by Leia Shaw
His eyes narrowed. “All right, my human juice box, are you sure you want to do this?”
“No. But do it anyway.” She turned her head away and thrust her arm at him. “Just try not to drink it all. It seems I need most of it to live.”
He took her arm, one hand held her palm, the other just above her wrist. His grip was firm – she guessed to keep her from wiggling away should she change her mind mid-meal. Curiosity forced her to peek with one eye. His fangs lengthened as he gave her one last trusting glance. Then he sunk his teeth into her tender skin.
She winced, expecting to feel pain and disgust. The initial puncture hurt, but after he took the first long mouthful from her arm, she felt a twinge of something unexpected. Excitement?
No. Lust!
Lust? Here was a man – not even a man, a monster – feasting on her blood and she was…horny?
What is wrong with me?
But she couldn’t ignore the heat spreading from her belly down between her legs. Every time she felt the suction of her blood leaving her vein and watched it enter his mouth through his painted red lips, it was like a piece of her was becoming his. Forever.
Christ, for some insane reason, that was just fine by her!
Heat flooded her core. A slow throb made her squeeze her legs together to relieve the aching pressure. Was there a direct line from her wrist that ran straight to her clit?
A stream of blood dripped slowly down her wrist and across her hand. James released his fangs from her skin but kept his mouth at her arm. He moved his tongue down her wrist to catch the drip then slid it back up her arm, lapping up the spilled blood. It was sensual, like he was trying to wipe away any hurt he may have caused. Shivers raced down her spine. There were better places he could move that tongue.
With his mouth still on her arm, he lifted his gaze to hers. For some reason, the blood resting on his lip – her blood – didn’t bother her a bit. He ended with a soft kiss to the spot he drank from. She could have melted on the spot.
Still holding her arm, he sat back against the cave wall and she could see a difference immediately. His eyes faded to their natural pale blue, his cheeks filled out, and, if possible, he was even more muscular.
She snapped herself out of the waking female version of a wet dream and said, “How do I taste?” as nonchalantly as if she were talking about a dish at a restaurant.
“Divine, Eirian.” He closed his eyes as if he were relishing the flavor of a fine wine.
She eyed him for a few moments then tried to pull her arm away. “Okay, you’re liking that a little too much. Gimme my arm back.”
With a wicked gleam in his eye, he kept her arm captive. “I think you liked it too, cariad.”
She yanked harder. How could he know that? She would have denied it – would have gone to the grave denying it – if he’d given her the chance.
The moment she opened her mouth, he grabbed her head and pulled her to his. Hunger ignited inside her. She tackled him to the ground, straddling him with knees on either side of his hips. He ran his hands up and down her back while his tongue swept her mouth. Her clit burned and she rubbed against his erection.
“I don’t know,” she said between kisses, “what I’m thinking. You’re an overbearing, pretentious,” she panted as she mumbled against his lips, “sullen bastard.”
He bit her lip. “Ow!”
A second later, he flipped her over and pinned her to the ground. His hands shackled her wrists on either side of her head.
“And you’re nothing but a wicked temptress,” he nipped at her neck, “with a bad temper and even worse morals.” Using one hand, he ripped down the center of her shirt and stared at her breasts. “But I’ll be damned if I ever get enough of you.”
She looked down, frowning. “I liked that shirt.” Fisting his hair with her free hand, she yanked him down to her lips then bit down until she tasted blood.
He reared back with a bloody sneer. “Little witch,” he growled, pulling off his shirt. He wiped his mouth with it then threw it aside. “You asked for it.”
She couldn’t pinpoint exactly what his naked skin smelled like except to say it was pure male. Unabashedly, she raked her gaze up and down his body. The man was sex on a stick.
Before she could say another word, her bra was in tatters and he had one of her nipples between his teeth.
She gasped as what felt like jolts of electricity flew straight to her clit. Afraid to move for fear he would bite down, she lay still, burning until she thought she might explode. But he was gentle. His tongue flicked her nipples, first one then the other as she jerked beneath him. He moaned every time she rubbed against his erection.
