The Serpent's Kiss (The Hunter Chronicles Book 4)

by Claire Marta

  None of the vampires in the city would want her now. Not after they had seen his interest in her. Eric’s Vampiria were another matter. But they rarely came to this particular club, preferring one of the others he ran which was much closer to their nest. So the girl who had been driving his friend and adversary crazy was no longer with him. This was perfect.

  Asier felt lust tighten his insides. Jasmine. He’d had the pleasure of playing with her briefly before. She had enjoyed the spanking he had dealt her. The softness of her lips on his was something he had not readily forgotten. Nor the innocence of her responses. He wanted the plumpness of those lips wrapped around his cock. Having her on her knees as she sucked him off was now a fantasy. Asier had never thought he would get the chance to experience it. Yet here she was.

  How nervous she looked. Like a doe caught in the sights of a predator. She was more wary of him than she had before. Biting on his lower lip his gaze ran over her. It looked like she had lost weight. Her short coppery hair had dulled.

  There was paleness to her which had not been there before. Dark circles lay beneath her eyes. She looked drawn. Fragile. Her skin lacked its usual lustre. Eric had not been looking after her well. Narrowing his eyes, he noted the tremor to her body. She was rigid as if in pain. It was almost as if…

  Asier swore under his breath.

  She was craving a bite. He had not seen it very often but he knew the symptoms. How could Eric have left her like this? What the fuck was he thinking? Even he knew to care for the human pets he took. Without receiving a vampire’s bite regularly, she would be in excruciating agony. It looked like she had waited a little too long.

  “I know what you need cara, come with me.” Raising his hand he held it out.

  Apprehension darkened her look. She was frightened. What the hell had happened between her and Eric? “You have nothing to fear from me.” Asier assured broodingly. “Twitch can come too.”

  He glanced at the young man. Twitch. He was a techno mage and worked for Mark Cummings. Asier knew the detective well. A few times he had helped out the special Supernatural Branch at Scotland Yard with their questions or cases. Even before vampires had announced their presence to the world.

  Hesitantly, Jasmine’s hand slipped into his. It was small and clammy. He could feel she was struggling to keep herself upright. The shaking was getting worse. When she stumbled, he easily caught her. Curling his arm around her shoulders, he pressed her against his naked side. He would not let her fall. Jasmine’s own arm anchored itself around his waist. The touch of her hand sent a barely suppressed shudder through Asier.

  “Where are we going?” She asked dazedly as he urged her to move.

  “This part of the club is for “Liquor” and those looking for a good time. Back here, past these bouncers, is the “Lust” part for members who enjoy the BDSM scene.” He explained, enjoying the feel of her smaller form up against his own. It was just a pity she had so many clothes on. “The main door for that part of the club is on the other side of the building, but there is a way in here too.”

  Asier glanced down at her attire. Jeans were something he detested. As for the hideous jumper covered in stars, it did little for her. The women he knew liked to flaunt what they had. Jasmine seemed determined to hide every inch of herself. She had a good body. He had seen it in Prague. So why was she so self-conscious?

  Twitch gawked at them wide eyed. “So they do whatever fuckery they want back there?”

  They were making their way around the dance floor. Sweat was heavy in air. Warmed by the mass of dancing and writhing bodies as they lost themselves to the music.

  “It is not all about fucking.” The Italian responded with a hint of impatience. “And what you witness you will keep to yourself. I have no time to get you to sign a disclaimer.”

  “Fuck, this all has a fifty shades vibe and we’re not even in there yet.” The mage chattered back as they reached the two vampires guarding a key padded door.

  Samuel was a burly redheaded Scotsman who had been working for Asier for over fifty years. A little impulsive, he was handy in a battle. His rugged features bore the marks of a knife fight he had almost died in while still human. Unfortunately for him, the metal had been tainted with silver and never healed when his maker had bought him over.

  Claus on the other hand was young in vampire years. The well-built African American had been turned only ten years ago. In their standards he was a toddler. He was strong and loyal. His frizzy black hair was cut short. A curious intelligence glittered behind his brown eyes in his handsome face.

