It occurred to her that if she tried to leave right now, he might end up falling. The guy might be all muscle but he was seriously weak. “How are we going to do this?”

Using his good hand, he ripped what little remained of the shirt from his body and unbuttoned his jeans. “Help me get them off.”

Her first instinct was to tell him to go to hell but when she glanced at his ashen face she swallowed her words. She took her lip between her teeth, took hold of the lapels on his jeans and tugged the denim down. Clearly Zane enjoyed the freedom of commando. His thick cock rested, what seemed like, halfway down his left thigh. Even covered in congealing blood and dripping with sweat, he was a sight to behold. A warrior in every sense of the word. He cleared his throat. “I’ll let you explore me thoroughly some other time.”

Heat scorched her cheeks when she realized that she clung white knuckled to his pants, which were still half way down his thighs. Avoiding his gaze, as well as other parts of his anatomy, she dropped to her haunches and took his jeans down to his ankles. He stepped out of the fabric. Zane rocked and took a shuffling step backwards. She sprang up, just managing to catch hold of him before he fell.

“Damned poison has done a job on me.” His eyes were scrunched shut.

“I’ll help you.”

He nodded once, clearly not used to being at the mercy of another. Zane put his arm around her. Tanya glanced down at her cashmere sweater. His eyes were still closed. Damn it, she wasn’t going to ruin the garment. They shuffled to the vast cubicle and he leaned against one of the glass windows for support. Tanya took the opportunity to peel off the sweater, throwing it a safe distance away. Her jeans could handle the water, there was no way in hell she was taking those off. She turned the faucets on, squealing as freezing water hit her square in the chest. With a quick adjustment of the showerhead, she breathed a sigh of relief. Cold showers were so not her thing. When she turned to face Zane, his eyes were focused on her chest in untethered…hunger. So feral she had to stop herself from taking a step back. His cock jutted from his body. Heavy, seeking, it had her blood heating.

“Um…I thought you were on death’s door.”

“Sweetness, you’re like the water of life to a dying man. If I was just a little bit stronger I’d take you right now.” Zane swayed, having to use his hands on the glass to keep from falling. “I need you to get the water as hot as possible.”

 

****

 

Zane tried hard not to focus on her lush breasts. He’d never seen cleavage so deep. Had never wanted to bury himself into a female more than in this minute. Her nipples were tight buds against the sheer white fabric of her bra. Pink smudges on deep curves had his mouth filling with drool. His focus blurred reminding him that he was in no condition to be thinking along these lines. Pain throbbed across his shoulder shooting down his limbs like scorching heat through a flame thrower.

When the water steamed, he angled himself under the steady stream. “I need you to reopen the wound.”

She stepped into him, those hard little nipples abrading his chest. A wave of vertigo had him clutching her shoulder for support.

“How?”

“Use your fingers.”

“Oh my God. You are so going to owe me for this one.”

Zane had closed his eyes but could hear that she meant every word. He felt his lips pull into a smile. “Do not worry sweetness, I will repay you the favor tenfold.” He circled his thumb on her satiny skin.

Not for the first time since meeting her, he smelled the intoxicating scent of her arousal.

“Whatever,” she mumbled. “What should I use, how—”

“Stick your fingers into the wound …both sides.”

The female made an incredulous noise but moved to his side. A better angle to do as he had instructed. Her chest heaved against him. The smell of arousal was replaced with…fear.

“I don’t want to hurt you, Zane.”

He forced his eyes open and turned his head to face her. Large eyes that seemed to be made of melted chocolate stared back at him. For the barest second he forgot what he wanted to say. His need to fuck her was obviously affecting him.

“Do it,” he bit out harsher then he intended.

Her eyes darted from the wound on the one side of his shoulder to the one on the other. Her hands held a slight tremor. “Here goes.”

Zane bit down hard. Any more of this and he’d surely crack his molars. She pushed her little fingers deep into both wounds. White, hot pain seared through him. Just when he thought she must be done, she scissored her fingers further tearing the wound. He greatly admired her bravery. The human females that he had encountered were usually weak, timid creatures. Based on experience, she had to be flawed in some way. It was just a matter of time before this became apparent.