She grinned. Though he was bigger and stronger, she still had some power over him. She ran her hands over the smooth skin on his chest then through his hair, pulling him back to her mouth. He obliged her, leaving her nipples swollen and erect.
When she was sure he was completely lost in the kiss, she pounded him with a Bolt and jumped to her feet. His body slammed into the cave wall and he growled.
It was about time for her to be on top.
But he rose to his feet only seconds after her. “Big mistake, cariad.” His eyes were a fiery flame. “Now I’m randy and angry. A dangerous combination for you, darling.” His chest heaved with labored breaths and his fists clenched at his sides.
Maybe provoking him had been a bad idea. He took a step toward her, she took a step back.
“Do you think you can escape me?” he asked, twisted amusement in his voice. “You’ve nowhere to go, sweetheart.”
Her stomach dropped. Did she really like him dangerous, a little bit mean – riding the line between violent pleasure and violent pain? A moan escaped her and she fought the need to touch herself. No, she wasn’t going anywhere. She wanted the fight, needed it. She’d never felt so alive. Her knees quaked, not from fear, but from anticipation.
James stalked toward her like a predator – a deliciously sexy predator that wanted to eat her for dinner. She would have gladly volunteered except her pride kept her from surrendering without a fight.
With his speed and strength, she didn’t stand a chance. He pinned her against the wall, cradling her face with one hand, the other locking her wrists above her head. She was stretched out before him, helplessly at his mercy. He studied her face, smiling as if he’d just won an invaluable prize. She melted. He was the only made that ever made her feel worth something.
He pressed his nose into her hair and inhaled, moaning softly. She almost moaned with him. Instead of a rough beast, now he took his time kissing down her neck, across her collarbone, and to the tops of her breasts. He seemed to savor every lick, every nibble – every gasp made him grin.
“I’m going to let go of your arms,” he told her. “Now behave. If you Bolt me again, I’ll leave you here lonely and wanting.”
She nodded in surrender.
He released her and stepped back. “Stay here. I’ll be just a moment.”
In only a few minutes, a fire crackled in the center of the cave and their sleeping bags were open next to it. Not exactly the Hilton, but sweet considering the circumstances. And she had no desire to find out if there was such thing as cave burn.
His eyes, heavy lidded and seductive, locked on hers. “Take off the pants,” he ordered.
She obeyed. He took his off as well. She spared a moment to admire his toned physique – lithe and streamlined like a swimmer, although so well-endowed she had doubts he would fit in a Speedo. His alabaster skin glowed in the firelight and his hair shone a fiery red.
“Lie down.” He nodded to the sleeping bag.
Her traitorous body seemed to move on its own, obeying his every command. Was she just going to lie down and take what he gave her? With no attempt at taking control?
“God, you’re beautiful,” he rasped, as he knelt at her feet.
She sighed in acquiescence. In this moment, she would do anything for him. Slowly, torturously, he removed her underwear, already
soaked with her arousal.
Then, like a beast just freed from its cage, he thrust his knee between her legs and forced them open. Her stomach flipped when he settled his hips between her parted thighs. She cried out when he pushed inside her.
He froze, his eyes filled with concern. Cupping her cheek, he ran a thumb along her bottom lip. “Did I hurt you?”
She chuckled. “No. I just didn’t realize how long it’s been.”
“You should have told me. I would’ve been gentler.”
“It’s okay. Just…” She wiggled a bit, adjusting to the fullness. “Just give me a minute to get used to you.”
He brushed the hair from her eyes then placed light kisses on her temple, down her cheek, to her earlobe.
His breath on her ear sent shivers down her spine and a flood of liquid between her legs. Then he began to move in and out, slowly at first, until she was sweating and crying out for more. The pressure built to a peak when he slammed into her sheath, rocking her body as she gasped and moaned.
“Yes! James. Harder.”
