All Souls’ Night: A Midnight Doms Boxset

by Renee Rose

  My heart plummets. I’m sure her condition is all my fault. “What happened?” I reach out and brush a strand of her hair behind her ear.

  “Okay, but before I tell you anything, you have to promise not to worry.”

  I knew it! My mouth tightens. “Seriously?”

  “Alex and Theo are taking good care of me, so it’s going to be okay.”

  I hesitate but finally nod. My jaw clenches and my gut churns as Karina tells me what happened. Although she didn’t see who mugged her, I can’t help but worry it was Big Tony. It had to be him. It’s too coincidental. She’s like a sister to me. How can I continue putting her at risk?

  My first instinct is to take off without her so she’ll be safe, but it’s too late for that. Phil has already gotten to her. He’s well aware of how close we are and won’t hesitate to use her to flush me out if I run. We need to find another place to go.

  The problem is, I have no idea how we’re going to get out of this steaming pile of shit. She’s in no condition to travel just yet, and I think we’re running out of options. What a fucking mess.

  Zoe’s sultry scent keeps teasing me and making my fangs punch through my gums. Impatience wars with my need to snatch her up and take her home already. What made me possibly think one good fuck would be enough? I haven’t been able to focus on my job since I buried my face between her legs in the dungeon.

  Theo blocks my view of Zoe and smirks. “You know, I can smell her all over you.”

  I bristle, but he’s right. I proudly wear her musk like my cologne, and it’s driving me crazy.

  “I’m sure you’ve got a lot on your mind with everything that’s happened. Take Zoe home. I’ll have Tiberius finish your shift. And let Zoe know Karina is staying here tonight.” He heads down into the dungeon.

  Frankly, I’m surprised Theo isn’t out hunting down whoever hurt Karina. But I get it. He’s second in command while Lucius is away and has many other responsibilities. However, vampires tend to be possessive, and Theo’s made it clear over the past few months that Karina has captured his interest. Tough, balancing his position as general manager and a personal life. Sucks to be him.

  Maximus pokes his head around the corner and it’s his turn to disrupt my view of Zoe behind the bar. “Grab her and leave already. You’re stinking up the place with your worry. I’ll have my phone if you need anything.”

  Why the fuck is everyone so eager to get rid of me? “I smell great. You know you want a piece of me.”

  Maximus shakes his head. “You wish.”

  I chuckle as I cross to Zoe. I catch myself twice, stopping just in time before I blur across the room, my impatience fighting to control my body.

  Tapping on the wood, I lean toward her. “Theo says we’re off the clock. Time to go, mi cielito.”

  Zoe stops wiping the counter and her hazel eyes capture mine. The breath I haven’t needed for centuries leaves me in a rush. She’s had this effect on me from the second she walked in the club for her job interview.

  But she pouts. “Our shifts aren’t over for another two hours. Give me your address and I’ll head over later. I’m staying. The tips from tonight are going towards a sweet little leather number I have on order.”

  My shaft stiffens in my jeans as she runs her hand down the side of her corset.

  She rocks the top like no one in history. It pushes her plentiful breasts up and out. A growl flutters from my throat at the men in the club, vampire and human alike, fawning over her flirty body language for me. I glare and they divert their attention. My eyes rake over her curves. The lace and silk are gorgeous, but this woman was made for leather.

  I lift a brow and slap a wad of cash from my wallet onto the bar in front of her. “This isn’t up for debate. Let’s go.”

  A smile spreads across her face and she picks up the Ben Franklins before tucking them into her cleavage. “Yes, Sir.”

  My mouth waters at her snarky retort. Her thorns are precisely what I’ve always imagined in my perfect partner.

  She tosses her towel down and tells Roxy goodbye before sauntering toward the exit. Her hips sway, and I catch the underside of her ass peeking from beneath her shorts. Why have I not taken this woman before now? I’m an idiot. Perhaps I’ve been too cautious. Her radiance just might be able to withstand my shadows.

