Vivian

It's hours past dawn when Rafe and I enter our suite. The undead partying and verbal backstabbing continued for hours into the morning. Most of us older ones can stay up around the clock, if we want to. All we need is a blood pick me up, and we're good to go.

Usually, our spouses and dates can't keep up the pace and need to call an end to the gathering or they'll drop where they stand. Rafe is no exception, and I knew if we didn't break when we did, there'd be no fun in our suite.

Rafe's warm hands glide down my back. A loving glow envelops me as I step over the threshold into the beautiful room. The Tribunal never skimps on decor-the rich antiques and expensive blue and yellow silks and brocades of the suite don't disappoint.

"Are we safe here?" Rafe asks.

I look around, wondering if the Tribunal's vow of no harm to guests will be enough to protect us. "As much as we can be. I doubt Coraline would make a move less than twelve hours after we show up." The creep of apprehension climbs my spine. "But, we can lock the thick doors, lower the steel blinds, and re-evaluate in a day."

Rafe checks the door while I flip the window switch that will darken the room when we rest. "If it appears that Coraline, or anyone else, is circling too close, we can leave and stay somewhere else in the city."

Rafe takes off his jacket and drapes it over the back of a nearby chair. "Would some random hotel in the city be any better?"

I shrug, still unsure exactly what we're getting into and worried for the first time in years. "I'd like to think it would make us more difficult to find during the day."

"You feel like rehashing all the people who gave you the stink eye tonight?" Rafe asks.

A sigh escapes as I step out of my heels, thankful to give my feet a break after all our dancing. "No, not really. They'll still be there when we wake." My gown fits snug over my hips-the only way this number will come off is with the release of the zipper. I reach behind for the clasp, but my lover's eager hand beats me to it.

"Here, let me."

As my husband lowers it one slow inch at a time, I strip off the long gloves and toss them on a nearby chair.

"You love dragging it out, don't you?" I murmur over my shoulder.

"Every day feels like Christmas when the present is this nicely wrapped." Once the zipper stops, his warm palm slips in to cup my ass. "I've been aching to do this all night."

Recalling his hot hand on my thighs when he sliced the material before our tango, I'll admit, I've ached for it, too. The dress slinks down, and I catch the edge before revealing my bare breasts.

Rafe smoothes one last caress over my bare buttock before withdrawing his hand. "I've got it, darling."

He steps closer, nestling his growing, pant-covered cock against my ass and wraps his arms around, taking the top edge of my dress in one hand. With the other, he skims beneath the purple silk and caresses my breast. He weighs it in his hand then uses a thumb and forefinger to tease and pull the taut nipple.

Jolts of pleasure spike from the tortured peak to my pussy, drawing a soft moan from my lips. "You've certainly 'got' something there, mister. Care to continue?"

Warm lips trail soft kisses down the side of my neck and I lean my head to the right to give my husband better access. Every few kisses he nibbles on the skin, exciting me further with his teeth. "You know I love it when you bite."

"Precisely, my dear. I'm no fool. I thought a little boost between us might be a good idea, too. Considering the company we're keeping."

His teeth latch onto my shoulder muscle, bringing an exquisite pinch of pain to focus my attention on every hard tooth digging into my flesh. Oh... and then there's the slippery wet tongue soothing the spot afterward... "What was that, dear? You lost me for a moment there."

"I'm thinking..." he bites down again. "... I should take blood from you while we're in this nest of vipers."

"Yes, good point."

He drops his hold on my dress and the material puddles at my feet. Two warm palms grasp and fondle my breasts, pulling the engorged tips while he bites firmly on the skin between my ear and my shoulder.

"Need some help?" I ask when he clamps down once more, harder this time, bringing the pleasure and pain to a near orgasmic level. He murmurs his approval against my skin, and I reach up with one sharp nail to help.

Rafe pulls his hot sucking mouth away for a moment while I pierce my skin right over the thick pulsing vein in my neck. Warm blood cascades out of the new wound and my lover's mouth latches over the small hole, lapping at my flesh and drinking deep.

One hand leaves my chest and travels down my body in a long sinuous path. My God, when he drinks from me it feels like every inch of my skin is alive.

His fingers coil in the soft mat of hair atop of my mound before plunging deep between the wet folds to find the hard nub of my clit, already swollen with desire. I reach behind to stroke his shaft through his trousers and snake the other hand to cradle his head against my neck. "Bite me again, baby."

