Caressed by a Crimson Moon (Rulers of Darkness)

by Amanda J. Greene

  “I asked you a question, half-breed.”

  Eva barely resisted a sigh when he spoke. His voice was like velvet and despite her good sense, her body heated for him. Wetting her lips she said, “W–what was the question, Your Majesty?”

  Hadrian’s lips curled into a perfect sensual smile; his fangs grew even longer, greedy and ready. “No matter,” he said as he appraised her from head to toe. “What brings you to the lake this evening?”

  “I thought a nice walk would help me relax and sort out my thoughts.”

  “And has it?” he asked, taking a step toward her.

  “It was helping,” she admitted.

  Hadrian took another step in her direction and Eva suddenly felt skittish. He was moving like a cat, slowly closing in on its prey. Was he trying to distract her with conversation?

  “Was helping?”

  She swallowed hard as he drew closer. “Y–yes.”

  “Perhaps, if you share your troubles with me, I could help ease your mind.”

  Eva shuddered. Oh, I know you could.

  “Tell me, little one,” Hadrian coaxed, his voice smooth and pliant.

  “My thoughts are of you,” she answered with a squeak.

  Hadrian stopped and disappointment spread through her chest. She wanted him to come to her, to take her in his arms like he had the night before. She had dreamed of what his lips would feel like against hers, how he would taste, and she needed to know, now.

  “Of me?”

  Her cheeks were on fire, from embarrassment or arousal, she could not say. “I think we should talk about what happened, or, well, what almost happened—” Eva’s words lodged in her throat as his breath brushed her ear. She had not seen him move.

  “Has our encounter of last eve plagued your thoughts?” he asked, from beside her.

  All Eva could do was nod. Her voice had abandoned her.

  “Do you really wish to talk about what almost happened?”

  She shook her head. No. She did not want to talk about it, she wanted to continue and finish what they had started.

  Hadrian’s lips caressed her ear as he asked, “What is it you really want?”

  Sensual heat fired her blood. Struggling to find her voice, she swallowed hard and whispered her confession, “You.”

  The scent of her arousal set alarms off in his head. Need slammed into Hadrian so hard it rocked his entire body, making him tremble with urgent desire.

  “You shouldn’t,” he grated, forcing himself to move away from her. The sexual heat of her body was an inferno and he needed the bite of the cold to maintain his ever-slipping, ever fragile control.

  Eva’s sigh was one of frustration as she rounded to face him. “Do you honestly think I don’t know that?” she snapped.

  The corners of Hadrian’s lips twitched, but he did not smile.

  “I apologize for my tone—”

  “This is not a formal conversation, you may speak freely.”

  Eva shook her head. “This was a mistake,” she said cursing herself for telling Hadrian she wanted him.

  Nothing could happen between them. They were too different, he a king, she a bastard peasant half-breed who meant nothing. He was crazy and she, well, she wasn’t sure that she didn’t have a few screws loose herself after last night. Hell, they weren’t even the same species!

  Deciding it would be best if she returned to the castle before she suffered any more embarrassment and before her self-esteem took a hit, she had to get one thing off her chest.

  “We can pretend this,” she waved a hand at the space between them, “never happened, but I—”

  “Why would we pretend this,” he mimicked her, “never happened?”

  Refusing to answer, Eva continued, “I need to know. Have you planted thoughts in my head, making me believe I’m attracted to you?”

  Hadrian balked as if she had gravely insulted him. “I have never invaded your mind. Your emotions and thoughts are your own.”

  Eva ground her teeth. If he was telling the truth then she was in more trouble than she wanted to admit. It would be easier to blame the vampire for the turmoil that raged within her. Shaking her head, she could not think about this right now. She just needed to get away from him and his intoxicatingly fresh male scent and hungry eyes.

  She brushed past him and headed for the labyrinth.

  “Wait.”

  It was not a command, but a request and Eva’s body froze against her will.

  “What happened in the solarium and…all the other times, I want you to know that…it will not happen again. I’m deeply sorry for causing you confusion.”

