Chosen_ A Club Crimson Novel - Dottie Wilson

Club Crimson: Chosen

Copyright: Published in the United Kingdom by Dottie Wilson © Dottie Wilson Published March 2016 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored

in retrieval system, copied in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise transmitted without written permission from the publisher. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of this material in any way. You must not circulate this book in any format. Dottie Wilson does not control or direct users’ actions and is not responsible for the information or content shared, harm and/or actions of the book readers. In accordance with the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, the scanning, uploading and electronic sharing of any part of this book without the permission of the

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Table of Contents Table of Contents Dedication Prologue Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven Chapter Twelve Chapter Thirteen Chapter Fourteen Chapter Fifteen Chapter Sixteen Chapter Seventeen Chapter Eighteen Chapter Nineteen Chapter Twenty Chapter Twenty One Chapter Twenty Two Chapter Twenty Three Chapter Twenty Four Chapter Twenty Five Chapter Twenty Six Chapter Twenty Seven Chapter Twenty Eight

Chapter Twenty Nine Chapter Thirty Chapter Thirty One Chapter Thirty Two Chapter Thirty Three Chapter Thirty Four Chapter Thirty Five Chapter Thirty Six Chapter Thirty Seven Chapter Thirty Eight Chapter Thirty Nine Chapter Forty Chapter Fourty One Chapter Forty Two Chapter Forty Three Chapter Forty Four Chapter Forty Five Chapter Forty Six

Chapter Forty Seven Chapter Forty Eight Chapter Fifty Chapter Fifty One Chapter Fifty Two Chapter Fifty Three Chapter Fifty Four Chapter Fifty Five Chapter Fifty Six Chapter Fifty Seven Chapter Fifty Eight Chapter Fifty Nine Chapter Sixty Coming Soon Thank You! A Note About The Author Next Steps… Table of Contents

Dedication First of all, I’d like to say a huge thank you to my ever loving husband who has listened to my madness as I undertook this adventure. Thanks for your support, sweetheart: you are my muse. I love you, you weirdo. Xx I’d also like to say hello Amber K – I’m so grateful for your thoughts and feedback, you rock :) Huge hugs and thanks to the DDers for all your support. Thank you! Also, thanks to my twitter supporters who have tweeted about me and retweeted my random thoughts. It

helps to know that you’re out there! Come and say hello to me: @dottiewilsonUK

Prologue Skye The morning started off the same as most of them. I dragged myself out of bed to get the deli counter ready for opening. Fridays usually were busy, but at least that made the time go quickly. Stretching out of bed I pulled the curtains back to reveal street lights illuminating our bedroom and beaming down onto the dark footpath. Winter felt so dark… well; at least it wasn’t raining for once. He didn’t come home again last night. It was five am, so a fair thought and probably the reason why I had slept so

well. I didn’t know how it had come to this; James and I were supposed to be getting married. Wasn’t that was engaged couples were supposed to do? Then again, people who lived together usually came home before 5am. I’m sure he’ll turn up by the time I get home again. Once I’d shuffled into my work clothes I ran down the stairs with just enough time to grab a quick cuppa, throw my hair into a ponytail and get out the door. When I arrived home again at 1:30, smelling of grease and feeling exhausted I thought I’d grab an hour in bed and a quick shower before going to Abbie’s

house. I knew he had staggered back home while I’d been at work the second I stepped into the house. Please be asleep on the sofa so I don’t have to speak to you. I slipped past the kitchen table decorated with the remnants of a Chinese takeaway and a couple of empty beer cans. I followed the trail of mess into the lounge where I found one of his shoes and a red bundle on the otherwise empty sofa. I didn’t remember him having a red coat so before thinking the better of it, lifted the cloth only to realise it wasn’t his. It. Wasn’t. His. This was a woman’s coat… and not mine.

“So baby, where’d you leave your lighter? I need a cigarette!” A woman’s voice cooed from upstairs. Who the fuck was that? Storming up I caught a glimpse of a naked woman sauntering into my bedroom. “Here… it was in the bathroom.” I heard shuffling of bedsheets, the crisp noise of a lighter flick, silence, then a man exhaling loudly. This can’t be happening. I drew up about as much courage as I could muster not to run out my own door again. How could he do this in my home? … Our home? On shaking legs that felt like didn’t feel like my own I stole strength from somewhere and strutted into the room I had slept so

peacefully in the night before to find my fiancé laying naked on the bed with his eyes closed whilst a short haired brunette was kissing down his chest and making her way further south. Absentmindedly I realized my slippers where still at the side of the bed. Neither noticed me for the full time it took me to count to ten in my head and steady myself to speak.

Chapter One Skye When Abbie finally left with her huge suitcase I let out a slow breath of relief; alone at last! Well, except for Lulu who watched me expectantly. Why did I ever agree to dog-sit while my sister went off on a long weekend Spanish hen party? Lulu’s buggy Chihuahua eyes stared straight through me as if she knew something was wrong. Abbie may have believed James was out with mates for the night and joining me the next day, but the only person he would be joining is

that little bitch I found out he’d been meeting behind my back. This time alone was to help me sort my head out – and give him three days to get the hell out of my apartment. Padding up Abbie’s stairs and into her bedroom I felt old. She’d just left to get an afternoon flight and onwards for an all-nighter. Yet, as the younger sister, I was already mooching about in my tracksuit bottoms and slippers, thinking about having an early night. Lulu whimpered at me and ran back and forth towards the bedroom door. As I took her back down the stairs to the back door she rushed out as soon as I opened

it. Waiting, I noticed those six inch killer heels Abbie bought last year – smiling as I remembered she had chosen to buy them at the time rather than getting her downstairs toilet fixed properly. Sliding out of my slippers I grew half a foot in an instant. Standing taller and wobbling a little as I crossed the floor, I had forgotten how powerful stilettos made me feel. It was exactly how I needed to feel right now. Letting the dog back in I grabbed my slippers and sway-strutted back up the stairs. On my way I lifted a barely touched bottle of wine and my glass from earlier, no use in wasting a nice Pinot. Catching my reflection in the

mirror I laughed combination.

at

my

outfit

Pouring myself another glass I decided to see which of Abbie’s dresses I would wear with these shoes. The wardrobes gave me plenty of choices. I sighed. I don’t think I own anything that would match these. I had become the old woman thirty years too soon. Pulling my tee shirt off and stepping out of my track suit bottoms I slid one of Abbie’s dresses over my head. The rich brown material was beautiful, a bit too low cut maybe and James would certainly have laughed at me in it. I could hear his sarcastic remarks roll around my head. Dumb bitch, look at the shape of you.

As I tottered back along my little bedroom catwalk I poured another glass and pulled my ponytail out. It was all I ever seemed to do with my hair now. My hair had grown so long: a ponytail was the quickest and easiest way to get it out of the way, and was hygienic for the hot food counter at work. Maybe it was time for a change? When I pulled my hair down it looked so much better with the dress, from this distance to the mirror I looked like someone else. On closer inspection the face was the same with the same tired eyes looking back at me. At least I didn’t have to spend endless hours wondering and worrying about where James was

anymore. I looked at the clock: nine pm. There were nights before James that I was only starting to think about getting ready to go out at this time. In my slightly tipsy mind I started to think that this should have been the night I went out and found my old self again, hey, I was half way there already: showered, dressed and a little happy from the wine… and feeling so lonely at the thought of spending the next few days alone until my next shift at the shop. I needed to be in company, even the company of strangers. It didn’t take long for the taxi to arrive. Once I’d finished the wine and decided

to raid Abbie’s leftover makeup that didn’t make the cut for her trip, heading out was a done deal. I borrowed one of Abbie’s handbags, stuffing my tatty purse into it. I almost took my phone too but decided not to bother, of the two people who might have phoned one was probably drinking Sangria by now and I didn’t want to speak to the other. “Where to, love?” The taxi driver asked as I got in. Fatherly eyes looked inquisitively at me in the rear mirror. “Just into town, please.” I had no idea where I was going; I hadn’t done this in a while. The smell of stale smoke and air freshener made me feel a little

queasy – wasn’t it against the law to smoke in taxis now? “You heading to that new place that’s opening tonight? What’s its name? Crimson? Club Crimson?” He suggested, probably trying to make small talk. Actually, that’s not a bad idea. “Yeah, please.” As he drove over the Craigavon Bridge I looked out at the lights reflecting off the Foyle as it was so calm. I wish I was that calm. That was the only stillness in the city, the Strand Road buzzed with excitement and revelers bravely, or stupidly, walking across the street in

between cars to join the long queue outside the new club. The taxi dropped me off a few yards away from the queue. The night was cool but not freezing, thank God. As I stood there I felt my liquid resolve diminishing – just what was I doing, dressed like this and about to go to a club where I didn’t know a soul? Look at the shape of you. I stood, listening to the music from inside and the nervous teenagers behind me talk relentlessly about how they hoped their fake IDs would work. I was about to walk away to the closest taxi rank and go back to Abbie’s when I eventually got to the door of the club.

For some reason I felt nervous walking down the steps into the actual club once I had paid at the door. I needed a drink and fast – before I did just walk out again. To my relief the bar was easy to get to and I got served pretty quickly. What really surprised me was the free shot I got with each of my vodka and cokes. Throwing the first shot down my neck for courage, I found some solace from the heat that started to radiate from within. I had decided to order my first and second vodka and coke together, thinking that if I carried two drinks it wouldn’t look like I was alone but on my way from the bar to meet someone. That

wouldn’t look like a weird, surely. To do that though, the second shot needed to go the way of the first as I couldn’t carry all three glasses. Oh well, what a pity.

Chapter Two Skye By the time I found a little free table and sat down the room had started to feel a bit more welcoming after all, yes, I should have come here and I thought I would stay a little longer. Drinking from one of the glasses I decided to leave the second full one at the table while I get another vodka and coke from the bar. My plan was to keep a full glass at a second chair so people would assume it was someone else’s seat and therefore leave me be. I stared lazily out onto the dance floor, remembering times when I would

have been first out there to dance when he interrupted my memories. Leaning a little too close to my ear for my usual personal space he breathed a minty, “Is this chair taken?” into my ear; his breath blowing my hair onto my neck and tickling it. “Um, yeah, sorry. It’s for my friend who’s just nipped to the toilet.” I lied, pointing to the full glass untouched and inwardly feeling quite impressed with myself to have had that forethought. “Ah, ok. Well, sure I can get up again when she comes back.” As he eased himself down his easy smile made me

wonder if I did know him. No, I’m sure I would have remembered those eyes, and that arrogance. “How do you know they’re a ‘she’?” I spluttered in disbelief at his confidence to come over to me. “Are you here with a boyfriend then?” “No.” Don’t go there. “Well I’ll keep you company until your friend comes back from the loo then.” He beamed at me. “We wouldn’t want someone taking her seat on her now, would we?” He held out a hand, “Gus.”

Involuntarily I shook his hand, “Hi Gus, how are you? I’m Skye.” I automatically responded and wanted to kick my own ass for being so nice. “I’m grand, thanks. The DJ’s pretty good isn’t he?” His blue eyes studied my face as if he was reading my whole reason for being out – I didn’t need this. The small talk made me feel like getting up and walking away but the last shot had made my legs want to stay sitting: they won. After several songs’ worth of idle chit chat I had almost finished my second vodka and coke. A bouncer walked past, Gus caught his attention and whispered

something in his ear. Smiling at me, which I did my very best to ignore in the hopes he would go away, he eventually said, “Your friend must have left, I’m afraid. I don’t think she’s coming back.” My plan had been to drink that third drink, my “friend’s” and head home. Gus had sat down in front of the drink I said was hers, the ice long melted and the condensation and bubbles gone from the glass leaving what could only be flat coke with what, if my taste buds and the other drinks were anything to go by, would be watered down vodka. The bouncer came back to Gus with two glasses, one filled with a clear liquid and one filled with what looked like

coke. “Now, which would you like first then?” As he pushed both to me I immediately remembered all the times I had been warned never to accept drinks from strangers – especially drinks that I hadn’t seen being poured. His expression faltered for a second then returned to the friendly smile he’d had since he sat down on my imaginary friend’s seat. “Ah come on, you arrive alone – tipsy might I add; down a couple of shots and get yourself quite merry just sitting here with a face like a smacked arse dampening the vibe I’m trying to create in my new club. This is water and this is plain old Coca Cola.” Looking offended,

he went to get up. “Sorry. Thank you for the drinks, but you didn’t have to.” I rushed. “I didn’t realise you owned the place, I’m heading on home shortly but I’ll drink the water.” I could feel the heat rise on my face, not just from the warmth of a club full of people dancing and drinking. He had actually only tried to be friendly. “You’re right about my friend. She’s not coming back – she wasn’t here in the first place. I just wanted to go out but not be hassled. Sorry, I shouldn’t have been so rude.” “Well Skye, that’s fair enough. Sure I’ll leave you to it then.” I watched his lithe

body stalk off towards the DJ area and disappear into a door behind. Not exactly what I had planned for tonight but then today hadn’t quite went the way I’d imagined either. Who would have knew coming home early would mean I would catch my fiancé our bed with some little slut. My guy, my bed, my heartbreak. I wished I’d brought my mobile phone after all, James needed to hear a few home truths and I was in the right frame of mind to break them to him. I decided to drink the flat vodka and coke after all.

Chapter Three Gus I slammed the door into my office, only marginally shutting out the boom of the music from the floor below. Fuck. Tapping on the televisions I scanned the CCTV images until I seen her. Even if I couldn’t read auras I would have been drawn to her. That face. Even with the collage of auras from the dance floor, hers shone clearly. I could never describe how colour explained emotions and true character essence. A flicker of a pale blue appeared and she wiped her eye. Crying? Surely I hadn’t been that

rude? If anything she was the rude one, to me. I’ll never understand humans, never mind women. When I had first become a vampire, it was instantly obvious that I had been given this gift. For a long time I thought it was a blessing but now it feels more like a curse. Thankfully, most auras appeared quite subtle but I did meet a daemon once that made me feel carsick because of the strong colours radiating from his overly fidgety body. It does have its uses, and I suppose I have used it to my benefit when making investments. It doesn’t take long to see when someone is trying to evade me, and

I’ve only ever invested in businesses where I can feel my partner genuinely is being honest with me. Whether they’re deluded and the profit never appeared as predicted, well, that has always been a different story. My phone vibrated across the desk as another text came through from Andy, “Want me to do anything else b4 going off duty?” Focusing back on business, I typed my password on the computer and brought up the till system. Takings for our first night were better than I’d projected – I’m more than pleased and I’ve won that bet I made with Cora. After a quick reply to give Andy the OK for the rest of the night off, I returned to

my screens only to see she was gone from the table, both glasses still full. When I found her again she was ordering at the bar and a couple of drunks were trying to chat her up.

Chapter Four Skye “Thanks.” I said to the barman as I moved further along the bar to get away from the Stupid Brothers. “Hey, why… why don’t you come and sit down beside us?” Stupid One slurred, gawping with eyes that weren’t quite focusing on me, but if they could focus wouldn’t have been looking at my face. I turned my back to them. I was enjoying my drink and they weren’t going to stop me.

“Aye, c’m’ere for the craic.” I heard from behind me as Stupid Two joined in. “Gents, head back to your seats and I’ll get Tommy here to bring you down a round of shots, on the house.” As I glanced in the mirrored back wall of the bar I watched Gus, with an arm around each of the Stupid Brothers, walking them easily back to their table. I was actually glad to see him and feeling embarrassed about being so short with him earlier. I don’t know how I didn’t realise he was the owner, not that many men could get away with wearing a suit when they head out for a night to a club. He was dressed more businessman than

player. Unfortunately, it was only really obvious to me now that he was sandwiched between those two idiots. A barman, Tommy, I assumed, walked over to the table carrying a tray with what looked like a dozen shots. Gus returned back to where I was sipping my drink. “There’ll be sore heads tomorrow.” He laughed, “Are you alright, Skye? They didn’t give you too much hassle did they?” As I reassured him and thanked him again for his help I realised he had nodded at Tommy again who immediately set another pint glass of water in front of me.

“Wouldn’t want you to have one of those sore heads tomorrow: drink.” His friendly tone had firmness, striking me that he must normally get his way, yet he was trying to be nice to me about it. I couldn’t be sure, but with the way his mouth was a thin line, I thought he was struggling with that. “I drank the last one, thanks.” I lied. I didn’t know why but I didn’t want to just do what I’m told by this man. Well, that was not exactly true – I knew exactly why I didn’t want to do it. I’d been bossed around enough in the past… and when I’m a little drunk I enjoy behaving how I really want to.

“Skye, I’m pretty sure you didn’t, but I’d love if you drank this one.” Reaching over he uncurled my fingers from my vodka glass and gently replaced it with the pint of water. Seeing my hesitation he leaned over and lifted the glass and my hand up so he took a sip from the water. “See, I’m not about to spike myself now am I, especially not in my own bar!” Taken back at the closeness, I complied. I was feeling the combination of my drinks now. The heat in the club was stifling now and the iced water actually was a welcome relief. Setting the glass on the bar, I fanned my hand in front of me and put my cooled fingers across my neck. Moving closer and sliding his

hand onto the small of my back, Gus started to walk me away from the bar, “Let’s get some air.”

Chapter Five Skye Gus escorted me to a side door within the club that led onto a smokers’ garden. Abbie’s shoes were killing me now, no wonder she’d left these ones behind. Gus slowed his pace down and walked over to a couple of picnic tables where I thought we were going to sit down but he kept on towards a closed door in the wall behind. Removing a key from his pocket, the door opened easily. Switching on lights he led me into what appeared to be an office with a larger room through a glass wall beyond – a

board room? The room smelled new, there always was something about the mix of the fresh paint and the scent of the newly laid carpet that I really, really liked. “This is lovely in here.” I said a bit too loudly, now aware of the ringing in my ears. Sitting on a sofa in the reception area he replied, “Thanks, this is where the events side of things will run from. I have an office in the main building but it’s so noisy and warm in there.” The silence grew between us and I felt the expectation in the air, I wasn’t entirely sure why I was in here with a man I’d only met a couple of hours ago

and had managed to piss off in that time, yet he had come back to talk to me and got rid of those two assholes from earlier for me. Sitting down beside him I tried to make amends for my earlier coldness, “I’m sorry I was so rude with you. I thought you were just trying to get into my pants.” I blurted, the room was so quiet compared to the club and my drunken mind decided that I needed to fill the peace. Realising how nasty that sounded I shook my head and followed up with, “Not that you were of course! You were just being nice, so thank you for that.” “Who said I wasn’t, Skye?” He quipped

light heartedly but his eyes burned into mine, with a cheeky smile he added, “Maybe I’ve decided to play the long game.” “Well I would advise you not to bother – if anything, I probably should be on the rebound now, that’s not going to be good for your confidence knowing it was like that.” I said, laughing nervously. I can’t believe I just said that. Unfazed he replied: “I don’t think offering myself for a woman at my club to use me for sex is what customer service really means, but if that’s what you’re after…” he joked, pretending to start taking of his jacket.

“Maybe not, but think of the TripAdvisor reviews! You’re a cute guy and all that… Nah, give me six months of meeting randomers and get back to me, eh?” Not sure if it was the drink, the pent up emotion from James’ betrayal or the fact that I was honestly starting to feel like I didn’t want to filter what I was really thinking anymore that made me feel so bold and brave. I never talked like this in real life. Tonight had been a good idea after all. Throwing his head back and laughing heartily I couldn’t help but giggle. This wasn’t a controlled laugh, his eyes gleamed and his smile was infectious.

Suddenly the room grew smaller as we just smiled at each other; a deep raucous laugh from outside which then evolved into a howl broke the mood. “Eejit.” Gus shook his head. “That has to be Andy.” “He sounds like a character.” Leaning back and slipping off one of Abbie’s shoes I absentmindedly rubbed my sore foot. There was a practical reason why I didn’t strut around in stiletto heels all the time – those fuckers hurt when you weren’t used to them. He reached over and took my hands off my foot, placing them on my lap. He moved down on to the floor in front of me and grasped my heel rubbing the

sides where the shoe had been rubbing against it all night. Dumbfounded, I sat watching him. His hands were gentle, soothing, but strong and masculine. Cupping my foot in his two hands and rubbing his thumbs up the centre of my arch until they hit the ball of my foot where he moved them in slow circles, one around the ball of my food and the other in a similar motion on the pad of my foot below my little toe. I couldn’t help but melt into the seat and I think a little moan slipped out of my mouth. I wasn’t entirely sure until he asked, “Good?” I nodded. Somewhere along the line I must have

closed my eyes because when I opened them I realised he was watching the expression on my face, smiling in satisfaction. Suddenly embarrassed, I tried to move my foot away and sit up. Instead, he held it firm. “I haven’t finished this one yet, and we can’t leave the other one neglected.” As I went to argue he stopped, holding his two hands around my ankle, “Skye, don’t fight this.” Those blue eyes looked up from below a furrowed brow. He definitely didn’t like it when he didn’t get his own way. “Sorry, my feet are probably all sweaty and stinky. You really don’t have to do

that!” Furrowing his brow more and closing his eyes for a second he shook his head. “I don’t have to Skye, I want to.” Opening his eyes, looking straight at me he lifted my foot and kissed the centre of the sole. “Now, sit back and close your eyes.”

Chapter Six Gus The view I had from the floor was amazing. Skye’s legs went on for miles and I could see a little further up her dress than she probably realised, not that I was deliberately looking but no male could just ignore what was right in front of him. As she started to relax, her legs opened a little as I soothed her aching foot and I could see the triangle of the front of her underwear. White. Nice. The flickering silver lines in her aura that twitched like lightning told me exactly how much she was enjoying this and the

embarrassment that always read sickly yellow to me had disappeared. She was giving in to the feelings. Another moan escaped her lips as I flexed her toes upwards and downwards, stretching her arch and her foot. Repositioning myself I placed her barefoot on my chest and cradled the calf of her left foot with one hand, whilst I removed her shoe with the other. As I worked on her left foot, when I soothed what must have been an achy part, the toes of her right foot clenched into my shirt. She obviously didn’t wear shoes like these often, and seeing how well they were worn, it didn’t seem like they could be hers. Strange.

I was finished her second foot too soon, and could sense that she was wondering what was going to happen next. Since I had told her to sit back she hadn’t spoken another word. I liked that she both was independent but still did what I told her. Skye “Good girl.” Although I wasn’t asleep, his words brought me back to reality. Was I actually getting a foot rub from one of the sexiest men I’d ever met? How in the hell had I got myself here – and more surprisingly, did I care how this came about? Oh my god, that was

so hot. In fact, he hadn’t touched above my knees and I already felt that this had been one of the most intimate experiences I’d ever had. Opening my eyes and looking down he had placed both my feet on his chest and rubbing my ankles with a hand each. Somehow I had sunk back into the sofa and the dress had ridden up my legs, revealing more of my legs than I intended. Trying to sit up a little, he grasped my ankles tighter and locked eyes with me, dangerous and confident; he spoke seductively, “Please don’t move I’m enjoying the view.” Freezing and unsure of how to take that I could only feel the heat rise on my face. It had been so long

since a man had seen me as something other than a nagging woman. Dumb bitch, look at the shape of you. He rose to his knees, keeping his hands and my feet where they were on his chest, bowed his head and kissed the inside of each ankle. Apart from my gasp, it was so quiet; the club must have closed for the night, meaning it must be very late. Lifting his head and smiling impishly he lifted my foot and bit my big toe! “Skye, baby, I haven’t even started with you!” Gus Speechless, she looked a picture, her

mouth forming an O as I playfully bit her toe. She had already got to me, the hesitation but willingness to go with what I was doing was completely enthralling… how far would she let me go? The hesitation gave me the sense this was something new for her – and the colours her aura flickered and the lightning flashes of silver showed me that she was enjoying this, really enjoying this. I needed to see that but she was trying to hold it back and attempting to hide it. If anything makes a dominant vampire like me pique their interest, it’s a female who thinks they’re strong enough to hide their true sexual desires. From the position I was in now I could

see up her dress and I took satisfaction in realising that those white panties were cotton, and with my sight I could spot the dampness even in the darkened room. Oh yeah, baby, you want me and I know it. Sensing she was watching me intently, I continued to stare up her dress. Holding her ankles like this, she couldn’t move unless she lifted herself up with her arms, but she didn’t. I could hear her heartbeat pound inside her chest and I couldn’t resist smiling when I heard it skip a beat as I licked my lips whilst looking what I knew was a sweet, wet pussy. Watching her reaction just made my cock even harder.

Chapter Seven Skye Being looked at and wanted by someone again made me feel like a goddess. I didn’t feel embarrassed anymore, I wanted this. It had been so long since I had felt this way… so long since I’d even felt like a sexual being. Even though I’d been engaged to James, we had barely kissed never mind had sex for over a couple of months. Even before that, when we did have sex it wasn’t what you would have called anything more than a quick fumble that got him off before he rolled over drunkenly to go

asleep. By Gus showing just how much he wanted me made me feel those months of rejection and denial needed to be ended. Tonight. Now. I knew exactly where his eyes were looking when he licked his lips and I imagined his tongue sliding along my clit in slow strokes. Of their own accord, my hips rolled back and forward and I writhed a little on the sofa with the thought of him between my legs and his mouth all over me. As if reading my mind, he lifted my legs, one over each of his shoulders and moved closer to me. Sliding his hands up the sides of my legs he pushed my dress up and grinned excitedly. “I bet you taste so sweet.”

