Wicked After Dark: 20 Steamy Paranormal Tales of Dragons, Vampires, Werewolves, Shifters, Witches, Angels, Demons, Fey, and More

by Mina Carter

“Okay...so I take it you want to talk?” Peri half-smiled, thinking she would be in a bed that night, too.

  “Yes. Come and sit down at the table. Breakfast will be here soon.” Josef moved to his seat at the head of the table and sat down.

  Peri looked to where he was and where she and Gabe had sat last night. She didn’t like the distance, so moved to sit down in the chair to the right of Josef, who raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

  There was a knock on the door and Peri jumped, her eyes seeking another way out. Josef placed a hand on her arm and held her in place. “It’s okay, it’ll be room service. Gabe, check before you open the door, please.”

  Gabe moved with his lithe grace and pressed a button on a keypad at the side of the door with a little screen above it. A picture appeared and it showed someone dressed in white with a trolley. Peri could see it herself and relaxed. Gabe opened the door and took the trolley. “It’s okay, I’ll do it,” he said to the surprised man.

  The Wolf brought the trolley laden with food to the table. Peri got up to help him place it in the middle before sitting down again.

  Once both Gabe and Peri had plates in front of them, Josef poured himself a coffee. “So Peri, do you want to start from the beginning?” Josef asked.

  Peri sighed. “Okay, here goes...you’re right about the blood thing. Apparently, when I was conceived, a spell was done over my mother to ensure I had this powerful blood. The lettings must’ve started, when I was a baby, because I can always remember them. It was my first and only memory of being really small. I would be held down, when I was smaller. As I got older, they tied me down and my back would be cut...”

  Josef cut in. “I’m sorry, but I don’t quite get the back cutting thing? Being an expert in blood drinking, would it not have been easier for them to cut, say, a wrist and pour the blood into a receptacle of some kind?”

  Peri grimaced. “You don’t get it. There were always a lot of people, all of the sect, and they were told they had to drink directly from me. No cups or anything was ever used. I would be cut and then going by seniority, they would lap at my blood from my back, as I lay there, usually screaming my head off!”

  Gabe cursed and Josef hissed in anger. “They tied you down and drank from your body? While you were awake?” Josef was horrified. He might be a Vampire, but this was horrendous.

  “Yeah, isn’t that a wonderful thing for a parent to do! My mother was seemingly pregnant before me, but at the birth it was a boy, so they killed him.” Peri’s eyes now had more than a few tears, but she refused to let them fall.

  Josef’s hand snaked out all on its own accord and held her shaking hand. Peri looked at it, then her eyes looked into his. He was really quite handsome, when he wasn’t scowling.

  A small smile came over his face and Peri’s eyebrow raised.

  “Yes, I can,” Josef said, and Peri blushed completely and utterly scarlet.

  “You should’ve said something. That’s not fair!” Peri was mortified. He would’ve heard her thoughts on how handsome he looked and, oh my God, her thoughts on Gabe’s ass.

  “Your secret’s safe with me.” Josef almost but didn’t quite laugh.

  Peri gathered her thoughts before going on. “Okay, so as I said, they drank from me each month, and the cuts got worse and worse. I think because of the scar tissue of other cuts, they had to cut deeper, and I just didn’t know how much more I could take. Then at fourteen my powers came, I must take after Daddy...”

  Gabe cut in. “Daddy?”

  Peri smiled ruefully. “Yeah, that head Witch I was telling you about...he’s my father.”

  “Fuck!”

  “Yeah, I know. Anyway, my powers came, but I tried to hide them. I didn’t want him to know, at the time I didn’t know why, but I guess I knew I was going to have to try and escape.” Peri took a drink of orange juice, her hand shaking a bit at the memories. Memories that she had spent the past six years trying to forget.

  Once more Josef’s hand caught hers and this time he held on. Peri found comfort in the touch, and he wasn’t nearly as cold as she had thought his body would be.

  As that thought entered her head, she blushed again and Josef smirked. God, this was embarrassing.

