After they ate, Lucien walked her back home. Reluctantly, she had to admit she really was exhausted now that her stomach was full. She nervously stood still while he stripped her to the white chemise. He pulled back the covers for her to climb in. She yawned. "You were right, Lucien. I guess I'm more tired than I thought."
"I told you, Ariel. You are the most precious person in the world to me. I will take care of you." Lucien started lightly brushing the hair from her forehead. He gently kissed her and continued stroking her head until she fell asleep.
CHAPTER 16
THE VAMPIRE'S GAME
Lucien was walking back into the room when she opened her eyes again. Ariel heard the bell ringing. She took the hand he held out and as he pulled her up he said, "Time for dinner." Sitting on the bed he watched her get dressed.
When she was ready he stood and raised her chin. "You are so incredibly beautiful, Ariel." He leaned over and gave her a slow, seducing kiss and pulled her against him. Her arms hugged around his waist and she rested her head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat and breathing. "We better go." Lucien chuckled and escorted her back to the hall, walking with his hand protectively on her back.
At dinner, Ariel noticed her friends smiling and talking softly while sitting in the laps of their Vampire lovers. She could hear Christal arguing with Nicholas, "Why, his almighty pain in the ass Sir Nicholas, do I have to sit in your damn lap? I'm a grown woman for goodness sake. This makes me feel stupid."
"Such a delicate flower," Nicholas laughed softly. "I couldn't bear to think of your beautiful round bottom anywhere other than on my damn lap."
Way to go, Christal. Keep giving 'em hell, Ariel thought. She looked up and Lucien was staring at her, bemused. "Your beautiful round bottom is staying right here, in my damn lap as well," he whispered, "and I have plans for its use later." Ariel felt her face redden, knowing he had caught her eavesdropping. "Nicholas is young enough to enjoy Christal's nonsense. I am not so patient, Ariel. Remember that," Lucien finished.
"Yes, sir." Ariel felt like sticking her tongue out at him.
Ariel looked down the two long tables. Dave was sitting next to the Slave-master. Ariel guessed this would be a rather permanent arrangement. Ed was next to Dave listening intently to the old man on his other side, his hand on Dave's thigh. Further down she saw Allen and Doug, quietly talking and laughing at some private joke. She saw Allen reach over and brush Doug's hair out of his eyes.
They all seemed to be getting comfortable and enjoying themselves. Ariel thought briefly of Mike and how miserable and scared he looked tied behind Wind Seeker's horse. A slight shiver went through her. "What's upsetting you, Ariel?" Lucien looked concerned.
"Nothing, sir," Ariel lied.
"Ariel, by now Heather has told you. You can't hide your emotions from me. Tell me, what is wrong?" he demanded.
In resignation, Ariel replied, "I saw Mike this morning leaving with the Indians. He'd already been whipped. What will they do with him, Lucien?" Ariel said sadly.
Lucien wanted to scream at the Indians' new captive. Even as Mike left, he caused his Ariel pain. "Ariel, you know he's uncontrollable and a danger to you. The Indians will not tolerate his behavior any more than I did. They will teach him respect and to obey. I don't get involved in their methods. You will see him at the Harvest Celebration. Now, don't concern yourself further with the result of his bad choices."
"I'm sorry, sir. I didn't mean to upset you," Ariel said quietly and looked down at her lap.
Lucien actually loved her for the compassionate nature that seemed to cause her such distress. Distress that caused her pain. The Vampire thrived on feeling her pain and he felt himself begin to harden. He would use this memory later.
Ariel said a few words to Teri and Paula who were sitting next to her. Damon told Lucien that Sarah wanted Paula as an apprentice. "I can't sew! I don't know anything about making clothes. Did you see her fingers? They're all calloused and she doesn't do anything with her nails. No, I can't do that," said Paula in finality. "Ooops, forgot. Sir." In her old life, credit cards bought her all the clothes she, and eventually Ariel, desired.
"Paula, everyone in the settlement helps with the work that has to be done. You're lucky Sarah is willing to teach you. Other than sewing, the only thing you're qualified for are some menial chores, say cleaning out the stables every day," Lucien reasoned with a patient smile.