His finger teases my hard button as he bites the healing wound, pressing it open for more hot liquid to flow into his mouth. He moans against my flesh, taking in my stronger vampire blood. From experience I know what I've got in store for me. Whenever he drinks from me it works like Viagra, fueling him through the night to relentlessly do me over and over until we're both begging for mercy.

A tightness coils in my pelvic muscles, the innuendos and suggestions from the evening push me to a fast peak. "More, take more," I whisper as my crest sends me up and away. The small cut over my artery heals as he clamps down, catapulting me that last little bit into oblivion.

My hips buck forward, spasms rippling across my frame. A tantalizing pain centers on my nipple when he pinches and pulls at the height of my release. "Yes!"

I slump against his well-muscled body, relaxing in the afterglow of orgasm-content to enjoy the rush for a moment. This is only the beginning of our fun and to drag out his satisfaction too long would be cruel and unusual punishment.

Rafe licks my neck with the tip of his tongue, igniting senses on the freshly healed skin. "That was divine, my dear," he says in a soft voice, rough with desire.

A low chuckle escapes as I turn, naked, in his arms. "Isn't that my line? I'm the one you brought to a glorious peak... and all while you're fully clothed. Aren't you just the over-achiever?"

He unwraps my arms from where they coiled around his neck. "Well, then... I think it's time we got more equal in the clothing department." He strips out of his expensive tux, diamond buttons popping and flying in his haste. His lightly haired chest and defined body never fail to draw a deep passion from me, no matter how recently I came. I want to not only possess him, but own his very desire. Wrap him up in my essence until nothing exists, but the two of us.

A simmering heat burns deep in Rafe's gaze. A fire I see only after he's fed from me and has gladiator strength at his beck and call. "I will make you scream tonight, Dria." His cock juts out as he stalks closer to me, driving me against the huge four-poster bed in the middle of the suite. "I will make you remember why you choose me as your mate and not any of those other men we saw tonight."

Ahh... so he's feeling a little possessive of me, is he? That's fine with me. A slightly jealous lover can also be an extremely passionate one. "Will you now?" I can't resist baiting him. Truth be told, I like when he's a little rough. The back of my knees hit the bed and I lay back, staring into the eyes of my lover the entire time.

He looms over me. His proud cock bobbing in all its glory, slick with pre-come and pulsing with his heartbeat. The engorged head begs for a delicate tongue to lick it, and I rise onto my elbows to comply.

"Oh no, you don't." Work roughened hands push me down then slide lower to spread my thighs. "That first one was just a warm up. Wait and see what I have planned for you."

Before I can protest, he kneels between my knees and dips his head to my swollen nether lips. Two thumbs spread my folds and a wet, pointed tongue strokes the sides of my aroused clit. Warm breath replaces the pressure as he blows on the sensitive skin, bowing my body off the bed in response. "That's it, liebling. You like that, don't you?" He blows on my aroused flesh again, sending me racing toward another release. I'm close to coming-and when he changes tactics, I know he senses it, too.

Two thick fingers plunge into my wet depths, stretching the entrance and sending a flood of sensations coursing through me. My hips circle of their own accord, seeking the pressure I need to go over the edge once more. "You know what I like better than finger fucking this tight little pussy of yours?"

My head thrashes back and forth on the bed, unsure if he wants an answer or he's teasing me. Without waiting for a reply, he amps the tempo on his plunging fingers and latches his mouth over my clit. He sucks the swollen flesh between his lips then tickles it with his tongue. The pressure building in my middle shoots through my body in shuddering waves as my second crest washes over me. My back arches and his free hand grabs my hip, pinning me while he rides my peak higher and longer with his clever tongue and thick fingers.

Rafe slows his pumping and then gradually slips his hand down my thigh, allowing my sensitized flesh a minor respite. He smiles at me, his grin both self-satisfied and hot as hell. "Come on, baby, you must know what I like better..."

What? He wants a coherent answer while I'm still experiencing the glorious aftereffects of my latest orgasm? My eyes drift lower in hazy contentment. Good God, he's a great lover.

