Twice Bitten

by Kris Norris

  A flash of guilt quivered her stomach, and she realised she’d never thanked them for saving her life. She looked up at him, instantly pinned by his blue eyes. “I never thanked you for what you did.”

  “The circumstances weren’t exactly desirable, so you’re excused.”

  “There’s no excuse for being rude.” She gave him a timid smile. “Thanks.”

  “My pleasure, fair maiden.” He stood to perform a sweeping bow before sitting again.

  Ripley laughed. Now that she looked at him, it seemed obvious he wasn’t like other men. He held an old-world charm about him and she had no trouble picturing him in a suit of armour.

  “Gabe was a knight, not me. I was more of a foot soldier.”

  Ripley sighed. Having someone read your mind was a fucking pain in the ass.

  “Language, sweet Ripley.”

  She scowled at him, though it was more for show than because she was angry. She enjoyed Mathias’ sense of humour. She leant back, pulling her legs into her chest as she wrapped the blanket around her. She was still only wearing the towel, and without the men to warm her, the room suddenly felt cold.

  “I can get you another one if you’d like.”

  “How about you stop listening to my thoughts.” She held back a smile, glad she hadn’t pictured him naked instead of wishing for a blanket.

  “I can accommodate that desire, too.”

  “Mathias!”

  “Fine. But it’s one of the few perks of being a vampire.”

  “One of the few?” She raised an eyebrow at him. “I thought you vamp guys had all sorts of cool abilities?”

  “Such as?”

  Her body creamed at the sensuous tone in his voice and she cursed under her breath, well aware Mathias could likely smell her arousal. “Can you really turn someone into a vampire with one bite?”

  Mathias laughed, crinkling the small lines around his eyes. “It’s not quite that simple. Most bites are solely for feeding. To become a vampire, you have to drink vampire blood as well.“

  “Can you fly?”

  “That, I’m afraid, is a myth. As you’ve seen, we can move quickly, but it’s far from flying. And we don’t change into bats either. You can thank Hollywood for that one.”

  “Okay, no flying and no bats. What about hypnotising someone?”

  Mathias winked. “If I could truly hypnotise you, you wouldn’t be wearing that towel.” He chuckled this time. “We can plant images and suggestions, but in the end, everyone has free will.”

  “Was it you who put those images of us together in my head, or Gabe?”

  His smile was nothing short of wicked. “Me.”

  “Do I dare ask why?”

  The smile faded from his luscious lips and his brow furrowed together into a slight vee. “When you stumbled in on us, and we discovered who you were, everything…changed.” He stopped as if searching for the right words. “This bond…it’s the key. And we didn’t have the time to properly court you, so…” He sighed. “I know this fate scenario is hard for you to grasp, but whether it’s programmed or grown from centuries of faith, we’re bound to you, in more ways than you know.”

  Ripley watched as he toed the floor, his jaw clenched. She wasn’t sure if she believed in Gabe’s claim that they were part of a greater destiny, but she couldn’t deny her feelings for them. As strange as it was, she knew she’d fallen in love with them, or at least the thought of them. She couldn’t really tell the difference. Ever since she’d woken on the couch, she’d been drawn to them, as if she’d found something she hadn’t realised she’d been missing. Her father would tell her it was just another fantasy, but after all she’d witnessed, love at first sight didn’t seem that far-fetched.

  She nudged his foot with hers. “If I ask you something, will you tell me the truth?”

  Mathias raised his head and looked in her eyes. “Why doesn’t that sound good?”

  She gave him a half smile, wanting to hold his hand, but not sure if she was ready yet. “How did you and Gabe become vampires—enforcers?”

  Mathias pulled his mouth into a tight line, glancing towards the door.

  “If you’d rather not say…”

  He closed his eyes, tilting his head off to the side before rising to his feet and pacing around the room. “I don’t mind, but Gabe…” He paused, finally meeting her gaze. “He doesn’t like to talk about it.”

  “Why?”

