* * * *
The place Remann had chosen wasn’t too bad. The waitresses could’ve used more clothing, but all in all, not bad. Valerie’s eyes roamed over the room with heavy red drapes decking the walls, and black leather lounges and sofas scattered about. It was a place where you’d see vampires congregating in the movies.
Remann chose an out-of-the-way spot in the corner with two leather-clad overstuffed chairs and a small, round table. A waitress appeared, wearing a slinky red velvet dress that left little to the imagination and stiletto heels. Remann smiled briefly at the waitress, ordering a scotch. His gaze returned to Valerie, and she was impressed. Valerie herself had been unable to keep her eyes off the woman’s abundant cleavage.
“And you, ma’am?” The waitress smiled sweetly, a human Feeder, Valerie realized.
“Vodka.”
Valerie’s gaze settled on a group of women Feeders collected around a vampire, there to offer their blood and whatever other services they could. Valerie frowned.
“There are two types of women in the world,” she said, still watching the women. She could see Remann’s eyes on the group as well from her peripheral vision. “Those women there,” she said, nodding toward the group, “are dumb bitches.”
Remann’s ever-present smile faded just a bit as her eyes returned to him once more.
“So, my beautiful companion, you are certainly not one of those. What would that make you?”
“Me? I’m just a bitch.”
Chapter 2
Valerie had a low, throaty voice that was like fire over Remann’s skin. He sat back, accepting his drink from the waitress. Valerie took her drink, and he chuckled as she scowled at the woman’s back. She tossed the drink back, and it was gone within moments. Remann cocked his head.
“You know what I hate most about being a vampire?” Valerie said as she studied the empty glass.
“What’s that?”
“It’s damned impossible to get drunk.” With a sigh, she placed the glass on the small table.
She sat with a stiff spine as her gaze constantly surveyed her surroundings. Remann longed to pull her to him and massage her tight muscles and feel her soften beneath his hands. His cock hardened, and he growled low in his chest. Valerie caught the sound, and her eyes fixed on him. Her nostrils flared, and her face flushed. She wet her lips. Remann swallowed.
“You do our kind a great service as a Hunter,” Remann said.
Valerie blinked several times. “I don’t do it for our kind, believe it or not,” she said, her eyes darting over the group of human women once more.
Remann nodded. “Understood.”
He imagined Valerie must be a breathtaking sight as she turned herself over to raw desire. She held herself in control so much that tension vibrated from her. Remann wanted to take her away from it, wanted to see her under his control. He inhaled, picking up her distinctive feminine odor mixed with the spicy scent of a vampiress. She was aware of him, and he delighted as she flushed deeply.
“May I ask what brought you to the Order of Terminus?”
Valerie shifted and rubbed her hands over her thighs. She’d redressed in dark blue jeans and a black tank that gave a glimpse of the tops of her creamy breasts. He eyed the slim, gold chain around her neck with two gold bands as charms.
“I was in the Army. It was the best choice for someone like me.” Valerie shrugged.
Her gaze darted over his face before it drifted to the room again. Her hand came up, and her fingers toyed with the gold bands. It was certainly more than just physical awareness that made Valerie so uncomfortable, and Remann was truly sorry for that.
“I see, my beautiful Valerie,” he said, giving her what he hoped was his most charming grin. He had yet to see her smile.
“I should get going. Thank you for the drink.” Valerie rose.
Remann was quickly on his feet. “Please, just a few more minutes. I enjoy your company.”
“No, I need to finish up before daylight.” Valerie was already making her way to the door. Remann’s shoulders slumped as he kept pace with her. Rejection wasn’t something he cared to get used to.
* * * *
Valerie had to escape. Something in the way Remann looked at her had her nearly crawling out of her skin. Or perhaps it was the way her body was responding to those heated looks. Either way, her mind told her to run even as her body was drawn to him. Mind over matter with no room for error—that was how she lived her life.
