Vampire's Pet

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Vampire’s Pet Copyrightã2005amyo'connor ISBN: 1-55410-736-9 Cover art and design by Martine Jardin

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Vampire’s Pet

Todd leaned his shoulders into the wall behind him and tried to ignore the crowd filling the hotel ballroom. He especially tried to ignore the admiring glances a handful of women insisted on shooting his way. Women?Nah, they were barracuda. It wasn’t all that unusual for him to be recognized, and he knew from experience that every single one of them was smiling so prettily at his wallet, not at him. They were imagining how they could go about convincing him to make themselves the next Mrs. Todd Martin. For what must have been the fiftieth time this morning, he wondered exactly why he was here. Or, more specifically, why he’d let his sister convince him to lend his support to her latest favorite charity. At the moment, she was engrossed with ‘Moonlight House’ and the women it supported. He closed his eyes wearily, hoping no one would notice in the dimly lit room. He’d never understood quite why Claudia got so amazingly involved with the human species. But, it had given her something to do through the centuries.She’d never succumbed to the ennui that caught them all eventually. He supposed it was kind of like the way some humans got so involved in looking after, say, wolves. Unfortunately, he knew from experience that Claudia wouldn’t give up when she wanted him to do something. And today, she’d informed him, was very important to her. It was the major fundraising event of the year for the women’s shelter. So he’d let her harass him into being here, check-book in his pocket.Anything for a quiet life, really. Besides, shewas his sister. And even vampires had some sense of family connection. Off the top of his head, he couldn’t think of anyone else he’d have bothered getting up so damnably early for. He opened his eyes and blinked blearily at the stage. A blonde MC who looked suspiciously like an over-sized Barbie Doll had just started trilling into the microphone, prattling about all the wonderful people who’d donated their time to be here today. Huh!A charity auction. The perfect excuse to buy a bit more junk he didn’t need. What would it be this time? Autographed football sweaters?A bracelet once worn by some distant relation of the Kennedy’s? God only knew. He sighed, and settled more comfortably against the wall. It was likely to be a very long, and very boring, morning.

* * * *

“Youwill do this,Gwenny . It’s too late to pull out now.” The middle-aged woman pacing up and down in front of her paused to tweak Gwen’s fringe, before resuming her pacing. As soon as her back was turned, Gwen flicked the hair back behind her ear. “But Vera…”

“Don’t ‘but Vera’ me, my girl.” The older woman spun on her heel and glared. “It may have worked when you were younger, but you’re twenty-eight years old now.” “But — “ “No!” Vera was adamant. “You agreed to go in this auction. If you pull out now, how will it make my Dora look?” Very bad? It would serve Dora right, Gwen thought mutinously. Her perfect blonde cousin had never actually asked her if she wanted to participate, just signed her name on the application forms, then run and complained to mommy when Gwen had objected. Eventually, Gwen had given in and filled out the rest of the forms. Gwen grimaced at the memory. Dora had been so pleased with herself when she’d trapped Gwen into participating. Not, of course, that it was the first time her cousin had done something so malicious. From the minute Gwen had moved in with her aunt and cousins after her parent’s accident, Dora had done everything she could to make her life miserable. Twenty years later, Gwen should have had a lot of practice at coping with her spiteful cousin. Goodness only knew why,especially in a situation like today, but Gwen still tended to do whatever her Aunt Vera asked — in this case, help Dora with the service auction she was organizing. Inwardly, Gwen sighed. Vera was a nice enoughwoman , and shehad taken in her orphaned niece all those years ago, but she still expected constant recognition of her magnanimity. Gwen may have moved out over six years ago, but Vera still wanted Gwen’s undying gratitude. It was awfully hard to say “no”. Vera would put this mournful expression on her face, and her eyes would radiate the deep hurt she felt at her niece’s lack of proper sensibility. It was usually easier just to give in and do whatever she wanted. “Just think,” her aunt wheedled, her voice rising as she tried to make herself heard over the droning MC. It sounded like this particular sale was drawing to a close. Her turn couldn’t be far away. “You might even find yourself an eligible man,” Vera continued. Oh great.This again… “And then, you can give up working in that nasty little shop and settle down like you should.” “I’m really not interested. And I like my shop.” Gwen tried to be patient. “Whatever.” Gwen knew her aunt wasn’t interested in her protests. So long as Gwen stood up on that stage and let herself be auctioned off to the highest bidder, Vera didn’t care. And she really,really didn’t want to get up on the stage. Compared to all the over-enhancedbimbettes she’d be competing against, well, she’d be lucky if someone even bid a dollar for her. She shuddered at the thought. This was going to be so embarrassing.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the MC. “And next up we have a pretty little pharmacist from down south…” Instead of her usual chirpiness, the MC had almost sneered at the word ‘pretty’. Just because Gwen didn’t spend half her life at the beauty salon, and hadn’t spent a fortune on plastic surgery, Dora’s friends liked to make her feel ugly. And they were all Dora’s friends here today. Even theMC’s probably a friend of Dora’s… Gwen squared her shoulders and let her aunt push her towards the steps to the stage.Here goes… Herstrappy sandals clicked confidently up scuffed timber steps. Head up, shoulders back… Smile. She crossed the stage, the very image of confidence, a smile plastered immovably across her mouth. She’d keep smiling if it killed her. Finally, she was standing beside the MC who was still chatting away with the audience, and doing her very best to ignore her. Standing beside yet another plastic specimen, Gwen felt short.Very short. Even wearing her heels, the top of her head barely reached theMC’s shoulder. Find something to look at.Maybe there was someone in the audience who wasn’t firmly aligned with the beauty queens? Positive her smile was growing more brittle by the moment, Gwen stared out into the darkness. She was nearly blinded by the spotlight, but she persevered. There had to be someone out there who wasn’t waiting to see her passed in with no bid made. Or maybe not. Face after unfriendly face stared back, all of them watching her avidly, waiting to see her embarrassment. It was almost like Dora had set this whole event up in order to humiliate her. In her head, Gwen may have known that wasn’t the truth, but her heart was pounding now. The MC was nearly at the end of her standard spiel. Gwen was growing desperate.

* * * *

“The girl who organized most of the volunteers is an absolute bitch,” Claudia remarked conversationally as she appeared silently beside her brother. “Is she up for sale?” Todd didn’t really care, but it was sometimes fun to tease a human. Problem was, he usually felt guilty about it; the same way he’d feel guilty about teasing a puppy. Claudia snorted. “Dora? Not a chance! If she was bought, she might actually have to do something.” “Mmm.You could have told me it was a service auction.” Claudia grinned. “Andrisk having you refuse to come? You were just itching for an excuse to stay

cooped up in your office for the day.” He shrugged. “I don’t need a plumber, or a dog-walker — “ “Or a home cooked meal?” Todd mock shuddered at the idea.“Yugh.” “So who are you going to buy?” “Do I really have to buy someone? Can’t I just give the shelter a hefty donation?” Claudia poked him hard in the ribs.“For goodness sake! Get into the spirit of the thing. I simply do not know how you can be my brother when we have absolutely nothing in common.” “Perhaps Mother was confused?” he suggested slyly. “Ummmaaahhh .I’m telling on you.” Claudia could easily make him forget just how bored he was with the world. Toddlaughed, a burst of cheerful noise in the otherwise silent room. “Oooh,and I’m so scared too.” “You should be.” Claudia pointed towards the stage. “The woman who’s up there now —” she glanced at her program, “Gwyneth Reilly — looks about ready to kill you.”

* * * *

How dare he? The rude, arrogant, son of a bitch! She may have been the only five-foot-nothing, freckle-faced, red-head amongst this Amazonian army, but no one else had the hide to laugh at her. Gwen narrowed her eyes, trying to focus on the cretin through the glare. It wasn’t like she wanted to be standing up here looking like the world’s greatest ninny. And when the MC had just said a weekend away with her was what the bidding was to be on… Well, she could have strangled her! Once Dora had forced her unwilling participation, Gwen had said she’d make a home-cooked meal. Apparently, bloody Dora had been interfering again. “Well, ladies and gentlemen?” the MC enquired, “What’s my opening bid on this fine specimen of womanhood?A whole weekend away. What a… gift.” Instantly, Gwen forgot about the man at the back of the crowd. She was starting to feel suspiciously like a cow going under the hammer at the stockyards. What would the damn woman say next? “Take your jacket off, darling. Let the folks see what a bargain they’ll be getting.” Gwen cringed, and shook her head slightly. TheMC’s grin grew feral.

“A whole weekend away, folks.Use her for whatever you want.Slave labor.Sex. Do I have an opening bid of… five dollars?” Five dollars?FIVE DOLLARS???She was worth more than five dollars! It was a long moment before theMC’s words crept into her consciousness.Sex? Her stomach clenched. She straightened her back and looked down her nose at the stupid woman. There was absolutely no way in hell that anyone would be buying her for sex, and she was certain — absolutely positive — that everyone in the audience realized that. “One hundred dollars.” “One thousand.” “Fifteen hundred.” The bids were suddenly flying furiously, too fast for the MC to actually accept more than one in three. “Three thousand dollars.” Three thousand dollars?The highest bid on anyone to date had been just under one thousand… “Five thousand.” “Six.” Gwen felt faint. She wondered if the audience could see the way the color was rushing from her face and gathering… gathering in her groin? Blood was pounding through her veins, heating her body. All these men were willing to spend money to buy her body. It was almost flattering. It’s stress, that’s all it is. There was no way that calm, ordinary — plain — Gwyneth Reilly would be getting aroused by the idea that a strange man could make her his for a whole weekend. No.Definitely not. But… No! The voice of sanity was trying to gain the upper hand, trying to make her ignore the pleasurable swelling in her breasts and the way her nipples rubbed gently on her bra. She was standing on a stage, in front of a couple of hundred people, imagining being some guy’s sex toy for the weekend? And was totally fascinated by the way her body was reacting. “Seven thousand.” “My goodness, she’s popular,” the MC crooned into the microphone. “I’ve heard she does some very special stuff…”

“Ten thousand.” Oh. My. God. This was just plain ridiculous. How could the MC let it go this far? “Anyone into leather and whips?” the MC asked. “If you are, I think you’ll be quite pleased with Ms Reilly. She justloves to be disciplined.” Whips?Gwen didn’t just feel faint any more. She seriously considered collapsing in a heap. She wondered if that would be enough to stop this farcicalauction? Of course, she could always just explain the mistake when she got off this damnable stage… Gwen glanced towards the steps, half wondering if she could just run away instead. It was the mention of whips that had done it. She was NOT into pain. She was a pharmacist for heaven’s sake. Sherelieved pain. Dora blocked her escape, a triumphant smirk marring her usually beautiful face. Behind her, she could see her Aunt Vera hovering. At least it seemed she wasn’t the only one who had a problem with how this auction was degenerating into some kind of sex-mart. Vera wasn’tcruel, she was just too dumb to realize her beloved daughter had done this to Gwen on purpose. She supposed she could just stalk off the stage — hopefully getting the chance to shove her revolting cousin down the steps on the way — but Dora knew Gwen wouldn’t create a public scene.That would be almost more embarrassing than standing up here on the stage. Thank God she’d set up her business in a town that was miles from here! None of her regulars were in the audience: a bunch of strangers she could handle. “Are you wondering just what she’s wearing under thatterrible , conservative suit?” the MC asked the room. It wasn’t that terrible… Calf length, navy blue skirt, tailored jacket… It was practical and multi-purpose… The MC leaned forward and whispered conspiratorially. “I’ve heard she likes leather underwear.” Leather underwear?Ugh. Where on earth was this woman getting her ideas? “The crotch-less sort,” the MC added nastily. “And I’ve heard she likes to play hard-to-get too.” She was definitely going to have some explaining to do when she got off this stage. There was no way she was going through with this. After all, she had been ambushed… Somewhat reluctantly, Gwen returned her attention to the audience, the same audience that had stared at her with such malevolence only minutes before. If anything, the female portion of the audience was becoming even more hostile, their whistles and vicious catcalls goading the MC to make even more

outrageous claims about Gwen’s sexual prowess. More than oneBotoxed forehead looked ready to burst into a seething mass of wrinkles under the pressure of itsowners wrath. The men, however, were seeing her from a very different angle. Dozens of sets of male eyes stared hungrily up at the stage.Stared at her. One man licked his lips — slowly — his tongue wiping a slimy line around a too-thin mouth. His eyes leered. She was sure he was undressing her in his mind. An uncontrollable shudder coursed through her. Any thoughts of how erotic is was to be this desired, to feel sosexual , were instantly annihilated. That one man made her feel dirty. Despite the high price tag she was about to be sold for, he also made her feel very, very cheap. And, looking around, he wasn’t the only one. There was no way she’d be able to negotiate with someone like him.Someone who was so obviously thinking with his dick.Someone who honestly believed the cattyMC’s wild statements. He’d surely believe she was acting if she said “no”. How the hell was she going to get herself out of this?

* * * *

If the organizer was a bitch, Todd had to wonder what that made theMC? The poor girl standing on the stage had been stunned when it’d been announced that the prize was a weekend away — with her. And it had just got worse from there. It was obvious to him she wasn’t a willing participant but, looking at the slathering idiots surrounding him, he was the only one who had more than two brain cells that were still functioning. The others had apparently had all their blood desert their brains in favor of their testicles. He shook his head slightly. No matter how many years he’d spent on the fringes of human society, he’d never understand them. How could they turn on one of their own like that? Ah, well. He could only suppose she’d volunteered to auction herself off. It wasn’t his problem if someone had changed the rules on her. She’d only get what she deserved for agreeing to participate in something this ridiculous in the first place. Todd’s check-book bumped against his leg as he shifted position. The crowd had slowly surged forwards, as unstoppable as an ocean tide, and he got his first really clear glimpse of the woman on the stage. She was terrified. He chewed gently on his lip, a bad habit he’d thought he’d curedhimself of centuries ago. It was a bugger when he accidentally let his fangs pierce his own skin. It hurt like hell. Decisions, decisions… Even from his position against the far wall he could see her trembling. She probably didn’t even know she’d clenched her fists so tightly her fingernails had dug into her palms, breaking the skin. A faint tang of fresh blood wafted to his nose.

If he bid on her, and bought her, he wouldn’t have to feel guilty about taking her home for dinner… Her blood was heady, its scent clear even across the musty smells of so many people crammed into this crumby old hotel. He inhaled, sifting through the scents. Her skin was fresh, and smelled faintly of lavender. He’d always been a sucker for a woman who used lavender. She’d thought he’d been laughing at her earlier, he reminded himself. Her thoughts had been vivid, and quite … imaginative. His lips curved. Most humans, when they got angry, projected a sort of red haze. She’d projected clear images of him with his mouth taped shut and some sort of very messy, and very painful, explosion surrounding him. He grinned at his thoughts. If he was going to take someone home for dinner—his dinner, that was—she’d certainly be more fun to play with than the average human. Todd stared at her, watching the way her eyelashes fluttered, when it suddenly hit him. He could read her emotions as clearly as if they’d been written in ten-foot high letters in front of him. But, other than that one angry image of what she wanted to happen to him, he wasn’t catching her thoughts. That was quite a novelty and hadn’t happened to him in at least three hundred years. His grandmother had been the only other woman he’d come across—vampire or human—whose thoughts he couldn’t read. It was an odd feeling. This woman was quite fascinating … He studied the women standing to the side of the stage, the ones whose ‘services’ had already been sold. Then he looked back up at Gwyneth. She may have been shaking in fear, murky waves of the emotion roiling off her and filling the ballroom, but she was still standing straight and staring defiantly out over the audience. Yes, she was a lot shorter than most of the other women. And she certainly hadn’t used nearly so much ‘product’ when she’d dressed for the event. Her naturally reddish hair was tied back in a long braid, and she wore light make-up that didn’t obscure the way her pale skin alternately flushed red with embarrassment,then faded to a sickly white when the MC made a particularly noisome announcement. Like the one about the whips. He’d honestly thought she was going to puke right there when the audience had been told she enjoyed discipline. Hmmm. Natural?Kind of like eating oystersaunaturel versus having them cooked Kilpatrick. He wasn’t used to taking his women that way.Natural. The sort of women he normally took home for a snackwere the sort who were bold enough to make a move on him. They were more like the brash MC -- and he was rapidly developing a severe dislike of her. His head jerked upright at the words he’d nearly missed while he contemplated the little redhead. He replayed the last few announcements rapidly in his head. Yes, the revolting woman had just suggested tying Gwyneth up and using her for a sex toy. No wonder the poor little mouse was looking more stressed by the minute. Mind you, the idea had potential… He wondered what she’d look likenaked? Did she have plenty of nice curvy bits, or was she one of the bland wafer-thin women with no tits? He looked more closely. It was hard to tell under the suit, but he was pretty sure she had decent breasts. His cock stirred. Todd fingered his check-book. The bidding was slowing but was up to fourteen thousand dollars already. She’d be an expensive snack.

He could have her for the entire weekend… Okay, an expensivefew snacks. And he was going to have to hand over a sizeable donation anyway. He’d promised Claudia he would. He cleared his throat.“Twenty thousand dollars.”

* * * *

Silence descended on the crowd. The huge bid had come from the back of the room. Like everyone else in the ballroom, Gwen craned her neck to see who wanted her so much. She’d thought it couldn’t possibly get any worse than it already was. She’d even half-convinced herself she’d be able to negotiate her way out of this mess despite all the avid eyes currently fixed on her body. She knew no one cared about her; they were only interested in the delicacies she was supposedly hiding under her business suit. It was worse than expected. Way,way worse than expected. It was the man who’d laughed when she first stood up.And … She suddenly realized that she’d never appreciated just howmasculine he was. Maybe she could just dissolve into a puff of smoke and drift off somewhere into the stratosphere? This was not a man who was going to accept a pleasant explanation of how it was all a terrible mistake. She couldn’t see much, but she could see his outline, could see the width of his shoulders, the muscles of the forearms he’d crossed negligently in front of him. He towered over the surrounding men. Her mouth went dry at the thought ofthat particular man wanting her in his bed for the whole weekend. Once again, her nipples hardened. He was… She couldn’t think of the words to describe him as her brain went on strike. Her stomach did an odd little flip and, grudgingly, she returned to reality. She was standing on a stage being sold to the highest bidder. Apparently she was being sold as a sex slave. This was absolutely humiliating. So why were her panties suddenly damp? “Any further bids?” The MC sounded disappointed that her fun was coming to an end. “No? Then, she’s sold to the bidder at the back of the room for twenty thousand dollars.” The gavel rapped on the podium, and Gwen found herself being hustled off the stage and practically pushed into Vera’s waiting arms. “I cannot believe you would lower yourself to that kind of… kind of… debauchery,” Vera spat. “Just

after you went up on stage, Dora told me how you planned to sell yourself like this, and I just couldn’t believe it.My littleGwenny ? No.Then… then…You hussy!” Gwen blinked dazedly as Vera stalked away into the darkness of backstage. Her eyes were still swimming from having the spotlight trained on her for so long. What else could go wrong? Dora stepped forward, an ingratiating smile on her face as she spoke to one of the sponsors who was hovering nearby. As soon as the other woman had returned to the audience, Dora’s smile changed. “Have fun, angel cakes,” she sneered. “I doubt you’ll be welcome at our house ever again.” Dora hurried away after her mother. She was probably going to spread more rumors and make sure Vera believed the absolute worst of her niece. Right now, Gwen didn’t care. The adrenaline that had been racing through her bloodstream had disappeared, had left her standing here forlorn,with no way of coping with the blatantly lascivious smiles directed her way. She wanted to go home. But she had to wait for her ‘buyer’ to come and collect her. If it was Friday morning now, did that mean he actually got her for three full days? The MC had said he got her for the whole weekend and the contract she’d signed —the one that Dorahadn’t altered—specified that the services were to be provided from the time the auction finished. Gwen collapsed into a conveniently placedchair, her head slumped into her hand. She didn’t care who saw her like this. She didn’t want to be here. She didn’t want to have to try and negotiate her way out of a dirty weekend with a man who’d been willing to pay twenty thousand dollars for her. Actually, she just wanted to fall into a pathetic little heap and cry.

