Cyn nodded. “She wanted to meet. I was puzzled because we hadn’t seen each other since I first found her for you, but she insisted, and it wasn’t far, so. . . . Anyway, we talked, and then she gave me this.” Cyn pulled the gift out of her laptop bag and laid it on the desk. “She said it was a Christmas present and asked me to give it to you.”
Jared lifted the box slowly, then glanced up at Cyn. “Tomorrow is Christmas.”
“I know.”
“Do you know what this is?”
Cyn nodded. “She told me.”
Jared eyed her silently, as if trying to decide what to do next. Whether to open the box in front of her, or wait until he was alone. The decision shouldn’t have been that difficult, and Cyn thought it was a mark of the distrust between them that he even had to consider it. She felt guilty suddenly for the existence of that distrust. She’d had good reasons to be angry at the time, but it was possible she’d carried her grudge a little far. His loyalty to Raphael was unquestioned, after all. And with the wars going on, it would probably behoove the two of them to try and get along, maybe even to build some trust.
“Open it,” she encouraged him, meeting his gaze. He took it for the challenge it was, and maybe he understood the olive branch beneath the challenge, too, because he gave her a little half smile, then pulled the ribbon’s end, untying the bow. He didn’t bother with the knot. He was a vampire after all, with a vampire’s strength. He gave it a tug and it tore easily.
Setting aside the ribbon, Jared lifted the lid, then the folds of tissue paper, to reveal the photograph. The frame was silver, and mostly polished, but with dark tarnish in the curves and crevices to give it a patina of age. The picture was only 4” x 6”. Mrs. Bautista had told her she’d had it restored, but Cyn could tell that the original image had probably been a tintype from the Civil War era, and you could only do so much with one of those. The picture was of a young black woman, her dress white with a high neckline and long sleeves, her hair pulled into a tight bun, her face lovely but solemn. Standing next to her was a boy of about five years. He wore shorts and a long-sleeved shirt, one hand resting on his mother’s thigh. One could see that he was striving for the same solemn expression that his mother wore, but there was a spark of excitement, a smile playing around his lips.
This was Jared’s son. And his wife, the woman he’d loved, the mother of his child.
Jared sat perfectly still, staring at the photograph in silence.
“Gloria talked about you,” Cyn said, uncomfortable with the emotion in the room. “You meant a lot to her.”
Jared’s dark eyes roamed over the image hungrily, drinking in every tiny detail. “I never knew she had this,” he whispered. “I didn’t know it existed.”
Cyn stood abruptly, her discomfort morphing to embarrassment. This was a private moment, and she didn’t belong here. She grabbed the straps of her bag and stood, walking over to the still half-open door where she paused to look back at him.
He raised his head, dark eyes glistening with unshed tears.
“Thank you,” he said, his voice rough with feeling.
Cyn nodded, struggling for something to say.
“Merry Christmas, Jared,” she said finally.
And then she fled.
The End
Vampire Vignette #14
Natalie’s Dream
Warning: Do NOT read this story if you don’t want to know what, or whom, Natalie is dreaming about. This story may contain more than one sexy vampire. But after all, it’s just a dream. Or is it?
Right After CHRISTIAN, Book Ten
San Antonio, TX
NATALIE STRETCHED lazily beneath incredibly soft sheets. She’d have to find out where the hotel got their linens, because this was the most decadent bed she’d ever slept in. She scooted closer to Christian, taking comfort from his big body, even though the sun was up and he was completely out. He claimed he was aware of her still, and she had to believe him, since the first thing he always did upon waking was wrap his arms around her. And that usually led to a lot more. Her entire body heated at the thought, her nipples perking up to rub against the T-shirt, which, along with her panties, was the only thing she had on.
She glanced guiltily to her left, where Marc slept peacefully, his dark hair sticking up as though he’d rubbed his hands through it while he slept, which wasn’t possible, since vampires didn’t move in their sleep. Like, not at all. And that was the only reason Marc was here with her and Christian. Because once the vamps went out, they were out. It didn’t matter that the three of them were in bed together, or that she slept between the two beautiful men. She could have been a log for all they cared.