Strong hands slip under me, one at my ass and one at my back, shifting me further up on the bed so Rafe can join me on the mattress. He gently tilts me onto my side and grabs a pillow, placing it near my knees. He slides my top leg up, cocking it at the knee to rest on the pillow, while climbing over me to straddle my bottom thigh.

His heavy cock nudges my wet slit, seeking entrance. "I like fucking your pussy with my cock the best..." A low chuckle sounds in his throat when he looks down at my lazy, soft expression. "But I need to wake you up a bit and get you back in the game, my dear."

A loud resounding clap echoes through the room as my husband smacks the flat of his hand across my ass. The jolt of his flesh on mine sends a thrill of adrenaline through my blood and my eyes fly open in surprise. "Hey! I was comfy... enjoying some expert lovin' from my husband. Can't fault a girl for that."

"Of course not, and if I wanted an unresisting body that'd be fine." The large head of his cock dips into me, slowly retreating and advancing to coat his length with my multiple releases. "But I don't. I want you wild and crazy for me, Dria. Just me." One hand presses my top thigh further up, opening my legs more to his hungry gaze. "Your pussy is so pretty... dark pink and full... practically begging to have my cock buried inside."

His slow press and withdrawal have served their purpose of getting me aroused again. Within minutes I'm wiggling as best I can from this position, trying to squirm his cock in deeper. "Put it in, Rafe. Stop your damn teasing."

His hips slide closer, driving his girth half way. Rafe's hand snaps back and the sharp crack of flesh on flesh resounds through the room again. The stinging burn of the smack melts away in a soothing circular rub from the guilty hand. "Settle down there, Dria. No sassing me." His grin is pure evil as a moistened thumb circles the tight rosebud of my ass. "I'll be the one who says when the teasing is over."

The short strokes of his dick drive me crazy and I circle my hips again, encouraging him to play with the tight pucker. I know ass play will push him over the edge and have him forcing that meaty cock into me, in no time. His thumb edges inside, spiraling needles of pleasure join with the push and pull sensation of his prick inside me.

Little by little, he eases in back and forth until his length is completely coated with my juices. The entry of his glide is slick, and he pushes deeper on each thrust, matching his thumb in my ass on every plunge. Unable to contain myself, I slide a hand down my stomach to find the swollen folds of flesh pressed against the pillow. The previous attention from my lover has ensured my body is ready for more. The blood-engorged outer lips are open, eager for my touch. The hard bud doesn't need direct stimulation, so I scissor two fingers to the right and left, stroking back and forth through my own wetness.

Grunts and moans from Rafe pepper the air as he works my tiny pucker, picking up the rhythm of his battering hips. My fingers rub a frantic tempo as I race to catch up to my husband's growing pleasure. His twisted facial expression looks almost painful, but his intense feelings aren't reflective of agony... not by a long shot.

He tosses his head back and lets out a strangled cry, "Christ! You feel so good." Rafe draws his thumb from my ass and lowers both hands to the mattress, on either side of my waist. With added leverage, he pummels me with thrusts, driving in his cock deeper and with more urgency. "That's it, baby. Rub that little clit. Bring yourself off with me."

Sweat from his brow drips onto me. The scent of our lovemaking fills the air, forcing out any lingering aromas from the Seat of Darkness. His claiming of me tonight holds a stronger meaning. He wants to remind me of why we're together, but he needn't worry.

I didn't choose him for what his body does to mine, but for what his heart makes me feel. As he pushes into me, calling my name, I am reminded the he and I are truly one. My third release ripples over me, eclipsing the previous two with its intensity and length. Stars blind my eyes, my fingers working back and forth in my slick folds. The inner shield I hold so tightly about me cracks, and for a brief moment, my love and power are equal in the brightness they exude, cascading into the room like an electric burst, raising the hair on my lover's arms.

Tiny shudders wrack my body while I spiral down from the pinnacle. I gather in my power and lock it tight, unconcerned with the slip. I'm sure I won't be the only old vampire on the premises tonight getting it so good their control slips.

Rafe places a light kiss on my shoulder and brushes his stubbled chin back and forth in a soft gesture, tingling my skin with the rasp of the short hairs. "Whew," he whispers, "that was a big one."

I stretch lazily as he slides behind me, pulling my ass to snuggle against his hips. In a moment his cock stirs and begins to harden again. "Ready for number four?"

