Not one to stay behind and let someone fight, she looked around where Finn had pushed her, though nothing was there but some trash and old furniture. Thinking outside the box, she grabbed the old chair, slamming it to the ground, breaking it, well it took a couple seconds, but it did break enough, leaving one piece of the shattered chair looking like a weird type of spike. She saw Finn had done this to the other man the first time. The vampire with black hair had Finn on the ground snapping inches away from his neck as Finn held him off. Not waiting one more second, she brought the spike down in the middle of the man's back just inside his left shoulder blade. The man screamed from the pain as the spiked end pierced through skin from the blow, but he didn’t turn to dust. Huh maybe it only works in movies. Not sure what she did wrong she grabbed it again, pulling it out and took a step back.
“You will pay for that, bitch,” as he yelled and lunged for her. Taking another step back, she tripped, the man immediately pounced on top of her as she closed her eyes waiting for him to finish her. The scream that hit her ears was one of pain, making her eyes snap open in time to watch the man lying on her fade away, covering her in dust.
“His chest, you need to hit is heart. That is why the blow did not work the first time,” Finn said as he grabbed her arm, pulling her from the ground. She thanked him, then dusted off the remains of the dead vampire.
Dead vampire. I killed a freaking vampire. Well, shit.
“You did good, Mar…” before Finn could say anything else his face showed a pained expression as he too dried before her eyes and turned into dust, leaving the blonde vampire standing in front of her.
“Finn,” she screamed his name and took off running, she was really on her own now. She knew if caught she would be in a world of shit. Her effort to save herself was for nothing, the blonde vampire was faster than she was, grabbing her, making her fall to the ground, her head hitting the pavement with a sickening thud. Everything around her started to get fuzzy as the blonde vampire hissed and showed his teeth. She started to black out, her name being called, shuffling, then the screams reaching the depths of her subconscious. Not really caring about reality anymore as the darkness took over, claiming her.
Chapter Eight
Sin reached the location Finn had phoned from, just in time to hear someone scream, sending him in a whirlwind of panic. He knew Marlee was with him, but he had smelled others of his kind and that didn’t fare well with him. Sure he liked a fight just as much as the next guy, but he didn’t particularly want Marlee in the middle. She was a magnet for trouble, and her blood drew him in, calling to him like a beacon. As he turned the corner with Cillian in tow, he watched as an unknown vampire lunged for Marlee. Without thought, he grabbed the man's head, and with the quickness known to vampires, he twisted, the sound of bone snapping as the skin was torn, tearing the man's head from his body and watching it disintegrate into a pile of ash. The last sound heard was the man's scream. Not many things killed his kind, but a piece of wood in the heart or decapitation would do the trick. With the vampire now gone, he went to Marlee who seemed to be unconscious with a large knot on her head. Picking her up carefully, he called to Cillian to find Finn, but when he shook his head, he knew he was gone. Walking over to the small car they had driven to the location, he climbed in back while holding her. Her breathing was steady and her heartbeat strong. As they headed home to the castle the smell of blood overcame his senses. He looked to her, she was bleeding from her arm and several scrapes. He would clean those when he returned to his chambers, and this time she would remain in his chamber and he would lock her damn ass in there.
“Sire, we are home,” Cillian said quietly. Nodding his acknowledgement, he carried her to his chambers.
“Cillian, address the others that we have rouges on my property and those who wish to feed need permission from me or yourself. If they fail to comply, they will be dealt with swiftly.”
“Got it,” then Cillian was gone.
Sin opened up his chamber and laid Marlee on his bed before heading to the bathroom to grab a fresh rag to clean her cuts. With a small basin of warm soapy water he began to bathe her. Taking special care on the cuts on her elbows and forearms. He longed to run his tongue along the cuts to taste her sweet blood and to heal them, but it would go against his laws about consent. As he finished and emptied the basin, he returned to the side of the bed when she moaned and started to stir.
Pushing hair off her face, he once again waited for her to wake. “Marlee, can you hear me?”
“Hmm,” she said as she turned her head into his hand. Unable to resist anymore, he lightly pressed his lips to hers. She seemed to stir as her lips started to respond. With his hand already on her cheek he applied more pressure, running his tongue along the seam of her lips. She opened to him. Not wanting it to end, he thrusted his tongue inside her mouth. A small moan escaped as he deepened the kiss and her arms came up, grasping his hair. The sweet smell of her arousal started to fill the room as the kiss continued. Not wanting to press his luck with her, he slowed the kiss and released her.
“Wake up, Sleeping Beauty,” he crooned as her eyes remained closed. Then she opened her eyes and he watched while she took in her surroundings.
“Oh God, I am dead? I was killed by hot and sexy vampires. Damn, this totally sucks,” she muttered and he couldn’t help but laugh.
“No, my sweet Marlee, you’re not dead, not in the slightest, but I do like that you think I’m sexy.” He wiggled his eyebrows at her in a suggestive manner before smiling at her softly.
“No, well shit, then I have got to be back in your castle of crazy again.” Marlee was getting tired waking up with her stalker standing over her, and now it seemed he was a vampire, or was she imagining that as well.
