Courted by the Vampire

by Sandra Sookoo

  Guilt coated her stomach like grease. I should have let you do this earlier, but I was afraid.

  It is enough you want to do it now.

  Hunger and anticipation flared in his blue eyes when she pricked the tip of her finger to test the sharpness of the blade. As a scarlet drop formed on her finger pad, she shuddered. “My only request is don’t drink too much. I’d rather not be a drained shell, even for you.” She choked on her fear. What if she died from this foolish venture? She ignored the fear, and swallowed hard.

  You will not die. Edwin grasped her hand, licked at the drop of blood. “I will take only as much as I need.”

  With another hard swallow, Hannah uncovered her left leg from the blanket. She glanced at him. Nervous energy slid over her skin as encouragement and gratitude shone softly on his face. “Are you sure?”

  He nodded and let go of her hand. “I will never hurt you.”

  Taking a deep breath, she steeled herself for the pain she knew was imminent, and then plunged the knife into her inner thigh to the hilt. A cry of pain tore from her throat. Red waves of agony flooded her mind as she wrenched the knife from the wound. Basic high school knowledge of medical science told her she’d hit the fibular artery. Crimson liquid glittered in the pale light, warm as it flowed over her skin.

  “Bon appétit,” she said between gritted teeth. “Drink up, Edwin.” Sharp throbs of pain ebbed from the wound, slicing through her consciousness in angry carnelian swirls. The knife clattered on the stone floor as it fell from her fingers. “Quickly.” With a gasp, she leaned back against the cool limestone as the thick, sticky substance flowed from the wound. A faint metallic scent wafted up from the blood, and her stomach heaved.

  Edwin knelt between her legs. “My poor brave girl.” Leaning down, he licked at the well of blood on her thigh. As he hungrily began to suckle the wound, he gave a grunt of satisfaction as the first of the life-giving fluid hit his throat.

  This one little act made him so delighted, Hannah marveled over it.

  Pain still clouded her mind, but it faded into the background as new sensations fought to be recognized. She raked her fingers through Edwin’s silky hair. The stubble on his cheeks grazed her thighs as he fed. The stroke of his tongue, the softness of his lips on her skin both lulled her into a peaceful state and sparked her arousal. It was a surreal moment. To distract herself from what he was doing, Hannah concentrated on the activity in her mind.

  Edwin was happy. The brilliant fuchsia of his joy spilled into her mind.

  She smiled, glad this one thing could bring him such pleasure. Sapphire blue replaced the fuchsia with dancing coils. Then the mental landscape changed again. His desire rocketed through her body to rob her of breath. How can feeding from me be so sexy? A few black tendrils of doubt and worry interposed themselves over the blue coils. He worried he’d take too much blood and put her life in danger. Pink overpowered the black as she tried to reassure the vamp it would be okay.

  She continued to stroke his hair as he moved into a more comfortable position. He grasped her hips in order to pull the wound closer to his mouth. He was a handful, that fact was undeniable. With Edwin, the world finally made sense. The events of her past had a definite purpose, and it all culminated in him.

  Robust orange flooded her mind, overwhelming any emotion that came before it. Hannah giggled when she identified it as his color of love, the force and power behind that emotion knocked her for a loop. She had no idea he felt so strongly. He had just admitted to having the emotion. She tucked the knowledge away. It was comforting and extremely erotic to know he cared so much.

  He continued to suckle at the wound.

  Vague annoyance filtered into her being because she never did get a chance to see his fangs in real life, only in that quick image from his mind.

  Golden pinwheels danced through her head. Apparently, the vamp found the thought amusing. Hannah closed her eyes, enjoying the intimacy of the act. Spirals of pleasure curled in her stomach as intense longing throbbed in her core. She marveled at the intricate link between desire and feeding.

  The next thing she knew, Edwin gently shook her shoulder. “Please tell me you are unhurt.” Concern clouded his eyes, now dark from his heightened emotion.

