Dark Man

Dark Man KyAnn Waters Book 3 in the Blood Slaves series

Vance is determined to discover the secrets hidden in The Catacombs, an exclusive all-male fetish club. Someone there was the last person to see his ex-lover alive and he intends to seek revenge for the brutal murder. Once in, he meets Tac, the owner of the club. He’s secretive and hot as hell. The BDSM sex is unlike anything Vance has experienced. Tac is becoming an obsession and keeping him from the truth. Nothing can endanger the vampires’ existence. Theron, known in the club as Tac, will destroy any who try. He is dominant and dangerous—in total control of his world. He lives only for sex and blood. He has never been emotionally involved with anyone. Now, a human has slipped into his life and under his skin, making him want more than meaningless sex with blood slaves. But Theron will never allow a mere mortal to bring him to his knees.

An Ellora’s Cave Romantica Publication

www.ellorascave.com

Dark Man ISBN 9781419924668 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Dark Man Copyright © 2010 KyAnn Waters Edited by Pamela Campbell Cover art by Syneca Electronic book publication March 2010 The terms Romantica® and Quickies® are registered trademarks of Ellora’s Cave Publishing. With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the publisher, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.® 1056 Home Avenue, Akron OH 44310-3502. Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded or distributed via the Internet or any other means, electronic or print, without the publisher’s permission. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. (http://www.fbi.gov/ipr/). Please purchase only authorized electronic or print editions and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted material. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated. This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the authors’ imagination and used fictitiously.

DARK MAN

KyAnn Waters

Dedication To my editor, Pamela. You so totally rock! Theron, the vampires and the blood slaves never would have reached their potential without your guidance and insight. Thank you for loving them all as much as I do. ~KyAnn

Trademarks Acknowledgement The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction: BMW: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Sam’s Club: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Star Trek: Paramount Pictures Corporation

KyAnn Waters

Chapter One Vise-like pressure gripped his chest. His gut clenched and his cock throbbed. Sweat beaded on his brow and upper lip. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and swallowed hard. Muscles, strained from anticipation, burned like fire. Heat chased along every nerve into his groin and pooled in his heavy balls. Fantasy clashed with reality. The Catacombs. Vance Autry hadn’t really known what to expect. He’d only known he’d had to get in. “What do you want?” The words broke through the haze of lust swirling in his mind. What did he want? Since meeting Tac, that’s what he’d been asking himself. Tac palmed his ass. A blatant show of possession. There was a time he’d have gone off. He wasn’t anyone’s boy toy. He gave a mental snort. Apparently, that wasn’t true. He glanced at Tac. He was devilishly handsome. Tall and lengthy but built. Lean muscles carved his form. Dark hair framed his angular face and draped past his broad shoulders in silken waves. Long lashes fringed amber eyes glinting with something intensely dangerous. Eyes to drown in. Eyes that saw too deeply—into the soul. Tac was dangerous because he was too sexy, too appealing, and Vance could feel himself being slowly sucked into Tac’s world. “A drink,” he said in response to the question. Only he was sure it wasn’t the answer Tac was looking for. He wanted to know who they were going to fuck first. Tac chuckled. “If getting you liquored up will let me have my way with you, I’ll pour the alcohol myself.” The statement surprised Vance. Tac didn’t drink and had seemed to appreciate that Vance didn’t either. “Liquid motivation isn’t required. Just a soda.” Vance didn’t drink alcohol because he didn’t want his senses dulled. He needed to be in complete control of his faculties. He had to be ready for the unexpected.

6

Dark Man

Tac went for the cola and Vance stood at the perimeter of the Pit. A room with no limits and few rules. Tac didn’t submit. He dominated. He fucked like a machine. At least, that was the conclusion Vance had come to in the few weeks he’d known Tac. It also brought about the hard reality that their involvement was temporary. Temporary was fine. Tac was a means to an end. Returning a few minutes later, Tac wrapped an arm around him with a soda in his hand. Positioned behind him, he pressed in close, riding the seam of Vance’s ass with his thick, solid cock. “Have a drink, because I’ve arranged our entertainment for the evening.” Vance’s mouth went suddenly dry and his cock head grew moist. “What’s his name?” He took the glass from Tac’s fingers and brought it to his lips. “No names.” In the Pit, with Tac, even if the players changed, the game was consistent. Always, at the end of the night, Vance came to the same conclusion—he and Tac were together, and with each encounter they shared, Tac slipped a little more under his skin. Becoming involved—emotionally involved—made for an impossible situation. Vance tried to convince himself that this wasn’t his scene. He had a bigger purpose for his behavior. Vance played in the Pit for Tac—because he needed him. Needed information. Vance was only in The Catacombs because he had to be. This was where he’d find the last man who’d seen Seth alive. Deep down, where he kept his dirty little secret, he admitted he wanted Tac, wanted the club, the hot men and hot sex. He wanted to be fucked to the point of exhaustion. He was Tac’s boy toy. When he’d heard of the club, he hadn’t known what to expect. Yet, Seth had been unable to get him in. Membership in the exclusive club wasn’t like buying a Sam’s Club membership. Not everyone was welcome. At first, Vance hadn’t cared. Even though he’d moved on after he and Seth split, they’d remained friends. Good friends. Vance owed it to Seth to find out what had transpired. Vance had a damn good idea that 7

KyAnn Waters

whatever had happened to his friend had begun here, in the club, and ended with his mutilated body found tossed like trash in a back alley. Vance had found a way into the club. A New Year’s Eve house party had secured his invitation. He’d never have believed he’d encounter men, considered to be the influential echelon of Denver, who were members of The Catacombs. He’d never expected to meet someone like Tac. The man had become his obsession. He only hoped he wasn’t connected to the individual responsible for Seth’s death. For the past eight weeks, he’d simply allowed Tac to pull him deeper into this deviant underground world of men. At least, that was what he’d believed he’d find in a secret fetish club. He hadn’t realized that he would feel as though he belonged here too. However, for now, that didn’t matter. He needed information from Tac. Tac moved into the Pit and Vance quickly set his drink on a table then followed. With every step, he scanned the crowd—pulsing with sexual energy beneath dull ambient light. Leather, chains, loincloths and flesh. The Catacombs was a fetish club for patrons with a predilection for the extreme. But the Pit—the Pit was a fuck fest and Tac was the ringleader as well as the owner of the club. Tac abruptly stopped and turned. Vance started. Before he could utter a word, Tac grasped the sides of his head and slammed his lips onto Vance’s. He parted his lips and the intoxicating taste of Tac filled his mouth. Tac’s tongue invaded, tried to conquer. Vance valiantly parried his thrust of taste and retreat. Tongues glided together, teeth clinked. If he wanted rough, he’d give him rough. Vance grasped Tac at the hips and crushed their groins together. “Is this what you want?” Vance backed Tac against the wall. Lust unfurled in his gut, raged hot through his system. His balls tingled and his cock hardened. Whenever Tac touched him, responsibility and obligations slipped away. He was here for a purpose but when Tac rubbed their cocks together Vance’s only purpose was to please and be pleased. Tac was toxic and Vance wanted more.

8

Dark Man

He braced his hands on the wall, bracketing Tac between his arms as he continued to eat at Tac’s mouth, tasting the tang of aroused male. Heady pheromones had him acting on impulse. Forgotten was the entertainment Tac had arranged for the night. All he wanted was this man. As dangerous as it was to become invested, he was powerless to stop the spinning delirium of Tac and The Catacombs. Vance felt someone’s hand on his shoulder. Pulling back, he stared into Tac’s darkening eyes, wanted to kiss again his reddened lips. “I’m ready to join in,” the stranger said. “Tonight, I’m all you’ll need,” Vance whispered intimately to Tac. Tac’s gaze shifted to the man standing behind Vance. “Another time,” he told him. The stranger’s hand smoothed over Vance’s ass as he moved off. “I’ll be whatever you want,” Vance said and brushed a titillating kiss against Tac’s lips. “Just you and me. However you want me.” Tac trailed a finger down Vance’s sternum. “I need control.” Vance smiled. “Tell me something I don’t know.” Lust simmered in Tac’s amber eyes. “We all have secrets. Sometimes those secrets change the way we feel. Why did you come to the club, Vance? What are your secrets?” Tac’s wickedly suggestive voice flowed over his flesh. Vance swallowed. He couldn’t divulge his reasons, not yet. Not until he discovered the truth. He also couldn’t stop the rioting sensations rocketing through his body. Desire pooled in his balls and his erection pulsed with the beat of his heart. He could almost feel heated blood surging through his veins, making his body warm. “No secrets,” he whispered. “When I’m with you, all I want is your hands on my body and your cock deep in my ass.” He cupped Tac’s cock. “But am I enough for you?” “Not yet.” Tac slid out from between him and the wall. “Although I believe you could be.”

9

KyAnn Waters

Vance arched a brow. He hadn’t expected such a direct answer. “Fuck Tac, look around us.” They fucked indiscriminately. “What more do you need?” Tac moved closer, until their chests touched. “I need it all.” Tac stood a few inches taller, but Vance was thicker and more muscular. Tac’s dark, sexy features contrasted with Vance’s blond hair and blue eyes. “Total submission.” Tac’s eyes darkened with a turbulent passion. “Would you be my slave?” A sex slave? He felt like one already. “Look at me. If you want me, take me.” “Take you?” Tac chuckled. “You have no idea what you’re asking for. But soon you will.” “I’m ready. Let’s get out of here and I’ll show you.” “I like it rough. Sometimes I bite.” Vance laughed. “I figured that out our first time in the club.” Biting went right along with the whips, chains, gags and floggers. “So bite me. I can take a little pain.” Vance leaned in, the scent of leather and spicy male weaved into his senses. Tac smelled like sex—raw and primal. He opened his mouth over Tac’s neck and tasted salty sweat from his warm, slightly damp skin. Tac growled. “There’s always pleasure with the pain.” Tac placed his hand on Vance’s PVC-clad hip then slid his palm around to Vance’s groin. “Are you ready?” He traced the rigid edge of his erection. “We’re here.” He glanced around the room. “You’re ready.” He pressed his hand against Tac’s thick, hard cock. “And so am I.” Then he covered the hand Tac had on his dick with his own. Blood surged into his shaft and heat churned in his balls. “Do what you want to me.” “If you only knew how much I wanted to do,” Tac whispered. “But for now, I’m content to play in the Pit.” “What if I’m not?” Vance rubbed their groins together and his buttocks clenched. “We always have an audience. I want you alone. Let’s go to a private room.”

10

Dark Man

Tac chuckled, the sound an aural assault on Vance’s arousal. His cock ached to be released from his confining pants. “What are you afraid of?” Vance asked. “What makes you think I’m afraid of anything?” Tac countered. “You won’t see me outside the club.” Vance pushed, needing Tac to trust him enough to bring him into his inner circle. A member of the club might very well have murdered Seth. And while he didn’t want to believe Tac was responsible, he had information Vance needed. Private records of members might garner leads. The police had run into one dead end after another. What was another dead gay man in the streets? Hate crime or lover’s spat, either way the leads were cold. “You won’t share anything personal.” Tac’s mouth twitched into a smile. “I know how to share. I’ve shared you.” “Sex in this place isn’t personal. It’s recreation. I want to know if we have more in common than sex.” “Eventually we’ll find out but tonight who gives a fuck?” That was the problem. The club offered too many decadent distractions. He needed to focus on the main objective. “I do.” “Come with me.” Those simple words, spoken low, held danger and mystery. Vance responded to the subtle command. He’d come to the club with certain intentions. Now Tac was too much temptation. Perhaps this was how Seth met his demise. Too weak to refuse a man as persuasive as Tac, Vance followed Tac as he weaved his way through the crowd. Tac said hello and laughed with a few men as he worked his way through the club. People gathered around the main bar. Half moon booths lined the walls. Music pumped through a sound system, but around the long polished wood counters, not even conversation could be heard over the cheers. Flair bartenders juggled bottles and lit drinks on fire. Bare, oil-slicked chests glistened under the lights. Tac abruptly stopped, scanned the crowd then turned to Vance. “I have to go.”

11

KyAnn Waters

“Why? What’s wrong?” “There’s a problem. I’m needed.” Vance furrowed his brows. “How do you know?” No one had come to say, “Hey, boss, there’s a fight in a back room.” “I just do.” Tac shifted from sex fiend to club owner, becoming all business. The tight line of his mouth softened. “I shouldn’t be long. Sit at the bar.” Mischief glinted in his eyes. “Or go have a good time in the Pit. I’ll find you later.” Tac jogged across the room and blended in with the crowd. Vance pressed his lips together and considered his options. For weeks, he’d worked at getting Tac to trust him, but it was like getting a confession out of a priest. He had to know something about Seth. The story was on every news broadcast. But beyond meaningless drivel, the club owner appeared to be blissfully unaware. The police bought that line of bullshit. Vance didn’t. Planning and waiting, he’d laid the foundation. In Seth’s belongings he’d found the name of a contact. Nolan Shaw. A small break but since then Vance hadn’t learned anything except that he had a weakness for the dark-haired wet dream who had just left him to take care of a supposed emergency in the club. If there was a problem, Vance wanted to know what it was. There would never be a perfect moment to make his move. Internet searches hadn’t given him much information. Hell, he didn’t even know if Tac was the club owner’s real name. No one in The Catacombs knew who they were fucking. Even if Vance had learned Seth’s new lover’s name, since he was a club member, it would just have been another dead end, unless he accessed Tac’s business records. Something had Tac’s attention. As much as Vance wanted to know what that something was, he couldn’t jeopardize the fragile façade he’d built by following him. But that didn’t mean he couldn’t capitalize on opportunity.

12

Dark Man

Scanning the room, he noted his surroundings. With controlled and unassuming movements, he worked his way to the far side of the room. Employees recognized him as Tac’s lover. He was noticed and easily dismissed. He belonged in the club. He was lucky. The bar area was packed. The crowd cheered for the bartender, chanting his name, Ice Man, each time he tossed another bottle. Staying along the perimeter, Vance made his way to the offices. Over the past few weeks, he’d mapped out the club. The building was huge and Tac was territorial. Bouncers kept everyone safe but he suspected they also kept the curious at bay. That made Vance wonder if Tac were hiding something with his club. It was bad enough that politicians and Denver elite might be mixing it up with murderers. Drugs had been his first assumption. Seth had only dabbled with a little weed while they were together but that didn’t mean he hadn’t moved on to harder drugs. He wouldn’t have shared that with Vance, knowing he wouldn’t approve. But if Tac was running drugs, he wasn’t using his product. He didn’t drink or smoke. His vice seemed to be sex. On that Vance could definitely relate. He maneuvered to the front of the club. His heart drummed wildly as he sidled closer to the wall. In a quick move, he slipped down the hall. The walls were made of painted cinderblock and the floor was tiled in the same marble pattern as the club. The first door on the left marked the coat-check room. His footfalls echoed in the vacant corridor. He paused and listened at the second door. With the exception of his heartbeat thrumming through his ears, the room was quiet. He tried the knob. The handle turned. Vance slowly opened the door, listening, breathing shallowly. The room was dark. He slipped inside and felt along the wall for the switch. The room flooded with light. Nothing more than a stockroom. Shelves lined the walls. Bottles of liquor were meticulously organized. Wine, whisky, rum—each section alphabetized. More crates were stacked on the floor. Nothing appeared out of the ordinary. After a cursory sweep, he flicked off the light. He didn’t have time to waste. He paused before opening the door and listened. All remained quiet. He cracked open

13

KyAnn Waters

the door. He’d done enough snooping for now. What he needed was access to business records, member accounts, names, dates and personal information. How many members could the club have? Hundreds maybe? Thousands? He hurried back to the bar area and slipped into the mingling crowd. Not more than a few minutes had passed. Sweat trickled along his spine. He licked his upper lip, willing his pulse to slow. No one seemed to notice him. He released a slow exhale. Somehow he needed to gain insider access to the club. Hairs on the back of his neck tingled. He turned around. Tac stood behind him. “Everything okay?” Vance tried not to let his fear show. If Tac had looked for him thirty seconds earlier he would have seen him coming from the employee-only area. “What was the emergency?” “A difference of opinion between two members. They were asked to leave.” Tac’s nostrils flared as he breathed deeply. Bloodshot eyes narrowed. “Are you okay?” “I’m fine,” Tac said and leaned closer. “You’re warm.” Theron—the Master Vampire, one of the original seven surviving vampires, known only as Tac while in the club—inhaled the intoxicating aroma of untainted blood. Oh, the sweet nectar pumped through Vance’s veins, surging to the surface. Yet, he couldn’t feed from the blond man with penetrating blue eyes, not yet. Vance hadn’t been among them long enough to be trusted. But that didn’t mean Theron didn’t ache. He did in a way that made him nervous. Eventually Vance would be his blood slave. Vance wasn’t as tall as Theron. Just under six feet. He was stocky, not thick, but solid, toned and strong. His blond hair was just a bit shaggy and curled over his ears. Small diamonds twinkled in his lobes. Hard lines cut his boyish face and his jaw was a bit scruffy. Bad-boy, California hot. Tight pants, nice bulge and muscular thighs. He looked big and menacing enough to kick ass, yet a smile softened his face. Aroused, and getting harder, Theron wanted to fuck Vance more than he needed to feed. 14

Dark Man

Theron leaned in and nipped at his lips. “You smell good.” He breathed deeply, drawing in more of his drugging essence. “Good enough to eat.” Vance pulled back and a lecherous smiled curled his lips. “Is that what you want?” “You have no idea.” “You know I love your cock in my ass. Tell me how you’ll get on your knees and suck my dick.” Theron growled. He didn’t chase men. He took what he wanted from those willing to serve him. Vance held mystery, perhaps because he hadn’t plucked him out of the numerous blood slaves waiting to satisfy his thirst. Theron had brought him into the club, initiated him and soon he would bring him into his vampire world. “Drop your pants, take out your dick. I’ll suck you off right now.” He gripped Vance’s erection through his pants. “Now.” He claimed his lips again and Vance once again pulled away. “A tease?” Vance twined his arms around Theron’s neck and pressed closer. “No.” Heat from Vance seeped into Theron’s body. He burned, a fiery ache simmered in his balls. “I’m not withholding anything.” Vance’s fingers curled into Theron’s long hair. “But you are.” Vance slanted his mouth over Theron’s lips. He opened and allowed Vance to slither in for a taste. He rolled his tongue over Vance’s, opened wider and sank deeper. Blistering passion blazed through him. Vance’s fists tightened in his hair. Theron grasped his ass. “I want you to fuck me,” Vance whispered against his lips. “Good.” He slipped his hand between their bodies and tugged on the snap closure of Vance’s pants. Vance covered his fingers. “But not here.” Theron stilled. He didn’t like games. Theron glanced at their surroundings. “This is where I fuck.”

15

KyAnn Waters

“And you do it well.” Vance smiled, taking some of the sting from his words. “But I’m over the anonymity, Tac. Don’t you get tired of the club scene?” “Actually, I don’t. With so many men, how could I possibly get bored?” Vance rolled his eyes. “That’s the problem. At what point are we done pretending that this is entertainment and confess to having feelings.” He took a step away. “I want more.” An unfamiliar sensation prickled along Theron’s spine. Manipulation wouldn’t work. He had too much responsibility to his vampires to let ultimatums or emotional attachments influence his behavior. Yet, the thought of Vance walking away tightened his gut. “What is it you want from me?” “Your name.” Theron smiled. “Tac.” Vance released an exasperated breath. “Whatever.” He turned and walked away. Theron watched his retreating back until he disappeared into the crowd. If Vance expected him to give chase, he would be waiting a long fucking time. And unlike Vance, Theron had all the time in the world. Eternity. Theron spun in a slow circle. When was the last time a man had left him? Hell, had a man ever left him? Rowan had but those circumstances were much different. In hindsight, he could see Rowan was never happy, merely content to serve him. The break hadn’t been as hard as Theron expected. What did that say about the relationship? Perhaps it had just been convenient for Theron too. He still had Rowan close. He was vampire now and would always be a part of Theron. Because he was able to hear the thoughts of every vampire he sired, with a bit of focus he could communicate with all vampires of his sect. Any other night, hot male flesh, big cocks and anonymous sex would release the stress that weighted his shoulders. Right now, he could use a bit of relief. Several weeks ago, a member of his club had been found drained of blood and mutilated. Not beyond recognition—not to Theron. He’d known the man, known he was human and hadn’t 16

Dark Man

been initiated into the vampire world. Nothing had grated as much as knowing a trusted vampire had been responsible. The vampire had risked Theron’s sect in order to quench his thirst. Blood slaves were the only safe means of survival. Blood slaves were owned, controlled and loyal to his sect of vampires. They had to be protected. His thoughts returned to Vance. More than an ache, Theron’s need for the man’s blood bordered on pain. He stalked through the club. He didn’t beg or submit. He demanded and tonight Vance was going to discover he didn’t dictate the course of their relationship. Theron snorted. Exactly who was looking for whom in the club? He couldn’t help but smile. Anticipation tingled in his fingertips. How long had it been since the vampire within had been let free to hunt, to pursue, overpower and feed? Too long. Only the surviving seven remembered how it felt to sink teeth into adrenaline-laced blood. Now disease didn’t threaten the vampires, but their survival depended on blood slaves and secrecy. Vance was giving chase and Theron hungered for more than blood—he wanted the man. Dangerous. He didn’t know Vance well enough but he could during the Zenith, the time when a vampire shared his host’s thoughts. For all the vampires Theron sired, it was also the only time they could again feel human sensations such as warmth, a heartbeat, and the only time the vampires could reach orgasm. Theron, as one of the original seven vampire survivors, had special abilities. After recovering from the disease that made him vampire, he had regained some of his human characteristics. Only The Seven had remained warm-blooded and still felt the beat of their human hearts. Though he couldn’t withstand the sun’s rays, he had other powers—mind control, telepathy, manipulation of kinetic energy, and he turned all vampires. His sect. His rules. Obviously Vance had left. Theron scanned the crowd and headed to the bar. Falcon and Drake, both blood slaves, mixed drinks and laughed. Theron approached and Falcon handed him a bottle of water. Falcon was attractive, clean-cut, and Native American. Dark lashes fringed chocolate eyes and short dark hair was finger combed

17

KyAnn Waters

away from his face. Both he and Drake were trusted servants of the sect. Theron fed from them often and needed to again. Now. His gums burned and tension knotted his nerves. He was riding the edge and needed to sate his hunger before he acted on instinct, tearing through the city until he could devour the one he wanted—Vance. Falcon, sensing his desperation, excused himself from behind the bar. Theron strode from the large room, down the hall leading to the catacombs—the tunnels and rooms beneath the club, from which it took its name. There he could feed and fuck in safety. That was his realm and one day soon, he’d have Vance in his private chamber.