* * * *

Todd approached the stageslowly, his progress delayed as other members of the audience paused to stare, blocking his way. He didn’t particularly mind the knowing looks that were directed his way and, hell, he could understand why most of the audience probably thought he was some kind of sexual weirdo after everything the MC had said. The girl, however, would have been mortified. Without even seeing her up close, without touching her, or speaking to her, he just knew. A thread of anger coursed through him at the idea of those men casting their leering eyes over her modestly-clad body, all of them assuming… assuming she was some kind of expensive whore. Anger? He hesitated. Anger wasn’t an emotion he often felt. Actually, he rarely felt anything at all anymore, and the thought that he was experiencingtwo emotions in the one day — first pity, then anger — and both directed towards a total stranger…

He shook his head impatiently. Right now, he had a purchase to claim. And he was hungry. She was only a human, after all. A foodsource, and nothing more. He stalked through the crowd, using his mind to clear the stragglers from his path. Once he’d actually spoken to her, then he’d know where he stood. It was just that … to be feeling things again, to not be bored with life, was soweird. He could hardly believe a woman had this effect, and that she’d suddenly appeared after all these endless years. Todd skirted the edge of the stage, heading towards where the other women had gathered after their sale had finished. She wasn’t there. Gwynethwasn’t there, he corrected himself. If he was going to spend more than a few minutes with this human, he was going to have to remember her name. He just didn’t think she’d be the sort of woman to let him get away with calling her the generic ‘honey’ or ‘babe’. Most women didn’t care so long as they were getting laid. But she was definitely different. She was different? He paused in a deep shadow by the stage while he decided what to do next, and smiled sardonically at his thoughts. He hadn’t even got within arms reach of her — actually, she seemed to have done a pretty good disappearing act on him — and he was already so sure he knew how she thought. He could only hope she matched up to his expectations. Alternately, he could just assume it was his hunger speaking. He grimaced. Nothing else could explain this kind of...weakness. “May I help you?” The woman’s voice was bored, and it sounded like helping him was the last thing on her mind. The MC stepped in front of him. “Well?” she repeated. Obligingly, he took a step forward, and out of the shadow. The MC straightened in an instant and a fawning smile crossed her lips. Her eyes scanned his face,then lowered to trace a quick route over his body. Apparently, she liked what she saw. Her smile widened. “Perhaps you were looking for me?” she suggested in a slow drawl. Obviously, her honeyed tone was meant to send instant thoughts of long hot summers and lazy nights into his head. In reality, it annoyed the hell out of him. He wouldn’t forget so quickly that this simpering woman had only minutes ago been ripping shreds off of his little mouse. Todd let his eyes drift slowly over her well-filled cocktail dress,then raised bored eyes to meet hers. “I doubt it.” She flushed. Anger or embarrassment?He didn’t really care. “Actually,” he added in the same chilly tone, I’m looking for Gwyneth Reilly. Where might I find her?” “Over there.” She pointed to a row of seats just visible behind the stage, and smiled, a flash of too-white teeth showing between her glossed lips before adding acidly, “Enjoy yourself.”

“Rooowwl,” he hissed under his breath, meeting her with a bland smile of his own when she whipped her head back towards him. “Spiteful old cat,” he murmured, sure she could hear him clearly despite the din of people starting to leave the room. He narrowed his eyes, and concentrated on invading her mind. Swift and sharp, she’d never know what hit her but the memories he implanted would be there for weeks. He watched implacably as she shivered. The feeling of icy fingers crawling all over her skin was already taking effect. His lips twisted into a feral grin and, for a moment, he let the predator show as his eyes glowed black. Back to their normal green, his eyes went hard. The MC shivered again, then turned and hurried away. Running wouldn’t work. Every time she closed her eyes, her head would be filled with visions of her own dead body buried deep in the ground, the flesh rotting away, and slimy grey worms seeping through her empty eye sockets. Her nightmares were guaranteed. He doubted she’d get much sleep. Served her right, too. Feeling rather pleased with himself, heambled the last few steps until he stood directly behind the stage. Once again, he was half hidden, this time by the voluminous black curtain that had been pulled back for the duration of the auction. Gwyneth was huddled on one of the hard wooden chairs that littered the tiny space. Her face was hidden in her hands and she was oblivious to him standing there only a few feet away. Then her shoulders began to shake and she slumped even further into the chair. He hesitated, for the first time in his life completely unsure of what he should do. Pity was a new emotion to him. Or was it simply tact he hadn’t even known he possessed finally showing through? If he just walked away, she’d never even know he’d seen her like this. There was nothing stopping him from simply sending the shelter his promised check. That would be the honorable thing to do. But if he walked away now, he might never get to meet her. Damn, he was hungry! Standing this close to her sweet-smelling blood, forced to listen to the way it vibrated through her veins, was agony. Hating himself for it, he cleared his throat.

* * * *

Gwen jumped. In her misery, she’d forgotten that she was actually sitting just out of sight on the edge of a very crowded ballroom. Worse yet, it was a ballroom full of people who thought she was… She shuddered, unwilling to finish the thought. The man coughed again, apologetically, and she looked up. Hopefully, her eyes weren’t half as red as they felt.

“I’m sorry to interrupt you. I’m Todd Martin. I made the winning bid…” An unexpected surge of anger overtook her as she recognized the man who’d laughedso loudly as she stood on the stage. Of all the men in the room who could have had the winning bid, why on earth did it have to be him? She glared up at him. “I know who you are,” she snapped, “and the only thing I offered to provide is a home-cooked meal. I don’t do that…” Her hand waved around her head as she grasped for the words. “I don’t dothat sort of stuff,” she finished. The man smiled a gentle smile of mild amusement. “I never thought you did.” The smile turned into a careless grin. “It can be fun, but I prefer my partners willing.” Gwen’s brow furrowed as she tried to process his words. Then she realized — he probably just thought she was playing hard to get, making sure he had an excuse to take control of her. What a shame! His eyes had been surrounded by the cutest little wrinkles when he’d smiled. And she wouldn’t mind at all if he sent that warm smile winging her way again either… Annoyed with the way her blood tingled, she pulled herself back together. It wasn’t easy. “I’m not joking.” Even to her own ears she sounded nasty, and she flushed slightly. Being so defensive was just not normal for her. He looked down at her, his eyes somehow mocking. “I know,” he said. “That’s why I bought you.” Okaaay, she was really confused now. “That’swhy you bought me?” “Uh huh.”He held his hand out to her and, unthinking, she accepted his help up from the seat then flinched at the jolt of electricity that suddenly flowed through her veins. “Just consider me your knight in shining armor,” he continued, seemingly unaware of his startling effect on her. “I … uh … thank you?” Her confusion wasn’t letting her think clearly, and she couldn’t help but wince at how totally lame she sounded. Thank you? That was so inadequate.Twenty-thousand times inadequate, actually. If he really meantit, that was… “Don’t mention it,” he offered, pulling her up and leading her towards the exit. “Do you have anything you need to fetch?” “Why?” she demanded, immediately suspicious again. “Because I was about to offer you a lift home.To your home,” he added pointedly. He sighed and shook his head theatrically. “There’s just no kudos in the job for us adorable white knights any more.” Gwen felt her blush deepen even more. “I’m sorry. It’s just… ” He squeezed her hand. This time, the bolt of lightening was so powerful she was surprised it hadn’t welded her to the floor. He drew her to a halt and looked down at her. “It’s okay. I understand.”

“You do?” Gwen’s heart fluttered as she was forced to look at him properly for the first time. She tugged her hand free, and took a hurried step back, looking anywhere but at his mesmerizing eyes. “What was your name again?” “Todd. Todd Martin.” He sounded coolly amused, but she didn’t dare look at him to check. Had she seriously been rescued by a man who looked like he’d stepped straight from the pages ofGQ ? And it wasn’t just the clothes either. The glimpse of him she’d had before she’d chickened out had shown her a man with a body to die for.Or to kill for, depending on your point of view. She hadn’t missed the width of his shoulders, or how his biceps had rippled under the clinging black silk of his shirt. His jeans fit rather well too —they were just snug enough to make her wish she’d got a look at his butt. If it was anything like as firm as his thighs appeared to be… Yum. Actually, not many men could get away with wearing a silk shirt and still be sex-on-a-stick… Oh my God! Girl, don’t go there! You know nothing —nothing— about the man. It was hard not to think about him though, especially with him standing so close that his sandalwood cologne seeped into her head, making her giddy. She caught herself stealing another glance at him. It was almost like her eyes were drawn back to him without her consent. The sense of power that surrounded him was awesome. If he was a flame, then she was the moth.Tiny.Ineffectual.Trapped. And that was dangerous.Very dangerous. No, it simply wasn’t possible. She was an intelligent, modern woman. Confident and self-possessed — that was her. At least, she admitted ruefully toherself, that was her when she was nowhere near her aunt or cousin. As soon as they appeared in the equation, she reverted to a tongue-tied schoolgirl. So what was it about him? Why did this particular man stir feelings she hadn’t felt in years? She’d almost forgotten what it felt like to have her skin prickle with interest, let alone be hit by a 20,000 volt hot flush! Even her tummy was doing funny little flips whenever she thought of what his hand had felt like on her arm. Possessive.Proprietorial.His. She thought for a moment, trying not to be distracted by the fact that his eyes were almost certainly trained on her right now, considering her in the same way she was considering him. His eyes? That was it! It was when she’d looked into his eyes that she’d been caught. They’d somehow swept her into a deep jungle whirlpool where she’d felt amazing safe.Totally out of control, but safe. A jungle whirlpool? She risked a glimpse from under her eyelashes. Yes, his eyes really were a fascinating shade of dark green.Jungle green. My God! How could someone’s eyes alone give her this feeling of security? And for those eyes to be attached to someone who looked like him? It simply wasn’t fair!

“Do you like what you see?” The interruption shattered her train of thought and Gwen felt the heat spreading rapidly across her cheeks. She chewed on her lip for a moment,then glanced up again. He was just standing there, watching her. No disapproval in his eyes, and no sign at all that he’d been offended by her sudden withdrawal. As she watched, he leaned back against a handy column. One hand rested on his belt, the other hung loosely by his side. He certainly didn’tlook threatening. But there was something… different about him.Something indefinable. Something…powerful. Gwen narrowed her eyes, staring at him thoughtfully. That aside, he was certainly very well built. Her first impression had been all too accurate. There was nothing extreme — no exaggerated body-builder muscles, and he wasn’t so tall that she felt completely overwhelmed. After all, most people were taller than her. Broad shoulders, firm stomach, thick brown hair that was all his own, those eyes. What more could she possibly want? She wasn’t seriously considering… Was she? The last guy who’d tried to pick her up had been forty-ish, balding, and had his eyes focused firmly on her trust fund. Before him, there’d been the guy she’d met in the café where she bought her lunch most days. He’d been fine until he’d discovered she was educated, owned her own small business, and was disgustingly rich. He’d run away so fast he was out of sight before his dust trail had even settled. At least Todd Martin wouldn’t be after her for her money — or threatened by it. He obviously had plenty of his own if he could afford to donate that sort of cash to the shelter. A lock of hair drooped rakishly across his forehead, just touching an eyebrow. She wondered what his hair felt like, and whether he’d object to her pushing it back out of his eyes. Her fingers twitched. Hmmm… He’s a total stranger!atiny voice countered. Apparently, she had a very boring — and previously unsuspected — conscience. And a stranger who was willing to come to my rescue… Maybe he was, maybe he wasn’t. Maybe he’s just trying to lull you into a false sense of security. He’ll get you home,then he’ll have you naked, handcuffed, and chained to a wall before you know what’s hit you! And maybe I’d like that! She squirmed as a vivid picture flashed into her mind. In her imagination she was sprawled across a sofa, butt naked. Todd stood over her, fully dressed, his eyes leaving trails of fire over every inch of skin they traversed. She couldn’t move. She couldn’t see any kind of restraint, but she couldn’t move. Then he was bending closer, kneeling between her widespread legs and she was writhing — no,trying to writhe — begging him to … to do what? The image faded.

Actually, the thought of being at this powerful stranger’s mercy was somehow appealing. And it wasn’t at all frightening. She could almost feel the waves of reassurance flowing off him, wending themselves around her heart and soul, and wrapping her safely within his care. The whole time her mental debate had been going on, he’d been just standing there, patiently waiting for her to decide he wasn’t some kind of sex fiend. A shame, really… Gwen flushed again. Surely by now her face must be evenmore red than her eyes? It was a damn good thing he couldn’t read her thoughts, though. If he had any inkling of what she was considering, she’d curl up on the spot in embarrassment. “Have you decided what you’re doing yet?” he asked pleasantly, apparently somehow aware her inner dialogue was finally slowing to a halt. “I think so.” “Good.” He straightened, a gracefully fluid movement with each muscle seeming to flow seamlessly into place. He held out his hand, an unselfconsciously sexy smile teasing the corner of his mouth. “What have you decided?” Gwen’s tongue slipped out to lick delicately at her lip. She’d consider almost anything — handcuffs included — to experience those lips on hers. No matter whether it was her little fantasy of a few minutes before that had left her feeling needy and frustrated, shewanted him. “There’ll be media waiting out the front, I’m sure,” he continued smoothly, “So it really would be best if you allowed me to give you a lift home. It will look better.” She was caught in hiseyes, unable to drag hers away from their luminous green depths, and saw what she could have sworn was the tiniest flicker of relief when she nodded dumbly. Relief?From someone as obviously sure of his own sex-appeal as this man?Nah… She was kidding herself. “My sister’s here somewhere.” He looked vaguely around the curtain towards the near-empty ballroom and frowned. “At least I assume she’s still here. I’m sure she’ll accompany us if you’d be more comfortable.” “There’s no need.” Her voice was athready whisper, barely audible. He seemed to hear and understand though, because he nodded and held out his hand. “Good. I really am quite trustworthy.” Gwen smiled. It was a fairly watery effort, but it was there. The fact that he’d been worried about her feelings, and that he’d offered to have his sister go with them, had made her feel immeasurably better. Those were not the actions of a serial rapist. If he even has a sister…

She forced the insidious doubt down, stomping it into obscurity. She had no idea why, but she believed him. Somehow, she found it hard to believe he’d lie to her.

* * * *

She was so naïve; she actually trusted him!Which was rather sweet — and so very, very stupid. What the hell was she doing trusting a strange man? Worse, she was putting her faith in a vampire.Sheesh. He was holding on to his self-control by a thread, and she had no idea at all of the danger she was in. Even as he thought it, she leaned trustingly into him. His heart stuttered. It felt so good.Soright . He was so hungry, and she smelt delicious… Nope she had no idea at all. Gwyneth looked shyly up at him, her eyes clear of guile. It had been forever since a woman had looked at him with that sort of blind faith — how could he possibly betray her trust? He’d been born in an era of honor, where a man’s word was his bond. Difficult as it was, he couldn’t just throw the habits of a lifetime away now. Todd would have groaned if he wasn’t afraid it would have scared her away. Dammit! He wanted to take her home, taste her, bury himself deep inside her and claim her as his forever. Forever?Whoa… His own blood was singing to him; one minute cajoling, the next demanding. Surely just a little taste of her would be alright — if he could stop at just a little, that was? The way she was drawing him to her was uncanny. Mate. Todd hardly dared to think the word in case she disappeared, simply evaporated before his eyes. He’d lost hope centuries ago, believing he’d never find her. Was this little redhead the one?Ahuman? He drew her closer, tucking her securely under his arm instead. Whatever happened next, he wasn’t going to let her escape. She was his for this weekend at least, and no one was going to come between them. She fitted beautifully too, the top of her head resting comfortably against his shoulder. For a second, he wondered what he’d seen in all the leggy blondes he’d taken home for dinner in the past. And she wasn’t even protesting the sudden close contact. He didn’t exactly understand it, but figured that very clear, very erotic, image she’d been projecting a few moments ago had an awful lot to do with it. He wished he knew what she was thinking more of the time, though. Shefelt relaxed right now. Her muscles were loose and the thumb of the hand he held firmly clasped in his traced idle patterns against his skin. Actually, it was driving him insane. Between that and the scent of the blood he could clearly hear surging through her veins, he was in agony. And if his cock got any more interested, he’d never be able to walk out the door. As it was, his jeans were uncomfortably tight. Driving could be interesting… So…He tried to turn his mind to other things. He could read her thoughts when she was angry and, apparently, when she was aroused.But not the rest of the time.Weird.

Being able to read her thoughts when she was aroused wasn’t necessarily the best thing for his sanity though. He grimaced, quickly turning it into a painful grin when one of the few remaining people stared at him curiously. He wouldn’t mind seeing her spread out over his sofa. Her pale skin and copper hair would be a gorgeous contrast against its soft, black leather. A breathless squeak alerted him that he may have been holding her a tad too tightly. “Sorry,” he murmured into her hair. “Just — “he looked around for a suitable excuse for holding her so close. “Just trying to protect you from the media,” he said as they neared the entrance. It was blocked by a barrage of camera-wielding leeches. A reporter from the local newspaper had been expected, but this? Damn! Apparently, someone had alerted the local TV station about the high bidding as well as the paper from the next town over. They must have broken every speed limit to have arrived here so quickly. But they were here, so he had to deal with them. And without lettingthem hurt his Gwyneth any more than she already had been. It was baffling to feel so possessive of a human. He shrugged it off. Whatever the reason, she was his to protect. With luck, after a couple of days in her company he’d be over it. After all, it was probably just his hunger talking. A few gulps of her sweet, sweet blood and he’d realize just how laughable all this emotion stuff he was feeling really was.

* * * *

Gwen blanched. She almost wished he hadn’t pointed out the mass of waiting media. Who would they be waiting for but them? It was probably just one more spiteful act to chalk up to Dora. Not content with trying to destroy what Gwen had left of a family life, in one fell swoop she was attempting to destroy both her reputation and her business. So much for keeping her anonymity.It was a bitter thought. As they approached the doorway, Todd’s hand firmed on hers, wordlessly supporting her. Now, if only she could learn to ignore those amazing electric tingles, she might actually be able to regain her scattered wits where he was concerned. Even in the face of the vultures who were slowly circling towards them, their beady eyes sharply focused on the amount of damage they could do to her life, she was aware of the warmth of Todd’s touch, and the comfort of having him beside her. And all this angst was so the media could increase their sales for a single day… How did they sleep at night? Didn’t their consciences bother them?Apparently not. It was no different to walking up onto that stage, she counseled herself. Shoulderssquared, head up. Don’t let them think they had you running scared. Inwardly, she snorted. What an actress she was! And Todd was still there, his grasp on her arm strong and somehow sending those waves of reassurance crashing through her. Her stomach clenched. For someone who’d also felt like she was on her own, it was a weird feeling. Usually, she was the one who had to be strong. That a man —this man — could make her feel like this… She turned her attention to the media. If she survived them, she’d have plenty of time to think about Todd Martin later today.

After he’d dropped her at her flat and driven off, never to be seen again?The little voice in her head was sarcastic. It was unfortunately also all too accurate. So I won’t let him drive away,she countered. Bah! As if he’d be interested in you! That did it! If even her own conscience, if that was what the little voice actually was, figured she had less chance of ensnaring him than the last cake at kiddies’ birthday party had of surviving intact, then she had something to prove — to herself. It was barely an effort to paste the confident smile over her face. She wouldnot let Dora destroy her life. And what shewoulddo, was take advantage of the situation. Gwen straightened her shoulders, and directed a sweetly triumphant smile at the nearest reporter. He blinked rapidly,then stepped backwards, stumbling over a thick lead that trailed from the camera-man’s shoulder and across the floor. The camera which had been resting lightly on his shoulder jerked, the camera-man making a wild grab to try and regain his balance as his feet slipped inexorably backwards. The abrupt wrench on the cable had thrown his balance. For a moment he teetered then, just as it seemed he wouldn’t fall after all, the camera slipped, crashing onto the wooden floor. Shattered glass surrounded the reporters. In the ensuing turmoil the camera-man was yanked back to his feet, the remaining journalists scattered to avoid both the broken glass and the profusion of cables that had somehow managed to snake their way underfoot. Todd led her calmly through the mess, apparently unconcerned by the chaos. Eyes wide, Gwen followed. Despite her bravado, she’d never really expected to make it through the reporters unscathed. That being the case, she hadn’t actually given any thought at all to justhow she was going to convince this very large, very imposing and verysexy male that he should take her home for a weekend of no-holds-barred, no-strings-attached sex. Okaaay… Was she really going to go through with this? Her heart may have been pounding at the idea, but she was determined. For whatever reason, she wanted him. Just exactly why she’d lost her head over a stranger, today of all days, she had no idea. But she had. A beam of bright sunlight slashed into her eyes and she groped in her handbag for sunglasses. Todd’s eyes were already covered by dark shades but he still winced when the sun streamed over them, quickening his pace as he headed for the shelter of an underground car-parking garage on the next block. “Sensitive eyes?” she asked politely. He grunted.“Yeah.” So much for that conversational opening.She wasn’t sure that she could justask him to take her home with him.