  Unlike many vampires my age, I’m not bored with sex. I’ve done everything imaginable with men and women, and look forward to the little death that comes with each climax. Zoe will burn me in the best possible way, if the small taste I had of her tonight is any clue.

  I catch up to her and put my voice at her ear. “Mmmm. You’ve learned your place, I see. Now I can get down to business as soon as I have you in my lair.”

  She narrows her eyes but lowers her head and clasps her hands behind her back. The pose highlights her best features and gives me a view of the money I gave her. Good fucking thing we’re outside or I’d have to erase the image from anyone who caught sight of it.

  The corners of my mouth lift in a smirk. “Don’t lose your thorns just yet, mi cielito.”

  She shakes her head and we continue walking. Her demeanor shifts, though, and the fear wafting off her is palpable, her shoulders stiff under my arm. Her pretty hazel eyes dart around the parking lot with caution.

  “You’re looking for him?” I scan the area, my night vision penetrating the shadows, but find no one waiting.

  She nods.

  I tug her close. “Do not fear him while you are with me.” I escort her to my truck. “We’ll leave your car here tonight. Let’s stay together.”

  “Yes, Sir,” she whispers, and shivers.

  I help her into the front seat of my F250 king cab and give one more glance around the property. As I climb into the truck, her scent surrounds me, and I have to adjust my hardening cock in my jeans. I lean toward her to brush my lips against hers. “You liked it when I spanked you, si?”

  She suppresses a grin. “Yes, I did.”

  “Then you’ll enjoy the playroom at my house.” I waggle my eyebrows and she grins. I point to the navigation system on my dash. “Put your address in there for me, will you?”

  I start the truck and she taps the screen, entering her location. Technology makes life easier in so many ways. I can’t think straight with her scent engulfing me in the small space, and am grateful I don’t have to concentrate to follow directions as I leave the parking lot, keeping my eyes on the mirrors to ensure no one is following us.

  “So, do we set up a contract now, or what? If I’ll be staying with you for a few days, it makes sense to have something in place, along with a time frame.”

  Shock jolts me. I knew she was familiar with the lifestyle, but not to this extent. I fight the urge to demand to know her previous doms. If I ask, I’ll hunt them down and rip them to shreds. “To answer your question: no, we don’t need a contract.” My grip tightens on the steering wheel.

  I’m not a hundred feet down the road when I notice I’m driving way too fast. Fuck. I need to watch my speed. It seems Impatience is my middle name when it comes to this woman. The faster we get to her apartment, the quicker she packs. Then I can take her to my place and strip her bare and have my way with her.

  “Why wouldn’t we need a contract? I thought that’s how this worked.”

  My fangs drop and I run my hand across my mouth to hide them. I shift in my seat, my erection straining painfully against my jeans. “Would you mind if we waited until we get to my place to hammer out the details?”

  The way her cheeks turn pink and her arousal joins the mix turns my mind to mush. “Aren’t you going to make me your sub? I thought…”

  A smile creases my face. “You’re right, mi cielito. I am going to make you mine, but talking about our conditions is only going to drive me mad with lust for you and get us into an accident.”

  The combination of her radiant grin and her blush of desire harden my cock even more, if that was even possible, and I chuckle.

 
I smooth my palm over her thigh, clad in fishnet stocking. “If you ever want out or don’t like something, all you have to do is tell me. I will never force you into anything.”

  That seems to mollify her, and her shoulders relax. “Tiramisu is my safeword. And just so you know, I don’t do anal. The one time I tried was more than enough for me.”

  Whoever introduced her to ass-play is another on my list of those to punish. They did her a major disservice by no doubt taking what they wanted without thought or care for her. It can be highly enjoyable for both parties. She will change her mind with me. My cock twitches impatiently.

  I maneuver around a slower car. “Any other hard limits for you?”

  She tilts her head to the side and taps her lips with her finger while she thinks. One corner of her lower lip goes between her teeth and she nibbles on it. How is it that the simplest of actions on her part can cause such a soul-jarring response on mine?

