by E A Price
Marcus told Logan and Noah to put the captured vampire in his car, and sit either side of him, to box him in. The snake advised Jackson to take Carly home. The wolf wasn’t pleased at first, but Carly whispered something in his ear that soon had him looking excited. He couldn’t get out of there fast enough!
Viktor stared in the direction Alma, and her asshole date, had left in. “You’re supposed to keep her safe.” The vampire ground out through gritted teeth.
Marcus surveyed him with interest. “No, that’s your job. I have no control over Alma.”
Viktor closed his eyes, and his shoulders slumped. “I’m trying…”
Marcus softened slightly. “Well, it’s not working. Every day that passes, she’s just going to find new and stupider ways to prove to you how tough she is. You might want to think about that.”
The snake shifter slapped the vampire on the back in a friendly fashion, before getting in his car and driving away.
Viktor sighed. Why did the witch have to make everything so hard?
Chapter Four
Alma unlocked her apartment door, shielding the entrance with her body. “Well, thanks for a lovely evening.”
The alligator, whose name was Lyle, grinned at her. “Do you mind if I come in for a minute to use your bathroom?”
“Ummmm, I usually don’t let men into my place after the first date.” Or the second, or a third, or even a fourth if they got that far.
Lyle leaned against the door frame. “Please, I’ll be real quick. That beer went straight through me.”
Mmmm, sexy. “Okay, but just for a minute.”
She let him in and switched on the light. “Down the hall, to the right.”
“Thanks, babe.” He sauntered through her apartment like he owned the place.
Ugh ‘babe’. Alma groaned and slipped off her heels. Her apartment sure was dark tonight. She flipped on the kitchen lights. She couldn’t remember shutting all the curtains… That could only mean one thing.
She found Viktor sitting on her couch, leafing through her Magical Monthly magazine.
“What are you doing here?” Alma whispered furiously.
Viktor eyed her with irritation. “Making sure that reptile keeps his scaly hands to himself,” he replied silkily, not even bothering to lower his voice.
She grunted in annoyance. “He can’t see you here.”
Viktor looked at her coldly. “Why did you let him into your apartment?”
The toilet flushed. Alma really didn’t feel like dealing with Viktor’s jealousy right at that moment. “Hide before he sees you.”
“Did he touch you? Has that animal tried to kiss you? If he has, I will turn that fucker into a pair of boots and a purse!”
Alma opened her mouth to respond, but stopped when she heard Lyle walking towards her. She looked back to see her couch was now empty. Slippery vampire.
“All better?” she asked, plastering a fake smile on her face.
She was keen to get him out of her apartment, and not just because Viktor was there. As dates went, it had been tedious. The Tex Mex restaurant hadn’t been great, and Lyle had spent the entire evening alternately complaining about his ex-wives (all six of them), trying to grab her leg under the table, and generally just telling her how important and rich he was. He’d need money to support all those disgruntled wives.
Alma walked over to the door, trying to usher him out.
Lyle’s eyes dilated with desire. “No reason the date has to end here, though…”
The alligator swooped in for a kiss, and Alma adeptly dodged him. He made contact with an unflattering photo of her late father instead.
Alma could see Viktor standing about five feet behind the alligator with a murderous look on his face. He was making throat slitting gestures. She scowled at him.
“I’m afraid there is, I have an early start tomorrow. And to be clear, I’m not the kind of woman who does that on a first date.”
Lyle sneered at her. “No wonder you’re still single at your age. I wondered why a hot woman like you was alone, it’s because you’re a stuck up bitch.”
Dark fury blazed in Viktor’s eyes, and he moved toward the alligator.
“You need to go. Now!” Alma grabbed Lyle and pushed him out the door slamming it behind him. She rolled her eyes as she heard the alligator call her a bitch again and stomp away.
Viktor snarled. “I should kill him. How dare he talk to you that way?!”
Alma placed her hands on his chest. “Easy baby, that doesn’t even make my list of top ten bad dates.”
