Vampire Coven Book 3: A Vampire's Embrace (20 page)

Hope thought about that. She wasn’t ready yet. The memories she possessed were already too much but to have centuries of them—it was a lot to sink in.

“I love you, Rhett. I want to be by your side forever. Whether forever is until my death, or life as a vampire, we will have to see.”

“You like it here?”

Hope smiled. “I’m useful again. I can hunt and make clothes. Before long you’ll be dressed from head to toe in leather.”

Rhett laughed. “A woman who likes a man in leather pants. Mmm. What other primitive things have been on your mind.”

“Well,” she drawled.

A fire crackled in the little hearth. There was enough light to see his handsome face. The air was cool but Hope snuggled under a large polar bear fur. It had been a gift from Ursus. Hope had grown fond of the bear. Tavish chuckled when he handed Hope the skin and told her Ursus wanted to make certain Rhett’s little seal stayed warm if she ended up on another excursion. Rhett had growled and said she had better not.

Hope nipped Rhett’s chest. “For now, this fur is fine but I like making love in strange places.”

“Do you now?”

“Uh huh.”

“Tomorrow I’ll take you to a beautiful place where there’s a falls. You’ll love Niagara Falls. It used to be a tourist attraction. Everything is gone or overgrown, but the Falls are still intact.”

“And what will we do there?”

“Playing pretend again?”

“I was more interested in you showing me.”

Rhett was grinning when he got up and put a latch on the door. “Can’t have the villagers walking in while I pin you to the ceiling.”

Hope’s breath caught when Rhett suddenly had her pinned to the ceiling. Every ounce of him stretched over her body. He winked at her. Hope was wondering how strong the roof was and how on earth they would explain if it caved in. That would be an interesting tale. Like lightning Hope had her answer. She was still pinned but Rhett had turned around. Hope had taken his cock into her mouth before, but this position made her vulnerable.

Rhett moved leisurely, pushing her head back until it rested against the ceiling. There was no retreat. Hope’s eyes widened as a tongue licked up her thighs. When his mouth settled over her bud, Hope’s scream was cut off. She never knew a man would do this; then again, he was a vampire. A human male could never make love to her against the ceiling.

“God, but you taste good.” Rhett groaned.

Hope had no idea.
Really?
How interesting. She’d have to think about it later, he was driving her wild. Round and round he licked and sucked and gently nipped. All the while, his erection slid back and forth. Hope had a garment of satin pressed to her skin; Rhett was satin, soft yet so deliciously hard. She tasted the droplets of his seed and was startled to think he tasted wonderful too.

Panting, Rhett lowered them to the furs. Warmth flowed through her; everything was so welcoming in this place. She pulled her legs up to circle his waist when he plunged. Each orgasm made her moan with pleasure; each touch was sweet yet firm. His bite was euphoric and where he took her was enchanting.

Hope smiled as she fell asleep amidst a sea of sand. Rhett smiled at her when she squealed, noticing the beast beneath them for the first time. It was the oddest creature. Tall, gangly legs moved through the sand with ease. Her world was filled with sights and sounds.

“Where are we?”

“Egypt. This hulking brute is a camel and you are about to see pyramids. Trust me, you’ll love them.”

“More human history?”

“I’m going to have so much fun teaching you different languages and how to read.”

“Is this your world?”

“Ours, little seal. All that I am, you can have.”

Hope settled back against his chest. He would place the memory they were creating, embedding it into her mind and she would dream of it all night, while being held safe in his arms.

Epilogue

Six months later

“Caine,” Rhett knew it came out as a whine.

“You and Hope are perfect for her.”

Rhett was back at the coven getting supplies when Caine called him to the office. The village had recently returned to their winter camp and Rhett wanted more skins for the dwelling he was provided with. The village could also use some dried fruits and fresh vegetables, spices. Tavish had enlisted more human males in the fields at his coven to grow food. The men were older and were grateful their time on earth had been extended to putter in the mass gardens.

Octu never asked Rhett where the supplies came from. More often than not Rhett merely placed the food in the people’s pots at night while they were sleeping. Like days of old there was always something warm over the hearth and the food blended as one, the taste may have improved but no one seemed the wiser when their pots were a little less empty.

Rhett’s relationship with Tate had mended over a short time. Mia had fallen hopelessly in love with the young vampire and Rhett was glad. Four more vampires were introduced to the village. Octu was pleased with the situation; none the wiser to the vampires, he admired their skill at hunting. Their winter wouldn’t prove as fierce as the last. No one would go hungry.

Caine had a strange look on his face when he led Rhett to a tiny cradle and Rhett groaned. He placed the mewling baby girl into Rhett’s arms. He knew the second he looked down into her face he was lost. He could always tell the villagers he had found her. Hope would have a fit. Winter was almost upon them at the new camp, their quarters were tight. This child couldn’t be compelled to sleep. Late night feedings, early morning feedings, feedings upon feedings. And the diapers, Rhett cringed; at least Hope knew how he felt about shit.

“Caine, I have no idea how Hope will react.”

“You can tell Hope this little girl has a perfect heart, and no health issues,” Caine said. “You can bring her in regularly.”

“What happened to her mother?”

“Sadly, she died. She was older, and I told Tavish she shouldn’t be bred again and he agreed, but she lay with a breeder male and I didn’t have the heart to abort the baby when she begged us to let her carry to full term. Poor thing never got to hold her.”

“What does Tavish say?”

“It was his idea. You can finally watch one grow up that is yours. Besides, your village has plenty of new mothers who can help feed her.”

Without knowing it, Rhett had been rocking the girl to quiet her. He chuckled, thinking old habits die hard. In his heart, he knew Hope would be thrilled. Rhett fell in love—again. When he had sworn he wouldn’t. This time it would be different. This little one was a real beauty, just like Acca and Ann had been. Disease wouldn’t be an oppression held over them all.

“Well, little one,” Rhett said and stroked her forehead. “Let’s get you home to your mother. I’m Daddy, little Andra. I will love you for the rest of your life.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

C. L. Scholey

Please call me Connie! It’s been fantastic working with great publishers and following my dream of writing. When I’m not writing, I’m busy looking after my children, husband, grandkids and the family pet, our newest addition, a mastiff pup named Aramis, after the Three Musketeers.

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