Awakened Desires

by Rissa Blakeley

  “I’m completely confident that if Gunther didn’t release it, someone else would have. You know that is the case.” Henry looked at Gunther while chewing the scar on his bottom lip. “You are just as downtrodden as he is. You two should form an alliance and work together to defeat Roger…if he ever shows his face.” Quinn could see that Henry was contemplating the idea. “Both of you are trained brilliantly, but for all the wrong reasons. You should put your heads together and join forces. You would make one hell of a team.”

  Henry pulled off his ball cap again, rubbing his neck and temples. “It will take a lot of convincing to get Elaina and Nick on board. Elaina still wants to make him true dead…now more than ever.”

  “I can understand that, but if you are on board, convincing them would be easier.”

  Henry laughed and rolled his neck. “You are simply clueless. Elaina brings stubborn to a whole new level. She could make a herd of donkeys look compliant.” He rested his hand on the back of his neck.

  “Are you in need?”

  Henry’s dead eyes met Quinn’s brown ones. “Yes. I usually get mine from Elaina, but I can’t ask her right now.” His eyes traveled over at Elaina still sitting by Claire’s grave, face on her knees. “I haven’t had a large quantity in a very long time. A vial here and there isn’t giving me what I need.”

  She was thinking he was supplementing his lack of donations with alcohol. More than likely, he was trying to ease his physical and mental pain by drinking. “Neither has Gunther. He’s been refusing to take too much from me because of the lack of nutrition. So…Elaina’s brother? Was he in the program, as well?”

  Henry’s eyes shifted from Elaina to the ground, the toe of his boot poking at that same rock again. The guilt oozed from his pores, much like the smell of alcohol. “No. That was my fault,” Henry muttered. Quinn looked at him, confused. “I turned him. It’s a long story. He was a victim of circumstance. I hadn’t been outed yet, so I wasn’t getting regular doses.”

  Quinn thought for a moment. “Let’s make a deal. I will give you a large quantity one time, and you allow Gunther to live here as freely as he can.”

  “You’re willing to give me a bag?” Henry was a little shocked that Quinn was willing to donate to him. His mouth began watering at the thought of thick, salty fluid passing between his lips and pouring down his throat. The feeling of loosened joints and muscles excited him, even though it was temporary relief for a permanent problem.

  “Whatever it takes. I would let you drain me if it meant saving him.” Henry straightened his body, feeling massive amounts of respect for Quinn. “I would die for that man. I love him dearly.” She inhaled sharply, trying to stifle her cries.

  Henry held out his icy hand and Quinn took it. “Deal,” he said.

  “Excellent. Now I have the daunting task of convincing him.”

  “Good luck,” Henry chuckled. He wasn’t so sure Gunther would allow it.

  Quinn walked slowly away, trying to think of the best way to talk to Gunther about her and Henry’s deal without him going completely mental.

  “Well?” I asked impatiently.

  “I made an offer and he accepted.”

  “And what would that offer entail?”

  “I’m going to give him a bag.”

  “The hell you are, Quinn!” I raged. “I don’t want him feeding off of you!” The pacing began. I was pacing so fast, the dust was billowing up behind me each time I turned.

  “It’s the only way. It’s only one bag, Gun.”

  “For now,” I growled through clenched teeth. “He’ll want more.”

  “No. The deal was one. He usually gets his from Elaina but, for obvious reasons, he doesn’t want to ask her right now.”

  “I don’t like this idea at all. I won’t allow it.”

  “It’s my body.” Quinn was furious as she stabbed her finger into the center of my chest. “You don’t have a choice! That is what the deal is, and I would do anything to keep you safe.”

  “And I you.” I grabbed her by the shoulders. “I don’t want you to put yourself in jeopardy for me. I’m not worth it. I appreciate the gesture, but I would rather go elsewhere.”

  Outrage filled her eyes. “What?! Why?! You two could team up and plan to get rid of Roger if…when he shows up. You guys would make a brilliant team.”

  “What makes you say that?”

  “Look at both of you! You two are highly-trained.”