Viktor stared at the door, muscles quivering. “I don’t like you spending time with men like him.”
Alma placed a soft kiss into the open V of his shirt. “If I remember correctly, it was you who said I should date other men.”
Viktor relaxed slightly under her ministrations. “Doesn’t mean I have to like it.” He took her arms and pulled her away from him. “And I’m mad at you.” Her eyes were hooded with desire as she smiled smugly. “Don’t give me those sexy eyes. You should never have gone after that vampire tonight.”
“Ugh!” Alma pursed her lips and wriggled out of his grasp. Walking past him, she stood in the living room, hands on her hips. “I can take care of myself.”
Viktor raised an eyebrow. “My darling, there’s taking care of yourself and then there’s being deliberately suicidal.”
Alma sighed. “I’m just so sick of this. I’m so sick of having to be apart.”
Viktor rushed forward and enveloped his mate in his arms. “I know, my darling, I know.”
Relaxing his grip, he tilted her chin towards his and pulled her into a toe curling kiss. His tongue gently invaded her mouth, teasing and tangling with hers. She moaned into his mouth, and her fingers curled into his shirt.
Viktor moved his hands down to her ass and dragged her flush against his body, grinding her sex against his growing erection. His fingers reached down to the hem of her dress and fluidly slipped it over her head, their lips only parting for the briefest of moments. He dropped the dress to the floor and left her mouth; his lips traveling down her body.
He licked and kissed her smooth neck, smiling as he thought of the mark he would place there. He flicked her bra open and freed her perfect breasts. He took a second to admire them before sucking each soft orb into his mouth, circling the nubs with his tongue. Alma clutched his head to her body as she whimpered in pleasure. She felt her release quickly gain momentum.
Viktor made his way down her flat stomach, licking her navel. Hooking his fingers into her thong, he slid the wispy material down her slim legs. Carefully sweeping her legs open, he kissed and blew cool air on her sex. She fluttered at the sensation, her fingers almost painfully digging into his head. She shrieked as he thrust his tongue into her tight channel. He groaned at the delicious taste of her weeping honey, twirling his tongue inside her, before pulling out and pushing two fingers inside her. He plunged them in and out as he suckled at her clit, nibbling and laving the tender nub.
“Yesssss,” Alma hissed, as she rocked her hips against him.
Viktor sped up his movements, and Alma threw back her head, screaming as the glorious pressure inside exploded. He held her up as her legs weakened and almost collapsed at the delicious onslaught.
Standing, he unbuckled his pants and allowed them to drop to the floor. His throbbing cock strained towards her. Effortlessly he picked her up and impaled her on this thick length. Having already come, her core was slick and eager for him. Alma cried out as he filled her to the hilt in one powerful thrust; holding still, he enjoyed the feel of her inner muscles gripping and pulsing around him.
Growling lustily Viktor bounced her up and down on his steely manhood. She threw her arms round his shoulders, moaning gleefully each time he drove inside her. Each rough thrust rubbed against her clit, and she found a fresh orgasmic fire igniting. She dug her nails into his flesh, and he groaned in delight, driving himself inside her with more enthusiasm. Drop
ping his head, he smothered his tongue over her neck.
With one last furious thrust, Viktor roared and burst inside her. His eyes were pure black as he excitedly sunk his fangs into her willing flesh. The sharp pain quickly faded to intoxicating ecstasy as her release cascaded through her body. Howling his name, she clutched and tightened around him as he ardently swallowed her nectarous blood.
Reluctantly, he pulled away from her neck. She tasted so divine, if he weren't careful he might just take too much. He sealed the wound and proudly gazed at the mark he had given his mate. Mine. But seeing it saddened him. Before he left her that night he would give her a few drops of his blood, to ensure it healed. It would be as if he were never there.
Sated, Alma rested her head on his shoulder. Her body still quivered from her terrific release, and she delighted at feeling him slowly softening inside her. “That was wonderful,” she breathed.
Viktor nuzzled her neck. “You’re wonderful, my darling.”
