Kismet Knight, Vampire Psychologist 3 - Dark Harvest (15 page)

He lifted his head, his mouth smeared with my blood, and licked his way down to my breast. He began sucking roughly on my nipple, and the sensation was somehow directly connected to the hot, tingling area between my legs. “Oh, yeah. That’s what I want.“ He paused for a second, then sliced his fangs into the tender skin around my nipple and resumed sucking. I screamed. The feeling was horribly exquisite. I struggled to break free. Not because I wanted him to stop, but because I wanted to take matters into my own hands.

Even with my newly enhanced strength, I couldn’t budge him. He drew the blood from the fang holes on either side of my nipple and waves of ecstasy slammed my body. I continued to scream until no more sound came out. My throat was raw and my mouth felt so dry, all I could do was whimper.

Finally drinking his fill, he lifted his head, locking eyes with mine. A circle of red surrounded the
Page 90

Generated by ABC Amber LIT Conv
erter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

blue-green of his irises and the colors appeared to swirl. He licked his lips slowly, his tongue darting out to catch the crimson drops lining his chin.

Jesus. He looked astounding. All that shining blond hair and dazzling eyes. Just seeing him with my blood covering half his face made me crazy. My breath came in rapid pants and I continued to attempt to twist out of his grip, with no success. He smiled, raised his hips to alter his angle, and thrust his erection deep inside me in one smooth motion. If I hadn’t been so wet it might have hurt, but under the circumstances, it felt perfect. Still holding my wrists captive in one hand, he used his other to grab my hair again. Holding my head immobile, he kissed me as if he were feasting at my mouth, pulling the life force from my body.

All swollen lips and probing tongue. It was amazing.

He pounded himself into me with fierce determination, both of us making animal sounds as we pressed our lips together even tighter.

I felt an orgasm building and matched his rhythm with my hips. The ferocity of his thrusts caused a mixture of pleasure and pain. I felt his penis contracting inside me as he raised his mouth and screamed words in the strange, lyrical language he sometimes spoke. The power of his release pushed me over the edge, and I made strangled croaking noises, which was all my throat was capable of.

His pale skin appeared flushed, maybe from all the blood he’d taken from me, and his heart beat fast and loud. An almost-goofy grin slid across his perfect face. “Would you like more?”

Yes! But … maybe not right now.

The area between my legs was tender and raw. I’d had sex with Devereux more times than I could count, but his equipment had never felt quite as large before. Was it possible for a vampire to transform aspects of his physical appearance?

“I think I’d better rest a while.” I grinned up at him. “You made your point. You are the Boink Master.”

He released my wrists and rolled next to me, lying on his back. I examined, then rubbed, the red skin on my arms where he’d held me, before shifting my gaze to the nipple he’d gnawed on. The skin around it was bruised and swollen, and the tiny fang holes still oozed. There’d be a rainbow of colors by morning.

I turned my head. “Geez, blondie. You really did a number on my body. I think I like this side of you. I’ll bet you have lots of sexual tricks to show me.”

He gave a lazy smile and rolled onto his side, facing me. He propped himself up with an elbow and rested his head against his palm. “I am always happy to find ever-more-creative ways to make love to you, but I wonder how
wild
you will wish our coupling to be after you are freed from the monster’s influence. I plan to do whatever I must to remove you from his power. Of course, I was happy with our sexual relationship before your personality changed, so you need not worry about my expectations.”

I laughed. “Your expectations? Do you believe I’ll ever be one of your handmaidens?”

He returned to lying on his back, his fingers laced behind his head. “No, of course not. But I am hoping you will respect the fact that I have been around much longer than you, and I usually know what is best for you.”

“What? Like some undead daddy?” I sat up and glared at him. “You are one arrogant son of a bitch.

You think you know what’s best for me?”

Page 91

Generated by ABC Amber LIT Conv
erter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

He angled his head toward me. “Yes, I do. I am very old and you will have to admit that I was right to protect your home and to order you to remain there until our appointment here at midnight. My actions kept you safe from Hallow’s madness. I wish to compliment you for your willingness to trust my judgment.”

