How to Seduce a Vampire (Without Really Trying) (Love at Stake) (4 page)

Neona closed her eyes as a wave of grief crashed over her. Her sister was more important than anything, but now she was gone. Minerva never would have taken a man’s seed and then killed him.

Drawing in a shaky breath, Neona made her decision. She would convince this man to leave and never come back. He might be hard to convince, given his questionable intelligence, so she would have to be firm. Threaten to kill him if she ever saw him again.

In order to succeed, she needed to remain in charge of this situation. After all, she was a warrior woman, so she could never submit to a man. Once he agreed, she would take what she needed, then send him on his way. She pulled a length of coiled rope from a drawstring pouch on her sword belt, then proceeded to tie the man’s hands together. Then she dragged him close to a tree and tied the end of the rope around the trunk.

He moaned.

Was he coming to? Her heart pounded in her chest as she knelt beside him. Was she really going to do this?
Coward,
her inner voice chided her. If one of the other women had found him, they would be finished by now.

Should she undress him? It wasn’t strictly necessary, but she suspected he was a glorious sight to see.

She lifted the slim piece of red silk that was knotted around his neck. “He dresses strangely.” She gave it a tug, but it only tightened around his neck.

“Sorry.” She slipped her fingers above the knot and managed to loosen it. As she pulled her hand back, she grazed his chin and felt the prickle of whiskers.

Curious, she touched his cheek. How odd a man’s whiskers were. How strangely . . . appealing. Her stomach fluttered with a peculiar sensation, and she quickly withdrew her hand. The man was far too handsome. Even with the trail of blood that oozed from his temple. His hair was shoulder length, the color the deep, earthy brown of freshly tilled soil. His eyes were closed now, but she recalled their color—a golden brown like burnished amber. His nose was straight and strong. His brow wide and intelligent.

Seemingly intelligent, she smiled to herself, remembering how indignant he had looked. Apparently it mattered to him what she thought of him. Even that appealed to her.

She leaned close to look at the cut on his temple. It would be a shame if she left the poor man with a scar. Especially as handsome as he was.

He moaned again and she sat back, waiting to see if he’d open his eyes.

When he didn’t, her gaze wandered down his body. Was he still in pain where she’d kneed him? It was a regrettable move on her part, especially now when she needed his groin to be fully functional.

All the women of Beyul-La possessed a gift, and hers was the ability to heal. Unfortunately, in order to take away the pain, she had to take it briefly within herself.

She extended her hand a few inches above his pants. Was she really going to do this? She bit her lip. What choice did she have? The man was as close to perfection as she would ever find. When would a chance like this ever happen again? An image formed in her mind of a little girl with long dark hair and amber eyes. A brave, noble heart and dazzling smile.

Neona’s eyes filled with tears. She’d lost her sister, but she could have a daughter. A daughter to love.

Or a son to break her heart.

A tear rolled down her cheek. “Please, God, let me have a girl.”

She lay her hand on his groin, closed her eyes, and soon, a low, throbbing ache vibrated into her hand. The man would be all right. The worst of the pain had already subsided. She drew the remaining pain out of him, and it rushed up her arm.

“What the—?”

Neona gasped, opening her eyes. Her hand flinched, tightening its grip on his manhood.

He gave her a wry look. “What are you doing?”

She jerked her hand away and winced as his pain spread through her body before dissipating. “I-I was—”

“What the hell are you doing?” he demanded, apparently just realizing that his hands were tied together and the rope was attached to a tree.

“I can explain—”

“Dammit!” He tugged at the ropes. “The leopard is right there! Release me so I can protect you.”

“The cat is with me.”

“What?”

Stay in charge,
she reminded herself. She lifted her chin and looked him in the eye. “Remain calm. This will not take long.”

“
What
?”

“I plan to take your seed.”

Chapter Three

A
t first, Zoltan wasn’t sure he’d heard her right. Maybe she’d clonked him so hard he was hallucinating. But what a hell of a dream! This beautiful woman wanted to jump his bones? Just the thought made his groin tighten.

