He shoved her legs wide and buried his face against her pussy. She cried out and grabbed his shoulders for support when her legs threatened to give out. There was no gentle preliminaries, no tentative touches. This was a man out of control. This was sex at its most primal.
He drove two thick fingers into her slick channel, pushing deep. His lips found her clit and he sucked. Hard.
There was no gradual climb to pleasure. It was practically forced on her. Evie’s orgasm struck her hard. She came, screaming his name, as he continued to power his fingers in and out of her core.
When she started to slide down the wall, Craig surged to his feet. He ripped at the opening to his jeans and released his cock. It was long and thick, the bulbous head red and slick. Evie reached for his shaft, but her fingers had barely closed around it when he pushed her hand away. “No. I’m about two seconds from coming.”
He lifted her, spread her legs and pressed the thick head of his cock against her opening. “Evie.” He said her name and she managed to look at him, still partially lost in the fog of her previous orgasm. She knew what he wanted, what he needed.
“Yes.”
He gave a broken cry and thrust, driving deep. She clung to him, rubbing her aching nipples against his firm chest. He held her tight, breathing heavily. “Evie. My Evie.” He said the words over and over, chanting them like a prayer.
His cock flexed and pulsed inside her. She felt filled by Craig, surrounded by his power, his caring.
She loved the flex and play of the muscles in his arms and back as he began to move. He was strong and hard and absolutely perfect. She touched him everywhere, unable to get enough.
He powered in and out of her slick channel, her inner muscles rippling around his hard length. Her body was already rocketing toward another orgasm. It had never been like this with anyone else. Only Craig.
“Harder,” she encouraged. “More.” She bucked her hips, trying to take him deeper.
With a yell, he wrapped his arms around her and staggered to the daybed, falling heavily upon it. Flat on her back on the bare mattress, Evie gazed up at her lover. His fangs were down and his eyes were now glowing red. She turned her head to one side and stretched her neck, offering him everything she was.
He struck hard and fast, his fangs easily piercing her skin. She cried out, her pussy clamping around his cock. He continued to drink from her, thrusting his hips, slamming his cock in and out.
Evie was lost in a haze of sexual pleasure. She thought she screamed but wasn’t sure if it was out loud or only in her mind. Her pussy rippled as her orgasm surged through her, even more powerful than the last one.
Craig eased his fangs out and licked the wound. Then he turned his head, exposing his neck. “Bite me.”
She didn’t hesitate. The thick cords of his neck beckoned. Then his blood was spilling into her mouth. She moaned and her body continued to shake and shudder. Another orgasm or one long one. She didn’t know and didn’t care.
Craig’s cock grew thicker, his movements more frantic. She knew if she were still human she’d have bruises. But as a vampire those small marks from their lovemaking disappeared almost as soon as they formed, her body almost immediately healing itself.
Craig’s big body shuddered and he held the back of her head, encouraging her to keep drinking. She felt the burst of liquid heat as he came inside her. She withdrew her fangs and closed the puncture wounds, savoring the taste of his blood in her mouth and the feel of his cock rippling inside her.
Perfection.
Craig collapsed on top of her. Evie wrapped her arms around him and hugged him as tight as she could.
He was muttering something under his breath, and it took her a moment to realize what it was. When she did, she slowly released him.
Craig pushed up onto his hands, their bodies still joined. Evie gasped and jolted slightly when his cock seemed to grow rather than get smaller.
“You heard what I said?”
She nodded.
“I meant it, you know.” He leaned down and kissed her lips. It was such a gentle caress it brought tears to her eyes. “I love you, Evie.” He flexed his hips slightly, wringing a groan from her. “And not just because we’re so compatible sexually. You fascinate me. You’re so independent and strong, yet you have a vulnerable, artistic soul.” He sighed and lowered his forehead so it was resting against hers. “I wasn’t going to rush you, but I want us to be together. Come live with me. Share my life.”
Whether it was endorphins from her sexual release or her pleasure at his words, Evie didn’t know, but she couldn’t stop herself from laughing. “This is you not rushing me?”
Craig gave her a sheepish grin. “I didn’t ask you to marry me, did I? I’m saving that for maybe tomorrow or the next day.”
Fear leapt to the fore, practically strangling her, but she fought it. This was one man who would never let her down. She knew that all the way to her very soul.
“I appreciate your restraint.” Her wry tone made him smile. But there was a tension thrumming through him, and she knew why. It was time for her to be brave too. She stroked his face, his straight nose, his cheeks, his strong jaw. “I love you too. I don’t know how it happened. I fought it, but it didn’t matter. I love you.”
Craig rolled to his back, taking her with him so she was lying on top of him. They lay there in silence for a long time, simply holding one another and savoring their declarations of love, their commitment.
“I wasn’t kidding about marriage,” he finally said.
“I know. But let’s take it a little slow and see how your family feels first.” That was a worry for Evie.
He smiled up at her. “You make me happy. That’s all they’ll care about.” She wasn’t quite so sure, but she didn’t say anything to spoil the moment. He rubbed his hands over her butt, squeezing the firm mounds. She squirmed slightly and his cock flexed inside her.
