“Xander?” Ciara was shivering with fear. Something was wrong, she saw it in the snap of Xander’s back and the flash in his eyes. Xander moved to her side, shadows played across his handsome face. “I’m so sorry Agapeemenee but all will be well soon.” As if in slow motion he coaxed her towards the huge table. Lifting her gently he settled her onto the dark, cold wood.
“What’s happening?” Ciara’s wide eyes rested on each face but the feral hunger carved on them sent her in search of another, gentle, understanding face. There were none.
He pushed gently against her shoulders, as her back hit the cold wood, he lifted the heavy curls sweeping them side ways, exposing her neck.
“Xander?!” her panic spurred the vampires into motion and the unanimous growls rumbled across the room. She was going to die tonight! A gentle hand brushed her throat. Her world closed in as she was surrounded by vampires glaring down at her.
“Be still child. I will not harm you. Turn your head that way...that’s it. Try and slow your heartbeat it will ease the blood coming from your vein...” with each stroke of his hand she felt her heart slowing down. “That’s better...”
His voice brushed the shell of her ear, he was so close. Ciara’s limbs felt heavy, her body swooned into the abyss, she felt weightless.
She felt Xander’s hands stroking her shoulders, his soft mumbling flowed over her.
The crunch of fangs slicing through skin threw the room into complete silence and all senses were focused on the Elder’s reaction to the taste of the Enepsigos’ blood. Ciara’s cries and violent jerks excited the crowding vampires and Xander bowed lower.
“Please Meli be still. It will be over soon.” Her eyelids peeled back focusing on the eyes so close to hers. Pain and fear were evident in the irises. “I hate you.”
The Elder reared from her.
“Such heated words cloud the sweetness in your blood Glykó ángelos. You should honor your mate. Its not easy for a male to give permission to any anyone to taste his mate tou (mate’s) blood.” He turned his attention to Xander.
“Eínai prágmati énas áxios sýntrofos Tha gymná sas ischyrí̱, antáxia to̱n kli̱ronómo̱n. (She is indeed a worthy mate. She will bear you strong, worthy heirs.)” Pride shone in Xander’s eyes and his hands tightened on her shoulders.
The elder flicked his wrist, signaling to the rest of the awaiting males.
“Prochó̱ri̱se ómo̱s na proséxoume na mi̱n ti̱n peiráxeis. To aíma sas goústo prépei na eínai eláchistes. Eínai adýnami̱ apó ti̱ diatrofí̱ den eínai arketí̱ apó ti̱ sýntrofó ti̱s. Tha prépei na párete ti̱n kalýteri̱ prosochí̱ to̱n gynaikó̱n sas. O chrónos ti̱s eínai kontá. Tha prépei na diagrápsete to áro̱ma to̱n proi̱goúmeno̱n sýntrofos ti̱s apó to dérma ti̱s. Xérete o mónos trópos gia na diasfalisteí eínai na syncho̱néf̱sei to só̱ma sas me to dikó ti̱s.
(Proceed but take care not to hurt her. The blood you taste must be minimal. She is weak from not feeding enough from her mate. You must take better care of your female. Her time is near. You need to erase the scent of her previous mate from her skin. You know the only way to ensure it is to merge your body with hers.)”
Xander bowed again. “Yes my lord. I will do as you request.”
As the Elder’s amber eyes brushed over the clan of vampires, the vampire with the fierce emerald eyes took Ciara’s wrist in his hand bringing it closer to his lips. His lips peeled back and Ciara whimpered pitifully. He growled as her blood spill over his tongue, pacing himself he swallowed quickly, closing the wound, he stepped back, bowing respectfully at Xander and Ciara.
Ciara felt a brush at the other side of her neck, a pressure against her jaw turned her head away, exposing a new patch of skin. She didn’t see the vampire that stooped towards her but his bite was quick and harsh.
Ciara closed her eyes and accepted her fate. She could feel her strength drain from her with each strong draw from her veins. Each vampire took from another vein on her body, no one tasted where the previous vampire had tasted before.
Ciara lost track of time and when the last vampire stepped back from her slack body she didn’t even tried to open her eyes, she didn’t care.
“Párte to taíri sas se kampínes sas. Chreiázetai anápaf̱si̱ ti̱s. Tha kalésete éna télos se af̱tí̱ ti̱ synedríasi̱. (Take your mate to your sleeping quarters. She needs her rest. We will call an end to this meeting.)”
Someone lifted her hand and planted a slight kiss on the back of it. Other lips followed accompanied with a soft “Sas ef̱charistó̱ Ciara, mate tou Zánter. (Thank you Ciara, mate of Xander.)” She didn’t know what they were saying and she didn’t care.
One by one they left the room, a swirl of cold enveloped her and Ciara shivered. Strong arms pulled her from the table into a welcoming warmth. By the time they’ve reached the room her teeth were chattering.
“Lets get you into bed, mikroúla ( little one.) You’ve made me so proud tonight.”
She winched as he laid her on the bed. Her body was covered with dark angry marks, marks where the vampires had tasted her blood.
“I’m sorry for hurting you, agápi̱ tou orycheíou ( love of mine) but it could have ended so much worse for you.”
Ciara pulled from him. She didn’t have the strength to throw him out of her room but she didn’t have to listen to him.
“Don’t pull away from me Ciara.”
“Don’t touch me.”
His hand cut into her bicep, yanking her sharply, she flipped her onto her back.
“I will not tolerate your obstinacy any longer.”
He trapped her between his hard body and the mattress. The hunger in his eyes was menacing.
Her body jack knifed underneath him, exciting him even more. Her clothes were taken from her with blinding speed. Her naked curves were splayed before his hungry stare.
“I hate you.”
“Dont say things you might regret later my little,gáta kólasi̱ (hell cat).”
“The only thing I regret was ever speaking to you.” He lowered to kiss her but she whipped her head away. She could feel her strength drain from her with every twitch.
“You’re getting tired Ciara. Have you forgotten what you were dealing with?” Grabbing both her wrists with a strong hand, he grabbed hold of her chin.
His lips crushed her own. Ciara’s body slackened, giving him a false sense of security. His kiss deepened, his erection bit lustily into her hip.
Ciara’s lips peeled back, her teeth clamped onto his bottom lip and she bit down as hard as she could. His hiss shuddered through her and when she tasted his blood she pulled back.
“You can’t hurt me you witch. You drew my blood? You’re going to taste my blood… all of it.” He kept her head still, lowering his mouth, he forced her to taste his blood as it streamed down into her mouth. She refused to swallow but as it pooled in her mouth she was forced to swallow or risk suffocating.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Chapter 139
“Thank you.”
Ciara looked disinterested at the food placed before her. It had been a week since that night and she had been a prisoner in her room since although this room could fit into her whole apartment.
A brisk breeze tugged at her hair and she lifted her face towards the dark clouds. There was a storm brewing tonight, matching the turmoil inside her. She glanced around the private little garden she called home these days. The first plop fell from the sky and instead of rushing inside she sat there, loving the feel of the heavenly sent tears soaking into her skin.
The heavens opened and she closed her eyes, savouring the feeling of countless drops needling her, soaking her to the bone. As if the clouds didn’t appreciate the human mocking its unleashed fury, thunder sliced through the air. The loud clap set Ciara to her feet, the food forgotten on the table.
Sliding the glass door shut, she shut the weather outside. A shiver tapped down her spine and she stripped her clothes from her cold limbs. Dressed in a tee and a pair of well worn jean shorts, Ciara turned towards her bedroom door just as she did since the night he locked her in.
Flicking her wrist she was about to turn away from the door when the door clicked open. Knowing that the servant probably forgot to lock the door, she nonetheless thanked her stars and slipped out.
She felt like an intruder as she sneaked through the long, silent hallways. Turning towards the kitchen she dug into the fridge. With a bowl of fresh strawberries and cream and a steaming mug of coffee she made her way back towards her room when she heard a low droning coming from down the hallway. Knowing that she was looking for trouble she shrugged it off. Xander never came home early these days. Maybe it was the servants watching tv.
She patted barefoot through the monstrous place. Entering the part of the chateu she had never seen before she felt her heart kicked into gear, galloping in her ears.
A light streamed from a room and as she turned the corner she was frozen in shock.
A sea of faces was settled around a huge rectangular table...vampires. They were all vampires! Ciara’s breath hitched in her throat, a wave of heat crashed into her chest and she suddenly felt languid.
Ciara sagged against the wall, brushing her brow she was about to turn when she realised the chateau had become as silent as a graveyard.
A dozen glimmering orbs were locked onto her and she gasped. She felt her instincts rose within her and she knew she was in danger.
Xander’s head snapped towards her and his dark eyes morphed to the burgundy orbs she feared so much.
As if one the vampires dipped their noses into the air, sniffing deeply, they growled appreciatively.
Xander stood beside her in an instant.
“Agapeemenee what are you doing out of your room? You’ve put yourself in danger by being here.”
“I’m sorry the door was unlocked and I was hungry.”
“Haven’t you received you dinner yet?”
“I did but I...Xander you are hurting me!”
“Why don’t you introduce us to...”
“Ciara...” Xander said through gritted teeth.
The other vampire was so close to her she could see the gold flecks in his shimmering eyes. His eyes were so intent on her she felt like his next meal.
“Maybe another time, I’ve intruded...”
“No...please.” His hand closed around her wrist, bringing it to his mouth he inhaled sharply.
“Hhhmmmmm....”
Panic rose swift and dark through her and Ciara looked back at Xander standing behind them.
“Don’t be fearful Glykós ángelos (sweet angel). All will be well.” His fanged smile almost set her on full flight but his hand tightened and she knew. Taking a deep breath she wiped her racing thoughts from her mind.
She was led to the edge of the table in the opposite side of the room. All eyes bore into her and she felt her heart bouncing, she knew they could hear it too, the sound of it exciting them but for the life of her she couldn’t slow her heart, that she hadn’t mastered yet.
“Poú eínai o sýntrofós ti̱s? (Where is her mate?), myro̱diá tou eínai akómi̱ páno̱ ti̱s. (his scent is still on her.)”
“Af̱tós eínai nekrós. (He is dead.)” Xander stared blankly at the vampire. He was obviously the leader.
He circled Ciara again, brushing her hair from her face, a wave of appreciative growls rose from the room. Ciara swallowed, keeping her eyes on the hypnotic amber orbs so close to her own.
“Échete ton skóto̱se gia na ti̱n párei gia ton eaf̱tó sou? (Have you killed him to take her for yourself?)” Xander lowered his head, nodding.
“Eínai mia ómorfi̱ gynaíka. Boró̱ na katalávo̱ giatí, allá ékanes itshed?
(She is a beautiful woman. I can understand why but you did it but you know its unacceptable?)”
Xander burgundy orbs met the amber ones in a dead stare.
“Tha dechtheí opoiadí̱pote timo̱ría kýrié mou thélei na exapolýsei páno̱ mou. (I'll accept any punishment my lord wishes to unleash upon me.) To móno pou iketév̱o̱ na mi̱n ti̱n párete apó ména í̱ na vlápsei me opoiondí̱pote trópo.
( I only beg of you not to take her from me or hurt her in any way.)”
“Arketá kaló. Tha apofasísei schetiká me ta katálli̱la punsihment arketá sýntoma. (Good enough. I will decide on an appropriate punishment soon enough.)”
His smile suddenly beamed at Ciara, tracing her vein along her neck, she watched in horror as his fangs punched even lower.
“Myro̱diá tou Ciara sas eínai arketá methystikó. Eímai vévaios óti den tha sas peíraze na dokimázoume to ti échei na prosférei to vampír agó̱na?
(Your Ciara’s scent is quite intoxicating. I'm sure you won't mind if we taste what she has to offer the vampire race.) Tha Xander?̱( Would you Xander?)”
Ciara looked disinterested at the food placed before her. It had been a week since that night and she had been a prisoner in her room since although this room could fit into her whole apartment.
A brisk breeze tugged at her hair and she lifted her face towards the dark clouds. There was a storm brewing tonight, matching the turmoil inside her. She glanced around the private little garden she called home these days. The first plop fell from the sky and instead of rushing inside she sat there, loving the feel of the heavenly sent tears soaking into her skin.
The heavens opened and she closed her eyes, savouring the feeling of countless drops needling her, soaking her to the bone. As if the clouds didn’t appreciate the human mocking its unleashed fury, thunder sliced through the air. The loud clap set Ciara to her feet, the food forgotten on the table.
Sliding the glass door shut, she shut the weather outside. A shiver tapped down her spine and she stripped her clothes from her cold limbs. Dressed in a tee and a pair of well worn jean shorts, Ciara turned towards her bedroom door just as she did since the night he locked her in.
Flicking her wrist she was about to turn away from the door when the door clicked open. Knowing that the servant probably forgot to lock the door, she nonetheless thanked her stars and slipped out.
She felt like an intruder as she sneaked through the long, silent hallways. Turning towards the kitchen she dug into the fridge. With a bowl of fresh strawberries and cream and a steaming mug of coffee she made her way back towards her room when she heard a low droning coming from down the hallway. Knowing that she was looking for trouble she shrugged it off. Xander never came home early these days. Maybe it was the servants watching tv.
She patted barefoot through the monstrous place. Entering the part of the chateu she had never seen before she felt her heart kicked into gear, galloping in her ears.
A light streamed from a room and as she turned the corner she was frozen in shock.
A sea of faces was settled around a huge rectangular table...vampires. They were all vampires! Ciara’s breath hitched in her throat, a wave of heat crashed into her chest and she suddenly felt languid.
Ciara sagged against the wall, brushing her brow she was about to turn when she realised the chateau had become as silent as a graveyard.
A dozen glimmering orbs were locked onto her and she gasped. She felt her instincts rose within her and she knew she was in danger.
Xander’s head snapped towards her and his dark eyes morphed to the burgundy orbs she feared so much.
As if one the vampires dipped their noses into the air, sniffing deeply, they growled appreciatively.
Xander stood beside her in an instant.
“Agapeemenee what are you doing out of your room? You’ve put yourself in danger by being here.”
“I’m sorry the door was unlocked and I was hungry.”
“Haven’t you received you dinner yet?”
“I did but I...Xander you are hurting me!”
“Why don’t you introduce us to...”
“Ciara...” Xander said through gritted teeth.
The other vampire was so close to her she could see the gold flecks in his shimmering eyes. His eyes were so intent on her she felt like his next meal.
“Maybe another time, I’ve intruded...”
“No...please.” His hand closed around her wrist, bringing it to his mouth he inhaled sharply.
“Hhhmmmmm....”
Panic rose swift and dark through her and Ciara looked back at Xander standing behind them.
“Don’t be fearful Glykós ángelos (sweet angel). All will be well.” His fanged smile almost set her on full flight but his hand tightened and she knew. Taking a deep breath she wiped her racing thoughts from her mind.
She was led to the edge of the table in the opposite side of the room. All eyes bore into her and she felt her heart bouncing, she knew they could hear it too, the sound of it exciting them but for the life of her she couldn’t slow her heart, that she hadn’t mastered yet.
“Poú eínai o sýntrofós ti̱s? (Where is her mate?), myro̱diá tou eínai akómi̱ páno̱ ti̱s. (his scent is still on her.)”
“Af̱tós eínai nekrós. (He is dead.)” Xander stared blankly at the vampire. He was obviously the leader.
He circled Ciara again, brushing her hair from her face, a wave of appreciative growls rose from the room. Ciara swallowed, keeping her eyes on the hypnotic amber orbs so close to her own.
“Échete ton skóto̱se gia na ti̱n párei gia ton eaf̱tó sou? (Have you killed him to take her for yourself?)” Xander lowered his head, nodding.
