by Jessica Lee
“Yes.” She placed her palms over his chest, wishing for a moment that they were alone so his shirt wouldn’t be between them. “You did.”
“Happy birthday, Eve,” Alex said, and Guerin moved aside to allow the other female in for a quick a hug.
“Did you know about this?” Eve chuckled as she pulled away.
“Guilty.” Alex chewed her lower lip. “But I did have a good time doing it.” She snickered. “We must go shopping again soon.”
“Happy birthday!” Elle called out and maneuvered her way in, elbowing her sister over for an embrace.
“Thank you,” Eve said, finding it difficult to get the words around the lump in her throat.
The gang ushered her farther inside and around the table for a boisterous, although slightly off-key, round of “Happy Birthday.” Eve cringed, but at the same time was bursting with joy. Who could have imagined how much her life would change in a few months?
The overhead lights dimmed, and Kenric appeared at her side. Her father beamed, carrying a three-tier cake draped in chocolate icing and ablaze with candles. He placed it on the table in front of her and straightened.
“Happy birthday, my daughter. May we have many more to share.” He tugged Eve in by her shoulders and placed a kiss to each of her cheeks.
A knot of emotion swelled in the back of her throat. Oh my God. I will not cry!
“Now make a wish and blow out these candles before we start a fire.”
She burst into laughter, then swiped away a tear.
“Hope you like chocolate cake?” Emily asked from the other end of the table.
“Hey, what girl doesn’t love chocolate? Perfect!”
“That’s what I was hoping.” Emily chuckled. “I told you she’d like it,” she said, grinning in Elle’s direction.
A firm hand rested on Eve’s lower back, then Guerin’s warmth surrounded her. “Make your wish, beautiful,” he whispered at her ear.
Eve closed her eyes, and the room quieted. It took only a moment to conjure up the perfect request, because there was only one thing she wanted. Please never let this end, or if I’m dreaming, don’t ever let me wake up. I love them…I love him, with every piece of my heart. She lifted her eyelids, inhaled, then leaned in and blew at the twinkling flames. The candlelight died, and a thunderous roar of applause filled her ears. She looked up from under her lashes at the smiling faces around the table. They didn’t care whether she was human, vampire, or both. How novel. Eve just…belonged. Such an incredible feeling she could hardly contain or describe.
This was home.
This was her family. And she’d die before anyone or anything dared to touch either.
A perfect hour later, Eve sat her second empty plate in the sink. The cake had been delicious, although she was pretty sure only the females in the room had partaken of the dessert. Even though they had met only a few weeks ago, she couldn’t believe how thoughtful everyone had been with their gifts for her birthday. Kenric had purchased her a gorgeous dagger with a pearl handle, matching his own. He was sentimental, and she loved that about him.
Emily had found a fierce pair of black leather boots with buckles adorning the entire length of her calves. The woman had taste.
“Are you ready for my gift?” From behind, Guerin snaked his arms around her. She smiled to herself. Eve had wondered why nothing had appeared from Guerin.
“If you’re ready,” she stated.
“It’s upstairs in your room.” He nipped the shell of her ear, shooting chills over her flesh.
“Oh, really?” Eve bit her lower lip. “It’s something you don’t want to show the others?”
“Hmm… No. It’s the kind of a present meant for a private audience.”
“Wow. Sounds intriguing.” She turned inside his hold.
“Come with me and let me show you.” A corner of his mouth curled. Guerin found her hand and laced their fingers.
“I will. But can you give me a minute first? There’s something I really need to handle that can’t wait any longer.”
“Sure.” Confusion drew Guerin’s brows together, but he released her.
Eve sauntered back to the group and over to where Kenric stood by the gift table with an arm around his mate. “Hey there,” Eve said to her father. “Do you have a minute?” The couple turned her way. “I won’t take too much of your time, but I would like to talk to you in private.”
“Sure.” He looked to Emily, and she nodded. “Let’s go into the other room.” He moved away, and Eve followed. Inside the study, Kenric headed to a couple of leather chairs near the fireplace. A low flame smoldered in the logs behind the wrought iron screen. “Do you want to have a seat?”
