Crouching Tiger, Forbidden Vampire (Love at Stake) (19 page)

“Last night happened too fast,” he murmured as he cupped her breasts and felt their weight against his palms. “I wasn’t able to give you the attention you deserve.”

He brushed his thumbs over her nipples and they pebbled. “Look at that. How pretty they are.” He leaned down to run his tongue over the pebbled skin.

She shivered, then slid her hands up his arms to his shoulders. “I love touching you. You’re so beautiful.”

He snorted. “Guys aren’t beautiful.”

“You are.” She smoothed her hands down his chest to his abdomen. “So many muscles.”

“So many curves.” He grazed his fingers along the curve of her waist and hips.

“So soft, but wonderfully hard.” She curled her hand around his erection.

He sucked in a breath as she gently stroked him, then rubbed her thumb over the crown. With a groan, he removed her hand. “That’s enough.”

She frowned. “But I like touching you.”

“I’m about to explode.” He kissed her hand. “I want to be in charge for a while. I’m going to make you writhe and scream with pleasure.”

“Really?” She gave him a dubious look, then her mouth twitched. “Well, if you insist.” She lay back onto the bed and lifted her arms overhead. “All right, cowboy. Let’s see what you can do.”

He tapped the end of her nose. “Your wish is my command, princess.”

“Don’t call me princess.”

With a smile, he hooked his fingers into the waistband of her panties and pulled.

She shifted her hips, lifting them up tantalizingly as he dragged the panties over her rump and down her legs. Now that she was stretched out naked on the bed, he took his time to study her. She had the lithe, muscular build of an athlete, but all the luscious curves of a beautiful woman.

Her nipples hardened and her hips squirmed a bit. “Why are you just looking at me?”

“I like what I see. You’re beautiful. And you’re already writhing.”

She snorted. “Because you’re making me nervous. Where’s all this pleasure you promised me?”

“I’m getting there.” He stroked the bottom of her feet.

She pulled them away. “That tickles.”

“Ah.” He grazed his fingertips along her ankles. “Does that tickle, princess?”

“Yes.” She kicked at him.

He moved up her calves and tickled the back of her knees. “And this?”

“Yes.” She stopped him by bending her legs at the knees, then gasped when he shoved her knees apart.

Now he could see the pink folds of her sex, and his groin grew harder.

“Why are you staring?”

“Does it disturb you?” He grazed his hands up her thighs.

Her legs trembled, and moisture glistened on her folds. He breathed deeply, catching the scent of her arousal.

“Russell, do something. This is starting to drive me crazy.”

Smiling, he stretched out beside her. “Are you ready to writhe with pleasure?”

“Yes!”

He planted kisses down her neck as his hand smoothed down her belly. By the time his mouth reached her breasts, his fingers were delving into the black curls that covered her mound.

With a moan, she lifted her hips, pressing against his hand. He smiled to himself, loving how assertive and free she was. He teased her nipple with his tongue and was rewarded with another moan.

“Russell,” she breathed as her hands raked through his hair.

He drew her nipple into his mouth and sucked. A few hard pulls, then he glanced up to see her reaction as his hand slipped between her legs. She was wonderfully slick with moisture and already swelling. Her eyes flew open when he pinched her clitoris.

“What . . . oh my . . .” She gasped as he gently massaged her.

He kissed a trail down to her belly as he stroked her. Soon she was panting and pressing against him. He nuzzled her black curls with his nose, then slipped his fingers between her slick folds. One finger slid inside, then two. So hot and wet.

With a groan, she writhed her hips. He settled between her legs and gave her clitoris a lick. She cried out, her legs thrashing.

What a wild one she was. He grasped her buttocks to keep her still so he could drag his tongue over her folds, then between them. Moisture seeped out, and he sucked it into his mouth. Her body squirmed. He tightened his grip and clamped his mouth onto her clitoris. A few quick flicks with his tongue, and she screamed. Her body jerked, then her sex throbbed against his face. He inserted two fingers, and she screamed again. Her vagina contracted, squeezing his fingers and making his dick ache.

He couldn’t wait any longer. He slid into her.

With a cry, she wrapped her arms and legs around him. Her fingers dug into his shoulders.

The caveman in him broke free, and he slammed into her over and over. “You’re mine,” he growled. “Mine.”

His climax hit like a strike of lightning. He squeezed his eyes shut but saw bolts of light flash through the darkness. He lost control, pumping wildly into her, then he crashed beside her, gasping for air. His fangs shot out, but thankfully he was too knocked out to do anything with them.

Slowly, he became aware of her panting breaths and trembling body. He pulled her close and rested his chin on top of her head. His fangs receded.