“So, you’re saying that you just tell me what to do and then trust that I’ll follow your instructions?”

“Yes. I am very powerful. I offer protection. How could it be otherwise?”

“And you think I want to be protected?”

He frowned. “Regardless of whether or not you wish to be protected, I intend to make it so.”

I couldn’t remember a large chunk of my recent past, but something about Devereux’s assertion that he’d ordered me to remain at home and I’d followed his commands just didn’t feel quite right. He seemed so confident that he could take my actions for granted. I didn’t know why that struck me as amusing, but it did.

He rolled back on top of me and smiled, flicking his long hair out of the way. “Let us not argue. All will be well soon enough. Hallow will be taken care of, your personality will return to its charming normality, and we will continue to forge our future.” He kissed me sweetly.

I enjoyed the kiss, then after he pulled away, I gazed up at him and smiled. “So, let me just make sure I’m clear on the game plan, gorgeous. Because you’re the undead Methuselah, and one of the most powerful, Tony Soprano bloodsuckers on the planet, you get to decide what I will and won’t do with my life? You’ll make my choices for me?”

“I do not know this singer Tony, but I will certainly give you the benefit of my expanded knowledge and experience. I will take very good care of you. You will never want for anything.”

Except freedom.

“Uh-huh. And what is the benefit to you for having me as your subjugated female? What’s the payoff for keeping your
mate
under your thumb?”

He seemed genuinely surprised by the questions. “Subjugated? Under my thumb? How could you think such a thing? You would be revered and cherished. Your life would be enhanced. But, the benefit to me of having my mate by my side is too complex a topic to discuss in your unnatural state of mind.”

“Hmmm. I see. Too complex. Well, what about when my physical body ages, rots, and dies? What’s the game plan then? Will you have me mummified and displayed in your penthouse?”

“There is a ritual.” His expression became serious. “You will be able to share some of my gifts. We will speak of it another time.”

“Does it involve me drinking your blood? Are you talking about turning me into a bloodsucker?”

He frowned hard. “I have told you it is not easy to become a vampire. It must be freely chosen. Now, no more talk of this tonight.” He rubbed his boner against me. “Are you too tender from our previous lovemaking, or shall we have an encore?”

Page 92

Generated by ABC Amber LIT Conv
erter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

I grinned. “I’m ready if you are, maestro, but this time I’m on top.” I rolled onto him, straddled his hips, then impaled myself on his erection. I clenched my vaginal muscles, gripped him as tightly as I could, and got a rhythm going. He planted his hands on my waist, holding me in place while he pumped his hips. He stared at me with those hypnotic aqua eyes, as his tongue played with the tips of his fangs.

I gave him my best innocent smile. “Do you want my blood, my dark prince?”

He growled and pulled my upper body down to his. His soft, warm lips plundered mine, our tongues dancing. After a few seconds, he kissed his way to my neck and bit. We both moaned as what felt like a shared orgasm built between us and exploded.

When the aftershocks quieted, I sat up and gazed down at him.

“Drinking blood must be good. Why is it that you won’t let me drink yours?”

He shifted his eyes away. “There is no benefit to you in drinking my blood. You are not a vampire.”

“He is lying,” floated through my mind in a familiar, deep voice. “Break the glass on the nearby table and cut him. Drink. See for yourself.”

Really? Well, why not?

I slanted a glance at the table and saw a small vase sitting there. I grabbed it, tossed the lone flower and its water onto the floor, and smashed the glass against the table edge. A large piece broke away, leaving a sharp corner. Without hesitation or thought, I drew the jagged edge of the vase along Devereux’s stomach and watched the blood blossom from the cut. I caught a fleeting glance of his shocked face before I bent, licked the blood with my tongue, then sucked hard on the wound.

Devereux grabbed a handful of hair and jerked my head up. Anger and fear fought for dominance in his face. “What have you done? The demon has captured your mind. Even I do not know for certain how my ancient blood will affect you.

“It could kill you.”

Devereux bolted into a sitting position, and I watched the broken vase sail through the air after he knocked the splintered glass from my grip. He released my hair, snarling, and recoiled as if he’d been clutching Medusa’s snakes.