“Yes, you are in my home if that is what you mean. You, Ms. Hicks, seem to be trouble no matter where you go. I don’t know if it’s because of me, or you? But until this threat is lifted, we need to keep you safe.”
“What do you mean safe?”
“You will remain within these walls," Sin gestured around the room before adding, "With me,” so softly it was hard to hear him.
“With you. Like a prisoner or something.”
“Or something.”
“Okay, so I would stay here because someone wants to hurt me, or you?” She was hesitant about asking, but she needed to know the truth. If her life was in danger she would rather be somewhere she would remain safe. One man had already given his life to save hers.
“Marlee, maybe we should talk. There is much you don’t know about me, about well, everything.”
“Oh, you mean the fact you’re a vampire and such. That was made known to me tonight with Finn. I’m sorry by the way, you know, for him risking his life for mine. I never meant for anyone to get hurt or killed because of me.”
“Marlee, he knew what he was doing—what he was giving up when he went after you. Will he be missed, yes he will. Finn was a good man, and a valuable asset to my team. But the fact still remains you must stay here, with me.”
“Okay, fine, say I believe you in this whole good vampire verses bad vampire, and stay here with you, will you answer any questions I have?” Marlee watched as emotions flitted across his face before he started to pace back and forth.
“I will answer your questions within reason. If I keep something from you it’s for your safety, got it.”
“Why do I feel like I am getting the raw deal from you? But since I don’t seem to have a choice, okay.” He seemed to relax before sitting on the end of the bed. Not wanting to miss the opportunity to ask him something, she sat legs crossed looking at him. He really was so damn hot. He had a chisel jaw, large arms that hid behind a form-fitting shirt. Sin had unruly hair, that kinda reminded her of after you just fucked hair, and damn if it didn’t look good on him. But holding her steady was his green eyes that sparkled with a hint of mischief and mystery.
“I will answer the best I can, Marlee.”
As she l
ooked at him, she figured why not start with the basics.
“So you are what to the vampires, head big wig, lord, what do people call you?”
“I am a lord. Those who possess certain territories are lord of the land and the people who swear allegiance to them. My children call me Sire, as I made them. But you can just call me Sin.” He winked and she felt a blush cross her face.
“How long have you been a vampire, or lord, or do they go hand in hand when you turn?”
“That is a bit complicated, but I will do my best to answer. I do not remember when I was turned. I remember waking up in an old church and the need to drink. The old monks there took me in, but when they discovered what I was, I was given my name. To answer your other questions, no I wasn’t born, or changed into a lord, it was something I worked at. I gained power and strength from each adversary whom I defeated until the land became mine.”
“So you don’t know your real name, or anything about your past?”
“No, Marlee, I don’t. It was a long time ago, and I have gotten quite fond of my name.”
“Sin, is that short for something?”
“Yes,” his voice was low.
“And that would be?” His eyes snapped up looking her square in the eye before answering.
“Sinful. The name I was given is Sinful. I picked up the Donovan after one monk who helped me escape persecution. I needed to blend in and without a surname I was not going to be able to assume that life. So Sin was born.”
“Sinful, you don’t seem so bad. I mean sure, you can be creepy scary with the whole fangs thing, but I have an open mind, even for a country girl,” she giggled. “I have another one. Am I going to be turned into one, you know, since I know about your fanged world?”
“No, Marlee, you will not. I seem to find your blood too sweet to have it tainted with our life,” he said in a small voice. It was almost sad really, like he knew some secret about her that even she didn’t know.
“Are you planning on killing me then, you know, so I won’t tell anyone?”
This time he laughed. “Death from me or any of my vampires is not on my agenda. You have done nothing wrong to require you leave this earth. However, with this imminent threat over my head, and yours as well, I would advise you to stay within the castle grounds while I am awake, and while I rest, you will remain in my chambers. With me.” She could only just stare at him. He wanted her, Marlee Hicks from no man’s lands, a nobody with a crazy church momma, to stay with him. He is just keeping you safe, stupid, his doesn't want to jump your bones, she scolded herself.
“Any other questions you might have?”
“I have a couple more, but it seems we are going to be stuck with each other for a while. Do you think you could send someone to get my stuff at the hotel? I do have some type of work to do. I need to pay my bills and such. Since I am going to be here until this threat is over.”
“Thank you for making this much easier than I thought. I have some work to finish this evening before the sun wakes. Would you like a tour? I can have one of my men show you around. But you must be in my chambers before the sun comes up. If not, I will be forced to come look for you, and that would not only put you and myself at risk, but my vampires as well.” Marlee didn’t think about what would happen if she wasn’t there, but with the lives of so many in jeopardy she agreed and followed him out of the room. It was going to be a long night.
