In bed, Sam tossed and turned. She couldn’t seem to catch her breath one minute, then the next she was unbearably thirsty and hot. She tossed her covers off, then put them back on, then kicked them completely off the bed in frustration. Sitting up, she ran a frustrated hand through her hair.

Something wasn’t right. She could feel it in her gut, but she couldn’t identify what it was. Worry for her vampires filled her, but she had no idea why. Getting up, she paced over to the window to look out the window. When she didn’t see anything, she started walking towards the door. She was nearly there when someone knocked on it.

“That’s not weird at all,” she murmured sarcastically. She had started to move towards the door because she had sensed that someone was approaching it. It was another beloved gift she was going to have to get used to. In just the two weeks since she had moved in with the vampires, she had developed a stronger sense of smell, sight, and hearing.

Opening the door, she was surprised to find that it was Sulma. He was leaning against her doorway, wearing nothing but a pair of black jeans slung low on his hips. His silver hair fell over his black eyes, giving him a slightly tortured look.

“Um, hi,” she greeted, her voice soft. Her gaze travelled slowly over his muscled torso, up to his onyx eyes. “You can’t sleep either?” She asked.

“I could feel your restlessness. I wanted to make sure everything was all right.”

Sam opened the door wider and welcomed him in. He took a seat on her bed, and she followed. In the soft light of the bedside lamp, he looked older somehow, more mature.

“You could feel that?” She asked, intrigued. When he nodded, she asked what else he could feel. He smiled out of the corner of his mouth.

“Many, many things,” he told her before growing serious again. “Which is why I’m here. What’s wrong?” He asked.

She sighed, rubbing the back of her neck as she did so.

“I don’t know. Truly, I don’t. I was nearly asleep actually, when suddenly I felt anxious, and heavy. I couldn’t breathe and I got really hot.” She looked up at Sulma. “Do you have any idea why?”

He shrugged. “It could be a number of things your body is adjusting to,” he told her. “We’re all going through similar issues. Give yourself time, you’ll be able to understand what your body is telling you soon enough.”

Sam nodded, and relaxed, feeling better just by being in Sulma’s presence. It was never far from her mind that this was new for them just as it was for her. After Aruum had explained what it felt like to have one’s emotions reawakened, she had tried to picture what it would feel like, and came up with nothing good.

“I’m sorry I’m putting you through this,” she apologized.

Sulma looked confused, and reached over to hold her hand.

“And pray, what is it you’re apologizing for, little one?”

She tried to ignore the blush in her cheeks. It was a nickname they had all started to throw around, and she actually really enjoyed it. She cleared her throat, trying to answer the question.

“Well, I know that you wouldn’t be dealing with the resurfacing of all of these old emotions and I understand now how overwhelming it can be, and I just-”

Sulma put a finger to her lips, stopping her from apologizing any further.

“This is not your fault, Sam,” he told her, his eyes baring the truth. “Nor is it ours. This is destiny. A divine intervention. Fate. Whatever you want to call it, the events that brought us together were out of our hands.”

Sam looked at him, stunned. “You really believe that?”

He nodded. “You don’t get to live as long as I have and not get to see some crazy stuff happening. Don’t get me wrong there are things that can be controlled, but there are also things that can’t.”

He reached up, gently lifting her chin up until her eyes were looking into his.

“You were brought to us because you were meant to be with us Sam, and no one holds that against you.”

A newfound sense of acceptance washed through her unlike any other before. She mouthed the words ‘thank you,’ and he nodded his head once with a smile. After a small moment of silence, she decided to ask another question.

“So, I feel as if earlier you were hinting that you can feel everything I’m feeling. Does that include physical urges?” She asked, trying to lighten the conversation

“More or less,” he chuckled. “Sometimes when you’re really emotional I can also see colors, but I’m not sure if the others can do that.”

When she asked for more detail, he spoke again. “Well when you’re feeling normal, I just feel your presence. No color or emotional tag. But when something heightens your emotions, like when you came back after your nightmare, I could feel your pain and see red.”

