Rana grasped his shoulders and rose on tiptoe to give him easier access. He trailed kisses down her throat, grazing her neck with his teeth. When Rana stiffened at the sensation, he lifted his head.
“I’m trying to save you.” She sighed. When he looked at her strangely, she amended. “Don’t you need your energy for tonight?”
Lucian shook his head and kissed her jaw. Sliding his tongue down her neck, he said in a husky tone, “You’re torturing me.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck as he clasped her rear and lifted her against him. This time the cool tile didn’t faze her when Lucian sank into her in one long driving stroke.
“You feel so good,” he murmured against her neck and then withdrew and thrust back in once more. “I will never get enough of you. Ever.”
Rana tried to wrap her legs around him, but their bodies were too slippery. Lucian chuckled and accommodated her by grasping the arch of either foot. Cupping her feet in his hands, he pinned her bent knees underneath his muscular arms as he drove upward into her again.
It was hard to catch her breath…so many emotions were crashing down inside her. So she held on, clutching his thick shoulders and arching her back as she accepted everything he had to offer. Never in her life had she been so completely possessed or felt so utterly filled.
The drag of his hard abs grinding against her, the friction of his cock stroking inside her, built a feverish pitch that had her heart thudding in her chest. Rana wondered if she might faint from the erratic breaths she took. This connection with Lucian felt so wonderful, so right. She knew. She loved him with every fiber of her being.
Her orgasm slammed through her body in throbbing, pulsing waves of pleasure. “Lucian, oh God, Lucian.”
Lucian gave a rough groan against her neck, his own climax clearly upon him. “I love you, Rana. You’re mine, all mine,” he said fiercely before he plunged his teeth into her soft skin, causing her shuddering screams of ecstasy to drown out the sound of the shower splattering around them.
Chapter Ten
Lucian shut the shower off and lifted her. He sat down on a white cushioned chair in the bathroom, cradling her in his arms.
Why did she feel so tired? Somebody slap me and wake me up, damnit! But try as she might to rouse herself, her body was just too lethargic. Rana snuggled against his neck and succumbed to his gentle strokes with the soft towel against her skin and hair.
Once Lucian had laid her on the bed, he moved over to the wall and turned a knob to dim the bright lights to an evening glow. Rana rolled over to face him when he climbed into bed and propped himself up on his elbow. She felt so languid and secure in his bed, the silk sheets wrapping her in their warmth. Sliding a hand underneath her cheek on the pillow, she made a sigh of contentment and smiled at his handsome face.
Lucian gently tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear, his eyes following the path his fingers had taken.
“Do you want to tell me about her?” Rana asked softly.
He met her gaze for the briefest of seconds before resuming his exploration of her skin. His fingers skimmed across her shoulders, then down her arm, creating currents of desire across her sensitive flesh. “Elizabeth was also human. I met her at the opera. Our relationship was very different. My desire for her built over time.”
“Did you love her?” She hated to ask, but in some ways she felt connected to this woman because of Lucian.
He stopped his movements and regarded her for a long moment before he answered, “Yes, I did. She was a good person. My love for her is stronger now than ever.”
Rana’s heart contracted at his revelation. She dropped her gaze to his neck so he wouldn’t see the hurt his words elicited.
Lucian touched her cheek and then cupped her jaw, lifting her chin so her gaze met his once more. “Because if it weren’t for Elizabeth, I never would have found you.”
Rana blinked back the tears and swallowed to push away the lump that had formed in her throat. Why did he have to be so damned endearing?
He smiled. “But I don’t want to talk about Elizabeth. I want to talk about us.”
Us? Us! Oh, Lucian, there can be no us. Her heart broke at the loving look in his eyes, the desire banked behind those calm pools of mercury.
When she didn’t speak, Lucian grasped her hand and lifted her palm to his lips. “I love you, Rana. I want you to be my wife, my vampire mate.”
Stall for time. Come on, think, Rana. “I don’t know if I’m ready, Lucian. I mean, the thought of drinking someone’s blood makes me nauseous.” That was pretty good and I didn’t even have to lie. The idea does make me want to yark my guts up. Hey, Gatekeeper, you listening? I’m being a good girl down here.
