Everlasting Hunger (The Hunger Mate Series) (10 page)

Natalie looks at Jasper in astonishment, unsure if she was correct in what she heard come out of that sexy mouth. 

“You want to take me on a date?”  Jasper looks amused and places a kiss on her forehead. 

“Yes, kitten.  I want to take you to the ball with me.  It’s a formal occasion but I’ll take care of that for you.  Are you available on Saturday?” 

Natalie doesn’t hesitate to accept the invitation to the party.  Even outside the vampire world, the annual masquerade is talked about in magazines.  It’s like the Oscars of the vampire world. 

“I would love to go with you, Jasper.  Thank you for the invitation.” 

Shifting Natalie to the seat next to him, he reaches into his wallet and pulls out his business card.  “Text or call me tomorrow and let me know what day you have available for picking out a dress and I will arrange it for you.”

Natalie accepts the card and ponders her next question.  “The young woman that I saw you with earlier, is she a wife or girlfriend that I need to be concerned with?” 

Jasper smiles at the thread of jealousy and curiosity he hears in her voice.  “No, Natalie.  That’s Ellie and you don’t need to be concerned.  Are you familiar with the relationships and the way of life of vampires?” 

Nodding, Natalie confesses, “My brother, Simon, is a Hunger mate to his wife Sarah.  They have talked about the way of life amongst your kind quite often.  Therefore, I understand that monogamy is not a requirement and that sharing of partners is encouraged.  I’m fine with that, Jasper.  I just know that she is human and didn’t want to run into a problem with her.” 

“That’s good to hear.  Ellie is new to everything, but we believe it’s possible that she is a Hunger mate to Ian.  He’s going to explain what all that is tonight and see how she reacts,” he says with a smile and a laugh.

“Well, I need to head back to the bar for a drink and then back onto the floor.  I’ll contact you tomorrow with my schedule.  Thank you again for the invitation to the ball.  I’m really excited.” 

Jasper rises and takes her hand. 

Bowing low and kissing the back of it he says, “It’s my pleasure, kitten.  I have some business to take care of but I will see you later.” 

Natalie watches as he heads out of the room and shakes her head knowing that this man is going to be a roller coaster ride.

Ian walks away from the table where he left the very sexy and delicious looking drink for Jasper.  If that man is smart, he’ll take that luscious young woman to the ball this weekend.  Heading to the VIP lounge where Ellie is resting, Ian can’t help but wonder how all of this will play out.  For the first time in a very long time, he has become emotionally invested in the welfare of a human and he isn’t sure how he feels about that yet.

Walking into the room and locking the door behind him, he looks at the beautiful woman that has captivated his thoughts asleep on the daybed.  Leaning down toward her, he nudges the hair away from her face and kisses her lips gently.  He pulls the blanket back and is taken aback at the exquisiteness of her features and how much she has come to mean to him. 

“My love, it’s time to wake up.  We need to talk about some things.”

Ellie opens her eyes and sits up.

“Where am I, Ian?” 

Perching on the edge of the daybed next to her, Ian tucks her hair behind her ear before answering.  “Jasper brought you back here.  You seemed to be upset when we were talking.  I feel like we need to continue our conversation.  You know the basics of our relationships and the way we drink.  I also know that Jasper talked to you about the Hunger.  Ellie, I’m convinced that you are my Hunger mate.  The one person that I have come across that satisfies my Hunger is you.  I don’t know if you can understand what that means to a vampire.  We can drink from anyone and it will temporarily quench our thirst.  However, a Hunger mate satisfies the thirst.  It’s like being stuck in a desert desperate for a drink and all you have is a soda.  It’ll quench your thirst for a moment but it will not satisfy you like a glass of water will.  The truth is down the road you would have to become a vampire.  It’s not something that can be put off for an extended period.  There are side effects to being a Hunger mate.  I’m sure you’ve noticed a difference in your thoughts, and that’s because you and I are merging.  Soon, we will be able to communicate in our thoughts.  Putting the completion of the merging off can cause function and motor skill problems.”

Ellie nods in understanding.  “I understand it all, Ian.  I really do.  I just don’t want to die.”  Holding up her hand to stop him before he can cut her off. “I know that as a vampire I would live forever, but you can’t guarantee that I would make it through the transition.  How do you even know that I have the component in the blood that would allow a successful turn?  I’m scared, Ian, and you can’t rush me with any of this.” 