He ruthlessly impaled her as she arched and moaned beneath him. He filled her to capacity, each hard thrust bringing her closer to orgasm.
“Ah, cariad, you’re so hot and wet. Next time I’m going to hold you down and taste you until you tremble beneath me, begging me for release.” His erotic promises sent her over the edge and she screamed into his chest as he spilled into her channel with a guttural roar.
She wrapped her arms around him as he panted, almost crushing her with his sated body. But she didn’t care. Though deep, down inside she knew she had to protect her heart, she couldn’t let him go. Not yet.
Finally, he rolled off but kept her enclosed in his arms, held tightly against his chest.
He kissed the top of her head and absently ran his fingers up and down her arm.
“You are simply delicious, cariad,” he said, several moments later. “I’ve been thinking about your blood nonstop.”
She’d been so drowsy and relaxed she almost thanked him. Her eyes popped open. “Wait. What? My blood?”
“Mm-hm,” he hummed in her ear.
Stabbing fear struck. “Just my blood?”
“Yes,” he purred absently. “Well, no, but it’s always in the forefront.”
Anger. Hurt. Betrayal. Tears stung her eyes. Would anyone ever like her for who she was? She wrenched her body free from his grasp and jumped to her feet then sent him an icy glare.
His eyes flared with shock and possibly regret but she didn’t stick around to find out.
She ripped open her bag and grabbed a t-shirt and jeans then stomped out of the cave while pulling them on.
In the midst of their passionate encounter, night had settled on the valley. Stumbling a bit in the dark, she walked several yards outside the cave and planted herself firmly on a boulder, facing away from James.
“Sage, will you let me explain?” he said after a few minutes of silence.
“Oh, I think you’ve made it pretty clear! I’m just a free buffet to you. Word to the wise, James. Girls don’t like being used for their body. That goes for blood too!”
“Come now, you’re being ridiculous.”
“You wanna suck my blood? Suck on this, Batboy!” She threw a Bolt over her shoulder carelessly, but knew it didn’t hit him.
“Batboy? That doesn’t even make sense.” He exhaled an exasperated sigh. “Come back in the cave so we can talk about this.”
“No.” She wanted to throw another Bolt but couldn’t find the energy.
“Fine, we won’t talk. But come out of the cold at least.”
“I’d rather freeze to death than be with a cold-hearted, fanged freak!”
“Now you’re just being stubborn.”
“No, I’m being smart. I should have seen this coming. You never liked me before, why would you now?” All because of her blood. Pain stabbed her chest, twisting until she could barely breathe. Was this what a broken heart felt like? Her voice cracked when she said, “I should have let you bleed to death on the cave floor then rot in hell.”
Was she going a little overboard? Probably. But she had a lot of pent up emotion to unload and she wasn’t exactly known for her mild temper.
In the silence of the night, she could almost hear James grind his teeth impatiently. “Sage, I am not a patient man in the best of circumstances. You may not care if you freeze to death, but I do. Come back in the cave or I will drag you in myself, kicking and screaming if I have to.”
Oh please! “Do you even hear yourself? What are you going to do next? Club me over my head then beat on your chest? Ahh!”
She screeched when he locked her arms in his steel grip and dragged her backwards into the cave. She didn’t scream but she fought like a wild thing. Ducking and dodging her blows, he finally managed to pull her down on the ground and position her on his lap.
“Listen to me,” he said, trying to catch her gaze.
Still she fought, refusing to look at him.
He grabbed her shoulders and gave her a shake. “Listen to me!”
She stilled but wouldn’t meet his gaze.
“I like you Sage. You! From your sarcastic, smartass remarks, to your ridiculous stubborn streak, to your misguided courage, to your green eyes and soft skin. And yes, I like your blood too. But only because it’s from you. That’s the only reason it appeals to me.” He pulled her chin up, forcing her to meet his gaze. “Do you hear me?”
She studied his face, and realizing he told the truth, hot tears welled in her eyes, threatening to spill over. She jerked her head free from his grasp. He pulled her into his chest, nuzzling his face against her cheek. The scratchiness of his unshaven chin was almost comforting.
