Gently, he laid her upon the bed and she cried out in pain, moving quickly to her side and off her back.
“Ow…” She frowned letting her disapproval be known as their eyes met. “The soreness isn’t gone. Why?” Accusation burned bright in the depths of her eyes.
“A reminder—”
“Fuck your reminder.” She groaned, shifting her leg. “This isn’t funny any more.”
“Fallon, it wasn’t funny to begin with. Bottom line, honey, you’ll heal like any human would heal after a spanking.”
Disbelief widened her eyes. “You’re kidding?”
“No. I’m not.”
Her scowl gradually softened. He sensed when she reached inside herself to counteract what he had done. Frustration returned quickly. “Well, shit.” She eased off the bed, carefully. Again, she glared at him and for a moment he thought she’d say more.
Adrian knew better than to show his amusement. There were no marks on the beautiful skin that she quickly covered with a silky full skirt of emerald-green that rose mid-thigh. He knew she wore no panties and the thought gave him an immediate hard-on.
She glanced at his rigid form and he could read her thoughts. “No fuckin’ way, buster.”
He did laugh this time.
“Funny. Ha-ha,” she blustered, before covering her breasts with a soft peasant blouse that hung off her shoulders. The cute little cowboy boots she wore finished the outfit. As she strolled over to the window, the short skirt teased him, swaying and caressing her ass.
Man, did he want a piece of that. He ran his fingers through his hair. Since it was clear he wasn’t getting any lovin’ he, too, quickly dressed in boots, blue jeans and a cotton shirt. “Ready to talk?”
Lights from the arena and several other buildings lit the night and flooded the room as she pulled the drapes back. “Adrian, you’re better off just letting me leave.” She stared blindly out the window. “If I go now I can make up some ground.”
His boots clicked across the wooden floor as he walked toward her. “I told you, you’re not leaving.”
She turned to confront him. “You can’t make me stay.”
He narrowed his eyes. “Try me.” His tone left no room for argument.
She still didn’t get it. There was no way she was leaving unless she had a damn good reason.
With a shake of her head, she said, “You think last night was bad.” He didn’t care for her silence or the way her face lost all color. “You haven’t seen anything like the demon chasing me.” Glancing around the room, she looked like a caged animal ready to bolt if the door opened.
“C’mon, let’s sit down.”
She huffed. “I’d rather stand thanks to you.”
“Then let’s take a walk. We can swing by and see how Maggie is doing before we leave the house.” Adrian attempted to grasp her hand, but she jerked it back. He didn’t know if it was because she was still upset about the spanking or if anyone touching her right now would receive the same response. Clearly someone had messed her up.
Their footsteps echoed down the hallway. Standing outside of Maggie’s bedroom, Adrian rapped lightly on the door.
“What’da ya’ want,” Tucker barked through the closed door.
“It’s me,” Adrian said and pushed open the door. He first glanced toward the bed, but it was empty. Then he glanced at Tucker. He frowned, nodding toward the corner where Maggie sat cradling herself. Her face tucked in her arms.
“She won’t even let me come near her. She needs to feed,” Tucker complained. The scowl on his face may have been taken as anger, but Adrian knew Tucker was beyond concerned. He had bedded Maggie down with him last night, never allowing her out of his sight. Adrian knew this because throughout the early morning he had kept tabs on her.
“I’ll do it,” Adrian said and received a glare from Tucker. “You’re already in hot water with me—don’t push it.” Tucker backed off, but he wasn’t happy.
When Adrian got within six feet of Maggie she panicked, fear twisted her features. She started to kick and scream, fighting an invisible demon that didn’t exist.
A hand on his arm made him pause. “Let me try,” Fallon asked.
When Adrian nodded Tucker said, “You’re not going to let her feed Maggie.” It wasn’t issued as a question.
Adrian snapped his head around. He knew his eyes glowed red. His fangs had dropped, displaying as his lip curled into a snarl. The low, menacing warning he issued in the form of a growl made Tucker take a step backward.
