by Gayle Keo
“You believe such a prize can be shared?”
“You are so certain it cannot?”
Adam frowned. “It is moot. I shall succeed where you cannot.”
“And you are so certain of victory that you would risk losing everything to me?”
“I…”
“We ought to agree on this, brother. Else we might tear out each other’s throats, or harm this unique lady as we fight over her.”
Adam considered the proposal, even as Nicole struggled in vain to remove herself from the ghastly theater. The two men were calmly discussing her future as if she had no say in the matter. If she ever managed to free herself, she’d take the threat of her forcible seduction straight to the police.
“I agree, brother,” Adam said at last. “If only to reduce the risk of harm to this human.” He stroked the helpless Nicole’s cheek.
“And we say nothing of this to our fellows?”
“Agreed. To speak of our plans would bring down a horde of desperate feeders. No, this lady we keep to ourselves.”
Over my dead body!
“Nothing happens until sundown, agreed?” Michael said.
“Of course not, you simple-minded fool! Why would either of us risk incineration?”
“Then we ought to combine our power and remove all traces of our pact from her mind.”
“You are so certain we cannot erase her memory alone?” Adam turned Nicole’s head and locked his dark eyes upon hers.
“She is extremely resistant to compulsion, brother. I fear only a Master could—”
“No!” Adam snapped fiercely. “No Master shall hear of this. We must attempt it together, or not at all.”
“Together, then.” Michael stepped up behind the shorter Adam and locked his gaze on Nicole, willing her to forget everything she had heard about Masters, her attacks, the planned seduction and all traces of the meeting in the hospital basement. She stared back at the pair, memorizing their grim faces, determined to remember every word they had said.
*****
“Did you have trouble finding it?” Eddie asked. Nicole blinked at her supervisor, staring as if she’d woken from a dream.
“Finding what?” she asked.
“The Bartlett X-rays, Nicole.” Eddie rolled his eyes. “The ones in your hand.”
“Uh…” She stared numbly at the folder she was clutching. When Eddie held out his hand, she passed him the folder, wondering why she had no memory of having retrieved it from… Where had she been?
“You need to get more sleep, or quit the booze. Or is it drugs?” He raised an eyebrow.
“None of the above,” Nicole replied. “But sleep sounds tempting.” As far as she remembered, she’d slept soundly, although the memories of her attack in the park had briefly nudged at her mind.
“Well, whatever’s addling you, snap out of it!” Eddie stalked away, shaking his head, leaving Nicole to wonder what was wrong with her. She wasn’t tired, but her disjointed memory, lack of co-ordination and feeling of remoteness from her surroundings made her wonder if she ought to book a check-up.
“Maybe a strong cup of coffee would help,” she said to herself.
“Excellent idea,” Eddie said from right behind her. He pressed coins into her hand. “And one for me while you’re at it, please?”
~
The coffee restored her energy and sure-footedness, but not her memory. The harder she tried to remember her trip to the basement, the more elusive her entire shift became. It was as if her attempts to remember were damaging other memories. Minor details, such as which patients she’d treated that day, started to slip away.
And when Nicole realized she was unable to recall the journey to work, she gave up, in case she accidentally forgot where she lived, or which city she was in.
“Maybe I’m blocking something out,” she murmured. “Maybe I need to retrace my steps and trigger a memory.”
“Maybe you should stop talking to yourself,” Eddie suggested as he passed by.
“You might be right,” she replied. “But I’m scared, Eddie. Why would I lose a chunk of my day for no good reason?”
Eddie sighed and laid a gentle hand on her shoulder. “I wish I could help. Really, I do. I’d love to send you home for some rest, but we’re busier than normal today.”
“Thanks, Eddie. I appreciate the thought.” She straightened up. “I’ll stop feeling sorry for myself and try to be of some use to you.”
“That’s the spirit. Keeping busy might distract you, stop you worrying so much.”
“It’s worth a try. Now, where are my glasses?”
