by Alisha Basso
I was so angry. I stepped off the bed and went for the door. They were so damn confident that I was too scared to leave this room. Well, I was more scared to sit on my ass and do nothing. What if Lucian and Ann were right next-door? I opened the door. The hall was dark. Only a small amount of light spilled from my room. I quickly shut it. I didn’t want to alert anyone to my presence. I pressed my back to the wall and slowly slid along its length. I couldn’t see much and I figured if anyone were to walk by, they would pass me, rather than hitting me dead on in the dark.
I slid for about ten feet when my hand ran into a door. I turned, pressing my ear to the wood, listening for any sounds. When none came, I tried the knob. It turned easily. I cautiously pushed it in and entered the room. I took another small step, my bare feet sinking into the plush carpeting. I strained to hear as I walked in slowly, banging my shins on the bedframe. I carefully ran my hands over the bedding and found it cold and empty – thank God. The room was vacant so I slipped out and shut the door behind me.
I crept further along the wall, encountering a room every so often, but finding them all empty. I was beginning to feel this was hopeless when I heard the unmistakable sound of laughter. It was female and sounded nearby. I hurried my steps, rushing toward the sound until I reached the end of the hall. It opened up into a large room. I recognized it at once. The white furnishings scattered about made it appear vacant of any presence. I knew where the door was to get out, but I didn’t want to leave yet.
I heard the laughter again; the sound seemed so close. I crouched down on my hands and knees. I didn’t want to be discovered, but I had to see who was there. My knees sank into the carpeting. I moved around the sofas as quietly as I could meeting no one. Adrenaline zinged through my veins. I stopped a moment to rest my hand on my chest. I had to try to calm my erratic heartbeat.
I was rounding the curve of yet another fluffy sofa when shock tore a gasp from my throat. I was face to face with a man. He was lying on his back on the floor, a pillow behind his head, his eyes stared straight into mine. I smothered a shriek of fear as I tried to stand. His hand reached out and wrapped around my wrist. His grip didn’t hurt, but I knew it would if I struggled.
The eyes that were drilling holes into my head were pale amber. His snow white hair was cut short and spiked in a thousand different directions. He was striking, which seemed to be a pattern in this place, with the exception of Thorak of course. Seth seemed obsessed with surrounding himself with beautiful creatures, evil, but beautiful.
My assessment was interrupted by a violent jerk, as he yanked me to my feet. My teeth clacked together as my head snapped back with the force of his tug.
“Where you off to?” he asked, squinting his eyes at me. “You must be our new little prize. I heard all about you, but never thought I’d get a chance to see you so soon.” His deep baritone sent icy chills of dread up my spine. Fear coursed throughout my body. He was smaller than Seth, but just like Chloe, I knew he could crush me without breaking a sweat.
“I’m no prize,” I argued, struggling to free myself from his grip. “I was just exploring. I wasn’t trying anything.” His strong hands felt like marble as he tightened his hold. “God damn it, let me go!” I tried to jerk out of his grasp. I was so sick of meeting these things. Then I realized there should be more of them close by, since the voices I heard were female. “Look, I’m sorry to disturb your party. If you let me go, I promise to go back to the room.” I tried to tug my arm away; I might as well have been pulling on a statue. He wasn’t even flinching. He just held me as if I were an infant. Infuriating vampire muscle!
He smiled again, “Good hearing you got, love. Girlies those were; we were having some laughs. Sad, they won’t be laughing anymore.”
I followed the direction of his gaze, only to shrink back at the macabre scene. I opened my mouth to scream, at the same instant he clapped a cool hand over my mouth, stifling any sound I might make. Lying on the floor, in a random heap of arms and legs were what looked like three nude women. Their eyes were all open, staring at nothing. Their blank gazes could only mean death.
The tallest of the three had a scary mane of bright orange hair and black lipstick that was smudged across her pale, bloodless, face. Her jaw looked broken. It was hanging at an odd angle, like she laughed too hard and it snapped. A blond woman, straight out of the Barbie hair salon, lay broken across a third woman’s lap, her long hair spread out like a fan. Her arms were open, as if she were welcoming a lover. The third woman was only visible from the waist down, her hapless friends shielding her identity.