Speaking directly to my sex all I could do was shiver in excitement. “I wonder what would happen if I do this?” Stretching his strong hands underneath my thighs he prized my legs a little wider. “Mmmm, good girl, you’re wet for me.” Fuck – I almost could have cum right there; I had never been treated like this before. Kissing my knee and then licking up the side of my inner thigh he moved his hands over the tops of my legs until they were pulling at the top of my panties. With one finger he moved down the outside of my panties, over my pubic bone and across to the top of the leg hole. Someone moaned, it must have

been me but I didn’t do it deliberately. His reply was a simple, “Mm?” He brought his other hand up and felt the outside of the cloth. The finger slipped between the cloth and my pussy. “Fuck Skye, you’re soaking.” His hands immediately moved back round to my ass and he pulled me to the edge of the sofa. His mouth tantalisingly close to the exact spot I needed it to be on. I could feel his breath on me. “Do you want me?” “Yes.” I moaned immediately. “Good.” He moved his head forward and kissed the outside of my panties,

right on top of my clit. Placing a thumb exactly where his lips had just been he stroked and rubbed lightly till my hips lifted rhythmically and my legs wrapped around him. I started breathing heavier and with tensed fingers gripped the seat of the sofa. “Not yet baby, and certainly not here.” The disappointment and anger I felt in that instant was crushing. As he slipped out from under my legs he gave me a chaste kiss on the lips and held a hand out for me. “Come.” Huh, I was just about to. Standing up my legs felt a little wobbly – not for the first time this evening – I

went to lift my shoes when he pulled my hand, “Leave them.” so I simply followed in my bare feet. Gus took me into the other room; it was a boardroom after all, then though a door leading into a hallway. Flicking the light switch, he leisurely walked up to a secure door. He turned towards me and pinned me to the wall, kissing me with such urgency I though he was going to take me right there, but as soon as I started to respond he held back, face just in front of mine and said, “Are you sure you want this?” “Fuck yes.” Was all I could pant. He typed a code into a keypad and pulled me into an apartment. This must

be his home. As we walked from a kitchen area and into a bedroom he took off his jacket and loosened his tie. As he sat down on a tub chair beside a table and a small, lit lamp he ordered: “Take that dress off… slowly. I want to watch.” His tone was serious and demanding.

Chapter Eight Gus For decades I had used my mind-control gift to make human women comply with what I wanted. Vampire females were too obsessed with their hopes of finding a mate who could move them up the society ladder to want to play – especially the way I did. Plus, being able to read their aura was a sure turn off. Who wants to know the only reason their sexual partner is doing something is just to trap you to further their ambitions: sex and politics don’t mix in my book.

I could have picked any from a dozen other women in the club who I had seen watching and smiling at me all night. I could have manipulated any or all of them into acting the way I wanted, with whomever I wanted – but I may as well have just given myself a dead arm and wanked myself for all the real pleasure I would get from that. Skye had a spark and her natural sexual responses had real potential to make her a great playmate. I wanted to see her; this was going to play out au naturale. Her initial reaction to my request to strip, rather, my demand for her to strip, was a curious one. Her aura initially lit up and then those yellows of fear came

back – was she really that scared of being her true self, or was she embarrassed about her body for some reason? Sensing it was insecurity, I willed my speakers on and the perfect playlist came on a few seconds later. Getting up, I moved close to her, “Dance with me.” I said. Moving beside her help ease her nerves, so I moved closer, dancing and touching. In between light kisses I encouraged her, “Just go with it Skye, I know you can be such a good girl, and I want you to take that pretty dress off – slowly – and show me that sweet body because I want us to play. Now, play baby.” Taking her hand and slowly kissing her wrist, I lowered

her hand on top of my trousers, “Can’t you tell how much I want to see you?”

Skye I drew in a quick breath; he was huge… and hard. I felt so strong and powerful and excited that I could do that to him, and he wanted more. This would not turn into the laughing stock James had made of me when I tried stripping for him that night. Finding strength in knowing Gus appreciated me more than what my fiancé ever had, I reached to the middle of my back and opened the zip on the back of my dress. Shrugging one shoulder out of the dress then the other I

stood in the dim bedroom, dress around my waist, barefoot and topless. When I looked down I was surprised to see how hard my nipples were – I’d never seen them quite like that before. “Mmmm, you look so good baby, show me some more.” Looking back at Gus he was the picture of control: relaxed in his chair, arms resting over the chair arms, his eyes exploring every inch of my breasts. Slipping my underwear down and wiggling out of them, I stepped out of my panties. Lifting my dress up and over my breasts, the material tickled fantastically. Pulling the chocolate material over my

head, I knew I was completely naked, yet I felt empowered rather than vulnerable. “Come here, baby.” He spoke softly and an approving smile played at his lips. I padded over, feeling the thick carpet under my feet. Gus pulled me down onto his knee and put one arm around me – the other cupped my breast and a lazy thumb flicked back and forth over my nipple. Reaching down I opened his loose tie and let it drop to the floor behind us, and with more confidence than I had felt in months I started to open the rest of the buttons on his shirt. If I had thought he looked good with his

shirt on, on my god, what was under his shirt was a masterpiece. My fingers explored every inch of his chest and marveled at his abs. The heavenly scent of musk and maleness filled the air and I had the insane urge to lick every bump and dip on those rock hard abs. He had teased me big time earlier, now I was going to have my fun. Standing up, I took him by the hand and pulled him to his feet, removing his shirt as soon as he stood up. He let me lead him over to the bed and lay down where I motioned. Straddling him, I moved lower, so I was sitting on his shins. I opened his belt and the buttons of his trousers with hands that felt more

powerful by the second. His eyes, intrigued, watched me taking in everything – my body, my hands, and most importantly, my lips. I smiled sweetly and leaned over raising his hand in mind, keeping my eyes locked on his whilst sucking on his finger. Feeling smug when his jaw slacked a little, I gave him a playful nibble of my own. I kept sucking his finger in my mouth as I reached both hands down and pulled his now open trousers down a little more and reached for my prize. Hard, thick and long – this was going to be the best I have ever had. Once last suck on his finger and I placed his hand back on the bed. Laying my body on top of his I

kissed him slowly and passionately on the lips and said one word to him: “Watch.” Moving down the bed I made a show of pulling his trousers off completely and licking my lips, he had me so close earlier and took my orgasm away – I was going to make him pay. Leaning over his cock and sweeping my hair to the side so he could watch I licked his helmet in slow circles then took it in my mouth. Wow, if it felt this big in my mouth it might hurt me later. Sliding my mouth up and down his cock I locked my eyes with his – he was doing what he was told and watching in fascination. Smiling to myself I mentally prepared

myself to take him completely in my mouth, loosening my jaw I slid down his cock as far as I could go. Looking back up I realised he’d closed his eyes – that wouldn’t do. Stopping and waiting for him to come back, I noticed the tattoo on the inside of his left arm. It looked like triangles and hexagons and was kind of familiar for some reason. I was aware the second he opened his eyes again. “Skye, do you have any idea what you do to me, baby? Why did you stop?” “I told you to watch and you closed your eyes,” I pouted. “I wanted you to look.” In a second he had me flat on my back and on top of me his tongue demanding a

deep, passionate kiss – searching my mouth and tasting me. Raising my hands above my head and holding them with one of his, he growled in my ear, “Don’t tease me Skye, you’re already driving me crazy.” Wiggling underneath him and feeling his hard cock on top of me I smiled innocently, “But I just wanted to play.” Gus Fuck! She wants to play? I certainly underestimated her. Play? I made the fucking game! With my legs I prised hers apart, moving myself so my cock just tipped the outside of her lips, her pussy

silky wet, she thrusted upwards and I knew I wanted to be inside her as much as her body was screaming that she wanted me too. Her aura was an electrical thunderstorm of passion and longing; silver and purple lightning sparking from all around her. There’s no ulterior motive, she just wants to feel me inside her... Fuck Skye, where have you been all this time? Reaching down I slipped one finger inside that slick, wet, sweet hole. Gliding in and out, she soon started moving her hips to drive me faster. “You want to play, baby?” I whispered, “Then spread your legs open, and get ready to play on my terms.”

I swear I felt the shiver of excitement that ran though her. Instantly she spread her legs further apart, her cunt so ready for me. If I was a lesser vampire I would have cum the first time I slid inside her. Tight, wet and hungry for me, she moaned. For a second I thought I might have hurt her, but from the words that came out next I knew the last thing she felt was pain. “Jesus Gus, you feel so good inside me. Fuck me now. I need to cum all over your cock.” If that wasn’t an open invitation I will never know what is.

Chapter Nine Skye Pinning me down on the bed he thrust inside me, each stroke rocking me closer to the orgasm that I almost had on the sofa. He slowed his pace and lifted his head to look right into my face, eyes searching for mine and smiling that first cocky smile he had when we had first met. “I think I want to watch you cum slowly for me first.” First? Keep like that and you won’t get the chance to pick! With that he pulled himself out of me completely. I let a little whimper. “Awh, baby, you want to cum don’t you?” He slid right into me again, as if

we’d done this forever. Fuck it felt so good – the toys I had at home which I have nervously bought a while ago and hid from James were nothing in comparison to this, the real thing. He was big, and I could feel him inside me. As his cock demanded I make room for it, I felt a beautiful ache, a promise of satisfaction. With that he growled, one hand demanded that I lifted my own hands to the headboard behind me, the other wrapped around me so our whole bodies were touching. His constant rhythm soon had my breath gasping in between his passionate kisses. I brought my hands

down to grab his back to hold on, getting leverage I felt my hips rocking faster and I felt him smile over my lips. Slipping out of me he moved back on his knees and slid me further down the bed, lifting me on to those strong knees he glided back into my pussy and lifted my ass up as he ploughed into me. It was deeper this way and I looked up to see him watching me with expectation. “You’re going to cum for me Skye, and then I’m going to fill that sweet creamy cunt right up.” He slowed, sliding almost completely out of me, and lazily moved back, letting me feel every inch of him right down as far as he could go. I felt his balls tickle

my ass and he went deep into my core. “Open your eyes.” I obeyed. His smile was that of approval. Licking his thumb he reached down and started stroking my clit as he fucked me deep and slow. “Are you ready, pet?” he smiled, “’Cos I’m going make you scream my name.” Steadily getting faster I felt a rush of pure exhilaration. Oh. My. God. I hadn’t cum yet, but this beat any sex I’ve ever had. I may as well have been a virgin to this. Watching his chest move as he pounded into me and feeling his hands as well as his cock touching my most sensitive areas I knew I wasn’t far away. “I’m gonna... Oh fuck, I’m gonna cum. Fuck Gus, jeeze, Gus!”

I shuddered beneath him and somehow he started pounding me harder. I thought I might pass out and then I felt very sensitive. I went to move and he said, “Oh no baby, you can cum better than that.” Immediately I felt like yes, I could cum again. Everything went a little blurry and making noises that I have never made before the only intelligible words I could come up with was “Gus… fuck… Gus!” I could feel the heartbeat inside my sex and opened my eyes again as I heard him moan. “Skye!” His shoulders and head pulled backwards. Hot and wet, I felt his orgasm explode inside me.

Both of us were left panting and I was at a complete loss for words. I didn’t know what to say and we were in comfortable silence for a moment, with me just smiling lazily, him still inside me. Bending over, he kissed me softly on the lips. “Baby, you are amazing.” Moving beside me he chuckled. “Well, I don’t need to ask if you enjoyed yourself.” Reaching for my hand, he slid it down to the bed where I had just moved to make room for him. The sheets were soaking and I lifted my eyebrows in shock. The dim light was still on and he answered my unspoken question and soothing my

sudden embarrassment, “Yeah, baby, a bit of that’s me but most of it is you. It pleases me that you are so satisfied. Don’t pretend you haven’t cum like that before.” Shaking my head and looking at him in disbelief I tried to formulate an answer but nothing would come out. Stroking my hair out of my face he leaned over and kissed me on the forehead. “Skye, we’re going to have so much fun together. There’s so much more to me and how I like to play than that. I really hope you spend time with me. If you’ll let me, I can show you so much more.” Thoughts of the passion we had just shared whirled around in my head. More? Fuck

yes. Yes, please!

Chapter Ten Skye If someone had have told me last week how much everything would change, I would have laughed at them. I knew things hadn’t been great with James, but to find out he’d been cheating on me still came as a shock… especially as I caught them together in my bed. Staying at Abbie’s house to look after Lulu, her Chihuahua was just a bonus. A couple of days away from that flat and the images of them together was perfect. Plus, it meant I had some time before needing to officially tell Abbie.

You’d think as my older sister, she’d be the one looking after me, but it was never like that. She was six when I was born. Somehow I ended up being the responsible one and more often than not, it was me that looked after her. Abbie was supposed to be my bridesmaid so now the engagement was most definitely off; I just knew exactly what she would be most upset about. James could do no wrong in her eyes, so a few days without her looking for a post mortem would give me the space I needed. Deena and the others had all gathered at Abbie’s house by the time I had arrived with my things for the weekend. The last

people I wanted to see would be a giggling crowd, set for a hen party in sunny Spain, so naturally I accepted the glasses of wine that were freely flowing. As much as James and I had drifted apart lately, I didn’t feel truly lonely until the squawking ladies left for the airport. It was Friday and I wasn’t due back at work until Monday evening, Abbie would be back on Tuesday, so really it was just going to be me and Lulu until then. I really hoped that James would get all his stuff together by then as I was going back home and changing the locks. Anger made me want to go back and trash everything, my sense of wanting to get my deposit back on the flat I rented

in just my name forced me to rethink. I may be the supervisor at the hot food counter, but I wasn’t in a position that I could be careless with money no matter how much it would help my heart.

Deciding to self-medicate with some alcohol and go to a club, I met Gus and had the first night as a single woman pleasing herself.

Chapter Eleven Skye Breathless, sweaty and unable to speak, I waited for the guilt and embarrassment to seep in. What in God’s good name have I done? One night stands are something Abbie does, not me. Mind you if they always feel like that… He strolled back into the room, naked, with two glasses in his hands completely stopping my thoughts. “Water, Skye: drink.” Gus smiled as he handed the highball glass into my hand as I lay back on his bed. I had grabbed

his shirt when he went out and it just about covered what I felt was far too much skin to show a stranger. But then he wasn’t exactly a stranger any more. “That looks better on you than it ever has on me.” “Thanks?” I said, feeling very aware of his eyes roaming over me. “Mmmm, Definitely. You have a great body.” That was such a lie. Abbie was the one with the great body even though she was almost thirty now; I was the one who got the leftovers. Yeah, we shared the same dress size but my back was broader with

smaller boobs, she was the slimmer one with the tiny waist – if it wasn’t for her boobs, she would easily be at least a size smaller, if not two. “Now I know you’re lying.” I smile. “I bet you charm all the girls with that kinda talk. Listen, I don’t really know how this kind of thing normally goes – I never do… um… this.” As I pointed to myself on the bed he sat down beside me, setting his empty glass on the side table where I noticed a small clock. “Oh fuck! It’s 3 o’clock!” I jumped, immediately setting my glass down and pushing past him and the hand he had just rested on my thigh. “Fuck, I need to go!”

“Someone waiting on you?” Gus said quietly. “Yes, um… no! Well, Lulu will be busting by now.” That definitely got a reaction, eyebrows shot up and confusion flickered then was washed over by a look of control. “You have a… girlfriend?” He asked, seemingly more interested. Yeah, that’s men for you. “No, I have a sister.” I sighed. “Sorry, I really need to go – shit, I don’t have my mobile with me, do you mind if I ring a taxi from your phone?”

Sniggering, he stood up, “No, no, no, Skye. If “Lulu”, your “sister”, is waiting on you – who am I to keep you away. I’ll drive you back myself.” He said “Lulu” and “sister” in a way that sounded very much like he didn’t believe me. “Lulu is my sister’s dog, I’m meant to be looking after her this weekend while Abbie, my sister, is in Spain.” I retorted as I slid the straps of my dress back up and started to search for my knickers. Suddenly in front of me, he held up some white material over one finger. “Looking for these?” As I went to grab them he grasped my underwear tightly and lifted

his hand high above him. “Finders keepers. Come on, I’ll grab your coat.” “I left it in the club when I came in.” Smiling devilishly and still keeping my pants hostage, he put them in his pocket and walked over to the wardrobe in the corner of the room. “I believe this might be yours.” He said proudly as he pulled Abbie’s brown jacket out. Anger filled me. “Was I that much of a forgone conclusion then? Jesus, I’m an idiot.” He crossed the room in a second, draping the jacket around my shoulders and using it to pull me close to him. “No

way baby, you are no idiot and certainly no forgone conclusion. But I know what I want and I always get my way.” Squeezing me against him he kissed me deeply. I wanted to touch him but he had my hands pinned to my sides with my jacket so I just kissed back. James had never kissed me as passionately nor as intimately in all the years we’d been together – even at the start. Deepening his kiss I knew that he felt the sizzle between us. Not just in the way his tongue invaded my mouth but in the hardness that pressed against the front of my dress demanding attention. Moaning into him, a thought trickled past, the dog will be ok for a while yet.

An hour later with bones that had turned to jelly, I was about to sit on the sofa where everything began. On second thoughts, I decided to just carry those shoes rather than wear them. “So my car is this way.” Gus slid his hand easily to the small of my back, guiding me back down the corridor where his apartment was and further along to another keypad locked door. An azure blue Audi sat waiting for us as he flicked on the garage lights. “Jump in.” Dawn hadn’t come yet, so the night sky was still inky black. The streetlights and the few other cars that we met still

brightly picked out little parts of the city. This was the city I loved, where I grew up, the city where I broke my heart and the city that will help rebuild me. “You’re very quiet – do you regret what happened?” “I was just thinking.” I replied, I wasn’t about to say what about, Yeah, just thinking how I met my first love here and that we’ve passed at least 3 different spots where James told me he had loved me. I do regret what happened, not tonight, but the day I said ever agreed to give James a second, third, fourth, or fifth chance.

“Hmm. The silence speaks volumes. Skye, I know you think I’m a bit of a player and that I’ve give you some story to get you into bed, but honestly, that’s not really me. I’d really like to get to know you better.” For some reason I believed him. Part of me warned that I probably shouldn’t, but my gut was saying that Gus was good for me. Reaching over and touching his hand on the gear stick I stuttered: “Even if that’s not true, I don’t regret meeting you tonight. I do regret the way I was with you earlier-” “You don’t need to apologise, I get it. I saw enough men looking at you tonight –

you would have had plenty of other company if I hadn’t have sat down beside you.” Heat rose on my face. “No! As if. That’s not what I meant. I thought I wanted space and didn’t think I was much company… and I really am sorry about earlier.” “Firstly, those guys were looking at you, and why wouldn’t they? I mean have you seen yourself? Secondly, it’s reaffirming to meet a woman who enjoys her own company and doesn’t need the flattery of men.” “Ha, I’m not entirely sure you should be

driving – you sound like you’re drunk.” “Well, the response to that’s easy: I don’t drink, well, except for an odd glass of wine. Hate the harder stuff; but love the profit it brings me.” As we pulled up to Abbie’s house, he offered to walk me to the door which made me feel like I was in some black and white film, or maybe he just wanted an excuse to come in. Either way I politely refused. There’s no way I was about to bring him into Abbie’s house, that felt like a betrayal of trust. “Well, if you won’t let me escort you to the door so I know you’re in safely, then

you can at least agree to come to my party on Sunday evening?” Ah, Sunday, Abbie still won’t be home. “Erm, maybe. Can I think about it?” “That sounds like a “no” to me.” He frowned. “No, it’s not that, I’m going to be working on Monday morning.” I lied. “Plus, I’m not that good at parties.” Which was true, particularly for ones where I wouldn’t know anyone, nor have anything I could wear. “Thanks for the lift home, and for asking me to your party.”

He reached into his inside pocket and handed me a white card. “Sure think about it.”

Chapter Twelve Skye Watching the headlights disappear out of Abbie’s lane, I exhaled a breath I didn’t realise I had been holding. “Right Lulu, you little rat, where are you?” I found her exactly where I had left her, closed in the utility room, in her bed. Looking up at me, I could feel those two little eyes judging me. “Yeah, yeah, I know. C’mon, time to go out.” With that she raced past me to the back door, paws doing that little cartoon skip to get traction on the wooden floor.

By the time she was scratching the door again I had worked myself up into a tight knotted ball of fury. Just how could I have been that stupid? Of course he’s going to be a womaniser – he owns a club, I mean it had to be a perk of the job. I went out, alone, got drunk and fucked a stranger. Twice. Jesus, what made me even think going out was a good idea? Then a cold wave flushed though my legs, leaving them feeling like lead. We didn’t even use protection. Fuck. After the scares Abbie had and the course of treatment she had to get that one time, you’d seriously think I had learned that lesson through my sister’s

escapades. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Lulu’s whimpers brought me back. As soon as I put her into her bed again I crawled into my own, ashamed, disgusted at my ability to throw my safety away so easily, and let angry tears wash over my face as I fell asleep.

Chapter Thirteen Gus Part of me wished I hadn’t offered to drive Skye home. Andy will be back soon and he could have done it. I know what I saw when she sat beside me, the memories of love were so strong in her aura that they flooded the car, when they changed to the dull grey of regret it all but confirmed that I was wrong. Skye must have someone in her life – I don’t buy this “Lulu” business for a second. I saw the two cars in the drive way. Whoever he is, he needs to buy a better car. What man, even human, can truly

call himself a real male driving either a rusty old heap or a light blue Fiat Punto? Pulling back into the garage, the darkness didn’t bother me. I jumped out of the car with ease and pressed the keyring that closed the garage door again. Not that I needed to, no one would come anywhere near at this time. As I walked into the building, I heard the click of Cora’s door. Gliding out, she had her timing down to a tee. “Hey, lover boy – didn’t she want to stay the night? Or were you just… not up to it?” she used her sweetest voice, dripping with concern.

“Not now, Cora.” “Awh, don’t worry, brother, I’m sure everyone will love to see this little slut with you on Sunday, or will you try the mysterious approach as usual and not bring anyone at all? Aren’t you a lonely little boy? All that money, all those staff, Hell, even the Pack, and your pretty little face just looks… sad and lonely.” “Good night, Cora.” I said mechanically, trying to ignore the sickly light grey aura oozing around her. “Good night, my pathetic, little brother.” She smiled as she closed her door. Cora knew exactly how to push my buttons.

“Little” was both right and wrong. I was turned at a younger age than Cora was, but that was a good eighty years before the night our Father met Cora. At six foot one, I’m certainly not little and I towered over her, not that Cora frightened that easily. Closing the door on my club apartment, I could still smell Skye’s scent, and the sex still clung on the air as I went into the bedroom. My cock approved. A slow smile of satisfaction crept over my face. Yes, she was special. I knew that I wanted to see her again. I stripped whilst running the shower, for some reason it seemed to take an age to

heat – even in such a new build as this. I missed my New York apartment and the immediacy that it gave me to everything I could ever want or need, but in the years I was there, I never felt as satisfied as I had been tonight. Closing my eyes and letting the water run over my head I let my mind replay the night’s events. The chase, the sting of her rejection, the excuses to the cloak room attendant and the hopes that Skye would have to return to get her mislaid coat; it was laughable. I’m almost three hundred years old and within an hour she had me acting like a boy: but fuck, that aura, that body, that untapped and clearly unsatisfied desire and sexual gift – I

needed more of her. I had pulled Skye over to me, shocked that she would react badly that I had “borrowed” her coat. It had been a moment of madness showing her the coat I took. Surely any women would have thought it was romantic, that I had wanted to see her again. Not Skye though, I wondered what made her so suspicious to think that somehow I had assumed she would have came here with me. This apartment was the only truly safe place in this complex where Cora wouldn’t come… couldn’t come. But I pushed her out of my head; I wanted to think only about Skye.

The kiss had started as a way to quell her anger, a physical way to express that I had never assumed she would be here. Yes, I dared to dream, I mean, who wouldn’t? I half expected her to want to slap me, so the spur of the moment thought to wrap her in her own coat had felt like a stroke of genius. Constrained by her own jacket, and it turns out she enjoyed it. When Skye had started kissing me back, I knew that there was still hope. The tiniest gasp I heard when I pressed my arousal into her confirmed what I had already knew. She loved it. She loved the feel of my hard cock against her, in her, and that it was hard because of her. I

could feel her pushing against it, so it took but a second to push her backwards towards the bed again. Then I’d had another flash of inspiration. I heard her heart pounding hard in her chest. Smiling at her in the dark room, I released her from the jacket wrapped around her and instantly her hands went to touch me. “No baby, you aren’t gonna touch me this time. I want you to focus your whole attention on what your body feels. Put your hands by your sides.” She put her arms limply down by her sides, good, then I took the two empty sleeves and used them to tie around her body at the waist, with her arms underneath. “Lay down, and keep your hands by your

sides.” I lifted my head upwards and felt the hot water stream over the crown of my head and run down my back. I knew exactly what I needed. I reached down with one hand and started pumping as I remembered what had happened next. She had complied rapidly and didn’t that one act of compliance go straight to my already aching cock, pleading for its release. I knew I hadn’t given her back her underwear yet, so access was easy. Absentmindedly I wondered if she would really keep her hands down, she could lift them at her elbows. Between kisses I said, “Remember, I told you to

keep your hands where they are now, by your sides. Will you do that, pet?” “Yeah.” She breathed. I stood back for a second, admiring the view. Skye’s hair looked exactly like it should, tousled and wild. I could see along her neck, down to the top of her dress, and further down where the knot of her sleeves bound her arms to her body. Her short dress had already ridden up. “Open your legs.” For some reason, even on my bed she wavered. I lay beside her, giving her deep kisses, tasting her and exploring her mouth. “Open. Your. Legs.”

This time she did it without hesitation, and I couldn’t resist reaching down to feel how much she wanted this too. I saw her hand twitch and knew she wanted to move it, but didn’t. Looking down I liked the idea of my naked body being against hers fully clothed, yet although I should be the vulnerable one the obedience she showed made me think about how vulnerable she was making herself to me. Baby, you deserve to have every one of your beautiful dreams come true, and I can give them all to you. Sliding over, I knew I might be heavy on top of her, balancing on my elbows I

looked down at her face, the smile she gave was both achingly beautiful and full of excitement. I might have to let you go home tonight, but I won’t let you go out of my life. Lifting my ass up and then in towards her, my cock found its divine place – which was so ready I slid right in. The hiss that escaped her lips told me two things: my cock was exactly where it needed to be, and that this cunt would never be anyone else’s again. I took her slowly, listening to her breathing as it hitched and sped up. The apartment was so quiet I could hear how wet she was. In the darkness there were only four things: Skye’s heartbeat, her breath, her moans and the sound of her

dress moving as she lifted herself up to me, urging me on deeper and harder. Already I knew how close she was, I kissed her slowly and teased her with long deep strokes. Even when her moans were closer to cries of delight, I watched her face change as the pleasure deepened and marveled at the purple aura with lightning flashes of silver – pure ecstasy, only when I felt the muscles within her milking me did I allow my own release. She opened her eyes and looked straight into mine. I could have sworn I saw them too flash silver.

