8 comments/ 12551 views/ 3 favorites Beloved Ch. 03 By: jess20319 Jasmine thought about the dream as she quickly dried herself and climbed in to the large bed. Her body felt every moment of the dream as she recalled it. Her heart ached at the thought of what she had to do now. She made up her mind to leave as soon as she could. She could not allow herself to think she had a future with Raife after everything she had been through. Leaving would be so much easier than being rejected. Raife rose shortly after dusk to meet with Alice. He needed to know her feelings about the woman in his spare bedroom. "Did she feed?" He asked when Alice joined him. "Yes. Seamus was very happy to volunteer." She said with a slight smile. "I informed her of how to do so without causing pain. Hopefully, she will be able to hunt for herself once she gains some confidence in herself." "Thank you, I hadn't even thought to talk with her about that particular aspect of her abilities. I'm going to the library to write the report to be sent to the elders. Get me when Dominic arrives." He dismissed her and walked down to the library. Dominic was his closest friend, and his lieutenant. Their group was one of several that worked for the elders, capturing rogues, and any others who broke vampiric law or risked exposure to the human world. He needed Dom to arrive and fill him in on Thomas' capture or the possibility that he had to be killed. Raife couldn't concentrate on the report as his mind kept wandering back to the dream. As he replayed it in his mind he felt his body responding. He was almost tempted to go find Jasmine and have a talk with her, but he did not want her to feel he was pushing anything at her. And the way he felt at the moment he would be hard pressed to keep his hands to himself. Luckily the decision was taken away from him as he heard a knock on the door. "Come in." The door swung open slowly and in walked the object of his fantasies. His cock responded immediately to her nearness. He could even smell her all the way across the large room. She looked better tonight than she had. The bath and feeding had done wonders for her. Her eyes seemed to sparkle in the candlelight. Her body was outlined in one of the simple dresses he had stocked in her room. Her flaming red hair hung loosely down her back falling to just above her round hips. "I was wondering if we could talk for a few moments." She said in a voice barely above a whisper. Her hands folded in front of her and her eyes downcast. "Of course, what do you need?" Raife had to force his eyes away from her breasts, as the dress fit tightly enough there that they threatened to spill over the top. "I was just wondering what happened last night. Who was Thomas? Why me? Is he dead?" She stuttered and stumbled through her questions, never once looking up at Raife. "Well, in order, last night my team and I rescued you. Thomas is a rogue. He goes about causing all manner of trouble for the vampire world. He continuously causes threats to our way of life. I don't know why he chose you, but the way he works, you were probably just in the wrong place at the wrong time. And don't even start blaming yourself, that's not what I mean. It could easily have been another girl in another place." "All that matters is that you are safe now and can become familiar with what you have become and the abilities you now possess." She only stared at the floor as she listened. Jasmine was terrified of what he didn't say. Raife had said nothing about whether that bastard was dead or not. If he was still alive, that was just one more reason for her to get as far from here as possible. After a few moments of silence from her, Raife spoke again. "I think you should probably feed again. After the first few months you should be able to survive only feeding once or twice a week. Alice told me you did very well last night with Seamus. You are learning quickly, little one." "Thank you for rescuing me, and allowing me to stay here for now." Jasmine replied, finally lifting her eyes to meet his. Those red specks in that beautiful field of emerald green shocked him back to that wonderful dream. He felt his cock twitch and begin to leak as she looked at him. "I'll send a volunteer to your room in a bit. I have a meeting to deal with first." His voice was a gruff whisper, filled with lust. He wasn't going to be able to keep his hands from her for too much longer. Thanking him again she turned and left, closing the door softly behind her. Her thoughts were mangled, running circles around her head. His scent had hit her as soon as she opened the door. Immediately her mind had jumped right back into the dream. She had suddenly yearned to touch him, kiss him, and do all the other things from her dream. But she also knew that was a bad idea if she was going to follow through with her plan. Seeing Alice on the stairs coming toward her she decided to do something constructive with her evening. She asked Alice for cloth, needle and thread, then went to her room and chose a book from the shelves to read while waiting. Shortly, there was a knock on the door and in walked a younger woman. Light blonde hair hung just past her shoulders and she carried a large basket. "Here are the things you requested. Oh and I'm Isleen. Lord Raife asked for a volunteer for you and I'm it." She smiled brightly and seemed completely unafraid. Jasmine stood and walked over to her. She was becoming