“I see,” Sam said, genuinely understanding. “So if I got upset about something small, like spilling a drink or tripping over a carpet, you wouldn’t feel anything different. But if I was stressed about something and couldn’t let it go, you’d start looking for me to see if I was okay?”

“Quite accurate,” Sulma agreed. He studied her, trying to figure out the expressions on her face.

“How does that make you feel?” He asked.

Sam let out a small laugh. “Actually kind of nice. I’m not used to being protected like that. I’ve always had to do things on my own. Maybe it’ll be nice to have people who want the best for me.”

Sulma reached out and place a hand on her knee, giving her a sincere smile. “We really do, Sam,” he admitted. “I’m glad you’re seeing the positives of what you are. There really are a lot of them.”

She nodded, then took a deep breath before saying what she’d been wanting to say.

“You must feel tortured all the time,” she told him. “I can’t stop thinking about sex, or craving it. It’s driving me crazy! Every time I feel like I’m ready to talk to you all and get to know you more, I get blindsided by these extremely carnal thoughts.” She blushed as she admitted it.

Sam watched as Sulma’s eyes took on a golden glow when she said the word ‘carnal.’ It aroused her to see him react so easily. There was apparent want in his eyes, and it was all for her.

“Thank you for teaching me about all of this,” she whispered, suddenly feeling very vulnerable. “It makes me feel a lot better.”

Sulma cleared his throat as he positioned himself a little closer to her.

“It’s been my pleasure,” he told her, his voice deepening. “We all just want you to feel comfortable and safe with all of this. The uh, other components you spoke of though, those might be a little more difficult to get used to, however.”

Sam’s tongue darted out over her bottom lip before she drew it into her mouth and began to nibble on it. Arousal was spreading through her veins like wildfire, making her feel bold. She was ready to push past her old fashioned barrier of waiting to get to know someone better and open herself up to Sulma in ways she’d never been opened before.

“Tell me about these other components,” she urged, her voice raspy with arousal.

A strangled sound left Sulma’s throat before his arms shot out and pulled Sam into his lap. She went willingly, her long, shapely legs unfolding only so that they could wrap around his waist as he pressed her as tightly up against as he possibly could. His hand went up to the base of her skull, cradling her gently while he pulled her in for a kiss.

“Fuck,” he groaned, nuzzling her face with his. “You feel so good.”

Her only response was a nod and moan before he kissed her deeply, sliding his tongue between her lips to taste her. She opened for him immediately, relishing in the way his tongue slid against hers to lead her in an erotic dance. Behind closed eyes, Sam watched brightly colored fireworks shoot in every direction and, just like she felt with Aruum, a new sense of belonging slid into her heart. When he broke their kiss, she immediately felt bereft, and opened her eyes.

“What’s wrong?” She asked, seeing the pained expression on his face.

He looked at her apologetically. “I’m sorry. It’s the pendant.”

“I thought that only my blood could hurt you?” She asked.

“It’s the silver,” he explained. Anything silver is poisonous to vampires. Here, look.”

She followed his gaze, and looked down to see several small burn marks on Sulma’s chest. They were already starting to heal, but that didn’t make her feel any less guilty about it. She realized then that they had been pressed so close together that anytime she moved, the pendant would burn him all over again.

Sliding off his lap, she unhooked it with trembling hands and sat it safely on the bedside table. After she came back over, she pressed her hands into Sulma’s shoulders until he began to lean back.

“What are you doing?” He asked, looking both excited and concerned. In answer, Sam straddled his lap, and lowered herself down until her lips were a mere centimeter away from his exposed chest. She placed a tiny kiss there, and relished in watching him shiver.

“I don’t like that I’ve hurt you,” she murmured, flicking her tongue once more over one of his marks. Slowly, she began to kiss each and every mark her necklace had left on him, letting her lips caress the wounds sensually as they continued to heal and disappear. By the time she was done with the marks however, she only wanted more of him. Reveling in the taste and feel of him, her gentle kisses continued, sliding down his chest down to his abdomen. There she tasted every single muscle, letting her teeth scrape and tease until she was finally ready to move downward towards his pelvis.