  “Right, so at fourteen I got powers and started to practice, when I was on my own, which was almost all the time. I was kept in my room, I was pulled out of school at thirteen when my…uhm, shit this is embarrassing...when my woman’s monthlies started. My father didn’t want me to lose my virginity, said it would detract from the power of my blood. So after that I was kept in my room...”

  Gabe chuckled. “I could help you with that – you know – the virginity thing?”

  Peri blushed and felt that feeling down below again, wondering once more just what it was.

  Josef frowned. “Gabe, behave.”

  Peri smiled at Josef, and he found he lifted one side of his mouth in return.

  “So I would practice and practice, and then I realized I had to do something. It was after another letting, they had taken a lot and I had passed out. I came to and heard them talking. My sixteenth birthday was the following month, and they were going to sacrifice me. So I thought ‘oh shit, I need to get out’!”

  Peri’s whole body was shaking now, and Gabe moved to stand behind her, his strong arms holding her. His arms made her feel safe and secure. Something she had never, not once, felt in her entire life.

  “So…I waited till my father was out. I knew I wouldn’t stand a chance against him. I used a knife I had managed to get from months ago on the screws of the door, you know the ones at the hinges? Anyway, I got them out and the door just sort of collapsed to the side. My mother came running to see what the noise was and I sent her flying. I grabbed her purse and my backpack with some clothes and ran. I’ve been running ever since.” Peri realized this was the first time she had told another living being of her hell.

  “Shit, Peri, how did you survive at fifteen?” Gabe couldn’t even begin to understand how Peri had survived all of this.

  “Well, I’m not proud of it, but to begin with I used my magic to steal food. Even money sometimes, but I soon found out that if I use a lot of magic they can track me. That’s why I didn’t use it the other night.” Peri looked up and saw Gabe laughing.

  “You’re amazing, if I had magic I would’ve used it, too, when I was young. So what’s the plan, Josef?” Gabe asked, still with a smile on his face.

  “Liam’s on it. When I find them, I’m not sure I want Peri to know my plans.” Josef’s tone had turned cold and Peri didn’t like it. She preferred the little smile he did, he looked so nice, when he did that. The twitch of his lips proved to Peri that he could indeed read her.

  Yet another blush crossed her features and Josef wanted to lean forward and...kiss her lips? A frown came across his features immediately, not wanting his thoughts to go in that direction.

  “So guys, I’d like to go and buy some new things. I can use my money I got for the bounty. If I’m not buying food, I’ve got a little I can spend.” Peri felt a bit excited. She hadn’t bought herself anything in so long, and even then it had been from a second-hand shop.

  Josef shook his head. “I tell you what, I’ll get one of the girls from the shops downstairs to come and bring some things. You choose whatever you want, it’s on me. After all, you’ve been working for me indirectly, and you’ve never been paid properly.”

  Peri wasn’t sure about that, she had been inside these big hotels, it was all designer gear. One item of clothing would feed her for six months.

  “Peri, you don’t have to worry about anything, really.”

  This time Gabe chimed in. “Peri, he’s stinking rich, let the old miser spend some on you. I’ll help you, if you want that is?”

  Peri looked from Josef to Gabe, both looking at her intently, their looks completely different. Gabe’s was full of fun with a hint of want. Josef’s was more hidden, what was he trying to hide from her?

  Josef raised an ey
ebrow. “You do know I’m a Witch, Josef? I can just do a spell, trust me, I’m strong!” Peri smiled, as she spoke and saw Josef look away, hiding what was in his face.

  Gabe was still standing behind her, and she felt his hand on her shoulder, her bare shoulder, and once again her skin tingled. God, what was going on with her body?

  Josef looked to Gabe. “Why don’t you go down and get a couple of the girls. Get them to bring a lot, so Peri has plenty to choose from. I also want a gown and shoes, the whole ensemble. I’m going to take you both out tonight. Hell, I’m feeling generous, get yourself a decent suit, too, Gabe.”

  Gabe moved quickly. “Okay, you heard that right, Peri. He said I could get a suit! You heard him, he can’t take it back now.”

  With that, Gabe moved out the door and Peri was smiling. A huge smile. Like none she had had before.

  Chapter 5

  Peri was still smiling as Josef spoke. “Peri, can I talk with you?” His voice was soft and low, and she nodded her head.

