“I had a plan to persuade the werewolves to attack the Council in broad daylight. Ethan died before he could act. He was willing to give up his life to stop this war. Many will.”
“It trumps my idea, but I doubt the wolves could muster a decent force. They’re reluctant to fight.”
“Or so you think.”
There he was, assuming they’d barely be considered allies. Now she understood why he hadn’t told her further details. He didn’t like them, even though the truce kept any act of violence at bay. It was the Council’s reiterated view and it wasn’t surprising Liam felt the same.
“Come here, you.”
He pulled her close and she sank into his arms, his touch.
“I’m worried it’ll go wrong tonight,” she admitted. “With someone like Ava to rely on, it doesn’t give me much confidence.”
“She has her own motives, but she’ll get this done. I know how to play her like a pawn. And I have a few tricks up my sleeve.”
“Care to show me some of them?”
His eyes flashed, brow furrowing with that look of intense lust. “Hell, yes.”
Their mouths crashed together. He slid his hands beneath her top, pulling back to tear it and her bra free. He roamed across her body, caressing her skin. His touch was rough, firm and oh so good. He smoothed across her breasts, tweaking her nipples and cupping them until she groaned from the sensation.
She tipped her head back, letting him tease her.
“Fuck, babe, can’t wait to be in that tight pussy of yours.”
She gasped. That jolted him into action and he removed his clothes in record time. She straightened and grasped his face, pulling him in for a kiss. The collision of his hard chest against hers made her smile against his lips.
He was always ready for her. She craved him inside her. When it was this hot, it felt like an addiction. His lips captured her, his tongue skimming across hers, leaving her tingling and breathless. God, the things he did to her. This feeling that sprung to life.
She grasped her pants, compelled by her raging need, their kissing becoming more urgent, desperate. She shifted against him as she undid her pants, then let her panties slip down her legs.
Liam glanced down and grinned mischievously. “Damn hot.”
He leaned over her, his cock hard against her stomach. She was sinking into him, kissing, lost within this desire. He growled and pulled her into him. Her breasts slammed against his chest as he lowered himself to her neck.
She felt his fangs caress her skin.
“You want me to taste you?” he whispered, rolling his hips so she felt the prominent thickness of his arousal.
She moaned. “N…no.”
Not this time. This time, she wanted to feel human. She yearned for the warmth of Liam’s skin, to hear his heart beat again because their connection aroused that need. It was something she didn’t dare think of, since it could never happen unless they started the Awakening.
“Is it too much?” he asked softly.
She pulled back to meet his gaze. “It feels unnatural to me.”
“I’ve forgotten that hesitation. Try it. See how you react when thinking of tasting me.”
Her lips parted. He’d never offered, and it hadn’t been a fantasy of hers. She lowered her gaze to his neck. She knew he’d suggested it to discern if she had that need, if she was ready.
She was transfixed by his skin. There was no pulse, no blood pumping through his body. Once she tasted him, it would be an experience unlike any other. His blood would become a part of her. She felt her fangs elongate in anticipation, the urge to sink into him simmering within. It was a primal yearning, so dark, lustful and powerful.
And she had the strength to resist it.
“No rush, sweetheart,” he murmured.
He kissed her forehead, trailing a hand across her breasts. It took a moment to recover from the powerful feeling to taste him but when his lips consumed hers, she was swept away. She pressed into him, feeling the broad expanse of his naked chest caressing her skin. They kissed for endless moments, entwined together before he entered her.
His cock sunk deep. He moved inside her deeply, touching her inner walls with each stroke. She gasped, digging her fingers into his skin, pleasure overcoming her as he thrust. Hard. Relentlessly. But this time, there was a tender undercurrent of passion as he wrapped his lips around her nipple, sucking hard.
Her repressed moans of pleasure soon heightened into cries as he ravaged her until she was broken apart beneath him, his cock the master of her orgasm. She tightened around him, convulsing, her wet cum drenching him.
