A Mate for Lance (The Program Book 5)

by Charlene Hartnady

  He pulled back.

  “That’s almost sweet.” She tried to laugh but moaned instead as he rocked into her.

  “I’m not fucking sweet.”

  She shook her head. “You’re a—”

  “Yeah, yeah…dickhead and asshole.” His face looked taut. His jaw tense. “Let me drink from you.” His eyes shone, a sheen of sweat glistening on his forehead. Too good looking for his own good. He seemed nervous. Like he was fearful of her saying no. There was a vulnerability present in that moment. And it disarmed her.

  She gave in. “I suppose it’s oka—”

  Lance kissed her like there was no tomorrow. Her toes curled. If he didn’t have her pinned the way he did, she would have jerked herself out of his hold as he pushed himself back deep inside her. It felt…so good. Her groans quickly turned to cries as he pounded into her.

  It didn’t take more than a few seconds for her orgasm to slam into her. For a second wave to hit, even more intense than the first when his mouth dropped to her throat. With each hard suck, her breath seized in her lungs and her muscles spasmed. She shook from head to toe. Her teeth clenched and her eyes shut tight. She made the most horrific noises but couldn’t stop. It felt too good. It was all too much.

  She wanted it to end just as much as she never wanted it to stop. When he finally released her, she was too exhausted to talk. Too exhausted to even blink.

  ****

  Lance watched her sleep. Her hair dark against the pillow. The way her chest rose and fell. The way her breath came in little puffs. There was even the odd, cute little snore. He couldn’t remember ever watching a female sleep.

  What the fuck had gotten into him?

  He wasn’t lying when he told her that her pussy did it for him. That had to be it. His dick was still hard. It seemed that, around her, that’s just the way it was. He realized with a soft snort that he wanted her again…badly. That’s why he was still there. Normally, he would’ve been long fucking gone.

  He smiled to himself. There was no fucking way she could tell him that the sex was nice or okay. No fucking way. It was unbelievable. Explosive didn’t begin to cover it. Who would have known that sex with a female who hated him could be so amazing? There were no pleasantries, no cordial behavior, just two adults taking what they needed from each other. There was a dose of fire that sprung from her intense dislike for him. What a breath of fresh air. He loved it. Wanted a whole lot more of it. There was no chance of her becoming attached. It was perfect.

  Amber stirred. She made an even louder snort and Lance had to smile. Fucking adorable. She rubbed her face and opened her eyes. Just a small crack. When she realized he was watching her, they flashed open and she pulled the sheet over her chest.

  What a shame.

  “Why were you watching me sleep? It’s really creepy, you do realize that don’t you? Why didn’t you wake me up?” She was freaking out.

  “You needed the sleep.” He gave the sheet a pull so that her incredible breasts were bared for him.

  She narrowed her eyes at him and yanked the sheet back over herself. “You’re right I need my sleep.” She fake yawned. Fake fucking yawned. A move he had pulled to get rid of unwanted bed partners. It was his move dammit. His. “I’m surprised you’re still here.”

  Subtle.

  “You needed your sleep because we’re doing that again.” He twisted his hand around her sheet, preparing to pull it off of her again. Amber’s hands tightened on the fabric on either side of her chest.

  It was really weird but he visibly saw her nipples turn to hard, little points beneath the thin cotton. He could smell her arousal over the mingled smell of sex. Even her chest rose and fell a little quicker. She shook her head. “Look, I’ll admit that the sex was good…” She made a noise of exasperation when she caught his hard stare. “Okay, fine…it was amazing… happy?”

  “It’s a start.” He leaned in over her, placing a hand on either side of her but keeping her at arm’s length.

  She tensed, looking distinctly nervous. “We’re not good together. We may have had sex twice now, but”—she shook her head— “there’s nothing else there. I don’t even like you. It’s wrong.”

  “It’s perfect.”

  “So you keep saying. No…” She shook her head again. “It’s wrong.”