***** Vance stood at the perimeter of the club, cloaked in shadow, seething. He wasn’t sure if he was more pissed at Tac for letting him walk away, or because, with a silent command, the unemotional bastard had the bartender following him out of the room. Why would Tac share private encounters with others but not the one he professed to want? He eased away from the wall and started across the room. What did he expect to do? Follow Tac? He’d already seen enough of Tac fucking other men. Tac was driven and his only purpose appeared to be pleasure. Vance wouldn’t deny him anything but he also wasn’t going to give without expecting the same in return. Vance wanted to trust Tac, trust that he wouldn’t fall for a man who was capable of inflicting the horror that Seth had suffered. He walked in the direction Tac had gone. Earlier Vance had been down the hall. He doubted Tac and the bartender were in the stockroom. Why wouldn’t Tac have taken him into the Pit? That was his favorite playground. A man wearing jeans and a tight white T-shirt walked down the hall toward Vance. Shit, he didn’t want complications. “I’m looking for Tac.” He smiled. “Tac’s not available.” “Yeah, I know. But I’m sort of hoping to surprise him. I’m Vance.”

18

Dark Man

“I know.” A slow smile pulled at the corners of the man’s mouth. “Remi.” “Hi, Remi.” He hitched his head to indicate the hall. “Tac and I were separated out in the club. I thought I saw him come this way.” The man didn’t speak for a moment, just stared hard at Vance. The rampant beat of Vance’s heart rattled his ribs. Would Remi see through the ruse? “Come with me.” He turned and led Vance down the hall. He placed his hand on the wall. A door opened and revealed a hidden entryway blending with the painted cinderblocks. Vance never would have seen the opening. “You’ll find him below.” “Thanks.” Dim illumination revealed a descent into the cavernous depths beneath the club. Vance looked over his shoulder then turned and started down. He was not normally claustrophobic but he had no idea what he’d encounter at the bottom of the stairs. His pulse raced and he started to perspire. His footfalls sounded hollow on the steps. Apprehension sizzled just under his skin. He breathed in deeply and slowly exhaled. The air was clean smelling rather than the expected dank underground odor. Sweat dampened his armpits and trickled along his spine. He might be familiar in the club—Tac’s fuck friend—however, he didn’t belong here in this secret corridor. A shiver of unease settled on his flesh and his scalp tingled. Fear. Fear of the unknown— fear of what he might find out about the extremely private man. He’d led Remi to believe Tac expected him. Fuck, what was he doing? He should turn around, go back up the stairs and get the hell out before Tac discovered him. But he didn’t. He moved forward. Once at the bottom, he paused and listened. He could go left or right. He went left and proceeded quietly down another hall. The walls closed in on him. His ribs ached under the pressure. What if Tac hadn’t come this way? He slowed his pace but his respirations increased. His heart pounded, a constant thump against his ribs. He took a deep breath. What the hell was wrong with him? Buildings had basements.

19

KyAnn Waters

Stiffening his spine, he continued to walk with purpose. He kept his eyes forward and his back straight. He’d feign the confidence he didn’t feel. If he found Tac, he’d tell him he’d changed his mind and wanted sex. Anyone else, he’d play it up as he’d done with Remi and say he’d gotten lost looking for Tac. After a few yards, the hallway split again. If he wasn’t careful, he’d get lost. Having never been below the club, he didn’t know where he was. Brilliant of him. Vance didn’t have a clue which way to go. He took another left. If he always took a left, he’d have an easier time retracing his steps. He only hoped to hell the route he took led to Tac. The walls all looked the same. The stone flooring never altered its pattern. He passed several closed doors. A few of them had keypads like those used to gain access to the club from the alley. Vance stopped at the next door and pressed his ear to the cool metal. Hearing only the hum of the hallway lighting and the thrum of his own heart, he poised his finger over the keypad and then entered his member number. Nothing happened. He would’ve wondered if he hadn’t tried. Struggling, he turned around, and for a moment, couldn’t remember from which direction he had come. Shit, this is stupid. He started back, keeping to the right. How far had he come? He jogged a few steps. By now, he could’ve moved several blocks under the city. The sprawling catacombs beneath the club dwarfed the building above. He started down another hall but this didn’t feel right. Somehow he’d made a wrong turn. He should’ve been back to the stairwell by now. How long before someone found him? He could wander about and never find his way out. Without windows or ways to determine direction, he couldn’t get his bearings. He never did like asking for directions, but in this case, he’d make an exception. Panic set in. “Hey, can anyone hear me?” Let Tac find him and discover he’d snooped. How else was he going to find out about him? How else would he discover what had really happened to Seth? How else will I get the hell out of here? He pounded on a door. He jogged a few paces down the hall. This was like a bad horror movie.

20

Dark Man

Voices sounded up ahead. At least the sound echoing off the walls seemed nearby. He slowed his steps and tamped down the anxiety surging through his system. He’d simply lost direction. “Is someone there?” Light spilled from an open doorway. “Tac?” He approached, his feet feeling like anvils. A low moan rolled from the room. The pleasure-filled sound flirted with his fear, morphing into arousal. Slurping sounds of kissing—mouth on mouth or mouth on cock? Drawn to the sound, Vance, staying in the shadow of the hall, peered into the room. He gasped and flattened himself against the wall. Fear, so acute, cut like a knife into his psyche. He stared, unable to turn away. There were three men engaged in sex inside the room. One-inch, black tethers strapped one man to a bondage chair. Restraints anchored his ankles, wrists and biceps. His eyes were closed and his mouth gaped open, moaning as he writhed in pleasure. Taut muscles carved his fit form. Another naked man knelt on the floor between his wide-spread thighs. He licked, sucked and stroked the bound man’s erect shaft. His scrotum and the base of his cock were shaved smooth. Vance was held mesmerized. A third man was positioned behind the chair. He leaned forward, his pale lips sliding over the man’s neck. His tongue flicked against his clean-shaven face. In fact, the man in the chair was shaved everywhere. Aside from the cap of unruly black curls on his head, he was hairless. After watching men upstairs, especially in the Pit, he would’ve thought he’d grown accustomed to seeing men pleasure each other. He hadn’t. Seeing the bound man sucked and fondled sent heat into Vance’s swelling shaft. He shamelessly watched, waiting, anticipating penetration as if he were the one about to be mounted. His ass clenched. The man standing behind the chair lifted his head, and across the span of the room and hall, their gazes locked. Dizziness clouded his mind. Vance mentally shrank back from the scene in the room. It felt as if his stomach swooped then ricocheted higher and lodged in his throat. Vance swallowed hard, the sound an audible gulp.

21

KyAnn Waters

A slow smile curled the man’s lecherous lips. Two long fangs lengthened, protruding from his gums. The moment shattered into unbelievable pieces. The fanged man’s eyes narrowed then he bent over the man in the chair and bit. His teeth clamped hard into his neck, slipping into the skin then piercing deep. Blood bubbled to the surface. Red coated the sharp teeth and trickled from the corner of his mouth. The seated man cried out. “Oh my god.” Vance sagged against the wall, still unable to turn away from the macabre, yet disturbingly arousing sight. The third man, kneeling on the floor, parted his lips. Fangs glinted in the dim lighting. He growled then punctured the thick vein running the underside of the bound man’s shaft with his incisors. The teeth were long and looked as sharp as needles. Convulsions overtook the seated man’s body. He jerked hard. Vance would assume from pain but he moaned and cum shot from the slit in his cock head. Contractions continued to rack his hairless body. Hypnotized by the encounter, Vance couldn’t believe his eyes. The men had bitten him! Now they drank his blood. They were fiends, spawns of the devil—jeezus, goddamn vampires! Blood smeared their lips and dripped from their chins. Finally, the man in the chair shuddered then went limp. Vance swallowed hard. Vampires? Impossible. Pressure tightened his throat. Vampires? He shook his head and squeezed his eyes tightly. When he opened them, the mirage before him hadn’t changed. The vampire on his knees had risen, released the seated man’s ankles then lifted his legs to his shoulders and thrust his ruddy cock deep into his rectum. He fucked him hard, with full, measured strokes. The man behind him continued to gorge on blood. Intense fire lit his eyes as he stared at Vance, holding him hostage with a look and keeping him rooted to the spot in the hall. Bile churned in Vance’s stomach yet his cock still throbbed. He gripped the wall behind him, his nails clawing into the cinderblock. What the fuck was this place? Some scholars and historians believed vampires had gone extinct in the sixteenth century. They’d been wrong. Oh god, where the fuck am I? This isn’t real. Unbelievable, but

22

Dark Man

strangely…not. Now everything about Seth made sense. Conspiracy theorists had it right this time. Some sick occult worshiper wasn’t out killing men like Seth to strike fear into the community. There were real monsters among them. Thoughts raced through his mind. Seth was murdered—drained of blood and mutilated —by a vampire! A vampire. With all his will, he fought the hypnotic pull from the vampires in the room and turned away from the bloody scene. He had to get out of there. He could go to the authorities and tell them about the club. They could investigate and then protect him. Adrenaline fired through his body and he surged with energy. He felt hot. Too hot. The vampires in the room had someone to drink. He wasn’t about to become their second course. Oh fuck. His chest was tight. He couldn’t breathe. He tamped down the fear. He had to if he wanted to get out of this place with his neck intact. How did one protect oneself from the undead? Garlic, right? Crosses, stakes through the heart. Silver bullets, no silver bullets kill werewolves. Wait, werewolves don’t exist either. Vampires do exist. His eyes didn’t lie. Two vampires had just sunk their teeth into a naked, hairless man then fucked the hell out of him. Christ, tomorrow morning would the news report another murdered gay man? Drained and fucked to death. And Vance could identify the killers. He had to get out of here. He turned and ran. He had no idea where he was going but he kept running. Every muscle burned. His mind refused to accept what he’d seen but he had seen two vampires. Hadn’t he? He pushed faster, using the anxiety and fear surging through his system to get him the fuck out. Tac. Tac had to know. He’d come down those same stairs with the bartender. What if Tac is next. I have to warn him. His thoughts came to a jarring halt and he stumbled. Tac wouldn’t be in danger. This was his club. Pressure squeezed Vance’s head. He couldn’t think, didn’t want to follow his thoughts. Doing so meant he had to consider that Tac wasn’t who he claimed to be. What if he was a killer? What if Vance was his next victim?

23

KyAnn Waters

Chapter Two Theron slipped his fangs from Falcon’s neck. He closed his eyes and smiled. The taste was sweet and powerful. Now to deal with more pressing matters. Personal matters. So, he didn’t leave after all. “Who?” Theron snapped his gaze to Falcon, a human and a blood slave. He lay on the bed, naked, floating in the delirium of hosting. Theron had drunk deeply, satiating his hunger for blood for at least a little while. But no one but Vance would ease the ache in his cock. He shifted on the bed and stood. Falcon leaned up on an elbow. His cock stretched toward his navel. Thick, engorged and dripping pearly fluid. “You’re leaving?” As much as he hated dependency, he couldn’t blame his slave for his uncertainty. “You haven’t done anything wrong.” He wasn’t displeased, Falcon just wasn’t the one he wanted. “Vance is belowground.” “Shit.” “I allowed it. But the situation can’t wait.” Theron fucked after he fed. But, right now, sex could wait. He smiled. Anticipating the sweet submission was an erotic aphrodisiac. Vance was close. He’d breeched Theron’s personal space. Vance’s fear and confusion was tangible. Theron could smell it. And he could smell Vance’s arousal. Also Falcon’s. “You should go up to the Pit. Go play.” “I’ll wait for you.” “No.” Recently Theron had had to destroy a trusted vampire for betraying the sect. Since then he’d been hesitant to allow anyone close. Hell, he never let anyone close. Relationships made him feel weak. If he cared, he couldn’t make the necessary

24

Dark Man

decisions for the welfare of the sect. Imagining all he’d built destroyed was like a knife to the chest. A careless vampire or blood slave could unintentionally expose the sect. Or worse, as Greyton had done, the betrayal could be deliberate. Over the centuries, there had been men foolish enough to test his authority. Foolish and deadly for them. Theron had long ago given up remorse. Some might say he was an unemotional bastard. They’d be right. Theron had lived a long time. There were a few men allowed into his personal space. He considered them friends but he didn’t trust completely. He didn’t trust them not to fuck him over. Everyone had their limits, their breaking points. Theron had trusted Rowan, his blood slave. He still did. Rowan was content. Blood slaves couldn’t remain slaves forever. They were human. Rowan made the change and became vampire. Most blood slaves eventually turned. Almost like a life cycle. Human, blood slave, vampire, eternity. After Rowan chose to become vampire, Theron hadn’t wanted to become invested with another blood slave. But then he’d met Vance. Fuck. He needed strength and mental clarity. There was unrest in the sect, vampires killing on the streets and club members becoming victims. Theron didn’t need this hunger for Vance churning in his gut. More than a thirst for blood and sex, he wanted Vance in a way he hadn’t wanted a human before. Vance made him want to set aside his own rules, give in to the lust, demand Vance’s loyalty, submission and blood. Theron wanted Vance’s soul. When Remi had mentally alerted him to Vance’s prowling, he’d made the decision. It was time. He gave consent and Remi directed Vance belowground. Tonight Vance had learned of vampires. In doing so, he’d sealed his fate. Theron pulled on a pair of black jeans, shifted his erection to the side and zipped the fly. Just the thought of having Vance in his private chamber had his cock pulsing and his balls tingling. “I don’t know how long I’ll be gone.” He glanced toward Falcon

25

KyAnn Waters

as he shrugged on a black silk shirt and tucked in the tails. “When I return, I won’t be alone.” Falcon slid off the bed and grabbed his clothing. Theron approached. “I’ll be hungry when I get back.” Hungry for more than blood. Sinking his teeth into a vein was as pleasurable as thrusting his cock into a tight ass. He loved blood and sex and needed both with a frequency that bordered on gluttonous. His dick jumped at the thought. Theron wanted Vance, naked, on his knees and bracing against his onslaught. Pounding hard, deep— “Fuck, go get him and bring him back,” Falcon said. During the Zenith, a vampire and his host shared thoughts. Falcon wrapped his fingers around the base of his dick and squeezed. I want to fuck him too. A flash of jealousy roared through Theron. “Never mind,” Falcon said. Perhaps Vance was different. Theron didn’t have time to consider what his possessiveness entailed. “I’ll return with Vance tonight.” “I’ll be waiting.” “You aren’t strong enough to feed me again.” He intended to drink and fuck until the moment before sunrise. “Once I return, I want Drake to join me and Vance.” Vance could participate or not. The choice would be his. However, he would watch. Within the hour, Vance would be enslaved. “Then I want to be left alone with Vance.” His keen senses easily discerned the subtle fragrances outside his private chamber. Vampires reveling in the coppery intoxication of blood. The heavy musk of sex and man. And beneath the familiar fragrances, Vance’s spicy scent faded. For a fleeting moment, he’d been close, most likely directly outside his chamber door. No matter. Theron would find him. That Vance had been so close to his sanctuary was as concerning as it was rousing. This wasn’t how he wanted Vance to find out about their sect. Grooming a blood slave

26

Dark Man

took time. Not this time. Not with Vance. Theron had made the decision and would see it through. Vance didn’t have a choice. He had learned of their existence. It was a good thing Theron didn’t feel remorse. Theron stomped his boots on. “I need to speak with Remi.” Theron wanted details. By now Vance was probably out of the club and halfway home. Heart pounding and wondering what would happen now that he’d discovered the truth of The Catacombs. He’d only scratched the surface of the truth. “I need to get to Vance.” He started out of the room. “I’ll come upstairs with you.” Falcon pulled on his shirt as he walked. “I think I will play in the Pit.” “Tell no one of what’s happened.” Theron tried to tamp down the chaotic energy thrumming through his body. When he brought Vance back to his chamber, he didn’t intend to let him leave. “I’ll explain to everyone later.” First he needed to find Vance and discover how much he’d seen and gauge his reaction to it. Timing sucked but the outcome would be the same. Theron would have preferred a more developed physical relationship before becoming symbiotic with Vance. He wanted Vance willing to become his blood slave. After smelling his fear, he suspected his agreement would be slower in coming. “What are you going to do now?” “Bring Vance home.” “Home?” Theron felt the jealousy in Falcon. There were times when the Zenith was an inconvenience. He’d rather keep his possessive feelings over Vance to himself. Someone might misconstrue desire for weakness. “Vance will be confined to my rooms.” Once at the top of the stairs, Theron went to his office and grabbed his car keys. He knew where Vance lived. Although he’d gained membership through Nolan, a good and trusted vampire, Theron had had him investigated. Nothing in Vance’s life would keep him from serving the sect. His family lived more than a thousand miles away. No 27

KyAnn Waters

kids. No criminal record or past use of drugs. He was openly gay but wasn’t involved with anyone—except Tac. Cunning in his vetting process, Theron cultivated blood slaves. But he also granted memberships for protection. Judges, lawyers, doctors and law enforcement. The Catacombs gave them a safe, anonymous place to fulfill their fantasies. Theron would use them, use whatever was necessary to protect the vampires. Security was paramount. But Theron also sensed a kinship with Vance. He’d not have pursued him otherwise. Theron hadn’t survived this long being careless. Vance wasn’t submissive by nature. He didn’t know it yet but he would be submissive to the vampires. No, he won’t serve anyone but me. Vance had unwittingly provided the perfect opportunity for Theron to take what he wanted. Controlling Vance would be both his pleasure and his pain. His trial and his salvation. He pushed through the doors and into the cool night air. Like a million pinpricks of light, stars blanketed the night sky. This was his time, the hours of darkness where vampires walked among humans, blending in and comingling without conflict. Until someone fucked up. Like Greyton. But Greyton was dead. Should another vampire contravene his authority, that individual would meet the same fate. Theron slipped behind the wheel of his BMW, keyed the ignition and pulled out of his private parking space. At this hour, the streets were deserted. As much as he wanted to race through town, find Vance and drag him back to his chamber, he wouldn’t. If needed, he’d seduce him into compliance. But hopefully he could reason with Vance. Show Vance that he had nothing to fear from him or the other vampires. Eventually the fear, disbelief and myriad other emotions would lesson. Vance had wanted to know more about him, wanted to spend time alone. Now they would. Theron slowed as he pulled into Vance’s neighborhood. Public outings always carried risk. Before sunrise, he needed to be underground. Getting pulled over,

28

Dark Man

detained for any reason, would be disastrous. Hence the need for having contacts within the department. Theron didn’t hide his approach. Whether or not Vance watched for his arrival didn’t matter. He pulled the vehicle along the curb, parked and cut the engine. Vance lived in a small brick rambler. Green shutters, a nice hedge and a wide porch wrapped around the front. The windows were dark. Theron slipped out of the car, walked to the stone path leading to the house and stood there. He stuffed his hands into the front pockets of his jeans. A cool breeze caressed his flesh and ruffled his long hair. A sense of calm came over him. Almost relief. The indecision about when to bring Vance into his world was over. Pressure tightened his chest as he walked up the path. Vance was just a human, a man he wanted for a blood slave. Yet the anxiety surging through him made him a liar. From the first moment he’d seen him at Rafe’s New Year’s party, he’d wanted him. Sex at first—now more. This scene could get ugly. But somehow Theron knew it wouldn’t. Vance wasn’t stupid. Theron knocked on the door. Then he knocked again. “Vance, we need to talk.” It was quiet for a minute. “I know you’re there.” The sweet aroma of Vance’s blood was just on the other side of the door—surging with adrenaline, pumping hard and fast. Theron gnashed his teeth to keep his fangs from dropping. “We need to talk. Open the door.” “Say what you need to from the porch,” Vance said from the other side of the door. “I’m not inviting you in. I won’t be back at the club. I don’t want anything to do with you or any of your vampire friends.” Vance rested his forehead against the door, closed his eyes and listened. “Tac?” No response. He peeked out the peephole. Tac was gone. He wouldn’t leave just because he’d told him to. Vance’s hand shook as he carefully turned the deadbolt. The click sounded loud, along with the violent thundering of his heart. Sweat dampened his

29

KyAnn Waters

palm. He wiped his hands on his thighs then grasped the doorknob. Cracking the door a few inches, he confirmed Tac wasn’t on the porch. Where the fuck had he gone? Vance stepped out and glanced toward the street. He furrowed his brows. “Tac?” He hadn’t left. His black Beamer was still parked on the street. Pivoting, he went back into the house, closed and locked the door. He walked into the living room and peered out the window. This night was getting worse. First the freak show in The Catacombs and now one of the freaks was prowling around his house. He could call the cops. Not that they would believe him when he claimed a vampire was at his door—a vampire he’d been fucking for nearly two months—and that vampire just might want to bite him, drink his blood and leave him for dead in a back alley like his friend Seth. Why hadn’t Tac tried to bite him before now? Maybe he had. Could Tac be wiping out his memories? God, what else could he have done? Vance hurried to the kitchen and threw open the fridge. He quickly scanned the contents and grabbed a bulb of garlic. He had steak, but not the kind of stake he needed. This wasn’t the time to be humorous. Maybe he was going crazy. Could he plunge a stake through Tac? If Tac came at him with teeth dripping, intent on biting, he wouldn’t have a choice. Remember Seth. Remember the vampires in the club, blood smeared on their lips and the bound man writhing in the chair. That could be me. Fuck that! He yanked open the cutlery drawer and grasped a butcher knife by the handle. The sharp steel glinted in the light from the open refrigerator. “Are you going to make me dinner?” Vance spun on his heel, facing the back door. Tac had his hands in his pockets as he nonchalantly leaned against the doorjamb, his long legs crossed at the ankles. Shadows hid his face but Vance suspected he smiled. Like a cat about to get the mouse. “You’re one of them so if you’re hungry, you’ll need to go back to your club. Just get out of my house. I didn’t invite you in.”