“You can’t be serious.” She lifted until she was sitting up. The action drove his shaft deeper, making both of them moan.
“Deadly serious.” He held her hips and urged her to move. “But we better be quick. It’s probably only a matter of time until Damek shows up at the door. We were supposed to go to his place as soon as the sun went down.” Craig glanced around the room. “Plus, we’ve got a lot of work to do here, cleaning and boxing what we can save and getting rid of the rest.”
Her stuff. She’d forgotten all about it in the heat of the moment.
“Hey.” Craig cupped the side of her face. “We’ll fix everything. Together. You’ll paint, I’ll design video games and invest. It’s all good.” The corners of his eyes crinkled slightly. “There’s a small attic space in the building that would make a great studio. We could put in a skylight with a retractable shutter so you could paint by moonlight or during the day if you can’t sleep.”
God, if she didn’t already love him, she would now. “That sounds perfect.”
He looked slightly uncomfortable. “I tend to get lost in my work sometimes, not surfacing for days.”
Evie smiled at him and began to move, rising and falling on his thick erection. “That’s okay. I’ll think of something to distract you from your work when I want your attention.”
Craig laughed and then groaned when she deliberately squeezed her pussy muscles, squeezing his cock tight. “I bet you will.”
Then there was nothing but the sounds of their passion filling the night.
Epilogue
Craig surveyed the small space, satisfied with what had been accomplished in such a short time. He had his family and the Haven pack to thank for that. Everyone had put in time on the project, working extra hours to get it done quickly.
His life had changed so much in the past month. Only four weeks ago, he’d wandered down a dark alley when he’d heard a cry. Now he was happier than he’d ever imagined he could be.
“What do you think?” Chrissten slipped her arm around his waist. “Will she like it?”
&n
bsp; “Evie will love it.” He’d kept her away from the space, which hadn’t been easy. The daybed from her old apartment took up a place of honor in the corner. It was no longer bare, but covered with soft sheets, a thick comforter and about a dozen pillows in various earth-tone colors. The skylight let in the light of the moon and the city. It also had a metal shutter that could be closed during the day to keep out the sunlight. One wall consisted entirely of bookshelves, filled with the belongings they’d salvaged from her apartment. A brand new easel stood in one corner alongside a table filled with paints and brushes. All waiting for Evie.
Craig sensed his brother coming up behind him. “That’s the last of it.” Quinn had removed the last of the tools and empty boxes from the room. The space was truly done.
“Thank you, Quinn. For this and for everything.” It hadn’t been easy for them, but they’d done their best to accept Evie. Seeing him and Evie together had made it easier for them. Like he’d told Evie, once they saw how happy she made him, they’d love her. And while they weren’t quite there yet, it was getting better every day.
“You’re my brother.” Quinn pulled him into a quick hug and whacked him on the back. “Whatever you need. Whatever makes you happy.”
“Evie does.”
“We can all see that,” Chrissten said. “We’re all going over to Haven. Join us there later?” They’d gotten into the habit of meeting at Haven after closing a couple of times a week. Spending time together was helping all of them adjust to their new reality. Craig and Evie hung out with the group and caught up on all the news of the day while the rest of them had a drink or something to eat.
“We’ll stop by for a few minutes, but we can’t stay. We promised Damek we’d spend some time with him and Sonia tonight.” Craig had spent a lot of time with his friend these last weeks, talking and learning, training with weapons and learning battle tactics to use against humans and other paranormal creatures.
Damek was giving both him and Evie a full education. He’d also monitored them closely, making sure their blood intake was sufficient to keep the bloodlust at bay. So far, things had been working out great for both he and Evie. Sure, they had their moments, but they helped one another through them.
It was funny, but Damek had accepted Evie more easily than his siblings had. Maybe because Sonia and Evie had become fast friends and there was nothing Damek wouldn’t do to please his wife. Or maybe it was because it had finally occurred to the older vampire that he had a friend for eternity now that Craig was a vampire.
Either way, Craig was happy.
And speaking of happiness. “Evie is coming.”
Chrissten laughed. “We’ll leave you here. I’m surprised you managed to keep her away at all.”
“I made her promise.” And Evie always kept her promises.
His brother and sister left and he heard Evie exchange a tentative greeting with them as they passed on the narrow staircase. She slowed as she reached the door.
He walked to the thick wooden panel and opened it. Evie stood there dressed in dark jeans and a deep-purple turtleneck sweater. Her hair was loose around her shoulders and she looked good enough to eat. He had her several times every night, but it never seemed to be enough. He loved the sound of her moans when he pleasured her, the touch of her soft hands on his skin, especially wrapped around his cock.
He shuddered but managed to control his unruly hormones. Now was not the time. He smiled and invited her in. “Welcome to your new studio.”
Her eyes widened as she stepped into the room and turned in a slow circle. “It’s incredible.” She took in the entire space. “It’s almost exactly like my old space, only better. I love it.”
