by Aubrey Ross
“Zoltan men are most often addressed as sir,” the other man said. “Or master.” A faint accent colored his words, bringing to mind kilts and claymores.
Intrigued by the sensual purr in the human’s tone, she turned toward him and assessed his features more closely. Oh yeah, he was by far the better looking of the two. And his casual clothing did nothing to hide the muscular contours of his body. His hair was lighter than Anthony’s and it swept away from his face in distinct waves. Emerald green and filled with secrets, his gaze stared back at her steadily.
“And you are?” She summoned her professional detachment, refusing to let either of them rattle her composure.
“Jacob Cameron.” He inclined his head respectfully, yet remained just out of reach.
“It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Cameron.”
“Jacob, please.” His charming smile made her want to outline his lips with her fingertip or, better yet, her tongue. As if he could sense her interest, he moved closer and reached for her hand.
Anthony warned him off with a meaningful glare. “She’s here for me.”
His arrogance annoyed her. “Then what’s Jacob here for?” Challenging a vampire was never wise, but Monique couldn’t seem to stop herself.
“He’s here for me too.” Anthony leaned in and whispered the boast in her ear.
Fueled by the inference, her imagination took flight. She saw the two men naked and entwined in a passionate embrace. Anthony maneuvered Jacob relentlessly, controlling him with his hands and teeth. Slowly, savoring each hard-won inch, Anthony drove his cock into Jacob’s ass. Jacob tossed his head and cried out, his features contorted in ecstasy. Anthony reached around Jacob’s lean hip and grasped his shaft, pumping in tandem with the rocking of his hips.
A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth, and heat cascaded through her body. These next few days might be a lot more interesting than she’d anticipated.
“That’s rather selfish, don’t you think?” She was treading on dangerous ground, revealing an interest she wasn’t ready to acknowledge. She wasn’t even sure she liked Anthony. He was far too sure of himself. “You can’t have both of us.”
“Why not?” Anthony’s hand brushed her waist as he moved away.
Tempt and withdraw. Hint and tease. He definitely knew how the game was played. All she had to do was decide if she wanted to join him for a round or two. “I was never good at sharing.” She tilted her head and her hair angled across her face. “What would you like to see first?”
“Whatever you’re willing to show me.”
Excitement ricocheted through her system. She’d never been this tempted by a man she’d just met. Was she simply sensing the power of his bloodline, or was this connection… She couldn’t explain it, but it was real. And it was dangerous. She couldn’t afford to indulge her desire until she figured out what was behind their sudden interest in the modern world.
“Have you ever been to a casino?” Las Vegas was her home, her territory. She would feel more comfortable if she took him to familiar surroundings.
Anthony traced the edge of her hair with his fingertip, disturbing the artful fall without actually touching her. “Games of chance have been available on the Internet for years. What else do you have to offer?”
Awareness pulsed between them, tangible and electric. She couldn’t move, could barely think past the longing unfurling within her body. His fingers toyed with a strand of her hair and his gaze focused on her mouth. Predatory hunger burned through the flirtatious light in his eyes. He parted his lips and his fangs gleamed. Unless she intended to fuck him, she needed to stop this now.
She pulled her hair out of his grasp and took a step back. “A private room has been reserved for our use. Why don’t we take a few minutes and figure out what appeals to you?”
His mouth quirked in a secretive smile, but he nodded.
With Anthony at her side and Jacob walking a step behind them, Monique crossed to the stairs in the back corner of Station X’s main lounge.
“Does Vasco clan own this place?” Anthony asked as they started up the staircase.
“I’m not sure who owes it. There have been lots of rumors, but no one seems to know for sure. The manager’s name is Randolph Bronstein.”
“Then why was this club chosen for our meeting?”
A feather light sensation teased the back of her neck, like the brush of fingertips against her nape. Her footsteps faltered and Anthony’s hand cupped her elbow. She looked into his eyes, nearly forgetting what he’d asked. Damn it. She needed to pull herself together.
