Dying to Date (16 page)

Melissa threw back her head as she tried to hold her body still and wait until he reached the good parts. When his hot breath glided along her inner thigh she nearly arched from the bed.

“Tarian,” she protested.

“I’m a man of my word,” he said, one hand finding a home on each thigh. Rolling his eyes up to meet hers, he pushed her legs apart.

The first lap of his tongue along her slit sent pleasure shooting through her extremities. As sensitive as she was right then, the slightest touch built her desire. His name rang inside her head as his mouth continued its sensual torture. He made a study of every fold of her anatomy before centering his attention on the small, tight nub of her clit.

“Tarian,” she cried when he pulled the bulb into his mouth. Her hands cast out for purchase as she fought the need to drive her hands into his hair and push him closer. Instead she fought for control as he teased her with calculated touches. Every lap of his tongue sent her higher. Her body wound tight like a drum, waiting for the final touch that would release her.

“So close,” she panted as he worked between her thighs. “Tarian, I want you.”

She tried to pull him up, tried to communicate that she was on the edge, but he ignored every word. Instead, his grip tightened on her thighs and held her open as he plundered the most intimate parts of her.

“Yes,” she breathed as her orgasm built. Just a little more. Another touch. Another lick.

His teeth scraped across her clit, and she screamed as her climax crashed down on her.

Pleasure swept her away. She bit her lip as her body spasmed. Every nerve ending exploded as she rode the sensations streaming through her body.

When the waves finally subsided, she fell back against the bed, satiated.

“Wow,” she said.

“One,” he replied. He pushed her legs open and nestled between them.

“You’ve got to give me a minute here,” she said. “Mind blowing pleasure requires a moment of—”

He thrust into her.

“Cruel,” she breathed as he sank into the deepest parts of her.

“We only have an hour,” he replied. “And I need to make good on my promise.”

Her eyes nearly crossed as she caught his meaning.

“I’m not sure that’s possible.”

His warm chuckle filled her ears. “Sweetheart, I promise you it is.”

Gripping her hips, he slowly pulled out of her.

Melissa bit her lip as her sensitive nerve endings protested the renewed activity. She was almost ready to object when he sank back into her.

“Oh,” she sighed, welcoming his long length. It was ridiculous how right everything felt when he was lodged within her.

Her teeth grazed against his shoulder as he increased his pace. She held on, raising her pelvis to every thrust. Together they writhed, racing toward a mutual satisfaction.

Tarian drove into her again and again. She closed her eyes and matched the movement of his body. True to his word, she felt the pressure building again within her. Melissa rocked to the rhythm, trying to satisfy that inner craving.

“Please,” she panted.

“A little more,” he breathed into her ear.

Closing her eyes, she gave herself up to the sensations he inspired. Pleasure rolled through her, inching her ever closer to another shattering climax.

She clutched onto Tarian and tried to hold herself back as he stroked into her, but with every movement it became a harder task.

“Soon,” she whispered.

She never knew if he heard her. His cock drove deep, and she tightened her inner muscles, not wanting him to leave her again.

Tarian’s guttural groan echoed in her ears.

As much as she enjoyed wringing such a sound from him, she couldn’t last much longer.

He stroked back into her and Melissa released her death grip on her control.

Her orgasm crashed over her, more sweeping than the first. She felt Tarian pound into her, heard his heartfelt roar of release as he came within her.

Melissa barely paid any heed to the extra weight collapsing on top of her as her body gave in to the sensation racing through it. Pleasure coursed through her veins. She couldn’t even form words to describe the experience.

When the aftermath subsided, she relaxed back into his arms.

“Two,” he said.

She laughed. “Listen, Tarian, I appreciate the effort but consider the make up bill paid in full.”

He wrapped his arms around her waist and rolled them so she straddled him.

“I don’t think so,” he replied. “I promised four and I never stop anything halfway through.”

“Well,” she breathed, looking down at him. “I’ve always enjoyed a challenge.”

As he pulled her down for a kiss, Melissa wondered if she’d ever been as happy as she was that moment. And what did it mean that Tarian made her happier than anyone else in a hundred years?

“How much time do we have left?” Tarian asked.

Melissa couldn’t even manage to turn her head to the clock. Her entire body was completely sated. Her lover had stayed true to his word and then some.

“Melissa?”

She groaned. “I’m betting not much.”

“We should get ready.”

“Says you. I’m not sure my legs still work.”