“Eínai mia ómorfi̱ gynaíka. Boró̱ na katalávo̱ giatí, allá ékanes itshed?
(She is a beautiful woman. I can understand why but you did it but you know its unacceptable?)”
Xander burgundy orbs met the amber ones in a dead stare.
“Tha dechtheí opoiadí̱pote timo̱ría kýrié mou thélei na exapolýsei páno̱ mou. (I'll accept any punishment my lord wishes to unleash upon me.) To móno pou iketév̱o̱ na mi̱n ti̱n párete apó ména í̱ na vlápsei me opoiondí̱pote trópo.
( I only beg of you not to take her from me or hurt her in any way.)”
“Arketá kaló. Tha apofasísei schetiká me ta katálli̱la punsihment arketá sýntoma. (Good enough. I will decide on an appropriate punishment soon enough.)”
His smile suddenly beamed at Ciara, tracing her vein along her neck, she watched in horror as his fangs punched even lower.
“Myro̱diá tou Ciara sas eínai arketá methystikó. Eímai vévaios óti den tha sas peíraze na dokimázoume to ti échei na prosférei to vampír agó̱na?
(Your Ciara’s scent is quite intoxicating. I'm sure you won't mind if we taste what she has to offer the vampire race.) Tha Xander?̱( Would you Xander?)”
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Chapter 138
“You must eat a bit more, meli (honey). You need to build your strength, your ripening is very close. I need your body strong to accept my seed.”
Ciara swallowed at the thought. It could just as well be cardboard, she had lost all taste just at the mere mention of what she was there for. Just a breeding machine for Xander Andreadis.
“Tsk, tsk tsk...your thoughts are poison. Do you know that?” His eyes had taken on a steely glare.
“You words make me feel cheap and good for one thing only. I don’t appreciate it.” Her snap caught him by surprise.
A soft laugh tripped over his lips and she wasn’t shocked when she saw a glimpse of fangs peeking from his mouth. His fangs lengthened whenever he was aroused or challenged by her. At the moment he was both.
His dark head moved closer to her, his glimmering eyes intent on her breasts.
“Have no one told you? You were born to please a man. From your glorious hair, down you curvaceous body to you perfect little toes you were placed on this earth to give a man pleasure. I am that man Agapeemenee.”
His tongue dipped into the valley between her breasts. Ciara’s head shot up, no one seemed to notice. Greece was a totally different world. Men were expected to show affection in public and they did so, without thought or constrained.
“You are right, Meli. No one will frown upon a man showering his lover with affection in public. We are a passionate nation. We are taught from an early age that a man should always pleasure his lover, keeping her satisfied and a woman should be just as giving. Although you aren’t Greek I can sense passion within you. I wonder what it will be like to unleash that passion. Will is simmer...will it burn, turning my veins to ashes?”
Ciara’s head was spinning. She wasn’t sure if it was the few glasses of wine or his seductive teasing.
Her head sagged against his cheek and he sighed smugly.
“Do you want to go home now?”
“Yes please.”
She clung to him as they made their way out of the restaurant, letting his strength guide her towards the car.
She was sound asleep when the car died in front of his chateau a while later. Sitting in the darkness watching her chest rising and falling steadily he couldn’t help but feel the warmth spread in his chest.
Slipping from the car he walked towards her side, lifting her gently in his arms, he made his way inside. Her arms twined around him, her face buried deep in his neck, her breath tickling his skin.
Xander settled her onto the huge bed. A tiny sound slipped from her lips and she shifted on the bed, her beautiful body splayed enticingly on the silken sheets.
Her scent wafted from her beckoning him to move even closer. His hands settled on the elegant slope of her shoulders, hooking his fingers on the flimsy material he slipped it from her. His mouth searched for the valley between her breasts and as it found its mark, his tongue darted into the warmth there, tasting.
Ciara arched into his touch, her hands grabbed the curly hair in his neck, keeping his face cradled close to her bosom.
Xander’s hands roamed to her restless hips, his fingertips scraped over the zip of her pants. The sound of her zipper mingled with his harsh breathing. His hands tugged sharply and her pants slipped free, landing with a dull thud on the ground.
His hands were burning her skin just above her panty line. Her skin was on fire, the heat inside her swirled in her tummy, oozing towards her core like molten lava.
Ciara heard a growl above her. Her camisole tightened for a slight second, a rip sizzled in the room. Xander’s fangs were buried in the delicate material. He jerked his head aside and the material gave way, exposing her jutting breasts to the sultry night air.
“You are meant to be worshipped. Ise omorfi ( you are beautiful).God you are so perfect.” His tongue darted from his mouth, lapping at the tight nubs puckering so sweetly.
Ciara fought for coherency but waves of delirium kept pulling her under, throwing her into a world of lust, heat and...hunger.
“I’m hungry.... I want blood...” Her unexpected confession snapped his body into a tight coil. It was his deepest desire, feeding her from his vein and now she was begging for it.
His hands spanned her hips, pressing her deeper into the mattress he swallowed as saliva drenched his mouth, his manhood tightened painfully.
“Agapeemenee drink from my vein, take as much as you need.” He brushed his nail along the vein in his neck, feeling the skin peel aside, he lowered towards her pink, pouty mouth.
Her mouth latched onto his neck, he felt her mouth surging strongly against his vein, drawing the blood from him.
“Oh God...Ciara...” His hand clutched the back of her head, keeping her captive against his skin.
His eyes were drawn to the loud swoosh of her vein. Xander dipped closer, making sure he kept her close to his neck, he licked once and sliced through her vein.
Her breathy whimper unleashed the hunger in him and he pressed harder into her neck. Xander was so lost in her taste and warmth he hadn’t realised she wasn’t taking his blood anymore.
When his blood was staining the sheets it reached his nostrils and he pulled back.
“Have you had enough?”
Her hands weren’t as gentle on him anymore.
“Ciara?”
“Your blood...its taste funny Jon.”
His roar resounded in the room.
His hands gripped her shoulders and he shook her.
“Look at me! Do I look like him? Now you are telling me my blood isn’t good enough for you?!”
Ciara blinked...once...twice...she cringed back staring in horror at his bleeding neck.
“No...oh God please no.”
“YES Ciara. You drank my blood. You will only taste mine from now on, get use to it.”
She watched him, big eyed and silent.
“You drugged me, again.” Her accusation didn’t bother him in the least.
“You give me no choice. Its the only time when I get to see the real you, the real, passionate woman inside. You’ve tasted my blood, the bond is getting weaker. You will be mine soon, accept it.”
His erection bit into her hip, his hands fondled her breasts, his voice stampeded his harsh words into her brain while she was laying deathly still, not thinking, swallowing at the tears.
“AAAARRRGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!” He leaped from the bed in white, hot anger. “I’ve been so fucking patient with you. I’ve treated you like a lady, given you as much space as you needed to get use to you life here. All I ask from you is your devotion and trust. Yet you call his name, his name is etched in your mind. Well if I am not good enough for you, I will make you see otherwise. You WILL accept me. You will not only accept me you will beg for my blood, my love...my lovemaking. You will not leave this room until you do.” He swooped from the room, leaving her in a swirl of cold air.
Ciara huddled to her side crawling into a fetus position. Her tears soaked her pillow, her hair. The taste of Xander’s blood hit the pit of her stomach and she heaved from the bed making it just in time to the bathroom before she lost all the contents in her stomach.
Ciara swallowed at the thought. It could just as well be cardboard, she had lost all taste just at the mere mention of what she was there for. Just a breeding machine for Xander Andreadis.
“Tsk, tsk tsk...your thoughts are poison. Do you know that?” His eyes had taken on a steely glare.
“You words make me feel cheap and good for one thing only. I don’t appreciate it.” Her snap caught him by surprise.
A soft laugh tripped over his lips and she wasn’t shocked when she saw a glimpse of fangs peeking from his mouth. His fangs lengthened whenever he was aroused or challenged by her. At the moment he was both.
His dark head moved closer to her, his glimmering eyes intent on her breasts.
“Have no one told you? You were born to please a man. From your glorious hair, down you curvaceous body to you perfect little toes you were placed on this earth to give a man pleasure. I am that man Agapeemenee.”
His tongue dipped into the valley between her breasts. Ciara’s head shot up, no one seemed to notice. Greece was a totally different world. Men were expected to show affection in public and they did so, without thought or constrained.
“You are right, Meli. No one will frown upon a man showering his lover with affection in public. We are a passionate nation. We are taught from an early age that a man should always pleasure his lover, keeping her satisfied and a woman should be just as giving. Although you aren’t Greek I can sense passion within you. I wonder what it will be like to unleash that passion. Will is simmer...will it burn, turning my veins to ashes?”
Ciara’s head was spinning. She wasn’t sure if it was the few glasses of wine or his seductive teasing.
Her head sagged against his cheek and he sighed smugly.
“Do you want to go home now?”
“Yes please.”
She clung to him as they made their way out of the restaurant, letting his strength guide her towards the car.
She was sound asleep when the car died in front of his chateau a while later. Sitting in the darkness watching her chest rising and falling steadily he couldn’t help but feel the warmth spread in his chest.
Slipping from the car he walked towards her side, lifting her gently in his arms, he made his way inside. Her arms twined around him, her face buried deep in his neck, her breath tickling his skin.
Xander settled her onto the huge bed. A tiny sound slipped from her lips and she shifted on the bed, her beautiful body splayed enticingly on the silken sheets.
Her scent wafted from her beckoning him to move even closer. His hands settled on the elegant slope of her shoulders, hooking his fingers on the flimsy material he slipped it from her. His mouth searched for the valley between her breasts and as it found its mark, his tongue darted into the warmth there, tasting.
Ciara arched into his touch, her hands grabbed the curly hair in his neck, keeping his face cradled close to her bosom.
Xander’s hands roamed to her restless hips, his fingertips scraped over the zip of her pants. The sound of her zipper mingled with his harsh breathing. His hands tugged sharply and her pants slipped free, landing with a dull thud on the ground.
His hands were burning her skin just above her panty line. Her skin was on fire, the heat inside her swirled in her tummy, oozing towards her core like molten lava.
Ciara heard a growl above her. Her camisole tightened for a slight second, a rip sizzled in the room. Xander’s fangs were buried in the delicate material. He jerked his head aside and the material gave way, exposing her jutting breasts to the sultry night air.
“You are meant to be worshipped. Ise omorfi ( you are beautiful).God you are so perfect.” His tongue darted from his mouth, lapping at the tight nubs puckering so sweetly.
Ciara fought for coherency but waves of delirium kept pulling her under, throwing her into a world of lust, heat and...hunger.
“I’m hungry.... I want blood...” Her unexpected confession snapped his body into a tight coil. It was his deepest desire, feeding her from his vein and now she was begging for it.
His hands spanned her hips, pressing her deeper into the mattress he swallowed as saliva drenched his mouth, his manhood tightened painfully.
“Agapeemenee drink from my vein, take as much as you need.” He brushed his nail along the vein in his neck, feeling the skin peel aside, he lowered towards her pink, pouty mouth.
Her mouth latched onto his neck, he felt her mouth surging strongly against his vein, drawing the blood from him.
“Oh God...Ciara...” His hand clutched the back of her head, keeping her captive against his skin.
His eyes were drawn to the loud swoosh of her vein. Xander dipped closer, making sure he kept her close to his neck, he licked once and sliced through her vein.
Her breathy whimper unleashed the hunger in him and he pressed harder into her neck. Xander was so lost in her taste and warmth he hadn’t realised she wasn’t taking his blood anymore.
When his blood was staining the sheets it reached his nostrils and he pulled back.
“Have you had enough?”
Her hands weren’t as gentle on him anymore.
“Ciara?”
“Your blood...its taste funny Jon.”
His roar resounded in the room.
His hands gripped her shoulders and he shook her.
“Look at me! Do I look like him? Now you are telling me my blood isn’t good enough for you?!”
Ciara blinked...once...twice...she cringed back staring in horror at his bleeding neck.
“No...oh God please no.”
“YES Ciara. You drank my blood. You will only taste mine from now on, get use to it.”
She watched him, big eyed and silent.
“You drugged me, again.” Her accusation didn’t bother him in the least.
“You give me no choice. Its the only time when I get to see the real you, the real, passionate woman inside. You’ve tasted my blood, the bond is getting weaker. You will be mine soon, accept it.”
His erection bit into her hip, his hands fondled her breasts, his voice stampeded his harsh words into her brain while she was laying deathly still, not thinking, swallowing at the tears.
“AAAARRRGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!” He leaped from the bed in white, hot anger. “I’ve been so fucking patient with you. I’ve treated you like a lady, given you as much space as you needed to get use to you life here. All I ask from you is your devotion and trust. Yet you call his name, his name is etched in your mind. Well if I am not good enough for you, I will make you see otherwise. You WILL accept me. You will not only accept me you will beg for my blood, my love...my lovemaking. You will not leave this room until you do.” He swooped from the room, leaving her in a swirl of cold air.
Ciara huddled to her side crawling into a fetus position. Her tears soaked her pillow, her hair. The taste of Xander’s blood hit the pit of her stomach and she heaved from the bed making it just in time to the bathroom before she lost all the contents in her stomach.
Chapter 137
Jon’s uncontrollable rage knew no boundaries and Richie watched in silence as the wall suffered another blow from Jon’s bulging fists.
“I should have gone after her the same night she left. Why the fuck did I wait?”
There was no answer. It was best to not answer his rhetorical questions these days as any wrong word causes him to flare up in red, hot fury.
“I’m never going to find her. She is in the damn hands off another vampire. God knows what he’s doing to her!” He sunk into the couch, his hands dug into his hair.
Flashes of her in the arms of another vampire scrape like barbed wire through his chest and he snarled viciously.
“What do you want me to do bro’? Just tell me I’ll do it.”
Everything has been falling apart since Jon’s return from Chicago. Jon hasn’t been feeding, he refused to rest and the shows were hovering on the edge of disaster.
“The bastard erased her scent. He shattered her phone, there was nothing of her left there.”
Ksenia sniffed loudly.
“How do you know she didn’t go willingly? She told you she didn’t want to come back?”
Jon’s eyes snapped at her.
“Leaving one vampire for another? I don’t fucking think so. She is so close to her ripening. He must have sensed it. She is not safe with him.”
He jumped up, pacing like a caged tiger he mumbled to himself.
“I have to go looking for her. I have to find her.”
“But how? Where?”
“I’ll get the whole fucking vampire legion together if I need to. But find her ...I will.”
“Well Jon I hope you can do that within a week. Thats all time you have before the next leg begins.”
~~~
Ciara sighed softly as she leaned into the chair, the scene before her was breathtaking. Hues of pink, purple and orange painted across the sky. The son played hide and seek, losing it’s strength as the night won the battle.
She sipped on her iced tea, her eyes locked onto the beautiful display of nature.
Xander watched the tranquil scene before him, to the human eye she would seem content and at ease with her environment.
He stilled as her emotions pierced into him. Heart wrenching longing mingled with her discomfort. Her core temperature was slightly higher today, the rich scent of her womanhood inching closer to her ripening soaked his nostrils. His desire for her flared once again and he took a deep shuddering breath.
“You are back.” Ciara smiled softly. No matter how beautiful she smiled, she couldn’t chase the shadows from her rich, dark eyes.
She watched as he sauntered closer, his fingers worked at the tie, exposing his dark olive skin.
She lifted her lips for his passionate kiss.
“How was your day?”
“Nothing new. And yours.”
“It was nice thank you.” In other words, boring.
“Would you like to go out tonight?” He would move the earth to keep her happy but the one thing she wanted he couldn’t give.
