Whispers of Night: 1 (Immortal Embrace) (8 page)

The need for her blood grew and he ground his teeth together, fighting his instincts. Sweat trickled down his temple as he pushed deeper. Tight, wet heat enveloped him. “Am I hurting you?” he whispered huskily.

“No…oh god, it feels so good,” she panted.

“Ah fuck—you torment me….” he said against her throat as he fought to remain in control. His fangs extended, aching to sink into the side of her throat. He hissed and drove his hips forward, unable to hold back any longer.

“Oh yes…” she cried out. The swells of her breasts jutted in the air as she arched with a moan. The urge to lick and suck on the straining peaks was enticing but dangerous with his fangs fully extended. If he accidentally pierced her flesh, he might not be able to resist drinking from her. But still he kept pumping, unable to stop.

Harsh sounds of pleasure tore from his throat as her pussy fluttered in a rhythmic wave around his cock. Lost to sensation, he continued to pound into her.

“Jenny…” he groaned.

The drive to claim her overwhelmed him. She cried out, jerking underneath him. His balls drew up tight and he bucked into her velvet heat, filling her with his release. When the last ripples faded, he closed his eyes and pressed his lips together. He hung by a thread. One taste of her would open the floodgates. He could kill her. Fear, excitement, both varying in their intensity, waged war inside his brain.
I can’t risk hurting her. She’s so innocent and sweet. God, what have I done?

He withdrew from her and rolled onto his back with his arm over his eyes. She couldn’t see him like this. He needed space but to run from her now would be cruel after what they’d shared. What he wouldn’t give to be human again so he didn’t have to worry about hurting her.

“Are you okay?” Jenny’s soft touch made him shiver.

I wish I were…
“I’m sorry. I have a few unresolved issues I still need to deal with.”
It’s not like I can tell her I’m a vampire. She’d run out of here screaming for her life.
That might not be a bad idea.

“Oh.” She rested her cheek on his chest and snuggled against him. “Hold me,” she whispered.

Dane curled his body around her protectively. He hated that he couldn’t be human for her. She didn’t push him for answers, which was a relief. Instead, she held him.

Soon the rhythm of her breathing changed and he knew she was asleep. He kissed her forehead. He was falling hard for this woman. The thought of an eternity with her gnawed at him. It was too much to ask someone who had a choice.

He closed his eyes and rested against her. For now he would relish this moment and nothing more. After that, he would let her go.

Yes, he needed to let her go. But damn it, he didn’t want to. H wanted to learn more about this intriguing female. What made her tick? Did she have a favorite color? Those were simple questions, he supposed. But where else should he begin if not there?

Feeling these emotions confused him.

Damn, what was he thinking? They couldn’t be together. This was supposed to be one time only and now he was planning a future together? He’d been foolish to think he could be with his mate only once and not want more. She’d gotten under his skin and he knew he was fucked.

Marcus stood before Dane, dressed in a long red robe, while Dane knelt before him bare-chested on the ground. The other males, dressed in the same kind of robe, formed a circle around the two of them. They lowered their heads, never making eye contact. Candles burned and the smell of incense stung Dane’s nose. He had been led into this place with a hood over his face so he knew not where he was. Why the secrecy if he was joining their coven? Shouldn’t he know everything, even where they had taken him? Those answers would have to come later, Marcus had told him.

“Are you ready to take the oath?”

“I am.”

“Then repeat after me. Do you swear to defend the innocent by adopting the Order’s sworn oath to protect?”

“I do.”

“The dragon pendant I’m placing around your neck symbolizes justice and your loyalty to the coven. Our cause is to fight evil at all costs and preserve the rights of the living. Do you make this your eternal vow?”

“I do.”

Do you vow you shall not drink from human flesh and will destroy all those who do?”

“I do…”

Dane lay there with Jenny against him as the memory of his vows to the Order haunted him. He lifted the silver dragon pendant around his neck and stared at it. The vow echoed in his mind like a warning that replayed over and over.

He let out a heavy sigh. It was the first time he had ever been tempted to break his oath. The woman in his arms was too much of an enticement to be this close to. Desire and want rode him hard. He was fucked and he knew it. If he didn’t put some distance between them, and soon, his vows would become meaningless because he would give in, in order to keep her.

Dane’s senses tingled and a low rumble threatened to escape his lips. Another vampire was near. He lifted Jenny’s sleeping form off him and gently placed her on her side. She mumbled his name and rolled onto her stomach. All of his protective instincts screamed to life and he had to bite back a snarl. He climbed out of bed and threw on a pair of boxers before slipping quietly into the living room.

He stopped short when he noticed a tall, dark figure standing there. The male’s blue eyes glowed in the darkness.

“Good evening, Dane.”