Chapter Fourteen Skye At least my head didn’t ache as much as I had expected it to. It was only a dull throb as opposed to one where I was too afraid to move my eyeballs never mind anything else. Throwing on my comfortable jogging bottoms and trainers I went down to let Lulu out again. Saturday: normally I’d be having a lay in with James nowhere to be seen – at least today’s no different. As I waited for Lulu to decide to come back into the house, I turned the kettle

on. As it boiled I noticed my phone vibrate across the kitchen table. Lifting it I almost dropped it: sixteen missed calls, ten voicemail messages and eleven texts, all from Abbie. What the hell has gone wrong? Rather than listening to the voicemails I dialled her number. Maybe she’d just got really drunk and decided I should know how good a time she was having, that’s happened before. “Where the fuck were you?” I recognised the voice but certainly not the tone. “Abbie? What’s wrong?”

“I’ll tell you exactly what’s wrong. You weren’t in the fucking house. And I know you weren’t with James, what the fuck is going on?” “Eh?” Shit. “My phone was downstairs, what’s the problem? Are you ok?” “Don’t lie to me Skye, I know bullshit when I hear it, I’ve told enough of it myself.” “Why would I lie?” I stalled. I didn’t want to tell her about James like this – to be honest I didn’t want to talk about him, or anything else right now.

“Because Mags sent me a picture of you wearing my dress and talking to a man at that new club. I swear to God if he’s been in my house I’m going to kill you.” “What?” Shit, shit. “Mags, my friend from work – you’ve met her a hundred times? She was at Club Crimson last night and swears you were there with a man. I didn’t believe her until she sent me a picture, then I phoned you AND my home phone – no answer genius. Then she saw you go out the back with him.” “Why were you on Facebook when you’re on holiday?” I stalled.

“Are you having an affair, you little slut?” With that I hung up the phone on my older, hypocritical sister who’s had more men in this house than I’ve had hot dinners. If only she knew how James treated me, or had even suspected – and everyone suspected, apart from loyal old me, a couple of people even tried to warn me but I just didn’t listen… until too late. What I chose to do or not do with Gus last night was my own choice, as a single adult I can make my own decisions. And I certainly don’t regret any of it now.

If that was the kind of support Abbie gave me, then why was I even caring what she thought? Maybe it’s time I started living how I want to rather than what everyone expects of me.

Chapter Fifteen Skye Stomping up the stairs I retrieved the card that Gus gave me last night. It simply had two things on it, the name Augustus and a mobile telephone number. Sitting down on the side of my bed I considered the madness of what I was thinking about doing. Gus certainly ran in different circles than I did, he was a business man and I’d seen enough of them come into the shop to buy their broadsheets and get their morning coffees before meetings to know that there was no way he would be interested

in me. I bet the number didn’t even exist. I bet he had these cards made up to let the latest fuck down gently so she’s go quietly. I knew his type, I knew what his type got up to, I knew the women his type went for, I knew the women his type settled down with, and none of that was me. Still, the way he touched me last night, that can’t have all just been in my head. God, the way he made me cum, I’d never felt that way before. Sex had always been… nice. Last night was not nice, it was fucking sizzling. The throbbing I felt right now let me know exactly how much my body appreciated a real man. Without giving myself a chance to

change my mind again I quickly typed out a text. “Still want to meet tomorrow night? Skye” I pressed send before debating whether should I have put an X or two, or maybe just a smiley face. God, I’m such a girl sometimes. As I flopped down on the bed, cringing that I have probably become laughing fodder, I heard a squeaky yap – I’d forgot to let poor Lulu in and the rain had started.

Chapter Sixteen Gus I meet enough women that I don’t usually feel the need to masturbate that much. Of course, all males partake in some selfpleasure, but I spent a large part of Saturday morning wondering when the last time was that I wanked in the shower. I honestly couldn’t remember, I’m sure I must have at some time since they became commonplace. Dressing and moving into the board room, I wanted to check on the figures from last night. The screened glass gave

me a beautiful view over the Foyle and the Peace Bridge was bustling with people. There must be another event on in St Columb’s Park today I mused. Wanting to keep the thoughts of Skye and last night’s adventure on the couch fresh in my mind I pressed the button that activated the electronic shutters and put the room back into darkness. I must have been there for most of the day before Andy arrived into the office. “Hey, Gus, great night last night, best opening night yet!” He all but bounced onto another seat at the conference table and winked at me. “Yeah, I’ve been looking at the figures.

Very good, and yeah, percentagewise on investment, best opening night yet. Of course, The Londonderry Air in New York took more money even though that was fifteen years ago, but the investment was significantly higher.” “Woah boss, I wasn’t talking about the money, that piece you left with last night…” He kissed his fingers like an Italian chef. “Mwah!!” The growl escaped my lips before I even had the chance to control it. “You don’t get to talk about her, never mind speak of her like that. So much as mention another word about her like that and I’ll release you from your vow by ripping out your

throat.” Andy paled and immediately stood up, head bowed and eyes looking down. “I can see you’re very busy here, so I’ll give you the quick update. If that’s ok? I’ve made sure the pack have already cleared up from last night and restocked the bar. There was a small scuffle after you… left… but as I was still here I remedied that immediately. Would you like a full written report? I’ll get out of your way. Do you need anything?” There’s nothing quite like seeing a dog with his tail between his legs. “Oh yeah, and you left this in your office

in the club.” Awkwardly, Andy reached into his pocket and sat my phone squarely on the table before turning on his heel and sulking out.

Chapter Seventeen Skye Five hours later and still no response: God, I’m thick. Of course there wasn’t going to be. Maybe James had a point: Dumb bitch, look at the shape of you. Plenty of texts from my lovely sister, but nothing from him. I got fed up of my heart jumping into my mouth at each of Abbie’s snide texts that I gave up and just put the thing on silent. I was channel hopping – again. Why did every channel take an ad break at the same time? Frustration brought me back

to my feet and into the kitchen where my phone was charging. I relented and looked again. Six new messages: Abbie (5) Unknown (1). Surely not? Skipping past Abbie’s messages I opened the Unknown Sender message: “I would be honored if you would be my guest. Shall we say 7pm? Gus” Well, shit, he’d just gone and proved my head wrong, and my heart right, all at the same time. What the hell am I going to wear? Embarrassment crept around me, he replied about twenty minutes after I had put the phone on silent.

Looking over Abbie’s messages I almost threw my phone against her wall. A barrage of messages with the last one saying: “Can’t believe you’d do this to James. I bet he knows and that’s why he’s not answering my calls.” Nothing like a sister who knows who her loyalty should be with. “7 sounds perfect! Where will I meet you? S” Within seconds the reply came: “I will collect you from the house I left

you this morning. Please don’t eat first. Gus” Lulu barked in alert as I swept her sleeping body up and spun her round. “Lulu, you need to help me pick what to wear! I’ve got a date tomorrow night!”

Chapter Eighteen Gus I had almost got into my car and drove around here directly when it took hours for her to return my text message yesterday. How can a woman, a female human at that, torture me so? Part of me wanted to shift directly to the roof of her house to stalk her… just to make sure she was alright, of course. Driving along the lane to Skye’s house I had determined to discover who lived there with her. The tradition of bringing a female a corsage when meeting was

long gone but I felt I needed to bring a token of some sort. I hadn’t seen Skye since the early hours of yesterday morning and I would never admit it to anyone but myself but I had thought about her constantly since. I was determined that she would invite me in. I would settle this tonight and know what this relationship she was a part of was. Knocking on her front door, I sent a brief prayer to the Gods, “Please don’t let this be a mistake.” When she opened the door, I knew she could not be another’s. The smile that greeted me shone as brightly as her aura: not a trace of fear nor deceit tainted her.

I looked down at her feet to see a bundle of fur scamper behind her. Laughing easily she turned and lifted it. “Gus, I’d like you to meet Lulu, Abbie’s dog. The whole reason I had to disappear on Friday night. I’ll just grab my coat.” She had slightly curled her hair, and there was a new confidence about her. Even though this was only the second time we met, I felt I knew something was different with her, a self-assurance that wasn’t there before.

Chapter Nineteen Skye After our meal in the city, Gus escorted me back to his car. We started heading back out of the city again when I started wondering where this party was. I had assumed it would be at the club or at his apartment beside it. Obviously not… or maybe he was one of these rich psychos that took women into the countryside and killed them. No one would know. It’s not as if I told Abbie where I was going tonight, and there’s certainly no one else who would have found it interesting enough.

As if knowing my thoughts Gus reached his hand over and his thumb rubbed by leg. “It’s about another ten minutes away.” “Ah, ok. I thought it was at your house or else at your club.” “Well, it is at my house. I don’t live at the club, that’s just a bolt hole for the late nights.” “Somewhere handy to meet the ladies?” “Ah no, not quite.” He smiled like I’d stumbled over some sort of private joke. “It’s easier to just sleep there if I’m

working late. Anyway, here we are.” The turn in was very easy to miss, I wouldn’t have seen it. The first couple of hundred yards were bumpy then Gus clicked a fob which opened a gate that blocked our path. Around a corner the lane evened out and soon the ground was as smooth as the main road. I looked at him in confusion. “Just a minute more.” He smiled. “I’ve only brought company to parties before a couple of times, but never brought anyone here. Skye, this is my home. I was born here. You want to joke about other women; I want to show you how serious I am for you.”

As we turned the corner, his “home” came into full view. The mansion glowed from within; there was light pouring from almost every window. It stood proud in the middle of a sprawling garden where some guests were milling around and others had grouped together. As we pulled up to front door I grew more curious to see what was going on with the group of people. Something was going on in the middle and I wondered what. “What’re they up to?” I asked. Looking at Gus I saw a flash of irritation before his face grew impassive. “Probably just someone with a few jokes. Got a couple of big egos here

tonight.” As he sped up again to drive around to the back of the house I saw a figure in white running towards our car. Even through the closed windows I could hear her scream. “HELP! STOP, PLEASE HELP ME!” A split second later a petite red headed figure in a black dress caught up with the slightly larger white figure. Red tackled her to the ground and I immediately jumped out of the car. I had pulled enough girls of Abbie in the past to know when a cat fight was breaking out. Even though the red haired woman was smaller, she was clearly winning.

Leaping across the gravel I heard a hiss, “Leave Cora to her fun! You’re ruining the party!” reaching over who I assumed must have been Cora I grabbed her hair – personally, my favourite way to get someone’s attention if you’re in a jam. Nothing could have prepared me for what I seen. The blonde in the white dress had blood flowing from two holes in her neck and Cora’s lips were dripping red. I don’t know what scared me more: the amount of blood the blonde was losing; the mouthful of profanities she spat at me to mind my own business; or the fact that this Cora woman literally growled at

me. Gus was at my side in an instant, returning her growl with his own. From gritted teeth he rumbled “Cora, get the fuck away from my home. You are no longer welcome here. This is my Chosen and you will not threaten her again.” Scared shitless I stared at Cora in utter confusion. Never breaking eye contact with me she licked her lips and snarled at me. Smiling with teeth sharper than what I could have though possible she tilted her head to the side and spoke in a saccharine voice, “Don’t ever come between me and what is mine again. If you do, Augustus will not be the only one to know how you taste. I hear that heart of yours pounding and I will suck it

dry without a second thought.” She actually lifted the blonde who had grown extremely pale and wasn’t talking any more. And disappeared. “Gus? What the fuck was that?”

Chapter Twenty Skye My mind replayed the scene as Gus had drove further along his driveway, I was amazed that houses like the one I seen before me existed in the same postcode as my own. Well, to call it a house was unfair, I’d seen smaller hotels! Light poured out, warm and welcoming, bathing the crowd of well-dressed party goers in designer suits and dresses. As we neared, a flash of annoyance passed Gus’ face and he drove further along, away from the group.

The next five minutes would probably change the rest of my life – for better or worse. I always knew that I shouldn’t get involved in things that aren’t my problem, but whenever I’ve seen someone in need I just can’t help myself. The woman in the white cloak had ran towards the car, her petrified face bright in the car headlights, “HELP! STOP, PLEASE HELP ME!” Then she was tackled to the ground by what otherwise looked like a small red-haired woman in a flowing black dress, but the power she had was well beyond the frightened woman in white. Automatically and with complete disregard for my own safety I bounded out of the car and over to help

the victim. It’s not the first time that I’ve been involved in a cat fight like this with Abbie; I learned quickly how to help her when a girlfriend found out exactly where her boyfriend had been – usually between Abbie’s legs. As much as I wanted to smack Abbie myself for her antics, as my sister I just couldn’t bear to see her really hurt. I doubted that the blonde here was guilty of anything as sleazy as some of the things Abbie had got up to. With clearly no knowledge of self-defence and outran, I couldn’t just sit and watch her get what Red was intent on giving out.

Although it all happened so fast, it played back in my mind in slow motion: getting heckled from the crowd to leave them alone; fisting the red hair in my hands and yanking her head back; the blood pouring from Blonde’s neck; Blonde’s disgust at me trying to help; Red, who the group said was called Cora growling at me. Literally growling, I mean, who the fuck actually growled at someone? Gus’ reaction was instantaneous, and met Cora’s growl with his own throaty snarl. “Cora, get the fuck out of my home. You are no longer welcome here. This is my Chosen and you will not threaten her again.”

Cora obviously wasn’t listening to him; she was too busy staring at me like I’d just stolen the last chocolate in the box – the favourite one she’d been saving. She licked her bloody lips, tongue sliding innocently over razor sharp, pointed teeth. My spine tingled and a voice somewhere in my head was shouting “Get the fuck out of here, NOW!” The voice only screamed louder as Cora, with a cutesy voice that didn’t match her behaviour, nor the words she spoke, decided she’d threaten to suck my heart dry. The Blonde, whose bloody neck seemed to have stopped leaking, was deathly

quiet. Cora reached a tender arm around her prey and they both disappeared. “Gus? What the fuck was that?”

Chapter Twenty One Skye We must have had a car accident or something; I was clearly having some sort of coma induced fantasy. Something must have happened when we were driving out of Londonderry; I’ve been along that country road hundreds of times and never seen the turnoff before. That must have been when we hit a tree, or another car, or… or something. Maybe I’m dead? “Skye, Skye sweetheart, drink this.” I realised I was sitting in a kitchen with a

man’s jacket around my shoulders. Gus was there. Gus stood tall over me, looking at me with concerned eyes and holding a whiskey glass with some brown liquid in it. Ha, I bet that’s not Coke, I thought of the Coca Cola and then the water he’d given me on Friday night when we met, and the water early yesterday morning when I feel asleep after we’d slept together... What was it with this guy and giving me stuff to drink? “Skye, listen to me, you’re safe.” Looking behind Gus I saw a large range oven, like the ones you imagine to have been in grand Victorian country houses, attended by various cooks and maids

scampering around… maybe even a few chickens. “Ha, where are the chickens?” For some reason that was extremely funny to me and I started to laugh, but it sounded too high pitched and fast for my ears. “I need you to swallow, baby, drink this, it will help with the shock. You’re in shock. Skye, everything’s going to be ok.” A cool hand slipped around the base of my head and a glass was put to my lips. The mellowest whiskey I’ve ever tasted slipped past my lips and I obeyed Gus’ voice, swallowing deeply. Mmm, that’s beautiful. I licked my lips and the image of bloody lips and sharp teeth flared somewhere in my brain.

Suddenly it felt so cold and I was shaking, my teeth chattered and my heart tried to break free from my chest. Strong arms and the smell of musk surrounded me and I heard footsteps on stairs. Heat surrounded me and I thought I had been put into a bed, the warm arms still around me and a body larger than mine spooned me from behind. Somewhere Gus was talking to me. “Skye, I know that must have been a huge shock to you. You’ve got to believe me that I did not know she was capable for this. I’m sorry, it was too soon to bring you here, and it was dangerous to bring you here, tonight of all nights.”

As he talked, I could feel the heat from the whiskey rise within me, the internal mirror of the comfort Gus was giving me. He was stroking the hair on the back of my head; the feel of his body close behind anchoring me back to now. “That’s it Skye, slow deep breaths. Baby, if you forgive me for bringing you here tonight, I’ll explain everything.” Words, as usual when I needed them most, had failed me. So I stuck to the one sentence that ran around and around my head again. “Gus, what the fuck was that?”

Chapter Twenty Two Skye A relieved sigh blew past my ear, “Baby, I’m so sorry that happened, are you ok? Well, obviously you’re not. Fuck, I’m babbling – I don’t do that. Here drink some more.” Faster than I could have thought, I was whirled around and being held by Gus who was urging me to take another mouthful of the rich whiskey. Greedily I took a large gulp of the smooth liquid and it traced a path deep into my chest that eased the last of the

shakes I felt. Watching his eyes, all I saw was concern and relief as he scanned my face. When his eyes met with mine he leaned down and kissed me chastely on the forehead. “Skye, I have never felt so angry and so afraid for someone at the same time. Thank the Gods you are alright.” “What was all that?” “Shh, let’s not talk right now. You’re safe, and possibly clinically insane. I need to just hold you for a moment. Otherwise I might put you over my knee for being so reckless.” He clutched me tighter to himself and I chose to ignore that remark. I leaned into him and

inhaled that heavenly scent. Male, musky yet fresh and clean, and it reached right into my soul. “I realise I haven’t known you for that long, but I didn’t have you down as a fighter, Skye. What made you get out of the car?” I felt the vibrations as he spoke. “The Blonde was terrified, she was running away and needed help.” I shrugged. “I’m not a fighter, but I’ve got used to pulling girls from Abbie, so it comes naturally to me. It’s kinda been my thing since getting into fights she couldn’t win was Abbie’s thing. I really don’t think that girl started the fight –

whatever was going on she was running away. What would have happened if I didn’t intervene? Where is she now? Is she ok?” “You took no consideration for your own safety, and it sounds like you’ve put yourself into that position before then, but never with the danger you faced tonight. Skye that will change: you are not an action hero.” “Oh will it, now? What exact danger did I put myself into tonight then?” That same little voice in my head whispered one word… vampire. The rest of my wanted to laugh it off but somehow just couldn’t.

“You know the danger you met tonight. I can read your face. You know, don’t you?” “I don’t know what I “know”; right now I’m trying to find a more sensible answer than the one my head is giving me. You might be right about the insanity thing.” “What if you’re not insane and the reason is exactly what you think.” I felt him hold his breath in anticipation for my answer. “But that’s not possible…”

“Oh Skye, but it is.”

Chapter Twenty Three Skye Ok, I will not faint. I will not scream, nor will I pass out. Gus must be high, or drunk, or mad, or sharing my delusion after the car crash. He did not mean that I broke up a fight with an actual vampire. Did he? “Alright, you’ve had your laugh. Good one, Gus.” I said, sitting up and moving on the bed. The room was bigger than my whole flat. The bed alone was bigger

than my bathroom. “Oh my god, this room is beautiful – do you sleep here?” Gus became silent and frozen still. “Skye, I understand this is a lot to process, I see denial. Believe what you know to be true.” “Aye, you’re an eejit, you just want me to say something that you’ll take the mickey out of forever. No, there’s a logical explanation, or it was one helluva prank you guys did.” Taking a deep breath and closing his eyes, a quiet voice asked, “I suppose that wasn’t enough proof for you then?”

I felt the rumble before I heard it, and the hairs on the back of my neck responded. The voice inside my head shrieked that I was in danger. Gus pounced on top of me, but it wasn’t quite him. The same enthralling scent, but the smile Gus wore showed sharp, elongated teeth that matched the ones I had imagined Cora with earlier. “Is this enough proof for you, Skye? I can see you know what is true.” Although he was on top of me, he felt weightless, clearly balancing in some way so he wouldn’t overpower me. “Say it.” Fuck. “Vampire?” I whispered.

His face and the smile he rewarded me with were beautiful, even with those dangerous teeth. I knew I probably should have been screaming and trying to get away, but the hairs on the back of my neck were back to normal, and the little voice was saying in a more reasonable tone, “Yeah, vampire. Huh, what about that? But he’s not going to hurt you.” “Oh, so that’s why you have the apartment beside the club! Can’t you go out in the day time?” Fuck, you don’t want to bite me, do you? “Skye, I appear before you in my true

form, the form I have become for over three hundred years. Are you afraid?” Instinctually, I knew I was still safe. If Gus, the vampire, had wanted to hurt me he would have done it long before now.

Chapter Twenty Four Gus I could see her aura shiver as she acknowledged what her instincts knew to be true. Most humans had lost that primitive knowledge of what might pass among them. Usually it’s only when it’s too late that they realise that what has appeared as another “human” reveals themselves as their true being: dangerous predator that could easily out run, out smart and out fight even the strongest gladiator. Skye was different. When she rushed out

of the car her aura was the pale green of fear and concern for another, even when she reached out and grabbed Cora’s hair, her full focus was on the safety of a stranger rather than the supernatural danger she clearly was oblivious to. The waver came when the blonde prey, who seconds before had begged for help, now spat abuse at Skye for intervening. There’s something about the venom us vampires release into our prey’s blood that provides them with such a euphoric rush that they have been known to kill those who try to save them so they can be fully taken by the vampire. As I banished Cora from my homestead, I felt nothing but regret, shame and guilt

for bringing Skye here so soon. I should have waited longer, but tonight’s celebration seemed like a good excuse to get time with her. Even with the family bind that prevents me from killing her, Cora is extremely lucky. I would have broken that family tie tonight if she had moved towards my Skye. I have vowed never to kill on my estate again but I would have slaughtered her and the dozen of leering vampires tonight without hesitation. Normally I felt nothing but distain for Cora, now that was disgust and hatred. The gods be damned, whether she was sired by the same vampire as I, I refused to be tied by the family bind any longer.

And I will take the consequences gladly. I watched Skye’s face and her aura as she came to the realisation that vampires were not myth and legend but brawn and blood. Her defences, a tangerine orange, flickered when she didn’t want to appear irrational in front of me, but those defences did not even rise to stop her from intervening in what could have led to her death. My Skye must have a death wish. The fear that had risen within me was not something I had felt in centuries. Skye had returned some humanity to me; it appears I still have the ember of deeper mortal emotions that I believed

were lost to me long ago. Perhaps this is where my subconscious selection of her as my eternal partner came from. I would never have thought I could utter the word Chosen about any one – but I would never have imagined I would do it in front of the Gathered without my Chosen understanding the implications. What affirmed and solidified the feelings I now was realising for Skye was the overwhelming sense of pride I felt when she said the one word I never logically expected to hear from her sweet lips… Vampire. But I’ve only known her for a number of days, hours really. Everything had changed now, she could not return now to the life she had, not if she was to

remain safe but how safe could I keep her here? Would she even accept the protection I could offer? What’s worse is that I fear I may even need to protect her from the darker parts of me, I have desires to be fulfilled but that may prove a step too far. My naïve Chosen was fearless. Even now, imprisoned underneath me in my true form, she did not panic. Her curious aura tinged the room pink – absolutely no fear. How could something so fragile be so courageous? Desire rose within me and I dared to kiss her. Leaning down, I heard her gasp just before I touched those beautiful lips with my own. I could feel the rush of blood along

the delicate veins in her lips as blood coursed through and heard the rhythm as her heart started to beat a little faster. A moment later she returned my kiss by pressing her lips deeper to mine. I cannot say I regretted the feelings that stirred within me, but to have fully acted upon them at this moment would have been wrong. Visions of my beautiful Chosen, wild and willing to play my games filled my brain. Pictures of her truly submitting to me in every way combined with the sweet kisses she gave made my cock beg for attention. I would have Skye… right now.

Chapter Twenty Five Skye It was just too much to process the events tonight. All I could concentrate on was Gus’ lips on mine. That scent! Not only had he stood beside me with Cora, he was protecting me against her. Seconds ago I was looking into a face that was familiar but had turned into something deadly that I should have feared… but the fear just didn’t come. Whether it was the whiskey, the adrenaline from earlier, or the way I was drawn to him, I knew I would need more than just his lips upon me.

I felt too warm, like there was a furnace within me and I needed to quench it. I needed Gus’ body and the sweet release he could give me. I dared to taste his lips with my tongue, regardless of those razor sharp teeth I had just seen. I didn’t care about them. Since we’d been together last, I had daydreamed about the orgasms he drew from me but right now I was greedy for him. I was impatient to feel him inside me again, and feeling the sweet ache afterwards that only a fully, fully satisfied woman recognises. “Fuck, Skye.” he moaned into my mouth. “I want you so much…” I breathed,

already reaching for the buckle of his trousers. “Skye, I need to be in you…” with lightning speed, he reached under my dress and I heard a rip – he had torn my underwear apart. My hands trembled, denying me the speed I wanted to reach my prize. Sensing my urgency and frustration at his buckle, he reached down and opened it himself. It was like his clothes instantly obeyed him as barely a breath later he was claiming me with such fervour that I thought I would be swallowed into the soft bed. He took me fully, burying himself into me. Moans escaped my lips that would normally have made me blush if I had heard them

from someone else; I lifted my ass to his relentless rhythm. Seconds later I felt my head get light and was about come undone uttering words that would not normally even enter my head. Gus brought out the passionate creature within me. “That’s right, baby, you’re gonna cum for me.” I looked up into his face. His gaze was fixed on my eyes and suddenly it felt like he was turning the pages of my soul. He kissed my neck and I felt the sharpness of his teeth tracing a line up to my ear. I was consumed by him. The dress I was still in was too constricting, I needed to be naked and free. I wanted him to fuck me hard, love me slow and

fill me completely. “You are my Chosen Skye, mine is the only cock that will ever satisfy you again. You are mine, baby. No one else will ever have you.” Spread as wide as I could, I wrapped my legs around him before coming hard. Ripples of sheer pleasure surged through me as I bucked beneath him and I felt a further rush of contentment as he exploded deep inside me. Sweat had bloomed over me and he wiped my hair out of my face. Still inside me, he kissed me with such sweet passion that I almost cried. The feelings that blossomed inside me were too quick, too strong, surely this could not end well – but right now I didn’t care. The whole world only

existed in this one lavish bedroom and I could happily live the rest of my days in here with Gus. As we lay in a sweet and comfortable silence and both getting our breath back a thought passed through my mind as I traced my finger along the tattoo on the inside of his arm; somehow I knew I could never be with another, Gus, my vampire, had turned from arrogant clubowning womaniser to my protector and lover.

Chapter Twenty Six Skye As we lay together, Gus stroked my hair away from my face. I remembered that he had guests and a party that he should be looking after. It all felt like a lifetime ago. “Shouldn’t you be going back to your party?” “I’m enjoying our little party here, babe.” He smiled, the dangerous teeth barely concealed beneath those sexy lips.