But in what world was this normal? She’d come out of nowhere, attacking him, knocking him unconscious, and now she wanted his
seed
? If he had any sense, he would teleport away from her and her pet . . . leopard? Or at least teleport out of the ropes she’d bound around his hands.

But the second he teleported he would be letting her know he was a vampire. It was a trump card that he’d rather hold onto until necessary. Besides, if he teleported home, he might never see her again. How could he leave without learning more about her? She was the most intriguing woman he’d ever met.

So he would stay for a while longer, but on his terms. Which meant he had to take charge of the situation. Step one, remove the most immediate threat.

He eyed the snow leopard and sent it a mental message.
Are you really her pet or just pretending?

The leopard sniffed and looked away.

I know you can hear me, cat. Harm either of us, and I’ll skin you alive.

The leopard turned back, its golden eyes narrowing into slits.
Big words from a guy who’s tied to a tree. Oh, I’m so afraid.

You should be. You’d make a nice pair of slippers.

It arched its back and hissed at him.

“Zhan.” The woman shook her head at the leopard. “Behave.”

The cat edged over to her, giving her a wide-eyed, innocent look.

“That’s a good kitty.” She rubbed its ears, and it purred. “Now run along and play for a little while.”

Did you hear that, cat?
Zoltan told the leopard.
She wants you to go away
.

It glared at him.
I’m her favorite. Not you.
The leopard stalked across the clearing to a tree, made a show of sharpening its claws, then slinked into the woods.

Step two,
Zoltan thought.
Take charge of the conversation.
He eyed the woman. She was sitting quietly beside him, biting her lip. Nervous. That was a good sign. He didn’t want to think that she did this sort of thing often. “Did I hear you correctly? You want my
seed
?”

Her cheeks flushed slightly, but she looked him in the eye. “Yes.”

“Was this your plan all along? Knock me out, tie me up, and rape me?”

She winced. “It’s not rape.”

“What else would you call it when you forcibly plan to take my seed?”

“I figured you would be willing.”

“To be raped?”

She grimaced. “It’s not rape as long as you agree.”

“What if I don’t agree?”

She looked dumbfounded for a moment. “I thought men were always agreeable.”

His hands fisted tightly around the rope as an unexpected surge of anger skittered through him. How many
agreeable
men had she found over the years? Probably plenty. What red-blooded male wouldn’t agree to letting a beautiful woman ravish him in the woods?
Dammit.

He took a deep breath.
Stay in control
. “Before I can consider your offer, I have to know exactly what you expect of me.”

Her gaze drifted to his groin. “I thought it was obvious.”

“On the contrary, there are numerous issues that must be addressed.” Thankfully, her gaze returned to his face. He didn’t want her to notice the growing bulge in his pants.

She frowned. “Issues?”

“Yes. For instance, how long will I be required to perform? Will I receive compensation for any injuries incurred during the act?”

Her eyes widened. “Injuries?”

“It happens. I’ve been known to get terribly wild. Fortunately, you appear to be in excellent health, so you should survive the ordeal. Do you mind signing a waiver?” He enjoyed the growing expression of horror on her face. “Which position do you want to use? Or do you prefer multiple positions? How many times do you wish to climax?”

Her mouth dropped open. Then she shook herself and glared at him. “Ten.”

He blinked. Was she calling his bluff? “Ten what? Positions or climaxes?”

She hesitated a second, then lifted her chin. “Both.”

He stifled a laugh. She wasn’t letting him get the better of her.

Jerk,
the leopard grumbled.
Stop playing cat and mouse with her.

Zoltan glanced up and spotted the cat lounging on the branch of a nearby oak tree.
You were supposed to leave.

It thumped its tail on the branch.
I’ll leave when I feel like it.

Does she jump men like this every night?
Zoltan asked.

What do you think?
The leopard narrowed its eyes.
Look who’s jealous now.

I’m not
— Was he? Zoltan pushed that thought aside and turned back to the woman. “Are you sure you can handle ten climaxes?”

She shrugged. “Are you sure you can deliver?”

