Suckers Bite Back (San Francisco Vampires #5) (Vampires of San Francisco series)

by Jessica McBrayer

  “Lily, I want to make love to you while you wear nothing but this ring.”

  OMG

  “Yes, Bast,” I whisper, looking at him with half lowered lids.

  He slips the ring on my finger and it is a perfect fit, of course. Then he slowly strips in front of me. Sebastian climbs onto the bed. He slowly kisses his way up my body until I feel like I may combust. He nuzzles the space between my breasts, inhaling deeply. Then he is kissing and nipping my neck. He grazes his fangs across my jaw and then his mouth is on mine. My fangs are out and he licks them almost sending me over the edge. The feeling is exquisite and raw with its primal sexuality. I mirror him, licking his fang and he groans deep in his chest kissing me even more intensely. I’m lost in him and before I realize what is happening he is between my legs, hovering, holding his weight off me. He pulls his mouth away from me.

  “Let me love you, Lily.”

  “Yes.”

  At my answer he plunges into me. I let out a cry at the fullness, at the desire that erupts and threatens to overtake me and at the look of pure unadulterated desire. Sebastian begins to move slowly, setting a gentle rhythm, never taking his eyes off me. I look back into his eyes trying to communicate what my heart feels. When my body starts to climb onto that precipice Sebastian nuzzles my sensitive neck and grazes me with his fangs. With the speed of a practiced predator he sucks hard, pulling at the not quite healed puncture wounds making me climax over and over again. In a dreamy state I lick his neck and return the favor. His relentless thrusts make me climax again and he falls down the rabbit hole with me murmuring my name softly in my ear like a prayer.

  Sated and fed on my lover’s blood, I lie in his strong arms. We’ve been talking for hours. We’ve discussed things we’ve never shared before and many hurts have been healed. I feel strong emotionally for the first time in a year. Actually stronger than I ever have been, thanks to Sophie, and my ordeal with Mark in Hell. I recognize that I have a ways to go. I know what my demons are, my OCD, my problem with blood, and I am ready to face them with her and Sebastian’s help. I want to recapture some of the joy and humor I once had. My inner snark is begging to come out.

  Sebastian coaxes me into the shower where he rubs all the knots out of my muscles and then washes my body so tenderly. Then he washes my hair and turns off the water, dries me and helps me into a gown for bed.

  He pulls on some of his magickal appearing pajama pants and crawls into bed with me, holding me again.

  “Rest now, sweet angel, we have the rest of our lives,” he whispers into my hair right before sleep claims me.

  When I wake up later that afternoon, I am facing Sebastian. He is lying next to me, watching me.

  “This is my favorite time of the day. I always want to be the first thing you see when you wake up, Lily. I may be a selfish man, but I want to be the world to you and give it to you too.”

  “You are the world to me, Sebastian. I don’t need anything else. Have you been here all night?” I ask.

  He nods.

  “Maybe I’m the selfish one, but that makes me feel so safe and cherished. I know you can’t do it all the time, but after the last few days I’m glad you did.”

  “I just couldn’t leave you. It felt like if I did I would lose you. That you saying you would marry me would have been a dream. If I stayed and kept watch then I knew it wasn’t a dream,” Bast says.

  “Honey, no matter what happens it’s going to take some time before we trust this is real, isn’t it? It feels too good to be true.”

  Bast nods again. I reach over and run my fingers along his strong jaw. He leans into my hand and closes his eyes. He grabs my hand and kisses my ring finger. I gasp. There is something so sexy about it. He’s claiming me. There is heat in his eyes and they are dilating. Black eclipsing brown. He leans over and kisses me softly at first but it soon turns into a dangerous, punishing kiss. I know if I let him go on we will never leave the bedroom. And then I wonder why I care if we never leave the bedroom.

  Bast pulls my silk gown up my leg and squeezes my behind. It feels so good. My body sings in his expert hands. I run my hands across his beautiful, sculpted chest and rest on his muscled biceps. I moan into his mouth reaching a hand up to pull on his hair as he moves his mouth down to my chest. He growls as he laves on my breast. Nipping gently. My body is lighting up and I feel Bast’s hardness against my leg. I move a hand down to it and squeeze and rub it. His body reflexively thrusts into my hand and I continue to pump him.

