by J. R. Thorn
Vampires in Venice
Book 5 in the Blood Stone Series
J.R. Thorn
Contents
The Blood Stone Series
1. Gondolas, Gelatos, and Vampires
2. Vampire Secrets
3. Daddy's Home
4. Heck of a Failsafe
5. The Bunker
6. A Spell
7. Luke
8. A Wedding to Die For
9. Expendable
10. Xavier
11. Alarm Clock
12. Luke
13. It's Over
14. Epilogue
All Persons Fictitious Disclaimer:
This book is a work of fiction. Any similarity between the characters and situations within its pages and places or persons, living or dead, is unintentional and co-incidental.
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Vampires in Venice Copyright © 2018 J.R. Thorn
All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system.
Published in the United States.
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Check your Device’s Library settings to verify you have received the latest version of this novel for the best reading experience.
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ASIN: B07C6GYX52
Created with Vellum
The Blood Stone Series
Series Chronological Order
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Oh My Muse
Succubus in Seattle
Demons in New York
Killers in Shanghai
Siren’s Song
Muse in Miami
Vampires in Venice
Lycans in London
1
Gondolas, Gelatos, and Vampires
Venice. Of all the places that I’d wind up when shit hit the fan, the romantic city of gondolas and gelatos was definitely not what I’d pictured.
Glaring up at the sheer layer of slanted rocks, I pondered the best way to get to the roof where a vampire with glowing red eyes watched and waited with an annoyingly pleased look on his face.
“I can come down,” he offered, his voice carrying to me on the humid breeze.
Glancing down the streets, I saw Luke blending amongst sleepy strangers. As promised, he was waiting for me by a quiet coffee shop instead of running to my aid like some kind of Prince Charming. I wasn’t a damsel. I didn’t need help.
The way his brows knit together said he wasn’t too happy about it. If he saw what had gotten my attention, I’d never hear the end of it.
“No,” I said through clenched teeth. “I got it.”
I didn’t want to be seen with something so obviously supernatural. Whoever this guy thought he was, he was definitely insane. But finding myself teleported to a city I’ve never been before with the air humming with dread, I needed answers. I had no doubt that this vampire would have some clues as to what the hell was going on.
Grabbing one of the stones and hauling myself up, I dug my fingers into the gritty rock and climbed. He offered a sleek, pale hand when I reached the top and I glared at him, choosing to skid my knees against the unforgiving stone before I accepted his help.
He huffed a laugh. “Stubborn one, aren’t you?”
Growling and wiping away the stinging pebbles, I snapped my teeth. I figured it was what a vampire might take as an insult. “You’re the one parading around in the open with those eyes of yours like you’re just going to blend in. The hell you trying to do?” I eased closer and tried to ignore the intoxicating musk of maleness that wafted from him. “We’re supposed to keep our presence hidden from humans.”
He grinned, flashing very real fangs that made my insides curl. “Says a succubus who just scaled a wall.”
Rolling my eyes, I glanced down the way I’d come. I’d thought it a short distance with some jutting rocks to give me purchase, but now I saw that we were three stories up and the sides of the building glistened slick in the moonlight.”
“The hell?” I muttered.
He ran a finger across my collarbone. “We sensed the Blood Stone when you arrived. But I don’t see it on you.” He fingers dipped lower towards the curve of my cleavage and I slapped him away. He gave me a husky chuckle. “The magic is inside of you, how intriguing.”
“I’m so glad I amused you,” I drawled. “How about you tell me who the fuck you are?”
He grinned, his fangs catching the moonlight and making me suck in a breath. “I can tell you’re not used to vampires.” He cocked his head. “How is it that a gem like you has remained hidden?”
Snarling, I snapped a finger in his face and red electricity zapped around my skin. His eyes widened at my magic. “I’m the one asking questions here. Tell me who you are and what you want or this is going to get ugly.”
A dangerous glint flashed in his gaze as he vanished. I sucked in a breath when I felt his hot breath on the back of my neck. I swirled to find him leering down at me, his red eyes glowing with excitement. “My name is Xavier,” he whispered, his voice caressing me in ways that felt like a violation. “And destiny has promised you as my bride.”
Before I could haul off and slap him for such a ridiculous notion, a rock beamed him right in the temple. Velvet red blood splotched across his forehead and he snarled, facing the ground where the projectile had come from.
“Get away from her, fang-face,” Luke snarled.
Sigh. My knight in shining armor.
“Luke? The fuck you doing?” I snapped. “I got this.”
Xavier ran his finger down the trail of blood and drew it into his mouth, making sure to look at me as he licked. “Who’s your charming friend?”
“My boyfriend,” I corrected without thinking, then my neck went hot with a flush as Luke blinked.
The most handsome smile I’d ever seen spread slowly across his face. “Yeah,” he said. “I’m her boyfriend, and even if I share her, it’s not with the likes of you.”
Raising an eyebrow at that statement, Xavier gave me some space. “Well, it seems I’ve gotten off on the wrong foot. Why don’t we go to my place and have some wine?”