At this speed, they’d be in the car in minutes, and another opportunity would be lost. “Um —“ she tugged lightly at his sleeve. “Yes?” Even behind the dark glasses, she could feel the way his eyes had focused on hers, almost like he was trying to read her mind. She shivered. “Would you mind slowing down a little please?” She gestured in the direction of her ridiculous shoes. “I don’t often wear heels.” “Sorry.” His tone was curt but he did slow a little. Gwen stumbled on a rough patch of the concrete, her ankle twisting under her. When she righted herself, it was to find his hands clamped around her waist, their warmth spreading rapidly through her body. It was as if there were no clothes between his hands and her skin. Her flesh was on fire, a radiant heat that was coiled between her legs. “I’m sorry.” He smiled, a slow sexy smile that made her womb clench. He may have offered to drive her home, but she’d lay money on it he wanted exactly what she did. Damn, but she wished she could see his eyes right now, then she’d know for sure. A truck rumbled by, only feet away, and she pulled herself together. It was sweltering in the sun, and the pavement was uncomfortably hot through the thin soles of her sandals. She squinted up the block. The glare off the reflective glass of the modern high-rises surrounding them was horrendous. She could barely see the entrance to the garage anymore. “Should we…?” Todd grinned.“Yep. The sooner we’re out of the sun, the better.” She gasped as he scooped her up, his hands passing lightly over her clothing as he rearranged his grip on her. “You hurt your ankle,” he pointed out before she could protest his actions. “We’ll have a look at it in the car.” Cradled in his arms like that, she had to fight the urge to snuggle closer. She was crushed against his chest, his silk shirt soft and smooth against her cheek. The body beneath the shirt was the exact opposite. Hard and muscular, it was even firmer than she’d imagined when she’d first run her eyes over him. No wonder she kept being enveloped by those waves of calm and reassurance. He was built like a medieval knight, and she could easily imagine him with a heavy sword gripped in one of those strong hands. How could she be anythingbut calm when she was with a man like that? The scent of sandalwood wafted down to her. Until she’d got this close, she hadn’t particularly noticed just how unusual his cologne was. It was surprisingly subtle and, within a moment, had almost faded into obscurity.But not quite. When she shifted against him, unconsciously rubbing her cheek against the silk as she wondered what his skin felt like, she was surrounded by another intoxicating wave. Surrounded by so much hard male muscle — his chest, his arms, even the hand supporting her bottom was totally unyielding — it would be easy to be overwhelmed. Wouldn’t it be lovely to just close her eyes and relax, to forget about all those curious stares from the passers-by… Darn it! She was thoroughly enjoying feeling like some die-away heroine in a bad historical romance. As she thought, her tongue flicked out to moisten her lips. His breath hitched.

She did it again, her mouth parting as her tongue traced a languid line around her lips. The constant deep rumble of his breathing was close to her ear, and had been an almost imperceptible background as he strode along the sidewalk. It had definitely faltered. This time she was certain. Gwen glanced up to his face, wondering what she’d read there. A slight flicker in the skin under one eye was the only real change. She licked her lips again, purposely leaving a damp trail. Through half-closed eyes, she saw his lips tighten,then watched in fascination as he forced the muscles to relax. One at a time, the tiny muscles around his mouth loosened until he once again looked faintly amused with the world. He seemed to wear that expression a lot, she mused, wondering just how hard it would be to render him senseless with lust. And how difficult was it going to be to convince him to take her home and ravage her? He’d possibly even debauch her if she asked nicely. Her own lips twitched at the thought. She had no idea what debauchery was, but itsounded good. If she was going to do something so scandalous for the first — and possibly the only — time in her life, then she may as well do it properly. So, how to go about goading him into letting out his inner caveman? She wanted him to toss her over his shoulder and drag her home with him — the social nicetiesbe damned! A gurgle of laughter broke out and she glanced up guiltily. He’d exchanged his coolly amused look for one of polite curiosity. “Stress,” she offered, giggling helplessly at his raised eyebrows. All she could think about was how it was positively herduty to teach this man how to loosen up. Yep, it was definitely the stress that was getting to her.

* * * *

Todd’s hand tightened on her bottom. Did she have any idea at all of just how provocative that lip-licking was? Not only had she sent his blood pressure soaring way beyond what was sensible, her own blood was rushing through her body so loudly it hurt. It would serve her right if he did take her home with him. Not only was he hungry enough that it had been a struggle to not let his incisors slide down, but he could smell her arousal clearly. She was his. Bought and paid for. He even had a receipt to prove it. He bent his head, snuffling against her neck, and his tongue flicked out, tasting her skin. So soft! He licked again, a long, wet swipe that traced the length of her vein, his tongue vibrating in time with her blood. The butterfly-light touch of her fingers against his neck brought him back to his senses. They were in the middle of a busy street. He’d stopped in the middle of the side-walk, forcing the few other pedestrians to sidle around them. Luckily, none of them seemed to have taken offense at his public display. Still…

Head still bent, he opened his eyes and stared down at the pavement.Waves of heat rippled upwards, almost as fierce as the rays of the sun that were trying to spear through his shirt. It wasn’t like he was going to burst into flame, but he did get sunburned extremely easily. And if he got too sunburned, he certainly wouldn’t be able to take her home and ravish her. For a second, he imagined her expression if he asked her to rub aloevera gel all over him. It was messy stuff. She’d have to get naked to do it. He looked up, intrigued at the thought. It was a shame he’d decided to drive her straight home. Untouched , he reminded himself. He was going to do the honorable thing, and that meant no tasting. No more licking, even. Thank goodness the parking garage was only another few steps away. Smelling her blood and her arousal was bad enough, but to have her squashed against his chest like this was hell. She shifted as he strode into the shade, and his sigh of relief to be out of the scalding sun turned to a groan. Unknowingly, she’d rested the hand she’d punctured earlier against his chest.Right below his nose. He jiggled her to the side, groping for his car keys. Her hand reached higher, grabbing his shoulder for support as she lurched. Her bottom bumped against his groin, and his cock swelled. Damn! If she kept tempting him like this, he’d have no choice — his fangs would be out and sunk into her neck before she knew what hit her. Then he’d sink himself deep into her body and get some relief for his other problem. He’d make sure she enjoyed herself too… Todd wrenched the car door open and deposited her none-to-gently on the front seat. She landed with a gasp which quickly turned to a giggle. “Am I that heavy? Your poor back, having to carry me like that!” “Sorry.” His voice sounded strained. “I, uh, slipped.” “Sure.” She flashed a sunny smile upwards, at the same time stretching her legs out in front of her. The tailored skirt had hiked up and, paired with her awkward landing, was perfectly showing off the length of her silk-clad legs.Legs that seemed to go on forever.His gaze started at her toes and skimmed up and up, all the way to… No! He forced his gaze back to her ankle. She obviously hadn’t realized she was flashing her panties. A gentleman wouldn’t look. A gentleman?Him?Before he could control it, a sardonic smile flashed across his face. Gwyneth twisted her ankle from side to side, her head cocked as she considered it. The overhead lighting hardly made an impression on the gloom of the garage, but it did reflect very nicely off her sheer stockings. “I thinkit’s okay,” she ventured after a moment. “I only twisted it.” Todd hunkered down, uncaring of the filth on the floor. From this angle he had an even better view of her panties. It was an effort to drag his eyes back to the ankle he held lightly in his hand. He wanted to know what color her panties were, and it was hard to tell. Something dark, he thought. Forest green, perhaps? That would look fabulous against her brilliant copper hair and creamy-pale skin.

His thumb feathered over her ankle, tracing gentle circles until he was rewarded with a light shudder that made her skin tremble against his fingers. At least he wasn’t the only one who was turned on right now. It was just a shame that he was a gentleman. “Are you sure it’s okay?” He lifted her leg slightly, inspecting the ankle for swelling or the early signs of bruising. “Maybe it does need a little attention.” Her voice was husky, a siren’s call to his already overwrought senses. “Perhaps you should take me home with you — just for observation, of course,” she suggested. Every muscle in his body tautened, and he rocked back on his heels until he could see her face. She’d pushed her sunglasses onto her head as they’d entered the underground area and her eyes were clearly visible, nearly on a level with his.Slumberous eyes. Her eyelashes lowered and she dropped her gaze. It was the classic trick of a temptress, yet a tinge of pink colored her cheeks at the same time. If she was a seductress, she wasn’t a very experienced one. “Please.” “I…” He shook his head and tried not to sound gruff. “I already told you I don’t expect anything like that from you.” She looked up from under heavy-lidded eyes. “But I want to.” His self-control was wavering. It was hard enough convincing himself to do the right thing anyway, but when she was begging him to have her… He made a last desperate effort, ignoring the strident demands his body was sending out. Todd smiled.Condescendingly. If he was lucky, she wouldn’t even be able to see how it was cracking at the edges with the strain of repeatedly saying “no”. “Oh.” Her lips trembled. “You really don’t want me.” The confused hurt in her eyes shattered his self control. “Of course I want you, honey.” He gripped her wrist, tugging until she looked at him. “Really?”She brightened. “You’ll take me home and… and…” “Seduce you?” he offered, a genuine grin creasing his lips. She blushed, a vivid pink that clashed horribly with her hair, and nodded. “Right then.”He bent forward, scooping up her legs and briskly depositing them in the car. “Let’s go.” She settled back onto the leather upholstery, her unconsciously wriggling shoulders thrusting her breasts out. At least hethought it was unconscious. It didn’t take much to imagine her naked, and the car seat resembled his sofa in everything but size. A burst of need raced through him. He couldn’t wait until he got home. He sunk to his knees, leaned forward, and pushed her back into the seat. A totally feminine moan of

satisfaction escaped her lips on a sigh, then his mouth settled firmly over hers, claiming her. Her heart raced, thudding against his chest, and the scent of her musky arousal surrounded him, filling the car. She squirmed under him, her legs falling slightly apart, and he pressed closer. He wanted her to understand that she was trapped. She was his. Bought and paid for. He brushed away the intrusive thought. She wouldn’t be doing this just because she thought he had a right to her body. She wasn’t that sort of person. She was here because she wanted to be, not because she felt obligated. His arms were balanced on either side of her, the edges of the seat held in a white-knuckled grip as he fought for control. But her lips were soft under his harder mouth, warm and welcoming him in, parting eagerly for his thrusting tongue. Todd licked her lips,then traced the outline of her teeth and gums. He groaned into her mouth. She tasted so sweet… One hand pushed aside her skirt, shoving it up out of his way. Without releasing her lips, he glanced down at what he’d revealed. Her pantieswere dark green — feminine and lacy, a tantalizing glimpse of pale skin showing under the almost-sheer pattern. He returned his attention to her mouth, his tongue delving deep as he settled his weight against her chest. He lifted a knee and thrust it between her already spread thighs, wedging them further apart. Caught between his body and the seat, her every tiny movement was magnified. His car may not have been the most romantic location in the world, but it was certainly convenient.

* * * *

Making out in a car.Wow. And with a guy who looked like… Well, he looked like he belonged with some overpaid catwalk model, not with ordinary old Gwen. She smiled into the ravaging kiss, her tongue flicking out in her own cautious exploration. Who cared anyway? She’d decided on a fling, so it might as well be with a modern-day Errol Flynn. She’d barely even noticed when he’d raised her skirt, scrunching it up at her waist, but it was getting hard to ignore the cool breeze wafting between her legs. Even as she thought it, one large hand drifted upwards, stroking softly over her thigh until she shivered in reaction. Everywhere he touched, her skin sizzled. Her head lolled against the headrest, her eyelashes fluttered uselessly. She doubted she could have opened her eyes if she tried. All she could feel was the way his warmth surrounded her, pressed her back into the sleek leather, and wrapped her in a sensual haze. Then his hand settled firmly over her panties, cupping her pussy. She shuddered, and a soft wholly-masculine chuckle of satisfaction rumbled through his body. He was so close that the tiniest

vibration passed straight from him to her — and onwards in a direct line to her tummy. So much for the butterflies she’d read about in the romance novels she kept hidden in her closet. This was more like a washing machine on spin cycle. And he’d hardly even touched her. He must surely have been reading her thoughts because he chose that exact moment to run his fingers gently over the satin of her panties, his thumb teasing at the lacy panels. Her own soft mewl of pleasure filled her ears. “Much as I’d like to continue this,” he murmured, his breath tickling her ear, “I think we’d be more comfortable at home.” Gwen forced her eyes open. The dim light of the parking garage was eye-wateringly bright after the darkness. She moistened her lips with her tongue. How could they be so dry? His eyes fixed on her mouth, and his own lips parted. A flare of satisfaction raced through her. Despite the fact he’d showed willing, until that moment she hadn’t realized just how much power she wielded over him. Slowly, carefully, she licked her lips again… …then squeaked in outrage as he pinched her nipple through the lightweight fabric of her blouse. Todd grinned and bent over her, deliberately crowding her back against the seat. His tongue swiped across her mouth, a long, wet lick. The hand that cupped her pussy tightened. “Fledgling testing her wings, hmm?” he asked with a smile, leaning back to watch her reaction. Gwen shook her head mutely. “No?” he raised a single eyebrow, clearly disbelieving. “Are you sure?” She licked her lips, a nervous gesture she barely noticed until it was too late. The hand on her pussy shifted, one finger suddenly probing deep between her legs and tracing circles around her entrance. Once again her nipple was tweaked, and she jerked upright. “Quite sure?” he asked again, pushing his finger slightly inside her. “I… uh…” The finger pushed deeper. Her eyes widened. Gwen let her eyelashes drift closed, refusing to open them even when he pinched her poor nipple more sharply. Her blood was churning. They were in a public car park, in broad daylight, and he was nonchalantly thrusting his fingers deep inside her pussy, fondling her breast and… She jumped. The pinches on her nipple were starting to get painful. Before she could protest, he twisted his fingers, and bent her forward over his arm. His hand was caught between her legs and he started to rub his fingers over her clit. Her head drooped onto her knees. Who cared about the fact that anyone could walk by and see them?

Oh hell! Gwen tried to sit up, tried to shake off the pair of arms that had somehow wrapped themselves around her so, no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t unfold herself. “I’m having fun,” he whispered in her ear. “Are you?” His tongue licked a wet rim around her ear, delving briefly inside to match the rhythm of his fingers in her pussy. He blew gently, chuckling wickedly as she shivered helplessly. “Please?” Gwen’s voice was barely audible, lost in a moan as he thrust more of his hand into her panties. She wanted… she wanted… Heck! She didn’t know exactlywhat she wanted, she just knew she did! “Please what?” he asked. “Please make you come?” She gasped as he pinched her nipple again, momentarily distracting her from his fingers between her legs. “What was that?” he asked silkily. “I didn’t quite hear you.” “I… yes!” “Yes, what?”The damn man sounded like he was enjoying making her plead. Caught as she was, unable to lift her head, she could still hear the laughter in is voice. And, strangely enough, she didn’t really mind. Todd was the first man who’d ever acted the slightest bit assertive around her. Obviously, he wasn’t at all intimidated by her money. “Please make…” Before she could finish the sentence, she felt a tiny movement under her butt. She’d been vaguely aware that he’d changed his grip so he had his hand wedged securely under her butt, but the finger that was probing her butt cheeks right now was feeling suspiciously like… A tiny flare of pain as his thumb wedged itself inside herass, was followed by a dark burst of pleasure. She heard herself groan as he pulled the thumb free, the discomfort blessedly gone, only to hiss in pain as it returned, thrusting deep and remaining there. “What a tight little ass,” he murmured. “Bet you’ve never had a cock in there before, have you?” Gwen tried to answer, her words swallowed up in a groan as his thumb swiveled, almost touching the finger that was still lodged deep in her pussy. “Hmmm?” “No,” she gasped, and jerked hard against his hand as his free hand tweaked her nipple. She’d managed to impale herself even deeper, and the waves of pleasure roiled over her. This was so wrong! Yet, much as she tried to tell herself that it was wrong to enjoy having a man simply take over her body like this, she couldn’t help herself. Shewas enjoying it. “What do you want?” he murmured into her hair.

For a moment, his hands remained still. “Please let me come,” sheasked, her voice tiny. She felt him smile, was sure he was grinning in pure satisfaction, yet within moments, she couldn’t have cared less. The hand jammed between her legs shifted and his fingers started to move deep inside her. One finger brushed her clit, the hand around her breast tightened. His mouth descended over hers, stealing her breath. The world shattered. Every sense was centered on what her body was doing, the way her blood raced, her head pounded, her limbs quivered. Then she was floating in a muzzy fog, too tired to think. So that was what an orgasm was like, she thought dreamily. Wow. Apparently the guys she’d been going out with had been totally ripping her off when it came to sex. Fancy having missed out on that… She was only vaguely aware that she was smiling when she drifted off to sleep.

* * * *

Oh man. That had so not been in the plan. What on earth was he thinking — or in this case,not thinking — losing control like that. He’d only just drawn back in time from taking her blood too. His incisors had been down, scraping erotically over her mouth as she gasped in ecstasy, and he’d just been lucky she was so lost in passion she didn’t notice. He’d been so caught up in her sexy little movements, the mewling sounds and the way she was writhing on his hand, to even think about taking control of her mind. The last thing he wanted was for her to realize what he was, and what she didn’t know couldn’t hurt her. He’d behaved towards her the same way he would have any one of the experienced high-society women he could pick up so easily. They were little better than expensive whores — buy them an over-priced bauble or two and they’d happily let him take them however he liked. Not that she hadn’t been willing… Todd lowered his head onto hers, inhaling the scent of her hair. Damn but she smelled good! He pulled his hand carefully out from underneath her, and stalked around the car to the drivers side. She grumbled in her sleep at the disturbance,then turned away, curling her legs up underneath her. How old was he? He thumped a fist on the steering wheel. Too old to be making baby mistakes like that! Dammit! He wanted her blood, and he wanted it right now. And he was going to have to wait. Todd let his head fall back onto the seat, and tried to get comfortable. Much as he wanted to, he was not going to rip her panties off her and fuck her in the back seat of his car. He was more mature than that.

Hell, he was uncomfortable! The drive home had never looked longer.

* * * *

Gwen awoke with a crick in her neck. She stretched luxuriously, her head filled with thoughts of what she’d just done. She was vaguely aware of the thrum of the tires on the road and the gentle motion of the car but, overall, she felt good.Satisfied.Happy. Could sex do so much, she wondered, swiveling her head from side to side in a careful attempt to loosen her joints. As she twisted, she caught a glimpse of Todd. He looked relaxed, but his dark glasses hid his eyes. It was more in the way he guided the car so effortlessly through the mid-morning traffic, seemingly totally unaware of the chaos outside the car. The air conditioner was on, cool air blew gently around them, and soft music wafted from the CD player. He glanced sideways, a slow, sexy smile softening his face before he returned his attention to the road. “Hullo again.” Gwen blushed. She could actually feel the heat as the pink tinge raced upwards. “Hi.” She sounded shy, and turned a deeper shade of red as she realized. He was going to think she was totally inexperienced. His voice interrupted her thoughts. “We’re nearly there.” He waved a hand in the direction of a tall building directly ahead of the car. The apartment building soared upwards, seemingly emerging right out of the harbor behind it. If it wasn’t for the brilliant green foliage all around it’s base, the swath of well-watered lawn, and bed after bed of carefully tended spring flowers, it would have been easy to imagine it as some weirdly-proportioned ship that happened to be moored right there in front of them. She’d seen pictures of the building soon after it was built, and had heard all the hype. The architect had been roundly criticized for letting his imagination run away with him — one newspaper had been cruel enough to suggest he’d simply lost his mind — but he’d created a very different, and strangely beautiful building, right on the harbor forefront. He’d said he’d been influenced by the old timber warships of the 1400’s, yet he’d designed the building entirely in steel and glass. There wasn’t a ‘ship’ in sight. Not even a porthole. But he had managed to capture the rounded lines, and the building somehow gave the impression of bobbing on the water behind it. If she’d chosen to live here in town, it was the sort of building she’d have liked to live in. It was also very expensive and a one bedroom condo would have cost her a small fortune. After casually bidding $20,000 for her, she’d known Todd Martin was rich, but she hadn’t realized quitehow rich until she saw where he lived. She was still mulling over the fact that they had such similar tastes when he ushered her inside. The similarities stopped right there. While her cottage wasn’t exactly chintzy, it was well lived-in and very, very comfortable. She was by no means a neat-freak. Todd, however, appeared to be the opposite and his condo was unashamedly modern. It wasn’t quite the uncluttered white minimalist look of the decorator magazines, but it wasn’t so far off it either.