“My father thought you’d be more comfortable on neutral ground.” She eased her arm away from his warm fingers and continued in a stronger tone. “Bronstein welcomes anyone, regardless of origin, as long as they behave.”
One of his brows arched as he motioned her onward. “I promise I’ll behave.”
The sensual inflection in his tone made her wonder how he would behave, but she let the comment slide.
She led them to one of the VIP booths overlooking the main floor of the club. Music was dampened to a rhythmic rumble and the large window was coated with reflective film, protecting their privacy, while offering a bird’s eye view of the action.
A leather couch was situated in front of the window and hors d’oeuvres had been arranged on a small table near the door. Though food wouldn’t sustain them, eating and drinking helped vampires blend with humans. Did Zoltan clan bother trying to blend or did they simply lock themselves away? It was odd to realize she knew so little about them.
She took her seat at one end of the couch and Anthony sat beside her. Jacob stood to one side of the window, silently assessing the entire scene.
“Would you like something to drink?” She crossed her legs and tried to relax.
Anthony caught her wrist and traced her vein with his thumb. “Are you offering?”
“No.” She pulled her hand back. “Perhaps I’ve given you the wrong impression. I’m here to guide you toward activities you’ll find entertaining, not to become your entertainment.”
He smiled with feigned innocence. “I’m not sure what you mean.”
“You know exactly what I mean.” All playfulness faded from her tone. Despite their attraction, this was business. She couldn’t let herself forget it again. “If you require female companionship, I can make the arrangements, but I’m not offering myself in that role.”
“Too bad.” He stretched out his arm across the back of the couch and pivoted toward her. “I suspect we’d both enjoy ourselves immensely.”
Jacob watched the exchange without comment. Monique felt his gaze moving over her face. Needing a segue, she looked at him and asked, “Would you like something to eat or drink?”
“I’m on duty.”
She shook her head and manufactured a smile. “Neither of you is allowing me to be a very good hostess.”
“Then let’s dispense with the pleasantries,” Anthony suggested. “I suspect the reason we’ve been thrown together has little to do with modern society.”
So, she wasn’t the only one confused by this situation. Did she dare trust him with her concerns? This could be part of the plan. She gave herself a mental shake. There was no need for melodramatics. Their fathers were clearly up to something, but it wasn’t some grand conspiracy.
Even so, she chose her words carefully. “Having met you, I agree. You’re clearly not as… backward as I was led to believe.”
His smile became a bit wolfish as he scooted toward her. “Don’t let my manners fool you. I am very much in tune with my barbarous past.”
Her heart leapt and her nipples beaded, forming distinct peaks beneath her silk blouse. “Thanks for the warning.”
He sifted her hair through his fingers while he gazed into her eyes. She could almost feel him grasping her shoulders and urging her back across the arm of the couch. His body would press her into the cushions and ease her legs apart. Would she struggle or welcome his aggression? She�
�d never allowed a lover to command her, had never been tempted by the possibility.
He leaned close and inhaled her scent. His face hovered above her neck then descended to the valley between her breasts. “I smell no mate on you. Why have Vasco males allowed such a prize to go unclaimed?”
She was afraid to move, afraid he’d touch her, and rational thought would abandon her completely. “Vasco males no longer claim their mates. Marriages are built on mutual respect and lasting emotions.” Though what she said was true, it wasn’t what had kept her from accepting any of her suitors. The Vasco bloodline had been diluted so often, no Vasco male could equal her strength, much less overpower her.
Anthony inhaled again, saturating his senses. Never before had a female aroused him so wildly with nothing more than her smile and her rich, evocative scent. He wanted to rip the clothes from her body and explore every inch of her silken flesh. He’d touch her and taste her until pleasure left her weak and trembling. Then he’d claim her, filling her again and again. His chest tightened, and his cock strained against the front of his pants, desperate for the snug embrace of her cunt.
