A Hunter's Heart [The Hunters 1] (Siren Publishing Classic)

by Suzy Shearer

  She yawned. “I am so tired.”

  “It is late for you, Cara. It is past midnight. I think we should skip shopping for the meal ingredients. I did wake you early.” He looked over at her and grinned.

  Charlotte blushed remembering what they had done.

  “Next time we will play with some other toys.” He winked.

  Charlotte felt moisture pooling in her groin and swiftly changed the subject. The remainder of the trip home they spent talking about Matei’s history, and all she had learnt fascinated Charlotte.

  “Do the villagers really treat you special?”

  “Yes, they do. In turn, many Hunters from the countries around help whenever we can. We ensure there is enough food and homes, we have built schools to educate all, looked after farmers in rural areas. Many people there are very superstitious. I guess we take advantage of that but at the same time we look after them and protect them.”

  “It does us good to help these people. Most have stood by us over the centuries. There were times when we were hunted like the vampire.”

  “I guess that makes sense, people are scared of things they cannot explain. Where are your parents now?”

  “They are in Asia. They were assigned to the area for a century or two. I would like you to meet them, they are wonderful people. They are in Thailand at the moment and move around Asia every ten or twenty years. I also have two sisters and five brothers. My younger sister is in this country, you would like her. She hasn’t met her partner yet. I haven’t seen three of my brothers for many years although we do speak often.”

  “How will your parents feel when they find out I am fifty-four?”

  Matei burst out laughing. “In my culture age is nothing, remember. Anyway, my father was just sixteen when my mother found him. She had to wait twelve years until he was old enough to accept her and become a Hunter.”

  “Oh wow. Then I suppose it really won’t make a difference.” She grinned. “Have you seen your sister lately, the one out here?”

  “No, she is in another state but we have talked recently. She intends to be here next week to see me, then she is travelling to see our parents on her way to her next assignment.”

  “You said your parents were in Asia for a few hundred years, how long has your sister been here?”

  “Only for the past ten years. When a Hunter has found his partner, they generally get long-term assignments. Those that are still searching for partners are sent to various places for short periods, maybe five or ten years. This means they have more chance of finding their One.”

  “Does that mean you will be assigned somewhere long-term? Will you go to another country?”

  Charlotte was worried. If Matei were sent overseas, she would be torn between her family and him.

  “When we first meet our partners, if the partner has a family, the Council assigns us to the area for a while. This means that the partner adjusts to life with a Hunter and still has contact with their family. Once they have settled, then a more permanent assignment is given. Anyway, my assignment here has only just started and I have accepted a one-hundred-year term.”

  “What about travel? You said you’d like us to see places.”

  “I guess you could look at it the same way as you would a human job. You work and have weekends and holidays, we are the same. There is nothing stopping us from going away for a weekend or a week on a regular basis. We can also go for a longer period, we just have someone look after our assigned area while we are missing. Sometimes more than one Hunter is assigned to an area, especially if it is a large area or an active one.”

  “Okay, I guess that makes sense.”

  “It is something that some of the unattached Hunters like to do as it gives them a chance to search in places they may not have been to before. There is a pool of unattached Hunters specifically to fill in for those who have more permanent assignments.”

  “I understand now.”

  “That pool is also available if there is a major breakout of trouble. Sometimes a vampire comes into an area with younger recruits. Generally when that happens it is best to wipe them out quickly before they get a hold. So three or four extra Hunters would be sent out to help whoever is in the area.”

  They pulled into the driveway at Charlotte’s house and walked to the door arm in arm, and Harley started barking as soon as he heard the alarm set on the car.

  “Let us get you to bed, Iubită. You’re almost asleep on your feet.”

  Charlotte admitted she was tired, physically and emotionally, and allowed Matei to unlock the door for Harley while she got ready for bed. He came into the bedroom, quickly stripped off and climbed into bed alongside her. Gathering her in his arms, he kissed her passionately.

  “I enjoyed meeting your children and grandchildren, Cara.”

  “I’m so glad, Matei. I was so worried, I wanted them to like you.”

  “Sleep now, Iubită, I’m here to watch over you.”

  “I love you,” she whispered sleepily. Matei held her while she drifted off to sleep.

  She did not cease to amaze him, this beautiful woman. She was his.

  Chapter Sixteen

  There was no doubt in his mind, being able to wake his gorgeous woman by arousing her in her sleep was a pleasure he was sure he would never tire from. It was close to eight but he could not resist any longer. He had watched her sleep all night. Marveling at the softness of her face, he was drunk on looking at her and wanted more.

  Very carefully, he lifted the covering from her and wriggled down the bed. She was lying on her back with one leg thrown to the side. Her nightie had ridden up through the night and with just a little help from him, he had access to her downy cleft.

  Settling carefully between her legs, he commenced to run a finger across her slit and her clit. She gave a little moan and shifted slightly. He stopped because he did not want her to wake yet. Once more, he rubbed his fingers across her. Even in her sleep, he could feel her getting wet. Lowering his head, he began to lick softly between her outer lips. With his fingers, he opened them and began to thrust his tongue into her very wet channel.