  The two bowed their heads respectfully. Asier though did not miss the gleam of interest in their stares. Ignoring them, he tapped in the code. When the release clicked free, Samuel opened the door.

  “We don’t have far to go Jasmine. You must hang on.” He told her looking down into the depths of her tortured green eyes. “I know you can do that for me, Si?”

  Her reply was a grunt of pain. Fingernails digging into his side, they were on the verge of drawing blood. Not that he minded. Her other hand was splayed across his chest. He could feel her fingers rubbing against the coolness of his silvery nipple ring.

  “Okay. I was not expecting this.” Twitch mumbled as they stepped through the door which whooshed closed behind them.

  In contrast to the modern dance club, Lust was decadent. Asier had designed it this way himself. The black marble pillars and floor reminded him of ancient Rome. An era he had enjoyed. Like a sprawling palace it had been created for all his patrons to luxuriate in. For them to lose themselves to their pleasures. People were dressed in togas and robes. Others wore the outfits of Roman soldiers or slaves. Every piece of clothing was skimpy and revealing, leaving very little to the imagination.

  “Tonight is a theme night.” Asier drawled, letting his attention rove over the debauchery before them. “Welcome to Liquor & Lust where your every fantasy can be fulfilled for a price.”

  “Everything?” Twitch’s voice was almost hoarse. The techno mage’s face was flushed beneath the disarray of curls that his lime eyes were peering through.

  Asier Grinned. “Within reason, Si.” He felt a sense of pride well inside him. His clubs were the best in the country. Hell in Europe. People were eager to be part of what he had built.

  He loved the smell of sex. Asier was in no way a conventional Dom or Master. Being a Vampiria he tended to play harder. This meant humans could not withstand his brand of BDSM. It was why he had only ever taken two personal slaves through the centuries. Even then, they had not lasted more than a few years. This however did not stop him from enjoying the scene.

  Luckily many supernaturals were also engaged members. Which meant he could dominate them in a session without the worry of any permanent damage. Things tended to get bloody and brutal. But with their quick healing abilities they soon recovered. These were who he took to his special rooms and who he would willingly play with more than once. Asier also never submitted. It was not in his alpha nature. He chose who he played with, but only if he thought them strong enough. Even then many only came to him once, and only once after experiencing pleasure and discipline at his hands.

  Two naked women wearing crotchless black panties and leather dog collars crawled across the floor towards them seductively. Their shaven mounds were on display for all to see.

  “Master Asier, may we serve you this evening?” One of them called softly.

  Jasmine gave them a look of disbelief but said nothing. Asier though did not miss the slight stiffening of her body.

  “No grazie. Maybe later.” Asier murmured back as he continued passing them by. Fun was for later. First he needed to see to Jasmine. Now he had her, he was not going to waste the opportunity.

  A crowd was watching a small staged area. Naked and writhing, a woman laid on a wooden table. Her hands were bound by ropes above her head, attached to the surface. A man knelt between her spread legs. His face was pressed into her pussy as he licked at her wildly. Another
was groping at her breasts. Moaning loudly, the captive arched her back. She was completely lost in what was being done to her and unaware of the gathering. A look of blind ecstasy etched over her face.

  Twitch’s mouth was hanging open, his eyes unbelievably wide. The flush on his cheeks had spread to his neck. His attention was glued on the display. Jasmine, on the other hand, barely spared the entertainment a glance. Asier could sense she was trying to keep herself together. How long had she been suffering? He knew this kind of addiction only got worse the longer the individual did not seek relief. Had Jasmine been ignoring the signs?

  Moving further into the club, more exhibition areas came into view. On another raised area a naked male was strapped to a wooden cross. His groans of pain were mingled with others as a woman in a long white flowing toga lashed him with a whip. The muscles on his back tensed with each blow. Glistening with sweat he eagerly awaited the fall of each strike. He was one of many who got off on pain.

  On another stage, a woman was draped over a sofa as a man took her from behind. Her cries of pleasure were muffled by the strap on dildo which was being thrust roughly into her mouth by a female slave.