“But what about your guests? Won’t they be…” wondering, thinking we’re having sex, laughing at me, disgusted? “They’re fine. They’re guests on my homestead, but that’s only because the reason there here is on my land.” “Eh? What’s that mean?” “As I human I worshiped Christ too, but our kind has a different religion to the Jesus you Christian humans still worship. Our beliefs are old, from old gods who existed long before your God did. I suppose, He is a god too, but these are ancient Celtic gods.”

Sitting up on the bed and leaning forward, I needed to know more. “So what does that have to do with your land?” “There’s an ancient stone on my land which is sacred to us. This is one of the sacred nights that we celebrate.” He explained avoiding my eyes. “I haven’t actually gone to the ceremony in many, many years – and the Pa… team, arrange everything anyway. My being there would make no difference. But tonight is a celebration night in our calendar, kind of like Christmas whether you believe in Jesus or not.”

“So who were the people outside?” A thought ruffled, my underwear was beyond redemption, so I would have to leave here – in front of them – alfresco. “They’re Cora’s friends. No one to give a second thought to.” Yikes, I saw what Cora was like – if they’re her friends, then there was no way I was going to be in any hurry to go anywhere near them. “If they’re friends with her then I doubt they’ll like me much.” Squeezing my hand he soothed: “I had really just planned to introduce you to a

select few in the dining room and then steal you away from them again. I wouldn’t worry what Cora’s clique think, I can’t stand them. Her coven is full of their own self-importance. “She has a coven? Now I know I shouldn’t have tried to pull half her hair out. No wonder they were pissed off with me.” As he spoke about them his mouth twisted downwards. “They pride themselves on being… true to their “Vampirical ancestry”. As if that could forgive the sacrifices they give to Donn.” Laughing dryly he shook his head. When he looked up again, he

appeared weary. “Please don’t assume we’re all alike. Yes, we all have needs and the potential within us to be predators; then again, all humans have the potential to be cruel and some humans are predatory too. Only a few choose that to become the focus of their life, and fewer still are driven by it.” “I can’t believe you’re like that.” I offered. “That’s not what I’ve seen. I realise I don’t know you very long either, but I get the impression that there’s a good guy underneath all that bossiness.” I teased. “A good guy? Bossiness?” He mused. “Perhaps I was what you imagine as a

‘good guy’ once. With the things I have done, I don’t think I can ever earn back such a title.” Smiling ruefully at me he admitted, “I am unashamedly ‘bossy’ as you put it. I am Dominant. I know what I want and I get what I want, Skye. I need you to trust that I will make the right decisions for you and I will trust you to obey these decisions. Whether it is by the gods or a coincidence, we have stumbled across each other and I cannot just let you cross my path. You are mine, Skye, and I know you feel the connection. In our beliefs, this is an ancient and sacred rapport. Bossy as I am, I need you to know that I’m drawn to you and I won’t let this go easily.”

“But is that normal? For it you to feel that for me? I’m not… one of you.” Gus paused and thought for a moment, his eyebrows knotted a little and he stroked his chin absentmindedly. I couldn’t breathe. “I believe it is unheard of. I know of several vampires who have taken many human lovers for many years. But the vampires that I know who have taken human lovers have kept them more as pets and have shared and traded them as possessions.” My face must have betrayed the horror I felt at being either a pet or a trading object. “No, no, no, baby. That’s what I mean: they obviously haven’t shared this

sacred Chosen connection – the link is primarily monogamous. It’s like the relationship you might imagine between a man and his wife. Those vampires and humans are more like casual, open relationships.” “Oh.” The only word I could think of to respond as I processed everything he just said. Not only has this magnificent man… vampire wanted me, and continued to want me, but now he’s saying that he wants only me? “Primarily” raised a few questions but they were minimal compared to the other thoughts rushing my head. I didn’t know whether I felt consumed and things were going way too fast or to reach out and

surrender to it. I could get used to the dominant part of him – actually it made my heart do a little flip despite all the determination that I would be my own independent woman. “So you’re saying you want us to be a couple? Was that what the Chosen thing meant?” “Um, yeah. That’s what it means. Let’s not talk about this serious stuff anymore.” Moving from the bed he asked, “Can I get you something to drink, or are you hungry, Skye?” He’s at the drinking thing again… “What’s the deal with wanting to make me drink?”

“When I am with you, you will want for nothing. Whatever you need, I will provide it. You just seem to get yourself into positions where you need to drink.” Shocked, I was unable to respond. I had never felt so appreciated or cared for. Then I realised that even when I was ignoring Gus in the club that he was trying to attend to me, before anything had even happened between us. No wonder he was so insulted when I was suspicious of the water he gave me. Attempting to move towards a better subject I wanted to hear more from him about this dominance he spoke about. “So… you’re dominant then.” It came

out more like a statement than a question but he responded anyway. “Yes. Do you know what that entails?” “Not entirely… ‘bossy’ is as far as I’ve got.” I admitted. The air in the room vanished and he became serious. “Sorry, have I said something wrong?”

Chapter Twenty Seven Gus “No baby, you haven’t said anything wrong. Listen, you’ve had a huge night already; it would be unfair to overload you tonight.” by telling you exactly what I mean by Dominant. “Let’s just stick with ‘bossy’ for now. We’ve got plenty of time to discuss it.” Images of Skye naked with her legs spread wide as I tied them to bedposts filled my brain. Blindfolded, calling me Master and obeying my every demand. The things we could do. It was obvious that Skye had never experienced the world of

domination before. One unknown world revealing itself to her at a time, Gus, you need to shelter her. “Yeah, it’s been one hell of a night. But I’m interested, Gus.” Her bottom lip pouting, and her aura radiating both excitement and resentment at my judgement not to give more details now. That will change too, Skye. “Ah, Skye. Didn’t I just say that you have to trust me in making decisions so I can trust you to obey my decisions? Right now it sounds like you’re questioning me.” Excitement flared around her, glowing vibrant and lighting the room to me. “I think you’re deliberately trying the limits around my dominance. That’s not something to do to

me… it may not work out the way you actually think, baby.” Smiling impishly she asked, “How would it work out then?” Those flashes of silver sparked. Something within this little dance intrigued her. It resonated with her, but I needed to get her back to my Club Crimson apartment, this place was no longer safe. “Skye, you just put yourself in mortal danger tonight, tried to split a vampire and her prey, went into shock, had what I would call earthshattering sex, oh yeah, not to forget – you also discovered that humankind were not the only existences to walk this earth.” I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at her, “This is one for another night. Let’s

just breathe for a while. I mean, I’m sure you have many other questions rather than just that. But I do like that it’s something you want to know more about.” “I’ve always believed there have been other… creatures, shall I say? That’s not to say I feel blasé about going from thinking it to knowing that there’s actual fucking vampires out there. Ha! Well, in here.” Her eyes met mine and lit up at the little joke she made. My naïve Chosen was so resilient. “Will you want to bite me, or is it rude for me to ask?” A slither of pale green fear passed through her aura, chased by a streak of purple… interesting.

“Well, you’re right I do need to consume blood – preferably human and for me, always female. Like you saw first-hand from Cora’s prey: the human usually gains at least as much from the experience as the vampire: more so if it is consensual as the vampire is obliged to ensure the safety of the human.” Even trying to state the details in a matter of fact way, her aura shivered purple, red and silver: this was something that appealed to her? Has my Skye actually got a death wish? Naked, I kneeled before her, holding her hands in mine. “I make my solemn vow to you that I will not feed from you unless I have your consent. In fact, I will not raise the

subject, nor ask you to feed me. Unless you choose that you would like to discuss it.” Instinctually I felt that had been the right thing to do. She needed to understand: when I declared to the Gathered that she was my Chosen, no one else could feed from her without being at my mercy – which would be none. After proclaiming someone as Chosen in front of several vampires, the next time you fed essentially married that person to you.

Chapter Twenty Eight Gus “But I thought you said you wanted to make all the decisions?” she questioned. “That is not one that I have the honour of making, Skye. You do not realise how unfair I have been to you.” “Unfair?” her eyebrows shot up in confusion. “Declaring you as my Chosen is a pretty big thing. If you chose to allow me to feed from you that would consummate

what is essentially a marital relationship.” I cringed. In all my years I had fingered, fucked and fed from hundreds if not thousands of women. Never had the word Chosen even entered into my psyche, and now I had vowed to an innocent human that I will not feed from her until she agrees to become my mate. Me? Giving that kind of power to another? My Father must be laughing with the gods right now. “What if I don’t want you to?” She asked, pale faced. Fuck. “It is possible that I could force you to… but I have vowed that I will not compel you to feed me and that is an

earnest promise.” How did I get here? Smiling and moving down to the floor beside me she whispered. “I want to explore where things go with us Gus, this is all fantastical to me. I feel like Alice down the rabbit hole, nothing about vampires seems real but it makes a kind of sense to what I had hoped somewhere in my brain to be true. I know you will be true to your vow and won’t feed from me until I ask you to. I kinda like the power that gives me.” She mused. “I know. I can see that there is a dominatrix lurking deep within you, baby. If you can allow me to dominate

you with everything else, I can accept that one, overpowering, life-changing decision you hold over me. Submit everything else to me.” And I will submit that one crucial choice to you. The room exploded with silver and purple flashes of lightening, my Chosen’s inner Dominatrix roared. “Hmmm. I think I like the sound of that.” And with that she stood up, standing proud she slipped the dress from her shoulders and stood out of it – naked and serious before me. “What would make you happy, Gus?” My cock responded before my brain did: hardening and thickening instantly and

her eyes watched eagerly. Dumbfounded for a moment I found my voice. “Not here and don’t call me Gus. When we do this, you’ll call me Master.” “What would make you happy…” she drew in a deep breath and looked straight into my soul, “Master?” “There is so much I want us to do Skye, but here and this close to the ceremony time is too dangerous. We need to leave, but I will show you how to make me happy.” Her lips pouted and her shoulders curled round a little. I stood beside her, feeling the head radiate from her body even as

she tried to turn away from me. “Don’t for one second even think that I don’t want you.” Gently, I pulled her back to face me. “You have all the beauty and fire of the ancient goddesses. The pain you carry is very raw. I hope that whoever has hurt you so badly to doubt yourself or your beauty lives a painful life of regret.” Her ashen face looked up at me, eyes searching. “How did you…” Tears welled in those eyes and I wanted to kill whoever had tormented by Chosen. “I hope theirs is an extremely painful, short life of regret.” I drew her into my arms and held her to me. Her body felt so soft against mine. “Don’t ever doubt your

quality; you are goddess.”

my Chosen,

my

The arms that had slipped around me as I had talked gave me a little squeeze before I heard a deep breath. “I didn’t expect you to say that. How could you know that I’ve been hurt before? I’m a bit taken back that it must be so obvious to everyone. I don’t want to go into it now, but yeah, I have a past that hasn’t been smooth. Sorry for ruining the moment.” I cupped her chin so she had no option but to look directly into my face. “You didn’t, and don’t apologise for genuine feelings – even if they arise because of a

ghost that haunts you. We will exorcise that. When I dominate you, I need some things – things that aren’t here. And I want your first time as my sub to be as rewarding for you as I know it will be for me. You deserve better than going in blind now. I don’t want to put you off the idea before you even give it a go.” I stepped back a little to take in the full view of her naked, curvy, lush body in front of me. Leaning towards her I took her nipple in my mouth and kissed it slowly. Beautiful. ”Besides, you need to learn the rules first.” With confusion on her face, I chuckled and headed over to my shirt.

Chapter Twenty Nine Skye Thankfully, the rest of the house and the grounds around it were deserted. We got back to the car with not one trace of the episode that had happened earlier. “So will I be on some vampire hit list now? Do I need to buy some garlic or something?” His smile was lit by the dashboard of the car as we drove back towards the city. “Ah, no, not exactly. You are right to be worried about Cora though, but I can protect you.”

“Do I need protection? Is she that bad?” and how exactly do you plan on protecting me? Silence grew within the car. He reached over and stroked my leg as he thought. Taking his time to answer made me nervous – if Gus needed to consider his words this carefully, maybe I wouldn’t like what they’d be. “She’s not the worst and she has limitations.” He spoke slowly. “There were a few of her coven that were present that might cause us difficulty. I need to keep you save until the celebration ends.”

“Sure that’s only a few hours, will they have calmed down by then?” “Not exactly. They’ve all left the sacred stone now, but the celebration that started tonight will continue for many hours. The zealots will follow the priestess on her return to her queen’s keep.” I felt my heart pound in my throat, my mouth arid dry. Swallowing, I replied, “You’re not serious – priestess, queen? How come I didn’t see them?” “The sacred stone is a couple of miles away from the house and the priestess

remains at beside it for a time. She visits it regularly through the year, usually at night but sometimes from dusk until noon the next day. She does her thing; burning incense, praying, singing, making offerings… other rituals. The queen’s not there; she hasn’t left her keep in over two hundred years and it’s a good hour away from here.” “How does she stay out, I mean, in the daytime?” “Oh, how come she doesn’t go up in a puff of smoke in the sunshine?” He smirked. “When’s the last time you got sunburn in Londonderry during the summer never mind the winter? We can

go out during the day Skye, but how long for depends on the strength of the sunlight and the vampire: their strength, age and how recently they’ve fed. There’s only about a couple days in any year that I can’t go out in our weather here. And no… don’t even ask if I sparkle. Lord, what that did for our reputation!” I felt heat rise in my face, hopefully I hadn’t pissed him off by asking. How was I to know that the sun didn’t have the effects on vampires as everyone had been told? “One as powerful as the priestess could probably go sunbathing in Vegas. But

since she wouldn’t tan that would be a huge waste of time.” Oh. I hadn’t really noticed that Gus was pale. Yes, he was white now I considered it, but Londonderry isn’t known for its sun, and not all the men here went to sunbeds or got spray tans. Thank God, some of the girls were scary enough – and the orangey-brown mess that Abbie’s sheets were full of was enough to put me off the idea. The Shroud of Turin definitely did not have a look in. “You’ll need to stay at the Club apartment tonight.” He said as he sped over the New Bridge. “Cora won’t come

back there for a while, in fact, it’s probably the safest place for you to be for a couple of days.” “What?! There’s no way I can do that. I’ve got Lulu to keep and Abbie will be home soon, plus I have work to go to!” “Andy can look after Lulu. Abbie’s a big girl. Does she expect you waiting in her house for her to return? As for work, Skye, you don’t have to do that anymore. I know you lied about having to work tomorrow anyway.” Anger bubbled within me, with the shame of being called on my white lie adding fuel to the fire. “Are you serious?

You think you’ve everything sorted out? Take me back to Abbie’s please; I have things to look after.” Unfazed, Gus spoke calmly. “Andy will collect some things for you. I’ll call him to meet us at the apartment – do you have particular clothes in Abbie’s that you’d like him to bring or would you prefer he lifted some things from your flat?” “Abbie will be home tomorrow and I need to see her. I promised I’d look after Lulu and I will. And I do have work… just not tomorrow morning.” Gus was pressing buttons on the levers around his steering wheel as I spoke. Andy spoke as soon as I had finished.

“Hey boss, what do you need?” “I need you to check in on a Chiwahwah and gather some of Skye’s clothes together.” “The address you gave me earlier?” “Yes.” “Can do. Bring the dog back with me?” We both answered, Gus saying not to but I said “Yes.” It wasn’t fair for Lulu to be alone, she always got stressed being left unaccompanied.

He looked at me and considered it. “Actually, that might be best. Bring what she may need – I’m sure you know exactly what the bitches like.” “I’ll make sure she’s comfortable, I’ll have everything together and be back within an hour. Do you need me to arrange food for you both too, boss?” “Skye, are you hungry?” He cooed. “No.” “Andy, could you pick us up a couple of pizzas please, that would be great. Thanks.”

With that, he ended the call and pulled up at a set of traffic lights. “Babe, don’t be like that. Cora knows you were staying there. I caught her scent outside as we left Abbie’s. She must have followed me.” Firstly, that freaked me out no end, but didn’t change anything. “And she won’t think to check your Club?” “There’s a few things you don’t understand fully yet, I can explain better at the apartment.” His tone was soft and I could tell he really was trying to be patient. This Dominant thing wasn’t going to work. I needed to have at least a say in what was best for me. “Skye, I

know tonight has been crazy already but I need you to trust me just a little longer. You’re right to be cautious, but you need to trust me right now – or at least hear me out.” His gaze fixed me and was only interrupted by the car horn from behind us. A taxi revved past us and the driver gave us a one fingered salute as he passed on the outside lane. As we were about to move off, the lights changed to red again. “This is all really hard for me to take in. Plus you know me for what, five minutes, and think that gives you the right to make my decisions?”

“Honey, compared to the decision I made earlier to declare you as my Chosen, this is small fry.” Smiling, he stroked my face, trying to thaw me. “The light’s green. You’d better drive.” The rest of the drive to the club was silent. How had I managed to go from one guy who ignored me and barely noticed when I was there – except to slight me; to another who even notices the things I try to keep hidden and wants me to just blindly obey him? He didn’t even want to consider my point of view. Sometimes it felt like I

would never meet a man who could truly understand me. It broke my heart to think how many years I had wasted with James. Maybe it was time for a new Skye and a new outlook on life. Resentment rose within me, just who did Gus think he was? That I would simply comply with what he decided, especially as this was only the second time we’d met but he’d already decided I was going to stay with him for the next few days, oh, and give up my job! I didn’t image there would be one solitary redeeming quality for James, but there it was. “Stop the car.” Gus didn’t even look in

my direction. “I said: stop the fucking car.” That got his attention, his eyes shot over to me, but they were the only thing that betrayed his calm exterior. “I can’t stop here, Skye, there’s nowhere to pull in. We’ll be back at the club in five minutes.” As he slowed for another set of traffic lights, I thought I’d just get out of the car. There was no way in hell I would sit a second longer beside him. But grabbing the door handle did nothing. “Skye, please don’t. Let’s talk back at the club. If you really want to leave after that, then I won’t stand in your way.”

“Do you mean that or are you just trying to pacify me?” I snapped. He looked straight at me, turning away from the traffic lights and the passing sparse traffic. “On my honor, Skye, I owe you the truth. There are things I should have told you before taking you there tonight.”

Chapter Thirty Gus As much as I admired Skye’s independent spark, at that moment I wanted to put her over my knee and spank it out of her. We were parked back at the club within minutes and sitting around the kitchen table in my club apartment. She deserved to know the truth of everything that happened and what the implications meant for her… actually, us, now. I could feel her eyes watching me then avoiding me when I went to meet her

gaze. The room glowed a range of colours, all of them angry or defensive. I needed her to trust me on this – her life could depend on it. I explained how the celebrations tonight had been to do with the Celtic Gods and our beliefs on how we are changed from human to vampire and given “immortal” life – not that many of us actually seen immortality. We were as mortal as humans. Yes, we lived longer – a lot longer and harder to kill… but we could be killed and we if we were lucky enough not to meet a violent end we did eventually die. As she listened, Skye took everything in

and asked intelligent questions. I explained how we were turned and that only those with particular bloodlines would survive the change. I had to admit I was surprised when she asked about her own blood line. The heritage records were lost so long ago and to trace ancestry now was almost impossible. There were a few stronghold families that had reached almost celebrity status. If you believed her, the priestess apparently had the power to foretell whether a human was able to make the change successfully – but her examinations were torturous to the human and usually inconclusive. I would love to be there to read the priestess’

aura when she declares these as many have suspected that she is deliberately vague. I can’t say I’m shocked if her talent or powers were imagined. Selfpreservation and self-interest were always foremost in a female vampire’s mind. Skye’s aura softened as she listened to the brief history I recounted. To go into the details of the Royal Wars in the Seventeenth Century would be too much for now. Her understanding of the history of that time would be somewhat different, besides that wasn’t important tonight. Getting Skye to understand her fate now was crucial.

“I made a promise that you would be free to leave once I explained everything. I can only hope you will not take up that offer when you understand how important it is that I keep you safe.” Her eyes turned suspicious, her aura reflecting the words to come. “I get the impression you’re trying to guilt me or scare me into staying here, Gus. You had just presumed earlier that I would and now you’ve changed tack to keep me happy.” “I won’t lie. Yes, I do want you to feel fear, because that it the actual response you should have – that will keep you safe… and alive.” Reaching over the

table, she allowed me to touch her hand. “I like you alive.” “Don’t assume that I’m going to just jump when you say to.” Her eyes serious and piercing: “I’m not some young thing that will coming running when you click your fingers. I have a life.” “A life...” I mused. “Your knowledge of us and your recklessness earlier mean that life won’t stay as it was. How much did you like your old life?” The kaleidoscope of colours showed me what I suspected – that old life had changed dramatically not that long before she met me.

She moved her hands away, and looked at her left hand. “Even if I wanted to go back to my old life, I would be dead on the inside. My old life had been planned and I plodded along in ignorance for a while. My old life died before I had even met you, Gus, so it’s not it that I want to go back to. We met two nights ago: I’m not about to talk about us having a new life. Jesus, have you never watched Jeremy Kyle?” “The last thing I want to do is suffocate you. But I will protect you – even if it’s not what you want. If you want to leave, I will take you back to Abbie’s house but if I’m not there, I will send Andy or Elaine to guard you.”

“Yeah, cos that’s not gonna piss Abbie off any more than she already is – some random man or woman in her house.” I was shocked at the harshness in her voice and the way her face twisted up, “What’s going on between you and Abbie?” “Let’s just say, my sister doesn’t know what the word “loyalty” means, never mind what “family” should mean.” She stood up abruptly, head down. “Gotta nip to the loo, back in a sec.” Whatever had happened between Skye

and her sister, I knew I could show her loyalty and family.

I heard the soft whimpers of muffled crying. Skye was trying to hide her pain from me. At that point I decided to give her some time for the soothing release that the tears would bring. There was plenty of time for her to trust me enough to decide to share her the hurt she carried – I could read it so easily from her aura, but colours alone never really did tell you the specifics and the same colour could mean different things with different people. Eventually she walked back in, head

held eye but red rimmed eyes belied what she had been doing. Perhaps she hoped that I wouldn’t notice. How could I not feel the pain in my Chosen’s heart, never mind see it? Of course, she wouldn’t fully understand that yet. “I was engaged to be married until Friday, when I arrived home to find my fiancé in bed with someone. I’m sorry, I should have told you sooner.” Within seconds my arms were around her, as if I could shield her from her revelation. I felt my fangs bare and my chest trembled. I would kill them both for the pain they brought to my Chosen. “You’re sorry?! Sorry?! In our world, you would

have had the right to choose their punishments and his death. Don’t. Apologise.” Her aura turned the entire room a grey-blue as she crumpled into me, tears no longer held back.

Chapter Thirty One Skye I couldn’t hold in any longer, I needed my pain to be heard and acknowledged by another soul. Sometimes that’s all you can wish for: that another being understood your emotions. Even though the past few days had been so intense; and I had felt feelings that made me feel more alive than I ever had… regardless, I knew that part of me was gone, the part that always knew James would break my heart and that it would happen sooner or later. But that part of me held hope for such a long time. Yes, it was a mistaken,

misguided and blind hope for something that was toxic but still, it hurt to know that my love wasn’t enough for him. The piece of my soul that thought I’d found somewhere I could forge myself into belonging was shattered. Maybe it would never find a “home”. My heart ached to think that I had willingly fooled myself and chose to ignore what I knew was wrong with the relationship with James. As I released terrible sobs into Gus’ chest I felt like a fraud – how could I ever imagine that this vampire would want me. If a pathetic man used me and threw my loyalty away, how… “Sweetheart, whatever you are thinking

now, please, stop. I can’t watch you torturing yourself. Your agony is so bright it’s taking me all I can to just hold you and not go and find the man who brought this to your door and reign justice on him for you.” He tightened his grip on me and reached one hand up to stroke my hair, “Shhh….” Then as he gently rocked me he muttered something, I didn’t understand the words but it sounded old, and Irish – not that I had ever learned, it was frowned on for us to learn it – that was for the Republicans. Great, another think that was even further different with me and Gus, I mused as I slowly cried.

He kept speaking in low soothing tones that just rumbled against me as he muttered, more into himself than to me. It reminded me of a prayer, and felt like it was promise. I don’t know how long we stood there, but Gus was patient, holding me, rocking and soothing me as my body finally exhausted itself from emptying the pent up emotion that I had carried. “Let me look after you, Skye.” He kissed my forehead and absentmindedly I thought I must have looked terrible, all red eyes and drippy nose. I reached into my pocket to find a piece of the toilet roll I had brought from Gus’ bathroom

earlier. I leaned away from Gus, blowing as quickly as I could, “You don’t need to be looking after some pathetic woman who was stupid enough not to leave a man like that years ago.” He smiled, softly. “You’re definitely not stupid, and from how you wanted to rearrange Cora’s hair, you’re anything but pathetic. You are broken though, I saw that you were carrying pain when we first met, but if I had knew exactly how much, or why, then I promise – as much as I wanted you – I would have not acted in the way I did. It takes an immense strength to hold yourself with

the poise you have done, I know of very few who would even try.” He rubbed an errand tear away from my face. Shit, how could I still be crying? His eyes searched mine, “Can I ask you a question, pet?” When I nodded he said, “Do you feel that I have taken advantage of you, when you’ve been vulnerable?” “No!” I stepped back, angry that he felt that I could be so easily swept into bed by a confident man with a sexy body. He nodded as if I’d confirmed something for him, “There’s the spark… tell me – do you regret what happened with us?”

“What? Regret it? Are you serious? I don’t sleep with random men, so, for me to have even considered kissing you – never mind anything else, I was sure that it was something I decided I would do.” Smiling cheekily he stepped closer to me, “Ah now, that’s good to know, Chosen. Wouldn’t do for me to have wrapped you up in a tangle of desire that wasn’t even your own.” “Tangle of…” “Desire. Yes. Some vampires can control the actions of others.”

