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

by Suzy Shearer

  She dressed quickly, ready to start her exploration. She walked down the long hallway, which opened into a very large family room. This too overlooked the water and Charlotte immediately wanted to grab her paints and capture the view.

  There was another large fireplace to one side opposite the kitchen, which looked large enough to suit a restaurant. Every wall was painted in a soft sandy colour but splashes of colour were found in cushions and rugs. The walls were blank and her artist’s fingers itched to paint pictures for every wall.

  There was another hallway with rooms leading off. Investigating, she found there were five large bedrooms each with a bathroom. Behind the family room, at the opposite end of the house, was a library-cum-office, with floor to ceiling shelves stacked with well-worn books. Two big comfy-looking armchairs nestled either side of another smaller fireplace. A large desk with a computer sat underneath a window looking out into the surrounding bush land. Alongside was a large media room. Obviously, her man liked to watch movies—a big screen filled one end and there were three rows of comfortable cinema-style sofas.

  For a Hunter who could not tolerate much sun, Charlotte was surprised that many walls were glass, taking in the views of either the water or the bush land, most were able to slide back. Looking out the windows in the family room, she realised it linked onto a covered deck, which wound around the house, seating and tables dotted here and there. She noticed that the bedroom where she had slept was set apart and the hallway was all that linked it to the main house.

  At the back of the house, she discovered a large garage, her car parked beside a very large black SUV. Somehow, she had never considered that Matei may own a car, but then she supposed it made sense. Bit hard to carry groceries home in your talons and remain unseen.

  Seeing her car gave her a sense of excitement. A typical artist, she carried art gear in her car, as well as in her handbag. She knew exactly what she would do until Matei woke. It would also calm her mind and relax her.

  Finding her keys on the dining table, she gathered her equipment and took it into the kitchen. First, she needed coffee and something to eat. She hoped Louisa and Michael had left something in the fridge.

  Luckily, there was milk and plenty of eggs plus a few essentials so she made herself an omelette before opening the large sliding door and stepping out onto the deck to eat. The day was overcast, with the wind blowing across the water. Here and there, she could see patches of blue. She was glad of the jumper. Although still autumn for another couple of weeks, there was a hint of winter’s cold in the air.

  The house was about ten metres above sea level, the back of the house level with the surrounding area, but here there were a wide set of steps that lead down onto the beach. When she finished eating, she walked down the stairs and looked back at the house.

  It nestled so comfortably amid the trees, it was obvious that the architect had considered the land when he designed the house. It blended in so well, the outer walls were timber that had weathered naturally and the steel roof was a soft muted green. She was pleasantly surprised to see a full array of solar panels on the roof, then realised he would have to be off the grid in this isolated spot. There were two large water tanks as well, connected to the roofing.

  She got a frisson of excitement when she realised that she would be able to come to this beautiful house anytime she liked. She loved her own home but this was understated luxury set in a breathtaking environment.

  Climbing back up the stairs, she carried in her dirty dishes and washed them before gathering up her art gear and putting it on the deck. So many things had beckoned her to paint them, the surf, the way the waves were crashing on the rocks at the tiny headland, the bush land filled with so many different native plants. There were even rainbow-coloured birds chattering at her, no fear in their voices as they flew back and forth.

  Walking down to the water’s edge, she bent and picked up some shells and carried them back. Soon she was absorbed in sketching out the pretty details of them. She wondered if she would ever tire of this lovely spot as she turned her attention to the headland and the spray of waves as they hit the rocks.

  By late afternoon, she was feeling the cold creeping in and noticed heavy rain clouds rolling in. There would be a storm this evening and she was excited to think of another subject to paint. Reluctantly she cleaned her brushes and carried her gear back into the house. Matei would soon wake if he had not already.

  Walking into the bathroom, she washed her face and hands.

  With a shiver of fear and excitement, she decided that this was it. Matei would wake soon and she wanted to do their final exchange.