  Josef tried to be gentle, as he spoke. “As you know, I can read you....” Peri blushed. “Yes Peri, I know that you are still, in fact, a virgin. I don’t mean to embarrass you, trust me, but I can also sense your reaction to Gabe and to a lesser extent to me. You have no idea what’s going on in your body, do you?”

  “Uhm, this is awkward, but no, I don’t. Please don’t laugh, but I’ve never even kissed anyone, Josef. I’ve seen others kiss, and trust me, I saw a lot I didn’t want to see. Some of the places I’ve had to go to get the bounty...well they weren’t nice. But me, I’ve no idea, I’m quite scared about it.” Peri had no idea why she was telling this Vampire what she was.

  “I know, Peri. I can see it, all of it. Where you’ve been at times was not suitable for you. However, I would like to talk of this now. You’re attracted to Gabe, you like him?” Josef knew it was so, but wanted to see if the girl would admit it.

  “Yeah...he makes me feel weird, and his smile is catching. I like you, too.” Peri gasped, had she just said that?

  Josef did the half-smile thing, the one that made him look so handsome. She lowered her eyes, as she knew he would know what she thought.

  “I see. Gabe, well he’s a good man, a good Wolf, and I feel his attraction to you, too. He may want to pursue that, Peri. I want to ask your thoughts on that. As you’re so inexperienced, I don’t want him to make you feel embarrassed or awkward, but if you wouldn’t mind his advances, I won’t say anything to stop him. He’ll make them, if I don’t tell him otherwise, Peri. I can feel the strength of his feelings for you.” Josef waited, his own stomach actually clenched.

  “Oh, I think I would like that, but I’m a bit scared, plus I...” Peri stopped herself before she said the words. She had been about to tell Josef she liked him in that way, too.

  “Shit!” Peri swore, as she realized that Josef would already know.

  “Ah, Peri, don’t feel uncomfortable. If I am being honest, I like you, too. I am drawn to you as is Gabe.” Josef did feel drawn to her, and every time she smiled he wanted to kiss her.

  “But I don’t think I could choose...jeez, uncomfortable isn’t the word for how I feel right now!” Peri half-laughed, she couldn’t believe she was having this conversation.

  “You may not have to – choose that is.” Josef left that out there, wanting to see her reaction. She was more than innocent, she was the most innocent female he had ever come across. He wouldn’t allow Gabe, or himself, to hurt her or take advantage.

  “How do you mean? I can’t have both, can I?” Peri had a little frown on her face. It made her skin pucker just between her eyes, and Josef had the notion to stretch out his hand and feel it.

  “Peri, I don’t want to shock you, but Gabe and I have stayed together for a long time, with reason. We have shared our women on many occasions. Gabe has what I lack. He is softer than I am, but I must say, you are having an effect on me, little Witch.” Josef felt himself getting aroused and stamped it down, hard. He would not hurt this girl.

  “Both of you – together – with one woman? How does that work? Don’t you get jealous or something?” Peri’s eyes were wide, she had seen many things, but she hadn’t seen two men with one woman.

  “Yes, Peri, and no, we don’t get jealous. It’s not part of who or what we are. I just wanted you to know, to have the facts, in case you needed them. I’m not asking for anything from you, Peri. Nothing I do for you or give you is with any kind of attachment, so don’t think that’s what I’m saying. I will still help you, still buy you things without any need for anything in return.” Josef held his breath. He hoped he hadn’t freaked her out.

  “I know that. I did a spell last night. I know you and Gabe won’t hurt me, Josef. I felt your feelings, too. Though you keep them locked up, why?” Peri looked into the Vampire’s ice-blue eyes, and she was sure she saw pain there?

  “That’s a story for another time, one I don’t usually tell. However, with you Peri...I think you may just get it out of me. So, you now have the facts, I will let Gabe know this. It is up to you what you do. I will say that neither of us would hurt you, physically I mean, if you decide to take things further, your first time. Both of us would look after you on that special occasion, and I can safely say both of us would be honored” Josef knew he would, if Peri came to them, he knew they would treat her like a precious, delicate flower.