  “It wasn’t the romantic adventure you read in books or see in the movies. As a matter of fact, it was bloody gruesome.” He stopped pacing and glanced at the door again. “I suppose you deserve to know everything. It’s the least I can do.”

  He returned to the chair, holding another blanket. “Humour me.” He laid it across her. “As I mentioned, Gabe was a knight. He’d pledged allegiance to a small kingdom in Ireland, ruled by a vixen of a queen. The king had recently met with a questionable death, and all power had been handed over to her.

  “Needless to say, the woman was quite attractive, and decided she could control Gabe better if she had him between her legs than on a horse. Unfortunately, she didn’t count on him falling for her, or on him discovering that she’d poisoned the king’s wine. When he confronted her, he found her in bed with more than a few of the other knights.”

  “Damn.” Ripley tugged the blanket tighter. Just thinking about Gabe walking in on that sent shivers down her spine. “What did he do?”

  “He challenged them. When they only laughed, he started fighting. I’ve been told he killed four of them before they were able to land a strike. By the time I found him, he was lying in a pool of his own blood out by the back wall where they’d left him to die.”

  Mathias paused and Ripley could tell that Gabe wasn’t the only one who didn’t like reminiscing.

  “If you’d like to stop…”

  Mathias waved her concerns away. “You should know the entire story. When I found him, it was just shy of sunrise. I tried to stop the bleeding, but there were too many wounds to cover them all. He was still conscious, his eyes glued to mine. He told me to go—to save the villagers from her wicked regime—but I couldn’t leave him. Being twins we’d always shared a unique bond.” He paused and held up his hand. “I know. We’re fraternal. Anyway, I’d just about given up hope when four hooded figures appeared around us.” Mathias shook his head. “I didn’t know what to make of them. They just materialised out of the mist.”

  “Vampires.”

  He nodded. “An elder tribe. They told me they could save him, if I was willing to sacrifice my life as well. I agreed, and before I could blink, they turned into these beasts and surrounded us. I don’t remember much after that, just waking up the next night, buried under some hay in the loft.”

  Mathias looked at her. “Gabe wasn’t pleased to find out I’d sold his soul. Mind you, he was even less thrilled when he recalled the circumstances regarding his untimely death.”

  “What happened?”

  “When I caught up with him, he killed every guard and knight in the palace, except the queen. I suppose love does strange things to us, even when it’s a product of betrayal. Ever since that night, he’s been unable to stand the sight of blood, and we only feed from humans when our strength is extremely low. While we can survive on animal blood, the human form rejuvenates our powers.”

  Ripley’s stomach knotted at the thought, and she realised she’d been too busy judging them as vampires to see the men inside. A calm settled over her, clearing her mind for the first time in years.

  She looked at Mathias. “Since you and Gabe can hear each other’s thoughts, can you also call to each other?”

  He furrowed his brow. “If we’re close enough. Why?”

  “Can you ask him to return?”

  He stared at her, but she kept her mind focused on the blue of his eyes so he couldn’t read her intentions.

  He waved a finger at her. “Not nice.” A dangerous smile spread across his lips as he closed his eyes for a moment.
“Done. I just hope his mood has improved.”

  It will.

  Mathias shot her a quizzical look just as the door opened and closed, and Gabe shifted into sight, his hair tousled, his shirt half tucked in. He looked flustered, and sexier than any man had a right to.

  He gave her a fleeting glance before focusing on his brother. “What’s wrong? You know I’m not fond of surprises.”

  Mathias shrugged. “You’ll have to ask Ripley. She asked me to summon you.”

  Gabe turned to her, indecision marring the deep brown of his eyes. “Are you all right?”

  Ripley resisted the smile that threatened and shook her head, stepping closer. She wanted to be between the two men when she confessed her feelings. Gabe and Mathias each took a step, and she stopped exactly where she wanted—in the middle. She could feel the tension rise as she reached out and placed a hand on each of their chests.

  “I feel lost.”

  Gabe nodded, pain creasing his smile. “I know you didn’t ask for this but—”

  “That’s not why.”

  Both men turned, exchanging a look before raising their eyebrows in question.