  “I think I might actually cum in my pants. This is a fucking horny overload.” Twitch spluttered beside them as they continued to walk. “Wait a sec, isn’t that the actor Karl something-or-other from the latest block buster?”

  Aiser didn’t bother to look. Many of his customers were well known, and also very rich. The clubs he ran were very exclusive and the membership was steep. Here they could fulfil any carnal desire they wished. Any depravity or fetish. They were all guaranteed privacy for everything that went on inside these walls.

  “And why does the guy that’s giving him a blow job look familiar?” The mage continued lowering his voice. “Holy shit isn’t that…”

  “Twitch it’s really none of our fucking business what these people do.” Jasmine responded, cutting him off, her voice strained.

  Her shaking had increased. Asier could feel it quaking through her slim frame pressed against his side. Yet she managed to hide her distress, which impressed him greatly. Her nails were still biting into the flesh of his arm. He was not sure she could last much longer. She was fighting a losing battle.

  They were drawing attention. Curious and envious eyes followed them as people wanted to know why the redhead and slender man were with the Master vampire of their club. Asier wasted no more time. Leading them briskly through the throng of bodies, he took them to the private rooms. This was where clients came to see his highly trained staff. They were all handpicked. Every Dom and slave had been taught to use their full potential and skills to satisfy every person who entered and requested a session. The sound of moaning could be heard behind many of the closed doors. Even the smack of a crop or whip.

  Making his way to the end of the corridor, he found the place he was looking for. Unlocking the door, he allowed them to precede him. The space was clean and safe. Two long black leather sofas were against the wall. A cupboard in a corner contained many different items his clientele used to play with and amuse themselves.

  Asier would not need them tonight though. Tugging the girl to one of the sofas he sat down. Jasmine stood awkwardly between his legs gazing down at him anxiously. The thud of her heart had sped up. Asier could hear it beating swift and fast against her rib cage. The scent of fear was subtle, and something he did not care for. Not from this woman. Distractedly he tugged his long hair free of its band. It fell in ripples down his shoulders and settled against his chest.

  “Come Jasmine, join me. Vieni qui.” He patted the place beside him encouragingly. Wide eyes darted to the place, then back to his face. Yet still she hesitated.

  He was vaguely aware of Twitch standing with his back leaning against the closed door. He could feel the other male’s attention on them. Could still taste his nervousness, but none of that mattered. Jasmine’s craving, her need, had all his focus now. It pleased him that he would be able to provide this service for her. That finally he would taste her blood. He had been dreaming of it for weeks. Asier could hardly believe it was about to become a reality.

  It would also irk Eric to know she was now his. A treasure he planned to keep for quite a while. His friend was an idiot for letting her go. Asier would not make the same mistake. Cautiously, she sank down onto the leather beside him. Licking her lips, she rested her hands limply in her lap. She was jumpy, as if at any moment she might leap up and run for the door. Asier found this confusing. Jasmine had been bitten before. He had witnessed it at their last meeting. So why was she afraid now?

  “Where would you like my bite?” He asked, still gauging her body language. Something was wrong.

  “I’m not sure...somewhere it’s not easily seen.” Her voice was almost a whisper. So she wanted to hide her addiction? That was very interesting. Asier filed the information away for later use.

  Resting his hand on her thigh, he caressed it. He could feel her body trembling beneath his palm. Knew it was not all to do with her need. She had enjoyed his touch before.

  “The inner thigh.” He told her huskily. “Is a well-hidden place.” It was also one of the places he loved to feed from. Just imagining her on her back with her legs spread had his dick hard.

  “Maybe not there...” She wouldn’t look at him. Asier frowned. What had happened to the sassy female he had met in Prague? This woman was a pale ghost in comparison.

  “The inner arm then, or wrist.” He continued keeping his tone soft and calm. She needed to relax.

  Jasmine swallowed nervously. She hesitated for a moment, as if she was having some internal argument with herself. Shoulders slumping slightly, it looked as if she had come to some sort of decision. Carefully, she rolled up the sleeve of her jumper.