“True.” She giggled.
Carefully stepping out of his shoes and trousers, he carried her to the bedroom.
“Can you stay?” she asked hopefully.
“For a couple of hours.”
“Hmmmm, good enough.”
Chapter Five
Viktor laid Alma down on her bed. Shucking out of the rest of his clothes, he stretched out next to her and ran his thumb down her soft belly. She purred before her heavy eyes closed, and she fell into a deep, satisfied sleep. Expending all that magic to capture the other vampire had worn her out more than she cared to admit.
The vampire lay next to her, watching her sleep, taking in every moan, every breath, and enjoying the rise and fall of her lovely breasts. He stayed as long as he dared before wrenching himself away.
He retrieved his clothes and jerkily pulled them on. The fury and frustration began to rise within him, as it always did when he was forced to leave her. Not for the first time did he regret leaving that weaselly bastard, Eric Van Dyne, alive.
Viktor thought back to that fateful night twenty years ago. He could have just reached out and snapped Eric’s neck; he would have gotten away with it, too. He had been kidnapped and almost forced to illegally turn someone into a vampire. Viktor would have been within his right to kill the man, but he had taken pity on the human. Van Dyne was sick and in pain, Viktor was merciful. He had not robbed the man of whatever little time he had left. That had been a mistake.
The threats leveled at Viktor had not been idle. Van Dyne said he would make Viktor suffer by hurting those he loved, and the human kept his promise. After meeting Van Dyne, Viktor informed the Council of what he had done, they then kept a close eye on the human, in case he tried to force another vampire to turn him.
Fifteen years ago, Viktor was travelling in Japan; he met and fell in love with a woman called Naoko. He even considered asking permission to turn her, but she declined. Although she cared for him, she wanted children one day. Viktor was disappointed, but he was old enough to realize that he should just accept the small amount of time he had with her. Which wasn’t much.
They were together for two months when Naoko did not return home from work. She was mugged, raped, beaten and left to die in the street. Viktor had been wracked with grief; he tried to hunt the men who had done this, but every lead turned into a dead end. The police told him the attack was random; there was little hope of finding the perpetrator.
It wasn’t until a week later that Viktor even considered her death could be connected to Van Dyne. After five years, the vampire had all but forgotten about the strange billionaire, unfortunately, Van Dyne had not forgotten him. He sent Viktor a dozen roses, all dyed black, with a card that said ‘so sorry for your loss – EVD.' Eric Van Dyne. The crazy human attacked and murdered his woman, or, at least, paid someone else to do it. He made sure Naoko died in agony and alone in the street.
Viktor’s wrath knew no bounds. He returned to America and stormed Van Dyne’s fortress-like mansion. But the man wasn’t stupid; he knew Viktor would do this. Van Dyne had surrounded himself with even more shifters and witches. They easily captured the vampire and brought him before Van Dyne. Viktor raged and told the man just to kill him. The billionaire laughed and told him that wouldn’t be as satisfying. He wanted to enjoy Viktor’s pain.
Over the years, Viktor tried to get to Van Dyne numerous times, all without success. Dozens of shifters and witches were more than happy to protect the man for money; they didn’t give a damn about how evil he was. The vampire never got close to Van Dyne again.
Feeling lonely, ten years ago Viktor took up with a Texan witch called Lex. Their relationship could hardly be called loving; it was more about mutual satisfaction. The vampire wanted blood and sexual release, and the witch enjoyed the added pleasure that came with being fed on. Viktor warned her of the threat, but Lex was confident she could defend herself.
Alas, the billionaire didn’t differentiate between love and just having a casual fling. Lex suffered her own horrific fate; she was torn apart by a bear shifter. The guilt Viktor felt was immense. He should never have been with Lex; he should never have been so selfish.
