Then his hands were on her buttocks, pulling them apart. His mouth caught her lips, licking her moistness. As he pushed his tongue in her and went straight for her pulsating spot, her body tensed, charged with flowing, carnal sensations. To her right, Spade was masturbating, his hand going up and down, his rather small prick already hard and appearing willing to enter the game.

  Although she wasn’t attracted to him, his hand job excited her even more. It was as if she couldn’t look away from his pale hands’ pulling and tugging; couldn’t look away from a master vampire jacking off while watching her being brought to ecstasy.

  Gabriel’s lips licking her cunt, Gabriel’s tongue deliriously uncorking the throbbing inside her… Calista stared at Spade’s glistening dick, at the foreskin being beaten off, at the head red and swollen. She didn’t know how long it lasted, but the experience was captivating, all of her senses heightened and geared up.

  Gabriel’s mouth left her. Before she could even react, he dipped his finger into her wetness, soaking in it. Drawing out, he slid it in her arsehole in a single thrust. Indescribable pleasure shot through her. She let out a sharp cry, her whole body jerking.

  “That’s it, Gabriel,” Spade grunted. “Keep up the good work, I’m coming.”

  Clenching the counterpane, Calista submitted herself to the sizzling finger.

  As Gabriel went in and out of her arse, she watched Spade wank till he suddenly stood up and barked at Gabriel, “Sod off, I’m going in.”

  Inches from her face, Spade’s dick glistened with pre-cum, an angry red colouring the tip. From the look of it, he wasn’t far from releasing his jism. It vanished from her sight when the vampires swapped places. A few seconds later, Gabriel knelt right by her side, plunging his gaze in hers. In position, Spade grabbed her hips clumsily then penetrated her arse without warning. When he began poking her in rapid, short strikes, Calista knew she had to do it now or she would miss her chance.

  On impulse, she took Gabriel’s hand in hers. Closing her eyes, she let her lifeblood come through. Although he didn’t feel a thing, Calista felt the force hit Spade like a hammer as he reached orgasm, gelding him forever. He twitched briefly then popped out, put away his penis and zipped up his fly.

  “Good,” he said in a satisfied voice. “I’ll be downstairs.”

  Spade was gone; it was over. She hadn’t come. She was left unsated and frustrated, but her most perilous mission so far had been a success. Shifting position, she sat on the bed, letting Spade’s semen leak out of her arse.

  “It’s done,” she told Gabriel. He nodded, a deep satisfaction lighting his eyes. At least one of them was satisfied.

  “Thank you,” he acknowledged. “You’ve been very brave.”

  He was looking at her in a funny way again, quite unlike his usual arrogant self, showing emotions akin to respect and tenderness. That was utterly silly, of course, given that vampires had no kind feelings, least of all powerful master vampires.

  “I’m tired,” Calista replied, breaking the spell.

  “I know. I’ll take you home.”

  She donned her dress and they went down the stairs together. In the main room, the crowd parted to let them pass. Sitting on his throne, Spade was waiting for them, a crystal glass filled with blood in his hand.

  “Would you care for a drink?” he asked Gabriel, lifting the glass to his lips.

  Gabriel wrapped his arm about the young woman’s neck. “I believe I have everything I need.”

  Spade laughed at that. “Congratulations on your engagement, my friend.” His eyes glided over the red gown. “I have to say your new companion is most pleasing, and she’s dressed to kill.”

  A slip of a smirk lifted Gabriel’s lips. “You don’t know the half of it.”

  They left Spade’s house unharmed, but Calista thought of the three women chained to the back wall like stored food. At last out of danger, the distressing image nagged her. Having dismissed the driver so they’d be able to talk freely, Gabriel sat behind the wheel to drive her home.

  “What about the girls?” she asked him as he started the engine.

  “I’ll get them out.”

  “Can you do that?”

  Gabriel sighed. “Thanks to you, I can now. When Spade’s crowd finds out he’s nothing but a hollow shell, they’ll dispose of him. There’s no compassion in my world. They’ll either eliminate him, or let him fend for himself. In any case, he’s dead meat.”

