Prima

by Annie Nicholas

  Heat burned a path over Sugar’s cheeks. “Yes.” Her voice had grown husky at recalling his impassioned cries. Experienced warrior or not, Daedalus had fallen to his knees by her doing.

  “I can’t wait until it’s safe for the others to see you. Spice will be so happy!”

  “Why did you stay?” They’d never been close. Clementine was Sam’s shadow most of the time, barely speaking to anyone but Daedalus.

  She withdrew her grasp. “Sam was worried and, uh, I thought I could be of help.” Shrugging, she sat on the edge of the bed, her gaze downcast. “I was turned against my will too, so I have an idea of what you’re going through.”

  “No one ever mentioned that.”

  “It’s not something I’m eager to share.” Clementine gave her a watery smile. “Usually. Sam knows. I just wanted to give you someone to lean on. If you need it.”

  “I’m not sure where to begin. My insides are all twisted. Every time I see Daedalus I’m torn between loving him and the urge to stake him.”

  Clementine chuckled. “Sounds like marriage.”

  Sugar snorted at the comparison, but Clementine was right. How did she know? Sugar gasped. “Did Daedalus turn you against your will?” Was Clementine’s fate her future? Sugar knew she couldn’t have been the only woman he’d loved, but to toss her in the face of an old flame seemed cruel even by Nosferatu standards.

  Clementine shook her head vigorously. “No, he saved me from the one who had, though. You have to understand, Sugar, my old master changed me for profit. I was no more than a slave to him. When all seemed bleak and a long walk to greet the dawn sounded like my only escape, Daedalus gave me a second chance.”

  “You can’t expect me to jump for joy at being turned.”

  Clementine sighed. “It’s fine to be angry at him, but he did it only out of love. You didn’t see him…” Fiddling with the edge of her sweater, she appeared much younger than her hundred or so years. “He abandoned us at the empty house. Something must have tipped him off that they were attacking here. Maybe it was Pallas. I’ve never seen a Nosferatu use their speed so publicly before. It should be all over the news, if not on YouTube, by now.”

  Clementine's words soothed some of the turmoil in Sugar's soul. She sat next to her. “What you’re saying is my situation could be a lot worse.”

  “He didn’t plan to do this. What happened presented itself, and like a man, he didn’t think, he reacted. He loves you so much. How can that be wrong?”

  Sugar nodded, unable to form the words to express the level of frustration growing inside of her.

  “Take your time. I’m here to help, especially with the feeding part.” Clementine made a face. “I remember it being difficult as a fledgling. The fangs take a while to thicken. I doubt Daedalus or Pallas remember that far back.”

  Tonguing her new fangs, she nicked the tip. The sharp scratch was followed by salty goodness. Nausea rolled in her stomach once more. Even her own blood tasted heavenly. “Can I eat anything?”

  Clementine shook her head. “But you can drink for pleasure. Blood is your only nutritional requirement.”

  “Yay…” Her appetite had diminished in recent months, so it shouldn’t be a huge adjustment. “Can I get drunk? I sure could use a few stiff drinks about now.”

  Clementine patted her thigh. “I’m sure you could. I’ll show you the well-stocked bar in Daedalus’s study.”

  Grinning, Sugar followed Clementine toward the living quarters where she imagined Daedalus kept the alcohol. She had other plans for her evening though. She was tired of being the damsel in distress to Daedalus’s hero. “Do you know where my cane is?”

  “Probably still in the library.”

  Sugar's steps grew heavier. She had jumped too many hurdles tonight. Facing the place of her attack could wait.

  “I could get it for you.”

  “Yes, please, I’d like to still keep it.” Her answer came out too fast and pleasant, making her pain all the clearer. She did want her cane, though. Not for walking, but for the stake inside the shaft. “I’ll find Daedalus on my own.”

  Clementine headed toward the center of the mansion to the library, her long red hair swaying with her gait, her presence too pacifying for Sugar's mood. She didn’t want to sit back and accept her fate. She wanted to grab it by the balls until Daedalus apologized.

