CravingLadyStarr Read online

  She looked up at him and a slight tremble seemed to shake her. “You speak very eloquently. And kindly.”

  Her body’s response intrigued him. As did the light in those eyes that he felt so drawn to. He saw the knowledge of his intent reflected there. The intelligence in her gorgeous, dark-green gaze impressed him more than he could say. He respected her for that intelligence. Admired her. He smiled, savoring how much this particular fem-vamp’s willing submission to him would feed his powerful needs.

  Again she looked away, as if trying to hide her feelings. Too late, my lady. As they ventured farther into the night together, he could feel her growing desire with each passing step.

  “Who is Viper’s second-in-command these days?” he asked her in an easy tone.

  She chuckled and shook her head.

  “What has amused you?”

  “You speak of my beautiful eyes then want to discuss war issues. Are you after de L’Night battle secrets perhaps?”

  “I think you know better.” He squeezed her fingers.

  “Then why waste time on such chatter?”

  “Because I did not feel it seemly to pounce.”

  Once more, her light chuckle filled the night air. “You are incorrigible.”

  “So I have been told.” He slowed and backed her up against one of the buildings. “Since you have ascertained my purpose, I think we should not waste any more of the night, which has given us a perfect opportunity to sate our needs.”

  Her fingernails grazed his exposed chest. “Are you that sure of yourself and of my compliance?” she queried with a slight smile.

  He barely contained the groan that her touch elicited. His superior vision allowed him to see the desire in her gaze, even in the darkness. A desire that equally matched his own. “Your needs are as strong as mine,” he replied, voicing his thoughts. He leaned into her and traced the rim of her ear with his tongue. “Do not pretend to put me off, Starr, when we both know what we want,” he whispered.

  “What we want…” she repeated in a barely audible voice.

  “Yes. Do you wish to blatantly hear the words?” He pulled back and looked her in the eyes. “If so, I will tell you exactly what I desire.”

  “You should not say such things aloud.” She leaned a bit nearer, and though her voice remained low, a tone of excitement surrounded her words. “It would not be proper.”

  He saw the expectation in her eyes. What she said and what she wanted were completely at odds. “You do not want me to be proper, which is good, since I am far from it.”

  “You make many assumptions.”

  “Yes. I know. But I want you. Now. As much as you want me.” When she cocked an eyebrow, he continued undeterred. “I excite you. Admit it. Tell me all your desires, Starr, and I will make each one of them come true.”

  The feel of his tongue had made her limbs weak and now the low, sensual tone of his words made her ache all over. But admitting her desires would give him far too much power. “Here is not the place. Eyes and ears hide in the night.”

  “Here, my lady. We are alone.” He reached for the skirt of her dress and began pulling it up. “My cock throbs to feel the warmth of your hand, your tongue, your cunt.”

  She sucked in a sharp breath. “You speak too boldly.”

  “Not nearly boldly enough.” He reached beneath her skirt and his eyes widened. “You are bare.” He smiled as he touched her. “And wet for me.” His voice deepened. “Only me.”

  She mewled as his fingers gently brushed against her. She needed a distraction or she might come without any further stimulation. She did not want it to be that easy for him. His arrogance did not need such feeding. Besides, she wanted to draw out the pleasure until they both were mad with need. “Do not be so sure, my lord. Any man—”

  “I alone will satisfy you.” His voice came out rough and full of unspoken emotions.

  She almost believed his words to be the truth.

  “Do you always go bare underneath?”

  “Oftentimes.” She tweaked his flat nipples, working them into rock-hard nubs, until he groaned. “I like the freedom and the sensual feel of being naked. The possibilities.”

  “Possibilities—yes.” His gaze burned intently. “I will turn those possibilities into your wildest fantasies come true.”

  The feel of his fingers slowly stroking her intimate core made her crave more, physically and emotionally. His soft touch along her silky hair seemed in complete contrast to the hard tone of his voice, which greatly intrigued her.

  “You will hold up your skirt for me.”