  Calista had done her homework. She was familiar with her enemies’ practices. “He can still feed on animals. If he keeps it a very low-key affair…”

  “But he can’t kill any longer. He’s a master vampire, and leaders have to wield authority. They need to reassert their sovereignty from time to time. He’ll never be able to do that now. In a few days at most, the whole business will be laid bare.”

  “Time for you to swoop down on them.”

  Gabriel nodded. “Vampires are similar to humans. It’s quite easy to gain dominion over them.”

  “So, they’ll accept you as their new ruler.” In the near darkness, Calista could only see his profile. “What I don’t understand is why you’re willing to save these girls. Don’t tell me you’re going to do it out of gratefulness. I mean, I’ve never seen a grateful vampire.”

  There it was again—the weird look in his eyes, the uneasiness coming from him in imperceptible ripples.

  “Let’s just say, it’s my gift to you. For your assistance.”

  Calista looked outside. The night was still young but she felt exhausted. Drained of physical energy, bleak prospects suffocated her. Would this town ever be free? For that matter, would the world ever be as it once was? Come to think of it, all she had achieved tonight was swapping one deadly creature for another.

  “Will they come for me?” she asked, recalling the stifling atmosphere, the vampires’ conspicuous thirst, the veiled hunger in their eyes.

  “Why would they?” Gabriel stopped at the traffic lights, staring ahead. “They don’t know what you are and even Spade won’t understand it. He hasn’t got enough brains to make the connection.”

  “Oh, please, they must have heard about gelders.”

  “Gelders are only rumoured to exist. They are a myth among vampires, something akin to the monster in the closet, but nothing more. Although gelders have always been around, they’ve managed somehow to keep their secret.”

  That was when Calista recalled her recent capture in the cemetery. “I don’t want to undermine your convictions, but what about the blond vampire I gelded? He knows who I am.”

  “He did.” The light turned green. Gabriel sped up, studying the road ahead as if his night vision was anything but flawless. “He’s dead.”

  “Oh!”

  No need to ask why or how he had been killed. Gabriel was protecting her, and Calista now had solid proof of it. Yet his motives remained ill-defined.

  “Besides, you’re my woman now. Not one of them would dare…” His voice trailed off as if he was picturing a bloody punishment. “Don’t worry, you’re safe. Just stay in at night, and you should be all right.”

  “If you say so.”

  Neither of them said anything else until they reached her neighbourhood. By that time, Calista was longing for a shower and a good night’s sleep. Gabriel parked the car along the kerb. He escorted her to her flat, waiting in the corridor while she let herself in.

  “I can’t come in,” he reminded her as she disappeared into the living room.

  She heard him. She hadn’t forgotten that vampires had to be invited in, but she took a few seconds. Was it a smart move to let him in? Once invited, he would have the option to come in at any time. It wasn’t safe, it wasn’t canny and it was positively unwise, but she felt an urge to keep him by her side a little while longer.

  “Come in, Gabriel,” she called out, “make yourself comfortable, I’ll be with you in a mo’.”

  She didn’t find him in the living room as she came out after a cleansing shower. Wearing only knickers and a loose T-shirt, she tiptoed to the bedroom. He had prepared the bed for her, and was sitting in the only chair in the room. His eyes lit up when he saw her not-so-sexy outfit.

  “You’d better get some rest. I’ll stand watch for a while.”

  “I guess you’re my guardian then,” she said in an offhand manner, settling in bed and switching the light off. “But who’s going to protect me from you?”

  She woke up in the middle of the night. She was in Gabriel’s arms, her head in the crook of his shoulder. Cradled in his potent embrace, she felt like a bird snuggled in its nest. She felt cared for, free from harm, and she deeply welcomed the unfamiliar sensation.

  “Sleep,” he whispered.

  When she woke up in the morning, he was gone. Sunlight was flooding the room, the sheets beside her still crumpled from his weight.