  She never wanted to be unprotected again.

  At least if she was an immortal, she would be able to defend herself from any vampire and she would be able to resist their call.

  She stripped off then looked critically at herself in the mirror.

  Matei had continually told her she was her own worst enemy, that she was a beautiful woman. She turned this way and that, trying to look at herself through another’s eyes but without much success. She looked at her breasts, beaten by gravity, and her well-padded hips. Leaning forward she peered at the breast that had been savaged by the vampire. Amazingly there was no mark at all to show that anything had occurred.

  “Cara? Are you all right?” Matei sounded apprehensive.

  “I’m okay, just checking everything is where it should be.”

  Matei rose up on his elbows, his eyes widened, as she walked in naked.

  “Do you want me to check?”

  That gorgeous eyebrow raised and there was a smirk on his face. She was glad to see the old Matei back. He had been so serious last evening.

  “If you think your heart can stand it, Matt.” She grinned.

  “My heart? Ha, Cara, it is yours we need to check.”

  He held out a hand and pulled her to him. He kissed her forehead then both eyes.

  “Te iubesc, my Cara.”

  His mouth captured hers. Softly at first then with increasing pressure he poured his love into the kiss. Charlotte returned it with the same fervor. She felt his hand running up and down her body, felt herself responding. She deepened the kiss and ran one hand across his chest. She felt his nipple harden as she brushed past it so she returned her hand to tweak it between her fingers.

  He moaned against her mouth as she moved her hand down between them to grasp his shaft. She broke off their kiss to lower her head and take him into her mouth. The head was slick in anticipation, a tiny pearl drop of moisture lying there, and she licked it off before pushing her mouth onto the hard length. Moving up and down on his cock, she twined her tongue around it and forced it into the eye on the head.

  Linking with him, she became lost in the feeling of giving and receiving, so overlapped that she could not tell her own from his. She could feel moisture dripping from between her legs as her own excitement increased by his arousal.

  She loved the taste of him and increased sucking and licking, wanting to bring him to climax. She felt his fingers pushing against her clit, trying to gain access, but she was sitting the wrong way for him.

  He groaned in both frustration and excitement. Lifting her from his dick, he moved her so he could push his turgid cock into her. She widened her legs to give him better access as he thrust. Moving in unison, they rose higher until she felt him tense and knew his orgasm was close, her own not far behind. His mouth was on her breast and she felt his fangs slide out.

  He hesitated suddenly. “Cara?”

  “Yes, yes!” She screamed as she pushed his face close to her breast. He bit down and she screamed in pleasure.

  “More,” she shouted, “More!” as he thrust harder into her tight channel while he suckled from her breast.

  She tried to bite his arm but could not pierce the skin. He slashed a nail against it and she pounced onto the blood flowing from the cut. Lost completely, they both climaxed together. Charlotte could feel her muscles tighten on his cock as
he pumped into her. She cried out in joy as her orgasm shuddered through her body and his.

  Sated, she lay back, and Matei licked her breast then his arm. “Are you all right, Cara? Maybe we should not have done this so soon.”

  “I am fine, Matei, if not now when? I needed to feel you inside me.”

  “Cara, that is not what I meant. That was our fifth exchange.”

  He sounded worried.

  “I know. I never want to be defenceless again. I never want to risk losing you. I want this, Matei, I truly want this. I want to spend eternity with you, Hotshot. I love you.”

  Matei’s eyes filled with tears as he gathered her to his breast. “Mama Pământ a binecuvântat-mă cu tine, iubitul. Nu o meritam unul ca tine, te iubesc. I love you.”

  They lay quietly together both overwhelmed by their shared feelings of love.

  “What will happen, Matei? When will it start?”

  Charlotte was suddenly frightened. “Will I be okay?”

  “Be calm, Iubită, I’m with you. It’s too late for regrets now. We will deal with this together. Once the worst is over I will send you to sleep.”

