She took a sip of tea. “Got anything stronger?”
He laughed. “How about a glass of wine?”
“Seriously? I was thinking more along the lines of a shot of Tequila, or several.”
He headed to the bar on the other side of the room. Grabbed the bottle from the glass hutch and poured a shot. “Got it, one shot of liquid courage coming up.”
She followed, taking a seat on a stool in front of the bar. “Oh you have no idea.” When he placed the glass in front of her, she swiped the liquor off the bar and tossed it down her throat. Her color returned. “Can I ask you a question?”
His gaze softened. “You can ask me anything.”
“You said before you believed in the truth, is that what I will get from you? The truth?”
“Always, I cannot lie. It’s not in my nature to do so.”
“Are you my guardian angel?”
“I’m not quite sure how to answer. In a way, yes.”
She rubbed her temple. “Shit. I slept with my guardian angel. I’m going straight to Hell for this one.”
“You’re not going to Hell and never say that!” He hadn’t meant to snap.
“Wow, I take it that’s a real place too.”
“Very real and no where you want to go.”
“I’m so confused, but whatever, we can come back to that later.” Green eyes scorched his soul. “Do you by chance have fangs?”
“Yes, why do you ask?”
A delicate finger pointed at the glass indicating a refill. He obliged then placed the bottle on the bar.
“I’ve had dreams of you biting me.”
He smiled. If you only knew, my love.
“What did you say?”
Damn, she picked up his mental thoughts. He rested his elbows on the bar and leaned closer to her. “Did you enjoy it?”
Her face grew ten shades of pink. “I...uh.”
“Only the truth, we vow it right now to never hold anything back from each other.”
She grabbed the bottle and poured another shot, tossing it back with ease. “Only the truth.” Her eyes dropped to her lap. “Yes, I enjoyed it very much.”
He moved to the other side of the bar. “Can I touch you, Cassie?”
She hesitated before answering. “Yes.”
He brushed his thumb across her cheek. “There’s more to the story.” He slid onto the stool next to her. “Many of my people were lost to a war with a demon more than three hundred years ago. Very few females survived, many of the men have been unable to mate.” He saw a look of fear cross her face. “Let me finish, sweetheart. Yes, as you are aware, we can have relations with humans, but it’s different. When we find our true mate, it’s a bonding of the heart, mind, body and soul. It’s so much more than a human relationship can ever be.”
This time she took a sip of Tequila. “So what you’re telling me is I’m just a fuck until your mate comes along?”
He grabbed both her hands and pulled them to his chest. “Never. What I’m trying to say is the gods chose us to be together. You are my mate, Cassie.”
Wait, he just said I was his mate? She jumped off the stool and paced the room. Was that why he’d been showing up in her dreams? She had to be missing something, some hidden meaning.
“Shit. First, I find out I’ve been sleeping with my guardian angel. Next, I bear witness to the real boogieman, and now you tell me, we have been chosen to be together?” She did a face-palm to her forehead. “How could I forget, you have fangs. Which leads me to my next question. I suppose you drink blood? I mean, otherwise, why would you have fangs?”
“Yes.”
She stopped mid-stride. “But I saw you eat food.”
“I do eat food, but blood gives me strength.”
“Holy fuck. I feel like I stepped into a damn novel. Please tell me you don’t sparkle.”
A dark brow shot up. “Please! Only if you dip me in glue and roll me in glitter.”
The image of his broad, well-defined chest covered in gleaming tinsel nearly sent her into a fit of laughter. No, he looked much better with a naked chest. A shiver crawled up her spine. Much better indeed.
His lips curled into a sly grin. “I’m pleased you like me better naked.” He waggled his brows. “Just say when, love.”
She gasped. “You’re in my head. Get out. Get out of there this instant.” She placed her palms over her scalp as if it would help. “I should have known you could read my mind.”
“I’m not reading your mind but hearing your thoughts. Just as you have begun to hear mine, our bond is growing stronger.”