“Russell,” she breathed against his chest. “Is it always going to be like that?”

“I don’t know. Give me about ten minutes, and we’ll find out.”

She snorted. “Are we going to mate all night long?”

“If you insist.”

She laughed and hugged him tight. “I insist.”

“Your wish is my command, princess.”

She scooted up so they were face-to-face. “I’m worried about my home and my people. Han is attacking Tiger Town tomorrow.”

“I know. I’ll take care of him.”

“What are you going to do?”

“Kidnap him. Take him some place where we can have a . . . talk.”

She frowned. “What if he just teleports away?”

Russell sighed. “I may have to knock him out and tie him up with silver.”

“I’ll help you. Take him inside the palace. I’ll wait for you there with the silver chain.”

“You don’t have to—”

She put a finger on his mouth to hush him. “I’m going to be there for you. We’re partners.”

“I’d rather you stay here, where it’s safe.”

She scoffed. “Don’t worry about me. I can shift whenever I want now. Besides, we made a deal.”

“We did?”

She nodded. “That we would never say good-bye. So you have to take me with you.”

He brushed her hair back from her brow. “If anything happens to you, I’ll never forgive myself.”

“What could happen? Even if I die, I’ll come back. And then I would be even stronger.” She gave him a pointed look. “Can you handle that?”

He smiled. “Yes, princess.”

She smiled back. “Don’t call me princess.”

He kissed her nose.

She rested a hand on his cheek. “I’m going with you because I love you.”

“I know.” Unease settled in his heart. No matter what she said, it would still be dangerous. “I love you, too.”

Chapter Twenty

T
he following night, right after sunset, Jia arrived with Russell in Tiger Town. The courtyard was full of Vamps, shifters and Han’s ex-soldiers, all waiting for the battle to begin. Angus was at the top of the stairs that led down to the riverbank. From there, he had a good view of the Mekong River and Han’s army, gathered on the other side.

“Howard was supposed to tell Angus about our plan to kidnap Han,” Russell told her. “I’ll check with Angus to make sure he knows.”

Jia nodded. “I’ll be waiting for you inside the palace.”

“All right.” He squeezed her hand before turning to leave.

She watched him go, her heart heavy. For thirteen years, her plan to destroy Han had been inspired by hatred and the need to avenge her family. But now that she’d fallen in love with Russell, vengeance no longer ruled her heart. Now she wanted to kill Han so she could spare Russell the pain of murdering his brother.

He might resent her for butting in, but she was willing to face his anger if she could protect him from harm. What else could she do, as much as she loved him?

She weaved through the crowd, then, in her room, she changed into a simple robe that tied at the waist. Instead of her boots, she put on some slippers. This way, she could fling off her clothes in a second in case she needed to shift. She wedged a knife under the sash and hid two more in the deep pockets of her bell-shaped sleeves. Tied to her sash was the silk pouch that held the silver chain.

Outside again, she hurried through the crowded courtyard, headed for the palace. When Russell teleported his brother to the throne room, she would loop the silver chain around Han to keep him from escaping.

Halfway up the stairs to the palace, she heard Rajiv calling her name. She turned to see him bounding up the steps.

“Jia! Are you all right?” He stopped beside her, his gaze looking her over carefully.

She’d called him during the afternoon to assure him she was fine, but when he’d pressed her for more information, she’d changed the subject to the upcoming battle. The last two nights with Russell had seemed too precious and personal to discuss on the phone. She’d wanted to treasure her time with Russell without dealing with any outside interference. “I’m perfectly fine. You can stop worrying.”

“But you were stabbed. Xiao Fang told us about it.”

“The wound has healed.” She motioned to the palace. “I need to wait inside. Russell is going to teleport Master Han to the throne room. I’m supposed to help—”

“You’re going to fight Han again?” Rajiv looked aghast. “He nearly killed you before.”

“I’m stronger now—”

“He did kill you, didn’t he?” Rajiv grabbed her arm and looked closely at her eyes. “I can sense more power in you. You’re on your second life, aren’t you?”

“Yes.”

“Dammit!” Rajiv released her and turned away to clench his fists. “Russell said he would protect you. I should clobber—”

“It’s not his fault! He was in shock. He’d just found out that Han is his brother.”

“He should have brought you here! Leah could have patched you up, and Neona could have taken away the pain. Dammit, Jia, why didn’t you do as you were told? And how could Russell just let you die? I’m going to kill—”

“He did what I asked him to! Believe me, he wanted to bring me here, but I insisted.”

Rajiv took a deep breath, then lowered his voice. “Did you mate with him?”

She lifted her chin. “Yes.”

Rajiv let out a howl of outrage so loud that half the crowd in the courtyard turned to look at them.