  “Can’t you just send me to sleep now?” She pleaded, “Before the pain starts?”

  “No, Cara. You will be sick and we can’t risk you choking.”

  “Oh great! You forgot to mention that bit!” Charlotte was nervous. “When will it start?”

  “Probably soon, Iubită. Remember I am here with you. I’ll block as much of the pain as I can for you.”

  Charlotte lay down, then she jumped up. “What are you doing, Cara?”

  “I don’t have any clothes. We forgot to bring skinny clothes.”

  Matei burst out laughing as she turned to look at him. “You don’t need to worry. You’ll be able to make clothes from the elements in the air, remember.”

  “Oh.”

  Charlotte was stunned to remember that detail. She sank back down onto the bed.

  Matei took her hand. “It will all be good, Cara. This time tomorrow, you’ll be truly immortal. Never be afraid.”

  Charlotte went to speak then stopped. She held her hand to her mouth and rushed into the bathroom. Matei followed quickly and found her kneeling over the toilet, vomiting.

  He held her, as she was sick repeatedly. Whenever she stopped, he took a towel and wet it, then wiped her face. She looked up at him then doubled up in pain. “Matei,” she gasped and he took her hand and blocked as much pain as possible.

  Once again, she started vomiting. With each fresh bout, the pain intensified until she was screaming in agony. Matei was blocking as much as he could but he knew she would still be suffering greatly. He had no idea it would be this painful.

  “Can you put me to sleep? Please, Matei, put me to sleep?” she begged between the bouts of pain.

  Matei shook his head, “No, I cannot, Iubită, not while you are still vomiting out the poison of the last fifty odd years. Once that has stopped I promise then I will.”

  Charlotte lost track of the hours, she was alternating vomiting and writhing in pain. She could not believe that a person could feel so much pain and still live, all the agony she had felt from the vampire was not like this. It felt as if her insides were being cut into little pieces and that was what she was throwing up.

  After more than four hours, the vomiting finally stopped and Matei carried her into the bedroom. He laid her on the bed and covered her, giving her the command to sleep deeply until her body woke her naturally.

  When he was satisfied she was deeply asleep, he went out to speak with his sister, Louisa and Michael.

  “Charlotte is becoming one of us, she sleeps now.” He ran his hand raggedly through his hair.

  “The worst is over, my friend. When she wakes, she will be as we are. You must feed. She will be hungry when she first wakes,” Michael reminded his friend.

  “It’s good that the worst is over. Charlotte should wake around five or six in the morning. Once she has fed and showered, she’ll be able to sleep the natural sleep of an immortal. I will be so glad to welcome my new sister,” Ştefania said. She sent a kiss to her brother’s head. “She is so brave to have endured all that has happened and still go ahead with conversion.”

  Michael snorted, “She is brave to take on you, Hotshot!”

  He, Louisa and Ştefania burst into laughter and soon Matei joined them. It was release for all of them after the darkness of the past few days.

  Matei went out to feed and when he returned, he spent some time on the deck, linking with his parents. His mother and father had been overjoyed when he told them about meeting Charlotte. They had been in the mind link with her when he and Michael had been trying to save her. He told them she was now one of them.

  His mother asked when the wedding was to be, as they wished to make the journey to be with him and Charlotte. Matei had forgotten about asking Charlotte to marry him in all that had happened. Now that she was immortal, he hoped she would agree to a ceremony soon. They could hold it here, it would be a perfect setting for a wedding.

  When he finished speaking with his parents, he spoke again to Louisa.

  “Louisa, do you know if there are any Hunter officials in the area?” She shook her head but Michael spoke up.

  “Yes, you do, Louisa. Viorel Nicolescu said he was coming out here to check into some rumour about a strigoi that had killed a Hunter. He was also in the mind link with us all.”

  “Oh yes, that is right. With all that happened, I had forgotten about it. Anyway, I thought he had accounted for every Hunter?”