A slow stream of wetness leaked from her eyes, betraying the willpower she’d carefully executed for years. And all because of a stupid boy!
James stroked her hair, whispering sweetly in Welsh. She mentally kicked herself because it felt so good, and not in a sexual way. That would’ve been okay. This was worse than that. She felt…cared for.
She’d kept any vulnerable emotions locked away for so long that it was anxiety-provoking to loosen her grip on them, even a little. The tears came faster, flooding her eyes and soaking his shirt. Twenty years of repressed emotions erupted like a volcano. Sobbing like a baby, her breath hiccupping, she was mortified.
“I’m sorry,” he said, wiping the tears away with his fingers. “I’m so sorry, cariad.”
He held her, rocking slightly, as the tears spilled. Her muscles relaxed in his warm embrace. Her anger gradually receded. It was refreshing and terrifying at the same time. God, it was better than ten years of therapy.
Need to protect myself.
She steadied her breathing and cut off the tears with a fierce squeeze. Just when she was about to push James away, he grabbed her face with both hands and began placing soft kisses on her cheeks, her eyelids, the corners of her mouth, anywhere that had been soaked with tears. His lips skimmed over her skin like a whisper of reassurance. Not sure what to do with the intimate act, she allowed it.
Then he pulled her back into his chest and she sat huddled in his arms, peaceful and safe for the first time in years. Well, she could always put her guard back up tomorrow.
“Shall I beat on my chest now?” He chuckled softly.
“Shut up,” she murmured into his shirt.
***
When James had thought about the woman he wanted to settle down with, he’d always pictured a graceful, gentle sorceress who was utterly smitten with him. A woman who accepted his faults but leaned on his strengths. He pictured a beautiful fair-skinned blond who was strong-willed yet dignified, smart yet controlled, kind and warm. He wanted someone to protect. He wanted someone to depend on him, but to want to depend on him, not just because she had to. He wanted a woman who, after a long day, would draw him a bath and rub his shoulders, but could also help him keep up with his training. He wanted what his parents had.
&nb
sp; His father was the breadwinner, a fierce protector who James had looked up to all his life. His mother was a homemaker and nurturer. He almost burst out laughing picturing Sage, barefoot and pregnant, cooking Welsh cakes. She’d rather die than become the iconic family portrait of contentedness.
She was more likely to be on a battlefield, fighting alongside him than at home cooking his dinner. She was as strong-willed as iron, but wily and untamed. She was smart but completely unpredictable. Though it went against his nature, he’d been drawn into her world of chaos. Guessing what she would do or say next kept him on his toes. She was nothing he aspired for in a mate, but for some reason, the thought of losing her was like a knife to his heart.
The fact that she’d accepted him as a vampire was a major check off the list of qualities for a potential mate. And she had feelings for him too, he knew it. She needed him, not for protection, but to love that wounded heart of hers.
With one arm still holding her tight on his lap, he used the other, awkwardly, to zip their sleeping bags together.
“What are you doing?” she asked.
“We’re going to sleep together.”
She watched him warily. “We’ve already done that.”
He smiled and nudged her off his lap while he finished the makeshift bed with his sweatshirt as a pillow. “Yes, but this time we’re going to sleep together without sex.” At her horrified expression he grinned and added, “All night, cariad.”
“But why?”
“Because I’m not into sex without meaning.”
She tossed him a disbelieving look.
“It’s meant something to me, Sage. I want all of you. Not just your body, but your heart and soul too.”
“Don’t say that,” she snapped, scooting away a few inches but keeping her backside on the sleeping bag.
“Why not?”
“Because. You can’t have it.”
“And why’s that, cariad?” He followed her retreat and sat right beside her so their shoulders touched. When she pursed her lips in a mutinous expression, he knew he would have to take the first step.
He ducked his head so their eyes were even. “Sage, look at me.”
She ignored him.
