A Mate for Lazarus

by Charlene Hartnady

  “That was us getting to know each other better.”

  She huffed out a breath. “How do you figure that?”

  “I know exactly where your G-spot is and exactly how you enjoy being touched. It says a lot about you as a person, Alexandra. A whole hell of a lot.”

  “How do I like to be touched then?” She put her hands on her hips.

  “You like being fucked hard and deep.”

  She blinked a few times. “Who doesn’t? Is there any other way?”

  “I wasn’t finished and yes there is.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Fine…tell me. I can’t wait to hear this.”

  “Like I was saying, although you like it—”

  “Yeah…yeah…hard and deep.”

  His dick did that whole lurch in his pants thing. Hard and deep sounded damned fantastic around about now. He ignored it. “At the same time, you prefer your clit to be touched softly…gently. There is a softer side to you, Alexandra. A side you deny. Sex is all about getting off to you.”

  She frowned and even shook her head. “Yeah, well duh. That’s why we do it.”

  Lazarus smiled. He couldn’t help himself. “There is way more to it. Way more. I’m just glad that I will be the lucky fuck that gets to show you.” Hopefully. He refused to be negative about the whole thing. Alexandra had allowed him to touch her. She was attracted to him…big time. The rest would fall into place. He just knew it.

  Chapter 8

  Her whole body vibrated. Alex wobbled on her heels even though she used both hands on the wall behind her to keep herself from falling. Her underwear was sopping wet. It was the best damned orgasm she had ever had…as in ever.

  Better than any dick or expensive stimulate-everything-at-once-vibrator. The guy had used just his hand dammit and it was the best.

  It should never have happened. A line had been crossed. Now that line was blurred. The problem was that touching could quickly lead to more. Make that, touching often led to more. She was surprised that during all that shameless begging, that she hadn’t begged him to all out fuck her because it was what she had wanted. Still wanted if she was honest with herself. It was as if someone had flicked a horny switch inside of her.

  Lazarus had told her that he wanted to show her that sex was about more than just getting off. What did that even mean? The guy was hard to understand. He was so intense. He wanted them to be exclusive.

  Exclusive.

  They weren’t even really dating…although, maybe they sort of were by default since this was a dating program. She needed to play along if she hoped to stay in The Program but there would be no more touching.

  “Kiss me.” Lazarus closed the distance between them, stopping just short of touching her.

  “What? Why?” She put her hands on his chest. When she said no touching…maybe kissing was okay. They were—sort of—dating so she would have to force herself to kiss him every now and then so that it would seem authentic.

  “We just shared a moment.” He gave her a ghost of a smile. Then his eyes moved to her mouth. “Now kiss me, Alexandra.”

  “No.”

  He sighed. “Do you need me to bend down so that you can reach?”

  Alexandra snorted. “No. That’s not it. I don’t think that it’s fair that I have to keep kissing you. Is this how it’s going to be because if you expect me to do all the work…you can forget about it?”

  Lazarus chuckled. The sound was rich. It warmed her from the inside. Then he turned serious and a furnace switched on inside of her. His eyes darkened and his jaw clenched and poof…on switch and ignite furnace.

  “I would be more than happy to kiss you. The last kiss we shared was me kissing you…if you remember correctly. Care for a repeat? I know that I—”

  Oh hell no. She couldn’t take a repeat of that. It was just too much. His mouth, his hands, his hard body against her. She would beg and it wouldn’t be pretty. She slanted her mouth over his and kissed him like her life depended on it. She fisted his shirt and dragged him closer. His hands slapped the wall on either side of her. His mouth was hot, sinful…the guy could kiss. Those soft lips of his felt good against hers. They felt even better when she sucked on them, nibbled on them.

  He groaned loudly as he broke the kiss and far too soon for her liking. Alexandra was tempted to pull him back, to demand more but his chuckle stopped her flat.

  “I was expecting a soft, easy kiss.” His gaze moved to her mouth before locking with hers.

  “Oh.” Her breath came out in ragged pants. “You weren’t looking for a mouthfuck?”