  “It was fucking amazing. Being inside you is one of my favorite new pastimes.”

  She gasped, looking shocked. “I’m not some toy. I’m a human being; I have feelings you know.”

  “Yeah, I do. You don’t like me but you did finally admit that the sex is good…better than good. Having lots of sex is perfectly natural. Your three and a half year dry spell was what was wrong. This…what we just did…was so fucking right, it’s scary.” Lance moved back, giving Amber, her space.

  She visibly relaxed, he could hear how her breathing evened out. Her checks turned a tad red. She didn’t like the reminder of how long it had been since she’d had sex last. She was clearly embarrassed by it. It was hard for him to believe and if her pussy hadn’t been so damned tight he would’ve questioned whether she was telling the truth on that one as well.

  Lance grabbed what was left of his pants and pulled them on. Fuck! It had been a very long time since he had destroyed his own clothing to get at a female. That was something a teenager would do. His crotch had been ripped away and hung off of him.

  Amber laughed, her hand in front of her mouth.

  “Yeah…” he grumbled. “It’s fucking hilarious.”

  “I might have a few safety pins in my toiletry bag.” She wrapped her sheet around her like a sarong and headed into the bathroom. Amber returned a few minutes later armed with several safety pins.

  “Let me help you.” She smiled and sank down onto her knees in front of him.

  Great! His dick had calmed down when she left the room but seeing her draped in nothing but the bed sheets and on her knees in front of him was turning him on again.

  “You might want to do something with that.” She lifted her gaze to meet his then back down.

  His dick jutted from his body, the crotch of his jeans hung below his engorged shaft.

  Lance grabbed his cock, and pulled it against his body so that she could work over it. “You might want to do something with it,” he muttered.

  “You did not just say that,” she muttered back. “Or happen to listen to anything I just said. I’m here to meet a prospective mate. Not screw around with someone I don’t even like.”

  “I’m not stopping you,” he said between clenched teeth.

  Amber closed a pin and moved to the other side of his crotch area, pulling the fabric into place. She stuck the thing through his pants with such force and so close to his dick that he winced and made a strangled noise. He had to work at not pulling away. She stood and stepped away from him.

  Lance pulled on his shirt. Then, he sat on the bed and made quick work of his socks and boots.

  Amber watched. She folded her arms across her chest. She clearly wasn’t going to invite him to stay for another round and he sure as fuck wasn’t about to beg.

  He stood up and moved away from her bed. He felt tense, as wound up as all fuck.

  They looked at each other for a few long seconds before Amber huffed out a breath. “It was fun and now it’s over. Thanks. The sex was great. Don’t call me and I sure as hell won’t call you. We can just forget this ever happened.”

  “Fuck that.” He didn’t yell or growl or allow himself to become rattled.

  “What? Why are you insisting on continuing with this?”

  “This is happening again…soon. Best you accept that.” Lance turned and made for the door.

  “Forget it. It’s not happening.”

  He glanced behind himself and gave her a half smile. “I look forward to it. Can’t fucking wait.” Then he all out grinned when he saw her stunned expression. Even her sheet had fallen, revealing the top of one breast. With one last look, he left, leaving her to realize the inevit
able.

  As far as he was concerned, tomorrow couldn’t come quick enough. This female hadn’t seen or felt anything yet. Her mind was about to be blown whether she liked it or not. If there was one thing he enjoyed more than a good fuck, it was a good hunt. A combination of the two. She had no idea what she was in for.

  Chapter 10

  Three days later…

  Her eyes were so wide in her head that she felt that her eyeballs might actually pop out at any second. Her ragged breathing was incredibly loud within the small confines of the closet.

  Thankfully, Lance’s hand was firmly clamped over her mouth. Her dress was hiked over her hips. The wall was damp against her fingers. Her pussy spasmed so damned hard that she was sure that there would be permanent damage even though it felt so good.