I swiped the back of my hand across my mouth, smearing his blood along my cheek.

“I don’t know about it killing me, but it sure tastes like shit.” I stuck my tongue out. “How can you drink that crap all the time? Do me a favor and stake me right away if I start to turn into a vampire. I’d rather drink puréed dog turds.”

Devereux’s scowl clued me in to the fact that he was no longer in a playful mood. That was okay, because I’d started feeling weird. Suddenly, everything seemed too bright, my lips tingled, and my throat contracted, making it difficult to swallow. I could see Devereux’s mouth moving, but the sound dissolved into the abyss stretching between us before it could reach my ears. Even without the volume, it was easy to read his anger.

Page 93

Generated by ABC Amber LIT Conv
erter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

I pushed up onto my elbows and mumbled. My numb lips weren’t cooperating. “I think I’ve had enough fun for one night,” I muttered. “I’m going to go home … uh-oh.” My head flopped down on Devereux’s thigh. The room spun and my stomach turned cartwheels.

I must have nodded off for a few minutes, because the next thing I knew, I was loosely wrapped in the bedspread, lying in the center of the colorful pentagram etched into the marble-tile floor of Devereux’s room. Chanting bodies encircled me, their voices rumbling in a soft, monotone hum. Lit candles cast soft light and deep shadows. A strong aroma wafted from incense burners scattered around the space, reminding me of a Christmas Mass I visited as a child.

I recognized Luna, who stood next to a Johnny Depp look-alike, but the rest of the participants were strangers. Scanning the expressions on their faces alerted me that whatever the purpose for their gathering, it wasn’t good.

Devereux knelt next to me and looped something around my neck. I shifted my gaze down to see what it was. My protective necklace. He must have teleported to my house to get it.

“What’s going on?” I tried to sit up. “Why are you all standing around me?”

Devereux pressed me down to the floor with his hand on my shoulder. “No, my love. Do not move yet.

My blood had a seriously debilitating effect. You have been unconscious. We have discovered the situation is much worse than I feared. Drinking from me has somehow deepened Hallow’s influence over you. We have been attempting to remove some of the psychic tendrils he thrust into your aura. The madman is more powerful than I ever imagined. I have called every master vampire, healer, and wizard available to assist. They are still arriving. We will work through the night. I will not let him have you.”

“Have me? What happened? Why do I feel so terrible? I drank your blood?” My voice sounded feeble.

He frowned. “What is the last thing you remember?”

I tried to concentrate through the cotton candy in my head. “I was at home, getting ready to do some paperwork. I’d decided to spend a quiet evening there. How did I get to The Crypt?” I glanced down again. “Where are my clothes?”

Devereux gazed at me with such tenderness that it frightened me. Almost as if he pitied me or was avoiding telling me an unpleasant fact I needed to know.

A feeling of panic overwhelmed me, and I tried to wiggle out from under his restraining hand. “Why are you looking at me like that? Tell me what happened. Am I dying?”

He gave a gentle smile and stroked his hand along my hair. “No. You are not dying. I will not let anything bad happen to you. But this is a serious situation and it is best if you return to sleep for a few more hours.”

What did he mean, a few
more
hours? Was he saying I’d already been out that long? I opened my mouth to argue, and met his eyes. The beautiful blue-green swirled in a hypnotic pattern and I drifted away.

Page 94

Generated by ABC Amber LIT Conv
erter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

I’m in a hazy, surreal, sunset-tinted landscape, standing in a white, multi-columned structure high on a mountaintop. A fragrant breeze blows through the open building, causing my white filmy gown to mold itself to my body. I stare out at the expansive horizon, mesmerized by the ethereal, magical view, breathing in the rarified air. Feeling light—free.

Sensing a presence, I shift my gaze away from the stunning scenery, and turn to the handsome figure lounging against a column.

“Ah, there you are, Doctor. It took me a while to break through all your savior’s spells and incantations.

I must tell you, this adventure is turning out to be even more exciting than I expected. I had no idea Devereux had become so powerful. What a treat for me to defeat such a vampire. It’s a shame he isn’t the one I’ve come to harvest.”

