Embracing Midnight (21 page)

Iollan’s pale gaze slid toward his captors. Seeing them, his entire body tensed in recognition. A low growl rose in his throat. “As Tacitus said of Rome, ‘They made a desert and call it peace.’” An ironic laugh escaped him. His pained expression grew worse. “These humans slaughter my kind and call us hostile.”

Professor Forque laughed outright. “Please, spare us the history lesson. You’re alien. Your
kind
doesn’t even belong on planet Earth. Exterminating you to keep humans safe isn’t genocide. It’s self-preservation.”

Iollan closed his eyes and grimaced. He turned his head as much as the collar would allow. His fangs retracted, shrinking back into the shape of normal teeth in the blink of an eye. “We came in peace and only to survive,” he gasped. “No one is taken without consent.”

Yuan hurried to break in. “We want to understand your kind. Work with us so we can know the species better.”

Iollan slowly shook his head. “Your science is slaughter.”

Callie froze. One hand strayed to her stomach. She pressed a hand against the flat plane of her belly as though she’d been kicked in the gut. The memory of the mutilated thing floating in a jar of formaldehyde caused her teeth to grit in frustration and pain.

Iollan’s words were too true and she knew it. The only ones who’d benefit from these so-called explorations were humans. Once science had extracted the traits they wanted, the source would most likely be exterminated.

Completely.

Callie silently determined that wasn’t going to happen, come hell or high water.

For the rest of the people listening, Iollan Drake’s words didn’t go over well at all.

Doctor Yuan crossed to her captive. Kneeling to his level, she gave him a narrow look. Dark almond eyes sparked. Her smooth hair had broken free of its bun, falling like the wings of a raven around her face. She looked like an insane little ninja, something no one wanted to mess with.

“We do what’s necessary to get the answers we need,” Yuan warned. “If I have to take your kind apart layer by layer, I will. You want to live, cooperate. If not, I’ll put you on my table and dissect you alive and awake.”

Iollan braced himself against her onslaught, visibly forcing himself to remain alert. He bared his teeth, no threat to anyone right now. “Watch your back, dangerous lady. Lose sight of me once and you’ll never see me coming.”

Yuan frowned, clucking her tongue. “Guess we’re going to be doing things the hard way.”

Close to stepping in with her own threat, Callie was relieved when one of Doctor Yuan’s assistants rolled a small cart into the cell.

Yuan stood up, looking over the cart. “Not that he deserves to eat.” She picked up a unit of blood. “You going to drink this or do I have to put an IV in you?” She was obviously more accustomed to working with corpses; her bedside manner left a lot to be desired.

Iollan blanched. “It’s dead.”

Yuan looked like she wanted to smack Iollan upside the head with the bag. “It’s blood. Food, you idiot. You’re a vampire. It’s what you eat.”

Iollan’s brows drew together and his lips firmed. His piercing glare turned to amusement. “Apparently your knowledge of the Niviane Idesha is lacking when it comes to our care and feeding,” he said sarcastically. “I need blood. Directly from its source.” He eyed the bag in Yuan’s hand. “If you’ve mainlined others with that shit, you’ve fed them the equivalent of a diet soda.”

All faces in the room looked thunderstruck.

“We are psi-sangre,” Iollan said. “We need living blood.” He paused and took a deep breath. “The blood has to be energized,” he finished. “Sexually charged.”

Professor Forque’s face lit up as if he’d been handed the secrets to the Holy Grail. “So that’s one of the keys we’ve been missing. My God, how simple—and how logical. Of course they’d need blood from a living source. They are an energy-driven species.”

“That makes us no more than a Duracell battery,” Doctor Yuan commented sourly. “So how do you propose feeding him, Terrence?”

Callie stood up. “I’ll do it. He’s accustomed to me, has tasted me.”

Roger Reinke stepped in. “That part of your assignment is over, Agent. Too dangerous.”

Pinning her ex-lover under a glare, she gave a bitter half smile. “It wasn’t too dangerous when I didn’t know what he was, Roger. It’s my neck—and my ass—on the line. I think I’ll make the decision when to stick them out from now on.”

Roger glared. “I don’t like the idea of you continuing intimate contact with this—” He pointed in frustration toward Iollan Drake. His face took on the cast of hot pink neon. The idea of consensual sexual activity between a human and vampire clearly disturbed him. “This thing…It’s not even human. It’s disgusting you’d even want to save it. All of them should be marked for termination.”