“On the top of your head, Nicole.”
She sighed. “Thanks Eddie. I can’t read a thing without them.”
~
The end of Nicole’s shift came and went, and still she kept herself busy. She was aware that she was unofficially working late, but to stop would be to invite back her earlier worries.
Inevitably, though, Eddie sought her out and told her to go home. He lifted the stack of paperwork from her reluctant hands and nudged her toward the changing room with a bump of his hip against hers.
“I don’t want to,” she protested. “Can’t you put me down for a double shift?”
“You need to go home and rest, Nicole. Or are you planning to rent a room here?”
“It doesn’t sound like such a bad idea. Could I?”
“No, no, and while I’m on the subject, no.”
“You’re mean.” She pouted and turned away.
“Maybe there’s a spare room in the basement,” Eddie suggested. “I could ask for you.” He knew Nicole disliked the cool, damp atmosphere beneath the building.
Nicole frowned. “Maybe you’re right. Maybe it’s time to leave.” A cold chill swept through her body at the thought of venturing downstairs. “I really ought to go home now.” Despite her words, her feet remained rooted to the spot.
“Would it help if I drove you back?”
Nicole brightened. “Really? You wouldn’t mind?”
“I don’t mind. Besides, it’d save you the price of a taxi.”
“Thank you, Eddie. I really appreciate it.”
“Go get your coat. I’ll see you out front.”
~
The day had cooled considerably, chilling Nicole’s legs as she stepped outside. It was already dark, and thick clouds obscured the stars and moon. She fastened her coat as she waited for Eddie to hand over to the next supervisor on shift. It would be nice to spend the ten-minute drive with someone she knew, rather than an anonymous cab driver. She no longer felt comfortable in the dark, and she was reluctant to venture outdoors after sunset.
“Chilly evening,” a man said. Nicole jumped. She hadn’t seen anyone moving nearby.
“I guess.” She glanced at the tall man, who wore a long jacket over a crumpled shirt and over-sized pants. The wind teased Nicole’s nose with a warm, earthy smell that hinted at strawberries.
“Not a night for a lady to be out alone, I would imagine.” He leaned across to catch her eye.
“No, probably not.” She met his gaze, and noted his gentle smile. The earlier chill fled from her skin. Her fear melted away.
“Do you have someone who might take you safely home?”
“I do…” She glanced toward the hospital entrance.
“But he’s late? He’s left you to stand in the night, all alone?”
“I’m sure he won’t take long.”
“Of course not.” The man glanced past Nicole, then leaned back against the wall. He seemed to be in no hurry. But instead of worrying about his presence, Nicole was strangely comforted by him. No one would trouble her while he stood close beside, with his shoulder almost touching hers.
She frowned. When had he moved so close? A few moments ago, he’d been six feet away from her. She gave a mental shrug. Did it matter? He meant her no harm, she was sure.
“You’re a beautiful woman, Nicole.”
“Thanks,” she replied automati
cally, without wondering how he knew her name. Most people in the hospital knew each other, and her name and face appeared on several staff boards. A small part of her wondered why she wasn’t offended by his presumptuous remark, nor the arm which slipped around her shoulders. The air had assumed a dream-like quality, as if she’d been drinking. His earthy scent filled her nose, and his dark eyes gazed deep into hers. All coolness vanished from the night. She leaned into him as he pulled her close, tipping back her head to smile at him. Her head spun as if she’d recently been drinking.
“Would you like me to walk you home, Nicole?”
“Yes, please.”
“And would you invite me into your apartment?”
“Maybe I would.” She could think of no reason not to.
“And into your bed?”
“That depends…”
“On what?”
“On how good a kisser you are.” Her eyes widened as the words escaped her mouth. Why had she said such a thing?