The inside was as spectacular as the building itself, and it was absolutely enormous. He pointed out the guest bathroom, and deposited her bag on the bed in the room next door; nothing personal on the dresser she noted with relief — a guest room. Then she was hustled back to the living area, where she found herself seated on the couch, a cold drink being pressed into her hands. Gwen stared out the floor-to-ceiling glass windows, her eyes absently following the movements of a solitary yacht far below. The cushions shifted under her, and she snapped her head around. The glass was plucked neatly out of her fingers as she jumped. He smiled, and handed it back. “Don’t spill it.” Todd had seated himself beside her, and a few inches still separated them. He was no closer than he had been in the car, but it felt closer. There was no stick shift separating them, and there was something terribly predatory about his smile. In some ways it was no different to before but, without his glasses, she could see his eyes. She could get trapped in his eyes… Gwen shook her head slowly, shocked by how hard it was to drag her eyes away from his gaze. She could feel his body heat, could almost feel the magnetic pull that had her swaying towards him.And his scent. He was one hundred per cent pure, hungry male. Captivating… Sitting so close to him was driving her insane — what else could account for the way she could literally feel her blood warming up?And the rush of desire, of need. This time, she knew exactly what it was that she wanted. No, she knew what sheneeded . His head lowered, and she stared in fascination as his eyes glazed, their pupils growing until the black nearly swallowed the beautiful deep green. He bent lower, whispering in a language she didn’t know, and nuzzled at her neck. Her eyes closed and she relaxed back against the cushions in helpless surrender. Who cared that he was almost a stranger? All that mattered right this minute was that he was going to kiss her. Warm breath feathered on her neck. The glass slipped from her nerveless fingers. She tensed, waiting, her muscles clenched in anticipation. The delay was heaven — and hell. Her tension was spiraling, his face was so close, yet he still wasn’t touching her. It was almost like he was… sniffing her? Her bloodpounded, every beat of her heart heavier than the last as the anticipation stretched. She couldn’t stand it any more and reached out to him in sheer frustration, twined her fingers in his hair and dragged him closer. Finally, his lips met hers. Ever so gently he kissed her, a teasingly chaste closed-mouth kiss, the pressure of his lips on hers so soft it was almost imaginary. Her breath left her in a sigh as she slumped deeper into the cushions. His teeth nipped at her lower lip. The erotic little movement sent shivers racing through her tummy. “Mine for the weekend, hmm?” His voice was a sinful whisper against her mouth. Then his tongue traced the crease of her lips. “Open for me.” Helplessly — willingly — she obeyed. As she did he leaned closer, crowding her into the sofa. Once again she was trapped under him, and the memory of what he’d done to her last time sent moisture pooling between her legs. She squirmed,

embarrassed by her easy capitulation. His lips creased and his eyescrinkled, the deep green once again visible. Half disgusted with her own lack of self-control, half totally impatient for him to get on with it, Gwen closed her eyes. She didn’t want to see as that knowing male smile played across his face. She just wanted to feel again, to feel the freedom of doing what she wanted with someone she was unlikely to ever meet again after this one weekend. For once, she’d do what she wanted, and consequencesbe damned. He leant back and, for an instant, she was bereft. Then his hands were at her buttons and within moments the soft fabric of her blouse was draped open, exposing her bra. She moistened her lips, suddenly unsure. Her hands fluttered upwards, uncertain about the ‘rules’ of seduction, and he caught her wrists between strong fingers and pressed them back against the cool leather. “Shhh. Trust me.” Trust him? In the background, the air conditioner hummed. She could even hear the way the wind rushed around the outside of the building. It was peaceful.Non-threatening. And he was just waiting there, her hands grasped lightly in his. She wasn’t used to hesitating.To go ahead, or not? Now was obviously her chance if she was going to cry off. A stray tendril of hair tickled her nose and she blew upwards in exasperation. Then she nodded. His weight was still pressing in on her, a soothing mass, rather than a confining one, yet she doubted she could move away if she wanted to. Almost like he was reading her mind, he pressed his chest more firmly against hers, and his buttons rubbed roughly against her nearly naked chest. The scrap of dark green lace she’d chosen this morning may have given her inner self-confidence when she was standing on the stage, but it wasn’t much protection against a large, aroused man. And he was definitely aroused. His body rubbed slowly, continually, against hers, up and down, as sveltely sensual as an over-sized tabby cat. She couldn’t mistake the hard bulge in his trousers. Her hands were still trapped in his, his weight even heavier as he leaned impossibly closer. Her breath caught in her throat, and for an instant she forgot to breathe. Then his mouth was back on her neck again, his teeth scraping erotically back and forth over her skin. His tongue traced a lazy route up towards her ear,then swiped its way back down until he was nuzzling between her breasts. The damp trail he left behind was at first cool, but gradually seemed to sizzle with an eerie heat. His mouth moved lower, licking at her skin through the lace, then slowly, languidly, he sucked one nipple deep into his mouth. No, not a tabby cat, she realized through a distant haze. He couldn’t be anything so tame.A panther. Definitely a panther. She shuddered, mindlessly trying to lift her hands to his head.To hold him closer?To push him away? She didn’t know, couldn’t divert her attention from the way he’d curled his tongue around the nipple and was slowly drawing it further into his mouth, apparently oblivious to the lace between them.

“Mine,” he murmured, and nipped down, mildly punishing. Silenced by his unexpected possessiveness, she didn’t even stir as he released her hands. His groin rubbed suggestively against her, catching her attention, then her breasts were bared. For a second his mouth left her nipple, she felt him tug her strapless brassiere loose,then there was a vague impression of it sailing past her ear and landing on the timber boards in a slither of silk. Before she couldthink, his mouth was back on her breast, suckling appreciatively. A moment’s exposure to the cooler air made his mouth feel hotter than ever, his deft fingers partially distracting her from the fact she was exposed from the waist up and he was still fully dressed. His hands and mouth seemed to be everywhere at once, and her skin was taking on a life of its own. The fabrics she’d thought were so soft when she chose them had become coarse and abraded her over-sensitized skin. Even as she thought it, as she wriggled under the itchy fabric, he was stripping off the rest of her clothes. Her arms were raised as he unthreaded them simultaneously from her jacket and blouse, first one then another, each arm falling limply back to her side. His hands slid under her bottom, strong fingers digging into her buttocks as he shifted her forward on the seat until her legs draped over the edge. A swift tug and her skirtpuddled around her ankles, the fabric sliding sensuously over her silk stockings. Gwen squirmed more urgently as Todd took advantage of her sensitivity, his fingers gliding lightly over the silk, tracing patterns on her legs that swept oh-so-close to her panties before gliding tantalizingly away. She was going to go mad if he didn’t touch her soon. The blood had gathered between her legs, she could feel every heart beat throbbing out her need. Yet still he teased, pushing her gradually higher and higher until she was biting her lip to keep from crying out. Finally, his fingers grasped her panties, one thumb hooked under each edge, the width of his hands forcing her thighs to splay wide. She lifted her hips, hoping he’d yank the damn things off. He paused — a heartbeat that stretched to an eternity — then tugged hard. Gwen bit her lip as they gave at the sides leaving her completely nude, exposed, his hands still wedging her thighs apart. The fact she was still wearing her lace-topped stockings only made her feel more naked, not less. The sensual fog he’d so effortlessly wrapped her in was thinning but it hadn’t quite evaporated. The rougher skin on the pads of his thumbs snagged on the lace as he swirled slow, mesmerizing patterns and, almost against her will, she forced her eyes open. Todd was hunkered down between her spread legs, his eyes hungry as he stared at what he’d revealed. Somehow, he’d managed to strip her naked without a single token protest — she had vague memories of actually helping him — and he’d left her sprawled wantonly across his black leather sofa, her skin shockingly white in contrast. Suddenly, she was aware that he was still fullydressed, he hadn’t even kicked off his shoes. Sheblushed, fascinated by the way the flush of pink slowly tinged her entire body. Automatically, she started to pull her legs together, only to find his hands immovable between her spread legs. His eyes traced a slow route up her body, lingering at her wet pussy. Gwen wriggled, unable to stay still under his scrutiny. No one had ever looked at her quite like that. He looked like he intended to feast — on her — and the way he kept looking at her embarrassingly dripping pussy sent her tummy into an uncomfortable free-fall.

Though maybe ‘uncomfortable’ wasn’t quite the right word… He licked his lips, the message clear,then raised his head, his eyes boring into hers. The green had disappeared again, and the predator was back. She shivered, a primordial response,then shook her head to clear away the silliness. He was just a man.Nothing special.Nothing threatening. Then why did she feel quite so… targeted?? “Put your hands above your head,” he ordered, his eyes never leaving hers. She hesitated, before shrugging it off. He knew what he was doing, didn’t he? “Now,” his voice rumbled against her thighs as he slid lower, “time to taste you.” “I don’t think —“ She struggled briefly, finding it nearly impossible to sit up from her precarious position teetering on the edge of the sofa. He buried his head between her thighs. The first long lick of his tongue left a wet line between her lips. Against her will, her eyes closed, and she gave up, letting herself collapse back into the sofa, her arms still draped obediently above her head. Her body had melted. Her muscles were on holiday. She just couldn’t move as fire flashed through her, every nibble,every lick setting off a fresh lightning storm in her bloodstream. Her hips jerked mindlessly into his mouth, her fists screwed closed. And his tongue kept torturing her, edging her closer and closer to that cliff she’d experienced so recently. Skating so long on the edge was driving her insane. She could hear herself moaning, begging,pleading for something. His answer was muffled between her legs, his tongue barely pausing as he delved and harried her until she was mewling, no longer able to put two cohesive thoughts together. His mouth was hot, burning her, and still he didn’t stop. She felt him move, his face bumped against her clit. He bit down hard. Her scream of pain turned into one of pleasure as the lightning lanced through her, tossing her heavenwards. His mouth continued to work at her pussy, suckling and slurping, milking every possible drop of pleasure.

* * * *

God, she tasted good! Feeding wasn’t exactly a chore, but it was usually a lot less enjoyable. He’d figured she’d be tasty — she’d smelled so good even across a crowded room — yet when he actually got close enough to lick and nibble his way down her body… What was her name? Gwyneth. For some reason it seemed important to remember that. She wasn’t just ‘dinner’, she wasn’t ‘honey’,she was ‘Gwyneth’. He picked himself up wearily, and sprawled across the sofa beside her. Damn, she’d been nice. His fangs had lowered before he’d even got his head between her legs, and the smell of her juices soaking

into her panties had been the most amazing starter to a seriously good meal. The taste of her cream… He licked his lips at the pleasurable memory. He’d have to see if he could make her come even harder next time. It would be all the more enjoyable for him. He smiled. Aunaturel Gwyneth was a hell of a lot better than all the expensive haute cuisine women he’d been dining on recently. He licked a stray drop of her blood from his mouth and twisted to look at her more closely. She was sprawled where he’d dropped her, her eyes closed and her skin pale. It had been too tempting to drink deeply, so he’d stopped sooner than usual. There was still at least one more good solid meal in her before he did any damage, and maybe a couple of spare snacks. Her blood was thick and rich, made especially for him. Her heart beat rapidly, from exertion rather than blood loss, and he smiled in satisfaction. Obviously, he still had it. Not only had he made sure she enjoyed the experience, but he’d obviously managed to control her mind as he fed, despite the fact he couldn’t read her thoughts. And taking the blood directly from her swollen cunt, well… There was nothing like it. A stray hair lay across her face, and he reached out to brush it from her eyes. She stirred, a contented smile softening her face before she dropped back into a deeper sleep. Head cocked, he watched her sleep. Her pulse still fluttered in her throat, but his attention was caught by her face, so vulnerable when her eyes were closed. He wasn’t really sure why, but he wasn’t quite comfortable. Normally, he’d leave the woman to sleep it off at this point, maybe throw together a quick meal before sending her home. It didn’t feel right, though. He gnawed his lip thoughtfully, before jerking upright, exasperated with himself. Since when did he start getting maudlin over a meal? A very expensive meal too… She owed him… He shook his head. Guilt wasn’t something he was used to feeling, and he was horrified by the overwhelming impulse he had to tuck her carefully into bed for the night.Sheesh ! Still… He had decided she was off-limits until she’d convinced him otherwise. It couldn’t hurt to be nice, could it? He compromised, pulling her legs neatly together and swiveling her until she waslaying along the sofa, her head pillowed by a scatter cushion. She was still quite naked, and he stared down at her in satisfaction. She had a beautiful body too, even though she seemed quite unaware of it herself. It was obvious she wasn’t used to being so thoroughly fucked, and he hadn’t even got his cock anywhere near her. Actually, he hadn’t even got undressed… Todd pulled his shirt over his head, not bothering with the buttons, and padded into the bathroom, tossing the shirt in the hamper on the way. It looked like being a while before she woke up. A cold shower might help him wait out the time. He paused in front of the mirror, staring at himself. He lowered his fangs, then watched them glide safely

back up out of sight. Yup, he was definitely still a vampire. No question there. Then why the hell was he being so considerate of his dinner’s feelings??? She was just prey for god’s sake! The fact that a woman was tired had never stopped him before. He could just go out there, wake her up and… He stepped into the shower, slamming the door hard behind him. If he did that, he’d feel even guiltier than he already did. Shit! Shit! Shit!

* * * *

Gwen awoke uncharacteristically happy. She stretchedluxuriously, eyes still closed, and noted the way the leather was so much cooler away from where she’d been lying. Underneath her it was warm, and beautifully soft against her bare skin. She left her arms dangling above her head, her fingers stroking idly against the grain, and smiled dreamily. With such pleasant dreams, she really should consider napping on the sofa more often. Still, the real world always came back, and there were always things to do. Having spent the entire morning away from the pharmacy, the chores would be stacking up. There was only so much her assistant could do. Wrinkling her nose in protest, she forced her eyes open. And blinked.She screwed them shut again, silently counted to ten, then lifted her eyelids. Above her head was a stark white ceiling. Picture windows looking out over the marina were just off to the side and, so much worse than that, Todd Martin stood behind the sofa, looking down at her. His face was expressionless, but his eyes gleamed. The way he was looking at her… She glanced down at her body, and cringed. No wonder he was staring! She was stark naked, and on his sofa. So much for those pleasant dreams she’d imagined. A wave of heat started in her tummy, rolling and churning, as her embarrassment spread. Todd just stood there quietly, amusement creeping into his features as he watched her inner turmoil. She started to struggle upright, herstockinged legs sliding disconcertingly on the smooth leather. For a moment, her head spun and the room swirled in dizzying patterns before slowly righting itself. That was all she needed — to disgrace herself by being sick… She stared up at him in horror, all too aware of his gaze and attempted to cover her herself with her hands. She grasped futilely at her breasts, unable to stop a nipple peeking through her fingers. The other arm slithered between her legs as she tried to hide her sodden curls. She blushed hotly as she remembered just why she was so wet. He’d licked and sucked until she’d screamed. A fresh gush of moisture dripped between her fingers at the memory. Her body was apparently more than ready to do it all over again, no matter that her brain was silently screaming in protest. How on earth had she become so aroused that she forgot all her normal inhibitions?

He was darned good…Spectacular, even. Gwen slammed a door on the thought. Now was not the time to eventhink about sex, and especially not to think about having it with the man who was standing so calmly, patiently waiting for her to pull herself together. “There’s no need to hide,” he said conversationally. Once again he seemed to be reading her mind. “I’ve seen pretty much all of you.” He grinned, masculine satisfaction pouring off him. Gwen bit her lip, unable to speak, and shook her head. Unbidden memories flooded her mind. Him on his knees in front of her, his mouth locked on her pussy as his tongue worked that magic… She shook her head again in despair as her body answered enthusiastically. “My clothes?”Her voice was tiny.Pathetic. But at least her brain finally seemed to be wrestling control back from her hormones. Todd’s grin softened to a smile. “Sure. They’re right there on the chair.” He pointed to an armchair opposite the coffee table. Her clothes sat there, neatly folded. “I’ll be in the kitchen when you’re ready.” He turned and sauntered away, pausing at the door. One hand rested negligently on the doorframe. He smiled, the brilliant green of his eyes gleaming across the room. “You don’t need them, you know. You’re beautiful. Dressed…” he paused wickedly, “…or naked.” Then he’d gone, the door swinging gently closed behind him. Gwen could have sworn she didn’t see him move. What she had noticed, however, when he’d been framed by the doorway was the fact that he was no longer dressed in his slightly starchy, and very expensive, slacks and sport shirt. His hair was wet, slicked back over his head. A few leftover droplets still clung to his damp skin. They’d sparkled in the light, drawing her eyes over his well-muscled chest. A pair of comfortable-looking grey sweat pants covered his legs, the drawstring loosely tied so they sat low on his hips, teasing her imagination with a shadowy glimpse of dark hair. His feet were bare, long and somehow masculine. She gnawed on her lip, her hands falling limply to her sides as she considered. The man really, truly, absolutely radiated sex appeal. No wonder she’d fallen in a heap at his feet the moment he’d turned his charm in her direction. What did he want, exactly? It was all very well and good for him to have told her he didn’t really expect a weekend of wild monkey sex, but he’d hardly even got her through his door before he had her naked and writhing under him… She flushed again at the direction of her thoughts. Was sex all she could think about?Apparently. So maybe the more pertinent question was whatshe wanted?Just sex?A relationship? Now that wasn’t possible! How could she possibly have a relationship with a man she knew less than nothing about? All she knew so far was that he was rich, and they shared similar taste in architecture. It wasn’t much to go building a life-long commitment on! Gwen shook herself into action, suddenly aware she’d been sitting on the lounge arguing with herself for several minutes — stark naked — and that he’d probably be back any minute to see what she was doing. She sprung up, noticing the way her body ached in strange places as she crossed the room. And they hadn’t even had sex. Not really, anyway.

She ached though, especially between her legs, and her movements were strangely stiff. Whatever… Wasn’t exactly like she’d everorgasmed like that before… Maybe this sort of stiffness, no,soreness , was normal? She looked back to the door leading to the kitchen. It was still firmly closed. She bent her leg, lifting it onto the chair. Twisting and turning wasn’t helping her to see the one spot that positively throbbed. Kind of a good throb, though. Every beat of her heart sent a fresh rush of blood shooting through her body, and most of it seemed to be making a beeline for that one point high up between her thighs. Just thinking about it sent tiny lightning bursts flashing through her, reminders of what it had felt like when her body shattered into a billion individual cells, each one throbbing its own release. Too curious to give in so easily, she gave up on elegancy and bent over to peer awkwardly between her legs. Very aware of the image she must project from behind, her bottom high in the air, she blushed hotly. Dammit! She needed a mirror!Or… Uttering a brief prayer to an unknown deity that Todd wouldn’t choose this exact moment to enquire after her well-being, she fumbled between her legs, cursing the way her fingers slipped. On the third attempt she managed to pull her lips apart. Another ungainly contortion —thank goodness for yoga classes! —and she could actually see the skin that throbbed so strangely. Just inside the entrance to her vagina was a small red mark. She narrowed her eyes, and jiggled around until the light fell more clearly. Nope, it was two small red marks. Nothing major, no skin broken, but when she ran a questing finger over the marks, her body sprang to life, her blood once again sizzling in her veins. She snatched her fingers away and straightened slowly, wondering. He’d bitten her, she knew that. She’d felt it clearly. But that bite had been the finalstraw,that was what had tossed her ruthlessly over the edge of the orgasm and into exhausted oblivion. So it hadn’t been a bad thing. Or had it? It wasn’t like he’d drawn blood or anything… There was the faintest noise behind her, little more than a tiny change in the air pressure of the room. Gwen swungaround, her hands and arms again protectively positioned across her body. Nothing. She could breathe again. Thank God he hadn’t seen her investigating her own body like that! From the corner of her eye, she saw the kitchen door move.

* * * *

Todd’s heart raced. He was sure that if he looked in a mirror he’d see the reflection of a man undergoing torture. She’d rustled around for so long his curiosity had got the better of him. He’d opened the door — and had been greeted with the site of her firm buttocks swaying in the air, her head somewhere between her knees, and her fingers busy delving inside herself. He’d almost walked in on her — the temptation to push her right over, to sink himself deep in that tight little ass, or maybe just to fuck her from behind, had been almost impossible to ignore. The untamed predator deep inside him had roared,clawing at his insides as it strove to break through his usual iron control. It was the closest he’d been to losing his carefully cultured urbanity — the illusion of humanity — in many, many years. The realization that simply seeing her naked could bring him this close todisaster, was a sobering one. Then he’d heard her swearing, an amazingly girly imprecation about the design of women’s bodies and he’d had to smother a laugh instead. Still, with her ass in the air like that, her pussy spread wide, her scent had filled the room. It beckoned him. Between that and the pounding of her blood, his overwhelmed senses had been in sheer alt. And now he knew what she tasted like… Holdinghimself still in the doorway, urgently willing her to continue, had been near impossible. In that bent over position, he’d have had perfect access to her neck. He’d needed to taste her. The predator was again close to escape. Then that damned conscience — the same one he hadn’t even realized he possessed until today — had chimed in, telling him just how wrong it would be to take advantage of her. Why couldn’t he just take her? Why? Screaming at his conscience didn’t do anything. And if he’d felt guilt towards her before, what would it have been like if he took advantage of her now? He’d shuddered at the thought and glided silently backwards, the door swinging gently closed behind him. That didn’t stop him constantly picturing his body covering hers as she bent over his bed, his cock lodged inside her, his fangs sunk in her neck. Much more of the constant internal battle and he’d wonder about his sanity. His very nature demanded that he force her to submit to him, yet his conscience told him differently. It insisted that she had to come to him willingly, and he just wanted to take her. Now! Besides, he argued futilely with himself, he could control her mind, therefore she’d be willing. He’dmake her willing. He’d never shown any patience before, so why now?On the other hand, nor had his basic predatory nature ever swarmed so close to the surface. But his conscience stayed firm on the issue. She’d trusted him, and he was not going to abuse that trust. Bah! His harried pacing was interrupted by a tentative knock on the door, so light he doubted human ears would have heard it. As it was, he was so immersed in his own painful thoughts he almost missed it. It was the incongruity that caught his attention. Whoever knocked on a kitchen door? Gwyneth. A rush of tenderness swept away every domineering thought. The poor little mouse was so traumatized

by the morning that she didn’t even dare walk straight into the kitchen. She was probably traumatized by her own obviously-unexpected reaction to his love-making too, he reminded himself. He couldn’t hide the satisfied smirk. “Come in.”