Could this day get any weirder? “How can I be your mate? I mean, doesn’t your mate have to be like you? How long do you live anyway?”
“We can realistically live forever, there are a few ways to kill us, and as I said, many were lost in the war.” He scrubbed his face. “I don’t really know why we were chosen to be together, but I know you feel our connection.”
“Yes, I will admit my attraction to you has been mind-boggling to say the least.” She noticed he looked at the floor. He was hiding something, she was sure of it. “What are you not telling me?”
“You are to become one of us.”
“Oh hell no!” Wait, she still wasn’t sure what he was. A vampire angel? She rubbed her neck, the thought of him taking her blood sent moisture to her core. I must be fucked in the head. “I’d remember if you had taken my blood, wouldn’t I?”
His tall frame leaned against the bar. “You are untouched. I would recognize if any other had ever tasted you.” He leveled his eyes. “The pleasure my bite brings you will be unforgettable.”
Arrogant bastard, but somehow, she knew he was right. She walked over and grabbed the rest of the shot and drank it down. “I don’t get it. You say you’re a guardian, but yet you take our blood and without our consent.” It was her turn to cross her arms over her chest. Chin tipped up. She had him on this one, she was positive.
He snorted. “Did you not pay attention in school, woman? The gods have always required a blood sacrifice.”
She exhaled sharply. Well damn, he had her there. “Okay. Look, I have a million more questions, but I’m tired, and I need time alone...to think. Can you take Jill and I back to my house, please?”
“I’m sorry, but it’s not safe there. Those minions came for you, they meant to take you from me.”
She shuddered as she remembered the men and what they had done to her sister. Suddenly too much for her, she burst into tears. She never heard him approach but found strong arms encircling her. Bringing the comfort she so desperately needed.
He stroked her hair and kissed the top of her head. “Please, baby, I know it’s been a lot, but my heart breaks to see you cry.”
She looked up at him. So much worry covered his face. “What do we do now?”
“We’ll work this out.” His mouth sought hers. Gentle at first then more desperate. Yes, this is what she needed. This strong man, no matter what he was, would make her forget.
Pulling away, she panted. “Marcus, it seems crazy, but I need you to make love to me.”
He scooped her up and headed for the bedroom. “I’ll give you anything you wish.” He laid her on the bed, then with careful hands pushed the oversized T-shirt he’d given her up past her stomach. She sat up and lifted her arms so he could pull the shirt over her head. Next, he unsnapped her pants, and she lifted her hips. The jeans landed on the floor next to the shirt. All that was left was her red lace bra and panties. Her fingers fumbled for his jeans. He stepped back.
“Allow me.”
She watched while he grabbed the bottom of his navy shirt and pulled it over his head. She licked her lips, never had she seen such well chiseled abs. Anatomy studies would have been more fun with a specimen like him. He unzipped his jeans then inserted his thumbs into the waistband and pushed down, freeing his erection. She was suddenly thankful he didn’t wear underwear. He slid in next to her, his warmth flowing over her as he unhooked
her bra from the front and let it fall to the sides of her breasts. He bent closer until all she could feel was hot breath, causing her nipples to harden.
Her breaths increased, and she arched toward him, but he made her wait. Finally, his tongue flicked out, touching her nipple. A plea escaped her throat. “Please.”
His tongue swirled around her pink bud then sucked it into his mouth. Fingers swept between her folds.
“You’re so wet for me.”
“Marcus, I need you inside me. Now.”
He grabbed her panties and ripped them free then pulled her legs apart and pressed the tip of his cock against her entrance.
Her breath stopped. “What are you waiting for?”
“You should know, we have no need for a condom.”
“At this point I don’t even care.”
He inched in while he pinned her hips to the bed, preventing her from thrusting upward. Inch by agonizing inch, he slid into her until at last she was filled. She moved under him and let out a moan. “So good.”
“Sweetheart, you know what I am. I can no longer conceal my true identity.”