Craig wrapped his arms around her from behind and rested his chin on the top of her head. “I wanted you to have a space that was just yours. A place where you felt comfortable and at home.” He rocked her slightly as he pointed out the different features. “There’s no kitchen, for obvious reasons, but the daybed, the bookshelves and your belongings are all here.”
“The easel. It’s incredible. And all those paints.”
“It’s time for you to get back to doing what you love. You have a new gallery waiting to show your work.”
Evie tilted her head back and scowled at him. “You made your sister and Bethany ask me if they could show my work, didn’t you?”
He shook his head. “I simply showed them a few of your paintings that survived Vladimir’s wrath when he destroyed your things. I’m so glad he never bothered with most of the things in the closet.
She shivered and snuggled closer. “Me too. They really want my paintings?”
“They really do. Bethany is already rubbing her hands together with glee, talking about how much they plan to charge for them.”
Evie laughed. “That girl does enjoy her work.”
Both Bethany and Chrissten had found their niche in the local art world and they both loved it. Now his Evie could be a part of it. Everything was perfect. Or it soon would be.
“Do you remember what I said that night in your apartment?”
Evie turned in his arms and kissed his chin. “I remember. You told me we’d make this special place for me. Thank you.”
He caught her before she could kiss his lips, because if she started he’d never say what he wanted to. And this was too important to put off. “I said something else too.” He dug into his pocket and pulled out a diamond ring. “I told you I wouldn’t rush you and I tried not to. But I want you to be my wife.” He went down on one knee in front of her. “Evie, will you marry me?”
Her eyes widened and her lower lip trembled. For a moment, his stomach clenched with fear. Then she launched herself at him. “Yes. Oh, yes.”
He fell back on the floor with her in his arms. She kissed him and he could resist the lure of her no longer. He rolled until she was under him. “Thank you for making me the happiest man, the happiest vampire in the world.”
Evie laughed and then frowned. “Where’s the ring?”
Craig threw back his head and laughed. That was his Evie. Bold and beautiful. He scanned the room. “Over there.” He crawled off her and snagged the ring.
She pushed herself into a seated position and held out her hand. He slid the ring on her slender finger. It fit perfectly. Evie raised her hand and examined the glittering diamond. “It’s beautiful.”
He caught her hand and brought it to his lips. “No, you’re the one who is beautiful.” His gaze went to the door. “We’re about to have company. Come on in,” he called.
Chrissten and Bethany burst into the room with their husbands close behind them. “We hadn’t left yet.” Chrissten motioned to all of them with her hand. “I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop, but there were still a few empty boxes on the stairs and I figured I’d take them down to the trash to save you the trouble.” His sister was totally out of breath but kept talking. “I heard you propose.” Chrissten glanced at Evie’s hand and saw the ring.
Both women squealed and jumped up and down. “You’re getting married,” his sister cried. Bethany and Chrissten hugged him for a brief moment and then abandoned him to hug Evie. She gave him a deer-in-the-headlights stare, but he shrugged. Evie’s eyes narrowed, promising retribution later. He simply laughed.
“Oh, let me see your ring,” Bethany exclaimed. “It’s beautiful. This means you have to let us show your work. You’re family now, and family sticks together.”
Evie burst out laughing and Craig muscled his sister and sister-in-law aside so he could reach his future wife. “I told you.” He felt smug and happy.
“Let’s go to Haven to celebrate,” Quinn suggested. He was a bit more subdued than the women, but Craig knew he was coming around.
“It’s too early for us to go to Haven.” It was still difficult for both him and Evie to be around large groups of humans. “You go on ahead and we’ll join you later.”
“Promise?” Chrissten asked.
“Promise.” He kissed her cheek.
Craig turned to Evie. “Now where were we?”
Evie laughed and launched herself into his arms. He carried her to the daybed and laid her down on the thick comforter. “I love you, Evie.”
“And I love you.” She pulled him closer. “Thank you for not letting me go.”
He cupped her precious face in his hands, wondering how he’d gotten so damn lucky. “Never.”
About the Author
N.J. Walters has always been a voracious reader of romance novels and decided one day that she could write one as well. The contemporary story, Discovering Dani, was the very first novel she wrote while living in a little town much like the one Dani O’Rourke lives in, though all other similarities to Dani’s life pretty much end there. Then she wrote another one that followed up on Dani’s friends and neighbors. But she didn’t consider herself a “real” writer yet.
Just a few years later N. J. had a mid-life crisis at a fairly young age, gave notice after ten years at her job on a Friday and received a tentative acceptance for her first published novel (an erotic romance) from a publisher on the following Sunday.
Happily married to the love of her life, with his encouragement and support she gave up the job of selling books for the more pleasurable job of writing them. She now spends her days writing novels of her own. Werewolves, vampires, time-travelers, seductive handymen and next-door neighbors with smoldering good looks—all vie for her attention. It’s a tough life, but someone’s got to do it. And some days she actually feels like a “real” writer.
N.J. enjoys hearing from readers, and she can be reached at [email protected]. You can check out her web site at www.njwalters.com.
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