Embrace the Darkness (19 page)

Scattering kisses over her face Viper rocked his hips over and over, keeping his pace steady as she wrapped her legs around his waist. Her nails bit into his skin deep enough to draw blood. He growled in encouragement, the sharp pain only heightening his pleasure as he buried his face in the curve of her neck. The pressure was building as his hands moved beneath her hips, lifting her up to meet his quickening thrusts more easily.

“Shay, come with me,” he urged as he felt her quiver beneath him.

Her head twisted restlessly on the pillow, her eyes squeezed shut. “I don't think I have a choice,” she panted.

“Good.”

Sealing her lips with his own he plunged within her, feeling her clenching about him before he at last lost himself in the fierce orgasm that shook him to his very soul.

 

Wow.

It seemed a ridiculous sort of word.

Or at least it had until the past few moments.

Not the sort of word she would ever use.

Now, however, as Shay battled to gather her breath she realized that there really wasn't any other word to actually describe what had just occurred.

Still bathed in sweat and too weak to move, she rested her head on Viper's chest. It wasn't the first time she had found pleasure in a man's arms. But she couldn't fool herself that she had ever felt such raw, unrelenting need.

Or had her body ever responded to a man's touch with such a fierce joy.

Crap, crap, and double crap.

Why the hell did the best sex she had ever enjoyed have to be in the arms of a vampire?

It sucked. Literally.

As if sensing her tangled thoughts, Viper slipped a finger beneath her chin and tilted up her head to meet his searching gaze.

“You're quiet. Are you well?”

Was she well?

Certainly she was sweaty, sated, and stunned.

But well?

The jury was still out on that.

“I thought vampires always took blood when they—”

His brows rose as her words broke off in embarrassment. “Make love?”

“Yes.”

He studied her for a long moment, obviously sensing that it was not just the lack of blood donation that was troubling her.

“It's not mandatory, but it's true that our lusts tend to rise together. Does it worry you that I might bite you?”

“I'd be a fool if it didn't.”

His expression never altered, but lying so close to him she could feel his body stiffen.

“If you will recall, pet, I offered my word.”

Untangling herself from his arms she propped herself on the headboard and tugged the sheets up to her chin. It wasn't so much modesty that made her cover her body, but more the fear that the least touch from Viper and she might not be able to control herself.

God…he was just so gorgeous. Lying on the black sheets with his hair tangled in a silver cloud he looked like something that had been dropped from heaven. She swallowed heavily, forcing herself to meet the glittering black gaze.

“Are you angry?” she at last demanded.

The arrogance was in full throttle as he glared at her. “It's not often that my honor is questioned. I'm beginning to wonder what it is I have to do to earn your trust.”

She shrugged, too involved with her own confused emotions to pay full attention to the tension humming in the air.

“What does it matter? I'm your slave. I'm forced to obey you regardless of my feelings. Why would you even desire my trust?”

With a blur of speed he was off the bed and regarding her with a cold anger. He seemed utterly indifferent to the fact he was stark naked.

Unfortunately, Shay was not nearly so indifferent. Her entire body clenched in excitement as her gaze traveled helplessly over his alabaster perfection.

Oh…sweet heaven.

“Forced to obey?” The edge in his voice brought her gaze back to his cold expression. “Is that why you're in my bed? Because you think you were forced?”

“I…no, of course not.”

The dark eyes remained hard and unyielding. “There is,
no of course not,
about it.”

Shay shivered beneath the sheet. This was a side of Viper she had never seen before.

“Why are you so mad?”

“Oh, I don't know.” His mouth twisted in a humorless smile. “Perhaps because you have done what no other woman has done in over a thousand years.”

“What's that?”

“Imply that I raped her.”

Her breath caught in shock. “I never implied—”

“No? You lay in my arms speaking of being my slave, and attempting to convince yourself that you could not possibly have desired me.” His harsh voice rasped over her body in a near tangible punishment. “You would rather believe that I forced myself upon you than to admit that it was your own passions that led to this moment.”

Shay dropped her gaze. He was right, of course. Her body had no complications. It wanted Viper. Wanted him with a force that was downright frightening.

But her mind…ah, her mind remembered that it had been a vampire who had ruthlessly murdered her father. And vampires who hunted Shalotts like they were animals.

“What do you want from me?”

“The truth.”

She reluctantly lifted her gaze. “What truth?”

He narrowed his gaze. “Admit that you want me. Nothing more, just that.”

Shay licked her lips. “I'll admit that you're handsome and obviously experienced…”

A deep growl rumbled through his throat as he grasped his robe and shoved his arms into the sleeves. “Enough.”