  She took a deep breath, feeling the certainty of her decision soothe any remaining doubts. “I feel lost because I seemed to have fallen in love with a couple of vampires, but I’m not sure if it’s me they truly care for, or just this pendant.”

  “But…” Gabe stared at her, his lips slightly parted, his eyes rounded in shock.

  She smiled and pulled them closer with the tips of her fingers. “I’m not sure if it’s fate, or the magic in this necklace, but if I’m going to believe in vampires, I’d be a fool not to believe in love at first sight.”

  Ripley waited, wondering if she’d just made the biggest mistake of her life, when the room blurred and she found herself wedged between two naked men, the towel pooled at her feet, their erections pressed against her. She sighed, feeling their cool skin brush over hers, their hands cup her waist.

  Gabe lowered his face to her neck, licking the soft spot behind her ear. “We’d never take you for a fool, our sweet little pixie. And the love was always there. You just needed to believe.”

  His words seared through her, and she wrapped her arms around his neck as he lifted her up and carried her the few short steps to the couch. Mathias appeared beside them, more supplies from Sirus’ drawer clutched in his hand.

  She held both their stares as Gabe lowered her gently to the cushions, the frame creaking against his weight as he sat beside her. He nodded, and Mathias curled along her side, skimming his hands across her stomach as his lips hovered next to hers. She moulded her lips to his, tasting the sinfully warm flavour that was all man. One hand raked through her hair, tilting her head back, demanding she give him control. She surrendered, catching his raspy moan as his body surrounded hers.

  Gabe pulled back, motioning to the couch. “Lay down.”

  Ripley traced the strong line of his jaw, then relaxed back, allowing her legs to fall open as her head settled against the armrest. The boys moaned, each capturing a leg as their gazes fell to the juncture of her thighs, where she knew the proof of her desire coated her lips.

  Gabe drew a single finger through her slick folds, humming in delight. He snapped his head up, locking his eyes on hers. “Are you absolutely certain?”

  “I’m prepared to jump, if you will.”

  Gabe smiled as she threw his words from earlier back at him.

  He nodded. “Then we’ll jump.”

  Chapter Seven

  Gabe stared at Ripley, her trust in them so complete, he felt as if her heart was beating in his chest. He bent over her and placed his hand between her breasts, savouring the steady rhythm. The beast inside him purred, and he could only hope he’d be strong enough to hold it back when the time came.

  Ripley moaned, drawing his attention back to her luscious body. Already her velvety lips were glistening with cream, the edges slightly parted, revealing a hint of her clit. He loved the way the tiny bud quivered beneath his tongue, flushing a deep rose colour when she climaxed. He couldn’t wait to taste her sweet release, and wondered if she’d enjoy watching both of them delve between her legs.

  Bloody great idea.

  He chuckled at Mathias’ enthusiasm, smiling when Ripley gave them both a look. He bent forward, skimming his fingers up her inner thigh, watching as her eyes darkened and her breathing increased.

  “Mathias was just agreeing with my idea.”

  “Which is?”

  “To share this bountiful feast.” He accentuated the point by sliding his finger through her slick folds, circling her clit once before dipping inside.

  She squeezed her inner muscles, clamping the walls of her pussy around his finger, making his cock jump in response. He groaned at the sweet pressure, still trying to believe she wasn’t a figment of his imagination. He hadn’t thought she’d come to accept them, let alone confess her love, and the reality of it made his chest tighten. For the first time since his death, he embraced the creature he’d become, knowing it might be his only chance to keep her alive.

  Mathias growled his agreement, and Gabe pushed the thoughts of vampires and talismans from his mind. This one moment was his gift for half a millennia’s worth of searching, and he wasn’t going to miss what might be his last opportunity to show Ripley how deep his feelings ran.

  Mathias acknowledged his sentiment by adding his finger to Gabe’s, making Ripley’s back arch off the cushions as her head pressed into the armrest, a rough moan feathering from her pretty mouth.