Their gazes met. His eyes molten silver, fangs extended. She reached up and traced his lips. How was it possible he could be even more handsome in this state of arousal?
“Please tell me I don’t frighten you. I would never hurt you.”
He sucked her finger into his mouth as his cock slid in and out of her. “I’m not afraid.” Never afraid of him. In this moment, she never felt safer.
She greeted his every thrust. She teetered on the edge as he whispered in her ear. “Trust me, and I will bring you pleasure beyond belief.”
“Yes.” God, she was close. What more could he do to her? As if to answer her question, his lips wrapped around her pink bud, a quick, sharp prick and a fang slid into her nipple. Her eyes rolled back as the most intense orgasm gripped her body and pulled her under. Waves crashed over her, drowning her in ecstasy.
He released his bite and laved his tongue across her nipple. “Gods, woman, I need you.”
Somehow, she understood what he needed, and at this moment, she’d give him anything. She swept the hair from her neck, and she turned her head. “Take what you need, I offer freely.”
His tongue glided over her pulse as his cock slammed into her. He suckled her neck, a light pinprick and his fangs buried deep. She dug her nails into his back. The eruption started as a slow burn, the need to sink her teeth into him nearly made her crazed. His cock swelled and stretched her. Her entire body became more sensitive, the wave moved from her neck, down her body leaving bumps in its wake. When it finally reached her throbbing core, she exploded, her teeth clamping onto his chest, and she screamed.
When he withdrew his fangs, he threw his head back and yelled. His cock pulsing hot seed into her. They both climaxed for what seemed like an eternity and when the last of their orgasm ebbed, Marcus rolled to his back, bringing her to rest on top of him.
She was exhausted, but sat up to give a frantic look at his chest.
He brushed the hair from her face. “What’s wrong, love?”
“I bit you. Oh god, I’m so sorry. Wait...there’s no mark.”
“I heal quickly.” He cupped her face and pulled her to him. A soft kiss brushed her lips. “You can sink your teeth into me anytime.”
She fell to his chest, too weak to move. “That was incredible,” she mumbled as sleep overtook her.
Chapter Thirteen
He fingered the long, silky locks of her hair while she slept pressed against him, hardly able to believe he’d tasted her last night. Freely, she gave herself, and after all that had happened, the reactions his body had to her blood were undeniable. Besides the intense orgasm, his mind completely connected to hers—every thought, dream and heartbreak part of him.
Muscles tensed when he learned of her ex-fiancé John and how he had broken her. Part of him wanted to kill the man for ripping her heart out. The other half, thankful he’d left because she belonged to him.
Mine.
He kissed the top of her head. The corners of his lips curled upward when he imagined her belly one day swollen with his child. Children meant the world to her. He wondered how she would react to the news that once converted to a guardian, her body would mend itself. She could have a house full of children if that was her desire.
My beautiful bride, I promise to protect you with my life.
Someone spoke and she opened her eyes to find a handsome guardian staring at her.
“Good morning, who were you talking to?”
Marcus pressed his lips to hers. “I was merely thinking out loud. I didn’t mean to wake you.”
She rolled away, stretching her arms overhead. “You didn’t.” Her mind was a jumbled mess, busy trying to digest what she'd learned last night. Had he told her he was an alien, she probably would have had an easier time coping. Might have even asked to see his space ship. Why am I having a hard time processing this? I mean, I never thought about creatures living right here among us. Me? The mate to a guardian angel? It’s laughable at best. She slapped her arm over her eyes. God, she had a headache and was afraid of what this all meant.
“Cassie, honey, your emotions are giving me a headache as well. What can I do to help you?”
She jumped. “You’re reading my thoughts again?” That pissed her off.
He pressed his lips against her forehead. “They are reverberating off my brain.” He sat up and placed his fingers on her temples. “Let me take care of you.”
Soothing warmth radiated across her scalp and soon the pain receded. She sucked in a deep breath and released it slowly. “You did that, didn’t you?”