He smiled, enjoying the way she stood up to him. “I’ll do my best. But it might take an hour or so, depending on—”

“Oh, no! We must be quicker than that. No more than five minutes at the most. In fact, we had better start right away before Freddie and the others find us.”

Another jab of anger shot through him. “Freddy? Who the hell is he?”

“Freddie’s not—”

“Not tied to a tree, is he? Was he last night’s five-minute conquest?”

Her mouth dropped open.

How jealous can you get?
The leopard eyed him with disdain.

I’m not!
Shit. He was. Jealous of the unknown lovers of a woman he’d barely met. He must be going insane.

The woman’s blue eyes flashed with anger. “You think I do this every night?”

“How would I know how many men you’ve tied up and ravished?”

“I haven’t ravished you!” With a huff, she rose to her feet. “I don’t think I want to anymore.”

She was going to leave? “I apologize.”

She gave him a dubious look.

Beg for mercy,
the cat snarled.

Sod off,
he replied, then looked at the woman. “I insulted you. I’m sorry.” When she still looked unconvinced, he sighed. If he wanted her to stay, he’d have to be honest. “I don’t like the thought of being another nameless guy in a long line of—” He stopped himself from saying “
lovers
.”

Her eyes softened. “I wouldn’t like that, either. If it makes you feel any better, I have only tried this once before, and it did not result in the desired outcome.” She frowned. “I am not sure this would work, either. Offhand, I can think of several legitimate reasons why we shouldn’t mate.”

“Like insanity?”

She looked alarmed. “Are you?”

He winced, then said, “No.”

Liar,
the cat snickered.

Go chase your tail,
he replied.

The woman gave him a wary glance. “I would not wish to cause anyone to break a sacred vow. An exceptional man like you is probably married.”

Exceptional? That made his heart leap. “I’m single.” When she looked relieved, his heart did another leap.

“You might prefer men.”

“No.”

“You might have a disease you do not wish to—”

“No!”

“Or you might be unable to do the—”

“Hell, no!”

Her mouth twitched. “Then all that false bravado about multiple positions and—”

“Not false.”

She gave him a pointed look. “I know you were trying to frighten me into changing my mind. So there’s only one reason left that I can think of.” Her shoulders slumped as her gaze fell to the ground. “You find me undesirable—”

“I’ll do it.” What the hell was he saying?

Her gaze jerked up to meet his. “You agree?”

“Yes, but with . . . three conditions.”

Her eyes narrowed with suspicion. “What are they?”

How the hell would he know? He was making this shit up as he went. “Number one. I need to know your name.”

“Oh. That’s easy enough.” She sat beside him, crossing her legs. “I am Neona.”

Neona.
He repeated her name in his head. He liked the sound of it. “Greek for ‘new moon’?”

She ignored his question. “What is your second condition?”

“You have to untie me.”

She winced. “I don’t believe that is wise.”

“How do you expect me to give you ten climaxes if I can’t use my hands?”

She scoffed. “You were in jest.”

“You think so? Untie me and find out.”

She bit her lip, considering, then pulled out the knife sheathed to her calf. “I will not hesitate to use this if you hurt me.”

“I would never harm you.”

She gave him a doubtful look, then sawed through the ropes that bound his wrists.

Once released, Zoltan sat up and, rubbing his sore wrists, watched her slip her wickedly sharp knife into the sheath strapped to her leg. Her linen trousers looked worn and ragged along the hem. Homemade, he thought, just like the leather moccasinlike slippers on her feet.

Where did this woman live? Why had she attacked him? “The third condition is that we get to know each other.”

A wary look crossed her face. “I don’t see why that is necessary.”

“It is. I find you very . . . interesting.” Not to mention beautiful, brave, and fascinating.

She shook her head. “I don’t think you need to know me in order to—”

“On the contrary. I need to be in the mood to have sex. And my mood will improve the better I get to know you.”

“There is not much I can tell you.”

“Do you have secrets?” He leaned toward her. “Now you’re even more intriguing.”

