“I can handle my mother.” She rolled her eyes.
“Then it won’t make much difference if I’m there or not.”
Just his very presence was going to cause problems. She knew it and suspected that he knew it too. Taking him with her would just start things wrong. She knew her mother would assume that she brought Marcus along for protection. Sighing, she pushed the matter aside for the moment. She couldn’t argue him out of his decision tonight. She couldn’t think clearly enough and didn’t have the energy. Later, she’d make him see reason.
“We can talk about this more later. I’m tired. I think I’m already feeling the effects of the pill.” She walked over to the bed and slipped between the sheets. While the pain was still there, it did feel a little better. She was sure that if she didn’t move too much she could go to sleep.
“We can talk about it later but I’m not changing my mind. I’m going with you.” His eyes met hers and she didn’t see a hint of softening.
“You don’t always have to get your way. That could get really annoying. I understand the orders during the search for the rogue but you can stop when we finish the hunt for the night.” She leveled a glare at him but he’d disappeared into the bathroom.
“It’s not about getting my way. You need someone on your side without question.” He came out of the bathroom and turned off everything except the light at the bedside. He slid into bed beside her and flicked the switch of the lamp. She leaned against him and resisted the urge to yell at him. Tomorrow they’d talk about it. Slowly her eyes closed. The last thing she felt before sleep fully claimed her was his arms slipping around her.
* * * * *
Marcus’ eyes opened. He stifled a groan. Lord, the woman tempted him even in her sleep. Her ass rubbed against his cock with every breath. Her body had seemed to mold itself to his the moment he’d slid into bed beside her. It also didn’t help much that his hand seemed determined to wander. He’d gone to sleep with his hand on her stomach. When her soft moans had woken him the first time, his hand had been cupped over the full mound of her breast. Her hard nipple had pressed upward like a tight berry, tempting and teasing him. Reluctantly he’d pulled his hand away and settled it back on her stomach. This time his hand was under her soft-peach nightgown. He slowly drew his hand away from her.
“Are you going back to sleep again?” Her husky voice sent a thrill through him.
He tensed and his arms tightened around her. He felt like a boy caught trying to cop a feel while his girlfriend wasn’t paying attention. At least he did until she caught his wrist and pushed his hand back to her breast. Then his mind pretty much shut down and his body took over because it liked the direction she seemed to be leading.
“I didn’t know you were awake.” He rocked his hips forward, loving the feel of his cock nestled between the cheeks of her ass.
He could almost be happy just with that. Almost. The thought of feeling the tight hot grip of her pussy made him so hard he almost doubled over from the ache. He needed to feel her inner muscles pulling his cock deeper.
“You’ve woken me twice. First with those hot little nibbling kisses along my throat and then with your cock prodding my butt. I know a good idea when it’s right behind me. You, on the other hand, took some coaxing.” She arched her back, pressing her breast into his hand.
“Not at all. I just didn’t want to take advantage of you after what had happened tonight. Your arm…” His hand glided over the bandage on her arm.
“Don’t hold on to it.” She shrugged. “Now are you going to fuck me or are you going to be all noble? ’Cause if you’re going for noble, I’m going to have to take care of it myself.”
Instantly, images of her hand slipping between her thighs bombarded him. He swallowed hard. Had she said that just to make him crazy? He shook his head and tried to get his mind off the thought of her fingers driving into her wet pussy. He wasn’t going to watch her find her pleasure. The scent of her arousal already hung in the air. He wanted to heighten it and taste her as she screamed her satisfaction.
He moved back, although his cock liked where it was. With a hand on her shoulder, he gently pushed her onto her back. He groaned as he saw the peach silk. Her lips curved into an amused smile. He wasn’t about to let that thin, alluring sheath get in his way. He gathered it in his hands. She lifted up enough for him to pull the gown over her head. Her breasts jiggled as she relaxed back onto the bed. He watched the seductive sway of her those dark nipples and licked his lips.