“You’re soaked. Can’t wait to fill you.” He was breathing heavily.
And then he came, his hot liquid filling her. His breath trailed down her neck. He stopped to kiss her, then looked down at her, his eyes inches away. He kissed her lips again, leaving damp heat, a softness. Knowing they’d be confronting the Council so soon had given raw urgency to their lovemaking.
He touched his forehead to hers. “Tasting me would’ve been very intense.”
“I’m not ready for it yet.”
As enjoyable as sex was, tasting him would take it to another level, a deeper level which she couldn’t comprehend.
She bit her lip. “When I fed from Ava, she sensed me. How does it work?”
“Imbibing the blood of a vampire allows the one you tasted to sense you, since you carry a part of them. But when I tasted you, I sensed you and that’s never been possible.”
The revelation stunned her. “It sounds like another sign of the Awakening.”
“It is. We don’t know what will start it.”
“Aren’t you concerned?” He never seemed deterred by anything.
“After the explosion, I hoped we could finally live in peace together. Now that the war’s begun, we have no choice. It’s going to put both of us at risk, and I’ve always wanted to protect you from that.”
“Confronting the Council is going a step too far.” She smiled wryly.
“I’ll be fighting, you’ll be a distraction under the guise of negotiations. I promise you will be safe.”
She frowned. “And if it fails?”
“I’m not thinking like that, and I don’t want you to either.” He touched her blonde hair. “You know what impresses me about you? You’re strong. Throughout the Newborn trial, you persevered. You kept pushing forward, even when things got out of control. You cope with being a vampire. And I know you made mistakes, but I have, too. You were strong enough to admit it.”
She blinked back tears.
“I love you in a way I can’t describe,” he continued. “And I don’t believe our connection is due to the Awakening. I know that I love you with all that I am.”
She clung to him, feeling his solid, hard body, his thick cock still wet against her thigh. In that moment, it occurred that he made her feel human even though they weren’t. It was a feeling she’d never felt when she was alive and whatever happened, she’d never forget it.
Ava interrupted from the hallway. “I’ve got what you need.”
Liam kissed her, holding her close for a moment. Then he swung off the bed and began pulling his clothes on. Madison did the same and they entered the living room. He straightened, falling into the authoritative mode that entailed his former Council position.
“Ava will track us on this cell phone,” he explained, and brandished it. “She’ll relay directions to maneuver through the Council building. But we have to move fast. Once I kill Elijah, security will flood the building. They’ll be reluctant to kill their own within the building, despite the circumstances, so they’ll aim to imprison us. If that occurs, Ava will free us.”
Ava brushed back her hair. “Once I take down the security monitoring, I don’t know how long it’ll be before it restarts. I’d say, as an estimate, you have about three minutes.”
Madison stared. “Only three minutes to scale a tower of that size?”
Liam nodded. “While I
deal with Elijah, you must face Jonathon. He’s second in charge but longs to replace Elijah. We’ll use the situation to convince him to revive the truce. He wouldn’t dare maim those who conveniently aided him to ascend to power, and he’s not one to resort to violence. He’ll buy the excuse you’re there to chat. We must act while the situation’s uncertain. And we won’t fail.”
Chapter Sixteen
They stopped outside the Council and Madison heard a distant scream cut short. Another werewolf being silenced? Hopefully this would be the end of it tonight.
Ava brushed her black bangs from her eyes and regarded them. “Once I enter, follow behind me. I’ll disable security once we part ways. We have no time to waste.”
Madison nodded and Liam grasped her hand gently. She felt little comfort. She was nervous, and seemed to be the only one who was. Liam’s brow furrowed but he said nothing as Ava stepped out and waited for them to follow.
Madison glanced at him and seeing the distress in his eyes, had to say, “Don’t worry about me.”
“I always will because I love you.”