  He took another deep suck, grunting as his movements became jerky inside her. The hand that was fisting her hip, softened and slid around her to cup a breast as he released her neck. Lance’s own breathing was just as ragged and loud. His chest was up against her back. He continued to pump in and out of her, his hips hitting her ass. The erratic movements became smoother and less insistent.

  “Fuck.” Lance growled. He kissed her neck. “I think I might just keep you,” he whispered.

  It was probably the nicest thing he had said to her but she wasn’t fooled. He didn’t want her for her. He wanted her for this. The really incredible sex. After that night in her room, they had fucked every day…several times a day. It initially followed the same pattern. They fought and then they fucked. After a few of such occasions, they skipped the fighting part and just all out fucked.

  There were plenty of alcoves and closets in the castle that were perfect for quickies. Lance could get her off more than once and in under five minutes. Like right now, it turned her on that they could easily be found. The sensations were so much more pronounced when they needed to be quiet. He snuck to her room every night. It was too much. It had to end.

  “This was the last time,” she panted. Amber meant it this time. She really did.

  Lance swept the hair from her face and kissed her. His cock instantly hardened up inside her and she whimpered into his mouth. It was proof of the hold he had on her body. By the time Lance released her, they were both breathing hard. “I’m not done with you,” he warned. “It’s only just beginning.”

  “I’m going home in two days.”

  “Like hell you are.” Lance cupped her chin. He pulled out and she whimpered again, this time at the loss. What an enormous, egotistical bastard “There are several males that will pick you. Mark my words.”

  You won’t be one of them. It stung. Then again, she didn’t care what he thought. Definitely didn’t care if he picked her or not. It wasn’t like he meant anything to her.

  “I doubt I’ll agree to stay,” she blurted.

  His eyes darkened. “You will.”

  “Why do you care?” she shot back.

  “What we have is special. Once in a lifetime.” He removed the condom with a grimace.

  “It’s just sex.” She huffed.

  “That’s where you’re so wrong.” His voice was low. Lance leaned forward and kissed her softly on the lips. The touch was tender…sweet even. “I’ve had plenty of sex with a multitude of partners…” His eyes roved her face before moving back to hers. “What we have is different. It’s fucking off the charts. You can’t walk away, just like I can’t. I’m addicted.” He pulled away from her and refastened his jeans.

  Her panties were around one of her ankles. He was addicted to her pussy. Asshole!

  “Don’t give me that look. You’re in just as deep as I am.”

  Amber pulled her dress down. He was right, dammit. Who knew that intercourse could be this good? Who knew?

  “So you’re not sleeping with anyone else are you?” Why the hell had she asked that? It was none of her business and she didn’t care either way. Well, not really. “I would find it kind of gross if you were.” She quickly added. It was the truth.

  He searched her eyes for a long half minute, a little tense as he frowned at her. “Would you be jealous if I was fucking other females?”

  “Of course not.” She made a snorting sound. “It’s just that sex is intimate. We share bodily fluids. You know I don’t like you at all, so why would I care otherwise?”

  Lance visibly relaxed as he pulled his shirt over his head. “Don’t scare me like that. For a second there…never mind.”

  “So…are you?” Amber fixed her thong and picked up her discarded purse before turning to face Lance.

  “We wear a condom so you have nothing to fear.” He gave a little head shake. “I’m careful. It’s not important.”

  Like hell it wasn’t. “Well then, that was the last time. I hoped you enjoyed it because there’s no way—”

  “I don’t do exclusive.” His eyes bore into hers but otherwise, he was the picture of calm.

  The urge to slap him returned with a vengeance. She curled her hands into fists to stop herself from doing it. What was wrong with him? “Well, I do.” She put her hands on her hips to show him how serious she was.

  “Not happening.” His jaw worked. Lance ran a hand through his hair, leaving his fingers clenched at the back of his neck.

  She shrugged. “Okay…fine. Brynn has been trying hard to get into my pants, maybe it is time we tested…what is it you vampires call it?”

  Lance clenched his teeth. Those muscles on either side of his neck popped.

