“She didn’t believe me. I’m not a good liar, okay? I don’t blame her either. If she kept her whereabouts secret from me, I’d be upset too.” Why couldn’t he see the problem here?
“You can’t disclose your whereabouts to her. You’ve called so give me the phone.”
She handed it to him. “I wish I could do something to reassure her.”
“You did reassure her.” He scratched his head, apparently confused.
“Marley and I are very close friends. We don’t keep shit from each other.”
“You can’t tell her where you are, Jenny.”
“Why? I’m not mortal anymore. You said I’d only want your blood.”
“First of all, you need time to adjust to your new state. Second, you’re not ready to be around humans yet.”
“What are you saying? I won’t attack her, will I?” She recoiled at the mere thought of hurting her friend.
“I don’t want to chance you biting someone accidentally.”
“I might do that?”
“Yes.”
“What if I make sure to drink regularly, will that help?”
“There are so many things you need to learn about living in my world. How you handle yourself around humans is important because you could slip if you’re not careful.”
“I’m going to miss her.” She hadn’t thought just what it meant to give up her human existence until she faced saying goodbye to her friend. Dane was worth the sacrifice but it still hurt.
“You wanted to be a part of my world so you must accept those sacrifices that go along with your choice to be with me.”
“Are you sure there’s no other way?”
“Yes.” Why was he so matter-of-fact about this? He sucked at showing even a little bit of compassion over the situation with her friend and it made her mad.
“Can I call her back in a few days to say goodbye at least?”
“It’s too dangerous. You’re still a target and I took a big risk allowing you to contact her.”
“You changed me, so I don’t understand why we still have to hide out here.” She glared at him. It chafed her that he had all the control and she had none.
“I don’t expect you to get it. But for now, I’ll decide what’s best, not you.”
“Don’t pull that He-man bullshit on me.” She didn’t like his tone.
“That’s an interesting way of putting it.” He seized her arms and pinned them above her head.
“Stop it. I’m not in the mood.” She scowled.
“I can change that.” He captured her nipple to lick the puckered tip. Her core flooded with moisture. Damn body was responding like a traitor.
“You’re not playing fair.” A slow simmer of heat flickered as pleasure radiated through her every molecule.
Dane’s nose flared and he suckled her, switching breasts to give the other the same mind-blowing attention.
Shit, he’s too good at this.
She arched into his mouth. Need gripped her hard and she moaned loudly. He kicked the covers off her and used his powerful thighs to spread her legs open wide. A growl escaped his chest as he released her nipple.
“You want me, I smell it.” He trailed kisses down her belly. Her clit throbbed painfully.
“This doesn’t change the fact that I’m still mad at you.” She shuddered from the sensation. Her belly quivered with each playful nip.
“What did you say?” He rose up to slowly drag his shaft between her inner folds, making it impossible for her to think.
“Y-you heard me. God, that feels so good.” She writhed as he teased her clit with the underside of his length.
“Sex in your new state will be even better, my love. Let me show you.” He continued to playfully tease her clit.
“No fair.” This was blackmail.
“Tell me you will trust my judgment first.” He stilled. She bucked her hips in frustration. He licked her throat. “Say it.”
“Damn it, Dane!”
“I can hold you on the edge all night long if that’s what it takes to show you who’s in charge.” He grinned as he continued to slowly torture her with his lips.
“Arrgh—fine, you’re in charge.” She just wanted him to fuck her. They’d discuss his control issues later.
“My first concern will always be for your safety. Do you understand?”
“I believe you.” She shivered with longing as he remained still. She closed her eyes when he slowly started to move inside her again.
“Look at me!”
Jenny met his passion-filled eyes, unable to resist his command.
“You’re everything to me. I want you to know that.”
Her heart did a flip. He was trying to protect her because he loved her. She was taking it out on him and that wasn’t fair.
“I know.” She sucked in air when he surged forward. He was so thick and always seemed to know the right spot that brought her the most pleasure. Desire coursed through her veins and the urge to bite him overwhelmed her. He released her arms as if he sensed her need and she immediately went for his throat.
“That’s it, baby, drink,” he encouraged her as she bit into the soft tissue and blood flooded down her throat, warm and hot.
He moaned into her shoulder, slamming his cock inside her channel as she took, and he gave. His panting breaths grew with each forward thrust of his hips. Seconds later his muscles locked up and he exploded inside her. Instinct kept her at his vein even as his powerful frame continued to buck against her.
“My turn…” Dane’s lips brushed against her throat as if he were going to give her a kiss.
Jenny barely registered that he’d bitten her until she was swept away in a wet rush. She released his neck and cried out as her sheath pulsed around his cock. He sank his teeth with a snarl and continued to fuck her until they both fell over the edge once more. There were no words to describe how he filled that void in her. He’d been that missing piece of her heart all along. But could she trust him with everything? God, she wanted that.
They made love several more times throughout the night. Each time, the intensity grew and so did her emotional attachment to him. Vampire sex was far different than she had expected. It was better. Dane was a decadent lover and definitely knew how to please a woman. There were no words to describe the way he worshiped her body.
At the end of the night he held her securely in the cradle of his arms. Life in that moment was perfect. She was in love with this incredible man and it seemed he loved her just as much.
“I’m sleepy.”
“You’re a new vampire. Sleep, my love.” He kissed her forehead.
She snuggled against his chest and closed her eyes, content with her new life and the certainty of a future with him. There would be one painful goodbye. But she wouldn’t allow herself to go there now. She wanted to enjoy the bliss of falling asleep in the arms of the man she loved.