Paula indicated the people at the tables. "Why can't they take care of it?" she demanded. "I'm with a Vampire. He's in charge. Why should his woman have to work?" she insisted.
Damon started laughing, "Oh, my spoiled little princess. Perhaps your maid will help you," he joked.
"I get a maid? Of my own?" Paula started to relax, then she thought about it. "Who? If there isn't anybody else to sew, who's going to be my maid?"
"Justin?" Damon looked down at the table trying to conceal a laugh.
"Not a chance. The offer for trading women was only 'til we got here. My beautiful Shawna stays with me." Justin laughed back at him. Shawna kissed his cheek.
"You were going to trade me? Damon? Shit. I mean, Sir. How could you?" Paula sounded hurt.
"No, princess. I'd never deny myself the pleasure of teaching you to grow up," Damon said only half consoling her.
Ariel tried to explain her former roommate's distress. "Lucien, Paula's never had to do anything. She was rich. When she wanted something, she went out and bought it. I cleaned the apartment. I'm used to it. Paula only showed up to class to show off her new clothes or flirt. I think she really thought she was going to be someone important if she was with a Clansman."
"Our women are the most important people in the world to us, Ariel. Still, the work must be done and everyone contributes. She's going to have to learn that. Damon knows what she expected. I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't fuel the fire. He'll be patient. He cares a great deal for her, don't worry so much." Lucien was surprised Ariel could be so concerned about the woman who had betrayed her with Mike.
"I know you're right, sir. It's just that what I do, I mean did before, is useful here. Shawna and Teri are going to be able to use their skills too. Christal won't be able to use her political background. That will be hard on her. Paula never really studied anything. She just wanted to find someone to take care of her," Ariel explained.
"Christal will be fine, Ariel. As for Paula, she got just what she wanted. Don't you know Damon will take care of her more than any mortal could have? He was struck by her the minute he saw her. He never would have traded her. It upsets me that you're so distressed by things that will sort themselves out."
"Ariel, look around you. Really look at the people here. They're all content. They are taken care of. They have self-worth among their peers, even people that were less important on the flatlands. Look at how confident Dave is. Here he's as important as Allen. Ed feels proud and protected to be with him. Give it time, my love." Lucien kissed the top of her head.
Hannah said something to one of the older serving women. She stood and addressed Lucien. "Lucien, I am pleased to announce the orchard produced an abundance of apples this year," Hannah smiled broadly.
Lucien smiled, knowing what was on her mind. Looking down the table at the expectant faces, he knew the settlers were aware as well. "How abundant, Hannah?"
Hannah burst out her news, "Three barrels, sir! Three barrels of the finest apple wine Mason and I could make!"
There were cheers up and down the tables. Men clapped Mason on the back and hugged Hannah. The people slowly sat down looking at Lucien, anticipation clearly etched on every person's face.
"This was without cutting into the winter food supply, I presume?" Lucien drew the moment out. The woman in charge of the kitchen nodded.
"Well, then. As you and Mason have worked so diligently on this enterprise, without my knowledge, and I believe this makes your second secret enterprise, Hannah?" People laughed knowing Lucien was referring to the 'secret' marijuana garden. They a
lso understood Lucien knew every secret about the settlement. "I suppose we should all toast our good fortune."
The settlers erupted with joy. The one cup they would get to enjoy was a priceless gift. Mason directed a few men to help roll a barrel out to the hall and help lift it onto the cradled stand. Hannah stood proudly beside the keg to pour the sweet wine.
Cups were brought to the Vampires and their women. "It really is very good," Lucien whispered to Ariel. "I tried some yesterday. They've been hiding it for weeks. I wondered how long it would be before they brought it up."
Ariel laughed at their own 'secret'. She touched glasses with Lucien and sipped the sweet apple wine. It was very good.
After dinner, the Vampires escorted their women out of the main hall and towards their houses. Ariel noticed she wasn't the only woman nervously dragging her feet. She needed to talk to her friends, especially Shawna, and find out how they were coping.
Lucien opened the door and had Ariel wait while he lit a candle. "Let's sit by the fire for a while." He had a small blaze going in short order. He sat on one of the chairs on the hearth and removed his boots then reached for Ariel and as always and pulled her down onto his lap.