“Ta’breyian, what brings you here?” Dane crossed his arms over his chest. It had been awhile since he’d seen his old friend.

“The council sent me to check on you. They’re concerned because you haven’t checked in with them. I came to see if there was a problem.”

Bullshit. Marcus was concerned because Dane was spending time with a human female. Someone must have alerted him. But it wasn’t any of their business. He’d done nothing wrong. “I’ve been busy.”

“So I gather.” He sniffed the air. “She’s human; I smell her essence on you. Are you sure it’s a wise choice?” Ta’breyian asked, stepping into the muted light. He wore a long black trench coat and his blond hair hung loose to his jaw. It was surprising, since he usually wore it back. His eerie gaze continued to regard Dane with concern.

“I’ve broken no rules here.” Dane’s eyes narrowed. It made him angry that the Order questioned his loyalty.

“That’s not the point. It’s very dangerous to share sex with one of them. You know this.”

“I’m well aware of the risk,” he said, closing his eyes as tension rolled through him. Would he be forced to fight his friend if he couldn’t resist the temptation lying in his bed? Ta’breyian was of similar size and strength but much more lethal, considering he’d had over a thousand years to hone his skills as a fighter. Hopefully it would never come to that.

“You’re one of my most disciplined Hunters, which means you made a conscious decision to do this. It’s not as if you two are—unless—she’s not your mate, is she?” He exhaled. “This is dangerous ground you tread upon. I’m at a loss for words, especially since you are well aware of the inherent risk.” He gave Dane a frustrated glare.

Ta’breyian was good at sensing one’s inner turmoil. Maybe it was because he’d spent most of his immortal existence observing rather than interacting. An air of detachment and discipline seemed to rule this male’s world. He’d made an exception with Dane. They were friends. But for the most part Ta’breyian kept to himself and stayed in the shadows unless summoned by Marcus.

“I’m drawn to her.” He decided to be frank. Why lie? There was no point.

Ta’breyian regarded him disapprovingly. “Be realistic, Dane. Does she know what you are?”

“No, I haven’t told her anything.” He should tell her. It would solve the problem at least. She’d leave and he’d get over this insane fixation.

“You put her at great risk, exposing her to our kind. If the Rogues discover you have a weakness, they will use it against you.”

“That’s not going to happen.” Shit, he’d already made a fatal mistake with the garage incident. Ta’breyian was right.

“The best way to keep her safe is to walk away and not look back, remember that.”

Dane inwardly winced. Ta’breyian was right. He should’ve left when he discovered their connection. Now she was in danger because of him. He’d lost control of the situation the moment he took her from that garage. Now he had to fix it.

“I can’t do that.” Shit, he’d really screwed up.

“You can’t or won’t?” Irritation flashed on Ta’breyian’s face.

“You want me to spell it out for you, fine. I’ve made a mess of things because I couldn’t resist my attraction to her. There, you happy now?” Anger suffused him. This instinctual need to bond with her left him with a mixed cocktail of emotions. Mostly he hated the lack of control.

“I don’t find this amusing in the least. It’s a powerful draw for our kind.”

“No shit.” Dane pressed his lips together. He was done for and he knew it.

“Our world is a dangerous place for a human. She’ll never be safe unless she is one of us, so why risk it?”

“I only planned for it to happen between us once and that’s it.” He met Ta’breyian’s steady gaze.

“How did you two meet?”

“She was attacked by a Rogue in the parking garage of my office building. That’s how I discovered my connection to her.” His frown deepened. “I killed the bastard before he had a chance to bite her. I brought her back here and things happened between us. It wasn’t planned.”

“You only mentioned killing one vampire. Did you dispose of the others too?”

“Shit!” Dane cursed as he rubbed a hand over his jaw.

“They don’t hunt alone, you know.” Ta’breyian raised an eyebrow.

“She was injured. I didn’t think. My first concern was to get her the hell out of there.” Shit, he’d lost his edge. It was clear her presence had distracted him. Otherwise he would’ve gone after the other ones. Most Rogues traveled in small groups. .

“You were careless,” Ta’breyian grumbled. “Do I need to spell out how much danger you’ve put her in?”

“You don’t think I know that, for Christ’s sake?” he bit out. “How the hell did they get into my garage in the first place, is what I would like to know. They can’t trace inside the structure. Someone let them in.” Anger rolled through him that there was a traitor working for him. He’d need to flush the traitor out. His hands shook as he closed them into fists. A fierce possessiveness took over his control. The drive to protect Jenny was undeniable. He’d do whatever it took to keep her safe.

“You might’ve discovered who it was if you’d done your job.”

Dane knew he’d acted irresponsibly ever since he’d met Jenny, so what did that say about him? “I’ll find out who the culprit is.”

“I must urge you to turn her. It’s the safest solution to your problem.”