Feeling his hot blood pump from the gashes, he angled his shoulder so that the spray from the shower would help prevent the wounds from sealing too quickly. He could already feel some of his strength returning. Vampires healed quickly and it wasn’t long before he felt his flesh begin to knit. There was only one thing that would help him more at this point.

Blood.

Zane needed to drink. His fangs extended at the thought. The female’s delicious scent wasn’t helping things.

“Wash me.”

“No freaking way. Just who do you think I am?” Her voice came out in an angry rush, but another intoxicating burst of arousal filled the small space. His fangs throbbed and he felt his dick begin to fill. Damned if he could stop it. He didn’t like the lack of control though.

“You are my female and I need you to wash me.”

“Listen buster. I’m not your female.” Her beautiful eyes blazed as she dragged them down his body ending on a harsh gasp. She pointed at his manhood. “Stop that right now.”

“I can’t. It seems the thought of your hands on me is appealing.”

“I refuse.” She folded her arms over her chest and her eyes narrowed. His eyes dropped as her breasts were forced further together. Zane itched to touch her soft flesh. To run his hands up and down her body.

“Hey buster, my eyes are up here.”

With extreme reluctance, he lifted his gaze. Her auburn hair was plastered to her scalp, her cheeks were flushed from the heat, a look of defiance firmly in place. How had he ever thought her plain? Using his good arm, he reached behind him grabbing the soap. Her eyes stayed on his. Truth was, at this point, he could probably manage on his own but where was the fun in that. Zane had a burning need to feel her hands on him. To have her do as he requested.

 

****

 

The overly large vampire was even more attractive wet. Then again, maybe it was the fact that he was naked. Rivulets of water caressed every contour of his magnificent body. With roped muscle on every single solitary inch, ridges and valleys were plentiful. Tanya suddenly felt thirsty. She also felt like a dirty slut perving over a man just hours after she’d had amazing sex with another.

She shook her head. “I can’t. I’m sorry.” Was her voice really tinged with regret?

His eyes hardened. He reached forward and slipped a bar of soap into her hand. “I am not offering you the choice. Do it now female.” He had a deep voice. The lowest baritone she had ever heard on a man. Tanya always assumed that she would hate it if a man told her what to do. In this setting, in this moment, the command sent shivers down her spine. She had to work to keep her breathing even as her nipples hardened. Hopefully he didn’t notice. There was something she liked about it, yet she had the feeling if he used it too often it might just irritate her. Right now it titillated.

“Fine, but only because I don’t want to spend the rest of the day with a dirty, grumpy vampire.”

Something in his eyes flared and his lips twitched. She moved her hands under the spray and worked the soap into a healthy lather. The thought of touching him excited her. Tanya tried to keep her hands from shaking.

Where to start?

There was so much of him. She’d start at his back. It was safest. Tanya swallowed hard as she took in his broad back and beefy ass. Avoiding his bad shoulder, she placed her hands on his skin. He jerked at the first tentative touch. She followed the natural contours and was soon finished so she moved to his arms which were relaxed at his sides. So freaking big. So gorgeous to touch. After a deep breath, she slid her hands over his ass. Sheesh he was all hard muscle. Oh so good to squeeze. His legs were long thick steel. His chest was hair free yet so manly that her breath caught in her throat as she rubbed her hands across his pecs. Feeling his nipples harden beneath her touch. The light smattering of hairs led down from his belly button to…she avoided even looking at his very hard cock, concentrating rather on the firm ridge of muscle that led down from his hips. The ones that spoke of how well built a man was. Next she slid her hands up and down his legs, keeping her eyes away from a certain area. When she finally finished, she dropped her hands at her sides and looked up at his face. His eyes were darker than she’d ever seen, his jaw was locked in a tight line.

“You’re not done.” He glanced down at…

No freaking way in hell. Excitement coursed through her veins.

Tanya shook her head. “I couldn’t possibly,” her voice was shaky.

“You can and you will.” Deep, commanding. Everything in her tightened.

“Fine, but you had better not enjoy it.”

Instead of answering, Zane ground his teeth.

More soap. Extra lather. Tanya used one hand to palm his balls while the other wrapped around his wide girth. His cock jerked and he hissed. His cock throbbed beneath her finger as she slid up and down his length. She moved to his other ball, lightly squeezing the sensitive flesh.