My God, they were alive seconds ago! I knew they were. I’d heard their voices! They were all covered with bites, but there was little blood. This monster must have drained them dry. My breath was coming in gasps, I was going to hyperventilate. I felt like my heart was pumping out of my chest.
“You see them?” he whispered against my cheek, his hot breath moist on my skin. “Always replaceable. Cows, whose only purpose is to feed our thirst. Don’t you go feeling pity for them; they were whores. They sucked me dry,” he groped himself lewdly. “Then I sucked them dry. It was a fair trade. We all got what we wanted. They were happy enough.”
I knew better than to point out that they didn’t look too happy now. He smiled, showing sharp teeth. I flinched; there was still a faint touch of pink between his teeth. I was going to puke. I had to get out of here.
“I’m going to move my hand, love, and I don’t want any screaming from you. Got it, pet?” I nodded frantically.
He started to move his hand away. I closed my mouth. I didn’t want him putting his hands on me again.
“What are you out here for anyway? You trying to escape?” He let out a small chuckle. “Silly little girl, you’ll never get out of here. Not when Seth wants to keep you; and believe me, he wants to keep you.” He gripped my arm viciously, and then pulled me tightly to his chest. The smell of sweat and sex almost overwhelmed me and my stomach lurched painfully. His mouth was so close. The fine stubble on his chin grazed my cheek, making me shudder. He was evil; his beauty only emphasized his cruelty.
“Such a pretty, pretty pet. You’re the one Eden’s been having such a fit over.” He sniffed along my jaw and laughed. It was a horrible sound. “Now I see why.” He tilted his head, “He really wants another whack at you, love. He’s been talking about it nonstop. He thinks you’ll piss off the boss and he’ll go and give you back to him.” He shook his head, as if pitying me. “Judging from what you’re up to now, perhaps Eden will get his wish.” He grabbed my chin with one hand, pulling me close. I flinched as he pressed his groin into my stomach. Bending his head, he whispered, “You better get back, love.” He let go of my face. “Oh and there’s no need to sneak about,” he said. “We all knew the second you stepped out of your room. We can smell your blood a mile away. You would be wise to remember that, so the next time you decide to creep about, you might think twice.”
He shoved me away from him hard and I stumbled backward. Turning, I scrambled into a terrified run. I didn’t stop to look back. I needed as much distance between myself and that abomination as was humanly possible.
I reached the room and slammed the door behind me. If there had been windows, they would have rattled to pieces. No way was I leaving again! Not without a better plan, and at least a few wooden stakes. I was lucky, I guess. I could have been that thing’s dessert. I held my stomach. I could taste the bile. What was happening was impossible. I was going to puke, no doubt. Oh, God! Those poor women! No matter what they did in life, they did not deserve to die like that.
What a sick and horrible fiend.
I needed a bathroom.
I approached a door by the bed. The way my luck was going, it would turn out to be the closet. It wasn’t, thank heaven! I bumbled around in the huge space, searching for the toilet. Oh, man, this stupid place seemed to be missing a very crucial piece of porcelain! I looked all around and found it in a smaller room that I figured would be t
he linen closet. I went in and broke down.
After a good cry and the loss of yet another meal, I left the room. My body was weak and tired. I wanted to try the shower out, but I figured I’d better wait for that, it would be a little stupid to undress in a house full of horny, bloodthirsty animals.
I went back into the room with no idea of the time. It seemed like I’d been awake forever. I crawled into the huge bed and closed the curtains and then curled onto my side in the soft covers. It felt good to rest and soon I was fading into the oblivion of sleep.
EIGHTEEN
I was warm and safe. My pretty fish, Floyd, was swimming happily in a large bowl on the nightstand by my bed.