“We’ll talk about it later,” she said quietly.

“Did you forget that your fiancé is arriving in a week?” Rajiv hissed between gritted teeth.

“We can contact him after the battle—”

“It’s too late. He’s already left Korea. He and his entourage are sailing to Hong Kong on the royal yacht.”

Jia groaned. “Fine. I’ll reject him in person then.”

Rajiv scoffed. “You’re refusing him?”

“Yes. I’m in love with Russell.”

Rajiv gave her an incredulous look. “You’re giving up a were-tiger prince for a vampire who has nothing?”

A spurt of anger burst inside her. “He has honor and courage. And I refuse to give in to the old prejudices of our people. How many Vamps are here now, willing to risk their lives to protect our home?”

“I know very well that there are good Vamps. They’re like family to me. But many of our people, especially those in outlying colonies, have no experience with good Vamps. They equate death and destruction with vampires, and they are not going to understand. A were-tiger has never mated with a vampire before—”

“There’s a first time for everything,” Jia interrupted. “Now, if you will excuse me, I have to go to the palace to help Russell defeat his brother. How do you think he’s feeling right now?”

She turned and marched up the stairs. When she reached the top, she heard Rajiv calling for Tenzen. As she opened the door, her cousin and uncle joined her.

Rajiv held the door open for her. “We’re not going to let you do this alone.”

Her heart swelled. Rajiv was still on her side. “Thank you.” Now Master Han would have three tigers to contend with.

W
ith a pair of binoculars, Russell scanned Han’s army on the far side of the river. He estimated about two hundred soldiers: most on foot and a few officers on horseback. No sign of Darafer, and so far, he hadn’t spotted Markos, either.

“Ye doona have to do this,” Angus muttered. “We’re prepared to fight.”

“I’m not letting another person die because of my brother.”

“Ye’re no’ alone in this. I could station some guys in the throne room.”

“Have them wait outside the door. I need to talk to Markos first. If I can convince him to surrender . . .” Russell’s voice faded with doubt.

With a sigh, Angus patted him on the back. “Have ye spotted him yet?”

“No.” Russell lowered the binoculars. The moon was almost three-quarters full and bright in the night sky. He had expected to catch the gleam of his brother’s golden mask. “When did the army arrive?”

“About two hours before sunset,” Angus replied. “Rajiv was in charge. Every time they approached the river, he ordered his men to fire at them.”

Russell glanced at the male were-tigers who were armed with rocket grenade launchers. No wonder Han’s army was staying put. The minute they attempted to cross the river, they would be easy to pick off.

He spotted a small group behind the army, all dressed in black, making them hard to see in the dark. With the binoculars, he focused on them. They were heavily armed, and the one in the middle was wearing a black Kevlar vest and a hood concealing most of his head.

Russell’s heart beat faster as he waited for a telltale gleam of gold.
Look this way, Markos. Let me see your mask.

The man lifted his head to gaze at the sky. Nothing but black inside the hood.

A black mask
. Of course. Russell’s chest constricted with a mixture of relief and dread. “I found him.”

“Really?” Angus asked. “Where?”

“The group in the back, all dressed in black. Han is in the middle.”

Angus narrowed his eyes. “I hope ye’re right. A surprise attack only works the first time.”

“I know.” Russell handed the binoculars to Angus while he focused on Markos. Always before, he’d seen Master Han through a dark lens of hatred, but now that his eyes were open, he saw things he’d missed before. The way Han stood, the gestures with his hands, the tilt of his head.
Markos.

Russell closed his eyes briefly, trying to shut out the pain, but of course, it didn’t work. There was no help for it.
God help me.
He teleported behind his brother, grabbed him before anyone had time to react, and took him to the palace throne room.

Jia and Rajiv had the silver chain stretched out, each of them holding an end, and they immediately jumped at Han to wrap the chain around him. He struggled, but Russell held him tight from behind.

“I’ll knock you out if I have to,” Russell warned him.

“Russell?” Markos grew still. “No need for the silver. I’ll stay. I’ve been wanting to talk to you.”

Russell released his brother as Jia and Rajiv looped the chain around him a second time.

Markos grunted as the silver burned the silk material of his sleeves. The Kevlar vest protected his torso. “I said I would stay. Don’t you trust me?”

“No.” Russell shoved his brother’s hood back, then ripped off the black mask and tossed it on the floor.

Even though Russell knew what to expect this time, it still made his heart clench to see his brother’s face. Markos’s eyes and hair had always been a darker brown than his own. But the shape of his jaw and nose were almost identical. They were the same height, same build. They’d grown up in the same house with the same parents. So why had they become so different?

Russell searched his brother’s eyes, trying to find the younger brother he knew.