30

Dark Man

Tac straightened. “I’m a vampire.” He walked into the kitchen. “Do you think locks or invitations can keep me out?” “I admit, my only knowledge of vampires is from movies, books and those delusional idiots who also think people have been abducted by aliens. Until tonight, I didn’t believe they really existed. I’m still not sure of what I saw but it was more than a bit of BDSM.” Tac touched a chair tucked under the table. “May I sit?” “No, you can leave.” “We need to talk.” “Talk or bite?” “Talk.” He grinned. “Since as you’ve proven, locked doors won’t keep you out, I suspect you can do what the fuck you want. Not like I can stop you.” Tac pulled out the chair. “No, you couldn’t.” He sat and clasped his hands on the table. “Would you please put the knife down?” Vance shifted the blade. “No, I feel better with it in my hand.” He flipped on the light before closing the refrigerator door then he took another step back. “Let me explain.” “No. Don’t say anything.” And he wasn’t going to ask anything. The less he knew the better. “Vance, be reasonable. If I had wanted to cause you harm, we wouldn’t be facing each other in your kitchen. You’d be dealt with.” “Dealt with?” Like how Seth was dealt with? Think, Vance. Just let him believe you’re okay with this. “I had planned to tell you everything—eventually.” “I don’t really want to know.” “Had you not gone below the club, we wouldn’t be in this position.” 31

KyAnn Waters

Tac stood and came around the table with his eyes locked on Vance. Vance tried to fight the pull on his fingers. Warmth surrounded him. His grip weakened. He looked at his hand where he clutched the knife. His fingers lost strength. “What are you doing?” His voice wavered under the fight to keep his grip locked to the handle. But he couldn’t. “Damn you!” The knife slipped from his hand and clattered on the floor. “Nothing has changed between us.” Tac stepped closer. “I’m the same man.” “And more.” Vance fought his desire. How could he still be attracted to him? “Much more. And I’m going to show you.” His nostrils flared as he inhaled. “But not here.” Dark, delicious sensations flowed over his body. His cock stirred as fear morphed to desire. “What are you doing to me?” Always with Tac, he was powerless to control his libido. He didn’t just want sex, but total possession. His possession. How fucked up was that? Vance had always considered himself to have a dominant personality. Now he wanted to be some vampire’s bitch. “What am I doing to you?” Tac whispered, his warm breath caressing Vance’s face. “I would think that’s obvious.” Lips brushed his cheek. His stomach clenched and shivers chased along his flesh. Vance’s eyes slid closed. He couldn’t look at Tac, so close, so beautiful and not want to kiss him, to sink into his warm mouth, suck his tongue and grind his cock into Tac’s. “Am I seducing you, Vance Autry?” “No.” Yes. As well as scaring the shit out of him. A vampire had kissed him, yet why had he never felt his teeth? He had to know. “Have you ever bitten me?” Tac chuckled. “I haven’t, but not from lack of want.” He wrapped his fingers around Vance’s nape. “Vampires don’t go around sucking blood out of unsuspecting humans. I want you willing, naked and begging for it.” Hot breath scorched his neck. Every muscle tightened, waiting for the pain of a bite. Sharp points pricked his skin. “I’ll never beg.” But the bite didn’t come. “You will. I promise,” Tac’s tongue traced the shell of his ear, “once I take you home.” 32

Dark Man

“Oh fuck me.” It wasn’t a request but a statement to his predicament. Heat streaked down his spine. His balls drew close to his body and his cock swelled. The links of his zipper bit into his sensitive skin. “I intend to.” “I won’t go with you.” His hips thrust against Tac’s, desperate to feel the strength of Tac’s erection rubbing against him. Tac’s fingers tightened on his neck. Adrenaline spiked his blood and his heart thundered. Tac’s touch sizzled on his flesh, making him ache for the sexual connection weaving between them. He’d been openly gay since high school, had slept with enough men to know he’d never felt this in sync with another lover. Not the way he was with Tac. Now he understood why. Dizziness clouded his thoughts. This is where he kills me. And there was nothing he could do to stop him. Vance was strong and active. Surfing, hiking, running. He loved being physical. It’s why he loved sex with Tac. Rough, aggressive and demanding. He liked to sweat. Right now, he sweated with a heady combination of fear and arousal. However, his strength was inconsequential against the power of the man—vampire— restraining him. Vance really couldn’t call it restraint. He wasn’t putting up much of a fight. With a will not his own, his arms dropped to his side. Tension ebbed from his body. He wasn’t giving up but he no longer wanted to fight. Perhaps if Tac thought he was surrendering, he’d relax his hold and Vance could escape his clutches. If only he could. “You’re mine.” Tac’s drugging kisses rained over his neck, his jaw, returning to his mouth. Vance stopped thinking of the consequences. The allure of wrapping his body around Tac’s overruled all rational thought. He should be searching for a means of escape, not drowning in the taste of the forbidden. If he gave in to lust, would he lose his life?

33

KyAnn Waters

Vance parted his lips for Tac and he slid into his mouth. Warm and wet, Tac’s tongue glided over his, tasting, touching and igniting a blaze of need. Vance groaned, hating that he could still want the man, knowing he was more. A vampire. A blood drinker. He was dangerous, probably deadly. Yet, Tac’s touch was too intoxicating to resist. All he could hope was that the vampire killed him quickly. Theron felt the moment of submission. Vance’s body slackened. Theron broke the kiss. “Come home with me.” “Do I have a choice?” “No.” Theron grazed his thumb over Vance’s bottom lip. “Don’t fear me,” he whispered. “Earlier at the club, you said you wanted to get to know me.” He looked into Vance’s eyes. “I’m letting you in, Vance.” “Keep me in the dark. I’m Dark Man and I don’t want to know anything more.” “I can’t do that.” “You mean you won’t.” Theron took a step back. “I’ll allow you a few minutes to gather any personal possessions you’d like to bring with you.” “Where are you taking me?” “I told you. I’m taking you home.” “I am home.” “Not anymore.” Vance crossed his arms over his chest. “I’m telling you now, I’ll fight you every opportunity I get. Don’t think I’m a fool. I know you could overpower me, make me do what you want. Realize you’ll be forcing me to submit. Will you be able to take gratification in that? I don’t think so. Willing submission is the only way to pure pleasure. After what I saw in that room, there isn’t a chance in hell I’ll ever submit.” “Then I’ll see us as a challenge. Get your shit, Vance. We’re wasting time.” “If you’re a vampire, time isn’t an issue.”

34

Dark Man

As much as he enjoyed Vance’s sense of humor, Theron was running out of time. “No, but the sunrise is, so if you don’t mind, I’d like to leave.” Vance walked toward the living room. “So sunlight is a problem for you. Good to know.” Theron smiled. “I hope darkness isn’t for you.” “Okay, Tac, or whatever your name is. Had I known just how many secrets you were keeping, I would’ve kept my distance.” He grabbed his keys and cell phone from the hall table. Theron put his hand on Vance’s shoulder. “My name is Theron. Don’t speak it unless we’re alone.” “Since I don’t seem to have a choice and I don’t know what the hell is going on, from now on just call me Dark Man.” He pulled open the door. “I’ll see to your every need.” Theron took the phone from his hand. “So you won’t need this either.” Vance stalked toward the car. “Fuck you.” God, Theron hoped so.

35

KyAnn Waters

Chapter Three Vance wasn’t surprised that home for Tac was in the club. His stomach rolled with the thought of going back in. With each minute that passed, more pieces of the puzzle slipped into place. Was Seth’s friend Nolan a vampire? Clearly not all the members of the club were aware they mingled with and fucked vampires. Vance couldn’t have been the only one in the dark on that tasty little tidbit of information. Tac parked and opened the car door. “Let’s go.” He slid from the vehicle. Vance exited and walked beside him. Part of him was scared as hell to be with Tac, but after what he’d seen in the room with the two vampires feeding from the bound man, he was more fearful of the unknown. He’d slowly fallen for Tac. Like a stone thrown into deep water, he slipped farther into the darkness. He couldn’t just vanquish those feelings in the span of an hour. That didn’t mean he’d lie down, offer a vein and die for the bastard. They entered the club. Ah fuck, the smells, the sights, the total ambiance had his cock hardening and his pulse racing. How could he want to fuck after all he’d witnessed? He was sick. Since when had pain and necrophilia been sexually arousing? Wasn’t sex with a vampire like having sex with the dead, or undead? Tac didn’t stop to speak to anyone. He didn’t demand that Vance follow him. But even without the verbal command, Vance didn’t have a choice. How many of the club members were vampires? If he caused a scene, they’d find a way to shut him up. At least with Tac, he had some hope that he wasn’t about to meet his demise. The music and mood faded as they walked down the hall. When he’d ventured this way earlier, he’d never have seen the doorway without Remi’s guidance. “Why was I allowed to go below the club?” Tac didn’t respond.

36

Dark Man

“You did this, not me.” Tac opened the doorway to the underbelly of the club. “You’re right. But in time, you would’ve come with me willingly.” “You don’t know that.” Vance started down the stairs. “Oh give it up, Dark Man.” Tac spun toward Vance. “Do you think this is something new for me? I’ve been grooming blood slaves for five hundred years. One look at you and I knew you’d be sweet and willing. You don’t drink, you’re eager to please and yet you’re stubborn.” He turned and started down the stairs again. “Take some responsibility in this.” They reached the lower level. “What do you mean?” he asked, although he knew exactly what Tac was talking about. He’d been on a mission to find out the secrets of the club. Now he knew. “And what do you mean, blood slave?” “We could have spent months fucking in the club before you became aware of any of this. But make no mistake, from the moment you walked into that New Year’s party with Nolan, I wanted you in my bed.” Vance swallowed. He’d never been in Tac’s bed. They’d had sex in the club but at every request Tac had refused to take him home. Nor would Tac come to his place. Now he knew why. “This is home.” Tac stopped at a set of metal double doors. Vance couldn’t remember if he’d been in this part of the catacombs. The image of the three men, blood staining their lips and cocks dripping pre-cum, overpowered any other memory. He tamped down the flare of heat in his core. He refused to acknowledge that he had found the encounter stimulating. Seemingly with only a thought, the doors opened. “Please,” Tac held out his arm, inviting Vance to enter first. Tac followed. Unlike the other room he’d seen, this space was large and lavishly decorated. He thought of Tac as a steel and leather man. This room was softer. The walls were painted slate gray and the lighting was dim. Thick carpeting and oriental rugs made the room 37

KyAnn Waters

inviting. The kinky man who played in the Pit, wore chainmail and owned a fetish club lived in sophisticated luxury. A crushed-velvet settee faced an intricately carved wooden table. Obviously there was more to Tac than sex and blood. How long had he lived to accumulate such a collection of antiquities? The five hundred years he’d mentioned? Longer? “How long do you plan to keep me here?” Tac leaned against the closed door. His mouth was unsmiling but his amber eyes sparked with a simmering fire. “Maybe forever.” Vance paused, waiting for Tac to say he was only joking. But nothing about his posture or expression revealed he wasn’t serious. “I have responsibilities. Have you seen the news lately? Your club is already in the spotlight. If another member goes missing, don’t you think it will spark curiosity?” “You aren’t missing. You’re right here where you belong.” Vance snorted. “I have a job and family.” Tac straightened and crossed the room. “And I have connections. Believe me, no one will look for you.” He unbuttoned his shirt and shrugged it from his shoulders. “Would you like something to drink?” He tossed the shirt to the settee. “No, and you can drop the hospitality bit. This isn’t a social gathering and I’m not your guest.” Tac dropped into a chair and sighed. “I’m only trying to make you comfortable.” “Why don’t we cut the bullshit? I’m here and you won’t let me leave. You mentioned a blood slave. I don’t like the sound of that. What is it?” Tac crossed his right ankle over his left knee. “Exactly what it sounds like, only it isn’t unpleasant. Blood slaves serve vampires. Believe me, I’ve taken every precaution to keep my sect secure. Humanity is safe. Blood slaves willingly give all we need to survive.”

38

Dark Man

Tell that to Seth. Vance crossed his arms over his chest. “Look at me. I’m not willing.” “Not yet.” An arrogant smile curled his lips. “I assure you, the pleasure a blood slaves feels is more intense than anything you’ve ever experienced.” Vance recalled the moans from the man in the bondage chair. “He must have been a blood slave.” “Tell me what you saw when you were down here earlier.” “Two bloodthirsty vampires gorging on a man strapped in a chair. At first I thought they were engaging in sex, then one of the vampires nearly ripped out his jugular and the other one nearly bit off the man’s dick.” Tac chuckled. “You sound as if it disgusted you but I know it turned you on. Deny what you want but I’m not wrong.” He stood from the chair and took two steps toward Vance. Vance backed up. “Stay away from me.” When he was close, Vance gave in to lust. He’d rather hang on to the anger. Tac paused. “Careful.” Careful of what? His teeth, his body, or the control Tac seemed to wield over him? “I’m tolerant to a point. You’re here. You’ll remain here until I allow you to leave.” Or until he could find a way to get the hell out. The place was like a fortress. Was the primary intent to keep him in or others out? “At least now I know why you wouldn’t see me alone.” “Believe me, it wasn’t from lack of want. You weren’t ready. You still aren’t ready for all of me.” “You want to bite me?” Vance moved farther away from Tac. “Yes, but I won’t. Not until you want my bite as much as I want to pierce your vein.” His voice lowered. “Sink my teeth into your neck, into your sweet blood while I thrust my cock in your tight ass.”

39

KyAnn Waters

Vance’s sphincter clenched. “Your dick will throb and drip with fluid.” He lowered his voice. “You’ll want me like you’ve never wanted anyone.” Vance closed his eyes as the erotic words weaved intimacy into Tac’s intentions. “With every pump of your heart you’ll feel my cock stretch your hole taut. You’ll want to come. Muscles will tense and you’ll reach for that release. Juices will trickle down your shaft.” Vance’s breathing grew shallow. Heat raced along his spine and pooled in his balls. “You want to come now, don’t you?” Tac’s breath warmed his lips. Vance snapped his eyes open. “But I won’t let you.” “That won’t happen,” Vance said, breathless and turned-on. He couldn’t deny he did want Tac. The erection confined behind the fly of his jeans revealed just how much. Tac was shirtless. With every subtle shift of his body, toned muscle flexed and bulged. Vance swallowed. “Will never happen.” “Your denial is just words.” Tac scored his fingernails over the solid ridge of Vance’s erection. “You’re hard for me.” Tac nipped at Vance’s lips. “Just like I’m hard for you.” He bumped his groin against Vance’s. “Tonight you’ll beg me to fuck you.” “Never.” He chuckled. “Never is a long time when you have eternity.” “Eternity is a long time to want.” “I won’t wait for an eternity. I know you, Dark Man, better than you want me to.” “And I believe I’m beginning to understand you.” Vance cupped Tac’s cock through his jeans and gently squeezed. “You have to have control.” He squeezed harder. “You won’t, with me.” “Do you think you’re that important?”

40

Dark Man

“If I weren’t, I wouldn’t be here. You orchestrated all this. You set me up. I went where you led me and now you expect me to pay the price.” Tac was quiet, his eyes focused intently on Vance. “Guilty. I know what I want.” He backed up and sat on the settee. “Now what do we do about it?” He pulled off his boots and socks. “Let me leave.” “Impossible.” With his thighs widespread, Tac rested his elbows on his knees. “Now you know of our existence.” “Then you’ll never let me go?” A fresh wave of panic surged through him. His throat tightened. All the time he’d been fucking Tac, he never would have thought Tac capable of this. Tac stood and unzipped his jeans. “You’re finally beginning to understand.” He pushed his jeans past his hips. “What are you doing?” He stepped out of his jeans. “Undressing.” The man was gorgeous. Toned limbs, long dark hair contrasted against his honeyed skin. Flat, brown nipples centered on sculpted pectorals. Taut flesh stretched over his grooved, corded abdominals. Two distinct ridges of muscle formed a sexy vee into his groin. Vance swallowed. His tongue thickened in his mouth. Tac’s cock was thick and jutting from a neatly groomed thatch of silken hair. “I need you to undress. We’re going to have company.” “Are you fucking nuts?” Tac narrowed his eyes. “No, I’ll be fucking you.” He took a step closer. His cock bobbed, holding Vance mesmerized. “Now get undressed.” Vance refused. The door opened and Drake, from the club, entered the room. “You’re one of them too?”

41

KyAnn Waters

Drake glanced at Tac. “A vampire? No.” “He’s a blood slave. You can see he’s hardly shackled.” Drake immediately stripped. His body was smooth and clean. Hairless with the exception of the brown wavy locks framing his face. Tac turned to Vance. “To enter my sleeping chamber wearing clothes is insulting.” Tac’s eyes darkened, turning crimson. “You have made your feelings clear as have I. My patience is at an end.” Vance didn’t know what to expect but he’d seen enough to know he wasn’t going to push Tac further. He pulled his T-shirt over his head and dropped it on the floor. The rasp of the zipper lowering spiked his pulse. His heartbeat galloped in his chest and tension tightened his muscles. After all he’d done in the club with Tac, this felt too intimate and dangerous. He didn’t want what he’d seen happen in the room with the two vampires to happen to him. Drake strode naked through the connecting doorway. Unsure of what else he could do, Vance followed. Tac’s bedroom was as decadent as the front room, only not with sophisticated elegance. Along the far wall, manacles hung from the ceiling. Chains and ankle cuffs were installed in the flooring. A metal-framed contraption sat opposite the bed. Vance didn’t need directions to recognize a fuck machine. Instead of shelving priceless artifacts, Tac had toys, creams, cuffs and paddles lining the bookcase. Drake didn’t wait for instruction. He crawled onto the enormous bed, propped a pillow, lay back and stroked his shaft. The cock head darkened and the ropey veins running the length swelled with blood. Tac pointed to a chair next to the bed—a bondage chair like the one Vance had seen earlier. “No.” He wouldn’t be tied down and at the mercy of vampires. He’d go out fighting if he had to.