  ***

  Open files lay on the tabletop, however Daedalus didn’t see the information written on the papers strewn before him. In his mind's eye, the sting of Sugar’s bite kept replaying as if caught on a loop. The pleasure of those dainty fangs piercing him was incredible. And those little mewling noises she made while sucking on his flesh… A shiver crept over his spine. What would he do if she left?

  The dungeon in the basement contained all manner of chains. Keeping her against her will crossed lines he’d never consider. Charm would have to be the weapon he’d wield. He grunted. His plan to gain her forgiveness was doomed before it even began.

  “What are you doing?” Pallas limped to a chair across from him.

  “Nothing really. Fooling myself into thinking I can concentrate on work.” He pushed away from the table and stretched.

  “You should reorganize your company.”

  “I haven’t the heart to start tonight.” He opened a different file. “I can’t begin until I’ve reunited my nest.”

  “Haven’t the heart?” Disbelief colored Pallas’s question, and he scratched at his bald head. “What does that have to do with it? Your territory was invaded.” He banged the tabletop with his fist. “Take it back. What the fuck is wrong with you?”

  Daedalus shrugged. Getting Pal Robi Inc. back on track wasn’t that urgent. “The world won’t end if I don’t do it tonight.”

  “This is about the girl, isn’t it? You saved her. She’ll be at your side for eternity or until you sicken of her. Get your head out of your arse.”

  “I think you’ve overstayed your welcome in my home, Pallas. You should report back to the council now.”

  “What am I to report? That Daedalus is so lovesick he can’t do his job?” His gaze hardened. “They’ll make me return and stake you. Pal Robi Inc. is not secured yet.”

  “When did you start following orders so well?” Daedalus closed the file and tossed it at Pallas. The imbecile was right. Being Prime meant protecting his people. Dark foreboding crushed what little hope he had left. He’d been too busy playing with shifters lately. His days with the Vasi were over. “I liked you better when you weren’t so compliant.”

  “Me too.” Pallas crossed his arms over his chest. “When did things change so much?”

  Daedalus chuckled. “About a hundred years ago the humans discovered electricity. Things haven’t been the same since.”

  Pallas shook his head. “Not that. I mean us. When did our clan begin losing so much power?”

  “When the wars ended.” Daedalus meant the vampire wars. Humans still couldn’t find peace among each other. “Most of you went to sleep. The rest of us forged new paths.” He shrugged. “Some survived as I did doing security, others took less savory routes.”

  “I would have thought you’d take the latter.”

  “I did for awhile, but my views on right and wrong have altered.”

  “Especially now that we live openly with humans.” Pallas frowned.

  “This concerns you?” Daedalus didn’t bother masking the surprise in his voice. Pallas had been all about strategizing battles, hunting, and…blood. Maybe Daedalus should be more concerned as well. While Pallas hibernated, Daedalus had continued to live and change. It gave him a chance to curb his bloodlust. He raised his eyebrow at his injured brother who should have healed by now. “Have you depleted my stores of blood?”

  Pallas made a face and pointed at the half-healed cuts on his head. “Cold, dead cells don’t rejuvenate as well as fresh. I’m strong enough to hunt, but I don’t trust myself to follow these human laws. Will you, at least, leave your Prima’s side lo
ng enough to hunt with me?”

  “We’ll both go with you.” Sugar strode into his study.

  “We?” The two of them echoed each other and focused on the fledgling who bore herself like a queen. He’d always thought she’d make an excellent Prima. The Vasi pack guarded her like a treasure. Her quiet support of the packs endeavors had given them a home and confidence they’d needed. “Pallas and I were discussing hunting hu—food.”

  “I’m going to have to learn how. Might as well start now.” Her gaze narrowed as it met his. “You were going to show him the legal ways, right?”

  He sometimes broke the law and fed upon evildoers. Old habits and all. She knew this, and it was a source of many of their disagreements. “Of course I was.”