  He shook his head. “You can mouth fuck me while we’re fucking, if you want to fuck or if I ever need you to prove to me that you mean it. A sweet kiss is for when we say hello or good morning or if we have just shared a moment.”

  “All these rules. Is this a part of our agreement?”

  His eyes darkened. “You make it sound like a business arrangement. Forget about our agreement.”

  He was confusing her…again. “You told me earlier that we were exclusive and that you want to get to know me and that well…” She felt her cheeks heat.

  “That I like you. That I feel there is something between us and that other males anywhere near you makes me jealous.” He nodded. “All true. Don’t be afraid. I know humans become afraid when we move too quickly.”

  “I told you that I’m not afraid of you.”

  He narrowed his eyes. “Yeah, I’m a fucking teddy bear.”

  Big, scary but at the same time soft and cuddly—at least on the inside. Lazarus was a big softy. She nodded. “Yes, you are.”

  He looked at the ceiling for a second before looking back at her. “I’m not talking about that kind of fear. Don’t look at this like a business arrangement.” He shrugged. “Let’s just enjoy this.”

  “You are the one who keeps referring to conditions and deal breakers. You’re the one throwing rules at me.”

  His eyes softened. “Let’s just forget about all that stuff…okay? No more conditions or deal breakers. The kissing me often rule does apply though.”

  “Do you mean that?” She felt relief flood her system.

  “Yeah. I like your lips. I’m going to be kissing them a lot. I will also be kissing every other part of your body.”

  Heat raced through her as she pictured his mouth on her…everywhere. “Um...” What had they even been talking about? Oh yeah. “Do you mean it about there not being any more conditions or deal breakers, about us just being able to relax and enjoy this?”

  He nodded. “I do.”

  “What was it?” The burning question of the hour.

  He frowned. “What was what?”

  “What was the condition?” She had to know.

  “Don’t worry about it.” He unlocked the door.

  “Tell me. I really want to know.” I have to damn well know.

  He shook his head. “I will tell you, Alexandra, but not today. I’m really hungry.” Her heart raced a little faster as his eyes moved to the pulse at the base of her neck.

  “Me too.” She smiled, ignoring how her heart fluttered.

  Stepping to the side, he gestured for her to leave the room, following closely behind her. It looked like everything was going her way. At this rate, Lazarus would take her into the next round for sure. It was a pity he was such a nice guy. She didn’t want to hurt him. She couldn’t let herself fall for him either. The lines were all blurred. It was a mess. She could still pull this together though. She just needed to dig really deep.

  ****

  The next morning…

  There was a knock at the door followed by a shout that was filled with excitement. “They’re training.”

  Animated squeals sounded from down the hall. Then someone else pummeled on her door. “It’s on. It’s freaking happening.”

  Alexandra looked down, she’d overslept, had missed breakfast and was still wearing her crumpled pajamas. They’d arrived back at the table in time for dessert. Lazarus had

insisted she go ahead of him and he had arrived ten minutes later. That girl, Jenna, Lazarus’ friend was AWOL.

  Alex had ended up downing two glasses of wine, which wasn’t a great idea on a practically empty stomach and she was feeling it this morning. Maybe it was the sugar in white wine but she never slept well after drinking the stuff.

  She opened the door, it was mayhem. There were women everywhere, at least it felt that way to her sleep deprived, headache riddled brain.

  “What’s going on?” She asked one of the women. She had dark curly hair and big brown eyes. She wore tiny shorts and a tight white t-shirt. The leopard print heels were a little over the top, but hey who was she to judge?

  “The itinerary changed…” Then she gave Alex the once over. “You look like shit.” Then she smiled brightly like Alex looking like shit had just made her day. “The elite are fighting each other. They do it from time to time and we have been invited to watch. We were warned that it can be gruesome and bloody.” Her eyes rolled to the back of her head. “I can’t wait to see them go at each other.” Then she gave Alex another once over and shook her head. “You had better hurry up or you’ll miss out.” Using just one long, manicured nail…talon…she waved and sashayed away. As quick as her high ass heels would allow.