Willing to let her take the lead, Sulma did his best to stay still as she continued her sweet torture. He had wanted her the moment he’d spotted her on campus, and after weeks of dealing with sexual need and frustration, he was beyond happy to have her in any way she wanted him.

Excitement flooded Sam as she made her way down, leaving a burning trail of erotic pleasure as she went. When she reached his trousers, his erection was evident. His large shaft pressed tightly against the soft fabric, begging to be released.

She reached for the zipper, and she was immediately moved back. In an instant she was no longer on top of Sulma, but Sulma was on top of her. His pelvis had found its way between hers, his hips tilted so that she could feel the full length of him against the apex of her legs. She shivered in excitement.

“If you need me to stop, you must tell me now,” Sulma warned, his voice thick with need. “I can only hold on to chivalry for about ten more seconds before I rip your clothes and pleasure you until you’re unconscious.”

Hungry like she had never been before, Sam wrapped her fingers in his silver locks and pulled his lips down to hers.

“I don’t want you stop,” she moaned, kissing him again. His hands made quick work of her clothes, tearing them from her body as if they were nothing but tissue paper.

“I’ll buy you more,” he promised, pulling them out from under her. When she was completely naked, he stopped for a moment to admire her body. His eyes travelled down her face, over her curves and limbs, taking in every part of her.

Sam wiggled beneath him, loving being admired, but hating not being touched. She knew now she was ready, not just for Sulma, but for all of them.

“Fuck you’re beautiful,” he cursed before reigniting their kiss.

As he seduced her with his lips, his body slid provocatively atop hers, moving in a frustratingly slow fashion. His hips, dominating and skilled, ground against hers as his hands travelled down from Sam’s neck to her nipples. She gasped and lifted her chest when he began to tease them. His skilled fingers squeezed and teased her as his lips moved from hers down to her neck.

“I haven’t felt like this in centuries,” Sulma told her, his voice dripping with sex. “I hope you don’t mind that I take my time.”

Sam could only nod and whimper in response as his head moved down to her breasts, where his fingers were soon replaced with his mouth. Sulma stayed there for a long time, moving at his own pace with his lips and tongue while his hands stroked and massaged every other part of her body. At first, it was heaven. Every part of her tingled in pleasure as he awakened a satisfaction in her she never knew could be achieved.

Then, as his hands continued to travel closer to the apex of her legs, she felt the pressure increase almost uncomfortably. Her body was moving on its own now, gyrating beneath Sulma’s sensual ministrations. She felt the need for a release with every teasing stroke of his hand, and soon she was bucking her hips against his hand, practically begging him to touch her there.

His name burst through Sam’s lips when he finally slipped his pointer finger between the delicate folds of her flower. She was so wet for him that when he did so, she felt her hot sex clamp down on him and begin to move. The lack of self control made Sulma groan.

“You are so ready for me,” he moaned, his head leaving her breasts to travel down her abdomen. His kisses moved further, trailing down over her hips and pelvis until his lips were poised directly above her mons. He blew a soft breath across her trembling center, sending a whole new wave of feeling. He groaned once more as he watched her tremble, and sank his tongue between her lips alongside his finger.

Sam screamed and lifted her back off the bed as the new and overwhelming sensations of pleasure coursed through her body. Cunnilingus was something she had never experienced before, and as Sulma continued to feast on her, she understood then why so many books were written on the subject.

Even though it had been centuries, Sulma knew exactly how to taste her, as if he’d simply been waiting for her all of this time. Within minutes she was gasping and trembling as her orgasm welled inside her and flooded her senses. He groaned in approval as he tasted her come on his lips, and despite her trying to move her hips away from his hungry mouth he held her still and continued his sweet torture until a second rippled through her, threatening to take her sanity.

“Please,” she gasped, digging her nails into his arms as she pulled him up to her. Sam was quite sure she would die from the pleasure if he gave her a third, and on top of that she was tired of waiting. She needed to know what he felt like.

“Say it,” he told her, his eyes glowing with need as he looked down at her. “Tell me what you need.” He slipped his finger inside her again and she gasped.

“You! I want you,” she moaned.