  “You’re so warm and wet.” Gabe grunted as her sheath moulded around his and Mathias’ fingers, trembling with each advance forward, closing behind them with every retreat. He looked across her body at his brother, nodding at the supplies lying next to him on the couch.

  Mathias’s lips kicked up into a devious smile as he reached for the tube of lubrication, skilfully removing the cap with his other hand. Mathias handed Gabe the tube and held up his finger, smiling when Gabe squeezed a long line down his skin. A new wave of juice creamed her pussy and Gabe new Ripley was anticipating the upcoming experience.

  Gabe moved off the couch, wedging his head between her legs, keeping one leg spread wide. Mathias followed suit, pushing her other leg open more, giving them an even better view of her pussy. Gabe’s stomach fluttered as she tilted her hips, exposing the tight little pucker of her anus. He couldn’t wait to take her there, knowing he’d be able to feel Mathias move through the small barrier separating the two holes.

  Gabe inched closer, inhaling her rich scent. It was heaven and hell wrapped into one, and he couldn’t resist dipping forward and brushing his tongue through her juice. Honeyed flavour assaulted his senses, filling his head with his need to consume her. His vampire roared in agreement, lengthening his fangs. He held it at bay, using more of her sweet cream to soothe it. “Are you enjoying yourself?”

  Mathias answered first. “I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of watching you devour her. Soon, I’ll join you, but first…”

  Ripley released a deep moan as Gabe felt his brother press his finger into her ass, squeezing her pussy even tighter. They moved in unison, working her body, driving her higher. Gabe felt her muscles contracting, heard her breathy whimpers coast along the air. He licked harder, wanting the moment to last but needing to hear her scream their names even more.

  Mathias nudged his shoulder, asking for room. Gabe shifted sideways, opening her wider, wanting nothing more than to see every stroke through her ass and pussy as they took turns eating her slick cream.

  “Damn, your juice looks good coating his face.” Mathias’ voice was deeper than usual, and the man didn’t waste any time bending forward and picking up where Gabe had stopped.

  Ripley cried out, grabbing both of their heads. She tilted her hips, meeting their thrusts, moaning in need. Her voice keened into a wail when Gabe felt Mathias add another finger, working her tight muscles in preparation for his cock. Th
e thought peaked his shaft again, and he joined his brother, licking her clit while Mathias concentrated on her sex.

  “Now. Yes, yes, yes.”

  Ripley screamed their names, arching her body off the couch as her orgasm hit, her clit pulsing beneath Gabe’s tongue. He suckled it, drawing the sensations out, savouring each tiny pulse until her thighs relaxed, and her hand fell from his head. He pulled back, his finger still twined with Mathias’ inside her, as he watched the last embers of her release shiver through her.

  “Fuck, you’re beautiful.” His voice was raw, and he felt a strange burning sensation in his eyes.

  Ripley’s sated gaze met his, as he withdrew his finger, missing her sweet heat the moment it popped free. His desire took over, and before her next breath whispered through the air, he captured her lips, drinking in her gasp of surprise. More of her flavour filled his senses, and he knew he wouldn’t last long.

  Gabe lifted Ripley up, cradling her against his chest, as he dropped kisses along the sleek line of her shoulder, licking the spot where his fangs wanted to pierce.

  Soon.

  The voice was a combination of his and his brothers, and it soothed the aching need. He swung around, rising with her still in her arms as Mathias reclined on the couch, his thick cock rising proudly from his groin. Gabe placed Ripley on top of the man, straddling her legs around his thighs, encouraging her to slide down the man’s shaft as she rocked back and forth. Mathias grunted, cupping her waist, helping her move along his cock as Gabe positioned himself behind her. He reached for the tube and pressed the end against her ass, pushing a dollop of gel inside her. Ripley moaned and bowed her back, giving him better access. He took her offer, rimming her ass before pushing his finger completely inside her. Her dark curse threatened to unhinge his control, and he added another knowing his time was running out.

  “Now. I can’t wait any longer.” He pulled back and grabbed the tube again, intending to lather his cock when he realised he wasn’t wearing a condom. “Shit, I don’t have a condom. Mathias, can you reach one?”