Burn: A shifter and vampire rock star romance (Underground Encounters Book 4)

by Lisa Carlisle

  Martin slowly lowered his arm. Fear pulsed in his wide-eyed gaze.

  I struggled against the bloodlust, clenching my hands into fists as I forced the compulsion from my yearning body. Only when I relaxed did I dare bend down to lick one of the puncture wounds. The taste of his salty blood on my tongue dizzied me. Shifter blood. It reminded me how delicious Devon had tasted when I’d bit him, like trying a decadent new dessert. The hunger burst back.

  I struggled to remain in control and not let the beast urge me to take actions I’d regret. I couldn’t do this to Devon. I wouldn’t betray him.

  For several seconds, I listened to this shifter’s heartbeat, pounding the blood through his veins. I counted the beats rather than letting its music wash over me.

  Only once I broke that spell did I dare to resume and seal the other wound. After his skin pulled tight as it was repairing, I leaned back.

  “It’s done,” I said. “Rest and have fluids. Eat and get a good night sleep. You’ll be fine.”

  Martin eyed me with both terror and confusion etched into his expression.

  “Thank you, Layla,” Devon said.

  A group of five ran up to us—three women and two men.

  Devon snorted. “Good timing.”

  “Where are they?” an older male with gray streaking his black hair asked.

  “Dead.” Devon pointed to Gayle’s body, now completely ashes, and the remainder of Jon’s, which still disintegrated with smoke. The scent of burning flesh permeated the air.

  “We got here as fast as we could,” the man said. “As soon as Martin warned us.”

  Once again, I tried to gauge how much time had passed. The whole fight must have been over in a few short minutes. It only seemed like years.

  A copper-haired woman held a sword aloft and took a defensive stance. “Why haven’t you taken care of this vampire?”

  “She’s with me,” Devon declared.

  “Devon, how could you? she said. “After what happened to Muriel. We all know our species don’t mix.”

  “They are not all the same, just as we are not all the same,” Devon said. “I’ve learned that I was wrong to regard them all that way. We’ve been blinded by prejudice for too long—mostly me.”

  “But, look at her,” the older man said. “She’s covered in blood. What bloodshed has she caused?”

  “The same as me. Fighting against the evil that had stepped into our forest.”

  Martin stood. His legs appeared wobbly. “She just saved my life. Devon is right. Our ignorance has blinded us in the past. Let’s leave them be.”

  He faced me and said, “Thank you.”

  After he led the others back into the forest, I turned to Devon.

  What now?

  Devon

  As we returned through the forest to my cottage, I contemplated what we’d endured.

  We’d survived. Relief throbbed through me. I wanted to take Layla in my arms and spin her around and cover her face with kisses.

  Layla strode beside me with her hair tousled and strewn with leaves. Bloodstains marred her flawless skin, smearing her face, neck, arms—pretty much her entire upper body. Her clothing was stained with blood and torn, exposing parts of her pale skin. She appeared like an untouchable warrior, an enchanting huntress. Intoxicating and irresistible.

  Testosterone had built up within me during the fight, which didn’t help me battle the draw to her. I tried to stifle it, but my cock twitched, aware of her presence. Since I was still naked, there would be no way to hide an erection.

  “That was intense,” I pointed out. “Hunting with you, fighting with you…”

  She tilted her head and gave me a coy smile. “Who would have thought a shifter and vampire would team up like this?”

  “I have to admit—it turned me on.”

  She placed her hands on her hips. “Devon,” she said with mock surprise. When her gaze raked over my body, she bit her lip. “Do you always get excited when you fight?”

  “Never like this.” My voice came out strained. “I’m thrilled and relieved we made it. And I need you…”

  “You want me in this state?” She pointed at her ravaged appearance.

  “Hell yes.” I stepped closer to her. “You’re my wild beauty. A true warrior.”

  “Me?” She appeared surprised at my assessment. “I’m still a newbie. A young vampire still learning the way.”

  “You’re beautiful, resourceful, caring, and fierce. Everything I admire. Gayle was powerful, and you took her on yourself. Never doubt how capable you are.”

