His Dark Embrace

by Verika Sloane

  She was mostly nude, except for her lacy boy-short panties, but as she got her bearings and sat up, she noticed a robe on the chair next to her bed, with a note:

  Wear me, or anything of your choosing in the wardrobe.

  Because of the chill, she took the robe and padded over to the giant armoire on the other side of the room. Her eyes widened once she opened the doors, garments of all kinds gently swaying.

  Dresses, jumpsuits, jackets, pants, blouses… All her size.

  Her suitcase had been unpacked and put away.

  Grinning, she grabbed a pair of slippers, desperate to find Shain.

  What was the outcome with Tanaka?

  Did he achieve his alliance?

  How did he react after he’d taken her blood?

  She flung open the door and gasped when a woman wearing a pink turban and a matching caftan floated to her.

  Had she been waiting?

  Kimber was struck by her height, at least five foot ten, with all the countenance of a queen. Healthy, glowing skin, high, regal cheekbones, and hazel eyes that smiled at her with kindheartedness. A waft of something flowery hit Kimber’s nose, along with the woman’s distinctly human scent and aura.

  “Ms. Kimber. I apologize for startling you.” She bowed her head with a respectful smile. “I’m Petra. At your service.”

  At her service? “Oh. Nice to meet you. I’m looking for Sh—Shain.”

  Petra gently folded her hands together with a soft, knowing smile. “Mr. Trevyn is resting. He commissioned me to take care of you today.”

  “He’s sleeping? What time is it?”

  “A little after eight,” she answered without checking a clock. Petra read Kimber’s disappointment. “He brought you here from the manor about midnight, barely left your side, until he was assured you were okay. He went to his room about an hour ago. Shall I wake him up for you?”

  “Oh, no,” Kimber rushed. “Let him rest.”

  Once he was up, she had a feeling there wouldn’t be much downtime for either of them. A blush crawled up her chest to her cheeks, thinking of them finally making love.

  Petra seemed relieved that she wouldn’t have to disturb Shain. “Chef is ready to make you anything you wish. We have every kind and cut of meat imaginable. Kobe, wagyu, filet mignon, prime rib…”

  Kimber chuckled. “Enough for an army? How typical of him.”

  Petra gestured to a room down the hall. “All of us are UA, no need to hide anything. Feel free to shift and wander the grounds. Or if you prefer to be pampered, I offer a variety of treatments.” She opened a door and gestured to the spa-like setup with subdued lighting and aromatherapy. “My specialty is massage, but I’m also proficient in facials, manicures, pedicures, hairstyling. Whatever you desire. You need only to ask.”

  Talk about extra.

  “The pool outside is heated, should you want to take a swim. There’s a library downstairs. A theater. A wine cellar. I’ll give you a tour if you wish.”

  Kimber’s stomach growled in response. “I think I’ll start with breakfast.”

  “Of course. Follow me.”

  Chef Donahue seemed glad to see her when she walked in the massive, modern kitchen. Where Petra was elegant and demure, he was excitable and energetic. He handed her a menu of his specialties.

  Fancy. Before the end of the weekend, she hoped to try all of it.

  At her indecision, Chef smiled. “If nothing looks good, I can make whatever you want.”

  “That’s the problem. Everything sounds good. You know what? I’m just going to start from the top and work my way down every day.”

  His eyes lit up. “Yes, ma’am!”

  After a full stomach, she went for a walk around the grounds. Because she didn’t know how much of her time would be with Shain, she shifted to give her and her wolf some fresh air and exercise. There were no side effects from the night before. She didn’t feel different; there was no evidence of Tanaka’s bite on her wrist, and Nya had expressed no trauma.

  What Shain said was true. It was like vestiges of a dream; she recalled pieces of it, but it didn’t—even now—feel real. And she had felt no pain or any pleasure.

  Too bad Shain didn’t trust himself to try it. She could only imagine pleasure being present with him, a man she desired, and adored.

  Well, one thing at a time. Maybe once they made love, that would be all the pleasure she could handle.