Chapter Nine
He watched in silence as people moved aimlessly throughout the town near Sin’s castle. They didn’t see him, and that drew him even more. He was a shadow, a thing people feared in their dreams. Smiling, he spotted his latest victim. A small middle-aged woman, full figured and she looked delicious. He needed something sweet and ripe before he met with his men. He wanted to outline his plan with them as he had selected the woman. It was a simple job, one he could do in a blink of an eye, but he was more noticeable than others. He may have sported the burns on his face, but Sin’s scars were much deeper than anyone knew. The sick bastard had everything handed to him. He would change all that, and soon too. As the woman rounded the corner he jumped down behind her making sure not to make a sound. He could hear her steady heartbeat pumping with sweet nectar. Following behind her without a word, he waited until she noticed him. She stopped and looked around, just as she turned, he couldn't help but smile showing his fangs off.
“Oh please run, I do love a good chase,” he stated.
“Oh God, please don’t hurt me. I can get you anything you want. Just please let me go.”
“Awe, but I see what I want, and you won’t survive, so it is fruitless.” Then he lunged before she could scream, sinking his teeth into her neck, hitting the vein and sucking her dry. She was sweeter than the skinny bitches, but she did nothing for his cock. As he finished his meal, he wiped his mouth and moved her to a neighborhood dumpster outside a popular pub.
Now with his hunger sated he walked within the shadows again to the small house he used as a home base to take his revenge on Sin.
“About time you showed up?” one of them snapped. He never learned their names, what was the point. He used them for his need and if they thought twice about double-crossing him, they met with the sun.
“You know how it is with fast food, you eat the food first, and then get to play with the toy,” Dante said and the room became loud with a round of chuckles. “I’m glad you all are here. Tonight we plan our attack on Sin. We have an inside source, one of his has turned. He has himself a new blood bitch. We are waiting patiently to strike. So far we are not sure of the significance she is to him, but she might be the leverage we need to lure him out.”
“And when it is over?” one of them sneered.
“You will either pledge yourselves to me, or you will take your pay and leave.” Dante shrugged. The assholes weren’t really going to get a choice, but he had to keep them in line for now.
“And if we stay?” the same man asked.
“Then you will rule one of your own territories, I plan to take over Europe.” Dante grinned.
Chapter Ten
Marlee now looked out the window as the night sky filled the room. She was currently in Sin’s study and working steadily. But the conversation she had with her mother about extending her vacation another week because she loved the land so much, blah, blah, blah. It was all a damn lie, but her mom didn’t need to know that. She had enough work to do on her computer to keep her afloat and being that she could work from anywhere was okay, for now. She did need to speak with Cillian about getting a password to access the internet. The man didn’t seem to trust her too much, in fact, several times she heard him say she was just a distraction. Not sure what was meant by that, so she went back and continued to work.
“Oh good you’re here. Would you like a drink?” Sin said as he walked closer to her. She could feel her body come alive as he touched her shoulder. Since staying with him, he had not kissed her, touched her, or anything. She had thought at first it was because he thought she was afraid of him, however, something else was holding him back. The first night when she was locked in his chamber, she slept on the bed while he slept on the couch. It was the weirdest thing too. The look of him asleep was so damn normal, except he didn’t move, and his breathing was very shallow. The second night she had offered for him to sleep on the bed and her to take the couch, but he refused. And so this continued. He would send her looks and glances that made her panties wet to the point she had to excuse herself and change them. Never in her life had a man made her cream with just a simple gaze.
“Sure I would love one, or three.” He chuckled at her response.
“Something wrong, Marlee?” He handed her a glass while he took the other. She could tell just by the color of rich amber that it was whiskey. Something he tended to drink in the evenings.
“No, just thinking.” She walked away from him. She needed the distance. Even though they weren’t getting closer physically, she was growing to care for him mentally. H
e was a caring man, but when he wanted something, he got it. Yet, here she sat knowing him, understanding the man, or vampire, more than she had with anyone.
“About what? Are you unhappy here?” His voice was soft, almost a whisper.
“Yes, no, I don’t know. So much has happened and I just don’t, you know, understand why I’m here. I admit I am used to you now, and such, but grrr. Just forget it.” She turned, knowing she wasn’t explaining it right. How could she? She wanted more, something than just her as a prisoner. Did he not like her anymore, was she not attractive or something.
“Marlee, look at me.” She had been so lost in thought that she hadn’t seen him stand in front of her. He set his glass down and took her chin between his thumb and forefinger, angling her head up, making her look into his green hypnotic eyes.
“Are you happy here, with me?” She could hear the uncertainty in his voice while his eyes searched hers.
“Yes,” she whispered.
A small smile floated across his face, “Good.” Then his lips were on hers. Soft, sweet, as if weighing her feeling for him, and playing a cat and mouse game. Not sure if it was the whiskey or the sexual tension that had been building, but she threw her arms up and around his neck, deepening the kiss. She took charge, demanding he respond and was happy when he did. He moved his hand from her face, down to her ass, squeezing the globes before pushing her up against his large desk. He ran his tongue along the inside of her mouth and she did the same and moaned when her tongue was pricked by his fangs.
Sin, for the first time, tasted her blood. It was just a drop, but it was enough to set his hunger in full force, not to mention his cock. He had never been one to think of taking blood and sex together, but there was something about Marlee. Without breaking the kiss he lifted her and her legs wrapped around his body. He wasted no time as he moved to his couch. He sat as Marlee straddled his body, grinding her pussy against his aching cock as it strained to get out of its confinements.
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