42

Dark Man

Tac placed his hands on Vance’s shoulders. “Listen to me. I’m not going to hurt you. I want you to understand.” He leaned in and whispered into Vance’s ear. “Trust me.” Vance jerked back. “Trust is earned.” He met Tac’s stare. “Remember, you said you wouldn’t bite.” Drake laughed. “He can take all he needs from me.” Theron crossed the room, grabbed a string of beads from the shelf then he led Vance to the chair. “Sit down.” Vance took a steadying breath and sat on the edge of the bondage chair. Christ, it was about time Vance listened. Discovering vampires existed and that he’d been screwing one regularly had to be a jarring revelation. But damn, the man could argue. Theron’s dick had ached since he’d walked out on Falcon. He hadn’t thought it would be this difficult getting Vance naked and into his bed. Theron fingered the string of beads in his hand. He squatted in front of Vance. “Make no mistake.” He wrapped his fingers around the solid base of Vance’s cock. “I want you in my bed.” He leaned forward and swiped his tongue across the slit, tasting salty-sweet fluid glistening on the crown. Vance fisted his hands at his sides and punched the cushion. “I can’t fight this.” “Don’t fight what feels so good.” Theron moaned, opened wider and closed his mouth over the cock head. Vance groaned and his hips jerked. Theron slid his lips down the length, curling his tongue over the silken flesh. Vance was hot and pulsing within his mouth. Theron needed him wet and greedy. He wasn’t slow or gentle. Hunger had him by the balls. Holding tightly to the root, he swallowed more of the length. He took it all, until his lips circled the base. He sucked as he pulled back, careful to keep his teeth from scraping along the shaft. With a moan, he licked, slathering his tongue along the length. The blunt tip of Vance’s cock thrust deep, brushing the back of Theron’s throat. He hummed and savored the musky flavor. The taste and power was exquisite but he 43

KyAnn Waters

hated the desperation churning within him. Especially in the company of Drake, he had to show he had complete command over his emotions. He could feel Vance fighting for the same control. Vance stiffened but couldn’t keep from bucking his hips, driving his cock deeper into Theron’s mouth. He grasped onto the armrests of the chair until his knuckles whitened and his breathing became unsteady. Theron didn’t want him coming, not yet. But he wanted him to accept that he was aroused, that he was just as desperate for sex. Theron lifted his head. Staring into Vance’s heavy-lidded eyes, he reached between Vance’s legs. His cock and balls glistened with Theron’s saliva. Using the wetness, Theron worked a small bead into Vance’s anus. Vance groaned and Theron closed his mouth over his cock head again. Salty sweetness bloomed on his tongue. Vance struggled to deny his responses. That he couldn’t was beyond erotic. Theron relaxed his throat and slid his greedy mouth along the length. He wanted it all. Tension rolled off Vance in waves. Theron released the suction hold he had on Vance’s cock and slipped in a second, slightly larger bead. “I’m not asking you to do anything but watch.” Another bead pressed against Vance’s rosette and popped inside. “Watch the way Drake’s body responds to my bite.” He pushed in a fourth bead. “Imagine it’s you in my arms, quenching my thirst.” He shoved in the last, largest bead. Vance moaned. “Try to deny that my hunger doesn’t flush you with heat, make you crave the forbidden.” He took Vance’s hand in his and directed his fingers between his legs. “And when you can’t fight the need to come, rip the beads from your ass.” Vance fingered the end of the rope that linked the beads. “Imagine it’s my cock giving you pleasure.” Theron stood and leaned into Vance. Vance’s torso was a wall of muscle with a dusting of hair. His cock was built like the rest of him—solid, thick and tempting. Theron brushed a gentle kiss to his lips. “Because, when I pierce Drake’s flesh and savor his rich, velvet blood flowing into my mouth, I’ll be wishing it were you.”

44

Dark Man

Vance’s swallow was audible. His eyes darkened and his pupils widened. His chest rose and fell with each ragged breath he drew into his body. Theron turned to the bed. Drake patiently waited. Naked and warm and willing. The anticipation heightened, knowing that a few feet away, Vance remained transfixed. Theron sat next to Drake and wrapped his fingers around his nape. He pulled him closer. Warm breath caressed his lips then the softest touch sparked a firestorm of need. He opened his mouth as his fangs lengthened. He wasn’t ready to bite, not yet. Drake shifted. With open mouths, a breath apart, tongue searched tongue, meeting and tangling. Theron kept his eyes open, kissing Drake, but his focus locked on Vance. His jaw ached. Inside he felt hollow. However, he held off biting. He needed Vance to see the beauty of the seduction. He shifted his head and flicked his tongue against the tantalizing flesh of Drake’s neck. Drake shivered. “Please,” he begged. “Patience,” Theron said as he adjusted on the bed. His gaze never wavered from Vance. He ran his hands over Drake’s sculpted, hairless torso, letting his fingers travel over each muscled rib. His skin was warm and the pulsing blood within Drake’s veins surged closer to the surface. Still Theron drew out the sweet anticipation. He kissed Drake where his neck curved into his shoulder. A small smile found his lips as Vance shifted in the chair, still refusing to touch his body. The string taunted Theron. He wanted Vance to play with his balls, stroke his cock and at the moment of orgasm yank the string of beads from his ass. Theron grazed Drake with his teeth. Drake hissed, arching his back. His cock lengthened and oozed slippery cream. Drake grasped his dick and stroked the taut flesh. “Wait,” Theron whispered, covering Drake’s hand and threading their fingers. “This is for Vance.” Theron bent his head and brought Drake’s wrist to his mouth. His lips pulled back and the intoxicating power of feeding washed over him. Saliva pooled 45

KyAnn Waters

in his mouth and his gums burned. He touched his tongue to the hot, beating pulse point in Drake’s wrist. The coppery aroma filled his nose and he couldn’t resist pricking the skin. “So sweet,” he softly spoke as he lapped up the two drops of beaded blood. Vance gasped and his cock jerked. Drake glanced over Theron’s shoulder at the same time that Theron sliced into his wrist. Theron’s fangs slipped into the thick veins. Blood rushed from the wound, filling Theron’s mouth. He growled, and with light suction, sealed his mouth over Drake’s flesh and drank. Only his eyes lifted, focusing on Vance. Vance’s fingertips dug into his thighs but reached no higher. His back arched, muscle and tendon stretched his neck. His eyes narrowed. “Why fight it?” Drake whispered and his body became pliant. He melted into the bed. His eyes closed. Moans of pleasure filled the room. Theron wanted those breathy gasps spilling from Vance’s lips to be from pleasure not from fighting his natural reaction. “Because I’m not here by choice.” Vance’s gravelly voice strained under his willpower. Theron retracted his fangs but was far from replete. He stood from the bed, went to the shelf. Damn it, Vance’s determination matched his own. He took another set of beads and some lube. He climbed back onto the bed and without the finesse of an aural seduction as he’d done with Vance, he slicked the beads with clear gel and one after another, slipped them into Drake’s ass. “Don’t pull the beads,” he said in a tone that brooked no argument. “Not until Vance pulls his.” Drake chuckled. Sometimes you are an evil bastard. Within the Zenith, Theron shared thoughts with his blood slave. You love it. Theron stretched out on the bed on his side and circled one of Drake’s nipples with a fingertip. But if he doesn’t break soon, I might. Theron leaned over Drake’s groin and took his cock between his lips. 46

Dark Man

Drake stretched his arms out to the sides, giving Theron unfettered access to his hairless body. He was in the grip of the Zenith, a euphoric high that only intensified during sex. Theron bared his teeth and sank his fangs into the large femoral artery in Drake’s leg. Blood gushed to the surface, filling his mouth. He had to swallow hard and fast. When Vance had described the scene earlier, the bite and blood had bothered him. Feeding didn’t have to be messy. Some vampires enjoyed the feel of blood dripping from their mouths, smearing across their lips and bodies. There had been times when Theron enjoyed blood play, but not tonight. This was about the subtle beauty of a vampire’s bite. The symbiotic connection of vampire and blood slave. Drake cried out and convulsed on the bed. His cock jerked and erupted. Cum shot from the slit, bathing his stomach with streams of cream. Theron released the bite, sealed the wounds and closed his mouth over the crown of Drake’s cock. He sucked hard, drawing out his orgasm, extracting the last ounce of pleasure and the last of his semen. Vance groaned from the corner. His shaft was engorged and pulsing with blood. The corona darkened to a deep red and fluids ran from the slit, trickling down the length. Vance leaned his head back, jaw clenched and growled deep in his chest. “Damn you,” Theron said. “Pull the beads.” “No.” “Yes. Come! Give in to the pleasure.” Vance held himself rigid. If he moved, he’d come. He couldn’t watch Tac give to Drake what he wanted for himself. The bite, the blowjob, damn it, he wanted to rip the beads from his ass. “Fuck.” Tac cursed, reached between Drake’s legs and stripped the beads from Drake’s hole. Drake cried out and jackknifed on the bed. Tac lifted Drake’s legs and pressed the tip of his cock to his rim.

47

KyAnn Waters

“Yes, fuck me.” Drake rolled his hips. The beads had coated his hole with gel and Tac’s cock easily glided in. He pulled back, then thrust forward. A smooth slide in and out. Drake clenched his hands into fists, gripping the bedding tightly. Vance couldn’t turn away. His balls throbbed and his erection was beyond painful. One touch would have him rocketing off. He wouldn’t give Tac that power. Tac’s hips found a punishing rhythm, a thrusting that left Vance breathless with want. Drake grunted with each slam of Tac’s cock. The sound pounded in time with Vance’s heartbeat. His stomach tightened and the muscles in his ass clamped around the string of beads. A feral growl rolled from Tac. He pulled from Drake’s ass. “On your knees. Face Vance.” Drake scrambled to the position. Tac moved in behind him. Vance wouldn’t see the slide of cock into ass. Tac’s crimson gaze boring into his eyes was infinitely more dangerous, more arousing, and he couldn’t take any more stimulation. A moment later, Tac’s back stiffened and the muscles in his arms flexed. With powerful strokes, he plowed into Drake and came. Drake reared upright. With unimaginable strength, Tac wrapped his arms around Drake’s chest, held him up and bit hard into his neck. Drake grabbed onto Tac’s outer thigh and his eyes closed. He tensed, then a shudder overtook his body and he convulsed with another orgasm. Cream spurted from his cock head onto the bed. Vance roiled in physical pain. His body trembled with the need to come. He had to hold on. He couldn’t give in. Every part of him called to the vampire. Power over his mind, body and soul spiraled out of control. Tac released Drake, who collapsed, gasping for breath. Tac bolted from the bed, stalked across the room and put his face close to Vance’s. “Pull the beads.” “No.” “Why?” “Because you want me to.”

48

Dark Man

“No, I want you to admit that you want to pull the fucking beads. Admit you want to climb onto that bed.” “Not everything we want is good for us.” Vance felt himself drowning in Tac’s hypnotizing eyes, a vortex of amber and crimson striations. “I am going to be very good for you. Stop fighting and pull the fucking beads.” Tac grazed his thumb over the tip of Vance’s cock. Vance hissed. “There are always elements out of our control. What makes you a survivor is your ability to adapt.” “Are you adapting, Vance? Pull the fucking beads and come to my bed.” “How do you survive? All you want is to break me.” He stared hard at Tac. “I won’t.” “I’m in no mood to have a philosophical debate with you. I’m in the mood to fuck.” Tac reached between his legs and with a hard jerk, ripped the beads from Vance’s ass. “Oh fuck.” Vance thrust his hips hard. Liquid fire streaked through his shaft. His gut clenched and he came. Ribbons of cum jetted from the slit of his cock head. His mind dizzied with the release. Endorphins spiked his blood. Tac dropped his mouth to Vance’s. He tasted of blood and sex. Turn away. Don’t. Ah fuck, he couldn’t resist. He snaked his tongue into Tac’s mouth, savagely claiming his kiss. Lips meshed. Tac inched back. Vance whimpered with the loss of his hot, wet mouth. “Come to bed.” Lust simmered in Tac’s amber eyes. His dark hair tangled around his shoulders. “No.” Guilt twisted in his gut. He’d kissed him, wanted him, but he couldn’t feed him. “Nothing has changed. I’m not a blood slave.” “I’m out of here.” Drake scrambled from the bed. “Will you need me to wake you after dusk? Or will you feed from Vance?” “Not me,” Vance answered Drake. Then he pushed at Tac’s chest to put space between them. “I won’t be your blood slave.”

49

KyAnn Waters

Tac didn’t acknowledge Drake or turn away from Vance. Once Drake had left and they were alone Tac’s lips formed a hard line. “Why do you fight what you are?” “For the same reason you’re fighting to change me.” Vance stood. “I need a bathroom. Or rather a shower.” Tac growled and ran his fingers through his hair. “And I need to sleep. Come, we’ll take a shower together,” his voice grew stern, “sleep together, and since nothing is going to be resolved tonight, we call a truce.” Vance took a breath to speak, but Tac interrupted. “Drop it, Dark Man. You can fight me in bed. Sleep or sex. Those are your options. Every other topic, at least for tonight, is closed.” “Sleep.” As tempting as he was, even as a vampire, Vance wasn’t going to fuck him as long as Theron held him against his will.

50

Dark Man

Chapter Four Vance woke slowly, cocooned in the intimate embrace of Theron’s arms. Theron’s cock was nestled against his buttocks. He slept perfectly still. Only the subtle lift and fall of his chest revealed he wasn’t truly dead. He was warm, the fragrance of his shampoo scented the pillow and the heady aroma of sex still clung to the sheets. This was dangerous. If Vance wanted out of this insane situation, he had better remember the man snuggled up behind him was vampire, wanted to bite his neck and turn him into a blood slave. He slowly lifted Theron’s arm, untangled himself from the tempting form, and shimmied toward the edge of the bed. The room was pitch black. He remembered the approximate location of the door. Keeping his fingers on the edge of the bed, he maneuvered around the perimeter. From there, he hesitantly reached with outstretched arms, feeling for the wall. He shivered when he touched the rough, painted surface. Treading carefully, he felt along the wall until he reached the cracked-open interior door. Vance was able to slip his fingers around the edge and enter the main room of Theron’s living quarters. As quietly as possible, he pushed the door closed. Earlier Theron had turned off the recessed lighting with a voice command. He spoke as loudly as he dared, fearful of waking the sleeping vampire. “Lights, dim.” Soft illumination lit the room. Great, he was out of the bedroom, now if he could get out of this room. His clothing remained on the floor where he’d left it. He gathered his jeans and shirt and then dressed. A loud rumble rolled from his stomach. When was the last time he’d eaten? Hours before Theron had shown up at his house. His first priority should be plotting a way out. While he searched for a means of escape, he could scrounge up something to eat. There seemed to be only three rooms to

51

KyAnn Waters

Theron’s home. Bedroom, main room and bathroom. What would a vampire need with a kitchen? He kept his food supply in his bed. Not even the club offered food. It was unlikely Theron’s cronies would let Vance walk out the back door. No phone, no television, not even a computer. Perhaps in the offices upstairs he could order a pizza. But down here, the windowless rooms were time vacuums. How long had he been belowground? He walked around the room. Theron had an appreciation for fine art. The examples on the walls should probably be in a museum. He stopped and stared. There was a common theme with Theron’s choices. All left Vance with a hollow feeling. A sadness that contradicted the sex-driven man he knew from the club. One painting in particular caused an emotional response within Vance. His chest tightened. He took a deep breath and pictured Theron living in the stark, shadowy landscape. Barren trees, a river leading nowhere, seemed to go on forever into the painting’s horizon. Yet, this painting was no lonelier than the one of a man standing on a rocky shore staring at the ocean with longing in his eyes. Did Theron long for more than he had? How could he? He’d built his world the way he wanted it. Vance studied the trinkets, busts, weapons and books on the shelves. Theron’s collection varied, including old European and early Americana. Although he also had modern comforts such as the voice-activated lighting. “Food,” he said and laughed. It wasn’t as if this were the Starship Enterprise and he could go to a replicator and order a cheeseburger, fries and a soda. If it were, he’d replicate a change of clothes. When Theron had told him to gather some personal items, he’d been too worried about saving his neck to consider what he’d wear when he met his death. After last night, he wasn’t as concerned about losing his life. At least not in the way Seth had. Before last night, he’d been a man enjoying the activities of the club with Tac while trying to gather information that hopefully the police could use. Now he wondered if he really wanted to know. Had Seth willingly gone with a vampire? Had he known it would end his life? Because as scared as Vance was to discover Tac was

52

Dark Man

vampire and as much as he’d tried to fight it, he’d still wanted on that bed, had wanted to experience the pleasure etched across Drake’s face. He’d wanted to feel the penetrating bite as well had the hard length of Theron’s cock deep in his ass. The slide of the door on carpet drew his attention. A man entered the room and paused when he saw Vance. “I heard you were down here.” He closed the door and came into the room. “Where’s Theron?” “I assume he’s still asleep.” He indicated the closed door to the bedroom. “He was when I left his bed.” Where had the possessive streak come from? As if he didn’t know. This was the same man who had gone belowground with Tac when Vance had followed. The man Tac had probably fucked because he hadn’t gotten what he’d needed from Vance. But Vance didn’t want Theron, didn’t want this reality. Why then did tension tighten his shoulders? His heart pounded. His instinct was to fight or fuck for what he wanted. Damn it, he couldn’t want Theron, the lifestyle or the slavery. He refused to be Theron’s blood slave. The man shrugged out of his shirt. “By the way, the name’s Falcon.” “Van— Call me Dark Man.” Falcon smiled and unsnapped his jeans, peeled them over his hips and down his legs. “First Ice Man now Dark Man. Theron knows how to pick his slaves.” “What are you doing?” He paused. “Getting undressed. Unless…are you planning to wake him?” What the hell did waking a vampire entail? “No, I say we let him sleep.” Falcon gave a snort and stepped out of his clothes. He flung his jeans and shirt over the armrest of the settee. “He’ll be hungry.” That made two of them. “I could go for a hamburger or a pizza.” Falcon chuckled. “Do all blood slaves shave their bodies?” Falcon was hairless as well.

53

KyAnn Waters

Falcon stroked a hand over his torso. He fondled his balls, gently squeezing and tugging. Then he curled his fingers around the solid shaft. “Shaving is a pain in the ass. I’ve had laser treatments.” Vance swallowed. “Why?” “Once you’ve fed Theron, you’ll understand.” Falcon strode toward the bedroom door. “My blood and body belong to the vampires. Body hair gets in the way. Theron especially prefers smooth, clean skin and untainted blood.” Falcon winked. “I’m sure, for you, he’d make an exception.” He grasped the door handle. “Are you coming?” God, if he watched another encounter like last night, he would be. “Yes.” Vance started forward and Falcon put his hand up. “Look, Dark Man, I didn’t come down here to make friends. But I’m sure not going to piss off Theron. Strip, because you have to be naked to be in his sleeping chamber. Those are the rules.” “I’m not one for following rules.” Vance entered before Falcon. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” Light from the living room spilled through the open doorway. Vance crossed his arms over his chest and stood near the door. Theron lay in repose, nearly motionless. The tips of his fangs, stark against his slightly parted lips, glinted in the dim light. Theron had a strong jaw and long neck. The rest of his sculpted perfection was silhouetted beneath the thin sheet. Vance’s pulse kicked up and his cock twitched. The bed dipped as Falcon crawled on his hands and knees closer to Theron. Pulling back the sheet, he exposed the width of Theron’s shoulders and the tapered lines of his muscular torso. Vance’s craving for sex intensified. Falcon bent over and swiped his tongue over Theron’s flat, beaded nipple. He stirred and his grooved, eight pack abdominals quivered in the cool air. Theron snapped awake. His eyes blazed crimson. A low growl rolled from his chest. Vance stumbled back until he hit the wall. Falcon let his head loll to the side, offering the veins of his neck. With a violent surge, Theron sat up and hovered over

54

Dark Man

Falcon. His lips curled back from his gums and his incisors lengthened into long, sharp points. Vance gasped. Theron jerked his head and his eyes narrowed on Vance. Vance’s tongue swelled in his mouth. Pressure clamped around his chest. He couldn’t breathe. Terrified yet aroused, Vance was unable to turn away, to flee. His gaze locked on Theron. A lecherous leer pulled at Theron’s lips. Then with an unwavering gaze, he bent over Falcon’s neck and bit hard into his flesh. Blood rimmed his lips. Falcon jerked, moaned and went pliant in Theron’s strong arms. Theron drank, his throat moving with each hungry swallow. Vance felt an answering tug in his balls and his dick throbbed. His confining jeans trapped his thickening erection. Fuck, he was stiff and unbending. Blood continued to surge into his shaft. He jerked the snap and lowered the zipper. Theron shifted and his curtain of dark, silken hair partially blocked Vance’s view of the bite. Vance fought his desires. He wanted to climb onto the bed, take Theron’s erect cock into his mouth and suck him dry while he bled Falcon. With a will not his own, Vance shed his clothing. Once naked he closed his eyes, took a breath and when he opened his eyes again he focused on Theron and allowed the mental manipulation. The vampire called to him. He strode forward until his thighs brushed the mattress. Theron’s fangs slipped from Falcon’s neck. His tongue stroked the puncture wounds and lapped at the trickle of blood. Finally, he lifted his head. “Join us,” he said in a dark, seductive timbre. Vance hesitated. Falcon turned, wrapped one hand around his own cock and reached for Theron’s dick with the other. “Get on the bed, Dark Man, or get out.” Vance’s gaze never wavered from Theron. “There is only going to be one of us on the bed with you,” he said to Theron. Leave us. Theron pried Falcon’s fingers from his cock. 55

KyAnn Waters

Falcon leaned up on his elbow. What? No. His eyes narrowed on Theron. Make him join us. Theron shifted his gaze to Falcon. “I wasn’t asking.” His acceptance of our ways is fragile. He’s to become a blood slave. For now, I’m allowing his demands. I will not, however, tolerate yours. So you leave me to suffer? Again. That’s bullshit. I’ve had enough of your insolence. And I’ve had enough of yours. Theron narrowed his eyes. Pushing me is dangerous. “So is my temper.” “Your temper is what?” Falcon turned toward Vance. “Last night he left me to go to you. Not this time.” He fisted his dick and stroked the length. “I’m staying.” “Falcon,” Theron said in a sharp tone. Do not forget whom you serve. “I know. I serve you. I feed you. But I’m a blood slave and I need sex.” We’re in the Zenith. I feel your desire for him. I won’t leave. “Then stay.” Falcon released a breath. Thank you. You misunderstand. This time I will not be lenient. “Vance, chain him to the wall.” Falcon’s body stiffened. You will watch but not participate. The moment was heavy with indecision. If Falcon disobeyed, this would be the last time he entered his chamber. Falcon glared at Vance. “I won’t forget this.” Don’t blame Vance. This is your own doing. Falcon reluctantly climbed from the bed and stood against the wall. He lifted his arms above his head. Vance cautiously approached. 56

Dark Man

“Lock the manacles to his wrists.” Vance diligently obeyed. Falcon hissed. Vance had to press against him in order to lock the iron restraints. Muscles in his back bunched as he reached for Falcon’s other wrist. Falcon’s dark hair and Native American flesh contrasted with Vance’s soft blond curls. I can smell him through you. Then let me give you more. Falcon drank in another deep breath. Yes. Vance’s cock sparred with Falcon’s as he struggled to lock the second manacle. Falcon tried to thrust against Vance. The click of the lock echoed in the room. Vance stepped back and turned to Theron. “And his ankles. I want him chained.” Vance dropped to his knees and Falcon groaned. “Fuck.” I want to slide my cock into his mouth. He’s in the perfect position, on his knees and a breath away from my dick. Cream trickled from the slit. Falcon struggled against the chains. “Suck it.” Vance looked up into his face. “One taste and I’ll blow.” Vance glanced over his shoulder toward Theron. “Not unless you ask me to.” Theron smiled and crossed the room. Vance stood as he approached. “Why the change in attitude?” Theron trailed a finger between Vance’s pectorals. “You can’t imagine why I’d submit when I’ve never been able to tell you no.” He grasped Theron at the hips and rubbed their cocks together. Hot flesh to hot flesh. Theron pressed close, pushing Vance against Falcon, who gasped and closed his eyes. Vance’s strong, tapered back meshed against Falcon’s smooth chest. Falcon’s struggles against the confining manacles clanked the chains against the cinderblock wall. “Last night you said you’d never give in,” Theron said.

