A black eyebrow curved upwards and Tahlia placed her mug on the coffee table. Her black eyes held a subtle warning. Jemima, on the other hand, had a mischievous smile.
“Do tell.” Jemima took her lover’s hand in hers and squeezed it until Tahlia’s piercing gaze moved away from Paloma and the black eyes focused on her. “Tell me everything. It’s good to have someone whom I can quiz about Tahlia’s younger years.”
Paloma cradled the mug in her hands for a few seconds before she began. “What I remember from that day was the way you looked at Tahlia.” She took a sip from her mug. “You looked at her the same way you were looking at her just now.”
“How?” Jemima asked softly, stroking Tahlia’s strong hand.
“Like she was the only reason you existed.”
Jemima lifted Tahlia’s hand to her lips and kissed it tenderly. “She is the reason I exist.”
She turned to look deeply into her lover’s eyes. ”What do you say, baby?” Jemima asked with a sultry smile.
Paloma’s eyebrows shot up upon hearing the endearment. The next moment she blinked at the reaction the endearment had on Tahlia. The dark woman grinned as she came to her feet.
“I think we will turn in for the night. You are free to sleep over if you like,” she said, not even looking at Paloma. Uttering a hasty “goodnight,” Jemima hurried after Tahlia.
The minute they were out of sight, Paloma sighed deeply and placed her mug on the table. She knew what activities the remainder of the night held for the amorous couple. Loneliness crept up from her heart to her throat where it almost choked her.
Paloma’s head snapped up. It was Tahlia’s voice. Paloma hesitated. Inger was scared of her and would kick her out of her room.
Paloma came to her feet and slowly made her way up the stairs.
Chapter 6
Inger sat up in bed when her bedroom door opened softly and closed with a soft click. The now familiar buzzing in the air caused her to tense up. What was Paloma doing in her room? She leaned over to flick on the light, but Paloma’s voice stopped her hand mid-air.
“No...please.”
She slowly lay back, pulling the sheet up to her chin.
Making out the dark shape moving closer, Inger held her breath as she felt a weight settle on the bed.
“I do not want to see the fear in your eyes when you look at me. It makes...it makes me feel like a monster.”
After Paloma spoke, a deafening silence filled the room.
Unconsciously, Inger rubbed the spot over her heart. Her heart ached at the sadness she’d heard in Paloma’s voice and the crushing waves of loneliness radiating from the vampire. Compassion winning out, she sat up again and gently groped in the darkness until she found Paloma’s hand. She felt it tremble slightly as she slowly lifted it to her lips. She heard Paloma gasp when her warm lips touched the cool skin of her palm.
“You’re not a monster,” she said gently. She recalled the intense longing she had seen in Paloma’s eyes earlier that night. Inger gently tugged on the hand and felt Paloma’s resistance. “I’m...I’m sure you know why I fear you?” She once again tugged on Paloma’s hand. The invitation was clear, and she wished the light were on so she could see Paloma’s eyes. She felt the vampire carefully trying to pull away from her, so she tightened her hold.
“Do you know what you are asking of me?” She could hear the dread in Paloma’s voice.
“Yes.” She tugged on the hand again. “Let me hold you for a while. Let me help you keep the loneliness away, even if it’s just for a few hours.”
There was complete silence for a few seconds and she let out a sigh of relief when she felt Paloma budge. Paloma’s hand starting to tremble again and Inger pulled her closer still as she made space on the bed next to her. Paloma reached down and Inger heard the sound of a zipper as Paloma took off her boots. She gently stroked Paloma’s back, feeling a tremor run down the strong body. For the first time since meeting her, Inger saw beyond the powerful creature that was Paloma and sensed the hope at what she was offering. Even after Paloma had removed her shoes, she remained seated on the edge of the bed, now visibly shaking. Inger gently coaxed the vampire into her arms as one would a frightened animal.
“Lie down and let me hold you.”
