Her easy acquiescence and acceptance is a rarity among my kind, where plots and machinations are centuries old. It only makes me treasure what she is even more. The humanity she possesses may make her a little reluctant to embrace the nature of our bond, but it also makes her exactly who she is—perfect.
Evan moves to take a step back, and she darts her gaze to him, waiting to see our reactions. We need to show her that neither of us are going anywhere. I don’t move in as fast as Evan, I let her see me coming, but I lean in for a kiss all the same. Her lips purse under mine. Even if her head is telling her to be cautious, her body can’t help but react.
Quinn
Griffin moves in close the second Evan takes a half step back. His intent is clear as he leans down. Instead of worrying about what they are thinking, I just allow myself to sink into the moment. I close my eyes and feel the way Griffin’s lips tease mine coaxingly.
Evan shifts until he’s standing behind me, his presence impossible to ignore. He’s huge and warm, and my body automatically attunes to his, even while my lips are against Griffin’s. I feel his hands trace over my sides until he’s pushing my hair away from the side of my neck. My breath catches when I feel his lips blaze across the path he just revealed.
Holy hell, this is really happening. I’m not going to admit how many times I’ve thought about this since the last time either one of them has kissed me, but let’s just say it’s more than a few. While my sex life hasn’t been adventurous so far, I’m certainly willing to try a great many things.
Griffin flips his hold on my hand so our fingers are laced together. His hand is much larger than mine, and the rings he wears makes it a little uncomfortable, but not enough that I want him to let go. His other hand slides into my hair, so I lean against his palm, giving Evan more access to my neck and shoulder. I can feel his stubble against my skin, leaving me feeling like I need to shiver every time his chin brushes against me.
Evan uses his mouth to push aside the collar of my shirt, and when the fabric resists stretching, he uses his hand to tug on my sleeve, exposing my shoulder and a little of my upper back. His kisses grow more frantic, and the touch of his pillow soft lips is intermingled with the blunt edges of his teeth. I gasp when he snakes his hand around my stomach and snatches me back so my body is flush against his.
I let out a huff of air, the jarring movement causing Griffin’s and my teeth to hit, only my lip gets pinched in the middle. Griffin freezes. His entire body just stops. I don’t even think he’s breathing. I move my tongue to soothe the spot that got bumped, but Griffin beats me to it. He lets out a low groan, and I feel the pressure of him sucking my lip into his mouth. His tongue makes a lazy lap over the tender spot, and the slight sting disappears as if it never was.
Griffin releases my lip and pulls his mouth from mine, but he doesn’t back away. His eyes stare right into mine as he mutters gutturally, “I couldn’t help myself,” as if he’s apologizing.
Evan’s chin scrapes along my shoulder as he lifts his head. “What happened?” His words are damn near purred in my ear.
“Nothing, our teeth bumped.”
“Bumped hard enough that she bled. You can’t jerk her around,” Griffin admonishes Evan.
“Did I? Shit, I’m sorry. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, I’m not that fragile,” I answer. Griffin still hasn’t pulled away, so I notice when his pupils shrink and his blue irises get larger.
“Are you like a vegan vampire or something? I’m clean, I promise.”
Evan is still holding me against him, so I feel it when his entire body shudders. I glance over my shoulder. “Are you okay?” He buries his face between my shoulder blades and really starts to shake.
“Shut up, bear, this is your fucking fault,” Griffin snaps.
I spin out of Evan’s hold when the convulsions grow worse. When he eventually looks up, I notice his entire face is red and there’s an actual tear falling down his cheek. “Are you crying?” I reach out to comfort him, and that’s when he lets out a roar of laughter. I’m so startled, I jump back, which makes him laugh even harder.
“You said,” Evan wheezes, “vegan vampire.” He flicks the tear off his cheek.
“It’s not even funny,” Griffin snarls.
“You’re right—it’s fucking hilarious.” Evan’s voice is high-pitched and breathy. He’s still laughing pretty hard.
