Dream Warrior: (Dark Warrior Alliance Book 1) (17 page)

“So, you’re telling me that you actually saw your friend, Orlando, change into that cat from the cemetery. And then, he turned into a giant, white leopard? Unbelievable.” Elsie heard the awe in her sister’s voice.

“That’s all you have to say? Unbelievable? This is a big deal, Cai.” How could her sister be so calm, when, once again, the fabric of her world was crumbling?

Cailyn released a heavy sigh and adopted her mother-tone. “First of all, it’s three in the morning, and I’m half-asleep. Second, these men, or whatever, have gone above and beyond in their support of you. They have given you countless gifts, an expensive car and enough money to live comfortably for years. They have never harmed you in any way and it’s obvious they care deeply.” She wasn’t wrong about any of that, but hello, they weren’t human.

“You, yourself, said you would be dead if not for Zander’s brothers saving you from that attack. For me, all that matters is how they have given you their love, support and friendship. They have made your life better and made you smile again. I don’t care what they turn into, or what they consume, as long as it’s not you. Is it weird? Yes. But, is it the end of the world? No. My heart tells me they are kind and caring,” Cailyn paused then gentled her voice, “What is your heart telling you? Are you really worried about Zander being a vampire? Or is this about you wanting him?”

Elsie’s instincts screamed that these warriors were not malevolent beings, but it was difficult to see beyond the actions of the evil creatures who took Dalton from her. She had to admit that maybe she had wrongly associated Zander and the others with skirm. She didn’t even want to acknowledge that her sister had a point with her wanting for Zander.

“I do not want him,” she denied vehemently.

“El, anyone could see the raging hot chemistry between you two. It nearly incinerated the two of you. You may have loved Dalton, but what you have with him is something altogether different and I think that scares the shit out of you. Don’t let your past haunt your future.”

“I knew I needed to call you for a reason. You have a way of putting everything into perspective. I may not like what you say and I’m going to keep my head safely in the sand over that last part. But, you’re right Zander and Orlando and the others have always been good to me. I’m sorry for waking you. Go back to sleep. I’ll talk to you later today.”

“Don’t overthink everything, El. I love you, goodnight.”

She had a lot to contemplate before she would be comfortable around her friends again. It struck her that she did still think of them as friends. More than friends for one of them. What a mess.

Thoughts of Zander had haunted her for two days. His sexy smile, the tight fit of his white, Armani shirt and the way his black slacks hugged the best ass known to man. Well, not man, but vampire. Fire coursed through her blood and ignited desire low in her abdomen. She had felt a connection to him from the moment she first saw him. Did knowing he was not only a vampire, but the Vampire King change how she felt about him? Her logical mind said yes, they were two different creatures and not compatible, but her aching body screamed that it didn’t matter one bit. In fact, her body was begging for him to sink his fangs into her throat and take anything he needed. A yearning that disturbed her greatly.

She had reacted to Zander’s revelation poorly. Despite her conflicting emotions and disbelief, she missed her friends. She wanted to see them again. Talk to them. It had been lonely in her apartment. The only thing that had kept her company was her guilt over wanting Zander.

The ring of her cell phone intruded, and she scrambled to grab it from her trusty, leather backpack. She considered having voicemail pick up Orlando’s call when she saw his name, but, the truth was, she wanted to talk to him. “Hi, Orlando, I’m glad you called,” she rubbed her hand nervously up and down her thigh. Her throat tightened with emotions.

“I called because Santiago and I have had a development in the criminal case. Okay, so that’s just an excuse. I miss you. We all do.” She knew so little about these beings.

She wondered why Orlando and Santiago worked for the police and Jace for Harborview. Zander had said it was their mission to keep humans safe. What did that mean? Would they be willing to partner with SOVA? How would Mack take this news? Her hatred for vampires was so deep that Elsie doubted she’d take it well. She knew she’d have to tell Mack at some point, but wasn’t looking forward to that conversation and had been avoiding her. She had so many questions for them.

She stood and paced the floor as she cleared the lump from her throat. “I miss you guys, too. You’ve helped me so much, and I treated you terribly when you revealed who you are. I understand why you kept it a secret and why you need to. Obviously, people wouldn’t handle the news well. They’d be afraid and some would hunt you down.” If she were honest, she would have been a part of that ignorant group. “Oh, Orlando, I’m so sorry for kicking you and Zander out of my apartment.”

“There’s no reason for you to be sorry. But, we never left. We’ve been keeping watch over you outside your apartment. We wanted to make sure you remain safe.”

She smiled. She should’ve known they would continue to watch over her. It warmed her heart knowing they cared so much, and could forgive her behavior. But, that is what family did. They forgave each other. “Do you guys want to come over? I’m making enchilada soup.”

