Vampiric (4 page)

The moment that Jess crossed the emerald-grassed borders of Nightingale Park, she felt a hypnotic sense of calm consume and overtake her. It soothed her nerves, as she trekked the length of the nature made haven that added grace and beauty to her town.

She went to sit at the edge of the ivory stone fountain that formed the park’s center, smiling at the adorable cherub that made this fountain its home. It flashed her with a gleeful smile that seemed to be all knowing.

“
Don’t judge me Sister” Jess playfully defended. “You're not the only thing of beauty in this park.”

Glorious florals grew free and wild around her: the reddest roses, the lavender lilies, and the lush pearl pink carnations all pleased her with their scent and looks.

With her senses intoxicated by the marvel of her surroundings, Jess’s mind naturally released the thoughts and worries that had plagued her for the last few days. Standing to her feet, her face erupted in a girlish grin as she whirled and twirled in circles. She suddenly feeling like a girl again, frolicking in her grandma’s garden without a care in the world.

If the dudes back at the station saw me, they’d videotape the whole thing and show it at the precinct Christmas party,
she thought.

She didn’t care though: For the first time that day she felt peaceful and carefree.

That feeling soon went though as she opened her eyes and saw him. All feelings of peace and calm abandoned her system, instead being replaced with a bare heat and urgent desire that stole her breath.

The sight of Hathen at the edge of the park was the most beautiful she’d ever seen. He had exposed himself in full, and now appeared before her hungry eyes.

Her lover stood naked like a nymph of the forest, his sculpted body outshining the beauty of the trees and flowers that lined his path. This same path took him into the park, where he held Jess’s gaze as he fell to his knees before her.

She froze in her place, watching in silent awe as he crawled like a lion to her feet. He kiss and licked her feet as she admired the curve of his muscular back and the roundness of his perfect ass.

“What do you think you’re doing?” She attempted a casual tone, though trembling outright as he looked up at her with narrowed eyes and rubbed her legs in a tender massage.

“
I do believe I’m seducing you,” he whispered.

Jess closed her eyes a moment, emotion overcoming her as he rose to his feet and lead her by the hand to the cast iron bench that was another Nightingale trademark.

Though I’m pretty sure it shouldn’t be used for this particular purpose
. Her eyes gently shut  as Hathen knelt before her and continued to kiss her feet as his manly fingers massaged her thighs.

“
Don’t you know about the public indecency laws in this area?” She grinned down at him, taking note of his bare muscled chest, sculpted abs, and long, hard shaft.

“
So punish me Officer.” Hathen pouted, reaching his arms upward to enclose her waist. “Name my punishment.”

Throwing her head back in a fit passion, Jess took in a sharp breath as her lover surged forth between her legs; his hands shifting to pull down her restricting black pants.

Reaching up to fondle and caress her breasts, Hathen seized the border of Jess’s satin panties tight between his teeth, and pulled them down the length of her legs. He discarded them on the lawn as he settled himself between her parted legs.

Bracing his hands on her womanly hips, Hathen licked open her feminine folds as the night air bathed and soothed her breasts.

“Just relax and enjoy what I’m about to do,” he whispered, his fingers tickling her bare skin as his lips loomed dangerously close. “Tonight I aim to bring you the ultimate pleasure.”

She let out a soft cry as he surged between her legs, laying that sexy mouth on the surface of her throbbing nub. He nipped and suckled her as she moaned with pleasure, occasionally reaching down to stroke the long, smooth strands of his golden blond hair.

Murmuring his own contentment, Hathen devoured Jess’s clit as she purred in approval. Every fiber of her being was awake with pleasure. The feel of his full lips, the lapping of his long tongue, the scrape of his fangs; all of these divine sensations combined to drive her over the edge.

With a final mighty lick, Hathen launched his lover to the divine heights of a full-bodied orgasm. Lost in ecstasy, Jess fell forward into his arms as the two tumbled free across the emerald-hued grass that covered the ground of Nightingale Park.

Their lips collided in a passionate kiss, their mouths moving in perfect sync with their their hungry hands. Hathen unbuttoned and peeled away Jess’s shirt, burying his head in her exposed chest as he kissed and licked her breasts.

“
I can’t get enough of you,” he growled, rocking his trim, bare hips against hers as their arms and legs entwined.

“
You don’t know how I’ve of dreamed of this,” Jess gasped out as she ran her fingernails down the plane of her back.

