Fire & Ice Page 3

  After washing, I dressed in one of the more casual outfits provided by my gracious hosts. If you could call silk casual. I ventured out to the balcony and was astounded by the view. The city lights were twinkling in the distance against the backdrop of the night sky. It was breathtaking.

  “Mr. Mason, I’m here to escort you to dinner,” a small voice came from the doorway. I turned to find a tall, very skinny young man dressed in a suit, waiting for me.

  “Right, um, I’m sorry I don’t know your name,” I extended my hand.

  “Jonah, sir,” he shied away.

  “I won’t hurt you, Jonah.”

  “Follow me, please,” he walked briskly ahead.

  He was afraid of me. I could almost drink it from the air. While my predatory side relished it, I fought like hell. After a while, his heartbeat thrummed ruthlessly in my ears and I started to sweat. How cruel it was of my hosts to send a human to fetch me. By the time we reached the dining hall, I was biting into my cheeks so hard, they were sore. Surely they knew I’d have a hard time resisting?

  Chapter 5

  Colorado, Present Day

  “Anyway, their names were Alex and Jasmine. They were very old and chose not to hide who they were from most of those in the village.”

  “I thought that was a no-no?” her eyebrows arched.

  “In the old days, not so much. People knew we existed, but weren’t afraid until the sun went down. There were others who came looking for us, too,” I said as I smiled mischievously.

  “Why?”

  “I’m getting to that, Schatzi. Be patient,” I tapped her on the nose and she huffed.

  “There have always been people who enjoyed being among us vampires, usually to placate their own desires. Vampire venom can act as an aphrodisiac. Some were in it for sexual reasons, others for purely platonic ones. Nonetheless, there was never a dull moment.”

  “So when you say sexual reasons, you mean what, exactly?” she bristled. Jealously was cute on her.

  “They wanted to be bitten during sex or as a means of feeling pleasure they couldn’t get from other humans.”

  “Does that mean you had sex with them?” she swallowed roughly.

  “Not all of them. For me, it was about learning restraint, even when I was faced with almost impossible thirst. Jasmine taught me how to drink without killing, as well as how to succumb to other urges. It was primal, fueled by only the passion of the blood,” I shook the images from my mind.

  “So, you liked it,” she stated. A faint hint of irritation laced her words, forcing the smile to my lips.

  “Are you jealous?” I teased.

  “You wouldn’t be? If I told you that before I met you, I had men crawling all over me for a taste wouldn’t be even the slightest bit irritating to you?” stray curls bounced from her loose bun as she shook her head. Laughing again, I took her chin in my hand.

  “Lia, you’ve nothing to be jealous of. It’s my past.”

  “You didn’t answer my question. Would it bother you if it was the other way around?” she affirmed.

  I sighed, “Shall I continue with the story?”

  Removing herself from my arms completely, she nodded and folded into a small nook in the tree. Undoubtedly, she was trying to hide her emotions, but I still felt them. She was jealous, but more than anything, she felt rejected. Each time she asked a question, hoping for an answer I never gave, it cut her deeply.

  Blowing out a shaky breath I continued, “Alex showed me the proper way to hunt. As a vampire, we have the element of surprise. It isn’t a question as to whether or not we can catch our prey, but how long we choose to allow the game to go on. Our senses are a thousand times more potent than a human’s, allowing us to track scents, movements, words and more in a fraction of the time one would normally notice. Once we pick someone, their scent is almost engrained in our memories. No matter how far they are, we can track where they’ve been.”

  “Could you track me that way?” she asked quietly.

  “Unfortunately, no. I’ve tried, but your scent fades rapidly. Part of it is the fact that you’re not completely one being. Rather, you have several types of lineage that makes up who you are. Since you’re not a full werewolf, you don’t have the strong woodsy smell that is typical of them. I’m not sure what shamans are supposed to smell like, but I’ve noticed Emerson is able to blend in with his company. It’s adaptive. I don’t think it is something he does consciously, though. I think it’s a part of how close shamans are with the Spirit World. There’s a certain protective quality about it that no other beings I’ve encountered can tap into, except for The Fates.”