The depth of his hatred rippled over Callie’s skin like a bad rash. She ignored his last words as if he hadn’t said them.

“I’ll keep that in mind, Roger.” Rubbing her arms with her hands, Callie broke eye contact and turned away from Reinke. To see him so deeply prejudiced against another being—human or not—disturbed her.

“Mandatory quarantine for twenty-four hours,” Yuan snapped crisply. “He’ll have to stay here.”

“And cuffed,” Roger Reinke put in. “I don’t want those restraints removed.”

Callie gritted her teeth. “That’s fine. I’ll make do. Tomorrow, though, I’d like to see him in more comfortable surroundings. A lot more comfortable.”

Forque stepped into the fray. “It’ll be done. However, I agree that he’ll have to remain bound.”

“I also want someone posted outside this door,” Roger Reinke said. His tone brooked no argument. “If you have problems, someone will be nearby.”

More gritting. “Fine.”

“Anything else you need, Agent Whitten?” Doctor Yuan asked.

Callie started to negate that, then thought better of it. She’d made a lot of demands. Best to give these Nazis a little leeway if she wanted to keep them cooperating. She glanced toward the door. Solid steel, there was a narrow mesh window of thick glass. Not exactly privacy, but enough for now.

“I want you people to get the hell out.”

T
he cell emptied, leaving only herself and Iollan Drake. Thank God, they were alone.

Callie glanced over her shoulder. Sure enough a cadre of anxious eyes peered through the glass window. Gawking like kids looking for a peek at the sideshow freak. Sad. In their eyes, the Niviane Idesha weren’t human and therefore didn’t deserve the simple human consideration of decent treatment.

Or privacy.

Oh, well. Given his position and predicament, there wasn’t a whole hell of a lot Iollan Drake could contribute to the situation. Pumped full of poison, he probably wasn’t going to be that damn responsive. She’d have to do all the work.

Not exactly an unpleasant idea. Everything she needed to do, she could manage without shedding one stitch of clothing. The only thing anyone would see was her back.

Callie walked over to him. Her gaze slid to his powerful thighs, bringing her more intimate knowledge of him vividly to mind. She remembered how he’d touched her, lead her into the sexual act with an exhilarating power that would leave her breathless and trembling. She wanted him, no holds barred.

Stepping over his outstretched legs, she dropped to her knees. Her body straddled his. Settled against his lean body, she felt him stiffen.

Iollan made a move to unseat her, but she stayed firmly planted. He made a face, gently shaking his head as if to warn her away. “Don’t do this to me, Calista.”

She reached out, brushing strands of dark hair off his pale forehead. “I want to help you.”

She saw his throat work. “Kill me then,” he muttered through his teeth. “Take your weapon and kill me.”

Callie shot him a look of profound disbelief. Without thinking, she glanced down at the gun holstered under her left arm. A few minutes ago she’d been tempted to use it on the humans. Now Iollan had asked her to use it on him. “I won’t,” she started to say.

Iollan persisted, his voice a harsh whisper. “A headshot will kill. Once the brain is damaged, the symbiont inside will also die. They won’t keep me for breeding.”

“Don’t ask me that.” She shook her head. “I can’t. I won’t.”

His jaw tightened. “You are just like the rest of them. Taking everything, giving nothing.”

His words hit like a knife to the heart, sharp and cutting to the quick. “That’s not true,” she said, voice dropping to a whisper. “I’ve seen the man beneath the vampire. I know you’re more human than they are. I want that man, the man I fell in love with.”

Iollan sighed with obvious frustration. “It’s too late for love, Calista. It’s too late for us—”

Her guts clenched painfully. Not wanting to hear anymore, Callie decided to shut him up. Capturing his face between her hands, she kissed him.

Iollan’s lips parted under the sweep of her invading tongue.

Callie pressed deeper. Their kiss intensified, each drawing from the other. She moved her pelvis against his, fitting her body to his in a move guaranteed to raise even the deadest of men. Following the length of his outstretched arms, her hands found his. Their fingers linked.

The need for air forced her to pull back.

Callie tightened her hold on his hands. “I’ll get you out of here,” she breathed. “Somehow, I will. Just don’t give up on me.”

A slow smoldering fire came to light in the depths of his eyes. “You have something in mind to get me out of here?” The curve of his lips made her feel as though the room was doing a half spin.