  Lost in his pleasure, he was surprised to feel a hand on his head. He lifted his face and saw she was awake, her face flushed in arousal. Without speaking, he lowered his head to continue exploring, delighting in the way she moved against his mouth and fingers. The heady aroma of her was making him lose control and he wanted to thrust himself into her warm, wet body.

  Now that she was awake, he lifted her and turned her over. Pulling her hips toward him, she was now on all fours resting on her elbows, her delightful rump high in the air and the view was all he could ever wish for. Kneeling behind her, he positioned his cock against her and thrust in. He felt her lean into him as he began to thrust in and out of her hot pussy. He reached around her body and grabbed one breast, squeezing the nipple until she gasped.

  He connected with her mind and saw she had climbed even higher so he continued to twist and squeeze her nipple while he pumped into her. She was lost in the pain and the pleasure and wanted more. Locked with her, he felt her desire as well as his own and it increased his pleasure.

  “Merge with me,” he shouted.

  He felt her join his mind and knew she could feel his sensations as well as her own when she gasped in surprise. He could feel his cock inside her and at the same time, he could feel what it felt to her as he thrust in and pulled out. He knew she would be getting the same feelings. He knew she wanted to feel him deeper so he obliged by thrusting harder while pulling her back onto his shaft with one hand. With his other hand, he continued to tease her nipple and breast, squeezing it and then pinching.

  * * * *

  Charlotte was amazed by what she was feeling, not only her own but his sensations. Each time they merged, it seemed to get stronger. It was so erotic to her. She was carried away on a maelstrom of sensations, not knowing which were hers and which were Matei’s. She even had the urge to bite. She knew if any part of his body
were near her mouth, she would have bitten down on it. Obviously, it was his desire but at the same time, it felt like hers.

  However, one thing she did know was her own, her orgasm was fast approaching and it was going to be huge!

  She could feel Matei was also close and knew that by being in his head they would come together. Matei gave a hard thrust. She could feel him in so deep as she clenched her muscles around his cock, holding him tight as both he and she climaxed together. She screamed his name as her orgasm spasm seemed to go on forever. She heard him shout “Iubită” as he shot his load into her.

  Matei’s head had dropped onto her buttocks as he spent himself deep inside her. His panting matched hers and she crumpled to the bed, unable to keep her arms straight any longer. Lifting her onto her side, he rolled onto his back, taking her with him. They lay exhausted, limbs shaking and entwined, in comfortable silence.

  “Good morning to you too,” she grinned. “Is this going to be the usual way you wake me?”

  “Mmm, I am sure I can find many ways to wake you, Iubită. Each one will be as enjoyable as the previous.”

  Laughing, she said, “In that case I think I shall enjoy having you as an alarm clock or should I say alarm cock.” And she snuggled into him.

  “What will you do today while I sleep, Cara?”

  “Paint, I have the work on the easel to finish. There is no deadline for it but I would like to get it completed in the next week.”

  Matei suddenly seemed a little distracted then he said, “Mihăiță is here with his partner. They will meet with us tomorrow night if that is permissible with you.”

  “Of course we must. Will they come here?”

  “If you permit it. Mihăiță and I must discuss Vasilecu. You will be able to talk with Louisa. You’ll like her, she has only been a Hunter for a short while, only a century or two.”

  “Then that is settled. They will come here.”

  Charlotte was a little nervous but laughed when she realised it was the reverse of last night when Matei had to meet strangers.

  “I have told to Mihăiță it is permissible to come here. They should be here around seven. Tomorrow we will talk, discuss strategies on how the find his lair and destroy him. We may do a little reconnoiter of the old lair area in the early hours while you sleep.”

  “I’m not sure what the correct etiquette is when entertaining Hunters.” She laughed. “Do I provide something to eat? A human or two to drink?”

  “Most amusing, Iubită, but I think we can dispense with that kind of liquid refreshment.” Matei grinned. “Maybe another one of those delicious stir fries we had the other night.”

  “In that case I must take a quick trip to get some fresh vegetables.”

  “Can you wait until I wake? Then I can go with you and purchase the ingredients to cook for you tonight.”

  She said yes but was rather surprised that he had not forgotten his promise to cook for her. “Tomorrow night I might make some chili tofu with snow peas and macadamia nuts with some rice. Do you think that would be okay for your friends?”

  “Is that hot?”

  “Yes, don’t you like hot and spicy food?”

  “I love it, like my woman.” He winked. Charlotte grabbed a pillow and went to throw it at him but he grabbed her arms and pinned her to the bed.

  “Remember what happens to naughty girls,” he threatened.

  “Maybe that’s why I am misbehaving.” She laughed up at him then lifted her head to kiss him.

  “This will need exploring Iubită, I shall have to decide what punishment is suitable for this blatant disregard of my authority.”

  Charlotte burst out laughing. “Your authority? Oh, Hotshot, you have no idea.”

  Matei replied by lowering his head and kissing her thoroughly.

  “I shall not forget that remark, Iubită, I will take delight in selecting a suitable punishment.”

  “Bring it on, Hotshot!”

  Charlotte was enjoying the fact she could tease him and at the same time enjoy his kisses.