“You know it, cupcake. I’ll bring Mexican martinis and the gang.”

“And, make sure Zander comes with you. I owe him an apology, as well.”

*****

Three martinis in, Elsie was relaxed and laughing. She guessed she had hurt Zander, since he hadn’t shown up with everyone else. She never intended to hurt him and felt terrible about it. His piercing, blue eyes and sexy smile continued to haunt her. Ever since learning what he was, she wanted to learn all about him. What did his fangs looks like? Did his eyes glow, or had she imagined that? Did he feed from women? And, why did the mere thought of him sinking his fangs into another woman’s neck set her teeth on edge and make her want to kill someone?

Zander’s scent tickled her nose. She whirled, her glass hit the linoleum floor and the shards scattered like roaches scuttling in search of a dark corner. She couldn’t move, and not because she would cut her feet if she did. His delectable scent had enveloped her and her body heated, readying for his penetration. They stared at each other from across the counter. She’d been so lost in her own head, she hadn’t heard him arrive.

“Zander. I’m glad you came. I owe you an apology. My behavior was appalling and I hope you can forgive me.” She was mesmerized by his intense presence. “Let me clean this up and then I can get you a bowl of soup and a martini.” She smiled widely at him.

“
A ghra
, I have missed you terribly. Doona move,” She gasped as he reached across the counter, picked her up, and brought her into his chest. “Orlando, clean up the glass and get me a drink and a bowl of my lass’ soup.”

She smirked at his familiar domineering attitude. “I can see that Mr. Bossy Pants is back. And, can I just say you’re strong.”

That sexy growl of his vibrated from his chest against hers. “’Tis Dr. McYummy to you, lass.”

She threw her head back and laughed. “I’m glad you came, Dr. McYummy. I have wanted to talk to you. I’m so sorry for what I said. I had been operating under certain assumptions for so long and I needed to process what you said.” She had the urge to nestle closer into his chest, but at the same time, her guilt surfaced, forcing her to wiggle in his arms until he put her down. It seemed as if she had lived with these battling emotions for eons and she wondered if it would ever end.

Zander took her by the arm and led her to the couch. He sat down and pulled her onto his lap. She didn’t fight him and shoved aside her reactions. “I knew it would be a lot to take in, but I couldna go on without you knowing the truth of me. Let’s no’ dwell on the past, but move forward. I canna say how happy I am to be here right now. You look beautiful.” He nuzzled her neck and placed a tender kiss behind her left ear. A zing traveled from the point his lips touched through her body.

She was breathless already. God, how she wanted this vampire. “Thanks. You look gorgeous, too. But, you probably hear that from women all the time.”

His hands ran up and down her arms. She struggled to accept the attention and what she truly wanted with this vampire. She had her vows to Dalton and that didn’t permit anything more.

“All that matters to me is what you think. There are no others. In my seven hundred sixty-five years, I havena wanted anyone like I want you,” he husked, causing her to shiver.

Why did his voice affect her so? Her eyes remained glued to his lips while he spoke.
Did he say he was seven hundred sixty-five years old? For Gods sakes, he looks like he’s in his thirties!
The difference in their ages should turn her off, but still her eyes were glued to his mouth, and her thoughts ran through everything she wanted him to do with it. The bright, blue glow of his eyes distracted her from his mouth.

She wasn’t caught long, as his low groan forced her gaze back down to his mouth, where she saw his white fangs peeking out from his full lip. She gulped down another martini to stop herself from discovering what he tasted like, everywhere. Despite her attempts at control, her guilt and betrayal surfaced. She pushed back. Five minutes with him and all she could think about was hot, sweaty sex. She was weak and pathetic.

*****

In hearing his mate’s thoughts, Zander used his telepathic abilities to tell the others to leave her apartment. He wanted privacy with his mate.

He turned her in his lap so she straddled him. The position brought his groin in contact with her center. He cupped her cheeks in his palms and brought his lips down across hers. She froze in his embrace. He rubbed his hands up and down her back, calming her. Slowly she relaxed and moved her lips against his.

He pressed kisses across her mouth to her neck and back. When he returned to her lips, she opened for him and he deepened the kiss, careful to keep her in the moment. She took over and became aggressive in her exploration of him. He nearly lost his seed at the slip and slide of their passionate kiss.

She tensed and their bond told him she was allowing her emotions to get the better of her. “Nay,
a ghra.
Stay with me. There is nothing wrong with what we’re doing. You will no’ berate yourself for what happens between us.”