accustomed to the needs of her new body and overcoming the fear of doing what she must to survive. As her teeth slid into the flesh of the young girl's neck her mind jumped to the memory of Raife biting into her. She couldn't pull away from the thought as she drank. Her body grew warm and tingly as she sated her thirst. She felt herself becoming aroused at the thought of Raife's bite. A small moan broke her reverie, and she realized she was on the verge of drinking too much. Stopping herself, she closed the wounds and stepped away. "Thank you, ma'am." Isleen said as she slowly turned and walked out of the room. Jasmine sat in the chair and began her work, wondering what she had done to the girl. That memory had been very real. Not quite the remembering of a dream. As she thought about it more she realized that in her dream, Raife had been inside her when he bit. Just now, with this memory she didn't recall any penetration, just the bite. Contemplating this information, she began to fashion a few tunics and a matching number of trousers. She couldn't run very well in a dress. After the clothes were finished, she used the rest of the cloth to fashion a bag, just large enough to fit the clothing in. It was still a few hours till dawn when she finished. She hid the bag under the mattress of the bed and hung the clothes in the wardrobe. Raife was sitting at his desk wondering about the effect this woman was having on him. His head was spinning from her scent and the sight of her breasts almost spilling out of her bodice. He needed a few moments alone to remedy the situation in his trousers. As soon as he decided to do just that a knock on the door caused him to curse. "Yes!" He called, clearly frustrated. Alice opened the door and ushered Dominic and Cian into the room. Raife looked across the room at the two vampires who had become his highest ranking officers, and somehow also his friends. Dominic stood tall and broad with black hair hanging just past his shoulders, and amber eyes that demanded respect. Cian was a few inches shorter and nowhere near as broad, but no less intimidating. His white blonde hair was cut short, only a few inches long, and his sapphire eyes belied the strength held in the smallish form. "Please tell me you had to kill the creep." Raife said to both of them. He watched as the usually fear instilling vampires glance fearfully at each other and then the floor. "One of you needs to tell me what happened. Now! I am not in a mood for games." Raife said, now worried about what these two were clearly afraid to tell him. "Well, we found out some new intel we didn't have before. Apparently Thomas is one of the few vampires with the ability to transform." Cian said and then looked to Dominic to finish. "We followed him to the end of the tunnel and just as we were coming out above ground, we saw him. He changed. He took the form of a bat and flew away." Dominic finished quickly and tensed waiting for a response from their leader. Raife listened intently as the story was told, his anger barely held under the surface. He thought for only a moment before issuing orders, keeping in mind the fragility of the woman in his care. "Okay. So the son of a bitch escaped. We'll deal with it. You two get your things, you'll be moving in here to help protect Jasmine. First get in touch with the rest of the group. Split them up and have them scour the surrounding areas for him. We have to find him." Raife was shaking with anger at the thought of that monster on the loose. "Why do we have to stay here? I don't think he'll be coming after her." Cian spoke softly, noting the emotional turmoil of his leader. "We took his new toy. For some reason he decided to change her. Normally he just kidnaps, rapes, feeds from and kills his victims. Jasmine, for some unknown reason, was different for him. Now go split the teams and get back here quickly. I have to check on our guest." He said to his men, as he tried to decide whether or not to inform Jasmine of this new development. An hour later he was walking up the stairs to Jasmine's room to tell her the news about Thomas still being alive. As he turned down the corridor leading to her room he began to scent her. The lavender bath soap was strongest, but just underneath was the unique scent of her and his cock jumped again at the smell. Raife thought to himself that he really needed to find a few moments alone to remedy the situation yet again arising in his trousers. As long as she was in his home he was going to need a lot of time to himself. True, he had several servants in his home very willing and able to share his bed. Yet, he had no interest in them in that role. All he could think about recently was Jasmine and her soft flesh rubbing sensually against him. Shaking his head to clear away the steamy thoughts, he strode to the door of her room. He knocked and waited for her to allow him entrance. After a few moments with no response, he knocked again. Beginning to get agitated and more than a little worried, he knocked once more, waited only a scant moment then threw the door wide and strode inside. Looking around he saw the dress Jasmine was wearing earlier thrown across the arm chair by the fire. But the woman was nowhere in sight. Turning quickly, he ran from the room down the corridor's calling her name and opening every door along the way. Raife's mind whirled with the possibilities of what had happened to her, He knew she