She winced. “Can we please get on with it? I’m running short on time.”

“Because Freddy will show up? Who is he?”

“A friend. Winifred.” After a pause, she added, “So she’s female.”

“I gathered that,” he muttered. “And how did you learn English?”

She hesitated, her gaze shifting to the woods as she considered her response. “From an Englishman.”

Zoltan’s mouth twitched. She was as clever as she was beautiful. “And where is this Englishman? Is he tied to a tree somewhere?”

She scoffed. “Of course not. He went home.” She glanced at Zoltan and added, “To England.”

He gritted his teeth. Apparently, she still doubted his intelligence.

“Do you know enough now?” She unfastened the ties on her breastplate. “Shall we begin?”

He swallowed hard when she pulled off her armor. The breastplate must have been hot, for her thin linen top was damp with sweat and molded to breasts that were sweetly rounded and firm. “I . . . I’m not in the mood yet.” Hopefully, she wouldn’t notice the ever-growing bulge in his pants.

She frowned at him. “Is it normal to be this slow?”

He groaned inwardly at the sight of her nipples hardening in the cool air.

You might as well enjoy yourself while you can,
the leopard grumbled.
Since you don’t have long to live.

Zoltan glanced up at the cat.
What do you mean?

She’s going to kill you when she’s done.

He flinched.
You’re lying!

She told me herself
. The leopard licked a paw.
Once she’s done with you, you’re out with the garbage.

A chill ran down Zoltan’s spine. Could this be true? Was Neona intending to kill him? His mind tensed, rejecting the thought. He couldn’t believe it. He wouldn’t.

And yet hadn’t she tried to kill him from the start? Was she so heartless that she could have sex with a man and then execute him? If he had sex with her, could he impress her enough to change her mind?

He winced. Performance anxiety had just taken on a new meaning. He’d be a fool to risk it.

“We’re running out of time,” she reminded him. “This mood that you require—is there something I can do to help you achieve it?”

“Yes.” He studied her carefully. Somehow, she didn’t seem like a cold-blooded murderer. “I’ll need a kiss.”

Her brows lifted. “I don’t see how that can help, but very well.” She leaned closer and gave him a peck on the cheek.

“I mean a real kiss.” Her confused look twisted his insides. Dammit. Was she an innocent or a killer? “Didn’t you say you’ve done this before?”

“Yes, once. But he did not require any kissing beforehand.” She slanted an impatient look at Zoltan. “He wasn’t slow. I found him remarkably quick and efficient.”

Zoltan winced. And that was her first time? The asshole must have hurt her. If she’d killed him, the jerk had probably deserved it. “Not all men are alike. Close your eyes and keep them closed till I tell you to open them.”

She frowned. “What are you going to do?”

“Kiss you.” He took hold of her shoulders. “Now close your eyes.”

Her eyelids flickered shut, and he eased closer till his breath feathered her cheek. She trembled slightly. He ran the tip of his nose along her cheek, headed toward her mouth. Glancing down, he noted her breasts moving as she breathed faster. She was reacting.

He glanced at her eyes. Still shut. He slid his hands up her neck to cup the back of her head. Lightly, he brushed his lips against hers. Another tremble.

He kissed her, moving his lips slowly and gently. When she moaned, he glanced up and found her eyes wide open with a stunned look. “It’s all right,” he whispered.

She shook her head. “I feel strange. My stomach is . . . quivering.”

Was she truly that innocent, or was she luring him in for the kill? “Close your eyes and kiss me back.” When she hesitated, he took her hands and placed them on his shoulders. “Neona.”

Her eyes searched his.

“Kiss me.” He pulled her close, and this time, when his lips molded to her mouth, she responded. Tentatively at first, but then with growing boldness. He deepened the kiss, invading her mouth with his tongue. She flinched, then stroked his tongue with her own.

With a groan, he covered her breast with his hand. She gasped against his mouth.

“Neona,” he whispered, glancing up to make sure her eyes were still shut. He flicked a thumb over her hardened nipple, and she moaned. “Remember me.”