Markos gave him a wry look, then glanced at the were-tigers. Tenzen had his sword drawn. Rajiv passed the ends of the chain to his cousin, then drew his sword.

With a smirk, Markos turned his attention to Jia. “You again. Tell me, did it hurt to die?”

She yanked the chain tighter, so that it sizzled against his arms.

He winced, then shot Russell an annoyed look. “These damned cats. You kill them, and they just keep coming back.”

Jia narrowed her eyes. “When you killed my parents and brother, they didn’t.”

“Oh?” Markos gave her an inquisitive look. “Did I hack them into itsy-bitsy pieces?” He shrugged. “Too bad I can’t remember. There have been so many, you know.”

With a hiss, she pulled a knife from her belt. Rajiv took a step closer with his sword.

“Shut the fuck up,” Russell muttered. “Before my friends decide to kill you.”

“Your
friends
?” Markos snorted, then angled his head toward Jia. “So, is she your pet kitten? Do you make her purr?”

Russell seized his brother by the neck. “Shut up, or I’ll kill you myself.”

“Is that why I’m here?” Markos sneered. “Don’t tell me my noble brother has turned into a lowly executioner.”

Russell released him with a shove. “I brought you here so I could talk to you.”

“Great!” Markos cleared his throat and switched to English. “So, are you over your shock yet? Last time, you looked like you were going to barf.”

“I feel sick every time I think about my brother being a mass murderer.”

“Aw, does it offend your noble sensibilities? Get over yourself, Russell. You were a soldier, too. We were mass murderers by profession. How many villages did you wipe out?”

Russell gritted his teeth. “It was war. How you handle the aftermath is up to you. As far as I’m concerned, I have done nothing to be ashamed of. I was fighting for freedom. And for my country.”

“So am I.” Markos’s mouth curled up with amusement. “But now, the country doesn’t belong to some corrupt government in Washington. This country is mine!”

Russell scoffed. “It was never yours. You stole it.”

“To the victor go the spoils.” Markos’s face grew harsh. “You were an officer. You never knew what it was like to be a grunt, and to have an idiot officer over you treating you like expendable meat. I wasn’t going to take it anymore! I’m in charge now!”

“And now you consider your soldiers expendable? How many more have to die for you, Markos?”

He shrugged. “They volunteer. They want the superhuman abilities that come with serving me. And they want to be a part of my greatness. Why should I deny them?”

His greatness? Russell groaned inwardly. His brother was more than an asshole. He was certifiable. Illusions of grandeur and no conscience about the death and suffering he caused.

Markos grinned. “I’m going to take over the world. Not bad for a farm boy from Colorado, huh?”

“You think Dad would be proud of you?”

Markos’s smile faded. “That idiot. He always acted like you were Mr. Perfect. Ha! You’ll be working for me now.”

“You’re delusional.”

“Not at all.” Markos waved a dismissive hand. “I know exactly how you are. You always had to be the leader, the noble protector. And you expected the helpless little brother to follow.”

“I did what I was supposed to do. I was older than you.”

“So I was doomed never to be in charge?” Markos sneered. “Why do you think I kept you in a coma for so long? I knew I wanted you to rule by my side, but I couldn’t risk you taking over. So before waking you up, I had to make sure I had everything under
my
control. Now
I’m
the one with more experience.
I’m
the older one now.”

Russell stepped back as if he’d been hit. “You . . . you destroyed my life over a fucking case of sibling rivalry?”

Markos shrugged. “How does it feel to be the lowly one? It really sucks, doesn’t it?”

“Do you know what happened while I was in a coma?” Russell clenched his hands into fists. “Our parents died. I lost my wife. I lost my daughter! Even the ranch is gone!”

“Why do you care about puny mortals, when we can live forever? And why bother with a ranch when we can rule the world?” Markos snorted. “This is why I have to be the boss. You think too damned small!” He took a step toward Russell, but Jia yanked him back. “Cut it out!” he yelled at her in Chinese.

“Leave her alone,” Russell growled.

Markos switched back to English. “Is she really that special to you? I’ll make sure she lives. Just like I took care of you. The minute I realized how powerful and immortal I was, I knew I was destined for greatness, and I had to share it with you. I started planning for you. I experimented with hundreds of people to master the technique of long-term vampire comas. When I learned you were on leave in Phuket, I searched until I found you. You were so happy to see me that it was easy to take you by surprise.”

Russell’s stomach churned with disgust. “You should have left me the hell alone.”

“No! We belong together. I want you by my side while I take over the world.”

Russell shook his head. “Your army is depleted. They no longer want to fight for you. Half of our army is made up of soldiers who deserted you and want to kill you. It’s over, Markos.”