Eve perched on the arm, too anxious to sit still. “I’ll get right to the point,” she began, staring at her hands, the words spilling out. “I’ve never told anyone—ever—the few details my mother shared with me about my conception.” She glanced up. Kenric stood motionless, his expression stoic. “And it surprises me you’ve never asked.”
“I have no doubt you’ve been hunted most of your adult life for that information.” He swiped a wide palm over his mouth and chin, inhaling. “I hoped in time, when you were ready, you would come to me. I didn’t want to pressure you. You’ve lived through enough of that.”
“Of all the people on this planet, you alone have the right to know what happened. How I happened.”
As if someone had released the air from his limbs, Kenric sank in the chair across from Eve. “I’m listening.”
“Honestly, I don’t know everything, of course. Only what my mother revealed over the years—piece by piece. Marguerite mentioned taking high doses of a plant or herb called chasteberry for several months. After she experienced the resurgence of her monthly cycle, she turned you. It was during the process of your change, she told me, when I was conceived.”
“I see…,” he said. “So it was the residual part of my humanity—my fertility—that made her pregnancy possible.”
“That is how it seemed. And of course, you know my mother was an unusually powerful female. I don’t know of any other vampire, even with the assistance of the herb, who would have been able to rebirth her ovaries. But no one ever accused Marguerite Devonshire of being weak when it came to her will.”
“That’s an understatement.”
“I wish what information I have would have been better news for you and your mate,” Eve said, her heart heavy.
“It’s okay.” He shook his head. “The life I lead is dangerous enough for my mate. Bringing a child into this dark world probably wouldn’t be my smartest move,” he stated. “Present company excluded.”
She released a short laugh. “No insult taken.” Eve stood, releasing a sigh. “I should probably get back to Guerin.”
Kenric stood, then pulled her in, placing a kiss to her forehead. “Thank you for trusting me enough to tell me.” A wave of relief bloomed in her chest alongside an overwhelming sense of what she could only term as rightness.
Eve cupped his face to see his blue eyes shimmering in the firelight. “You deserved to know.” She turned and walked away. This was how it should be. Kenric had been the central focus of her mother’s obsession—her madness. And she was so grateful no one had ever learned their secret before her father had the chance to know what had been done. Over the last several weeks, he’d stated many times he was happy she’d chosen to stay, be a part of his life and the Enclave. Eve only hoped Kenric would never regret his decision to invite her to live among them, and that her presence wouldn’t someday thicken and deepen the scars from his past. She would make sure that never happened.
A few minutes later, Guerin hustled her upstairs. Outside her door, he stood, knob in hand, grinning, waiting for her to join him inside. She couldn’t begin to imagine what he had planned. Eve entered, and her eyes widened. Apparently, while she’d been shopping, Guerin had filled every corner of her bedroom with roses. Red, white, yellow, pink…the view and the smell were
stunning.
She spun, facing him. “I can’t believe you did all this for me.” Eve blinked back another flood of tears. “My party…then this.” She shook her head.
“Roses remind me of you, and the first time we met.” He stroked her cheek with his thumb. “Even when I didn’t know it was you at the Rose’s Thorn, there was still this underlying connection I’d never felt before.”
“I know,” she whispered. “When I saw you crossing the dance floor”—she swallowed—“you took my breath away.”
Guerin kicked the door shut behind him. Eve’s heart slammed against her sternum, not from fear, but excitement—anticipation. A rumble vibrated off the male. “I’m dying to kiss you.”
“Do it,” she snapped, breathless. Then his mouth was on hers—hard, claiming. Their teeth clicked right before his tongue drove inside. God, she could devour him. Eve would never get enough of the way he felt, smelled. Like sandalwood and hot nights. She wanted to climb inside his arms, demand he fill her, drive into her core until her throat was raw from crying out his name.