could have very well just gone for a stroll around the castle, but his mind continued to jump at the thought that Thomas had somehow gotten into his home without being noticed and taken the girl again. Not knowing how long she had been out of her room, he continued to race through the castle searching, the fear that she was gone again building with every second. Every door he opened that she wasn't behind had his heart wrenching in his chest. As he ran he realized something that had him skidding to a halt at the bottom of the stairs. Raife loved her. He had only known the woman one day but somehow he had fallen completely and irrevocably in love with her. He thought back on the dream and came to the conclusion that he didn't want her just to warm his bed for a few nights. He wanted her to share his bed for the rest of their long eternity. He wanted to make her his, forever. Wishing he had more time to contemplate this epiphany, Raife started up the stairs to finish searching the castle and find Jasmine. Turning the corner at the top he ran right into Isleen, knocking her to the floor. "Where is she? Where is Jasmine?" Raife nearly screamed at the poor girl. "She came into the kitchen while I was getting things ready for breakfast and asked if we had any gardens here. I sent her to the courtyard outside the kitchen. I haven't seen her since my lord." The girl responded very close to tears, the fear in her eyes plain for Raife to see. He mentally reminded himself to apologize to her later, after he found Jasmine. She hadn't been a vampire long enough for her internal clock to reset and allow her to feel when the sun has too close to the horizon. He had to get her inside if Thomas hadn't already gotten to her. Raife ran out the door to the kitchen garden as his mind wandered for a moment to the possibility that he was too late. If Thomas got his slimy hands on Jasmine again Raife was going to rip him apart. He growled deep in his throat as he exited into the garden and again skidded to a halt on the cobbled walkway. Jasmine was standing by the small fountain, half hidden by the rose bushes that were growing around it. She was turned slightly away from him but he could see the snow white rose blossom she held in her hand. Her flame red hair hung loose, falling in gentle waves down her back. She wore a soft pink nightgown, which wrapped lovingly around her curves, held up by two thin straps across her shoulders. His heart raced as he watched her lift the delicate flower to her nose, his thoughts running to images of her naked body pressing against his. Jasmine stood by the fountain turning her plan over in her mind. All she really had to do was wake before Raife tomorrow night and leave. She would pack the new clothes into the bag she had made this morning before going to sleep. It would be simple really, or so she hoped. Hearing boots on the cobblestones, she turned and met the silvery blue eyes of her rescuer and host. The rose dropped from her fingers and fell silently to the ground as she noticed the intense fire in those eyes. Suddenly she was terrified. Not of the man himself, but his eyes were almost searing her flesh. "I'm sorry about the rose, I shouldn't have picked it. I apologize." She stuttered. The fear equally evident in her voice, as she spoke Raife moved slowly closer. He said nothing to her as he kept approaching. "I'm going to my room now I guess, good night." Stuttering again she moved as if to walk past him. His hands were on her arms in a second, holding her in place in front of him. She shivered at the feel of his skin on hers, her mind flashing instantly to the dream. Blood rushed to her ears, and warmth pooled low in her belly at his touch. The fear dissipated as quickly as it had come and was replaced by a primal need she barely knew anything about. Raife read the fear in her eyes as he approached and felt her shiver as he touched her. Determined to at least taste her, he leaned forward, gently pressing his lips to hers. Hoping desperately that he wasn't frightening her too badly. He needed to know if she felt for him the way he realized he was feeling for her. He felt her response the moment their lips touched. Her body stiffened for the smallest second then relaxed as her lips pressed gently back. Using his tongue he requested entry into her mouth and surprisingly, quickly received it. Her lips parted the tiniest bit and his tongue slipped inside to explore. Their tongues intertwined and he could feel the passion coming from her in that one soul searing moment. His hands slowly roamed her body, up her arms to her shoulders, then over and down her back to come to rest cupping her soft round ass. His mind fogged as she pressed herself into him. The soft globes of her breasts smashed deliciously against the hard planes of his chest. "My lord! The sun!" Alice yelled from the kitchen door. Raife jerked his head up in time to see the barest hint of light on the horizon. It was definitely time to get inside. Scooping his prize into his arms he made a mad dash for the door. Not stopping once inside, he continued downstairs. "My room?" Jasmine tried to say as he flew past her door without slowing. Heart racing, she held on tightly to the hard body carrying her down into the castle. She hadn't been in this part of the massive building but somehow she knew where they were headed. Shortly they arrived right where she had predicted. They had stopped right