She jumped into the passenger seat of Remann’s SUV, the odor of the leather seats and Remann’s potent, lingering scent wrapping around her. The ride to the blood bar had been difficult, but now her awareness was nearly unbearable as he climbed into the driver’s seat. He gave her his ever-present smile and shifted the vehicle into gear. Her eyes fixed on his large hand, broad with long, strong fingers. Heat spread over Valerie’s skin.
She’d had flings with vampires since her change—she wasn’t a nun. What was the big deal with Remann? She could take what she was sure he’d offer and walk away like the other times. No strings, and life would go on as usual. Right?
The street lights were a dim orange through the dark tint of the windows. It was nearly four AM, and Valerie still needed to dispose of the Dissenters’ bodies. She cringed. It was the part she hated most. If she couldn’t simply burn the bodies, they’d have to be dealt with by other means. Her mind filled with the gory images of what was to come.
“Would you like some help with the disposal?”
Valerie jumped as Remann’s deep voice cut through her thoughts. A shiver ran down her spine, and she wondered for a moment if he had read her mind.
“It’s pretty messy. I don’t think you would enjoy it much.”
Remann chuckled. “Perhaps it is the company I desire.”
Goose bumps broke out over Valerie’s skin. Damn the man; how could she have such a reaction to a total playboy? She was sure he knew his powers, and that was what made it so damn maddening. She clenched her teeth. Fuck him.
Valerie opened the door before the SUV had come to a complete stop. She hopped down and walked briskly toward the warehouse door. She needed space, a lot of space. Within a moment Remann was at her side, and her irritation flared.
“I got it. Go home,” she said as she pushed the door open.
The old, musty smell of the warehouse hit her before the scent of blood filled her nostrils. It was a sickly, soured odor. Vampire blood tasted like it smelled, which kept them from feeding off their own kind.
Remann’s gait didn’t falter as she hurried to her truck. He reached her driver’s door first and placed his hand on the handle. Valerie came to an abrupt halt, nearly slamming into his large body. Mere inches from Remann, she could feel heat radiating from him. His scent enveloped her, warmed her, and caused a blush to spread over her skin, right down between her thighs. She lifted her chin and stared into his face, not quite able to meet his mismatched eyes.
“I imagine it is a grizzly task and to be done as quickly as possible. Would it not be better if you had some assistance?”
“It is a grizzly task, that’s why I’m telling you to go home. I can’t imagine you’re the type who could stomach it.”
Remann’s laughter echoed through the empty space. “My beautiful Valerie, I am a vampire as you are, and quite used to the sight of blood and gore.”
Valerie sighed, and her shoulders slumped. “Fine, follow me to my place. I have some acreage about thirty minutes north of here.”
Remann beamed his charming smile, a smile that had gotten him everything he’d ever wanted, Valerie was sure.
Would he get her? Even as a thrill raced through her body, she growled.
She’d just see about that.
* * * *
Remann was pursuing her hard, yet he couldn’t stop himself. She had the body of a goddess, and he could all but taste her. He’d kept his desire in check, but as he followed her truck out of Houston, he let his thoughts run free. He wan
ted to watch her disrobe slowly. He’d take his time, testing her responses to his tongue as his hands learned each and every curve of her delicious body.
Remann stroked himself through his slacks.
Valerie was a challenge. She had a history that made her rigid. He wondered about the two wedding bands she wore around her neck. Had she been married before her change? What had happened? How had she become a vampire?
Everyone had their stories, mostly sad and traumatic, when it came to the change. He and his twin brother had been turned during the Middle Ages. When the plague had swept through their village, he and Aiden had succumbed after they had tried to help those who were sick. A vampiress passing through and feeding on the easy prey that plague victims offered had discovered the two on their deathbeds. She’d found them a novelty and had changed them, taking the twins under her wing.