Hathen's fangs peaked and hardened her nipples. Bolting his head upward, his gaze collided with hers as he cradled her close in his arms.

“Tonight, my love, I vow to make your every dream come true.” He clutched her hands, charming her with a devilish smile as his long, hard cock surged between them.

Launching herself into his arms, Jess wrapped her legs around Hathen’s back and assailed his lips with a hard kiss. She savored the light touch of his long, full hair as it brushed her tender breasts.

“Now Baby,” he growled between gritted teeth, throwing his head back like a lion in heat as his sculpted abs flexed wild with the heat of his desire. “I have to be inside you.”

With a heated thrust he filled her to the core. He pumped and probing as she wrapped her arms around his broad shoulders, pulling her lover closer than close.

As her eyes flew open to take in a a golden moon and velvet sky, Jess’s gaze soon drifted to the immaculate being who hovered above her. His wide azure eyes glowed with desire, his fall of blond hair swaying to and fro with the rhythm of his motions.

Jess reached out to touch and caress his massive upper chest. Her fingers grazed his flawless abs before reaching back to grab his firm, sculpted behind.

Howling his apparent approval of this move, her heated lover clutched her to him as his cock slid forth in her tight, wet pussy. Their lips smacked together as, with a long last thrust, he sent them hurdling across the bounds of a blissful shared orgasm.

Their cries of passion mingled in the air above them as their bodies clung together; soon they collapsed in the heavenly depths of a tight, sweaty embrace.

“Thank you, darling, for making my fantasy come true,” Hathen whispered, holding Jess’s neck in a gentle manner.

“
Thanks for being my fantasy.” She stroked his hair as their bodies meld in a sweet, easy embrace. “It was even better than I dreamed.”

“
Well if you think that felt good,” he swept her underneath him, his hips moving in a teasing gyration as he stared into her eyes, “just imagine how incredible this will feel.”

He swooped down upon her to engage her in a passionate kiss; his full, moist mouth rubbing against hers as he swept her up in an all-encompassing embrace.

For just a moment she lost herself to the feeling, wiggling and reveling in his arms as his ravenous lips devoured hers.

Slowly and painfully she pulled away from him, remembering there were more pressing matters at hand.

“Before we lose our focus…” she began, tone now deadly serious.

“
Oh baby I’m focused.” Hathen contested as his cock saluted her.

Jess let out an amused school girl smile. “Hathen could you please behave for five minutes? I think I myself can manage at least three and a half, just long enough for me to tell you what needs to be said.

A sobering Hathen ran a soothing hand through the strands of Jess’s hair, frowning as he considered her words.

“
Is something wrong, babe?” He frowned.

“
I’m afraid so,” Jess sighed. “Hathen, do you know where your den members are this evening?”

Her lover shrugged.

“We all have homes, Jess, separate from each other and Nightingale Park.” He tilted his head. “Why do you ask?”

Jess lowered her hands to engage his shoulders in a tight, protective clench.

“I don’t want to frighten you, Babe, but Scarlet keeps hinting at a rogue vampire in your ranks,” she revealed, “someone from her home pack, who she has sent to watch you, and to help her gain her freedom.” She cringed as she finished, “She wants to destroy you Hathen, you and your family. And if she can manage it, the entire race of the incubi.”

“
Just let the bitch try!” Hathen roared, bringing his fist down hard on the ground beside him. “Let her try to harm one of mine, she’ll find out that the wimpy incubi aren’t always so sweet and peaceable.”

“
OK OK, less with the macho vampire posturing.” Jess delivered a playful slap to Hathen’s beefy shoulder. “She’s in jail, where my officers and I are keeping a close watch on her and her activities. The only problem is that it’s hard to place a wiretap on the telepathic summonings of a crazed bloodsucking vampire.”

Hathen nodded, relaxing in her arms.

“I know we’re in good hands with you.” He cradled her close to him. “Tell me how I can help.”

Jess kissed his cheek.

“Aside from calming down and keeping your gorgeous head on straight Babe, you can answer a few basic questions.” Jess tilted her head. “Aside from Clotilde’s brother, do you have any newcomers to the den?”

Hathen nodded.

“As a matter of fact, we do have another visitor. This one sent from Alida,” he revealed. “His name is Sebastian, and she wants him to shadow us for a while. I get the feeling that she is grooming him to become a vampire master.”

“
Well if Alida sent him he’s probably safe.” Jess shifted in his arms. “All the same, you might want to question him about his motives in wanting to lead a den.”