  “Is that why Josiah can’t track me?”

  “On the contrary. He could track you, but he would lose you quickly. That’s why it’s safe for you to run here. Your scent fades almost as fast as it touches. He’d have to be waiting for you, but we’ve made sure he can’t get close enough,” I gestured toward the far end of the clearing where the enchanted boundary was placed.

  What I neglected to tell her was how I never forgot what she smelled like. It was something that surrounded me, day in and day out, no matter of her closeness. Alone in my room, I’d often have to convince myself she wasn’t there. No matter what I tried, I couldn’t forget. It was maddening, yet enticing. I wanted to touch and hold her, to feel her skin beneath mine, to kiss those perfectly plump lips and stay locked away forever.

  “Christian? Why do you keep looking at me that way?” her eyes were wide and questioning.

  “I’m sorry. I was just thinking,” flashes of desire attacked my mind, fueling the flames.

  “About what?” she whispered, watching me intently.

  “You,” I uttered. The daydreams left me breathless and completely powerless. I stared into her eyes, listening to her shallow breaths. She knew what I felt.

  “Me? Did I do something?” she licked her lips ever so slightly, egging on the beast in me.

  “Give me a moment, please. I need just a moment,” I moved to the farthest side of the stream in a flash. The fog that covered my mind lifted, allowing my thoughts to flow again.

  After taking several deep breaths, I was able to compose myself. Not yet ready to be near her, I reached out to hear how badly I hurt her this time. She was pacing, kicking at leaves and branches viciously while muttering to herself.

  “What’s wrong with me…I don’t know why I ever thought I had a chance. Sure, he found me, but it had nothing to do with me. I’m an experiment. Even worse! I’m a fucking charity case. Pathetic!” she sat with a thud. “It’s useless.”

  Every word she said was a vice on my still heart. My insecurities and fear left her questioning her own worth. I knew it wasn’t right, but couldn’t bring myself to tell her otherwise. Every time I let myself slip, it did nothing but hurt her.

  Slowly, I walked back. She hid her head in her hands, rocking back and forth against the tree. For the first time, her emotions were waging war through the air. I touched her arm lightly and she moved away. Undoubtedly, she’d heard my approach.

  “Don’t.”

  “You know it is never my intention to hurt you,” I said softly. I grabbed her arm lightly and pulled her to my chest. She struggled at first, but eventually succumbed.

  “You told me once that you missed your friend. I can’t be your friend if I’m trying to stop myself from ruining your life, Lia. Stop blaming yourself,” I took her chin in my hand again and wiped the tears from her eyes with my thumb.

  “Who else is there to blame?” she sniffled.

  “Why don’t I finish the story, then if you still have questions you can ask?” I held tight to her, refusing to let her say no.

  “Fine,” I let her go and leaned against the tree.

  “So, Alex taught me to hunt while Jasmine taught me that it was okay to indulge myself. Years went by and eventually Jasmine and I became lovers. Mainly, we shared a willing soul and had sex thereafter. Jasmine was never mine, but was the only female vampire I
knew. She and Alex were mated and while that didn’t make them exclusive, they were bound together until death should ever greet them.

  “We traveled the globe, never staying in one place for too long. I became a machine, fueled by bloodlust and sex. I wanted it no matter where it came from. Mostly, those I drank from were willing. Those I killed were sometimes for fun and others for no reason at all. Somewhere inside I was free from any inhibitions, but felt incredibly vile.

  “For years we stayed in Europe. The time is a blur of sex, blood, money and more blood. I acted mostly on my own in that time as Jasmine had moved on to a new boy toy. We traveled together, but our entertainment couldn’t have been more different. While they enjoyed the ones who sought us out, I preferred those who didn’t know what I was. They weren’t unwilling to lie down, but didn’t expect what would happen once they did,” I couldn’t help but smile, remembering the many women who would shriek before becoming almost slave-like from one bite.