  “Trained killers, Quinn. We are trained fucking killers.”

  “Like I said to Henry, you are trained for the wrong reasons but, nonetheless, you would be brilliant paired up. And I would believe it’s a safe assumption he is just as skilled as you?” I smirked. “What?”

  “I’ve kicked his arse few times.”

  Quinn rolled her eyes. “Yes, because that is something of which you should be proud.” She crossed her arms in front of her chest and looked away from me.

  “Aw, come on, love.” I pulled her in closely and groaned when our bodies touched. “It’s been way too long. I’d take you right here against this truck if no one else was around. And you know quite well that no one is as skilled as me.” I let out a deep, low chuckle and nipped at her ear.

  “Stop.” She pushed away from me. “I’m going to go set up the draw.”

  “I don’t recall giving you permission.” I refused to let her out of my grip.

  “I don’t recall asking for your permission.” She pushed away from me again. “I’m pretty sure I was telling you what we were doing.”

  “Fine,” I growled. “But I’m going with you.”

  “Fine,” Quinn mimicked my tone. “But you have to behave.” She leaned in and kissed me.

  I groaned again. “Now, you know I don’t know how to behave, love.”

  “If you behave,” she drummed her fingers on my firm chest and spoke to me while looking up through her lush eyelashes, “I will show you later how I don’t know how to behave.”

  I jacked up a brow. I didn’t even need a second to think about it. A devious smirk lifted my lips. “I promise to be on my best behavior.”

  “I mean it, Gunther. I’m holding you to it.”

  “You have no fucking idea how much I’m going behave.”

  Quinn gave me one last glare before we walked, hand-in-hand, to where Henry was standing. He was focused on Elaina, who hadn’t moved. She still had her knees pulled into her chest, her head resting on them. “How’s she doing?” Quinn asked.

  “She’s a wreck. My heart hurts unspeakable amounts for her.” He wiped the tears out of his eyes.

  “I can see how much you adore her. How long did you know Claire?”

  “A couple years. She was a great person. Always levelheaded and always kept Elaina on track.” Henry’s sigh tangled with a shudder. Then he looked at me. “Did she talk to you about our deal?”

  “Yes. One bag.”

  “One bag.” Henry held out his hand and we shook.

  “I will hold you to it,” I growled.

  “You have my word.”

  Quinn put her hand on ours. “Let’s get this thing done,” she murmured.

  “Thomas!” Henry called out. “Come with us.” Thomas followed behind Henry like an obedient child.

  “Josie, come on,” I called out for her, and she did the same.

  The four of us stormed into the school behind Henry. We walked past the clinic and turned left down the first hallway. The school seemed like it was abandoned. There were no signs of undeads or anyone else.

  “You swept through the school?” I asked.

  “For the most part. We’ve been here for a while now. It was a bit curious that it has been so quiet here. I think bombings or storms took out most of the undeads and humans. But I’m not exactly sure why there hasn’t been much activity here. Not that I’m complaining.”

  We continued walking until we got to the middle of the corridor. Henry opened the door and there was a stack of gym mats on the floor against the wa
ll with blankets and pillows laid out like a bed. There were clothes neatly stacked up, along with books and personal items on shelves. Everything was perfectly positioned and aligned. I figured it was his and Elaina’s room.

  Henry grabbed a pack that was exactly like mine and pulled out the supplies he needed for the draw. “Thomas, can you give Nick a bag?”

  “Yeah, of course.”

  “What’s going on?” Josie asked.

  “I’m giving Henry a bag in exchange for Gunther’s life. If I do so, he will allow him to live freely here.” Josie’s eyebrows rose as she took in the silent snarl lingering on my lips.

  “I can give Gunther a bag,” she offered.

  Quinn looked at me and I shrugged. “Only if you want to.”

  “I’m okay with it.”

  “Alright then. Everyone have a seat over on my bed and I will get you all hooked up,” Henry said.

  I walked over with Quinn, and Henry looked at me. “I’m not leaving her side.” My voice was firm. Quinn elbowed me in the stomach.

  “Do what you want. I have no intention of harming her.”