Hathen pressed his cheek to Jess’s, seeming to seek comfort in her warmth and knowledge.

“I’ll do that,” he sighed, adding, “As far as Clotilde’s brother, he may be out to drive us all insane! The man won’t stop whining about our sinful ways, and about how we’re corrupting his sister.” He cringed at the thought of Karl's on going wining. “I’ll be glad when he goes home.”

In an impulsive move, Hathen swooped down on Jess, searing her lips with a heated kiss.

“Now let me make you glad that you’re helping us,” he whispered against her lips, covering her face with sweet baby kisses.

Shutting her eyes tight, Jess lost herself in the sweet song of a flock of seagulls that loomed low overhead. The crisp night wind coated their bodies as they kissed and cuddled. Hathen stroked his hand in a smooth motion over her gently rounded stomach, once again engaging her in a robust kiss.

His lips lulled her into a trance that stole her breath and aroused her anew. Jess's pussy gushed with sweet anticipation as his hand went lower still.

“
Relax my darling.” His whisper was hypnotic as he lowered his head to her neck. He laid a light bite on the back of her neck as his fingertips tickled her long curls. “Let your mind fly free as I show you the true secret of the incubus.”

She let loose with an ecstatic moan as he cupped her wet femininity, slipping his finger into her pussy and probing her. It was if he seemed to seek the ultimate source of her greatest feminine pleasure.

His free hand massaged her hips and thighs before joining with hers. He clutching her fingers as he continued to probe and explore her hungry insides.

“
Prepare yourself for pleasure,” he growled. “Give yourself to me.”

Just then he hit the spot; his fingers making delicious contact with Jess’s G-spot.

The woman pitched her head back to howl with delight as her entire body exploded with the force of an explosive and scintillating orgasm. Awash from head to toe in a pounding sensation that both thrilled and satisfied her, Jess’s eyes flew wide as she fell back into Hathen’s waiting arms.

“
So that’s the secret of the incubus,” she hissed, regarding him with wide eyes and trembling outright.

“
The first of many.” Hathen kissed her lips. “And I plan to show you every last one of them.”

In direct contrast to the night before, Jess enjoyed a full night of dreamless sleep that evening. A relaxing night, no doubt, brought on by the satisfying 'nightcap' she’d enjoyed in the arms of her vampire lover.

Yet when she awoke the next morning, her mind was plagued by a shed load of unanswered questions. Queries that, while having no clear answer, she nonetheless felt compelled to consider.

So she and Hathen had crossed the line, morphing quickly from friends and collaborators to lovers. Her mind told her this was a bad idea. Her heart and all other relevant body parts however, thought that everything was A-OK.

“So you went to bed with a gorgeous, strong, sensitive, and painfully easy to please man who seemed eager to fulfill your every fantasy.” A voice that sounded suspiciously like one belonging to Gail Towne, her dearest but perhaps most irritating friend, burst through the bounds of her already troubled mind. “And the problem is?”

“
The problem is that we’re supposed to be working together, not sleeping together!” Jess said aloud; then stopped to ponder just how many of her neighbors had heard that bold, and perhaps inaccurate statement.

After all, the explosive encounter she shared last night with Hathen was far too loving and intense to be classified as just sleeping together.

For perhaps the first time in her life, Jess had made love.

And it just had to be with some rogue immortal who plays an instrumental role in my current investigation
. With a frustrated groan she buried her head in her pillow.
Blast me!

****

The morning sun was no friend to Hathen Noble, who left his home to venture into the golden rays of poison. His home was a modest, self-made cottage nestled deep in the woods that bordered Nightingale Park. He cloaked himself completely in a long black cloak, which shielded and protected him from the ultraviolet light.

I tell ya, the dude or lady who invents sunblock for vampires is sure to be set for life
, he thinks, ducking into a roadside subway stall that would shelter him from the light of day.

He found it odd that his few happy childhood memories all involved the sun. He loved escaping the confines of his dark, troubled home for an occasional game of softball at the park, or perhaps just a walk in the forest. As a boy he’d enjoyed swimming and basketball, just like other kids. He relished the feel of tossing his head back and smelling the air of a fresh Florida morning, savoring even more the divine warmth of a newly born sun.

Now even a moment spent in the target of sunlight burned and seared his skin. Which is why, on the rare occasions when he did venture out into daylight, he had to wear this concealing cloak that likened him to a monk.

