A Night at Tears of Crimson (14 page)

Her breathing was fast and hard as she soaked up the wonder of the beautiful act of love they had just made. There were absolutely no words to say, as her body felt like a quivering bowl of mush and she savored every feeling.

He carefully pulled his body from hers and rolled over, pulling her gently with him to lie on his chest. He allowed his hands to lightly trace over her hair and back softly. He had known many women in his existence, but nothing compared to the beauty she had shared so passionately with him, here tonight. "You have pleased me as no other, little one," he spoke the words with the reverence she deserved.

She smiled at his words and rubbed her cheek gently against that hardness of his chest, content. She didn't know what to say to him, but hoped he knew that this night had been everything she had dreamed of and more. His hands continued caressing her tenderly and she felt her eyes close, feeling completely safe and cherished.

For long moments he enjoyed holding her. He knew after tonight he could never allow her to leave him. She had found her way into his non-existing heart, and he was determined to keep her. Needing her to feel comforted, he carefully rolled her over onto her back and lifted his body from the bed. Ignoring her soft moan of protest he walked into the bathroom and wet a cloth with warm water before returning to her.

Her eyes slowly opened and she looked up at him, still in awe of the magic they had shared. He was staring down at her with such love and compassion, she could barely take a deep breath. Her eyes moved to the cloth and she raised an eyebrow, questioning.

Sitting down beside her he parted her thighs tenderly, smiling at the soft blush that found her cheeks. He carefully found her silken folds and used the cloth to wash away the evidence of their lovemaking. She was his, and he vowed to always care for her.

As the embarrassment faded from his tender ministrations, she felt her body begin to respond to his soft touch. Lifting her hips slightly, her body pressed against his hand. She was aching for him but not sure if her body was ready for this again, as there was a dull ache.

“Do you trust me,” he asked quietly, continuing his gentle assault with the cloth.

She could only nod and gaze deeply into his penetrating stare. He had shown her things tonight that she had never thought possible. How could she not trust him? she thought.

He smiled and continued stroking her until he felt her body on the edge of escape into paradise. As her body found release, his fangs slid into her neck, suckling deeply.

There was no pain, the sensation of him drinking from her was pure ecstasy. She never wanted the feeling to end, and arched her neck back to give him better access. Even the pleasure from his fingers couldn't compare to the overwhelming passion she felt from his fangs. "More," she demanded greedily, understanding finally why the customers at the club enjoyed this.

It was incredible, and that barely described how it made her feel, she thought. It was almost as if they were joined again deeply as he continued to drink. She began to feel his pleasure mixed with her own. It was a moment so awe-inspiring that she knew most people never got to savor it. It was over to soon and she couldn't help begging him to taste her again.

The taste of her blood was so overwhelming that he had to force himself to stop. He knew just how tantalizing his bite could be when he controlled the mind of his donor. He had listened in to the thoughts of those he fed from and knew it was more intoxicating than even the most addicting drug. He spoke into her thoughts, demanding she rest. He couldn't handle the torture of her asking him to continue when he knew to do so would deplete her completely.

She gave over to his compulsion and rested soundly. He watched her sleep and could no longer imagine an existence without her in it. Her gift tonight had humbled him greatly and the light that surrounded her filled his dark soul with emotions he had never thought to feel again. Pulling her into his arms he held her close to him, wanting nothing more than the night to last forever.

Several hours later she awoke to his lips kissing her jaw line softly. Stretching in contentment, she smiled up at him. Her arms wrapped around his neck and she held him against her.

“Cara love,” he whispered warmly, enjoying the softness of her against his chest, “the sun will rise soon.”

She could hear the disappointment in his voice, and it took her a few moments to understand that it was time for his rest. She didn't want to leave him, her only desire was to remain right here in this spot for the rest of her life.

He had dressed already, and after a few more kisses forced himself out of the bed. He longed to fulfill her request, but time was not on their side. He laid her clothes out on the bed, and held out his hand for her to take. Smiling down on her, he waited patiently.

She took his hand, still a little embarrassed that he was seeing her completely nude. With loving tenderness he helped her dress. Surprisingly, her clothing was still intact. After she was dressed they stood there together for several moments holding each other.

He pulled back and lifted her chin so she would meet his eyes. “You have made me very happy,” the words were a spoken quietly and he never wanted her to doubt just how much this night meant to him.

She couldn't help but smile back at his words, but she didn't want to leave him. She was afraid that they would never rekindle the magic they'd shared this night.

“I promise you we will have many, many more nights like this my love,” smiling deeply, he sent the words into her mind as well, never wanting her to doubt his feelings.

A warm glow filled her entire being at his words. He grasped her hand carefully in his, and she allowed him to lead her downstairs and outside where her SUV was parked.

He opened her door then pulled her to him fiercely. His lips found hers and he kissed her deeply before pulling back. “Thank you for the lovely gift you gave me,” he stated passionately.

She could only blush in response and lay her head on his hard chest. He caressed her hair and held her against him tightly and she felt more cherished than she had ever felt before.

"If the dawn were not arriving soon, my love, I would show you again how much this night has meant to me." Fighting back his own disappointment, he knew he couldn't fight the power of the sun for her, no matter how much he longed to try. Opening her door, he watched her slide inside and felt his soul ache in loss.

She could see him staring at her in the rear-view mirror as she pulled away. She knew without any doubt whatsoever, that her life would never be the same again. Forcing her eyes back on the road, her heart ached to hold him in her arms again.

As she pulled into her parking space the sun was just about to rise and she hurried inside. She was greeted by her new place and even though she missed Rafe, she couldn't help but smile at everything he had given her. She walked upstairs and took a quick shower. Her body was sore but it was a slight discomfort, one she was definitely willing to live with. She toweled off and threw on a huge, oversized shirt before falling into her new bed. Within seconds she was sound asleep.