Strong arms held me in a protective hug. I was safe. The smell of spice and man enveloped me. It was a familiar scent. I shifted a little, frowning I struggled to remember where I had smelled it before. Deciding it didn’t matter, I snuggled closer.
His hands moved, trailing a soft line down my spine ending at my lower back. I moaned and buried my head against his chest. His smell was intoxicating, embracing me in a sweet, seductive cloud. His hands continued exploring. I lifted my face but strangely his remained in shadow. I tasted his lips. Soft and demanding he molded them to mine. He rolled me onto my back and then lowered his head to my neck, licking a slick path down to the tight cleavage between my breasts. I was holding him close, smiling with contentment, when a sharp sting of pain shot through my chest.
A scream ripped through the room and I bolted upright, another scream lodged in my throat, I frantically searched the room for the unknown man. I was alone and I sighed recognizing the long curtains of the bed. Relief flooded my body. It was only a dream. My breast stung and I rubbed the spot. I felt a small stab of pain. My heart hammered in my chest as my fingers came away, wet with blood.
I jumped out of bed, my feet flying. I threw open the bathroom door and pulled my slip off. It was true. The bite was there. The dream was somehow real. I slumped to the ground in a naked heap, my mind awhirl with troubling thoughts, none of them very helpful.
I crawled to the shower to wash off the stigma of violation. Someone had snacked on me and I had a pretty good idea who. He was scaring me, to put it mildly. He could come to me in my dreams and I had no idea how to keep him out. My stupid subconscious seemed all too willing to make hot monkey love to him. I still needed to convince it that Seth was a big no-no.
I stood up. Turning the large handle, I started the shower. After a few moments, a riot of water began spraying me from all directions. God! A person could drown in here if they weren’t careful. I raised my arms above my head and let the soothing heat beat against my skin. I ran my hands over the smooth contours of my body stopping as my hand grazed the bite mark at my neck. I froze. Reliving the dream again in vivid detail, I ran my hand further down. The small twinge of pain and the two slightly raised bumps made me feel even more terrible.
I was a human juice box.
I sank to the floor of the shower, letting the water attack me. The events of the past few days were rolling around in my brain like a scratched CD. Then as if by magic, my head began to clear, and my thoughts settled on the ring. My energy returned by noticeable degrees and the pain nagging at my brain began to ease. I wanted to attribute it to the power of the water, but I knew that assumption was wrong.
The ring was near.
I barely had a chance to process this new information before a silky voice behind me intoned, “May I join you?”
My head snapped around and I shot up on shaking legs. His voice made my knees buckle. I steadied myself and quickly placed my arms across my body in an effort at modesty.
He was gloriously naked and standing halfway in the water. Three showerheads sprayed along his back and sides. Sheets of water caressed his long legs, wrapping around his calves to end at his beautifully arched feet. I was careful to avoid that part of him that was most eager to see me. His chest was broad. I was accosted my firm pecs, dusky nipples and a lovely trail of black hair that descended to his lower region.
His sculpted abs riveted my attention, like stone under pale velvet. Powerful arms corded with muscle rested at his sides. His hair was free, long tangles hanging level with his wrists. His strong jaw was clean shaven and his lips were full and sensuous.
I finally met his eyes. They were filled with longing.
I was aroused by the sight of him and it pissed me off. Never could I have imagined such perfection. His skin was pale, but still managed to look vibrant and healthy.
“I said, may I join you?” he repeated.
I shook myself. Lowering my arm, I glanced at the tiny bites in accusation. He inspected the new wounds, but his face revealed nothing.
“Do I have any real choice in the matter?” I hissed. I was glad I managed to sound angry. I was afraid my voice would betray my elevated hormone level.
“It is good you finally understand your position, Sweet. You belong to me now. I control you. The sooner you submit the better it will be for you as well as your friends.” He stepped closer.
“I realize I don’t have a choice, but I fully intend to get away from you Seth. It’s just a matter of time.”