“That would be wonderful but aren’t you tired?”
His hand cupped her chin gently.
“I can never be too tired to keep you happy.” She lowered her eyes as his hand slipped away. “You are warmer that yesterday, are you in pain?”
She shook her head. “No, I’m ok. This will soon pass.” Her words faltered as the meaning of it all tumbled onto her again, the reason why she was here...feeling like this.
“You will soon feel different about all of this. Time will change your feelings about me ....and him.”
He refused to use Jon’s name and forbid her to think of him in his presence or ever talking about him.
She refrained from answering but it was there in her eyes, her mind.
Xander knifed from the chair so violently the chair shot backwards noisily.
“Be ready within an hour and when I see you I expect you to be in a more amicable mood.” His loose limbed walk was replaced by a stiff backed charge and she sagged into her chair, turning her eyes for the last time towards the sinking sun.
Ciara felt rather than saw his presence an hour later.
She was wearing a dark purple silk camisole top and black pants, she knew what he liked and she obliged, knowing it would make him happy.
Xander appeared behind her in the mirror, his thumbs stroked the naked skin above her breasts.
“Purple suits you but there is one thing missing.” She heard the scrape of her dressing table drawer.
Pearls laced through his finger as he lifted his hand moments later. Sweeping her hair up she waited silently.
The cold pearls rolled over her skin, settling between her breasts. Just as she opened her hand to set her hair free he caught the heavy mass in his hand, his face lowering towards her neck.
Ciara watched as his dark irises swirled morphing into scarlet orbs. His lips peeled back into a slight smile and she watched as his fangs inched lower. His lips puckered, brushing across her neck, his tongue licked at the pulsing vein.
Ciara’s heart kicked into high gear.
His hand tightened into the dark mass in his hands, shifting slightly , she felt her scalp tightened and tipped her head.
“You make my hunger for you so intense when your heart rush like that Agapeemenee.”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to...hhhhmmmm.” Her words were stolen from her as his fangs scraped along her vein. The sharpness of them flicked the top layer of skin and he grunted appreciatively as her nectar oozed from her warm and sweet.
Her hair feathered down her back suddenly and she lifted from the stool as his hands spanned her waist, pulling her upwards.
She was swung around and crushed into his arms. His mouth was hot and demanding, his tongue demanded entrance.
Ciara closed her eyes, giving herself over to him she grabbed at his shoulders...She was in Jon’s arms.
“Stop that for God’s sake!” His hands bit into her skin. Ciara winced.”I cannot stand it when you think of him when you are in my arms.”
He stepped from her just as Ciara thought her arms might snap.
“Lets go.” His hand crushed her fingers and she bit back a whimper.
“This man is going to be a big problem in my life. Will you still think of him when I’ve ripped his limbs from his body, feeding him to the wolves?”
Tears spilled down her cheeks, her lips wobbled. “I’m sorry Xander. I promise. I will try harder. I didn’t mean to offend you.”
The saltiness of her tears brought his hasty steps to a halt. His thumb captured a tiny drop from falling down her cheek.
“Don’t cry Agapeemenee. I’m sorry I was harsh to you. Please forgive me?”
She nodded, scrunching her eyes shut, she forced Jon from her mind, her mind went blank.
“That’s much better, now I have to teach you to fill your thoughts with me and our future together.”
He turned once again and failed to see her biting her lip or the tears brimming her dark eyes.
“I should have gone after her the same night she left. Why the fuck did I wait?”
There was no answer. It was best to not answer his rhetorical questions these days as any wrong word causes him to flare up in red, hot fury.
“I’m never going to find her. She is in the damn hands off another vampire. God knows what he’s doing to her!” He sunk into the couch, his hands dug into his hair.
Flashes of her in the arms of another vampire scrape like barbed wire through his chest and he snarled viciously.
“What do you want me to do bro’? Just tell me I’ll do it.”
Everything has been falling apart since Jon’s return from Chicago. Jon hasn’t been feeding, he refused to rest and the shows were hovering on the edge of disaster.
“The bastard erased her scent. He shattered her phone, there was nothing of her left there.”
Ksenia sniffed loudly.
“How do you know she didn’t go willingly? She told you she didn’t want to come back?”
Jon’s eyes snapped at her.
“Leaving one vampire for another? I don’t fucking think so. She is so close to her ripening. He must have sensed it. She is not safe with him.”
He jumped up, pacing like a caged tiger he mumbled to himself.
“I have to go looking for her. I have to find her.”
“But how? Where?”
“I’ll get the whole fucking vampire legion together if I need to. But find her ...I will.”
“Well Jon I hope you can do that within a week. Thats all time you have before the next leg begins.”
~~~
Ciara sighed softly as she leaned into the chair, the scene before her was breathtaking. Hues of pink, purple and orange painted across the sky. The son played hide and seek, losing it’s strength as the night won the battle.
She sipped on her iced tea, her eyes locked onto the beautiful display of nature.
Xander watched the tranquil scene before him, to the human eye she would seem content and at ease with her environment.
He stilled as her emotions pierced into him. Heart wrenching longing mingled with her discomfort. Her core temperature was slightly higher today, the rich scent of her womanhood inching closer to her ripening soaked his nostrils. His desire for her flared once again and he took a deep shuddering breath.
“You are back.” Ciara smiled softly. No matter how beautiful she smiled, she couldn’t chase the shadows from her rich, dark eyes.
She watched as he sauntered closer, his fingers worked at the tie, exposing his dark olive skin.
She lifted her lips for his passionate kiss.
“How was your day?”
“Nothing new. And yours.”
“It was nice thank you.” In other words, boring.
“Would you like to go out tonight?” He would move the earth to keep her happy but the one thing she wanted he couldn’t give.
“That would be wonderful but aren’t you tired?”
His hand cupped her chin gently.
“I can never be too tired to keep you happy.” She lowered her eyes as his hand slipped away. “You are warmer that yesterday, are you in pain?”
She shook her head. “No, I’m ok. This will soon pass.” Her words faltered as the meaning of it all tumbled onto her again, the reason why she was here...feeling like this.
“You will soon feel different about all of this. Time will change your feelings about me ....and him.”
He refused to use Jon’s name and forbid her to think of him in his presence or ever talking about him.
She refrained from answering but it was there in her eyes, her mind.
Xander knifed from the chair so violently the chair shot backwards noisily.
“Be ready within an hour and when I see you I expect you to be in a more amicable mood.” His loose limbed walk was replaced by a stiff backed charge and she sagged into her chair, turning her eyes for the last time towards the sinking sun.
Ciara felt rather than saw his presence an hour later.
She was wearing a dark purple silk camisole top and black pants, she knew what he liked and she obliged, knowing it would make him happy.
Xander appeared behind her in the mirror, his thumbs stroked the naked skin above her breasts.
“Purple suits you but there is one thing missing.” She heard the scrape of her dressing table drawer.
Pearls laced through his finger as he lifted his hand moments later. Sweeping her hair up she waited silently.
The cold pearls rolled over her skin, settling between her breasts. Just as she opened her hand to set her hair free he caught the heavy mass in his hand, his face lowering towards her neck.
Ciara watched as his dark irises swirled morphing into scarlet orbs. His lips peeled back into a slight smile and she watched as his fangs inched lower. His lips puckered, brushing across her neck, his tongue licked at the pulsing vein.
Ciara’s heart kicked into high gear.
His hand tightened into the dark mass in his hands, shifting slightly , she felt her scalp tightened and tipped her head.
“You make my hunger for you so intense when your heart rush like that Agapeemenee.”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to...hhhhmmmm.” Her words were stolen from her as his fangs scraped along her vein. The sharpness of them flicked the top layer of skin and he grunted appreciatively as her nectar oozed from her warm and sweet.
Her hair feathered down her back suddenly and she lifted from the stool as his hands spanned her waist, pulling her upwards.
She was swung around and crushed into his arms. His mouth was hot and demanding, his tongue demanded entrance.
Ciara closed her eyes, giving herself over to him she grabbed at his shoulders...She was in Jon’s arms.
“Stop that for God’s sake!” His hands bit into her skin. Ciara winced.”I cannot stand it when you think of him when you are in my arms.”
He stepped from her just as Ciara thought her arms might snap.
“Lets go.” His hand crushed her fingers and she bit back a whimper.
“This man is going to be a big problem in my life. Will you still think of him when I’ve ripped his limbs from his body, feeding him to the wolves?”
Tears spilled down her cheeks, her lips wobbled. “I’m sorry Xander. I promise. I will try harder. I didn’t mean to offend you.”
The saltiness of her tears brought his hasty steps to a halt. His thumb captured a tiny drop from falling down her cheek.
“Don’t cry Agapeemenee. I’m sorry I was harsh to you. Please forgive me?”
She nodded, scrunching her eyes shut, she forced Jon from her mind, her mind went blank.
“That’s much better, now I have to teach you to fill your thoughts with me and our future together.”
He turned once again and failed to see her biting her lip or the tears brimming her dark eyes.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Chapter 136
“Look at me.” She obeyed, turning her head slowly, she melted in his dark, passion filled eyes.
He inched closer, tilting her chin, he brought her closer to his lips. His lips were soft and gentle on hers. No force, just a gentle, longing kiss.
She sighed and moved closer, yearning for the comfort of a man’s arms.
He pulled back, twining her fingers in his he pulled her inside.
He turned towards the radio, flicking it on, the music filled the air.
“Come here.”
“Let me...” she slipped her heels off, digging her toes into the carpet she walked into his arms. He was even taller now.
His arms enfolded her, both hands settling just above the gentle swell of her buttocks.
“Dancing is good for the soul.”
He pulled her closer and she melted against him, her breasts flattening against the hard wall of his broad chest.
They swayed from side to side, her head resting on his chest.
She was floating.
“Falling asleep on me Agapeemenee?”
“No...just relaxing for the first time in weeks.”
His chest expanded and his hand came up, one hand dug even deeper into her back, the other stroking from her hair down towards his other hand. As his hand came up again, she felt the pins scraping along her scalp and her heavy curls tumbled down her shoulders.
“Hhhmmm like silk.”
His hands framed her face, his lips lowered and meshed with hers in a hungry clash.
Ciara didn’t struggle, her hands dug in his hair, tugging.
His mouth mapped lower, nibbling her earlobe he nuzzled a trail down to her shoulders, strong fingers pulled at her dress and it slipped over one shoulder, exposing it to his searching mouth.
His appreciative groan rumbled some sense into her and she pushed at his chest.
“Xander...I cant...”
“Ssshhhhh...its ok...” Her muscles seemed to slack in his arms, her head fell backwards and he used the opportunity to taste the top of her mounts , licking, grunting deeply.
She whimpered as his mouth closed over a clothed nipple.
“Your scent is so alluring, its the first thing that drew me to you.”
My scent?
Ciara’s head swam, she felt limbless.
She felt her feet left the carpet, his strong arms were carrying her towards his bedroom. Could he chase Jon’s touch from her mind?
Her dress slipped from her body. Somehow she didn’t feel his hands on her, undressing her. Only dressed in lacy panties and her bra, she felt a moment of panic as she realised what she was about to do.
The weight of his body dipped the mattress. His bronzed skin glowed in the low light. When did he took his shirt off? His body pressed intimately against her, his hips pushing her deeper into the sheets.
Ciara brushed her brow. Was she drunk?
His head dipped to her mouth, suckling strongly he pulled slightly back, taking her lower lip with.
Ciara fought to keep her eyes open, focusing on his face it morphed into Jon’s then Xander...then Jon’s.
“Jon?”
“No Sweetheart its me Xander...I’ll make you forget him.”
She shook her head, biting her lip.
“I don’t want to forget him.”
He growled against her skin.
His face disappeared into her neck, swirling his tongue lazily over her skin. She arched slightly...yes...just there...if he bit just there...her hands dug into his hair and suddenly lost its grip. It wasn’t him...he didn’t want her in that way...
“I want you in more ways than one Agapeemenee.”
Ciara frowned, did she just say it out loud?
This was Xander! Not the man she ached to be with!
His lovemaking became more fierce, his hips brushed hungrily against hers. His chest captured her beneath him.
Ciara blinked once..twice..the world was swimming. She grabbed hold of his wide shoulders.
“No...I don’t feel well. I cant do this...please...”
“Too late now Ciara...much too late.”
Her eyes struggled to focus but when they did she shrieked in horror.
“...something is going to happen, I can feel it...” Jon’s warning stampeded through her cloudy brain.
“You didn’t heed his warning, now its too late.” He didn’t seem so dangerous , almost apologetic. As his hand arched her neck for his onslaught she felt herself sink lower, the slice was skilful but painful.
Her pitiful “no” was lost in her gasp.
~~
Ciara came to, her world was unsteady and she could swear the hotelroom was spinning. Hotelroom? This wasn’t her hotelroom. This was...where the hell was she?
She knifed upright. Her surroundings were luxurious but definitely unknown to her. She was dressed in someone else’s nightgown...
Her hand stilled...Xander...
“You called Agapeemenee?”
Her head whipped towards the door, she groaned as someone stuck a spear in her brain.
“Where am I?”
“This is my home.”
“But you ...” she gaped.
“Yes...Greece.”
“Oh my God. Why Xander?”
He came towards the bed, his wet hair shone in the morning sun.
“Need you ask? I thought it was obvious, unless you don’t know what’s happening to you but I doubt that. You’ve been with a vampire, his scent is all over you. I’m sure he would have explained it to you, I just cannot understand why he deserted you. He put you in grave danger.”
He sat on the bed next to her, his fingers reached for her cheek but she jerked from him.
“You are in pain Ciara, let me feed you. I can ease you misery.”
“I don’t want your blood. You can’t keep me captive forever.”
“Thats were you’re wrong Agapeemenee. We have an eternity together. Don’t you know? You are immortal now, you’ve tasted vampire blood.”
“Jon will come for me.” She jutted her chin forward. He laughed soflty, jabbing her stubborn chin lightly.
“Tsk,tsk, tsk....so much fire. He won’t find you. I’ve replaced your scent with mine.”
“What do you want from me?”
“We are a dying breed Agapeemenee. I’m a vampire by birth. You can birth my heirs, we need strong full blooded vampires.”
“Why me?” her lip wobbled.
“Your beauty drew me like a moth to a flame and when I sat next to you I caught your scent. You drove me mad, I just had to have you for myself.”
Jon! Where are you?
“Now Ciara. I wont have you reaching out for him. Your ties with him will wither in time. Our bond will get stronger as time goes by.”
“I am bonded to him for life.”
“Is that what you think? Have they told you that the bond will be severed when either one of you die?”
Realisation dawned.
“You wouldn’t.”
“I don’t want to but if you force me I will kill him.” How could something so vile come from his lips and he still managed to seem kind?
Ciara’s future has been decided for her.
“There is no need. I’ll stay with you, just promise me you wont hurt him.”
The low rumble in his chest made her long for the blue eyed rock star but she squeezed her eyes shut and lifted her motionless lips for his kiss, forcing Jon out of her mind.
He inched closer, tilting her chin, he brought her closer to his lips. His lips were soft and gentle on hers. No force, just a gentle, longing kiss.
She sighed and moved closer, yearning for the comfort of a man’s arms.
He pulled back, twining her fingers in his he pulled her inside.
He turned towards the radio, flicking it on, the music filled the air.
“Come here.”
“Let me...” she slipped her heels off, digging her toes into the carpet she walked into his arms. He was even taller now.
His arms enfolded her, both hands settling just above the gentle swell of her buttocks.
“Dancing is good for the soul.”
He pulled her closer and she melted against him, her breasts flattening against the hard wall of his broad chest.