  Henry got busy hooking everyone up, starting with Thomas. I sat down on the mat in between Quinn and Josie.

  “May I ask a question?” Asking permission for something was a little different for me. Obviously, I was trying to show Quinn I was on my best behavior. I was used to being the bloke in charge, but I had to respect Henry because he was allowing me to stay.

  Henry’s skeptical eyes met mine. “I suppose…”

  “Is there a place we can lay down for a while? We’re beat.” I smiled. Quinn rolled her eyes.

  “Yeah. Once the draw is done, I will set you up with a room. We have plenty of bedding to share and already a few rooms set up just in case we had company.”

  “We do, as well. But it’s about fifteen miles back.”

  “Right. Well, if you plan on staying here, we will go get your things in the morning.”

  “Sounds good.” I looked at Quinn and smiled. She laughed.

  “What’s so funny?” Josie immediately regretted asking the question.

  “Never-you-mind what Mummy and Daddy are talking about, little lass.” I was still smiling.

  “Ugh. I don’t even want to know,” Josie snapped. “You two gross me out.”

  Henry chuckled a little. He knew exactly what was going to transpire. The all-too-familiar sex marathon was looming around the corner. I was pleased that I was going to be able to properly bed Quinn for a change. I couldn’t wait to fuck her roughly, then make love to her throughout the night.

  Henry kicked back in the teacher’s chair and his boots thudded on the desktop. He pulled his ball cap down over his tired eyes. It looked like he figured he would catnap for a few minutes while he waited for us to finish.

  I watched him pull out a bottle from a box next to the desk, twist the cap off, and swirl the half empty bottle. He looked up, feeling my prying eyes focused on him. He tipped the bottle back, the amber liquid sloshing toward his lips, while glaring at me, almost daring me to say something. Several swallows later, the bottle rested between his legs, his fingers drumming on the neck.

  After the draw was complete, the three happy donors ate a little sugary food to keep them going. Once Thomas was feeling okay, he went back outside and fetched Nick.

  Minutes later, Nick opened the door and slid down the wall just inside the room. His turmoil hit me like a massive fist to the chest, radiating straight through my core. I had to look away from him. I took a few pulls off of the bag. The tight squeeze of the emotion and the liquid boulder near choked me as they headed into the pit of my stomach.

  Henry rifled through that same box and pulled out another bottle. He palmed Nick on the shoulder and handed him the bag and the bottle of booze.

  “Drink up, mate. It’s all yours. Take this, too. It will help you sleep tonight.” Nick’s hand shook as he reached out for Henry’s gift. I watched him fish a knife out of his pocket and cut open the bag, careful not to spill a precious drop of Thomas’ donation. He was a mess and it was my bloody fault. I glanced back at Quinn and she curled her lips into her mouth. She reached up and rubbed my ear.

  Henry focused his attention on me. “Finish that up and I will take you where you can get some rest.” My head was already buzzing before I tipped back the rest. Quinn helped me to my feet and I swayed even before my first step.

  “Henry, aren’t you going to drink yours?” Quinn was a bit upset that she just gave him a bag and he hadn’t touched it yet.

  “I will. I can’t take you guys to your room, keep an eye on Nick, get the others settled, and take care of my love while I’m completely fucked up.”

  I smiled and laughed. “What?” Quinn asked.

  “Nothing,” I chuckled. “I need to stop for a sec.” I paused and leaned on the wall, waiting for the earth to stop spinning.

  “Come on. We have to get you settled.” Quinn was practically dragging me out the door and down the hallway.

  Henry stopped at a door and opened it. The interior was dark due to the windows being covered with paper. All of the desks and chairs were stacked up along the wall. There were gym mats and blankets neatly stacked, as well. It almost felt as if he was expecting us.

  “Welcome to Chez Daniels, folks. Enjoy your stay.” He waved us in. “In the morning, we will drive down and get your things, if that is what you choose.”

  “Thanks,” Quinn murmured. “I appreciate your kindness.”

  Henry looked past Quinn. “You’re welcome. Keep an eye on him. He looks as if he is completely gone.” I had braced myself against the wall and dug the heels of my hands deep into my eyes.