  There is a knock at the door. Shit!

  “Lily? You have a shopping date with Hannah and me. She’s back, pissed and wanting some serious girl time. We’re getting baby supplies today. You promised. Don’t blow us off for sex,” Helena says and laughs.

  “Oh, shit! Sorry Helena. I’ll be down soon,” I yell at the door, forgetting she can’t hear me.

  “Merde.”

  “Cherie, we can be really quick, in the shower. Come on…” He drags me into the bathroom. And good to his word, it’s hot and fast and ooh so good. We finish our shower and dress in record time. We still haven’t told anyone about our engagement. I wonder what they’ll say.

  I’m wearing a white peasant dress that hits me a few inches above my knee with black embroidered cuffs and neckline and Donna Karan vintage inspired black heels. And of course my beautiful Art Deco emerald and diamond engagement ring. Sebastian is wearing worn but oh-they-fit-so-right-jeans and a cable knit sweater in cream that set off his eyes.

  We walk into the library. Hannah, Diel and Hades are here. Liam and Andrew are hanging out along with Helena and Julian. My family, all of them but Aidan. It feels empty without him. Someday he and Manda can be part of our family. Until then I will work at making Manda comfortable so it can happen. Hannah looks well, but I notice that Diel hovers, with a hand on her arm or her waist as she laughs and talks to Helena.

  “Can I have your attention? Lily and I have some news,” Sebastian says, his usually cultured voice raised in excitement, bringing every conversation to a standstill and all eyes on us.

  “I just know this is going to be good,” Hannah squeals. I can’t help my grin and she squeals again. Sebastian is covering my ring in his hand so no one can peek. He gets all serious and Andrew is holding his breath and practically breaking Liam’s hand.

  “Lily and I are going to get married.” Sebastian can’t contain his joy anymore and sports a huge smile. The room erupts with commotion as vamps, a demon and a slobbering Hell Hound attack us on all fronts to congratulate us and offer hugs and kisses.

  “Where’s the ring?” Hannah asks.

  “Yes, please tell me, Mr. Sebastian didn’t recycle the old one,” Andrew’s voice is part scandalous and part horror. I can’t help laughing. Sebastian scowls at Andrew. I pull my hand out of Bast’s and hold it out for everyone to see.

  “Oooh…” Hannah says. “That is one powerful sparkler. Too bad you didn’t get to hit that fucker Mark in the face with it.” Diel and Sebastian growl in agreement.

  “Stunning, I expected nothing less from Mr. Sebastian,” Andrew says easily changing the tenor of his initial question. Liam nods and winks at me.

  “A minute ago you accused me of recycling, Andrew. Make up your mind,” Sebastian reminds him. Andrew has the grace to wince.

  “Lily, Sebastian, I am so very happy for you both. Many blessings upon your union,” Helena says linking our hands.

  “Thank you, Helena,” I whisper I am so touched. Sebastian kisses her on both cheeks.

  “Where and when will you marry?” Julian asks.

  “Soon, in Tuscany. We discussed it and would like everyone to take a cruise with us that will end in Italy. Then we will make our way to the church for a sunset wedding,” Sebastian says.

  “You’ll have to appear at court in Italy. Things are more traditional as you know, Sebastian. We’ll have to get the Queen’s permission, too,” Helena says with a frown.

  “I know. She’s been uncharacteristically qui
et lately. I know she is scheming. She hasn’t forgotten her big debacle from last year and she never forgives,” Bast says.

  “We would like to invite Aidan and Manda, too,” I say, changing the subject from painful memories.

  “I know he would like that, Lily,” Diel says, smiling warmly at me. Diel is Aidan’s best friend. He knows how complicated things are between us. “Do you want me to call him now?”

  “Yes, let’s get this over with. Have him bring Manda, too. I have to face this sometime,” I say. Bast squeezes my hand and I look up at him with pure wonder at how he can be so supportive. He bends down and kisses me. A chaste kiss soon turns into a long, sensuous affair. Julian clears his throat and Sebastian pulls back but only slightly. He’s staring deep into my eyes.

  “Je t’aime, ma cherie.”

  “I love you too, Bast.”