“She thinks I only drink bagged blood, you moron.” Griffin darts his eyes to me. “Which is true for the most part. I haven’t bitten anyone in…a very long time.”
“That’s fine. You don’t have to validate your choice to me or him.” I hook my thumb in Evan’s direction. I think this is the first time I’ve gotten aggravated with him. Evan abruptly stops laughing when he catches sight of my not so pleased expression. I feel like he’s making fun of me too. How the hell am I supposed to know what to call a vampire who doesn’t drink from the vein?
In my peripheral, I see Griffin send a triumphant smile in his friend’s direction. I almost roll my eyes, but that would mean I was just as juvenile as they are.
“Sorry if I offended you,” I tell Griffin.
“You didn’t.” He takes my hand into his and bends his knees a little so he’s looking right into my eyes. “We should talk about it though.”
“I’m gonna grab my stuff,” Evan says quietly and heads down the hallway to give Griffin and me some privacy.
Griffin tows me over to Evan’s couch and guides me to take a seat. He lowers himself much more gracefully to sit right next to me, so our thighs are touching. “How much do you know about vampire feedings?”
“I’ve taken all the species classes. I know fresh blood is necessary for vampires because your cells are constantly replicating faster than your bodies can sustain the process.”
Griffin nods a little. “That’s the science and what our kind has allowed humans to know, but do you know what happens when a vampire takes from a host, directly from the vein?”
I give a half shrug and look away from him. “Ally told me there’s a connection formed. She said that was why Millie was…” I search for the right word, my goal here isn’t to out her very obvious crush on Griffin. “So devoted to you.” I wince, wishing I could have come up with something better.
“She has never bitten me,” he hastily informs me.
“I know. Ally explained that to me too. You give your blood to help vampires go through the transition. She also said if Millie would drink from the vein, the connection would fade, so she’s prolonging it by only drinking bagged blood.”
“Still?” He gives me a dubious expression. “Never mind. That’s not what’s important right now.”
“What is important?” I prompt when he doesn’t say anything else for a breath.
Griffin lays his hand over my leg and wraps his long fingers around the lower part of my thigh. “A long time ago, someone tried to control me with that connection, so I’ve done everything to avoid drinking from the vein since.” He doesn’t sound angry, in fact, he almost sounds detached when he says it.
I search his eyes. I have so many questions, but I don’t know if I should ask. Who would do that to him? Is that common? Why? To what end? “So that’s why you don’t want my blood,” I surmise, even though I would never try to control him, nor would I have understood that something like that was possible to the degree he’s alluding to.
Griffin drags his free hand over the bottom half of his face. “I do. It’s damn near all I can think about.”
I furrow my brow, thoroughly confused. “But you just said—”
“I said I didn’t want that, that was before you. Even before I tasted your blood, we were connected.”
I lean forward, place my elbows on my knees, and rest my forehead in my hands. I actually feel kind of stupid. I’ve been making so many assumptions.
“There’s no rush, Quinn,” Griffin assures me, misunderstanding my response or lack thereof.
“It’s not
that. I’m just confused. Not long ago, you were offering to bite me so I wouldn’t be a distraction. Then you seemed almost disgusted that you even offered. It’s clear you drink from the bag. I’ve seen it in your fridge. You told me you gave me some of your blood and took some of mine to heal me, but you’ve never once brought it up again. From what you said, I also got the impression it was a rarity and wouldn’t happen again. And just now you made a big deal over a drop of blood. What am I supposed to think?” I turn my head so I can see him.
“That I’m an asshole who isn’t very good at explaining himself,” Griffin replies, cringing.
“Sometimes you make me question which way is up. Every time I think I know what’s going on, you throw me a curve ball. Why are you smiling right now?”
His hand smooths up and down my thigh. “Welcome to my world. I never know what the hell you’re going to say or do.”
I throw myself back against the sofa with a huff. “I’m pretty dang simple, Griffin.”
“Not to me.”
“Is it safe to come out now?” Evan calls from the hall after a few moments of silence pass between Griffin and me.
“I’m pretty sure it always was,” I mutter dryly.