Something crashed to the floor, maybe one of the vases, and her back was against the wall. Eve wrapped her arms around his neck, her legs around his hips. Guerin thrust into her, the hard ridge of his erection nudging the vee between her thighs. Yes!
“Too many clothes,” she stated and pushed at his shoulders. Eve had to get her jeans off. “I want you naked.”
“Wait,” he said, and slowly lowered Eve until her feet touched the floor.
“Wait?” She lifted a brow.
“I haven’t had a chance to give you your birthday present yet.”
“But I thought…?” She pointed to the flowers and then swung her index finger between the two of them.
“Well, that’s part of it.” Guerin stepped away, smiling, and grabbed the remote to the stereo system. A click sounded, and a guitar began to softly play. Christina Perri’s “Arms” filled the room.
“You keep surprising me, Lombardi. Such a kick-ass alpha warrior, but deep down, you’re a romantic.” Eve grinned. “I would have never guessed.”
Guerin shrugged. “Only for you,” he whispered. He reached over and retrieved a pouch she’d never seen before from the surface of her dresser. “You bring out the best in me. Parts I never knew existed. You make me want to fly, beautiful. And then you make me want to crawl for you,” he said. With one hand, Guerin tore his shirt over his head and dropped it to the carpet. He lowered to his knees at her feet and lifted the velvet bundle in offering. “Blend with me, Eve.”
She couldn’t breathe.
Hell, she didn’t even know if her heart still beat.
On automatic, Eve accepted the pouch, tugged the strings, and glimpsed its interior. Silver bindings lay coiled inside. He was serious.
Oh my God.
This male wanted to bond with her. Connect them on a level where they would never be parted. Forever.
Her hands trembled at the monumental impact of what he asked. “Guerin,” she said, after finding her voice. “This is something you should really think about.”
“It’s all I’ve thought about since you returned with us. I would have never believed it possible for someone like me to receive such a treasure. Yet here you are. And you’re my soul mate, beautiful. Everything inside me screams it with shrill intensity any time you’re near—you’re mine.”
Her vision clouded. “This is almost too much.” She swallowed, wetting her throat. “When I’m with you… My heart fills. My veins warm. You give me a sense of belonging. Something I never allowed myself to dream about. And it’s not only because I’m living in the same house as my father. Which in itself is still hard to believe and amazing.” Shaking her head, she closed her eyes. “But it’s because this is where you are.” She reached down, opened her eyes, and threaded her fingers into his hair. “You’re right. The only thing missing is having a piece of your soul where it should be.” Eve placed her free hand over her chest. “In here.” She pulled her arm away. “Please…stand.” Without hesitation, Guerin rose. “Yes.” Eve nodded. “I would be honored to blend with you, my fierce warrior.”
Guerin seized her mouth, stealing her breath for a moment, then retreated. “I can’t wait another second to be inside you, in every sense of the word.” He ripped at his fly, and the buttons popped, scattering across the carpet as he made his way over to the mattress. Guerin shoved his jeans down, plopped onto the edge of the bed, and yanked his boots off. “Are you familiar with the ritual?”
She nodded. “I’ve heard about it.” Eve closed the distance between her and her intended mate. “I bind you with the straps and drain you while you submit to me during sex, correct?”
“That’s right,” he said, and moved into position on top of the comforter, facing the ceiling. His shaft at full salute.
“No second thoughts?” She couldn’t help but ask. The ritual required her to drink from him until his heart stopped. Not a final fate for a vampire, like a silver blade to the heart or decapitation, but he would be completely at her mercy if she didn’t bring him back.
Guerin turned his head, his gaze drawn to hers. “I trust you,” he said. Three simple words, but after everything he’d been through—what they’d been through—it was a powerful statement she didn’t take lightly. Her gut clenched.