  She glanced at the forest floor. Her pale cheeks turned as red as the blood streaks on her skin.

  I took her wrist and kissed the palm. “And utterly irresistible.”

  Her full lips parted, and she searched my eyes. “You’re quite difficult to resist, as well.”

  I maneuvered her back to a sturdy oak tree and pinned her wrists above her head. After I pressed my body against hers, I kissed her face, her neck, and her lips. The tinges of blood added to the lust, battle and hunt were both such powerful aphrodisiacs for a predator.

  The scent of her desire fueled my own. I reached under her sweater and pulled her red lace bra away to feel one of her velvety-soft breasts. Her nipple hardened under my touch, and I stroked my thumb and forefinger over it. An urge rose to taste it. I yanked her sweater up to capture the taut pink bud in my mouth. She moaned with pleasure, which continued as I tasted the other perfect peak.

  I pulled her leggings down. My mouth gaped open as I admired the package she presented in the tiny red lace panties. I pulled it away to taste the hot slick folds it hid beneath. She murmured something as she leaned back against the tree and let me taste her. She gasped and then ran her fingers over my cheek.

  “Help me take this off.”

  She reached down, and we removed one of the furry brown boots and a pant leg. As I followed up with the other leg, she stopped me.

  “Leave it on. I need you now,” she begged.

  I stood and lifted her up against the tree to accommodate our height difference. After I pressed my aching head against her soft, wet opening, I paused.

  “Is this hurting you?” I asked.

  “Fuck no, this is hot. I’m not as delicate as I look. Remember?”

  True. She’d just destroyed a powerful vampire.

  I entered her slowly, savoring the tightening sensation of being enveloped by her warm flesh.

  “Yes, Devon.” She moaned, throwing her head back.

  I slid the rest of my length into her, growling at the exquisite feel of her. At first, I took it slow, moving in and out of her with long, languid strokes. As the pressure mounted, the beast took over. I drove into her without restraint.

  Her soft moans escalated into more throaty groans as I thrashed into her, driving me to continue fucking her hard like this. Her limbs tightened as she grasped me, grinding on me even harder as I impaled her.

  A strange yearning filled me. I wanted to do something more for her. One thing came to mind. I bent my head to the side to expose my neck. “You can bite me.”

  “What?” she answered in surprise. She stared at me under dark lashes.

  I slowed down my pace and held her aloft. “I saw how difficult it was for you to control with Martin. You showed great restraint. You can drink from me. I want you to.”

  She searched my eyes as if seeking the truth. Whatever she found must have convinced her, as she opened her mouth and extended her fangs.

  “It’ll only hurt for a second. And then it will feel good. I promise.”

  I braced myself for the piercing of sharp points impaling my flesh. When they punctured it, pain radiated from the site. It ebbed away, followed by a sensual warmth. Intense bolts of desire flooded through me, overwhelming me with the need to fuck and claim her.

  As she clamped down on my throat and drank from me, I thrust into her again. Her body met mine with greater force and friction as we lost ourselves amid the forbidden
sensations. We were connected, body and blood, the stimuli overpowered my senses.

  I rocked into her with furious thrusts, pushing her to the edge, as she suckled at my neck with sensual moans. Her muscles tightened, and she grasped me even more tightly. She pulled her mouth away as she climaxed and screamed into the night forest, pulling me over the edge with her. I drove into her with three final thrusts as the forest exploded with more stars and I released deep inside her.

  We stilled, panting heavily against the tree.

  After a few moments, she asked. “Are you okay?”

  “Never fuckin’ better in my life.”

  Blood rolled down her chin. My blood. It didn’t bother me one bit. In fact, I surprised myself when I reached out and licked it. It tasted as I expected—a distinct coppery flavor. What I didn’t expect was that I’d ever invite a vampire to drink from me.

  She wasn’t just a vampire, though. She was Layla.

  My Layla.

  “Thanks for letting me do that.”

  I let her down to her feet. “Come on, let’s go back home and clean up.”