  Blinking, she smiled, as he blotted his lips with a handkerchief. “I’m fine. A bit woozy.” The first rays of the sun peeked over the horizon, refracting through the waterfall to decorate their shelter with tiny rainbows of color. “Feeding takes a long time.”

  “There is much I need to teach you.” No sign of blood lingered on his lips or teeth.

  She breathed a sigh of relief. “Maybe later.” She gingerly fingered the knife wound, surprised to see not only was it no longer bleeding, it had almost healed. Hannah traced the edges of the flesh that had laced together. “How is this possible?” She paused to assess her situation. The pain had gone.

  Edwin chuckled and gathered her into his arms. “I do possess a bit of natural healing because of the vampire genes. I cannot fix fatal wounds, but little ones like this are no problem.” He pressed a kiss to her temple. “I appreciate what you have given me, spatzi. I am humbled by your sacrifice.”

  “I’d do it again, don’t ever forget that. You’re my life. There was never any question.” She guided his lips to hers and poured every ounce of desire and love into that kiss. “You need to sleep. You may think you’re energized, but I don’t want you to tire yourself unnecessarily.”

  He growled deep in his throat and laid her down, unwrapping the blanket from her body as he devoured her curves with his hungry gaze. “I intend to sleep. First, I will worship at your temple for a bit.”

  She sighed with pleasure. The vampire was nothing if not romantic.

  *****

  Edwin came awake with a feeling of unease. The horizon nearly swallowed the sun as the sounds of the waterfall lulled him into a false sense of well-being. He leaned on an elbow. Hannah still slept. Her muscles twitched as if she were in the grip of a nightmare. He could not stop the impending clash with Andre, but he wanted to alleviate her trauma. With one easy push, he tapped into Hannah’s mind.

  Black leathery wings blotted out the soft light of the room. Hannah scrambled back from a man until her back connected with the moldy wall. Andre stood before her, folding his wings behind him. A grin of near insanity stretched his lips. Clouds of black anger flooded her mind, fear restricted her throat as he advanced upon her. Join me, Hannah. The bounty hunter cannot give you the power I can.

  Outside her mind, Edwin stiffened when he realized Andre knew he lurked. Anger filled his chest, but he could not pull away from the scene.

  Hannah shook her head. No.

  Andre’s laugh echoed, harsh and unwelcome. I can make you the most powerful woman in the world. People will worship at your feet. You will never be ridiculed or mocked. Join with me.

  She bit down hard on her fist to keep from screaming as pain and darkness filled her head. She had to get away. She had to escape before Andre destroyed her, before he destroyed everything…

  Edwin pulled out of Hannah’s mind as unaccustomed fear pressed into his being. Andre had grown more powerful since the last time he’d invaded. With a frustrated sigh, he rested a palm on her stomach. She stirred at his touch, her eyelids fluttering. He vowed to protect her from the demon lord—even if it meant giving up his own life.

  Moving on to a new plane of existence where his dark genes would take over and he would become the monster she’d seen during her visit with Danu did not appeal to him. Hannah made all the difference. Just knowing her for the brief time that he had gave him a tiny glimmer, enough shards of hope that he would carry that piece of her with him into oblivion. Because of that, he could endure the loneliness and the terror.

  Realization crashed into him at the thought. His life had no value unless Hannah was with him. It humbled and empowered him at the same time. If he could not have her for eternity, he would cling to the memories and somehow survive the en
dless night.

  “What’s so interesting about me that you feel compelled to stare?”

  He focused on the woman next to him. “Do I really need to answer that question?” He tried to temper his body’s response when she touched a finger to his dimple, but it was an impossible endeavor.

  “Why do have to be so damned handsome? It’s not fair.”

  “A question within a question.” He pressed gossamer kisses along the column of her throat, pausing briefly over the pulse that fluttered under her skin. “You fascinate me. You are an intriguing woman and it makes you mysterious and beautiful.” He licked a meandering path between her breasts to her navel.

  “As for the way I appear, I could not say why. It must be the genes.” He sighed against the soft skin of her stomach. The unique, feminine scent of her assaulted his nose, feeding his arousal. “It is unfathomable how I have come to care for you in such a short span of time.”