“I trust you as well.” She moved to the head of the bed, an aura of absolute peace settling in her soul. This was what—who—she’d been waiting for her entire life. He was the yin to her yang. The key perfectly carved to open her heart, and it was his to possess. “Hand me your arm, please.” Guerin complied, and Eve secured his wrist to the bedpost with the binding—silver side down next to his flesh. A small hitch in his breathing told her the metal was doing its job. She went to work on the other side, making sure to move at a fast pace. Guerin had spent enough hours sizzling beneath the toxic metal. Eve cinched the last knot in place, wringing a grunt from her lover’s throat.
“And for more than any other reason, Eve Devonshire,” he added, his voice strained, “I do this because I love you.” That stopped Eve in her tracks. She closed her eyes, steadying herself.
“Say it again,” she stated.
“I love you, Eve Devonshire.” The deep rumble of his voice caressed her spine, and her heart pounded. He loves me. Her nipples tingled, growing taut, and her sex ached. “Eve?” Without a word, Eve shed her clothes. She couldn’t speak. Too much emotion had paralyzed her vocal cords.
Eve climbed onto the mattress beside him. With her index finger, she traced the outline of the Enclave symbol over his right pec, then moved to the dark cluster of fine hairs down the center of his chest. Damn. He was sexy. Every muscle perfectly defined and not an ounce of fat anywhere. She traveled over the ripples of his abdomen, her fingertips riding the waves. His cock met her near his navel, fully erect, a drop of precum beaded inside the slit. The shaft twitched as if beckoning her for a caress. Her core clamped down, needy. Too empty.
She couldn’t hold back any longer.
In one fluid motion, Eve swung her legs over Guerin’s waist and impaled herself on his shaft. Air punched from her lungs under the sheer ecstasy of the intrusion. Her lover cried out and thrust upward, meeting her downward stroke. His thick shaft stretched her, igniting every nerve ending inside her channel. Her bottom tapped his thighs as the length of his rod bumped her cervix. Eve had never been more perfectly filled—in every way.
Tossing his head back and exposing his throat, Guerin hissed. “Yes!”
Eve fell forward, her palms catching her weight near his shoulders. Her fangs erupted and her mouth watered. The sound of her pulse was a melodic beat of desire, need, and hunger in her ears. But most of all…
“I love you, too,” she breathed and scored the flesh above his artery with the sharp points of her fangs. “I love you more than I ever believed possible.”
“Oh, fuck, beautiful.” He sighed. “Take me.”
And she did. His blood filled her mo
uth, hot and spicy, and Eve gulped it down. God, he was delicious. With every pull, Guerin rocked into her depths—faster and faster, massaging the bundle of nerves at the apex of her sex. His essence electrified her veins. His cock took her higher and higher.
“Don’t stop,” Guerin cried out and jerked beneath her. Heat flooded her channel with his orgasm, sending Eve over the edge along with him. Pleasure spiked where they were joined, and a hard quake rocked her body. She gasped, the intensity taking her sight, leaving her with nothing but swirls of black spots before her eyes. So damn good. “Keep going…” It was Guerin, but the sound of his voice was so far away. She had to come back to earth. He needed her.
Drink. She had to drink. Eve worked her throat, pulling the last few mouthfuls she could manage from her mate. That’s when she noticed…Guerin wasn’t moving any longer. She licked the wound, sealing her holes with her tongue.
“Okay, Lombardi,” she whispered. “It’s your turn.” She closed her eyes, waiting. “Come on, you stubborn warrior. Let me feel you.” Then as if a ray of sun, too hot, too bright, warmed her spine, she felt him. She arched into the prickling sensation, welcoming it. The heat grew in concentration, penetrating her.
“Guerin,” she called out inside her mind. As if the room were suddenly alive with static electricity, every hair on her body lifted. Hard pants escaped her throat.
“I’m here,” Guerin’s voice whispered inside her head.
It was all she could do not to jump from the bed from the thrill of it all. His spirit was inside her. Hundreds of tingling sensations roamed her insides, filling every centimeter of her body, leaving nothing untouched. Christ, they were truly becoming one. Guerin was blending with her soul.
“Wake me before I can’t come back,” he said, shaking Eve from her dreamlike state. “Too damn beautiful, inside and out. You make it hard to leave.”