Tarian rolled over her, propping himself up with his arms on either side of her head. She looked up into his face and marveled at the happy light in his eyes. She’d never seen him look so relaxed and carefree.

“What happens next?” she whispered, cupping his face.

“We brave your father,” he replied with a roll of his eyes.

“No. I mean after. Say this plan of yours goes off without a hitch and Dominic is out of our lives forever. What happens then?”

Some of the joy in his eyes slid away. “What do you want to happen?”

She traced her fingers along the length of his jaw, avoiding his gaze. “I don’t want this to be the last time I get to hold you.”

“Then it won’t be.” He leaned down to press his lips to hers. Melissa closed her eyes and enjoyed the simple touch, meant to comfort, not arouse.

“Promise?” she whispered.

“I’ve been thinking I’m going to suspend my Fated Match membership,” he replied.

Her eyes snapped opened. “Why?”

“Because I met this woman, you see. And right now, I want to concentrate on her and not on securing a new date every week.”

“I thought you were looking for your mate,” she said. “Fated Match is the best way to do that.”

“True,” he agreed. “And in seven hundred plus years, joining that agency is still the best decision I’ve ever made.”

“Oh?” She arched a brow.

“Because it introduced me to this incredible vampire. One I can imagine falling for so very easily.”

Her heart clenched. She met his gaze and saw the sincerity in his eyes. “Me, too,” she confessed. Those three little words were on the tip of her tongue, but she bit them back. It was too soon. They needed more time to get to know each other. Time away from the drama of disapproving parents and devious grandparents.

“Once this is over, we can figure out where we go next,” he told her. “But for the record, I don’t care where we end up, as long as you’re in my arms every night.”

“That sounds about right,” she agreed, sliding her hands over his shoulders. Melissa pulled his mouth back down to hers and smiled against his lips. The next few hours would be some of the hardest of her life, but Tarian would be waiting for her at the end of it. They could figure out what they were to each other and, hopefully, spend days in bed.

Then she could see if the niggling suspicion in her brain was warranted. Despite the odds, Tarian might very well be her mate, and if that was the case, no power on heaven or earth would separate them again.

Chapter Sixteen

The pounding on her door had Melissa sprinting to her entry wall.

“Ready?” she asked Tarian.

He shrugged. “As we’ll ever be.”

With a flip of the lock she pulled the door open.

Lucian barreled in like a storm. “Where is he?”

“Over here,” Tarian said, lounging on her sofa. “Though let’s all remember what happened last time you tried to attack me.”

Her father bared his teeth. “Why are you still in the city?”

“The fact that you didn’t know I was here tells me you have rather inept spies.”

Abbey pushed into the room, forcing Lucian out of the doorway. “Hello, Melissa,” she greeted. “We’ve got to stop meeting like this.”

“Tarian has a plan to ensure that,” she said, closing the door behind the pair. “Come on in.”

“Who took my daughter and what are they doing in New York?” Lucian demanded, his eyes not leaving Tarian.

Her lover leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “There is a small group of necromancers stirring the pot, and it’s bad for all of us. They happen to be here in the city and it’s our chance to catch them.”

“You’re doing this out of a desire to increase public safety and nothing more, I’m sure,” Lucian drawled.

“No. I want equal rights for my people.”

“Not happening.”

“Then good luck finding this group.” He leaned back on the sofa, utterly calm.

Abbey slid her hand up Lucian’s arm. “What happens if we don’t get this group?” she whispered into his ear. “More people will be in danger and this time, they might not have a guardian angel looking out for them.”

“I’ve watched necromancers slaughter my people for generations.”

“Lately?” Tarian asked. “Because we haven’t even been allowed around your kind in a century.”

“Listen to what he has to say,” Melissa said. “It’s not an unreasonable request.”

Lucian’s angry eyes turned to her. “I believe I ordered you to stay away from him.”

“Going to ground me?” she replied, tapping her foot in impatience.

“Come on, honey,” Abbey said, pulling Lucian into the living room. She guided him into an armchair and perched on the arm next to him. “Tarian, what are your terms?”

“I want necromancers allowed in all major cities. We will, of course, be held to the same standards as all other races. No violence or threatening our cover with the humans. We just want the chance to live normal lives.”

“Fair,” Abbey said before Lucian could jump in. “And in return for this, you will give us the kidnappers.”

“Yes.”

“Who are they?” Lucian growled.

“Their leader is Dominic Salverg, my grandfather.”

“Apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” Lucian muttered.

Abbey whacked him over the head.

“You need a necromancer working with you to get close,” Melissa said, moving next to Tarian. “Dominic will be on the lookout for vampires.”

“I can set up the exchange. Tell him I have Melissa and will trade her for my sister. When I have the location, I’ll relay it to you, and you can have your people standing by. I can handle my grandfather and you can corral the rest of his minions.”

“Melissa is not getting anywhere near this.”

Anger churned within her. She opened her mouth to defend her abilities, but Tarian beat her to it.

“Agreed,” he said. “Besides, it’s not necessary. We just need him to think an exchange is happening so he’ll give us a location to trap him in.”

She glared at her lover. While she appreciated the people she cared about trying to keep her safe, she wanted to contribute.

“It would help if you could call in the other elders,” Abbey said, turning to Lucian. “Having backup that can’t fall under a necromancer’s spell would be helpful.”

Lucian rubbed a hand down his face, but he didn’t reject the plan out of hand. “The council is staying out of it,” he replied slowly. “Without a formal declaration of war, they won’t intercede.”

“I have a few werewolf girlfriends I can call,” Melissa offered. “Or Chloe at Fated Match might help.”

“They’d get in trouble for going against their elders,” Abbey said with a shake of her head. “Looks like we’re on our own. How do we fight people who can stop us the moment they see us?”

Silence reigned.

There’s got to be a way,
she thought.
If we can’t find a solution, Eilin will be in danger and Tarian will risk anything to save her. Even if he succeeds, he’ll have to leave forever.

And she was not willing to let him go. Not again.

“What if they can’t see us?” she said.

Three sets of eyes turned to her.

“Dominic will want a location that is contained and private. If it’s lit by electric lights, we can cut the power.”

“Without our death magic we’re practically human,” Tarian said. “We’re stronger and a bit faster, but we can’t see in the dark the way vampires can. They’d never see their targets and without a visual link, their magic will be useless.”

“Not a bad plan,” Lucian said, “except that it will take time to hack into the electrical system. Will we know the location before Tarian arrives?”

Tarian shook his head. “Dominic will be careful. I probably won’t know where he wants to meet until I’m about to walk into it. We won’t have much forewarning.”

“Which means we need time to tap into the system,” Abbey murmured.

“We have to stall,” Melissa said. “Keep Dominic occupied long enough for Lucian’s guards to get in place and for the lights to die.”

“He’s going to know something isn’t right as soon as I show up alone,” Tarian said, running his hand through his hair.

“So you don’t.”

Again Melissa found herself the center of attention, and she lifted her chin. “If I go with you, Dominic will have no reason to believe you’ve switched sides. It will be the exchange he is expecting.”

“No,” Tarian said.

“Over my dead body,” Lucian agreed.

She clenched her fists. “I’m all for the loving sentiments, but this is about more than one woman,” she said. “Tarian has seen first hand that I’m not a helpless damsel in distress, and Lucian, you’ve taught me everything I know. I’m more than qualified to do this.”

“I’m not risking my family to secure a few radicals. We’ll go to war if need be.”

“Really?” she demanded. “You’re really going to put my life ahead of hundreds of vampires?”

Lucian looked away and triumph surged within her. She had him.

“A few minutes of my time and this will all be over with,” she said. “Tarian will be there to help me, and you’ll be following with the cavalry in minutes. What harm can I come to in that time?”

“You won’t be immune,” Tarian said, his eyes bleak. “If you do this, Melissa, you will have no protection from the necromancers around you.”

She turned back to her lover, blocking out the room around them. “I know,” she whispered, catching his hand in hers. “And I know protecting me can’t be your priority. Too many lives depend on you springing this trap perfectly. If things go bad for me, I don’t expect you to ride to my rescue.”

“And if I can’t help myself?” he asked, his voice rough.

Melissa closed her eyes and savored the moment. For once, she was the first thing on someone’s mind. She wasn’t the afterthought or the daughter. She was a person someone wanted to protect because he cared for her.

“Think of your sister,” she whispered. “I know what I’m signing up for, and if things go south, I’ll handle myself. My life is not on your conscience.”

A hand wrapped around her neck, pulling her closer. “I can’t compartmentalize like that,” he said into her ear.

“You have to,” she replied. “This is about more than you and me.”