They swayed from side to side, her head resting on his chest.
She was floating.
“Falling asleep on me Agapeemenee?”
“No...just relaxing for the first time in weeks.”
His chest expanded and his hand came up, one hand dug even deeper into her back, the other stroking from her hair down towards his other hand. As his hand came up again, she felt the pins scraping along her scalp and her heavy curls tumbled down her shoulders.
“Hhhmmm like silk.”
His hands framed her face, his lips lowered and meshed with hers in a hungry clash.
Ciara didn’t struggle, her hands dug in his hair, tugging.
His mouth mapped lower, nibbling her earlobe he nuzzled a trail down to her shoulders, strong fingers pulled at her dress and it slipped over one shoulder, exposing it to his searching mouth.
His appreciative groan rumbled some sense into her and she pushed at his chest.
“Xander...I cant...”
“Ssshhhhh...its ok...” Her muscles seemed to slack in his arms, her head fell backwards and he used the opportunity to taste the top of her mounts , licking, grunting deeply.
She whimpered as his mouth closed over a clothed nipple.
“Your scent is so alluring, its the first thing that drew me to you.”
My scent?
Ciara’s head swam, she felt limbless.
She felt her feet left the carpet, his strong arms were carrying her towards his bedroom. Could he chase Jon’s touch from her mind?
Her dress slipped from her body. Somehow she didn’t feel his hands on her, undressing her. Only dressed in lacy panties and her bra, she felt a moment of panic as she realised what she was about to do.
The weight of his body dipped the mattress. His bronzed skin glowed in the low light. When did he took his shirt off? His body pressed intimately against her, his hips pushing her deeper into the sheets.
Ciara brushed her brow. Was she drunk?
His head dipped to her mouth, suckling strongly he pulled slightly back, taking her lower lip with.
Ciara fought to keep her eyes open, focusing on his face it morphed into Jon’s then Xander...then Jon’s.
“Jon?”
“No Sweetheart its me Xander...I’ll make you forget him.”
She shook her head, biting her lip.
“I don’t want to forget him.”
He growled against her skin.
His face disappeared into her neck, swirling his tongue lazily over her skin. She arched slightly...yes...just there...if he bit just there...her hands dug into his hair and suddenly lost its grip. It wasn’t him...he didn’t want her in that way...
“I want you in more ways than one Agapeemenee.”
Ciara frowned, did she just say it out loud?
This was Xander! Not the man she ached to be with!
His lovemaking became more fierce, his hips brushed hungrily against hers. His chest captured her beneath him.
Ciara blinked once..twice..the world was swimming. She grabbed hold of his wide shoulders.
“No...I don’t feel well. I cant do this...please...”
“Too late now Ciara...much too late.”
Her eyes struggled to focus but when they did she shrieked in horror.
“...something is going to happen, I can feel it...” Jon’s warning stampeded through her cloudy brain.
“You didn’t heed his warning, now its too late.” He didn’t seem so dangerous , almost apologetic. As his hand arched her neck for his onslaught she felt herself sink lower, the slice was skilful but painful.
Her pitiful “no” was lost in her gasp.
~~
Ciara came to, her world was unsteady and she could swear the hotelroom was spinning. Hotelroom? This wasn’t her hotelroom. This was...where the hell was she?
She knifed upright. Her surroundings were luxurious but definitely unknown to her. She was dressed in someone else’s nightgown...
Her hand stilled...Xander...
“You called Agapeemenee?”
Her head whipped towards the door, she groaned as someone stuck a spear in her brain.
“Where am I?”
“This is my home.”
“But you ...” she gaped.
“Yes...Greece.”
“Oh my God. Why Xander?”
He came towards the bed, his wet hair shone in the morning sun.
“Need you ask? I thought it was obvious, unless you don’t know what’s happening to you but I doubt that. You’ve been with a vampire, his scent is all over you. I’m sure he would have explained it to you, I just cannot understand why he deserted you. He put you in grave danger.”
He sat on the bed next to her, his fingers reached for her cheek but she jerked from him.
“You are in pain Ciara, let me feed you. I can ease you misery.”
“I don’t want your blood. You can’t keep me captive forever.”
“Thats were you’re wrong Agapeemenee. We have an eternity together. Don’t you know? You are immortal now, you’ve tasted vampire blood.”
“Jon will come for me.” She jutted her chin forward. He laughed soflty, jabbing her stubborn chin lightly.
“Tsk,tsk, tsk....so much fire. He won’t find you. I’ve replaced your scent with mine.”
“What do you want from me?”
“We are a dying breed Agapeemenee. I’m a vampire by birth. You can birth my heirs, we need strong full blooded vampires.”
“Why me?” her lip wobbled.
“Your beauty drew me like a moth to a flame and when I sat next to you I caught your scent. You drove me mad, I just had to have you for myself.”
Jon! Where are you?
“Now Ciara. I wont have you reaching out for him. Your ties with him will wither in time. Our bond will get stronger as time goes by.”
“I am bonded to him for life.”
“Is that what you think? Have they told you that the bond will be severed when either one of you die?”
Realisation dawned.
“You wouldn’t.”
“I don’t want to but if you force me I will kill him.” How could something so vile come from his lips and he still managed to seem kind?
Ciara’s future has been decided for her.
“There is no need. I’ll stay with you, just promise me you wont hurt him.”
The low rumble in his chest made her long for the blue eyed rock star but she squeezed her eyes shut and lifted her motionless lips for his kiss, forcing Jon out of her mind.
Chapter 135
Jon’s screams woke him to soaked, twisted sheets.
Ciara haunted his dreams. Her beautiful, naked curves were in the arms of a stranger. Her passionate gasps and breathy moans soon turned into painful whimpers as the vampire ripped into her pearly skin, blood streamed down her body. Her hand reached towards him, her lips pleading to him to save her but somehow he couldn’t get to her. Ciara then turned slowly sideways ,her stomach swelling slowly, her hand cradling her swollen stomach. Jon was wide awake, he snapped his phone open, punching her number.
Just when he was about to give up her groggy voice reached his ears.
“Hello?”
“Ciara.”
“Jon? Its three o clock in the morning.”
“I couldn’t sleep.”
“Vampires don’t sleep at night.”
“I don’t have anything else to do, so I sleep.”
“Okay.” She grew silent.
“Is everything ok?”
“I’m fine Jon.”
“You are in trouble baby, for fuck’s sake please listen to me. I’m coming to get you.”
“You don’t know where I am.”
“Chicago.”
“But how...?”
“I knew since the first night. I wanted to give you time to make up your own mind but its getting ridiculous.”
“I don’t want you here. I don’t want to see you Jon.”
“You cant live without me.”
I can’t live without you.
“I’ve been doing just fine. I’m going home. Please don’t contact me? I need to get on with my life.”
“Its not safe.” What the fuck was he saying? Fuck her safety, fuck all of it. He needed her, he wanted her, here in his bed, his life... for eternity.
“I’m going to go now Jon. Let me go...please.”
“Ciara something is going to happen, I can feel it baby please.”
“NO! Nothing is going to happen.”
“Cant you feel it? Always hot, craving blood...sex...you are getting closer.”
“You are crazy. Leave me alone! I don’t want to hear any of it. Bye Jon. Dont call me...ever.”
“You are crazy. Leave me alone! I don’t want to hear any of it. Bye Jon. Dont call me...ever.”
The phone clicked.
Fury shot into his fingers and he felt the phone shatter in his hand.
Enough was enough. He will drag her back by her fucking hair if he had to. After tomorrow night’s show he was going after her and she was coming back, kicking or screaming he didn’t give a damn.
~~
“KaleeSPERa Ciara. You look lovely.”
“Hello Xander. You look handsome as well.” He took her hand and rested it on his arm as they walked into the building.
She felt particularly unwell tonight and she wrote it down to Jon’s upsetting phone call.
“Everything alright?” He patted her hand.
“I’m just perfect thank you.”
Ciara tasted listlessly at the delicious dinner. Opting for iced water she sipped slowly, shuddering as nausea and the ever present heat swirled inside her.
“Lets dance, I see you are lacking appetite. Maybe some activity might help.”
He eased her from her chair, leading her onto the dance floor, Ciara was thankful when the music was slow. She moved into his body with ease, his steps were effortless, his hand comforting on her lower back.
“You move easily, you’re a natural born dancer Agapeemenee.” His dark head was crouched close to her ear, his breathe tickling the soft skin on her neck.
“You’re not too bad yourself.”
Their hips moved in unison. He was cool against her heat.
The music ebbed and he led her off the dancefloor.
She nibbled on her dinner, or at least tried to. She took a glass of wine and rolled the sweetness on her tongue, even the sweetness of the ripe fruit wasn’t sweet enough to her liking.
“You are not yourself tonight. Something I can help with?”
“I’m not good company tonight am I?”
“I like your company. You are perfect in every way...”
“Xander...”
“Lets go somewhere quiet...my place?”
“I can’t...I’m sorry.”
“Nothing is going to happen...neither of us want to be alone tonight and this is too crowded...lets go.”
Her eyes were drawn to the vulnerable tug of his lips.
Why the hell not?
He stood up, holding out his hand.
His imperial suite was quite impressive and Ciara felt drawn to the patio, the twinkly lights beckoning her to come closer.
A breeze played with the loose tendril framing her face and she closed her eyes, enjoying the cool breeze against her hot skin.
She opened her eyes a while later finding Xander leaning with his back against the barrier, in his hands two glasses of wine, his eyes resting on her face.
“You look beautiful in the moonlight.” He lifted the glass towards her and she took it, turning her face towards the nightlife.
“Tell me about him.”
“Him?” She didn’t look his way.
“...the man that hurt you so badly that you cannot even accept a compliment.”
What was there to say? That she still loved him. That he scared the shit out of her. That she craved for him...his blood, his body? That he was a vampire?
Xander cleared his throat and she took quick sips, emptying the glass .
“There isn’t much to tell. It didn’t work out.”
“You still love him don’t you?”
She didn’t answer, she didn’t have to.
“I could make you forget him tonight...” he brushed her cheek with the back of his hand, twirling his finger in a loose curl.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Chapter 134
“Funny seeing you here.”
Ciara looked up at the voice towering above her.
“Movies...stuffy cinema?” His dark eyebrows flicked playfully upwards. His tie hung loosely around his neck, a dark path of fur peaked above the crisp white unbuttoned shirt.
“Ooooh yeah! Hi.”
“May I?”
“Yes please.”
He turned towards the waiter ordering himself a scotch on the rocks.
“You want another one of...” he eyed the cocktail in her hand.
“Thank you.”
“Are you here on business or pleasure?”
“Pleasure...I think. Definitely not business, you on the other hand, definitely business.”
He laughed softly as she nodded towards his clothes.
“That apparent huh? But yes, business is right. Endless meetings. So if you’re not her here for pleasure are you running away from something? A man? Licking you wounds perhaps?”
Jon’s face loomed in her mind’s eye.
“Something like that.” She pushed the glass from her, looking up as the next one was placed before her.
He took a lazy sip from his glass, his eyes never leaving hers. Fine, dark hair scattered over his knuckles, strong, long fingers gripped the glass.
“If I ask you to have dinner with me, are you going to run again or accept this time. No strings attach. I’m just not in the mood for dining alone.”
“I would have to accept them don’t I?” Ciara swallowed another mouthful , a rush of heat shot through her veins.” As long as there are no mrs, fiancé or girlfriend, I’m game.”
“None I assure you. Sadly I don’t have time for a relationship and women don’t like to play second fiddle to my job.”
Pity, he was quite a catch.
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
“Are you ready to go? I have a reservation at a restaurant. I’ll just call ahead to set the table for you too.”
It was a short drive to the restaurant. Walking into the dimly lit, very exclusive restaurant , she was very aware of his hand resting against her lower back. She didn’t even reach past his shoulders, and as they walked towards their table she was well aware of the female appreciation as they moved passed the tables.
“Would you like to order or could I order for you?”
“You can order for me thank you.”
Without looking at the menu he turned towards the waiter.
She watched him as he spoke fluent Greek. So that was where the dark accent came from. His features spoke of strong Greek ancestry.
He turned towards her.
“I’ve taken the liberty of ordering us a fine bottle of red wine.”
The mention of red wine kicked her craving into high gear and she suppressed a slight whimper as the pain twisted her gut.
“Are you alright?” His hand closed over her, concern burning in the dark irises.
“I’m fine.”
His eyes brushed over her features for a few heart stopping moments.
“I haven’t even asked you your name...”
“Ciara and yours?”
“Beautiful name for a beautiful woman. I’m Xander...”
Beautiful name for a beautiful man...
“Why so quiet all of a sudden Agapeemenee?”
The words rolled of his tongue like nectar.
“I’m a bit preoccupied these days. Sorry.”
“A broken heart does that to a person.”
Was she suffering from a broken heart or was she just missing her next fix?
“I’ll be ok. It will take some time.” What else was there to say to this exotic, handsome man?
As the courses started appearing on their table the conversation flowed much easier. They apparently shared the same taste in movies. They moved to his career and Ciara listened in wonder as he spoke passionately about his empire, impressed that he was quite an influential man, acting so casually.
“Are you ready for dessert?”
“Oh please no! I wont be able to fit anything into my stomach.” She stroked her stuffed stomach dramatically.
“You cannot end a meal without some Galaktoboureko.”
She was still trying to discourage him when he turned towards the waiter.
The dessert was placed before him, two spoons one plate.
“I know you dont want to but you need to taste a traditional dessert from my country...” he clipped a tiny piece with the spoon, leaning forward he offered it to her.
“Just a tiny bite.” She closed her lips, drawing it into her mouth. His eyes were locked on her lips.
“HHHHmmmm its divine.”
“Another taste perhaps?”
“I shouldnt...oh ok.”
The plate was emptied in no time.
“Ooh lordie I dont think I’ll be able to walk out of here tonight.”
“My arms are strong enough.” His voice had taken on a smoky tone.
“Its late and I think its time to go. The meal was superb. Thank you.”
“I’m sorry of I offended you Ciara.”
“No..no please. You didn’t, its just ...”
“Its all to fresh to new. I understand. Could I ask you one more favour?”
“Yes?” She swallowed at the lump in her throat. Why was she so instantly attracted to this stranger?
“Tomorrow is my last day here before I go back to Greece. I’m tied up in meeting the whole day tomorrow, but I’m free tomorrow night. How would you feel about having dinner with me tomorrow and maybe some dancing?”
Chiding herself for wanting to do just that with the stranger she pushed Jon’s face to the back of her mind.
“That would be wonderful, thank you.”
Ciara looked up at the voice towering above her.
“Movies...stuffy cinema?” His dark eyebrows flicked playfully upwards. His tie hung loosely around his neck, a dark path of fur peaked above the crisp white unbuttoned shirt.
“Ooooh yeah! Hi.”
“May I?”
“Yes please.”
He turned towards the waiter ordering himself a scotch on the rocks.
“You want another one of...” he eyed the cocktail in her hand.
“Thank you.”
“Are you here on business or pleasure?”
“Pleasure...I think. Definitely not business, you on the other hand, definitely business.”
He laughed softly as she nodded towards his clothes.
“That apparent huh? But yes, business is right. Endless meetings. So if you’re not her here for pleasure are you running away from something? A man? Licking you wounds perhaps?”
Jon’s face loomed in her mind’s eye.
“Something like that.” She pushed the glass from her, looking up as the next one was placed before her.
He took a lazy sip from his glass, his eyes never leaving hers. Fine, dark hair scattered over his knuckles, strong, long fingers gripped the glass.