Glaring, I said, “I don’t do wine.”
He smiled. “Oh, darling, you’re in Venice. Don’t be rude.”
Getting tired of this prick, I teetered on the edge of the roof, preparing myself to break my legs trying to jump off rather than spend one more second with the likes of this vampire.
He lightly brushed my shoulder and pointed to the stairwell. “If I may.”
Sighing, I opted for the stairs.
It turned out that I was a wine kind of girl, I’d just never had the right wine before.
“What’s in this?” I marveled, turning the glass to catch the light of Xavier’s chandelier as it splattered rainbows and sequins off my glass.
His “humble abode,” as he’d called it, was apparently a vampire hideout of the luxurious sort.
“So, a muse runs this city?” I asked, slipping into the comfort of an expensive leather couch. I shouldn’t have been indulging, but couldn’t help it. I was exhausted.
Luke ignored his glass and instead peered out of the two-story windows at the stillness of a canal. “It’s nothing like New York, or Shanghai,” he said. “It’s so… peaceful.”
Xavier poured himself a glass of wine—which was definitely not wine—and settled himself across from me. It didn’t matter that he was out of arm’s reach. The way his gaze raked over me made me feel invaded. But as I took a sip of my wine, the warmth settling itself in my belly, his appraisal became easier to bear.
“Hades runs things differently than Apollo, Ares, or Derek,” Xavier said with a
snarl. “He’s only half a muse, after all. He’s capable of some sense.”
Raising an eyebrow, I set my glass down. “Half?”
He nodded. “My master is half vampire, half muse. He sleeps for decades at a time and feeds the vampire community the magic of compulsion. It keeps the humans blind to our ongoings, keeps the vampires happy, and until recently, has kept Apollo and Ares out of vampire business.”
“So what’s changed?” Luke asked, leaning against the window and crossing his arms.
Xavier frowned, not hiding his distaste for Luke. “Your arrival comes as part of provenance of a new world foreseen by my witches. They’ve predicted chaos to engulf this city and the flames will devour the world.” His gaze fell on me. “They’ve also seen a few key players who can derail such a fate. You, my dear, are one of them.” He grinned. “If I make you my bride, the vampire community would gain the edge we need to withstand the Incubus King and a rogue muse.”
I blew a raspberry. “Again with the bride thing.” I motioned for Luke to sit with me. With a sly grin, he obeyed. I ran my thumb across his lip and gazed into the perfect blue of his eyes that held so much pain, mystery, and longing. “I already have a man.”
“He’s no man,” Xavier observed. “My witches never miss anything—or anyone. The only reason they wouldn’t be able to foresee his arrival is if he were a powerful supernatural.” He set his glass on the table and the liquid inside sloshed in a way that made my stomach roll with nausea. “So, my friend, what exactly are you that you can seduce even a succubus, where a prince of darkness doesn’t stand a chance?”
Luke kept looking into my eyes, his hand winding up the back of my neck as he pulled me in for a deep, sensual kiss. Warmth flooded through my body and my world spun when he pulled away. “You’re so much better than wine,” I said with my smile against his teeth.
Xavier huffed a laugh. “I wholeheartedly agree, my dear.”
Sneaking Xavier a glance, I glared. “So, your witches,” I said, purposefully pushing him off topic, “what else did they see?”
His ruby gaze darkened for the first time as he leaned back into the embrace of the sofa. “Death,” he said, the world an ominous whisper. “This city will be the first to fall to Derek’s madness. I don’t know how, but my witches have seen his power combined with Apollo and Ares. With the three stones of power, as well as the alliance of two muses, he will undo all the hard work that Hades has put in place.” His gaze grew dark. “I fear the harsher possibility. They come to kill my master while he sleeps and I won’t be able to stop him, not without inducing Hades into a premature awakening.”
I shrugged. “Okay, so, go wake him up then.”
He watched me with an intensity that made him seem so inhuman. He didn’t blink, didn’t breathe. Every muscle in his body seemed taut and ready to spring. “No one can wake a sleeping vampire, especially Hades. Only the power which gave all vampires life could rouse him in his current state.” His gaze dipped to my breast where a faint red glow had begun to throb, and for the first time I dumbly realized that Xavier’s eyes were the same kind of red as the power exuded by my Blood Stone. “I’m afraid you’re the only one with that gift.” His gaze snapped to me. “But you won’t be able to wake my master with the power of your Blood Stone alone. You must be able to speak to him, mind-to-mind.” He leaned on his knees. “You must become vampire.”
Shivering, I peeled myself away from Luke who’d begun to grip me a bit too hard.
“There’s no way Sonya is going to become a bloodsucking vampire,” Luke snarled.
I winced at the insult. “Am I so different?” I asked, my voice a weak whisper. “I drain life just as a vampire does.”
Luke took my hand and the power of his blue gaze drew me in with such desperation that I couldn’t look away. “No, Sonya. You’re so much more than just a succubus.” His touch threaded my fingers. “You’re mine.”
