Eric The Guardian - Book 2 of the Raven Series

by Rhiannon Neeley

  Lydia arched against him, offering herself to him. Eric's hungry mouth closed over one of her nipples, sending molten heat through her. Lydia ran her fingers through his hair, holding him to her, letting him taste as much as he wanted. Her nerve endings were zinging with electricity as his tongue worked her nipple, then trailed across to study the other. Even her tongue tingled with feeling.

  The tent was starting to warm with the heat they were creating. Lydia bent, pulling herself from his mouth. "Take off your clothes," she said. Her fingers searched for the buttons of his shirt.

  "Don't think that by seducing me you're going to get your way and be able to help," Eric said, his voice thick. "It's not going to work."

  Lydia grinned. "We'll see," she said, shoving his shirt over his shoulders. "Get naked. We'll talk later."

  Eric grasped her waist and lifted her, standing up at the same time. Lydia laughed. "Ooo, strong man," she said, finding her footing on the tent floor when he set her down in front of him.

  "Just drop your pants," Eric said with a false tone of menace. He quickly disposed of his clothes.

  Lydia raced to rid herself of her pants. Her body ached with the need to feel him inside her. Flinging clothes everywhere, the two of them reached the same state of naked at the same time.

  Lydia watched Eric's chest, every breath he took causing it to expand. His eyes burned into her and his need for her was clearly obvious, standing at full attention.

  Lydia sidled up to him, and grasped his hard member in one hand. "It seems you have a problem that we need to fix before you can go off in the wilderness to fight vampires."

  "I wouldn't necessarily call it a problem," he said. He didn't move but let her hold him in the palm of her hand. "Tell me, what are you going to do about it?" Eric raised an eyebrow, daring her.

  Lydia grinned crookedly. She gave him one slow stroke, then slowly lowered herself to her knees. Lydia felt him jerk in her hand in anticipation. She felt wicked with power at the moment. She leaned forward and lashed out with her tongue, running it along his hot shaft.

  Eric sucked in his breath and touched her shoulders with his fingertips.

  "Don't you move," Lydia warned, trying to make her voice sound commanding. "You are not allowed to move, or to touch me. Do you understand?"

  "If you're going to give me orders, you'd better be able to back them up with some unbelievable pleasure," he said.

  "Or what?" She tilted her head, her lips a breath away from the tip of his rock-hard penis.

  "Or when it comes time for you to be pinned down on your back while I play, payback will be a bitch." Eric's eyes twinkled with devilishness.

  "You'll just have to do your worst with me, then," Lydia said. "Cause I'm going to have some fun whether you like it or not." She licked the tip of him, then blew a hot breath over the moisture.

  She felt Eric tense. Lydia placed one hand on his thigh, stroking the flexing muscle as she slowly closed her lips over his erection.

  Eric moaned, his body vibrating in her hands. Lydia tasted the salty drop of pre-cum on her tongue, proving that his desire was growing by the second. She felt like smiling but her mouth was busy. Lydia stroked him with her mouth and her hand, working them together. Her saliva wet him, making her hand slide over him easier. She cupped his balls in her other hand, giving them a massage while she worked him in and out of her mouth.

  Eric's breath rasped. She could tell he was trying desperately to hold on, to pace himself. It made her feel good she could give him such pleasure. Lydia felt warm inside, her own arousal growing hotter and wetter with every breath Eric took.

  Suddenly, Eric pushed her away from him. He leaned over and scooped her up from the floor, crushing her to his chest. "You're not going to get off that easy," he growled. Then his mouth found hers, devouring her with his kiss.

  Lydia could barely breathe. The temperature in the tent was rising along with their lust for each other. Eric sealed off their kiss with a lick of his tongue across her lips. "Let's go outside," he said.

  Lydia looked up at him. "Are you sure? What about the wolves ... I mean vampires?"

  Eric closed his eyes and rested his forehead against hers for a moment. "I feel them," he said, "but they're far off and busy feeding. We'll be all right."

  "Eric..."

  "Trust me," he said. "It's too hot in here. Besides, I want to take you under the moon."