outside his bedroom door. Entering the room she wasn't too surprised to note that it looked exactly the same as in her dream. He lowered her feet softly to the floor and then claimed her lips with his once again. He kissed her more aggressively this time, plundering her mouth with his. Her mind whirled as the kiss continued. What was she doing? Somehow she knew if she were to tell him to stop he would. But she didn't want him to. Even though she knew this would go nowhere and she would wind up hurting, she felt she needed this. He made her feel safe even if it only lasted a little while. She shivered against his lips as they traveled slowly from her lips down the side of her throat. She would cherish these moments forever. The feel of his lips against her flesh. The way his hands gently groped her full breasts and round ass. These memories would light her days for the lonely eternity to come. She continued to refuse to believe he could ever have any real feelings for her. Even as he pressed his heated arousal against her thigh, she wouldn't let herself believe he wanted anything more than this moment of physical release. His mouth against her breast had her thoughts fogging over and she finally decided to quit thinking and enjoy herself for the first and possibly last time in her very long life. Beloved Ch. 04 Raife had never felt so hard in his life. Her scent was filling his nose as her breasts filled his hands. He was losing control, the beast inside fighting tooth and nail for control. His lips wrapping gently around her stiff pink nipple had her body arching against him and a low moan escaping her throat. As he worshipped her breasts with his lips and tongue his mind wandered momentarily back to the dream from last night. The memories had him wanting to taste her, just to see if she really was as sweet in real life as in the dream. Jasmine felt his hands roaming across her skin, his thumbs hooking under the thin straps of her night gown. The cloth slid smoothly across her flesh to the floor with hot hard hands following closely behind exploring each inch of her supple body as it was exposed to him. Raife's lips raced with his hands to reach her most sensitive parts. He felt as well as heard her gasp as his hands ran softly down the outside of her thighs and his tongue simultaneously slipped between her nether lips. A tiny taste of her had him raging even harder. Suddenly moving back up her form he lifted her yet again only to deposit her onto the thick mattress of his bed. His body followed hers down and she gasped again when his hard cock lay pressed between himself and her womanhood. She felt the juices flowing freely between her thighs as he kissed her passionately again. Reminding herself not to think she pushed her fingers into his hair to pull him even closer, deepening the kiss even more. She raised her hips to grind against the proof of his arousal, trying desperately to express everything she was feeling without words. Her fingers raking over his back and tugging at his hair was almost too much for him to handle. Raife moaned into her mouth when he felt her fingernails scraping the flesh on his back. All this had him straining even harder to keep control of himself, to go gently. That fragile hold on control broke as soon as he felt her hips rise from the bed to press demandingly against him. Jasmine squeaked as he suddenly rose and parted her legs. Then she was tensing as she felt him press the head of his cock against her hot, wet opening. Her reaction jerked Raife back into control, if only momentarily, reminding him of what she gone through so very recently. "Are you ok? Should I stop?" he whispered softly into her ear, his breath hot on her neck. "Yes I'm ok. Please don't stop." She responded barely above a whisper. Her heavy breathing matched his as he eased forward and kissed her gently on the mouth. As her mouth responded yet again to his urgings he thought fleetingly about her reactions. It was almost as though this was the first time a man had kissed her or touched her to bring her pleasure. Jasmine moaned her displeasure when Raife's lips left hers. Opening her eyes, she looked up into his and realized something was wrong. "What is it? Have I done something wrong?" Jasmine asked, tears almost spilling over her long lashes as he remained silent. He had to ask her. Before he lost the last remnants of control he had to know. "Jasmine, have you ever been with a man before?" His eyes never left hers as he waited for what seemed like an eternity for her response. Slowly, she shook her head no, even as her blushing cheeks gave him all the answer he needed. Again, his head lowered and his lips captured hers. Tongues again began to duel as he renewed his efforts to bring her every ounce of pleasure he knew how. Fingertips brushed her still hard nipples as lips moved whisper soft over her neck. Jasmine's heart felt as if it would burst from her chest when she felt those fangs close gently over her nipple. Then he was kissing and licking his way down her stomach yet again. The scent of her arousal was driving him closer and closer to the edge, but still he forced himself to go slowly. His tongue slid ever so slowly over the length of her wet slit. He tasted her hot center and knew he was addicted for eternity. The unique scent of her was so very much stronger here, he couldn't hold out much longer. Her hips rose from the bed as his agile tongue slipped