“I’ll see if I can clear my schedule,” Alfrigg said, tipping his head. “But we will meet again.”
“You’re leaving me behind?” Camille said, trying not to be outraged.
Hunter eyed her knowingly. “Would you really like to join us on the plane?”
Camille took a second to think about it. “Um, actually, I’ll wait for the next one.” She laughed.
“I need to get back to Toronto,” Henry said.
Camille put her hand on Henry’s arm to still him and leaned close to his ear. “He hasn’t been with a woman in thousands of years.”
Henry’s expression lightened. “I see. I will also wait.”
“Rook, wait!” Samuel called out, running after them with her backpack. “You forgot this.”
The realization hit her that she’s leaving. She slid down out of Hunter’s arms and threw her arms around Samuel. “Thank you for everything!”
“You’re very welcome.” Samuel hugged her tight. “Will I see you again?”
“Count on it.” She pushed the words past the lump in her throat.
“I will.” He nodded and released her back to Hunter’s care.
She looked back at Alfrigg. “Please come visit.”
“We’ll see.” He waved them off. “Go, live your life, be happy.”
“I will,” she said with confidence for the first time ever.
Chapter 19
Hunter lead Rook onto the plane. “Make yourself comfortable.”
Rook sat in one of the leather chairs. “Wow, swanky.”
“Welcome back, Dr. Webb.” The flight attendant came into the cabin. “Can I offer you something to drink? We’ve restocked.”
“That won’t be necessary, Sheila.” Hunter smiled. “Also, I would prefer if you joined the flight crew in the cockpit.”
Sheila blanched. “Of course.” She started for the front of the plane. “If you need anything, please press the call button.”
“Thank you, Sheila.” He dismissed her.
When the door clicked closed, Hunter turned to Rook. “Are you comfortable? Can I get you anything?”
“No, thank you,” she said, folding her hands in her lap.
Hunter spun another of the chairs in the cabin to sit and face her. “I would like to take this time to get to know more about you, who you are now.”
Rook quirked her brow, shifting uncomfortably in her seat. “Well . . . there’s really not much to tell. I’m from Idaho, grew up there, my parents are awesome. I came to New Orleans a few years ago and that’s when I found out I was a rook.” She tilted her head to the side. “That’s what everyone calls me, Rook.”
Hunter gripped the arm rests, trying to control his urge to take her. “What’s your given name?”
Her cheeks reddened. “Iris, but I prefer Rook.”
“Then that’s what I will call you.” His breathing was uneven, he couldn’t stop staring at her lips.
She shifted again and fanned herself. “Is it hot in here?”
Hunter reached up and turned the knobs on the airflow. “Was that better?”
She shook her head. “Yes and no.” She reached for his hand, holding on to it tightly. “That’s better.”
Hunter smiled. “They call me Hunter.”
“Hunter.” She let the name roll off her lips. “And you’re a doctor?”
“Researcher. I have a laboratory in Toronto.” He ran his hand up her arm, feeling her soft skin and found it more difficult to still his erection.
“Really? That’s cool,” she said, scooting forward in her chair to be closer to him.
“Yes.” He gazed into her eyes, seeing his past, present and future.
She inhaled a deep breath. “I’m sorry, but I have to be closer to you.” She unbuckled her seat belt and sat on his lap.
A small sense of relief ran through him at her closeness, “Rook . . .”
“I’m sorry, I . . .” She stood up.
He tugged her back down to his lap, “No, don’t be sorry. It’s just that I want you, in the most primal ways. The things I want to do to you . . .” He got lost in his own thoughts of ravishing her. He buried his nose in her hair to take in all her scent and taste her sweet arousal.
Rook nodded vehemently. “I want you to do them all.”
“I will,” he said with uneven breaths. “But I want it to be . . . special.”
She ran her finger down his jawline. “It will always be special with you.”
“Aren’t you the least bit apprehensive?” he asked. “We’ve only just met.”