  “Forget it, nothing ever actually happened.” And nothing ever will.

  She turned back toward the maze, but he stood, blocking the entrance.

  His large frame shook, his muscles strained as if he were forcing himself to remain still. His eyes focused on the snow that covered his bare feet.

  When he spoke, his words were strained, “I must make you understand.”

  Was he going to try to scare her into not wanting him?

  He looked up, his gaze meeting hers. Eva swayed from the force of her shock.

  His eyes were an impossible blood red, the white completely consumed by the deep crimson.

  “As you can see, I am not like other vampires. I am the monster that demons fear. And,” his eyes slowly roamed over her body, she gasped as if he had physically caressed her, “I want you. I want to drain you as I claim your body. I want to feel your heart slow beneath my lips as I come deep within you.”

  Eva closed her eyes as his words settled over her. How could she find what he was saying sexy? God, she had to be twisted. After all the time living amongst her father’s pack, her mind must have snapped. He was describing how he wanted to kill her and she was getting hot?

  “My grip on reality is fragile, my control razor thin.”

  The harshness of his voice faltered ever so slightly and Eva snapped her eyes open.

  Anguish. Despair. Loneliness. Hate. It was plain to see the emotions that flickered to life within his red eyes. He spoke of being a monster, but all she saw was a tortured man. She did not doubt what he said was true, yet, as she stood, bewitched by his glowing red eyes, she knew evil was not his true nature.

  Slowly, she raised a hand, cautiously reaching out to him. She expected him to growl at her, to slap her hand away or vanish. Instead, he stood firm as a marble statue. His hellish gaze fixed on her.

  Comfort. Something within her cried out to comfort this vampire.

  He admitted he wants to kill me.

  Eva snapped her hand back. Preparing to scream as loud as she could. Taking in a large gulp of air, she prayed that Falcon would find her. Rescue her from—

  “No,” his whisper was barely audible. “Touch me.” She had not seen him move, but now, he towered over her. “Please.” His eyes narrowed as if willing her to reach out to him. “Please, Eva, I need you to touch me.”

  Chapter Ten

  Hadrian needed to feel her hands on him. He ached for her to chase away the loneliness that tore at his soul, even if for a moment.

  Eva hesitantly came closer as he battled the demon for control. He did not want to frighten her, though he should. He ought to strike terror in the girl, show her what sort of beast he truly was. He was a vampire, death incarnate, but with her—

  Her fingers hovered just above his heart. He shivered. Her warmth was inviting and torturous.

  Leaning forward, he silently encouraged her.

  Eva’s tongue slid out, wetting her upper lip before she bit the lower. Hadrian groaned. Waves of need pulsated through his shaft, swelling it, making it even harder. He wanted to take her lips, to feel their fullness beneath his, to taste her tongue.

  She tentatively placed her palm flat on his chest and he flinched. She scalded him, her heat banishing the chill that resided in his very bones and surrounded his heart.

  “More,” he bit out.

  Eva brough
t up her other hand and traced the lines of his muscles with her fingertips, making him shudder. Her delicate hands moved over his chest, down his sides, and over his abdomen. She stopped before reaching his hips, drawing away.

  He could not suppress his growl. Was it a warning or a demand that she continue?

  Her hands came back to his flesh, this time beginning at his abs and, with agonizing slowness, worked their way up his solid pecs, to his shoulders.

  Eva’s vanilla scent surrounded him. It invaded his lungs and attacked his mind, soothing his thoughts, chasing away his guilt, and sending Imbrasus’s memories into hiding.

  Unable to resist a moment longer, Hadrian snatched her to him. Her breath escaped her lungs as her soft body slammed into his. One massive hand fisted her jacket as the other cupped her nape, his fingers entwined with her dark, luxurious satin hair.

  Hadrian did nothing more than gaze into her eyes and Eva began to tremble from the force of his sexually charged stare. Pure, animalistic desire glittered the depths of his eyes.