She shook her head. “Not yet. But I’ll think of something. Just give me a little time.”

“They won’t let me go alive,” he warned. “Granted by your hand, death would be a mercy.”

A faint alarm sounded in her mind. “I’m not going to kill you.”

Iollan’s lips stretched into a sad smile. “If I don’t feed, it’ll only take a few days for my symbiont to turn on me.” He grimaced. “A painful way to die, but preferable to what your people have in mind for me.”

Callie stared at his face, not really seeing it. “You’re not going to kill yourself, either,” she said, her voice steady with resolution. She reflected on how easily she’d fallen in love, so quickly that she hadn’t realized her heart had been stolen until after the lock on the strongbox had been broken. “If you love me, I’m just asking you to trust me.”

Iollan watched her closely, the fine lines at the corners of his eyes creasing slightly. “Are you, Callie?” he asked, very soft and very low.

Her mind suddenly blanked. “What?”

“In love with me?”

A shuddering breath rushed out. “Yes.”

Hands still pressed together, his strong fingers tightened around hers. “Good. That is enough then.”

Her hands trailed down the sides of his face, settling on his broad shoulders. She’d totally lost control of her good sense, and didn’t care. “God, you’re making me so crazy.”

A slow smile turned up one corner of his mouth. He shifted his hips beneath her weight, reminding her how closely their bodies were pressed together. “If I could get my damn hands on you, I’d do that and more, love.”

Callie was suddenly conscious that her legs were spread apart over him. “We’ll just have to improvise.” She tugged at the front of his shirt, working the material out of his jeans. Unbuttoning his shirt, she slipped her hands around his waist, enjoying the feel of solid muscle under her palms.

A shudder of need went through him as her hands explored the planes of his broad chest, fingers circling his dusky male nipples. “You are the only woman I’ve desired in a long time,” he marveled in a low murmur. “I wanted you the day I saw you.”

Callie leaned forward, pressing her lips to the corner of his full mouth. “Less talk, more action.” Her mouth claimed his in a fervent kiss, deeper and more intense than the first. She’d have sworn she felt his heart beating against her breasts, or perhaps it was her own. She couldn’t really be sure; their bodies suddenly felt melded together. She reached down and deftly undid the top buttons of his jeans.

A soft groan escaped him.

Callie drew back. “Am I hurting you?”

Iollan sucked in an angry hiss. “Not you,” he grated. “Damn this fucking silver they’ve pumped into me. I don’t think you’re going to get much out of me tonight.”

“Guess we’ll have to improvise, then.”

His hands flexed. “Not that I want to.” He sighed with obvious frustration.

Callie pretended to think. “I’ll just have to take matters into my own hands then.” A wicked smile crooked up her lips. “You like to watch, don’t you?”

He eyed her with delight. “I’m still human enough to enjoy watching a woman get herself off.”

She laughed and licked her lips. “Dinner and a show. Can the night get any better?”

Iollan almost strangled himself trying to shake his head. Eager hunger gleamed in the depths of his eyes. “I can think of other places I’d rather be.”

Sliding off her tactical assault vest jacket, Callie dropped it to one side. “We’ll just have to make do.” Her shoulder holster and weapon followed, landing on the pile with a soft thud. Fixing her gaze on his, she started with the top button of her blouse. Slowly, one at a time, she undid the front of her navy uniform shirt. The soft cups of her bra hugged her full breasts.

Using just the tips of her fingers, she traced the path of the lacy white material. “Mmm, I seem to have a little too much on.” She unsnapped the front clasp, letting the cups fall away. Her nipples protruded, front and center.

Iollan moaned softly. His breathing grew deeper, more ragged. “You have beautiful breasts.”

Callie traced the tips. Tiny electrical shocks sparked through her body. Her nipples puckered, then hardened, as she gave each a gentle twist. “Want a taste?”

He raked his bottom lip with eager teeth. His arms strained against the cuffs holding him, muscles cording from the effort to free his hands. “Definitely.”

“Glad to oblige.” Hands shifting to his shoulders, she lifted her body, guiding one nipple toward his waiting mouth.

Instead of immediately claiming the morsel, he traced the protruding tip with his tongue. His teeth scraped the sensitive skin.

Closing her eyes, Callie’s head dropped forward, her face just inches from his head. Her free hand cupped and caressed her left breast. “Oh God.” Pulling in a breath she inhaled the musky scent of heated, sweaty male flesh, an intoxicating scent. A low moan built at the back of her throat.

