by Bianca D’Arc
“I’ll be there,” she whispered. “I don’t renege on promises.”
“Neither do I, ma cherie, and I promise that I will show you more pleasure this night than you have ever felt before. There are some advantages to having lived over six hundred years, and I plan to show you them all, one by one, starting tonight.” He lifted her hand and kissed the back and then her palm with a lingering touch before letting go and leaving the room. He had a lot to do before he could make good on his promise, but he reveled in the fact that before this night was through, she would be his.
Atticus met him in the hall and waited for Marc to follow him into the nearby library. When the door shut behind them, Atticus turned to face Marc. He knew it was only right to let his old friend have a say in what happened in his house, but Marc would not be denied. He would make love to Kelly this night, regardless of what Atticus had to say.
“My mate won’t like this, but I can see how much you need to settle the questions in your mind. I think we will have no peace in this house until you’ve had her. I ask only that you not hurt her.”
“I would never.” Marc was insulted, though surprised by Atticus’s consent. Kelly had been a point of contention between them. He wasn’t asking him not to take Kelly, but only not to hurt her.
“I don’t think you would hurt her physically, Marc, but it’s clear her heart is involved in this…whatever this is between you two.” Atticus threw his hands up in the air. “Even I can see you could hurt her badly with just a harsh word. She’s been moping around this house since you backed off teasing her. Lissa worries for her friend. She believes Kelly might be in love with you.”
The thought of it sent a thrill through his being, but Marc also felt the weight of responsibility as he’d never felt it before. He felt hopeful and joyous, but also reverent, wanting to cherish the idea that Kelly might feel affection for him. And he’d done little to earn it.
“I’ll keep your words in mind, but Atticus, you have to know I cannot ignore this any longer. I’ve tried—” He pounded one fist into his other hand in frustration. “I’ve tried to stay away from her…to no avail. Better to settle the question, I think, before the impulse to take her becomes completely uncontainable.”
Atticus looked at him with grave eyes. “Just remember the vision, Marc. I won’t be listening at the door, but I will be attentive.”
“Thanks for that, at least.” Marc grimaced at his friend. “I mean only to make love to her, not harm her emotionally or physically. That vision will not come to fruition this night. That I can promise you.”
Atticus regarded him for a long moment before nodding. “All right then. I’ll keep Lissa occupied so she doesn’t worry. Enjoy your evening, Master LaTour.” Atticus winked, bowed slightly and left Marc shaking his head at his friend’s temerity.
Chapter Nine
Minutes before midnight, Kelly sat in front of her vanity mirror, staring almost blankly at her pale reflection. She was downright scared of what the next hours would bring. Could she go through with it? Could she find the courage to meet the devastatingly handsome—not to mention persuasive—Master vampire in the burgundy bedroom? She wasn’t sure, even after bathing, primping and perfuming herself for him.
She wanted him. That wasn’t the problem. She wanted to know the feel of him, the length and breadth of his possession. More than that, she wanted to know the man inside. The man who had roamed the Earth for more years than she could grasp. She wanted to let the wild side of herself free to glory in his carnality. Every time she looked at him, her temperature spiked with desire, but she did her best to repress those responses. She feared the heartbreak he could deal her so easily.
Just this once, she wanted to tempt fate, to play with fire, to dare enter the dragon’s lair and steal one small moment to treasure. One night.
Steeling herself, she rose and headed down the hall from her room to the burgundy guest room. This wing of the house was uninhabited except for her. It had been set up for the few mortal guests Atticus and Lissa sometimes entertained. Ostensibly the couple had the master suite in another wing of the mansion. In reality, they spent little time there. It had been sun-proofed just in case they found themselves above ground when dawn came, but they preferred the hidden, subterranean love nest Lissa had confided they’d created in one of the extensive cellars.
Lissa told her how Atticus and the other vampires felt safest when they knew they could sleep safe from the sun—preferably below ground in a cellar or cave during the day. That Marc would choose one of the sun-proofed guest rooms for their assignation was proof of his desire. It was a significant gesture that he put himself at considerable risk to be with her. It was also a silent vote of trust. That alone was a staggering thought.
She paused for a moment before the massive doors to the opulent guest room. Grasping the knob, she turned it lightly. Before she knew it, she stood on the other side of the solid door, holding the handle behind her back as the door clicked shut. She leaned against it. Marc was already there.
He stood by the huge bed, lifting a decanter of the deep red wine he favored, pouring out two glasses. He smiled with a light of fierce satisfaction in his ancient eyes as he moved closer, holding one fragile stem out to her. She took it and sipped automatically, barely noticing the fine vintage as Marc stared at her over the rim of his own sparkling crystal glass.
“I’m glad you came.” He toasted her before taking another long sip.
“I don’t know what I’m doing here,” Kelly admitted nervously, “but I want this. I want you. For tonight.”
Marc growled low in his throat as he took her glass and placed it with his own on a small table by the door. Without further comment, he slid one strong arm around her waist and pulled her close to his hard body. He bent over her, nearly sweeping her completely off her feet as his mouth drifted down to nip, kiss and lick the sensitive skin under her ear, over her beating pulse.