I circle my hips, content to lie here for a bit. "What do you have in mind?"

My lover places small kisses up and down my neck, similar to how we started the session. "Did you pack that little bag of anal plugs? I'm thinking it's time to work this tight ass of yours and give it a good stroking tonight." He bites down on my neck, pulling my vampiric lust to the surface with the hint of pain.

"You want to work in that thick prick?" The heady thought fills me once again with desire.

Rafe rolls my shoulder back and leans over me. "I want to love you all night... any way you'll let me."

A soft smile curls my mouth as I reach up and touch his cheek with one hand. "Feeling high from my blood, aren't you?"

His bright blue eyes take on a manic gleam, like he didn't just fill me with his seed two minutes ago. "Oh yes, that's part of it."

I laugh, full and deep. The sound bubbles up and erases every care I have in the world. God, how I love this man and needed this connection tonight. I reach to pull him toward me in a kiss, but he has other ideas.

Rafe grabs both my wrists and pins them over my head. "I told you earlier-before we stop for the night I'm going to have you screaming my name." He lowers his lips to mine, slipping his tongue inside to taunt and entice. He uses just enough pressure in his kiss to show me he's got plenty of energy to keep going for hours. I can hardly wait.

The hot bath water has longed since cooled, so I decide to rise and take a short nap next to Rafe. There's nothing quite like a soothing soak in a bubble bath with a good book when you're too keyed up to sleep. Sure, the hours of carnal pleasure dulled the edge, but when my husband drifted off, the anxiety I first felt upon arriving returned. What is that trickle of unease I feel whenever I'm at rest?

I grab a fluffy white towel and begin to dry myself.

Could the apprehension be a trick of the mind from dodging the vicious Coraline and her lackeys all evening or is it something more? My blood starts to boil, when I think of the incident at the craps table. The audacity of the woman to think I'd wager with my husband. If we weren't surrounded by hundreds of vampires I might have been tempted to challenge the bitch, once and for all, and put an end to her jealous meddling.

I could take her in a fair fight. But who says the conniving wench would fight fair? I smirk at the vision of blowing up her head. Then again, who said I'd fight fair, either? Although, yes, I could explode her brain without exerting too much energy, but to do so would be stupid and point a big ole arrow right at the person who hates her the most-me.

Could Lucas be working with her? And what about Jonah, the lover to the second pedophilic Ancient I killed over four centuries ago? Then there was the suave Asian guy showing too much interest at the craps table. Come to think of it, I haven't seen my old lover Daniel for years, could he be here for different purpose, too?

I sigh while hanging the towel. There really are too many people here who could suspect my unique traits.

My fellow ex-enforcers think I hunted alone on the difficult cases out of my own arrogance. Reality was I trusted my secrets with no one. I've never met another manipulator and have often wondered-are they in hiding or do none exist? After slipping on a pair of shortie cotton pajamas, I go through my skin care routine and prepare for sleep.

Due to the recent blood I had from Jon before we left Alaska and my topping off from Rafe an hour ago, I'm not exactly tired. But it certainly won't hurt to lie down and turn my mind off for a little while, too. I rinse and dry my hands then turn to wander back into the adjoining suite. A rush of anxiety hits me, freezing me in my tracks.

What the hell? I felt this when I left the limo earlier tonight, but it's stronger now. I'm not the anxious type, but all of a sudden my vision tunnels and my head feels light. Holy shit! Is that a spell?

Before I have a chance to reason through the panic, a whoosh of air blows my hair forward. A hood shoves over my head, a cinch tightening it closed around my neck. Strong hands grab and pin my wrists behind my back. I jerk my arms forward while slamming my head back, hoping to bash my attacker. The harsh bite of silver stops my arms and the lash of my skull fails to land on a target.

Not to be easily taken down, I lash out with a leg, connecting with someone's midsection. An expulsion of air follows the blow and then something heavy crashes against my skull, pitching me to the cold tile.

"Bitch is quick. I'll give her that." The male voice sounds familiar, but muffled by the ringing in my head from the blow. Before I have a chance to launch myself in the direction it came from, a booted foot lands in my midsection, knocking me back to the floor.

A scuffle sounds in the next room, and for the first time in decades, my heart squeezes with real panic. How many attackers are there? Do they have Rafe subdued already?