“Touch yourself,” he whispered against her breast.

Callie drew back. Sliding her hand down her bare belly, her fingers stopped just short of the dark blue fatigues she’d worn in the raid. “I’m so wet,” she murmured.

His tongue traced his lips. “Let me taste you.”

Undoing the single button, she eased the zipper down. White cotton panties peeked out. Hooking a thumb in the elastic, she eased the front down, revealing the curve of her shaved mound.

Iollan almost choked. Voice hoarse with desire, he whispered. “What are you thinking about?”

Callie slid her free hand between her legs. “I’m thinking about your cock.” The thought sent a rush of pleasure through all her nerve endings. She stroked her clit with the tip of her finger, with light, soft pressure. She briefly caught her bottom lip between her teeth, dying to relieve the terrible ache between her legs.

Iollan shifted restlessly. One of his legs came up against her back, pressing into her. “Inside you,” he pleaded.

Pushing her ass back against his muscular thigh, she spread her legs wider. Feeling wonderfully wanton and fierce, she traced the lips of her labia, rolling the tender flesh between her fingers.

Heat enveloped her fingers when she slid into her slick sex. Quivering with tension, she burned with desire. Nearing climax, she delved two fingers deep, pressing them into the center of her passion, meeting each slow, delicious wave by grinding her ass against his leg. The first shivers of her orgasm washed over her.

Iollan shuddered, perfectly echoing the quakes ripping through her body. “Magnificent,” he murmured. A fine flush had risen up on his skin, heightening the spark in his luminous eyes.

Closing her eyes, Callie fell back into her new favorite fantasy, the one where three men were making love to her. Her fantasy had her on her knees, sucking Cadyn’s cock as Iollan lay beneath her body, claiming her cunt. Toryn stood over them, taking her from behind. She imagined the feel of Iollan’s cock sliding deep into her as Cadyn fucked her warm mouth. She’d had a taste of three men and had been entranced by the thought of three cocks to tease and please her. All the men would reassure her with soft whispers and softer kisses.

Iollan pressed his thigh against her ass, bucking his hips at the most critical time, slamming her fingers deep.

His move sent Callie over the edge. Silken muscles gripped her fingers, rippling with prolonged power. Incandescent pleasure of the purest sort exploded through her. Inner fever shattering, she moaned loud and long, the last coherent sound she was capable of making.

Rocketing into the stratosphere, her orgasm went on and on, each pulse hotter and wilder than the last.

Breath hissing inward, Callie gasped, running her tongue over her dry lips. Her throat was parched and her lips were rasped raw by her heavy breath. She floated back to earth on the softest of wings. Her fingers slid slowly out of her tight sheath.

Iollan relaxed beneath her, sighing in contentment. “Beautiful,” he murmured. “I’ve never seen a woman enjoy orgasm more than you do.”

Callie smiled and pressed into him, her abused hand seeking his lips. Fingers tracing a sexy path, she spread her cream over his mouth. She followed with her own mouth, eager to taste her female spice on him. Tongues met and waltzed with the fire burning inside them both.

“Think I’m hot enough?” she asked when their kiss had broken. The question rippled from her throat like a purr.

Iollan gasped. “More than enough and then some.”

Callie tipped her head, offering the softness of her neck. She moved until she felt the burn of his hot breath on her tender skin. “Do it.” Her hands circled his narrow hips, fingers digging into his skin.

Iollan savored her neck. His tongue traced a moist hot trail across her jugular.

She closed her eyes. Her pulse beat frantically against his mouth. The tips of her nipples pressed into his chest, slick with the perspiration of his own intense arousal. “Give me the pain that’s so delicious.”

Sharp teeth scraped. Penetration came swiftly and without hesitation. Iollan’s fangs sank in as deeply and surely as if he’d impaled her with his cock. A small sound of satisfaction escaped her throat when he bit.

Warm lips pressed against her skin, suckling hungrily.

Blood flowed from Callie’s veins, driven by the intense beating of her heart. Sheer undiluted pleasure coursed through her as he suckled.

Mind clouding, that familiar hazy sensation followed. Blackness loomed.

Callie’s breath caught in her throat. She felt herself teetering at the brink of consciousness as Iollan fed from her throat. She didn’t care if he took every last drop.