“If I ask you to have dinner with me, are you going to run again or accept this time. No strings attach. I’m just not in the mood for dining alone.”
“I would have to accept them don’t I?” Ciara swallowed another mouthful , a rush of heat shot through her veins.” As long as there are no mrs, fiancé or girlfriend, I’m game.”
“None I assure you. Sadly I don’t have time for a relationship and women don’t like to play second fiddle to my job.”
Pity, he was quite a catch.
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
“Are you ready to go? I have a reservation at a restaurant. I’ll just call ahead to set the table for you too.”
It was a short drive to the restaurant. Walking into the dimly lit, very exclusive restaurant , she was very aware of his hand resting against her lower back. She didn’t even reach past his shoulders, and as they walked towards their table she was well aware of the female appreciation as they moved passed the tables.
“Would you like to order or could I order for you?”
“You can order for me thank you.”
Without looking at the menu he turned towards the waiter.
She watched him as he spoke fluent Greek. So that was where the dark accent came from. His features spoke of strong Greek ancestry.
He turned towards her.
“I’ve taken the liberty of ordering us a fine bottle of red wine.”
The mention of red wine kicked her craving into high gear and she suppressed a slight whimper as the pain twisted her gut.
“Are you alright?” His hand closed over her, concern burning in the dark irises.
“I’m fine.”
His eyes brushed over her features for a few heart stopping moments.
“I haven’t even asked you your name...”
“Ciara and yours?”
“Beautiful name for a beautiful woman. I’m Xander...”
Beautiful name for a beautiful man...
“Why so quiet all of a sudden Agapeemenee?”
The words rolled of his tongue like nectar.
“I’m a bit preoccupied these days. Sorry.”
“A broken heart does that to a person.”
Was she suffering from a broken heart or was she just missing her next fix?
“I’ll be ok. It will take some time.” What else was there to say to this exotic, handsome man?
As the courses started appearing on their table the conversation flowed much easier. They apparently shared the same taste in movies. They moved to his career and Ciara listened in wonder as he spoke passionately about his empire, impressed that he was quite an influential man, acting so casually.
“Are you ready for dessert?”
“Oh please no! I wont be able to fit anything into my stomach.” She stroked her stuffed stomach dramatically.
“You cannot end a meal without some Galaktoboureko.”
She was still trying to discourage him when he turned towards the waiter.
The dessert was placed before him, two spoons one plate.
“I know you dont want to but you need to taste a traditional dessert from my country...” he clipped a tiny piece with the spoon, leaning forward he offered it to her.
“Just a tiny bite.” She closed her lips, drawing it into her mouth. His eyes were locked on her lips.
“HHHHmmmm its divine.”
“Another taste perhaps?”
“I shouldnt...oh ok.”
The plate was emptied in no time.
“Ooh lordie I dont think I’ll be able to walk out of here tonight.”
“My arms are strong enough.” His voice had taken on a smoky tone.
“Its late and I think its time to go. The meal was superb. Thank you.”
“I’m sorry of I offended you Ciara.”
“No..no please. You didn’t, its just ...”
“Its all to fresh to new. I understand. Could I ask you one more favour?”
“Yes?” She swallowed at the lump in her throat. Why was she so instantly attracted to this stranger?
“Tomorrow is my last day here before I go back to Greece. I’m tied up in meeting the whole day tomorrow, but I’m free tomorrow night. How would you feel about having dinner with me tomorrow and maybe some dancing?”
Chiding herself for wanting to do just that with the stranger she pushed Jon’s face to the back of her mind.
“That would be wonderful, thank you.”
Chapter 133
Ciara tipped onto the bed as exhaustion kicked in.
She was miles from Jon and instead of feeling elation she felt...empty.
Her eyelids shuttered closed.
Her night was filled with swirls of fear and darkness, nightmarish vampires hunting her down, drinking her blood forcing themselves on her. Jon would appear in the haze in the recesses of her mind calling out to her, reaching for her but he never managed to save her as she falls into the bottomless darkness. She would awake in cold sweat, her body burning, her stomach twisting as her craving slam into her.
Ciara spend her days walking the streets, watching tv and forcing Jon’s incessant invasion from her mind.
She had given up on ignoring Ksenia’s phone calls and spend a good hour a day on listening to her pitiful requests of going back to where it would be safe.
It had been a week now and she was still safe was her only response. No vampires were stalking her and she was ok although she didn’t mention her body’s painful tremors and sometimes eye tearing spasms as her body begged for Jon’s blood.
After another marathon of explaining and listening to Ksenia, Ciara slipped from her room. She was restless, she wanted to go home but she knew that Jon would find her there in a heartbeat.
Deciding on a movie she bought a huge box of popcorn and a soda, slipping into her chair she snuggled in her chair waiting for the movie to start.
The movie didn’t seem too popluar and here and there a few people sauntered in.
“Mind if I sit here?” A low rumble coaxed her head up.
“No please do.”
Her eyes turned towards the huge screen.
The movie was scary as hell but captivating.
Ciara squirmed in her seat, pphheewwww, the cinema was stuffy as hell!
“You ok?” A soft drawl drifted towards her.
“Sorry am I bothering you? Its just so hot in here.”
“I feel it too.” His dark eyes shone into hers. The light of the screen flickered across his features, strong face.
As credits roll across the screen , Ciara stood up. She was felt like choking, the air was too thin and she was sweating.
Making her way out to the light she rushed for the cool night air.
“Ooohh maaannn!” She took a deep breath, rubbing her stomach she willed the ache away.
“Are you ok?”
The man was towering over her.
“Yeah...thanks.” She smiled.”I’m sorry if I bothered you in there.”
“No please don’t apologise. It was stuffy in there. I think they need to service their air conditioners.”
“So it wasn’t just me?”
He shook his head, a handsome smile softened his aristocratic features. What a beautiful man!
Ciara took a step backwards.
“Have you had dinner yet?”
“I’m not too hungry. I think I’ll get something light and head to the hotel.”
“Do you want to share a taxi? I’m on my way to my hotel. Its not good for ladies to be travelling alone at night.”
“I...eehh rather not thank you.”
“I understand. I hope I didn’t scare you it wasn’t my intention.”
Ciara smiled and bid him goodnight.
Unlocking the door to her room an hour later, she made her way to the bathroom. She was in serious need of painkillers, her body was throbbing painfully and she was burning up!
Swigging the pills down, she took a cool shower. Eyeing the nightgown she decided against it and slipped naked in between the sheets, her Chinese resting on her thighs.
The peal of her phone drew a groan from her lips and she snatched it, pushing the answer button.
“Ksenia its late...”
“Hey baby.”
Ciara felt a sizzle shot through her veins as his voice reached her ears.
“Jon. This is Ksenia’s phone.”
“I know, would you have answered if you saw my number?”
“No.”
“Thought so, how are you holding up? “
His voice was deceivingly calm.
“I’m just fine. No vampires chasing me down yet.”
“Thats not fucking funny Ciara. You don’t want them hunting you down, getting their claws and fangs all over you...But don’t be fooled. They might be on you already. Let me come and get you.”
“No. I don’t want you near me.”
“Not craving something yet sweetheart? “
Her intake of breath was enough for Jon and he gritted his teeth. He had a yearning of his own, thirst and a pulsing hunger between his thighs.
His groan melted her core, pooling the heat between her thighs.
“You feel it too don’t you, I miss you baby. Let me come to you. I’ll take care of your hurt...”
“Good bye Jon.”
Ciara pressed the red button with a trembling finger. She didn’t know how much more she would be able to stand.
She was miles from Jon and instead of feeling elation she felt...empty.
Her eyelids shuttered closed.
Her night was filled with swirls of fear and darkness, nightmarish vampires hunting her down, drinking her blood forcing themselves on her. Jon would appear in the haze in the recesses of her mind calling out to her, reaching for her but he never managed to save her as she falls into the bottomless darkness. She would awake in cold sweat, her body burning, her stomach twisting as her craving slam into her.
Ciara spend her days walking the streets, watching tv and forcing Jon’s incessant invasion from her mind.
She had given up on ignoring Ksenia’s phone calls and spend a good hour a day on listening to her pitiful requests of going back to where it would be safe.
It had been a week now and she was still safe was her only response. No vampires were stalking her and she was ok although she didn’t mention her body’s painful tremors and sometimes eye tearing spasms as her body begged for Jon’s blood.
After another marathon of explaining and listening to Ksenia, Ciara slipped from her room. She was restless, she wanted to go home but she knew that Jon would find her there in a heartbeat.
Deciding on a movie she bought a huge box of popcorn and a soda, slipping into her chair she snuggled in her chair waiting for the movie to start.
The movie didn’t seem too popluar and here and there a few people sauntered in.
“Mind if I sit here?” A low rumble coaxed her head up.
“No please do.”
Her eyes turned towards the huge screen.
The movie was scary as hell but captivating.
Ciara squirmed in her seat, pphheewwww, the cinema was stuffy as hell!
“You ok?” A soft drawl drifted towards her.
“Sorry am I bothering you? Its just so hot in here.”
“I feel it too.” His dark eyes shone into hers. The light of the screen flickered across his features, strong face.
As credits roll across the screen , Ciara stood up. She was felt like choking, the air was too thin and she was sweating.
Making her way out to the light she rushed for the cool night air.
“Ooohh maaannn!” She took a deep breath, rubbing her stomach she willed the ache away.
“Are you ok?”
The man was towering over her.
“Yeah...thanks.” She smiled.”I’m sorry if I bothered you in there.”
“No please don’t apologise. It was stuffy in there. I think they need to service their air conditioners.”
“So it wasn’t just me?”
He shook his head, a handsome smile softened his aristocratic features. What a beautiful man!
Ciara took a step backwards.
“Have you had dinner yet?”
“I’m not too hungry. I think I’ll get something light and head to the hotel.”
“Do you want to share a taxi? I’m on my way to my hotel. Its not good for ladies to be travelling alone at night.”
“I...eehh rather not thank you.”
“I understand. I hope I didn’t scare you it wasn’t my intention.”
Ciara smiled and bid him goodnight.
Unlocking the door to her room an hour later, she made her way to the bathroom. She was in serious need of painkillers, her body was throbbing painfully and she was burning up!
Swigging the pills down, she took a cool shower. Eyeing the nightgown she decided against it and slipped naked in between the sheets, her Chinese resting on her thighs.
The peal of her phone drew a groan from her lips and she snatched it, pushing the answer button.
“Ksenia its late...”
“Hey baby.”
Ciara felt a sizzle shot through her veins as his voice reached her ears.
“Jon. This is Ksenia’s phone.”
“I know, would you have answered if you saw my number?”
“No.”
“Thought so, how are you holding up? “
His voice was deceivingly calm.
“I’m just fine. No vampires chasing me down yet.”
“Thats not fucking funny Ciara. You don’t want them hunting you down, getting their claws and fangs all over you...But don’t be fooled. They might be on you already. Let me come and get you.”
“No. I don’t want you near me.”
“Not craving something yet sweetheart? “
Her intake of breath was enough for Jon and he gritted his teeth. He had a yearning of his own, thirst and a pulsing hunger between his thighs.
His groan melted her core, pooling the heat between her thighs.
“You feel it too don’t you, I miss you baby. Let me come to you. I’ll take care of your hurt...”
“Good bye Jon.”
Ciara pressed the red button with a trembling finger. She didn’t know how much more she would be able to stand.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Chapter 132
Jon gazed over at Ciara were she stood in the shadows. He had an unexplained feeling of dread pressing on his chest. The voices of thousands of fans crashed into his ears and he turned towards the mass again, making his way down the opposite side of the stage.
Ciara watched as he turned from her, she felt his dread, knowing exactly what is was, she forced her mind to go blank. She couldn’t afford to let him know.
She waited a few moments longer and blend into the shadows, inching her way from the stage. If he should realise what she was up to he won’t be able to leave the stage, that was the only comfort she had. After the show she wasn’t sure, as long as she could get as far away as possible ...she shivered.
Jon felt a shift in the air, she was gone.
Richie’s head came up and locked with Jon’s. He looked over at the empty spot where she had been only moments before.
Jon’s frustration sent a sizzle through the band. His eyes kept going back towards the post, hoping to see her but somehow knowing that she wasn’t coming back. She had planned this so damned carefully!
The taxi driver stared suspiciously at the woman tumbling clumsily into his taxi, a single suitcase crashing onto his seat.
“Go please!”
“Lady, I don’t want any trouble.”
Her pitiful eyes locked with his in the rearview mirror.
“Please sir. I have an abusive husband and I need to get away from him as quick as possible.”
“The asshole! If I could get my hands on him!”
“Ciara slumped against the back rest as the car drove off.
The car slowed to a stop.
“Are you sure you’ll be safe?”
Ciara opened her eyes, bodies surged to and from the busy airport.
“Yes, Yes I’ll be ok.”
“Are you going to family or something?”
“Uuhh..yes I am. Thanks.” She held her hand out.
“You be safe now, you hear and don’t take the bastard back no matter what he says.”
“I wont. Bye.”
~~
Richie cringed as he heard windows crashing, furniture banged against the walls. Vicious snarls and a string of curses accompanied the vandalism.
“Bro’ you trashing the hotel room wont bring her back. Why don’t you calm down and start looking for her?”
“She is blanking me out, fuck knows how but she does. I cant feel her Richie, she must be far, airport, train...she is fucking gone and her life is in danger.”
He paced across the room, kicking at a piece of broken chair laying in his way.
“Do you think she went home?“
“She wont be that stupid. She doesn’t want me to find her, she just has no fucking idea! What if her paths cross with a vampire? What then?”
Images of Ciara and the vampire of the other night send a shiver down his back and he snarled as violence tore at his guts.
“Shit I dunno where to look but I cant stay here I’m going to go out of my fucking mind.”
“Go look for her, just lemme know when you find something.”
~~
Ciara’s vibrating phone made her jump.
“A message.”
Ogling the tiny gadget in her hand she was too scared to open it, too afraid of what she might read.
Ciara, you have to come back. You’re in danger if you don’t. Please. Ksenia.
“Sorry my friend. I cant do that.”
The announcement that she should board vibrated through the air and she switched the phone off, heading towards her escape.
Perusing her surroundings she quickly made her way towards the waiting plane, relieved when she didn’t see any familiar faces in the crowd.
~~
Ksenia threw her phone on the bed, watching it as it bounced a few times.
“Her phone is off! She is in danger Richie. What in the hell was she thinking?”
“Dunno babe and I know this sound crazy but hell can we blame the poor girl? I feel like I’m living some screwed up nightmare. Just imagine how she must feel. Vampires, bonding, ripening...Jesus its crazy just hearing it coming from my lips!”
“I guess you’re right but we need to find her Richie and soon before...”
He pulled her into his broad chest.
“I know honey...I know.”
~~
Jon sniffed the air, closing his eyes, he forced his tumultuous emotions aside, focusing on any sign of his Ciara.
Yeah, she definitely was here. That’s why their connection was severed. She was on a plane on her way to some unknown Godforsaken place, heading for more shit than she can handle.
Walking towards the helpdesk, he forced a flashing smile onto his lips.
“Evening.”
By the blush on her cheeks and the sudden trip of her heartbeat he knew that she had recognised him.
“Good evening ...uuuhhh.”
“Jon will do just fine sweetheart.”
“Jon..how can I assist you?”
“I need a favour from you. My lady friend and I has a bit of tussle earlier tonight and as much as I love her impulsive nature , it can be quite bothersome at times, just like tonight. She jumped on a plane and I just need to know where she went so I know she is ok.”
“I’m not at liberty to give you that kind of details.”