Misty-eyed, Fallon turned to face Tucker. “No. I won’t feed her. She’s been through so much already. I wouldn’t wish what I have following me on anyone. Let me just talk to her.” She continued on toward Maggie.
Kneeling beside Maggie, Fallon whispered, “You’re free.” Maggie raised her tortured gaze to met Fallon’s. The soft smile Fallon gave her seemed to calm Maggie as her grip around her shoulders relaxed. “Sweetie, you’re free and he’ll never come looking for you again.”
“Really?” Maggie’s voice was weak, childlike and barely audible.
Fallon nodded. “It’s true. Now close your eyes and take a deep breath.”
Maggie appeared a little hesitant, but finally her eyelids drifted shut. She inhaled deeply.
“Freedom,” Fallon whispered, inhaling deeply. The serene look that briefly flashed across her face gave him the impression she could really smell it. The strained emotion in her voice made Adrian’s chest tighten. “Isn’t it wonderful?”
When Maggie eyes opened, she said, “You?”
Fallon sucked her bottom lip in her mouth and bit down. “Yes.” She slid carefully onto her hip and reached out to hold Maggie’s hand. “Never again will he hurt you.” Fallon’s face tightened in obvious anguish as she fought for control. Still several tears rolled down her cheek. She swallowed hard, plainly fighting with her own invisible demons. “Now you have to let the people who love you help so you can recover. You need to feed.”
“You would offer your blood?” Maggie asked.
“No. You don’t want my blood. But Tucker or Adrian—”
“Adrian.” Evidently, Maggie responded too quickly for Tucker’s comfort. A low, quiet sound from deep inside him expressed his disapproval.
“Give her time,” Adrian murmured to Tucker, before he headed toward Maggie. Keeping his distance, he knelt and extended his arm. “Drink, Maggie, and grow strong.”
Fear was a difficult creature to vanquish. She stared at the blue veins in his wrist and swallowed, hard. He could sense her hunger and need. She glanced at Fallon.
“Take what he offers,” Fallon encouraged. “You can trust Adrian. Let him help you.”
Fallon must have said the right words, because Maggie cradled Adrian’s wrist in her palms. Her incisors dropped, she dipped her head, and he felt the sharp sting as her fangs pierced his flesh.
Warm and wet, her tongue skimmed across his skin closing the wound. She raised her head and looked him into his eyes. “Thank you, Adrian.”
With a palm he cupped her cheek. “Maggie, you know I’ll always take care of you.”
The door slammed as Tucker left the room.
Adrian stood and offered Maggie his hand. She accepted it and rose. He led her over to the bed. “Sleep now and we’ll come back and check on you later.” She slipped beneath the covers and he tucked the bedding beneath her form. Then he tapped her on the nose. “Don’t let the bed-bugs bite.”
When he turned back around Fallon was already standing. Face haggard, she looked drained of all energy. He gathered her into his arms, holding her close.
“Who?” he asked.
“Pedro Chavez.”
“Ahhh…shit!”
Adrian didn’t need to say anything more. The expression on his face spoke loudly. Clearly, he knew Chavez. The ahhh…shit comment meant he also knew the bastard was bad news.
Get ready for your walking papers.
Her shoulders slumped. God, she was tired. Everywhe
re she turned she ran smack-dab into a wall. Just once she wanted to find someone willing to help. But she knew the price would be too high to pay. Chavez would kill anyone who attempted to help her.
Besides this was her battle.
She glanced at Maggie, thankful the woman’s nightmares were finally over. Fallon took a breath of courage and faced Adrian. “Thank you.”
With just a couple steps he closed the distance between them. “For what?” Warm palms slid around her biceps as he pulled her to him. His chest pressed to hers felt good, too good.
In an effort to evade the tears building behind her eyes, she closed them. Maybe she could have said her good-byes without a show of emotion, but not with him touching her. She stepped back out of his arms, before raising her eyelids. It was difficult, but she forced a smile on her lips and took a breath of courage.
She shrugged one shoulder. “Hey. It was good while it lasted.” The façade was a strain to hold onto. If she didn’t get out of there and fast, he’d see right through her.