  Lydia quivered inside at the thought. Out in the wilderness, the fear of the wolves' return would add a hint of spice to their lovemaking. Under the silver light of the Maine moon. "Yes," Lydia said. "Let's go outside."

  Eric grinned and grabbed her sleeping bag off her cot. Arms tangled around each other and barely able to walk because of unwillingness to break their contact, they made it out of the tent and close to the fire without falling. The air was crisp, the warmth thrown from the fire just enough to stave off a chill. Eric unzipped the sleeping bag and spread it wide in front of the fire.

  Lydia watched as he moved in the firelight, muscles rippling under smooth skin. Eric's skin wore a sheen of sweat, the light from the fire making it seem as if he were glowing with heat. Lydia knew she was. As she watched this incredible man spread out their bedding, she vowed he would not run her off from this fight. She would be here, no matter what it took. Eric would not be fighting without her at his side.

  The sleeping bag spread out, Eric reached for her hand.

  Lydia grasped it and they both lowered to the ground. Lying beside him, she placed one hand on his chest. His heart thumped under her palm. His hands traced fire-trails over her back, moving to her bottom, his fingers tucking into the crease there, tickling her. They faced each other, eyes wide open. Lydia searched his. Deep dark brown, they drew her into their depths. "I love you, Eric," she whispered. The fire crackled behind him, snapping its own tune.

  "I love you, Lydia," Eric said.

  Lydia raised her leg and draped it over his hip, moving closer. She took Eric's hard member and tucked it between her legs, letting it rest there in her moist heat.

  Their lips met, Lydia's slightly parted, and she breathed him in. Rocking her hips against him, his hardness stroked her, sending shivers of pleasure through her middle.

  "What do you want?" Eric asked against her lips.

  "You," she said.

  Eric chuckled. He rose up away from her using one hand to guide her onto her stomach.

  Lydia looked over her shoulder at him. Ah, she thought, understanding. She raised her hips off the ground and propped herself on elbows and knees. Eric moved behind her, centering himself between her legs. Hot hands caressed the globes of her bottom, then one dived in between her legs, fingers sliding inside her juicy core. Lydia moaned, the chilly air flowing over her as Eric's fingers played her nether regions skillfully. As his fingers slid within her, his other hand stole around to tantalize her passion-swollen clitoris. Lydia bit her lip before she cried out, the orgasm blindsiding her with its force. Instinctively she slammed her hips back, wanting him inside, wanting him to feel the undulations of her wetness gripping him.

  Eric's hands shifted to her hips and with one swift stroke, he was inside her. She was so wet, there was no resistance. Lydia rose again on another wave as Eric pumped from behind, his long hard shaft burying itself inside her sweet core.

  Lydia screamed, grinding herself back against him. Their skin slapped against each other, a wild mating sound in the night.

  Eric gripped her tightly, one arm around her waist, one bracing himself as he leaned over her back. "I'm gonna come, baby," he said, his voice hard gravel.

  Lydia felt like lightening was licking her skin, fire burning inside her. "Do it, Eric. Do me hard," she said, thrashing her head.

  Eric groaned, an animal sound, deep in his throat. His thrusts rammed into her, jarring her teeth. Lydia gasped, another orgasm on top of her in an instant. "Aww, gawd," she screamed, slamming back into him thrust for thrust.

  Eric cried out, his body stiffening
as he shot his hot seed inside of her, his shaft buried in her up to the hilt.

  Their cries echoed off the trees as each of them burst the dam of their pleasure and let themselves go to be nothing more that the animals they were.

  Lydia panted, trying desperately to catch her breath. Eric rolled to her side and collapsed onto the sleeping bag beside her. Lydia rested her head on her hands, her hair damp and sweaty, her butt still pointed to the stars.

  "Damn," Eric said, breathless.

  "Exactly," Lydia replied. She stretched her legs out, lowering her bottom, and lay on her stomach. Her body felt warm and tingly all over, even the soles of her feet. Lydia glanced over at Eric. He lay there, his eyes closed, the fire lighting him softly. Lydia sighed. She wondered if all wild animals experienced passion like she just had when they mated. Smiling, Lydia wondered how soon Eric would be ready to do it all over again.