57

KyAnn Waters

“I said I’d never be like Falcon, never a blood slave. I can’t seem to turn off my need to be fucked by you.” Vance angled his head and captured his mouth in a heated kiss. His tongue thrust into Theron’s mouth. A growl rolled from Theron as he slammed into Vance. Theron pressed Vance’s body hard into Falcon. Falcon grunted. Let me fuck him. With his legs widespread and anchored to the floor, he tried to roll his hips and grind his cock against Vance’s firm ass. Theron ripped his mouth from Vance’s. “No.” He’s mine. “Yes.” Vance groaned as Falcon’s cock slid between his thick thighs. Vance’s fingertips dug into Theron’s hips and he fiercely claimed his mouth again. He was wild and aggressive. His hands roamed to Theron’s ass and jerked him hard. Their cocks slithered together. Moisture leaking from the slits created a slick friction. Theron dizzied. His gums ached as he fought against the instinct to bite. “Bed,” Theron mumbled against Vance’s lips. He started to back away. “No.” Falcon whimpered at the loss of heated flesh. His hands balled into fists. With his wrists locked in the manacles and his ankles shackled, he could only thrust against air. “Let me come.” Theron laced his fingers with Vance’s and led him back to the mammoth bed. He stopped at the edge and sipped at Vance’s lips. “I’ve imagined you here so many times.” With a gentle touch, he ran his fingers along the length of Vance’s cock. Vance’s nipples tightened and his breath came in shallow rasps. The roar of Vance’s blood pumping hard through his veins filled Theron’s head. “Are you still afraid?” He tunneled his fingers into the tousled hair over Vance’s ears. “You swore you wouldn’t bite and you haven’t.” He flicked his tongue along Theron’s lower lip. “I wanted you for myself and you’ve kicked your blood slave out of the bed.” With gentle sucks, he kissed along Theron’s jaw, nuzzling close. “In a fuckedup way, I know you trust me.” Hot lashes of Vance’s tongue raked along his neck. Theron felt his gums swell. His ass clenched and his cock dripped, aching to plunge into Vance’s hot, dark tunnel. 58

Dark Man

“Careful.” He turned his face away from Vance to keep from biting. “Careful? Are you worried you can’t maintain control?” Vance nipped at his skin. “You’re playing with fire.” “I know. I can feel how hot you are.” He slipped his hand between their bodies, lower until he wrapped his fingers around Theron’s girth. First he squeezed. Theron nearly came from the pressure. Then Vance milked the shaft. Falcon cried out from across the room. His neck stretched, back arched and his cock darkened. The crown swelled and fluids oozed from the slit. “Fuck.” Let me come, damn you. No. I want you to remember this the next time you’re in my bed. Theron wouldn’t bite Vance, no matter how great the need. He repeated the vow like a mantra, over and over, in his head. He buried his nose in the warm, sweaty curve of Vance’s neck and savored the intoxicating scent of his blood. Saliva pooled in his mouth. A little nick, just enough for a taste. He curled back his lips. A shiver streaked along his spine. One drop would be enough. It would have to be. Vance cupped his balls, smoothed his finger along the soft sac then probed deeper. With a sensual touch, he gently circled the entrance of Theron’s hole. Theron growled and Vance speared in to the first knuckle. He whispered into Theron’s ear. “Are you finally going to let me fuck you tonight?” He traced the shell of his ear with feathery swipes of his tongue then nibbled the lobe. “I’d rather fuck you.” Countless times in the club, Vance had bent over for Theron but Theron had never let Vance penetrate him. “Do you ever bottom?” Never with vampires. Rowan flitted through his mind. Even when Rowan had filled his ass, Theron had been dominant. Penetration empowered and Theron relinquished control to no one. “Not with humans.” “I think we both have trust issues.”

59

KyAnn Waters

“I don’t trust.” At least not easily. “I’m vampire. I have a sect to protect.” Vance slowly slid his finger in and out, stretching the rim and stroking the sensitive inner tissues of Theron’s rectum. Falcon gasped from the corner, experiencing the pleasure streaking through Theron’s body. Theron tensed, fighting Falcon’s impending release. Because of their shared thoughts in the Zenith, the torturous sensations of Vance’s finger in Theron’s ass propelled Falcon into orgasm. Even without actual physical stimulation, his body tensed as waves of release crashed over him. Theron shuddered with the intensity. “What do you want, Tac? To fuck or be fucked.” “I’m Tac in the club. Not here.” How many men had he fucked? Too many to count. All nothing more than tight asses and wet mouths. He tamped down the invasion of the nameless men. Nothing would poison this moment. The beginning of Vance’s sweet submission. Vance slipped in a second finger. Theron’s rim tightened around him. He desperately wanted to feel the slick pressure caressing his cock rather than his fingers. His body flushed. Because he wasn’t one to obsess over men, he had to remind himself that Tac wasn’t a man, but vampire. Theron’s sexual appeal dwarfed any desire he’d felt before. Like air, he needed Theron’s kiss to breathe. His touch evoked emotions he was better off not feeling. Sex was supposed to be just sex. As much as he wanted to deny his attachment, with Theron it wasn’t just fucking. Perhaps because Theron was a vampire, he had some weird mind control. Falcon was the example of what Theron wanted from Vance. Someone to feed his hunger then fuck. Vance glanced at Falcon. His biceps bulged. His stomach quivered. His erect cock glistened with cream and a film of sweat shimmered on his dark skin. He slowly lifted his head and his eyes sparked with desire. “Fuck him,” he mouthed. Theron chuckled. “Falcon doesn’t get a say in this.” He ran his hands over Vance’s shoulders. His fingers were long and graceful. And the strength in his touch was more than physical. Vance shivered and wanted more.

60

Dark Man

Enough foreplay. Vance crawled onto the bed. “If I’m not going to fuck you, I’d ask you to suck my dick.” “I want to give you pleasure.” Theron sat on the bed, leaned over and licked Vance’s big toe. “I’ll suck your cock into my mouth like this.” He closed his lips over the toe. Vance groaned as each draw from Theron’s hot, wet mouth caused a tug in his balls. “Oh, that feels good.” “Imagine it’s your cock.” Vance groaned as Theron licked between his toes. “I would, but your eyes are glowing red and your teeth scare the fuck out of me.” “Release me,” Falcon said from the wall. “I’ll feed him. You fuck him.” Theron turned to Falcon. The light in his eyes brightened and his teeth lengthened. Falcon convulsed and came again. Cum spewed from his cock head. The chains jerked taut and his legs wobbled. “Each time you speak, I’ll force you to come.” “Thank god.” His face contorted and his jaw clenched. More spasms racked his body. Theron turned back to Vance and wrapped a hand around each of Vance’s ankles. “Spread your legs.” Vance leaned back on his elbows, and with his knees bent, placed his feet flat on the bed. Theron crawled between his legs. His hair brushed against Vance’s inner thigh. “Are you controlling Falcon?” Theron lifted his head until their eyes locked. “Yes.” Breath froze in his lungs. “Are you controlling me?” Theron chuckled as he inched closer to Vance’s cock. “No, if I were, I’d have my dick deep in your ass and my fangs in your neck. I’d take you into the Zenith. Once there, you’ll never want to leave.”

61

KyAnn Waters

“I’d become a slave—a blood slave.” “Yes, Vance, you will become a blood slave and you’ll love every minute of it.” Precum coated the crown of Vance’s cock. Theron closed his mouth over the head. Vance struggled to think but Theron’s tongue swirled around the ridge. “Be careful. Your teeth are sharp.” Theron’s fangs grazed the solid length and Vance flinched. Theron hummed and took more. Vance was afraid to move. As much as he wanted to buck into his deliciously wicked mouth until the blunt head slid down Theron’s throat, he wouldn’t. Fear of those fangs held him immobile. Sweat dampened the hair at his temples and trickled along his face. Muscles burned and his flesh quivered. “Please,” he begged. “I can’t take much more.” He teetered on the edge of release. Liquid heat simmered in his balls. Another moment and his cock would erupt like hot lava from a violent volcano. Tingles raised the hairs on his arms. Theron growled. His crimson eyes raked over Vance. “Get on your knees.” “Condom.” “Not anymore. Now that you know the truth we don’t need them. Vampires don’t carry human disease.” Vance rolled to his stomach and lifted to his hands and knees as Theron slid from the bed and returned with lube. He squirted the clear gel into his palm and stroked his shaft. Then with his slippery fingers, he prodded into Vance’s puckered hole. “Are you ready?” “Yes, fuck me.” Vance tightened then released a long steady exhale. This was his favorite part of sex. That first long slide of cock stretching and burning past the rim. “Ah, so good,” he hissed through clenched teeth. Theron’s cock head slipped in and he slowly glided deep with his unsheathed, hot, hard rod. “So there may be a few benefits.” Theron reared back and plunged again. “More than you can possibly imagine.” He placed a hand on Vance’s lower back and leveraged higher.

62

Dark Man

Vance braced against the bombardment of Theron’s thrusts. Theron fucked him hard. Each forceful plunge of his steely cock filled his ass. “More,” he panted. “Give me everything.” “Everything?” Vance growled and backed up, trying to impale himself on more of Theron’s shaft. “Fuck me.” A deluge of sensations rippled over his body. The crown of Theron’s cock grazed the trigger spot in his rectum. “Right there.” Gritting his teeth, he rocked in tempo with the battering of Theron’s aggression. He was going to come. He wanted to come. From the moment they met, there was more to their connection than just Vance’s need to find out what happened to Seth. Desire for Theron was too hard to fight. Feeling his cock sliding in and out of his ass felt too good. “I’m there.” Bracing his body on one arm, he reached between his legs and squeezed his shaft. His cock jerked and his balls drew up tightly to his body. The first pulse of his orgasm stole his breath. He closed his eyes and gripped his dick tighter around the base. Each euphoric convulsion pumped hot cream through his shaft. As the spasms slowed, he stroked the length, drawing out the pleasure. A feral growl erupted from Theron at the same time he drove home. His cock pulsed in Vance’s ass. Hot fluids slicked his hole. Theron propped on his hands and stilled with his cock inside Vance. With a slow undulation, he gave a final stroke then slipped from Vance’s body. Gasping for a breath, Theron sat back on his heels. “Good?” Theron rolled to his side. Labored breaths lifted and lowered his chest. He mindlessly caressed Vance’s thigh. “Amazing.” Vance shifted and sat next to him. “And it will only get better.” This was crazy. So many unresolved issues remained between them. Vance was a survivor. And possibly a fool. Why wasn’t he looking for a means of escape?

63

KyAnn Waters

Perhaps he stayed because of their sexual relationship. He cared about Theron, loved the sex. Hardly Stockholm syndrome. He knew exactly what Theron was, knew exactly what he wanted from him. “Is this enough?” he whispered. “For now.” Theron cracked open his eyes. “Though not forever. This is only the beginning for us.” Would a blood slave be the end? Would he become vampire? Or worse, would rejecting Theron end his life? Vance refused to become a slave but he also didn’t want to give up Tac, the club or the kink. Could he live with Theron, the vampire? Falcon moaned from the corner. His eyes closed and his head dropped forward. Still locked in the manacles, his hands drooped limply. Theron chuckled. “I think we wore him out.” “You did. I didn’t have anything to do with it.” Vance scooted higher on the bed and leaned back on the pillows. “There is a lot you haven’t told me.” “In twenty-four hours how much more do you think you can handle?” “Let’s start with the truth for once.” He raked his nails through his hair. “Christ, Tac, I’ve been fucking you for two months, yet I didn’t know shit.” Theron leaned up on his elbow. “So what do you want to know?” “What’s up with the mental link between you and Falcon?” He remained anchored to the wall. “Is he unconscious?” “Yes.” Theron glanced across the room. “Shouldn’t you release him?” Theron curled in behind Vance. “No, once we talk, I’ll need to feed again.” “From Falcon?” Theron nodded and Vance stiffened. “How often do you feed?” “Often.” “Isn’t that dangerous? I mean, how much blood can a person lose before you kill them?”

64

Dark Man

Theron’s hold tightened. “I’m not a monster…or a murderer. The more I feed from a blood slave like Falcon, the more blood he’ll produce. Neither I nor anyone in my sect would take more than a blood slave is able to supply.” “I’m sure Falcon appreciates your consideration. Is that’s why he’s chained to the wall?” “Believe me, Falcon’s complaints have nothing to do with vampires wanting more than he is prepared to give.” Theron breathed a kiss into Vance’s shoulder. “Blood slaves protect both the human and vampire worlds. We’re symbiotic and it’s worked for a long time.” It didn’t always work. Seth was dead. There was a monster out there. However, Vance breathed easier, believing Theron wasn’t responsible. He didn’t have proof except what he felt in his heart. For the past twenty-four hours, Vance had been at Theron’s mercy and yet Theron hadn’t bitten him. And he’d wanted to. Vance had wanted to get close to the truth. Theron had unwittingly brought Vance where he needed to be. Once he discovered what had happened to Seth, he’d confess to Theron his real reason for membership in the club. Nothing about his connection to Tac was fake but guilt still wormed into his head. Theron would have to understand. He’d just have to. Finding the individual responsible served both their best interests. The vampire who killed Seth threatened the security of both the sect and the human world. Vance couldn’t confess to Theron yet. If he didn’t understand, wasn’t forgiving, he’d miss his opportunity to find some justice for Seth. “Vance?” Theron’s voice broke the silence of the moment. “What are you thinking?” “I know you aren’t a monster. I know what you want from me. When we’re lying here in your bed and when we’re in the club, I know we’re good together. We know how to fuck. For weeks, I’ve felt like a sex slave to you. For sex. I won’t become a blood slave.”

65

KyAnn Waters

“Tonight with Falcon, well, it isn’t normally so uncontrolled. Only after my rest, but because you were here, I couldn’t stop.” He trailed fingertips over Vance’s forearm. “I wouldn’t expect you to wake me until you were strong enough.” He kissed Vance’s bare shoulder. Vance flexed a biceps. “I’m strong.” “You are physically. You don’t produce enough blood to feed me.” “But Falcon does?” Vance backed his ass snuggly against Theron’s groin. “Not alone.” Theron placed his hand on Vance’s hip and held him steady as he rocked his hardening erection into his ass. “How many slaves do you have?” He shifted to his back, then rolled over and faced Theron. “It sounds like a harem of hot men serve you. Why do you need me?” Theron combed his fingers through the damp hair clinging to Vance’s forehead. He traced the arched brows over his eyes, curved his fingertips along his cheek, then grazed his thumb over Vance’s lower lip. “I don’t need you, Vance.” “Yeah, I know,” he said flippantly. “You don’t need anything or anyone.” Theron quieted him by kissing his lips. “I don’t need you,” he said more firmly. “I want you and I’m going to have you.”

66

Dark Man

Chapter Five For a week, Vance played by the rules and fell into the routine set by Theron. Falcon, Drake and another blood slave named Jett took turns waking Theron from his daily slumber. Vance would suck his dick, the slave would feed his hunger for blood then one or more would remain on the bed, entwine their bodies and they’d fuck each other dumb. For a week, but no more. Vance wasn’t going to spend another night holed up in Theron’s chamber. Theron had seen to his comforts. Someone had gone to his home, gathered his clothing and brought it to Theron’s place. Now his personal belongs intermingled with the vampire’s. Hell, it was as if he’d moved in. Vance grabbed a long shower, dried off and wrapped the towel around his waist. Existing belowground for a week had paled his skin. He needed more than sex. Theron had seen to his human needs. Delicious gourmet cuisine was brought down three times a day. A bowl of fruit sat on the table. Vance wasn’t hungry. He was stir-crazy. “Hey.” Falcon leaned against the doorjamb. He wore black jeans, a black tank and his feet were bare. He wasn’t as large and powerful as Theron, but he was attractive. His skin reminded Vance of rich caramel. He was smooth and tasted sweet but Vance suspected there was more to the blood slave. Like tonight, there was a cunning and deviance barely cloaked behind the casual stance and lackadaisical greeting. “I didn’t hear you come in.” Vance ran a comb through his hair. Falcon stepped into the room. Their eyes locked in the mirror. “It’s time to wake sleeping beauty.” He stood close. Falcon’s full lips curled into a promising smile. Promising what, Vance wasn’t sure. His chocolate eyes narrowed. Vance didn’t like the mischievous twinkle. “Actually, I think we have a little time still.” Falcon tucked his thumb into the edge of Vance’s towel.

67

KyAnn Waters

“What are you suggesting?” Vance set the comb on the counter and braced his palms on the polished marble. “A game of one on one.” He tugged the towel, loosening the cinch. Vance grabbed the towel and tucked it back in place. “What about Theron?” Nausea roiled in his gut. “Just because I serve the vampires, doesn’t mean I can’t do as I please. Theron isn’t the only vampire I feed and he sure isn’t the only man I fuck.” He chuckled. “After the past week, you should know that.” “Just because I’m not a blood slave, doesn’t mean I’m not loyal.” He brushed past Falcon. “I’ve only fucked you because Theron wanted me to.” “I’m loyal.” Falcon followed him. “I’ve served Theron and the sect for over five years.” His lips pulled back in a sneer. “Don’t think you’re coming in and fucking up my life.” He glared at Vance’s belongings, mixed in with Theron’s. “Don’t get too comfortable. You won’t last. You’re a challenge. Once he breaks you, he’ll move on and then you’ll be a nothing blood slave serving all vampires in the sect.” “Break me?” Vance dropped the towel and jerked on a pair of tight leather bondage pants. “I’d ask where the fuck you’ve been but I know you were in the room with us. Break me? Have you seen me put up much of a fight?” He adjusted the chrome snaps on the leggings. After tucking his cock to the side, he zipped the fly. “He shares your body. Eventually he’ll share your blood.” “That’s funny.” Theron couldn’t very well share what Vance wasn’t willing to give him. “I’m not interested in feeding him.” “Just fucking him?” “Yep.” Vance flipped his hair out of his eyes. “While you feed his hunger, I’m going to satisfy my own.” Vance plucked an apple from the bowl. He crunched a bite and cocked an eyebrow. “Is that a problem?”

68

Dark Man

“Not for me.” Falcon lifted his tank up his torso, over his head and flung it to the settee. “Theron is going to be pissed. You should get out while you can.” Falcon took off his jeans. “I’ll even help you.” Vance turned away. He didn’t want to stare at Falcon’s hairless body and swelling erection. He also didn’t want to think of his words. Could he slip out the door? This would be the perfect opportunity. Theron would have his fangs deep in Falcon’s neck. No one would be watching if they assumed Vance and Falcon would be in bed seeing to Theron’s hunger for blood and sex. “No thanks.” Falcon had his own agenda and Vance didn’t trust him. “I can take care of myself.” Falcon cursed beneath his breath and left the room. Vance closed his eyes and listened intently. He wanted in that room, wanted in that bed. A growl from Theron amped up Vance’s pulse. He wiped his damp palms on his thighs. Without being in the room, he knew what happened. Theron was awake and sinking his fangs into Falcon’s neck. How long would it take for Theron to realize Vance wasn’t there? Would he care? Yes, he’d be pissed. Once he’d quenched his thirst for blood, he’d want sex. He’d want Vance. He tossed the apple into the garbage. He couldn’t eat with his stomach in knots. Vance was counting on Theron’s need for control. He’d want Vance in that room. With a small compromise, Theron could have almost everything he wanted. Vance wasn’t ready to become the vampire’s blood slave. But he could acknowledge the flash of longing when he watched Theron’s fangs protrude from his gums. The wild and feral passion that accompanied the unquenchable hunger. A moan from Falcon nearly had him rushing into the bedroom. “Fuck.” He raked his fingers through his hair. Theron wasn’t an average man. Aside from being vampire, he didn’t have long-term potential. Vance chuckled. That wasn’t exactly accurate. Theron had serious long-term potential—eternity. But that didn’t make him boyfriend

69

KyAnn Waters

material. Vance was already invested. Giving Theron more, becoming a blood slave, risked more than he was willing to give up. He refused to fall in love. Falcon wasn’t wrong. Vance did want out but not gone. He wanted out of Theron’s underground prison, out of this room and out of Theron’s bed. But only the bed. He wanted Theron up in the club, under the pulsing lights and thrumming music. The way The Catacombs was supposed to be. Hot sex and hot men. Vance’s cock ached but the wait would be worth it if at the end of tonight, he had Theron’s trust. No, he wouldn’t flee as Falcon suggested. The time to take a stand was now.