After that, he limited himself to one night stands and random encounters. For the 350-plus year old vampire, it was a hollow way to live. That had all changed four years ago…
His friend Marcus had asked for help. Thankfully, Van Dyne’s ire only stretched as far as lovers, and not friends. It was a small mercy at least. The snake shifter needed to take time off work, and Viktor offered to help out with the business. That was when he met Alma…
The vampire knew from the first moment he saw the tall, striking witch that she was his mate. His whole body came alive at the soft scent of roses. He knew she was his to have, to hold, to mate with, and to be with for the rest of his long life. His arousal skyrocketed, and the urge to take her was unbearable, yet he had resisted. He had to run away from her just to make sure he didn’t tear her clothes off and bend her over her desk, plunging right into her then and there.
Alma had been furious. She sensed he was her mate and had not been pleased with his reaction. That night had been the first time he snuck into her apartment. The first of many times to come. The witch had wrathfully thrown stunning spells at him whilst yelling at him to get out. When he finally calmed her, or at least when he finally had her pinned and trapped under his body, he explained his reaction.
Alma was still angry, but as his hands slowly roamed her body she soon softened, and driven by a deep-seated desire to mate, she submitted to his ministrations. They made love repeatedly, and it was glorious. Viktor felt complete. The hole, that had been in his heart for over three centuries, had finally been filled by his sparky, sexy witch. They just couldn’t be together, not yet, anyway.
It wasn’t that he didn’t want to be with her, he just feared that if he were, she would get hurt. When she was finally relaxed, she scoffed at his worries and told him she could take care of herself. As Lex had done.
Viktor would not relent. It was too dangerous for them to openly be a couple. He would not risk losing her because of his own impatience. In spite of Alma’s abject protestations, he told her they must seemingly remain apart.
Alma would go on living her life whilst Viktor searched for a way to stop Van Dyne. After four years, his patience had worn thin. The vampire even considered approaching the billionaire and offering to turn him, but his conscience wouldn’t allow it. The human Van Dyne was a monster; he dreaded to think what kind of vampire he would be.
They grasped at moments when they could. Viktor came to her apartment; they spent a few hours together, and then he stole away like a thief. For a while, this arrangement had satisfied him somewhat, but now he was hungry for more. He wanted his mate sleeping in his arms every day; he wanted her to wear his permanent bonding mark, and more than anything, he wanted to turn her so she could be with him for all eternity.
Alma was adamant that she wouldn’t get hurt, and even suggested that he turn her
. As a vampire, she would be much stronger and faster. His heart swelled that she didn’t even hesitate about becoming a vampire to be with him. But as a newborn vampire she would spend the first few months of her life struggling with her new abilities, and would be vulnerable to attack. Viktor would not take that risk.
So, as it stood, Viktor was forced to watch her from the sidelines. At his insistence, she had to treat him badly in public, and make people believe she hated him. She told everyone they had a bad break-up and took scorned woman to a whole new level. He was disturbed at how good she was at that. If he didn’t know any better, he’d swear she loathed him.
The only person who knew of their connection was Marcus. At Viktor’s request, the snake tried his best to keep Alma out of trouble. But it was kind of like trying to make a dog wear roller skates.
It was also Viktor’s idea that she should date other men. She wasn’t allowed to sleep with them, of course; he’d have to kill them if she did, but for appearances sake, she went on dates with the multitude of men who asked her out.
The vampire was displeased at how many men were actually interested in his mate, displeased, but not surprised. He also made sure he was there in the background when she went on these dates. Just in case he had to snap their arms if they got too grabby. The alligator she had gone to dinner with that night had been especially abhorrent in trying to fondle her leg all night. Still, it was his idea that she date… she reminded him of that every time he complained about it.
Viktor silently walked back into her bedroom and sat on the edge of the bed. In sleep, she was an angel. He smirked, reflecting that when awake she was more of a devil.
His fangs unsheathed. He pressed them into his bottom lip. A few drops of blood bubbled. Quickly he leaned over and pressed his mouth to hers, smearing the blood. Instinctively she licked and swallowed. The mark he had given her would heal by morning. His chest tightened at the thought that no one would know she was his. It was like he hadn’t even been there, like they hadn’t been together…