Shay watched in shock as he turned toward the door.

“Where are you going?”

He halted, but he refused to turn around. “Anywhere but here. If you can still think of me as a monster after what we just shared, then there is no hope for you.”

A flare of guilt clenched at her heart. As much as she might hate to admit it, he was right. She was being utterly unfair. She had wanted him every bit as much as he had wanted her. Hell, maybe even more. And she still wanted him.

Deep inside her she knew that if he walked out that door now his pride would keep him from ever opening himself to her again.

She slipped from the bed and hurried until she was standing directly in front of him. “Wait, Viper.”

“What now?” He stabbed her with a cold glare. “You've already mangled my pride, and my manhood, is there something else you wish to destroy?”

Her lips twitched in spite of herself. She had never seen a vampire in a huff before. And Viper was in a full-blown huff.

“I doubt anyone could mangle your pride, vampire.” She reached up to boldly grasp the lapels of his robe, deliberately arching her naked body against him. “God knows you have enough to share with most of Chicago.”

He stiffened, his gaze regarding her warily. “And my manhood?” he demanded.

She slowly smiled as she rubbed against him. “It feels in adequate condition.”

There was a moment as he battled between his offended pride, and the desire that she could already feel stirring against her.

“Adequate?”

The jut of his erection pressed heavily against her stomach. “Perhaps more than adequate.”

He gave a shake of his head as his arms wrapped about her, his hands instinctively lowering to cup her bare bottom.

“Are you attempting to drive me mad? Is that my punishment for having been foolish enough to purchase you from Evor?”

She grimaced as she gazed into his beautiful features. She could tell him that she would try to be a little less of a pain in the ass. But it would be a lie. He was still a vampire. And she was still his slave. And there was still someone, or something, out there who intended to have her blood. Being a pain was almost inevitable.

“I'm not very good at this,” she admitted.

He gave a lift of his brow. “Good at what?”

“Relationships.”

“Is that what we have?” he demanded. “A relationship?”

Barely aware of what she was doing her hands slipped beneath the heavy robe to stroke over the lines of his chest. She loved his skin. She had never felt anything so smooth. Like cool silk beneath her fingers.

“You're the expert, you tell me.”

“You keep that up and I won't be telling you anything, I'll be showing you,” he rasped, his eyes dark and his fangs extended.

She shivered with anticipation. She had no idea what sort of relationship she might or might not have with Viper. In truth, she would rather ignore the word relationship altogether. It always made her break out in a rash. But she was beginning to accept that having a lover wasn't such a bad thing. She breathed deeply of his exotic scent.

“I have always preferred action to talk,” she murmured.

“You are—” He broke off with a rueful chuckle.

“What?”

“I have yet to decide.” He reached down to brush his lips over her brow. “I only know that I should have my head examined for ever showing up at the auction house. You are destined to be a thorn in my side for all of eternity.”

Her hands began to trail in a determined path downward when he gave a low groan and abruptly cupped her hips to lift her off the ground. Shay's heart lodged in her throat as her legs instinctively wrapped about his waist.

“Viper.”

“You did say you preferred action,” he murmured as he positioned her above his erection and thrust inside with one smooth motion.

Shay's head tilted backward as pleasure speared through her body.

“Yes…oh, yes.”

Shay woke alone.

Well, not entirely alone.

There was a breakfast tray left on the bedside table, complete with an omelet, bacon, toast, hash browns, a carafe of orange juice, and an entire apple pie. There were also delicate ivory rose petals sprinkled over the sheets to fill the room with their musky scent.

More than a little unnerved by her night of passion in Viper's arms Shay managed to consume every bite on the tray. Then, after jumping in the shower, she attired herself in a pair of comfortable jeans and sweatshirt before losing herself in the vast maze of the mansion.

It wasn't that she was regretting her time with Viper.

Holy moly.

There wasn't a woman, demon, imp, or fairy who would regret being in his arms.

Still, she wasn't sure she was prepared to confront him so soon.

She found it far too difficult to think clearly when he was near. An embarrassing realization, but true. And now seemed a good time to be thinking clearly.

At last stumbling across a small, but lovely solarium she settled herself on a padded bench and breathed in the scent of rich earth and fresh flowers. There was something very peaceful about nature, she decided. A reminder that there was something far more vast and powerful than her and her troubles.

Allowing the silence to ease the tension that knotted her muscles Shay leaned her head against the cushions of her seat and heaved a deep sigh.