“You tried that on me?” “No. I noticed you in the club and when you weren’t interested at the start I was curious. I wanted to see how we would get along without that and on my honor I didn’t even try.” “Bet me not liking you to start with didn’t do much for the ego. And this mind control thing – that’s ok in your world?” I retorted – what kind of male would do that, surely that’s next door to rape? “I won’t lie, I have used mind control, as you put it, in the past – but never further than the person’s limits would allow

them to go. And no, it’s not rape.” I felt my face fall. “I didn’t say it was.” “No, you didn’t say it – but I can understand you.” His eyes moved from mine. “There are things you need to know about me. I don’t tell others this, but I can see now that you need me to be open with you… I can read you.” He looked back into my eyes and I saw worry. “Skye, you’ve just come out of a relationship filled with lies and mistruths – would you have stayed with him if you knew everything he was doing.” When he growled him, it sounded like Gus was ready to kill.

“Fuck no.” “I don’t know how to explain it, but calling you my Chosen is a huge deal and if you were from my world that would tell it all. Inside me, something clicked inside me when I met you. You deserve better than to only know part of me, especially since… Well. He couldn’t give you that.” “Can you read my mind?” I let thoughts of random images flood my mind: chocolate ice cream, cartoons, my old Punto, the time I sprained my wrist at work.

“No, I can’t read your mind; it’s more like I can pick up on the feelings you are having. But I can’t link why you feel those emotions. For example, if we were sitting in silence, I can’t hear what you might be thinking, but if it was a happy memory, I could read that you’re happy.” He lifted his eyes to mine. “It’s not for now, pet, but you should know that I won’t lie to you, and not telling you that I can read your feelings felt like a lie by omission.” “It doesn’t take much to see that you’re shattered. I can take you home if you want, but you would honor me if you slept here. No expectations, no obligations and no mind control.”

He was right. I felt like I had cried out the last drops of energy my body held. I was running on empty as we talked and could feel it harder and harder to concentrate as we spoke. I didn’t want to stop the conversation as I was intrigued, but Gus had been so open and the way he spoke convinced me that he would let us revisit this conversation when I was more conscious.

Chapter Thirty Two Gus Skye agreed to stay, thank the gods, it only took a few minutes for Skye to crawl into my bed, within moments she had drifted off to a peaceful slumber. To have carried and buried those emotions so deeply – so deep they had appeared quite unimportant when I read her. Again, my sweet Chosen surprised me. The strength to bear that alone told me something, and as much as I admired that strength I hated how it could only have come from years of practice – casting away her feelings to hide them from the

world. Had no one actually cared enough for her to notice when that bastard had hurt her? I knew I would not be responsible for my actions if I ever met him. Too much had been discussed tonight, but if Skye ever told me he had laid one finger on her precious body, I would tear him limb from limb and offer the meat to the gods in her honor. Sitting in my kitchen I heard the apartment door being knocked softly. I already knew it was Andy and he’d brought the dog with him. Letting him in I took the pizza boxes from him and Lulu followed obediently, intelligent eyes

scanning the room as she came in. Speaking quietly he started, “Sorry it’s a bit cold, boss. I was waiting out there for a while; I overheard crying when I first arrived, so thought I’d wait ‘til all was quiet. Thought yous would want your privacy.” Andy pointedly avoided my eyes and made himself at home in the apartment gathering condiments and filled glasses with ice and cola, one for each of us. “Thank you Andy. You’re not a complete idiot all the time.” I joked. “What news?” After filling a bowl with water and retrieving a couple ice cubes he presented the bowl to Lulu who took

residence on a small bed that Andy had somehow carried in with him too. “Well, the house was not entered, but I could smell Cora’s scent there,” I bristled, “Old, not new – yours was newer. She hadn’t been since earlier.” Andy lifted a plate from the counter and placed a piece of the pizza on it, leaving it beside Lulu on the floor. When Lulu had been served, she sniffed the pizza fixated; teasing a piece of pepperoni away from the cheese then began eating it in small bites. “There’s a “but” isn’t there?”

“Yeah, she hadn’t been back but the house has had visitors… Teagan and another vampire had been there lately too.” He was picking at his pizza building a little pile of circles that had caught Lulu’s eye. I growled, quietly. I did not want to waken Skye. The sleep after such a release of emotion was healing and it should not be broken by the growls of a jealous vampire – especially if that might remind her of Cora and the recent events. “You will need to arrange a watch over the house, the Pack will need to share Club and watch duties. I want your best

to be at the house at night – I know Cora and she does not have enough strength to pose a threat during the day, but if Skye returns to the house in the day time, you or Dianne will accompany her.” “Of course, boss. Do you think they’re going to go back to the house even though they went tonight and she wasn’t there?” Ask he asked, he lifted Lulu to his knee. She had given up on the now plain cheese pizza slice but was delicately chewing on the pieces of pepperoni he had saved from his own slices. “She’s not like you, you know?” I spoke as I nodded to the dog.

“Well, she’s no Irish Wolfhound, but every bit as brave. When she didn’t know who was there, her growls and snarls made up for her size.” He ruffled the Chiwahwah ’s fur as he spoke, “Who’s a brave and loyal little madam, eh? Showing me all those pretty teeth!” Lifting his head to look at me, I was taken back by the halo of blue respect he had for this little dog. “You should have seen her, boss, no fear for herself, but wasn’t letting some stranger come into her house.” “How did you convince her you were friend not foe then?”

“Once I got into the house she was able to scent me, must have recognized my wolfhound shifter cos the growling soon stopped.” He laughed. It must have been recognition of another canine, because it couldn’t have been fear. I felt my lips turn up as I watched her lick orange oil of his fingertips, and stare at the remainder of the pepperoni. “Greedy little thing…” I observed. “Yeah, well, she’s been a bit lonely the last few days… puts us dogs off our food.” I knew when I was being scolded. Andy had wanted Lulu to have been brought

here earlier. The relationship I had with Andy was complicated. Or not. He had voluntarily been bound to me as a pup, so knew his place was to obey or fight me until one of us relented: as instigator it couldn’t be him and he knew I would never surrender. I’d stepped in when Andy’s father had decided he didn’t like the reminder his son’s face was of his dead mother. Bernie was going to kill his own son in an alcohol fueled rage. I used it to my advantage. I offered Andy the opportunity to lead his own pack if he swore an oath of allegiance to me. For decades he both envied and despised me – I could read that easily enough. It

wasn’t until I accepted Andy’s requests to add other wolfhound shifters he had met into the Pack as well as those shifters I had chosen. He had been part of my life for so long, we were like brothers for the most part, and I was the older, of course. I wasn’t beyond putting him in his place. As a pack animal he may have been the Pack Alpha but his sworn oath ensured that he had always differed to me; I would allow it to be no other way. “Could you tell if Teagan’s scent crossed mine?” His head nodded, “Yeah, I thought that…

Do you believe you were watched leaving with Skye?” “I wondered but now I have no doubt.” “Then you weren’t the only one that was being watched. Because they watched everything I did.”

Chapter Thirty Three Gus I bolted up out of my chair, it falling to the floor. It took every bit of my resolve not to tear out of the room and find something to kill. Skye was mine and Cora had been warned. I wanted to go straight to Abbie’s house, find the fucker who dared to even try to be near her never mind the harm they intended for her, and kill them slowly. When I heard a small frightened whimper and Andy soothing Lulu I was taken back. Humans had always been somewhat expendable to me in the past but my instinctual

reaction to guard Skye felt… right. “Augustus...” Andy’s face was full of concern, scrutinizing me like he didn’t recognize me. His hands were still stroking Lulu’s brown fur. I looked away; I couldn’t process whether I was relieved that I found someone who I felt so strongly about, or terrified how quickly I had become so protective… even being able to hear Skye’s slow deep breaths wasn’t enough. Knowing Skye was in the next room made me itchy – I wanted, needed to see her and have her by my side to keep her safe. I went to the fridge and pulled out a can of Coke, chugging it down to try to

swallow my stress with the cold liquid. “She’s too important for anything to harm her.” I lifted my chair from the floor and offered a piece of pepperoni from my own pizza to Lulu by way of apology. Sniffing timidly, she took it gently from me. “You know Lulu, she’s an exceptional woman.” He spoke softly. “I had no idea… Chosen, eh?” As he spoke, he lowered his head was deliberately, he knew that he was hitting dodgy territory. “Yeah, never would have dreamt it.” I felt calmer and on completely new ground for conversations with Andy. Before, he would always have had a

cheeky joke about a woman I’d slept with. He had spoken about Skye in that way a few nights ago it did not go well. “You never thought about claiming a mate?” The look on Andy’s face was priceless. “Who are you and what have you done with Gus?” Deflection was a typical tactic for him – but his aura glowed violet and sky blue. Love and pain intermingled. Clearly Andy had a love, or at least feelings for someone, yet it wasn’t straightforward for him. “Ok, yeah, I think I’m going to go to bed.” As I stood a thought drifted through me, “You’re doing a great job

with the club, Andy. I know I haven’t really been at my game.” Flustered and taking a very strong interest in something on his fingernails Andy coloured the room with the deep amber of pride. “Thanks boss, um… just doing my job.” And he always had.

Chapter Thirty Four Gus The bedroom was in darkness but that didn’t matter to me, I could see Skye sleeping peacefully in a corner of the bed. As I listened to her slow, deep breathing I heard Andy leave, closing the front door to my apartment, chatting away. I felt myself laughing quietly as it struck me as funny – a six foot one Irish Wolfhound Shifter making such good friends with a Chihuahua. I undressed quickly and slid in beside her. I rarely slept with someone else even in my larger houses where they could be in another wing, so sleeping

with someone in the same bed was unheard of. Yet I knew I wouldn’t have wanted Skye anywhere else. As a vampire, I didn’t need regular sleep. I would just relax here, where I could be close to Skye. I could easily go without sleep for a couple of weeks and even then rarely slept more than an hour or two. I couldn’t get Andy’s earlier reaction out of my head. Even though I felt changed by Skye, I didn’t expect him to be so surprised by how much. Had I always appeared to be so much of a loner, or a womaniser that I would never be affected by someone? Had I become so different to the vampire he’d first met,

before I had the lifestyle I can afford now? Didn’t he realise I was the same underneath? Running businesses and the enemies that I had attracted from my success meant whilst I had all the material things I ever desired love was a luxury I couldn’t afford. Somewhere along the line, I buried the side of me that showed my emotions – so far that I stopped expressing or even feeling them. I was always an Alpha, but from Andy’s reaction to my relationship with Skye, I must have also become a cold, hard being. It was always times like this when I

missed Selwyn, my only brother. As humans, we were close, and even when we were taken, turned and we both survived, we were inseparable… Until Cora. Selwyn had been right all those years ago, yet I chose to give Cora the benefit of the doubt, regardless of the cost. And I paid dearly. I wondered where Selwyn was now, what he was doing – was he even still alive? Wherever you are brother, know you were right about her, and I know you would accept Skye – but can you ever forgive me? I closed my eyes as solitary tear slid down my face.

Chapter Thirty Five The Palace Cora held the chalice to her lips and drank enthusiastically. As she drank the Priestess offered prayers to the Gods, old prayers of retribution. As Cora stood up, she kept her head bowed, “My Priestess, you honour me.” She bowed and then removed her robe and passed it to Teagan without so much as a slide glance. “I beg that you permit me to honour you with an oath of blood.” Leisurely, Priestess replied, “Of course, I welcome the oaths of any of my

sisters.” Cora reached her hand to Teagan again who already had the small dagger in her hand, ready for Cora. Once grasped in her hand, Cora slide the razor sharp blade over the skin above her heart. A slick line of blood oozed from the gash. “By the Gods and their vengeance, I swear that I will hold the vampire Augustus as a betrayer until his ways become right. His dishonour to the Gods disgusts me and I will prove myself as worthy to you, Priestess – as well as return him to our flock. I will enslave the one he forsakes his heritage for and bring her as a blood servant for you as tribute.”

“Do you believe you are worthy of such an oath, Cora?” “Yes, Priestess.” reverently.

Cora

muttered

The Priestess returned the chalice to Cora who used it to scoop the blood from her naked chest. She held it to her already healing wound whilst whispering the prayer of the Maker. She returned the vessel to the Priestess’ bony hand who then raised it to the altar as she bowed, then bared her own fangs and drank it greedily. The Priestess’ old eyes roamed Cora’s

body. “I accept your oath, Cora. Now, Sister in Night I will heal your wound.” Cora’s wound had already healed but she said, “Of course, Priestess; as is your right… and my deepest wish.” Cora’s eyes focused on something very far away as she offered her naked body to the old Priestess who licked what was now barely a pink scar – Teagan stopped watching as the bony hands roamed Cora’s supple rounded flesh. *** In the ante-chamber, Cora barked instructions, “And make sure that you have the support of Sinead and her coven.” Teagan offered a sad smile, “I

don’t know how you allow her to…” “What?” Cora snapped, “Honour me with the strength of the ancients?” Her cool gaze focused on the other woman. “Did you ever wonder why she chooses to bless me, yet you are overlooked – even though you come from a Royal bloodline? Will I tell you why, Teagan?” Fear filled her, but frozen in the spot all Teagan could do was nod. “Look at you; you’re not a proud Vampire, you don’t embrace the old ways as I do and you should.” Cora’s eyes looked at Teagan in disgust, her lips curled up and her fangs still were tainted from the Priestess’ blood

which she had drank obediently when the old woman offered herself in her final throws. “I don’t know why I try so hard with you…” Stopping herself and breathing hard to collect herself she carried on, but her tone had changed. “If you weren’t such a sweet ride, I think I would have drained you years ago.” Cora bit her bottom lip as she continued to survey Teagan’s curvy body. The Priestess’ quarters had always been cold and she could see the shape of Teagan’s nipples through the robe she had worn for the ceremony. “Come here, taste the sacred blood of the Priestess, I want you to have some of the ancient’s strength.” Immediately Teagan obeyed and Cora’s

nostrils flared as she smelt Teagan’s desire. She could barely hold herself from taking the woman right there so she didn’t.

Chapter Thirty Six Gus The sun was shining and I was running along the top of the city wall with my little brother. Once in a while I would stop and go back so Selwyn could catch up, he was so slow! Finally, running down the steep steps at Shipquay Street, we ran towards father. “Augustus and Selwyn, what are you pair up to?” “Just playing, father.” “Father, Guss-Tuss runs too fast.” Selwyn used the special voice that meant

he always got his way. “Augustus, you must look after your brother. What would your mother say?” “But I do, Father…” I replied, watching as Selwyn stuck his tongue out at me. “Ah, now boys, play well together.” Suddenly we were no longer outside my father’s work but he was still taking, “And Selwyn, are you sure no one watched you?” It was dark and there was an old familiar smell in the air. How did I get here? I hadn’t been in the hidden paths within the city’s walls for many, many years.

“Good, now give me the book.” Selwyn, now a young man, handed father something that was very well wrapped up. Instantly I recognised what it was: the book that listed the lineages of all the families who bore The Understanding. “Good, that’s good son. My boys,” he smiled, his greying hair flopping over his piercing blue eyes. “You will take the knowledge of what you have learned from within this book to your graves. Whichever of you lives longest must ensure you tell your eldest son the location of our secret.” Grunting he lifted the last of the stones as the package was hidden within the city’s wall. Dusting off his hands he moved

quickly, “C’mon boys, your mother will wonder if we are ever coming back.” Obediently, we followed as father directed us along the tunnel within the city’s walls until we reached the secret entrance that brought us back to the known paths. “Father!” Selwyn bellowed as father crumpled, leaning on the stones for support. I tried to follow a man ran who away from us, but he made his way through a gate and into a crowd that were busy in the market outside. “Augustus!” Selwyn roared. As I ran back a speckle of sliver caught my eye a small dagger tainted with what must have been my father’s blood. Everything

faded around the sound of my brother’s roars “No! No! Father, no!” as it filled my ears. Panting, I jumped up with my fangs out and fists clenched, I was a vampire now, so I could even the score. It took a few moments to realise I was in no danger, and my father who was mortally wounded that day, fought for his life for many months, until even the devotion and love of his wife and two sons could no longer keep his heart beating. I was back in that same city, but both the city and I had changed. Four hundred years would do that. Suddenly my chest fell within me as I

realised Skye was no longer in the bed. You couldn’t have left me too, sweetheart. As vivid as the dream had been, the true moment of sheer terror was only when I saw the crimpled, empty sheets where my Chosen had slept. I could still smell her sweet scent her. I stood there in empty desolation. Gone?

Chapter Thirty Seven Gus Seconds, minutes or even hours later – I couldn’t tell, but the sound of easy laughter poured into the room. Skye. I breathed, for what felt like the first time. Her laughter was not alone… who had dared come into my apartment? Grabbing my trousers I pulled them on as I strode out of my bedroom. “Ah, here he is!” Skye smiled easily at me, “I thought sleepy head here was going to be in there all day.” She stood up and filled the kettle; “Tea or coffee, Gus?”

“Hello Dianne. I didn’t realise you were on rota today.” I said coolly. “I was wandering around the boardroom and Dianne came in to drop off last night’s takings. We got to chatting and I offered her a cuppa, I didn’t think you’d mind?” Dianne smiled apologetically, “I said we could go to the staff kitchen in the club but Skye said she wanted to stay here.” Skye didn’t want me to wake and find her gone: my thoughtful and obedient girl. Instantly my mood lifted. I walked over to Skye and slipped my arms around her. “Well, you may not

know this, Dianne, but what Skye wants – she gets. Understood?” Dianne smiled excitedly, her eyes flicking between mine and to Skye. Her aura had always been easy to read but right now she was positively beaming… she was happy for me? And, she earnestly liked Skye, well who wouldn’t. A movement on Dianne’s lap had my instant attention. Skye must have felt me tense as she said soothingly, “I believe you’ve met Lulu before, she’s taken quite a shine to Dianne.” This is another conversation I needed to have with Skye – how could I explain the Pack properly?

“I believe both your houseguests are very happy, Gus.” Lulu leant in as Dianne scratched the dog’s ear. “Was thinking of taking Lulu over to St Columb’s park for a nice long walk later – if that’s ok, Skye? Maybe you could come too?” Dianne’s eyes looked to me for permission and I understood that she had found a comrade in this male ran outfit. Maybe if Skye had a friend in Dianne, she would be more content to stay around here where I can protect her. I looked at Skye and felt sickened at my errant thought: was I already trying to manipulate Skye – that’s not what she deserved. But… I reconsidered. I would

cheat, lie, steal or even kill to make sure Skye was safe. I had assured her I would let her leave whenever she wanted, but I knew I would have trouble delivering on that promise. Skye was looking to me too, now. I sensed she was seeking my permission. Her aura shone pink with excitement but also the teal colour of obedience. She would love to go for a walk with her new friend but was willing to submit to my decision. “Like I said, whatever my Skye wants.” The smile that burst over her face made my cock twitch. Patience I told it… something I barely ever had need of before. Seeing the sliver flashes within her aura, I knew she had felt the

pull too. Dianne got up from the table. She had turned pink and was mumbling quickly, “Thanks for the coffee, Skye. I’ve got some work to clear up, but I’ll be ready to go in about an hour?” “Great, I need to get cleaned up first too…” she paused, and then cursed, “Oh shit! I forgot I’m back to work this afternoon. Sorry Dianne, I really need to get back home and get my uniform sorted out. But you’re welcome to take Lulu and I’ll collect her later, she loves it there.” I froze, she was still insisting on

working? “You’re not seriously thinking about…” She rolled her eyes at me, “Yeah, I have bills to pay the same as everyone else. I’m on a short shift today – so I’ll be finished up by six.” Careful, that behaviour could get you into a lot of trouble with me, pet. “I knew I recognised your face – you work on the deli counter in Jenny’s Spar!” Dianne’s face lit up, “I hope you’re gonna share your staff discount, the sausage roll baps in there always cure my hangovers.” Skye smiled at her, but it soon faded

when she looked at me. “Gus… I can’t not work.” Dianne, to her credit made her excuses and left, taking Lulu with her. I tore my hands through my hair in frustration. “You don’t have to work, and right now you really shouldn’t be out there alone. You already know how dangerous it is.” “But you can’t seriously expect me to just quit my job. My rent is due, well… late. James had promised he’d pay last month’s and still hadn’t when I threw him out. Now I’ve got last month and this month to pay on my own…” Her face paled when she heard my

growl. “So he lived out of your home and used it as his own little fuck pad for free?” I instantly regretted it. I spoke more softly, “I mean… what kind of a man…” I breathed deeply, “He left without fulfilling his responsibilities?” “Aye.” Her eyes avoided me and I could see a multitude of colours from her aura. They all reflected on the chrome and the polished granite worktops. “There’s more, isn’t there?” “Gus, I didn’t want to tell you, but I checked my online banking. He’s cleared our bank account out too. I’m completely broke.” There was a tick in her jaw and

her aura shone with fury. “I had been trying to save to get the exhaust in my car fixed.” “I can get Andy to look at that later today.” I smiled, “and as for the rent, you won’t have to worry about that if you stay with me.” At least some things are easily fixed. I moved closer back to her but she moved away. She snorted, “Of course you wouldn’t understand! I can’t believe you expect me to just be at your beck and call. This job is important to me; I wouldn’t expect you to drop your work for me.” “Do you honestly enjoy serving junk

food to ungrateful customers for minimum wage? I’m happy to give you some money, pet.” Then it struck me, “You could help with the events side here!” The perfect solution: Skye can do the work she enjoys and I can make sure she’s safe. “You want me to work for you?!” “Of course not, I don’t want you to work at all. But if it would make you feel better about the money I’m going to give you.” “Fuck you, Gus. I’m not your whore.” She ran crying from the kitchen and slammed the bedroom door behind her.

Chapter Thirty Eight Skye He doesn’t want a lover; he wants a live in whore to control as he pleases and fuck when he’s bored. Anger filled me… again. I couldn’t deal with the drama here. At least if I went back home I could maybe get extra shifts at work and pay my landlord back a bit extra every week from now on to make up for what I owed. Fuck James for leaving me in this shit and fuck Gus for thinking he could fix everything with his money. I knew that I’d probably have to sell my car rather than fix it to get

back afloat… not that it was worth much, but work was only a twenty minute walk if I was quick. I gathered by things together quickly. I had planned to change into something from the bag that Andy had left in the kitchen last night. The fact he’d been to Abbie’s and went through my things to bring them here made my stomach turn. Even though I still wanted my clothes to change, there was no way in Hell I was going back out there now. After making the bed I folded and left the tee-shirt and tracksuit bottoms I had borrowed from Gus’ wardrobe this morning, leaving them on top of it. I was

back in the dress I wore last night and felt ridiculous. When I went into the kitchen, Gus was gone. As I closed the apartment door and went to leave the complex beside Club Crimson, I met Dianne who tried not to look at my choice of clothes. “Ah… I won’t ask. Do you want a lift?” Relieved, I allowed Dianne to drive me home; I thought I was going to have to walk back. We travelled in silence; except for the few directions I gave to Dianne to guide her through the maze of the estate. As we pulled in front to my flat she let out a sigh. “I know it’s none of my business, but you should know how much Gus thinks of you. I’ve never

seen him like this with anyone else… he’s in completely new territory here, Skye, you have him in a complete spin. It would be funny to see him fawn over you like he did earlier if it wasn’t so sad that he’s never allowed himself to care for anyone before.” Steeling myself, I replied: “I wouldn’t worry; he’ll have a queue of “ladies” at the club tonight.” Thank god my voice had held as I said that. “I know you know what he is.” I felt her eyes bore into me, “I know he made you his Chosen.” Silence filled the car. “Do you realise how long I’ve known him? Not once was he in a relationship never

mind declaring his oath?” My mouth gaped open. “I… ah… I don’t…” “He’s besotted with you – my guess is he’s doing that male thing they all think is what they’re supposed to do. Instead of listening he’s tried to fix things that aren’t his to fix and he’s got a bit intense. I’d bet everything I own that you’re feeling overwhelmed and running for cover?” I made a rather good, speechless impression of a gold fish as I opened and closed my mouth a few times. I didn’t know what to say, and yet pride would not allow me to admit she was entirely right. I ended up nodding

and not really knowing where to look. “Ah Skye, things are never as they seem. What did he say?” As I explained my reaction to his offer of money and even of a job she smiled sympathetically. “One thing I can promise you is that he definitely does not think you are a whore.” She shifted in her seat to stretch. “Has he explained the whole Chosen thing fully to you?” She paused to look out the window, “He couldn’t have, because a whore would be the last thing he would think of you to have put himself so far out there.” I had to give it to Dianne; she was an excellent listener, very understanding;

but she didn’t pull her punches. “How do you know so much about all this stuff? Fuck, you’re not… you’re not one of them, like Gus, are you?” She barked a short laugh which woke Lulu, who had been sleeping on my lap the whole time, “Can’t you tell?! I’m a shifter.” For the second time in a matter of minutes, Dianne had me speechless.

Chapter Thirty Nine Skye I conceded not to go to work. Dianne had convinced me to call in sick for a few days. Why had Gus not told me about the Pack? She came in and helped me tidy up the remnants that James had left behind. All his belongings were gone, and unfortunately, so were some of mine: my microwave, my DVD player, my television. I knew that if I had owned a Sky box that would have been gone as well. Someone had thoughtfully written “BITCH” in permanent marker on the wall behind where the television had

been. Dianne deliberately did not comment that she had even noticed it. When we were both hungry, Dianne suggested we ordered some food and insisted it was her treat. Messages had come through on my phone constantly all afternoon, but it was only now as I searched for a takeaway phone number that I looked at them. One was from Abbie, so I checked it first. “Want my dog back but am going out tonight. Bring her back tomorrow.” Somehow, I’d need to reclaim my car from her driveway, which meant I’d have to walk to Abbie’s in the first place; but I would bring Lulu home again tomorrow.

The many others all came from Gus. Each one said the same thing. “Please forgive me, let’s talk. Are you OK? xx” The first few made me angry, but then as I noticed he had relentlessly sent them exactly every ten minutes without fail, I had to admire his dedication. Dianne coughed intentionally and asked ever-soinnocently, “What or who could ever make you smile like that by just reading their text message?” I laughed but she continued. “I bet he’s worried sick and just wants to make sure you’re alright… Think he might have learned his lesson on this one, you know? If the amount of noise your phone was making all day is anything to go by.”

“Maybe you’re right… I’ll give him a call once I order the food.” “Thank God, cos he’s a miserable sod to work for at the best of times… heartbroken I’m sure he’d be a complete pain in the ass.” “Hey!” I said, in mock irritation, “That’s my boyfriend you’re talking about.”