  When she shifted back to human form hours later, and tied on her robe, she felt eyes were on her, and turned around.

  Shain stood on the patio under the protection of the awning, watching her. She broke into a grin and rushed across the backyard toward him. At his returned grin, a helpless sound of awe came from her throat. She threw herself into his arms, slamming them both against the house.

  He held her breathlessly tight, burying his nose in her hair, giving a brief moan as he held her. “Gods, having you finally in my arms after last night is the greatest relief.”

  “I’m so mad at myself for passing out and wasting the first night sleeping. I’d been so busy getting ready yesterday and making sure I was on time, I didn’t stop to eat. I’m sure that played a part in my weakness. I’m sorry, Shain.”

  “Weakness? Oh, sweetheart, no need to apologize. I’m just thankful you’re okay. How do you feel?”

  “I feel great. Honestly.”

  He inhaled. “Good. You smell so…sweet.”

  “Sweet? I’ve been in the woods for hours.”

  “You smell like earth and sunshine and…life.”

  She pulled back to look at him as if she hadn’t seen him in weeks, even though it’d only been hours. He looked different to her somehow. More attractive, if that was even possible. Overwhelmed with emotion, she grasped his clean-shaven face and kissed him.

  “Well?” she breathed after they broke the kiss. “Any decision from Mr. Tanaka?”

  He sighed deep, casting his blue eyes down.

  Oh no, it hadn’t worked…

  And then his mouth moved in a slow smile and he lifted his gaze, full of triumph. “You’re in the arms of the newly allied vampire of Rhyuu Tanaka.”

  She gasped. Elated. Shocked. “Shain! I’m so happy for you. Oh God, so happy for you.”

  He ran his hands from her shoulders to under her jaw, rubbing the pads of his thumbs on her cheeks. “You took my breath away last night. And Tanaka? Afterward, he tried to be stoic, but he was glowing. My driver said he was out until dawn, as spirited and adventurous as a child.”

  “Really?” She laughed. “That’s what our blood does? Turns sober old vampires into jolly, outgoing children?”

  “Seems so. For Tanaka at least. I didn’t have that experience when I had shifter blood. You’re just that special.” The light in his eyes dimmed. “I envy him.”

  “What? Why?”

  “He’s tasted what I never will.”

  “Never say never.” She pressed her body closer into him. “A little blood in one moment in time. You’re going to get so much more that he’ll never have.”

  The banked desire in Shain’s eyes replaced the sorrow. He bared his growing teeth, coasting his palms down her arms, skimming her breasts, stopping at her waist. “If you only knew how much I want to remove this robe and kiss every inch of you.” The speed with which he turned and thrust her against the wall stunned her.

  “What’s stopping you?” Because she wouldn’t.

  His low growl, reminding her so much of a wolf, sent shivers to the apex between her thighs.

  “Because I have plans for us and you need to get ready.”

  “What sort of plans?”

  He tapped the tip of her nose and reached behind her to open the door. “We need to go in; the light is hurting my eyes.”

  “Oh no, I’d forgotten. Why aren’t you wearing sunglasses?”

  “I wanted to see you in the light.”

  With an inward groan, she kissed him again, the desire becoming harder to contain.

&
nbsp; “Gods, you’re killing me, shiya. You’re making it so hard—”

  “I know,” she said, smoothing a hand down his zipper.

  He breathed in, his eyes briefly glowing, and she knew he’d drawn some of her energy. She felt hypnotized and slightly dizzy.

  “Do you want more?” she asked in a daze.

  “Do I want…?” He chuckled, shaking his head, breaking away from her reach. “If I didn’t have so many things in play. Now, stop being perfect and go upstairs and bathe, put on one of the gowns, and meet me in the dining room at seven o’clock sharp.”

  This time it was she who growled. And obeyed.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Red.

  The color of blood. Passion.

  Love.

  That was why Kimber chose the red gown. It represented many things, and many would agree it was the most powerful shade in the spectrum.