  Pallas rolled his eyes before facing Sugar. “What legal options are open to me in this new day and age?”

  Clementine entered and handed Sugar her cane. “When I lived here, I used a feeding service. You pay a monthly fee depending on what you want. I’ve heard some cater to more extravagant needs of hunters.” She spoke of the need to chase prey that burned in his kind.

  Daedalus focused his thoughts on Pallas. “Shut up. They’re trying to help. They don’t understand.” The hunt-and-kill was ingrained in Nosferatu society. Pallas would not reform overnight, but with some forceful guidance Daedalus could hopefully prevent the death of innocents.

  “They do last-minute orders, but it costs more.” Clementine pulled out her smartphone. “I’m sure I still have their number.”

  Sugar appeared paler than when she’d arrived. “Like takeout?”

  A smile tugged at his lips. The first night Sugar arrived on his doorstep the guard had asked him if he had ordered a blonde for dinner. Maybe she recalled that evening as well and finally understood the guard’s question. Clementine wasn’t the only one who used those companies, and some did cater to more dangerous hungers. It came with a large price tag though.

  A dark shadow passed over Pallas’s face. “Fine, order me a brunette with…” He held out his hands in front of his chest and glared at the girls. “Never mind, have Daedalus order. He knows what I like.” Without a glance his way, Pallas stormed from the room.

  “Did I say something wrong?” Clementine put her phone away.

  “No, just reminded him he’s in a strange time. He’s used to picking any human he wishes.” For Pallas’s sake, Daedalus should keep him close for a few years. No matter how big of a pain in his ass Pallas was, Daedalus would still mourn his brother’s death if he crossed the wrong lines in this stricter society. “I’ll take care of feeding him.”

  “You can’t take responsibility for everything.” Clementine’s frown grew deeper. “Not and do a good job at it. I’ll—” She glanced at Sugar and swallowed hard. “I’ll help Pallas…adjust.”

  He gave her a small smile of gratitude. Juggling a cranky Nosferatu and a scorned fiancée would take more finesse than he possessed. “Explain the human laws of feeding. We can’t allow him to think he can kill at will.” It still happened. The urge for fresh blood was difficult to control at times, and humans had no tolerance for murder. It only took a moment to make a huge mistake.

  She held up her smartphone. “First, I’ll show him how to make his own orders.” She left to find the hungry Nosferatu.

  Vampires did their best to not break human laws because they’d be hunted once more. Humans weren’t guilt free either. Slayers still existed.

  Sugar stared at the flooring, toeing a dust bunny. “I don’t want to feed from people. Can’t I just drink from a cup like I have been?”

  “We can try.” He didn’t know of any vampire who fed this way, but then again, he didn’t know of any who would want to.

  Chapter Sixteen

  The idea of bagged blood appealed more to Sugar than takeout brunettes. It shouldn’t surprise her that these types of businesses existed. If there was money to be made, someone would do it. Humans owned all types of restaurants, why not one for vampires? Daedalus hadn’t visited any while he lived among the Vasi, so she hadn’t needed to think about it until tonight.

  “You make it sound like surviving on stored blood would be difficult.” The smooth wood of her cane creaked in her tight grip, and she relaxed before it could snap. Her strength was growing by the minute.

  With a quiet chuckle, he turned back to his maps. “It is. Some things are better learned through experience.”

  “You won’t fight me on trying?” She watched him close his files carefully and place them within an accordion folder. Very old-fashioned.

  “No, if you can manage, then you’re a stronger person than I.” He glanced at her without lifting his head. “I’m just happy you’re willing to drink at all.”

  She frowned. “I’m not a fool. I know this is my second chance. I’m just not happy about the way it happened though.” Judging a book by its cover could lead a reader astray, and they could lose the opportunity to find their next favorite story. She would not make the same mistake with the gift she’d been given. She hadn’t asked for eternal life, yet it had been bestowed upon her. The question remained, what would she do with it?

  He raised an eyebrow. “Would you have eventually accepted my offer?”