“Hallow? Where am I?”

He ambles toward me, smiling, his long hair fanning out in the wind. “Mount Olympus, of course. The home of the gods. Or at least one god.”

“You’re a god?”

His smile spreads wider. “Unavoidably.”

“Why am I here?”

He saunters in a circle. “I’m preparing you to be my nextlýtle.”

Wary, I turn to follow his motion. “Your what?”

“ Lýtle.
It’s an Old English word. It translates as female slave, but I’ve given it much richer
meaning over the centuries.”

I shake my head. “This can’t really be happening. I’m not going to be anybody’s slave. This is a delusion. A dream, right?”

He stops moving and stands in front of me. “Let’s just say it’s a dream dimension. The actual explanation would raise too many questions, and I must return you to your body before you become too attached to this reality. It isn’t your time to transition yet, but I couldn’t resist claiming you again, just to confound the magicians. And speaking of your knight in shining armor, I have masked your memories of our time together. He will not be able to sense them unless you think of them first.”

He steps close, pulls me against his body, and stares at me with his shimmering silver eyes. “I am curious about my unexpected interest in you. I hadn’t anticipated I’d find you intriguing. It seems I desire more than your blood and obedience. I’m curious about my odd reactions. It isn’t often anything surprises me.”

“Don’t you already have a harem of women who do whatever you want? Why would you want someone who would rather die than willingly submit to you?”

He laughs. “That is no doubt one cause for the fascination. It will be exciting to break you.”

He cocks his head and lowers his mouth to my neck. I feel the sharp points of his fangs slice through my skin and I groan, my knees going soft. He wraps me more tightly in his arms and I feel the pressure of his
Page 95

Generated by ABC Amber LIT Conv
erter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

lips sucking blood from my vein. A full-body orgasm radiates through me and I writhe, gasping. He raises his mouth from the punctures and brings his lips to mine. His lips are soft and warm. They taste of my own blood, and that excites me. My heart pounds madly, my breath comes in rapid pants.

He releases me, and I stumble, grabbing onto a column to steady myself. A depraved smile quirks his lips. “I’m afraid I’m spoiling you for anyone else, my dear doctor. Fantasy sex is definitely in our future.

Long and slow. But, alas, not today. Go back now. Return to your body. And remember my touch.

Yearn for it.”

Feeling like I’d dived into deep water, then fought my way back to the surface, I opened my eyes. It only took a few seconds to recognize I was wearing a bright red, satin nightgown and lying on the huge bed in Devereux’s room. Soft light glowed from candles hovering in the air. I would have assumed I was still dreaming—or insane—if I hadn’t seen a similar impossibility months before at one of the vampire coven’s rituals.

Remnants of the odd dream flickered across my inner movie screen. In my mind’s eye I could still see the achingly beautiful colors flowing, one into another, along the celestial canvas. My body remembered the feel of the soft air against my skin. My eyes memorized the brilliant white of the marble columns. And my soul yearned for … what? Hallow? How could I yearn for him? No. That wasn’t possible. Even the thought of feeling desire for the beautiful demon filled me with shame. What had the murdering psychopath done to me?

Raised voices floated into my awareness, jarring me out of my reverie. Familiar voices. I lifted onto my elbows and watched Dr. Sex pace back and forth in front of Victoria, who sat in the large, throne-like chair Devereux claimed was almost as old as he was.

Since the room was apparently vampire-free, that meant the sun was up. I had no idea how long I’d been sleeping, or what day it was. I had a full schedule of clients for Monday, and I was worried I’d abandoned them.

“It wouldn’t have hurt him to listen to me for a few minutes. This is very important. I’m certain if he lets me explain my situation, we can come to a mutually beneficial outcome. I’m not used to being dismissed that way,” Tom ranted.

Victoria tried to whisper, but her anger made the volume louder than she probably intended. “You’re lucky he even let you stay here while Zoë sleeps. If I hadn’t convinced Devereux that, despite your complete and utter self-absorption, you are Kismet’s friend, you’d have had your memory altered and been on your way back to Los Angeles. Count yourself lucky that I was here to speak for your pitiful self.”