It was the sudden chill in the air that warned her that she was no longer alone. And that the intruder was a vampire. But not Viper, she acknowledged as she reluctantly straightened. Her heart wasn't leaping, her mouth hadn't gone dry, and her skin hadn't grown clammy. All symptoms of one very specific vampire.

Proving her instincts right Dante strolled around a large mound of daisies to offer her a charming smile.

“So you found the solarium.”

She couldn't help but return his smile. Despite being a vampire there was something very beguiling about the man.

“It's beautiful.”

“I'll tell Abby you approve. She is quite adamant that the only means of enjoying nature is to have it properly civilized behind glass.” His smile widened. “Of course, she's also determined to civilize me as well, but with much less success.”

“Civilize you?”

“It has been claimed that I am too much a warrior and not enough of a poet.”

Shay could believe that. He looked like a wicked pirate with his long black hair and golden hoop earrings. But she was not so easily fooled.

“You forget, I've seen your library. If anything you're a scholar.”

He gave a lift of his hands. “Good God, don't let that get around. I far prefer the image of a warrior.”

She couldn't help but laugh. “My lips are sealed.”

Moving forward he leaned against the edge of the marble fountain. At a glance he appeared utterly relaxed, but she didn't miss the sharp, piercing curiosity in the silver eyes.

“You know, I never did thank you for your assistance in helping me to rescue Abby,” he said.

“It was fairly self-serving.” She didn't bother to hide her shiver. “No one wanted Edra dead more than I did.”

“You didn't have to take a spell blast meant for Viper.”

Well, hell, wasn't that the truth?

She rolled her eyes. “Believe me, I've regretted that impulsive decision more than once.”

His soft chuckle was nearly tangible. Shay had to wonder if vampires practiced their affect on women or if it was just a power that came with the fangs.

“No doubt.” He tilted his head to one side, abruptly shifting the conversation. “Is there any reason you're out here alone?”

“Just catching my breath.”

“Perfectly understandable. Shalotts have always preferred to be the hunter rather than the hunted. It's not pleasant being on the run from dangerous enemies.”

Her hands closed in her lap as the familiar dread clenched at her stomach. “No, it's not.”

His expression softened. “At least you are not alone. For all his arrogance, there are few I would rather have standing at my side than Viper.”

Was that why he had sought her out? To convince her that Viper was some sort of knight in shining armor?

“If you do not mind, I would rather not discuss Viper.”

He regarded her for a long moment. “Is he troubling you?”

With a short, humorless laugh she rose to her feet and paced away from the looming vampire.

“Always.”

“Do you wish me to speak with him?”

“No.” She abruptly spun about, her hands pressed to her stomach. “I mean…crap, I have no idea what I mean.”

He was wise enough not to laugh at her bumbling stupidity. “I don't think you are the only one, my dear,” he said gently. “I have known Viper for a considerable length of time, and to be honest I have never seen him so…unhinged by a woman. He has a reputation for being aloof even in his most intimate relationships.”

“Aloof?” She made a rude sound. “I have never encountered a more meddlesome, pushy, invasive vampire.”

“As I said, he is not at all himself.” He gave a lift of his shoulders. “I don't know whether to congratulate you or offer my condolences.”

Funny, that made two of them.

She gave a shake of her head. “I just don't understand him.”

“He does enjoy shrouding himself in mystery.”

“Why did he buy me? He doesn't want a slave. He doesn't want to sell my blood. He hasn't even tasted of it.” She heaved an exasperated sigh. “What does he want?”

“Does he have to want something?”

She sent him a pointed glance. “He's a vampire.”

“True enough.” Dante slowly straightened, his hands on his hips. “I suppose the simple answer is that he doesn't know himself why he bought you.”

“He's over a thousand years old not sixteen, how can he not know why he bought me?”

He shrugged. “Sometimes living so long tends to make us…a bit self-absorbed.”

“You think?” she said.

His lips twitched but his expression remained serious. “Even within our own clans we are solitary creatures. There are many vampires that exclude themselves entirely and go decades without contact with others.”

“So you are hermits?”

“Of a sort. The world passes while we remain unchanging. It's a natural tendency to withdraw into ourselves until something, or someone, tempts us from our shells.”

She grimaced. She hadn't done a thing to lure Viper from his shell. At least not intentionally.

“You do not entirely withdraw.” A faint edge entered her voice. She was all too aware that vampires were not harmless hermits. Not by a long shot. “You must still hunt.”

“No longer. We have synthetic blood that most prefer to the dangers of the hunt.”

“What dangers?” she scoffed. “You're immortal.”

The handsome features seemed to close upon themselves, as if he had revealed more than he had intended.