inside her tight passage. The warmth that had begun to pool in her stomach coiled tighter and tighter as his lips and tongue played her body like a fine instrument. Crying out his name, she shattered against his mouth, flooding his lips with her sweet nectar. Quicker than she could blink, Raife was off the bed and tossing his clothing into a pile across the room. As her breathing returned to normal, she took a moment to admire his hard lean body. Muscles rippled across his chest and down his arms as he moved. The heat began to build again in her, as she watched him stalk back to the bed. Leaning over her, he pressed his lips against hers, devouring her in a passionate, breath-taking kiss that had Jasmine writhing beneath him. She lifted her hips and rubbed against him as much as she could with his body pinning hers to the bed. Jasmine's mind was a whirlwind of thought and emotion, wanting more than anything to be able to give him as much pleasure as he was giving. She briefly thought of her plan, the sadness that came with that particular thought had her turning her attention back to the wonderful man above her, the man that was at that moment pressing his hot hard length slowly inside her. Raife's thumb moved to her clit as he kissed her again and again. As she was nearing a second climax, her body rising against his, her breath coming out in pants and moans, he thrust in to the hilt. The sound of Jasmine screaming his name again had him nearly cumming on the spot. He held himself very still inside her. Not only to allow her to adjust to the new sensations, but he also felt as if he would spill at the slightest movement. Jasmine opened her eyes and looked into silvery blue ones looking down on her. She could easily read the passion and hunger in those beautiful orbs. . In the throws of passion, Raife noticed the red flecks in her eyes had nearly consumed the emerald green of her eyes, leaving only a thin ring around the outer edge. The pleasure of being so completely full outweighed the slight pain of his initial penetration and it had her grinding slowly against him. Raife began to move with her, withdrawing almost completely then driving deep again. The feel of her silky muscles grasping his hard staff was mind-blowing. He felt his canines elongate and brush against his lower lips. Jasmine noticed his fangs and felt the coil in her stomach tighten just that much tighter. Pulling him down she pressed her lips to his and ran her tongue over the sharp tip of a fang. Hearing the growl deep in his chest she repeated the action with the other fang. "Do it Raife." She whispered against his lips. Looking into her eyes he knew what she meant. He licked gently at the side of her neck, suckling against her skin. Earning him several moans and her nails began to dig deeper into the flesh of his back. He thought briefly that if he were human he would have scars. When he felt her tight muscles begin to squeeze his cock, he buried his fangs into her neck. The first taste of her sweet blood on his tongue had him cumming instantly, his hot seed bathing her insides. He thought he could and would happily feed from her and only her for eternity. Licking the wounds closed he looked at the face of the beauty in his bed. Her lips were red and swollen from his kisses, her cheeks flushed red and her long hair looked like a fiery halo. She looked to his eyes like a wanton goddess, and he already felt like worshipping her again. Moving her to the pillows, Raife lay next to her dragging a blanket over them as he wrapped her in his arms. By that time he could tell by her soft breathing that she had fallen asleep. He laid his head against the pillow and followed her into sleep. ************* He could barely contain his rage. He had destroyed the room and still felt no better. All the furniture had been broken like so much kindling, every book ripped to shreds. The drapes and artwork had also been on the receiving end of his talons. Every human servant in the building had run into hiding the moment he came in the door, which would now have to be replaced for the force of him slamming it had ripped it from its hinges. After assuring they were off his scent he had doubled back and found that his hidden castle had been burned to the ground. He flew as quickly as he could to one of his other residences. There he had begun the destruction of the lesser study to try and ease the fury inside. He had needed to calm down a tad before planning. The look on his face told his servants to give him a wide berth; otherwise they may end up very dead. Thomas had no clue how they had found his hidden castle but he did know one very important thing. He knew exactly who had taken his latest toy. Raife and his little band of do gooders had her. He had only decided to change this one so that maybe she would last longer than the rest. The fact that she had been taken from him before he had even begun grated on his nerves and his pride. He had to get her back. Beloved Ch. 05 Jasmine woke slowly, allowing her achy muscles to stretch and her mind to come into focus. Her heart rate kicked up a notch at the delicious memories of the soreness brought back to her. Turning to look on the face of her savior, she again thought of her plan to leave. Even after having making love with him she still felt she needed to get far from him. She was torn now though. She really liked this handsome man with the chiseled jaw and the silvery