  Chapter 6

  Europe, 1932

  It wasn’t hard to find them. The foul stench of other vampires seeped from their skin. Blood whores. It seemed no shadow or alley was free of them.

  I watched Jasmine work the room. She was reserved on the surface, but I could see the tension in her face. She was starving; we all were. It had been days since the enforcers left, but we were on high alert. Feeding in the open was no longer an option.

  At first, they only came once every few months. They’d hover over us like the plague, waiting to see if we were the savages they were led to believe. Sadly, some would falter, unable to resist the blood whores. The last thing they’d see were the wide eyes of their momentary lovers as the stake pierced their hearts. It was tragic, really. That was something I never thought I’d say.

  A particularly enticing scent traveled through the crowd. I craned my neck in its direction, only to find the back of a woman’s head as she waded through the endless bodies. My feet reacted, propelling me forward. I didn’t bother to look back; Jasmine was too preoccupied to notice I was gone.

  The woman’s hair was a fiery red which contrasted the pale skin of her neck wonderfully. Although I hadn’t seen her face, the scent was enough to draw me in. Beauty meant little in the way of necessity. Several whores tried blocking my way, reeling from their last fix and begging for more. Irritated, I shoved them aside, determined to continue my pursuit.

  Scanning the room once more, I detected her fragrance yet again. She sat alone at a dimly lit table, rimming a glass with her finger. Different sensations filled her aura; anxiety, excitement, reluctance, lust. I savored them all like a moth to a flame.

  Sensing my bold gaze, she looked up for a moment and blushed. Sweet, sweet crimson painted her fair skin. I’d made the right choice. I knew her bashful demeanor was merely a ploy. It always was with women like her.

  “Do you care if I join you?” I nodded at the empty seat beside her.

  “That depends,” she smiled shyly.

  “On what?” I toyed.

  “You aren’t going to bleed me like those other vampires, are you?” a hint of excitement tainted her fear.

  “Only if you asked me to,” I winked.

  “I would never! I couldn’t imagine…”

  “So is that a yes?” I smiled wide.

  She smiled crookedly and nodded toward the chair. Without a word, I sat and draped my arm around the back of hers.

  “I’ve not seen you here before. What brings you to our corner of the world?” I traced a finger along the back of her neck.

  “I’m looking for someone,” she shivered.

  “They must be quite the person if you’ve ventured here. Do tell, my lady,” I drank from my glass as she squirmed.

  “My sister. She’s been known to partake in the activities here. I’m trying to bring her home.”

  “What type of activities?” I chuckled.

  “You know damn well what type of activities, sir. Do other women fall for your charms?” she shifted herself to face me. Frustration poured off her in waves.

  “Charms? No, they fall for my gentlemanly ways and overall good nature. I dare say I rarely need to charm women. They’re smart enough to decide who they bed, wouldn’t you agree?” I leaned toward her, inhaling her scent.

  “Ugh, you are vile.”

  “I’m only vile because you are moist just from my mentioning bedding. You know I’d be a romp worth the chance. How about this, I’ll see if I can find your sister. If so, I’ll leave you to bringing her home. If not, my payment is an evening of your time. If you decide I’m truly vile, I’ll disappear from your life and you won’t remember,” my hand traced up her thigh, but she didn’t stop it. Her eyes fluttered slightly and I knew she was just as starved as I.

  “And if I don’t think you’re vile?” she whispered as I reached her treasure.

  “Well, my lady, that could make for a very entertaining evening,” I pressed my lips to her neck and she stiffened a moment.

  “Find my sister first, and then we’ll talk of payment. Are you a man of your word?” she met my eyes with a piercing gaze.

  “Indeed I am. Tell me of your sister,” I kissed her neck again, allowing myself to indulge in her softness.

  Her reaction to my dancing fingers was enough to break a man, but I was versed in discrete encounters. She gasped and grasped my wrist, plunging my fingers in deeper. For a moment, I’d forgotten our arrangement, but just as fast as it began, it ended.