* * * *

Gwen paused, her knuckles still resting on the door. That voice could melt the heart of a hardened man-hater. How could she ever expect to hold her own with someone like him? She couldn’t. She straightened her shoulders and pushed the door open. If you couldn’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.As many times as she had to, she’d have to keep reminding herself to take whatever she got from the weekend. If she could just convince herself to lose the embarrassment, then she was sure to gain something from it.Pleasure?Experience?Something, anyway. “Ah, you caught me.” Todd grimaced across the kitchen at her, raising his hands in mock defense. “I haven’t actually managed to find anything for us to eat yet.” Her eyes widened. She couldn’t help staring. A lock of his hair fell casually over an eyebrow, his feet and chest were bare — she really hadn’t been dreaming.And that boyish grin… In an instant she knew she’d forgive him anything if only she could keep on looking at him. Who needed sexy calendars behind the bathroom door when they had the real thing? “Oh?” she managed, swallowing convulsively. She glanced at the clock on the wall. “It’s early for dinner.” “Neither of ushave had lunch ,” he pointed out, turning towards the fridge. “How about I whip up an omeletnow, and we eat properly later?” His back view was just as stunning as the front, and she had to lick suddenly dry lips before answering. Even then, it was more a murmur of assent than a coherent “yes”. As he bent to open the crisper drawer, muscles rippled across his back, his movement somehow more elegant now she could actually see all the leashed power he’d hidden under his shirt. As he straightened, his sweats slipped. Gwen’s breath caught. He yanked them casually upwards, unselfconsciously masculine, before dumping an armful of greens on the island bench. “Vegetarian alright with you?” “Uh huh.”She nodded, fascinated.Him a vegetarian? Plenty of guys were of course, and he was obviously very aware of his health to have a body like that.But vegetarian? It just didn’t seem quite right. He didn’t lookup, already busy tearingbokchuy into rough strips.“Chili?” She hesitated a moment.“I… um…Sure.”

“Really?”His tone was mild. He appeared to be concentrating on the carrot he was finely slicing, so she wasn’t prepared for the piercing gaze he suddenly trained on her. “Do you really like chili or are you just saying that?” he repeated patiently, laying the knife aside, and wiping his hands on the dish towel. She shook her head, unconsciously stepping backwards, as he glided around the bench. He wasn’t menacing exactly, but… She stumbled against the row of stools that lined the wall, unsurprised when strong hands steadied her. He lifted her easily and deposited her on the closest one, smiling slightly as he stepped away. “Was that no, you do like chili, or no, you don’t like chili?” His smile widened. Gwen moistened her lips before replying. There was something about the expression in his eyes that had changed. It was only subtle but… Suddenly she felt threatened, and she couldn’t for the life of her see why unless it was the fact she hadn’t actually seen his legs move as he crossed the tiled floor towards her. And that simply wasn’t possible. She tried again. “No, I don’t really like it.” His hands had sat at her waist for only a few seconds — just long enough to settle her onto the stool — yet she could still feel his handprints burning into her. The heat under her skin was almost unbearable. She couldn’t help squirming, uncomfortable under his equally burning gaze. His eyes were practically blazing anger, yet his words and actions were unnaturally calm. “So why tell me ‘sure’ when you didn’t really want it? It’s not like it’s a particularly mild flavor.” One of her hands fluttered awkwardly between them in a vain attempt to break up the thickening atmosphere. In the silence she could even hear the soft tick of the battery-powered clock. She’d almost have sworn she could hear his blood pounding through his veins. Gwen rubbed at a temple. This was too weird. “It was polite?” she offered, knowing it was weak but unwilling to explain to a near-stranger just why she felt compelled to be pleasant all the time. “It was polite,” he mocked. His stare hardened, his eyes locked on hers, and for an instant she felt the brushing of gentle fingers across her face. She shook her head, annoyed with herself.First dizziness, now hallucinations. What next?

* * * *

She’d obviously felt his careful probe, but he hadn’t succeeded in reading her mind any better this time than he had the last time he’d tried. He could read hersorrow, it was mixed up with fear and defeat. And the waves of it pouring across the room were breaking his heart. He hadn’t needed to read her thoughts to know she wasn’t keen on chili — even a human could have worked that one out — but he didn’t understand why she wasn’t being open with him about something so minor. Did she honestly think he’d reject her because she had different tastes to his? He caught himself chewing thoughtfully on his lower lip as he picked up the knife and used the flat of the

blade to scrape the vegetables neatly to one side. A shuffling noise broke into his thoughts. His head snapped up, the predator staring out from his eyes. Gwyneth gasped. Her hand flew to her throat. Todd forced his mouth into a lazy smile, and raised an enquiring eyebrow. He never forgot himself around other human women, just her. Scaring her like that was unforgivable, and he didn’t understand why the predator kept slipping out when he was around her. “You startled me.” Her skin was slowly turning pink, the blush creeping steadily upwards from somewhere under her blouse. “Sorry.” He shrugged and turned his attention back to the stove, dropping a knob of butter into a pan and stirring it around until it sizzled. “I realize you hardly know me, but I really don’t bite. I wouldn’t have minded at all if you’d just told me you didn’t like chili.” Todd had to hide a grin when he realized what he’d said. Some slang just wasn’t designed to be used by vampires. Shoving the thought firmly aside, he pushed carefully at her mind, wishing for the umpteenth time that he could see what she was thinking. Life was so much easier when the prey behaved as expected. “Why did you lie?” He pretended disinterest, turning back to the refrigerator and cracking half a dozen eggs into a stainless steel bowl, one at a time. He added a dollop of cream, a pinch of salt, and still the silence stretched. He held up the tall wooden pepper mill and raised an interrogatory eyebrow. She shook her head, her eyes seeming to search his in the instant he allowed them to meet. He returned his attention to the egg mix. Living as long as he had, he’d learned patience. And he wanted her answer. For whatever daft reason, he cared about this little red-headed human and the thought that she might be scared of him — of his reaction to her if he was honest — was making him uncomfortable. If he’d considered having his conscience constantly pricking at him was bad enough, he’d not even thought to take into account how awful it felt to know she didn’t trust him. Which was probably very sensible on her part, all things considered.His inner predator may have settled down somewhat, but he knew it was just waiting the chance to leap up and assert itself. And why not let it out? Because he refused to let go his hard-won self-discipline; the same discipline that had allowed him to survive for centuries — undetected — when so many others of his kind had not. He wasn’t a cold blooded killer, but he knew it wasn’t a large step between taking enough blood for survival and not caring about whether or not the victim lived or died. So, he’d keep a firm hold on his self-control, refused to allow the predator out to play, and would work out what he was going to do about this human if itkilled him. He smiled wryly, covering the involuntary twitch of his lips by quickly lookingaway, pretending he needed to watch what he was doing as he poured the mixture into the hot pan then added a handful of rather forcefully crushed coriander. He just wished he knew exactly what he was supposed to do about a woman whose mind he couldn’t read! Todd looked up again, his face set, and caught her eyes with his. He may not have been able to read her mind, but it seemed he could still control a victim. At his silent command her eyes locked helplessly on his, her pupils dilating as he purposely pulled her deeper into his thrall.

“Why did you lie?” There was no pretense at polite enquiry this time, just the sheer power of his mind rapping out a demand. Gwyneth blinked. He held her gaze, refusing to allow her to escape. Her eyes softened as she stared back at him, and her lips parted. She tried to look away. He increased the pressure, mentally wrapping silken cords around and around her thoughts, binding her to him for as long as it took to get an answer. Still defiant, he felt her surge of feminine energy as she battled against him, looking for a way to avoid his net. Finally, seemingly against her will, she relaxed, shrugged slightly and drooped into her seat. Todd released the breath he hadn’t known he’d been holding. It was hard to believe she’d been so difficult to control. Mentally, she was very like his grandmother. His eyes narrowed. His grandmother had been human before she’d met his grandfather. Pop had turned her, knowing she was the one he was destined to be with.Destiny. Todd shuddered. He hated that word. “My parents were killed when I was young.” Gwyneth’s voice interrupted his thoughts. “I moved in with my aunt and uncle, and their daughter, Dora. They were very kind.” “But they didn’t want you.” Todd said it matter-of-factly, picking the thought straight from her mind. Surprised at his success, he tried again, but her natural barriers were back at full strength.Nothing. He scowled, annoyed with his lack of ability when it came to her. Gwyneth smiled, her lips bending in a tiny crease. “Not really. But they took me in. So…” She drew a deep breath, “I’ve always tried to be agreeable.” Todd pulled away from her mind, letting his imaginary bindings evaporate.Poor little kid. “You’re an intelligent, beautiful woman with a successful business you run on your own. I saw the spread about you in the local newspaper a couple of months ago —“ he grinned as she blushed, “ — and it implied that you were an independent and self-sufficient person.” “Um…” She attempted a wan smile. “I lied?” “Well, don’t bother lying to me, woman.” Todd was gruff, his heart bursting. Was it pity for the poor little kid she’d been, the one who still automatically did what she thought was most likely to make people want her? Or was it that she’d actually trusted him enough to admit to a not-very-happy childhood? “Woman?”Gwyneth attempted to look intimidating. “I’ll have a bit of respect here, thank you very much.” She ruined it by giggling, and he smiled back, ridiculously happy. This was so not the way a vampire was supposed to behave. Actually, he’d argue that it wasn’t the way he was supposed tofeel either. His grandparents had actedkinda sappy, but no one else in the family had ever approved. Was this what they’d felt then? He flipped the fragrant omelet deftly onto a plate then turned away, ostensibly looking to make sure the gas had turned off fully. He didn’t want to look at her shining eyes. The last thing he needed was to turn into a great dolt like his Pop had been.

One minute he was battling to keep his predatory nature leashed, the next he was fighting off the warm andfuzzies … He shook his head in self-disgust. Go figure! “Omelet’s ready.” “Thanks.” He glanced back at her, surprised when she hopped off her stool and dragged it up to the counter. “Well, you weren’t planning on going into the dining room just for an omelet, were you?” she teased, smilingsunnily .“Sheesh.” “Apparently not.”Any other woman he’d brought home had expected the full luxury treatment, yet this particular guest was making herself at home and rooting around in the kitchen drawers looking for cutlery. That was some difference. Todd pulled a pair of glasses from the shelf and set them on the counter. “Would you care for a glass of wine? I can offer youa 1997 Chablis which should go nicely with the eggs.” “Um…” “Yes?” Todd attempted to sound threatening, but it was hard not to laugh. She was hopping from one foot to the other, her face screwed up as she attempted to do something totally against her nature. Gwyneth’s words came out in a rush. “I don’t suppose you have a Dr Pepper, do you? I’d, uh, much prefer that.” Todd growled,then burst out laughing as she squeaked in alarm. “Of course I do, you ninny.” He pulled a couple of cans from the fridge, popping the top of one before handing it over. He winked. “You’re kind of cute when you’re agitated, you know.” It was just too easy to make her blush, and he had at least another day and a half to work out just why that fact was so very, very fascinating. Perhaps it was something to do with the way he could literally hear the blood rushing through her veins as it headed towards her cheeks? Or maybe it’s just because — for once — you’re actually having fun… Todd stomped down hard on the thought. Perhaps he didn’t really want to know after all. He was starting to sound and act suspiciously like his Pop.

* * * *

Gwen tried not to fiddle with her cutlery. She wasn’t very successful. She tried looking out the window instead. For a moment, at least, she hoped it would draw her attention away from the too-compelling man sitting opposite. Even the view from the kitchen was fabulous: from this height you couldn’t see the roads that circled the building, only the huge expanse of green parkland disappearing into the horizon. Shadows had fallen while they’d eaten, and the trees and gardens were disappearing into the gloom. Despite the air conditioned apartment, she could feel the way the atmosphere had changed. Most probably, it was just a

storm racing in from somewhere out at sea. But it was oppressive. Oh, who was she trying to kid was nervous as hell about just what was going to happen after dinner! It wasn’t like she had any experience at this kind of game. And she didn’t like being nervous. Apart from the bits of her life her family still tended to interfere with, she liked to be in charge. She’d taught herself to be assertive in her business. She mostly even managed it in her personal life these days — most of the time, anyway. Recognizing that her aunt purposely manipulated her feelings of inadequacy didn’t make it ay easier to change the habits of a lifetime. It was humiliating when those conciliating manners flowed out into the real world. She wanted Todd to like her, and sucking up tohim with pretty manners wasn’t going to achieve it. She was fairly sure every eligible woman in the area under the age of ninety or so would happily take him, and his wallet, home with them. And why did she want him to like her anyway? Sure, his behavior towards her had been impeccable — until he got her home. And she certainly hadn’t protested about his ripping her clothes off so she couldn’t exactly criticize him for taking what she offered. After all, he was a man. And men liked sex. She had to keep reminding herself this was just a fling — a single weekend away from the real world of responsibilities and charities and work and… boredom. Her fork rattled against the empty plate as she flung it down. The ping of silver on expensive china had her raising her eyes guiltily upwards — whatever would he think of her childish little fit of pique? And it wasn’t even like he knew what caused it. Todd was smiling, the tiny creases around his eyes gentling his expression. He was sprawled back in his seat, his legs spread in the most masculine way possible. Even his hands were relaxed, balanced comfortably on the edge of the bench. Damn the man knew how to look good! And sitting there like that, her view of his lower body cut off by the table, it was all too easy to imagine him naked. He hadn’t bothered to put a shirt on for dinner. Gwen glanced out the window again at the clouds that were gathering overhead. A single bird battled against the wind, one minute plummeting,the next being tossed effortlessly upwards. Inside too, the atmosphere was thickening.Electric. She touched her tongue to her lips. “Sorry.” He shrugged, the slight movement making his muscled chest move in the most fascinating way. What would it be like to have her hands on his skin when he moved like that? To feel the heat that radiated from him, to have the illusion, if only for a moment, of having control of his strength. “Nothing to be sorry for,” he pointed out amiably. “You just dropped your fork.” Gwen attempted a dry-lipped smile. “True. Old habits…” “Yeah.”He followed the direction of her eyes and looked out the window. “Storm’s coming in fast.” “Uh huh.” She cringed. How dumb did she sound? Monosyllabic answers, no conversation. She’d bet he was wishing he’d brought home one of the plastic beauties, trained in the art of idle conversation practically from the cradle. And he’d chosen a pharmacist instead. Now, if he felt like discussing the latest improvements in blood pressure medications, then she was his girl.But small talk? Nope.

Todd stood up, stretching gracefully. The more she watched him move, the more addicted she became. Gwen was finding it harder and harder to keep her eyes to herself. She so wanted to reach out and touch. Was his skin hard or soft? Smooth or rough? “Come.” She jumped, so caught up in her daydreams she hadn’t noticed him moving around the counter to stand beside her. Didn’t the man ever make a noise? “Uh…” He laughed as she hesitated, a rich rumble of amusement that seemed to trickle through her blood to collect in a hot pool somewhere in her tummy. Damn him, it wasn’t funny! It was hard to be nervous though, with that beautiful sound echoing in her ears. And the butterflies in her stomach had certainly changed since he’d laughed at her. Now they were anticipatory rather than dreading. “I could toss you over my shoulder, lock you in my bedroom, strip you naked, and have my wicked way with you,” he pointed out, his eyes dancing. “Or we could go get comfortable in the living room and watch the storm come in.” A tiny smile fought to escape. Her lips twitched. Gwen gave up and grinned. “I don’t know how I’ll ever be able to choose — “ Thunder cracked straight overhead and she jumped again, still nervous as a kitten despite his honest good humor. He was the first man who’d been able to override her nervousness with a few well-chosen words, but he wasn’t yet perfect. His hands reached out to steady her before she could topple from the stool and she blushed, thoroughly annoyed at herself. Not only was he going to think she was tongue-tied, but clumsy too. “I think the thunder’s trying to tell you something.” Todd’s grin broadened. “Besides, who said I won’t have my wicked way with youafter watching the storm? I love storms,” he added simply, “Especially out over the sea.” “The dishes?” He raised a single eyebrow, infuriatingly male. “Are you trying to benice again? I do hope not.” His voice was silky, almost menacing if she hadn’t seen the way his eyes were still gleaming. On second thoughts though, it was a fairly anticipatory gleam, and rather off-putting. It reminded her of the way she’d once seen a leopard staring down at a vulture-covered carcass, as if he was considering if he’d manage both the carcassand the birds. The leopard had been expecting a feast. What was Todd expecting? “You’re not trying to be nice, are you?” he repeated, his hands burning into her waist. She wriggled, but his hands didn’t move. He’d effectively anchored to the seat. Gwen tried looking up at him from under her lashes, blatantly coy. It didn’t work. His hands stayed implacably in place. She snorted.“Alright. I was trying to be nice. Let me go and I promise to be horrible.” “Nope.”Hesmiled, the feral gleam in his eyes now wholly unmistakable. He was enjoying himself. “I did

warn you…” Before she could gather her thoughts to protest, Gwen found herself scooped up and draped upside down over his shoulder, her arms hanging limply down his back. Unthinking, she grabbed for support, her fingers clinging desperately to the waistband of his sweats. The world spun disconcertingly, and the light-fitting appeared to be dancing on the floor. Gwen hiccupped and tried to lever herself up. “Nuhuh.”He swatted lightly at her clutching fingers. “Trust me.” Trust him??No chance! Her scrabbling fingers slipped, the sweats sagged and she watched in mortification as they dropped down to bunch around his knees. “Tsk,tsk ,tsk .” He shook his head as he continued walking, shaking the pants from his feet as he went. “You just had to find out whether I was a jocks man or a boxers man, didn’t you?” He chuckled, and let the kitchen door swing closed behind them. His words hardly registered, her stunned gaze was fixed on the taut buttocks that were right in front of her horrified gaze. His ass was stunning — rounded and firm — and she was getting a very up-close-and-personal view of his extremely naked butt. She swallowed convulsively, and scrunched her fingers into fists to keep from reaching out and touching. And she’d thought the naked chest had been tempting. His ass was one of the best she’d seen. And just a few little inches away. Should she? She shook her head, and her braid bounced off her nose and bumped against his butt. He didn’t even seem to notice. Shit! He was stark naked and nonchalantly carting her through his house, en route to his bedroom. Apparently, he’d changed his mind and was going to have his wicked way with herbefore they watched the storm. But this time, she realized, he was the one who was naked, and she was still fully dressed. Theoretically, that put her in the position of power. Well, as powerful as she could be when she was slung helplessly over his shoulder… Still tentative, she uncurled her hands and reached out for the firm muscles that were so temptingly within reach. His skin was soft, and as warm as she’d expected it to be. She ran experimental fingers a fraction lower, her thumb scraping teasingly against the smooth male flesh. A tiny tremble in the muscles high up his back was the only indication he’d even noticed her tentative exploration.Hmmm… He smelled so good. With her nose so close to his naked back, she was enveloped in a cloud of hot, musky male. For a moment she wondered if he could smell her just as clearly, then dismissed the thought as irrelevant. She inhaled deeply, filling her lungs, and reached between his legs.

* * * *

Self-control for Vampires 101. If she kept on with what she was doing, then he was about to fail — miserably. She couldn’t have any idea of just what those careful little forays of her fingers were doing to him. And the way her plait bumped against his ass, swung between his legs as he walked, tickled him… On cue, it scraped against his butt, her soft hair the flutter of fairy wings on his harder skin. He shuddered. Dropping his sweats to tease her may not have been such a good idea after all. It was hard to believe but his quiet little mouse appeared to have claws; teensy, weensy, inexperienced ones it was true, but claws just the same. And she was practicing flexing them on him! So much for him thinking it would be ‘nice’ to help her climb out of her protective shell… A bolt of lightning speared across the sky, casting his living room into brilliant light. For an instant they were reflected in theuncurtained windows — the muscular hunter with his prey slung over his shoulder. What the predator wanted, the predator simplytook . With a muffled oath, he dumped her on the sofa, watching in satisfaction as she landed with a breathless gasp of surprise, limbs akimbo. For a moment, he attempted to leash the beast. He would stay in control, dammit ! Why? She was just prey… His eyes narrowed, and he stared down at her, at the way her chest rose and fell so enticingly. Her heart thudded out an erratic rhythm, calling to him. Tipped over his shoulder as she’d been, her blood had raced to her face. She was pink… and delicious. Fully aware the predator was takingover, content to let it take charge for once, Todd bent over the sofa and caught eye contact, wrenching away her control of her mind, whisking her out of her senses. She slumpedbonelessly into the cushions, peering vaguely up at him from heavy-lidded eyes. At his silent command, she turned her head obediently to the side. Todd let his fangs slide into place. He crawled over her, pinning her securely beneath him, and nuzzled at her neck. She smelled so sweet. So…his.