  “Sometimes we don’t get to choose who we love. It just happens. Like destiny, I guess.” She threaded her fingers through his hair. “Does it bother you I’m so irresistible?”

  Her insecurities swirled through his mind as gray corkscrews. “You know me better than that, Hannah.” He shifted so his body fully covered hers, and then stared into her eyes, until he thought he would be lost. “I consider myself lucky to have found you. My life would be bleak indeed without knowing you.”

  She slipped her arms around his neck and held him close. “Tomorrow night we will be back in civilization.”

  “I am aware of our plans.” His sadness mirrored hers until fat, silvery clouds filled his mind. “The business card Corinne gave me mentions an address in a high-end neighborhood just north of Indianapolis. That is where we will find Andre.”

  “Will we go straight to his home?”

  “Not until I am certain that is where we will confront him. I thought we would overnight in a hotel on the same side of town in order to unwind and relax in preparation for the battle.”

  “I see, then our mission is almost at an end. For better or for worse, it’ll be over soon. We could both die.”

  He heard the catch in her voice and hated himself because he was the cause of it. He pressed a kiss to the tip of her nose. “Life will surprise you. The ending you see could very well be wrong or merely a new beginning.” He wished he believed those words.

  She stirred beneath him. “Maybe.” Andre had better be prepared because I’m coming, and I’m fighting for my man. The saying “Hell hath no fury…” will be an understatement.

  “You are truly one of a kind, spatzi.” He deposited another kiss on her cheek. “I am going to shower. Please refrain from borrowing trouble until I get back.” He levered off her soft curves, pleased when her gaze followed his every movement. It fed his ego to see how much she admired his form.

  “I don’t borrow trouble, bounty hunter.”

  His laughter echoed off the rock walls of their sanctuary. “You create great piles of it for me to sift through and pull you out of.” He grabbed his duffle bag. “I mean it. Behave yourself.”

  As he picked his way down the slope, Hannah’s sadness permeated his consciousness. How could he comfort her, or even set her mind at ease, when he did not know what awaited them? But like her, he would fight with every ounce of his being for the future.

  *****

  While Edwin showered, Hannah foraged for food, using the excuse to banish her restlessness. Chilly, she rushed into her clothes then ran her fingers through her hair. She made her way out of the shelter, waving merrily to the naked vamp as she went past. When he waved back, she smiled, tamping the urge to do wicked things with all that exposed flesh. Hunger overruled the need for adult play.

  Careful to stay on the path and not stray too far, Hannah couldn’t help but notice the sky. Vivid pinks, purples, and golds streaked across the horizon as fluffy clouds passed through the glorious color, transforming into dark boats on HD stream.

  Night insects came to life in the environment around her, calling to their mates, locked in a timeless dance to pair off, reproduce, and die. Rustles in the underbrush signaled the stirring of smaller four-legged life, searching for sustenance. She breathed deeply in then let the breath out at her leisure. As much as she hated outdoor living, she’d be sad to leave the forest. Against her will, she had become accustomed to the cadence of the nighttime world.

  Not giving her destination too much thought, she closed her eyes and hummed a few bars of a popular swing number. Swaying to music only she could hear, Hannah pretended she danced with Edwin at a jazz club. A 1920’s inspired speak-easy, in her daydream, he wore a classy suit and fedora.

  “Someone as striking as you should not be dancing alone, especially in this part of the forest. Has no one told you the woods are enchanted and dangerous by turns?”

  Spinning around, she spotted a man. Dressed in baggy jeans, a red hoodie, and a ball cap with the brim turned backward, his presence didn’t blend with the backdrop. Blond curls gleamed in the dying sunlight, a faint smile played about his lips framed by a goatee.

  “What makes you think I’m alone?” Darting a glance about, the only familiar thing she saw was more trees. The thick canopy of leaves waved gently in the breeze, the stagnant smell of the humidity-drenched forest flowed around her to clog her nose.