  Her head shakes from side to side. “I’ll let you know if any come up.”

  I caress my knuckle down the side of her soft cheek. “I promise you nothing but pleasure in my bed.” I pull into the complex, my eagerness rising as we approach her apartment. There are still five hours before sunrise. Not enough time for me to explore her thoroughly, but I’m beginning to fear an eternity will never give me enough time with her.

  Chapter 4

  I turn and scan the street while she reaches for the door handle in my truck. “Your neighborhood isn’t the best. I’m glad you’re staying with me.”

  Did she just growl at me? The frown twisting her pretty features confirms I’ve pissed her off.

  “Oh, and I suppose you have a McMansion in the suburbs?” She slams the passenger door and marches toward her building.

  Ouch. I guess I hit a sore spot. I catch up with her and swing her into my arms.

  She’s stiff and frowns harder at me. “What?”

  “My number one concern is your safety, not your financial status.” I brush a strand of hair from her cheek and she softens against me. “I was not making any judgements.”

  She nods. “Sorry. I guess I got a little defensive. My financial situation is what got me into trouble with this stalker. He preys on women who need money to survive.” She pushes from my arms and continues toward what I assume is her apartment door. “You’d be surprised what someone will do for the right price.”

  She whispered the comment, and perhaps didn’t expect me to hear it… but I did. I clench my fists and rein in my hatred for this asshole who has obviously made this woman’s life a living hell.

  Inserting the key, she unlocks the door and enters.

  I angle my body toward the street, as if I’m still scanning our surroundings. Although I’m positive Phil is nowhere near here at the moment, I can’t enter her home without explicit permission. It’s one of the annoying facts about being a vampire.

  “Aren’t you coming in?”

  “Is that an invitation?” I waggle my eyebrows.

  She chortles. “After the way you rocked my world in the dungeon, I didn’t think you’d need one, but yes, please come in—ah!”

  She squeals as I lunge for her and pick her up, chuckling. I kick the door shut. Placing kisses on her neck, I move to her mouth. Our lips lock and the embrace heats in an instant. I languish in the taste of her before setting her on her feet. I glance around. “I like your place. It’s cozy.”

  She throws her keys on a small table next to her front door with a shake of her head. “It’s small, but it’s by far my favorite apartment.”

  “Size isn’t everything.” I raise a teasing eyebrow.

  She laughs. “You keep believing that, Armando.”

  I love that sassy glint in her eye and, when she turns her back to close the laptop on the coffee table, I readjust my hardening shaft as I admire her ass in those short shorts and fishnet stockings. Of course, that brings me back to how sweet that ass looked when I was fucking her a few hours ago. I redirect my gaze to the artwork and framed photographs around the living room. Otherwise, she isn’t going to be able to finish packing, and I do want to get her to my private playroom. Paciencia, pícaro.

  I amble to the entertainment center against the wall and study the pictures. All of them are of Zoe and Karina. “Do you have any family pictures?” I glance at her over my shoulder.

  I silently curse as the smile vanishes from her face and she sets the packed laptop bag by the front door. “Karina is my family. I don’t have parents. Well, I might, but my mother had a temper and I was taken from her when I was two years old. My father dumped her before I was ever born, so I never knew them.” She heads for the narrow staircase.

  My heart twists and I climb the stairs behind her. I’m glad she isn’t looking at me. Fangs out and seeing red, I wish I could go back in time and punish her parents for being so fucking cavalier with her life. The desire to protect the innocent child she was is strong… and foreign. “If you were taken from her, who raised you?”

  She shrugs and enters the bedroom at the top of the stairs. “A few dozen foster parents.”

  My heart lurches again for the little girl she used to be. To not have the love and affection of a parent while growing up is a tragedy. The pieces of the Zoe puzzle are beginning to fall into place. Her outgoing personality and her flippant attitude about her feelings. Her fear of approaching me and eagerness to be a sub. Who wouldn’t want someone to take care of them after they’d been neglected for so long? Who wouldn’t build walls around their heart like she had?

