Hope closed her eyes. She wouldn’t picture Ann here playing in all of this sand. They had a sand box at the coven the child had loved, that’s where she would keep her memories. When she opened her eyes she instead reached for a handful of the soft white sand beneath her feet. It slipped through her fingers.
“Ann would have loved this sand.”
Rhett smiled. “Yes, she would have.”
Chapter 12
“Rhett, she needs someone like me,” Tate said.
Tate had approached Rhett a week after Ann’s death. Hope spent much of her time in the bedroom. Rhett hovered on occasion when he thought she needed him; he gave her space when she needed that too. At night, she lay on the cot; she’d wake disoriented and scramble around for Ann, then realize she wasn’t there. Her weeping hurt Rhett. He wondered if Cecily ever wept for Acca.
Rhett determined he would take her on another outing today. They hadn’t been anywhere but the beach since Ann passed. Although Rhett had made some progress, he had found three statues to place in the field where he was certain Ann and Acca played. Never having been into gardening, it was therapeutic to find wild flowers and plant them. He often wondered if he was being selfish not to share their resting place with Hope. But he wanted it perfect the first time she saw it; it had to be perfect.
Hope had been so curious about the world around her. She wasn’t a breeder female and so the rules didn’t apply to her. Rhett could take her anywhere, and he planned on taking her everywhere. She would never forget Ann; he would never be able to take Hope’s mind off of her. He just wanted her to see other things. Maybe even things that would make her happy and excited to be alive.
“Tate, I know you honestly feel that way but I think I’m what’s best for Hope.”
“But you want a breeder female and have kids. You were amazing with Ann. I’ve never seen that side of you except with children. You were always good to me. It’s the women who make you angry for some reason, and I know it’s not just Tanya’s fault.”
“With Hope, it’s different,” Rhett said. And it was.
“But, I, but…”
“Tate.” Rhett put his hands onto Tate’s shoulders. “I know you mean well. Your time is coming. Have patience. Before you know it, a female will fall into your lap and you’ll be smitten.”
Tate looked less than happy as Rhett walked away. Hope was looking out the window when Rhett entered his room. She backed into his arms when he pressed against her. The bell for lunch sounded. He heard Hope’s tummy growl. She had a small smile on her face and Rhett knew she was thinking how much Ann loved that food bell.
“It’s time for lunch. I know you’re hungry.”
Hope turned and gazed up at him. “I don’t belong anywhere. There’s no table for a barren, childless woman.”
Rhett had thought that was part of the problem. “Come with me.”
Hope stood trembling in the main hall. Everyone who had been talking quieted. Rhett led her to a small table to the right, near the breeder table and those her own age. Hope sat, flustered. There were only two seats. One for her and one for him. There was a single red rose in a vase. After Rhett sat, he began to pile food onto Hope’s plate.
“Here,” came a voice. Rhett looked at the breeder table. It was within reaching distance. A young man was smiling at Hope as he handed her a bowl of strawberries. “It’s nice to see you back.”
Hope smiled as she accepted the berries, Ann’s favorites, besides cookies. Eyes lowered Hope nibbled a berry. She wasn’t about to be let off that easy. The breeder table was a boisterous bunch; they laughed told lewd jokes and included Hope and Rhett in everything. Rhett knew just because Hope was barren it didn’t mean the males weren’t interested; what they did on weekends or who they did them with was their business. Except, Rhett made it known Hope was off limits.
Though many faces showed their disappointment, some of the males remained suggestive until Hope blushed. Rhett wanted her to see she was desired, beautiful. It was working. Hope had needed those days in seclusion, but this was what she needed now. To feel welcomed and wanted and that she did belong, Rhett would always find a place for her.
As the humans began filing out of the hall, Rhett took Hope into his arms. There was a place he wanted to show her. At one time after the ice age hit and the humans weren’t always considered an endangered species, a few of the other harder vampires indulged in a few games. Rhett knew of them, but didn’t condone them. He knew the games were still being played behind Tavish’s back, but only older males were used in the game, and never any from a vampire coven.