She awoke later that afternoon, completely disorientated. She was still incredibly tired as she got up on shaky legs. A wave of dizziness hit her so hard she almost fell back in bed. For some reason she was craving orange juice and she made her way slowly down the stairs to her refrigerator. Grabbing the container of juice, she didn't even look for a glass and within seconds she removed the top and drank quickly. When almost half the container was empty, she pulled away gasping.

When that initial thirst was met, she put the container back in and giggled over her bad manners. An incredible feeling flowed through her as she realized this was her house, and her juice, and she could drink it anyway she pleased. She was incredibly hungry, so she quickly scrambled up some eggs and ate them faster than she'd ever eaten anything in her life.

Feeling completely satiated, she glanced at the clock she had hung up yesterday and gasped. It was already four in the afternoon and she had to work tonight. Where had the day gone? she wondered to herself and of course last night came flooding back into her mind and she felt flushed all over. She also noted that she was really sore, but it was actually kind of nice to have that little reminder as well.

She really didn't have anything that needed to be done today and decided a nice hot soak in her new bathtub would be just the thing to get her going. She turned on the water so that it was steaming hot and got in slowly. As the warm water hit her still aching flesh, she sighed and rested her head back against the cool porcelain.

As soon as her eyes closed, she could feel him, smell him, even thought she could hear his voice softly calling to her. Desire flowed through every limb of her body and she was so hungry for him that it was almost painful. Opening her eyes quickly she started to bathe, trying to scrub away all the images that were going through her mind. She knew last night was the first time for her, but this craving was a little ridiculous.

After she bathed she stepped out of the water. Her thoughts kept drifting, wondering if she would always feel this desire. She knew it was going to be really hard to concentrate on anything else if this didn't let up a little. Drying off quickly and putting on a soft robe, she attempted to think of anything other than Rafe.

In the short time she had known him, she was irrevocably hooked. She couldn't even begin to imagine not being with him now and the thought scared her a little. His face wouldn't leave her memories and she finally just gave up.

She walked into the bathroom and put on her makeup artfully, she wondered if he would like her this way. She pulled her long hair up into a clip, would he like it better down, she pondered. Shaking her head as she was bombarded with ways to please him, she forced herself to get dressed. Glancing in the mirror, she noted the two very small puncture marks on her neck. They were barely noticeable, but she felt like a walking sign for vampires. The only thing that bothered her about that was there was only one vampire she wanted to share her blood with.

Thinking it would probably be best to hide the marks at the club, she walked over to her jewelry box and found a dark black choker. It was one of those impulse buys she had picked up at the Boutique, but it was definitely serving its purpose for her tonight. The little choker actually covered the marks perfectly, and she was truly thankful for that. She hoped Angela hadn't left for work yet, and decided to walk down to her home. She was thankful that she answered on the first knock and all but dragged her inside.

“So....?” her eyes were filled with curiosity and Cara blushed deeply. She laughed warmly and hugged her tightly. “That good, I take it?” she said in a cheerful voice.

She could only nod, really embarrassed to talk about last night because everything was just so new to her.

“I really am happy for you Cara,” Angela whispered softly.

She could tell there was more she wanted to say so she just waited.

“I just don't want you to get hurt if, well if things don't work out,” she grabbed her hands in hers. “Honey, men don't think like we do, and I think Rafe is a nice man, but he is still just a man.”

She couldn’t help it, she had to laugh. The laughter continued until tears were pouring down her face. “I'm sorry, Angela,” she smiled at her, finally controlling her giggles, “I'm just so happy right now I can't think about it ending already.”

Angela shook her head and rolled her eyes but laughed as well. “Alright we'll cross that bridge, if and when it comes,” Angela grabbed her hands and pulled her up to the bathroom. “You have completely streaked your face,” she shook her head and pulled out her make-up bag. Within a few minutes Angela had fixed her streaked face and smiled. “Let's get to work before the boss fires us.”

She followed Angela outside and when she offered to drive them both in, she accepted quickly. They chatted all the way to work, but she was really happy that her friend didn't pry into the personal stuff. She was still getting used to the idea of having a lover, and discussing her night with Rafe would have been way too awkward.

7
tears of rememberance

Gabriel stood outside the Tears of Crimson nightclub watching the customers walk in. In the years he had walked the earth, he could only pity the human's meek existence, with their short lives and lack of immortal strength, they deserved only to be meals or pleasure slaves for gods like him. He remembered his beautiful wife Alianna, and the hands of the church ending her life. He would see them all pay for destroying such perfection while they bothered to stain the earth with their weakness. Shaking the thought away he remembered his business with his brother Rafe, and for a brief moment his countenance lifted. It had been many years since they had enjoyed time in each other's presence.

For hundreds of years they remained inseparable, taking the world and all it offered, devouring it with a pleasure that damned their souls more than their curse had. The women had fallen at their feet and worshiped them. Gold and silver was always in their possession from the various deeds they performed, or simply from those that wished to pay for their own safety. Such glorious days, he thought back in fondness. As with all things though; money, women, and pleasure seemed to lose the appeal after immersing yourself in every sin known to this world and Rafe had moved on to create his empire.

The news he came to deliver, was not how he envisioned their reunion. The Elder had been challenged, and the wars would soon begin that would determine the order for their kin. 2,500 years Lord Eduardo had reigned without incident, Gabriel thought in anger, but times were different and loyalty did not appeal to these young. Deciding he had seen enough of the outside of the club, he walked inside and it took only seconds for the blood bond to bring Rafe into his line of sight.