  I camp my shoulder against the door jamb. The room is clean and decorated simply. The bedding is a soft purple color, and the dresser has more framed pictures of her and Karina dressed up in some Ren Faire costumes. A sparkling horned mask hangs from the corner of her mirror. I wonder if she’s planning on attending the masquerade on All Hallows’ Eve at Toxic. But aside from a few tchotchkes, there is little else.

  Between being in foster homes and this stalker, I can only guess her minimalistic décor points to frequent moves. Few roots keeping her in place, so she’s always prepared to leave. What a lonely existence. Although I never got the impression she was an island, I never put that into perspective with the reality she’s exposing me to. Her love and loyalty to Karina is larger than life, and it’s a part of what drew me to her, but now I know why. I wonder if there’s anyone else in her life.

  I cross one foot over the other. “Weren’t you close to any of your foster families?”

  She shakes her head while she grabs clothes from the closet and tosses them into a bag she picked up off the floor. “None of them. Some were as bad as my mother, while others ignored me completely. Those were the best ones. It’s better to be invisible than to… Anyway, I moved a lot, from one home to the other, until I was fourteen. That’s when I met Karina. We were placed in the same home and our friendship got us through all the crap. As soon as we turned eighteen, we moved out together. Enough about my pathetic life. What about you? I hope your childhood was better than mine.”

  My throat constricts when I think back to my parents. The sadness battles with my anger over her treatment. “My mom died many years ago. Everyone in my family did.”

  She pauses at the sink in the bathroom connected to her bedroom and looks at me. “That must have been awful. Were you a kid?”

  I shake my head. I want to tell her I’m a vampire, but don’t. I can’t stomach the thought of her looking at me like I’m a monster. “No, I was grown and in the uh, military, when my father died. I learned about my mother and sister’s deaths when I was overseas.”

  Her eyes fill with moisture and her brow creases. She clears her throat and turns away, hiding her expression. “I can’t begin to understand how that had to have been for you. It sounds like you were very close to them. There’s nothing I can say to make it better, but I wish I could rewind time and change things for you. No one deserves to go through so much loss.” She turns back and gives me a smile full of compassion and concer
n then proceeds to add her toiletries to the bag before moving past me and to the room that is down a short hallway.

  “It was a long time ago.” I should tell her. She gets far more than I realized. She might understand that I was turned against my will. “I struggle with it from time to time but have a good life now.”

  I follow Zoe to Karina’s room, which is very similar to Zoe’s—only pictures of the two girls, and very few trinkets.

  Zoe grabs a duffle from the closet and starts adding clothes, shoes, and toiletries to it. She’s graceful as she moves around the space. “All right let’s go. We’ll head back to the club to drop off Karina’s things. She needs something other than Theo’s shirt. And then you can take me home and show me your playroom.” She winks and reaches for the bags.

  I take them from her and follow her out of the apartment.

  Zoe climbs into the front seat while I put the bags into the back. “I think he’d prefer to keep her in what she’s wearing.”

  She tilts her head to the side. “Why would you say that?”

  “There’s something primal about having your woman in one of your shirts and nothing else. It’s an undeniable sign to everyone else you belong to me.”

  Zoe rolls her eyes with a snort and climbs into her seat. “Men assume they own women when that couldn’t be farther from the truth.”

  I bite my tongue to keep from informing her that she is in fact mine. Patience is the only way I will win her heart. “True enough. Although, Karina didn’t seem too upset to go home with Theo.” I start the engine and make my way to the Club Toxic.

  I escort Zoe into the club while she drops off Karina’s things, and I stand guard outside the room in the dungeon while they talk. I’m not letting this woman out of my sight with that maniac around. There’s a part of me that hopes he does show up. I’d love to take care of her stalker problem tonight.

  Once Zoe is finished with her friend, we get back into my truck and I turn toward the interstate. Zoe has this secret smile on her full lips. “What are you grinning about?”