by Ann Cory
Varick smoothed his hands along her back then pulled his cock out, sending a faint tremor through her.
“You’re an amazing woman.”
She flattened herself on the bed and then turned to her side, patting the empty space beside her. With a smile he stretched up close and kissed her full on the lips. When he broke away, she glanced down, her eyes wide. In only a few seconds he sported a full erection again.
Her brow arched. “How can you be ready again so soon?”
A sly smile curved his lips. “I blame you.”
She’d only dreamed of hours upon hours of hot, sweaty sex. It appeared Varick could deliver.
“You’ll hear no complaints from me.”
Aubrey leaned on her elbow and ran her fingers across his moist, warm chest. “How did you know where I kept my vibrator?”
He chuckled. “I may have looked in on you at an especially good time.”
Playfully she batted his arm. “You’re bad. So when you say you watch over me, does that include coming into my room at night while I sleep?”
His features turned serious. “No. I’ve never been inside your home until tonight.”
“But you could have?”
Varick slid a strand of her hair behind her ear. “I suppose, but I didn’t dare. I knew how badly I wanted you and feared it would only make it worse.”
“How is it you can see me?” Her first thought was some crystal ball, or magic telescope.
“My senses are highly developed. I can see events as they happen in my mind, and with you I can also sense what will happen in the span of several minutes. I haven’t been able to do that with anyone else.”
Her lip twitched. “Wow, I’m impressed. Is it like a third eye?”
“Sort of. Dante taught me how to strengthen the vision and keep focus. Earlier tonight it knocked me to my knees when I saw you going over the cliff.”
She’d been very lucky to have a guardian…vampire. “Does it always work?”
“There’ve been a few occasions where it failed me, or the sensations came back weak, but usually it’s reliable.”
It seemed strange to her that he appeared like any normal man. Or at least a man with a drop-dead gorgeous body, long black hair and mesmerising eyes. Nothing about him screamed vampire. Even his dark and gothic style of dress didn’t look out of the ordinary. Beyond everything else, she knew the truth, and the differences would affect them whether they wanted to acknowledge them or not. They could pretend it all away, but it would inevitably create problems.
Aubrey didn’t know how to broach the subject without putting a damper on their mood, but the question begged to be asked. “How can we make this work, you and I?”
He averted his eyes. “If it’s what we both want, then we’ll find a way.”
“I see. So you don’t know either. I don’t mean to upset you, but this has been on my mind from earlier. Why haven’t you tried to bite me?”
He brought her wrist to his lips and smothered it with kisses. “My love for you overpowers the need. Besides we don’t feed on humans. It isn’t the way. We have a blood supply and it more than nourishes the coven.”
Uncertain how he’d react, she blurted her next question. “What does it feel like for you to drink blood?” Once the words were out, she held her breath.
His smile suggested all was okay between them. “Does sex always make you this inquisitive?”
Aubrey laughed. “Sorry.”
“It’s fine. To answer your question, blood is like water to me. An icy, cool glass on a hot summer day. Once I’ve had my fill I’m recharged,” he explained.
She watched him frown as he glanced out the window.
“I have to go. The night is fading and it will be sunrise soon.”
With a groan she clung to him tighter. “No, I’m not ready.”
His hand circled her upper back, soothing her worries. “Trust me, I want to stay, but this is one of the times our lifestyles differ.”
Aubrey raised her head. She didn’t want him to feel guilty. “I understand.”
He captured her lips with his then rose from the bed.
“Until tomorrow evening.”
A tear fell as she watched him disappear. He’d turned her whole life around, for the better.
Varick passed by the dining hall on his way to bed and was surprised to find Luke sitting at the head of the table, surrounded by his faithful followers. Rarely were they ever in the same area of the house. Still buzzing from his encounter with Aubrey, he refused to let anything or anyone dampen his spirits.
He nodded in the fair-haired vampire’s direction. “Luke.”
“Varick,” he sneered. “Late night out, I see. Good thing nothing bad happened here, you know, since we were without a leader.”
As always his brother liked to point out his faults to others.
He didn’t want to get caught up in the banter and waved a hand at him. “Whatever.”
Luke pushed back his chair and hoisted his feet onto the table, hands resting on his waist. A smug look streaked his face. “You know, the clan is in an uproar. Everyone’s been talking.”
Varick sighed. “Talking about what?”
Dark eyes bore right through him. “About you bringing a mortal into the West Chamber. How could you be so careless? It’s a wonder Dante left you in charge.”
An uneasy feeling passed through his gut. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Luke narrowed his eyes. “You know better, but you acted like a complete idiot. We need someone intelligent ruling over us. Someone worthy to look up to.”
He tired of hearing about his shortcomings. “Look, I know I haven’t lived up to the ways of Dante. Believe me it turns my stomach sour. But I’m trying. I need a little more time and then I know I can turn things around. Have some faith in me. Have some faith in Dante. Obviously he thought I was right for the job.”
Luke snickered. “Remains to be seen. Nevertheless, you shouldn’t have brought a woman here. Especially not a woman you swore to keep safe. Our brothers are beyond restless, with good reason. They can smell her. Fresh, innocent blood.”