* * * *

Gwen struggled against the sudden lethargy, barely able to hold her eyes open. There was definitely something wrong with her. She smiled sleepily, wondering if she looked as dreamy as she felt. The silly thing though, was that if there was something wrong with her, shekinda liked it… She couldn’t lift her head, her arms and legs lay haphazardly where they’d fallen. Yet her body was thrumming, expectantly. A gentle buzzing seemed to fill her ears, her vision was almost blurry. Todd’s

bare torso filled her eyes and she forced herself to move. She wanted to touch him so badly, to feel if the same vibrations searing her skin were rattling through him as well. Her muscles flexed; she felt the movement, yet her arm wouldn’t respond. It was too heavy, weighted down. Movement was just too much effort. She forced her eyes to focus, blinking groggily. His chest was closer, pressing into her face. She could smell him, could practically taste his arousal as his heat and scent surrounded her,seeped into her pores. Her vision grayed and she blinked again, trying to clear it. It was him, she realized, blocking out what little light crept into the room through the picture windows. His body was on top of hers, pushing her deeper into the cushions, trapping her, holding her in place. She giggled, wrinkling her nose. If only he knew. She couldn’t have moved if she’d tried. He didn’t need to hold her in place. But it felt… good. She feltwanted . For an instant her eyes narrowed,then the glimpse of reason disappeared as swiftly as it had appeared. Wrapped in a shadowy dream world, she didn’t care about his motives. She didn’t want to know. She just wanted to feel the way his skin scraped over her, the way his heat radiated through her, sent her spinning off into a whole different world. She let her eyes drift closed, content to follow where he led. His chest hairs tickled her nose, and she grumbled, thoughtlessly reaching up to push him away. She thought she did anyway, but wasn’t really sure whether she actually managed to move or not. Then his naked chest was rubbing on her nipples, the fabric of her blouse seeming to have evaporated when she wasn’t paying attention. Who cared? She was stark naked under him, and that was what she wanted, needed. His weight pressing into her, his caressing hands shaping and molding her breasts and buttocks. She felt her nipples harden, tried to press them into his chest. She thought he chuckled, but the drone in her ears was louder, an entire beehive alive with movement. The same buzzing flowed through her veins, her every fine hair was standing to attention, quivering with need. A flash of lightening lit the room in stark monochrome and, for an instant, she was aware of where she was. As the light faded, the dream world crept back, her senses again overwhelmed by the man above her. Desire.Lust.She wanted him so badly. His tongue curled around her ear. He licked a wet rim around its curve, blowing softly as he went. Chills raced through her, fighting with the volcanic heat that was threatening to explode. Then his tongue plunged deep in her ear canal. She shuddered helplessly, unable to move as he continued the gentle assault on her senses. Ripples spread outwards from her ear, through her body, finally pooling between her legs. She heard herself moan, a plaintive little cry in the otherwise silent room. Outside, thunder rumbled. Sharp teeth nipped at her lobe. “Ow.” His voice was a seductive whisper in her ear, half imagined. “Mine.” She felt him sucking her earlobe into his mouth, teasing with his tongue until she tried to squirm away. Her body remained leaden beneath him. Maddening flames flickered through her, the heat almost unbearable. She couldn’t escape him. Couldn’t escape what he was doing to her body. Again, he

stopped just before she could tumble into oblivion. “Please…” His mouth moved lower, his lips brushing a gentle kiss over her eyelids as he passed. “Mine.” She didn’t care. She’d be his.Whatever. Just so long as he finished what he was doing. The teasing was driving her mad. Even through the sensual fog she was slipping more deeply into, she was aware he was teasing her, arousing her beyond measure.Beyond sanity. His mouth touched a breast. She gasped. He drew an already swollen nipple deep into his mouth and suckled hotly. An unmistakable groan of contentment vibrated through him. Again she tried to push her breasts closer to him, still her body stayed limp under his confining weight. Everywhere his skin touched hers, flames licked. She was aware of every ounce of his weight pressing into her, reminding her she was helpless under him. Now, she couldn’t even open her eyes. His weight shifted. She attempted to squirm away from the fire that was his mouth. Unperturbed by her fruitless struggle, Todd continued with his leisurely journey, his teeth scraping over her tummy, his tongue soothing the tiny nips. Close overhead, a bolt of thunder cracked. For an instant, the room was filled with white light. Suddenly, Gwen was aware of the cooler air flowing over her breasts, freed now of his confining weight as his tongue moved lower. The drone of the air conditioner drowned the imaginary bees that were still buzzing in her bloodstream. Then she felt large hands slide between her thighs. Her legs spread wide. Vulnerable. She couldn’t move.Didn’t want to move. His mouth latched over her pussy, his tongue swirled around her clit, and the room exploded. For a few blessed moments, her mind went blank. It didn’t last though. Thoughts crept back, and with them, awareness. Awareness of the way he was still nibbling and licking between her thighs. Her body was alive, writhing uncontrollably under him. Her hips bucked up, pressing them closer to his mouth. Obligingly, his tongue delved deep, probing her entrance. Through the roaring in her ears, she heard herself scream. He moved within the space of a single heartbeat, his muscular body again wholly covering hers, pressing her into the sofa. His legs were wedged between hers his mouth was at her breast. His heat surrounded her. The tip of his cock pushed at her entrance. His teeth nipped her breast. Finally, he was about to take her. She felt the way his cock glided through her juices, trembled in helpless anticipation as he drew fractionally away. She tried to thrust her body upwards, to impale herself. Her muscles were lead, her eyelids too heavy to open. His tongue traced a line from her breast to her neck, playing for an instant in the soft skin at her collarbone. His weight pinned her, he shifted higher pressing her nose into his chest. The roaring in her head intensified. Vaguely, the needy mewling sounds coming from her own mouth penetrated the fog in her mind. Todd’s scent filled her senses. She shuddered, and willingly breathed it in. Then he was buried deep inside her, filling her, the sound of his balls slapping wetly against her thighs as he surged into her incredibly erotic. Her back arched, her hips lifting of their own accord to meet every thrust. Each thrust drove her closer to the edge. The sensual fog was thicker than ever, swirling around her in a giddy dance. The world was spiraling out of her reach.

“Mine.” His ragged whisper echoed through her head. He nuzzled at her neck, once, twice… then bit down. Piercing white light exploded behind her eyes. Her womb clenched around his cock, and the electrical firestorm ebbed and surged in her blood. The pleasure overtook her, ripping her mind from her body. Her whole world shattered.

* * * *

Gwen drew in a deep, shuddering gulp of air. Todd was slumped over her, breathing heavily, his head still buried somewhere in her neck. Sated to the bone, she tried to push some of his dead-weight off her. He didn’t budge, but at least her arms responded to her commands this time. She slumped back onto the sofa, aware of a prickle of discomfort. The bastard must have bitten her again, on the neck this time. She shrugged it off. Whatever he’d done had worked, so who was she to quibble over his methods? Oh man… Sex was good. She smiled at her thoughts.Sex was good? She sounded like some kind of sex-starved nymphomaniac. She shifted slightly, enjoying the feeling of being trapped under him. Her eyes widened. His cock was still buried in her pussy, and the tiny movement seemed to have given it a whole new lease of life. She could feel him swelling, filling her more thoroughly. Casting her mind back over some of the books she’d read, she tried to grip him with her inner muscles. He mumbled into her neck, his fingers clutched convulsively at her breast. He may have just fucked her senseless — there was no other word for it — but that didn’t mean she didn’t have any power over him at all. She just needed to… practice. She grinned to herself, and squeezed him again. Todd groaned and grabbed her hips, his fingers digging in to her skin as he dragged her off him. Before she could protest, he’d slammed her hips back down, impaling her more firmly on his swollen cock. She was sure she screamed, but the sound seemed to drift off into the distance. The warm haze enveloped heragain, her body dropped away from her control and fell limply back into the cushions. She could actually feel the room spinning away into the distance. How the hell did he do that to her? A flash of lightening lit the sky, and for a second his face was clear. His eyes were huge, swallowed by an implacable black fire that burned into her soul. Her mouth opened on a silent scream as she saw his mouth. Saw thefangs, saw the single drop of blood balanced precariously on the end of one. He held her eyes, staring intently, and she sensed the way his mind probed at hers, searching. Another spear of lightning forked through the sky. She saw it from the corner of her eye, but she couldn’t draw away from his predatory stare. His lips twisted in a triumphant smile. In that instant she understood the fog that surrounded her. Self-preservation kicked in and she slammed up her natural barriers, denying him access to her mind. Seemingly unperturbed, his mouth hovered, came closer. A delicate flick of his tongue and the droplet of bloodwas gone. His eyes glazed. She stared in fascination as the black flames receded, only to return in a rush. She could hear hisheartbeat, feel his hot

breath on her face. Every muscle was taut, uncomfortably so. It wasn’t Todd. It was. The flames returned to his eyes, his features hardened. Face implacable, he leaned closer, his weight again pinning her helplessly beneath him. Gwen balled a fist, hesitated,then swung it sharply upwards, smashing it into his face. Sharp teeth scraped over her knuckles. She ignored the pain, ignored the fresh blood dripping down her wrist, and did it again. This time, she aimed for his nose. Her punch connected solidly, bone meeting bone with a nauseating crunch. He reeled backwards, and she scrambled out from under him, shoving him hard,then vaulted the sofa so its solid back lay between them. Her heart beat in her chest, her blood pounding. He was so much larger than she was, so much stronger. A minute ago, she’d reveled in that fact.Now… Gwen clenched her fists and waited, trying to steady her breathing. She may have been hopelessly outclassed but she wouldn’t let him take her without a fight. For the minute, she simply didn’t want to know who — what — he was. All that was important was getting away.

* * * *

Todd stared at her in horror, his heart racing. Not only had he let the beast slip its chains, but he’d not had control of her when he’d let it loose. He’d scared her before. This time… He couldn’t think. His blood pounded in time with hers. He could hear her heart racing, smell her fear. The beast howled for freedom, but he held it ruthlessly, sickly aware of what he’d just done. He hadn’t hurt her, wouldn’t have harmed her — even the elemental predator in him recognized that you didn’t kill the food source — but she wasn’t to know that. She probably thought him some kind of monster, standing there with blood dripping from his fangs. The scent of fresh blood rose from her scraped knuckles, taunting him. He hadn’t bitten her when she’d hit him. It had been an accident. She thought he’d done it on purpose. The thought shimmered through the air between them, clear and irrevocable. There was stark terror in her eyes. The fear she was trying to hide was killing him. He swallowed an oath, turned, and shoved the balcony door open. Rain blew in, stinging in his eyes. It cleared his head too. He had to get away.Away from her. Todd took two running steps and leapt from the balcony, flying directly into the raging storm. “No — “ Her agonized cry tore at his heart. He halted mid-flight, every muscle tense. For a moment he hovered, a large black shadow in the night sky. Her fist was at her mouth, her eyes

wider than ever as she stared out into the darkness. He cursed himself, his appetite, his lack of control. Then he turned away and raced through the skies, over the marina and out to sea. Rain slashed into him, icy fingers on his bare skin. With a thought, he clothed himself. He barreled through the wind, ignoring the gusts that tried to fling him off-course. He barely even looked where he was going.Away. That was all that was important. Nothing would interrupt his flight. The storm had moved inland, but he was well out over the ocean before he broke free of the last drizzles of rain. Occasional gusts of wind still wrapped themselves around him, but he shook them off, spearing across the sky with javelin-like precision. Finally, he slowed. The coast was well out of sight, there was no sign of human life. Any fishing boats would have run for cover at the first hint of the violent front converging on them, and no halfway-sane sailor would have risked their vessel in the ferocious summer storm. He could afford to stop, to take the time to think. And what he thought wasn’t pleasant. He’d been caught by his own damned arrogance. So sure of his innate superiority that he hadn’t even bothered to test his hold over her. The possibility that she hadn’t been wholly in his thrall hadn’t even crossed his mind. What was worse, though, was that he was slowly coming to understand why he was so fascinated by an otherwise-ordinary human woman. It was the difference in her mind, the strength of spirit she didn’t even recognize in herself. Without trying — probably unaware of it herself — she was spinning a web, a web that bound him securely to her side. Floating high above the endlessly surging ocean, drifting idly with the air currents, Todd had his very own ‘ah ha’ moment. In a single flash of clarity he finally understood his grandfather’s eccentricity. Pop had been in the grip of passion, something a vampire rarely felt. Todd stretched, restless, and dove abruptly towards the waves, hurtling through the sky. He pulled up gracefully, for the first time in centuries aware of the fluidity of his movements. Elegance was second nature to him now. For a moment he hovered, staring down at the roiling waves. In the aftermath of the storm they seemed somehow oily, smoothly hiding the powerful currents that flowed directly underneath. They reflected the night sky too; a dull, iron-grey. Feeling totally silly, he glanced at the horizons.No one. Muscles rippled across his back as he shrugged. In all the years of boredom, he’d forgotten to appreciate what he had. Things like his physical strength and his power. More importantly, what he was. He grimaced and leapt upwards, breaking off his upward flight to turn a joyous somersault over a startled seagull. He soared upwards, streaking through the damp grey clouds, finally appreciating the cool moisture that beaded on his skin. She’d torn away the ennui he’d been drowning in for so long, leaving him free to enjoy his existence. Without her? She thought he was a monster. And she was almost right. He slowed, stopped,then let himself drop slowly through a soft cloud. A gust of wind blew him back into the open sky. He ignored the stars that were attempting to cast their feeble light onto the surface of the ocean, didn’t look at the pinpoints of light that suddenly sparkled across the

water. Damn! There was nothing else for it. He was going to have to apologize. Explain. He rubbed his nose thoughtfully, thinking of her probable reaction. Persuading her to see things his way could be fun. He smiled grimly. He wantedher, therefore he was going to have her. It was as simple as that. She’d just have to get used to the fact she belonged to him. In time, she would.

* * * *

Gwen crammed her fist into her mouth, oblivious to the stinging of her abraded knuckles. She wanted to scream, to have hysterics. Actually, what she really wanted was for the last few minutes to disappear from her mind.Forever. But her mind kept replaying the vision of Todd staring at her with horror-filled eyes, dripping fangs where his mouth should have been. Oblivious to the cold, barely aware of her nudity, she shuddered. He was a monster.Something from a fairytale. She’d never liked the BrothersGrimm, their stories had given her nightmares. They’d made her dream about things like this. Monsters. There are no such things as monsters. Telling herself that, no matter how firmly, wasn’t working.She’d seen him fling himself over the balcony, twenty-odd stories up. Rather than plummeting to the sidewalk below, he’d floated.Floated? She shook her head. It just wasn’t possible. None of this was possible. Yet she was standing here on his balcony, soaking wet and shivering with cold. She leant cautiously over the railing, the metal shockingly cold on her naked stomach. There was nothing below her. No bloody mess where his body should have been.Nothing but well-tended grass, and a few shadowy rosebushes. It was hard to see in the gloom, but she was quite certain. If he’d jumped off the balcony, he’d definitely flown away. Humans couldn’t fly. A violent shiver wracked her. She wrapped her arms around herself in a futile attempt to stave off the cold. She could hardly believe she’d run out here naked when she’d seen him step off the balcony. Thank goodness it was night time and no one would have seen. And why had she actually cared, after what he’d just done? The rain was icy, stinging her still-sensitized skin. Standing around out here, catching acold, wasn’t helping anyone. Apparently, he wasn’t dead. Unless… Vampires had fangs suspiciously like his. At least, they did in the movies. Could there really be such a thing as a vampire? Her stomach churned, her hands clenched over her gut. She’d just slept with one.A vampire. She’d let him take control of herbody, nearly let him into her mind. She screwed her eyes shut against the thought.She’d enjoyed it.

Realizing that her body was still aroused didn’t help either. The raindrops were collecting in little streams, rivulets wending their way down her body, gathering naturally between her legs before rushing to the balcony floor. They traced the areas where his hands had so recently been, coolly damp — like his tongue. The volume of water rushing between her legs, racing over her clit was increasing, and with volume came pressure. She pressed her legs together, holding on to the feeling of a thousand tiny tongues licking their way inside her. On her overheated skin, the cool was delicious. A gust of wind blew a thick strand of hair into her face, tickling her nose. It reminded her of the real world — the storm howling around the balcony, the rain weighing down her sodden hair. Fingers of wind pushed their way into every crevice of her body. It ruffled the curls between her legs, pushed tantalizingly at her ass. She could even feel it swirling between her toes, tickling and teasing. She squirmed. Lightning split the sky, briefly lighting up the road below her, and the marina off to the side. Despite the storm, there were people down there, scurrying between the restaurants and their cars. There was even a couple seated on the deck of their moored yacht.Probably watching the storm.Possibly watching her. Blushing furiously, Gwen stepped back inside. For a moment, her body’s reaction to the rain had made her forget she was nude — and in public. It had also made her forget about monsters, at least for a little while. Inside, the air conditioner still hummed. For a moment, she was colder than ever, her skin a mass of goose-bumps. She couldn’t think when she felt like this.Cold.Aroused. She glanced wildly around the room until she spotted the remote lying on the coffee table. She grabbed it, jabbing at the buttons until the machine fell silent. With the balcony doors closed, the storm was reduced to an insidious whisper of wind curling around the down pipes. The thunder had rumbled off into the distance. Dead silence. Dead. Monsters. She shuddered.There are no such things . A trickle of water ran down her back, cold on her butt, and she sprang into action. Right here, right now, she didn’t care about the details. She had to get away from him. Assuming he wasn’t dead, she had to believe he’d come back to finish off what he’d started. Thenshe’d be dead. Her clothes were in a messy heap by the sofa. She struggled into them, the water on her skin dragging against the usually slinky fabrics. Her stockings lay discarded nearby, one draped rakishly over the TV in the corner. She glanced at them,then tugged her shoes on without bothering. She’d wasted enough time. She was buttoning her blouse as she ran down the hall to the bedroom. Her overnight bag couldstay, she didn’t want to waste time juggling it. She barely paused as she scooped up her handbag, pirouetted on the shiny timber floor and jogged back down the hall to the living room. Gwen was out the front door and had slammed it behind her before she could change her mind.

Escape. She had to escape. And she had to ignore the sensual fog that seeped insidiously back into her mind every time she thought of anything the slightest bit erotic… Shaking her head furiously, she fished her cell phone from her bag, hopping awkwardly and trying to adjust a strap on her shoe at the same time. She wedged the phone between her shoulder and her ear, simultaneously pressing the elevator call button. The plastic under her fingers was sinuously smooth, her fingers gliding easily over it. Fascinated, she caressed it… “Taxi?A pick up at the Marina Apartments please.I’ll be waiting out front.” Gwen allowed her eyes to close in relief, the woman’s voice in her ear going unheeded. She’d caught the first bit, the important bit. The bit about how there was an empty cab in the area that would arrive in approximately three minutes. The ‘ding’ of the arriving elevator was loud and she sprang upright, heart pounding. There was no time for daydreaming, and definitely no time for admiring the sensual qualities of plastic.Plastic? Gwen snorted inelegantly, the sound echoing hollowly around the elevator. She stabbed a vicious finger at the lobby button. She had to get that man… monster?...out of her head. Eyes trained on the numbers above the door, she watched anxiously, impatiently counting each one as it flicked on and off. The elevator sunk swiftly lower. From somewhere deep inside, a cry of protest welled up, lodging in her throat. Her stomach clenched in denial, blood throbbed behind her temples. Shehad to get away from him. That was the only intelligent thing to do. She would not let herself become some kind of pathetic sacrificial victim — the idiot blonde in the long, white nightdress who was willingly drawn to her doom in Boris Karloff films. She was smarter than that. The elevator glided to a stop. A regal pause had her almost screaming in frustration,then the doors drew slowly back. She was nearly away. Gwen straightened her back and stalked across the lobby. A cab had pulled in under the awning, wind screen wipers still clacking rhythmically to and fro. Its headlights cut a swathe through the darkness, somehow highlighting it. Automatic glass doors opened and she stepped outside, forcingherself not to run straight back upstairs. Her heart wrenched, demanding she stay. She wanted to scurry back into the warm and light.To wait for his return. Nooo! She concentrated on her breathing. Breathe in, breathe out. She could beat whatever black magic spell he’d used on her. She was stronger than that. Her heels clicked as she crossed the pavement, and she couldn’t help glancing to the side, to the spot where his shattered body should have been.Would have been — if he’d been human. The little reminder was enough. She forced herself to ignore the tenacious fingers of fog, the ones that turned everything she touched, everything she looked at, into a sensual experience. The vinyl seat caught against the damp fabric of her skirt, clinging to her legs and wedging itself between her thighs. Her jacket brushed over her breasts, her nipples swelled under the subtle friction. Even the soft salsa music coming from the cab’s radio was getting under her skin, inciting her to sway with the

motion of the vehicle, to trail her fingers over her body… Gwen leaned back, overhead streetlights flashing hypnotically red through her closed eyelids as they passed under each one. She sighed. This was absolutely ridiculous. He was a monster. He’d tried to kill her. Ergo, it was now her job to…run away ! No matter how loudly she screamed the idea in her head, it wasn’t sinking in. Whatever he’d done to her body, whatever he’d done to make her want to stay so badly, was strong. But she was stronger.