They’d driven to San Antonio for a meeting with that city’s vampire leaders. It wasn’t a huge community, but, apparently, the vampires who called the city home were a powerful group, both as vampires and local business leaders. Since Christian planned to change his territorial headquarters to San Antonio, this meeting had been important on several fronts.
The three of them could have flown. Christian had a private jet now, and it would have been faster. But he’d wanted to stop in a couple of smaller cities on the way, so they’d driven. Alon, who was now officially Christian’s security chief, had stayed behind in Houston, working with their new security team. As the new Lord of the South, Christian needed fighters, an army of vampires who would be loyal only to him. Over time, he’d create vampire children of his own to ensure their loyalty, but that could take years, and they couldn’t wait that long. So, in the meantime, Alon was vetting applicants.
That left Natalie and Christian and Marc traveling to San Antonio. She wasn’t much good in the way of protection for Christian, though she always carried her Glock and she knew how to use it. But the main reason she was there was simply that Christian wanted her with him. He hated sleeping without her, hated waking up without her. His love for her was still new and shiny, and every time she thought about it, it made her smile so hard that her cheeks hurt.
But that wasn’t why they were all together in this bed. That was because they hadn’t finished their meetings in time to make it safely home. And rather than sleep through the day at some roadside motel, Christian had decided they’d remain in San Antonio. Except that neither he nor Marc trusted the local vamps enough to stay with them through the day. Unfortunately, it was a busy weekend in the city, and the only five-star room available had been the one the three of them were sleeping in. One room, one bed. A king-sized bed to be sure, but still . . .
Natalie glanced over at Marc again. He’d offered to sleep on the floor, but she’d insisted he join them on the bed. She just had to be sure she was out of the bed before sunset. She set the alarm on her phone and slipped it beneath her pillow, then snuggled closer to Christian and fell almost instantly asleep.
A STRONG ARM circled her from behind, tucking her into the curve of a powerful body. She smiled at Christian’s familiar scent, at the delicious feel of all those muscles surrounding her. His lips left a hot line of sensation as he kissed from her neck to her cheek, and teased at her mouth.
“Kiss me, chére,” he murmured.
She turned her head to meet his mouth. His kisses were always so much more . . . a confession of love, a seduction. As if she needed seducing. She was already his, body and soul. His voice alone was enough to remind her of the endless nights spent in his arms, of sweaty skin and cries in the dark. Her pussy clenched at the images his kiss conjured. She moaned softly, reaching back to stroke her fingers over his cheek, as he smoothed his hand over her belly beneath the T-shirt, pulling her even closer, pressing her butt against the hard ridge of his cock.
“Yes,” she whispered, always so hungry for him, no matter how many times they made love. Every time was like the first, like she was starving for his touch, for the feel of his cock penetrating her pussy, gliding
on the slick juices of her arousal.
Christian’s hand dipped into her panties, gripping the delicate material and ripping it away with a single tug. She gasped, excited beyond thought by his forcefulness, by the need for her that drove him. His big hand circled her thigh, pushing it forward, opening her to the press of his cock. She lifted her leg higher and he drove deep inside her, his hips flexing against her butt as he pumped in and out, the fingers of his hand now spread against her belly, holding her in place for his invasion.
Natalie cupped her own breast, pinching her nipple between her fingers, squeezing the soft flesh. His penis felt so big and hard, the smooth muscles of her sheath stretched so tightly around him. She grew more excited with every thrust.
“Christian,” she whispered on a moan.
“Tell me what you want,” he murmured against her ear.
“I want to come,” she said, her voice hitching with need.
His fingers dropped from her belly, sliding between the slick folds of her pussy to circle her clit, making her shiver with anticipation. “Ask nicely, mon ange,” he whispered.