A cold draft ran through him. He’d trusted Blake to keep his word. “I don’t know who told you, but that’s my business.”
“What difference does it make who I heard it from? We would all like to find a woman to love the way Dante did, but it isn’t right. There are plenty of Vamps to pleasure us. Why do you insist on going outside of the coven?”
He turned and started toward the staircase. “I don’t have to answer to you.”
In a flash Luke was out of the chair and coming straight at him. “Secrets won’t put this coven back together.”
He remembered Blake mentioning the missing women. “I’d say you have secrets of your own. Where exactly are you getting your blood supply? Dare I ask?”
Luke pointed a finger at him. “When you start to act like a leader, I’ll treat you like one. Otherwise I owe you nothing. Don’t worry about what I do. I suggest you watch your own back.”
His blood boiled at the obvious threat. “Why? Are you and your cohorts going to take me out? Strip me of my title? Plot all you want, but I won’t go down without a fight. If I didn’t think I was capable of running this coven, I’d have given up the title years ago. You’ll never rule here. Not so long as I’m alive.”
Luke’s lip twitched as he spoke. “You don’t want to push me, Varick.”
“I’m tired of this conflict between us. You’ve blamed me for things I couldn’t control. For taking Dante’s attention away from you. I was a kid.”
“At least you acknowledge that’s what you did.”
“For whatever reason, he felt a bond to me.”
His eyes blazed. “One I started before you arrived. One I would still have to this day had you never come here.”
Now he’d heard everything. “What? Do you think Dante would be alive right now?”
“I wouldn’t have enabled his obsession for a
mortal. I’d have talked some sense into him. But not you, no, you were always too busy trying to stay in his good graces. You’ve always been the one allowed to do what you wanted.”
Through with the conversation, he started up the stairs. “You sound as immature now as you did back then. Get over it. What’s done is done.”
“Oh, there is still much to be done.”
He raised a brow. “Meaning?”
Luke’s icy smile disturbed him. “Like I said. Watch your back.”
Wearily Varick stalked to his room. So Luke wanted to challenge him. Fine. He’d be ready.
Chapter Six
Aubrey slept most of the day away, not wanting to leave the spot where she and Varick had lain together. New life pumped through her blood. Awakened from some deep sleep she couldn’t before shake. She knew it was all Varick’s doing and couldn’t wait to be back in his arms.
In mid-stretch, she glanced outside. The sky had a gray cast and black clouds billowed like smoke from a chimney. Definitely a storm coming. She propped herself up on her elbows and smiled. God he’d fucked her good.
A quick glance at the clock made her groan and grin at the same time. It was already four o’clock, but that meant in a few hours, they’d be back in bed together.
With most of the afternoon behind her, she decided to take a nice, long shower. The warm strands of water moved along her body in the same way Varick’s fingers had. Just thinking about his touch ignited new flames between her thighs and sent a rush of shivers across her skin.
For once she’d stopped letting fear drive her and had done something spontaneous. She’s tended to her own needs and ignored her insecurities. If her mother had been as happy as Aubrey felt right now, she could see why she’d fought so hard to make the relationship work. Aubrey never understood before how deeply a person could love another—the kind of love where nothing else mattered. Where risks only strengthened the bond. And she knew risks were involved by being with Varick, but they were worth it. Unconventional as their love might be, she’d never been happier.
Hair clean and smelling of fresh green apples, she quickly dried off and slipped on her robe, its fabric cool against her skin. In the kitchen she looked through cupboards and the fridge for something light to sate her appetite, settling on yogurt with fresh peaches. It tasted sweeter than ever and she savoured each spoonful. In between bites, she realised she couldn’t stop smiling.
Back in her room she sat at the vanity and took her time applying makeup. When Varick returned she wanted to look perfect. Decadent. She chose a striking red dress that hugged all her curves and matching red pumps. Hair long and slightly tousled, she beamed at her reflection. Yeah, she looked damn good. Wait until he saw her.
A bright flash of light broke her gaze from the mirror. Aubrey stepped up to the window and looked out, barely able to see through the rain. Trees and bushes swayed recklessly in the wind. She was surprised to see it so dark out at only six. Shivers shot up her back when a terrifying boom of thunder broke out and vibrated the windowpanes. She hoped Varick would arrive soon.
Another streak of light illuminated the sky and all the lights in the neighbourhood went out. She stood in the eerie quiet of the dark, her muscles tense. Aubrey hated the dark. Hand out in front of her, she felt her way to the dining room. In the third drawer of the hutch she grabbed an armful of candles and shuffled a few steps forward until her leg bumped the dining table. She set them down and felt around for the lighter.
Something smooth glided along her hand, startling her. She moved back until she hit the wall.
“Is someone there? Varick?”
She didn’t think it could be him. Another flash lit the room and streaked across the face of a stranger.
Aubrey’s blood drained from her face. “Who are you? What are you doing here?”
An image of her mother running around the house, shrieking popped in her mind. Oh God, was this person here to kill her too?
A dusky voice spoke, making the hairs on the back of her neck stand straight up.
“I’m Luke, a friend of Varick’s. Actually, I guess you could call him my brother.”