Chapter Forty Abbie’s House The woman wandered around the master bedroom the house, singing along to Taylor Swift, “Shaking it off” in front of her mirror as she tried on clothes. She thought to herself that a couple of her dresses were missing, but wasn’t too bothered. The one she had planned to wear tonight was right there, and with her new tan, she would look fantastic. One of her holiday romances turned out to live quite near to Londonderry and once they had swapped phone numbers,

had agreed to meet up tonight. The taxi was ordered and all she had to do was finish getting ready. She would get to see this new club for herself, and more importantly, this owner that she’d been so curious about. Being there with a date just made everything that bit easier – she would never go out alone, anyway, why spend your own money on drinks when there’s a guy willing to pay? Outside, Teagan had been bored. She watched from her spot, making sure to remain hidden in the bushes. She’d been there as the woman arrived with a large case and watched as she immediately dumped it inside the front door before stepping out of her heels and turning on

her television to watch Geordie Shore episodes back to back. Things only got mildly interesting for Teagan as she watched the woman move upstairs where she disappeared for a little while. Teagan circled the house, twice, and was rewarded when she came back to her spot to see the woman walking around naked, with her hair in a towel. Teagan hadn’t noticed how pert the woman’s breasts were the last time she seen her. Then again, at the time the woman had her hand firmly grasped around Cora’s beautiful red hair. Teagan had wanted to rip the woman’s throat out

that night, but held herself back for fear of revealing the forbidden relationship she with Cora to the Gathered. “You’re going to pay, you little bitch.” She promised. Images of the woman’s body flashed in her head. Her imagination soared with thoughts of watching Cora punish the woman, before Teagan would have her turn. Perhaps, if she was the one to bring this woman to Cora, then Cora would permit her to draw first blood. Lights slowed at the head of the driveway. Teagan felt her fangs elongate in anticipation. The taxi sounded its horn in two quick blasts and Teagan watched

as the woman sauntered across her bedroom. This was her opportunity, she only had a few minutes but that was all she needed. Teagan shifted to the side of house and walked over to the taxi, from the direction of the door. She went to the front passenger seat and spoke easily to the driver, “Hiya, my friend’s almost ready, shouldn’t be a sec.” She smiled at him and watched as his eyes glazed over. She leaned over the unresponsive man, she unbuckled his seat belt before snapping his neck. A second later she had him out of the car and pulled over to the darkest side of the house. Lifting him like an overgrown ragdoll. She rushed

back to the car and jumped into the driver’s seat, giving the horn another blast just before the woman appeared at her front door. Teagan smiled in to herself: Cora will be so proud of me.

Chapter Fourty One Skye When Gus offered me money earlier it pushed a painful button for me. I’d watched Abbie separate many men from their money, since I’d met Gus in her clothes, and slept with him within hours of meeting I assumed he must have been throwing money at me for services rendered. Plus, with James cleaning our bank account out, it felt like a hand out. I didn’t know which was worse, “payment” or Gus’ charity. Talking with Dianne helped me to realise that those were my issues, not the logic that Gus

was using: he was rich and he saw that he could help me, so he offered. The phone call with Gus only ended because the food arrived. Dianne went to the door and paid. As much as I wanted to just leave her to it, she was a guest in my house and sitting on the phone leaving her alone was just plain bad manners. Gus and I had agreed to meet up later tonight so we could go on a date. I really hoped that we could just start again. “So we’re going to have a meal tonight at his home.” I beamed, nibbling on a spring roll. I realised I hadn’t ate all day so I was ravenous, but knowing I would

be going for a large meal later, I held back. “Ohh, out to the Woods, eh? He’s definitely laying on the star treatment.” Dianne smiled as she heaped fried rice on top of a prawn cracker then crammed the whole thing into her mouth, but it didn’t stop her laughing. “He’s got it bad!” “Problem is he’s only ever seen me in my sister’s clothes.” “Yeah, like he’s interested in your clothes.” I blushed as she wiggled her eyebrows before turning serious. “C’mon, you could turn up in a black bin

bag and he’d still like you.” “I might have to.” I said. “What’s wrong with a pair of jeans and a top? You’re going to his house, not down a red carpet!” She looked me up and down, “If I had your figure, I would wear whatever I wanted, not what I thought other people wanted me to.” Lifting one of the chips from my plate she said, “We’ll raid your wardrobe; you’re bound to be overreacting.” I loved this. I swallowed hard; this stranger spent an afternoon with me and treated me more like family than my own sister ever had. I had dreamed of days

like this with Abbie, to be there when James had hurt me, or to discuss men with me – without treating it as a competition so she could boast about how much some man had spent on her. A couple of hours later, Dianne had helped me pick a perfect outfit: jeans, a half open blouse with a vest underneath, and my best Vans. No sore feet tonight, I shivered as I remembered how good Gus’ foot rubs were. “So I’m staying until Andy comes over, he’ll take you over to the house and I’ll leave with Lulu. I’m not working tonight and she’s great company. I’ll get you tomorrow and I’ll drop you out to Abbie’s so you can collect your car.”

She bent her head to Lulu, who licked Dianne’s nose affectionately. “Do you really have to go back, Lulu, I want to steal you. You could live with me!” Lulu seemed to like that idea, as she wagged her tail enthusiastically and gave a little playful bark. Twenty minutes later, after Dianne insisted on doing my hair for me, the door knocked. Dianne already knew it was Andy so she let him in. “Hey Dianne, are you pair ready to go?” Dianne and I said our goodbyes and agreed that she’d meet me tomorrow and bring Lulu along. Twenty minutes later, Andy was driving along the same country road that Gus had. It didn’t matter that I’d see his home before, I

was still awestruck when it eventually came into view. This time, the windows weren’t all lit up as they had been the night of the party. When Andy brought us around to the back of the house, I got my first real view of the back – and it was as grand as the front. I hadn’t seen the double car garage, nor the horsebox parked beside it. My eyes found Gus and enjoyed the view as he walked lithely across the gravel to open my door once we’d stopped. With a brief nod to Andy, he said, “Thanks Andy, I’ll escort Skye from here.” Then completely ignored him. Gus beamed a huge smile at me and lifted my hand, kissing my hand. Warm

lips pressed against my knuckles and I felt the remainder of my anger from earlier melt. He held my hand as he helped me out of the car. I was vaguely aware that Andy had started to drive off, normally, I would have waved good bye, or at least thanked him for bringing me here, but right now I was only interested in Gus. Once we came in through the back door, Gus took my coat. His eyes roamed my body and I began to think that the jeans/blouse combo was not dressy enough. He held took my hand again and pulled me towards him. “You look beautiful.” He murmured in my ear as he held me close. He smelled of musk and

toothpaste. “I’m so glad you’re here.” “Me, too.” We stood in silence for a few moments as we held each other. I hadn’t realised I had missed him so much, even though we were together earlier today. “Thank you for coming.” He said earnestly. “And you’ve come dressed as Skye, not someone else.” He released me to look me up and down. “Well, the dresses were Abbie’s… I’m usually more of a jeans-and-trainers kinda girl.” I apologised. “Well, let me take another look at you…” He circled me, making my cheeks burn as I felt his gaze roam over me. This man has seen you naked – why are you embarssed

now? I though. He did another half circle, stopping behind me, “Mmmm, I like.” I turned around to swat him as he laughed easily. “Dinner will be another ten minutes… Would you like to sit down with a glass of wine, or would you like the tour? You didn’t see much of the place the last time.” “I’ll take the tour please.” I replied, feeling more at ease than I expected. I remembered the kitchen, in a hazy way. The range had a collection of pots on it, all releasing glorious aromas that made my mouth water. So he can cook.

Chapter Forty Two Skye “My kitchen.” He said ceremoniously. “It’s impressive.” And it was, the kitchen, the table and chairs, the living area with a sofa and a television – even the utility room I could see through a half open door all looked like it was from a lifestyle magazine. “Do you do all your own cooking then?” “Sometimes… and always on very special occasions.”

“So is this a special occasion? Or is it the cook’s night off?” I teased. “It’s always a special occasion when I can cook a romantic meal for my Chosen, pet. I hope you like steak?” He guided me into the next room as he spoke. This was a formal dining room, filled with flickering candles and overflowing with roses. “See? Romantic meal? I want you to feel as special as I know you are.” The roses went blurry and I blinked hard, refusing to cry and ruin the moment. The scent was amazing, and involuntarily I went over to one of the vases and inhaled deeply. “They’re beautiful, Gus. This must have cost you a fortune! Roses aren’t cheap.”

“They are nowhere near worthy enough for you, but they were all I could get with short notice. There’s now a roseshortage in Londonderry.” Roses of all colours filled the vases along the windows and the dresser; yellow, pink, white and of course all variations of red. Above the hearth, where a fire roared, there was a large painting of a man in a suit, wearing a bowler had and wearing a purple-coloured sash. I recognised the eyes; the face resembled Gus but was unfamiliar. “You’ve got a painting of an Orangeman?” “No, I’ve got a painting of an Apprentice Boy. You can’t have lived in

Londonderry all your life and not learned the difference?” He walked closer to the painting. “It’s kind of made up. You see that’s my father, up there. But he wasn’t around when the Apprentice Boys got into their whole suit and sash getup. So, I decided to see what he’d look like if he was alive then.” “I know about the Apprentice Boys: in 1689, 12 apprentices closed the city gates to stop James killing and ransacking Londonderry. The city’s walls were never breached, that’s why it’s called the Maiden City – y’know, like a virgin.” I came closer, looking at the detail in the painting.

“Good girl, you know our history. So many have forgotten or stopped caring where they came from.” He kissed my forehead, “My father was one of the twelve. I was born a few years later.” He stroked the painting, “He was either brave or reckless for the things he done. I like to think he was a bit of both.” I reeled, if his father was alive then, Gus was a lot, and I mean a lot older than I had imagined. “What age are you?!” sometimes I really had no filter on my thoughts. “I’m 324. The first 25 were as a human, the following years as a vampire.” “So you’re 299, you’ll be 300 on your

next vampire birthday?” I whispered incredulously. Gus was still gazing at the painting, “I never counted it in that way, but yes, I suppose you’re right. A year means so little to me.” From the kitchen, something beeped, so we had to cut my tour short. Gus excused himself and asked me to have a seat, saying that our starter was almost ready. I sat at the table and bit my lip in anticipation. He certainly knew how to make me feel special. He’d told me before that he’d never brought a woman here and that only added to it. I’d never been cooked a meal by a guy either – so it certainly was

a night of firsts. Red wine was sitting on the table, so I poured each of us a glass; I had just set the carafe down again when Gus reappeared with two plates. “Hoi-Sin Duck with salad.” Somehow he served me first and was sitting down within a second. He chuckled, “I didn’t startle you, did I? It’s just, well… I let my guard down. I want to be my full self around you. When I’m alone I move at my speed, which is definitely a lot faster than humans.” When I asked if that was one of his superpowers I was rewarded with a huge laugh, “No pet, I’m not Spiderman or something. All vampires are blessed with speed.”

We were at ease with each other, the duck was moist, the steak tender, and for desert he had served a chocolate ganache and vanilla ice cream. “I am such a greedy pig!” I said as I spooned the last drop of ice cream into my mouth. “No, you’re beautiful. I am privileged that you allow me to feed you and see you satisfied.” There was no double entendre, because I checked and his eyes were earnest… not as much as a sliver of naughtiness from his comment. After the meal, Gus cleared away the last of the dishes and completely refused to let me help. I followed him into the kitchen and sat on the sofa in the living room area of the kitchen, whilst he rinsed

dished before loading a dishwasher. Who would have thought vampires bought dishwashers? The coffee table was a deep mahogany and I cringed internally when he sat down on the side of it, facing me. “You’re going to scratch your table.” I warned. He shrugged casually, “It’s worth the view.” His eyes slid down from mine to my lips and up again. Somewhere inside me, the slow burn that had been there all night had ramped up to a furnace. He knew it, somehow sensing the need within me. He rose fluidly and held out a hand. I took it and followed without saying a word.

“Remember the things I promised I’d show you, pet?” he rubbed the back of my knuckles with his thumb and he ushered me up a lavish staircase that led to a balcony. His voice was low and serious, “I have been craving this since the night we met. You have been very deeply involved in the thoughts I have had ever since. You know I’m Dominant, you’ve challenge that domination a couple of times,” he stopped at the top of the stairs, pulling me towards him, “but just like this, right now, you’ve still allowed me to dominate you.” He was right. God help me, but entirely against my own logic, not only did I like it but he made me feel wanted, cared

about and protected. The combination made me very aroused and I could feel the heat radiate between my legs. He was huge beside me, powerful and strong. He could easily out manoeuvre and manhandle me if he really wanted, but he didn’t. The thinly veiled strength within him was an aphrodisiac. I could see how some would fear his intensity and how he could become a monster to get what he wanted – the way Andy and Dianne were around him showed nothing but respect and acknowledgement of his power. Not fear. Standing on the top of the stairs, looking into his eyes, I knew I was in trouble. No man could ever compare to him – if

he ever tires of me, I’ll be left with memories of things I could never recreate. “Tell me what you’re uncertain of. I see hesitation.” His piercing blue eyes scrutinised my face. “Tell me what you’re thinking.” He demanded.

Chapter Forty Three Skye “I’m worried that if I let you dominate me completely, that I’ll be left hollow when you get tired of me.” I blurted, half wanting to do as I was told by telling him my thoughts, and half embarrassed at how desperate that sounded. “Do I look like I’m tired of you?” he tested. As he lowered my hand to his crotch he went on, “Do I seem… bored?” I could feel him beneath the material. “Does this look like a male who just wants to pass some time? Oh no, no, no sweetheart.” He nuzzled he

lips to my neck and with feather-light kisses made his way up to my ear. “Ever since we first met, this is all I’ve thought about, and I’ve thought of a thousand ways to make you scream as you cum for me.” I was glad of the rail on the balcony as it was the only thing holding me up, my knees had gone weak. He nibbled my ear and a pleading moan came from deep within me. “I could never get tired of you, Skye. You’ve brought the warmth that a dozen suns could never give me.” His other hand reached around and cupped my ass, pulling us even closer together. So much so that the hand I still had on his jeans was sandwiched between his hard cock

and the front of my own jeans. Instinctually I opened my legs a little wider. He made the trip down my neck and up again to my ear. “Remember, without you submitting to me, I can’t dominate you – so really, you hold the power, pet. Will you let me be your Dominant?” I could barely breathe never mind speak, so I nodded as I gasped for air. Without my permission, my hips rocked forward, pleading for more. He chuckled in satisfaction: “Looks like my Chosen wants to play after all.” He led me along the balcony and into the door the furthest along. “Not everything

in here is for tonight, but everything in here is for us to enjoy at our leisure. I know this is new for you, and we explore I will get even more satisfaction knowing that I have opened more pleasure to you than you even considered.” The door looked just like any other door in the mansion, rich and heavy, but as I went thought this particular one I knew that I was leaving my old life with all its pain behind and trading it for a new, uncertain one where pain was fleeting and, going by Gus’ promises, it always brought pleasure. The polished wooden floor squeaked under my trainers and I couldn’t decide if I was under or

overdressed. My eyes roamed the candlelit room and instantly hit a bed beside large wardrobe and a dressing table with several things spread out on top of it: I recognised the vibrators immediately, but there were tubes filled with liquids, some ropes, some material and a few other bits and pieces I couldn’t make out. I realised the room was an L shape, and there were some more heavy duty around the corner, my feet and my curiosity took me over for a closer look. My eyes roamed from the bench to the pole in the middle of the room, and then along to a huge X with shackles on each

of the four ends I felt the blood drain from me: I can’t do this! Fear crept through me. “Not tonight, pet, and not ever, if you don’t want them.” I realised Gus was still holding my hand and my mouth had suddenly went very dry. He pressed his lips to my forehead with a comforting kiss. As I inhaled his unique, musky scent, I whispered, “I don’t know what to do with all this stuff – what if I’m no good?” Strong arms enveloped me, “Ah, pet, these are only here so I can bring you more pleasure, that’s where I get my fulfilment. If you’re not in ecstasy, then it’ll be entirely my fault – never yours. All I need is your submission – and what

that represents: the trust you’d be giving me with your body and your mind. That you’d trust me and me alone, knowing what I am, to only bring you pleasure and never to harm, that thought alone just gets me harder.” All I’d ever wanted was for someone who’d treasure me and really in a nut shell that’s what he was offering – if I’d only be upfront in saying that I agreed to it. “Is that what all this whole dominance thing boils down to – agreeing from the outset that I’ll trust you completely to get your satisfaction from seeing I am truly satisfied?” He loosed his embrace to look at me,

“For true Dominants, yes. There are those who pose as dominants but only care about their own pleasure. That’s not me, and I give you my word on it.” The pure honesty left me speechless. I didn’t care what the room had in it I believed him. I looked at the smile that reflected my own and wanted him to take me in whatever way he wanted right then. “So, do I call you Master in here then? I don’t know the way I’m supposed to do this.” “We’ll talk about all that tomorrow. Right now I need you naked and on the bed, My Chosen.” A thrill ran through me and I shivered with anticipation as I

got undressed – with Gus’ help and his speed that was a lot quicker than I would have thought. I knew when he said naked, he wanted fully naked, but when I went to remove my underwear he stopped me. “That’s for me, pet. Now, lay back, with the pillow beneath your head. I’m going to use these silk scarves to tie your wrists and ankles to the bed.” I felt the heat rise further again within me and I could hardly bear it – I needed him inside me right now, this is too much already and we’ve barely started! Once I was tied, I wriggled a little, trying to rub my legs together, “Hmmm, you do like this, pet.” Taking his time, he walked half way down the bed, looking

at my body in fascination. “Better than I imagined, and you’d better take that pout off your face, I’m struggling not to fuck you right now.” He smiled devilishly, “One last scarf I think.” He climbed on top of my semi-naked body, lifted my head with one hand and wrapped a long black scarf over my eyes and around my head several times. Darkness surrounded me and as I felt the bed shift as he stood up again, I was alone on the bed. After a few moments when I thought he might have just left me there – or was he going to get something else from the dressing table? The suspense was tantalising and frustrating in equal measure. There was a dark edge to his voice,

“Don’t worry, pet. I promise I will fuck you and I’ll fuck you hard. I know you need me inside you. I can’t wait to bury myself in your sweet wet cunt.” His lips met mine for the most glorious of kisses, his tongue invading my mouth and tasting me. “Seeing you like this… Skye, I can almost feel how much you are aroused right now.” His hands darted underneath me and I felt him open my bra. Tied like this, it wasn’t going anywhere soon. He lifted my open bra along my arms until it was stretched above my head. I heard a moan and what sounded like his jeans being opened. “Feel how hard you make me, baby.” His hand cupped around mine and I

reached for his cock. I felt a sense of pride in holding the velvety hardness. This is mine. I started stroking – as far as my bound wrist would let me and I heard a sharp hiss. “A lesser vampire would just stand here and watch your beautiful tits bounce as you do that, but I’m going to fill you… after you cum for me.” I pulled harder as I smiled. “Maybe I want you to cum all over me when I’m tied up like this.” “Keep taking like that and I’ll fill that pretty little mouth.” He promised. So I did what any woman would do: I liked my lips and opened my mouth… wide. “Ohhh, that is such an invitation.” I felt

his thumb stroke over my lips, so when I got the chance, I sucked on it. I heard a determined, “Fuck.” And he was no longer in my hand nor in my mouth. “Baby, you are so beautiful. You could turn me very selfish here, but tonight I want to show you how good this can be.” Then I felt him kiss the outside of my panties, his warm breath tickling my most sensitive areas. I lifted my ass up, wanting his tongue to flick over me but instead, to my frustration, he stopped. I whimpered. His lips were on mine again, demanding and forcing my mouth open, kissing me with such passion that I could barely breathe.

His hands roamed over my body and along my arms. It should have felt ticklish, but it felt erotic. His kisses made their way down to that sweet spot in my neck again. And his hand found my breast, stroking and teasing my nipple until another moan escaped me. Then his other hand found my other breast and his teasing doubled. I bucked underneath the torturous pleasure. “Fuck me, Gus, I need you in me.” “Oh you will, baby, I promise. But right now, I want to see how wet you are for me.” My legs were already open, ankles tied to the two bottom posts of the bed. I heard ripping and what must have been the remnants of my underwear being

pulled away. A low rumble left Gus, “Mmmm,” he said, approvingly. “I can’t bear it, I need you now!” I pleaded. “Tell me, pet.” “Fuck me, Gus.” I demanded.

Chapter Forty Four Skye “Uh huh, and tied up like this, do you think making demands will get you anywhere?” he teased. “Please, Gus, I need to cum, this is so much to take.” I begged. “Don’t beg, Skye. I won’t hear it.” He said beneath sucks on my nipple whilst his hand found my other breast. “I won’t go easy,” he warned. “but it will be the best fuck you’ve had yet. Do you want me to fuck you now, pet?”

Wriggling beneath him I had lost all of the inhibitions I carried with me. “Please Gus, make me cum.” Fingers slid into me easily, I was so hungry for him. His rhythm was unyielding but when he took me close to the edge he stopped, waiting for me to drop back again only to torture me further. By the third time, he had built me up so much that when I came I was quivering from head to toe. As I lay there, breathless, he took the blindfold from me. Even though the room was only lit with candles, some of which had now gone out, it still felt bright to my eyes. He removed the rest of the restraints as I

caught my breath. “You’re amazing.” He said with a sweet kiss. I watched him, in awe as he went to the dressing table and retrieved a bottle of water for me. He had took off his jeans and it was obvious how he still needed his own release, his cock stood proud as he walked over to me. With renewed confidence, I reached for it instead of the bottle of water he offered. I was rewarded with the unexpected look of shock on his face. With a dry mouth and feeling exhausted I started by sucking and licking his head, the expression on his face gave me new energy. He had given me so much attention, he deserved so much more from me, even

though I really could have just lay there, basking in the sublime peace he gave me. Kneeling on the bed I offered myself to him and opened wide as he held my hair and fucked my mouth. After a few deep thrusts where I lifted my chin and swallowed him completely his voice was husky, “Lay down, sweetheart.” Immediately I obeyed a frisson of excitement rushing through my belly. “Are you gonna fuck me now Gus, like you promised?” I dared. “No pet, I’m not going to fuck you. I’m going to do something I’ve never done in here before.” I felt my face drop and he must have too as he lay down beside me, looking deep into my eyes. “No darlin’,

I’m not gonna fuck you, I’m going to make love to my Chosen.” His mouth surrounded mine with the slow deep kisses that make you want to go fast and slow at the same time. He stroked my hair as I explored his body with my hands. As we lay on our sides facing each other, I imagined that the whole world had come down to just the two of us, in this room. As I reached down and held him in my hand, I hooked my leg over his body and pulled us closer together. I pulled myself closer still, so he was almost tipping inside me. “I want you, Gus.” I breathed as I moved further,

pushing him onto his back and myself on top of him. He could have stopped me and I knew I was being out of line as his subdominant to be so forward. But he was letting me, and this wasn’t about any domination games, this felt deeper now. Last time I tried to take control, he had me on my back in seconds. But now he was watching with hooded eyes, allowing me to take him inside me at my pace. The explosion within me came from nowhere, but seconds later, as gently as he could, he moved us until I was on my back with my legs wrapped around him as he moved inside me. “Jeysus, Skye, you are mine.” He spoke softly in

between deep kisses. He made love to me – not a furious fuck, but we made love with the passion of two soul mates exploring each other. It wasn’t long until I was screaming yet another release. I felt it when he came inside me. His whole body shuddered and he moaned my name. After, once he retrieved a blanket from the wardrobe he lay back on the bed and pulled me close. I don’t know how long we lay there, but we stared into each other’s eyes the whole time. He was first and only one to break the silence, just as I was falling asleep. He spoke so softly I didn’t think he intended for me to hear. “Skye, you’re so beautiful. You’re my

own goddess. You’re my glowing Chosen.” Lying there, in his arms, I drifted off to a deep sleep as he stroked my hair.

Chapter Forty Five Skye I didn’t know what time it was when I woke, but I had hazy memories of being lifted and taken from one bed and into another. I opened my eyes and looked around. This was the room from the first night I’d ever visited the mansion. Gus was behind me, spooning me, with a protective arm around me even in his sleep. I didn’t believe the whole story he said about vampires not needing much sleep – I’ve seen him sleep plenty. A yawn escaped me and Gus’ response,

even in sleep, was to pull me closer. Maybe he does feel the same about me as I do for him. I didn’t know where we were heading but maybe in a day or two, things would calm down and he’d be alright with the idea of me going back to my work. I understood why he thought offering me a job with the events side at Club Crimson – which still hadn’t really started – might have been an idea. Not the idea. And definitely not the solution. A kiss found its way to my shoulder, “Morning, sweetheart.” He murmured. “Have a good sleep?” “Yeah, I did.” As I stretched I continued, “And what about Mr-Vampire-Who-Says-He-Doesn’tSleep, how was yours?” As I stretched, I

felt exactly how awake he was and I couldn’t resist accidentally stretching myself against it. He laughed darkly, “Not satisfied?” he grabbed my hips and slid straight into me from behind, having me panting within seconds. He slid one hand around to rub my clit at the same time. Within minutes I was arching my back and calling his name. Once I came, he pulled himself out of me, still hard. I went to touch him but he moved out of reach and kissed me chastely, “I’m afraid that’s a promise we’ll have to come back to pet. Your guest is arriving soon, and I have a business meeting I must go to. If we really start to play I’ll stay here and fuck

you raw.” I moaned approvingly, stretching to hold him in my hand. “Can’t we play AND do our other stuff?” He jumped out of the bed and took the covers with him. “Maybe I’ll just lie here naked all day.” He stood over me, teasingly stroking his own cock. “Maybe I’ll just watch you laying there naked.” So I did something I never imagined I would in front of someone, I opened my legs and slid one hand down to rub my clit. “If you’re going to do that, what’s stopping me just laying here and playing with myself all day?”