He looked amused. “There you go again, deluding yourself. I must confess it is getting quite tiresome. You and I both know how much you desire me. You do not wish to deny me. I can smell your lust.” He stepped closer, causing me to take a step back. The water that was flowing down my back was now pouring down my face. I backed up, trying to regain my vision.
“You are confident, aren’t you?” I scoffed, spitting out a mouthful of water.
“Come,” he said. His eyes settled on my newest injury. “You woke too soon.”
My jaw hit my chest and I narrowed my eyes. “I knew it! How did you do it?” I demanded.
“I am a vampire, Grace,” he replied as if my brain had recently fallen to the ground through my ear. “I have powers inherent to my species. One is my ability to enter the dreams of those I have taken blood from.”
My hand shot up to the bite on my neck; the small holes were almost healed. I knew they would scar. If he kept this biting thing up, I’d be a total mess.
“Come.” It was a command. I felt it like a slap.
I sucked in a fortifying breath and took a step closer. He reached out, his hand curling around my upper arm. Then my body was suddenly pressed against his. I could feel his hard length against my stomach, making me tremble with unwelcome desire.
He used his body to push me backwards until I was firmly pressed against the wet marble. He lowered his head. “Oh God,” I moaned, arching against him, my brain no longer a threat to my raging hormones. The feel of his mouth on my body was driving me wild.
“Tell me you want me, Grace.” His breath was hot on my body. His hands braced me against the wall. He wouldn’t allow me to move. I tried to feel the presence of the ring, but he was smarter. Even in his unbridled passion, he knew not to put the ring in contact with my skin.
“No, this is a lie.” My voice was breathy. If this were a lie, it was all mine. My body practically screamed for him. But I couldn’t say it. I wouldn’t say it.
He straightened. His eyes were black. I felt his anger. He used his body to pin me to the wall as he lowered his hands to his sides. The steam from the shower began to fade and I thought he might give up and storm out.
I was so wrong.
“We will finish what we always seem to begin. You fancy yourself noble. I admire that, but think of the struggle? How unnecessary; this waste of energy and time. You think too much. Yes, I am the enemy. Yes, I am a monster, but what of this?” He hit his chest. “I am also a man. You are just a woman, reacting in a natural way. We are both intelligent and aware. Take what I offer.”
He made some sense. How scary was that? But, even though I was entering double digits on my months of celibacy, I wasn’t ready to give in.
He sighed dramatically, “Place your hands on me, Grace. I see we must play more games.”
“Seth, don’t do this.” I knew it was pointless to beg. He would, whether I wanted him to or not.
“I will not hurt you, you know that, Grace. After all, you’re only doing what you want to do. If you truly didn’t want me, the ring wouldn’t work. But if you need this excuse to bandage your tarnished morality, so be it.”
I sighed. It was useless and stupid to voice any more arguments. I would not admit anything to him. It would be a betrayal to me and my friends. There was only one way out of this, or around this. Damn it! This was so messed up. I placed my hand on his moist chest. Then, like before, I envisioned my will as a solid thing, and pushed it into him.
Instantly, all of my reservations fell away, replaced by a scorching fire of lust that filled my body. The heat started in the deepest pit of my stomach and shot out in all directions. My mind was drained of all sanity and I met his eyes. He growled, an inhuman sound that resonated around the shower. His eyes were so black, they looked blind. He threw his head back and with both hands he lifted me. I wrapped my legs around his hips, crossing my ankles behind him. I closed my eyes as he lowered me onto his thick shaft.
“Oh God!” I roared. My head fell back as the water continued to pound our bodies. His strength was impossible as he easily worked my body, sliding me over his hard length and pushing up inside me. My nails raked his strong shoulders as he moved. He growled again and then opened his mouth. As I watched, the already deadly points grew longer. He moaned then lunged toward my neck. I was utterly impaled.
He lifted his head, his mouth red from my blood. It should have scared me, but it only sent another thrill through my already crazed body. I leaned in and took his mouth. Sucking on his tongue, I tasted my own blood and that was just fine. He pushed away from the wall, and carried me to the bedroom.