Such an odd contrast with who I am in real life,
he debated in his mind, before realizing that sounded like something Jess would say.

OK, that had to be the 10th time during the past half hour he’d thought about Jess Green. Surely that had to be some sort of record.

Ah, but how can I resist?
Stepping into the sanctity of a dark underground subway car, he slid into a seat at the car’s far corner.
She’s the most amazing woman I’ve ever met.

The contrast of Jess’s knowing dark eyes and her bright, cheery smile never failed to captivate him.

Her smile is the closest thing to sunlight I have
, he mused, sliding low in his seat to block out the light from an incoming window.

Her laughter and kindness also warmed the coldness of his soul, and her soft and womanly figure made him downright hot.

He spoke quietly to himself in the corner of the the train, as if his words could no longer be confined to his mind. “At the risk of sounding sprung, I may have met the woman of my dreams. The woman that I just might like to share my life with.” He sighed.

“
And what do I have to offer her? A small, dumpy house out in the woods, endless protection of the city she loves, and really good sex.” He trembled at the thought of their first encounter. “Make that really, really good sex.”

So good, in fact, that he was tempted to get off at the next stop. One located in convenient proximity to the Clearview Police Department.

In an effort to fight temptation he crossed and locked his knees, forcing his attention to the task at hand. The task of discovering the rogue vampire, who under the service of Scarlet, might be endangering his clan.

He realized that it might be a mistake to trust those who’d loved and served him for years, but what choice did he have? They were his family members and trusted friends. The members of his den lived to serve and protect him, and none of them had ever given him reason to doubt them.

So tha
t leaves Sebastian. He stroked his chin, frowning in thought. Granted my trusted Alida sent him to me so he could learn the ways of the vampire. Even she admits though that she doesn’t know him fully. And I hate to tell her, but he’s not taking instruction all that well.

All the same, the young firebrand had a good heart and strong leadership skills. He doesn't seem like the type that could be easily seduced and manipulated, even by a stunner like Scarlet.

Unlike some people.

Hathen felt uneasy as he deepened himself further into the cushioned seat. What if the rogue vampire was one of his own after all? A family member who’d fallen victim to Scarlet’s evil brand of mind control?

Before he considered that troubling possibility further, Hathen decided to investigate Sebastian, the one newcomer to the group. With that in mind, he now stood from his subway seat as his carriage came to a halt.

“
Now stopping at Glendale Apartments, fourth street entrance.”

With the subway conductor announcing his destination, Hathen hopped off the subway and climbed a set of stairs to the busy city street in front of Glendale Apartments. This is where Sebastian had just rented an expansive townhouse.

The dude seems to have a lot of money at his disposal
, Hathen thought. He ducked his head low, gritting his teeth as the battering rays of the Florida sunshine burned the surface of his cloak.

Was it really the best idea in the world to start a vampire den in the dead center of the state known as sunny Florida?
He made a move, quickening his pace as he headed for the building that housed Sebastian’s townhouse.
I must speak to Alida sometime about that decision
.

Sighing relief as he made it to the entrance of a darkened apartment hall, he soon found himself standing straight in front of Unit 2A; the apartment Sebastian had identified as his own.

Not wishing to frighten or agitate a sleeping vampire, his first knock was light and unobtrusive. It was also completely unanswered.

I guess I should have known better
. He tapped his feet. Trying to wake a vamp really is like trying to wake the dead.

Again he knocked, more forcefully this time. Once again, his summons was met only with an irritating round of cool, dead silence.

OK, I’m seriously hoping he gave me the right address
. Hathen shook his head, delivering a final forceful knock that rattled the doorway.
If not, then this does not bode well for any suspicions I might have about him. Not to mention his intentions toward my den
.

His troubled meditation was disrupted by the rough, abrupt opening of the door before him; a move that revealed a full-figured woman with a plain, unassuming face.

“Can I help you?” she greeted Hathen, gathering the folds of her terrycloth robe tight around her body.

“
I’m so sorry to disturb you Madame.” he said with an embarrassed smile. “I must have the wrong place.”

“
No, you’ve got the right place.”

These words came not from the woman before him, but from a familiar looking man who appeared behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist.

In direct contrast to the woman who seemed to be his lover, this tall, strapping man radiated with the force of masculine beauty. While he shared the same strong features as many a vampire male, his look was distinguished by a waist-length fall of red auburn hair.

“
Good morning Sebastian.” Hathen greeted the newcomer with a short nod and a sincere, friendly smile.