His face changed and he jumped onto me, pinning both my hands above my head with one of his. With mock seriousness he joked, “That’s my cunt, if you’re going to cum; I’m going to be there. No strokey-strokey without me.” I giggled at him. “Well then, no sucky-sucky for you without me.” Feeling emboldened I went on, “And while we’re at it no fuckyfucky for you without me too.” The mood changed from fun to serious, his eyes searching mine for doubts, “Never Skye. I’ve told you that you’re my Chosen, whether you decide to accept my vow. Even if you don’t, I will

still honour you with my body.” His body was so close to me again, and I could feel his cock sandwiched between my belly and his. He released one of my hands, allowing me to stroke his face. “I know. I can feel it. Last night wasn’t just sex for either of us. This is all so fast it’s making my head spin but I can’t deny what I feel for you Gus.” He leaned into my hand as I held it to his cheek. I reached to his neck and pulled his lips to mine. Dianne arrived shortly after we had made it downstairs. I kissed Gus good bye with the promise of returning to the mansion by mid-afternoon. Dianne all

but bounced out to the car, matched only by Lulu’s enthusiasm once I got settled. I had barely buckled my seat belt before the questions started. She was still bouncing as she drove us back into the city. “Well, it seems you pair have made up then… is it official? What did he say? What did you say? What did you have to eat? Did he cook? Nah, he wouldn’t have? What did yous order in?” I laughed as she kept going. “C’mon Skye, Andy wouldn’t tell me a thing about leaving you out here last night. NOT. ONE. THING. I’m dying here – what happened?!” “Ok, ok, ok.” I relented, “Dianne, do you ever actually breathe? Maybe now’s a

good time to start!” Breathing deeply I continued, “Yes, we’ve resolved things. Yes, he cooked. Yes, we had a lovely time. And YES, that’s all I’m telling you.” Even Lulu got involved in the excitement, pawing up at me and licking my face – which I never actually liked, but appreciated the sentiment. “So, we need to leave Lulu back in with Abbie and then I’ll pick up my car. I really need to pop back to my flat but I can’t be bothered right now, I’ll just make my way back to Gus’.” “Righty-oh. You remember the way back?” Then after a few moments, she continued, “I can get your stuff if you want?” Dianne, though we’d only met

recently I could already see she would be a good friend. She obviously had sussed that I didn’t really want to go back to the apartment yet. Either that or she had second guessed what I wasn’t going to tell her. I had kind of promised Gus before I left that I wouldn’t go alone, until the Cora situation had calmed down. “Nah, it’s ok.” I reassured her. Turning my attention to Lulu, I scratched her head just the way she liked, right behind her ear. As she leaned into the scratching session, I talked to her. “Well, Miss Lulu, you’ve got to go back to Abbie now. I’m going to miss you, you wee rat. But you’ll have plenty of chances to poo

on my sister’s kitchen floor, so you have your orders now – you know what to do.” Dianne and I laughed easily. “It wouldn’t be fair because poor Lulu would take the blame, but how would your sister react to some Irish Wolfhound size poo on her kitchen floor? I could sneak in and out in a flash. I’m sure Andy would be up for it too. I bet Abbie would be seriously confused!” Dianne’s mock-serious tone made me laugh. I got the impression she was only half-joking. Ten minutes later we arrived at Abbie’s house. Dianne offered to wait until I handed the dog over and was in my own car before driving away.

When I wouldn’t give in and insisted that she went on to whatever she had planned for the day, she gave in. “Well, I can’t stalk you, so I’ll leave you to it… only if you’re sure.” When I said, again, that I was, she finally relented. “OK, so you’ll need this – you remember the way back to Gus’ but you’ll not see the entry without this little boy-oh.” Dianne reached into the pocket of her jacket and handed me a rope necklace with a golden pendant on it. She saw my reaction to the shape. “Yeah, thought you might have seen that before. Gimme a text if you need anything, and let me know you get back to Gus’ house alright?” It was typical of Abbie, I

knocked the door – even though I still had keys. Yet, even though we’d agreed to meet now, she wasn’t at home. Knowing her, she’d went out last night and was still laying in some stranger’s house drinking, or worse. In fact, I knew that was exactly what she’d done. The hall light was still on like she leaves it when she goes out. Poor Lulu. I had the bag of Lulu’s bits and pieces in one arm and Lulu in the other. Lulu was sniffing the air furiously and I barely held onto her as I opened the front door, and let the dog in. She wanted to run straight out the door

again, and I only managed to catch her in time by dropping the dog food… oops, sorry about the mess Abbie. What a pity you weren’t here to let me in. Don’t blame you Lulu, I wouldn’t want to be here either. I didn’t put Lulu in the utility room as Abbie always wants when the poor thing is home alone. I left Lulu roam the house, locked the front door and jumped into my car. As I made my way from Abbie’s to the petrol station, I realised I had forgot to mention the detour to Gus but it was only five minutes out of the way and the fuel gauge on my rusty old Punto wasn’t exactly reliable. Without the fuel stop I was 50-50 on whether I would actually

reach Gus’ in the first place. I hung the necklace around the rear mirror in the middle of my window, I thought about the first time I’d seen that tattoo on Gus’ arm: our first night together. When I left that night, I had thought it was a pentagram… a bit weird maybe, but I didn’t think too deeply on it. I paid for the fuel on a credit card that I knew I couldn’t pay right now and made my way onwards. Since that first time I’ve seen all his tattoos. This inside arm one is more of a triangular/hexagonal combination than a pentagram. Kind of like a Star of David with a line going around the outside touching each point. I hadn’t given it much significance until

now. If it’s cast in gold on a necklace and I somehow need it to get back to his home – then it has to be important for something.

Chapter Forty Six Gus Skye had barely left when my phone beeped. I checked it, half expecting the message to be some sort of cheeky quip from Skye. It wasn’t. It was a message from Cora that simply said three words: I’ve got her. Without even thinking I threw my phone into the wall, tiny pieces of plastic flew everywhere. Great, now how am I supposed to phone Skye to check if Cora is even telling the truth? Anger pulsed through me, an emotion

that I had spent decades, no, centuries trying to control. Cora and the anger she drew from me was the reason I lost Selwyn, she will not be the reason I loose Skye. I will kill Cora. It shouldn’t have, but the thought calmed me. I would watch as the “life” finally left Cora, and I would be satisfied because it would be at my hands. Rage blinded me and the room was no longer my kitchen, I was back at my Father’s house in the New York. The vampire who turned me had acquired a homestead and brought Selwyn and myself to it. Cora was an Irish immigrant who came to the serve Father. Even then she was a manipulative little bitch. She

allowed Father to take her, pretending to be younger than her age, knowing it made her more appealing to him and the conquest so much the sweeter. Perhaps she had heard the other servants warning each other not to be caught alone with him, for fear of the advantages he would take. It was no secret he took her to his bedchamber and it wasn’t long before she was claiming that Father had put a baby in her belly. She had visions of becoming the lady of the house. She did not know he was a vampire and that the probability of that was nigh on zero. Selwyn had discovered her only months before and taking pity on her, advocated

to Father that he let her serve us. Such a pretty, coy, young thing – he jumped at the chance. Cora had assumed that Selwyn and I were Father’s genetic sons, so to her it was obvious he could father another son. When she discovered that neither Selwyn nor myself were his blood, and he had never fathered any children she rethought her strategy. When Selwyn had found a love of his own and was due to be wed, Cora thought it was an opportunity for Father to wed her too. He was not backward in what he thought of this preposterous idea. Suddenly, she “confessed” her baby was the product of rape… by Selwyn. Father hadn’t even

cared. Worse still, he was ambivalent that the child was a complete fabrication and her baby never appeared. She had still allowed Father to do unspeakable things to her that the even local whores would not permit. It was only when Cora uncovered our true nature and tried to blackmail us that Father reacted. In a temper, he idly threatened to drain Cora, but soft hearted Selwyn; even after everything she had accused him of, begged Father not to kill her. His affection for the pretty face that was willing to please him was untold of. He conceded that he would not kill her; instead we would move to another location where she would be kept

locked in her chambers, and Selwyn’s sweetheart would die in her place. After all, he had been the one to bring her into our homestead so he was due punishment. The truth was Father wanted a reason to get rid of Selwyn, seeing him as not a true vampire with too much humanity remaining in him. Even I tried to talk to Selwyn, to hide the human he had taken as a wife rather. Incensed, Selwyn disappeared one day, leaving me a letter saying that the homestead was no longer his home and not to look for him. He said that I had lost touch with the preciousness of life. He said that he no longer recognised me, as his brother by

blood, and without the humanitarian side of me, he had no alliance to staying with Father. The biggest blow to me was that he said I should have allowed father to return him to the Maker if it was to save even one life – even if that one life was Cora’s. Father’s inspired decision when Selwyn left was to turn his little mistress so she would remain ageless forever, and of course, as a vampire herself how could she blackmail us anymore? Lost in my thoughts, pent up rage, guilt and renewed grief on losing my brother, overflowed. The sharp pain in my hand was the only thing that brought be back to the present.

I looked around my kitchen in horror: pots, pans, crockery and even jars of food lay broken around the kitchen, even the coffee table I had sat on last night lay upside down and a leg had been broken off. The television screen was shattered and parts of the wall had turned to rubble. My hands did not look my own: bruised and broken, covered in blood and shaking. Numb, I sat on the floor. For the first time since my birth father passed, I cried tears of sheer terror. My instincts reacted before I knew what I was doing. A vicious snarl broke from my throat and my fangs pulsed, wanting to tear whatever had broken me from my pain.

A pale faced Skye looked through the kitchen window in absolute panic. “Gus?” She rushed through the back door and in to me, reaching for my hands and removing a long shard of glass that had become embedded in my palm. Tears refused to stop and I never felt more childlike. She was perfection: her aura glowed with subtle tones of purple and blue. She was worried for me, but wanted to comfort me. She never asked what had happened, but comforted me and cleaned my already healing wounds. She cleared a space on the sofa and sat me down. She poured me a glass of my whiskey and tentatively gave it to me. When I

took it from her and drank deeply she nodded, taking her phone to call someone and try to clear up some of the damage. As she bustled around, she stopped to kiss me on the forehead. A small voice from somewhere within me made itself heard to her: “I thought I’d lost you before I’d even claimed you.”

Chapter Forty Seven Skye I didn’t know what the hell had happened but I knew two things for certain: if there had been a fight, the other person’s body would have been there; there had to have been a very bad reason why the most of Gus’ phone was laying in three large pieces on the kitchen floor. I heard the devastation before I seen it. The kitchen was completely destroyed. Even the granite worktops had be smashed – he must have done it all with his bare hands.

The look on Gus’ face when I looked through the window almost broke my heart. For all the strength, confidence, cocky male that was Gus, I saw a haunted boy in his eyes. Even now I didn’t ask what had happened. I knew it had to have been bad though. I called the only person who I had a contact number for that could help. Dianne said she’d get Andy immediately and that she would get him to come straight over. Gus’ only words had been “I thought I’d lost you before I’d even claimed you.” So this disaster all must have something to do with me. When I cleared away as much of the wreckage as possible I sat down beside Gus. Once I sat down he took my hand and held it in both his

hands. Within five minutes of sitting down, I heard the car speed along the gravel. I heard a door open, close and then footsteps running towards the back door. I closed my other hand over Gus’, so try to prempt if seeing someone new would trigger a reaction. “Hey boss, what’s happ…” Andy’s eyebrows shot up and he stopped mid word. So this isn’t a regular occurrence then. Gus didn’t respond or even react to Andy; he just turned towards me and said those same words again. “I thought I’d lost you before I’d even claimed you.” When I had tried to clean up, I managed

to salvage the sim card from Gus’ phone. Andy was now completely dumbfounded at the scene in front of him and looking to me for an answer. So I gave him the only one I had, reaching into my pocket I retrieved my only clue. “I think this has something to do with it.”

Chapter Forty Eight Skye One quick phone call later and Andy had removed the sim card from his phone, replacing it with the one I had just given him – Gus’. There was a pin number but that didn’t bother Andy, apparently he knows everything about Gus. A moment later and Andy snarled. “Fucking Cora – she text him saying that she had you.” Before I reacted another beep came through. “Jeysus, it’s just as well he hadn’t seen this.” Andy knelt in front of us, when I had went to get us, Gus held firmer to my hands, as if letting

go meant I might disappear. The image that popped up on the screen made my stomach lurch. A brunette with swollen eyes and a split lip. The message simply read: Your bitch isn’t so pretty now, brother. I swallowed back the bile that rose in my throat, “She’s not trying to say that’s me?” I lifted my head, listening, “Who’s that?” Andy answered my question but differed directly to Gus who was still silent. “Hey boss, the guys are coming over.” Raising his head to me Andy spoke quickly. “Guess you’re going to meet the rest of the Pack’s Four Brothers. Don’t

worry; they’re every bit as loyal to Gus as I am. I recruited them all myself and I stand over each of them, as they would me.” He was right to tell me not to worry, Quinn and Bran both looked like the kind of guys you see bareknuckle scrapping on the internet. Quinn didn’t speak very much and Bran spoke less. As confident as Quinn appeared, surveying the room, eyes absorbing everything, Bran appeared nervous, fidgeting and playing with his phone. They were both huge guys and spoke in thick, County Derry accents. The both firmly shook my one hand that Gus had released from his hold. Gus was returning to us, he was

still looking intently at me but had started drawing little circles in my hand with his finger. “Hi Sur, wat’s goin’ on? Da fuck happened in here, hi?” Bran followed with a quick “What about ye?” I looked up and saw the fourth “brother” a petite blonde. She came over and gave me the same firm handshake of the others, “Y’alright? I’m Rose.” She was not what I expected at all, but I did see the family resemblance. “You’re not Dianne’s sister, are you?”

“Aye, I’m the pretty one.” She joked. And it was true, even with the long scar running from her temple down along her cheek close to her ear. Andy gave them a quick rundown of what we understood so far. Unsurprisingly, they were all already aware of my run in with Cora, and these had been the folks keeping an eye out for me. “If ye were a shifter I’d be saying to Andy here that you should be in the pack, Skye. Fair play to ya, wish I got the chance to do the same. We could do with a few more of us wemen in the ranks.” Rose joked. Hmm, humour as a defence mechanism… I thought absentmindedly.

No one else dared laugh as Gus had turned around to stare at her. Her eyes shot down to the ground. “No offence Gus, I just mean…” “I know what you mean; my Skye has the heart of a warrior goddess.” The group collectively let out a breath they had been holding. “But Skye is not to be put in danger at any cost. She is my Chosen and you will respect that. She is to be defended with your lives if needs be.” They all nodded, as if it was something they’d already accepted and agreed to. My stomach fell; “I can’t be the cause of someone else getting harmed!” I inhaled deeply as I felt a bit faint at the thought.

“Even thinking about whomever that might be in the photo…” “I wouldn’t worry,” Andy said. “My guess is that she’s only sent a picture from her library. Sick.” He opened the image again on the phone, his lips formed a sneer. “Aye, that’s the kind of thing she does on an average night out.” “Can I take another look?” I asked. Then I recognised the earrings. “Oh my god, that’s Abbie.”

Chapter Forty Nine Gus “What? It can’t be sweetheart.” I rubbed Skye’s back to try to soothe her. Then an ice cold feeling crept down my back. “Andy, am I right in thinking that the watch was scaled down last night since Skye decided to stay here?” Silence fell around the room. “Aye, that’s right boss. Bran set up a camera that streamed an image every thirty seconds to one of the screens in the club’s security office. Here, Bran, bring up last night’s feed on your phone. You can do that that can’t you?”

“The fella’s a nerd, a’course he can.” Bran’s thumbs tapped across his touch screen. “Wh.. What time do you want me to go from?” He stuttered. Gus responded easily, “Skye, what time did you get the message from Abbie yesterday?” All eyes looked at me whilst I fumbled with my phone. Suddenly my fingers wouldn’t do what I wanted, and I smiled gratefully as Gus took over. A couple of smooth movements later and he gave the answer. Bran apologised that the image was so small on the screen of his Galaxy and

looked to the television as if he was about to say something, then, thankfully, he said nothing about the huge shattered screen. “Fuck!” Bran was the only one to see it the first time, but when he played back a couple of images, it showed a woman getting into a taxi, then the woman and the taxi driver out of the taxi, the woman returning to the taxi, then the taxi driving away. “Boss, I’m sorry, I didn’t see this last night.” He checked the time stamp, “Yeah, this was the same time I was watching that new barman on the security camera. I think he’s the one skimming credit cards from drunken customers.”

“Count yourself lucky Skye is sitting here and not in that picture, otherwise I would be looking for a wolfhound rug.” Skye’s aura had turned yellow with fear, “What will she do to Abbie?” The Pack looked to me, they had their thoughts as I did, but they deferred to me to answer my Chosen. “Gus, she won’t kill her, will she?” Her eyes were glassy and she was trying hard not to blink or show any weakness in front of the pack, but this was still her sister, her blood. The fear for her sister’s wellbeing resonated with me, and yet again I wondered where Selwyn was – he really would approve of Skye.

“I can’t promise what she’d do, pet. She’s unstable – she always has been. Right now though she thinks Abbie is you and that’s probably the only thing keeping her alive.” A thought sparked in the back of my head. “There’s only one way to get Abbie back safely. I’ll phone Cora and agree to her terms.” Suddenly, not one of the Pack wanted to be in the same room as me when I’d have to explain this to Skye. “You’d better give me that phone, Andy. I need to make a call to Cora from it.”

Chapter Fifty Gus It wasn’t easy trying to evade Skye’s questions. Right now, I needed her to trust that my plan would work. Rose and Skye went into the dining room whilst Bran and Quinn made a start of clearing out the heavier broken items in the kitchen. Andy hovered around me, pacing up and down in the study, shaking his head disapprovingly. “Cora, I got the messages.” “Did you like your pretty little human’s face now? I haven’t tasted her blood yet,

but I hate to spoil that surprise for you – it doesn’t smell as good as you’d hope.” Her sing-song voice grated over me. “Does your “Chosen” have a drinking problem?” “Don’t hurt her.” “It’s a teeny-weeny bit late for that, didn’t you see the pictures?” “Don’t put one more finger on her.” “Oh, I didn’t touch that slut at all.” She sounded almost bored, but I knew she loved every second of this, thinking she was torturing me into a weaker position. “But I had a really great time watching

Teagan do her thing.” “I know what you really want Cora, and I’ll agree. One condition: let Skye go… unharmed.” When Father died he had left the entirety of his assets to me, his final little fuck-you to Cora when he finally realised it was her who had been slowly poisoning him in an attempt to get his riches, my own little fuck-youCora came soon after, when I donated all his estate to the local orphan’s home. I didn’t want a penny from him. “Yippee, we’re engaged! Well, I suppose you’ve given your word so I just let her leave right now then.” Sarcasm dripped down the phone. “Do

you think I’m fucking stupid, little brother? We’ll do the ceremony first, and then I’ll let that dirty cunt go to fuck the rest of Derry. Do you know she’s pretending she doesn’t even know who you are? How’s that for loyalty?” Shrill laughter echoed down the phone as she gloated. My patience was running thinner with Cora by the second. I needed to end the phone call before I said something I meant. “I’ll meet you at the scared stone tonight at midnight. Bring her with you. Do you agree or not?”

Chapter Fifty One In a warehouse “I’m fucking telling you, I have no idea who this Gus dickhead is. I don’t give two fucks about him – I don’t even give a fuck about him. Now are you thick or what?” Teagan had to admit, there were few, if any that she could recall that had ever stuck to a story as wholeheartedly as this one. Especially after the tactics Cora had allowed her to use for persuasion. “Aww, it doesn’t matter sweetheart,” Cora cooed, “He doesn’t want you

anymore anyway. Aww, diddums… your boyfriend chose me, his sister, over you in the end up.” Although her face was swollen and bloody, disgust poured over the woman’s contemptuous expression. “That would explain you being a psycho then. Were your ma and da brother and sister then? Ye fucked up inbred bitch.” Vile comments spewed from her mouth as blood trickled down from her split lip. “Sweetheart,” Cora continued, without taking any notice of the woman’s hatred, “I promised I’d return you, so that’s what I’ll do. But you’re my little

bonus… I said nothing about whether you’d still be human or not. So even if he squirms out of our agreement, there’s no way he’s going to want you once I make you my daughter.” Teagan’s eyebrows lifted in shock at this revelation, in the decades that she knew Cora and the opportunities they’ve had in the past, Cora had never once implied she would turn a human. Hurt at not being privy to this plan and jealousy grew in Teagan’s chest. Maybe her suspicions about Cora were right: maybe she really did have deeper feelings for Augustus than for Teagan. Cora would have to involve the Priestess so she must truly either love or hate the human

woman, which was doubtful, or love or hate Augustus. If she had hated him, she would have not followed him back to Londonderry. Unware of Teagan’s thoughts, Cora spoke as she walked towards the door. “Get the woman prepared, Teagan. I need to phone Sinead to ready the coven.” Without another word, nor a look to Teagan, Cora left, already with her phone in her hand. Teagan was relieved that human woman would have been unable to see as angry tears spilled from Teagan’s eyes when heard Cora laugh easily on the phone as she spoke with Sinead.

Chapter Fifty Two Skye When Gus gave a protracted look to each of the Four Brothers of the pack, everyone made excuses and left us alone in the dining room. We sat down at the table where we had dined last night. The roses and their glorious scent still filled the room but knowing my sister was being held by Cora made them feel like funeral flowers. Gus wanted to explain his plan to me, as much as he would. The biggest detail he said was that he had come to a trading

agreement with Cora but that he would never fulfil what he had agreed to; he just needed her to believe he would until he got Abbie to safety. It was clear that he had no real emotion about Abbie, but rather that Cora had used my family to get to him and that she had taken someone from me. Part of me thought he could have walked away happily and left Abbie to her fate, but the effort was for me alone so that I could have my sister back. He took both my hands in his and interlinked our fingers. “You know that I’ve never thought of taking a Chosen before, and you’re the only female I’ve ever uttered the words to.” he said, more

of a statement than a question. “If something goes wrong or you hear anything that implies different, I need you to know this is the truth. You are mine and I am yours – yours alone, pet.” I felt like I should respond but he silenced me by squeezing my hands and continued, “No, pet, I need to say this. You have become my everything – I can’t explain it and I have never followed the love affairs of others closely enough to know if this is how it normally is for vampires. There was a time, once, that I wanted to believe that love was real, for my brother and his beloved, but I had to watch as that was ripped away from

them. Seeing his pain was the impetus for me to close the door to the idea of love.” I didn’t know how to process this, so I sat and listened, knowing he needed to speak and that these had been words he had held within for a very long time. “Please, please trust me when I say that you need to stay here, Skye.” He begged. “The Four Brothers will come with me to meet Abbie later and to surround the area. Dianne is on her way here, she is the strongest and the only other I would trust to protect you. I need to know what you’re safe within these walls, pet, the thought of you anywhere near Cora or what she has planned would be too much – it’s too dangerous.” It was clear that I

was not to go out and I could hear the importance of this, I appreciated that he was asking and imploring me to stay here rather than demanding or assuming I would. We sat together in silence for a while, holding hands over the table. I could see Gus was debating with himself whether to tell me more details or not, but at some point he had made his decision. “Dianne’s here.” Gus escorted me back towards the kitchen where Rose and Bran were finishing up some clearing up. I heard the crunch of another car arriving along the gravel drive and lights shinning into the kitchen.

Soon after, Dianne came in with three large bags of what my nose told me was Chinese food. Rose took them from her and made her way into the dining room where Bran went to join the others. Dianne gave me a full bear hug. “Fuck, Skye. I can’t believe what’s going on. Gus will get her back.” “I know.” I said, genuinely taken back at the comfort I felt from her embrace. “He will, it’s just… I don’t really know what to do with myself.” “All you need to do is watch some TV with me and the guys do their thing.”

I couldn’t much food. I’d always been the one to take Abbie away from danger – getting an odd stray slap in the process, but Cora was a loose cannon and Abbie was in more danger now than she’d ever been… and it was because of me. When it was time for them to leave, Gus took me to the side and kissed me gently. “I’ll be back before you know it and I’ll have Abbie with me. She’ll be safe, pet.” He offered a comforting smile. “Now, stay here and try not to worry.” I looked into his eyes and nodded; suddenly worry that something might go wrong made me feel sick. “Pet, don’t you worry, we’ll be back before you

now it.” I trusted his intentions, but I did not want to underestimate Cora. Anxious as I was, I didn’t miss how nervous Dianne seemed around Quinn. Of all the shifters, he was the only one she didn’t hug and he seemed a little awkward around her too – not the confident man he had been earlier when I met him. I made a mental note to try to tease that out of her later. About an hour after they’d left, I filled the silence with a couple of gentle leading questions about the Four Brothers. All Dianne would explain was how Rose became a Brother as their older brother had been badly injured in a

motorcycle accident; he was fine now but could no longer serve as one of the Pack’s elite. I was impressed at Gus, Andy and the Pack’s forward thinking in what must have been a male dominated role to allow Rose to take her brother’s place. It also confirmed to me that there was a genetic element to the We’d settled in to sitting in silence again, worrying about what was going on when Dianne broke the silence. “I think you’re being really brave. If my fella was out there and had pretended to agree to that crazy bitch that he’d marry her, I would be out there ripping…” “WHAT?!” I bounced off the sofa and

ready to punch something. “THAT’s his plan?”

Chapter Fifty Three Skye Her face fell. “Fuck, no, I’ve probably got the wrong end of the stick. No, no, that’s not what he’s doing.” “The hell it is…” with that I grabbed my shoes and made my way to the door before Dianne could say anything more. Dianne caught up with me in seconds, begging. “Please, please, we can’t go out there. I’ve been commanded to keep you safe, here.” But I was having none of it; I was already reaching for a coat at the back door. She reached for my arm to

try to stop me. I knew I was playing unfair but I didn’t care. I squared up to her, “How’re you gonna stop me then Dianne? I’m sure Gus would be delighted to hear that you tried to physically restrain me?” Looking from her hand to my arm to her face I continued. “Take your fucking hand of me, or I swear to God I’ll tell him you hurt me.” Dianne paled. “I’m going out there. Now. With or without you. If you want to do anything, you’ll help me get to the sacred stone in one piece.” I hated that I had played it like this, I could see the betrayal all over her face, as badly as if I had struck her. I

sighed. “I’m sorry, I don’t want it to be like this, Dianne and you’ve been a good friend to me. Help me, please.” “You really love him, don’t you?” “I can’t believe I’m saying this so soon, but yes, with all my heart.” “Fuck’s sake, Skye. You’re going to get me into so much trouble.” With that she reached for her own coat. “Let’s go then, but you do exactly what I say. We will watch from afar and only, only from where I say. I know he’s not going to go through with it, but if I was you, I’d want to be out there too.” I threw my arms around her and thanked her. With that we

locked the back door of the house and took the keys with us.