  Hmm. Odd that I’d referred to my cottage as home, as if it was for the two of us.

  “Devon, where did you disappear to when we were fighting? Before you came back as a lion?”

  “I heard the others calling, searching for us. I ran about a half-dozen yards to recruit them into the fight, and then I bounded back as a lion, using the momentum to charge Jon. It was super quick.”

  “It seemed much longer,” she said, worry clear in her voice. “I was afraid I’d lost you.”

  I ruffled her hair. “Nah, you’re stuck with me a little longer, sweetheart.”

  She blinked as if holding back tears. “It’s over. I can’t believe it’s finally done. Thank you for helping me.”

  “My pleasure.”

  She shuffled her weight from one foot to the other. “I guess we don’t need to hide out anymore. Mind if I stay with you one more day? I need to clean up and prepare to travel back to the U.S.”

  I wanted to tell her she was welcome to stay as long as she wanted.

  Instead, I swallowed and gave her a decadent grin. “Of course. I want you in my bed one more time to wish you a proper goodbye.”

  Chapter 14

  Layla

  Back in Devon’s cottage, he played Amy Winehouse. She was one artist we both agreed on. But the pain in her voice as she sang Love is a Losing Game cemented the finality of our affair. Soon he would be just someone from my past.

  He was without a doubt the best lover I’d ever had. Although I only had limited experience in the bedroom, the way he knew what my body craved was almost intuitive. I loved how he didn’t hold back and gave it to me as rough as I could take.

  This time, Devon caressed me with a gentle touch. My body once again responded to him, although we’d just been together in the forest a couple of hours before. The scent of the night forest lingered on his skin, adding to his masculine appeal.

  A part of me wanted to delay my departure, but I couldn’t do that. He’d put his life on hold to help me, a stranger, and it wasn’t as if he’d invited me to stay longer. Plus, I had things to take care of with the band in Boston. I couldn’t screw them over and leave them without notice or explanation when we had gigs scheduled.

  With his expert tongue, he swirled it around one nipple and then the other. While he devoted attention to each breast, he took his time exploring my body. He seduced me with his hands, lips, and tongue, leaving me quivering for more.

  How could I leave this? Passion like this was something I’d never experienced. I’d never wanted someone so much before, never craved them this way.

  But, without any more threats, there was no reason for me to stay. No reason why I should share his bed in this cozy cottage in the magnificent English forest. This was the last time my body would feel such pleasure. I savored every kiss, searing each touch to memory.

  When his lips finally met the apex of my inner thighs, my melancholy thoughts on my upcoming departure vanished. I couldn’t focus on anything else, but him.

  He tortured me with light strokes of his tongue on my upper thighs. So close but not quite there.

  “Please. Now,” I begged.

  He then tasted me with a long stroke of his tongue and I arched my back.

  “Oh yes…”

  He drove me insane as he commanded a fierce hold on my body, increasing the pressure on my sensitive bud. When I edged closer, he pulled back, resuming long, deep strokes up and down my sex.

  “Please, Devon,” I begged. “I need you.”

  Devon applied expert pressure on me that I shot right to the precipice. This time, he didn’t pull away, but drove me over. I cried out as I exploded, like a ball of flames shooting across the night sky.

  He pulled away and then entered me with a slow stroke. I clung to him as he moved inside me, all the way in and almost all the way out. I grabbed him, desperate to keep him from withdrawing.

  My fangs emerged as the blood in his veins sang to all my senses. Oh, what pleasure it would be to taste it one more time. I forced myself to ignore it, the way I had been when we had sex. It wasn’t too difficult to refocus my attention on what his body did to mine.

  Passion rose with each stroke. I pressed against him with each thrust, my ass no longer on the bed. He held my hips as he drove into me.

  The beginning of another orgasm took me by surprise. I clawed his back as it overwhelmed me, and I shattered once again.

  Once the quakes subsided, he flipped us, so he lay on his back and I straddled him.

  “I want to see you again like this, remember you.” He punctuated his words with a gentle caress from my cheek down over my upper body.