  God, what was she doing? Just a moment ago, he had detailed how he wanted to kill her. She had seen the bloodlust flicker like flames in his unholy red eyes, but she did not want to believe he was evil. She did not want to believe that he was a lost cause, that he was crazed like the rumors claimed. But, the truth had been standing before her. His demonic eyes had bore into her, searching for her soul, as his long, lethal razor sharp fangs stood proud and ready to tear at the tender flesh of her throat.

  His hold tightened as if he sensed her inner turmoil. He pressed her even more tightly to him, molding her form to his.

  Nervously, she asked, “Are you going to kiss me?”

  Hadrian stared at her perfect lips for what seemed like an eternity before dragging his gaze back to hers. “No.”

  “Why not?” Eva knew disappointment rang in her voice and she dropped her head, hiding the confusion that surely clouded her eyes.

  Eva’s pulse stuttered and a gasp of surprised pleasure caught in her throat as his lips brushed her ear, taking the sensitive lobe into his mouth.

  “W–wait,” Eva panted. This was not right. He had just said this would not—his lips moved to her neck. No. Focus. This should not be happening. “Your Highness,” she squeaked, “We shouldn’t be—”

  “Hadrian,” he grated, his voice deep and husky, “During moments like these, please, call me by my given name.”

  Eva could not help but nod in agreement as he tasted her flesh with his tongue, drawing circles over her throat, pausing at her pulse. A thrill of excited fear rushed down her spine, curling her toes.

  Trying one last time to hold on to her senses, she tried to pull back, but his arms were like unyielding steel bands. Deciding it might be best to use her fighting skills, she hooked her boot about his ankle. Tripping him, he went crashing to the ground, but he took her with him. They rolled through the snow until he pinned her arms above her head.

  His expression was one of surprise while his eyes darkened. Eva knew he would not let her get away. This was happening, whether it should or not and something deep within her roared with triumph.

  Hadrian lay over her, his eyes studying her as if carefully calculating his options. Finally, with his voice rough with need, Hadrian vowed, “I will bring you pleasure.”

  If Eva had suffered as he had since their last encounter, then he would ease her. His heart began to beat in time with hers and he prayed he would be able to maintain control.

  Hadrian shifted, his erection pressing between her thighs. Freeing one hand, he held her wrists in the other. He traced her jaw with his index finger, before his hand slipped to her throat, brushing the pad of his thumb over her pulse. His hot gaze followed his fingers, searing her skin.

  Running his tongue over his fangs, he frowned. Her bulky jacket was in the way, concealing her ample breasts. With a frustrated snarl, he bent his head, took the zipper between his teeth, and tugged.

  Eva wore a black sweater with a deep V-neckline. It clung to her breasts, hugged her waist, then flared at her hips.

  His lethal yet delicate hand drifted over her newly exposed skin until his palm hovered above her breast. Eva’s back arched, thrusting her breasts upward, but he did not touch her. His gaze lingered on the tops of her honey colored swells. Her nipples were hard and strained against her sheer bra. His eyes traveled lower, his hand following down her side to her hip. He looked over his shoulder at her legs that were spread wide to accommodate his size.

  Was he envisioning her naked?

  Hadrian’s obsidian gaze captured hers. Eva’s heart pounded out of control, her breaths came in painful gasps as unadulterated lust laced her blood. His eyes promised lethal passion.

  Finding her voice, Eva asked, “W-why are you looking at me like that?”

  “Like what?”

  “Like you want to devour me.”

  Hadrian’s lips pulled back from his gruesomely sexy fangs as he snarled, “Because I do.”

  As if to prove his hunger for her, he ground his hips against her, his solid shaft stroked over her center.

  “Oh…God,” she sighed.

  Eva’s eyes slipped closed as he continued to move over her. Again and again he thrust his hips forward, rocking his hardness against her core. Instinctively, her knees came up, her snow covered boots hooked about his thighs. Her fingers curled, her nails biting half-moon imprints into her palms. She struggled against his hold on her wrists, craving to feel his muscles move beneath her hands. His grip tightened and he pressed her more firmly to the ground. Did he think she was trying to flee?