“I don’t know. You do a pretty good angry scowl.” Evan emerges from the hall with a duffle bag hanging over his shoulder.
“Ha ha, very funny.”
“It’s funny you think I’m joking.” He grins.
I look him over, all six plus feet, lingering on his thick thighs and bulging bicep that’s curled up and holding the bag over his shoulder. “Evan Winters, I just don’t believe there is much that scares you, let alone me.”
“She’s adorably oblivious, don’t you think?” He looks at Griffin.
“I wouldn’t call her oblivious, but adorable, yes,” the vampire next to me agrees, proving he’s a least smart if not a little mercurial.
“Suck up.” Evan chuckles. “Are you guys ready or what?”
Griffin stands, using my leg to push up, then holds out his hand for me to take. “Let’s go home.”
Chapter 6
Quinn
I toe off my shoes at the door. Evan flips the lock once the door closes behind him. I feel like it’s something he does for my benefit. “I need a shower. I’ll be quick,” he announces, packing away some of the things from the cafeteria in the kitchen before he heads down the hall with his duffle bag still slung over his shoulder. It looks pretty full. There’s definitely more than a change of clothes or two in there. I guess we really are doing this.
Griffin makes his way over to the couch and sprawls out in his usual fashion, and then he pats the seat next to him in invitation. The past couple nights, we’ve all hung out and watched TV before climbing into bed together. It’s been a little flirty, but it was clear they were not going to make the first move, at least until tonight when Evan kissed me.
I walk over, avoiding his legs, and lower myself next to him. I’m embarrassed how hard my heart is beating, especially knowing Griffin can hear it and it doesn’t have anything to do with exertion. No, it’s all for the vampire sitting beside me.
“Want me to find the remote?” I ask, not looking at him.
“Quinn?” Griffin murmurs my name softly, drawing my attention as though he knew I was purposely avoiding looking at him. “Come here,” he beckons me closer with a slight tip of his chin. His eyes are heavy-lidded, but I can still see the intense turquoise shade peeking out. I place my hand on his chest and lean in a little more.
Griffin lifts his arm from the back of the couch and slides it up my spine until his fingers are toying with the ends of my hair. I’m waiting for him to kiss me, so I’m a little surprised when he shares, “I wanted to let you go.” His eyes search mine, but his gaze settles on my lips. I start to pull back from him. That was the last thing I expected him to say. His arm tightens around my back, not letting me retreat. “But I couldn’t, and now you have to deal with me.”
“You’re not so bad, a little moody, but you’re awfully pretty to look at.” I grin.
“Pretty?” Griffin’s eyebrows nearly reach his hairline. A slow smile starts to curl his lips, and I see his hand come up like he might try to cover his mouth.
I reach out to stop him, and his grin falters. “Don’t do that,” I murmur softly. “I like your smile.” My eyes are drawn to his mouth. The tip of his tongue peeks out and wets his bottom lip. I actually get butterflies in my stomach.
I jerk my gaze back up to his. He did that on purpose. The confirmation is in the way his eyes twinkle down at me. I lied when I said he was pretty. Griffin Stone is devastatingly gorgeous. His hand moves up my back until his fingers are on the nape of my neck, and with the slightest pressure, he has me leaning forward so I can taste the tongue he was just teasing me with.
Instead of kissing me, Griffin leans in and brushes his nose against mine, keeping his lips just out of reach. I tilt to the left, but he evades me, nuzzling me again. Moving quickly, I plant my lips on his hard, then run my tongue along the seam of his mouth. Griffin freezes. I take it as a good sign and keep kissing him until his mouth softens under mine and he’s returning the kiss. Within seconds, he’s the one in control.
I grip his shirt when he leans over me and shifts our positions so he’s laying me back on the couch and covering me with his body. When his tongue dips into my mouth, I part my lips and tangle my tongue with his. He’s being more careful than he was in Evan’s room, only sliding his tongue against mine and retreating before the kiss gets too deep. I tug his shirt and lift my head at the same time, pressing our mouths together tightly. Finally, he opens for me, and I’m able to slide my tongue into his mouth and explore. Holy hell, he tastes like heaven. I don’t even have words to describe it, I just know I want more.