It was what Sulma needed to hear, and in one swift motion he retracted his finger from her and thrust himself inside, filling her to the hilt in one swift motion. He growled as he gathered her in his arms, holding her to him as she adjusted to his size.

Tears pricked at Sam’s eyes as he first slid into her. His length and girth were much larger than she was used to. However, he had made sure she had been as ready as she could have been, and as he slowly began to move his hips, the pain subsided and pleasure quickly took its place.

Amaa pushed the back door open, calling for help as he brought a severely weakened Taas through the house and to the enclosed garden with the fountain. Within minutes Aruum, Sulma, and Sam all came running into the room. Amaa was just putting Taas on the table, when they arrived, all of them looking concerned for their coven member.

“What happened?” Sam asked, pushing her way through Sulma and Aruum. She had come down wearing a simple thin, white night gown that fell well above her knees. Her red hair looked wild and curly, showing obvious signs of a good tumble. But she didn’t care, even when everyone, including Taas, stopped to stare at her. It was as if they could tell what she had been up to, but after her love making session with Sulma, she no longer felt embarrassed or confused about her sexual needs.

“Well?” She asked again, looking from Amaa to Taas. “What happened?

“They were attacking a sorority house,” Amaa explained, his tone bitter. “In our territory. Belal is leading them, the evil bastard.” His hands shook as they clenched into fist. “I should have killed him.” His eyes took on a fierce glow as his lips snarled back from his extended fangs.

“They know we’ve found a beloved,” he added, his gaze passing quickly over Sam. “They’re going to try to take her.”

As Sulma, Amaa, and Aruum began to argue about what they should do next, Sam moved back to Taas. He was pale and shaking, but his attitude was surprisingly upbeat.

“I see you’re not wearing your pendant,” Taas pointed out, his grin wicked. “And you smell of Sulma. I’m assuming you’re feeling more comfortable with us.”

No longer confused or concerned about her destiny, Sam laughed softly, and put a soothing hand on his chest. She could feel a familiar heat rising from him, and she realized something.

“So you’re why I woke up feeling anxious earlier,” she said, ignoring his curtness. “I think I understand now. When you’re hurt I can feel you, just like you can feel me.” She laid a kiss on his forehead and smiled down at him. “I don’t know how I’m supposed to help yet but I promise I will.”

Sam closed her eyes, placed both hands on his body, and waited. She gasped when she began to see the inside of Taas and all of the damaged he had done. “What did you do to yourself?” She asked, opening her eyes. “Your insides are burning.”

Taas looked at her bewildered as Amaa quickly explained that he had developed a new gift since she’d come into their lives.

“It was so badass,” Amaa said, nudging Taas’s shoulder. “He threw Bloodfyre at all of them.”

“Bloodfyre?” Sam asked, her mouth gaping.

“I feel pretty awesome about it,” Taas admitted before wincing once more in pain.

Sam immediately closed her eyes again and began to find her way. The damage was much more intense than she had originally anticipated. Taas’s gift was new, shaky. Because of that he had overused it easily, and it had backfired during the final blast. When the flames went backwards however, they didn’t ignite the outside of his body, but in. Trapped inside the skin of an immortal, the flames were eating away slowly at Taas’s organs, burning part of them to a solid crisp while the other parts rejuvenated and fought the flames. It looked horribly painful, but she could feel her power was flowing into him now, and it was extinguishing the flames.

Her consciousness stayed inside of Taas, working over every injured part of him until every single flame and cinder was extinguished. When she finally opened her eyes, the lights seemed too bright and the air seemed too cold. She swayed on her feet, reaching out to the table for balance. She was met with Taas’s hands instead, and in one swift motion he pulled her off of her feet and onto the table with him.

“Easy, love,” Taas murmured, cradling her in his arms. “I’ve got you.”

Around them the others had stopped arguing about what action to take next. They were all now standing by the table, looking over their healed brother and beloved.

“Thank you,” he told her, stroking her hair back from her face. “I feel much better now.”

Sam smiled at him softly. “I’m not done yet.”

She pulled herself up to a seated position, gathered her hair over one shoulder, and tilted her head to expose her neck.

“Drink,” she told him, “this will finish the healing process.”