Remann wanted to know Valerie’s history. He wanted to take away that distant expression she held in her eyes. He wanted to see her smile, and even laugh.
He shook his head.
He wanted to bed the woman—that was it.
They drove down a long, dusty road as the rosy hints of coming dawn kissed the eastern horizon. Remann tapped his brakes as a jackrabbit bounded across the road ahead, barely discernible in the cloud of dust her brown truck was throwing up.
An older, two-story white house lay ahead, and the truck slowed. Remann parked out front as Valerie steered the truck to a tin-sided barn out back. He hopped out of his SUV and trotted to the barn.
Valerie slid the door closed behind them and flipped on a light. She lifted the camper shell door.
“So what are the plans?” Remann asked.
“Last chance to beat it,” Valerie said as she let down the tailgate of the truck.
“I’m all yours for the duration,” Remann said. “For as long as you need me and in any way you desire, my beautiful Valerie.”
He smiled at Valerie’s sharp intake of breath and the lovely way she blushed. She rolled her eyes and placed her hands on her hips.
“Well, you see that large piece of equipment over there?” she asked, pointing to the side of the room. The machine had a curious spout that aimed out a window. It took several moments before he recognized its function.
“Is that a wood chipper?” he asked.
“Yup, this is where the fun begins,” she said. “Of course we have to get these guys into manageable chunks first.”
She was testing him. He’d never gotten himself involved in his brother’s life as a Hunter, and for the first time he wondered if he, too, had the same systems. Remann squared his shoulders as Valerie walked over to several different-sized handsaws hanging on the wall.
“Why not simply burn the bodies here?” he asked.
She studied the saws a moment before picking one with a wide blade and wicked-looking teeth.
“Because the woods are full of coyotes and other wildlife that swarm in at the smell of roasted meat. It becomes a nuisance. Not to mention I’d still have to dispose of all the bones and bits that didn’t burn, because God forbid the neighbors get suspicious and I end up with cops out here snooping around.”
Her logic made sense and he had little choice but to roll up his sleeves. This was not his ideal way to spend the sunrise with a beautiful and desirable woman.
* * * *
Remann was a trooper, she’d give him that. He never cringed and followed her instructions without complaint. Valerie listened to the stories of him and his twin brother Aiden and their childhood in medieval Europe. He was of noble blood, which was a bit intimidating. She’d grown up in a small town in Oklahoma.
He spoke fondly of his twin, and Valerie imagined what two Remanns would be like. Two men with his body, his looks, and his virility... A hot shudder coursed through her body. Remann didn’t miss it, and his mismatched eyes settled on her. They burned, like rays of the sun, and she couldn’t keep eye contact with him.
Weakness—she hated weakness.
With help, the job went more quickly than usual. Valerie realized she was in desperate need of a shower as she let her gaze travel down her clothes. Despite the heavy butcher’s apron she’d donned, they’d have to be burned, and Remann was in even worse shape. He had been dressed to attend a business meeting and not to dismember Dissenters. She placed her hands on her hips as he removed the apron he’d borrowed from her.
“Well, I can offer you a shower, but I don’t have clothes that would fit you.”
“I appreciate the offer. If you have a washing machine and dryer, I can at least make myself presentable enough.”
Valerie nodded, and she made for the house with Remann on her heels.
“Perhaps we should go green and conserve water by showering together,” Remann said.
“How about you go jump in the shower and hand me out your clothes. I’ll throw them in the washer.”
He studied her face, and Valerie found herself holding her breath against his powerful scent. She shifted from foot to foot and crossed her arms over her breasts. Remann shrugged.
“You’d be so breathtaking with a smile,” he said after a moment.
Caught off guard, Valerie stepped away from him. His voice was gentle and his eyes soft as they caressed her face.
“The shower is down the hall to the right.” She pointed and noticed the slight tremor in her hand.
Remann’s gaze lingered for several seconds before he turned and walked away.