Paloma slowly eased onto the bed. Encircling her waist with strong arms, Inger pulled her tightly against her warm body, spooning her. They lay like that in silence, with Inger gently cradling the quivering body to hers. After a while, when Paloma’s shaking worsened, Inger gently turned Paloma over onto her back. A soft keening sound escaped Paloma’s lips and Inger felt her heart constrict. Humbled, that this strong woman allowed her to see her in this state, Inger pulled her closer again and planted a soft kiss on her forehead.
“Oh, Paloma...” She gently held the vampire until the shaking stopped and she lay quietly in her arms. She didn’t loosen her hold, but held her tighter still. She could feel the sadness of the vampire pounding through her, and she brushed a soft kiss over the wet cheek. “I’ve got you. It’s going to be okay.”
†
No one had ever seen her so vulnerable before, not even Tahlia, yet Paloma didn’t feel self-conscious. It just felt right.
This was her woman, and she was going to do everything in her power to claim her as such. With her face buried in the young woman’s neck, Paloma heard the warm blood rushing though Inger’s veins, but her soft feminine scent quickly distracted her. She smelled of hope and for the first time in 2000 years, Paloma felt at peace. The gentle touch of a twenty year old human girl made her demons vanquish. Maybe one day she will tell her about Lucia. If she wanted to claim Inger, she would have to be honest with her, too.
Inger’s hand continued to caress her back, and Paloma had to fight the urge to purr in pleasure. If my enemies should see me like this, my reputation would certainly be severely dented. The hand suddenly stopped, and Paloma stiffened. Oh, no… What now? Did I say it out loud?
“I want to see your face, Paloma. Is it okay if I switch on the lamp?”
Scared that Inger will see the shadows in her eyes, Paloma wanted to say no, but instead she found herself nodding yes.
Inger had to lean over her to reach the switch, and the action brought her breasts close to Paloma’s face. The soft, heady fragrance of Inger enveloped her, causing a slow heat to pulse to life in her lower region. Paloma swallowed hard. With her enhanced sight she could see through Inger’s pajama top, to the soft globes dangling just within reach of her mouth. If she lifted her head a fraction, she’d be able to brush them with her lips. Just then, the light flicked on, and Paloma looked up into Inger’s eyes.
She felt a warm glow settle in her heart at the genuine concern she saw in the blue eyes. It was a far cry from the panic they held earlier. She hoped never to see that look in Inger’s eyes again.
Inger touched her fingertip to the dried red streaks on her cheeks and Paloma quickly closed her eyes to hide the terror in her own eyes. Will Inger be spooked by the blood tears and eventually decide that she was truly a monster who had no business being in her bed?
“You are not a monster.” The words spoken so softly made Paloma’s eyes fly open. Inger was staring down at her with a soft look in her eyes. “You are a spectacular woman. Don’t ever think of yourself as a monster again.” Inger bent her head, and Paloma’s heart skipped a beat when she felt lips gently brush over hers. Inger lifted her head and gazed into her eyes. Her look was intense. With shock, Paloma recognized the expression in the blue eyes. Inger desired her!
Paloma felt Inger’s pulse speed up as Inger again lowered her lips to hers. This time the kiss lasted longer. Inger cradled Paloma’s head in both hands as she explored Paloma’s mouth with deep, probing kisses. Not wanting to interrupt this magical moment, Paloma simply lay there, allowing Inger to taste her. Inger lifted her head and Paloma inhaled deeply at the hunger in the blue eyes.
<
br /> “You see now,” Inger murmured softly. “You are not a monster. Instead, I turned out to be the big bad wolf seducing you.”
Paloma reached out and traced Inger’s lips with a fingertip. “You are so beautiful, Inger.” Her eyes moved up from the soft lips to Inger’s eyes. “I adore your kisses. May I beg you for more?”
Inger smiled sweetly before planting a trail of small kisses everywhere on Paloma’s face until she reached her mouth. This time Paloma didn’t remain motionless. Her hand moved up to where Inger’s full breasts brushed against her chest. Breaking the kiss, she caught a hardened nipple between her fingertips and, to Inger’s delight, gently rolled it.
“Oh…yessss…” With that soft murmur, Inger crushed Paloma’s restraint and her hand dived under the covers. She heard Inger gasp when Paloma touched her gently between her legs. She captured Inger lips in a deep kiss.