Sighing heavily, he knows that she is right, Ian pulls her into his lap and wraps his arms around her.  “I know you have the component since we tested your blood for it.  However, since this is upsetting you we will talk about something else.  How would you like to go with me to the annual Labor Day Masquerade Ball?  I would love it if you would go with me, and Annabelle wants to have her stylist put together your outfit.  When would you be available this week for a fitting?”

Ellie stares at him seemingly bewildered by the invitation.  After a moment of making him suffer the wait, she answers
, “I’m available any time since I’m on vacation.” 

Pulling out his cell phone without shifting her off his lap, Ian dials a number. 

“Hello?”

“Annabelle, it’s Ian.
”

“My darling boy!  I am so excited to hear from you.  Any news on the ball?”

“I just talked to Ellie and she would love to come.  When would Claudine like to meet with her?”  Ian grins at Ellie.

“Claudine is available tomorrow morning
. Ian and we need to get started so she will have time to finish the outfit.  Is eleven o’clock good for you?”

“Sure, Annabelle.  That will work just fine.  I’ll have her meet us at the club.
”

“Perfect, darling!  I will see you then.  Bye!”
  “Bye, Annabelle.”Ian hangs up and hugs Ellie tight to his chest.  “She’ll meet us here tomorrow with her dressmaker, with several dresses to look at.  Choose whatever you like, my love.” 

Ellie
squeals with excitements and kisses Ian on the lips.  “Thank you. The party sounds like it will be a lot of fun!” 

Ian stands and pulls Ellie up with him. “Let’s head back out to the floor so you can hear the singing from the band.  I’m sure you will enjoy them.  Annabelle tells me that they are popular with this generation.” 

Ellie links her arm through his as they head toward the door. “What is the name of the band?” 

“I believe that Annabelle said their name was Maroon 3 or 4, something like that.  I know that one of their members is a vampire and a member here
, so they play for us from time to time.”

Heading back out to the floor,
they see that the crowd has picked up and there is a large group on the dance floor near the stage.  Feeling the pulsating music flow through the room, Ellie pulls Ian toward the dance floor.  “Come dance with me, Ian.”

“Sorry, my love. I’m not getting on the dance floor.  If you want to dance go on down, and I’ll make sure you have a partner.” 

Pouting slightly, Ellie kisses his cheek and turns toward the floor.  Whipped around and gazing into molten silver eyes, Ellie knew she made a slight error. 

Grasping her face between his hands, Ian proceeds to devour her lips.  “That’s how you kiss me when you leave me, my love.”  Bemused, Ellie touches her lips and heads down to the dance floor.

Glancing around, Ian spots the little drink that he had left with Jasper and heads in her direction.  Touching her shoulder gently, the young woman turns toward Ian.

“Hello again, Mr. Lochlan.  What can I do for you?” 

“It was Natalie, was it not?”  She nods.  “Natalie, have you seen Jasper since I left a little while ago?”

She
clears her throat before answering, “He told me that he had some work to finish and that he would see me later.”

Ian smiles at the beautiful young woman. “Thank you, sweetheart.  I appreciate your help.” 

Turning toward the bartender, Ian tells him to buzz Jasper in his office and have him come downstairs.  Within in a moment Jasper is striding across the floor toward Ian and Natalie.  Glancing at Natalie and flashing a sexy smile, he turns to Ian. “What can I do for you?” 

“Jasper, Ellie is on the dance floor.  Would you go down and keep her company?”

“Now, that’s the kind of work that I really enjoy doing,” he says with a laugh.

  He turns and heads down to find Ellie in the crowd.  Ian turns back toward Natalie and sees the expression on her face.  “You’re not upset with him over Ellie are you, sweeting?” 

Natalie shakes her head. “No, sir.  It’s not my place to be upset with him over anything.” 

Ian grabs her hand and pulls her with him to the VIP table. “I have a feeling that it will be your place before long.  Did you two have a nice conversation after I left?” 

Natalie sits down at the table with Ian. He can tell she’s choosing her words wisely. “Yes, we did.  He invited me to a masquerade ball with him this weekend.  Is that going to be a problem?” 

Ian bursts out laughing.  “That’s perfect.  Do you have a dress, sweeting?”

“No, sir.  Jasper was going to arrange something for me this week.”

Ian takes her hand and pats it gently.  “Be here tomorrow at eleven am.  Ellie is meeting with a designer of Annabelle’s, and it will be the perfect time for you to pick out a dress as well.  Does that time work for you?” 