* * * * *
A cool breeze lightly caressed Jenny’s skin as hard, unyielding stone dug into her backside. Her eyes fluttered open to a dark sky above.
What the…
She sat up and realized she was outside. The gritty cobble pavement beneath her bare bottom was cold and wet from a recent rain. “Oh shit. I’m naked.” Jenny scrambled to her feet.
How did I end up in Central Park? Did I trace here without realizing it?
The tall skyscrapers above the trees confirmed her suspicion.
Wait, how do I get back?
She closed her eyes and visualized the cabin but nothing happened. She was still in the park. She tried again—still nothing.
Why can’t I go back to him? Maybe I can trace to my apartment.
She closed her eyes and pictured her place. The smooth texture of hardwood beneath her feet told her she had traced again. When she opened her eyes, she was home. She ran to her dresser and grabbed a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt to throw on.
What am I going to do if I can’t get back to him?
Sit and wait?
Jenny sat on the edge of her bed to put on her tennis shoes. Panic and fear rioted through her system as she tried to figure out what to do next. She had no way to let Dane know where she’d gone and no way to trace back to him since she didn’t know where the cabin was located.
Maybe if I visualize it again, I can get back.
She closed her eyes and tried again, but still nothing. She tried the inside of his penthouse apartment with the same result.
Why can’t I go to places I’ve been with him?
She stood, frustrated that it didn’t work.
Think. There has to be something I can do. My phone…
She opened her dresser drawer and fished it out.
I’ll try leaving him a message at his office. It’s worth a shot.
“Please, please, please, check your messages, Dane.” She dialed the number and let it ring.
Dane’s voicemail picked up, his melodic voice easing her panic a bit. She knew he would come looking for her when he discovered she was gone. The phone beeped and she jumped.
“Dane, oh god, it’s me. I don’t know what happened or how I ended up in New York. But somehow I traced in my sleep and woke up naked in Central Park. I tried to trace back to you but it didn’t work. I even tried to trace to your penthouse but that didn’t work either. Luckily, I was able to go to my apartment. I really hope you think to check your messages. I’m scared and not sure what else to do. I’ll wait here for you. Please hurry.” She clicked the phone closed. There was nothing left to do but hope and pray he got her message soon.
* * * * *
Ta’breyian smelled the scent of a female vampire as he scaled the building. He cursed under his breath when he realized the intruder was inside Jenny’s apartment.
“Stupid Rogue.” He landed on the roof of the building. He crept slowly down the fire escape toward her floor, hoping to use the element of surprise. If he traced into the apartment, she might flee. Female Rogues were usually smarter than their male counterparts and not as easy to sneak up on.
He slid down the metal stairs so there was no sound with his approach and slid the wooden blade from its sheath as he landed on the balcony. He peered inside the window and saw a female sitting on the bed with her back to him. She stood and began to pace. He sensed fear and confusion. Who was she? Her actions were not that of a Rogue. He traced into the kitchen and stood in the shadows, watching her.
Maybe she’s the female friend of Dane’s mate. No, she’s a vampire.
Suddenly, faced him and froze.
“Damn it.” Ta’breyian watched her back away in fear and he cursed. Whoever she was, she didn’t belong here. She wasn’t part of the Order and that meant one thing. She was either Rogue or was recently turned by one. Which meant they’d come back for her. Whatever the case, it was time to find out. He’d be merciful until he knew for sure there was no chance of redeeming this lovely creature.
Ta’breyian materialized inside the room. “Don’t trace, or I will kill you. I’ve been at this a long time, female, and you will not escape me.”
The woman hissed and backed away from him.
“I smell your innocence. Who are you?” He stepped forward.
“D-don’t come any closer.”
He watched her eyes search for a possible escape. “My patience is growing thin. It’s not wise to test me. Now I’ll ask again. Who are you and how did you get in here?”
“That’s two questions. I’m n-no one. Stay away from me.” Her quick wit amused him as did her sexy Southern drawl.
“It’s a shame that you’re going to make me hurt you when it’s not my intent.” He pressed his lips together, trying to unravel the mystery before him.
She was a striking strawberry blonde with long, graceful legs, a slender waist and full breasts. Her pale skin looked like silk in the muted light. It was a waste to destroy such a captivating creature.
“I-I’m waiting for someone. Please, I don’t want any trouble.” She bit her bottom lip nervously and twisted her hands together.
“Who are you waiting for?” He was tired of her stalling tactics.
“Please don’t hurt me.”
“You’re coming with me.” Ta’breyian reached for her but she quickly traced.
Curse the gods, she’s fast! Maybe she’s not a newborn after all.
He closed his eyes to try to get a lock on her but it was no use. She had somehow blocked him from tracking her.
Wonderful, she got away.
That’s when he noticed, out of the corner of his eye, a picture of the same blonde on the nightstand. It couldn’t be… He picked it up. It was Dane’s female—what the hell was she doing here? He quickly searched for another picture and found one on the refrigerator. He flipped it over and on the back was scribbled the name—Jenny Harlon, Spring 2011.
Why did she come here? Where’s Dane? I better go after her before she runs into some Rogue and gets herself killed.
He traced from the room to see if he could locate the girl before it was too late.
* * * * *
Dane’s eyes fluttered open and he stared at the ceiling. He had not slept like the dead in as long as he could remember. It was probably due to the intensity of what he had recently experienced with his mate.
“Jenny…” Dane rolled over to reach for her and found the space next to him empty. He sat up.
Where is she?
He flew off the bed and ran downstairs. Dread crept over him. “Jenny, where are you!”