A Guardian's Salvation

by Stein Willard

  She heard Clarissa take a deep breath.

  “I am meeting with Mary tomorrow night. Our plan is for me to infiltrate her ranks and then attack from the inside. We staged a killing last night as part of my cover as a double agent.”

  Jessica was quiet, as she processed the information. She loved watching movies and it didn’t always end well for undercover agents. Maybe if Clarissa had infiltrated a drug cartel, she would’ve been less apprehensive. Instead Clarissa was infiltrating the ranks of a vicious, vampire queen who, for four centuries, had tortured and almost succeeded in breaking the will of the woman she loved. If anything, she think she deserved the right to freak out now. But she wouldn’t. She would trust in Clarissa’s ability to protect herself.

  “So you are basically being used as bait, since Mary is, in actual fact, hoping to recapture you.” She mentally patted herself on the shoulder at how calm and collected she sounded.

  When Clarissa nodded, Jessica felt her heart jerk in her chest.

  “Does she … What does she want with you, Clarissa? Will she try to kill you?”

  Clarissa’s eyes were gentle as they looked at her.

  “I have no idea what she wants with me. All I know is that I am not ready to die … not now.”

  Jessica slid over Clarissa and pushing her hands under the vampire’s body, gave Clarissa a tight, full body hug. Clarissa was quick to hold her. Fighting back tears of helplessness, Jessica recalled how only few hours ago she was ready to cast Clarissa out of her life. It was at that moment, as she lay quietly on top of the woman she loved with all her heart, that she truly accepted who and what Clarissa was. Vampire, bloodsucker, killer… This creature cradling her so lovingly was her destiny. She had found herself thanks to the unselfish love this woman had shown her and she was irrevocably connected to this woman, forever. No vampire bitch was going to come between them. Clarissa had to live.

  “That’s not enough for me,” she mumbled into the soft blonde hair. “I need more. I need to know that you will come back to me and that I will spend the rest of my life in your arms.”

  Clarissa’s arms tightened around her. “I cannot give you any more than that, my love. I wish I could.”

  Jessica lifted her head and looked down into concerned brown eyes.

  “I’m sorry too.” With that said she reached down and opened the buttons on Clarissa’s shirt. Her hands were shaking so much that it took her a while to loosen the first button.

  “What are you doing, Jessica?” Clarissa asked calmly, as she reached out to still Jessica’s trembling hands. “Not like this.”

  Jessica looked up from her task, her face streaked with tears, as her eyes caressed the face of the woman who held her heart.

  “You want to know what I’m doing, Clarissa,” she whispered hoarsely. “Well, I’m not sure if I will ever again get the chance to make love you again.” She roughly rubbed the tears from her cheeks, but they were immediately replaced by fresh ones. “So you ask me what I’m doing. Well, I’m claiming you, Clarissa. I’m going to make love to the woman I love, before she walks away from me to go save the world and never returns.”

  †

  Clarissa was shaking as she held Jessica’s hands. What was she doing? She had been privy to Jessica’s thoughts. Was it fair for her to go out and confront Mary, not entirely sure if she would survive the battle? Her heart constricted painfully. As skilled a fighter as she knew herself to be, she was well aware that she wasn’t invincible. Tahlia was a strong and protective leader and she would never allow for any of her clan to perish in a fight. But then, she too couldn’t protect her reincarnated lover all the time. Her arms tightened around Jessica. She simply couldn’t imagine her life without the woman in her arms.

  Rissa…?”

  Clarissa felt her heart break at the pleading look in the grey eyes. “I love you, Jessica,” she whispered in a broken voice.

  “Then show me, Clarissa.”

  Unable to refuse the urgent plea, she lowered her head and captured the moist lips gently. Whatever might happen tomorrow, she was going to make this woman hers. All she had to do after tonight was to make sure that she survived the coming battle and keep her promise to Jessica. The kiss deepened, Jessica’s tongue filling Clarissa’s mouth, as her hands frantically began ripping at Clarissa’s clothes.

  “Easy, my love. Let’s make this last.”

  †

  Jessica was beside herself with fear as she fumbled with the buttons on Clarissa’s shirt. After a few seconds she looked up into the smoldering brown eyes.