  She brightened. “Oh yes, compatibility. I’m not so sure if I agree with your whole what we have is special thing. I think Brynn could do an excellent job as well. Maybe even better since I actually like him.”

  “Brynn is practically a child. He might have a dick but he sure as fuck doesn’t know what to do with it. A female like you would be wasted on a male like him.” He narrowed his eyes. “I know what you’re trying to get me to do but it won’t work. I’m also not done with you, Amber.”

  “Screw you,” she whispered.

  He smiled. “Yes, you will and you will love every fucking minute because you’re not done with me either. I don’t do exclusive.” He walked up to her and covered her mouth with his. Another soft, tender kiss. A complete contrast to his words. She tried not to kiss him back but, as per usual, her body went into autopilot.

  “You are such a jerk.” She moaned as he released her. She meant every word. “Such a complete an utter asshole.”

  He chuckled. “That’s my girl. I’ll see you tonight.”

  “Don’t bother coming.” Anger laced every word.

  “Oh, we’ll both be coming, sweetheart. Of that you can be certain.” A smirk.

  Sweetheart. Really? “Don’t call me that and stop with the kissing. It irritates me.”

  “You like it when I kiss you.”

  Too damned much. She shook her head with determination. “No, I don’t. I mean it, don’t come later… I’m taking Brynn to my suite tonight. This is over.” It had to be.

  He rolled his eyes and managed to make even that look sexy. “No, you won’t and no, we are not over.”

  “Yes, deal with it. I’m taking him back to my place tonight. There’s more to a relationship than sex. I want so much more. We both know this isn’t going anywhere so we may as well end it now.” The thought of him with other women nauseated her. It was sick!

  “Relationships are overrated. We have a good thing going. I’ll see you later.” Lance walked out. Prick!

  Amber shook her head. She felt like screaming. He was so infuriating. He made her want to pull her hair out. To hit and kick him, if not him then the wall, anything. He made her want to break things. In short, he turned her into a raving lunatic.

  She hated the hold he had on her. It was over. Lance was history. Starting right now.

  Chapter 11

  Lance walked down the hallway, heading toward Griffin’s suite.

  The human was wrong about them being done. So fucking wrong it was scary. As
far as he was concerned, they hadn’t even started yet.

  Not even close.

  She may be wrong about them being finished but she was right about the kissing part. Thing was, he liked kissing her. Scratch that. He fucking loved kissing her. He loved the way she reacted to his mouth, to his tongue. To his nips and caresses, when he kissed her…everywhere.

  He especially loved her mouth. How swollen and pink her lips became after he devoured them. How her levels of arousal would sky rocket. She would go from slapping him to dragging him closer and all because of a simple kiss. From panting to moaning and all because of his lips being dragged across hers.

  A kiss.

  Who knew that kissing could be that good? Sure, he’d tried it…years ago. Females often associated kissing with something more than what it was. He hadn’t rated it enough to be worth the effort, so he had stopped doing it and had never looked back. Not until Amber. To be near her and not to kiss those lips would be a shame. To have her on vampire territory and not to take advantage of her lush as fuck body would be a sin. The female was so receptive. It heightened his enjoyment to know how much she was loving every moment. Even if it was against her better judgment. And his.

  Exclusive.

  The word should be banned. Not happening. He couldn’t tell her that he hadn’t so much as looked at another female since tasting her. That touching one hadn’t even occurred to him. How could he? It wasn’t the way he did things.

  He could tell she didn’t like the idea of him with other females.

  Fuck being exclusive. Exclusivity meant commitment. Something more. Exclusive was a small step away from other things. Serious things. Things that made him break out in a cold sweat. Not happening. He wanted her, there was no doubt, but he didn’t want to spend the rest of his life with her.

  He rang the bell and stepped back.

  “You’re late.” Griffin gave him the once over before his nostrils flared. “Can’t keep it in your pants.” Then he frowned and sniffed again. His look turned humorous. “A human?”