“I will stop if you want me to, Cara.” She pulled away, their lips barely touching and looked deep into Inger’s eyes. “Do you want me to continue?”
Without a word, Inger rolled onto her back. The invitation was obvious. Paloma’s love for this young woman filled her chest, threatening to rupture her overflowing heart. She gently wrapped her arms around Inger and squeezed her sweetly. I love you. I love you. I love you, she chanted silently.
After almost 500 years of acute loneliness, Paloma had trouble trying not to rush Inger as she quickly flicked open the buttons on Inger’s silk pajama top. When the material fell away, her hungry gaze met two rounded breasts with dark nipples. Groaning her appreciation, Paloma stared at the rich bounty for a few moments before latching onto a dark nipple. At the same time, her hand slipped into the pajama pants. She smiled inwardly when she found Inger wet. She slowly circled Inger’s throbbing clitoris with her fingertip, all the while sucking delicately on her nipple.
†
Inger’s head was spinning from pleasure. She never doubted for a minute that Paloma would be a great lover, but experiencing it firsthand left her breathless. She gasped when she felt Paloma pinching her nub, making her feverishly buck her hips.
“Easy, my angel, I do not want this to end too quickly,” Paloma whispered around a hard nipple. She smoothly pushed two fingers deep inside her, making her jerk upright. The sliding motion started slowly, but escalated steadily the louder she became. Inger heard a gasping sound and was pleasantly surprised to find that it came from Paloma.
The blonde head lifted from her breast. Silver eyes held hers captive while agile fingers stroked deeply within her. Inger reached up and pulled Paloma into a hungry kiss. Paloma’s tongue slipped into her mouth, and Inger groaned at the expert way Paloma sucked on her tongue.
Inger wrenched her mouth away, ending the kiss. “I can’t wait any longer, Paloma.”
“Then show me how much you have enjoyed my touch,” Paloma whispered huskily.
Inger felt her body starting to shake as she sensed a heat wave rushing from the deepest recess of her body, roaring toward the throbbing place between her quivering thighs. She pressed her head into the pillow.
“I’m coming...Oh my...Ohhhhh…”
Her whole body shuddered violently as the quickly building pressure gave way to tiny flames of pleasure, swimming through her bloodstream. It teased her nerve endings, searing her body from the inside out. Paloma pressed deeper and a hoarse cry of acute pleasure escaped her lips. She clutched Paloma to her as her hips rocked wildly. The next moment everything went black.
When, after a few minutes, she opened her eyes, she encountered velvety silver eyes gazing down at her. Licking dry lips, Inger lifted a hand to touch Paloma’s cheek, but her hand limply fell back on the bed. Her body completely drained.
Inger exhaled noisily. That was the longest and most powerful orgasm she had ever had. She absently wondered what the health implications would be if she had more than one of these every night—forever.
Paloma pulled her into her arms, kissing her cheek. “Sleep, Cara. If you wish I can visit you again tomorrow night.”
Inger picked up on the hopeful note in Paloma’s voice. She nodded weakly. “It’s a date.”
Smiling, Paloma gave her a soft kiss before she rolled out of bed. Inger watched languidly as Paloma pulled the sheet over her and reached for the light switch.
“One last kiss,” she gasped, still slightly out of breath from her powerful orgasm.
This time she held out her arms and Paloma moved into them. They shared a tender kiss before Paloma loosened Inger’s grip around her neck and tucked her in again. Her eyes fluttered closed as she distantly heard the soft click when Paloma left the room.
Chapter 7
Tahlia felt her fangs lengthening, but she bit down hard to retract them. Slowly she walked over to the crude wooden table that stood in the corner of the room and picked up a piece of cloth to wipe her face. Without turning around she spoke.
“I am not usually one to give in to violence easily, but I need to warn you that if you ever spit in my face or at any other part of my person again, you will live to regret it.” Dropping the cloth, she turned to look at the man who was chained to the wall. “We have countless ways to make vermin like you talk, and we will not hesitate to employ such methods. But first, we want to give you the option of volunteering the information we need. What we will do in turn for you is to let you go free—but, of course, a few terms and conditions will apply.”