That’s not going to happen. I can’t do that to her.
“She’s not going to lose her life because of me. I took a vow long ago that I fully intend to keep.” But even as he said the words, guilt sliced through his resolve. His careless actions had created an impossible situation. He’d only been with her once but already the attraction had grown too goddamn strong.

“You play with fire, Dane Voss, if you think this is going to work between you two.” Ta’breyian shook his head.

“She doesn’t need to know about my world.” He threw up his hands, trapped in the snare of his own making.

“I caution you, listen to me, brother. Don’t make the same mistake I once made.”

“You were mated to a human?” Dane gasped in disbelief. Ta’breyian had acted like a monk, for god’s sake.

“Yes, and like you, I refused to change her. Rogues are patient creatures. They waited until I let my guard down. I left at dusk one night to hunt, figuring it was early enough and she’d be safe. I planned to make it quick. Rogues were waiting and took her while I was gone. When I discovered her missing, I became enraged and went after her. But it was too late; they’d killed her before I could reach her.” Ta’breyian’s expression remained impassive, belying the truth hidden beneath the calm façade.

“I didn’t know. I’m sorry to hear about your loss.” He felt bad for his friend. It explained a lot about him though. Ta’breyian’s wounds must be deep because Dane had never seen the man even glance in a female’s direction. His demeanor was always detached around the opposite sex.

“I haven’t shared my secret with anyone until now. Claim her or let her go. Those are your only options.”

“I won’t take her life and that’s final. She’s safe during the day and at night I’ll watch her place. Rogues won’t get past me.”

“Very well but I’d advise you to refrain from sharing sex with the girl.” Ta’breyian crossed his arms over his chest.

Does he never quit?
“I know you’re concerned. But I’ll decide what’s best.” He glanced away as he tried to quell the surge of frustration. A lack of self-control was what started him down this path in the first place, so losing his temper with Ta’breyian wasn’t going to help the situation.

“Regret isn’t easy to live with. I should know. Your mate is awake. I bid you farewell.” Ta’breyian’s expression was grave as he quickly disappeared. Dane knew his friend meant well and was only trying to keep him from experiencing the same fate.

Dane turned as Jenny entered the living room. She wore his white shirt unbuttoned, revealing creamy skin and plump breasts. Her pale-pink nipples were covered just enough to tease him.

Mm…he could taste them now. God, she was a sexy creature. He wanted to sink between those perfect thighs. Hunger and the need to fill her made his cock swell beneath his boxers. What he wouldn’t give to be inside that tight little pussy again.

“What’s the matter? Can’t sleep?” she asked.

“I’ve got a lot on my mind.”

“I thought I heard voices. Were you talking to someone?”

Damn, that was a close call.
“I was on a call with my office in London.”

“They start their day early.” She moved a little closer.

“We have a lot of overseas clients who are handled through that office so they open much earlier,” he replied.

“Hmm…that’s true.” She smiled, “Are you done working?”

His eyes roved over her greedily and the sight of her sweet little cleft had him fighting the urge to bury his face there, to taste her desire. “Yes, I’m done.” He closed his eyes, trying to regain some control.

“Will you come back to bed with me then?”

Shit, he couldn’t say no.

He forced himself to meet her gaze. She was too beautiful for words. Those lips, luscious and begging to be kissed until she couldn’t breathe. All his good intentions fell apart in her presence.

“What am I going to do with you?” He reached for her, dying to have her in his arms again.

She let out a soft moan as his lips descended on her. His pulse was racing and his dick swelled to a painful degree. Fuck logic, he wanted her.
Right here, right now.
He couldn’t wait. Her arms came around his neck and he could feel the crush of her breasts against his chest. He hissed at the contact, reveling in their glorious softness. He brushed his lips against the curve of her neck. He mentally switched gears and would not allow himself to think of anything but pleasuring her.

“I want you again, please, Dane.” Her voice, a husky purr that radiated need.

He sucked her bottom lip, covering her mouth with his. She gasped his name as he pinched her nipples. Hot, possessive desire coursed through him. He nearly groaned when she reached down to stroke his aching cock still trapped in his boxers.

“I’m going to take you here, I can’t wait,” he rasped against her throat, taking her with him to the rug below.

“I don’t care,” she moaned loudly, rubbing her sex against his erection. He reached between them to pull it free. She was made to be his. But how could he do this again, knowing he should leave? He bent over her and wondered how he was going to get through another round of sex with this woman without losing his mind.

“Spread your legs for me.” Dane nudged them open, too impatient to wait, and slipped two fingers inside her hot sheath.

“Dane…” She trembled as he stroked her sex.

God, she was so wet.
Pure bliss, that’s what this is.
“Shh…just let me touch you.” He lowered his face, using his tongue to tease a rosy peak while his fingers plunged deep inside her heat.