  “Not until we try to find her. You may have a way with words, and hands, but I have business to attend to first. Surely you can respect that?” she held my hand to her thigh, panting from the ever so brief pleasure.

  “I suppose I have to. Now, tell me of your sister.” I sat back and listened to her description while I sipped my scotch. She was an interesting woman. Part of my mind was detached while she talked, trying to recall a memory long forgotten. I wondered if I would have done the same for a sibling when I was human.

  “How long has she been coming here?” I asked slowly.

  “I’m uncertain. It hasn’t been long since she left home. Even there she talked of the excitement of places such as this. If father would have known, he would have chained her to the bed. Vampires are killed where I’m from.”

  “But you know she’s here?”

  “I received a telegram a week ago. She told me she was here, but I’ve been here for two days now and not seen her. I don’t know where else to look.”

  “What is her name?”

  “Alicia. She is about my height, but her hair is a darker red, almost brown. We look almost the same aside from that. Do you think you’ve seen her?” she asked excitedly.

  “I’m not sure. Stay here. Don’t try to follow me. My scent is on you now, so no other men should bother you, but you must stay put. Forgive me for my rudeness, but I never asked your name?”

  “Elise. And yours?”

  “Christian. It is a pleasure,” I bent low and kissed her hand.

  “Well Christian, for what it’s worth, you certainly make an impression,” she giggled.

  “As do you,” I smiled. “Now stay put until I return.”

  Sure enough, I knew her sister well. I also knew she didn’t want to be found. She wasn’t a bloodwhore, but rather belonged to a fellow vampire. Alicia couldn’t leave him even if she wanted to. If she did, Darren would be in tow.

  “How are you this evening, Christian? Enjoying the palette?” Darren laughed and clapped me on the shoulder.

  “As always, brother, my tastes are far less loose. I’ve actually encountered a rather strange situation this evening. It seems the sister of your human is here to collect her.”

  “Is that so? Well, did you inform her of her sister’s betrothal?”

  “No, I wanted her to see for herself that her sister is unharmed and spoken for. The lady doesn’t know me from Adam. She’s no reason to believe me,” I chuckled.

  “I see. Shall we pay the lady a visit then? Alicia, we hav
e a visitor,” the buxom red head cooed at Darren as she came to rest on his arm.

  “Hello Christian! Surely, you are no guest here. Who are you speaking of, darling?”

  “I believe your sister is waiting.”

  “Elise? What would possess her to come here?” she stiffened.

  “It seems the telegram you sent, my lady, made her believe you were in harm’s way. She came to collect you. I didn’t think it would suffice for me to give her the news,” I stated matter-of-factly.

  “I see. Darren, would you mind if I talked to my sister alone? Christian can accompany me,” she smiled briefly before turning to her lover.

  “I suppose. Hurry back, though. We need to get going. Sunrise is in a few hours,” they kissed for an eternity before Alicia took my arm.

  I led her to Elise, all the while trying not to react to her racing pulse. I was thirsty; much too thirsty to be among another vampire’s consort. She said very little as we wound around half-naked bodies and passed out women. She was clearly shaken by her sister’s appearance, but she was also frightened.

  “Oh thank heavens you’re alright!” Elise jumped and hugged her sister.

  “Of course I’m alright! Why did you come here? I told you in the telegram that I was well. For heaven’s sake, Elise!” she berated her.

  “I had to see for myself. You just left! Not a word about where you were going or why. Then I get a telegram that tells me you’re well and happy in someplace where good things don’t usually happen. Why do you come here? You aren’t like those other women, are you?”

  The look of disgust on Alicia’s face almost made me laugh, “Christ, Elise, what kind of woman do you think I am! I belong to someone. His name is Darren and he’s incredibly kind and more human than most human men I’ve met. I’m forever his, Elise. I’m happy that way.”

  “You…belong to him? That’s preposterous! No woman belongs to a man, sister.”