* * * *

Finding her was easy. Convincing her he wasn’t evil, however, was going to be a problem. He’d been perched on the roof of the neighboring building for several minutes now, simply waiting while he figured out what to do next. He may have decided Gwyneth belonged with him but it was obvious she wasn’t thinking along exactly the same lines. Even from here, he could hear her accelerated heartbeat. He could smell her fear. High above him the stars were starting to creep out from their hiding places behind the storm clouds. The moon was still rising, its brittle light casting deep shadows around the lower floors.As the old saying went, in for a penny, in for a pound. It was time to go and explain what had happened earlier in the evening. Todd stretched, taking pleasure in the way every muscle responded to the merest thought. With Gwyneth in the world, the slightest thing felt brand new. He leaped lightly to the ground, springing effortlessly up and over the sagging gutter. Gwyneth’s pharmacy was located in its own building and was well-maintained. Unlike her next door neighbor, she probably owned the freehold. Either that or she had an excellent landlord. Unsurprisingly, the back door was locked. He tested the handle, twisting it softly back in the opposite direction.Nothing. The blind was down, the window firmly barred. It wasn’t that iron bars could actually stop him if he wanted in that badly, more that even he would make a fair bit of noise pulling them out of the brickwork. Ah well… He rapped softly on the door. “Gwyneth? Are you okay?” Todd grimaced at himself. Of all the totally stupid opening lines he could have thought of, that one pretty well took the cake. Her startled gasp answered that question for him. Of course she wasn’t okay — she’d just been scared silly by an idiot vampire! “Go away!” He tried again. “Let me in, sweetie. Please. I need to explain what happened.” “No.”

The single word was almost lost. Something scraped across the floor, a high-pitched squeal of metal on tiles that made him wince. It was worse than fingernails down a blackboard. “Please. We need to talk.” There was no answer and, this time, he managed to turn down his hearing a bare second before something heavy thudded on top of whatever she’d wedged across the door. Todd sighed. He really hadn’t wanted to do this. Watching him launch himself off a balcony must have been shocking enough, seeing a demonstration of vampire strength was just… uncalled for. Nevertheless, he leaned on the door. There was no choice. He needed her. Her rapidly erected barricade didn’t stand a chance. A small cabinet toppled off a table as he pushed, for a moment blocking his entrance. That instant in time was all Gwyneth needed to make good her escape. Even as he was kicking the cabinet out of his way she was pelting across the room, flinging open the dispensary door and heading out into the night. “Damn it!” He punched the wall, oblivious to the jagged hole he left in the plaster.“Stupid, stupid,stupid! ” He stalked across the room in her wake, reaching out to sweep a row of old-fashioned glass bottles off an open shelf. They fell to the ground with a satisfying crash. Todd could feel the heat surging through his blood. He didn’t need to look in a mirror to know his eyes were glowing red. He wanted her. He was going to have her. He’d tried polite. It hadn’t worked. He glared at the shop door. It had slammed closed behind her and all he could see of outside was a blurry image of a rain-washed street, each street light surrounded by a watery halo. It wasn’t like she’d be hard to find. Her blood sang to him, her rapid pulse as she’d fled him had goaded him into a primitive possessiveness. He could still hear her heartbeat. She was no more than a block away. She washis .

* * * *

He was behind her, somewhere in the shadows, just waiting to jump out at her. God only knew why he wanted her. Whatever the reason, she just wanted to get away.Neededto get away. He was a predator. There was no other way to see him. Those teeth… A shiver ran through her, totally at odds with the frantic messages her heart was sending her. Yes, she could feel it pounding furiously as she increased her speed, but it wasn’t that. The further she ran, the more her heart tried to tug her back. Somehow he was calling to her. Be damned if she’d letthathappen… Gwen increased her speed. She skidded around a corner, her heeled shoes totally impractical on the slippery asphalt. A tree loomed in front her. She jerked sideways and a shower of cold drops splattered her face. She reached out to steady herself against its trunk, her chest heaving. There was no time to stop.

Gwyneth. It was her imagination. Ithad to be her imagination. She refused to believe anything else. A low chuckle echoed in her ears — warm, comforting… smug. She jerked her head around, scowled at the empty street behind her. Gwyneth. This time she knew it wasn’t her imagination. She also knew she hadn’t heard her name with her ears. Somehow, he’d crept inside her head. Gwen hauled in a breath, determined not to let him win. A second deep breath, then she was off and running. She glanced to either side, looking for anything that would help her escape. Nothing. It was a boring, blank street, by day lined with blank-faced offices, by night equally dull and equally blank. A dark shadow on the opposite side of the road beckoned. It was only an alley — in normal circumstances the last place she’d want to go by herself at night. Tonight, there didn’t seem to be much choice. She darted out of her flimsy shelter and into the night.

* * * *

He had her! Finally, he’d figured out the tortuous path into her mind. He doubted he could control her — not yet anyway — but he was sure he could communicate with her. Maybe even influence her. The way she’d started around, her eyes flicking over every shadow as he’d called out to her in her mind had confirmed it. Now he flew overhead, a silent black shadow in the drizzly night sky. Even if she looked directly up at him, he doubted she’d see. Certainly, no ordinary human would. The only question now was how to catch her. How to convince her she belonged to him was a totally different hurdle and one that could wait. His own feelings were too confused, emotions he didn’t know he had taken control of his actions. A tiny voice deep inside protested the way he was chasing her, hunting her down. A stronger, infinitely more primeval part of him was egging him on. Todd dropped from the sky and slumped against a light pole, oblivious to the renewed drizzle. If nothing else, the rivulets of water coursing from his hair and into his eyes were a cold reminder of his humanity. And it hid his tears. He was nothing but a monster, a demonwho’d long since lost his soul. No wonder she was running from him. She was desperate to escape — and who could blame her? If he’d held onto the faintest hint of human feeling, he’d be able to let her go. Was it so impossible? Surely another woman would come along. He closed his eyes, battling for his sanity.Without her… In the distance, a horn blared.

His nostrils flared. The beast roared. Every good intention he’d held, however briefly, flew from his mind as he once again launched himself skyward. He was a black shadow streaking across the sky, racing against mortal time.Racing against hope. Tires squealed. A very feminine, very familiar, scream pierced his heart. Abruptly, it cut off. All he could hear was the single, hollow thud of Gwyneth’s body hitting the truck. It kept echoing through his head. No other sound. No heart beat. No flutter of breath. Nothing. He landed running, heedless of who might see him. His Gwyneth was lying in the gutter. He could smell the blood. In his mind, he’d heard the snap of every bone. For a split second he’d felt her agony. She may not have believed in the connection they shared, but he did. He lifted her to him, cradled her against him. Nothing.No life. No hope. His howl of anguish filled the night.

For years he’d felt nothing. It had been safe, comfortable even. Now, in the space of a few gut-wrenching minutes he’d learned first hand about the misery that went with love. And all because of a fucking hit and run driver. He snarled at the stars. They’d mocked him once already today. It seemed they were doing it again. The beast had mostly subsided, drowned in the long-forgotten emotions. It left an empty space somewhere inside him. He was cold, desperately cold, yet he could feel his own heart pounding. Sweat mingled with the rain. If he’d eaten, he knew he would have heaved the lot of it up. His stomach was a whirlpool, his head was even worse. And all he could do wasstare down at the ravaged body of his Gwyneth. Wet, filthy, covered in mud and blood. Under his gentle touch, her skin was already going cold. Sightless eyes stared up at the stars. What he would give to bring her back to him. She didn’t deserve to die, and especially not running from him. It was his fault she was dead. While there’s life, there’s hope. Crap! He shook his head, denying the insidious thought. It persisted, nurtured by the beast that was once again unsheathing its claws. He wasn’t human, hadn’t been for centuries. There wasn’t life — exactly — but there was still time. Although physical death was instant, it took time for the life force to leave a body. He had a few minutes still. If he hurried, he could turn her. And then she could hate him for eternity instead of just for one short human life time. He couldn’t do it to her. It wasn’t fair to turn her into something she despised just to salve his own conscience.

The beast whispered to him, tempting him. She’d be his for eternity. He’d bring her around… Todd lowered his head over hers, inhaling the scent of her hair. She was perfect.Too perfect to lose. He scooped her more securely into his arms, leaping skyward on that thought. Gwyneth’s arms and legs trailed limply as he sped back towards his apartment. Her hair billowed behind them in the wind. She was the most precious cargo he’d ever carry. He couldn’t bear to think of the future. If he had to, he’d let her go. He’d turn her, teach her how to survive,then let her go. Or not… Even as his feet touched the balcony, he was biting into her neck, drinking deeply as he strode across the living room and into his bedroom. He was still drinking as he lowered her onto his bed, gently straightening her broken limbs. When he could take no more he stroked her hair from her eyes, bent his teeth to his wrist and ripped into his own veins. He held his torn wrist to her mouth, forcing the gushing blood to flow into her mouth. The leaden ball in the pit of his stomach tightened. She wasn’t responding. He was too late. “Please.” He barely recognized his own voice, the single word catching on a sob. “Please Gwyneth. You must…” He swallowed jerkily, and lowered himself to the bed beside her. Moisture welled up behind his eyes as he pulled her close. “I need you.”

****

She really didn’t want to wake up. It was like one of those dreams, the sort where something terrible is going to happen if you don’t wake up but, no matter how hard you try, you just can’t force your eyes to open. It was that same horrible feeling — in reverse. Something was desperately trying to get her attention. Itreally wanted her to wake up. She couldn’t quite remember why, but was quite certain she didn’t want to face it. Whatever it was gave new meaning to the term ‘iron will’. Her own will was weak, slowly bending to the compulsion upon her. She was hungry, and she hurt. Every bone in her body ached. Every beat of her heart throbbed into her brain, pummeling her into submission. Maybe if she gave in, floated into awareness just enough to see what it wanted, maybe then she’d be allowed to fall back into the darkness? It wasn’t like she had a choice anyway. Against her will, her eyelids creaked open. “Hullo, sleeping beauty.” Todd’s melodious voice washed over her. Gwyneth blinked up at him, her vision as bleary as her thoughts.Dark hair, beautiful eyes.Absolutely gorgeous. Yep, that was Todd. His hand engulfed hers, possessive yet gentle, and his fingers were playing on her skin in a soothing pattern. Dazed as she was, she could tell he was inordinately relieved to see her. Why was she here again? Slowly, reality crept back in. First there’d been the auction, then the sex…

more sex — it was amazing she wasn’t blushing at her thoughts! —then dinner and… more sex. They’d been at it like bunnies before… She blinked as the thought eluded her. Tiny lines formed around Todd’s eyes, and she had to look away to avoid his gaze. It felt like he was trying to see straight through to her soul. A stupid idea, really, but… Uncomfortable, she tried to turn onto her side. Pain speared into her. For a few minutes the world went black. When she opened her eyes, she was once again lying flat on her back, only this time Todd was leaning over her. His hands on her shoulders were light but she doubted she could have brushed away a mosquito, let alone him. It was hard to explain but there was something very determined about the grim expression on his face. “What -“ Her voice petered out. She tried whispering instead, her throat too dry for anything else. “What happened?” “Do you remember anything?” His voice was neutral. She started to shake her head before remembering the last time she’d moved. “No.” Emotion flitted across Todd’s face, so quickly she didn’t have time to identify it. Then he sighed. “Look into my eyes. I’ll show you.” Without thinking about the weirdness of what he was saying, she lifted her gaze. As her eyes met his an image appeared in her head. The room — and Todd —was still blurrily visible but overriding it was… her. She was running from a room, fleeing whoever was looking at her. The scene shifted to the street outside her pharmacy. She knew she was inside. She was seeing it through Todd’s eyes. A flash of panic stabbed through her and she tried to pull away, only to find she was trapped in his memory. She watched in horror as Todd pushed his way into the back room, effortlessly tossing away her hasty barricade. Then she was running again, running out into the night with Todd somewhere behind her. The memory moved on. She couldn’t see herself, but she could hear every tiny sound in the night. She could hear herself gasping for breath as she ran, heard her heart beating from a street away. A shudder coursed through her. Or was it coursing through Todd in his memory? Before she could decide she heard the truck, heard the squeal of brakes, then the absolute silence as the truck raced away into the night. Once more the memory shifted. She caught a glimpse of herself lying in the street. Even from the distance she coldsee the blood. Worse, she could smell it. An unfamiliar craving hit her. “I’m sorry. I meant to stop before the end.” Gwyneth blinked, and the world came back into focus. She was lying in a bed, Todd staring down at her. So, apparently she’d been hit by a truck. The way she felt right now she could believe it. But…she tried to clear her head. In the dream, if that’s what it had been, she’d been dead. Obviously, she wasn’t dead. Come to think of it, if she had been hit by a truck, what was she doing in Todd’s bed rather than in a hospital? An odd clawing sensation gripped her stomach. There’d been something so real about the whole episode. She didn’t even want to think about how he’d projected his memories onto her — that was just too weird to think about — but it was real. She knew it was. But why had she been running? Had he purposely left that bit out? She flinched as an unexpected ache wrenched through her abdomen. Her whole body was crying out for

something. She had no idea what. “Did you remember?” Todd sounded very calm. “Yes,” she whispered. “Everything?” She bit her lip as another fresh pain speared into her. With the pain came the missing memory. She’d been running away from Todd.No, not Todd. She’d been running away from a monster. She felt her eyes widen. Todd gazed down at her. He seemed to fight some kind of inner battle before finally saying, “Good. It’s better that you know.” Better that she know he was a vampire? Only the memory of her last movement kept her from trying to run again. She forced herself to speak, ignoring the raspy pain in her throat.“Why me?” Apparently satisfied she wasn’t about to run, Todd pushed himself wearily upright. “There have been others, but you’re the first woman who’s ever known. I can’t control your mind.” “Good!” His lips quirked.“No, not really.If I’d been able to control your mind, you’d never have found out what I was. Come Monday you’d have toddled off to work, none the wiser that vampires existed.” He shrugged. “None of this would have happened.” Before she could comment, another burst of pain exploded through her. It was accompanied by that strange longing, the one she’d felt when she was looking out through Todd’s eyes. She whimpered. Todd’s eyes darkened. “Your body’s healing but it will be faster if you feed again.” He held his wrist down to her, his skin brushing lightly against her lips. His voice deepened. “Can you hear my heartbeat? Listen to my blood.” Even injured as she was, a fresh surge of heat ran through her and gathered in her belly. The sound of his blood rushing through his veins surrounded her. The room seemed to retreat, his heartbeat and the flow of his blood taking over her thoughts. Her mouth watered. Simultaneously, something sharp pricked at her lower lip. Then Gwyneth horrified herself by biting deep into his arm.

* * * *

Todd groaned as her teeth pierced his skin and miniature lightning bolts rocketed through his system. When he’d forced her to feed in order for the change to occur, it hadn’t been like this. He’d not really been paying attention to how it felt, too worried about whether she’d survive, and Gwyneth hadn’t really been conscious either. This time, she hadn’t tried to glamour him — didn’t yet know she could — and, surprisingly, it didn’t hurt. He’d only shared blood with another vampire a few times before and never, never… So much for his prosaic attempt at feeding her from his wrist!

He shuddered as she unconsciously flicked her tongue over his sensitized skin. Without thought, he cradled her head in his other hand, his fingers tangled in her hair, holding her mouth firmly against his wrist when she started to pull away. A tiny whimper of pain sighed into his head, so quiet he doubted she’d actually let the sound pass her lips. Gwyneth tried again to pull her head away. Her moan jerked him back to awareness. Although healing quickly because of her new vampire blood, her body was still a mess. He’d really only woken her to make her feed. It took a moment to pullhimself together. Certain he was once again in control he met her eyes then sent a sharp command whipping into her mind. Her eyes flared with awareness of what he’d done a moment before she fell helplessly under his thrall. As she relaxed into unconsciousness he drew his wrist carefully away from her teeth. He licked the still-throbbing puncture wound thoughtfully. There was so much she had to learn about her new life, more than he’d realized. He looked down on her. She was battered yet, for the moment, at peace. His heart clenched. He couldn’t let her go. Not now. And he even had a good excuse.

* * * *

The solitary call of a night bird shattered the silence. Slowly, it trailed away to nothing. No other sound replaced it. Gwen strained her ears, expecting to hear traffic in the distance, or maybe the swishof a cars tires as it drove along the rain-damp street.Nothing. She couldn’t remember a time when it had been that quiet in her house. She stared blankly up at the ceiling, still half asleep, wondering vaguely what time it was. There was no hint of dawn in the room, nothing but moonlight dapples on the bare white ceiling. Her ceiling wasn’t white, and there was a dark timber beam directly above her bed. It wasn’t her bed. Even as she realized she didn’t know where she was, she remembered the blood. Just the memory was enough to stir a craving deep within her. She jerked upright, screeching when something sharp pierced her lower lip. She tasted blood. “Try and avoid chewing on your lip.”Todd’s voice. Todd’s hand reached out for her. Panicking, she twisted away from his touch, falling off the bed and landing on the floor with a thud that shook her to the bones. She stared back up at the bed, only to find Todd had rolled onto his side and levered himself comfortably onto an elbow. He raised an interrogatory eyebrow. “I take it the pain’s mostly gone, then?” Gwen nodded, too startled to answer. He sounded like it was the most normal thing in the world to wake up from dreaming of vampires and accidents to find a strange man in your bed. Well,someone’s bed… “Where are we?”

He smiled, green eyes glimmering in the moonlight.“My sister’s place. She has a property in the mountains. It’s a little more private than my flat.” “Oh.” Gwen’s mind raced. Why didn’t she remember getting here? She stared back at him, unable to stop her gaze fixing on a single lock of his hair that drooped over his eyebrow. It was such a rich shade of brown, impossible to imagine, yet it was the perfect frame for those vivid eyes. If she wasn’t careful she’d fall right into them and drown. Memories started to rush back.Green eyes.Brown hair.Moonlight… Todd grimaced. “I know I’m probably wasting my breath saying this but don’t — “ Gwen scrambled to her feet and fled across the room. She couldn’t see full color when it was pitch black. She couldn’t.she refused to believe it. Because if she could… She was… She shook her head and yanked the door open. There was no way she was going there. She wasnot a vampire.

* * * *

“— panic.” The slam of the bedroom door cut off the end of his sentence.So much for her not panicking. Once again she was running from him and, once again, the beast inside wasn’t happy. He could feel his eyeschanging, feel the heat as the coal-black flames flickered to life. The beast lifted its head and roared in protest. He heard her muffled squeak of fear. He hadn’t made a sound aloud, hadn’t moved a muscle, yet she’d heard and known.She knew… If she’d heard the beast then there was no longer any question. She was his mate. The beast surged up, effortlessly breaking the restraints Todd had forced on it for so many years, blending their personalities together. She was his mate. She was running. And his primitive instincts were taking over. Todd leapt from the bed, fully clothed in a heartbeat. When the prey ran, the predator chased. He caught her struggling with the heavy old locks on the front door. “You know, I like it when you run. The thrill of the chase…” He let the sentence trail off as he settled himself negligently against the wall, then he smiled, purposely revealing a hint of fang. He wanted her totally aware of just who was in the position of power — and of just what easy prey she was. His eyes remained steady on her, waiting for the moment she looked up and he could trap her in his gaze. “Youwhat?”Finally she looked up. “I like it when you run,” he repeated smoothly.

Instead of the panic he’d been expecting Gwyneth was simply staring at him, her eyes wide. She lifted an eyebrow, copying his expression of a few minutes before.“Really?” Todd glided closer, purposely intimidating. At least he tried to intimidate her but it seemed she was having none of it. He wouldn’t let her know it yet but he couldn’t help admiring her strength. She was well and truly cut out to be his mate. As he stalked her, her hands dropped away from the door and she straightened her back, never breaking eye contact. Even her heart rate was almost back to normal, the frenzied pounding of her dash down the hall nothing but a memory. Her acceptance of his darker side seemed to be soothing the beast and he stopped, unable to hide his grin.“Yeah.Really.” “So you’re a vampire, huh?” “Yep.”Maybe it was still a bit too soon to remind her that she was a vampire too. He pushed the thought away. It was something he’d worry about later. In the meantime it wouldn’t hurt to start springing a few facts on her. “Vampires are predators — of course we enjoy chasing our prey.” She blanched so he started talking faster. “We need blood to survive but we don’t need to kill. Usually, the prey doesn’t even know they’ve been…um…” “Dinner?” she suggested. Todd flushed.So much for him setting out to intimidate her. It appeared he couldn’t disconcert her even slightly. His grandmother was going to love Gwyneth. He nodded agreement. “So I was just dinner?” she continued. “Yes. No. I…” He shrugged helplessly.“Sort of?” Gwyneth shifted impatiently, unaware her tiny change of angle allowed the light to flow through the lace of her nightgown, rendering it all but translucent. “Make up your mind.” Todd’s gaze was caught on a pink nipple that threatened to break free of the low cut bodice. What had he been thinking, dressing her in that particular nightgown while he waited for her to regain consciousness? He would have left her in her own torn clothes if it wasn’t that the scent of her blood had teased him beyond reason. He’dhad to change her clothes. “Well?” she prompted. Dragging his eyes away was almost painful but he managed it.Eventually. What he saw didn’t help his confusion. A tiny smile lurked around the corners of her mouth and the way the light caught her eyes… At any other time he would have sworn they were sparkling with laughter. It wasn’t possible though. He’d scared her silly once already tonight and letting the beast out a few minutes before couldn’t have helped his case. Still…He’d been stalking her in full vampire mode when she’d suddenly pulled herself together and stopped running. It was another thought he’d have to put aside for later.