Tom flicked his hair behind his shoulder, and adopted his most pompous tone. “I’m not self-absorbed.

I’m focused. There’s a difference.” He paused, planting his fists on his hips. “And why the hell can’t I get out of this dungeon? All the vampires are dead to the world—even the one everybody is afraid of. Why are there guards on the doors? What good are human guards going to be, anyway?”

Victoria stood and faced him. “Has anyone ever told you that you have an annoying habit of talking when you have no knowledge to back up your words? You ramble endlessly. Pointlessly. It’s very irritating.” She stepped closer into his much-cherished personal space.

Page 96

Generated by ABC Amber LIT Conv
erter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

“The guards are on the doors for Kismet’s protection, you idiot. The grotesque vampire in question doesn’t follow any rules, including being unable to function during the daylight hours. There is no limit to what he can do. He can crawl into her mind and make her behave in ways she ordinarily wouldn’t. She could try to leave. From what I’ve seen, she might even attempt to overpower us. We’re here to protect her.” She poked her finger into his chest and he swatted her hand away.

“Of course, the idea of doing something for someone else is probably a foreign concept to you, but if you want to go through with your absurd plan, you should probably pay attention to what Devereux says.

No matter who turns you, you’ll still start out at the bottom of the undead totem pole. You’ll be somebody’s flunky for at least a little while. I suspect that will be a humbling blow to your astronomical ego.” She shook her finger in his face. “I barely know you and I’ve already been tempted several times to turn you into various barnyard animals. I don’t understand how Kismet tolerates you. Or Zoë.”

Tom’s voice rose in pitch. “You don’t know me well enough to speak to me that way. You’re just a receptionist or clerk, aren’t you? Where do you get off …”

Their argument was getting old. It was time to press the
pause
button. “Hey! You two are going to wake the dead.”

Both their heads swiveled toward me, and Victoria scurried to my bedside.

“Kismet!” She wrapped her fingers around one of my hands. “Thank the Goddess you’re awake! We were all so frightened. Nobody knew what the lunatic had done to you. How do you feel?”

Tom angled tentatively in my direction, peeking around Victoria, stealing little glances at my face.

“What lunatic? I feel fine. I don’t understand why I’m in Devereux’s bed instead of my own.” Tom still hadn’t moved any closer to me. “What are you doing, Tom? You’re acting even more bizarre than usual.

Why are you hiding?”

He sidled next to Victoria, frowning. “I just wanted to make sure you weren’t going to attack anyone else like you did Devereux.”

“What?” I glared at him. “I didn’t attack anyone, especially not Devereux. Victoria, what’s he talking about?”

She turned her head and cast a frosty gaze at Tom. “As usual, he’s just yapping to hear the sound of his own voice.”

“She did attack him! Are you going to lie to her?”

I sighed. Their imitation sibling rivalry was making my head hurt. I fell back onto the pillow. “Okay, stop.

Please. Victoria, just tell me. I don’t remember anything since I was in my living room, preparing to work at my desk. Did I have some kind of breakdown? Did someone spike my coffee? Did Devereux bring me here? What day is it?”

She paused, a conflicted expression on her face. “It’s Sunday, late afternoon. You’re probably afraid you missed your client appointments. Don’t worry, you didn’t. Everything’s fine. Besides, even if you had, I would’ve contacted all of them to reschedule.”

I patted her hand and smiled, relief washing over me. “Thank you for being such a good friend. So, what
Page 97

Generated by ABC Amber LIT Conv
erter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

about the rest of my questions?”

“I don’t know how much I should tell you.” She frowned. “I don’t want to upset you or make things worse. All I know is what Devereux told me.”

I raised my eyebrows. “Well?”

She nodded. “Do you remember Devereux saying that Hallow had already begun influencing you? That you weren’t … yourself?”

“Yes. I remember he said that, but it didn’t make any sense. Are you saying that’s what happened?

Hallow has been controlling me?”

“My theory is he began entrancing you when he called the radio show, and Devereux agrees with me.”