***** Hot, thick, and smooth like velvet. The sweet elixir bubbled to the surface. Falcon. So good. Theron’s fangs lengthened, slipping deeper. Enzymes in his bite secreted into the host to increase blood production. Sucking hard, he drew more blood into his mouth. Ravenous in his hunger, he gorged. Falcon moaned and Theron’s cock responded. Ah yes, his jealous blood slave and his tenacious sex slave. Where was Vance? He should have his lips wrapped around Theron’s cock, tunneling his tongue into his slit. The fog of bloodlust dissipated. More warm, pure blood flowed into his mouth. He gulped, quenching the burning hunger that scorched him internally. His limbs grew heavy yet he surged with power. His mind cleared and his thoughts focused. The gossamer veil between vampire and slave lifted. Thoughts weaved together. Blood slaves couldn’t hide from him. Theron wrapped his arms around Falcon’s torso and pulled him flush against his chest. Falcon was the only other presence in the room. Theron sensed Vance in the living room. The salty scent of sweat from fear, anxiety and arousal permeated the air around him. Why isn’t Vance here?

70

Dark Man

Falcon caressed Theron’s cock. Two slow strokes tugged on the taut flesh. He curled his fingers around Theron’s balls and rolled them in his palm. We don’t want him. I can give you anything you need. Theron stiffened. That isn’t what I asked. And he didn’t need Falcon to respond. He sifted through his thoughts. Why are you fighting me? Theron bit harder. Hunger no longer motivated his bite. Falcon fought the mental intrusion. Finding out why didn’t take long. Theron tightened his hold. He retracted his fangs. Swiping his tongue over the puncture wounds stopped the bleeding. But Theron didn’t release Falcon. “Why?” he growled. “The choice was his. He didn’t want to join us. Don’t blame me because he didn’t want to fuck you.” Theron roared, flipped Falcon to his back then straddled his torso. Stark terror simmered in Falcon’s darkened eyes. You should fear me. Falcon’s erection deflated and his eyes widened. “I’ve always considered my regard for you a healthy fear.” His voice trembled. I want to stay healthy. Don’t whine in your thoughts. I can still hear them. Theron slid off Falcon’s body then scooted from the bed. “I can’t believe you’d jeopardize how far I’ve come with Vance.” Falcon sat on the bed. “Why don’t you ask him why he doesn’t want to join us?” Theron stilled and took a deep breath. “This isn’t about his disobedience. This is about yours.” Theron faced Falcon. “Any question I had regarding his loyalty has been answered with your manipulation. Fuck, Falcon, you’ve been a servant for years. How did you think you could fuck my blood slave and not condemn yourself in the process?” He isn’t your blood slave! No, not yet, but even with your interference, he will be.

71

KyAnn Waters

“This is about trying to fuck him in the bathroom?” Falcon climbed off the bed and took two steps toward Theron. “Don’t.” He shook his head. “Don’t diminish what you’ve done.” He narrowed his eyes. “You arrogant bastard. I know your intent was to sabotage my progress with Vance.” The process had been slow, yet Theron had felt Vance’s reluctant acquiescence. Now that could all be compromised because of Falcon’s jealousy. “He’s done it.” Falcon chuckled. “Dark Man has brought the great Theron to his knees.” Theron glared at Falcon. “Get out.” “What?” “You will never enter my chamber again.” Falcon gasped with the unspoken truth. If Falcon ever had want of becoming vampire, he’d just destroyed his chance. Theron was the only one who could change him and if Falcon were banned from his chamber that could never happen. “Theron, please.” “Remember, Falcon, I’m an unfeeling bastard.” Theron started toward the door. He needed to talk to Vance. Emotions he didn’t want revealed to Falcon hovered at the fringe of his thoughts. He tamped down his joy at Vance’s loyalty and focused solely on the vehemence of his fury toward Falcon. “You can’t throw me out.” Theron stopped and pivoted toward him. He hardened his heart to the pain etched in Falcon’s face. Moisture pooled in Falcon’s eyes. “I do whatever the fuck I want.” He didn’t answer to anyone, least of all a possessive blood slave. “But you’re right. Blood slaves aren’t allowed to leave the sect.” Now he did smile. “Because you don’t know when to shut up, you won’t be leaving the catacombs.” Theron approached him. “Just because you won’t serve me, doesn’t mean you won’t serve the vampires.” Realization

72

Dark Man

dawned. Falcon would be a nameless blood slave, no longer part of Theron’s inner circle. “You’ll make me a whore.” “You’re a blood slave.” “A vampire whore! What if I don’t want to bleed for anyone else?” “Remi will be here in a moment. Do not leave this room until he arrives.” “Typical. You walk away when faced with emotions.” Theron strode from the room. He wasn’t walking away from Falcon, rather moving toward another choice. Vance. He had to see him. Theron’s heart pounded and his mind spun with possibilities. Discerning Falcon’s feelings and intentions was as easy as breathing. With Vance, he couldn’t begin to know where his thoughts might lead him. Vance stood in front of the bookshelf, sliding a book back into place. His torso was bare and tight black leather encased his perfect ass. Muscles rippled with his movements. “Why aren’t you in my bed?” Vance spun in Theron’s direction and their eyes locked. Vance’s sparkled with the same brilliance as the small diamond studs in his ears. “You have to ask?” He didn’t. But he still wanted to hear what Vance had to say. “I’m not in your bed,” he said taking a step closer, “because I want you to fuck me in the club.” “That explains the bondage pants.” Theron ignored the knock on the door. “That doesn’t explain the situation with Falcon.” Theron smiled at Vance’s how-the-hellshould-I-know look. Remi entered the room. “Falcon is in the bedroom,” he said to Remi, still staring at Vance. “I’m not interested in Falcon,” Vance replied. Theron grazed his fingertips over Vance’s cheek. “I know.” 73

KyAnn Waters

“Because of the Zenith?” “Yes.” “Then I’ll tell you something you don’t know. I’m not interested in anyone else either. I haven’t been since we met.” He feathered a kiss over Theron’s lips. “But I’m done playing. Trust me or don’t. Stop me if you have to.” “I don’t trust and I don’t want to stop you.” Theron slanted his mouth over Vance’s and parted Vance’s lips with his tongue. Vance groaned and deepened the kiss. He thrust his tongue wildly as Theron ground his cock into Vance’s. Vance shoved him away. “No, put on gear or go just like you are.” Vance indicated Theron’s naked body. “But we aren’t fucking here. Upstairs in the Pit, grab us a room, I don’t care, but I need to get above ground.” He splayed his arms wide. “And not just tonight. I’m not vampire. I need daylight. Look, I’m losing my California tan.” Theron let his gaze roam over the sculpted perfection of Vance’s body. His nipples tightened under the scrutiny and the bulge in his pants swelled. Theron couldn’t hide his appreciation either. The tip of his cock oozed slick, warm liquid. Theron wrapped his fingers around the shaft and pumped into his fist. “Don’t tempt me,” Vance said. “You can’t learn to trust me if you never give me the opportunity to show you I’m trustworthy.” Remi stepped out of the room with Falcon. He had one arm around Falcon’s waist and Falcon tried to stand tall on wobbly legs with an arm wrapped around Remi’s shoulders. Falcon straightened when he saw Theron and his eyes narrowed on Vance. “This isn’t over,” he whispered. “Yes it is.” Theron stepped in front of Vance, blocking Falcon’s view. “I’ll deal with this later.” He wouldn’t have his authority undermined. Remi nodded, shifted Falcon to a more comfortable position and left Theron’s chamber.

74

Dark Man

“What’s wrong with Falcon?” “Falcon crossed the line.” Vance rested his hand on Theron’s hip. The gentle touch was comforting—and reassuring. Even without the Zenith Vance understood him too well. “Did Remi beat the shit out of him?” “No, but I should have let him. Falcon deserved it. He hasn’t had a chance to recover from my feeding.” After his rest, Theron was ravenous. Falcon met his need for blood. Because Falcon would be feeding many vampires from this night forth, a true blood slave to the sect, Remi took more blood. “Remi left him anemic. I ordered him to.” “Why?” “Because I’ve become weak. I spared his life.” Vance slid his hand onto Theron’s ass. “Showing compassion to a man who has served you well for years doesn’t make you weak. It makes you a strong leader.” Vance kissed Theron’s scapula. Theron leaned back into Vance. The solid strength behind him—hard, hot and male —shouldn’t feel this good. He wasn’t supposed to need anyone, least of all a human he wanted as a blood slave. Sex and blood. Anything else could destroy all he’d built. “In my world, age and strength are respected.” Vance banded his arms around Theron’s waist. “Your age gives you the ability to be judicious in your decisions.” Vance counted on that sense of justice to lead him to the vampire responsible for slaying Seth. Tonight he had proven he could be trusted. Theron wasn’t his enemy. No, Vance wasn’t a blood slave but when the time came he would pledge his fealty to Theron and his sect. For this moment though, Vance desperately needed to strengthen their tenuous relationship. He didn’t want Theron to shut down. Whatever was happening with Falcon weighed heavily on him. They both needed the club.

75

KyAnn Waters

“Come on, Tac, let’s go play.” Vance aligned his erection with the crack of Theron’s ass. Trailing his fingers over Theron’s rippling abdominals, he touched the sensitive skin of his groin, finally grasping his hard shaft. Theron moaned and his cock flexed. Vance pinched the glans as juices dripped from the slit. Vance couldn’t fathom the discomfort. Blood and sex, his vampire needed them both. His vampire. What the fuck did that imply? Thank god Theron couldn’t read his thoughts like he did Falcon’s. He already had a major, well-deserved ego without knowing he had Vance ready to succumb to his desires. “Come with me.” Theron took his hand and led him to the bedroom. “We’re not fucking.” He smiled. “At least not yet.” “I want you to watch me dress.” “I like you naked.” Vance wagged his brows then climbed onto their bed and rolled to his side. “Then you’ll love this.” Vance was afraid he was going to end up loving Theron. Theron crossed the room. From the shelf, he grabbed what looked like several leather belts linked together. He slipped the straps of the torso harness over his head and threaded his arms through the strips of inch-wide leather. A section of leather centered over his sternum with two chrome O-rings attached. Straps stretched from the top O-ring over his muscular shoulders and hooked to another ring centered on his back. Two sets of straps caged his torso. One hugged his rib cage and the other angled down around his abs. He ran his fingers over the final strip of leather, about eighteen inches long, separated into two sections by another chrome ring fastened with snaps. This ring was large, about two and a half inches in diameter. Theron slid the ring down his shaft. His lips curled into a snarl as he forced the polished chrome over, then under, his balls. The metal fit snug against his body.

76

Dark Man

Vance’s pulse skidded to a jarring halt. “Fuck, that’s hot.” After striding to the bed, Theron turned away. Vance shifted to his knees and sat back on his heels. The last leather strap, anchoring his cock to his abdomen, wrapped under his body, along the crack of his ass. Vance secured the strap onto the O-ring on his back. Theron faced Vance. He ran his fingers through his long dark hair and combed it away from his face. Two white fangs glinted against the full redness of his lips as he grinned. “Get your boots on and let’s go.” A few minutes later, Vance followed Theron to the door, out into the corridor and Vance assumed, up toward the club. “I still don’t know how you find your way around down here. Even if I had wanted to escape, I doubt I would’ve found my way out.” “So you’re saying you don’t want to escape me?” Vance’s gaze rolled over the more than six feet of solid sex appeal. Theron strode with confidence, his cock and body flawless. But there was more. Vance was beginning to glimpse the complicated man beneath the chrome and leather. “No.” “Good, let’s have some fun.” They climbed the stairs. With each step, the anticipation built. Excitement sizzled between them. “Theron—” “Tac,” he interrupted. “In the club, it’s essential that you not use my name.” Strange that in only a week Vance had become detached from the real world. He didn’t think of Theron as Tac anymore. He was vampire, but Vance didn’t fear him. His predicament should still be complicated and his feelings for Theron complex but they weren’t. Reality was much simpler. He was where he wanted to be and with the man he wanted. “Understood. I also understand that tonight I follow your lead.” “Oh, Dark Man,” Theron said and chuckled. “Not just tonight.” He slung an arm around Vance’s shoulder. “Every night you’ll follow my lead. And I swear, you’ll love every minute of it.”

77

KyAnn Waters

Theron’s cock pulsed. Before meeting Vance he fucked and fed at the same time. Now it seemed he continued to make Vance’s transition easier—at the sacrifice of his own needs. That wasn’t like Theron. When he’d told Falcon he was an unfeeling bastard, he hadn’t been lying. Some might call him arrogant, but they’d be wrong. Respect was earned and his authority heeded. A tyrant? Perhaps to some—those who didn’t understand his responsibility. But Vance… Vance didn’t just accept his ways, he praised Theron for his control. As they entered the club, he kept his arm around Vance’s shoulder. Admittedly, he hadn’t been in the club much during the week. The entertainment in the rooms beneath, with Vance, had been more than stimulating. Another shock to the man known as the king of kink. One cock was never enough—until Vance. “I’m going to be envied tonight,” Vance said. Men stared as Theron and Vance crossed the main bar room. Patrons surrounded the bar, the booths were full and the stimulating atmosphere wove around him. Theron slid his hand down Vance’s back then rested his palm on Vance’s hip. Theron knew they made a striking pair. Dark and light. Like heaven and hell. Theron led him to his private table. “Don’t you want to play? Maybe the Pit?” Vance sat close to Theron. “We’ll get there eventually.” Vance leaned in and kissed his neck. “I don’t want to wait.” Heat burned in Theron’s groin as shivers broke along his flesh. Vance’s nails scored his inner thigh. “Higher.” Vance gently tickled his tight balls. The cock ring had his dick jutting straight out and his sac stretched taut. The slightest touch bordered on pain, yet he wanted more. “Here?” Vance tugged and Theron’s hips bucked. “Or here?” Vance stroked his cock.

78

Dark Man

Theron’s eyes fluttered closed as he arched his hips, sliding his cock through Vance’s tight fist. He leaned his head against the wall. What was it about Vance that had him skating the edge of reason? He shouldn’t allow Vance to dictate the direction of their encounter. “Oh fuck.” His eyes snapped open and his head jerked away from the wall. Vance bent over his lap, his lips caressing the throbbing length of his dick. “Are you looking for punishment?” Vance’s tongue swirled around the corona and licked the slit. Vance lifted off his cock and kissed Theron’s stomach. “You can punish me for being good.” He bent and buried his face in Theron’s groin. Vance clawed his fingers into the O-ring of Theron’s harness as he sucked Theron’s scrotum into his wickedly hot mouth. “Enough.” He grasped Vance’s shoulders and urged him away from his lap. “When I come, I’m going to be ramming my cock into your ass.” Vance slid out of the booth. Theron stood, palmed Vance’s crotch and slanted his lips onto Vance’s. Tongue met tongue in violent need. Theron had passed the point of finesse. A growl rolled from his chest and his gums burned. He wanted to feed from Vance, claim him in every way but for now he would content himself with his body. Theron ripped his mouth from Vance’s. “Unless you want to be fucked on this table, I suggest we go to the Pit.” Vance gasped for breath. “You want me on the table? I’ll climb on top and put my ass in the air.” Vance looked serious. No smile. No humor. Stark lust simmered in his blue eyes, turning them stormy. “I want you,” Theron stated. Pure, simple and uncompromising. “I want you.” “Then take me.” Theron ignored everyone. With single-minded purpose, he led Vance into the Pit. Muted music thumped through his body. The enthralling scent of blood pumping hard through aroused men weaved through his nostrils. He needed inside Vance now.

79

KyAnn Waters

The Pit was a place to fuck. Condoms and lube were provided at small tables in the corners of the room. As he passed, Theron dipped his hand into the clear gel, gathering enough to grease both his cock and Vance’s hole. “Anything look interesting?” Vance nodded toward a group of men engaged in corporal punishment and pleasure. Theron smiled. One of his favorite activities. He recalled his first experience with the stocks. The year was 1630. The vampires had been ravaged. Few remained. Seven to be exact. At the time, Theron hadn’t understood how he’d survived the disease that had destroyed his kind. Slowly the seven had put together the pieces. A blood disease, transferred during feeding, reversed vampirism. Some called it a cure. Theron saw it as a death sentence. His blood brothers had all grown old and died. Theron and the six others were infected, but somehow they had survived. After they parted ways, Theron sought solace in a small colony that later became known as Massachusetts. Afraid to hunt for human sustenance, he’d fed his hunger on the blood of animals. Until the night he encountered a man housed in the stockade. The stock stood nearly as tall as the man. Wood blocks locked his neck and wrists. He’d noticed Theron and whispered to him for help. Not to escape but to show mercy and end his life before sunrise. On the morrow, before his execution, Puritans would be allowed to humiliate him, torment him and even torture him. In that moment, Theron had decided he no longer cared about the damn disease, his past or his very existence. He’d give his life for the sweet taste of human blood just one more time. His name had been John. Cloaked in the dark of night, Theron had fucked and fed until he’d drained the life force from the condemned man. John had whispered his gratitude before he drew his last breath. That night had changed Theron. Men served his needs. He’d survived, never having had to demean himself again by quenching his hunger with squirrels, raccoons and rats.

80

Dark Man

“Tac, are you with me?” Theron left his memory in the past and focused on his present, his future—Vance. “I’m with you.” More than he imagined possible. Vance looked at the locked man with longing. “I’m not putting you in the stock,” Theron said. “Not here.” He would in private. But not until you’re my blood slave, when he could feed and fuck and recreate the night he began to live again. “I don’t want in the stock.” Vance’s lips parted and his tongue glazed his lower lip with a slick of moisture. “I want a turn.” Another man plunged his ruddy cock deep into the prisoner’s ass while a second man had his mammoth dick thrusting into his mouth. With each plunge, he grunted, keeping his lips wrapped around the girth. Several men stroked their shafts as they watched, waiting for their turn. Theron put his hand on Vance’s ass. “Cover your cock with a condom and grease up.”

81

KyAnn Waters

Chapter Six Vance woke slowly. Not a sliver of light penetrated the room. The bed was warm and Theron’s still form rested next to him. Familiar with his surroundings, even in complete darkness, Vance slithered from the bed. His bare feet touched the plush carpeting. A few steps and he slipped out the door. Once the door closed, he ordered the lights on with a verbal command. After tugging on a pair of jeans, he left the chamber and headed upstairs. In the last two weeks, he’d come and gone from Theron’s rooms at will. Strange how the catacombs beneath the club were now as recognizable to him as the streets of his community. Dim lights lit his way. He jogged up the stairwell and waved his hand over the sensor in the wall to open the door. What he’d thought was magic was simply high security. Theron was meticulous when it came to the sect. The vampires all slept and only a few blood slaves milled about the well-lit bar. Vance groaned when he saw Falcon behind the counter stocking booze. “Dark Man, gracing us during the day.” “Cut the bullshit.” Vance’s presence in the bar before dusk was becoming predictable. There wasn’t a large galley in the club but room enough for Vance and other blood slaves to fix a meal. “I know you think I was out to screw you over but that isn’t the case.” “You turned Theron against me.” Vance couldn’t stop a chuckle from escaping his lips. He didn’t mean to laugh at Falcon but Theron made his own decisions. “Nothing I could have said would’ve swayed Theron’s opinions. You shared his thoughts. What did you think would happen when he found out you wanted to leave him out of the fun?” 82

Dark Man

Falcon’s upper lip twisted into a sneer. “I didn’t expect you to refuse.” Vance sat on a barstool. “I’m not sure I follow you. Where did you get the idea I was interested? Because I certainly never meant to give off mixed signals. I’ve always been in this for Tac.” “Tac is only in it for Tac too, so I guess you two should get along.” “It’s done. No need to keep rehashing the past.” Falcon narrowed his devilish brown eyes. “Easy for you to say, you aren’t an open vein waiting for any vampire to sink his teeth deep into your flesh, drain the life from you then expect to fuck you because, after all, you’re a nameless whore.” Vance started at the vehemence of his words. “I don’t begin to understand your world.” “Not yet,” Falcon mumbled. “Actually, no. I won’t ever.” Vance stood from the chair. “I need to find Drake.” “You won’t need to look very hard. Here he comes.” Vance glanced over his shoulder. Drake crossed the bar, grinning. “Good.” He turned back to Falcon. “Drake is going to wake Theron. Because you see, unlike you, I’m not a blood slave. I’m no one’s whore.” Vance spun on the barstool, turning away from Falcon and cutting off the conversation. “You might not think you’re a whore now, but like me, you will be.” Vance refused to answer. Falcon was bitter. He couldn’t blame him. Instead, he stood and smiled back at Drake. “You look good.” Drake wore relaxed-fit jeans and a muscle-hugging T-shirt with the words Vanilla is for Ice Cream scrawled across the front. “Don’t even start.” Drake chuckled. His hazel eyes sparkled with humor. “The shirt was a bet. I lost.” He leaned against the bar. “You doing okay?” he asked Falcon. The rift between Theron and Falcon wasn’t a secret. Just because Theron had ostracized

83

KyAnn Waters

Falcon from his inner circle didn’t mean the other vampires and blood slaves had to shun him. Falcon was the only one harping on the incident. “As I was just explaining to Dark Man, I’m just fucking peachy.” This wasn’t a good scenario. Falcon resented Vance’s involvement with Theron. Too bad. Vance wasn’t going anywhere nor was he going to try to persuade Theron to change his mind and welcome Falcon back into his bed. Vance didn’t want him there. “I’m out of here.” Vance cocked an eyebrow at Drake. “Are you coming?” Drake pushed off the bar and sighed. “Yep. See you later, Falcon.” Drake’s footfalls sounded behind him as Vance trekked down the corridor to the passage leading into the catacombs. “I guess things haven’t improved between you and Falcon.” “No, and I don’t particularly give a fuck.” He slowed his pace, allowing Drake to catch up. “That doesn’t mean I’m letting down my guard. I think he’s dangerous.” Drake laid his palm on Vance’s shoulder. “Falcon is hurt, pissed and embarrassed. He’s not dangerous. At least not to you, Theron or the sect. He’ll get over it.” “I don’t share your optimism. I’m keeping my eyes open.” Just because there hadn’t been another killing in recent weeks, didn’t mean the threat was nonexistent. Falcon could make trouble. Theron was strong and capable of leading the sect but he couldn’t be everywhere at once. “Falcon’s wrong about you, Dark Man.” Vance still smiled at the name. What had started out as an insult to Theron, now seemed to fit. “And how is that?” “You’re good for the sect. You’re good for Theron.” God, he hoped so because Vance would hate to find himself in the same place as Falcon.