  A blond head caught her attention. “Hey, Sarah.” Alex yelled over all the commotion. The other woman kept on walking like she was on a mission. She probably hadn’t heard Alex over all the commotion. Alex closed the door and leaned back on it.

  Violence, bloodshed…she shook her head. How sick was the world anyway that a bunch of women could become so excited over something so base and barbaric? Men, torsos bared, going at each other with their bare hands. It was so primal, so aggressive. The whole thing made her give a little yell of excitement. It might be seriously wrong but she couldn’t wait to see it firsthand.

  Alex flung her closet open and pulled out a pair of skinny jeans and a tank top. She dressed quickly. After a once over with her toothbrush, a splash of water on her face and a half assed attempt to tame her rat’s nest hair, she ran from her room and headed in the direction of the noise. Thankfully, a ton of the ladies had chosen really high heels and were damned slow so she caught up in no time.

  Although Sarah wore slip on ballerina type shoes, she trudged so slowly that Alex caught up with her easily. Her hands were in her pockets and her eyes were downcast. In short, she looked really upset about something. Alex sighed. Probably that dick, Lance. She’d only ever actually seen his ass. Maybe Sarah could point him out to her so that she could at least see firsthand what all the fuss was about.

  “Hey, Sarah.” She walked up next to her and gave her shoulder a bump with her own.

  Sarah’s mouth tightened and she didn’t so much as lift her chin even a smidgen, her eyes stayed glued to the ground ahead. “Don’t you have somewhere to be?”

  Say what?

  Sarah sounded annoyed. She’d used pretty much the same line that Alex had used the night before when she’d thought Lazarus was with Jenna and that Jenna was the woman that he had slept with. Not that she was jealous or anything. Just annoyed that he…moving on.

  She turned to Sarah. “What’s going on?”

  “I want to be alone…that’s all.” Still no eye contact. Sarah’s shoulders hunched even further.

  “What did Lance do this time?” Alex asked, disliking this asshole more and more even though she had yet to meet him.

  Sarah turned and glared at her for a few seconds before looking up ahead of them. At least she was standing more upright. “He didn’t do anything.”

  Alex didn’t like the way she said he, it implied that Alex had done something wrong.

  “Don’t look so confused. I asked you to stay away from him. At least half the women here are all over him. I specifically asked you to stay away and you didn’t. Isn’t one vampire enough? Most of us would kill to have one.”

  “I’m a little in the dark here.” Alex held up her hands.

  Sarah stopped walking and turned to face Alex. She looked around them. “The whole putting your shoe on thing. That was him going over to you but you didn’t need to go sit with him…to flirt with him.”

  Oh shit! The blond Adonis was Lance? It did explain the whole appeal, the guy was too good-looking for anyone’s own good, including his. He was also a serious pig, used to getting everything he wanted, when he wanted it. A spoiled brat that was liable to throw a shit fit if he didn’t get his way. Though, he had apologized to her and it had seemed genuine too. None the less, he was still a colossal dick.

  Sarah rubbed a hand over her face. “Oh god! I sound completely crazy. I’ve turned into a deranged woman. I can’t believe that some guy has got me so tied up in knots. Look”—she scrubbed another hand over her face—“don’t worry about it. I leave tomorrow. It’s better that way. I’ve had enough of this bullshit anyway. I’m over Lance and his whoring ways.”

  “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know that was Lance…I swear.”

  Sarah laughed, actually sounding a bit deranged. “You know what? Call me crazy but I believe you. You should see your face. You look like you’ve seen a ghost…”

  “I didn’t know. He didn’t introduce himself.” Alex touched Sarah on the arm. “I swear I didn’t flirt with him and that I’m not at all interested in him…I swear to god.” Alex touched her heart. “I’m glad you’ve decided to forget about him though. He’s no good. He’s out for a good time. I’ll be surprised if he picks anyone tomorrow.”

  “It’s just that he’s so sad. So unhappy, even if he doesn’t know it himself. I see his pain.” Sarah’s eyes looked lost in thought.