I’d like to know your definition of “good girl”, Rana, Jack said with a laugh. Riding that fine line, aren’t you?
Rana snorted inwardly. Jack, which way did you go? Up or down? Because I know you aren’t being holier-than-thou with me, oh schmooze-meister of all women.
Lucian chuckled against her hand, making her think he’d read her thoughts until he laced his fingers with hers and said, “Rana, love, you’ll get your sustenance from me and no other.”
That got her attention. Rana sat up on her elbow as excitement coursed through her. The idea of sucking on his neck had an entirely different connotation. But wait? Something didn’t compute. “Hold on a minute. Though I don’t find the idea of dining on you near as unappealing, where are you going to get your food?”
He shrugged. “The same way I always have, from humans.”
She arched her eyebrow. “Women?”
Lucian grinned at her.
“I don’t think so, Luc.” She pushed him over on his back and sprawled across his chest. “Men only. Got it.”
He laughed at her decree, then sobered. “Say it again. I like the way my name sounds on your lips.”
“Luc.” Rana smiled and curled into him, snuggling her back against his chest.
Lucian pulled her hair back and kissed her neck, while his hand traced down her side as if memorizing every curve. Rana sighed with pleasure. His magical touch made her skin tingle. Every nerve ending jumped to attention, electrifying as his hand cupped her breast. When he twisted the pebbled tip between his fingers, then pinched lightly, Rana arched against him and reveled in the rigid flesh that brushed insistently against her backside. Never had she been so in tune with another person. Nor had anyone made her feel as cherished and desired as Lucian did. When he pressed his cock against her more intently as if he wanted to imprint himself on her, her desire for him only intensified.
His hand slid lower until he drew his finger between her damp curls, skimming past her swollen clit and delving inside her heated center. Rana pushed wantonly against him, anticipation curling in her belly. Her need to have him inside her was so intense, she slipped her hand between her legs and guided him home.
Lucian groaned in her ear as he thrust, filling her completely. “You’re a slice of heaven every time,” he rasped. “Every. Single. Time.”
She smiled and was surprised when he rolled onto his back, pulling her fully on top of him. Pondering the new position became impossible as his hands roamed over her body. When he began to rock in and out of her with deliberate, measured movements, she gave into the sensations.
Rana’s breathing turned ragged when he slid a hand between her legs and began to rub her moisture around her. Lucian didn’t leave any part of her body untouched. As he pressed against the sensitive bit of skin, his other hand twirled a taut nipple. Rana arched back, pressing closer and reveling in the feel of his warm breath on her neck. I won’t take your blood and make you fully mine until you wish it, he promised in her mind right before he clamped his teeth on her neck. The fact he still wanted to stake his claim even though he didn’t take her blood sent her over the edge. Rana welcomed the sensual onslaught, keening her pleasure as her climax washed over her. When they stopped moving and her pounding pulse finally slowed, she had to admit
she missed the erotic rush she got when his lips locked on her neck and he drew a part of her into his body.
Rolling her onto her side, Lucian kissed her neck, then laid his hand over her beating heart, whispering huskily in her ear, “I love you with all my heart.”
Rana wanted to tell him she loved him back, but she just couldn’t. Not when she’d be breaking his heart all over again before the dawn streaked across the sky.
Lucian pressed a kiss to her temple, then pulled her back against his chest. As she melted into his embrace, Rana never remembered feeling so safe and secure. If anyone had told her it was possible to experience extreme happiness and regret within the same heartbeat, she’d have called them a liar. But it was possible. She felt it. Deeply.
They dozed together for a while and Rana awoke with a start, looking at the clock. It was two in the morning. She turned to see Lucian laying there staring at her.
“Have you been watching me sleep?”
“Yes.”
Her heart ached. True pain accompanied the sense of loss and panic she felt with time closing in, ready to yank it all away. Holding back the waves of emotions rolling through her, she pointed to the clock. “Lucian, get up and get dressed, you have to be at the meeting in half an hour.”