  “Please, help me.”

  A soft smile formed around Clarissa’s mouth, as she slowly sat back. With a quick flick of her hand, she ripped her shirt open, giving Jessica a tantalizing view of a black, satin bra.

  Jessica lowered her head and captured a satin-covered nipple between her teeth. Clarissa gasped softly and taking that as her queue to explore further, her hand travelled down a silken smooth stomach only to find an unwelcomed barrier stopping her. “I want the rest off too.”

  She grinned when she saw Clarissa immediately reach for her jeans. This proved a difficult fete, because the vampire’s hands were shaking badly. Jessica was just about to offer her help when the dark brown eyes lifted to her face. Holding Jessica’s gaze, Clarissa flicked her wrist.

  Jessica was stunned to find them both completely naked and she quickly sat up to stare down at Clarissa.

  “How … what …”

  Clarissa quickly turned her head away, but not before Jessica saw a flash of raw panic in the vampire’s eyes. She blinked rapidly, as she continued to stare at the blonde. Truth be told, until that very moment, she had completely forgotten who and what Clarissa was. A rush of tenderness took over, as she slowly leaned over and cupped Clarissa’s cheek, silently prompting the vampire to look at her. The stark fear she read in the brown eyes, caused tears to form in her own eyes. Clarissa’s lips parted only to close again when Jessica pressed her mouth against them. “Never mind how you did it, gorgeous. You got the job done. Now try to concentrate while I ravish you.” The last part she purred in a husky voice.

  She saw the fear slowly subside until Clarissa’s eyes were once again bright with love.

  “I love you, you crazy woman,” Clarissa whispered softly, her tone conveying her awe, and Jessica laughed softly.

  “Let’s keep it that way.”

  Jessica lowered her head and gently nuzzled Clarissa’s neck, nipping and sucking the soft flesh until she felt the vampire practically vibrate with desire. Her mouth moved down a muscled shoulder to the curve of a soft breast, where she tenderly lapped at the hard nipple. She murmured soft words of praise around the hard nub, as her hand slowly travelled south, her nails gently raked over tight, muscled abs, the act eliciting a soft groan from Clarissa.

  Unrelenting, she continued her journey downward, her head lifting from the succulent breasts to look into blazing brown eyes. She raked her nails through the soft, fragrant patch of hair at the apex of Clarissa’s legs and smiled when, with a soft sigh, the vampire closed her eyes. An errant finger slipped passed sleek, swollen lips, to the well-protected bundle, protruding from the steamy lips.

  Jessica gently tugged on the nub and gasped when Clarissa’s hips surged upward, almost unseating her. The pad of her thumb glided over the sensitive nub and a long drawn out moan from her lover was her reward. Realizing that she was fast becoming addicted to the soft, desire-filled sounds escaping Clarissa’s lips, she moved lower still, pleasantly surprised by the copious amount of wetness she found there. Jessica felt her mouth water, eager to once again taste Clarissa’s intimate essence and to drink from her until she was drunk from the exquisite bouquet. Slowly, she let her fingers explore the entrance and lazily traced a finger up, down, and around the sensitive band of nerves guarding the hot opening. Jessica moaned when Clarissa spread her legs wider and her hands grabbed fistfuls of the sheet.

  “It has been too long, Jess. I need you so much.
” The soft breathy words incited her further and without warning, she plunged her fingers deep into Clarissa. A loud growl sounded and Jessica heard a large tear. Before she could investigate the origin of the sound, the view around her rotated and she found herself flat on her back with Clarissa on top of her. Clarissa’s eyes were stormy with passion and Jessica reveled in the power she had over this woman.

  Clarissa lowered her head and took her lips in a savage, lustful kiss.

  “Whatever you do, do not remove your fingers.” Clarissa’s voice was hoarse with need. “That is an order, beloved.”

  Jessica nodded meekly, startled by Clarissa’s dazzling display of dominance and simply loving it. Clarissa started to move, her breasts swaying gently as she worked her way onto Jessica’s fingers, pulling the digits deeper inside her. With her head thrown back and her mouth wide open, Clarissa unhurriedly rolled her hips, sucking in the fingers.