She came to stand in front him. This time she moved out of the way fast enough before the ball of spit could touch her. With a deep unearthly growl, Tahlia’s hand shot out and clamped around the man’s throat. She tightened her hold, lifting him off the floor, straining the thick chains holding him prisoner.
“No, Tahlia. That is exactly what he wants,” Jonas said coolly from behind her. After a moment’s hesitation, Tahlia loosened her grip and took a step back. Her eyes burned with blood red rage before they slowly shaded to their customary black depths.
“You are right.”
Paloma stepped out of the shadows and the captive’s eyes filled with hatred. “You will not get anything from me,” he spat out and Paloma shrugged.
“If you say so.” Her voice was calm. She stepped closer to the man and grabbed his head between her two hands. “Let me give you an idea of the kind of people we are and then we will see if you still refuse to talk to us.” Her eyes glowed a deep-red as she planted the bloodiest battle scenes from their past into his mind.
At first, the captive showed no emotion as the violent scenes flashed through his mind. After a few minutes, beads of sweat formed on his forehead. A little while later, his body became tense and he began to shake as he tried to block the images of death and carnage. Spittle ran down from the corners of his mouth, and his eyes rolled back as he passed out.
Paloma turned to Jonas and Tahlia. “He will be out for a few minutes. Once he regains consciousness, the scenes will continue to haunt him. I will stay with him until he talks.”
“Tell me again why we cannot just bite him to get the information?” Tahlia asked in a cold voice as she looked at the man with contempt.
“Joan warned us that this group in particular experiments with drugs and other debilitating compounds, which could be fatal to our kind.” Paloma walked over to the unconscious man turning his head from side to side, as she studied his neck and face. “Maybe they inject their spies with these drugs knowing that we would think first to bite them.”
The gate to the dungeon creaked open and Michael, followed by Pierre and Juan, stepped in.
“I just got some good news from the laboratory. The drug is ready. All we need now is to find a suitable volunteer.”
A sound came from the side of the room where the chained slayer was. The minute the man opened his eyes and saw Paloma, he quickly closed them, but that didn’t stop the relentless sequence of carnage that flashed through his mind. It took only a few minutes before the man caved in. To make sure that he knew they meant business, Paloma didn’t c
ut the stream of carnage immediately.
“I will talk. I will...talk.”
“Good.” Probing his mind quickly, Paloma erased the thoughts she had planted. Jonas and Pierre stepped closer to take over, and Paloma moved to stand next to Michael.
“I will do it, but I want the drug to be administered tonight.”
Michael turned to Tahlia, but Tahlia’s gaze was on Paloma.
“Are you sure you want to do this? The drug has not been tested on an ancient before. It might have crippling side-effects.”
“Yes, I am completely sure that I want to do this,” Paloma said without hesitation. She watched as Tahlia stepped closer. “I want to do this, Tahlia. After her kidnapping I do not trust anyone but myself to guard her.”
Tahlia smiled at her. “I will always be indebted to you for doing this.”
The silver eyes warmed considerately, but she didn’t say anything.
“We have samples upstairs in the laboratory. Dr. Lorraine Carter will administer the drug. If you’re ready, you can follow me.”
†
Inger felt stupid for having gone through all this trouble and not have Paloma show up. She looked down at herself and grimaced. She’d called in sick for class and had stayed at the mansion the whole day, wanting to be close to Paloma who she knew was asleep in one of the underground chambers. After lunch, she went shopping with her grandparents. As she was walking past one of the boutiques, she’d spied a sexy little black cocktail dress. She rarely wore dresses, but the memory of burning silver eyes made her enter the boutique. She wanted to look beautiful for Paloma, especially when she dropped in later that night.
This morning when she’d awakened, the first thing on her mind was their lovemaking, and she knew they’d never be able to go back to how things were. She was eager to see Paloma after the night they’d had together. The dress was a backup plan to fry the vampire’s circuits once they’d moved past the uncomfortable moment she anticipated at their first post-coital meeting.
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