  “Will I?” she barely managed to respond. Her voice cracked and she swallowed hard.

  “Do not answer a command with a question.”

  “Command? Is that what you are doing? Commanding me? I do not respond to commands.” When he remained silent and a frown crossed his face, she continued, allowing a slight smile to tug at her lips. “I see that you are not used to being challenged by a female. You do not know how to handle such a woman. Or do you?”

  “More questions? My hand will find your ass and break you of that habit. I am more than capable of handling you.”

  Though not accustomed to a man speaking so boldly, his words appealed to her and seduced her senses. “Certain types of erotic punishment have their place, if executed by a man with true carnal skills. Do you think you can drive me sexually wild?”

  He made a rough sound low in his throat. “You are driving me wild, lady. My tongue will show you what I am capable of.”

  She almost moaned at his words. Regardless of her wish to make Aleron work for her favors, she could not prolong this game much longer. She wanted him too fiercely. “I will do—”

  “As I say. You need a strong man to take you in hand. Body and soul. Someone who can make you weep in ecstasy.”

  The way his pupils dilated when he said “soul” caused a quiver deep inside her. “A strong man? You?” When he growled at her questions, she smiled once more. The internal struggle for control intensified his gaze to a level she rarely saw in a man. He had only been holding back in deference of her, she was certain. But even an honorable man had his limits and she was purposely straining those limits to the very end.

  He brushed her cheek with his and lowered his voice as he spoke again. “I intend to lick your cunt until you come in my mouth. Then I will fuck you senseless with my cock, wherever you want it—your cunt, your mouth, or even in your plump ass. Now hold up your skirt. And no more questions.”

  Her heartbeat tripled as Aleron knelt before her. Intrigued by his promises, she grabbed her skirt and bunched the material in her fists, gradually pulling it up. She felt the moistness of her cunt in the night air. The bud of nerves within her throbbed so much that she ached in painful need. She looked from side to side into the darkness. “Lick me quickly. Before we are discovered.” And before she went crazy.

  “I will command the speed of your climax, lady.” With his thumbs, he spread the folds of her cunt and leaned forward. “Ah yes. A woman’s most precious gift. And this beautiful treasure is all mine.”

  At the first touch of his tongue, she gasped. Sexual desire exploded inside her and her grip on the skirt tightened. Aleron licked her slowly, torturing her. He swirled his tongue and lapped at her sensitive flesh with the skill of an experienced lover.

  “Give me your cream, Starr,” he rumbled, sliding one hand around to cup her butt. He grazed her clitoris with his tongue, stroking her lightly, over and over.

  “Ah yes!” She tensed and came so hard that she was barely able to stay on her feet. “O-oh!” Only by pressing against the wall at her back did she remain upright.

  Aleron lifted one of her legs over his shoulder. He sucked her bud into his mouth. She mewled as more pleasure rolled over her. He drew every ounce of ecstasy out of her and still did not stop. He gave her another long lick then he shifted slightly and pushed his tongue deep inside her.

  She bit her bottom lip to keep from crying out
in the night. His tongue plunged into her, fucking her without mercy. She could not remain silent. “Yes, yes, yes…” She shook and whimpered, coming again. If his tongue felt this good, she knew his cock would feel incredible. She could hardly wait for him to fuck her properly. He returned his tongue to her clitoris and licked the bud until he made her come an incredible third time. “Oh! Yes…ah. My lord, you are indeed most talented!”

  Gradually, the pleasure ebbed and Starr’s breathing slowed.

  After lapping the cream from between her thighs, Aleron eased her leg to the ground then stood and kissed her gently. She tasted herself on his lips. Strangely her climaxes had not decreased her need for him as she had thought they would. Not one bit. She needed him now more than ever.

  “Perhaps you would enjoy a tour of Château de la Lune?” he asked in barely a whisper against her mouth. “I have made many improvements to the property over the years and would value your opinion. Should you wish to test out the comforts of my personal chambers, the bed is overly large and soft. The wing where I maintain my residence is quite private. I am certain you will like it.”

