off, was altogether different.

  I began to fidget under the attention until, at last, I threw up my hands and scowled, “What? What are you both looking at?”

  “There’s something…different,” Felix murmured, rubbing his clean-shaven jaw in speculation.

  Vince hummed in agreement, and I frowned at them both.

  “I don’t look that bad, usually.” Jeez, this is a total ego downer.

  “It’s not your appearance,” Vince said, and his nostrils flared again, his chest expanding as he inhaled deep. “It’s your scent.” He exhaled, and I felt it over every inch of my skin like a caress.

  Anyone would think they hadn’t smelt me frisky before. I cleared my throat, tugged down my blazer and crossed my legs at the knee.

  “It’s almost spicy now,” Felix murmured, his eyes shimmering a dull gold.

  I glanced over and grinned. “Not like orange groves in summer mixed with Trinitario cacao?” I asked, deliberately making my voice smoky-rich and drugging, just as he’d said it when he had me pinned to the ground. The mere memory made me shiver. Felix’s lips twitched.

  “If you were a regular female Were,” Vince rumbled, spreading his knees and extending a foot out, almost touching me. The whole position was designed to provoke, and my gaze narrowed on him. “I’d say you’d just been tumbled.”

  My face flamed instantly. “Excuse me?”

  “That’s exactly it,” Felix breathed me in, his voice smooth and coffee rich.

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I replied loftily, turning away from both and looking out the window. Not that I could see anything thanks to the tint. Dammit.

  “Who you been tumbling with, pet?” Felix murmured, his voice seeming so close to my ear that I flinched.

  When I looked
at him though, he was still on the other side of the car. I grimaced, wondering if my little finger foray in the shower earlier was what they were scenting. If it was, I’d have to do it every freaking day just to fob them off with some little fib about new perfume. Gosh… life is so hard…

  “And when, exactly, would I have time to tumble?” I asked, all innocence.

  Vince let out a low growl. “There’s no scent on her, but her own.”

  There was a beat of silence where my gaze flicked between the two, and then Felix arched a wicked brow. “Oh.”

  “Oh?” I squeaked, cheeks burning. “What is oh?”

  The Vampire’s lips curved and he rubbed his jaw again. “Blimey, pet,” he mumbled, and a horrifying clench gripped my stomach.

  They know. Dammit, they know just from my scent!

  “Damn, darlin’,” Vince grinned, blue eyes sparkling. “Why didn’t you just come to one of us? We would have been happy—”

  “No!” I barked, sticking out a finger at him to shut him up. My whole damn face, right out to my ears, was burning with enough heat to melt an ice cap. “No way was I going to one of you! You two are the reason behind it to begin with!” I glared at them both and slumped back into my seat, curving close to the door and staring out the window. “The sooner I get away from you two, the better.”

  “But in the meantime, you’re with us,” Vince added.

  “And now, after your…self-service?” Felix’s grin was wicked, and I rolled my eyes. “Your scent is all the more inviting.”

  “I never had this problem when I did it before.” Not that I’d know, of course. The only Immortal men I was around were the ones I hunted.

  Wow…that’s sad, Red. Rather be sad than glowing with embarrassment. True.

  “Either way,” Felix shifted, turning to Vince, “she can’t go around smelling like that. We’ll have to alternate relieving the pressure. Mix up her scent.”