“Your touch…” His voice was filled with surprise. “I have never felt such a thing before. So soft, so good.” A low growl that had her insides turning to mush.

He rocked his hips forward as she slipped back down his long length. His eyes closed and his head fell back. Tanya had planned on tugging on him a few times, on getting him horny and then leaving him, but suddenly she wanted to see him find completion. Needed it.

“Move back.”

His wild gaze landed on her.

“I said to move back.” She tugged on his cock. His mouth parted and he groaned taking a step back as she commanded. Spray hit them both. Within seconds the soap was removed from his body.

“Take a step towards me.” Another tug this time as she zoned in on his head.

Zane growled as he stepped forward, his mouth opened exposing long, scary looking fangs. Damned if they didn’t make him look sexier. Deadlier. Who was she kidding, he was a killing machine. For some ridiculous reason though, this heightened her excitement.

Here went nothing. Tanya knew she shouldn’t be doing this but dropped to her knees anyway.

“What are you…?” His words turned into a snarl as her lips closed over his head. She swirled her tongue over the tip before sucking lightly. Another snarl erupted from above her.

“Whatever it is…do not stop.” His hips rocked. His hands were fisted at his sides. She took him deeper, as far as he would go, his head hit against the back of her throat. He made the cutest little grunting noises as she pulled back. A drop of precum hit her tongue. So yummy. She swirled her tongue over his tip then circled his rim. She glanced up, dark, dangerous eyes stared back. Every muscle on his hard body was corded and ready.

It was time to kick it up a notch.

Tanya found she was enjoying this. It was a heady feeling to know that she was in full control of this warrior. In this moment he would probably agree to anything she demanded just so long as she kept sucking him off. She took one of his heavy sacs in her hand while taking his cock deep. Zane snarled. If he liked the feeling of that, then he would enjoy this even more, using a finger, she massaged the sensitive area of skin directly behind his balls and sucked his head at the same time.

“Female…” A warning, a plea? Only one way to find out. Tanya did it again. He grunted threading his fingers through her hair. His hips jerked as she took him as deep as she could.

“I’m going to…” He growled. “I’m nearly…” The hand in her hair tightened clasping her to him before he removed it fisting it at his side.

Tanya picked up speed. His body turned to stone. Zane groaned as hot cum spurted into her mouth. She struggled to swallow the copious amounts. Just when she thought he was finished another hot spurt, less this time. He growled threading both hands through her hair in a gentle caress. She slowed, easing the level of suction.

“Where did you learn to do that?”

She released him and shrugged. Her cheeks heated. She really shouldn’t have done that. “It’s a human thing I guess.”

She glanced up at him. His brow was furrowed. “I enjoyed it very much.”

“I’m sure you did.”

“I didn’t think I would like anything human.”

It was probably as close to a thank-you as she would get. They were so glaringly different. Something he seemed to highlight at every turn.  “Sure thing. How are you feeling?” She rose, feeling a bit shaky. It was his turn to steady her, which he did with a hand to her waist. Once she had regained her footing he released her. He took a slow step towards the faucet and turned off the water using his good arm. His movements were careful, deliberate.

“Still so damned weak,” he spat out the word. “If I had a little more strength, I could repay you.”

“No need really. I shouldn’t have done that anyway.” She turned to leave. Zane gripped her upper arm and turned her back to face him.

“While you are with me, you are my female. Do you understand?”

She swallowed hard and nodded not trusting her voice.

“I will take you to my bed. I will take care of your needs. Am I clear?”

She didn’t respond. How could she agree?

“Even though I enjoyed the feel of your mouth on me…” His gaze turned hungry. “I have a feeling I will prefer your tight pussy clamping down on me as you come. Your gasps of pleasure will be nectar to my ears.”

What the…

Her female bits screamed yes. Hell, her whole body practically begged for him to do it now. There was no way she could go back to Brant if she allowed Zane to make good on his threats though. She would never be able to look him in the eye. Brant, with his dimpled smile and easy way. The powerful king had left all the control in her hands. Had promised her long walks on the beach and candle lit dinners, and she couldn’t wait to do all of those things with him. To make love to him again. To feel how his powerful body would surge into hers. She had never felt the way he made her feel. Guilt rose in her. Soft fabric brushed over her skin bringing her back to reality. Zane pulled the towel more securely around her.