  Exactly how far had I strayed from the waterfall? She cocked her head. She couldn’t hear the crashing water nor could she discern a trail, let alone one she followed, only rotten vegetation and the ever-present blend of dirt and sand. “I’m not alone, if that’s what you’re thinking.” Hannah warily eyed the intruder, stood her ground until she could determine if he were a threat.

  “You would not be wandering the forest at this time of night if you were with someone.” The stranger’s voice was as smooth as melted chocolate and just as rich. When he smiled, the strongly chiseled features of his face relaxed. His eyes burned with yellow intensity. “Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Xavier Leighton.” He executed an elegant bow from the waist.

  Both her senses and feelings remained neutral so she thought it appropriate to proceed. His old-fashioned greeting amused her. “I’m Hannah Weybourne.” She returned his grin, surprised to note nothing, but a muted apple green color swirled into her mind. She couldn’t identify the emotion. “Pleased to meet you.”

  The man exuded charisma and power. As he circled around her, he traced the dark blond goatee that marred the perfection of his face with a finger. “I wonder what you’re doing here, Hannah Weybourne?”

  She shrugged. He appeared to be relatively harmless. “Looking for food.” She tried to keep at least five feet of air between them. Her glance fell to the expensive leather loafers on his feet. Why would a man wear footwear like that with street punk clothing? She narrowed her gaze.

  When he grinned, he reminded her of a wolf, as his perfectly straight, perfectly white teeth gleamed in the fading light. “What a coincidence. I am searching for food as well, albeit not the simple fare you’re after.” He continued to circle but his eyes never left her face.

  “Well, good luck to you.” She left him standing in the middle of the small clearing, confusion on his lovely face. Pity surged through her stomach. What if he was lost? Too many things walked the forest for him to be on his own. At least she had Edwin. He was only a mental call away if she felt threatened. With a sigh, Hannah made her way to the newcomer. “Is there something I can do to help you?”

  He met her gaze with those strangely intense eyes then nodded. “You would not be so eager to help me if my true identity were revealed.”

  Why can’t a hiker just be a hiker?

  “Why don’t you cut to the chase and tell me your secret? I don’t have the energy to play guessing games with you.” On second thought, I’ll cut out the middle man and do it myself.

  Lifting the Mirror of Truth from her chest, she held it at eye level. “Show me Xavier Leighton.”

  The murky glass came to life, re
vealing his true persona in living color. A werewolf stood in the mirror, white blond hair covered his body, and his snout brimmed with wickedly pointed white teeth. He walked on his hind legs, snarling at the moon, a large bushy tail wagging behind him. With a heavy sigh, Hannah dropped the mirror and frowned. Why do all the paranormal beings I meet have such handsome features and tortured souls? “You’re a werewolf.”

  Xavier nodded. “Does that surprise you?”

  She laughed in spite of herself. “Hardly. After the week I’ve had, nothing surprises me anymore.” She continued to comb the bushes at the edge of the creek, a triumphant cry escaping when she found a few blackberries. “So, why are you in the form of a human at the moment? Aren’t you supposed to turn into an animal at night? Howl in the light of a full moon? Threaten livestock and farms, or at least run in a pack, etcetera?”

  It was his turn to laugh, and the sound was sarcastic and bitter. “That would only be true if I resided in popular novels of fiction.”

  She ate a few more berries, chewing thoughtfully as the sweet juice coated her tongue. “So then, you must have been cursed or born with the problem. I remember Gramma said something about werewolves.”

  He skulked around her. “I’m willing to bet you know next to nothing about the werewolf population.”

  She snorted. “Long ago, St. Natalis supposedly cursed an illustrious Irish family. The members were then doomed to be wolves for seven years. Gramma never alluded to why the family was cursed, and frankly, I never understood why a saint would curse someone to begin with.”

  His eyes betrayed no emotion. “Curses are still alive and well in today’s society. Trust me.” He drew to a halt and the fingers of one hand twitched by his side. “Why are you not afraid of me?”

  “That’s a long story.” She popped the last berry into her mouth. Sucking the juice from a fingertip, she shrugged. “Let’s just say you’d have to look more threatening if you wanted me to be afraid.”