  In the background I hear Diel on the phone and Andrew and Hannah sighing. I break into another smile and nuzzle into Sebastian’s chest just as Manda and Aidan pop into the library. I see Aidan on the other side of Bast and I notice a flit of pain that passes across Aidan’s face. It’s quickly replaced by a smile.

  “I hear congratulations are in order. As well as some champagne?” Aidan says. In the next second everyone but Hannah has a glass of champagne. I hear her cry out in outrage.

  “Hannah, my dear, here is some sparkling cider,” Aidan says, placating her.

  “Thank you, Aidan, for your congratulations and for the champagne,” Sebastian says while he pulls me into his side.

  “You’re welcome. I believe you all remember Manda? I heard you wanted to ask us something, Lily?” Aidan looks curious and cautious.

  I tug Bast with me because I want his support. When I get to Manda and Aidan I let go of Bast’s hand and take one of Aidan’s and one of Manda’s, holding them both at the same time. Aidan’s eyebrows shoot up in surprise but he says nothing.

  “We are going to be getting married in Tuscany, soon. But we plan on a family vacation via a Mediterranean cruise on the way. We want you both to come. Aidan, you are family and Manda if you are with Aidan that makes you family too. Plus this will give us a chance to get to know each other better,” I say and smile at her.

  Slowly she smiles at me and she squeezes my hand.

  “I would like that very much,” she says. “When you know the dates let me know and I’ll cancel any shoots during that time. I’m sure Aidan can take me and bring me back.”

  “I’d like it too, Lilith. Thank you.” Aidan leans forward and kisses my cheek. “I’ll always love you but I’ll always want the best for you too and this is the best,” he whispers in my ear. I squeeze his hand and kiss his cheek back. Then I step back into Sebastian’s waiting arms. He gently wraps them around me and kisses the top of my head, running his hand up and down my arm.

  “To the new couple,” Aidan says hoarsely while raising his glass. Everyone follows and then takes a drink, except for Aidan who can’t drink or eat. Instead he studies me with burning eyes.

  36 LILITH

  Hannah, Helena and I head off to all the fun baby boutiques we have researched on the internet and Yelp. The shops are spread out all over the city and we plan to make a day of it. Mostly it’s a chance for the three of us to talk and spend easy time together. Of course, I am the main course after I assuage my guilty feelings for having got Hannah in the mix with Mark. She assures me it was like taking a long nap. Diel had the hardest time.

  “I am so happy for you, Lily,” Hannah gushes. It is so unlike her to gush. It’s got to be the hormones. “I just knew you would end up with Bast. A wedding cruise is so romantic, too. We will all be together.” She sighs and rubs her belly. “It was really big of you to invite Aidan and Manda.”

  “Nonsense. I can’t picture my life without Aidan in it, no matter what’s happened these last few months. If that means having Manda there too then that is what’s going to happen. Besides, she makes him happy and that’s important to me,” I say. I plaster on a fake smile, but realize I mean it.

  “You’re not fooling any one, young lady,” Helena says. “Plus I saw how Aidan was staring at you. There will always be something between the two of you. The bigger part of your hearts belong to someone else. That’s what you need to focus on,” she says rubbing my arm.

  I smile at her and nod. She is absolutely right. It’s what I feel. Hannah sobs. I gather her into my arms and hug her tightly. I know she hates being treated like she is porcelain.

  “I-I’m s-sorry,” she sobs. “Fucking hormones. But that’s just so damned tragic and romantic all balled up in one.”

  “Tragic… that sums it up,” I say frowning.

  “Don’t overthink it, dearling. It is what it is. There will be more joy as time heals the wounds. Right now, the feelings are raw and new,” Helena soothes.

  “I can give it time. I have plenty of that,” I say and give her a genuine smile this time. We both hug Hannah as she quiets. “I think we need a cup of tea before we go shopping.”

  “Yes, I think that would be lovely,” Helena says.

  We have been standing outside the first boutique on our agenda. Across the street is a café. I order our drinks while Helena and Hannah save us a table outside in the sun. When the drinks are ready, I carefully carry the tray to our table and we sit in companionable silence sipping our drinks. Suddenly Aidan pops up nearby.

  “Lilith, I need to get you home as soon as possible. There’s been trouble. Helena and Hannah come too please. I’ll zap the car back.” He snaps his finger and the car disappears. We rush over to him and link hands.