  She pressed her lips together and resisted the urge to bop him in the forehead. How did he expect her to answer? “We’ll never know.” She pointed at the files. “What were you searching for?”

  “Names. I use them to help me focus my mind as I call out to my people to return.” The ease in which he spoke of such power softened the metal in her spine. He could have used his abilities to change her mind months ago, yet he hadn’t. Being his Prima would take courage that she wasn’t certain she owned. He could break her with his power.

  He sat on the edge of the table and held out his arms.

  Automatically, she stepped within them. Part of her wanted to shove the stake in her cane in her own chest for craving his comfort, the other part to slide her hands under his shirt and caress the hard edges of his stomach.

  His hands settled on her stiff back. “Would hitting me some more make you feel better?”

  “No.” She dropped her forehead against his chest and closed her eyes. Striking him hadn’t made a difference so far.

  He rested his chin on top of her head. “Would hitting Pallas make you feel better?”

  She laughed. He could always find a way to ease some of her heartache. Even when he was the cause of it. In the hospital, a year ago, she’d lain in bed after the doctors explained why she couldn’t move her left side anymore. She’d wanted the universe to swallow her whole, yet he had stayed by her side trying to find small ways to make her smile again, and in return, she’d inflicted pain on him by refusing to openly show her love. “Maybe, but let’s wait until he’s healed so he can have a fighting chance.”

  He twirled one of her long curls around his finger until it grew so tight she had to tilt her head back because of the pain. “I love watching you walk.” With a sharp fingernail, he traced a line along her throat. “I’m sorry for not following your wishes, but don’t ask me to apologize for wanting you at my side. Not after what we just shared.” Bending forward, he replaced his fingertips with his fangs.

  Her eyelids fluttered shut at the pressure, but he didn’t break skin. “Can you still feed from me?” It had been a pleasure she’d quit indulging in after the attack.

  He growled low and deep in his chest. The vibration traveled over her hands. “Yes, but not for nourishment.”

  “Who will you feed from now that the Vasi are gone?”

  Running his tongue over her skin, he sighed. “Blood in a bag.”

  She pressed her hands against his chest so she could look him in the eye. “You don’t like it though.”

  “No.”

  Gnawing on her bottom lip, she allowed her gaze to wander away from his. She was hurting him again. Not intentionally, but her ideas of right didn’t fit in a vampire’s life. More than her body would have to cha
nge. Clementine had gone through this yet still remained one of the gentlest people Sugar knew, and she also admitted to using the feeding service.

  Sugar cleared her throat. “Maybe you should order someone.”

  The muscles under her hands tensed. “Really?” He tapped his chin. “I wonder if that redhead I liked is still in the business.”

  She punched him in the stomach before the action registered in her mind. “Oh shit.”

  “You’re getting stronger already.” He grunted between words. “Caught me off-guard too.” Hooking his arm around her neck, he pulled her closer. “I was just teasing. I like them blonde.”

  ***

  Hunger burned in Daedalus’s gut now that Sugar had dangled the option of fresh food in front of him. He hated the idea of blood in a bag. Vampire couples could experience a great deal of pleasure sharing a meal. He’d witnessed shifters and humans alike enjoying their food with as much passion as a vampire. Restaurants lined streets in every city, people paid extravagant prices for exotic dishes, and they even had whole television networks on cooking. The only difference was vampires considered blood their food. Some of his people had a more refined palate, some ate only organic, and others, like Pallas, had a taste for…junk food.

  “You’re still teasing me. I’m trying to be serious.” Sugar rubbed the spot she’d punched. It didn’t really hurt but he enjoyed the attention. If only he could get her to rub lower. “Stop it.”

  “What?”

  “You’re thinking about your cock again.”

  “I wish you’d think about it more.” He set her hand on his shaft and showed her how to stroke it.

  The heat of desire flashed in her eyes, and for a blinding moment, the last year of pain had vanished. He’d sacrifice anything to keep it this way.

  She gave his hardening cock a solid squeeze. “Is it so difficult to think without this being involved?”