Sebastian said nothing, only peering at Hathen as his fingers soothed the wavy strands of his long fiery hair.

“I’m sorry to disturb you,” Hathen apologized as he realized that the muscular Sebastian stood nude behind his lover. Her generous form failed to obscure his bare shoulders and chest.

“
Is there some sort of an emergency, Hathen?” he asked finally, his eyes struggling to focus on his sheepish visitor as he cocked his tired head. “Because as you can see, I’m pretty busy here.”

Hathen’s gaze flew to the face of Sebastian’s silent lover. She showed no surprise at his words, expressing only pleasure as he nestled her neck and tightened his hold on her waist.

“Yes, well, I can see that.” Hathen responded, starting to get a little irritated by the situation. “The only problem is, Sebastian, that a good vampire lord always puts the needs of his den before his own. No matter how... pressing those needs might be.” He arched his eyebrows. “And from what I understand, you would indeed like to become a top quality, high ranking vampire lord.”

An unspoken question rang forth in his words, one that hung between them as Sebastian’s lover fixed Hathen with a curious gaze.

“OK then,” Sebastian stepped back, reaching for a bathrobe hanging from a nearby coat rack as he waved his visitor through his front door. “Though from what I’ve heard, dude, you’re not supposed to invite a vampire into your house.”

“
Oh Sebastian.” Hathen winked at the woman, who met him with a sly smile before retreating into an adjoining room. “You’re a vampire yourself.”

“
Oh yeah.” Sebastian slipped on his robe as he gestured toward a nearby chair, a plush cushioned seat that Hathen claimed with a relieved sigh. “Make yourself comfortable then.”

“
Thanks. Sorry to interrupt your time with the wife.”

His host smiled, displaying a row of flawless white teeth in the process.

“She is a wife actually, but not mine.” He arched his eyebrows. “She’s one of my neighbors here at Glendale. Her husband works a lot, and I could feel her desire and frustration from five doors down.” He waggled his eyebrows, nudging Hathen with a knowing elbow. “You know we incubi can’t resist a good challenge.”

Hathen said nothing at first, his mind returning to detective mode.

“Is that what you want from my den, Sebastian?” He leaned forward in his chair. “A good challenge?”

Sebastian’s smile abandoned his face just as quickly as it had arrived. He met Hathen’s gaze full on, and with an evident degree of competitiveness.

“Look Hathen, I don’t exactly know why Alida sent me to ‘shadow’ your pack.” He took a seat beside his desk, resting his chin on his fist. “She was the woman who turned me, so I do what she says, when she says.” He put his arms up before him in what seemed a strong but protective gesture. “I’m only here to learn and observe, to learn the ropes so to speak. Then when I’m ready, I get my own den.”

Hathen nodded.

“May I ask why you want to be a den leader?” He attempted a casual tone.

Sebastian shrugged.

“For one thing, whenever I’m in a situation I pretty much like to control it.” He lifted his chin as if his very words made him stand that bit taller. “For another thing, I want to make sure that the vamps of this country stay on the right track.”

“
Meaning?”

“
Meaning that we ‘children of the night’ have a pretty bad reputation. When I became a vampire, it was because I figured that one lifetime wasn’t long enough to do everything I wanted to do. Plus I savored the idea of having as much sex as humanly possible.”

“
That could indeed be considered a perk.” Hathen chuckled.

“
Totally.” Sebastian winked. “What is not a perk is the fact that we’re portrayed in the media as murderers, bloodsuckers and all around jerks. And all too often, too many of us live up to this rep.”

“
Much like Scarlet,” Hathen watched Sebastian, monitoring his reaction to his next words. “The woman who almost destroyed my den.”

Sebastian nodded.

“Yeah, I heard about her. I’m sorry Bro. Just know though, that Alida still has great confidence in you.” He graced Hathen with an affirming smile. “She sent me to learn from the best.”

Hathen rose from his seat, engaging Sebastian in a warm handshake.

“Thanks Bro.” He smiled. “I needed that.”

Sebastian stood with him, walking toward the entryway of his apartment and opening his door for Hathen.

“Is that everything?” Sebastian asked as Hathen took leave of his residence.

“
I believe so” Hathen nodded, throwing a warm glance over his shoulder as he put up the hood of his cloak and stepped into the hallway that fronted Sebastian’s apartment. “You’re all right Sebastian. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go home and get some sleep before our den meeting tonight.”