He leaned forward and kissed her one last time. As he pulled away, she noticed the curve of his lips, the slight frown on his face, and was overwhelmed by her feelings for him. He assured her she’d be safe. She trusted him.
They met up with Ava outside the Council which towered above them.
“Follow me,” she announced.
A guard confronted them as expected. He looked Ava over, then Madison.
“Welcome back,” he said to Ava. He glanced over the electronic pad in his hand. “Your last visit was two weeks ago, on a Monday.”
“Indeed.”
“Do you have a prior appointment?”
Madison tensed and glanced at Liam. He looked unconcerned.
Ava shook her head. “Just a routine security check during the weekly meeting.”
“Of course. And your guests?” He eyed them suspiciously.
“Visitors from out of state. They have business with Jonathon.”
“Ma’am, guests may not accompany you while a meeting is in session. Sorry, but after what happened in Brooklyn, we must tighten regulations.”
Madison’s eyes widened. Ava was silent. She had no excuse and Liam’s brow had furrowed. She thought frantically.
“I’m Jessie Stevens, a lawyer from Stevens Defense, PC in Manhattan. This is my temporary partner during the case, Liam…Stevens. We’re accompanying Ava on behalf of our kind. I’m sure you’re aware it’s procedure to meet with the client we will represent in court. Ava has assured she will take us to our client without delay.”
“Do you have identification?”
“I can vouch for them,” Ava answered. He looked pleased by that yet still unconvinced. He tapped at his pad for several minutes, no doubt searching her mom’s name. The website would confirm the details of the business as proof it was genuine.
Madison cleared her throat. “You may contact me directly afterwards if you have any enquiries. As you can understand, our client’s privacy must be valued before the trial occurs and Jonathon is willing to discuss matters.”
He glanced up. “Right. One of those cases caught up in official human laws. Messy business. I’ve confirmed your position and I’ll allow you both to pass. Have a good night.”
He pushed open the door and once they were through, Madison could relax. Thanks, mom.
“Nice save,” Liam remarked. He shot an annoyed glanced at Ava.
Ava shrugged. “Didn’t know about the new procedure.”
Madison observed the main Council interior. The wooden floor shone attractively, and on either side of them were two curved, wide staircases leading up to the next floor. There was a large reception desk in the center. The whole decor seemed modern, with neutral colors of tan and white. It could’ve easily been mistaken for a wealthy office building. Even the vampires at the reception sat perfectly poised with forced smiles.
Ava slowed her pace. “Don’t take an elevator, they’re locked down during security activation. Go to the stairs on the left. It’s a policy here; you must go up on the left and descend on the right.”
Before Madison could pass a comment, Ava walked away, her heels clicking against the wood. She stopped before an elevator and pressed the button.
Liam’s hand entwined around hers and she followed him up the stairs. A few vampires were watching. She felt their gaze on her back and as they cleared the stairs, her throat went tight. If anyone recognizes Liam, it’ll all be over.
Liam raised his phone and answered Ava’s silent call. He said nothing as he listened to her instructions. He led her to one of the center doors and pulled it open. They stepped into a dimly lit hallway and he closed the door.
“We’re advancing toward a weapons room,” he explained. “They would’ve detected any weapon I brought in with me and I need to arm myself to confront Elijah.”
Liam opened a door and they stepped into a darkened room. Her gaze was drawn to the array of stake guns lining the wall, illuminated by blue light.
“These are…crude,” she remarked.
Liam grabbed one and slid a stake into it, clicking it into place. “They were intended to kill rebels. We don’t need to construct modern weapons to kill our own kind, and it’d be too dangerous if it gets into the enemy’s possession.”
She thought of Ethan’s demise. “Do you have silver bulleted guns?”
He met her gaze. “They’ll most likely be using them tonight. This is only a small side room for emergencies. There’s one on every floor.” Liam raised the phone to his ear and listened intently. “Okay, we have to go now. Security’s down. We have a few minutes until the silent alarms go off.”