  The gown itself was more suited to a ball than dinner, but as soon as she saw it, she knew that was the one. The bodice was fitted, the draped sleeves off shoulder. The attached skirt was light, full, and airy, with a little trail of it dragging on the floor. Something appropriate for a queen. Or a fairytale.

  Not a shiya who knew how to skin a deer.

  While her hair and makeup hadn’t matched Stefan’s skill, she was satisfied with her efforts, remembering the tips he’d given her. She kept her hair down and stained her lips to match her dress.

  She sent her promised daily text to Lucinda to check-in, receiving a thumbs-up emoji in return. Kimber had expected a bunch of questions about what she was up to throughout the weekend, but it appeared Lucinda wasn’t that interested, saving Kimber from making up more lies.

  She took a deep breath and left her room.

  Shain waited for her at the bottom of the stairs in a tuxedo.

  Everything about the way he looked at her said tonight was going to be about more than sex.

  “Oh, shiya,” he whispered as she came to the last step.

  She smiled. “How is it you know my measurements?”

  “My hands have been memorizing your shape every time I touch you.” He offered his arm, and she took it. “Come. Our night begins.”

  A four-course meal was first, each dish paired with a special wine.

  A watermelon salad with pickled rind, aged feta, balsamic, and accompanied by a sparkling Rosé. Next, a prawn bisque topped with a stuffed squash blossom, and a glass of Chardonnay. The main course comprised pan-fried duck and a Pinot Noir. Yet she could still conquer the entire dessert—Shain had only eaten half of his dinner—a dark chocolate mousse parfait with a hazelnut sponge cake, bing cherry, toasted orange peel, and an almond tuille, paired with port.

  She couldn’t recall eating a richer meal in her life.

  How was it she was stuffed, but once the plates were taken away and Shain took her hand, the butterflies in her stomach flitted so much she felt lighter than air?

  He guided to the expansive room off the dining area. It was virtually empty, save for a group of gold chairs on one end and a pair of larger chairs with a small round table in the middle on the other.

  What could he be up to?

  The butler swept in with a silver bucket.

  “Champagne?” she asked, peeking in, then laughed. It was a bucket of Miller Lite.

  “I thought you’d prefer that.”

  “What about your preference?”

  He kissed her hand. “My only preference is your happiness.”

  Her face was hurting from all the smiling.

  Just then, musicians started filing in, holding instruments, and claiming the seats near the fireplace.

  “What’s going on?” she asked.

  Shain revealed nothing, waiting until the conductor strolled in, and gave a single nod.

  He turned his attention to her. “When you admitted you were different from most shiyas, do you remember what you told me you wanted to see?”

  Her answer had been very broad. “Yes. I said ‘the world.’”

  The smile in his eyes, dark and promising, lit her up from the inside somehow, sensing he’d been up to something while she’d been sleeping.

  The ballroom doors opened, and with the grace of a swan, a ballerina stepped in, her lashes down, escorted by her strapping dance partner.

  They stopped in the center of the room and bowed.

  Kimber’s eyes widened. “Oh…”

  “I flew them in from Russia. For you.”

  The musicians played a song she was familiar with, though she didn’t know from where. Strong, athletic, yet utterly elegant and disciplined, the pair performed an incredible piece of angst and romance and desire. Kimber didn’t know whether to cry or hold her breath during the piece.

  But that was only the start.

  After the ballet, an opera singer dripping in diamonds sang three songs for them, evoking a serious appreciation for opera that Kimber had never felt before. After Shain walked across the room to kiss her cheek, the singer introduced the next act.

  An illusionist from England blew her away with a quick show of simple but mind-blowing tricks that made her openly question if he was really an illusionist or an underworld sorcerer–a question she asked. That drew a laugh from Shain and the magician, though neither actually answered her.

  The final act was a trio of electric violinists who, instead of playing classical music, wowed her with instrumental versions of modern songs from Queen, David Bowie, and Metallica.

  She clapped with gusto and gave a standing ovation for every act.

  Long after everyone had left, and the butler, chef, and Petra had gone to bed, she was still gushing about every heart-stopping moment.