“We need to get dressed. My phone was destroyed in the fight. It’s a ten mile hike to the castle.” He wiped the moisture from his body in long easy strokes.

“I have a phone.”

His eyes widened. The tension eased out of his wide shoulders. “Gods be thanked. Just for the record, I would’ve made the ten miles on foot.”

Tanya shook her head and giggled. “No doubt in my mind. I’m not so sure I would’ve though.”

Zane made a choking noise which she realized was a laugh. From the sounds of things, those muscles never got worked. The slightest half smile appeared on his face. She was in so much shit. The man was a sight to behold when he was angry which seemed to be most of the time and he was utterly…beautiful when he smiled.

Just as quickly as the smile appeared, it left, his face hardening once again. “Get dressed and fetch me that phone.”

“You need to stop bossing me around and you can try and say please once in a while.”

“Female, we do not have time for niceties. I am certain that the elf king will send more males as soon as those do not return.” He gestured to where the fallen pixie…elf lay. “I may not be able to fight them off this time.”

“Oh shit. Why were they after us…me anyway?”

“With you gone, there won’t be any more vampire heirs. Long term, our people would end up destroyed. There is no love between the different species. Enough talk, get that phone.” Taking slow deliberate steps, he walked to where she had left her bag.

Tanya handed him the device.

Zane pushed a few buttons, holding the cell phone to his ear. “Female, fetch me clothes from the closet next to my bed.” His eyes looked in the direction of the loft.

“Please.” She added as she moved towards the stairs. He grunted something unintelligible.

Zane barked orders at someone on the other end of the line. Tanya finally gave up on trying to find any underwear, she settled on black jeans, a grey t-shirt, boots and socks. As an afterthought, she grabbed the leather jacket that was on the bed.

Zane stood at the bottom of the stairs, in a wide stance, naked as the day he was born and seemingly quite comfortable. She handed him the garments and he nodded in…thanks? “The guys will be here in five so best you”—his gaze moved across her skin—“get dressed.” Using his good arm, he stepped into his jeans. Tanya rummaged in her bag pulling out a fresh pair of jeans and a light blue top.

“I would prefer it if you wore something else.”

She choked, “Excuse me?”

“I like the look and feel of your skin. Make sure that you keep certain parts covered or I will be forced to beat my men when they look at you.”

She looked down and felt heat rise in her face. Her nipples protruded from the thin cotton. She may as well have been completely topless.

“What I don’t understand is why you insist on wearing such manly clothes? Even that first day in the square…”

“Jeans are hardly manly.” She was secretly thrilled that he liked the way she looked and couldn’t believe he actually remembered her from that day. The only other thing she had with her besides her pajamas was a yellow dress that tied at the back of her neck. The only problem was that she didn’t have a strapless bra. In hind sight she didn’t know why she brought the thing in the first place. She stuffed it back in the bag.

“Wear it,” a low vibrating growl. Goose flesh rose on her arms and her first impulse was to obey him.

“I can’t. I don’t have the correct underwear.”

“You will not be needing underwear.”

A thrilling spark of awareness coursed through her.  Why did she have to keep reminding herself of Brant? His warm smile. Great hands. Tanya felt like groaning in frustration.

“Your men will have an eyeful if I go braless.”

His dark eyes narrowed. “They wouldn’t dare look since it would be the last thing they ever got to see. Put on the dress.”

“Fine.” She ground her teeth. She would do as he said but he was not going to get into her panties. There would be no sex. “I am going to wear panties.”

“No underwear.”

“Why not?” She placed her hands on her hips.

“Covering up like that isn’t natural. It would please me if I knew your pussy was naked and waiting for my attention.”

Much to her annoyance, Tanya made a strangled sound. That did it. She was going to wear undies whether he liked it or not. Aside from Brant, there was another reason why sex with Zane would be a bad idea yet she couldn’t seem to remember why right now. “Face the other way.” Damn, her voice was breathy.

He grinned. Zane was unbelievably attractive when he smiled. So much so, she decided right there and then that she would do everything in her power to keep him scowling.

He shook his head. “Are you shy sweetness?”

“Yes, I am.” No use lying.

“No need. You are my female. Very soon there will be no inch of your skin that I have not tasted.”