Jon leaned closer, tracing his index finger slowly across the flustered women’s jaw line he murmered, “ You’re not going to deny me the love of my life now are you sweetheart. No one will know.”
Her fingers flew across the keys.
“And her name is?”
“Ciara....”
“Wilson?”
“That’s the one.”
“She is on flight 232, Chicago.”
The woman focused on his eyes. Did they just change colour?
“I thank you honey.” Pushing his fingers on his lips, he puckered lightly, gently pressing it onto her lips in turn.
“My pleasure.” A giggle slip from her parted lips.
His lips tightened in a grim line as he spun on his heel.
If I get my hands on her...
Ciara watched as he turned from her, she felt his dread, knowing exactly what is was, she forced her mind to go blank. She couldn’t afford to let him know.
She waited a few moments longer and blend into the shadows, inching her way from the stage. If he should realise what she was up to he won’t be able to leave the stage, that was the only comfort she had. After the show she wasn’t sure, as long as she could get as far away as possible ...she shivered.
Jon felt a shift in the air, she was gone.
Richie’s head came up and locked with Jon’s. He looked over at the empty spot where she had been only moments before.
Jon’s frustration sent a sizzle through the band. His eyes kept going back towards the post, hoping to see her but somehow knowing that she wasn’t coming back. She had planned this so damned carefully!
The taxi driver stared suspiciously at the woman tumbling clumsily into his taxi, a single suitcase crashing onto his seat.
“Go please!”
“Lady, I don’t want any trouble.”
Her pitiful eyes locked with his in the rearview mirror.
“Please sir. I have an abusive husband and I need to get away from him as quick as possible.”
“The asshole! If I could get my hands on him!”
“Ciara slumped against the back rest as the car drove off.
The car slowed to a stop.
“Are you sure you’ll be safe?”
Ciara opened her eyes, bodies surged to and from the busy airport.
“Yes, Yes I’ll be ok.”
“Are you going to family or something?”
“Uuhh..yes I am. Thanks.” She held her hand out.
“You be safe now, you hear and don’t take the bastard back no matter what he says.”
“I wont. Bye.”
~~
Richie cringed as he heard windows crashing, furniture banged against the walls. Vicious snarls and a string of curses accompanied the vandalism.
“Bro’ you trashing the hotel room wont bring her back. Why don’t you calm down and start looking for her?”
“She is blanking me out, fuck knows how but she does. I cant feel her Richie, she must be far, airport, train...she is fucking gone and her life is in danger.”
He paced across the room, kicking at a piece of broken chair laying in his way.
“Do you think she went home?“
“She wont be that stupid. She doesn’t want me to find her, she just has no fucking idea! What if her paths cross with a vampire? What then?”
Images of Ciara and the vampire of the other night send a shiver down his back and he snarled as violence tore at his guts.
“Shit I dunno where to look but I cant stay here I’m going to go out of my fucking mind.”
“Go look for her, just lemme know when you find something.”
~~
Ciara’s vibrating phone made her jump.
“A message.”
Ogling the tiny gadget in her hand she was too scared to open it, too afraid of what she might read.
Ciara, you have to come back. You’re in danger if you don’t. Please. Ksenia.
“Sorry my friend. I cant do that.”
The announcement that she should board vibrated through the air and she switched the phone off, heading towards her escape.
Perusing her surroundings she quickly made her way towards the waiting plane, relieved when she didn’t see any familiar faces in the crowd.
~~
Ksenia threw her phone on the bed, watching it as it bounced a few times.
“Her phone is off! She is in danger Richie. What in the hell was she thinking?”
“Dunno babe and I know this sound crazy but hell can we blame the poor girl? I feel like I’m living some screwed up nightmare. Just imagine how she must feel. Vampires, bonding, ripening...Jesus its crazy just hearing it coming from my lips!”
“I guess you’re right but we need to find her Richie and soon before...”
He pulled her into his broad chest.
“I know honey...I know.”
~~
Jon sniffed the air, closing his eyes, he forced his tumultuous emotions aside, focusing on any sign of his Ciara.
Yeah, she definitely was here. That’s why their connection was severed. She was on a plane on her way to some unknown Godforsaken place, heading for more shit than she can handle.
Walking towards the helpdesk, he forced a flashing smile onto his lips.
“Evening.”
By the blush on her cheeks and the sudden trip of her heartbeat he knew that she had recognised him.
“Good evening ...uuuhhh.”
“Jon will do just fine sweetheart.”
“Jon..how can I assist you?”
“I need a favour from you. My lady friend and I has a bit of tussle earlier tonight and as much as I love her impulsive nature , it can be quite bothersome at times, just like tonight. She jumped on a plane and I just need to know where she went so I know she is ok.”
“I’m not at liberty to give you that kind of details.”
Jon leaned closer, tracing his index finger slowly across the flustered women’s jaw line he murmered, “ You’re not going to deny me the love of my life now are you sweetheart. No one will know.”
Her fingers flew across the keys.
“And her name is?”
“Ciara....”
“Wilson?”
“That’s the one.”
“She is on flight 232, Chicago.”
The woman focused on his eyes. Did they just change colour?
“I thank you honey.” Pushing his fingers on his lips, he puckered lightly, gently pressing it onto her lips in turn.
“My pleasure.” A giggle slip from her parted lips.
His lips tightened in a grim line as he spun on his heel.
If I get my hands on her...
Chapter 131
Ciara’s feet took her towards the patio. Everything seemed too much too take in, so damn surreal!
“Are you ok baby? I’m not sure what it does to you when I move so quickly...”
“I’m fine...Jon please tell me what’s going on? I’m scared shirtless, just tell me the truth whatever it may be.”
He was silent behind her but she could sense him behind her. Her skin pricked.
“You’re in danger ....”
She swung around.
“...of what? “
“Other vampires and eventually yourself.”
She kept on staring.
“You are...Jesus, how am I going to put this?” His hand tangled through his hair. “Your body is ripening, getting ready to accept a vampire’s seed inside you. When are you turning 28?”
“A few week’s time.” She managed to whisper.
“You’ll be fertile for the very first time in your life. If you have sex with a vampire you will fall pregnant.”
“With a vampire? I thought I bonded to you?”
“Yes you are but baby every vampire crossing your path during this time will try to...”
“Oh...my God. Is that why the other vampire attacked me? I though he wanted to feed...Oh shit! But why am I a danger to myself?”
“As soon as you ripen you will crave sex and you will look for it everywhere you can. Human...vampire...”
Ciara gaped at him.
“I am NOT a cheap whore and nothing can make me one!” Her body stiffened at the thought.
“You cant help it, your instincts will kick in and your body will listen, that’s why you have to let me keep you safe. ”
“Looking after your assets? That’s what I am, right? A breeding machine...a vampire breeding machine.” A hysterical giggle passed her lips. “ That’s the only reason why you are attracted to me, my baby making potential. What kind of a man like you will go for a girl like me? You poor bastard.” She stumbled past him.
“Ciara don’t cheapen this, this is not the reason and you damn well know it. We were meant to be together. Haven’t I told you? We cannot bond if it isn’t meant to be. Cant you see Ciara, we are soulmates..we need each other.”
“We need each other’s blood you mean. Well I do anyway. You can take it from wherever you want. I was the stupid one that bit you. I wished it never happened but then again, you messed with my mind and now I crave it..”
“I don’t want it from anybody else. I want yours....only yours.” His eyes lingered on the wild tick in her neck.
“When am I going to wake up from this nightmare?”
“I doesn’t have to be a nightmare Ciara.” His touch chased some of the hysteria away, but the shadows remained in her soulful eyes. His thumb pressed into her lips, stroking gently across the width of them. “You’re warm to the touch again.”
“Maybe its an infection or something..”
“It’s your body getting closer...”
“I don’t want to hear about it.” Her face leaned into his touch.
“You’ll have to accept it.”
“No! I don’t and I’m not going to!” She stomped past him.
“Its inevitable. Embrace it.”
“No.”
She stared him head on. Her mind...blank.
“What are you thinking?”
“Nothing.”
Her mind was made up.
“Ciara don’t do something you might regret.”
“I’m going to bed. I’m tired.”
“Are you ok baby? I’m not sure what it does to you when I move so quickly...”
“I’m fine...Jon please tell me what’s going on? I’m scared shirtless, just tell me the truth whatever it may be.”
He was silent behind her but she could sense him behind her. Her skin pricked.
“You’re in danger ....”
She swung around.
“...of what? “
“Other vampires and eventually yourself.”
She kept on staring.
“You are...Jesus, how am I going to put this?” His hand tangled through his hair. “Your body is ripening, getting ready to accept a vampire’s seed inside you. When are you turning 28?”
“A few week’s time.” She managed to whisper.
“You’ll be fertile for the very first time in your life. If you have sex with a vampire you will fall pregnant.”
“With a vampire? I thought I bonded to you?”
“Yes you are but baby every vampire crossing your path during this time will try to...”
“Oh...my God. Is that why the other vampire attacked me? I though he wanted to feed...Oh shit! But why am I a danger to myself?”
“As soon as you ripen you will crave sex and you will look for it everywhere you can. Human...vampire...”
Ciara gaped at him.
“I am NOT a cheap whore and nothing can make me one!” Her body stiffened at the thought.
“You cant help it, your instincts will kick in and your body will listen, that’s why you have to let me keep you safe. ”
“Looking after your assets? That’s what I am, right? A breeding machine...a vampire breeding machine.” A hysterical giggle passed her lips. “ That’s the only reason why you are attracted to me, my baby making potential. What kind of a man like you will go for a girl like me? You poor bastard.” She stumbled past him.
“Ciara don’t cheapen this, this is not the reason and you damn well know it. We were meant to be together. Haven’t I told you? We cannot bond if it isn’t meant to be. Cant you see Ciara, we are soulmates..we need each other.”
“We need each other’s blood you mean. Well I do anyway. You can take it from wherever you want. I was the stupid one that bit you. I wished it never happened but then again, you messed with my mind and now I crave it..”
“I don’t want it from anybody else. I want yours....only yours.” His eyes lingered on the wild tick in her neck.
“When am I going to wake up from this nightmare?”
“I doesn’t have to be a nightmare Ciara.” His touch chased some of the hysteria away, but the shadows remained in her soulful eyes. His thumb pressed into her lips, stroking gently across the width of them. “You’re warm to the touch again.”
“Maybe its an infection or something..”
“It’s your body getting closer...”
“I don’t want to hear about it.” Her face leaned into his touch.
“You’ll have to accept it.”
“No! I don’t and I’m not going to!” She stomped past him.
“Its inevitable. Embrace it.”
“No.”
She stared him head on. Her mind...blank.
“What are you thinking?”
“Nothing.”
Her mind was made up.
“Ciara don’t do something you might regret.”
“I’m going to bed. I’m tired.”
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Chapter 130
By the time they reached the park, Ciara’s arm felt like lead. His hand left her skin and she rubbed at the spot.
“Sit down.” He nodded towards a bench, turning from her he scanned his environment.
“We’re alone.” He paced slowly, obviously searching for the words and the right approach.
Ciara watched and waited her instincts told her that what ever he had to stay was going to tip her world upside down...again.
“There is a reason why I felt attracted to you. I didn’t know why until recently.” He sighed heavily.
Was he regretting his attraction?
“No I’m not. I just wish I could make this all easier on you. My ignorance had put you in grave danger and its not going to get better soon.”
Ciara’s wide eyes glistened in the moonlight.
“I’m just a woman who by coincidence caught your...eeeh...attention. Why can’t I just leave and we can walk away from this? I’m sure there are lots more out there?”
The fierceness in his eyes pushed her back against the bench.
“Because you are mine, you are my responsibility.”
“I don’t have to be...”
He sucked at his breath.
“Don’t pretend. I can hear your heartbeat whenever I come near you. You want me just as damn much as I want you..” Her eyelids fluttered towards her wringing hands.
His hand untangled one, lifting it towards his mouth, his lips brushed intimately.
“There is goes again. Can you feel it bounce in your chest? Can you feel the heat as your blood rush through your veins?”
“You can hear all that?”
“All that and so much more.” His nose tipped heavenwards, sniffing the air. “I can sense your arousal, I can feel your emotions...I can feel, hear, see and taste everything about you.”
“Oh my God.” She watched his face in wonder, a breeze tugged at his bangs, the moon lit his handsome features. “But why? Why me?”
“You are...how do I put this. You are special. You are much more than a human. You might not like it but your connection with vampires run very deep. Thats maybe why you’ve always felt an attraction to vampire movies.” She blushed prettily.
“So what am I then? What makes me so special?”
“You are the only species of your kind that can carry a vampire’s baby, a rare breed of vampire, a full blood vampire.”
She shot from the bench.
“What are you talking about? This is insane?!”
He blocked her way, ceasing her pacing.
“Unbeknownst to me my senses had locked on to you and that’s why I couldn’t let you go. My instincts kept you from others, keeping you for myself.”
“I’m no ones possession! No ones! “, Jon’s hand closed around hers tugging her closer to his moonlit face.
“If you don’t like that idea, your going to be fucking pissed about what I’m about to tell you now.”
Ciara’d breath snagged in her throat. Her eyes pleaded with him.
Just tell me.
“Do you remember the night you dreamt of biting me?”
Ciara just kept staring, her blush just riding higher.
“It wasn’t a dream. We did make love and you did bite me.”
“Oh God.”
“In the process we bonded.”
“We what?! Are you playing the damn fool with me Jon?”
“No I’m not. I didn’t realise it either. Chimala was kind enough to explain it to me when...”
“When what Jon?” Her voice was a whisper.
His free hand cupped her chin.
“When you started having cravings, you craved my blood baby. You need it.”
“I don’t want to hear anymore! I don’t want this! What is happening to me?” Ciara shuddered in fear, she jerked from his touch.
“Don’t run. I’m going to get you anyway, don’t make me run after you, it turns me into the thing you hate most.” His voice was husky.
She didn’t heed his warning and rushed onto the path. Jon gave her some headway, feeling his body readying himself for the chase, he felt the perverse enjoyment as his fangs sliced through his gums.
It was time he made her see that he was her destiny.
She shrieked when he appeared right in from of her, her hands shot up to steady herself against his chest. His hands clamped down on her hands, keeping them tightly against his chest.
“It’s about time you accept what you are, what I am. We are bonded for life. You need me, you cant go without my blood. Can’t you feel it building inside you? You haven’t had blood for a couple of days, I can sense your craving, its gnawing at your gut.”
“No! Don’t say that! I don’t need blood, I’m human. You are crazy...I’m going fucking crazy!” Her voice pitched higher.
“Maybe this will explain it better.” He brought his finger to his mouth, biting down he growled.
Ciara caught the whiff of his blood oozing through his skin. She grabbed at her mouth, pinching her nose.
Her craving flamed in her intestines, twisting her stomach painfully.
“Do it, you want to. You are in pain, ease that pain baby.”
She shook her head vehemently.
His hand pried her fingers from her mouth, inching his bleeding finger closer, a panicked cry bubbled from her stiff lips.
“Take it baby...taste it. You know you want it...that’s it...yeeaahhhhhh.” A flash of light lit behind his eyes.
Her tongue twirled around the bleeding tip, diamond tears wiggled down her cheeks. A choke rushed from her lips right before her fingers closed around his hand, pushing his finger deeper into the warmth of her mouth. Her sucking was strong around his fingers, pumping the blood from the tiny puncture.
Jon’s body swayed closer, his face pressing into her neck, licking at the throbbing vein. Ciara’s body answered the age old tug and she melted into him, her neck arching to the side, giving him her silent permission.
The scrape of his fangs ignited the fire in her core and she whimpered softly, her hands tightening on his hand even more.