  Fresh bruises and scratches decorated her pale skin from wrist to elbow. They looked clumsy but the impression of finger marks were clear.

  Twitch gasped in shock across the room. “Jazzy, what the fuck are those?” He demanded.

  Asier raised a hand to silence him. He could see the girl did not want to talk about it. Right now, the pain she was suffering from was far more important. Asier’s eyes fell to the scars on her inner arm. It was marred with burnt flesh. He knew she had received this from a vampire with a toxic bite. The fact that the Vampiric blood Eric had given had not healed it surprised him.

  “There was something in Simon’s saliva that counteracts vampire blood.” She told him quietly at his unspoken question. “It healed me to a point, but the bites themselves never did.”

  Asier almost growled at his own stupidity. Of course she would be frightened. The last time a vampire had sank their teeth into her there had been unimaginable pain. He would have to be extremely careful with her now. She would be fragile.

  Jasmine watched the Italian vampire tensely. The urge to leap off the sofa and run was almost overpowering. Only the knowledge of the continuing agony which awaited her if she didn’t get bitten held her in place. This fucking sucked. Fear had her breathing hard. Her heart was pounding so erratically, it was making her light headed. She knew if she saw his fangs she might lose it completely. Every nightmare she’d had since Simon had given her the pain bite played on a continuous reel inside her head. Jasmine hated being scared. Weak. It was all just so fucked up.

  Asier was inspecting her ruined skin. When his fingertips traced the ugly patterns, she jumped.

  “Can we just get on with this please? I know it’s not pretty to look at.” She asked, gritting her teeth. Why was he waiting? The longer they waited the more every part of her knew she couldn’t go through with this. Asier’s free hand glided up her thigh again distracting her, while his other held her arm. Energy tickled Jasmine’s senses. Hot and seductive, it spilled from his fingers making her quiver at his touch. Fear and lust merged as she squirmed in her seat. Jasmine gave a little gasp, not sure what was happening.

  Asier looked up ensnaring her with his gaze. “I promise you bella, I wil
l make this as pleasurable as possible.” His rich Italian accent rolled the words deliciously off his tongue.

  Leaning down, he bent over her arm. The long length of his hair fell to brush over her skin, soft and silky. Firm fingers held her shaking forearm. Biting down hard on her lower lip, Jasmine tasted blood.

  Jasmine went rigid as his breath skated across her scars. Panic exploded inside her. She couldn’t do this. Fuck no. The hard pinch on her thigh made her gasp. Jasmine was momentarily blindsided by the sharp sensation. The quick kiss of Asier’s lips was followed by a stinging pain. Before she could yank her arm back, bliss flooded through her veins.

  A moan of pleasure broke from her throat. Every cell in her body came suddenly alive. Jasmine’s back arched. The hard cushions of the sofa met her back. Every thought was obliterated from her head. All her fear and anxiety vanished. Asier chased her down, bending over her as he fed. Jasmine could feel the pull of each sip he took. The sensation as her blood flowed into him.

  Reaching across with her free arm she buried her hand in the warmth of his sleek hair. It slipped through her fingers. She was building swiftly towards an orgasm. When it hit, her eyes rolled back into her head as she flew apart with ecstasy. It took a while for her to recover. Her breathing was ragged as she fought to calm it. Jasmine kept her eyes closed.

  Murmuring to herself, she let her hand wander from the Italian’s head down to his bronzed muscular shoulder. He was so warm. She felt the muscles bunch beneath the smooth skin. The room remained silent. Jasmine knew though that Twitch was still watching them. Yet right at this moment she had no energy to be embarrassed. Later, she would probably be mortified. But that could wait. Asier’s tongue licked roughly against the puncture marks he had left. The action tore another moan of satisfaction from Jasmine’s chest. When the final echo of release washed away, she opened her heavy eyes.

  “See Bella, there was no need to be frightened.” Asier murmured huskily as he tilted his chin to look at her. He was still lingering over her arm. Tongue snaking out, he licked his reddened lips.