As gently as she could she pushed away from him and faced her father. “I’ve been your little girl for a century,” she said. “But you need to let that idea of me go. I am choosing to do this out of my own free will. I understand the risks, and I believe the benefits are worth the danger. A lot of lives are riding on this, and you will not damn them merely because you can’t conceive of a world where I don’t need you.”

“She’s got a point,” Abbey said, running her fingers through Lucian’s hair. “You knew this day would come.”

Lucian grit his teeth. “Loving your child isn’t a switch you can turn off.”

“But respecting her choices is a reality you can adapt to,” Melissa replied. “I will go with Tarian and buy you the time you need to hack the electrical systems. Once you shut off the lights, I’ll run for cover. Promise.”

“They’ll be armed,” Lucian said.

“Then so will we,” Melissa replied. “I’ve got some daggers here, and I’m sure you can supply suitable supplements if necessary.”

“I’ll have backup ready. If we can’t kill the lights quickly enough, then we’ll have to resort to the old-fashioned method and try to overwhelm them with numbers.”

“I wouldn’t advise it,” Tarian said.

Lucian pinched the bridge of his nose. “The main goal has to be capturing Dominic. No matter what. I’ll ensure all my guards know the risks.”

“I just foresee one problem,” Abbey said. “Say killing the lights works and you capture the necromancers in the dark. What happens when the lights turn back on?”

They’ll use their powers and force their guards to release them,
Melissa thought.

“We have to knock them out,” Tarian said. “And once they’re down for the count, we will need someone other than a death race member to take over their transport.”

“I’ll call the witches,” Lucian said. “If we handle the violence, I’m sure the council will be willing to step in and transport the criminals.”

“Well,” Abbey said. “It sounds like we have a plan.” She stood and grabbed her purse, rummaging through it as she moved toward Tarian. “There’s just one more piece we need to discuss. Ah, here it is.” She withdrew a gold folder and handed it over to Tarian. “I believe you’ll be needing this.”

“Abbey,” Lucian said in warning.

Tarian flipped open the folder and picked up the first pamphlet inside, reading the title aloud. “‘
So you’re thinking about becoming an elder
.’”

“If this all goes according to plan and the necromancers are welcomed into the supernatural fold, they’ll need a voice on the council,” Abbey said. “I got all the information from Miranda. Apparently the requirements are being at least six hundred years old, though older is preferred, and a leader of the community. That’s usually determined by a vote, but under the circumstances, I think we can bend that rule a bit.”

“You’re championing his cause?” Lucian asked his mate.

She whirled to face him and crossed her arms. “Yes. From a human standpoint, the necromancer’s banishment is ridiculous. Besides, this is an excellent idea and you know it.”

“I could argue.”

“You could,” she agreed. “You could also spend the next two weeks sleeping on the couch.”

“What do you think?” Melissa said, sliding up to her lover’s side.

“Dos and don’ts of the council,” Tarian read. “Do represent your race and support the unification of the supernatural community. Don’t plot for world domination or commit crimes that can be easily traced back to you.”

“Seems simple enough.”

He closed the folder with a shake of his head. “This isn’t a job for me.”

“You are the only one fighting for your people,” she replied with an arched brow. “Well, at least in a positive sort of way.”

“I’m not a leader.”

She snorted. “I beg to differ. And look at it this way. Half the council meetings are just people arguing with Lucian, and you’re already really good at that.”

A small smile touched his lips. “How about I promise to think about it?”

“Fine,” Lucian cut in. “Because if I don’t get Dominic, you don’t get the council.”

“We’ll get him. How long will it take you to organize your team?”

Lucian glanced at his watch. “We’ve got enough time before dawn. Give me twenty minutes then make the call.”

“Tonight?” Melissa said. “We’re not going to take a day to plan this out?”

Tarian shook his head. “I agree with Lucian. Dominic will be expecting me to act quickly, given Eilin is in his grasp. Prolonging the inevitable may raise his suspicions.”

Abbey exhaled, puffing out her bangs. “Gotta say, this night definitely took a turn. I had dreams of getting to bed early and forcing Lucian to watch something dreadful on the reality TV network.”

“Tomorrow, darling,” he said, pressing his lips to her forehead.

Melissa reached out to link her fingers with Tarian’s. “This will work,” she said, more to herself than to him.

“It will,” he promised, bending low to her ear. “And tomorrow we’ll be free of all this.”

It was a happy thought. Tomorrow would be the start of their fresh beginning.

All they had to do was survive the next few hours and take down the one necromancer strong enough to rival Tarian.