“Allow me to give you a sample.” He leaned in and pressed his lips to hers. Nicole sighed and fell into the kiss, opening her mouth so her tongue could meet his. Her entire body buzzed with excitement at the touch of his skin, the pressure of his big hands against her scalp and her back. He held her body close as her knees softened and failed. The world tilted and whirled, and her feet left the ground. Michael swept her up in his arms and carried her into the night, still kissing her firmly.
*****
Nicole’s apartment materialized around her. Her bed caressed her back as her outer clothes melted away, leaving her clad only in white bra and panties. She smiled as Michael disrobed, not caring what had led them to this moment, only that it existed, and she was awake to witness it.
Deep thrills rippled through her body as he peeled off his clothing, revealing a trim and fit body. When his erection sprang free, released by his final piece of clothing, a small moan escaped her throat. Michael’s shaft was long as well as thick. Her pelvis tingled at the thought of it between her legs, of it sliding into her.
“I want you, Nicole. I want every single bit of you.”
“Mmm… that sounds like fun.” She grinned at him, then slipped a hand inside her panties. She was already wet, anticipating a thrilling night in her bed with this kind, wonderful and beautiful man.
“I want your mouth. I want your breasts. I want your womanhood.”
“I’m all yours. Take me now. Take me whichever way you desire.” The words sounded peculiar to her own ears, uncharacteristic, as if someone else had shaped her lips. But they also excited her.
“I want to taste you in my mouth.” A shadow crossed his face. “I want every cell of your body, Nicole.”
Nicole moved her knees apart. “Then taste me, lover. Eat me to your heart’s content.”
“It’s not only your juices I want, Nicole.” Michael towered over her, his erection only inches above her face. “I want to taste everything about you.”
“Hush, baby. Put your tongue on me. Taste me here first.” She pulled the panties to one side and exposed her moist lips to him.
“Whatever you wish, Nicole,” Michael replied patiently. He lowered himself to his knees and began to kiss her thighs. Nicole groaned and let her knees fall further apart. This night was going to be wonderful.
Michael quickly proved himself to be a practiced lover. His tongue sought her sensitive flesh, swirling and teasing, applying the right pressure as he spread her natural lubricants between her soft, swelling folds. Nicole arched and seized handfuls of his dark hair as he brought her to orgasm not once, but three times, before she managed to persuade him to move up her body. He kissed his way across her skin until his lips and tongue were able to explore her throat. A peculiar tingling arose as he touched her neck. Even as she groaned, he hissed, as if suppressing pain.
“Are you all right, lover?” It didn’t seem peculiar to Nicole that she still didn’t know his name.
“I am burning with desire for you, dear Nicole,” Michael replied.
“I know. I can feel you against my tummy.” The heat of his swollen manhood was obvious. “I’m pretty hot for you too, baby.”
“I speak of a different longing, Nicole.” He raised his head and gazed deep into her eyes. Her eyes searched his face, which had reddened, and was dotted with beads of sweat.
“I like your longing,” Nicole said. She rocked her hips, rubbing her moist lips against his shaft. “You’re more longing than most men.”
“Stop this childish talk!” Michael snapped. “You chatter and jabber while I suffer with need.”
Nicole frowned at the unexpected outburst. “I’m sorry, baby. What do you need me to do for you?” I hope it’s nothing too kinky.
“I need to taste more of you.”
“You’ve tasted pretty much all my best bits, lover.” Nicole pressed her lips to his, inhaling the scent of her own juices.
“I need to taste your skin…”
“Uh-huh.”
“…your sweat…”
My sweat? That’s kinky alright.
“…your blood.”
Her eyes widened. “My what?”
He nodded. “I have an urgent and overwhelming need to do so.”
Although her head was swimming with lust and a peculiar dizziness, alarm bells sounded inside her head. Had she misheard him?
“Would you permit me to do that, dearest Nicole?”
“Taste my sweat?”
“Your blood.” As he spoke, he shifted his hips, placing his swollen cock-head against her slippery outer lips.
“Ah…” she was momentarily distracted. “Why would you want to taste my blood?