  “What would your nest think?”

  “My people will not interfere. They know how to be discreet.”

  At the château, they could take their time with each other and fuck every way possible. All night long if they wanted. And she definitely wanted. She wanted to discover all Aleron’s talents. “I would very much—” She saw him stiffen.

  When he looked to the side, she sensed a growing concern in him. “What is it?”

  He stepped to one side of her. “Stay behind me. We are no longer alone.”

  Starr tensed. She smoothed down her skirt and glanced around. She did not see anyone but she did not need to. Now that he had called her attention to it, she felt the intruders approach. Stalking them.

  She could not tell how many but the strangers had moved closer, approaching from the front and from behind too. Four, maybe five, from the shifting shadows. She and Aleron were boxed in with no way to escape from between the buildings.

  Aleron pushed her flat against the wall.

  When she saw glowing eyes, her trepidation grew. Of the Bane. The approaching pack had shifted into their wolf forms, which meant they were prepared for battle. Her heart raced. A trap.

  From under Aleron’s sleeve, a knife appeared in the palm of his hand. “Who dares to hunt Of the Blood royalty?” he asked with authority.

  In front of their eyes, a large and muscular black wolf emerged from the shadows. The leader. He shifted into human form, standing in front of them naked and proud. “I dare.”

  Starr gasped, for she recognized the man immediately. “Lord Démon.” Tall and impressive. His black hair, black eyes and black expression could send terror through the most stalwart opponent.

  “Prince Démon.” He nodded and a slight smile crossed his face. “A pleasure, dear cousin. It has been many years. My apologies for my state of…undress.”

  Prince? She had heard the rumors of his self-proclaimed royal title. His particular genetic line contained little royal blood—unlike her and Aleron’s bloodlines. They did not claim higher titles themselves, leaving such things to members of the High Council as agreed upon by the kindred long ago. She avoided looking down and breaking eye contact, which she knew would have pleased Démon far too much. “I did not realize you were back in France.”

  “I grew tired of Germany and its prejudices toward those of our kind. I have built a wolf pack of formidable power and have returned to claim what is Of the Bane. To claim what is rightfully ours. Mine.” Démon’s gaze burned as he stared at Aleron.

  Aleron returned the prince’s glare without blinking. “You stare at me as if I have done you a grievous wrong, Prince Démon. Explain your intent here or I will see you humbled at my feet.” Aleron stood firm, firing his stern words in rapid succession.

  Démon’s eyes turned even more menacing. “You are well aware of my intent, Aleron. My soldiers have already delivered a missive to you on the subject.”

  His words caught Starr’s attention. What could Démon possibly want from Aleron? Obviously something of grave importance for him and part of his pack to confront them like this.

  “To which I responded,” Aleron said in an even voice. “That matter is settled.”

  “The matter is not settled. Your response was unacceptable.”

  “Unacceptable in your eyes perhaps. Not in mine.”

  “I am not concerned with your perception of the situation. We shall no longer play this game like civilized men. I grow weary of niceties.”

  “I did not realize we were playing a game.”

  Démon’s hands clenched into fists. “I do not intend to lose this battle.”

  Aleron chuckled though he did not sound or look amused. “We are not engaged in a battle.” He paused only a moment as his eyes shifted in intensity. “Yet.”

  His frustration melted away and a look of arrogance crossed Démon’s face. “I shall be the one to settle this. Not you. Tonight. You made a tactical error, Aleron, venturing out alone, without your personal guard.”

  “So you intend to overpower me in an alley instead of engaging in fair negotiations?”

  “Your kind has a tendency to view what is fair very differently than mine.”

  “Is it fair to involve a lady as well as disrespect her?”

  Démon briefly glanced down at himself. “As far as the beautiful Lady Starr is concerned, I am certain she has seen a cock or two in her day and felt a tongue lapping at her cunt.” He raised an eyebrow at Starr and smirked.

  The other wolves barked and howled.