Taas and the others all looked at her in bewilderment as she made the request. They were excited that she was becoming more comfortable with their connection, but they never thought once that she was ready to be drank from yet.

“Are you sure?” He asked, his eyes full of hunger. Between his lips, his fangs were already growing longer.

“Absolutely,” she assured him, reaching for his hand. In many of the books she’d read she discovered that sealing a healing session with her blood was the best way to guarantee full recovery from an otherwise mortal injury. At first she had been apprehensive about the idea, but now that the time had come, she was more than okay with it.

“Drink,” she urged again.

Taas pulled her gently into his arms, stroking her exposed neck and shoulders delicately, making sure her silken strands of hair were tamed and away. He kissed her forehead, then her nose, then lips. Moving lower, he kissed the vein that beat in her neck, scraping his teeth gently against it as he did so.

When he bit down, Sam gasped in both pleasure and pain and he held her even tighter. Taas groaned as her blood spilled into his mouth and travelled down his throat, healing his organs until they were fully restored once more. She tasted of cinnamon and honey, driving his taste buds wild.

Still, he only took what he needed. When he felt that he was healed fully, he retracted his fangs and slid his tongue slowly over her wound, healing it almost immediately.

“Thank you,” he sighed, feeling like himself once more. He kissed her once more before pulling her back into his arms.

“How do you feel?” Aruum asked Sam. They were all looking at her with concern, and she smiled at them wearily.

“Tired,” she admitted, “but at peace.” She turned to Taas.

“Thank you for not making it painful.”

“Never,” he promised, shaking his head. The others quickly agreed.

“It actually worked,” Amaa whispered in awe. “Well there’s no denying now, she’s definitely a beloved.”

“I definitely am,” Sam agreed, reaching for him. “I know it probably sounds crazy, but it wasn’t until I gave into my urges that I finally felt everything. I know what I am, without a shadow of a doubt now.” She paused, then added, “It’s like…like I was asleep all of this time, and now I’m finally awake.”

“Removing the pendant helped greatly as well,” Sulma pointed out. She agreed.

“I don’t want to wear it anymore,” she confessed. “As long as I’m around you guys.”

“You should put it in a safe place for keeping,” Sulma warned. “In the event that you’re in danger and we can’t reach you right away, it will protect you.”

Sam promised she would, then Aruum moved closer to the table, smiling.

“Congratulations on your awakening, little one,” he told her, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “I’m sure you are feeling pretty weak right about now, yes?”

She nodded.

“That’s what I thought,” he replied, moving over to the armoire to retrieve a goblet.

“Like I told you earlier, beloveds are meant to heal vampires, but a beloved’s vampires have the power to heal them too.” He bit into his wrist and let a few droplets of his blood fall in before passing it to Taas. One by one they added their droplets of blood until everyone had done so. Aruum passed it under one of the fountain spouts for some of the healing water and swirled it around before handing it to Sam. For a moment, she simply stared down at it.

“What does it taste like?” She asked.

The four of them erupted into chuckles.

“Not as bad as you may think,” Taas promised.

“Just take it like a shot,” Aruum offered.

Taking his advice, Sam leaned her head back and drank the blood in one swift gulp. The moment it touched her tongue she felt its healing properties spread through her, restoring her strength completely.

“What do you think?” Amaa asked.

“Not bad,” she replied, licking the rim of the cup. “Much more effective than caffeine.”

The guys erupted in laughter, and as a unit they all moved back into the house. For the next several hours they lounged in the great room. Taas and Amaa gave a more in-depth report about what happened at the sorority house, and Aruum shared his latest breakthrough of the fungi.

As Sam watched them, she realized that there was no real leader of their group. Although Sulma was the oldest and the strongest, he allowed all of the others to come to him as an equal and they seemed to make decisions together. She felt love well up inside of her for all of them. This was her family, her men. She had been worried about jealousy before, but Amaa had been correct when he told her that the Beloved Bond dissolved any feels of jealousy or contempt.

Even though she wasn’t completely aware of their situation, Sam stayed up to listen to them talk. Their voices filled her with comfort, and as she rested her head in Taas’s lap, she realized their words had terrified her.