Her eyes wild and uncertain, she gulped and nodded her agreement. With her participation, his world began to settle into place. He knew they had a ways to go, but there was once again hope. He ran his hand up her side and paused beside her breast. His hands were shaking. He was touching his Fated Mate! He brought their mouths together again. He kissed her slow and thoroughly.

She was quickly becoming crazed. He fought it and kept his leisurely pace. She bit his lower lip and growled, “Kiss me like you mean it. Don’t let me think.”

His eyes blazed and he capitulated. He didn’t want her thinking. He wanted her wild and uninhibited. He wrapped one hand in her luxurious hair and the other grabbed hold of her breast. He squeezed her nipple through her sweater. She arched her back, pushing her breast further into his hand and ground her pussy against his erection. He felt her heat through their jeans.

He groaned into her mouth and grabbed her ass as he stood with her. He pulled her tight against him and let her feel how much he wanted her. He was going to claim his mate. A breeze told him he was so aroused that the head of his cock was out and ready to play. He began walking to her room. The movement rubbed them together, making her moan. She stiffened in his arms and he wondered if he was pushing for too much.

“Bedroom?” he asked and pulled back to gauge her response.

Her eyes were wide and he realized she had tensed not because he was pushing for too much, but because she wanted him. “Hurry, oh god, don’t you dare stop. I’m so close,” she screeched.

He kept moving and made sure to hold her tightly to him. She whimpered as he settled her on her feet. “Doona worry, I’m only getting started,” he promised.

In seconds, Zander had Elsie naked on her bed. He had to pause and take in his fill. She was simply beautiful with her swollen breasts and panting breaths. When he dipped into her mind, he noted that she had pushed back her objections and refused to allow it to stop them. She wanted him as much as he wanted her.

More surprising was that she was an impatient little thing, and had continued the erotic play. She was squeezing her breasts and pinching her own nipples. Perfect, pert nipples. Her hands began to move lower across her abdomen. Naughty, little thing. He leapt onto the bed and grabbed her hands.

“My turn,” he croaked. His balls had drawn up tight to his body, ready for release at the sight of her. Heaven stared back at him as he looked down between her beautiful legs. She had the most luscious, shaved pussy he had ever seen. The scent of her arousal drew him to her like a bee to honey.

He shifted his body down the bed and laid his torso between her legs. His aching cock was pressed into the mattress. Unable to wait, he dipped his head to taste her sweet nectar. Licking his lips, he tasted her juices and growled as he attacked the engorged nub, begging him for attention.

He ran his hands up her legs, pushing them wider, and saw her clit throbbing, which tempted him to sink his fangs in. He licked and nipped at her intimate flesh. Her soul entwined with his and enhanced his desire and pleasure. Nothing his father had ever told him prepared him for the experience of having sex with his mate. It was explosive and brought him to his knees.

He thrust his tongue into her tight channel and pushed as deep as he could, allowing his fangs to scrape her flesh. He was rewarded with her moan of pleasure. He removed his tongue and lapped at the spot that needed him most. He increased his speed and inserted his finger deep into her core. She threaded her fingers into his hair and grabbed fistfuls. Spasms clenched, indicating she was close. He intended to give her as many orgasms as she could handle, before the night was over. He withdrew his finger taking her slick cream with it.

She whimpered, “Zander, oh, god, don’t stop. I’m…so, close…please.”

“You never have to beg,
a ghra.
Och, you are so verra tight and wet. My cock aches for you. You are mine.” He would give her whatever she wanted and re-inserted his finger, then another, and then thrust both deep inside as he sucked and licked her clitoris. Her hands released his hair and traveled down to his shoulders, coming dangerously close to his mate mark. Fire exploded across his back, the pain nearly taking his breath. He sucked hard on her core as he tried to gain control over the impulse to bite her flesh and force her to complete the blood exchange, binding them forever.

Shoving his needs aside was difficult, but he managed by focusing on her. “You taste so good,” he groaned. He continued his ministrations and was soon rewarded with her cries of bliss as he felt her shatter, followed by the clenching in her channel. It was all he could do not to replace his fingers with his cock and thrust into her heat. He watched her face as she came and was awed at the beauty of her pleasure. “I love the way you look when you come.”

She was gasping for breath when she reached out for him. She pulled him up to her for a kiss. Soft, silky lips met his. He opened her mouth and slid his tongue along hers, taking advantage. He thought he’d explode the moment she slid her tongue into his mouth, licking his fangs. He moaned as she explored them freely, kissing him passionately.

Her hands roved his back and shoulders. He loved the feel of her hands on his body. Had never experienced anything more erotic. Her touch slid down his torso. She pinched and nipped his nipples as she passed them. He bit his lip to stop his orgasm. It was too soon. He wanted her to explore every inch of his body. He remained as still as possible so she felt free to do whatever she wanted.