  Chapter Seven

  Two weeks had gone by without any news from him. Calista supposed he was deep into the business of overthrowing an incapacitated ruler. She had always been proud of her work, but this time she couldn’t have cared less. Somehow, she must have disregarded a significant detail and something beyond her ken had happened. A completely new feeling was growing inside her, urging her to hide in her wardrobe and lock the door.

  She missed Gabriel. Whether working, shopping, reading or doing her daily chores, she missed him. Vivid pictures of the master vampire churned in her mind—his massive body, his deep voice and his haughty, dominating face. As if that wasn’t bad enough, she had dreams about him every night—Gabriel crushing her in his arms, Gabriel kissing her, Gabriel licking her cunt, Gabriel driving a finger up her arse. One night she even had a wet dream, yanked awake by a powerful orgasm.

  She should have been up and about gelding vampires, yet she hadn’t gone out at night a single time. She told herself it was because she needed some time off after a decisive battle, knowing she was deceiving herself. What she needed was him, running his hands up and down her naked body. What she wanted was the fulfilment of his last promise, his words still ringing in her ears—I’ll fuck you.

  Was that it? Was that really it? She figured that would be too easy an answer because she also missed the way he held her, the way he’d cared about her, the way he’d tenderly looked at her sometimes. As much as the idea frightened her, she knew she was falling in love with him. But that couldn’t be. Gelders were supposed to bring vampires down, not stir up inconceivable emotions in the soulless creatures.

  The whole issue ate at her. For the past two weeks, she hadn’t been able to think about anything else, her mind constantly going back to Gabriel.

  Making a determined effort to regain her former lack of concern, she had taken up drawing and watching films. Going to the pictures, sitting in the dark and letting her mind soak in fabulous worlds soothed her. Even if they were only make believe, movies had the power to take her away from herself. That was all she asked for.

  Tonight she had seen a great tale of enduring love and captivating adventures. Around midnight, the taxi had dropped her off in front of her building. Her head full of fantastic lands and magical powers wielded by incredibly skilled wizards, she’d gone straight to bed. The moon was full tonight, casting a silver glow and providing brightness. Without bothering to switch the lights on, Calista undressed before jumping into bed.

  “Have you missed me?”

  She screamed. Heart pounding, she fumbled for the switch, her bedside book toppling down in the process.

  “Shit! Oh, bugger!” she uttered, as light flooded the room, her fingers trembling. “Don’t do that, you scared me shitless!”

  He was standing by the window, arms crossed, seeming highly amused. Moving quickly, he ducked to avoid the big, fluffy pillow she threw at him. Then he sat on the bed, entangling her in the sheets. He caught her chin, forcing her to look into his intense gaze.

  “Have you missed me, princess?”

  “I’m not your princess and you’re not a charming prince,” Calista replied, cheeks hot from the seriousness of his question, raking her mind for another topic, any topic to lead him astray.

  “Don’t feign anger.” He dismissed her answer with a wave. “I know you’re happy to see me.”

  He stroked her neck, the hollow at the base, the tender skin below… Then he slowed down and moved to her breasts to brush her right nipple. He was barely touching her, yet he ignited her instantly. Just a light caress and desire wrenched the pit of her stomach, twisting her heart into a nonsensical jive.

  “I can’t imagine why I’d be glad to see you.” She spoke the words, all the while thinking, God, please God, touch me, inflame me, burn me, drive me insane with desire but don’t let go of me, do not let go of me.

  “I’ll tell you why.” Gabriel grabbed her erect nipple. He twirled it between thumb and forefinger, listening to her sudden shortness of breath. “You think I came to fulfil my promise.”

  “Thank you for my life,” she said, misinterpreting his words on purpose, remembering all too well he had vowed to fuck her, “but there was no need to come all the way over here, really.”

  “Not that promise.”

  Bending forward, he took her nipple in his mouth, gently licking it. It took all her strength to remain motionless as his tongue heated her whole body. She had to bite her lip when he nibbled her bud with his teeth. He raised his head, smiling at the sight of her outwardly cool composure.