“I feel like I know you better than I know myself.” She raised a brow. “I’ve never felt so complete and something inside me knows I belong with you.” A tiny laugh escaped. “Always have.”
They got lost in the truth in their eyes, gazing deeply into one another’s souls. “I see so much of who you are and feel like you’re part of me,” she said, holding back the ball of emotion forming in her throat. “The pain you’ve felt for so many years, the longing.”
Hunter broke his gaze from her, ashamed of some of the things he’s done in his life. “Don’t look away from me.” She lifted his chin to meet her stare.
“I’m sorry, my love,” he said quietly.
“Don’t be sorry, just love me,” she pleaded.
“I already do,” he said. In that moment he was unable to stay away from her luscious lips.
He covered her mouth with his in a gentle kiss, exploring tenderly while running his hands through her curls.
She intensified the kiss, dragging her hands across his neck, pulling him closer to her. His hands ran down her back to her ass and grabbed as much of her as he could, pressing her against his hard member.
Their movements became urgent, primitive. She let out a gasp and reached down, stroking his hard cock, thinking how badly she ached to have him inside her. She went to unbuckle his pants and he stilled her hand. “Wait.”
“What?” she said with a hint of irritation.
“I want to undress you,” he said, standing her up.
She complied, trying to remain patient as she squeezed her thighs together against her throbbing walls.
He lifted her tank top over her head, leaving only her jeans. He stopped and gazed hungrily at her, his eyes drank in every inch of her. He cupped his hands at her jawline and leaned down, kissing her feverishly before whispering in her ear, “I want to touch every part of you.”
She mumbled something inaudible, throwing her head back at the thought. He trailed his fingers down her neck, enjoying the feel of her skin. He held one breast in his hand and flicked his tongue around the other, taking her hard peak into his mouth.
Her knees buckled slightly, and he wrapped one arm around her to steady her, never losing contact with her nipple.
He worked his way to her other bud and gave it the same treatment.
She couldn’t take much more, ready to come just from his touch. “Hunter, please.”
“Shh,” he hushed her, running his fingers along the curve of her hips and latched his hands at the button on her jeans. Her jeans slid to the floor in a heap and he lifted her up and took her to one of the couches.
She wanted him, needed him and was going to go insane without him filling her. She tangled her fingers in his hair. “Now. I need you now.”
“Patience, my love,” he said, rubbing the stubble on his chin against her thigh. “I want to taste you,” he growled.
She spread her knees apart, welcoming him. His tongue pressed inside her folds, her clit swollen and ready. “You’re so wet.” Hunter hummed, lashing his tongue along her folds.
She moaned with the pleasure of his touch. “Hunter, I-I-”
“Shah,” he continued gently lapping his tongue around the sensitive bundle of nerves. His finger pushed inside her wet opening, curving up to rub against her G-spot.
“Holy fuck.” She breathed the words, hardly able to control her movement.
Hunter held her in place with o
ne hand under her ass, he basked in her pleasure as she writhed with each stroke of his tongue. He could feel her soft walls contracting.
He pushed in and out faster and flicked his tongue against her clit. He was determined to make her come. He looked up at her face contorted with pleasure. “You taste fucking divine.”
Her pussy clenched as the orgasm built from the tip of her toes and fingers straight to her core. “Fuck!” she screamed.
Her heartbeat thrummed in her ears and her vision blurred as she reached an apex of ecstasy like no other she’d ever felt.
Rook’s moans of pleasure filled the cabin and urged him on faster. Her legs tightened around his head, she couldn’t take anymore.
Hunter was rewarded with her wetness and the walls of her pussy convulsed around his finger.
He slowed his tongue to a stop, holding it on her clit as it pulsed. He lapped against it slowly just to feel her twitch.
She leaned back panting, a light sheen of sweat covered her body. “Jesus fuck!” she gasped. “If I didn’t love you before, I certainly do now.”
He licked his lips and stood, undoing his pants. “You like that?”
She nodded vehemently. “Fuck yes.” Her expression deepened. “More.”
