by Riley, Alexa
“If anyone should get to be jealous, it’s me.” His words come out in a growl. “You almost kissed another man after only having kissed me hours before. You’re lucky that’s all I did in that bar that night,” he reminds me.
“I’d kinda forgotten about that. I was only trying to see if your kiss was different.” I bite my lip to keep from smiling, enjoying his jealousy a little too much.
“At least I know I’m the only man to ever have you.” Here comes that cocky grin of his. “I can promise you this. There has never been a kiss like the ones we share.” To prove it, he kisses me deep and hard.
It’s so powerful I want to cry. I never want to be without this, and I know we’re going to have a fight ahead of us.
“Princess, it’s going to be fine,” Valen tries to reassure me.
“You getting into my head is going to be hard to get used to,” I admit. I can hear his random thoughts, too.
“I love it, but it still feels like you’re blocking something from me.” He rolls over and sits up, with me straddling him, his back to the headboard. “You know I don’t just kill vampires to kill them, right, princess? I’d never hurt your family.”
“I know.” But that’s not the reason I still have a mental wall up.
“I also want you to know that while I told you I don’t like the idea of anyone hurting a woman it’s different when I think about someone hurting you. You being hurt crosses the lines I’ve drawn for myself to live by. They start to blur.”
His hand goes to my bare stomach, over my scar. “Knowing the man that did this was in jail for his crime would normally be enough for me.” His eyes lock with mine. “It’s not.”
I swear his eyes grow even darker. “He’s a dead man. I can promise you that.” I go to respond but he stops me. “Don’t try and stop me. Please don’t ask me to leave it alone.”
“I trust you to do what you think needs to be done,” I give him. That man is in prison, but I have a feeling something like that won’t stop a man like Valen. It also makes me wonder if he isn’t just a lone slayer.
“You’re right. I do get alerts when vampires are acting badly and when they need to be dealt with. You all aren’t as secret as you think you are.”
“You love reading my thoughts, don’t you?” I smile at him. I think about how he told Bishop that some vampires need to be put down because they go mad. But I’d never thought about them needing to be put down because they were evil to their core. If a person was bad before they were turned, I’m sure they’d still be evil after. Only now they’d be more powerful. Harder to find. Harder to kill.
“I want you to know everything about me so you feel safe. Safe enough to let all those walls down because there isn't a thing I wouldn't tell you. If you ask me something, I will always give you the truth.”
I know he’s being honest with me. He has opened himself up to me and let me into his thoughts. I know this man loves me more than anything in the whole world. But the thing that does scare me a little is that his mind has already settled on the idea that we will never have children. He doesn't seem upset about it. In fact, all he wants and cares about is me.
I reach up, touching his face. He leans into my caress. I let my mind open fully and watch as surprise lights up his face. “You’re going to be a father.” I give him the words he already knows. The ones that I’m still trying to wrap my mind around.
“Princess,” he says softly. “I want this. I’m sure you can feel that already.” I can. “But you have no idea what it means to me that I could give you something you’ve wanted so badly. It makes me feel like a fucking king.”
“You’re my king.” I can’t stop the tear that falls. Valen kisses it away. “You did that without even giving me a child, Valen. I’d always thought I’d lost something the day I died. Still angry over it and making the best life I could with the aftermath of what was. But now for the first time I’m happy he took my life. It brought me to you, and I would still have picked that without us being able to have a child. I, too, want to spend eternity with you.”
“That’s good, because I wasn't really going to give you a choice,” he says as he flips us back around, his cock sliding deep inside of me. I know there are a million other things that need to be dealt with, but the great thing about living forever is we can worry about all that tomorrow.
Epilogue
Ravana
A Few Months Later…
I pull the cherry pie from the oven and the smell fills the kitchen. I may not be able to eat it but my mate will. I also love the smell and know I will taste its sweetness later when I sink my teeth into him. From my understanding, I’m the only one who can taste what their mate has eaten. I don’t know if it’s the pregnancy or something I’ll always be able to do, but I know my baby girl loves cherry pie as much as her daddy.
I put the pie down on the rack and rub my hand over the baby bump that has formed. I’ve finally stopped getting all weepy when I look down at it. It’s hard to believe everything I’ve ever wanted is happening. Not only that, it’s more than I could have ever dreamed of.
I’m actually thankful for my death. It brought me to this place where I belong. I don’t think the man who tried to kill me would agree. Valen hadn’t told me, but I’d seen the story of him dying in prison. It didn’t go unnoticed that he’d died the same way he’d tried to end my life. If Bishop hadn’t saved me. I shake the bittersweet thought away and rest my hand on my stomach.
“What is your daddy up to?” I ask her. The man has been working on a secret project and it’s driving me crazy. He does most of it when I’m sleeping. I know he’s building something. It can’t be the baby’s room because I’ve been all over that since the moment I realized we were expecting. I may have gone a little overboard.
My daughter is either going to be really girly or hate pink by the time she’s three. Her room is a pink explosion. I don't care though. For too long I masked the feminine side of myself, trying to be strong and act as though something didn't bother me. I’d mothered the others in my coven but I’d still hold back. Valen wasn't having it. He wanted the real me and I wanted him to have that, too. There was no hiding from my mate.