Below Rhett could see the maze. There was no one there, but the high walls were recently cut and well cared for. He had no intention of dropping Hope into the maze as the other hunters did with their prey.
“What is this place?” Hope asked.
“It’s a maze.”
They were standing at one of the two exits, or entrances depending on where they started. A human would be released and forced to flee. If they found their way out they were granted their freedom, but they were hunted, on foot, by vampires. As far as Rhett knew there wasn’t a human alive who had won. Today there would be.
* * * *
“It looked spooky from the sky. It looks creepier up close.” Hope gazed up at the ten foot high shrubbery. Someone must have trimmed it regularly. It wasn’t as overly wild as the other places she had seen. The entrance was foreboding and Hope shuddered as Rhett encouraged her in.
“This is called a maze. Long ago your ancestors had all kinds of them, some made of corn others more inventive. They did it for fun.”
“If it was my ancestors then how can it still be standing?”
“Even vampires like to play games.” Hope didn’t think she liked the sound of that. She wasn’t in the mood for games. “Come and find me.”
Rhett was suddenly gone. Hope didn’t know whether to go forward or back. She was already lost. Why was he doing this? There were enough panicked and saddened emotions battling inside of her. Now he was adding abandoned to the list? Alone with her emotions.
Well fine, I’m broken but not defeated.
No not defeated, but so damned close to it. If she just stood there she would get nowhere. Grumbling, Hope trudged along around corners to dead ends, backtracking. Her frustration grew. She refused to call for Rhett. If her ancestors could play this stupid game so could she.
As she continued on, she came to another dead end. The bushes had her boxed in. She couldn’t see where she was going or where she had been; it was all so hopeless. Stopping for a breath Hope looked up. For just a second, she caught a glimpse of someone. It had to be Rhett keeping an eye on her.
It took her only seconds to see why she was playing this game. It was no game. It was how she felt. She was boxed in, alone, frustrated. For every step forward, she took two back. Rhett had allowed her to see him or she wouldn’t have. He was there; all she had to do was call for him. Knowing that made her feel better. With determination, Hope squared her shoulders and began walking, and turning, right, then right. She wasn’t trapped as long as she could move and breathe.
Before long, Hope stumbled from the exit into Rhett’s arms. “There, you see?” He ran his hand down her hair as he pulled her close. “You belong, and you aren’t helpless. You haven’t lost your spirit or determination.”
“I have felt that way. As though I were in a maze not knowing which way to turn and every dead end resulted in grief. I needed to find my way out. But it still hurts.”
Rhett hooked a finger under her chin to tilt her face up. “It will always hurt. But one day you will think of the memories you have of her and smile, not always cry.”
“What do I do for the rest of my life? I’ve always had Ann to take care of. I feel useless.”
“Then we will make you feel useful.”
“How?”
Rhett glanced around. He wrapped her in his arms and took off. Hope thought she saw other vampires approaching.
Before long they were far away from the maze.
“Did they have a human man with them?” Hope asked.
“Yes.”
“Rhett?”
“Don’t ask.”
“Games, huh?” she asked dryly.
“Why don’t we check out a new area?”
When Rhett set them down, Hope shivered. She clasped her arms around her chest. Goose bumps covered her. Rhett ran his hands over her body. He cast a glance around and took her to what appeared to be a large rounded bush. Rhett studied it intensely.
“Hmm.”
“What is it?” Hope whispered.
“There’s something odd about this bush it…”
Hope gasped when he pushed against it and a door swung open. Rhett peered inside. He stepped down into what appeared to be some kind of home. Hope followed. There was a raised platform covered with furs and skins. A hearth lay in the middle of the floor. Bone plates and wooden utensils hung on one side of the wall. It was all so cozy.
“What is this place?” Hope asked.