Todd followed her lead and pulled his own thoughts together. “As soon as I saw you, I knew you were special. I can’t read your mind,” he explained, seeing her skeptical gaze. “Nor can I control you.” “Obviously,” she agreed dryly. “That’s rare.Really rare. The only time I managed was when you were half-dead. I just tried again just now and I can’t again. You fascinate me. And ever since I smelled you, the beast inside me has wanted you.” He shrugged. “I’m a vampire. I’m not fully human.” That teasing smile was flirting with her lips again. “I noticed.” “The human in me likes you.” It was too soon to think about words that were stronger thanlike .Other words that also started with ‘L’. “The vampire in me wants to claim you.it’s why I couldn’t just let you die. You’re mine.”

* * * *

His? Gwen put her hand up, waving it around a bit to pull his attention back from her as-near-to-as-didn’t-matter-a-darn bare breasts. Only a vampire would have picked such a stereotypical nightgown. It was all too easy to imagineherself fleeing across moonlit lawns, a ghastly house as backdrop, and a too-gorgeous vampire hot on her heels.Sheesh. Back to this ownership question… “Modern, independent woman standing over here,” she told him. “No one owns me.” “Very attractive female vampire standing over there,” he countered in a slow drawl.“Fledglingfemale vampire.” “Uhuh .”Gwen shook her head. “I’m still me.” “Yes,” he agreed, his eyes somehow heating up. “And I love that about you.Wouldn’t want to change it.” He smiled wickedly, his fangs showing. “But I think you’ll find you have some other…ah…urges now.” He was right too. She wasn’t scared of him anymore. No, that wasn’t quite it. She was no longer afraid he’d hurt her. Her earlier flight had been instinctual, before her brain had kicked in. Todd was back to playing the predator again. She was very aware he was stalking her, gradually inching his way closer when he thought she wasn’t looking. Yet the whole idea was… Her body cried out for him.she could hear her own blood now, feel every individual cell as it rushed through her veins, gradually collecting and pooling between her legs. She could hear his blood too. And it didn’t take any of her newly-discovered vampire senses to see the growing bulge of his cock as it pushed at his trousers. She could even smell his arousal.

Almost as if he was aware of the heat that was building up inside her, Todd slithered another step closer. Only a few more feet and he’d have her trapped. Her womb clenched and she felt a gush of moisture between her legs. Todd hadn’t provided panties when he’d dressed her and his flaring nostrils told her he knew all about her body’s response. She’d liked him when she’d thought he was human, trusted him too. Now, she positively burned for him. Did she get little black flames in her eyes when she was turned on? And she was turned on. The heat building up under her skin was almost unbearable. It wasn’t just the regular five senses that had been affected by the change, she found. Her sexual needs had changed too. They were stronger.Much stronger. Right now she wanted to fuck. Actually she wantedhim to fuckher. She was still an independent modern woman, however, so she was going to make him work for it. And the thrill of the hunt, she was sure, would work both ways. Before Todd could get within arms reach she turned on the ball of her foot and launched herself past him, running for all she was worth. Todd blocked the stairs so she spun around him, darting down the hall beside them and through the open door at the far end. Lack of lighting didn’t bother her anymore and she skidded across the polished wooden floor without pausing. It was a small library with floor length curtains covering the windows at the far end. She aimed towards them. If she was lucky they’d lead to French doors and a veranda. Outside, she’d be able to run so much further. There was no sound of pursuit coming from behind her and she hesitated a second before yanking the curtains open, the rattle of the timber curtain rings loud in the otherwise-silent house.Still no sound of pursuit. Had she misread him? Gwen reached for the handle of the closest of the doors. The brass was cool against her overheated skin and she lingered a second, running her fingers sinuously around it, the few tiny imperfections in the metal clear to her touch. Where was he? She stared at the glass. Onlyher own reflection stared back. If nothing else, the cooler air outside might help cool her libido. She pushed the lever down and swung the door wide. Her heart stuttered as a shadow loomed up in front of her. A single beam of moonlight streaked across theveranda, even with her enhanced vision the rest was lost in darkness. The shadow stepped into the light before her eyes could adjust to the darkness. Moonlight gleamed on black flames where his eyes should have been. Slowly, he smiled. Gwen shivered. The smile didn’t detract from the sense of sheer power surrounding him, it simply served to remind her that he was a predator, and he was in his element. And thank goodness for that! The heat pooling between her legs grew and she felt her nipples scraping to attention against the soft lace. “Going somewhere?” hequeried, his voice silken. She licked her lip nervously, wondering if she dared… He glided a few feet towards her and she scurried backwards, her hand fisting in the curtains beside the doorway. Before he could slide any closer, she made the decision. She was a predator too now, albeit a very new one. And women through millennia, she knew, had preyed on men. They just weren’t quite so obvious

about what they were doing as the often-larger, apparently more powerful, males of the species. Human or vampire, she could lure her prey to her. She didn’t have to chase it down. She dared. Heart pounding in excitement, Gwen jerked the curtains closed in his face before fleeing aback the way she’d come. In an ideal world she might even make it right up the stairs and as far as the bedroom. If not, there were plenty of sensual possibilities along the way. Behind her, there was a muffled oath, followed by the sound of curtains being torn from their rails. She hit the stairs running, unable to hide the grin that spread across her face. She could hear his longer strides pounding after her. Apparently he’d thrown stealth to the wind in his effort to catch her. Gwen took the second flight of stairs two at a time, exulting in the easy way her body responded to her brain’s commands. She vaulted the banister at the top and began the final sprint along the hall, laughing with the sheer joy of effortless movement. His footsteps were catching up with hernow, she could feel the vibrations from his running flowing through the soles of her feet. Gwen loved these new vampire senses. She was close enough to the bedroom door to risk a glance back over her shoulder to judge just how close he was. Before she could take in the fact that the hall was empty, she barreled headfirst into his unyielding body. How on earth had he managed to get in front of her again? Not that it really mattered. The arms holding her hard against his chest could have been steel chains for all the movement they allowed her. She was right where she wanted to be — not that he needed to know that just yet. Carefully, she turned her head so she could look into his face. He bared his fangs and repeated his earlier question. “Going somewhere?” Gwen tugged experimentally against his arms. Nothing happened.“Um. No?” Todd’s mouth twitched.“Didn’t think so.” His hands slid down her arms, his fingers massaging gentle circles against her skin. Each deft movement sent a fresh spurt of liquid heat shooting through her. She tried to squirm away, only to find his hands again clamping her immovably in place. “With any other woman, human or vampire,” he told her conversationally, “I’d not only be able to read her thoughts but to control them to. You’d do whatever I told you to do.” As he spoke, Gwen found herself nudged gradually closer to the wall. One more step and her back was hard up against it. Her wrists were anchored above her head and one of his knees held her legs spread. She hadn’t even seen him take that final step, had no idea how she’d ended up so neatly pinned in place. Todd braced his weight on his hands, slowly lowering himself until his mouth was a whisper from hers. He smirked as she shivered, uselessly trying to edge away from the cold timber at her back. The filmy lace of the nightgown was no protection from the icy fingers that were trying to compete with the heat he was generating. “As I was saying,” he continued. “You are somewhat more challenging than usual.” “And that fascinates you, doesn’t it?” she said breathlessly.

He leaned even closer. His shirt brushed over her already-aroused nipples, rubbing a fraction harder each word he spoke. “Yes. It does. I wouldn’t want you so desperately if it didn’t.” Gwen shuddered, screaming silently. It was nearly impossible to concentrate with him crowding her like this. How long could she possible survive this subtle torture? She wanted himnow! Her thoughts were interrupted as she suddenly found herself released. The freedom was brief however, and before she could take advantage of it — did she evenwant to any more? —he’d slung her over his shoulder and carted her inelegantly down the hall. The world spun dizzyingly for a few seconds and she hadn’t quite oriented herself to hanging upside down when she found herself unceremoniously dropped face down onto her bed. At last! The sensation of something hard wrapping around her wrists jerked her from contemplation of what would happen next. Even as Todd drew his belt tight around her arms, he pulled them ruthlessly above her head, threading the ends through the slats of the bed and somehow securing them out of her reach. Gwen struggled around until she was on her side, her night gown tangled around her thighs. Stunned into speechlessness, she stared up at him. “If I’d been expecting you to keep running away like this, I’d have been more prepared,” he apologized, his eyes anything but apologetic. “I did warn you that I enjoy the chase,” he continued imperturbably. He was right, he hadwarned her. She just hadn’t expected him to catch her quite like this! She wondered what his plans were now, not that she was particularly worried about it. After all, she was roughly where she’d planned to be. She just hadn’t planned on being quite so…helpless.Her body reacted to the though, and she squirmed restlessly as the heat between her thighs grew. The whole idea of being totally at his mercy was kind of… She couldn’t even describe it to herself. It was like she was getting exactly what she wanted without ever having to admit that maybe, just maybe, her previously inviolable feminist scruples were getting a little shaky. Gwen let her gaze lower, tracing the hard lines of his body, clearly visible even through his black shirt and jeans. Apparently he was following right through on the stereotyping thing tonight. Not that she minded — the tight jeans hugged his perfect butt just fine. Her mouth watered and she started to reach out and run her fingers down the tempting curve. Her hands were brought up short after less than an inch. She blinked. Apparently there was a downside to teasing him quite as far as she had. She glared up at him, only to find his face wreathed in an infuriatingly smug grin. Todd raised an eyebrow. “I take it you like my ass?” “No!” His grin broadened and — so slowly she was sure she’d die of old age before he got on with it — he ran a hand over the curve of his own butt cheek. Gwen found herself licking suddenly dry lips, unconsciously straining to reach him again. “Well,” he pretended to think aboutit, “Since you don’t like my ass, I guess there’s no point in taking my

jeans off then, is there?” He looped a thumb in the now-empty belt loop. Gwen just stared as his other hand reached up to stroke over the lines of his own chest. He stretched, the hem of his shirt loosening from the jeans and riding up to expose an inch of bare skin. Ever so slowly, he began to unbutton his shirt. As each button popped free, a little more skin emerged. Finally, his chest was bare, his shirt fully un-tucked. As he dropped it to the floor, her heart stuttered at the sight. “Are yousure you don’t like my butt?” he asked, fiddling with the button of his jeans, a wicked gleam in his eyes. Without waiting for her answer he turned his back,then slid them slowly over his hips. He’d already lost his shoes — goodness only knew when — and was stark naked within a few excruciating minutes. Gwen hadn’t realized it was possible to take so long for a man to get naked! Todd stepped closer to the bed, his straining cock only inches from her eyes. Already a drop of cum glistened at its tip. Unthinking, she reached out to stroke him, to cradle his balls and inflict some of the same slow torture on him. She tugged on her bonds in frustration. This was so not fair! She was the one supposed to be teasing him, not the other way around! “Let me go.” Instead of the sharp command she’d meant to issue, her voice came out embarrassingly husky. Damn it! She hadn’t wanted him to see just how aroused she was. Not, she supposed, that there was much chance of keeping it a secret when her nipples were pushing enthusiastically against the lace. He shook his head. “I’ve had enough of running after you.” “Please?” Then helaughed, a deep masculine rumble that penetrated to her core. “Begging so soon, sweetie?” He reached casually down to her night gown, pulling the lower edge up until it was draped over her chest. Her entrance was bared to his gaze. She wriggled, hopelessly trying to twitch the gown back into place. Todd simply laid one hand firmly on her stomach, holding her in place. Long fingers probed her entrance, sliding easily inside her. She blushed furiously as he stood up again, her juices glistening on his fingers. So much for pretending she didn’t want this! “You’re not going to try and tell me you’re not enjoying yourself, are you?” He raised his hand to his face, slowly licking it clean. Gwen couldn’t take her eyes off the his tongue, the way it glided so sinuously up and down his fingers, lapping up every drop. Wide-eyed, she watched as he lowered his hand to his cock, slowly stroking it with the same sensual movements. Her tongue darted out to again moisten her lips. It swelled impossibly larger. His eyes flared, the black flames almost extinguishing the green and he took a step closer. She flinched as his other hand reached between her legs, stroking firmly over her lips. Fascinated, she watched as it joined the other hand, still gliding up and down his cock, smearing her juices along it. Eyes heavy, Todd took a step towards her. His cock was hovering just inches from her mouth. She could feel her own blood boiling in her veins, couldhear his racing around his body. His cock throbbed, tempting her. Damn these bonds that wouldn’t let her touch him!

“Please?” she whispered. Soundlessly, he leaned further over her, bracing his hands behind her back as he pushed his cock into her mouth. She sighed into him, taking him deep and suckling gently. He tasted ofthem — their scents and juices combined. Her tongue flicked out, teasing out his tip, and he shuddered, the vibration reaching through her. Gwen arched towards him, still sucking hungrily, and he complied with her unspoken request, reaching one hand down to stroke between her legs. She closed her eyes, basking in the heat that flooded her, and was caught unaware when he pulled his cock abruptly from her mouth. She groaned her disappointment as he removed his fingers too. “When I come, it’ll be inside you,” Todd gritted out, grasping her hips between his large hands and effortlessly spinning her around so her face was buried in the pillow. Her cunt began to throb as he pulled her hips higher, using his thighs to spread hers wide. A wisp of cool air flirted at her entrance, reminding her just how wet she was. She shivered at the sensation of icy fingers but didn’t protest as he rearranged her. With her hands still drawn tight above her head, she was a malleable as a rag doll. Todd settled more comfortably behind her, the bed dipping as he nudged her ass even higher. She squirmed backwards, aching for contact with his skin, but she couldn’t quite reach. One hand rested lightly on her ass, hot against her cooler skin. The other hovered somewhere over her back. “It would be a shame to ruin such a lovely night gown,” he murmured. As he spoke he tugged the hem higher, dragging it as high as he could thenflipping it over her head. He fingered a strand of her hair through the fabric then reached under her, fingers tweaking a nipple. “I think this will work.” She may have been trapped under the nightgown, her vision even more limited than before, but she could hear the smile in his voice. He pinched harder, twisting the nipple until she arched her back up, bumping her ass against his cock. “What do you think?” he asked, reaching around her to grasp her other straining nipple. And she thought she’d felt helpless before!Todd was pretty well wrapped around her, her legs were spread and his cock nudged at the entrance to her cunt. She could barely move, yet each time he pinched a nipple, she found herself arching further into him. Obviously, male vampires not only liked to chase down their prey, but to make sure the prey knew exactly what they were. He was letting his alpha tendencies show here — and she didn’t object at all. He’d been right when he’d told her she’d feel some differenturges now she was vampire too. “Well?” he repeated. “Does this work for you?” He ground his hips into her ass, his cock nudging at her dripping cunt. Eyes squeezedshut, Gwen managed to thrust her hips back to meet his. The lightning that was racing through her made it impossible to talk. She ran her tongue around the incisors that seemed to be lengthening. She wanted to sink her teeth into him and she wanted him to fuck her.Now! “Say it,” he urged. “Admit you want me. Admit you’re mine.” Admit she was his? Not likely!she gritted her teeth and tried to push back far enough to impale herself on his throbbing cock.

His answer was unequivocal. His hands left her breasts, the abrupt temperature change as she lost the heat of his skin making her tremble with greater need. She opened her mouth to protest, only to be left speechless again as she felt both his hands land lightly on her ass. Her butt cheeks were pulled wide and she trembled as his fingers began to play around her opening. His thumbs traced a gentle circle around her anus, and long fingers rubbed her own juices up her slit, lubricating it. He shifted closer to her, his thighs holding her legs impossibly further apart. Her legs were trembling and he stroked soothingly along her skin. As she relaxed, she felt his other thumb push inside her ass. Gwen moaned quietly into the pillow. The first burst of pain had quickly been swallowed up by a dark sort of pleasure as he rotated his thumb, gently stretching her. She’d never even thought of doing this, and he was just… She started to wriggle away, freezing when she realized any movement on her part would push him deeper inside her. “Admit you want me.” He followed the quiet command up with a hard thrust of his thumb. Gwen yelped, then collapsed back onto his supporting hand. It felt so — He started to withdraw his finger, leaning away from her so she was denied all contact other than that one thumb still lingering in her ass. “Admit it.” Her blood was boiling in need and it was true, she did want him. “Yes.” She sighed, a whisper of sound that he somehow interpreted. He rewarded her by pressing his thumb deeper within her ass, twisting it to increase her pleasure. She felt his fingers pushing inside her cunt, but it wasn’t enough. She wanted him to fuck her. “Now, admit you’re mine,” he crooned, increasing the pressure of his hands. His cock bumped temptingly against her opening. She took a deep breath. “No.” “You are, you know.” “No.” His voice was expressionless.“Alright.” Gwen could have cried as he withdrew his hands,then stepped away from the bed leaving her totally unfulfilled. She was face down on the bed, her arms still stretched awkwardly in front of her. She struggled against her bonds, wanting to follow him. To chase him down and make himfuck her. The pressure inside her was ridiculous. She’d been so close! The waves of pleasure didn’t subside as she’d assumed they would. If anything her frustration grew as the heat continued to race under her skin. She twisted and squirmed, fighting against the overwhelming urge to beg him to come back to her. The sheets were a tangled knot underneath her, the slightest touch making her skin prickle uncomfortable. And still the heat didn’t subside. She heard a mewling sound filling the room. It was several seconds before she realized she was the one making the erotic little sounds. She couldn’t stand it any more. “Please…”

“Please what?” Did her voice sound as hoarse as his? Maybe she wasn’t the only one suffering here. A fresh wave of heat surged through her. It was a thought she’d have to leave for another time.she bucked against the strap around her wrists, thrusting her ass higher. “I don’t…” She gasped, unable to finish the sentence as another wave of heat crashed over her, swamping her. She was so close to orgasm — seemed to be getting closer — yet she knew it was out of her reach. The frustration was almost painful. “You’re my mate. You need me,” he explained.“Just like I need you.” The mewling noises coming from deep in her throat grew louder as the waves of heat and pleasure grew stronger. If he didn’t do something soon she just knew she’d go up in flames. No matter how close she was, shecouldn’t come. And he knew it. Somewhere in the blackness that was starting to cloud her thoughts, she realized what he’d said.He needed her? “Yes,” he confirmed, proving he could read her mind when she was aroused. He grabbed her ass and held it still. “I need you too.” He surged into her with a single hard thrust, her cunt gripping him tight as he lodged deep inside her. For an instant, the overwhelming heat and darkness retreated, leaving a different sort of warmth. Then he leaned forward over her, and his teeth scraped against her neck. The pain of his bite faded into ecstasy as he thrust repeatedly into her, fucking her just as she’d imagined he would. The heat and darkness gathered closer, each wet slap of his balls against her ass bringing it a step closer. He stretched an arm down between her legs, barely touching her, and the world exploded. Gwen woke to the feeling of being surrounded by a hard, hot male. She was lying on her side, Todd curled around her back, one leg draped over hers and pinning her firmly to the mattress. One hand rested lightly on her hip, a single patch of warmth, the other cupped her breast, idly playing with her nipple. She had stretched luxuriously, pointing her toes and flexing her arms, before she realized she was totally free. Well, as free as she could be with Todd wrapped so possessively around her. As she moved, she felt the stickiness between her legs, and the mild soreness of the morning after great sex. She smiled at the feeling, arching her shoulders back into his chest. Not great sex,fabulous sex. Todd nuzzled at the back of her neck. “Good morning, beautiful.” Morning?She glanced at the curtains that had been drawn back from the window. He was right. The first pink hint of dawn was stretching tentative fingers across the wall, last night’s driving rain nothing but a memory. She blinked,then ran her tongue around her normal, non-pointy teeth. Wasn’t she a vampire now? “Uh…” “No, you didn’t dream it all,” he told her, predicting her question. “We get sunburned but are otherwise fine in the sun.” He reached around her to run a finger along her dry lips. Your teeth only come down

when you’re hungry or aroused.” Suddenly, she became aware that the mouth nuzzling the back of her neck was rather…sharp.she flinched, then felt him grin into her hair. “What can I say? I’m a male.” “Oh.” “I, uh, may not have had the patience to wait for you to admit it,” he told her, his teeth scraping erotically over the pulse that beat in her neck. “But you really are mine.” Gwen thought back to the power of her physical response to him last night. “Does that mean you’re also mine?” Todd sounded surprised.“Of course.” “I don’t get it.” “It’s rare for a vampire to find a true mate. Most make do with something close. What we have is —” she felt him grimace into her skin, “— the real thing. My grandparents had it too.” “And that’s good?” “Yeah.” She trembled as he nipped at her skin. “Do I have a choice?” “Do you want a choice?” he asked. Did she? She’d only known him for a couple of days. They certainly had lust on their side, and she trusted him which was more than she could say for most men she’d dated. “Not really.” “That’s good.” He closed his teeth on her vein, simultaneously nudging his cock inside her. Intense waves of hot pleasure swept through her, almost making her miss his murmured comment.“Because you are mine.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Amy O’Connor lives in the Australian outback. When she’s not writing (which isn’t very often) she can usually be found attempting to round up her sons, cats, and poultry, or trying to restore her 100 year old garden. Occasionally, she even manages to sneak in a few hours reading a good book. Unfortunately, since that tends to involve running away and hiding on the side verandah, it doesn’t happen as regularly as she’d like!

Visit my website at: http://www.amyoconnor.com