*****

84

Dark Man

Hot, wet suction closed over the head of his dick. Teeth lightly scraped the taut flesh. Pain ripped through his gut as pleasure surged through his shaft. Theron groaned. Heat scorched his gums. The tissues swelled and his fangs lengthened. Theron flared his nostrils as the sweet intoxication of flowing blood blended with the masculine fragrance of Vance’s flesh—naked, aroused and hovering over his crotch. Vance’s moist mouth sucked the knob of his cock. His tongue swirled over the slit then slid down, tracing the thick vein along the underside. Theron roared and reared up. He ached for blood, a total unquenchable thirst. He had to bite or die. Intense hunger twisted his insides. He burned. Grasping Vance’s shoulders, Theron spun him to his back and pinned him beneath his body. Blood flushed the veins in his neck, calling to him. He’d waited long enough for a taste. “Mine,” he growled and bent over Vance. “Theron! No!” A force from the left knocked him off balance. Theron hissed but the interruption broke through the fog of bloodlust. Drake. Drake had kept him from betraying his promise. His eyes snapped to Vance. He expected fear and hatred. Vance’s ragged breaths increased his heartbeat. His blood pumped harder. Pearly essence seeped from his cock head. He wasn’t afraid. He was turned-on. Theron teetered with indecision. He could force the issue. Vance was ready even if he wasn’t willing to admit it. Warm blood coursed close to the surface. Once in the Zenith he and Vance could experience pleasures of the flesh unlike anything possible in the human world. It wasn’t Drake he wanted. But he’d promised not to bite, not to take. Vance would have to offer his blood, willingly give in to the symbiotic relationship that would take them both to an unmatched plane of pleasure. Theron couldn’t deny his hunger. The intensity of the pain increased and his stomach clenched. Muscles burned and his need to bite blotted out all thought. Instinct

85

KyAnn Waters

reigned. Drake, naked and lying supine on the bed, arched his neck and exposed his thick, swollen carotid artery. Opening his mouth, Theron bent to him and pricked the smooth flesh. Blood trickled into his mouth and Theron was lost. He bit hard and gorged. Grabbing fistfuls of Drake’s hair, he angled his head and fed. His body stretched over Drake’s. Chest to chest. Drake lifted his legs, rubbing his calves along Theron’s hips, then higher until he linked his ankles. His heels dug into Theron’s toned buttocks. Theron’s dick prodded Drake’s ass. He thrust but refusing to release his bite made it impossible to penetrate Drake’s hot dark hole. Vance shifted on the bed beside them. Oh fuck. He positioned behind Theron and wrapped his slick fingers around Theron’s dick. He stroked him, slathering his shaft with a liberal amount of lubricant. “Are you ready to fuck Drake?” No, I want to fuck you. He can’t hear you. And Vance didn’t seem to care. He gripped Theron’s shaft and aligned the corona with Drake’s sphincter. Drake groaned, rolled his hips and Theron couldn’t resist slipping inside. Oh god, you feel good. I want Vance. Theron drove in another inch, stretching the rim of Drake’s hole, pushing past the resistance. I know. Soon. I can see him weakening. No, he’s not weakening. He’s finally seeing his strength. He belongs with the sect. Yeah, keep telling yourself that. He belongs with you. But do we need to have this debate now? Drake tried to angle more of Theron’s rod into his ass. Right now, just fuck me. Drake’s heels dug hard into Theron’s buttocks.

86

Dark Man

Theron retracted his fangs. Blood beaded at the puncture wounds and trickled down Drake’s neck. Theron growled and buried the length of his shaft deep in Drake’s body. Drake’s back arched off the bed. Vance’s breath warmed Theron’s neck. He stilled. Fiery heat pooled in his balls as they pressed against Drake. “Vance?” Why did he feel guilt for fucking Drake when Vance was the one who had initiated the penetration? Because he means more to you. He’s more than a blood slave. You forget—he’s not a blood slave. As you keep saying, he’s not yet a blood slave. We all knew Rowan was special to you. But you shared him. Will you share Vance? Let other vampires feed from him the way you let others feed from Rowan? I don’t think so. Keep talking and you’ll join Falcon. Drake chuckled. I’m not talking. I’m thinking. And I’m thinking that Vance is controlling this room. Are you going to let him? “Hold still.” Vance ran his finger along the crack of Theron’s ass. Theron couldn’t move, couldn’t breathe. “Tonight it’s my turn.” Vance circled Theron’s rosette. “I want to fill you full of my cock as you fuck Drake.” He slipped in a lubricated finger. Yes! Fuck you, Drake. No, it sounds like Vance get’s to fuck you. “Will you bottom?” Vance licked the shell of Theron’s ear. “I know you want me.” He gently bit and Theron almost came. He had to pump his cock into Drake to ease the pressure in his balls and the tension building in his muscles. “I’ve given you everything but my life. Tonight, are you willing to give up a little for me?” Yes, he is. “Shut up, Drake.”

87

KyAnn Waters

“I can’t hear yours or Drake’s thoughts. Tell me with words.” Vance inserted a second finger and sawed in and out of Theron’s hole, lubricating the sensitive tissues. Theron’s cock pulsed and hardened further. “Yes,” he whispered. “Fuck me.” Vance shifted, cupped Theron’s cheek and turned his face. Lips brushed lips then Theron opened his mouth and Vance dipped his tongue in for a taste. Theron groaned. Vance’s tongue was hot and probing and his fingers continued to plunge deep into Theron’s passage. “Now, Vance. I don’t want to wait.” Theron bent over Drake, giving Vance better access to his hole. Vance knelt behind Theron, grasped the root of his cock and nudged Theron’s tight pucker with his cock head. Fluids smeared across his sphincter then the corona slipped in. Theron’s rim clenched around the ridge of Vance’s knob and Theron shivered with the erotic feel of Vance barely penetrating his body. He braced for the fleeting burn and intense pleasure of having his prostate grazed with a hard cock. Theron was primed, ready and wanting. Vance was breathing hard, his nostrils flaring with each inhale. Then, on a slow exhale, he glided his shaft into Theron’s body. “Ah fuck.” He reared back, paused for a heartbeat and slid in a fraction deeper. Theron pulled out of Drake’s dark, erotic hole until just the blunt tip of his cock remained within then surged forward again. Vance gripped Theron’s hips firmly and matched Theron’s rhythm. Each time Theron rammed into Drake, he lost the fullness of Vance filling his ass. But when he pulled out, he backed into Vance, feeling the slide of Vance’s erection penetrating deep. Vance’s balls grazed his and Theron shuddered in euphoric ecstasy. Theron stopped thinking of Drake, stopped fighting for control over his emotions and simply rode the rapturous wave building between him and Vance. Braced on outstretched arms, he looked into Drake’s face. Sweat beaded on his forehead and

88

Dark Man

upper lip. His half-lidded eyes darkened with lust with the pleasure of hosting and sex. Theron wished it were Vance beneath him, feeding him. Theron closed his eyes. His fangs protruded from his gums as his building orgasm sent tingles racing down his spine. His lips pulled back in a snarl. The fucking grew more frenzied. Drake grunted with every forceful thrust. With a shout, streams of cum shot from his cock, slicking his chest as Theron continued to pound into his rectum. Muscles within Drake contracted around Theron’s shaft. The hot silken tissues caressed his length. “Vance,” he panted, continuing his powerful plunges. “I’m going to come.” “Then come.” Vance flexed his fingers, tightening his hold. “Not without you.” Vance smiled and slowed his movements to an agonizing tempo. “Then you have to hold on. I don’t want to end the torture. Feels so good. Don’t know when I’ll have you as my bottom again.” Theron swallowed the lump in his throat. Vance didn’t understand. “Oh fuck.” He didn’t want to hold on any longer. Heat streaked through his body. Fire burst in his groin and radiated out through his scrotum and cock. His shaft hardened to the point of pain, stretched and he came. He roared as pulsing jets of cum shot through his dick and pumped into Drake. Theron surged higher over Drake, bent his head and pierced Drake’s neck. Blood gushed into his mouth, flowed down his throat and warmed his gut. Drake arched off the bed and his body convulsed as another wave of release crashed over him. Theron continued to drink. A sensual growl rumbled from Vance. Grasping Theron’s hips, he hauled Theron back toward him, to his knees, causing him to slip from Drake’s dark channel. Vance hiked Theron’s ass in the air.

89

KyAnn Waters

“Mine,” Vance murmured and rode Theron hard. Theron had to brace against each punishing thrust. He’s claiming you. Drake’s words seeped in with his thoughts. No, he’s just fucking me. Liar. Vance’s grip tightened and his breath came hard and fast. Theron closed his eyes and fought the emotional connection. He didn’t want to care about anyone. He bit harder, punishing Drake because he couldn’t fight his need for Vance. Vance slammed deep and came. Hot ribbons of cum slicked Theron’s hole. Erotic, wild, slippery. Vance pumped his hips twice more then pulled from Theron. He gasped, collapsed to his side then rolled to his back. He draped his arm over his eyes. “I can’t feel my legs.” Theron released the bite he had on Drake. Licking the puncture wounds, he healed the veins and the flesh. Drake leaned up on his elbow. “I was going to say I don’t think I can walk.” Theron wiped a trickle of blood from his chin. He didn’t have to say anything. Drake was hearing his thoughts and Vance… He’d just bottomed for Vance and fuck but he wanted more.

***** Vance milled about the bar. Theron had business to take care of and Drake had gone off on his own shortly after they’d come upstairs. After the bout of incredible sex with Theron and Drake, men in the club didn’t hold much appeal. Ice Man worked behind the bar. Vance knew his name was Rowan and that a few months ago he and Theron had parted ways. Rowan had made the change, become vampire. Falcon had insinuated that Rowan had been important to Theron. That didn’t bother Vance. It was more proof that Theron wasn’t the unemotional bastard he portrayed himself to be. 90

Dark Man

Vance found a vacant booth, sat to wait for Theron and continued to scan the crowd. He recognized several members. Men whom he and Tac had encountered while in the Pit. One of them could’ve killed Seth but Vance wasn’t sure he’d ever know the truth. At this point, he wasn’t sure he wanted the truth. Theron protected the sect. Protected vampires. One of those vampires fed on and killed Seth. Vance didn’t have proof but he also didn’t have doubt. What if he could prove which vampire was responsible? Theron wouldn’t allow Vance to go to the police. Did vampires kill their own kind? Vance hung his head and took a deep breath. What did that say about him? Ignorance wasn’t always bliss. He was fucked either way. Discovering the truth threatened his relationship with Theron and possibly his very life. If he betrayed his heart, he turned his back on his murdered friend. No one would ever be accountable and punished for Seth’s death. Reality was, if he discovered the murderer, there was nothing he could do. He was a human and no match for a blood-hungry vampire. His relationship with Theron wasn’t strong enough to test. That didn’t mean in the future he couldn’t pursue the truth. One day Theron would trust him enough and Vance would have the courage to seek justice for Seth. “I won’t forget,” he vowed. He stood from the booth and started toward the corridor that led beneath the club. Raised voices slowed his approach. Vance didn’t particularly want to stumble into an intense argument. Shit. He’d wait them out a few minutes. Hopefully they’d move on to wherever they were headed, either downstairs or back to the club. He leaned against the wall and closed his eyes. He tried not to listen but the voices grew heated as they came closer. “Once you’ve done your part, I’ll do mine.” The voice was familiar. Vance glanced down the hall but couldn’t make out faces in the shadowed recesses.

91

KyAnn Waters

“Just remember, I want what’s coming to me. Your little plan had better work, otherwise I’m coming after you instead.” “You may be vampire, but do not threaten me.” Falcon. Fuck! What the hell was he up to? “It’s not a threat. Where is he?” “Where he always is, in Theron’s chamber.” “Do you expect me to waltz in and—” Spying Vance, Falcon grabbed the huge vampire on the forearm, cutting off any more discussion. The vampire turned. Rage simmered in his stormy eyes. His mouth formed a hard line and his muscles bulged with tightly controlled tension. Black jeans encased long, powerful legs and his shirt stretched over his solid torso. Whiskers shadowed his cheeks and chin and tight lines creased the corners of his eyes. A muscle ticked in his jaw as his teeth clenched. Vance stepped away from the wall and into the light. “What’s up?” “Not much, Dark Man.” “Dark Man?” A slow, sinister smile found the vampire’s mouth and fangs slipped from beneath his lips. Unease prickled Vance’s flesh. “I’m looking for Theron.” The big vampire took a menacing step closer. “Good, so am I. We have some unfinished business.” “What’s your name?” Vance tried to appear unaffected by Falcon and the vampire. “I’ll let him know when I see him.” “Maybe we should look together.” Falcon stepped between them. “Come on, we’ll all go.” He nodded in the direction leading back to the bar. “He’s in the club.” “No, he’s not.”

92

Dark Man

Falcon’s eyes narrowed and darkened. “Have you forgotten? Theron and I share a mental link.” He lowered his voice. “We’re connected in a way you can’t understand. Or should I say you choose not to understand. You’ll have to trust me.” Vance snorted. “Regardless,” Falcon said. “He’s tied up right now and wants me to bring you to him.” Thoughts between slave and vampire were only shared during the Zenith. Without a doubt, Vance knew Theron hadn’t fed from Falcon. There was no mental communication going on. But that didn’t mean Falcon and his vampire cohort weren’t communicating. Theron being tied up could mean many things, but when Falcon said it, it sent a shiver of dread down Vance’s spine. Something was wrong. Falcon walked in front of Vance, and with the vampire’s cool breath on his heated flesh, Vance didn’t have much choice but to follow. How much trouble could they cause in a crowded bar? Falcon weaved through the patrons, toward the back-alley exit. Following might not be the smartest course of action but Vance needed to know what he was up to so that he could alert Theron. Chills raised the hairs on Vance’s arms. He spun in a circle. The big vampire was gone. “Where’d your friend go?” “Probably found another slave to fuck since I’m busy taking you to Theron.” They pushed through the door, out into the cool night air. “You’re full of shit. Theron isn’t out here. So what do you want?” Vance crossed his arms over his chest. Falcon glanced up then down the alley. “You know what I want. I want my life back the way it was before you came around.” Vance turned to go back into the club. Falcon wasn’t rational. “Wait.” Falcon grabbed his arm.

93

KyAnn Waters

“You’ve known Theron for years. He’s controlling, opinionated and stubborn. I don’t have any say in how he conducts his affairs. I’m not even a blood slave.” “No, I was his slave until you arrived!” Falcon was seething. “He needs more than you can give him.” “You mean he needs you.” “Yes, he needs a man to feed and fuck. You’re just a challenge.” Vance cringed. “And you’re nothing but a blood slave. As you said yourself. Nothing but a whore.” He closed the distance between them. He was close enough to smell the fury within Falcon. “I’m not going anywhere.” “If you won’t give Theron up, I’ll take you from him.” A shadow darkened the air around them. Bile rose into Vance’s throat. The vampire from the club approached. Saliva dripped from his fangs and his eyes locked on Vance. Vance’s pulse raced. His ribs ached with the forceful thumping of his heart. “You’re about to know my hell,” Falcon whispered. “You could’ve served Theron. You should’ve given yourself to him while you had the chance.” Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Run, goddamn it. But his feet wouldn’t move. “Fine, you win. I’ll go.” And find you later when you don’t have a hungry vampire fighting your battle. Falcon chuckled. “He’s all yours,” he said to the vampire. The vampire loomed large. Fear coiled in Vance’s stomach. Thoughts, regrets and unfulfilled wishes clashed together. “Theron took someone important from me. He’ll pay for it.” “He will. When you destroy something of his.” Falcon was giddy. “You wanted to hurt Theron, here’s your chance. Drink Dark Man to death.” Vance closed his eyes. “Just like Seth.” Was this the same vampire? It had to be. “You killed him too.” “Seth?” the vampire asked. “I don’t know Seth.”

94

Dark Man

Vance stiffened his spine. He wouldn’t die quietly. “My friend! You drank him and left him dead.” The vampire opened his mouth and hissed. “No, that wasn’t me.” He grasped Vance’s shoulders in his cold hands. The strength in his fingers bruised Vance’s flesh. “Greyton broke Theron’s rules but every day I suffer the punishment. Theron will know the pain of losing the one he loves.” Vance struggled. He balled his hands into fists and pummeled the ribs of the vampire. “Fuck you!” he hollered. “Creve only fucks the undead,” Falcon said. “That is until your boyfriend murdered his blood bond.” Vance twisted his torso, attempting to break Creve’s hold. His hands were like steel. Vance’s struggles only served to expel energy, increase his heart rate and make his blood pump harder. Creve would drink faster and death could come quicker. Vance stopped fighting and became dead weight. Still Creve held firm. He dropped to the ground, protected from view in the shelter of parked vehicles and leaned over Vance. “Hurry,” Falcon snapped. “This is taking too long.” Vance closed his eyes. Darkness filled his mind. The alley was vacant. No one would hear his screams. Regret washed over him in waves. Fear and stubbornness had kept him from serving Theron. Now he’d never feel the pleasure of his bite. Theron had promised intimacy unlike anything he’d known. A bond of body, mind and blood. Now that was gone. Fangs pierced his neck. Burning pressure sizzled on his flesh. His body jerked. No! He fought the pleasure. Still his cock swelled and his balls tingled. Heat rushed through him and blood surged through his system. The fangs sank deeper and his body lightened. The vampire sucked and gulped. Oh fuck! Theron!

95

KyAnn Waters

Call to him, call to your lover. He can hear you through me. Theron sired me, bonded Greyton to me. Theron thrives on power. No one breaks his laws. But Greyton did. Vance didn’t question how he heard the vampire in his thoughts. The Zenith. Yes. Theron took Greyton from me the same way I am taking you from Theron. When he killed Greyton, he should’ve killed me too. Now he’ll have a reason to. Creve sucked harder. Blood surged to the surface and Creve drank. Bring him to me so we can end this once and for all. No!

96

Dark Man

Chapter Seven Theron! Theron closed his eyes. So many voices flitted through his thoughts. Drake, still in the Zenith was the loudest. Yet, he heard Vance. He tamped down all thoughts, focusing on the distant voice. How could he possibly hear Vance? His eyes snapped open. “Vance!” He jumped up from behind his desk. Papers scattered to the floor. Where are you? I have him and you never will. “Fuck.” “What’s wrong?” Rafe asked. Rafe had replaced Greyton as Sentinel, a dangerous job but an integral protector of the sect. “Creve.” “Shit.” “He has Vance.” Theron bolted from the room. Adrenaline surged through his body. Panic, anger and, something akin to terror knifed through his gut. “Greyton’s blood bond.” Two vampires melding their eternal lives formed a blood bond. Theron had ended the bond when he’d destroyed Greyton for his betrayal. Greyton had hunted and killed in the open, threatening exposure of the vampires and breaking vampire law. Punishment was death. In doing so Theron had left Creve without his partner. “Now he’s taken Vance.” Rafe chased after Theron. Theron focused his thoughts, trying to see through Creve’s eyes. Hold on, he called to Vance.

97

KyAnn Waters

He’s so sweet, Creve taunted. You’ll only taste him through me. A pale comparison to the decadent flow of hot blood coating my mouth. His heart beats within me. His blood warms me and I’m going to savor every drop. You’ll die for this. I’m counting on it. Vance slipped further into delirium. I should’ve been smarter. Saw through Falcon’s hatred. Vance’s whispered words were weakening. I’m sorry. It’s not your fault. Creve’s angry with me. And Falcon blames me for the rift between the two of you. There was nothing to come between. Where are you? It’s a trap. Come and find us, Creve interjected. If you can. I’m coming. Where are you? Outside the club. Be careful. Theron pushed through the crowd. “They’re outside,” he called over his shoulder to Rafe. How far from the club, he couldn’t be sure but he could feel the night air on Creve’s warming flesh. “I don’t know where.” Creve’s laughter mocked Theron. I’ll find you. You’re too late. Creve’s eyes were closed. Theron could only see the black behind his lids and feel the black in his heart. The taste of Vance’s blood was on Creve’s lips. Not his. Because he had sired Creve, Theron could taste of the sweet elixir coursing through Vance’s veins. But the nourishment flowed into Creve and fury swelled within Theron. Creve was draining Vance, taking too much. Vance was fading. Theron burst through the door and into the alley. Rafe was at his heels. They raced to the left but there wasn’t any sign of Creve or Vance. Creve, don’t do this.