“Where do I go?”
“Take the third door on the right and head up the flight of stairs until you get to the top. It’s simple for you from that point on. Keep Jonathon occupied until Elijah’s demotion is confirmed. Once Elijah is killed, persuade him it was for his benefit. I have no doubt of your ability to bluff.”
Madison nodded, taking a deep breath. The gesture wasn’t comforting and she wanted to hold Liam close, feel his skin against hers.
“Please be careful,” she said. “I love you.”
Liam smiled, but his eyes were sad. She wanted to kiss him, but they both knew what would happen if they started.
“I’ll see you soon,” he promised.
He left without looking back and her heart wrenched apart. She hated facing uncertainty. This was her moment to act, to stop the war which had claimed Ethan’s life. But apprehension was almost a physical sensation holding her in place. She didn’t know the layout of the building like Liam did. But each of them faced equal risk, apart from Ava. She had to suck it up.
She heard movement in one of the rooms down the hall and quickly backed out of sight, pressing against the wall. It sounded like the vampires had been alerted to their presence, patrolling the corridors. It couldn’t have happened already. The silent alarms were supposed to activate exactly three minutes later. Unless Ava lied.
She couldn’t deliberate that impediment. They’d soon sense her. The footsteps were close. One was approaching the door. She maneuvered along the wall and poked out her head. There were five armed vampires standing in the once empty corridor.
She threw herself at the third door to the right and pushed it open before she was seen. She stumbled into a brightly lit stairway. And heard movement within the halls. The vampires were definitely aware of her now. She used her speed to propel herself up.
She heard doors opening below and knew the vampires were going floor to floor. She cleared the stairs and approached the lone door. Jonathon had to be inside.
Madison couldn’t turn back. Liam was again risking his life for their future. With that thought in mind, she opened the door and entered a softly lit room. The caramel colored carpet stretched out beneath her feet as she observed the cream walls accentuated with photo frames. Windows lined the right wall revealin
g the dark city streets and an impressive view of New York.
There was a broad white desk situated at the back of the room. Jonathon stood with poise as if he were the Council leader himself. His perfectly cut dark hair was brushed back from his face and he studied her with dark blue eyes.
“I’ve been waiting for you, Ms. Stevens.”
Liam stopped before the wide door, thinking of the disheartened look on Madison’s face. Damn it, he hated the stab in his gut knowing she was worried for him. He wanted her to be safe and loved her with all his heart. He’d fallen in lust with her shortly after they met and it had deepened to a point where he’d never be without her.
This was his moment to face Elijah, the one Council member he’d never spoken to. He’d seen him multiple times during those boring as hell meetings and instantly disliked him. He was a vampire who reveled in his position of power and would do anything to keep it.
Since he’d had the job for over fifty years, Liam anticipated his reluctance to abandon a revered position. Elijah would fight for his life against him. This wouldn’t be easy, but protecting the love of his life hadn’t been a walk in the cemetery.
Liam threw open the door and strode in, the stake gun conveniently in his back pocket. He’d mentally carved the stake with Elijah’s name.
“Ah, you must be Liam Dalton, if I’m not mistaken,” Elijah announced. He stood up from behind his desk and smiled. He wore a white formal suit that contrasted greatly with his skin.
“Does it matter? We aren’t preparing for a civil meeting.”
Elijah spread his hands wide in invitation. “I know you’re here to kill me. And it’s an entertaining thought to fight against a…former member. I was expecting you to arrive with a tiny army, not attempt a small scale infiltration. Yet you think you’ll succeed.”
He aimed the gun at his chest. “All it takes is one stake. This has to end.”
“What does?” Elijah remarked with mock surprise. “I know you tried to take this position from me many years ago. You failed miserably. No one wanted you to represent them. There were rumors of your sordid antics with Ava. How is she, by the way?”
Awakened by the Vampire Page 16