“Because…” He tilted his hips, and his swollen head slipped into her opening. “…you would experience such ecstasy…” He applied pressure, and he slid into her, making her cry out. “…it would make you weep with joy.”
Oh, wow…” She arched, groaning as he slid deeper.
“Would you permit me that, dear Nicole? A single drop of blood to ease my suffering?” He pushed deep, filling her with heat and hardness.
“Oh… fuck!”
“In exchange for unending ecstasy?”
“Nothing could feel better… than this.”
“Oh, but it could, Nicole. This is merely an appetizer to a fabulous experience which could be yours to cherish forever.” He began stroking in and out, withdrawing almost completely, then pushing deep until his body was pressed against hers.
“Oh, fuck… oh, fuck…”
“Unending pleasure, Nicole. For a single drop of blood.”
“I think… I’ll pass,” she managed to groan between cries. Immediately, Michael’s smooth, gentle strokes shifted into hard, frantic rutting.
“You would… be so selfish… as to deny me?” His body slammed mercilessly against hers as his anger rose.
“Holy fuck!” Nicole wailed. “Fucking… fucking… fuck!” She jammed her knuckles against her mouth to stifle her cries. His arms snaked around her, pulling their bodies together into a crushing embrace. Her breaths became quick and shallow, and her head spun until reality started to slip away.
“Please… Nicole… indulge… me…”
“Yes! Yes! Yes!”
“You would allow me to taste your blood?” His thrusting slowed minutely.
“Fuck, no! But don’t stop what you’re doing! It’s fucking amazing!” She dug her fingernails into his buttocks and willed him to thrust harder.
“One… single… fucking… drop…”
“Oh, my God! I love the way you make me feel.”
Michael growled as he hammered his loins against hers. The urge to forego the seduction and simply use his teeth to tear away her skin was overpowering. But he’d already tried, as had Adam, and he’d been repelled by an unknown force. Perhaps his nails would prove to be more effective. But as he pressed his fingertips to her skin, heat burned his hands, sending unbearable waves of pain through his forearms.
“F
uck!” he cried. “Fucking hell!”
“Yes, baby! Come for me!” Nicole cried, mistaking his cry for ecstasy. “Fuck me hard and come deep inside me!” Her legs rose to wrap themselves around his waist; her heels pressed into his back and she urged him ever faster. For a moment he resisted, wondering who she was to command him so, when she refused his simple request for blood.
But then he surrendered to his primal urges and gave her what she wanted. They fucked for thirty more seconds, before he groaned deeply and flooded her with liquid heat. Nicole cried out and clung to him as waves of ecstasy rippled through her body. Every breath was a shallow wheeze, followed by a squeezed-out cry of happiness. For several minutes, she was unable to speak, but released the trapped Michael from between her legs as the blood thundered in her ears. She barely noticed his low growl of suppressed anger; she completely missed the touch of his lips to her throbbing carotid artery and the resulting hiss of pain as he was repelled by her blood.
“Please, Nicole…”
She patted his leg absently. “Give me a few minutes, lover. We can go again when I’ve managed to get my breath back.” The bed shifted as he moved away. “You really knocked the stuffing out of me.” Clothing rustled softly as he dressed, then crept out of the bedroom.
“Not that I’m complaining. You were great! I might not be able to walk properly tomorrow, but… well, wow!” She lay on the bed, naked and perspiring as her front door closed silently. Masculine fluids trickled from her body and pooled on the bed cover, but she cared little about the mess as the listlessness that had held her since her encounter in the basement finally claimed her. Nicole drifted into a deep sleep, still wearing a contented smile. Dreams of shadowy lovers surrounded her throughout the night as Michael sought solace by drinking the blood of a lesser woman only half a mile away.
*****
Nicole scrambled from her bed when the second, panic alarm clock began to screech. She’d snoozed her regular clock—she glanced at the display to gauge the time—three times now.
“Wow…” she groaned as she stretched. “I must have been so far gone…”