A look of confusion brushed his handsome features. “Sounds like you’re saying good-bye.”
She countered with, “No time like the present to hit the road.”
He shook his head. Exasperation pushed his gaze to the ceiling. “You are one stubborn woman. What part of ‘you’re not leaving me’ didn’t you get?”
Stunned, she stumbled as he pulled her back into his arms. He rested his chin on her head.
“Adrian—”
“Shhh…not here. Let’s take a walk.” With his arm around her shoulders he guided her out of Maggie’s room.
Tucker leaned against the hallway wall outside her door, hat in his hands. For a vampire, Fallon would have thought he would be more presentable. His hair was mussed and he had a day old beard. He looked haggard, as if he hadn’t slept.
“Is she asleep?” he asked, rotating his hat in his hands.
“Yeah,” Adrian said. “You okay?”
Tucker released a short spurt of laughter. “Man, I fucked up.”
“Won’t argue with you there, pal.” Adrian laid a reassuring hand on Tucker’s arm. “Give her time. Then tell her.”
Tucker wagged his head, pausing before he said, “Sorry, man.”
Fallon couldn’t help noticing that a silent message exchanged between men. Adrian’s face was stern. Tucker appeared thoroughly chagrined, as he pushed away from the wall and entered Maggie’s bedroom.
As she and Adrian continued down the hall, Fallon asked, “What was that all about?”
He glanced down at her. “What?”
“Maggie and Tucker?”
“Maggie came to me a couple years ago battered and broken, skittish as a new colt. She took a chance. Reached out to Tucker. Tucker wasn’t ready. Maggie withdrew.”
They entered the vacant living room. “So now he’s ready?” Fallon could hear several voices coming from the kitchen.
Adrian cocked his head, listening. His gaze fell on her. “Give the man a break.”
“Break?” She released a mocking breath. “He needs his ass kicked. Uh…are you gonna tan his hide?”
A spark lit his eyes. A devilish grin tipped his mouth, but before he could answer he pushed open the door leading to the kitchen and they entered.
All eyes turned to them. Sally was kneading dough for tomorrow’s bread. The smell of yeast filled the large room. Gary was sitting at the large picnic table before the window that looked out over Adrian’s land. Several other men, vampires she recognized from the barbeque, were sitting at the table, too. Cougar and Briar rose and came immediately to Adrian’s side. Quiet words were exchanged.
“Fallon.” Adrian nodded toward the table. “Take a load off. I’ll be right back.” He and the other two men started toward the backdoor.
The first bit of pressure on Fallon’s sore ass as she sat down had her jumping to her feet, releasing a tight squeal.
Hand on the doorknob, Adrian pulled to a stop and glanced over his shoulder at her. She pinned him with a scowl. His deep chuckle was nothing like the knowing smirks that went between Cougar and Briar.
Dammit. Did everyone know?
“How’s Maggie?” Sally asked, drawing her attention, as her ass continued to throb. The woman’s strong hands pushed and mixed the dough laid out on a butcher block surface dusted with flour. “Tucker wouldn’t let any of us near her.”
“She’s sleeping.” Fallon had made bread a couple times. She couldn’t help smiling at the memory. It wasn’t one of her greatest moments, but it had been fun cooking with her daughter. Anyone who could actually get the stuff to rise deserved a pat on the back.
“And you?” Sally was too perceptive.
Fallon was sure she was flushing all shades of red. “Sore.”
Sally grinned as she stared into the bowl in front of her. “Our boy doesn’t like to be disobeyed.”
Fallon resisted the urge to rub her ass. “You’re telling me.”
Sally chuckled, as did the men at the table.
Fallon grew closer to Sally. “Does everyone know?”
The older woman’s hands stilled. Her eyes were bright with amusement. “Honey, you two were broadcasting it worldwide.”
“Well, shit. Excuse me.” Fallon felt like crawling out of the kitchen. Instead she held her head high and waltzed out the back door. When she was alone she covered her face with her palms and released a muffled giggle.