“Then Vasco men have forgotten what it means to be vampire.” He moved his hand to the arm of the sofa, caging her with his body. “We’re predators: we track, we chase, and we claim. That’s our nature.” She licked her lips and his gaze focused on her mouth. Her lips were lush, moist and inviting. He would not rest until he tasted them and felt their softness caressing him.
“I’m not your next meal.” Her chin raised and she pushed against his arm. “I thought we established that already.”
He wasn’t ready to let her go. Sleek black hair framed her oval face. Her eyes were nearly as dark as her hair, and the defiance burning there incited his lust as never before. Most females sensed his power and instinctively submitted. He was an organic vampire, prince of an ancient line. That was generally all the incentive it required to produce an eager lover.
Monique was his equal. Her bloodline was nearly as old as his. The thought of her surrender sent fire coursing through his veins. He must have her. He would have her! No power on earth would prevent their joining now that he’d memorized her scent and looked into her eyes.
He could play the game, flirt and tease, find out how she spent her days and what she took in her coffee. But that would only postpone the inevitable. They were meant to be together. Every minute that passed only made him more certain and more anxious to begin.
“Zoltan clan has a significantly higher birth rate than any other clan.” Slipping his hand into her hair, he held her steady as his face descended. “Vasco clan has more organic females than any other clan. Can’t you guess what they really want from us?” He kissed the corners of her mouth as she absorbed the implication.
“They wouldn’t dare,” she whispered. “My father knows I will only marry for love.”
He nipped her bottom lip then soothed the sting with the tip of his tongue. “Who said anything about marriage?”
She gasped and shoved against his chest. “You arrogant bastard! I wouldn’t --”
He silenced her with his mouth, his sudden embrace trapping her arms between their bodies. She wiggled and twisted. He shifted her against his chest, resting the back of her neck in the bend of his arm. His mouth slid over and against hers, yet his tongue never ventured beyond the softness of her lips.
Jacob, let’s go. I know a more appropriate setting for the consummation of this alliance.
With obvious reluctance, Jacob approached the couch.
Monique’s struggles eased for a moment. Anthony pushed to his feet with Monique cradled in his arms. She jerked her head to the side and let out a shrill scream. Her back arched and she lunged hard enough to throw Anthony off balance.
Jacob swept her into his arms as Anthony righted his stance.
“Easy, lass,” Jacob said, shooting his employer a hostile glance.
After a moment of shocked compliance, Monique resumed her efforts. She drew back her hand and tapered claws shot from the tips of her fingers. Anthony caught her wrist before she could swing her arm.
“None of that. Your quarrel is with me, not Jacob.”
“Fuck you both!” she snarled, baring her fangs.
“If you insist.” Anthony pressed against her side, wedging her more closely against Jacob’s chest.
She turned her head toward the door and shouted, “Help! Security!”
Anthony wrapped his arms around Monique and held tight to Jacob’s back. A metaphysical beacon pulsed in the distance, guiding his mind, leading him home. He gathered energy and locked on to the signal. Reality blurred then faded as he propelled their huddled party through the vastness of space.
Monique trembled and clung to Jacob’s neck. Fuck them both, indeed. She might be exploring that possibility sooner than she realized.
Jacob’s anger simmered. Anthony didn’t need to scan his mind to sense the resentment. If Jacob fell into a protective role, it might work to his advantage. He wanted them to bond, to be comfortable with each other, as long as they didn’t shut him out.
They arrived in a whoosh of color and sound. Monique cried out then scrambled away from Jacob. Her feet tangled in her haste and she stumbled. Anthony caught her arm, but she jerked away. “Don’t touch me!”
Her defiance made Anthony smile, which only made her angrier.
She tossed her hair out of her eyes and demanded, “Take me back, right now! My father will kill you for this.”
“That wouldn’t serve his ultimate goal, now would it?”
“What exactly do you imagine his ultimate goal is?” She placed her hands on her hips and glared at him.