  They ventured outside on the patio to look at the stars, something not easily done in the city. Eventually, her excitement settled, encased in darkness, except for the torches flickering subtly around the yard.

  She had her back to his front, while they swayed together, sharing their favorite moments from each show.

  “It’s a clear sky,” she whispered after they’d been silent for a while. “A bright moon. Just like the night we met.”

  “Ah, yes. The night we met,” he murmured in her ear, rocking her side to side, his arms wrapped around her middle. “I’ll never forget it. You, bathing in moonlight, diving from the swing, singing to yourself. Happy.”

  Kimber rested her head on his shoulder, reaching back to run her fingers down his cheek, humming the song. She felt him smile, felt his dimple on her fingertip. “Happy, but lonesome.”

  “I wanted to join you so badly. The force of your sweet energy amazed me.”

  Sadness dampened her smile. “And then you found out I was a shifter.”

  “It wouldn’t have mattered. Whether you were a being of light, a being of darkness. A figment of my imagination. A ghost. Didn’t matter. What you were was joy itself. I wanted to bathe in it with you, forget the world, and live in the moment.”

  She turned around in his arms. They hadn’t spoken of that night that brought them together until now. “My entire life, I’ve been surrounded by a pack, but I’ve always felt singled out. Used to being alone, used to my own company. That night, I felt you watching me from the bushes, and while I was alarmed, I wasn’t scared. When you came out, I knew immediately you were a vampire, and I still wasn’t scared. That was what frightened me. My lack of fear. So, what could I do but tell you to go away? And then the second you did, I felt so strange…all I wanted was for you to come back.”

  “Hm. I’d wondered what’d changed your mind.”

  “Do you want to know exactly what changed my mind?” She pulled from his embrace and started walking backwards.

  He eyed her, retracing her steps. “Yes.”

  “First, what do you think it was?”

  He considered his answer. “Was it my disarming smile?”

  She glanced over her shoulder. “Pfft. Disarm? Is that what you think your smile does?”

  “My effortless style?�
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  “Er, not quite.”

  “My irresistible charisma? My dashing aura?”

  Oh, so very arrogant. Still, he was wrong. She picked up her dress and kicked off her shoes. “No and no.”

  He glanced at her feet, raising a brow, apparently out of guesses. “We knew each other for two minutes, and a minute and fifty seconds of those were you trying to get me to leave…what could’ve possibly changed your mind?”

  Taking a few steps back, she said, “If you can catch me, I’ll tell you.”

  “Catch you?”

  She raised a brow, then spun and ran past the pool and toward the wooded area behind it. When she looked back, grinning, she saw him walking.

  As if he was giving her a head start because catching her would be easy. Ha.

  The moment the trees embraced her, the scent of the soil and leaves and fresh air enveloped her senses. Nya jumped up and down with joy.

  She hid behind a tree, counted a few seconds, and then stole a glance to see where Shain was.

  Stealthy as her wolf, she tiptoed to another tree and pressed her back to the trunk, smiling when she heard his voice.

  “I can’t believe you’re making me play hide-and-seek,” Shain drawled.

  “Believe it. When was the last time you played a game?” she called over her shoulder, then turned her head. “When was the last time you had to really chase a woman down?”

  A pause. “Nineteenth century.”

  She laughed, then covered her mouth with her hand. Closing her eyes, she asked Nya for help, to tell her where he was. An instinct tugged in her stomach that he was twenty or so yards behind her, northwest of where she hid.

  She opened her eyes and crept to another tree, then another, and crouched behind a bush.

  Where was he?

  Nya nudged her to look to the right.

  Shain emerged from around a cluster of trees, looking left, then right, the dim light of the moon behind him showing only the outline of his beautiful form.

  An involuntary sigh escaped her, and he sharply looked in her direction.

  She gasped, stood up, and started running, leaping over a fallen trunk, and finding refuge behind a thick oak. Naturally, she was faster than him. When he was about twenty yards away, she’d already caught her breath, and ran again.