If she could get to the kitchen, she’d grab the butcher knife. Until then, she pressed up against the wall as if it were her safety net. “He didn’t mention anything about you coming here.”
A series of short flashes revealed he’d closed the distance between them and she fought the scream rising in her throat.
“Well, I confess, he doesn’t actually know about my being here. He probably wouldn’t appreciate it too much.”
“Then why don’t you go,” she offered, hoping to sound brave.
His wicked chuckle made her skin prickle. “No, I think I’ll stay, thank you. Did you know that a vampire can smell the blood of a mortal from hundreds of miles away?”
She didn’t like where this was going. “N-no. Why are you telling me this?”
“Varick made a mistake in bringing you to our coven. It’s not your fault, but unfortunately you’re the one who will have to suffer for it.”
Aubrey worried she wouldn’t make it to the kitchen and tried to think up another plan. With the triple locks on her front door, she’d never get out in time. Funny how that worked. “I’d like you to go. You’re scaring me.”
His voice sounded close. “You have every reason to be afraid. I promise to go easy on you.”
It took everything in her to not freak out. “What are you going to do?”
He sidled up to her quickly, his hands wrapping tight around her middle. Aubrey screamed and struggled to free herself from his grasp, but he held her tight.
The lightning lit up the room briefly, long enough for her to see that behind the fair-haired vampire stood another man, his face dark with red eyes.
“About time you got here Denzen. Help me pin her down.”
Her pulse pounded. “No, I beg you. If you go, I won’t mention you were here to anyone.”
His lips tangled against her hair as he spoke. “Sweetheart, no one will care. We have business, you and I. We’ll start with one bite.”
Her eyes widened. He meant to feed from her?
“Wait, I thought vampires didn’t feed on humans anymore?”
Again he laughed. “Is that what Varick told you? You see, some vampires drink from the blood supply in the cellar. It’s tasty, but I prefer fresh blood. Especially when it’s a woman’s. Much sweeter. Spicier. Arouses me something awful. I’ve craved you from the moment I noticed your scent clinging to every particle in the air of the West Chamber. Varick should have turned you when he had the chance, but now you’re fair game.”
Aubrey kicked and screamed, but the two men overpowered her. Down to the floor she fell, knocking her head against the cherry wood floor. She continued to struggle, despite the fact they had her pinned.
“Get off me!”
Luke twisted her hair in his fist and forced her head to the side.
“Stop struggling or I’ll let you bleed to death.”
She tensed her neck muscle. Two against one, she didn’t stand a chance. Tears streamed down her cheeks, blurring her vision.
“Please, don’t do this,” she sobbed.
Luke’s lips were so close to her neck she could feel his cold breath. “Oh, sweetheart. I like the way you say please.”
Aubrey held her breath as two sharp points pierced her neck. The pain beyond anything she’d felt before. Excruciating. Her pulse pounded deep and heavy.
“Varick,” she cried out.
More pain followed as he sank his teeth in deeper.
She was vaguely aware of the other vampire’s presence until the lights came on. With a twisted smile he gazed down on her.
“Luke here should have been leader. Not Varick. But you can thank your boyfriend for leading us to you. We haven’t smelled blood as pure as yours for ages. I’ll bet you taste good, bitch.”
Her stomach clenched. All the goodness in her life seemed sucked right out of her. Why
hadn’t Varick come for her? Couldn’t he sense her fear?
It seemed like forever before the pain subsided. Luke sat up, a trail of blood dripping down the sides of his mouth.
“God, woman, you taste incredible.”
His eyes practically glowed in the dark as he stared at her, his chest rising and falling.
“I took more from you than I should have, but I couldn’t help myself. I’ve never tasted blood like yours.”
Denzen knelt down and licked his lips. “Hey, man. Let me have a turn.”
She watched the exchange of dirty looks, doing her best to stay conscious.
“Like hell. She’s mine. This is my gift to Varick for what he did to me.”
Luke turned back to her and wiped his mouth on his sleeve, leaving a stain.
“I’ll let you rest for a short while then I’ll feed from you again.”
Aubrey lay on the floor, eyelids fluttering. A beautiful darkness beckoned to her, and she wanted to heed it. To let it wrap itself around her and take her someplace safe. To take her to Varick.
Varick buttoned up his shirt. He couldn’t wait to be with Aubrey again tonight. In a short while they’d be tangled up in each other’s arms. The thought alone made his cock convulse. He had a surprise in store for her. Something she wouldn’t be expecting.
First he needed to nourish himself with blood from the cellar.
He took the stairs two at a time and caught a glimpse of Blake walking in the hall. The sting of betrayal sent his adrenaline on high.
Hands to his mouth, he hollered. “Blake, I’d like a word with you.”
His brother turned and returned a half-smile. What he wouldn’t give to smash those lips in.
Varick charged forward, leaving little room between them. Fortunately everyone else cleared out, leaving the two of them alone to talk. His body shook as he struggled with the right words. “How could you inform the coven of my bringing Aubrey here when you swore you wouldn’t say anything.”
The smile he’d shone instantly vanished, settling into a frown. “What? I didn’t say a word.”