He casually lay back on the bed and clasped his hands behind his head. “I’m not going.”
“What!” She gave into one emotion, panic. She sat up and looked at him. “What do you mean you aren’t going?”
Lucian turned to her, his expression calm. “I will only take the Vité position with you by my side as my mate, my anima.”
“Anima?” she asked, confused.
“Yes, my anima. My soul. You are my other half.” His silver eyes regarded her while he awaited her reaction.
What! As much as she’d love to give it to him, her soul wasn’t up for grabs. Now what was she going to do? “Lucian, that’s crazy talk! The vampires need their leader, one who will keep order and discipline among the clans.”
He smiled. “That’s exactly right. I want them to have the best leader possible.” He laced his fingers through hers and rubbed his thumb along her palm. His smoky gaze met hers as he continued, “I’ve waited too long for you. You’re my number one priority, because without you I won’t make a great leader.”
Rana closed her eyes. Here’s hoping I won’t tip the “purity” scale with this big fat lie I’m about to tell. I just hope Lucian can forgive me.
“Okay.”
Lucian jerked upright, his expression expectant.
She held up her hand. “I’ll become your mate, your anima, but only after the ceremony.”
When he scowled, she crossed her arms over her naked breasts and held her ground. “Those are my terms.”
He didn’t look thrilled, but Rana pushed him out of the bed. “Hurry up and get some clothes on. We need to be downstairs in ten minutes.”
Lucian leapt from the bed, then got dressed so fast he stood in front of her grinning triumphantly before she even made it to the bathroom.
“Good grief, show-off,” she grumbled, pushing past him. Lucian chuckled as she shut the door behind her.
*
Rana sat in a chair along a sidewall in the solarium conference room. Even though Lucian had insisted she sit next to him, she’d refused, explaining she wasn’t his mate yet and would sit next to him when that time came. It hurt her too much to consider taking a position at the table when she’d so thoroughly lied to him.
She surveyed the room, her gaze drawn to the high ceiling with the beautifully etched glass skylight that stretched the entire length. The skylight surprised her, considering the fact vampires couldn’t abide the sun. The glass is heavily tinted. Even during the day, only light shines through, not the sun’s UV rays, Lucian spoke in her mind.
Rana met his gaze and smiled. Somehow she knew he had designed this room. He might be a creature of the night, but he loved the light and lots of it.
Her gaze drifted to the men at the rich mahogany conference table. All the leaders were in attendance with Ian sitting in as the Rueans’ leader. Sabryn flanked Lucian’s left side at the head of the table. His Uncle Vlad sat on the right.
Once the low murmurs had settled, Sabryn glanced around the table. “The first order of business is to officially cast your vote for Lucian as Vité. As our bylaws state, the vote must be unanimous. Please turn your crests to show your vote.”
Rana watched as each clan leader set his palm-sized crest encrusted disk on the table one at a time. Lucian had explained the process to her on the way to the meeting. Colored crest side up meant a yes vote, gold side up meant a no vote.
Yes. She smiled.
Yes. Her heart thumped against her chest.
Yes. She loved him.
Yes. I wish I could be your wife, Lucian, with all my heart.
It was Ian’s turn to set down the Rueans’ disk. He moved to lower it to the table when a loud crashing sound above their heads made the leaders jump back. All except Lucian and Ian. Neither man had moved…almost as if they’d expected the intrusion.
A man landed with a heavy thud on top of the table, shards of glass streaming down with him. He had pitch-black hair, a cruel mouth, and eyes so dark they looked black. He instantly turned to face Lucian.
“Don’t I get to vote on behalf of the Rueans now that you’ve killed Kraid?” he sneered.
Lucian stared him down. “You forfeited that right when you helped your brother kill the human, Drace. Kraid has already paid the price.”
Drace shook with indignant anger. “I refuse to be judged for killing a vampire hunter.”