  Fascinated by the erotic sight, Jessica felt a trickle of wetness down her thigh.

  Clarissa’s movements gradually picked up speed until the bed softly began to creak under her powerful undulations, the brown eyes holding hers captive.

  “Oh baby, you look so beautiful,” Jessica murmured and wiggled her fingers slightly where they were buried deep inside Clarissa.

  †

  Clarissa lifted her hand and pressed it against Jessica’s lips. She smiled when the soft lips opened and a warm tongue licked at her fingers. The erotic act made her lose her rhythm momentarily. She wanted that wonderful tongue between her legs. She hoisted herself off Jessica’s hand and crawled up higher, leaving a wet path until she hovered over Jessica’s parted lips.

  Her request was blatantly obvious and Jessica didn’t wait to be asked twice. Her hot mouth latched onto the swollen nub, and she began to suck hard, greedily taking her pleasure. A warm surge went through Clarissa’s body and she knew that she wasn’t going to last long. But she didn’t want to come alone. She lifted her hips a little bit and groaned when she felt Jessica’s teeth desperately tugging on her clit, not wanting her to move.

  Even in the fogged state, Clarissa knew that a distraction was the only way she was going to get her lover to release her. She leaned back slightly and rubbed two fingers over Jessica’s swollen clit, drawing a soft gasp from the women underneath her. Free form the exquisite hold, she slowly made her way down the long body to the steamy place where her fingers had been a few seconds ago.

  She waited until dazed grey eyes met hers, before she exposed the hidden treasure. The fragrant scent caused her mouth to water in anticipation, even as her own clit twitched eagerly.

  Clarissa slowly lowered her mouth to the prize and felt Jessica stiffen at the touch of warm breath on her clit. She carefully licked the glistening outer lips groaning at the sweet taste of her lover.

  “Don’t tease me, Clarissa.” Jessica husked as she locked her hands behind Clarissa’s head, her hips bucking wildly.

  Clarissa gave in to Jessica’s breathy request and began to lap at the sensitive nub. Absorbed by the exquisite taste, she feasted hungrily on Jessica. When she plunged two fingers into Jessica’s sex, she could almost immediately feel the tiny contractions deep within her lover.

  “I want us to come together, beloved.” She quickly sat back and brought Jessica’s legs up and bent them at the knee. Leaning forward into Jessica’s arms, Clarissa allowed enough space for Jessica to curl her legs high up on her back. She pressed forward and moaned when their sexes touched. Together they strained against each other. Clarissa looked down into Jessica’s face just as it contorted in ecstasy, her mouth parting as a piercing sound escaped her.

  Unable to look away from the sight, Clarissa felt her body starting to vibrate, as a strong wave of excruciating bliss dashed through her body, destroying any sense of coherent speech or thought. With a deep growl, she lowered her head, still grinding powerfully against her lover. Her fangs lengthened. Too weak to resist the hot, adrenaline-spiked blood she could hear sloshing through her lover’s veins, she closed her eyes and bit down.

  A splash of thick, pulsing blood rushed into her mouth, and she clamped down, working her hips faster as she drank deeply and greedily from the nourishing brew.

  †

  Jessica screamed as the sensation of Clarissa’s suction hit her hard between her legs, setting off a second orgasm. The robust motions of Clarissa’s body smeared them both with sweat, dripping onto the sheets. Suddenly, the pressure on her neck was gone, taking with it the ecstasy. She felt the soft lap of Clarissa’s tongue on her neck and silently mourned the loss of the euphoric sensation. She felt Clarissa’s hips coming to a slow grind before all movement ceased. For a long moment, they just held each other as they rode out the tiny aftershocks. With a soft sigh, the vampire rolled off her and Jessica reveled at the familiar sensation of sweat pooling in her bellybutton. Finally…finally the curse’s been broken, shattered completely. Her body felt boneless, mushy, and joyously alien considering her lack of sex over the past three years.

  Clarissa lay quietly next to her, making Jessica wonder if she had fallen asleep. Just then the blonde hoisted herself onto her elbow and looked down into her face. Jessica grinned brightly at Clarissa, knowing that she must look the way she felt … completely ravished.