“Please,” she cried softly. “Please.”
Without warning, he pinched the swollen nub between his fingers, sending desire like a bolt of lightning shooting from her clit to her clenching pussy and hardened nipples. She shuddered helplessly as the orgasm swept over her, as Christian’s arms tightened to hold her close, his hips barely moving now as he thrust harder and harder until the hot rush of his release filled her and he joined her in erotic ecstasy.
They lay there for a moment, breathing, hearts pounding. Natalie opened her eyes at last and met Marc’s warm, brown gaze. She blinked, startled for a moment, before remembering . . . they’d all slept together. She’d set her alarm. What . . .?
“She’s lovely, isn’t she?” Christian said from behind her, his deep voice vibrating over her hot skin.
Marc smiled, his eyes hot with desire. “Lovely,” he agreed, as his gaze skimmed her bare breasts and downward to where Christian’s fingers still held her pussy open, one finger toying gently with her sensitized clit.
Natalie jerked in embarrassment, her entire body blushing. She went to cover herself, but Christian’s voice stopped her, his mouth against her ear.
“Look at him, Natalie. Look how beautiful he is.” He reached over her and took hold of Marc’s cock, stroking his hand up and down the rigid length of Marc’s erection, even as he began to fuck her again, his shaft hardening within her soaking wet pussy.
Natalie’s breath was coming in short gasps. This was outrageous, shameful. And yet she was more aroused than she’d ever been in her life. What was wrong with her that she wanted this, wanted to know what Marc’s cock would feel like in the grip of her fingers, or buried deep inside her? She moaned softly, wishing he would touch her.
“I think she wants you, brother,” Christian murmured.
Her breath hitched. She should say something, should stop this. But then Marc’s strong fingers were sliding down her belly, slipping between the folds of her sex, then rubbing her juices over and around her clit while Christian kept fucking her.
“Oh, God,” she whispered and closed her eyes against the sensory overload, until someone’s warm mouth closed over her nipple and her eyes flashed open. Marc’s dark head was bent over her breasts, his tongue scraping across the sensitive flesh, teeth biting gently before sucking until she cried out in mingled pain and pleasure. She moaned, overwhelmed by a need she couldn’t even express.
“Tell me, Natalie,” Christian whispered, the very voice of temptation. “Say the words.”
“Please, Christian,” she said, nearly sobbing the words. She wanted it so badly.
“Please what?” he persisted. “Say it, chére.”
“I want you to fuck me,” she gasped, pushing the words out, so turned on she could barely think. “I want both of you.”
The next thing she knew, she was on her knees, straddling Marc. His cock was stiff between her thighs, his fingers pumping the base of it with short hard strokes, preparing himself for her. Christian’s powerful hands circled her waist, teasing her, letting only the engorged tip of Marc’s cock brush her pussy as she strained for more. She wanted to feel that cock inside of her.
Christian chuckled, a sensuous masculine sound, as he lowered her slowly onto Marc’s cock until she was full, her inner muscles stretched around his thickness. She groaned as Marc’s hands replaced Christian’s, as he lifted her up and fucked her, his shaft pumping in and out with powerful strokes. She closed her eyes, shivering in sensory overload at the touch of Christian’s hand against her back, sliding down her spine to her butt. Marc slammed into her body, burying himself deep before wrapping his arms around her and pulling her down to crush her breasts against his chest. Behind her, Christian’s caress smoothed over her butt, squeezing the two round cheeks, baring the tight rosebud of her anus.
The cold slide of lubricant was her only warning before Christian’s probing finger made her cry out in unexpected desire. Marc slipped his tongue into her mouth, kissing her, their tongues twisting hungrily as his cock filled her pussy, while Christian’s finger slid farther into her ass. She groaned. She wasn’t this wanton creature thrashing between two beautiful men, and yet . . . she never wanted it to stop. Christian added a second finger, stretching her hole open wider, and she responded hungrily, arching her back in invitation. She wanted more.