A snarl snapped her eyes open.
“We need to go.” His voice was low, vibrating with aggression.
“Wha...?”
“We’re not alone. There’s another vampire heading our way. He has picked up on your scent.” His hands pulled her into his frame. She closed her eyes instinctively.
“My scent? But Jon?!”
“Shhhh...I’ll explain at the hotel.”
The sharp light of the streetlamp shone through her eyelids moments later. They were at the entrance of the hotel.
“Sit down.” He nodded towards a bench, turning from her he scanned his environment.
“We’re alone.” He paced slowly, obviously searching for the words and the right approach.
Ciara watched and waited her instincts told her that what ever he had to stay was going to tip her world upside down...again.
“There is a reason why I felt attracted to you. I didn’t know why until recently.” He sighed heavily.
Was he regretting his attraction?
“No I’m not. I just wish I could make this all easier on you. My ignorance had put you in grave danger and its not going to get better soon.”
Ciara’s wide eyes glistened in the moonlight.
“I’m just a woman who by coincidence caught your...eeeh...attention. Why can’t I just leave and we can walk away from this? I’m sure there are lots more out there?”
The fierceness in his eyes pushed her back against the bench.
“Because you are mine, you are my responsibility.”
“I don’t have to be...”
He sucked at his breath.
“Don’t pretend. I can hear your heartbeat whenever I come near you. You want me just as damn much as I want you..” Her eyelids fluttered towards her wringing hands.
His hand untangled one, lifting it towards his mouth, his lips brushed intimately.
“There is goes again. Can you feel it bounce in your chest? Can you feel the heat as your blood rush through your veins?”
“You can hear all that?”
“All that and so much more.” His nose tipped heavenwards, sniffing the air. “I can sense your arousal, I can feel your emotions...I can feel, hear, see and taste everything about you.”
“Oh my God.” She watched his face in wonder, a breeze tugged at his bangs, the moon lit his handsome features. “But why? Why me?”
“You are...how do I put this. You are special. You are much more than a human. You might not like it but your connection with vampires run very deep. Thats maybe why you’ve always felt an attraction to vampire movies.” She blushed prettily.
“So what am I then? What makes me so special?”
“You are the only species of your kind that can carry a vampire’s baby, a rare breed of vampire, a full blood vampire.”
She shot from the bench.
“What are you talking about? This is insane?!”
He blocked her way, ceasing her pacing.
“Unbeknownst to me my senses had locked on to you and that’s why I couldn’t let you go. My instincts kept you from others, keeping you for myself.”
“I’m no ones possession! No ones! “, Jon’s hand closed around hers tugging her closer to his moonlit face.
“If you don’t like that idea, your going to be fucking pissed about what I’m about to tell you now.”
Ciara’d breath snagged in her throat. Her eyes pleaded with him.
Just tell me.
“Do you remember the night you dreamt of biting me?”
Ciara just kept staring, her blush just riding higher.
“It wasn’t a dream. We did make love and you did bite me.”
“Oh God.”
“In the process we bonded.”
“We what?! Are you playing the damn fool with me Jon?”
“No I’m not. I didn’t realise it either. Chimala was kind enough to explain it to me when...”
“When what Jon?” Her voice was a whisper.
His free hand cupped her chin.
“When you started having cravings, you craved my blood baby. You need it.”
“I don’t want to hear anymore! I don’t want this! What is happening to me?” Ciara shuddered in fear, she jerked from his touch.
“Don’t run. I’m going to get you anyway, don’t make me run after you, it turns me into the thing you hate most.” His voice was husky.
She didn’t heed his warning and rushed onto the path. Jon gave her some headway, feeling his body readying himself for the chase, he felt the perverse enjoyment as his fangs sliced through his gums.
It was time he made her see that he was her destiny.
She shrieked when he appeared right in from of her, her hands shot up to steady herself against his chest. His hands clamped down on her hands, keeping them tightly against his chest.
“It’s about time you accept what you are, what I am. We are bonded for life. You need me, you cant go without my blood. Can’t you feel it building inside you? You haven’t had blood for a couple of days, I can sense your craving, its gnawing at your gut.”
“No! Don’t say that! I don’t need blood, I’m human. You are crazy...I’m going fucking crazy!” Her voice pitched higher.
“Maybe this will explain it better.” He brought his finger to his mouth, biting down he growled.
Ciara caught the whiff of his blood oozing through his skin. She grabbed at her mouth, pinching her nose.
Her craving flamed in her intestines, twisting her stomach painfully.
“Do it, you want to. You are in pain, ease that pain baby.”
She shook her head vehemently.
His hand pried her fingers from her mouth, inching his bleeding finger closer, a panicked cry bubbled from her stiff lips.
“Take it baby...taste it. You know you want it...that’s it...yeeaahhhhhh.” A flash of light lit behind his eyes.
Her tongue twirled around the bleeding tip, diamond tears wiggled down her cheeks. A choke rushed from her lips right before her fingers closed around his hand, pushing his finger deeper into the warmth of her mouth. Her sucking was strong around his fingers, pumping the blood from the tiny puncture.
Jon’s body swayed closer, his face pressing into her neck, licking at the throbbing vein. Ciara’s body answered the age old tug and she melted into him, her neck arching to the side, giving him her silent permission.
The scrape of his fangs ignited the fire in her core and she whimpered softly, her hands tightening on his hand even more.
A snarl snapped her eyes open.
“We need to go.” His voice was low, vibrating with aggression.
“Wha...?”
“We’re not alone. There’s another vampire heading our way. He has picked up on your scent.” His hands pulled her into his frame. She closed her eyes instinctively.
“My scent? But Jon?!”
“Shhhh...I’ll explain at the hotel.”
The sharp light of the streetlamp shone through her eyelids moments later. They were at the entrance of the hotel.
Chapter 129
“NO!!!!” They were all on their feet, startling her even more.
Jon was right behind her. She was caught between two male walls. Their eyes locked fiercely on her.
“Tell him not to touch me. I don’t want him touching me.” Her body was stiff in his arms.
Richie met Jon’s eyes. A battle ensued and Jon cursed under his breath, moving back.
“We need you to stay here with us. Its the only way you will...” Jon’s eyes stilled him.
“Its just safer.”
“I don’t feel safe. I feel threatened, exposed. Everyone I know here lied to me. I can’t trust anyone.”
“You can trust me.” Ksenia’s tiny voice twirled her around.
“You knew about Jon?”
“I’m sorry...but yes.”
Ciara was unsteady on her feet again.
“I cant believe this! You! What do you have to do with this?”
“You remember I told you about my past? The professor and you know...the scars?”
Ciara felt her stomach dip.
“Jon and Richie saved my life. The professor was researching vampires. And he used me to...to feed them.”
“Oh my God! I don’t want to hear anymore! This is crazy!”
“I think you need to sit down.”
“ I need to get my suitcase and get out of here! I don’t want to deal with this! This is not normal! Vampires don’t exist!”
Ciara’s eyes rested on Jon’s mouth, she shivered visibly.
“It as real as it gets baby.”
She flopped onto a couch, she looked so frail at the moment Jon wished he could pull her into his arms, promising her everything will be ok.
As the words spilled from Jon’s mouth, Ciara listened wide eyed at his incredulous story. The night he was turned into a vampire and the years following after, his struggles, his victories...could all this be true?!
“So the woman that was with you the other night...”
“Yeah its her.”
“And she killed your little brother?” Her eyes swung her way.
“Yes.”
“How can you still sympathize with them?” she didn’t dare look Jon’s way.
“Jon isn’t the same. He is different. He still has humanity inside him.”
Ciara didn’t look convinced.
“Now where do I fit in all of this.”
Everyone fell silent, their eyes turned towards Jon.
“We think we need to go now.” David stood up.
“Yeah I think we should.”
Oh God! They’re gonna lea...
Jon was focused on her.
Ksenia stood before her.” I know this all seem crazy and I can understand if you hate me right now. But I love you. You’re a dear friend and everything I did I meant to protect you. We were wrong in keeping it from you but Jon will explain it all to you.”
For a moment she thought the girl might reach out and hug her but she only reached for her hand, squeezing it for a moment.
As they all left, the room became gravely quiet.
“Sit down Ciara. We need to talk.”
“I’m thirsty.”
...and hungry.
“Lets get you some food.”
“Will you stop reading my mind! Haven’t you invaded enough of me?!” His eyes morphed into lazy slumbering cobalt.
“I wouldn’t call it invasion...”
“Jon not now. I can’t deal with this right now.”
Her tired request ripped the sensuality right out of the moment.
~~~
Two days later...
Ciara watched in silence as the show drew to a close. She would have preferred to be alone at the hotel with a good book and a warm bed but she was forced to be in close proximity with Jon at all times.
Jon walked down the stage, a towel in his hands he wiped his sweaty face but lingered long enough to nod her way.
Yes your majesty.
She saw his smile before it disappeared into the towel.
Damn you!
She waited in his dressing room like a cat on hot coals, she hated to be bossed around but she would hate it even more if she had to see him in his vampire state. It scared the living daylights out of her and although they haven’t discussed it they came to a sort of truce between them. She listens and he will not turn.
He walked through the door without acknowledging her at all, throwing the towel on the dressing table he whipped his shirt over his head, sending it towards the towel. Ciara turned her head as his hand closed on his belt...
“I wish you wouldn’t insist on me being here when you have to undress and shower. A half an hour without your presence...”
“will be disastrous. Accept it Ciara. I will have it no other way.” She looked towards the moving voice and received an eyeful of butt cheeks as he strutted towards the shower.
“Like what you see?” She could hear his arrogant smile in his voice.
“I didn’t...”
“...yes you did.”
“Do you have eyes in the back of your head now too?”
His throaty laugh could be heard above the streaming water.
Waiting a few minutes, Ciara slipped out the door.
Forcing herself not to think what she was doing, she eased her steps, not wanting to raise her heartbeat.
She needed a breather, some cool air to soothe the heat on her skin. She was hot and sweaty, uncomfortable to say the least. It was like she had a constant furnace burning inside her, chasing her, causing her body to yearn for another. Warm gentle male hands, soothing her skin, hard muscles pressed into her, moving against her, making her feel wanton.
“Ciara...Ciara...Ciara....” The female voice ripped the breath right out of her lungs. The wild, red curls shimmered in the electric light, the breeze lifted and played with it but when Ciara met her eyes, her heart tripped. Crimson coals shone from the feminine face.
She took a step back.
“I take it Jon has told you about himself and my role in all this drama, seeing that you’re not running and screaming bloody murder.” Her voice purred.
“Yes he did. What do you want?”
“Ooohhh nothing in particular.” She sniffed at the dark mahogany curls.”Your scent it getting stronger. You shouldn’t be alone unless you like the idea of vampires abducting you, having their wicked way with you. Is that what you like?”
“What are you talking about?” Fear joined the dark scent drifting from her.
“Aaahh so loverboy hasn’t told you that part yet. How about you feeding from him, needing his blood?”
“Chimala! Thats enough!” Jon spat at the woman and she retreated quickly.
“You cannot keep it from her Jon. She needs to know.”
“Not from you! Not like this for fuck’s sake!”
Ciara stared dumfounded at the snarling vampire. His fangs protruded past his lips, the anger in his flashing eyes turned her blood to ice.
“If I ever see you close to her again, I’ll rip your fucking heart out. Do you understand?”
“You cant keep her to yourself for ever but calm down pretty boy, I’ll leave you to your precious little plaything. Taking her home to ease that burning? We can always do it three ways, imagine all the fun we’ll have...” His warning growl pulled her lips into a fanged smile. “Okay, okay.. I know when I’m not wanted. Toodles...”
She vanished just as quickly as she appeared. Jon stared into the darkness, paused for moment. He turned so quickly towards her, she gasped.
His face was void of any violence, yet the white flashing fangs and shimmering irises raised a fear inside her, threatening to choke her.
He closed the space between them, brushing the back of his hand over her cheek, he leaned closer, breathing deep, he exhaled, a deep rumble vibrated from his lips.
“You’re hot to the touch and....hhmmmmmmm....I could just eat you.”
Her silence forced his eyelids to pull back. Their lips almost touched, their breaths mingled. His eyes were clouded with unbridled passion, hers alert with fear.
“Jon...” her eyes fell on his lips.
“Does it bother you that much? Can’t get passed the fact that I am what I am can you?“ He licked the sharp edges. Slowly but surely they inched higher. His hand closed around her arm and this time there was nothing romantic about it.
“Let’s get back. We need to have this talk and get the hell over with it.”
Jon was right behind her. She was caught between two male walls. Their eyes locked fiercely on her.
“Tell him not to touch me. I don’t want him touching me.” Her body was stiff in his arms.
Richie met Jon’s eyes. A battle ensued and Jon cursed under his breath, moving back.
“We need you to stay here with us. Its the only way you will...” Jon’s eyes stilled him.
“Its just safer.”
“I don’t feel safe. I feel threatened, exposed. Everyone I know here lied to me. I can’t trust anyone.”
“You can trust me.” Ksenia’s tiny voice twirled her around.
“You knew about Jon?”
“I’m sorry...but yes.”
Ciara was unsteady on her feet again.
“I cant believe this! You! What do you have to do with this?”
“You remember I told you about my past? The professor and you know...the scars?”
Ciara felt her stomach dip.
“Jon and Richie saved my life. The professor was researching vampires. And he used me to...to feed them.”
“Oh my God! I don’t want to hear anymore! This is crazy!”
“I think you need to sit down.”
“ I need to get my suitcase and get out of here! I don’t want to deal with this! This is not normal! Vampires don’t exist!”
Ciara’s eyes rested on Jon’s mouth, she shivered visibly.
“It as real as it gets baby.”
She flopped onto a couch, she looked so frail at the moment Jon wished he could pull her into his arms, promising her everything will be ok.
As the words spilled from Jon’s mouth, Ciara listened wide eyed at his incredulous story. The night he was turned into a vampire and the years following after, his struggles, his victories...could all this be true?!
“So the woman that was with you the other night...”
“Yeah its her.”
“And she killed your little brother?” Her eyes swung her way.
“Yes.”
“How can you still sympathize with them?” she didn’t dare look Jon’s way.
“Jon isn’t the same. He is different. He still has humanity inside him.”
Ciara didn’t look convinced.
“Now where do I fit in all of this.”
Everyone fell silent, their eyes turned towards Jon.
“We think we need to go now.” David stood up.
“Yeah I think we should.”
Oh God! They’re gonna lea...
Jon was focused on her.
Ksenia stood before her.” I know this all seem crazy and I can understand if you hate me right now. But I love you. You’re a dear friend and everything I did I meant to protect you. We were wrong in keeping it from you but Jon will explain it all to you.”
For a moment she thought the girl might reach out and hug her but she only reached for her hand, squeezing it for a moment.
As they all left, the room became gravely quiet.
“Sit down Ciara. We need to talk.”
“I’m thirsty.”
...and hungry.
“Lets get you some food.”
“Will you stop reading my mind! Haven’t you invaded enough of me?!” His eyes morphed into lazy slumbering cobalt.
“I wouldn’t call it invasion...”
“Jon not now. I can’t deal with this right now.”
Her tired request ripped the sensuality right out of the moment.
~~~
Two days later...
Ciara watched in silence as the show drew to a close. She would have preferred to be alone at the hotel with a good book and a warm bed but she was forced to be in close proximity with Jon at all times.
Jon walked down the stage, a towel in his hands he wiped his sweaty face but lingered long enough to nod her way.
Yes your majesty.
She saw his smile before it disappeared into the towel.
Damn you!