  “Aidan, what’s wrong?” I ask.

  “Mark,” is all he says and then we transmanifest.

  He deposits us in the solarium/laboratory where Julian is stitching up Diel. Sebastian is a mess. Covered in blood and scorch marks. Hannah growls and goes running to her mate with me on her heels to Sebastian. Sebastian looks up.

  “Thank you, Aidan,” Bast says as he wraps his arms around me. I could care less that he is ruining my dress, all I care about is helping him heal. I bare my fangs and bite my wrist and bring it to his mouth.

  Aidan turns and talks to Diel and Hannah while Sebastian takes my blood. Bast stares into my eyes the whole time. When he’s had enough he licks the puncture marks so they heal faster. He already has more color and the cuts are knitting closed. I move my hands over him, inspecting the damage. Running my fingers through his hair, he leans into my touch.

  “You should see the other guys,” Sebastian says and laughs but winces.

  “Other guys?” I say, my voice pitching higher at the end.

  “There Diel, that should hold you until you heal. Hannah, cut those out just before you go to bed so he can finish healing,” Julian says.

  “Okay. Now explain what the hell happened here,” Hannah says voicing my thoughts.

  “Somehow Mark had a backup clause to his whole kidnap and convert Lily plan, Cherie. He arranged to send some brutes over to work me over and I think to kill me.” He looks over at Diel who nods at him. I gasp. Bast tightens his hold on me as my knees go weak. “Easy, ma petite, it will take more than six demons to take me away from you.”

  “S-six! Oh my God Sebastian. How are you still walking? How? Diel how did you get hurt? What the hell happened?” I demand.

  “I went to go to the club to do some paper work. When I stepped out of the house I was jumped by them. I almost didn’t get away. Some dirty fighting I learned before they were born saved me. I got it under control. I sent all of them but one back to Hell. Diel felt the disturbance from it and came out. He banished the last one who gouged him with his claw trying to escape,” Sebastian says.

  “Thank you, Diel,” I say. My barely beating heart as close to racing as it can be. He nods, his face full of fury.

  “I knew it was Mark because they were stupid enough to tell me they were sent by him and that I was messing around with Mark’s mate,” Sebastian snarls.

  Diel le
aves the room to dish out some Duke shit with everyone Mark had contact with. Top side and down under.

  “Aidan, please go with him,” Hannah pleas. Aidan doesn’t bother to answer, he just follows Diel.

  “Fucking demon. He was deluded and dangerous, who knows what traps he set up. I don’t want you leaving the house anymore without protection. We don’t know what he set up. Especially if they find out we are engaged and Mark is dead,” Sebastian says. He runs his hand through his hair then kisses my forehead. I’m pretty sure I could handle myself but I acquiesce because I know Bast is only coming from a position of being scared for me.

  “Diel will be okay, Diel will be okay, Diel will be okay…” Hannah repeats like a prayer over and over with her eyes closed.

  I reach her side as she sways and catch her, carrying her to the couch where I pull her close to my side and cover her up with the cashmere throw. I hug her tightly.

  “Andrew, get Hannah some hot cider please.”

  “Yes.” He streaks from the room. Helena joins us.

  “Hannah, my darling, he will be okay. Especially with Aidan beside him. Everything will be okay,” Helena says soothingly as she rubs some life into Hannah’s hands. “Remember he is a Duke and very powerful. All the demons that were at Mark’s disposal are lesser demons and will be easily dispatched.”

  “You’re right. He is a Duke. My Duke. My Mate. I know how strong he is. I shouldn’t be so afraid. It’s just seeing him hurt. I just can’t lose him.” Hannah shudders and I hug her again. “He’s always been so safe here that I was shocked. I mean when we were in Hell he got beat up pretty badly trying to save me from that one demon, but those monsters aren’t supposed to be allowed topside.”

  “He will be fine, Hannah,” Sebastian says to her. He takes a seat on her other side and takes her into his arms. She rests her head on his shoulder.

  “I know I’m being over emotional. Damn hormones. This is so not like me. I would be going with him ready to kick some butt. Oh, how will I do that with little Bobby or Patty.”

  Andrew coughs discretely. I feel the same way about the names.