  Hadrian’s lips descended to her throat. His teeth grazed her soft skin, his fangs tickled and teased. Trailing kisses down her neck, he nipped at her collarbone as he slowly ran his free hand over her hip and up her side to cup her breast. His powerful fingers massaged her and occasionally gave a pinch to a hard peak.

  Fire. She was on fire. Her clothes felt rough against her sensitive skin. She wanted to feel his hands on her body, his lips on her breasts, his fingers on her sex as he tongued her nipples.

  As if knowing exactly what she desired, Hadrian tugged at her shirt, pulling the sleeve down revealing one shoulder and her breast.

  She cried out as he took her aching nipple into his hot mouth, suckling her through the transparent material of her bra. He tongued and nipped at her while his hand continued to massage her other breast.

  Each sigh that escaped her luscious lips drove him closer and closer to the edge of madness. But he could not stop, would not stop. He had vowed to bring her pleasure and he would.

  Eva arched beneath him, her arms straining for freedom. She wanted to clutch his head to her breast. She wanted to run her hands over his back as he worked his hips against hers.

  He growled, refusing to release her. “I’m going to make you scream my name in ecstasy,” he whispered.

  She knew he would.

  Craving to taste her flesh, Hadrian roughly ripped her shirt as his teeth tore at the thin black fabric of her bra. He traced his fangs along the curve of her exposed breast, his tongue lightly teasing, sending delicious chills over her body. Then, he captured her nipple again with his lips and Eva’s cry echoed in the night.

  Eva trembled beneath him as he savagely assaulted her breast. Dear god, she had never known pleasure like this.

  With a husky groan, Hadrian’s thrust grew wild as he aggressively pumped his swollen cock against her. Eva rocked her hips, matching his tempo. The world melted around her until there was nothing but Hadrian and the wonderfully torturous things he was doing to her.

  Urgent, undeniable want consumed them as their movements became frenzied. The rougher Hadrian became, the more Eva cried out in bliss.

  Take her, the beast within him whispered.

  He took in a deep breath. God, she was ready for him. He could scent her arousal, she was drenched in sweet honey…He could easily undo her jeans, shove his down and slide into her.

  His entire
body quaked. He could almost feel her clenching around him, milking him as she came. To drive into her would be bliss, a heaven he did not deserve.

  The vampire in him roared, demanding that he mark her.

  His fangs began to tingle as he thought of sinking them into the tender flesh of her breast. Her pulse pounded the sweetest of rhythms in his ears, luring him like a sinful siren’s song, as her body writhed with need. Hadrian grazed her nipple with his fangs and Eva gave a small cry of ecstasy. Again, she tried to wrench her hands free, but he tightened his grip. Hadrian knew he had precious little control. He was barely hanging on, barely able to keep the beast in its cage.

  Releasing her wrists would be dangerous, the things she could do with her hands—He couldn’t think about that now. This moment was not for him. He would give her the release she desperately craved and leave. Or, at least, he prayed he would leave.

  “Please, Hadrian,” Eva sighed, snapping him from his thoughts.

  She was close, so very close. Reluctantly freeing her nipple, Hadrian drew himself up. Arching his back, he pounded against her.

  Dear lord, she was lovely. Her eyes were closed and her brow was creased as she sought her orgasm. Her lips were parted, begging him for a forbidden kiss. The moonlight glittered over her dark hair and made her skin glow. A goddess lay writhing beneath him. Gorgeous.

  Free of inhibitions, Eva matched his thrusts. She arched her back, causing her breasts to brush against his chest with every frantic gasp. Grinding against him, she moaned, whispering his name again and again.

  Every muscle in his body tensed, his control stretched razor thin. The beast was just beneath the surface, ready to drink her, ready to claim her. There was no stopping.

  “Yes…Hadrian…Yes.”

  “Come hard for me,” he rasped.

  Her thighs clenched his hips as she threw her head back. “I’m…Oh, Hadrian…you are making me—”

  Eva cried out, her body fragmenting into a thousand pieces. Shock after shock ripped through her. Her legs wrapped about his hips as she road out her pleasure, savoring her explosive orgasm.