Embarrassing? Yes. But she also had to admit that while in the throes of passion the experience had been the hottest she had ever felt. Just the thought of Adrian, the masterful way he wielded her body, aroused her. Already her nipples were tightening, her breasts growing heavy.
Truth be known—she’d do it again in a heartbeat.
She leaned lightly on the hitching post just outside the door.
Artificial lighting brightened the yard. In the distance she could see activity in the arena. Voices rose. The sounds of hooves beating the ground raised the dusty smell of dirt in the air. Curious, Fallon headed toward the noise.
Three 50 gallon barrels were laid out in a triangular form. Crystal, the brunette vampire she had seen at the barbeque last night, sat tall upon a yellowish-gray mare. The woman’s long legs were clad in a pair of light blue fitted jeans. She wore a long-sleeve western shirt and boots and a cowboy hat to match. The buckskin snorted and reared back on its hind legs. When the animal’s front legs touched the ground her powerful hindquarters bunched and sprang, as she lunged forward. It was a thing of beauty to watch Crystal and horse glide around each barrel, in a clover-leaf pattern, and then high-tail it back.
The roar from the crowd sitting upon the two sets of bleachers located outside the arena said Crystal did well. Once again human and vampire mingled. Laughter and camaraderie were all around Fallon.
It was a strange world Adrian had built for himself and his people, but it was a world she would give anything to be a part of—well, until it was time to join her daughter.
The reflection was bittersweet as thoughts of Adrian invaded her mind.
Chapter Eleven
A light breeze played with the hem of Fallon’s short emerald-green skirt. The silky material fluttered softly, rising and falling, but never revealing what Adrian knew hid beneath. Just the thought of those smooth ass cheeks made his hands itch, his cock harden. Long legs were accented by a pair of white cowboy boots. She leaned on the metal piping fence of the arena, her arms folded on the second to the top rung. Her chin rested on her arms as she watched Doreen rein her Palomino gelding around the barrels. The horse’s ivory mane and tail were a beautiful contrast flowing against its cream-colored body in action.
As Lita, a redheaded gal from town, entered the arena preparing to ride, Cougar said, “We sat at Little Tavern for over an hour and no one mentioned anything strange about last night. I think we’re alright.” He brushed his braid aside and set his straw cowboy hat back on his head. “Think there’ll be retaliation?”
Briar turned
away long enough to watch Lita’s bay mare fly around the first barrel. Sadness darkened the man’s eyes.
“Think anyone will miss Dominic?” Adrian asked, already knowing the answer.
“No,” Cougar responded dryly.
Clapping from the audience and the squeal from the wildcat upon the horse as she finished her ride had Briar frowning. “Damn woman's gonna kill herself,” he mumbled beneath his breath.
Temperament and emotion were not something Adrian expected from Briar. He was usually somewhat indifferent. Even as he and Adrian fought Dominic and his minions Briar never once faltered. He killed swiftly and without remorse.
“We’ve got another problem.” Adrian’s gaze drifted back to Fallon. With a quick flick of his finger he stirred the air so that it rushed beneath her skirt, lifting it to give him a birds-eye view of her delicious ass. Just as he thought, she wore no panties.
Her tight squeal put a smile on his face. Blood rushed his groin. Arms flailing, she fought to control the skirt, but not before he got several more eyefuls.
Cougar snickered. “If she knows it’s you doing that you’re dead.”
Shit! His friend saw that.
“Problem?” Briar asked, though his sights were pinned on the people rolling the barrels out of the arena, while others started setting up for bull riding. A smaller fence was resurrected within the arena to control where the Brahmin roamed. Several of Adrian’s own men would control the animals with their powers, if need be. He wanted no one hurt—not on his property.
“It seems that Maggie isn’t the only woman being pursued.” Before Adrian could say more the chute gate flew open and out came Lita on a big, black bull.
“Sonofabitch!” Briar yelled as he took off running toward the arena where the woman from town tested her luck.
Lita was tucked close to the large hump over the animal’s shoulders. One hand in the air, she raked the beast’s shoulders with her spurs. Her long red hair whipped back and forth, up and down, with each swift movement of the bull.
One second she was seated, the next airborne.
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