  “You’re not changing your mind about forgetting him are you? The whole lost boy thing is probably just a ploy. Don’t let those good looks fool you.” He really was one fine specimen. Although he was beyond good looking. Lance wasn’t nearly as hot as Lazarus. Not even close…argh…she needed to get a grip and to stop thinking about the giant vampire. Her thoughts constantly wandered to thoughts of him and it was irritating.

  It was probably all the excitement and nervous chatter about the pending elite training session. This might be one bitchy, competitive bunch of women but right now, the thought of all that muscle and testosterone had united the group.

  Sarah shrugged. “I just wish that he would let someone in…talk about what’s bugging him. I don’t know what it is with him. He isn’t a bad guy. Not deep down.” She sighed loudly. “I just wish last night never happened.” A tear slid down her cheek.

  “I told you that I’m sorry and I mean it. I won’t so much as look in that jerk’s direction, I swear.”

  Sarah shook her head and giggled. She also cried harder. Mascara streaked down her face. “No…no. That’s not it. It’s not you. It’s just that…just…” She tugged a wayward strand behind her ear, almost pulling her hair clear out she yanked it so hard. “I’m such an idiot. I’m also the world’s worst friend because I’m worried about myself when I should be worried about Jenna.”

  “You’re really losing me here. You act like you did something you shouldn’t have…that you regret…” Realization dawned and Alex clapped a hand over her mouth. “Oh my word. You didn’t have sex with him, did you?”

  Sarah looked at her through wet lashes. The look was so lost, so utterly forlorn that Alex pulled the other woman in for a hug. “I did. I shouldn’t have but I did.” Sarah mumbled against Alex’s shoulder. “It was the best sex of my life. I’m totally ruined.” She sobbed. “He used me and ruined me.”

  “You’ll get over it.”

  “I told you that I never slept with any of the others. I’m not like that. I get attached. He’s such a jerk. I’m such a terrible friend.” She rambled on for a bit.

  “What does Jenna have to do with it?” Alex asked, feeling Sarah shake even harder as a sob escaped.

  It took a few seconds for Sarah to get herself under control. “They took her.” The other woman pulled away.

  “Who did?”

  “Some guards. They made her pack her bag and escorted her out. I think she was secretly seeing one of the elite, head of security…a guy called Gideon. It’s against the rules to hook up with anyone outside of the ten. Gideon was so distraught when I saw him and King Zane leaving earlier. I’m really worried.” She started crying all over again. “I begged one of the guards to escort me to Lance’s suite. After last night, well…I thought…I had hoped…” She shook her head. “Shit.” She wiped a hand across her eyes. “He was with someone. Can you believe it? He answered the door naked.” She covered her face. “It was awful. He told me to go away…to wait my turn like a good little human, all the while, a woman was calling for him to go back to her.”

  “He didn’t say that! The prick.”

  She nodded and cried harder. “I’m such an idiot. Here I am feeling sorry for myself when Jenna is…” She shrugged. “I don’t have a clue. She might be in the damned dungeon for all I know.”

  “You have every right to feel sorry for yourself. That bastard is bad news. I can’t believe you are still defending him.”

  “There is good inside…somewhere. I know it. He is hurting. You’re right though, he is a prick.”

  “It doesn’t give him the right to treat you that way. To treat us like we’re pieces of meat. He’s a real jerk. I don’t like him one bit.”

  Sarah nodded. “I never thought I would say this but I’m looking forward to going home. I’m done with Lance. I feel sorry for him but I’m done with him.” She dried the last of her tears and squared her shoulders. “I look like shit.” Sarah gave a small smile.

  “So do I.” Alex tried to run her fingers through her knotted mess of hair. “I’m not wearing make-up. I barely brushed my teeth. I didn’t get the memo that cocktail dresses were a requirement for morning wear which means I’m seriously under dressed.”

  They both laughed. “Come on.” Alex put her arm around Sarah. “Let’s go and enjoy the view while we are still here.”

  Sarah sighed. “They might be bastards but they’re sexy bastards.” Then she turned serious. “I’m hoping I get some information on Jenna. It’s really the only reason I’m attending this thing.”

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