His hands closed over those delicious globes. Lord, she had the most gorgeous breasts and he couldn’t get enough of looking at them. But he wasn’t just going to dive into her. This was going to be for her. Gentle, hot and so memorable. He had to kiss her. Her pink lips glistened. Leaning down, he brushed his lips over hers, back and forth, not taking the kiss any deeper.
Her hands threaded through his hair, pulling him closer. Her teeth closed over his lip before her tongue darted into his mouth. He loved the aggression, but knew he couldn’t let himself be drawn into it. As much as she wanted him, she was hurt. She needed him, but he could give her pleasure gently. He pulled away slowly and drew in a deep breath to control his reaction.
“I want to taste you. Do you want that?” Marcus drew his hand down her body to her thighs.
She licked her lips and nodded. Her eyes locked on him and he saw the hunger in those brilliant green eyes. He kissed his way down her chest, pausing to drop a kiss on each dark nipple. He drew his tongue down her stomach to the dip of her navel. He felt her shiver and nipped the curve of her stomach before moving lower.
Her scent drew him and he knew he had to taste her. He parted the folds of her pussy and lowered his mouth to her. Her legs moved restlessly as he drew his tongue from her clit to the moisture flowing from her pussy. He lapped at the warm fluid. She tasted so good that he knew he could easily get addicted to that delicious essence.
Her hips arched up as he thrust his tongue into her. Her fingers clenched in his hair, pulling him closer as she strained into him. Although his head stung from her grip, he loved her reaction. He felt her body tightening and drew back. He didn’t have the strength to start again. His cock strained to be free of his briefs.
“You tell me if anything hurts,” he ordered. He pushed his briefs down his legs and kicked free of them as he settled between her thighs.
She moaned and grabbed for him, trying to keep him where she wanted him. Her hands only stopped pushing at him when his cock brushed against her labia.
“Don’t be so protective. I want this.” Her hand slipped between them and stroked his cock.
He grabbed her hand before he spilled onto her stomach. “I want this too.”
Rolling on a condom from the nightstand, he guided his cock to her entrance. He slowly joined them. His cock slid deep into her and he closed his eyes, fighting the urge to pump into her hard and fast. One of her legs lifted and hooked over his. Rocking his hips against her, he set a slow pace that strained his control. Her inner muscles pulled at him as he moved. His mind focused on the feel of her hard nipples brushing against his chest and the feel of her thighs tightening around him. His balls tightened and the burning ache spread up his spine. Only the thought of her wound kept him from driving into her hard until they were both screaming. He thrust against her slowly.
Her hands wriggled between them and she tugged at his nipples. He drew in a gasp and his hips drove forward. She moaned raggedly and her pussy clenched around his cock. Her body shivered as her orgasm took her. Those gripping muscles tore away the last of his control. He drove into her and he lost all thought except of the heat and pleasure searing his body.
Chapter Eight
Serena pulled the car into the driveway in front of the sprawling white two-story house, her childhood home. The lawn looked lush and immaculate, the boundary defined by a tall flowering hedge. The large porch and walk were lined with roses and an array of other flowers. Her heart pounded. It was such an
inviting-looking porch. She shouldn’t feel this afraid. She knew Marcus was right. Her mother loved her and would eventually accept the change. Eventually. The present just wasn’t going to be comfortable.
“Why don’t you stay in the car? This probably won’t take long.” She looked over at Marcus. She really didn’t expect the suggestion to have any effect but she had to make it.
“I said I was coming with you when you suggested I stay at the house. This bid isn’t going to work either. I’m going inside with you.” He smiled and opened the door, stepping out of the car and walking around to the driver’s side. He’d remained cheerful through the day and her repeated suggestions that he stay at the apartment.
Why did he have to be so stubborn? This would really be so much easier if he wasn’t there. And if it did turn as nasty as she thought it would be, she didn’t want him to see it. He might be on her side but this was a touchy subject. On a long sigh, she led the way up to the front door. No use waiting any longer. This wasn’t going to get any easier. She rang the doorbell, knowing her mother didn’t like unannounced visits. Only a few moments later, her mother opened the door. Her platinum blonde hair was swept up in a sleek coil. As usual, she looked elegant and poised. Her crisp persimmon-colored pantsuit didn’t even have a single wrinkle.