Tanya coughed trying to dislodge the lump of sheer desire that had lodged itself in her throat. “Um…” She licked her lips. “It’s a human thing. Please humor me, Zane.”

“Mmmmm,” another deep rumble. “I think I could grow to like the sound of my name on your lips.”

Heat swept through her. Zane turned, he had only just pulled the jeans over his hips and seemed for the moment to be focused on fumbling with the catches on his pants.

Quicker than she thought possible, she pulled off her own soaked jeans and bra. She pulled the dress over her head leaning forward so that her hair would be out of the way to tie the neck straps of the dress. There was a bit of a built-in bra that helped keep everything together, but one hint of a breeze or any more sex talk from Zane and her nipples would be all over the place. She shrugged to herself. Nothing much she could do about that. Tanya risked a quick glance at the vampire king. He was still struggling one handed with his jeans. Tanya pulled off the wet panties, replacing them with a new pair. Full cotton briefs damn him. What the vampire bully didn’t know wouldn’t kill him.

She finished getting dressed, still feeling irritated at him for making her go braless. “Oh for goodness sakes turn around and let me help you.”

He sighed, turning slowly. A look of sheer frustration marred his features. The look soon turned heated as his gaze drifted over her. “Much better. Don’t ever wear underwear around me again.” 

Things were quickly moving in the wrong direction. “Did you say you had a first aid kit?” She decided to try and move the conversation to something else.

“No time.”

“There’s always—” Her sentence was cut short with the sound of a vehicle pulling up.

“My men.” He sat on the sofa. “Help me with my boots.”

“Please.” She paused a few seconds waiting in vain for a bit of politeness that wasn’t forthcoming.

Tanya suppressed a sigh and pulled his socks and boots on and had just done up the clasps when footfalls sounded on the outside deck.

She turned in time to watch four big vampires enter the cabin.

“Piece of shit elves.” The first one to enter spoke saying the word like a curse.

Zane looked her in the eye then gestured to his t-shirt lying beside him on the sofa. His eyes softened for the barest second. This time she did sigh as she picked up the garment holding it out for him.

“They were after our chosen female. Tried to assassinate her. Lance, I need you to let Brant know about the attempt. The human needs round the clock protection. I’m not sure I can trust him and his puny brother to protect her. Their whole coven are like a bunch of pussies.”

“Stop that.” She swatted him on the side of his good arm. “What did I tell you about speaking badly of those who can’t defend themselves?” Tanya stood moving away a few feet.

Zane managed to look sheepish for half a second before frowning at her. “Just calling a spade a spade. Now get your delectable ass over here and help me up before I spank you.”

“You wouldn’t dare.”

A ridiculously sexy smile slid into place, one that dared her to defy him.

“You’re lucky you’re hurt or I’d so tell you to go to hell.”

Zane’s eyes darkened. “I’m disappointed.” He held out his hand, which she clasped. His gaze stayed on her cleavage the whole time she helped him up. “Mmmm…” He whispered in her ear as soon as he made it to his feet, “I like the dress.”

“Lance.” The big head guard immediately came to attention. “Have Charlotte meet us when we arrive. I want her to measure my female so that she can have more of such items of clothing.”

“I must say my lord…that dress does enhance…” His eyes had dipped to her boobs. Tanya felt like putting a hand across her chest. She could just imagine how she must look.

“What does it enhance?” Zane interrupted, his eyes blazing. “Are you checking out my female?”

Lance looked down, eyes solidly at the floor. “I would never dream of it my lord. I will let Charlotte know.”

“Good. Let me make something very clear. This human might look good, and I know that she smells amazing. Let me catch one of you with even half a finger even crooked in her direction and I will take the whole damn arm. Do I make myself clear?”

A series of mumbles and nods of agreement rose from the men. All hardened warriors in their own right.

“Griffin and Ross, you stay and clean up. I want them on spikes. Ten feet high. We need to send King Katar a little message.” Using his good arm, he pulled her towards him. He was so tense it felt like his body had been carved out of granite.

“Spikes as in?”

“Do not concern yourself female, but know that I will do whatever it takes to keep you safe.” 

Unfortunately she could guess. Dead bodies and spikes. The elf king would get his message alright. She was just glad she wasn’t Griffin or Ross at the moment.