“It’s someone’s home. At least it was. There are lingering scents, not too old but from months ago. If I didn’t know better I would guess this was a summer camp.”
“Summer camp?”
“Ages ago humans would have a base home for winter and a spring camp for summer where they would hunt and gather food. That way the food closer to their home would be used when needed later in the season.”
“But all humans live in icebergs.”
“Apparently not. Tavish and I haven’t been to this area in centuries and then only in passing. I’ve never seen a human here and had no idea about the home.” Rhett went to peer back outside for a moment then gazed at her. “From the telltale lumps in the foliage, it would appear to be homes, not just one. I had almost forgotten this area existed until the vampires came and we went a different way to avoid them.”
“They weren’t Tavish’s men were they?”
“No.”
“Where do you think these humans are?”
“I have no clue. But it’s spring here. They should return soon. I think we should wait for them.”
“But Rhett it would be cruel to steal people away.”
“Tavish tries to save humans.”
Rhett cupped her face. Hope knew what he said was true, but images of that man being carried by the vampires to the maze hurt her. She guessed they weren’t there to make him find himself. Maybe if Tavish saved these people they would be safe at his coven—but not all.
“Are you so unhappy there?” Rhett asked.
“Everything reminds me of Ann.”
“Including me?”
“For a while I didn’t want you near me, and then I couldn’t get you close enough. If I listen carefully, I can hear her laughter in the wind. I can see her smiling.”
“And now?”
“I want you close to me.”
Tenderly his lips claimed hers. Hope didn’t want only that; there was so much pent-up anxiety and emotion, she wanted her vampire. Her hand fisted into his hair and she dragged him closer. He pulled back for a single moment to search her face. She understood suddenly the term he used of that of an open book. Her emotions, raw and unbridled were exposed.
With a low growl and whirlwind of motion Hope was pinned to the wall where her teddy was pulled over her head. Rhett flipped them to the floor and dragged his shirt off. Next, the softness of the bed cushioned her while Rhett tossed the remainder of his clothing. Another primal move and she once more felt the hardness of the wall at her back. Her breathing was ragged with his passion unleashed. She was going to be taken by a vampire and all he had to offer. Rhett’s tongue pushed past her lips, her head was held in place by a tender power forcing her to yield to his pleasure.
Fingers between her thighs parted her, exposing her vulnerable insides. Hope had never before experienced so much pleasure at such a fast pace. Rhett plunged into her tenderness with three thick fingers until Hope shook. When their kiss broke he gazed deeply into her eyes and ever so slowly pushed her to her knees. Hope’s breath caught. Surely he wouldn’t, but he did.
His long thick arousal was slid into her mouth, her back pressed to the wall there was no retreat. Thighs and hips large and demanding thrust against her as she whimpered. There was nothing else Hope could do except concentrate on him, only him, nothing more. The way his thick cock went deeper. The fingers in her hair stilled any movement. Piercing eyes rested on her, absorbing her into him as he controlled her very breath.
Her mouth opened wider, stretching to its limit and still he plundered her. Hope couldn’t move, couldn’t blink or breathe. She had never belonged to anyone—until now. Her tongue slid along his fierce erection savoring him. Listening to his heady growls, seeing his glowing white eyes, shuddering at his fangs. Hope was alive.
The scattered furs on the floor nestled her knees. Her eyes closed, the hand wrapped around his wrist fell. Rhett pumped faster. He gathered her wrists in one hand and pinned them high above her head while rocking into her.
Hope was in a daze when he released her mouth from his command and pulled her higher. Still pinning her to the wall, he hooked his hand beneath a knee and lifted her from the floor. Hope was so ready for him. His wet, hard arousal thrust up into her heat with a power she had never known, impaling her. Her scream was captured into his mouth. He was taking no quarter. Faster he moved, his body surrounded her.