  * * * *

  Barack inhaled through flared nostrils. His hands were braced on the tree trunk, his sharp fingernails dug deep into the bark. Anger surged through him. He could smell Lydia's sex, her arousal and her release.

  He had watched Eric mount her, taking her in front of the fire.

  Taunting Barack.

  Barack wanted to taste what Lydia's juice was like, feel her heat inside. The two females were cold inside unless they had recently fed. It had been a very long time since Barack had buried himself in a live human. Especially one whose body made his mouth water with need.

  Throwing his head back, Barack let out a thundering howl. He tore the bark from the tree and threw it from him.

  Damn Eric Raven, he thought, as he shifted into his wolf form. Barack wanted Lydia Cross but he wanted her to come to him willingly. A sweet morsel like herself would be even sweeter if he didn't have to put her under his spell. Barack loped off deeper into the forest, hoping to find something to kill.

  He needed to allay this fierce anger before he approached the woman again. And he needed to feed so that the warmth of the blood would fill his veins.

  Barack began to run, the scent of deer in his sensitive nose.

  He'd deal with Eric Raven when the time came.

  After Lydia had sworn herself to Barack.

  And she would.

  Barack would see to it.

  Chapter Seven

  Eric opened his eyes to find Lydia leaning over him, watching him. He smiled at her and touched her cheek. The warmth of the fire was making him sleepy. Of course, being completely satisfied with their lovemaking was a drug in itself. With a deep breath, Eric shoved himself up to a sitting position and stretched his arms above his head. "I hate to say this but I've got someplace I need to be."

  Lydia's mouth dropped open. "Are you kidding me?"

  Eric shoved up off of the sleeping bag. "No. I'm not. My brother Dirk is waiting for me and if I don't show up, he'll think something happened to me. I've got to go meet him."

  "What should I do if the wolves come back?" Lydia asked, pulling the edge of the sleeping bag over to cover herself. Eric hesitated. He knew the females were off feeding somewhere but he hadn't been able to find Barack. Or the absence of him.

  He'd heard a howl though, making him wonder. He wasn't sure if it was a howl from a real wolf or not. He looked down at Lydia. "Maybe you'd better come with me," he said.

  Lydia grinned widely and scrambled to her feet. "Just let me get dressed," she said, scampering toward the tent with the sleeping bag wrapped around her and trailing behind.

  Eric ran a hand through his hair and hoped that taking Lydia with him wouldn't turn out to be a mistake. It was easier to track two people going through the woods that it was to track one. He hoped Barack had better things to do tonight.

  Eric headed for the tent and his own clothes, crossing his fingers. He wasn't ready to confront Barack just yet. He hoped they didn't run into him on their way to meet Dirk.

  * * * *

  Lydia dressed hurriedly, knowing that Eric asking her to go with him was something special. It wasn't like him to want to involve her. He hadn't so far. But now, it seemed he wanted her close. Lydia smiled, pulling her hair into a ponytail. She was determined not to be sent away from this battle and it looked as if her little plan was working. "I'm ready," she said, flipping her ponytail over her shoulder.

  Eric turned toward her, buttoning up his shirt.

  Lydia felt a thrill rush through her as her eyes met his. Damn, he is just what I want, she thought, going to stand in front of him. She began to help button his shirt, her fingers brushing against his chest.

  "We need to hurry," he said, giving up and letting her finish dressing him.

  "I'm helping," she said. "There." She patted his chest, the buttons completed.

  "All right. Let's go," Eric said, moving to the door of the tent. "Keep up and stay quiet. No talking."

  "Yessir!" Lydia followed Eric out of the tent and across the camp. Soon they were out of the firelight's reach. Only the silvery moonlight shining down in tiny patches through the treetops lit their way. Lydia could barely see a foot in front of her but Eric moved through the darkness like he was born to it. "Eric," she whispered, "you've got to slow down."

  "Shh." He came to a stop in front of her.

  Lydia slammed into him. "Oofff," she grunted, grabbing at his shirt to keep from falling. She felt him catch her by the elbows and hang on.