He piled his clothes outside the bathroom door, and Valerie stuffed them into the washer with a fair amount of stain treatment and detergent. It was a lost cause, she was sure.
She sat at the kitchen table listening to the shower run, trying to not imagine the hot man naked beneath its spray. She found herself jealous of the water.
Agitated, she rose and walked to the radio, flipping it on. A trendy country tune filled the kitchen, and she sat back down and closed her eyes. How she missed sleep, just to have a few hours of oblivion to be away from her thoughts. No one knew the value of sleep until he or she would never sleep again. Valerie rubbed her forehead.
“Excuse me.”
Valerie jumped at Remann’s voice. She opened her eyes, and her heart stopped. In the kitchen doorway stood the most glorious sight she’d ever seen. Six feet four inches of raw, naked testosterone stood dripping wet and butt naked before her. Her breath caught in her throat as her eyes feasted on him of their own accord. He was all muscle, from his marvelously developed pecs to his rippling six-pack, down to his…
Her eyes widened as he grew hard before her very eyes. He was large, and she wondered how she’d ever take that all in. She couldn’t move or even blink.
“There were no towels available,” Remann said, his voice sounding a million miles away.
A jolt of desire shot through her.
Chapter 3
Valerie stared, slack-jawed. She should look away and find the man a towel, but she simply couldn’t move. His thighs were as muscular as the rest of him, lightly sprinkled with black hair, as was his chest. A vivid image began forming in her mind of Remann covering her body, sliding his thick cock inch by slow, wonderful inch inside of her. His deep, gravelly voice whispering all the delightful things he wanted to do with her.
She should get him out of her system, Valerie decided, right then and there. Get a good tumble out of him and send him on his way. It made sense—perfect sense, actually. It’d been over a year since she’d had sex that wasn’t just a one-woman show. It was the most logical thing to do.
He was smiling his usual smile, but his mismatched eyes had darkened. They were burning again, burning her skin as his gaze roamed down her body. She stood.
“I-I...” She swallowed. “The towels, I forgot that they’re still in the dryer.”
The washer kicked into the spin cycle, closely mirroring her thoughts. She took a small step toward him.
* * * *
Remann’s heartbeat tripped up. He held his ground as Valerie took an
other tentative step in his direction, her eyes focused on his face. She licked her lips, and Remann trembled beneath his restraint. She would have to come to him; it would be the only way she would accept him.
He wanted her beyond reason.
No—he needed her beyond reason.
She was a fire within his veins, consuming him from the inside out. He needed her as he needed air to survive. He needed her as he needed blood. He wanted to know the areas where Valerie’s heart lay. He wanted to know about her childhood, her first kiss, everything she was willing to offer him.
Remann was falling into her large brown eyes that were a mixture of both fear and desire. They darted over his face, having yet to meet his own eyes directly.
Valerie came to a stop mere inches from him. He could feel the heat from her body, and her soft, feminine scent filled his head as he inhaled it greedily. Nothing had ever smelled so sweet. She peered up at him through thick, light brown lashes. Remann reached out, noting the slight tremble in his hand, and brushed a stray strand of silken hair from her cheek. He tucked it behind her ear.
“I’m going to take my shower now,” she said.
Remann took her hand, warm and small in his gentle grasp, and turned toward the bathroom. She offered no resistance.
He turned the shower on, adjusting the water to cool, as vampires had low tolerance for heat. Though she was caked with blood and grime, Valerie was the sexiest sight he could have imagined. Her eyes were uncertain, as were her movements as she began to slowly disrobe. She pulled her tank top over her head, and Remann was pleased by the black satin bra exposed beneath. Her breasts filled the cups, and her nipples were erect, thrusting against the silky fabric. She kicked off her shoes and unbuttoned her jeans, sliding the zipper slowly down. The sound of the metal teeth giving way filled his ears. Valerie took a deep, shuddery breath before she pushed the denim over her hips and down to the floor.
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