I reach out with my mind to find I'm blocked. Well and truly blocked-the kind resulting from silver on my head. Whoever is here knows exactly what I am and what I'm capable of.

I try to slow my ragged breathing as I pick myself up from the floor, movements hindered by the silver bindings around my wrists.

"What do you want?" I ask in an even tone, keeping the rage out as best I can.

Cora's voice comes from the next room, where the smash of a lamp against the wall indicates the struggle with Rafe still thrives. "Come now, my dear. Surely you couldn't have thought you fooled us all?"

Hands grasp the hood on the side of my face as another set of hands latch onto my upper arms from behind. The hood is adjusted and Coraline's angry features appear through two eye slits in the silver-lined cloth covering. "There, that's better." She grins-her full hatred of me no longer hidden by the sheen of civility. "Wouldn't want you to miss the best part."

I'm dragged into the suite and my head is twisted to face the bed I shared with my spouse earlier. Three vampires struggle to restrain Rafe, only one I recognize-Lucas. He holds a huge knife to my husband's throat, a gleeful look on the bastard's face.

The vampire on Rafe's left looks like he lost one too many boxing matches before he was turned, his nose appears flattened and his features look rough and muted. The one on his right has stringy black hair and an almost pasty-golden hue to his skin, bespeaking of a distant Asian relative. I've never seen either one before, but they'll be dead the second I see them again.

Cora's voice grates in my ear. "You will tell us what we want to know about the other manipulators, Alexandria," she says in a singsong manner. "Or he'll be the first in a long line of deaths we lay at your feet."

Frantic to get to Rafe, I struggle against the vampire holding me. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Lucas draws the blade slowly across Rafe's flesh. A thin line of crimson runs down my lover's neck. "Try again, bitch," the vampire says, "or I'll cut your toy right through to the bone."

Rafe stares at me, our eyes lock through the slitted hood. "If you kill him, I'll tell you nothing," I say.

Held as a hostage doesn't sit well with Rafe, and he shakes his head once. I stand straighter, testing the hands holding me to see if I can break the grip when needed.

Once again, a blow to the head knocks me to my knees. Whatever they're hitting me with, it sure as hell hurts. Stars cloud my vision as I watch Rafe struggling with his captors again, desperation on his face when he sees what they hit me with. I try to look back over my shoulder, but the slits don't allow much of a view.

Coraline's heavy breathing punctuates the air, and I catch a glimpse of a thick wooden shaft with a fist-sized studded metal ball on the end. Bitch looks like she'd gladly bash my head in if I move. She raises her arm again, preparing to bring the mace crashing down.

Rafe lurches against the vampires restraining him, pulling an arm free. They scuffle for a moment and it looks like Rafe may overpower the one on his right. A low guttural growl of anger spills from my husband as he clenches the throat of the vampire. In a flash, the second man punches my husband across the jaw.

It takes all three of them to subdue him again and the tension in the room runs sky high. A bellow of frustration comes from Cora and she screams, spittle flying from her mouth in her rage. "He's not worth the trouble. Finish him!"

I whip around to see Lucas' arm slice across Rafe's neck, a fountain of blood shooting into the air. "Nooo...." rips from my throat as I lunge to my feet and barrel across the room with every ounce of strength I possess.

The heavy mace knocks me in the shoulder. A sickening crunch of bones precedes an acute shooting pain radiating out from my left side. The force of the blow propels me to the rug, where I struggle to rise. As I gain my feet, the two vampires holding my husband toss him to the wood floor where a large pool of red starts to spreads around him.

The blackness I keep so tightly leashed rages to the surface-the animal instinct to kill sprints to the forefront of my mind. I flex my arms and pull with all my might. The bonds weaken and my wrists move a few inches apart. I will get out, and I will rip them apart with my bare hands. There's still time to save Rafe if I can close his wound and give him more of my blood.

"Hit her again!" screams the same muffled male voice from the bathroom. "She's stretching the silver!"

I reach my husband's side as the mace connects with my skull, a resounding crack echoes through the room. Pain explodes through my head and wetness runs down my face inside the hood. I fall to the floor next to Rafe, watching the room fade to black. No! I scream in my mind, battling to retain consciousness. As the darkness encroaches, I lose control of my limbs.

The final words from Lucas seem to come from miles away. "Take his body and throw it out back with the rest of the trash."