Chapter Fifty Four At the Sacred Stone Teagan had prepared the woman as best she could whilst the woman was conscious and fought everything with such venom. Teagan was surprised at how weak the woman actually was, given all the words spilling from her mouth. By the time they got to the stone, Teagan had wished she had a gag for the woman, then again, once the change ceremony was started, the woman would soon shut up. Teagan took the woman to a hedgerow

near the sacred stone a little while ago where they met Cora, Sinead and two of her servants. Cora instructed the two servants to strip the woman to prepare her for the ceremony. Now so vastly outnumbered, the woman was quiet and had started to shake: fear, cold – no one cared which. When the woman was naked, her hands were tied behind her back with a trail of rope used as a lead to keep her on. “The Priestess is on her way.” Cora spoke, her voice full of anticipation. This was the culmination of centuries of hoping and waiting for the opportunity to finally secure herself in a lifestyle she wanted. Once Augustus and she were joined,

there was no reversal. Turning his bitch of a girlfriend would be her insurance. This “Chosen” would be her daughter – ensuring that Gus would no longer want her, and even if he did, he couldn’t have her. If he was caught with this woman again, Cora could seek justice by having one or both of them killed. Turing her to vampire just lengthened the time Cora could hold the woman and Gus hostage. Silently, and only ever to herself, would she ever admit that it had felt really good to destroy the one female she’d ever seen Gus become interested in… after all, Cora was beautiful, far smarter and a much better match for him. It was just a pity he took so long to realise it. “Whilst

you are still human, you will fill your living body with the immortal blood I will share.” Cora spoke theatrically; the significance of the ceremony was not lost on her. She wanted the human to take her blood first – voluntarily. This would be the woman’s last act of denial to Gus. Cora retrieved the small silver dagger she had taken from her Father’s pocket the night he went to the Gods. Of course, she’d taken it from him earlier in the evening and it was her who had used it to dispatch the bastard. That made its sentimental value so much more, this was one of her favourite possessions. Opening her cloak, she revealed her naked body beneath. Sinead held the

chalice to Cora’s breast as Cora sliced her skin deeply to release the blood that flowed from within. A few moments later, the blood stopped and the wound was almost healed. Sinead offered the now half full chalice to Cora who handed it straight to Teagan. This was the first time she acknowledged Teagan’s part since she’d left the warehouse earlier. “I honour you with nourishing my daughter-to-be with my lifeblood.” It certainly was an honour and there were glances between the servants and Sinead’s face betrayed her feelings of the slight towards her. Teagan took her prize and moved

towards the woman who had now started to moan in fear. Cora went behind her, wrapping her arms around the woman, “Daughter-to-be, embrace that my blood will be inside you, and that yours will soon be within me. Then you shall go through the six days, if you pass the first three days with the god Donn, then he will give you safe passage to the goddess Ana in her realm.” Cora stroked the woman from behind, “If the gods so will it, if you awaken, you will then be my daughter. I will drain you completely and fill you with my blood. You will be nothing to Gus… and he will mean nothing to you.”

With renewed anger, Cora grabbed the woman’s hair with one hand pulling her head back, and used the other to pull the woman’s mouth open. She nodded to Teagan who poured the red liquid from the chalice into the woman’s mouth – she tried not to swallow but as Teagan had instructed one of the servants to hold the woman’s nose closed, there was no other option for her and most of the blood disappeared down with a gurgle. Moments after the first few swallows made their way down the woman was drinking readily, such was the aphrodisiac powers of vampire blood. Her moans of delight sickened Teagan. When the chalice was empty and the

woman stood weakly, supported now by Cora, the woman had the audacity to lick her lips to get the last taste of Cora’s blood. Cora took a deep satisfaction in knowing that this was the first vampire blood the woman had taken – humans physically craved the blood of their first, clearly Gus had not shared with her… silly boy. Even if she was to decide not to complete the ceremony, the woman would yearn for Cora and no one else. Teagan’s eyes were filled again with tears that she fought hard to hide but those gathered could easily see them in the darkness. It was in kindness only to Teagan that Sinead chose to politely

ignore what she seen and already knew.

Chapter Fifty Five Gus Before Andy, Quinn, Rose and Bran shifted I wanted to confirm some final instructions. “Andy, Quinn, you’re with me. Rose, Bran you keep a perimeter in the bushes. No one leaves without my permission, and if it all goes to shit, go back to the house kill anyone who you even think might be a threat to Skye – protect her with your lives.” Four voices in unison replied to me with the same determination and reverence, “Yes, boss.” With that, I heard the usual

running and ripping – the guys always shifted mid run when in a potential situation, it was safest. He could still see where each was, including Rose and Bran who had already separated and making wide circle around him, Andy and Quinn. As they walked closer to the sacred stone, he could see that Cora was making her way over there also. From the distance I could see the Priestess coming from the hedgerow. Closer to the stone was Cora’s entourage. I knew Teagan would be there. Sinead was tagging along with a couple of her servants. A woman, who I assumed must have been Abbie was in tow. I was relieved that she was still

alive, but I growled when I realised her aura. Abbie was calm, serene even. I also seen flickers of pleasure and lust within her aura, although I couldn’t be sure because she was still far away but a cold dread crept within me. Cora had given her blood. Cora was going to turn her. This will break Skye’s heart. A strong nose nudged my arm, standing tall and walking nimbly beside me, Andy. “Yeah, you’ve seen Abbie too then.” I patted the top of his square head, “I know. Cora never did play by the rules.” I conceded. He growled quietly; a sound that echoed within Quinn at my other side and ripped to the two shifters in the distance.

When we all met at the sacred stone, Cora looked triumphant, she took every opportunity to say how much my “Chosen” had denied even knowing me, and was still ignoring me. She laughed easily, the sound grating against every inch of my flesh. Abbie was still consumed with the vampire blood she must have recently ingested. Her wounds were healing well and she was following the conversation as a bystander, not someone wondering if they would still be alive in ten minutes. The way she watched Cora, I knew it was her blood that Abbie had been given – initially forced would have been my

guess. As the Priestess arrived, I watched as her aura flickered with lust when she took in Abbie’s presence: naked body with not even the slightest bit of embarrassment or loss of dignity. Cora was not going to get to keep her new pet, and now I was uncertain if I was going to be able to return to her Skye either. Knowing that the Priestess was here I knew that I had to work fast, she was known for her impatience. I met Cora’s eyes with ease, speaking calmly, “Cora, you’ve made a huge mistake here. I’m afraid that’s not my Chosen.” Her laugh cloyed over me again. “I’m serious, Cora, look at her – do you think that I’d

vow myself to that?” Everyone looked to Abbie who was now staring doe-eyed at Cora, smiling childishly when she realised Cora was paying her any attention. Cora carried on with her tirade about how I had vowed myself to a human who thought nothing of me and that once we’d be mated, that I could complete the ceremony that would turn my human… we could use her in our little games together. The Priestess had grown irritated and interrupted Cora mid-sentence, inwardly I laughed as I knew the Priestess was about the only vampire could wipe the

smile of Cora’s face. “The Queen will be furious if I have been requested here tonight for no good reason. Cora, what do you have to say?” Cora was silent. Cora’s bravado faltered when the Priestess became exasperated. Hidden beneath her ceremonial cloak, the old woman’s face was concealed but the fury that rose within her was almost palpable. “Augustus: do you renounce your claim to this human as your Chosen?” “No.”

Chapter Fifty Six The Sacred Stone Cora looked triumphant, her eyes shone with excitement. “Priestess, Augustus had agreed to forsake his human and to take me as his Chosen. He is confused after seeing her again. We would be honoured if you would perform the Mating Ceremony tonight.” “Cora, you are deaf? He just said “no”.” the Priestess made a swatting motion towards her, dismissing Cora. “Augustus, why do you not renounce your claim to this human?”

Gus answered simply, “Because I have never made a claim to her. This woman was never my Chosen. Cora has kidnapped a human, an innocent to our world, and not only did she reveal us but has given her vampire blood. I believe Cora plans to take this woman as her daughter.” The Priestess already knew the woman had vampire blood within her, that was one thing, but to kidnap an innocent and give them blood without their understanding? The air around the Priestess turned icy cold. “Cora, is this true?” Although Cora denied it furiously, working herself into a frenzy towards

Gus, it was obvious what Cora had done. When the Priestess had heard quite enough, she glided over to Cora and the sharp smack of the slap she gave Cora echoed around the countryside and into the darkness. Cora whimpered back, and was instantly comforted by Teagan who was white with fear. Sinead and her servants took their leave, self-preservation being their primary goal. The Priestess faced Abbie. “Child,” She spoke with a softness that had not yet been heard, “Do you know Augustus?” “No, never met him before in my life.”

On this revelation, Cora turned to Teagan and snarled. “You told me you got the woman that Gus was with. How is it that you never do anything right?” Ignoring the outburst and turning to Abbie. “Which of these, Cora or Augustus, will you serve?” when Abbie was uncertain, the Priestess looked to Cora and continued to both Gus and Cora “This human has already taken Vampire blood. Who is this human to serve?” Gus became uncomfortable – he would not take Abbie as his daughter, and his only other option was as a blood servant. He would never do this as he had not, nor would not feed from another

since making his vow to Skye. As neither replied to the Priestess, she moved to back to Abbie. “It seems neither is now willing to have you as their daughter. Then it is decided, you shall serve me. You shall service my commune as a Halfling.” The Priestess began reciting an ancient prayer over Abbie. Gus was not thrilled at this idea, but as a Halfling, Abbie would remain alive. Cora wept openly, “You bastard, Gus, you will pay for this. I know this woman is your Chosen, she was taken from the house you collected her from only mere hours before.” Gus laughed, enjoying

how Cora had cracked. “No, that’s her sister. Once again you fucked up, Cora. Don’t expect me to extend any more family forgiveness to you. You are banished from all of my estate. You dared to try to kidnap my Skye when I warned you never to even touch her.” On hearing her sister’s name, Abbie inhaled quickly, “You’re the one Skye’s been fucking being James’ back!” Even with the deafening growls, it was only when Andy pawed at him that Gus released the grip around Abbie’s neck. Once he released, she croaked. “Glad it was James’ cock and not yours I had a little ride or two on. You’re a psycho bastard.” “You may be blooded with

Skye but there is no family or loyalty within your soul. She may never choose to be mine but I will show her more devotion than you can ever conceive.” Somewhere inside the tree line, Gus saw a huge bolt of purple and silver. He tried not to react on seeing it, but knew exactly who and what it was. Unfortunately, he was not the only one who had a talent for seeing such things and instantly he felt the intense scrutiny from the Priestess, she seemed very interested in this talent of his. Still naked but fighting with fervour, Abbie was taken to the side by the Priestess. The old woman simply lifted the withered that was grasping the rope

still tied to Abbie’s wrists, and on uttering an old incantation, Abbie became very compliant and stood calmly off to the side of the ancient vampire. “Augustus, Cora, Teagan, shifters, I believe we are being watched.” Raising her old voice so it carried over the countryside she continued. “The human and the shifter hiding will reveal themselves to me, otherwise Teagan, you will go to the treeline and bring the human to me.” The field went silent and everyone heard Gus curse under his breath.

Chapter Fifty Seven Gus The night lit up with Skye’s aura. I knew she had made her decision. Love pounded through my body and I couldn’t wait to hold my Chosen in my arms, knowing she accepted my vow. The colours in my peripheral vision changed and a warning screamed inside. The Priestess seen my reaction, and judging by the way her hood flicked between looking in my direction and where I could still see Skye’s aura like a neon light, it appeared that I wasn’t the only one who could read auras. Fuck.

I felt my body want to squirm with the intensity of the inspection I was under from the Priestess. She knew I saw Skye’s aura explode. She knew I could read auras. She would also know that this was Abbie’s sister. Perhaps Abbie’s aura would be as clear when it wasn’t subdued with vampire blood. She would want to take both human sisters. That wasn’t happening. Simple as that. She could do whatever she wanted with Abbie for all I cared, but Skye was a completely different matter. I would die right here to save her… after I killed Dianne myself for letting Skye come anywhere near here in the first place.

Skye and Diane walked forward. They looked so fragile compared to the Priestess who should have been the smallest and weakest. They were in real trouble. Everyone knew that the Priestess held true power: from the rituals, prayers, incantations and amount of Royal blood she had consumed along the way – she was one of the most powerful of our kind. I wanted Cora dead for bringing my Skye to her attention. Skye and Dianne walked slowly towards us, I heard low growls from Andy and the rest of the brothers, Rose snarled and Quinn, beside me, bared his teeth to the Priestess. The love and decision shown in Skye’s

aura still, but was marred by fear and concern, a glimmer of something else was there – she had an idea and hope flickered around the edges of her aura. As they approached, Teagan had to hold Cora back from running towards them, “Teagan, you will control Cora.” Teagan bowed to the Priestess and dragged Cora a little way away from the group before she would find herself further in the Priestess’ wrath. Her hood turned towards Skye, “You are the reason for all this: vampire plotting against vampire, fighting vampire, bringing the shifters into it too.” Somehow,

Skye

found

her

voice,

“Priestess, do what you will with me, but spare the vampire Augustus. I beg for mercy for both him and my sister, Abbie.” Abbie was standing, still naked and with her hands behind her back. The incantation had been powerful as she didn’t even flinch when Skye, her own sister, said her name. I wanted to stop the Priestess, tell her that Skye was my Chosen, but even with knowing Skye accepted, without the shared blood it was not sealed. Skye stood forward, “Will you let the shifters leave?” I watched as the Priestess’ aura grew larger in a fiery red, Skye was treading on very thin ice now. “You dare to speak to me as if you are an

equal. You are not even close to equal to the lowest of the kitchen servants.” “I only ask as this is none of their concern. Please grant a lowly human like myself this kindness. The Pack have been good to me, but this… whatever it is… isn’t theirs – it’s Vampire.” Dianne must have explained the Priestess’ ego on how shifters are almost as low as humans to her. Skye had played the part perfectly. “I do not see how their presence makes any difference. Go. Mutts, you may leave.” I nodded my head imperceptibly to Andy who moved towards Dianne, Rose had already moved protectively in

front of her sister and Skye. Quinn was close beside them too. I could hear all five shifters making a hesitant retreat. Andy’s Irish Wolfhound eyes kept looking back to me. Skye gave the Priestess a bow, “Thank you.” I could not stay quiet for any longer. “Priestess, how may we honour you and pay tribute for your unnecessary journey tonight?” I needed to get this resolved and get Skye back to safety. “Augustus, no tribute is needed. Abbie will be leaving with me, as will Skye.” The air left my chest; the Priestess

wanted to take Skye and made it clear that the decision had been made. “The reason you are still standing here is because of Skye’s offer. Your actions have led to many conversations within the palace and not all who dwell in the Queen’s presence are convinced that you should be permitted to flaunt your… endeavours… in the human world.” The cold radiating form the Priestess was tangible. Vampires that associated themselves in the human realm were seen as lower than the humans and ignored by the vampires. When I did it though, I flourished, and the wealth I had acquired soon drew the attention of the vampires.

“I cannot allow you to take Skye, Priestess.” I stood firm, and watched as Cora’s face lit up. “Priestess, he cannot be allowed to leave with the human!” “Shut up, Cora.” She replied impatiently, “I grow tired of this pantomime. Skye, you will leave with me, now.”

Chapter Fifty Eight Gus Skye bowed, “Priestess, please allow me to say my farewell to Augustus.” Before the Priestess could respond, Skye ran to me and into my embrace. She held me as tight as her human strength would let her. I felt the shudders as she sobbed silently into my chest. She looked up into my face, eyes filled with tears. She whispered urgently, “She’s not going to let Abbie go, is she?” her expression resigned to what she had already suspected. Even after Abbie’s

confession of dalliances with James, Skye still wanted to save her; my loving Chosen, loyal to a fault. My thumb stroked away the tears still falling from her eyes. Her pain was too much; I couldn’t speak and just shook my head. I was vaguely aware of Cora arguing with the Priestess as we ignored them. “Skye, we will leave now.” The Priestess warned. Skye ignored her completely. Skye blinked her tears away and pulled away from me a little, just enough that she could open the coat she was wearing. “I’m ready Gus; I want to become your Chosen. Dianne explained

everything. Claim me, now.” This was not how I planned to claim my Chosen and I was unsure whether Diane’s explanation had been factually correct. For Skye to become my Chosen now, she would have to have accepted my protection and wear a token of my love. I hadn’t given Skye anything. I kissed her lips tenderly. It was too late. If only I had given her something… anything then the gods might have accepted our mating. We were so close, but nothing could stop the Priestess take Skye now as she wanted. “It’s too late darling, I have not given you a token of my love. I will come for you sweetheart, but I can’t stop the Priestess now.” Once again I was

completely helpless to loose someone I loved. But I would have this gift of blood as she presented her neck, moving her chin to the side to give me access. I felt both my fangs grow and my cock harden in anticipation. As I leaned towards her I saw the black cord and a flicker of gold around her neck. My heart swelled with delight. The charmed necklace. I heard the low murmur of the Priestess’s incantation and knew I had to act quickly. My vampire instincts roared, taking over. My teeth found the exact spot they needed and my senses exploded as they pierced her skin. I heard the sharp inhale and then the slow, satisfied exhale from Skye as I

fed from her vein. There would be no turning back now. My eyes were closed but even still I knew her aura had flared outwards once again. I felt her then move against me. I know baby, but now is not the time. The rush from her blood was fantastic, my nerves snapping around me and I could have lapped from her forever. When I felt her grow weak and hold on to me to stay upright I knew I could not be greedy. I licked the two wounds so they would heal quickly and watched her face in anticipation and worry – maybe I had taken too much, but I’d got caught up in her and just couldn’t help myself.

Dreamily she opened her own eyes and within seconds she was focused when her eyes met mine, a question shone clearly from them. Her hand found mine and I gave it a squeeze.

Chapter Fifty Nine Skye It’s not that I’ve ever been squeamish, but I had been a little worried that I would feel faint when I offered my vein to Gus. Dianne had never been into the whole offering or drinking blood thing, but when I’d asked her about the Chosen thing and she had explained on the way out to the scared stone that from what she knew about it was pleasurable for the donor. That had been the understatement of the fucking century. My whole body turned into a puddle of lust as soon as he broke my skin. But it

was over too soon, and when I opened my eyes he was watching me. Had it worked? From what Dianne had explained, since I was wearing the necklace Gus had given her to give to me, that might have been enough for the gods to acknowledge I had accepted that Gus could provide for me, so hopefully, by me offering my vein to him - that should, theoretically have been enough to stop the Priestess having any hold over me. From beneath her robes, the Priestess had outstretched one withered hand, pointing directly at me; her voice carrying easily over the wind as she was

almost screaming her incantation. I’d seen what she’d been able to do to Abbie earlier but I remained completely unaffected. It worked, the gods accepted me as Gus’ Chosen. Everyone fell silent and I felt Gus pull me closer, shifting his weight so he was slightly in front of me. “Augustus… what have you DONE?!” The Priestess demanded. “Skye is my Chosen. The gods deem it acceptable otherwise your incantation would have taken her, Priestess.” His matter of fact tone sounded quite neutral, but I was so close I felt the ripple of his muscles, in preparation for… I don’t

know what, but he was ready for it. The shriek from behind the Priestess broke the stony silence. Cora broke free from the grip that Teagan had on her and she was now running, full pelt towards me: fangs extended and hair whipping around her. “You BITCH, you’ve ruined everything!” Fuck. The snarls from both the Priestess and Gus were deafening. Gus had moved me completely behind him now, ready to bear the full force of Cora’s assault himself, but as I peeked from him behind him I caught a glimpse as her body fell to the ground like a rag doll. My eyes moved of their own accord to the

Priestess, standing directly over Cora. The long sleeves of her cloak swayed as her waved her hands methodically over Cora, although I did not understand the words I could see the effect was immediate on Cora. The other woman, Teagan ran towards them to save Cora but the Priestess uttered a few words and flicked one hand Teagan’s direction so she too, slumped to the ground. I went to move, but I felt a reassuring pat from Gus and understood completely. Don’t move! Gus waited for the Priestess to finish before engaging with her again. To his credit, he waited until she spoke to him first.

“Augustus, your actions have been less than acceptable to the court, but they are minutiae to Cora’s actions tonight. Attempting to harm the Chosen of another, as you know is a serious offence. She has confirmed what my suspicions of her have been for decades. I believe she was intent on killing your Chosen.” Her voice was thick with contempt when calling me his Chosen; clearly she did not like me. “Cora is driven by greed and I believe desires your estate. I may not agree with your choice, but the gods have permitted it. As is written, you and your Chosen may decide the punishment.”

Without flinching Gus spoke solemnly: “Then we choose that she should serve you, Priestess in whatever way you desire, for however long you see fit.” Beneath the hood, the Priestess nodded. “That is fair. I shall see she serves me well.” She waved her hand loosely in Cora’s direction and see rose limply, as did Teagan and Abbie. All three followed the Priestess lifelessly as she made her exit. I couldn’t stomach to watch as I knew my sister was leaving to go to a world she didn’t understand, and worse, would be there as their slave. As much as Abbie had never supported me, and she’d admitted that things went on with her and James that never should

have, somewhere in there was the sister that used to play hide and seek with me as a child. Strong arms enveloped me and held me tight. “You’re really here, Skye. And you’re my Chosen.” Lips crushed onto mine and kissed me deeply, taking the breath from me. When we broke free he was looking at me as if he hadn’t seen me for years. “Darling, I was so sure I had lost you. I can’t believe you’ve accepted me. You are never going to leave my side and you will want for absolutely nothing.” With a wide smile, he gave me a cheeky wink and scooped me up into his arms.

Chapter Sixty Gus By the time I had carried Skye back to the gravel drive, she was giggling. “I can walk, you know!” She glowed and her aura lit the way. Skye’s glow made me feel like the greatest male on the planet. The purple of her love radiated from all around her. I couldn’t believe that someone could feel that… especially for me. I had given up on love so many, many years ago that I had believed that it was a fallacy. It didn’t matter that she was human, that she had no idea of my heritage that her sister had

been taken by the Priestess as a Halfling or even that we had sent Cora to be a slave for the Priestess as punishment. Skye brought me back from my thoughts by stroking the back of my head. “You hadn’t changed your mind about me being your Chosen, had you?” Concern flickered through the purple. “No, no, pet. Never.” I kissed her forehead contemplatively. A naughty thought passed through my head. “Oh, and I believe it’s customary with humans that the woman’s carried through the threshold?” She nodded and wiggled as she laughed. “Yes, I thought so. Well, we will see that custom and some others that

I will introduce you to tonight.” “I can’t wait to see them…” Sliver flashes sparked around her. “There they are!” Dianne bounded out, relief painted her aura, then tinged with concern. Her keen eyes scanning Skye to see why she I was carrying her. “Gus I am so sorry, Skye was going to you whether I helped or not.” Her eyes darted around checking for more danger. “Dianne, there was a point where I wanted to kill you, but Skye has explained that your actions were crucial to Skye’s little plan.” I heard her heart beat faster as her face paled in fear. “I

believe that I owe you a debit of gratitude that I fear I may never be able to repay.” “Yeah, Dianne, I want to thank you so much for how you helped me earlier. I’m sorry I kinda blackmailed you into it thought. Well…” Skye looked at me and then back to Dianne with a little shrug, “Sorry, not sorry.” Joyful tears slipped down Dianne’s face and I watched as movement caught my eye at the door of the house. “Augustus, please allow me to be the first to congratulate you and Skye. I am honoured to serve you both.” Andy actually bowed to us, and then a beaming

smile crossed what had been a serious face. “Fuck! I can’t believe you guys did it. But you know we need a proper mating ceremony and one helluva party.” The Four Brothers, Andy, Quinn, Rose and Bran stood there, all as humans and in union all howled in happiness. Skye was my family now, and for the first time, the Pack felt like family too – rather than just an alliance. Selwyn came into my mind again and I made a promise to myself that I would leave no stone uncovered to find him. Skye Even though I was surrounded by Irish

Wolfhound shifters and in the arms of a vampire, who I just accepted and agreed to be his Chosen. A week ago I did not know such creatures existed, I would never have imagined they lived in Northern Ireland never mind dared consider they were on my doorstep. Now I was practically married to a vampire and adopted into the Pack. I knew nothing was ever going to be quite the same and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Coming Soon

Thank You! Thank you again for reading! I really hope you’ve enjoyed the story. If so, it would mean everything to me if you could please take the time to share your thoughts and post a review on Amazon. As an independent author, word of mouth is crucial to help me continue my writing. A review on Amazon or GoodReads would be greatly appreciated. Don’t forget to let your friends know about Club Crimson: Chosen on your social media. Thank you!

A Note About The Author Dottie Wilson lives in Northern Ireland, United Kingdom with her husband and two dogs. She loves to read crazy stories of love, lust and paranormal fantasy that could… just could be real. The Club Crimson series is her first adventure into writing. Feel free to tweet Dottie on Twitter: @dottiewilsonUK or visit DottieWilson.com for exclusive updates.

Next Steps… Be sure to visit Dottie-Wilson.com now or follow @dottiewilsonUK on twitter.

Table of Contents Table of Contents Dedication Prologue Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven Chapter Twelve Chapter Thirteen Chapter Fourteen Chapter Fifteen Chapter Sixteen Chapter Seventeen Chapter Eighteen Chapter Nineteen Chapter Twenty Chapter Twenty One Chapter Twenty Two Chapter Twenty Three Chapter Twenty Four Chapter Twenty Five Chapter Twenty Six Chapter Twenty Seven Chapter Twenty Eight

Chapter Twenty Nine Chapter Thirty Chapter Thirty One Chapter Thirty Two Chapter Thirty Three Chapter Thirty Four Chapter Thirty Five Chapter Thirty Six Chapter Thirty Seven Chapter Thirty Eight Chapter Thirty Nine Chapter Forty Chapter Fourty One Chapter Forty Two Chapter Forty Three Chapter Forty Four Chapter Forty Five Chapter Forty Six

Chapter Forty Seven Chapter Forty Eight Chapter Fifty Chapter Fifty One Chapter Fifty Two Chapter Fifty Three Chapter Fifty Four Chapter Fifty Five Chapter Fifty Six Chapter Fifty Seven Chapter Fifty Eight Chapter Fifty Nine Chapter Sixty Coming Soon Thank You! A Note About The Author Next Steps… Table of Contents