Ian smiles at the look of stunned amazement on Natalie’s face.

“Not really, Mr. Lochlan.  I have class till eleven, but I can get here after that if you don’t mind me being a little bit late.” 

Ian rubs the palm of her hand with his thumb. “That will be fine.  We’re not in a rush, just come when you can.  Out of curiosity are you familiar with how the lifestyles of vampires work, sweeting?” 

Now it’s Natalie’s turn to grin up at him. “Yes, sir.  My brother is a vampire and a Hunger mate so he has told me about all of the things that go on in vampire relationships.  Would you be interested in a drink, Mr. Lochlan?”

Ian glances at Natalie curiously. “This is your first night, isn’t it?  How is it going on the dining room floor?  And please call me Ian” 

“It has been a little difficult but not bad.  Some of the regulars have their favorites and are hesitant of trying someone new.  I figure if some of the regulars saw you drinking from me, they may be interested in tasting me as well.” 

Ian gestures at one of the floor bouncers to come to their table and whispers in his ear,  “Marco, I want the center table cleared.”

“Yes, Mr. Lochlan.” the bouncer replies.

Natalie watches as he heads to the center table and asks the patrons to move.  Ian rises and pulls Natalie with him. “I figure the right location is just as important to making sure everyone sees what a delicious drink you are, sweeting.” 

Natalie smiles up at Ian and squeezes his hand.  Seeing Mackenzie at the bar getting drinks, she gives a little wave and Mackenzie grins back and gives a thumbs up.  “Have you known Mackenzie long?” 

Sitting down as Ian holds the chair for her she answers. “We go to school together and she helped me get the job here.  I’m paying for my own way and she knew I needed a job that paid well.  The tips she made last semester paid for her tuition and books.” 

Ian sits down in the chair next to her.  With no warning, Ian pulls her out of her seat and across his rock hard thighs.  Adjusting her so that she is straddling him he asks, “How much of a show do you want to put on for the diners, my dear?  Do you want them to see your sensuality and the pleasure you get from giving drinks, or do you just want to show them that you give drinks in general?” 

Ian watches as she shivers in anticipation.

“I want them to see that I enjoy what I’m doing, because I do like being a drink.  I was tasted for the first time tonight and it’s something that I want to continue doing.” 

“Then let us make sure that we give them a show to talk about, sweeting.” 

Natalie takes a deep breath and nods while wrapping her arms around Ian’s neck.  Ian tilts her chin up and closes his lips over hers.  Teasing her lips open with his tongue, he sweeps inside and begins to make love to her mouth.  Natalie curls her fingers into his hair and moans at the sensations creeping through her body. 

Taking his time, Ian sweeps his hands over the skin of the delicious confection in his lap.  Caressing his fingers down the pearls of her spine, he unzips the bustier and lays it on the table.  Topless nudity is often seen in the private club and is taken with a grain of salt.  Running his hands up the sides of her body and palming her full breasts, Ian can understand why Jasper is interested in the delicious Natalie. 

Leaning her back slightly, Ian places open mouth kisses down her chest.  Taking a ripe, puckered, cherry red nipple deep into his mouth, Ian teases it with his tongue and teeth as Natalie squirms on his lap. 

Holding his head against her breast, Natalie whispers, “Harder, Ian.  I like to have them bit hard enough to feel it between my legs.” 

Ian grins and looks up. “A woman after my own heart.” 

Biting down on the nipple, Ian can feel the moisture against his erection.  Slipping his hand beneath her skirt, he plunges his fingers into her wetness.  Moaning against her breast, Ian is amazed at how responsive this little drink is. 

“Sweeting, you
’re so tight and wet, I just want to sink into you and make love to you right here on the table.” 

Natalie looks down at the incredibly sexy man that’s pleasuring her.  “I wouldn’t have a problem with that, but I think we should finish your drink first,” she says with a smile. 

Ian continues to stroke her with his fingers inside of her moist flesh. “As you wish, my dear.” 

Ian draws her breast back into his mouth and sinks his fangs into the lush, fragrant bounty of her skin.  Drawing deep mouthfuls of some of the most amazing blood he has ever tasted into his mouth, Ian can feel Natalie coming around his fingers as he continues to thrust in and out of her body.  Licking the wounds closed, he pulls his hand from under her skirt and pulls her tight against his chest, soothing the tremors from her body as she comes down.  Glancing around, Ian notices the smiles and nods coming from the other patrons and he knows that this little drink is going to be in high demand after tonight.