98

Dark Man

I didn’t. You did this when you destroyed Greyton. He broke our laws. No! Your laws. Your rules! Not mine, not Greyton’s, not the vampires. Theron. Vance’s thoughts broke through. I’m sorry. Don’t be sorry. Theron spun and sprinted toward the parking area of the alley. You don’t understand. Greyton killed Seth. I lied to you. I love you. Theron stumbled. A deafening cry roared through his ears. Vance slipped away. A plaintive wail rent the air. Creve opened his eyes. He was crouched between a blue sedan and a white truck. Theron roared and leapt onto the hood of the blue sedan. Creve growled and snapped his head around. Blood pooled at the corners of his lips and smeared across his face. Liquid rage burned Theron’s muscles. He flew at Creve, acting on the force of his fear for Vance. Tonight another vampire would meet his death. Creve wouldn’t survive. The metal of the car crunched beneath Theron’s boots and the coppery scent of Vance’s blood saturated the air. “He’s dead,” Creve said with a note of satisfaction. Theron’s howl pierced the night. With super-human strength, he drew his leg back and with a swiftness faster than human eyesight could process, kicked the side of Creve’s head. The vampire flew back three feet from the impact. Theron jumped from the vehicle, landing near Creve’s bleeding body. Theron’s strength and agility dwarfed the wounded vampire. He spun, landing another blow to Creve’s temple. None of the physical damage he inflicted on the vampire compared to the pain ripping through Theron. Vance’s lifeless form was sprawled between the vehicles. Rafe dropped to his hands and knees and bent over Vance. He slid two fingers into the thick blood drenching his collar. More blood oozed from the wounds. Rafe leaned closer to Vance and licked his flesh.

99

KyAnn Waters

“Rafe!” Rafe didn’t lift his head. He groaned and latched onto Vance’s neck. Theron landed a final punishing kick to Creve’s face. Bones crunched and skin peeled from his cheek. He slumped over, to the pavement. Within a few hours his injuries would heal, but Creve would not survive. Theron rushed to Rafe. “Stop.” Rafe lifted his reddened lips. “He’s not dead.” He scrambled to his feet and backed out of the way, giving room for Theron. “Creve didn’t seal the wounds. He would have bled out.” Emotion choked Theron. Rafe had tried to save Vance. “He won’t survive. I have to take him to my chamber.” Adam, Rafe’s blood bond, charged out of the club and rushed over. “Help me with Creve.” Rafe slung one arm around Creve’s middle and helped him to stand. Adam took his left side and together they held him upright. “Theron?” “Take him to the roof room.” Theron turned toward Creve. “I remember the day you became a member of my sect. It’s been a hundred years since you’ve seen a sunrise.” His eyes narrowed. “Chain him,” he said to Adam and Rafe. “Morning can’t come soon enough.” “Dark Man will be dead by morning,” Creve gloated. “If he hangs on and his death is slow, I hope you feel every laborious breath he draws. Now I’m sure you wish you had taken him by force. Hunted him and drank him.” A satisfied smirk flitted across his face. “Like I did. The drink was so much more satisfying because he put up a fight. He struggled, calling out for you while I sank my fangs deeper. He would’ve made a delicious blood slave. As much as he fought me, he couldn’t help becoming aroused. Had he survived, he would’ve let me fuck him too.” Adrenaline spiked through Theron’s body and with the swiftness of a rattlesnake bite, Theron drove his knee into Creve’s crotch. Creve doubled over.

100

Dark Man

“Enjoy the warmth of the sun.” Creve spat blood onto the ground. “I await the day someone punishes you for your rules. You will meet your demise.” “You’ll wait in hell.” A snide smile curled his bruised and bloodied lips. “Dark Man will be with me.” Rafe tightened his hold and Creve flinched and moaned. “Do you feel vindicated?” He dragged him toward the club. “Yes, he can’t claim he didn’t care about Dark Man. Look at him. Dark Man’s death will destroy him. The same way I’ve been destroyed by Greyton’s death.” Creve glanced at Adam. “You should know. You’d seek revenge if Theron destroyed your blood bond.” “The only one to blame for Greyton’s death,” Adam said, “is Greyton.” Theron fell to his hands and knees. Vance was pale and unmoving. He looked as undead as a vampire who hadn’t fed in days. Pressure built behind Theron’s eyes. He leaned forward and softly kissed Vance’s lips. He’d failed to protect him. But more than that. He’d also failed the sect. Sliding one arm behind Vance’s neck and the other under his knees, Theron lifted Vance and pulled him tightly to his chest. He was limp, cold and unresponsive. Theron could fix this. He had to. Theron stormed through the door and moved along the perimeter of the club, not wanting to draw attention to the situation. He slipped unnoticed into the corridor leading belowground. Footfalls echoed behind him. Theron turned. Rafe jogged to catch up. “How is Vance?” Theron couldn’t bring himself to look into Vance’s lifeless face. “Not good.” They rushed through the catacombs. Rafe opened the door to Theron’s chamber and preceded him inside. “Bring him here.” Rafe indicted the settee.

101

KyAnn Waters

“No.” Theron carried Vance into his sleeping chamber and carefully placed him on the bed. “We have to hurry.” Theron ripped his shirt from his shoulders. There wasn’t much time before Vance drew his last breath. “What do you think you’re doing?” Rafe grabbed Theron’s arm and jerked him back. “There is no other way.” Didn’t he understand? “I can save him.” Rafe drew his brows together. “No, you can’t. You know better than anyone. It’s not your choice.” “He doesn’t have a choice,” Theron yelled. “He can’t pay for my fuck-up.” Theron snarled. His gums burned and his fangs extended. “I’m going to save him.” Rafe shoved Theron hard. “By changing him? Making him vampire?” “Yes! He’s one of us.” “He’s not even a blood slave,” Rafe spat. “It must be Vance’s choice.” Theron narrowed his gaze. “Get out of my way.” Rafe positioned himself between Theron and Vance. “No, I can’t let you do that.” “Who the fuck do you think you are?” “I’m Sentinel. I can’t let you change him. He lives or dies. But he won’t become one of us.” Theron seethed. “The choice is mine.” “No, the choice is Dark Man’s and he’s not conscious to make it.” “I said, get out of my way.” Adam filled the doorway. “I could hear you fighting from the hall.” He crossed to the bed and checked Vance’s pulse. “He’s weak.” “He’s dying.” Theron stalked past Rafe. “I can save him—make him one of us.” Adam grasped Theron’s hand. “You know you can’t do that. Yes, you’d save Vance, but at what cost. The sect?”

102

Dark Man

“I don’t care. Nothing else matters.” “There won’t be any order in the sect if you do this. Think about the consequences,” Rafe said. “Vampires will turn against you.” “Two already have. Greyton and Creve.” Theron sagged with the acceptance. He slumped to the bed and ran his fingers through Vance’s blond hair. Blood matted the wisps at his ears. “How many more feel as they did?” Theron depended on both Rafe and Adam. With the unsettling events of recent months, keeping their secrecy was becoming more difficult. As vampires in the club, they’d be the first to hear of discontent among the blood slaves and vampires. “Creve’s machinations were intended to hurt me and the sect. He took Vance outside the club to make the killing public.” Vance gasped and his body trembled. “He’s cold from blood loss.” Theron ripped the blanket from the bed and covered him. “He needs blood.” “No.” Rafe rested a comforting hand on Theron’s shoulder. “He’s strong. No blood, no hospital, nothing. I’m not unfeeling. The sect comes first. You know Vance. He’d agree.” No, he didn’t know Vance at all. “I’ve already compromised the security of the sect by letting Vance into the club,” Theron said. He stared at the man who had so completely slipped under his radar. Vance hadn’t been intrigued with Tac, sex and The Catacombs. He’d come searching for answers to his friend’s murder. “I don’t know him at all. All this time, he’s been searching for Greyton. Seth was his friend.” Rafe released a heavy sigh. “I see.” Rafe and Adam had hosted the New Year’s party where Theron met Vance. “You should understand why he couldn’t come to you.” Theron stood from the bed. “I understand that I fucked up. Greyton, Creve and now Vance all dead. All because of decisions I made.” “Don’t count Vance out yet. He has a strong will and a reason to live.”

103

KyAnn Waters

Theron snorted. “Strong will, yes. He was certainly able to fool me.” He swallowed the lump in his throat. If Vance survived, they didn’t have a future. Fuck, am I even capable of ruling the sect? He’d jeopardized everyone with his need to have Vance. “The vampire bite increases blood production,” Rafe said. “Give Vance time to come out of this.” Theron nodded. “The one thing I do have is time.” But did Vance? An hour passed and Vance’s conditioned remained unchanged. Theron sat in a chair and watched his chest lightly rise and lower with every shallow breath. Creve would cross his mind and simmering hatred would surge into a violent storm. He wanted to hear his screams as the sun’s rays scorched and blistered his flesh. Falcon was another matter. Vampires didn’t kill blood slaves. They controlled them. At the moment, Theron didn’t feel in control of anything. His emotions were a garbled mess. Yet, he couldn’t allow Falcon to go unpunished. Theron closed his eyes. This wasn’t like him. He was decisive, sure in his rules. His world, his sect. “What are you thinking about?” Theron cracked his eyes open and glanced at Rafe. “You don’t need to remain here. I’m not going to change him. I wasn’t rational. I am now.” He combed his fingers through his hair. “You need to feed.” “No.” He stood and paced across the room. “I have a confession.” He pivoted toward Rafe. “I want to find Falcon. I don’t want his blood for my hunger but I want him to bleed in pain. I have this building need to see him punished for what he’s done. But I also feel some responsibility. I was as wrong as he was.” He stuffed his hands into the front pockets of his jeans. “I fucked up on this one.” He walked to the edge of the bed. “No one else should suffer. I don’t trust myself with Falcon. If I see him…” he admitted as intense pressure squeezed his chest, “I’ll kill him.” When Creve had entered into the Zenith with Vance, Theron had felt the hate festering in Creve but worse was the emotion he’d sensed in Vance. What had started 104

Dark Man

out as lies and betrayal had become something more. Not the initial forced imprisonment, not Seth, not some personal agenda had kept Vance with Theron. He’d stayed because he’d wanted to. Rafe approached Theron and stopped beside him. He stared hard at Theron. “Maybe it’s time you realize that you can’t do everything on your own. Maybe it’s time to admit you need someone.” They both glanced toward Vance. “Love doesn’t make you weak. Denying your feelings makes you a coward.” Theron snapped his gaze to Rafe. “I’m Sentinel. I’ll take care of Falcon. It’s my job. You have enough to deal with.” Rafe left Theron alone with Vance. Love? Theron didn’t know how to love. He fucked and fed. He protected his sect. Yet, his feelings for Vance had clouded his judgment. He was tired. Tired of trying to make sense of the mess. He was tired of denying he had fallen in love. Theron shed his clothing and crossed to the bed. So damn tired. A chilling shriek echoed in his mind. Dawn. Creve. The roof room offered a majestic view of the night sky. But with the roof retracted, the deadly rays of the sun had devastating effects on Creve. His painful wails didn’t offer comfort to Theron. Instead he was drowning in regret. Seconds felt like an eternity as he felt the burn of the rays. The acrid stench of charring flesh singed his nostrils. They were joined when Theron sired him. Theron gasped and clutched the comforter. Every muscle flexed and strained, fighting against the pain. And then it was done. Theron collapsed to the bed. Creve’s death was quick but excruciatingly painful. He’d done his job but why did he feel as if he’d failed again?

***** The bed dipped and Theron woke with a start. The room was dark. Disoriented from his rest, Theron fought through the haze and tried to determine the time of day.

105

KyAnn Waters

Events of the previous night returned to his mind like a rushing tidal wave. How much time had passed? He jerked back the covers. Where was Vance? With a growl, he rolled to his knees. “Vance!” Agonizing pain knifed through his gut. He needed to feed. “Vance is safe. You need to feed. It’s been too long.” “Drake?” Theron’s canines lengthened. Saliva moistened his mouth and his tongue thickened. Hot smooth flesh pressed against him. Concern for Vance numbed his mind but the need for blood couldn’t be assuaged. Rolling onto Drake, he crushed him into the bed, chest to chest, and slipped his fangs into the familiar vein. Same taste, same moan of pleasure from Drake and the same surge of power rushed through Theron. Yet, he wasn’t satisfied. Easing the hunger didn’t diminish the ache in his core. Only taking enough to curb the pain, he retracted his fangs and rolled to his back. Drake rasped a thumb over his nipple. Theron covered Drake’s hand with his own. His body thrummed with sexual need but not any body would do. He wanted Vance. “Unlike Falcon, I’m not upset.” Drake leaned over and kissed his chest. “It’s okay that I’m not the one you want.” Theron closed his eyes. “I don’t know when it happened.” But it had. He no longer wanted other men in his bed, not unless Vance was with him. “He’s your partner.” Theron sat. “I have many partners. Not one. I won’t become emotionally dependent upon anyone.” Drake softly chuckled. “Emotionally dependent?” “My recent distractions with Vance have jeopardized the sect.” “Lights.” A soft glow filled the room. “Look me in the eyes when you lie to me. Isn’t that what you’d say to me?” Theron crossed the room and grabbed a pair of jeans from the armoire.

106

Dark Man

“It won’t work. If Vance survives—” “Oh, he’s going to survive.” Theron snapped his gaze to Drake. “Are you sure?” His heart pounded. A glimmer of hope burgeoned in his chest then swelled to a desperate need to see Vance. Drake laughed again. It’s a good thing you aren’t emotionally invested. Damn Zenith. “I just need to make sure he’s okay.” So you can lie to me with the lights on. Fuck you. Anytime. I’m available. Oh that’s right. I’m not the one you want. “Where’s Rafe?” Theron walked out of his bedroom and abruptly halted. Rafe sat on the settee. Drake extended his hand toward the sofa. “He’s here.” Theron cocked an eyebrow. “You’re full of charm tonight.” At least I’m not full of shit. Go away. No, I’d rather watch you squirm. “So what are you going to do?” Drake asked. Rafe stood. “About what?” “Dark Man.” Theron growled. “Enough.” He turned to Rafe. “Where is he?” “A private room upstairs. He’s waiting to see you.” Theron sagged with relief. “Then he’s fine. No lasting effects from the bite.” “He’s weak. You arrived in time to save him.” “The enzymes in Creve’s blood and your quick thinking to seal the wounds is what saved him. It was my fault he was attacked at all.” Rafe shrugged. There was no point in denying the facts. “He wants to see you.” Theron shook his head. “Let him rest. Then he’s free to go.”

107

KyAnn Waters

“Tell him yourself. He’s in the Silver Showers room.” Drake was right about Vance. He was Dark Man in the club but he was so much more to Theron. Enough that Theron was willing to let him go. For both their sakes. Vance wasn’t a blood slave. He nearly hadn’t survived his first encounter with a vampire. Theron wouldn’t subject him to potential harm. Theron climbed the stairs to the club and made his way past the bar. Rowan smiled as he flipped bottles. Like a bolt of lightning, he understood why Rowan had been willing to sacrifice everything, even his life, to be with the man he loved. Remorse choked his throat. He didn’t know how to make right the mistakes he’d made. Rowan glanced in his direction. His eyes sparkled and his smile softened. Maybe he did understand. The vampires knew they’d lost a brother in Creve and why. Theron had to believe the sect trusted in his judgment. But did he? He’d been wrong about Vance. Dark Man belonged in the club but Vance didn’t belong to him. He wasn’t a blood slave. Theron paused outside the Silver Showers room and steeled his determination. Letting Vance go was for the best. He opened the door. “Close the door.” The softly spoken words sent a shiver down Theron’s spine. He closed the door and entered. His footfalls were whisper quiet on the plush gray carpeting. He glanced left toward the sound of rushing water. Silvery light cast a glow over a marbled rock waterfall. A stone enclosure, about a foot high, framed the area directly in front of the waterfall. Steam billowed forth. Vance stood in the mist, naked with the exception of the diamond studs in his ears. “You should be resting.” Theron took a step closer. “Under the circumstances, I feel incredible.” He looked incredible. His damp blond curls clung to his forehead. Moisture beaded on his sculpted chest. Theron swallowed hard. Savoring the vision, his gaze drifted lower, over his rippled abdominals. Two muscles carved a vee into his groin.

108

Dark Man

Theron’s gums burned and his fangs lengthened. Lust unfurled in his gut and his eyes focused in on Vance’s erect cock, which stretched toward his navel. Ropey veins patterned the taut silken flesh. Flaring his nostrils, Theron sucked in a ragged breath. Vance was hairless. His groin was smooth flesh. His heavy sac, hanging beneath, tightened. The crown of his cock glistened with his essence. “Vance, you shouldn’t be here.” Vance strode closer. “I’m exactly where I belong.” Theron fought to restrain his need. He wouldn’t bite. “The high from feeding is intense. After Creve, I would think you’d understand the danger of an association with me.” “Feeding Creve was hell.” Vance scored his fingertips across Theron’s shirt, over his abdomen. Theron shuddered. Muscles flexed tightly, aching to maintain control. “My association with you has been a pleasure. I know what I want. Through Creve, I glimpsed what could be between us.” He softly brushed his lips against Theron’s. “What is between us.” “You don’t understand. There is no going back.” “I do understand. You can’t push me away. I know you were in my head.” He paused, letting the gravity of the moment settle on them. “I should’ve talked to you about Seth.” “I understand why you didn’t.” He covered Vance’s hand with his. “But that’s why you shouldn’t be here. You’re not safe with me.” He met Vance’s stare. “No one is.” “You’re wrong. I am safe with you. You were in my head, but Theron, I was in yours. Don’t lie to me. We won’t have to lie to each other ever again.” “You’ll be a blood slave.” “I am a slave. Blood, body and mind. But only to you.” Theron gripped Vance’s hips and caressed his bare flesh. “I would never be able to share you.”

109

KyAnn Waters

“Not my blood.” Vance pressed closer, grinding his cock against the hard ridge of Theron’s denim-clad erection. “You’re Tac and I wouldn’t want you any other way. You’re controlling, arrogant and stubborn.” He kissed him again, letting his lips linger. Theron closed his eyes and took the kiss deeper. Vance flinched. The velvet-smooth texture of blood, Vance’s blood, slipped across Theron’s tongue. “I’m sorry.” He’d nicked Vance’s lip with his teeth. “I’m not.” Vance kissed him again. Wild, aggressive and careless of Theron’s fangs. “Bite me. I’m giving myself to you. I submit, but only to you.” Theron growled. Vance hadn’t recovered enough from Creve’s bite. “You aren’t strong enough to feed me after your encounter with Creve. He took too much of your blood.” Vance tugged on the snap of Theron’s jeans. “Then just a taste, enough to take me into the Zenith with you.” But what if he couldn’t control the hunger? He’d wanted Vance for so long. One taste would never be enough. “It’s too dangerous. Once you’re strong again. Perhaps tomorrow or the day after. We can’t rush and you need to be sure I’m the man—the vampire—you want.” “I don’t know how I could love you any more but I know tomorrow I will.” Vance unzipped the fly of Theron’s jeans and his cock sprang into his determined hands. “No waiting,” he whispered. “I trust you. Take me into the Zenith. Make me your blood slave.” Vance stroked his cock. Theron hissed. More steam rose from the heated shower. The heady scent of aroused male toyed with his senses. He wanted—needed—Vance too much to resist. Theron angled his head. “I need you.” He breathed the words against Vance’s neck then pierced his flesh. Blood pooled in his mouth. Vance moaned. His arms wrapped around Theron’s waist. Theron dizzied with the powerful pleasure. His cock pulsed and his body hummed. Just a taste. Just enough to forge the bond between vampire and host. Theron closed his eyes. The blood was hot, sinful and unlike anything he’d 110

Dark Man

experienced before. The sweet elixir flowing from Vance wasn’t just blood. It was a promise of belonging to each other. His blood slave, only his. The shadowed veil between them lifted. I love you, Theron declared. I know. I love you too. Theron slipped his fangs from Vance’s neck. He sealed the wound and gently kissed the marred flesh. He feathered kisses along Vance’s jaw, nibbled his lobe as he banded his arms around Vance and held him tightly. Mine. Yes. I am. Forever. He inched back enough to stare into Theron’s eyes. Now, can you fuck me?

111

About the Author KyAnn Waters lives in Utah with her husband, two children and two dogs. She spends her days writing and her evenings with her family. She enjoys sporting events on the television, thrillers on the big screen and hot scenes on the pages of her books.

KyAnn welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and email address on her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com.

Tell Us What You Think We appreciate hearing reader opinions about our books. You can email us at [email protected].

Also by KyAnn Waters All Lycan’s Eve Blood Slaves 1: Ice Man Blood Slaves 2: Iron Man Ellora’s Cavemen: Jewels of the Nile II anthology Eternal Rapture Hard Ride Home Impulsive Pleasures Rough Justice

Discover for yourself why readers can’t get enough of the multiple award-winning publisher Ellora’s Cave. Whether you prefer e-books or paperbacks, be sure to visit EC on the web at www.ellorascave.com for an erotic reading experience that will leave you breathless.

www.ellorascave.com