I’d let him shatter the hard shell I’d built around myself. I didn't need it anymore. I might be a vampire but I’ve never felt more alive in my life then I do now. Ariella gives a little kick and I know she’s hungry. I didn't need a sonogram to know the sex. I just knew. I also knew she was going to be a gift to this world, different than the rest of us.
Valen must sense my hunger because I hear his heavy footsteps moving towards me. When he enters the kitchen I suck in a breath. His chest is bare and covered in a sheen of sweet. His jeans hang low. His hair is still a mess from our morning love-making session. He didn't bother to fix it.
“You hungry for more than a bite, mate?” He gives me his cocky smile. “Come here and take what’s yours.” His cocky sweetness is always my undoing. He bosses me around in the sweetest of ways. It really is an art and he does it perfectly. I find myself clearing the distance between us. He easily lifts me, and I wrap my legs around his waist.
“You’re wet,” I tell him before I brush my mouth against his, nipping his lip and getting a taste of his blood.
“I guess that makes two of us.” He squeezes my ass with a firm hand.
“I'm not giving you any more until you tell me what you’ve been working on,” I huff. It’s a lie. I can never bite him without wanting him in me a few moments later and lately I'm biting him all the time. My hunger has no bounds. I don’t know how his body can keep up with my need but he does. He says it’s because he was made for me. Made to be able to handle me and the needs of our little girl. I think he’s right.
“You’ll do what I tell you, princess.” He gives my ass a smack. “Take a bite and then I’ll show you,” he demands, making my pussy clench. Damn him. I do as I’m told sinking my teeth into his neck and making him groan out my name in pleasure. I’m lost in his
taste. It isn't until I feel warmth hit my face that I pull back from his neck.
“Valen,” I breathe out. I know the sun isn't up, I’d feel it, but the room I’m standing in is flooded in light.
“You said once that you’d never get to see our daughter play in the sun. It’s not the sun, but it’s pretty fucking close.” My legs drop from around his waist. The thick heavy curtains that are normally pulled back are allowing light to stream in. I walk over and touch the glass.
“It’s a screen. I thought if you liked it maybe I’d make a greenhouse or something outside with a playground in it. It’d be like you’re outside during the day.”
I turn to look at V. I feel a tear slide down my cheek.
“Princess. This wasn't supposed to make you cry.” He leans down, kissing my cheek.
“I can’t believe you did this for me.”
“Liar. You know I’d do anything for you.” He kisses my other cheek.
“I didn't know I could be so happy.” I wrap my arms around his neck. He lifts me easily and carries me over to a large sofa to lay me down. His hand slides under my loose dress. He brushes his hand over my baby bump before he lowers it, sliding my pants down my legs.
“Let me see if I can make you a little happier.” He parts my legs. Like always, Valen gets what he wants and Valen only ever wants to make me happy.
Epilogue
Valen
Years Later…
My blood runs hot as I level the bouncer with a hard stare. He lifts the velvet rope and lets me by. I’m going to tan her ass when I get my hands on her. Though I’m not sure how much of a punishment it will be to her. Last time I spanked her ass she ended up cumming. She enjoys being dominated in the bedroom and fuck do I enjoy doing it to her. Having her under my hands for the taking. She’s a dream come true. I should have known she was up to something but our little baby girl Ariella kept me on my toes.
It doesn't take me but a moment to spot my mate leaning up against the bar. She’s done up like every man’s fucking wet dream come to life and I’m pissed that every motherfucker in here has their eyes on her.
She turns her head knowing I’m already here. Her crystal-blue eyes lock with mine. She gives me a smirk. Her ever-red plump lips are even redder tonight. She licks her lips, and her attention goes to the man standing next to her as he says something to her.
It only takes me a moment and I’m across the bar filling up all the space around her, letting everyone know she's mine. I hear the man who was trying to talk to her curse. He’d fallen to the floor when I moved him out of my space. My space being anywhere within five feet of her. I don’t care where she was standing. Any space around her belongs to me.
“That was rude,” she says tartly. She is fighting a smile.
“You didn't have to go to all the trouble to get your ass spanked, princess. All you had to do was ask.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I was just going out for a little fun.”
“The only fun you have is on my cock,” I throw back at her. Her mouth falls open.
“That your way of showing me where you want it first, princess?” She narrows her eyes at me, ready to lay into me, but I cut her off with my mouth. I dig my fingers into her hair, kissing her hard. She bites me, but that only pushes me on.
When I pull back her lipstick is smeared and her hair looks like she was just fucked good and hard. Good. My nose flares when I smell her need. It makes me growl. I know no one else can smell it, but I still don't like it around them even if they can’t smell it.
I lift her and throw her over my shoulder. She doesn't try and fight me. There’s no point. She’s lucky I didn't fuck her in the bathroom. I move through the crowd. A bouncer tries to stop me but steps out of my way when his eyes meet mine. When I make it to my truck I don’t put her in the front seat. I open the back door and place her inside. She scurries to the other side as I follow her in.