He could feel her trembling softly. Her anxiety was building and the Vampire stirred. Lucien nuzzled her neck feeling the fluttering pulse. He flicked it lightly with his tongue. Ariel shivered. "Lucien, no. I'm already so afraid of you. I told you, I can't do this. I'm sorry, but you're wrong about me."
He smiled against her throat and licked again. "Sh, Ariel, quiet now. I already told you to stop this nonsense. You are mine. If you could not satisfy me, the beast could not have been freed." Lucien nipped lightly at her neck and she felt his distended fangs.
Ariel turned her head and glanced at Lucien's eyes. The red haze was smoldering around the deep blue and she could see the feral beast beginning to emerge. She started shaking with tremors initiated from deep within her. Tears were spilling down her face. Ariel watched as Lucien transformed into the aroused wildness that had so brutally used her last night. The Vampire was terrifying. It was concerned only with its own fulfillment, leaving Ariel totally spent.
Abruptly, Ariel pushed Lucien's chest and stood. "No!" She backed away screaming in panic. "I told you I'm not going to do this, Lucien. I won't be with that creature. He hurts me." She bolted to the bedroom before she remembered there wasn't a door to lock. She was looking around desperately for a place to hide, expecting Lucien to angrily burst into the room any moment.
If Ariel had remained by the fire she would have seen the effect her fear and panic had on Lucien. In horror, she would have witnessed his eyes filling with the blood red of his heat. The fangs that had so recently intrigued her were now fully distended with the Vampire's tongue gently stroking the sensitive pores on them. A long, stiff erection was outlined in the leather buckskins.
Lucien had remained seated. Gripping the arms of the chair, he closed his eyes, enjoying his new freedom. Uninhibited, the other half could now fully join with the man and Lucien reveled in awareness of raw sensuality. He had patiently nurtured his bond with Ariel since the capture. Now, his enhanced senses felt her fear as she waited in terror. Lucien quivered with anticipation.
Even though he had known the Vampire would emerge with their first joining, he had not predicted his inability to manage the tremendous desire the beast would have for Ariel. The Vampire adored her. It growled in frustration at being held back from appeasing its lust. Lucien was determined to gain some measure of control.
Ultimately, Lucien knew he would not be able to deny its desires. He had prepared himself throughout the day planning the slow and methodical seduction of Ariel, teaching her to accept his demands. The Vampire started to relax, realizing the woman would withdraw her passion if it left Lucien no ability to manage the interlude. Lucien and the Vampire did, after all, share the same desire. Lucien rose and started walking toward the bedroom.
Ariel was trapped, standing in a dark corner by the wardrobe. As the long minutes passed in silence she silently cried, wringing her hands nervously. She heard the heavy chair creak as Lucien stood. A lengthened shadow spread across the floor as he approached the doorway. She started whimpering.
"Ariel, come to me, little one. It will be okay." Lucien forced himself to speak calmly as he slowly entered the room.
The change in Lucien was subtle. Ariel stared at him and perceived she was seeing more than just the man. She could sense the Vampire's presence, but it was not the creature who had so ruthlessly claimed her before.
In silence, she continued to gaze uneasily at Lucien. His eyes were not those of the beast, a glowing red. The dark blue irises were ringed with the misty red haze she had seen on the trail when he was aroused. Ariel looked at his mouth and could see the sharp points of his fangs resting lightly on his lower lip. His stance was casual, almost relaxed.
"Ariel, come here." Lucien continued to speak softly. The Vampire was savoring the anticipation of her surrender. Ariel hesitantly moved toward him. She was confused and afraid. Lucien did not appear threatening, but she didn't trust him. She realized she couldn't get away and decided not to anger him by disobeying.
She stood before him and looked up into his shadowed face. "Please, Lucien. Please don't let it hurt me again," she begged.
Lucien pulled her close and stroked her back. Eventually, her shudders lessoned and he guided her toward the bed. He sat her down and knelt before her. He removed the lace tying her hair and untwisted its length, running his fingers through the waves and pushing the mass behind her.