Each time Hope blinked they were somewhere else. The floor, the wall, the ceiling, nowhere was she spared. No position was spared. Hope was spun to her belly, her side, her back. She was his to love anyway he chose. Gasping, moaning, sobbing, Hope cried out. There was nothing but Rhett, he was everything. Hope whispered his name.
Every fiber of her being tingled when he roared his release and lay her tenderly on the furs upon the bed. Gentle fingers brushed back her sweaty hair from her forehead. Her breathing calmed when he curled around her protecting her from herself and her thoughts.
“You will always be mine,” he whispered into her ear as she drifted to sleep.
I always want to be yours.
Chapter 13
“What language is he speaking?” Hope asked.
Hearing noises, Rhett had taken Hope from the hut. The sky was clouding; Rhett could smell rain in the air. A bear of a man was startled to see Rhett and Hope. He had yelled a command and the jungle beyond stilled.
“I honestly don’t have any idea.” Rhett was stumped; he thought he knew every language known to mankind. The words the big man used were a combination of many languages, all languages. But also new words altogether. As he listened he caught a word here and there and tried to put them together. For now, Rhett held his hands out showing he carried no weapons. The man relaxed and spoke more words. Rustling followed.
Hope gasped and stiffened from behind him. “Rhett look.”
Rhett was astounded; children of all ages, colors races came into view. Young women with babes in arms, pregnant females. Men of all ages from the young to the very old and frail who were being piggybacked. A society of humans the vampires had no idea existed—until now.
“Oh Rhett please, Tavish would slaughter the old and most of the men. Women would be separated from the ones they love. And they do love. See? Those men are shielding their women and children. Men in my old clan would have thrown us to the vampires and run like hell.”
The big man, possibly leader of the tribe, strode up to Rhett with no fear. He asked Rhett a number of questions. Rhett held up his hands.
“Slowly,” Rhett said. The man seemed to understand and began again.
“Who are you?”
Each word was spoken in a different language. Rhett held a finger to his chest. “Rhett,” he said and then introduced Hope.
“I am Octu. Leader. Where did you come from?”
Rhett wasn’t sure but he thought that’s what the man said. “From far away.”
The man nodded. “You are welcome to stay, b
ut no trouble.”
“How long have you been out here?” Rhett asked.
“Forever.”
“Forever?” Rhett whispered.
Rhett’s breathing increased. He wondered if these people knew about vampires. That would be huge. It would be incredible. Ideas formed so fast in Rhett’s mind he was spinning with his thoughts. If he could convince Tavish to let him stay with these people and babysit them until Hope passed, they could have a new beginning. For a while. Tavish would never just leave these humans here after. They needed protecting.
Looking around him Rhett realized he was kidding himself, these people didn’t need protection; they had survived and thrived just fine without the aid or interference of vampires. It was Hope he was concerned with. She had begged him to take her away, anywhere. Here was anywhere.
“Do you have a winter camp?” Rhett asked, but Octu just shook his head. “Camp here?” Rhett tried again and made a circle with his arm to include the area.
“Camp here in spring and summer until early fall. Then stronger home in winter.” Octu made a gesture behind him and pointed far off.
“Rhett, please,” Hope said.
Rhett knew what she wanted. He turned to her. “I know what you want. I need to talk to Tavish, he’ll want to check this area out. I have an idea.”
“Tavish will destroy them,” Hope said, her sad gaze pierced his heart.
“No, this is perfect. If we can watch these humans from a distance and make certain no other vampires touch them we can leave them alone for the duration of the ice age. They never need to know vampires exist. They never need to enter into a pack to destroy themselves. Look at them all. There are way too many for Tavish to take to the coven. This is a human goldmine.”
There had to be at least two hundred humans. Even if they weeded them out there would be too many. Everywhere Rhett looked humans were piling into the many little bush-cave homes. From the air they would never be seen. Their setup was ingenious.
“You take that hut,” Octu said.
Vampire Coven Book 3: A Vampire's Embrace Page 13