  Peri flushed and she wasn’t sure if it was because she was embarrassed or for an entirely different reason. Josef’s words had put pictures in her mind, of all three of them on that giant bed, and she felt those tingles down deep inside her again. As she thought on the bed, her eyes went wide and flew to Josef’s.

  “Yes, Peri, that’s why that bed is so large. We needed it to make it comfortable for three.” Josef was smirking now, and he had seen the images in her head. He hoped it came to pass. He would dearly love to take this Witch to bed and make her scream in pleasure.

  “I’ll think about it, Josef, thank you for talking to me. I’ve never had anyone to talk to about stuff.” Peri realized she was no longer embarrassed, and she didn’t know why. It was strange indeed what the Vampire did to her mind and body.

  Just as they finished, Gabe came back. “They’ll be here in half an hour. I’ve told them to bring the contents of two wardrobes full, and that means there’ll be plenty to choose from. I particularly liked a couple of the little negligees and asked them to make sure they brought some!”

  Gabe’s eyes had found and kept hold of Peri’s, and his meaning was clear.

  Josef stood up. “Gabe, can I have a word with you?”

  Gabe frowned but followed his friend, through to the office, where Josef told him about his conversation with Peri.

  Gabe’s eyes were like saucers. “You didn’t! She is? Still? I was joking earlier – a virgin! Bloody hell, Josef. Fuck, you’ve just made me hard! What am I supposed to do now? Back off?”

  Josef laughed at his friend, it was one of the reasons he had kept him around all those years ago. Gabe could, on occasion, get him to laugh and nobody else did.

  “You don’t need to back off, just be aware. She knows that both of us are drawn to her. She is aware that we share women. She also knows that neither of us would force anything. Whether that be one of us or both of us. I have told her if she does choose to be with either or both, that we would treat her gently and with respect. I take it I wasn’t wrong in my words?” Josef did his eyebrow lift thing and Gabe was moving about trying to adjust his trousers.

  “Of course not, Josef. I would never harm her, and if she wants only you, then that’s okay. I want her, bad, but I would respect her choice. If she does choose me or us both, then I can assure you I will be as soft as possible with her. I would treat it as an honor A virgin...oh my God, I didn’t think any existed at that age!”

  Gabe was so turned on, he knew he was going to have to go for a cold shower. He turned and left the office and headed straight to his room. However, instead of just showering to g
et rid of his erection he gave himself release, all the while thinking of Peri.

  When he returned, he felt a bit more in control, and there was a knock at the door. He checked it before opening, it was the girls from the shops.

  They walked in with mobile hanger things, packed full of clothes with boxes on the bottom, which Peri assumed were shoes. There were more than a few suits, too. She was going to help Gabe choose one.

  Josef stayed in his office, dealing with business, checking in with Liam, and all his normal stuff he had to deal with on a daily basis. He owned so many companies it was hard to keep track sometimes, but he did, mainly because he wasn’t very trusting.

  Squeals of laughter wafted through and he smiled, a proper smile, thinking of Peri getting some nice clothes.

  Peri just couldn’t decide, she also noticed there were no prices on the items. What was that old saying? If you had to ask the price, you couldn’t afford it.

  Gabe made her get lots and lots, laughing all the while that Josef was paying for it.

  When it came to the nightwear, Peri was blushing scarlet. It looked so...so...naughty! Would she ever wear it? Then she had a vision of herself lying on the big bed with both Gabe and Josef next to her, and she saw herself with that red satin short nightie on. Well, it couldn’t really be called a nightie, it was far too small. She picked it up and put it beside the clothes she had already picked.

  She saw a huge smile cross Gabe’s face.

  Then the gown for the evening, she had never worn one, had no idea. Gabe picked out a long satin one that was a shade of green, it nearly matched her eyes and definitely went with her red hair. She tried it on and felt like a princess.

  The bigger problem was the shoes. She had never worn a pair of shoes with a heel before. She looked at them and didn’t think she could walk in them. The dress was long enough that she would need heels, but not quite as high as some of the ones she was being shown.

  She settled on a pair of nude colored shoes with a heel, but not too high. She only hoped she didn’t fall over and break her ankle. A small purse appeared that matched the dress, and she was all set, well, almost.