He slid his pants off and his cock sprang forward at the ready.
Rook’s eyes widened. “Oh shit.”
A sideways smile danced across his features. “I’ll be gentle,” he said, lowering himself onto her.
“Don’t,” she growled, ready to take all of him in.
He kissed her belly, brushed his lips against her skin, savoring every drop of her essence. With care he slid his cock into her wetness, still pulsing from her orgasm.
Her walls squeezed around him. A ragged breath escaped his lips as he remembered how long it had been since he’d been with a woman. “You’re so . . .” He thrusted deep into her canal, watchful that he wasn’t hurting her.
Rook’s legs wrapped around him, pulling him in deeper then he pulled all the way out, the head poised at her opening. With slow, metered motions he rocked inside her.
Her eyes were wild with lust, she scraped her nails down his back. “You’re going to make me come again.”
Hunter was unable to speak, only able to focus on her delightful pussy. The tension built in him and he thrusted harder and deeper.
Her cries of pleasure sent him over the edge. He captured her gaze as he was about to spill his seed inside her.
She took his face in her hands as she reached her climax with him and cried out, “Bjorn.”
He roared as his body stiffened and his cock pulsed in time with her walls. With ragged breaths, he twitched and tried to hold himself up. “You called me Bjorn,” he panted.
“I told you I know who you are,” she said with a sly look
Chapter 20
Camille sat on the love seat and released a breath. Contentment ran through her as she thought about all that’s happened.
“Are you hungry?” Alfrigg asked his guests.
“I am.” Samuel put his hand on his belly, coming from the hallway in a new set of clothes.
“Of course you are, you’re a wolf.” Alfrigg gruffed, “Anyone else?”
“Unless you’ve got some O Positive, I’m good.” Camille smiled.
“I’ll see what I can whip up, you’ve got at least eight hours before the sun goes down.” Alfrigg nodded and turned to Henry. “Something for the witch?”
“No thank you, I really need to get back, this is going to require some paperwork.” He glanced at Samuel.
Alfrigg banged pots and pans around in the kitchen, starting Samuel’s meal. “Suit yourself.”
“We should discuss your report as well.” Henry’s tone said there was something more to what he was saying.
“What’s to discuss? I’ll report what I saw, and you do the same.” Samuel shrugged.
“We’ll discuss it, please send your report to me before filing with the local office. There may be some things we don’t necessarily want Warren to be aware of just yet.” Henry’s tone was full of implications.
“Because Warren is dirty?” Samuel’s face twisted with confusion.
“In my capacity with The Directive, there are things that local offices don’t need to be privy to.” Henry eloquently danced around the subject.
“Like what?” Camille asked, sitting forward.
“Bloodmates are very rare, we want to keep them out of the spotlight,” Henry explained, then widened his eyes after giving it some thought. “I’m still very concerned how they will be able to complete the blood exchange.”
“I’ve seen what happens when a vamp drinks her blood, it’s not exactly pretty,” Samuel added.
“There’s so much they don’t know.” Henry shook his head.
Alfrigg came from the kitchen with a large plate of bacon, eggs, potatoes and toast. “Here you go.”
Samuel’s eyes lit up as he took the plate. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Alfrigg turned to Camille, “It’s going to be okay. I’ve decided that a visit to . . .”
“Toronto?” Camille questioned.
“Yes, if that’s where Hunter is, I’ll be going there,” Alfrigg declared. “Rook is a sweet kid, I want to make sure she’s going to be okay.”
“That’s very sweet of you and I’m sure that Hunter will appreciate your company.” Camille studied him for a long moment.
“They will be getting a visit, likely, from Delia Costanzo.” Henry checked his watch, which didn’t seem to be working. “It’s a formality, of course, nothing to worry about.”
Samuel seemed oblivious, continuing to devour the plate of food, only showing concern with Camille’s reaction. “Delia Costanzo? Who’s that?”