  Starr felt heat creep into her face. Démon and the pack had seen their intimate encounter. Damn them all! She swore to scratch out their eyes for watching, for cheapening what had happened between her and Aleron. She had never felt such a deep connection with a male and in such a short time. Their encounter had been about more than just sex. She was certain of it. Well, it could have developed into something more this night. She stared into her cousin’s eyes, wanting to rail against him for his intrusion but she held her tongue.

  “I think our lady must be embarrassed, for she actually appears speechless. How quaint. I do apologize, my dear, for interrupting before you got a proper fucking.”

  “Another foul word, Prince Démon, and I will cut out your tongue,” Aleron threatened, drawing Démon’s attention back once more.

  Starr’s mind raced as the men further exchanged words. She no longer listened to what they said, but tried to think up an escape for herself and Aleron.

  While he and Démon stood toe to toe, she eased to the side. A lesser wolf crept up beside her. He bared his teeth, preventing her attempt to flee and summon help.

  Aleron reached out to lightly touch her hand. Even with his attention still on Démon, his thoughts were of her. Starr’s heart softened and she glanced up at him, curling her fingers around his.

  Aleron’s deep blue eyes brightened in fury. “You will allow Lady de L’Night to pass. She is not part of this. We will settle this business between ourselves if you so insist. But not with her here.”

  Until now, Starr had not known that any bad blood existed between Aleron and Démon. Neither had said much as to the source of their conflict. But then, Démon made enemies easily. He did not need a lot of provocation to feel slighted. His arrogance and oftentimes volatile manner were well known in more than one country.

  Les Loups de Démon had become greatly feared since the pack had grown in numbers, strength, expertise and wealth during the last four years. She had heard reports, from time to time, from Of the Blood representatives.

  “You are not in charge here as you seem to think, Lord Aleron. I am,” Démon stated with authority, even as he took a step back, putting more space between them. “You would do well to remember that. For your and the lady’s sake.”

  “Do not attempt to control me. Or to threaten me and Lady Starr idly.”

&n
bsp; “I do not engage in idle threats.”

  “But you behave like a spoiled child, throwing a tantrum to get what you desire.”

  Starr gasped at Aleron’s words. Démon took an aggressive step forward, once more in Aleron’s face with anger burning in his eyes.

  This time, his pack also moved nearer, closing off any means of escape.

  Starr bared her fangs at a wolf who got too close. She might not have been trained by a Blood Master in the ways of war but she could inflict some damage if she had to. Viper had refused to allow her to train under the often violent methods of a true master but he had taught her many things over the years on his own, unbeknownst to others.

  In less than an instant, Démon snarled and shifted into his wolf form.

  As the prince jumped, Aleron barely managed to avoid the snap of Démon’s jaws. Several other wolves forced him away from Starr and back into the alley’s darkness. He threw the knife in his hand, embedding it in the wall next to her head. “Take it!”

  Her eyes widened but he saw her quickly gather her wits. She turned and grabbed the weapon, yanking it from the wood. She took a defensive stance, keeping her back toward the wall.

  She would need the blade more than he would. He could rely on his strength and training to defend himself.

  A gray wolf nipped at her legs and Starr kicked him sharply in the ribs, drawing a yelp. She stabbed another wolf in the paw after he jumped up on her, sending him limping away.

  More wolves emerged from the shadows, surrounding them. Outnumbering them fourfold.

  While Aleron tried to maneuver himself back through the pack and closer to Starr, Démon hit him full in the chest and they tumbled to the ground. Aleron gasped and lay stunned, the air knocked out of him.

  Just as Démon went for his throat, he heard Starr call out to him in alarm. Somehow he managed to grab the fur around Démon’s neck but was barely able to hold him at bay. In his wolf form, Démon was far stronger than Aleron had anticipated.

  Starr screamed and a wolf howled in pain. Aleron’s anger intensified. If Démon or any of his pack harmed her, he would skin each and every one of them alive and display the bodies for all Of the Bane to see.