  “I will. Thanks.”

  “Yeah. I’m going to get Josie and Cora set up.” Quinn smiled. Henry shut the door and I heard the lock engage.

  I dropped my hands. Quinn walked over to the mats and set it up so we would have a place to lay down. My jelly-filled legs began to give out. She rushed back to me when she noticed that I was heading toward the floor.

  “Hey, now. Come on.” She helped me stand back upright.

  I seized the opportunity and grabbed the back of her neck, pulled her into me, and kissed her—possessing her. I opened my eyes. She gasped through the kiss when the green tunneled through the darkness, lighting the way to my soul.

  “I was on my absolute best behavior.” My voice grew grittier and I kissed her again, a little hungrier than the last, fisting the hair at the back of her head. “Now, you have to keep up your end of the bargain,” I growled into her lips.

  Her eyes did a devious dance of wanton lust. She crushed up against me, trapping my throbbing J.T. between us. I cursed as she gripped me through my pants. I ran my hands up and down her back.

  “Don’t you fret.” Her voice was raspy, and—oh, my god—so bloody sexy. “I’m about to show you how it’s really done,” she purred while poking me in the chest.

  A little raw edge hit my voice. “Oh, really?”

  She pushed up against me again, and I was past ready to claim my hard-earned reward. She kissed me and touched me everywhere my skin was exposed. Feeling her delicate, but aggressive lips working their way around my neck made my desire for Quinn burn hotter than ever. In a snap, my breathing had progressed from normal to an uncontrollable pant. Under her expert hands, my clothes were being torn fast and furiously from my body.

  I groaned as she moved slowly and deliberately, working her way down from my face to my naked chest. Kneading my hard muscles, she kissed and dragged her fingernails down my chest.

  Jesus suffering fuck.

  Quinn teased me with her velvet tongue right down to my abdomen, nipping at my skin. I groaned again. She ran her finger underneath the waist of my cargoes that were positioned just below my hips.

  I felt her fidget with the button and they dropped to the floor with a thud, exposing every inch of J.T. Torturously, she ran her tongue all around me, except where I desperately needed it. She sunk t
o her knees and I barked out a curse. I threw my head back against the wall, enjoying every second of my reward.

  A moan grew from the pit of my insides and broke out of my throat. I watched her take J.T. all the way down her throat, pulling away slow and steady. Her tongue traced every bulging vein and hard, rigid edge. She pushed my thighs apart and her slick tongue stroked that sensitive spot just behind my bollocks. She drew each one into her mouth, suckling and nibbling.

  “Fuck!” I barked. I heard her chuckle as she ran her tongue back up my thick length. I shuddered and grabbed the sides of her head, forcing J.T. right down her throat. Her rhythm picked up, and each time she pulled back, she would rake her teeth along my shaft.

  “Oh fuck, love.” I rolled my hips, my jaw hanging wide open. My moaned exhale came out with a full body tremble. I was almost there. “Christ, I’m going to come,” I growled. She stopped. “No! Don’t stop,” I pleaded. She stood up and peeled off her clothes. I watched her and licked my lips, full of want. She ran her hands down her body, pinching and massaging all the places that I desired to. “Oh god, you’re stunning.”

  Quinn pressed her perky chest against mine. She ran her hand down to my wet J.T. Her lips were millimeters from mine when she said, “Take me.”

  She didn’t have to say it twice. I picked her up and took her over to the bed. I flipped her so she was on her hands and knees, just the way I needed her. I palmed her soft area, feeling her moisture. I smirked, knowing my arousal made her feel the same.

  Without warning, I plowed myself into her. She cried out as my thickness invaded her, making me growl over her tightness. I needed to fuck her like tomorrow wasn’t coming.

  I pumped in and out of her, holding her hips still. She began bucking wildly and her body spilled more moisture onto me, pulsating furiously around J.T. While twisting the blankets within her fists, she cried out as the tremors roamed through her body. She was on the verge of collapsing. I had to wrap my arms around her torso to keep her from falling onto the bed.