Christian leaned over then, straddling both of them between his thighs, his cock a heavy weight against her butt. “Do you want this, chére? Do you want my cock in your tight little ass?”
Natalie lifted her mouth from Marc’s and nodded, unable to form the words. But Christian slapped her butt sharply. “I want to hear you say it, Natalie.”
She nodded again, gasping for air. “I want you,” she said, drawing a shaky breath. “Christian, please. I want you to—” her voice became a needy whisper, “—fuck my ass.”
He kissed the back of her neck, his tongue trailing down her spine, until he kissed each cheek of her butt.
“I am your slave, mon ange.”
His fingers probed her ass once more, preparing her, and then she was stretched impossibly wide as the head of his cock pushed against the tight hole. Her heart raced. His cock was so much bigger than his fingers. He pressed farther, going slowly, gliding on the lubricant as he pushed his way past her anal ring and into her ass.
Suddenly she was overwhelmed. Christian was sliding the length of his cock into her butt, while Marc continued to fuck her pussy. It felt as if the two of them were rubbing against each other deep inside her, moving in a sensual dance so that she was always full. Sensation was everywhere—her nipples scraping against the firm muscle of Marc’s chest, his fingers digging into her hips, Christian’s strong arms surrounding them both, his kisses hot against her the back of her neck.
The stray thought hit that the two of them were moving in rhythm, as if they’d done this before. But of course they had. Christian had told her. She wiped that instantly from her mind. She didn’t want to think about the other women they’d fucked. They were hers now and forever.
Without warning, the pace quickened. Both men were moving faster, fucking her harder. Her climax threatened, a glorious promise hanging on the precipice, and then it broke over her. Her pussy clenched hard around Marc’s cock, squeezing so tightly that he groaned, burying himself deep into her body and holding himself there, his cock swelling inside her as she climaxed around him. And then Christian’s release was filling her ass, and Marc was coming, and she was swamped once again with pleasure, surrounded with male heat as they crashed together into ecstasy.
They all froze for a long moment, too exhausted to move, and then the three of them collapsed into a slick, sweaty pile. Christian pulled slowly out of her ass, rolling to one side and taking her with him.
Marc rolled with them, turning to his side and pulling out of her pussy, leaving the two vampires surrounding her in a warm, hard-breathing hug.
“We should travel more often,” Christian whispered, kissing the back of her neck softly. She felt the press of his cock, still hard against her butt. Vampire stamina, she thought with a smile and reached back to caress him, while Marc’s fingers slid through the slick juices of her climax, gliding over her clit, making her shiver. She put her lips against Christian’s ear and . . . woke to the familiar darkness of their bedroom in Houston.
Christian slept motionless next to her, his arm heavy across her body. . . and her pussy was soaking wet from her filthy dream. She sat up, hard nipples tingling as the soft sheet slid down her body. Where the hell had that dream come from? No, strike that. It was Christian’s fault. He’d filled her head with tales of him and Marc, and how they’d hunted together. He was the one who’d put those images in her head.
She turned and studied his handsome face in the dim light of the bedroom. He claimed he could follow her in his sleep. Had he somehow slipped that dream into her sleeping mind? Would he know what she’d dreamed when he woke?
She shivered, remembering what it had felt like to be trapped between the two vampires, her pussy and ass both filled as the climax had crashed over them. In that moment, she’d been pure sensation. No thought, no reason, only pleasure. What would it have been like if Christian had bitten her in that moment? Would she even survive such an avalanche of passion? She rubbed a hand over her naked breasts, over nipples still knotted with desire, and then realized what she was doing. She blushed hotly. This had to stop. Jumping out of bed, she headed for the bathroom. Time for a cold, cold shower.
She was already upstairs and working by the time Christian joined her, her second cup of coffee still hot in front of her.
Christian came over and kissed her neck. “Couldn’t sleep, chére?”
Vampires in America Page 6