“There are ways to kill us. Why risk a wooden stake through the heart when you can have your meal served from the microwave?” he demanded, his tone almost too casual.

Shay might have pursued her suspicion that Dante was hiding something from her if she hadn't been caught up in the wounds that had never healed.

“I thought vampires enjoyed hunting their victims? The thrill of the kill, and all that.”

Dante didn't miss the bitterness in her voice. “Viper told me your father was killed by a vampire. I'm sorry.”

Her gaze dropped. “It was a long time ago.”

“But never forgotten.”

“No, never forgotten.”

Without warning the toes of his biker boots came into her view and she lifted her head to discover Dante standing directly before her.

“Shay, Viper didn't kill your father.”

She winced at his soft tone. “I know that.”

“Do you?” He lightly touched her arm. “Do you truly?”

“Most of the time,” she conceded.

“Shay…”

“Dante.” They both jumped at the sound of the black velvet voice that floated through the air. “For such an intelligent vampire you do like to live dangerously, don't you?”

Turning, Shay watched as Viper strolled in their direction. No, not strolled. Glided. Like a sleek panther sliding through shadow. Her breath caught in her throat as he neared. He was beautiful, as always. Attired in black satin pants and black velvet coat that fell nearly to his knees, his silver hair and ivory skin nearly glowed in contrast. But it was the black eyes that captured and held her attention. There was a smoldering power in them that seemed to stir the very air.

“Ah, Viper.” Standing at her side Dante folded his arms over his chest and smiled with a mysterious hint of smugness. “I thought you would put in your appearance sooner or later.”

There was a smile on the elegant features, but as Viper halted before them Shay gave a small shiver. His fangs were showing.

Both literally and nonliterally.

“Obviously it should have been sooner,” he drawled.

“Oh, I don't know. Shay and I have had no trouble entertaining one another without you,” Dante assured him.

The dark eyes narrowed. “You are fortunate that you are mated, old friend.”

Dante gave a sudden laugh. “Pull in your fangs, Viper, we were just speaking about you.”

The fangs remained very much in evidence. “Actually, that is what I feared.”

“Has Abby returned?”

“Yes, she is in the library with the latest witch. Perhaps you should join her.”

“An excellent notion.” Sending Shay a blatant wink, Dante slapped his friend on the back and disappeared into the shadows.

Ignoring the dark frown that marred Viper's brow as he watched Dante's retreat, Shay stepped in front of him with a frown of her own.

“Natasha is back?” she demanded.

Glancing down at her sour expression Viper's frown was suddenly replaced with a smile.

“No, Abby thought perhaps it would be best to keep Natasha away from you.”

“Why?”

“She had muttered something about putting another curse on you when Dante was taking her home.”

“Why would…oh, I suppose she was jealous?” Shay grimaced, refusing to acknowledge she was relieved the pushy tart hadn't returned. That would mean the witch wasn't the only one jealous, and that would just be…stupid.

Moving close enough to make her heart leap into her throat Viper brushed a finger down the line of her jaw.

“There are some females who do not find me utterly offensive.”

“You don't have to look so smug. She must have been sniffing too many potions.”

The midnight eyes darkened with that dangerous awareness that sent a thrill of excitement whispering over her skin.

“If you doubt my charm, perhaps I could give you a demonstration.”

“I think you've given me quite enough demonstrations.”

“Never enough,” he whispered as his head lowered.

Shay's heart halted as he brushed his lips back and forth over hers. It was the lightest of caresses, but it sent a shock of pleasure through her that nearly brought her to her knees.

Holy crap.

Surely any decent woman would be sated after a bout of marathon sex?

If that was true then she was obviously not a decent woman, she conceded, as her body instinctively arched to press against his hard form.

Viper only had to be near for her to melt with need.

Growling deep in his throat Viper kissed her with a swiftly mounting urgency. Shay cupped his face with her hands as she opened her lips to the press of his tongue. Not even the sharp prick of his fangs could dampen the flare of passion.

It felt so good to be in his arms.

So right.

So deliciously wonderful.

His arms lashed about her, nearly hauling her off her feet. Shay moaned. Pressed so close to him it was impossible to miss the hard thrust of his mounting desire. And even more impossible not to recall the memory of wrapping her legs about his waist as he thrust into her.

That's what she wanted. Right here. Right now.

And the force of that want was what at last shook her back to her senses. They were in the middle of a solarium where anyone could walk in on them. She hadn't lost all sense of decency.

Not yet.

Pulling back she struggled to find her voice. “Viper.”

Denied her lips Viper contented himself with scattering kisses over her upturned face.