Griffin jerks back from me when my tongue slides against his fang. His mouth is open as he pants out a breath while he stares down at me. There’s definitely a difference in his teeth from earlier, his fangs are noticeably longer.
“I don’t have a lot of control right now,” he rasps, and his voice is so much deeper.
I’ll be damned. I want him to lose what little control he has, I just don’t know if admitting it out loud is the right thing to do. “You can bite me. I’m okay with that as long as you are,” I offer on a whisper. I’m not worried about Griffin hurting me. If everything I’ve heard about vampire bites is true, pain is the last thing he’ll be giving me.
Griffin’s weight shifts again until he’s half crushing me.
Griffin
As soon as she gives me permission to bite her, my beast wants to strike. I manage to hold on long enough to give her one more out. “Are you sure?” What I’m really telling her is there is no going back. When I bit her before, it was to heal her, but this, this is different and everything about it will be too.
Quinn nibbles her bottom lip and nods her head against the couch, her hair splayed around her like a halo. “I’m positive,” she replies without an ounce of fear. My lips go back to hers, touching and tasting until she turns her head and takes a deep breath.
The smooth skin of her throat is right in front of my lips, and all I can think about is marking her so everyone will see the evidence of my claim. I flick my tongue out to caress her pulse, and it flutters under my touch as venom pools in my mouth. If I don’t get myself under control, she’s going to be so blissed out, she won’t even remember the bite, and fuck me, I need her to remember. I need her to remember every fucking second.
She tilts even more, offering me so much. She’s not some venom junkie willing to let any vamp sink his teeth into her, she’s mine and will only ever be mine to taste. In the back of my mind, I think of Evan, but he will never have this from her. Her blood is only for me. Another few laps of my tongue, and I position myself against her neck. The moment the tips of my fangs touch Quinn’s skin, she stops breathing, and her heart even skips a beat.
I close my eyes and sink my teeth into her, and my cock thr
obs, reminding me I want more than just her blood. Quinn lets out a soft moan of surrender. Her blood hits my tongue from the small wounds on her neck, filling my mouth with her taste. I wrap my arms under her and drag her closer. Her back bows off the couch, and her head falls back, opening her up even more.
I take the first real pull from her vein, and I already know I’m addicted to her. Not even Eva’s blood, which I drank to help me through my transition, tasted like this. I feel Quinn’s hand wrap around the back of my neck, her fingers delving into my hair, and she clings to me just as fervently as I hold her.
Two more draws, and I slide my teeth out of her neck. My hips roll, grinding my cock against her. She is so warm. My body demands to slide inside of her heat, to really make her mine in the same way I’m already hers.
I lave around the small punctures, making sure not to pass over my bite. I need these marks to remain on her skin to signify she’s mine. There’s enough venom in my bite to have the wounds healing quickly, but not enough to keep the small scars from forming, which is exactly what I want.
Quinn’s hand travels down my back until she reaches my ass. She lifts her hips, silently asking me for more. Though my beast is well sated, he rises to the surface, demanding I give her anything she desires. He doesn’t understand nor care that Quinn is reacting to my bite, that I want the choice to be hers and hers alone when she’s ready to have all of me.
Her hands are all over me, rubbing and tugging at my clothes. It’s enough to have me losing my damn mind.
“I’m coming out,” Evan announces low enough that I know Quinn’s human hearing won’t pick up his words. It was meant for me anyway. Thank fuck he waited until I was done feeding. I’m not sure how I would have responded had he not. Even now, it’s tempting to gather her in my arms and hide her away, but I know it’s just my beast’s thoughts and I’m more than just instincts.
“The bear is returning,” I murmur while running my nose and lips along her throat. A soft disgruntled hum leaves her lips, causing me to grin against her skin.
Havenfall Harbor Book Two: Paranormal Ménage Romance MFM Page 5