Kelly gave in completely at the first touch of his wet tongue. The sharp feel of his lengthening teeth surprised her at first and sent shockwaves of excitement down her spine. It felt even better than the dream. Her legs could no longer support her. Marc’s strong arms carried her as if she weighed nothing. He deposited her on the bed with the gentlest of caresses as he removed her frilly white nightgown and let it drift to the floor.
He worshiped every inch of skin he revealed, never rushing, never really giving her a chance to catch her breath or object. He simply steamrolled over her sensibilities, doing things to her body she’d never allowed another man to do. Of course, she thought, he’d lived for centuries. He’d probably done things—sexual things—she’d never even dreamed. Of course, that dream ménage had been nothing short of shocking in the light of day. She’d bet he’d done that and more—for real⎯with other women.
The thought of him teaching her some of the forbidden things he knew sent her excitement level up another notch.
Marc couldn’t get enough of the taste of her. She smelled like heaven and tasted divine. As he revealed her soft, pale body, he marveled at her flawless skin and her warm, womanly shape. He loved women of all shapes and sizes, but this one seemed as if she had been made just for him. She had everything he liked—large breasts with pouting nipples, a slightly rounded, womanly tummy, curvy hips and an ass that just wouldn’t quit. She was built like the women of his time, not the stick thin models of this age, and he was enjoying every moment of discovery. He’d seen her in the dream, of course, but the reality was much better, much clearer and distinct. The dream had been intense, but it could not begin to compare with the real thing.
He lay her back on the large bed and spread her legs, thoroughly enjoying the view as he leaned down and inhaled the fresh scent of her. When he licked her skin, he felt her jump. He growled in satisfaction, knowing exactly what he wanted to do to her this first time they would join. From her innocent yet eager responses, he’d bet good money that no man had ever gone down on her before. It made him feel g
ood to know that he was the first to bring her this special treat.
He licked lower, stroking with his tongue, letting her feel just the tips of his fangs against her super-sensitive skin. She moaned as he drew his tongue down and into her, pushing within where he would soon invade with his hard cock. He couldn’t get over how soft she was and how good she tasted. She was the rarest of vintages, the finest of champagnes, light, airy and crisp on his tongue. She made his senses swim. He focused on his goal, tonguing her with single-minded intensity until she trembled with need.
When she cried out and shuddered with pleasure, he was almost unprepared for the flood of feeling that washed over his senses. Her delicious psi energies empowered him with a rush of sensation. He felt pride that he could bring her to climax with such small attentions. She would reach orgasm many, many times this night, he vowed.
“Feel good, mon coeur?” he asked, his breath fanning out over her most sensitive skin as she came down from the first little peak.
She nodded, humming her agreement as he enjoyed the sight of her flushed cheeks and elevated pulse. She was surprisingly innocent for a modern woman, and he found it completely enchanting. There were many things he could teach her about pleasure. It would be a joy to show her, but first things first.
First, he needed to know what it felt like to be inside her. He’d wanted to feel her warmth around him since almost the first moment he’d seen her, and he doubted he could put it off much longer without losing what little was left of his sanity. The dream had only made him more needy, not less. He needed to know the reality of what she felt like around him. Just as he needed to know if she could be the One for whom he’d been waiting all of his long, lonely life.
Frankly, he doubted it. He couldn’t be that lucky. She was perfect for him in almost every way, but he’d grown used to walking his path alone, he didn’t quite believe that he’d ever find the woman who could walk that path with him.
Still, making love to her would at least settle the question, and he needed some relief before he exploded in his pants. With a grunt, he pulled away to divest himself of his clothing. He undressed with little finesse, throwing his clothes to the floor behind him. In moments, he lay beside her again, naked, hard and wanting. But not for long.
She was soft and dewy after her climax, but he had much more to show her. He moved his hands downward, toward her waist. Pausing to play with her nipples, he squeezed hard enough to bring her full attention back to him.
“You’re a beautiful woman, cherie.” He lowered his face to kiss his way to her lips. “The most beautiful I have seen in my many years.” His voice whispered across her skin.
She laughed softly, a mere puff of air as his skilled hands continued their way down through her neatly trimmed curls, zeroing in on the little nubbin standing at attention for him before finding their way inside her tight channel. She gasped as he tunneled into her, his fingers slippery in the slickness of her arousal. He smiled against her neck.
“I’m no beauty,” she insisted in denial of his words.
He would prove her wrong if he had to spend all night doing it. Frankly, he looked forward to it. Kelly squirmed as he began to slide his fingers rhythmically inside her. He lifted his head to meet her eyes.
“I beg to differ, ma petite. To me, you are the most beautiful woman in the universe. Especially when you come for me.” He drove her up that cliff again, using his hands and all his skills to enflame her senses. His fangs grew longer and sharper as the need to feast on her blood rose in him. His cock rose too and it needed relief as much, if not more, than he needed to taste her essence. “I must have you, cherie. I must have you now.”