“As I said, it’s a formality. She’ll be able to offer them some guidance,” Henry assured them.
“Delia was a cold heartless bitch before she was a vampire.” Alfrigg bristled.
“I wouldn’t say that,” Henry defended her.
“That’s because you’re afraid of her.” Alfrigg quirked his brow.
Henry ticked his head back, crossing his arms over his chest. “I’m not–”
“Hush, you’d be a fool not to be,” Alfrigg interrupted then pinned Camille with a stern look. “Don’t trust her.”
“I trust few,” Camille took heed. “I’ll also let Hunter know she’s coming.”
“Who the hell is she?” Samuel asked. “I’ve never heard of her and I’ve been with The Directive a long time.”
Henry rocked on his heels nervously. “You don’t need to know her, and shouldn’t mention this to anyone. This should be handled as all Directive business, with discretion.”
Samuel acknowledged Henry’s order.
“I’ve really got to be going. My work is done, and this has been more than enough excitement for me.” Henry made for the door. “It’s been a pleasure, take care of yourselves.”
“Thank you,” Camille said with sincerity. “I hope to see you again some time.”
“Only time will tell.” He closed the door behind him.
Camille watched as Samuel finished every last morsel on his plate. She rarely missed eating but seeing how he enjoyed his meal made her a little jealous.
“The less any of us see of the Directive the better,” Alfrigg scoffed, then flashed a glance at Samuel. “You’re okay, but you’re naive.”
“There has to be order and I’m honored to be part of that,” Samuel said, beaming with pride, “This is amazing, by the way.” He took his empty dish to the kitchen.
“You’re welcome,” Alfrigg said then stretched. “I don’t mean to be rude, but I need to get some rest.”
Samuel turned to Camille. “Would you like me to come back for you at nightfall?”
“Yes, I would love a ride to the airport.” Camille stood and offered her hand. “Thank you for all of your help.”
“It’s my pleasure. Rook’s a good kid, I hope he takes care of
her.” Samuel nodded.
“He will.” Camille’s eyes lit with happiness. “I’ve never met a more loyal or caring man.”
“That’s good.” Samuel turned to Alfrigg. “Thanks again for everything.”
Alfrigg grunted and waved him out the door, the excitement clearly getting to him.
When Samuel left, Alfrigg started for the hallway. “I know you still require rest. Follow me, I’ll show you to the guest room.”
Camille felt fatigue setting in. “I could use some rest.”
Alfrigg motioned to a door in the hallway. “Bathroom, guest room.” He continued down the hall without another word.
“Alfrigg?” Camille stopped him.
“What is it?” His irritation was apparent.
“How long have you known Hunter?” she asked, always curious about the things her friend hadn’t told her about himself.
“Longer than I care to admit,” he said turning away.
“Where did you meet him?” She prodded for more information.
Alfrigg didn’t turn to face her, he wanted to hide the pain of the memory, “He was a trespasser in my cave. I wanted to throw him back out but . . .”
“He’s a very powerful vampire. I’m sure you’re quite formidable but doubt you could throw him out of anywhere.” She considered Alfrigg’s size and wondered if old age had made him slower or less powerful than he once was.
“He was a vampling. Blood crazed.” A pang of sorrow hitched in Alfrigg’s voice. “He had just lost Runa and his sons. I couldn’t put him out. I could see the humanity in the savage, knew he’d be one of the good ones and couldn’t let him burn in the sun.”
“I’m glad you didn’t.”
Alfrigg shook his head. “Nothing that most wouldn’t have done. Rest up.” He dismissed her.
Camille closed the distance between them, laying her hand on his shoulder. “Thank you.”
“For what?” Alfrigg glanced at her over his shoulder.
“Your kindness is why I’m still alive.” Her words were full of gratitude.
“How do you figure?” He turned to face her completely.
“Hunter has spoken very highly of the man that took him in right after he was turned. Said that man taught him the true meaning of kindness,” Camille revealed.
A Vampire's Thirst Page 12