  “No, not that promise, princess.”

  He bent to her left nipple and proceeded with his arousing. As he darted his tongue about she felt like crying out, all her attention focused on her legs, on restraining them from spreading open.

  “I’m not sure”—she stifled a moan as he pressed his lips around her nipple—“I’m not sure what you mean.”

  He straightened up, his eyes alight with glee. Raising a finger to her mouth, he outlined her pink lips.

  “Then I’ll have to refresh your deficient memory,” he said, staring into her eyes. “I promised I’d fuck you.”

  “Oh… That promise!” As if the prospect was of no consequence to her, she added, “I had forgotten about that.”

  “No, you haven’t.” He traced fiery lines across her belly, gradually edging towards her curly bush. “In fact, I think you’ve prayed for it. I think you’ve implored your God to bring me back here.”

  The nerve of that man. “How dare you imply…?” She shut up as he reached her opening, wriggling his way into her inner, humid, flesh. She shut up because she couldn’t speak any more. Excitement pressing down on her, her body began to writhe in pleasure.

  “Would you like me to?” Although his question was casual, he seemed to enjoy the pleasure he was giving her. “Would you like me to fuck you?”

  In the midst of increasing bubbling sensations, she was past pretending. His finger found his way. She let out a simple ‘yes’. As soon as she said it, he retrieved his hand and turned her face to his.

  “I thought you might. It’s a pity really, because I don’t want to.”

  She stared at him, speechless. What was going on now? She could tell he was lying. His eyes were plainly telling her and he wasn’t trying to hide the bulge in his trousers. She didn’t know what to say, didn’t know why… Of course! How could she have been such an idiot? He wanted it as much as her, but he would wind up gelded. He couldn’t trust her on that particular issue. The risk was too high for him.

  Gabriel’s face was grave, without a hint of his former merriment, his eyes clear of frivolity. He meant what he’d said. Calista studied his handsome features, noticing he also looked unsure and vulnerable. Although she understood he didn’t want to be incapacitated, she felt disappointed, let down, sad and hopeless. The strong emotion rising in her was surprising, bewildering and totally unexpected.

  Their faces inches apart, he observed her, probably trying to figure out her train of thoughts. Then he blinked once.

  “Calista.”

  As he said her name for the first time, she realised she was wrong. Unbelievable as it sounded, he appeared too compelled to stop now. Something impossible was happening here. Something deep, scary and…

  “Calista,” he whispered, “I want to make love to you.”

  A long time ago she had read a sentence that had struck her as both poetic and very true in a rare moment. Four simple words—an angel passes by.

  She rose up to him and laid her mouth on his. That was all he required. Cupping her head, he parted her lips, seeking the warmth of her tongue. He found it and kissed her with tenderness. His gentle manner stirred a longing in her, unearthed a long-standing ache, brought forth emotions she had subdued her whole life. Their tongues caressing, she yearned for more than sex, yearned to be loved by this man.

  Forsaking the shield of insensibility she had tightly woven over herself during her years as a gelder, she unbarred her heart. She invited him in. He must have sensed it, for he pulled out and gazed at her, his eyes heavy with raw desire, with a long-awaited hunger for recognition and acceptance.

  “Let me love you.”

  He undressed swiftly. Naked, he stood before her, so tall, so big, so hard. A rush of fever ran through her at the sight of his magnificent body, at the thought of what she was about to experience. She held her hand out.

  “Come!”

  He lay on top of her, mindful of her fragility. She relished his weight bearing down on her, the touch of his cool skin against hers. Coming to rest on his elbows, he kissed her lips, her nose, her brow.

  “You’re beautiful,” he murmured, his erection burning the soft skin of her thighs, the lip of her ripe hole.

  “I want you inside me.” She splayed her legs out to let him fit in, raising her pelvis to his approach. He penetrated her, sighing with desire. The sensation was powerful, blocking her breath, causing her to grip his shoulders.

  “You’re so wet. Hell, how do you excite me so much?”

 

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