  “I think he had but he still wanted to check things out. He should be here now or else arriving in the next day or so.”

  “Why do you ask, Matei?”

  “I want to marry Charlotte in the manner of mortals. I had asked her but now she is immortal it might be a little awkward with blood tests. I thought if there was a Councillor here he could officiate.”

  “That’s a wonderful idea, brother! Whoa, Louisa and I get to go dress shopping.” Ştefania and Louisa giggled together.

  The two men just shook their heads.

  “I think you two should wait until you get a chance to discuss things with Charlotte before you start planning her wedding.” Michael laughed.

  They talked through the night until four thirty in the morning, when Matei bid them all a good sleep and went into the bedroom to wait for Charlotte to wake.

  He stood staring at her. She looked even more beautiful, her skin tight and her gorgeous face even lovelier. He was tempted to pull down the quilt and see what changes had happened to her body but resisted the temptation. Instead, he removed his clothes and wriggled down alongside her.

  Waiting seemed like an eternity to him as he watched her sleep. Finally, he noticed a change in her breathing as her heart and lungs began to increase to a normal waking rhythm after their torpidity. He left her to stir naturally. She lay still for a moment then slowly turned her head to him. He heard her sigh then she opened her eyes, their colour enhanced now to a vibrant grey with bright-green flecks. He held his breath, unsure of what to do.

  Suddenly she jumped from the bed and raced into the bathroom. Unfortunately, she forgot about her increased abilities and overshot the bathroom door, ending in the family room instead. He heard her swear, “Oh fuck,” then backtrack to the bathroom, and followed quickly wondering what had gone wrong only to find her standing in front of the mirror. She was turning one way and the other, laughing aloud.

  “Look!” She twirled around. “Look at me, no saggy bits!”

  She almost leapt into his arms, giggling like a schoolgirl. “Well, give me your opinion.”

  He held her at arm’s length and tried to look serious but failed completely. “Look at my boobs,” she shouted, “look at them!”

  “Oh, believe me, Cara, I am looking at them.” He grinned and raised his eyebrow. “They are magnificent.” He bent his head to kiss each nipple.

  “Oh, silly, no, look. See, they are p
erky. They don’t droop.”

  She looked in the mirror once more. She was still the same woman but in a younger body. Her breasts were still large but they were firm. She had no excess fat anywhere but she was still well padded and her skin was taut and soft.

  Unexpectedly she stopped, looked in the mirror and shrieked, “My hair!” For the first time she had noticed that it was no longer white, it was now a burnished shade of auburn.

  She looked quizzically at Matei who said, “I told you our hair returns to its natural colour when we convert.”

  He dropped his eyes to look at the patch between her legs. “Obviously you are a natural redhead,” he leered.

  Charlotte threw him a punch and tried to glare at him but the effect spoilt when her stomach growled.

  “Come, Cara, you need to feed. Your body is empty after the change. You need blood and then something light to eat before we sleep.”

  She pulled a face then looked nervous. “Matei, I don’t have to feed off someone else, do I? I mean I can’t.”

  “No, Cara, I’ll be there to feed you although I’ll teach you how to feed from another. Sometimes it may be necessary, but it will be a rarity. Come. Come into the bedroom and take what you need.”

  He took her hand, held it to his lips and kissed it. They went back into the bedroom, and Charlotte was apprehensive.

  Gently Matei pushed her to the bed and followed her down. He leant forward and kissed her then began to kiss her entire body. He started at her toes and began to work his way up. He paid particular attention to the cleft between her legs before moving on to her navel and stomach. Lingering on each breast, he finally reached her face.

  Charlotte was quivering in need. She wanted to feel him inside her, she wanted to taste him, taste his blood. She tried to sit up but he held her down, raining kisses across her lips and her eyes. One hand began to rub against the soft downy hair of her mound. She moaned around his kisses as he inserted one finger into her, running up and down her wet lips.