hair falling over his sleeping face. She had felt that he wanted her. But, her mind kept coming round to the fact that she was damaged, possibly beyond repair. The things Thomas had done to her had to have warped her in some way. She just knew it. She also felt that this handsome brave man shouldn't have to continue to deal with her problems. She also didn't think she could handle rejection from him. As quietly as possible, she left his room and found her way back to her own room. Finding Isleen in the hall, she inquired about a meal and a bath. "Certainly, Milady. Would you like Seamus or may I offer myself?" the small blond asked quietly. "I think Seamus may be getting a bit attached. So yes you may offer and I accept. Thank you." Jasmine responded with a small giggle. Thinking of the look on Seamus' face the last time had come into her head. The pleasure on his face had made her think he had been thinking about something entirely other than her feeding from him. As she waited for Isleen to return with bath water, she began packing her bag. When she had packed all of the cloths into the bag she shoved to the farthest corner of the wardrobe, then sat on the edge of the bed. She had been sitting for only a few minutes when the girl returned with several others carrying buckets of warm water. When the tub was filled, all but Isleen left and Jasmine fed. After Isleen too had gone, Jasmine disrobed and stepped into the large tub, allowing herself to remember the wonderful feelings Raife had given her. Finishing her bath, she decided to leave the following evening. She would be far from here before he even knew she was gone. Stepping from the tub she found a large fluffy towel and dried herself. Just as she was sliding her arms into a light robe, there was a loud knock on her door. "Just a moment." She called as she finished covering herself. Before she could finish tying the sash, the door burst open and Raife stomped into her room. "Why did you leave me?" He asked just a little too harshly, the worry for her coloring his words. " I...I...I wanted a bath." She stammered in the face of what she perceived to be his anger. "Why did you not wake me? You could have bathed in my room?" his voice softening bit in response to fear he could feel coming off her in waves. When she didn't respond e continued. "Have you fed yet?" he asked her softly. "Yes." She whispered. "Good. I must meet with my men; I will be unavailable for awhile. Can you find something to occupy yourself?" He said, as his eyes traveled her form clad in only the robe. If he didn't leave soon he would ravish her again, and he didn't want to push her too far too quickly. At her almost imperceptible nod he turned and headed toward his office. He found his own meal and mentally called to his men, to check if they were within his range yet. If not he could have a few moments alone to calm himself. He had thought that having had her once would be enough. Now he knew it never would be. Just seeing her had him hard and aching yet again. With no answer he continued to his off ice to ponder the evening's events so far. When he had awoken to her gone he had nearly flown from the room to find her. He was shocked and angered at himself for not hearing her leave his bed. He needed to be more aware. And he needed to find Thomas and dispatch him so that he could finally be somewhat calm when she was not in his sight. The fear he felt as he had spoken to her had hurt him right through to his heart. He hadn't realized until then that he had been so harsh with his words. Hopefully after his meetings were finished and his men situated he could go to her and explain that he had only feared for her. Shaking his head he called to his men once more, he needed to get her out of his head if only for a few moments. "Dominic. Cian. Are you close?" He asked mentally. "Just walked through the front door actually." Dominic responded. "In my office. WE need to talk before you find your rooms." 'Shortly the men stood before him. Both standing at attention awaiting the orders of their leader. "Have our men been sent? Have they got any leads yet?" Raife began, asking the most important questions he could think of. This time Cian answered. "Yes, they were given instructions yesterday. We have not received news yet from them. But they were told to check in mentally daily. The appointed hour has not yet arrived." "Fine. Do you both have your things? I'll show you to your rooms myself. But first I must reiterate the rules in my home. First you may only feed from my people if they are willing. No killing in my home. My people or otherwise." Dominic and Cian both did their best to hide their laughter. "Sir. If I may interrupt your tirade. How many years have you known us? How long have we been working together? This woman must have you in quite a tizzy if you can't even remember that we are not that kind of people." Dominic said with a hint of laughter in his voice. "No offense sir, but we are slightly offended that you could think that of us." Cian added, sounding sincerely hurt. " Ok, you're right; she does have me quite a bit out of sorts. She is going to be mine. I have fallen in love with her." Raife stated. Then it started both of his best men, his highest lieutenants, were poking fun at the mighty leader felled by love. He led them to their rooms thinking again of the fear he had felt from her. "I need to go to the next village tonight. I