Lucian’s voice remained calm, but forceful. “You aren’t being judged for killing a vampire hunter, Drace. You’re being judged for how you killed him. Killing in self-defense is one thing, but killing for the pure pleasure of it, I won’t allow. You tortured the man.”
Drace snorted. “It’s no less than he would’ve done to me.” He turned to the other clan leaders, pointing to Lucian. “Do you hear what this human-loving vampire is saying? How can you vote for someone who sides with an inferior race every chance he gets?”
Rana had been shocked when Lucian explained Kraid’s political aspirations, which had motivated his attack on her and Lucian.
The Arryn leader spoke, “Lucian, Drace does have a point. We can’t totally get involved with humans. They fear us. And when some fear, they attack.”
Lucian slowly stood and addressed the leaders. “I’m not asking you to embrace humans with open arms. All I ask is that we learn to live in harmony with them.” He looked pointedly at each clan leader. “Many of you have human friends.”
“Yeah, but how would they react if they learned you were vampires?” Drace cut in, trying his best to cast doubt on Lucian that his brother had worked so hard to fabricate.
Lucian continued in a smooth tone as if he hadn’t been interrupted. “There will be those who condemn us, yes, but I know we each have examples of human friends who are aware we’re vampires and can see past our differences.” When the men nodded their agreement with his statement, Lucian let his gaze land on Rana briefly. I love you, he whispered in her mind and planted an invisible kiss on her lips before he turned to Ian.
Rana’s heart ached. Their time together was slipping away, one heartbeat at a time.
“What’s the Ruean clan’s vote, Ian?”
Ian gave him a roguish grin, then flipped the disk into the air toward the table. End over end it turned until it skittered across the broken glass and hit Drace’s boot. Crest side up.
Drace narrowed his eyes on Ian. “You can’t vote for the Rueans.”
Ian met his challenging gaze. “I can now and my first order of business is to hunt you down.” He glanced at his watch, then gave Drace a humorless smile. “To be fair, I’ll even give you a twenty-four hour head start.”
Drace ground his teeth, then hissed at him before shapeshifting into a raven, his clothes dropping behind him as he
flew out the way he came.
Rana returned her gaze to Lucian. He looked at her and smiled. Her heart soared for him. He seemed happy, fulfilled. The smile on his face brought a memory slamming back, a memory of Lucian dressed in old-style clothes from the early 1900’s, smiling at her just like that. All the little things that had seemed familiar about him, the coffee, the way he looked at her, she knew. He had found her because of her connection to Elizabeth.
She sent a silent thank you to Elizabeth when the Gatekeeper suddenly appeared, standing right next to Lucian. Rana drew in her breath. Tonight the old man wore a flowing white robe, but he still had that red baseball cap perched on his head.
The Gatekeeper looked at her and nodded.
I don’t want to die, her frightened gaze begged the Gatekeeper, but her lungs started to contract and her chest suddenly burned with slicing pain. Spots formed in her eyes and her vision began to blur. Jerking her gaze to Lucian, she gasped through the waves of agony. I waited too late to tell him. I love you, Lucian, she thought right before she collapsed.
“Rana!”
She felt Lucian’s arms around her, lifting her against his chest, heard the anguish and fear in his voice from far away as if he were speaking through a tunnel. “Hold on, love.”
Chapter Eleven
Cold fear trickled down Lucian’s spine as he cradled Rana’s limp body in his arms. No, this can’t be happening. She told me she loved me. I heard her!
“Uncle Vlad, get Mora,” he barked over his shoulder. He walked out of the room, vaulting up the stairs as fast as his vamp powers would let him. Once in his bedroom, he laid Rana on his bed and looked down at her beautiful face.
Her closed eyes and furrowed brow indicated she was in pain. But she wasn’t moaning and the silence scared him more than anything. He pressed two fingers to her throat. Her pulse beat at an unsteady, sputtering rhythm.
As he smoothed his hand over her head, then down her hair, he sensed that her life hung in uncertainty. “You can’t leave me, Rana. I won’t allow it,” he said angrily.
Love's First Bite: Bad Boys and Alpha Vampires Boxed Set (6 book bundle) Page 58