With a swift movement, he was over her, his fingers slowly slipping from her core. She made a sound of protest that turned to a purr as he brought his fingers to his mouth, licking at the fluid of her desire. He closed his eyes savoring her unique and almost drugging taste. He held out his hand to her. He’d leave it to her how far she would go. Would she be a vixen, willing to tease but go only so far? Would she be bold, sucking his fingers like a professional? Or would she be shy, hesitant or even unwilling to get down and dirty with him?
He almost relished the idea that she would be reluctantly led into his sometimes nasty predilections in making love. There was no doubt he liked to push the envelope sexually. He had indulged in almost every perversion at least once. His tastes would probably be considered kinky, though not too extreme, except for the blood sucking, of course. Still, he’d never hurt or violated anyone. His partners had all been willing and willingly given him anything he’d wanted.
He would show Kelly the joys of following where he led, and she would love every minute of it. This he vowed.
But he wouldn’t push too far, too fast. He’d break her in slowly, teaching her a little at a time until she was as eager for his cock in any orifice, or in any way, as he was to give it to her. This small first test was just the beginning.
With satisfaction, he felt her hot, little tongue peep out to lick at his fingers, coated in her come. She seemed shy but willing, a combination that fired his already overheated blood.
“I can’t wait, mon coeur. I must join with you.”
“I want you inside me, Marc. I need you inside me.”
She was breathless as he fulfilled her wish, entering slowly but steadily. She was tighter than a woman of her years could be expected to be in this day and age. He wondered idly for a moment at the stupidity of mortal males that they couldn’t see the diamond shining so brightly in his arms. At the same time, he was glad she’d had few lovers. It made what they shared together more special than it already was. Though he couldn’t remember a time in the past few hundred years—in his entire lifespan as a matter of fact—when he had ever needed one specific woman more than he needed this one, pale little human who whimpered so nicely under him at the moment.
His dick slid, hot and heavy, into her wet core. He loved the feel of her. He loved the smell of her, and he loved the taste of her excitement. He knew he would love the taste of her blood even more. That could wait while he got her used to his cock, sliding in, then pulling back slightly, spreading her lubrication and easing his way further inside her.
She whimpered as he seated himself fully within her, but he could tell she wasn’t in distress of any kind. Unless one counted dying of pleasure as distress. She was eager for him. He could feel the emotions rushing from her in waves that battered at him, filling him with urgency and the need to possess this one small woman beyond anything he’d ever experienced.
He began to move within her, stretching her tight sheath. Her body responded to him, inviting and encouraging as he moved more strongly within her.
“Faster!” she panted, nearing the edge sooner than he’d expected. To tell the truth, he was glad. Being inside her was more exciting than anything he’d experienced, and he wasn’t sure how much longer he could hold out himself. This was going to be fast, but oh, so good.
He moved faster and she grasped his shoulders, wrapping her shapely legs around his waist. He loved the feel of her soft skin, urging him on.
“God! Please, Marc!” She was begging, the sound music to his ears.
Only one thing would make this moment more perfect. She was feeding his psychic need, but he needed her blood too.
Marc leaned down, letting his sharp teeth graze the spot on her neck he wanted. He could feel the pulse of her lifeblood just under her delicate skin. He wanted it. He wanted her. He wanted to taste her essence and make her come.
Moving faster within her, he pierced her skin with his sharp fangs, letting her feel only a tiny sting. Just enough to let her know what was happening. He didn’t want her memory of this historic moment clouded by pain. He wanted this amazing woman to remember every moment, to remember him always with a smile on her lips as she thought about the incredible climax they were about to share.
The first drops of her blood hit his tongue and exploded through his senses, making h
im desperate for more. He pounded into her, tunneling deep, his mouth drawing the essence of her into his own body. He would fill her with his seed, she would fill him with her blood, and together they would find bliss unlike any either of them had ever experienced.
Her orgasm started almost the moment he’d pierced her flesh. She contracted around him, the climax building stronger and more powerful until she cried out, bringing him along with her. Her blood flowed into his mouth as he erupted into her welcoming body, each finding a home within their destined mate.
He realized that startling truth, beyond a shadow of a doubt, as they climaxed together for the first time. He felt everything she was feeling within his own mind, almost as if he were living it, looking through her eyes, feeling with her emotions. He knew it was the same for her. He could tell by the dazed look of the eyes that met his when he finally sealed the wounds on her neck and lifted his head.
She felt what he felt. They were sharing their minds and emotions fully. They were one. She was his One.
Chapter Ten
“You’re my mate,” Marc said reverently, stroking the mussed hair back from her cheek. “I can hardly believe it. You are my one and only. Mon amour.”
“I can feel what you’re feeling. Know what you’re thinking.” He could see she was completely stunned. “And don’t you dare laugh at me.”
He chuckled, holding her tight, still tightly lodged within her body and her mind. He didn’t want to leave. Ever.
“I’m not laughing at you, mon coeur, I’m simply giddy. I have searched for you for over six hundred years, and now you are mine. I honestly didn’t think this day would ever come to pass.” He leaned in and kissed her soundly, lifting to look into her eyes for a moment, then moving in for a deeper kiss as he grew hard within her once more. “Je t’aime, mon amour. I love you, Kelly.”