need you two to remain here and protect Jasmine." Raife told them at doors to their rooms. "The nearest village is a full night's travel, even for our kind." Cian said. "I know, I will have to find somewhere to spend tomorrow and I will return before the next sunrise. Please keep her safe." Raife said as he turned to go to her room. *** Jasmine stood by the bed replaying what Raife had just told her. He was leaving. He would be gone for almost two full nights. Her heart ached that he was leaving her but her mind was yelling that this made her plan even easier. She could leave and not have to slip past him. He had said he was heading to the village to the east. She decided she would head west. She spent the rest of the night in the huge library. She read what little she could find on vampire lore, and then she searched for maps of the area. She memorized every, cave and cavern between here and the next town, hoping she could make it to these places before the sun came up each day. She had even made a plan as to what to do with herself when she got there. She would be a barmaid. It would be easy enough to make money arriving after dark each night. As the sun neared, she thought she had done the best she could in time she had allowed herself. After finding a meal and bathing she went to bed. Thinking of her one night with Raife she drifted off to sleep. **** Dominic found the servants and requested meals for the both of them. He had decided that Alice would fulfill his desires quite nicely for the evening. He gently steered her toward the bed and sat her down. "Does Raife fuck you when he feeds?" he asked her as he trailed his lips across her ear. He felt her shudder against him as she responded to his touch. "No. He doesn't. But the bite is always pleasurable." She whispered. "Are you willing to let me make it better?" His fingertips slid gently up and down the flesh of her arms, as he noted her slight nod. He kissed his way from her ear to her lips, letting her feel the sharp points of his fangs as he bit her bottom lip gently. She moaned and pressed her body closer to him. The desire he aroused in her was not from the trance like state Raife normally used. This was sheer lust and passion, brought forth by a man touching her flesh for the first time in a long while. Goosebumps prickled her skin as he continued his assault. "So pretty." He whispered as his fingers deftly removed her dress and apron. Soon she was naked, her flesh bared to him and he hungrily drank in the sight of her. He could smell her arousal, as he kissed his way down the column of her throat and across her stomach to the juncture of her thighs. Holding her down with one arm across her hips, he licked at her folds. Pressing between the puffy lips, he savored the taste of her. Flicking his tongue across her bud, he felt her lose control. Her hips bucked and he continued to lick against her. He plunged his tongue deep inside her channel and felt her hand pulling roughly at his hair. The curses that crossed her lips as she came against his mouth had him almost coming undone. He was hot and hard, ready to be inside her. Quickly he moved up her body, biting a nipple as he went. He pressed his lips to hers for a passionate kiss before he left the bed for a brief moment to rid himself of his clothes. Returning to the bed, Dominic flipped Alice onto her stomach and pulled her hips up to meet his. He rubbed his hardness against her wet, swollen flesh for a moment. Feeling her press back against him was all he needed. He quickly placed himself at her entrance pushed inside in one solid stroke. Crying out loudly, Alice nearly came again just from his penetration. He gave her a split second to recover before he began thrusting hard and fast into her. His hands moved over her body, one began flicking at clit, the other moving to squeeze her ample breast and pinched her hardened nipple. She threw her head back and moaned loudly again at the pleasure he was bringing her. AS her climax neared yet again, Dominic lifted her from the bed and pressed her back to his chest. His arm around her midsection, and his cock pistoning inside her were all that kept her upright as her orgasm neared. Dominic knew what was coming and knew also he was close as well. Also he knew just what would bring them both crashing over the edge into bliss. He moved her hair off her neck and began licking and kissing her neck, right over her pulse point. Just when he felt he could go no longer, he bit down and tasted the lust laden flavor of her blood explode on his tongue. He felt her hot sheath clamp down on his cock as she came apart in his arms. He thrust a few more times before he exploded himself, emptying his seed inside her. Exhausted they both fell to the bed. In moments they were asleep. **** Dominic awoke and noticed the empty bed next to him. Oh well, he thought to himself. He had hoped she wouldn't be too clingy. He tried to remind most of his conquests that he wasn't ready for a relationship of any kind. Many of his trysts were more than one night stands, but none lasted longer than a few weeks of hot sex, and him sating his thirst. He rose and a found a servant to draw him a bath. As he sat in the warm water thinking about his duty, and wondering hwy Raife had left to begin with, he suddenly got the distinct feeling something was wrong. He rose from the tub and went to his door. Before he could get it opened he smelled the smoke.