“Yes. I can’t stand to see you suffer.”
“Thank— wait a minute.” She sat up, the sheet dropping to her waist and exposing her bare breasts. “What do you mean by reverberating off your brain?”
“I have a blood bond with you.” Eyebrows waggled.
She grabbed the sheet and pulled it up to her neck then smacked him on the arm. “Be serious. What do you mean blood bond?” Panic was beginning to set in.
He leaned back against the headboard and crossed his arms over his chest. She glanced down to the tent forming under the sheet. “I was enjoying the view, but if you’d rather talk. I know all your thoughts, memories. Everything. I can now connect with you telepathically.”
She glared at him, still clutching the sheet to her chest. “So, you can read my mind whenever you want? Why didn’t you tell me this before I offered myself?”
“Would it have mattered? After all, we belong together. Besides, we are able to block our thoughts, allowing entry to only those we wish. You simply need to learn how.”
With a huff she grabbed the T-shirt he’d given her last night, dropped the sheet and pulled the shirt over her head. She slipped out of bed and padded to the window. Pulling the sheer aside, she stared outside. Sunlight dappled through thick forests, and a soft breeze carried the scent of pine through the open window. This was the first time she’d seen her surroundings.
“Where are we, Marcus?”
His warm body slipped in behind her and he enveloped her with his arms, bringing comfort. So, why was she still fighting panic? “This is my home. It’s called Vandeldor. Another realm that exists beside yours.”
She sucked in her breath, another world? How much more could her mind take? “When can I go home?” She needed time to think. Absorb all this new information and decide about this mate business.
He spun her around until she faced him. “I told you, it is too dangerous.”
Did she want to chance facing those...things again? But she had a life, a job, and responsibilities. “I have a life back there. I can’t simply disappear. People will worry.” Her gaze dropped to his chest. She couldn’t look him in the eyes. “I need time to think, time away from you.”
“No, I will not allow you to go back. You could be taken or worse. If it’s space you need, then I can stay with
Gwen, but you will stay here.”
She pressed her lips together and shoved him away. Storming across the room, she grabbed her jeans and pulled them on in a jerking motion. “Allow? So now I’m to be your prisoner?” She fisted her hands, wanted to deck him. How dare he!
“Woman, there will be no placing yourself in danger.” His eyes grew dark and stormy, fangs descending. She’d struck a nerve but didn’t care. If he meant to scare her, it wasn’t going to work. She already knew he would never harm her. But damn it, she was not going to lose her freedom no matter what. Shoving her chin out, she hoped to radiate confidence. “If you don’t take me back, then I will find someone here who will.”
A low rumble emitted from his chest. “I will kill anyone who touches you.”
Had he growled at her? Seriously? “I’m not your personal possession. You took my thoughts, my memories, all without my permission. Now you take my freedom. I’m grateful for what you’ve done for my sister, but you are too much for me right now. Too overpowering.” She stormed from the room and headed to where Jill still slept. Tears burned her eyes, but she refused to let them spill. Damn it, she would not back down.
Marcus finally relented and took Cassie and Jill back home but with the agreement his conditions were met. Guards were posted outside, and she promised to call for him if anything strange went on. She approved, actually felt comforted knowing protection was close by. It was also the only way she could come home.
Jill slept in the guest room, unaware of the night’s events. She worried about her sister, but Marcus had insisted Jill was fine and needed more time. Cassie threw herself on the couch and cried. The look of pain on his face when he’d left had scorched her. She’d not realized the extent of their bond, still didn’t understand it. Only knew she never meant to hurt him, but she needed time to think.
She was so tired. Her eyes fluttered shut and sleep overtook her.
“Wake up!” someone yelled in her ear.
“No, let me sleep,” she mumbled, wanting to curl into herself and stay there forever. Maybe if she slept long enough, she would wake to find it had all been a nightmare.
Vampire's Mate Page 11