He took his time undressing her. She remained quietly alert. Lucien took her hands and brought them to the laces at the front of his shirt encouraging her to loosen them. Still clasping her hands, he brought them to the bottom edge and the four hands lifted the shirt over his head.
Ariel cautiously ran her hands across the broad, muscled expanse of his chest, her fingertips brushing across his nipples. Lucien gently caressed her cheek and stood. Again, he took her hands. He left them at the laces to his breeches. She looked nervously up at him and he calmly smiled down in reassurance. Ariel untied the fastening, put her fingers into the waistband and lowered the leather garment to the floor.
His aroused manhood lay nested in black curls, inches from her face. She was instantly affected by his scent, the smell she had been inundated with their first night together. It triggered her own arousal and she felt her wetness and heat. Lucien inhaled with satisfaction.
He put his hands on the back of her head and guided her forward. Ariel tried to push against his hard thighs, but was no match for Lucien's determination. His shaft pressed hard against her lips. "Take me into your mouth, Ariel. Taste me," he urged.
Ariel became frightened again, yet still afraid to anger him. Using her tongue, she lightly circled the engorged head of his shaft. Guiding her, he pushed himself into her warm, wet mouth. Lucien began a slow rhythmic movement relishing the gentle sucking on his cock.
Ariel's core was lubricating, clenching in time to his thrusts. Lucien gripped her with a little more force and began lunging faster, deeper. Several times he reached her limits and reflexively she gagged. He continued demanding more depth. Ariel began to panic he as pushed down her throat and her airway was blocked. She was gasping a breath as he pulled back, only to have the plunging motion repeated.
She began to struggle and tried to claw at his legs. "Relax, Ariel," Lucien murmured, continuing to thrust deeply. He could sense her body's arousal and knew her mind had not accepted the reaction. Ariel's struggles lessened in intensity as she focused on her breaths. "Loosen your throat. The gagging will subside," he instructed.
Resigned, she fearfully tried to do as he'd said. After a while she succeeded for the most part and her panic subsided a little. Ariel finally noticed her own body responding to the act. She didn't understand the stimulated reaction of her dampened sex.
Distracted by her own arousal, she tentatively reached for the tig
ht sack softly slapping against her chin. Ariel's small hand started caressing him, rolling his balls gently within his flesh. Lucien threw his head back in abandonment as he sought his fulfillment. Ariel felt his testicles become tight and realized he was close to climax.
Lucien plunged frantically a few more times, then thrust deep into her throat climaxing with a deep groan. He held her pressed against him until the last of his seed was released, spilling deep down her throat. He let go of her and she pulled back gasping and choking for the air.
Ariel was shaking when Lucien laid her back against the pillows. With an arm under her shoulders, he kissed her deeply and began stroking her breasts with his other hand, caressing her with calming movements. The Vampire's excitement over the carefully orchestrated act was intense. Ariel had been coerced into a performance that had caused her fear, pain and most importantly her own sexual desire. The Vampire was exhilarated.
Lucien let the Vampire's own desire take the encounter further, knowing Ariel was ready even if she could not acknowledge it. He squeezed one of her taut nipples and pulled at the ring. Ariel tried to push into his hand to ease the ache. Lucien held her down with the arm around her shoulder. He released Ariel's trembling lips and caught the nipple between his teeth.
He nipped harshly at the engorged bud and captured the rosy tip between his teeth, biting hard. Ariel gasped and froze, afraid any movement would cause further agony. Lucien's hand started trailing the path of her slick sex, inserting a finger quickly in and out of her hot core as it traveled back and forth across her entrance. He was soon rewarded with the sucking of her inner muscles as she responded to the sexual inducement while her nipple was tortured by his mouth.
"Oh, God." Ariel ground out between her clenched jaws. Her hips began to thrust against his hand. The Vampire could sense the self preservation feeling of flight building within the writhing woman and lifted its head to study her. Ariel met its eyes and saw the undeniable glow of its building desire. She knew the insatiable arousal the creature had for her and weakly tried to push away from him while her drenched cleft continued to seek contact.
Ariel's Desire: A Novel of Vampirism and Submission Page 20