  "Lydia, you have got to be quiet. I don't want Barack to hear us. I can't endanger Dirk."

  "I'm trying," Lydia said, pushing off him and almost stumbling backwards. She stepped on a branch. It cracked loudly in the dark. "I don't have night vision like some people." She heard Eric sigh. Lydia bit her lip before she said anything else.

  "Hang onto my belt loop," Eric said, turning his back to her and placing her hand on the waistband of his jeans. "Step carefully and don't let go. We're halfway there."

  He began to move. Lydia slid two fingers into the belt loop at the center of the back of his jeans and tried her best to keep from tripping over some evil root or fallen branch. Eric moved easily. Lydia felt like an oaf, tagging along behind him. Maybe it would have been better if she'd stayed back at the camp. She sure didn't feel very graceful right now.

  "Hey," a voice hissed from the shadows. "Who's that with you?"

  Eric stopped. Lydia ran into his back again. "Eric ... I wish you would stop doing that," she said, steadying herself again.

  Eric chuckled softly. "Dirk, meet Lydia."

  Lydia peeked around Eric's shoulder. "Hell..." She gulped.

  Standing there in a patch of moonlight was the spitting image of Eric ... except for the eyes. Dirk's eyes were lit by the moon and they were the lightest blue she had ever seen. So light they were almost clear. The color of an expensive aquamarine diamond.

  "Hell?" Dirk asked, one eyebrow dipping low. "Don't you mean 'hello?'"

  Lydia swallowed. "Yes. I'm, I'm sorry it's just that..."

  Eric's arm slid around her shoulders. "Don't tell me I need to worry about you falling for my little brother," he said, giving her a squeeze.

  "No. You know better than that," Lydia said, looking up at him.

  "Well, now that we've got that settled," Dirk said, "tell me why you've brought her with you and why you're late." He sat down on a fallen tree.

  Lydia noticed by the way Dirk carried himself, the stiff back, the serious expression, it was as if he were the older brother and not Eric. Eric dropped his arm that circled her shoulders to her waist, leading her to another fallen tree. He sat, pulling her down beside of him.

  "I got a little sidetracked," Eric said. "Didn't mean to make you worry."

  Dirk gazed at him levelly. "Now is not the time to screw up. We're too close to settling this situation to let the quarry know we're onto them." Dirk turned those chilling blue eyes on Lydia. "How much do you know?"

  Lydia swallowed. She felt like she was sitting in front of her high school principal after getting caught cutting class. "I know some of it. I know that yo
u and Eric are vampire hunters and that there are vampires here in the woods."

  Dirk tilted his head. "And?"

  "And that you guys are going to destroy them."

  Dirk nodded. He turned back to Eric. "I spoke to John. Two days. That's when it goes down."

  Eric frowned. "Why two days? Why not tomorrow? Why not now?"

  "It's John's call. He knows what he's doing." Dirk reached into his backpack and pulled out a handgun.

  Lydia tensed, grasping Eric's hand. She had no clue just what Dirk's intentions were. Eric squeezed her hand but said nothing.

  Dirk handed the gun to Eric. Eric took it without a word. Dirk went back to the backpack and took out a small box. He handed it to Eric also. Eric opened it and looked inside.

  Lydia peered into the box. Lying inside the box were six bullets. She suspected they were for the gun Dirk had just handed him. But what struck her was the beauty of the ammunition. The bullets were long and smooth, sparkling silver in the moonlight. She looked up at Eric. "Silver bullets?"

  Eric nodded.

  She looked at Dirk. "I thought silver bullets were for werewolves."

  For the first time, she saw Dirk smile. It was a small smile but it revealed a dimple in his left cheek that Lydia found adorable. He no longer seemed so adult. "You have to consider the fact that these particular vampires are shapeshifters. Which is what a werewolf is. Vampires are the same, shifting into wolves, bats, cats--you name it. Silver bullets work if you hit them in the heart."

  "But what if you miss the heart?" Lydia asked, her interest in the whole subject growing by the second.

  "You'd better hope you don't." Dirk looked at Eric. "I've got to go. If you need anything, get in touch. Until then, try to stay safe." Dirk stood and reached for his backpack.