“Valen,” she warns.
“That fucking dress. You sneaking out.” I grab her face, pulling her towards me and kissing her hard once again. She moans into my mouth, the smell her desire stronger now that it’s trapped inside my truck. It makes me dizzy with need. She’s getting off on every second of this. I pull back.
“Get my cock out and apologize for getting your mate all worked up.” I don’t have to ask her twice. She’s already going for my belt and freeing my cock. She only gets the head into her sweet mouth and I lose it. I need inside her. I pull her off. She puts up a small fight, trying to suck my cock back into her mouth, but I get her pinned to the seat and shove her dress up.
“No fucking panties,” I grunt right before I slide all the way to the hilt. We both moan. I don’t stop. I rut into her hard. She wraps those long legs around me, meeting each of my thrusts. It isn't long before I’m cumming inside of her. Her pussy clamps around me as her teeth dig into my neck.
“I love you,” Ravana says when she releases my neck, licking where she’d bitten me.
“I love you, too, but I’m still spanking your ass. That was to take the edge off,” I tell her.
“Can’t wait.”
I growl when she wiggles on my cock. I’m already hard again.
“We have a sitter all night.” She gives me a big smile. Fuck, I love that smile. Never will I see the sadness that was on her face that first time I saw her sitting on the park bench alone watching the children trick or treating with their parents. She gets to live that now.
“Do you want more?” I ask her. We hadn't talked about more kids. I’m not sure it’s something that we have control over. Kane’s mate is pregnant again.
“I don’t know. I guess I wouldn't be sad if I got pregnant again, but Ariella, you and I feel perfect right now. I like the way things are.” Her eyebrows furrow with worry.
“No, princess. I told you all I ever needed was you. You gave me Ariella already. I’m enjoying having just my two girls right now,” I admit. It’s true. My family life was so different growing up. My dad was good to me, but it wasn't like this. Our family was filled with love and kisses. You didn't go a day without hearing an I love you. Hell, I even loved seeing pink shit all over the place. It reminded me of my girls. We let our girl be whoever she wanted to be. There’s no path lined out for her. She won't be a slayer. No, she’s filled with love and sweetness like I’ve never seen before.
“How about you take this girl home.” She leans up, digging her hands into my hair. In a flash she flips us. She’s over me and my cock is still deep inside of her. I growl when she moves up and down on my cock. “Unless you need to take some more of the edge off first…?” She gives me a smirk.
I don’t think I’ll ever lose the edge of need I have for her. I don’t ever want to, but I know one thing. I don't think we’ll be going anywhere for a while.
Twice Bitten
Dove Wheeler doesn’t have many friends. The only one she ever got close to left her to go live with a vampire. Even thinking the word gives her chills, but in the best way possible. She spends hours in the library researching who they are and where they come from, until she can’t stand it any longer and goes looking for them on her own. What she doesn’t expect is to find two of them, a set of twins, that turn her world upside down.
Once Ezra and Erik Marcellus were changed to vampires, they tried to put everything in their past behind them and start fresh. They love their new family and everything about their new lives, but there’s always the worry that one day they will have to separate. Vampires don’t share their mates, so why does it feel like that’s exactly what they want? When they find a young woman snooping around, suddenly all of their fears come true. They’re both ready to lay their claim, but they’re not prepared for which one she’ll choose.
Warning: It’s the first time we’ve written vampires, so go easy on us. Enjoy this brand new series that features a coven of five and read about how all of them find love.
Prologue
Dove
I star
e down at the map I printed out when I was working at the library earlier today. Over the last week I’ve learned that somehow these four large houses are connected. Though it shouldn’t be possible, it’s the only thing that makes sense. At this point this is the only thing I can think of for how they move.
Though the maps could be outdated, I know the overhead pictures on Google are only taken every few years. They could be traveling on four wheelers or something to get from home to home, but that would put them in the sunlight during the day.
They never use the main roads to go from one house to another. How else are they coming and going without ever using their front doors? I know I’ve seen the twins return home, then hours later they’re exiting Kane and Juliet’s home without ever stepping foot outside. How did they get there?
For some reason I think they have underground passages, but maybe that’s my overactive imagination. My grandpa says mine can get out of control, that I let things take root and grow and grow until I’m caught in a trap of my own making and I can’t get out.
What’s a girl to do when you grow up in a mortuary? Books and digging into the unknown has been my life for as long as I can remember. Kids in school didn’t want to make friends with the girl whose home was in the middle of a graveyard and had bodies in the basement.
Grandpa was sure college would help push me out into the world, but I think it’s only made things worse because I’m pretty sure my dorm roommate ran off to live with a vampire.
“Are you staying for dinner, pumpkin?” my grandpa asks.
I look up from where I have everything laid out in front of me. There are maps, old newspapers, and even photos I’ve taken. He doesn’t give them a second look as he comes over to where I am. Growing up, my books and whatever I was researching were always scattered over the large dining room table because we didn’t need it with only the two of us. Most of the time we ate at the small table in the kitchen or in the living room on a TV tray.