Xavier appeared beside us without warning, his vampire speed taking us both off guard. His red eyes glowed wisps of power that bounced off the handsome arches of his cheekbones. “Do you hate what you are?” he asked.
My first reaction was to slap him for getting all up in my face, but there was a deeper emotion in the backs of his eyes that made me go still. “Yes,” I admitted.
He placed his hand on my shoulder and I couldn’t help but feel a strange sense of comfort being in the center of two strong men. Luke, my soulmate and a tormented angel, found ways to bring out my humanity and suppress my succubus impulses. But this vampire, there was another promise he offered in the cool strength of his grip. “Perhaps, if you became a hybrid, like my master, you wouldn’t be a slave to your impulses. It’s why he became what he is.”
My eyes went wide at that concept. “Let’s say, just for kicks, I was up for this. How does one become a vampire?”
“Sonya,” Luke began, but I held up a hand.
“It’s okay,” I said. “I’m not doing anything rash. I just want to hear him out.”
Xavier grinned, his fangs flashing seductive promises across his lips. “The secret of how to turn is one of the best kept mysteries of the supernatural community.” He stood and crossed his arms. “I’m afraid the angel can’t be here for this conversation.” He pointed to the hall. “Your room is three corridors down. It’s out of earshot. Should Sonya wish, she’ll join you after we’ve had our little chat.” His eyes blazed with power. “If she chooses to remain with me, however, you’re not to interfere.”
Luke eyed me warily. I couldn’t miss the pain in his eyes. He’d watched me choose other men so many times before, and once again, he feared he was going to lose me to another. It wasn’t monogamy he desired, it was the assurance that I’d always come back.
He took my hand. “Don’t look at me like that,” he said and gave me a weak smile. “Don’t look so guilty. I’ve told you before and I’ll tell you again, I understand what you are. I understand to be with you means to share you, and no matter what you decide, you will always be welcome back in my arms.” He gave Xavier a dubious glance. “Not that I could comprehend anything this fang-face says could be remotely enticing.”
Laughing, I pushed him away. “Go on. I’ll see you soon.”
Xavier looked far too pleased with himself as Luke sauntered down the hall.
“Great,” he said when Luke had disappeared from sight. “Let’s talk secrets.”
2
Vampire Secrets
My body induced uncontrollable shivers when Luke disappeared down the corridor. I wasn’t afraid of the powerful supernatural at my side. Xavier might be a vampire, but I didn’t doubt my own strength. Should he try to eat me, I could fend him off—probably.
It was the tension and hint of desire in the air that made me tremor. Xavier stalked me like a lion stalking his prey. He took each step with deliberate focus, not once taking his red gaze off of me. “Do you feel it?” he asked after I’d been watching him with fascination. The way he moved betrayed he wasn’t human at all.
I wrapped my fingers around my elbows and straightened. My breasts spilled over the curve of my arms and Xavier’s gaze dipped. “Feel what?” I asked, even though my body was already responding to his call. His tongue flashed across his lips as he took a single step closer, making my heart skip.
It didn’t matter that I was a succubus. This creature was one of lust and allure just as much as any incubus.
He came close enough to touch me and deliberately ran a cool finger over my arm, sending the tiny hairs to stand on end as prickles rippled over my skin. “Your body responds to me,” he said with a pleased grin.
I tried not to dip my gaze to the opening of his sleek shirt that revealed a curve of abs that disappeared into a tight waistband. “You’re supposed to be telling me vampire secrets,” I reminded him.
He grinned. “Such secrets are not given for free.”
I glowered. “And the price?”
He leaned in and pressed his lips against my ear. I
flinched when his fangs pressed their cool danger against my skin. “I only ask for a taste.”
I shivered. No way had I ever imagined a vampire lingering at my neck to be something attractive, but it felt like every instinct in my body wanted me to arch and give him access. Every inch of my skin told me of the pleasure I’d receive if I only gave in.
Shaking my head, I jerked away and fueled my body with heat from the Blood Stone. He grinned as the compulsion wavered my vision.
“You really want to play that game?” I warned him. If he wanted to test me with lust, I’d show him how a succubus could make him fall to his knees.
“You can try,” he said, his gaze flashing with the challenge. “We’re kindred creatures, you and I. I have no doubt of your power, but I am second-born of Hades himself and very much your senior. I doubt you—”
I flicked my fingers and sent a red wave of lust wrapping around his cock. I’d show him what power he taunted. His eyes went wide and his pants bulged. He gasped as the pure power of my Blood Stone hit him. I grinned. “You were saying?”
He peeled off his shirt as a fine layer of sweat glistened across his skin, but to my surprise, he shook free of my first wave of power and parted his mouth to bare his teeth at me. His fangs seemed larger than before and the red haze in his eyes burned with excitement. “You took me off guard. It won’t happen again.”
Before I had a chance to send another wave and bring him under control, he disappeared. I swirled to find him at my back, his fangs so close to my neck that I froze with both anticipation and horror. “I won’t bite,” he promised. “Not unless you’re my bride.”