  I started rocking slowly as I moved over him. He stretched me with every inch of his impressive cock.

  “Beautiful,” he whispered. “Feels so good.”

  The vein in his neck throbbed below me. Coupled with the insistent drumbeat of his pulse, it stirred the longing. This would be the last time we were together, the last time I could taste him…

  “Devon, please let me taste you once more,” I begged. My body throbbed with hunger.

  He stared up at me, his eyes dark with desire. “Do it.”

  When I lowered my head, I smelled the wild, earthy scent of him. I licked the skin stretched over his pulsing vein and tasted the salty musk. Stretching my mouth wide, I sank my fangs into that delicate flesh.

  His blood rolled over my tongue like a dark, rich wine. It intoxicated me, the forbidden thirst finally quenched. A shudder of pleasure rippled through my body, igniting the sensual demand. I slid up and down his cock with a greater urgency, which he matched, bucking beneath me and hitting all the right spots.

  It didn’t take long to rise to another splendid peak. I detached my fangs from his throat as I exploded again. He gripped my hips and thrust into me with deep thrusts that made me cry out. He detonated with a fierce growl, pinning my hips as he emptied his release into me.

  After I licked the puncture wounds to seal them, I collapsed onto his wide chest.

  He pulled me into his arms and whispered, “I’m going to miss you.”

  Shit, I was going to miss him, too. Tears stung my eyes, but what was the point? I blinked them away before he spotted them.

  Devon

  Layla booked a night flight from Bristol to Boston. On the drive to the airport, so many things jumbled in my head. Things I wanted to say, but I didn’t know if I should. How I’d never forget her. How she should come visit if she ever returned to England. Would she even want to hear this? Or, was she ready to put this entire incident behind her? She was a pro at starting over.

  Instead, I said nothing. I pulled into the car park.

  “Thank you for everything, Devon.”

  She wrapped her arms around me. I pulled her closer and inhaled the sweet scent of her one last time.

  “Take care of yourself, sweetheart. You are so prone to fi
nding trouble that I’m reluctant to let you go.” I kissed her so lightly on the top of her head, I wondered if she’d even notice.

  “Sometimes it finds me.” She pulled back to look up at me with a grin. “It was quite a wild ride, wasn’t it?”

  Starting with me hunting her down and ending with me falling for her. “It sure was.”

  Our eyes locked for I don’t know how long, communicating words my mouth couldn’t say. I’d miss her terribly. The depths of her warm brown eyes indicated she felt the same for me.

  However, it was over. We had no reason to be with each other anymore. It was time for each of us to go back to our lives before this incident had thrown us together.

  I climbed out of the car and retrieved her bag from the trunk, putting it down next to her.

  “I’m not letting you leave without a goodbye kiss,” I said.

  She dropped her head back as her lips parted. Her eyelids fluttered closed, the way they did when I’d kissed her before. Another thing I’d miss. I captured her mouth with searing passion. My tongue savored her sweet mouth. The coppery taste of blood still lingering from the pouch she had earlier. Odd how I found it sensual. I devoured her, imprinting her taste onto my memory.

  Layla pulled away first. “I better catch my plane.”

  She gave me a brilliant smile and picked up her bag. “Goodbye, Devon. Be happy.” She moved to her tiptoes and kissed me on the cheek.

  I watched her walk away from me and out of my life. After she disappeared into the terminal, I realized my hand was on my cheek where she had kissed me.

  Get over it, Devon. She’s not the first woman to come in and out of your life. You’ll forget her soon enough.

  The ache in my gut warned that this time might be different.

  Layla

  Leaving England was the sensible choice. Still, I departed with mixed feelings as my plane pulled away from the tarmac. I couldn’t see much of London in the dark. It was just as well since I didn’t want to say goodbye to England for good.

  It was also where Devon lived. Remembering the time in his flat unleashed another wave of mixed feelings. We’d developed something over our short time together. Despite the hate-filled beginning, it had ended with such gentleness and passion. I ran my fingers over my lips, remembering how firm and soft his touch could be. How he tasted.