“Serena, how are you?” her mother asked. Her arms folded around Serena in a loose hug. “It’s been weeks since you’ve come by.”
Serena smiled, returning the embrace. She drew back and saw her mother’s eyes turned to Marcus.
“Mother, this is Marcus Castillo. Marcus, I’d like you to meet my mother Elizabeth Blackwell.” Serena stepped back and performed the introductions.
“Mrs. Blackwell, it’s nice to finally meet you,” Marcus said, extending his hand.
Serena’s head whipped around and she stared him, aghast. She felt her jaw go slack. He’d just implied that they had a long-standing relationship. She waited for him to rephrase that. He just stood there, looking friendly and as if he’d wait for days for a response. She turned back to her mother and found an elegant brow arched in imperious demand. Serena sighed. She’d always wished she could put that much attitude into a single brow lift.
“Marcus means I’ve talked to him about my family over the past week or so. He’s wanted to meet you.” Serena sighed and tossed a glare toward Marcus. She wanted to kick him. There weren’t many ways he could have made this any harder but he’d managed it.
“When you called, you said you wanted to talk to me. Why don’t we go inside and you can tell me your news in comfort.” Her mother’s eyes narrowed but she led the way into the house.
Serena took a step forward but not before she sent a seething look toward Marcus. Her mother hadn’t bought that lie even for a second. Now her mother was suspicious. It was going to make telling her even harder.
Following her mother into the living room, Serena looked at the white walls with the startling dark chocolate accents while she tried to think of a way to tell her mother that wouldn’t put her on the defensive. The room was all very much like her mother. Beautiful but part of the perfect image she wanted the world to see.
Serena sat on the couch and Marcus took the seat beside her. His hand brushed against hers. She felt a distinct urge to turn her hand against his and just hold him. That small touch had provided an amazing amount of support and comfort. She felt her muscles relax a bit.
“Why did you and your friend want to talk to me?” Her mother’s voice dripped sarcasm.
“Marcus is here only as my friend and he thinks I need someone unquestioningly on my side,” Serena said evenly. She wasn’t going to let her mother start on him and ignore the real subject before it was even introduced.
“Why would you need support?” Her mother’s eyes narrowed and looked Serena over from head to foot. “Are you pregnant with his child? Is that why he’s with you? He doesn’t have a drop of magic in him.”
“I’d be thrilled if she was pregnant and I’m well aware I don’t have any witch magic. I’m a vampire and we have our own bag of tricks.” Marcus lounged back against the cushions of the couch.
“Silent support, remember?” Serena gritted her teeth. She was getting a headache and longed to just chuck the discussion and walk right out the door.
“A vampire. I’d rather you date almost any other type of paranormal than a vampire. What are you thinking, Serena? You know the Blackwell lineage is pure of any taint.” Her mother straightened, perfectly drawn eyebrows coming together in a scowl.
“Well, what you want doesn’t really matter anymore on that matter, Mother.” Anger and frustration boiled inside Serena. The talk had already turned hostile. She hadn’t intended it to come out like that.
“Serena Dawn Blackwell, how dare you speak to me in that tone?” Her mother rose to her feet.
Serena suddenly felt as if she were twelve years old with mud on her feet. Never mind that she was a fully grown woman with a life of her own. She felt a flush heating her cheeks.
“Serena Dawn?” Marcus’ soft voice reached her ears. She heard the laughter.
“Don’t start with my name right now.” She grabbed his hand and dug her nails into his palm before releasing it. Now was not the time for humor.
“Serena, I expect an answer.” Her mother tapped the polished black toe of her high heels.
“That didn’t come out like it should have.” Serena grimaced. Her mother might have married into the Blackwell family but she took the lineage very seriously.