It was hard to concentrate with her chest heaving and her cheeks flushed. “He wants a joint heir for Zoltan and Vasco clans. Our child will be the most powerful vampire on the planet.”
“Even if you could get me pregnant, I’d have to be convinced to let you try.”
He chuckled, stalking toward her slowly. “That sounds suspiciously like a challenge.”
“Where are we?” She looked around the tower room, her eyes wide and hostile. “Why did you bring me here?”
“This is my childhood home and I brought you here to seduce you.”
She scoffed, stubbornly holding her ground. “You’re wasting your time. I have no intention of sleeping with you.”
“I said nothing about sleep.” In a lightning fast series of movements, he drew her arms behind her back and held her wrists in one hand. With the other, he flicked open the buttons running down the front of her blouse.
“Stop it!” She hissed and twisted, fangs peeking out between her parted lips.
“Have you forgotten? I’m a barbarian, unconcerned with modern expectations.”
Her breasts swelled further into view with each ragged breath. “If you rape me, our clans will go to war.”
“There you go again. I said nothing about rape.” Settling her wrists more comfortably at the small of her back, he adjusted his hold on her arms. Then he traced the edge of her bra with the tip of his finger. “I’ve never forced myself on an unwilling lover.”
“What do you call this?”
“Foreplay.” He tugged her blouse off and tossed it aside, releasing her arms only long enough to complete the maneuver.
She cried out in exasperation and tugged against his hold. Her wiggling only rubbed her belly against his erection and dragged his primitive nature that much closer to the surface.
“You’ll protest and struggle.” As if on cue, she twisted hard and raised her knee. He turned, absorbing the blow with his thigh. She was strong and fast, but no match for him and they both knew it. “You’ll call me names and threaten me.” He picked her up and slung her over his shoulder. Her frantic kicking only sent her shoes sailing across the room. He unzipped her skirt then set her back on her feet. With a quick yank, he rid her of the garment before she could raise the zipper.
“I don’t want to have sex with you!” Moni
que swung at her demented captor as he reached for the front clasp on her bra. He couldn’t mean to do this. Even Zoltan clan didn’t kidnap brides anymore. No, this wasn’t about marriage. He just meant to fuck her until he got her pregnant! “This is already rape, you asshole! Do you really want a clan war on your hands?”
The clasp released with a little snap and her breasts sprang free. She gasped, reaching for the disconnected cups as he turned her around. He was so damn fast she couldn’t keep up with his movements, much less prevent them. He pulled the straps down her arms, dragging the material out from under her fingers.
Jacob stood by the door, his features tense and disapproving. Would he stop this before it went any further? He was human! What could he do?
Leaving her in her panties and thigh-high stockings, Anthony dragged her toward the opposite side of the room. There was no furniture to speak of, just a crumpled pallet on the bare, wooden floor. Moonlight streamed in through slit windows, but each was too narrow for her to fit through even if she managed to jump that high.
Anthony snapped a cold, metal collar around her throat and she cried out. “It’s silver!” She clawed at the band, terrified that the weakening sensation would drag her into unconsciousness. “What are you doing? I can feel it draining my strength.”
“A thin silver core runs through the gold. It shouldn’t irritate your skin and any weakening is temporary. Your strength will return as soon as it’s removed.”
She hesitated, uncertain and afraid, but the sensation stabilized, and her anger returned. With a furious hiss, she faced him. “Take it off now! I will not be abused like this.”
The corners of his mouth quirked and he crossed his arms over his chest, looking every inch the barbarian prince. “This is in no way abusive. It’s a simple precaution to protect you from yourself. I don’t want you sneaking off into the darkness. You’re a stranger to this land. You have no idea what you’d be facing.”
“This is the twenty-first century.” The argument sounded lame even in her ears. “You can’t do this to me.” She felt along the collar, searching for a clasp or some sort of hinge. The metal was smooth, seamless and… a chain was attached to a loop at the back! She grasped a loop of its length and swung it at him. “What the fuck is this? Am I to be treated like an animal?”