  “I’d better get organised, and you need to sleep.”

  Matei reluctantly stopped kissing her. He knew she was right but would have loved to continue kissing her and making love. Charlotte got out of bed and grabbed some clothes. “Sleep tight, Hotshot.” She giggled as she ran from his outstretched hand but she did not quite escape it as she felt a light smack on her bottom as she entered the shower.

  “You are a very cheeky woman, you don’t show me the respect due a Hunter of my stature.”

  “Someone has to bring you down to earth, mister. Anyway, you love me.”

  “Ah, dragostea mea, I have no defense against you. I do love you.”

  She sent him a kiss. “Rest now and I’ll talk to you tonight.”

  He returned her kiss. “Ai fi furat inima mea Iubită, you have stolen my heart, beloved.”

  * * * *

  Charlotte fed Harley his breakfast, tidied the house then spent a few hours on her painting. She was finding it hard to fall into a routine of being awake late in the night and the early morning. She was tired so thought it would be sensible to adopt the Mexican idea of an afternoon siesta. She made a light lunch then took a coffee and a book to sit on the deck of the veranda for a while.

  Harley spent fifteen minutes chasing butterflies through the trees before sitting at her feet. She rubbed his head and settled down to read. By three o’clock, she found herself yawning. These early mornings and late nights were definitely catching up with her. If she lay down now, she could get a couple of hours sleep before Matei woke.

  Getting to her feet, she carried her mug and book inside then entered the bedroom. Standing at the door for a few minutes, she wondered if she would ever tire of looking at Matei’s body. Even in sleep his strength shone through. Stripping off, she carefully got into bed beside him and snuggled into his side. All the strain of the last few days seemed to vanish with his nearness. She found herself believing that everything would work out, that all her fears for the future would sort themselves out. With those thoughts running through her head, Charlotte slipped into slumber.

  * * * *

  She woke suddenly to find one of her hands once again bound to the bedpost. Matei was standing beside the bed at her head tying her other hand. Her eyes widened as he leant over to kiss her breasts then nibbled one nipple until it rose, hard and pebbled.

  From beside the bed he picked up something but Charlotte could not see what was in his hands until he placed a nipple clamp on the hardened peak. Charlotte thought she would come immediately as the exquisite pleasure blurred with the pain. He then licked and sucked the other until it, too was ready for him to place a clamp on it.

  Bending his head, he kissed her once more before climbing onto the bed between her legs. She watched as his fangs lengthened then felt them graze across her outer lips. Writhing in sweet agony and anticipation, Charlotte wondered what he would do as he ordered her to link minds.

  Carefully he pierced the tender flesh of her lip and sucked, Charlotte screamed as she felt his intense excitement and her own. Waves of heightened pleasure rolled over her as an orgasm shook through her body.

  She felt Matei licking her then he plunged his fingers deep into her. She squirmed against them as he circled and stabbed into her. Without haste, he withdrew his fingers and positioned the head of his cock against her slit. With infinite slowness, he began to slide into her. She felt her channel widen to accommodate his size as he moved slowly deeper and deeper into her body.

  With a sudden thrust, he plunged his length into her and groaned with pleasure. His own pleasure at his cock being wrapped by her only served to increase her own. He began to drive his cock in and out of her and she matched him with her hips.

  As he thrust, he lowered his head and took one nipple in his mouth, licking around the clamp before removing it. Charlotte screamed in agony as the blood rushed back into the peak but Matei suckled it, soothing the pain. He turned his attention
to the other nipple, and Charlotte could not believe the increase in her lust. She wanted him deeper, she wanted him to feed from her and she wanted to taste his blood, feel it run down her throat.

  She needed his blood now!

  He tore a nail across his chest and she pounced onto the cut, sucking deep in contentment as his blood flowed. Matei screamed his pleasure as he climaxed deep in her. He sank his teeth into her neck and drank as Charlotte exploded in her own orgasm, the spasms feeling as if they shot from her toes to her head.

  He rolled off Charlotte and removed the bindings from her wrists before gathering her in his arms, both their hearts beating rapidly in time.

  “Iubită?” Matei panted, “Are you okay?”

  She knew what he was referring to.

  “Of course.”

  “You realise what just happened, do you not?”

  Matei sounded concerned.

  “You mean we just exchanged blood. Yes, I know, and I loved doing it.”

  Charlotte recalled the feeling of sinking her teeth into him, how it had increased her arousal. The feeling of his fangs sliding into her neck had tipped her over the edge. She was surprised at how much it had affected her. She remembered Matei telling her that it was an erotic experience but she could not possibly believe just how much it was, this time even more so than the previous nights when they had made love. The blood exchange was amazing.

  “I don’t regret it, Matei. I know some of it was because I was feeling your desires but believe me, I wanted to do it almost as much as you did,” she reassured him.

  He licked across the cut on his chest then gathered her tight. He kissed her mouth, her eyes, and her neck.

  “Um…just how did you know about the clamps?”

  Laughing, Matei replied, “When I washed you the day you were taken, I looked for something to dress you in and found some interesting items. I think we will experiment with them further.”