She waited in his dressing room like a cat on hot coals, she hated to be bossed around but she would hate it even more if she had to see him in his vampire state. It scared the living daylights out of her and although they haven’t discussed it they came to a sort of truce between them. She listens and he will not turn.
He walked through the door without acknowledging her at all, throwing the towel on the dressing table he whipped his shirt over his head, sending it towards the towel. Ciara turned her head as his hand closed on his belt...
“I wish you wouldn’t insist on me being here when you have to undress and shower. A half an hour without your presence...”
“will be disastrous. Accept it Ciara. I will have it no other way.” She looked towards the moving voice and received an eyeful of butt cheeks as he strutted towards the shower.
“Like what you see?” She could hear his arrogant smile in his voice.
“I didn’t...”
“...yes you did.”
“Do you have eyes in the back of your head now too?”
His throaty laugh could be heard above the streaming water.
Waiting a few minutes, Ciara slipped out the door.
Forcing herself not to think what she was doing, she eased her steps, not wanting to raise her heartbeat.
She needed a breather, some cool air to soothe the heat on her skin. She was hot and sweaty, uncomfortable to say the least. It was like she had a constant furnace burning inside her, chasing her, causing her body to yearn for another. Warm gentle male hands, soothing her skin, hard muscles pressed into her, moving against her, making her feel wanton.
“Ciara...Ciara...Ciara....” The female voice ripped the breath right out of her lungs. The wild, red curls shimmered in the electric light, the breeze lifted and played with it but when Ciara met her eyes, her heart tripped. Crimson coals shone from the feminine face.
She took a step back.
“I take it Jon has told you about himself and my role in all this drama, seeing that you’re not running and screaming bloody murder.” Her voice purred.
“Yes he did. What do you want?”
“Ooohhh nothing in particular.” She sniffed at the dark mahogany curls.”Your scent it getting stronger. You shouldn’t be alone unless you like the idea of vampires abducting you, having their wicked way with you. Is that what you like?”
“What are you talking about?” Fear joined the dark scent drifting from her.
“Aaahh so loverboy hasn’t told you that part yet. How about you feeding from him, needing his blood?”
“Chimala! Thats enough!” Jon spat at the woman and she retreated quickly.
“You cannot keep it from her Jon. She needs to know.”
“Not from you! Not like this for fuck’s sake!”
Ciara stared dumfounded at the snarling vampire. His fangs protruded past his lips, the anger in his flashing eyes turned her blood to ice.
“If I ever see you close to her again, I’ll rip your fucking heart out. Do you understand?”
“You cant keep her to yourself for ever but calm down pretty boy, I’ll leave you to your precious little plaything. Taking her home to ease that burning? We can always do it three ways, imagine all the fun we’ll have...” His warning growl pulled her lips into a fanged smile. “Okay, okay.. I know when I’m not wanted. Toodles...”
She vanished just as quickly as she appeared. Jon stared into the darkness, paused for moment. He turned so quickly towards her, she gasped.
His face was void of any violence, yet the white flashing fangs and shimmering irises raised a fear inside her, threatening to choke her.
He closed the space between them, brushing the back of his hand over her cheek, he leaned closer, breathing deep, he exhaled, a deep rumble vibrated from his lips.
“You’re hot to the touch and....hhmmmmmmm....I could just eat you.”
Her silence forced his eyelids to pull back. Their lips almost touched, their breaths mingled. His eyes were clouded with unbridled passion, hers alert with fear.
“Jon...” her eyes fell on his lips.
“Does it bother you that much? Can’t get passed the fact that I am what I am can you?“ He licked the sharp edges. Slowly but surely they inched higher. His hand closed around her arm and this time there was nothing romantic about it.
“Let’s get back. We need to have this talk and get the hell over with it.”
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Chapter 128
Ciara’s blood curling screams woke her from her terror filled dreams. She shot up from the bed, cradling her throat.
“Its ok...you are ok baby. Sshhh...I’m here.”
Ciara’s pliant body coiled like a spring as she realised in whose arms she was.
“No! Don’t touch me!” She shoved at his chest, gasping as she stared into the blue shining orbs in the dark. She scuttled away from him.
Jon blinked, realising what he had just done, he turned his face. He looked back and the glare was gone.
“I’m sorry honey.”
He flicked the lamp switch.
“Are you ok?”
“I had some nightmares. I’m ok.”
Please don’t touch me.
“I won’t touch you.” He groaned.
She frowned.
”Yeah, that’s something else you didn’t know, I read minds. There’s much you don’t know about me.”
“I know you are a liar, a cheat, a killer. Frankly, that’s more than enough for me.”
His hand brushed through his hair.
“Fair enough.”
He turned on his heel. He had to get away from her right that minute before...
“I hate you.”
His steps silenced. He didn’t turn around and she was so glad he didn’t.
“No, you don’t. Go to sleep.”
“Or else you’ll make me?”
“Ciara, don’t say things you will regret later.”
“There’s nothing to say that I will regret. You are a vile, despicable....”
“Why don’t you say it? You are thinking it.” He snapped.
“...vampire.” It rushed from her lips hastily.
“There. See? Was it so difficult?” He disappeared from the room. A cold breeze chased her underneath the covers.
~~
Ciaira woke with the soothing rays of the morning sun filtering in from the window. She stretched slowly and winced as her body bemoaned its injured state, bringing the evening’s previous incident immediately to mind.
Her eyes shot open, she sighed, sagging back into the covers. She was alone. Staring at the ceiling she tried to make sense of it all. How was it possible that she never realised who or what he was? He had haunted her dreams and unbeknownst to her he was her employer, staring her in the face everyday, enjoying every damn moment, savouring her terror, her confusion! Reading her damn thoughts!! What kind of a man was he?
“Vampire remember? Evil beast, demon, devils’s spawn...”
Her gasp whipped in the air.
He was walking closer to the bed. Ciara didn’t want to feel like a caged animal and she shot from the bed, almost tripping over the trail of her remaining clothes of the previous night.
He didn’t let up and Ciara swallowed as hysteria build.
“You shouldn’t be out of bed. You have a concussion.” She locked her arms in defence across her chest, backing up slowly.
Her pain pounded through him and he reached for her backing her successfully into a corner.
“You need to trust me Ciara. I’m not here to hurt you. I wanna help. C’mon honey.”
“NO! You don’t get to touch me...EVER!” She whipped her finger in the air, her hair tumbling wildly down her shoulders.
“Ciara...listen to me.”
“I’m done listening to you! Why are you doing this to me? First you accosted me in my own home, crashing my Halloween party. Then you send your friends to persuade me to tour with you. I thought I was losing my mind! All the nightmares...your unwanted nightly visitations, scaring me out of my damn mind. I’m not even sure what was real! Why cant you just leave me alone, what do you want from me?!”
Her screaming sent a painful jab through her skull and she felt herself sag onto the carpet.
“You’re only making things worse. Let me help you.”
“No!”
He swept her into his arms.
“Yes.”
She lay back on the mattress. His fingers brushed her temples, circling slowly, she felt warmth radiating from the tips of his fingers.
“Relax...this is gonna help you rest.”
“I don’t need your help.”
Her eyelids flickered, a calm feeling soaked into her dropping her on a fluffy cloud of...nothingness.
Jon’s fingers lingered on her face. The deep burrow between her eyes eased slowly, leaving in its place a sleeping angel.
He leaned closer, brushing his lips over hers, he took a deep breath. Her scent was overwhelming, her sweetness was drenched by the dark heady scent only he and the vampire of the previous night could smell. The vampire and probably any other vampire in the vicinity that is!
She had to stay with him if she was to stay safe. He would have to watch her 24/7 keeping her safe from other vampires, keeping her satisfied in his bed....
He snarled at the thought, shooting from the bed. His body tightened in awareness, yearning for the luscious curves slumbering in his bed.
He punched violently at the phone he snapped from his pocket.
“Rich get the guys together, we need to talk. “
The men filed in one after the other, their faces grave as they felt Jon’s mood cooling the air in the hotelroom.
“How is she bro’?”
“She hates my guts, her head is giving her hell but she’ll live.”
“You can’t blame her for hating you Jon, you haven’t been Mr honesty with her. This is all kinda of fucked up for her. Have you told her anything yet?” Tico wasn’t happy.
He shook his head.
“Not yet. She is too freaked out to listen to anything I had to say and besides she has a concussion, she needs to rest.”
“True.” Richie agreed.
“We have a bigger problem heading for us dead on. Her scent is getting stronger. You see what happens when another vampire picks up on it. She could have been...” Jon couldn’t utter the words.
He could feel his fury build just by the mere thought of it.
“So what’s the plan.”
“We need to keep her safe. She will just have to stay with me. I can watch her all night, I’m just not sure what we’re going to do when we are busy with a show...”
“You are discussing my life. Don’t you think I have some say in it?”
All heads whipped towards the girl clutching the doorframe.
“Ciara..”
“NO! You are all sick! What do you all get out of this? Are you vampires too?” Her thrill voice shot towards them.
“No Ciara. I’m the only vampire. You cant blame them, they were only protecting me.”
“And what about me? Did you see me as a comfortable meal for him? A little standby when he was too lazy to hunt for himself? What did I do to you? Why do I deserve this?”
Richie closed the space between them.
“Honey please its not what you think. We didn’t...”
A hard slap resounded in the air. His head jerked sideways.
“Oooook... I guess I deserved that.” He folded her into his arms nonetheless.
“Please honey calm down. We...I am so sorry for doing this. This was a selfish thing to do but there is more to all of this. “
Her heartbreaking sobs soaked his shirt, the men squirmed in their seats. Women and tears were terrible to deal with and if you were the cause of it...much worse!
Her tearstained face looked up at him.
“All this doesn’t matter. I’m going home and I’m going to forget that you all ever existed.”
“Its ok...you are ok baby. Sshhh...I’m here.”
Ciara’s pliant body coiled like a spring as she realised in whose arms she was.
“No! Don’t touch me!” She shoved at his chest, gasping as she stared into the blue shining orbs in the dark. She scuttled away from him.
Jon blinked, realising what he had just done, he turned his face. He looked back and the glare was gone.
“I’m sorry honey.”
He flicked the lamp switch.
“Are you ok?”
“I had some nightmares. I’m ok.”
Please don’t touch me.
“I won’t touch you.” He groaned.
She frowned.
”Yeah, that’s something else you didn’t know, I read minds. There’s much you don’t know about me.”
“I know you are a liar, a cheat, a killer. Frankly, that’s more than enough for me.”
His hand brushed through his hair.
“Fair enough.”
He turned on his heel. He had to get away from her right that minute before...
“I hate you.”
His steps silenced. He didn’t turn around and she was so glad he didn’t.
“No, you don’t. Go to sleep.”
“Or else you’ll make me?”
“Ciara, don’t say things you will regret later.”
“There’s nothing to say that I will regret. You are a vile, despicable....”
“Why don’t you say it? You are thinking it.” He snapped.
“...vampire.” It rushed from her lips hastily.
“There. See? Was it so difficult?” He disappeared from the room. A cold breeze chased her underneath the covers.
~~
Ciaira woke with the soothing rays of the morning sun filtering in from the window. She stretched slowly and winced as her body bemoaned its injured state, bringing the evening’s previous incident immediately to mind.
Her eyes shot open, she sighed, sagging back into the covers. She was alone. Staring at the ceiling she tried to make sense of it all. How was it possible that she never realised who or what he was? He had haunted her dreams and unbeknownst to her he was her employer, staring her in the face everyday, enjoying every damn moment, savouring her terror, her confusion! Reading her damn thoughts!! What kind of a man was he?
“Vampire remember? Evil beast, demon, devils’s spawn...”
Her gasp whipped in the air.
He was walking closer to the bed. Ciara didn’t want to feel like a caged animal and she shot from the bed, almost tripping over the trail of her remaining clothes of the previous night.
He didn’t let up and Ciara swallowed as hysteria build.
“You shouldn’t be out of bed. You have a concussion.” She locked her arms in defence across her chest, backing up slowly.
Her pain pounded through him and he reached for her backing her successfully into a corner.
“You need to trust me Ciara. I’m not here to hurt you. I wanna help. C’mon honey.”
“NO! You don’t get to touch me...EVER!” She whipped her finger in the air, her hair tumbling wildly down her shoulders.
“Ciara...listen to me.”
“I’m done listening to you! Why are you doing this to me? First you accosted me in my own home, crashing my Halloween party. Then you send your friends to persuade me to tour with you. I thought I was losing my mind! All the nightmares...your unwanted nightly visitations, scaring me out of my damn mind. I’m not even sure what was real! Why cant you just leave me alone, what do you want from me?!”
Her screaming sent a painful jab through her skull and she felt herself sag onto the carpet.
“You’re only making things worse. Let me help you.”
“No!”
He swept her into his arms.
“Yes.”
She lay back on the mattress. His fingers brushed her temples, circling slowly, she felt warmth radiating from the tips of his fingers.
“Relax...this is gonna help you rest.”
“I don’t need your help.”
Her eyelids flickered, a calm feeling soaked into her dropping her on a fluffy cloud of...nothingness.
Jon’s fingers lingered on her face. The deep burrow between her eyes eased slowly, leaving in its place a sleeping angel.
He leaned closer, brushing his lips over hers, he took a deep breath. Her scent was overwhelming, her sweetness was drenched by the dark heady scent only he and the vampire of the previous night could smell. The vampire and probably any other vampire in the vicinity that is!
She had to stay with him if she was to stay safe. He would have to watch her 24/7 keeping her safe from other vampires, keeping her satisfied in his bed....
He snarled at the thought, shooting from the bed. His body tightened in awareness, yearning for the luscious curves slumbering in his bed.
He punched violently at the phone he snapped from his pocket.
“Rich get the guys together, we need to talk. “
The men filed in one after the other, their faces grave as they felt Jon’s mood cooling the air in the hotelroom.
“How is she bro’?”
“She hates my guts, her head is giving her hell but she’ll live.”
“You can’t blame her for hating you Jon, you haven’t been Mr honesty with her. This is all kinda of fucked up for her. Have you told her anything yet?” Tico wasn’t happy.
He shook his head.
“Not yet. She is too freaked out to listen to anything I had to say and besides she has a concussion, she needs to rest.”
“True.” Richie agreed.
“We have a bigger problem heading for us dead on. Her scent is getting stronger. You see what happens when another vampire picks up on it. She could have been...” Jon couldn’t utter the words.
He could feel his fury build just by the mere thought of it.
“So what’s the plan.”
“We need to keep her safe. She will just have to stay with me. I can watch her all night, I’m just not sure what we’re going to do when we are busy with a show...”
“You are discussing my life. Don’t you think I have some say in it?”
All heads whipped towards the girl clutching the doorframe.
“Ciara..”
“NO! You are all sick! What do you all get out of this? Are you vampires too?” Her thrill voice shot towards them.
“No Ciara. I’m the only vampire. You cant blame them, they were only protecting me.”
“And what about me? Did you see me as a comfortable meal for him? A little standby when he was too lazy to hunt for himself? What did I do to you? Why do I deserve this?”
Richie closed the space between them.
“Honey please its not what you think. We didn’t...”
A hard slap resounded in the air. His head jerked sideways.
“Oooook... I guess I deserved that.” He folded her into his arms nonetheless.
“Please honey calm down. We...I am so sorry for doing this. This was a selfish thing to do but there is more to all of this. “
Her heartbreaking sobs soaked his shirt, the men squirmed in their seats. Women and tears were terrible to deal with and if you were the cause of it...much worse!
Her tearstained face looked up at him.
“All this doesn’t matter. I’m going home and I’m going to forget that you all ever existed.”
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