“Then what did you mean, Serena. Explain.” Her mother crossed her arms over her orange-red shirt.
“I meant Marcus is only being a friend. He doesn’t have anything to do with what I need to tell you. Even if I was involved enough with him for there to be possible consequences, it wouldn’t matter. The damage is already done.” Serena took a deep breath and met her mother’s eyes.
“Serena, I don’t need the riddles. What are you talking about? What damage is already done?” Her mother’s head tilted and her lips thinned.
Serena felt like running a hand through her hair but resisted the urge. “I’m not just a witch anymore, Mother. I was bitten by a vampire half a year ago. I didn’t think much of it but then I started feeling strange.”
“You can’t mean what I think you’re saying.” Her mother’s hands slammed onto her hips and her eyes never left Serena.
That intense stare and warning tone told Serena that her mother was getting angry. Not that she’d expected her mother to be calm about it. She’d known this wasn’t going to be easy in any way. Her mother was going to need a lot of time to adjust. It was just that knowing it would happen and experiencing her mother’s chilly disapproval were different things.
“I’m saying that before I even realized what was happening to me, I was almost a full vampire,” Serena said baldly. There wasn’t any easy way to soften the admission.
Her mother’s head slowly shook from side to side and she paled. “Serena… You can’t have…”
Seeing the look of absolute horror and repulsion on her mother’s face sent a shaft of pain through Serena. Part of her had hoped that her mother would accept the change and her. She was still a witch. The change in her was only physiological. Nothing else had changed.
“After the bite, there was no way to change it.” Serena looked down at the floor but quickly brought her eyes up again. She had nothing to be ashamed of.
“I told you that getting involved with the Protectorate was a bad idea. Look what happened to you because of it. If you’d just stayed with your own kind this wouldn’t have happened.” Her mother’s voice rose and her face reddened.
“Mother, a rogue bit me. Not one of the people I was working with. It could just as easily have happened if I’d been going to clubs with friends. Aside from that, I like feeling that I am helping other witches and paranormals make a place in the world. It would be all too easy for a few bad incidents to cause a huge amount of trouble.” Serena tried to kee
p her tone even. She didn’t want to let her defensive reaction elevate the conflict.
“If you hadn’t been chasing them it wouldn’t have happened. Do you know what you’ve done to this family?” Her mother whipped around and stalked to the door.
“I haven’t done anything to the family. I’m becoming a vampire. It happened to me.” Serena crossed her arms over her chest. She wanted her mother to turn around and look at her. The sight of her mother turned away from her seared through her. The open, hostile rejection stung.
“I would have preferred you married a human than to have diluted the bloodline like this. Your father would be so ashamed of you, Serena.” Her mother didn’t even turn to look at her.
Serena felt tears burn the back of her eyes but pushed them back. Her mother was wrong. Her father had never once thrown that pure bloodline crap at her. He’d always just loved them.
“Dad wouldn’t have cared as long as I was happy. It was you and grandmother who cared who my friends were and if my dates were of magic bloodline.” Serena stepped forward, her hands falling to her sides.
“Well, before you had to help the Protectorate, we had something to be proud of. A history that few could claim,” her mother said with disdain.
Serena opened her mouth but closed it when she felt Marcus’ hand on her shoulder. She looked over to find him rising to his feet. He shook his head. She took a deep breath and held back the angry words that wanted to spill out of her. He smiled and pulled her off the couch. His arm curved around her back, tugging her to his side. She felt his warmth wrap around her and relaxed a little.
“Mrs. Blackwell, I’m going to take Serena home before either of you can say something you might regret. My card is on the table and my home phone number is on the back. If you want to talk to Serena, you can reach her there at any time if you can’t reach her cell.” Marcus dropped his card onto the small end table.
“You’re living with him! That you’re turning into a vampire is bad enough. That you’d turn away from everything you are is the last straw. Get out and don’t come back.” Her mother spun on her heel, her arm slashing up and pointed toward the entrance.
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