  “What a way to end three years of abstinence,” Jessica murmured, tracing the sensual lips with her fingertip. “You’re awfully quiet. Don’t vampires believe in conversation after sex?”

  A small smile formed on Clarissa’s lips, a hint of her dimples showing.

  “I think my body has been doing the talking for me.”

  Chuckling softly, Jessica twisted a nipple causing Clarissa to gasp.

  “Braggart.”

  This time the smile was wider, showing off the cute dimples fully.

  “You asked for it and I delivered. What is wrong with that?” Clarissa’s chocolate eyes were soft, as they caressed Jessica’s flushed face. “You were unbelievable.”

  They shared a tender kiss before Clarissa sat up and swung her feet off the bed. Confused, Jessica sat up too.

  “Where’re you going?” She placed a soft hand on Clarissa’s back.

  “It will be daylight soon. I have to …”

  “Noooooo … Not yet,” Jessica wailed softly, her hand curling around Clarissa’s waist. “I’m not ready to let you go just yet.”

  Clarissa turned her head, her brown eyes serious as they looked at her. “I am not ready either, but I have to go.”

  “Where are you going to sleep?”

  “Down in the basement with the others.”

  “Please, take me with you. I really don’t want to be away from you.” Stunned by her neediness, since she abhorred that trait in lovers, Jessica found herself tightening her hold on Clarissa.

  Clarissa swallowed hard and looked away.

  “I am sorry, but it is not possible.”

  “Why not?” The grey eyes widened. “You don’t sleep in a coffin, do you?”

  “No, I do not sleep in a coffin.” The brown eyes were sad when they looked back at her again. “I am … we revert to a corpse-like state when we sleep. It could be frightening for you.”

  Jessica felt a shiver run down her spine at the image of Clarissa lying next to her, cold and stiff in temporary death. It surprised her that even with that vivid picture in her mind, her need to be with Clarissa was stronger. She licked suddenly dry lips. Their link was still too delicate for her to risk a separation of a whole day.

  “Take me with you. I want to fall asleep in your arms,” she said softly and saw the shock on Clarissa’s face. “Please …”

  “You really mean it? You want to go down into the cellar with me, where it will be as quiet as a tomb and …”

  “Don’t…” She took a deep breath. “Please … don’t scare me any further, but yes. I want to go down there with you.”

  Clarissa stared at her for a long moment, before she nodded.

  “If you are sure, then ye
s, I would love to hold you in my arms until you fall asleep.”

  “Yes!” Jessica jumped off the bed and reached for her clothes. She was shrugging into her jeans when she looked up and caught Clarissa eyes. The blonde was gazing at her with a look of pure love. Jessica made her way over to where Clarissa stood and, without saying a word, pulled her into a gentle hug. “Now get dressed. We don’t have much time.”

  They held hands, as they left the room and walked to the door leading down the staircase. Jessica came to an abrupt halt, pulling on Clarissa’s hand. “Why are we taking the stairs and not the elevator?”

  Clarissa smiled and Jessica almost swooned at the sight of the beautiful dimples. They made her look so young and playful.

  “I will show you.” She opened the door and stood for a few seconds, listening. “Ok, come over here.” She easily swung Clarissa into her arms. “Now hold on tight.”

  Jessica had barely locked her arms around Clarissa’s neck when the vampire burst into action. She opened her mouth to scream, but no sound escaped her lips. Everything became blurred, a vortex of near nothingness. If not for the air tugging at her hair, she wouldn’t have believed that they were moving.

  Moments later, she found herself swaying on her legs, her arms still locked around Clarissa’s neck. A soft chuckle made her open her eyes warily. Looking around, she found herself standing in a small, dimly-lit room, bare except for the big bed in the center.

  When she turned to Clarissa, she found the vampire looking at her, a sheepish look on her face.

  “I only use this room for sleeping, unlike the others who are…” she shrugged. “… bonded.”

  “I don’t understand?”

  “Inger and Gabriella spend quite a lot of time down here. Inger actually lives down here with Paloma when she comes for a visit. Their chamber is fully furnished for Inger’s comfort.”

  Testing to see if her legs could hold her weight she carefully took a step away from Clarissa. Her knees buckled, but just as she reached for Clarissa, strong arms already held her tight against a hard body.