Gabriel

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A Total-E-Bound Publication

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Gabriel ISBN #978-0-85715-910-6 ©Copyright Chris Lange 2012 Cover Art by Lyn Taylor ©Copyright March 2012 Edited by Laura Hulley Total-E-Bound Publishing This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Total-E-Bound Publishing. Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Total-E-Bound Publishing. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution. The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork. Published in 2012 by Total-E-Bound Publishing, Think Tank, Ruston Way, Lincoln, LN6 7FL, United Kingdom.

Warning: This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. This story has a heat rating of Total-e- burning and a sexometer of 2. This story contains 61 pages, additionally there is also a free excerpt at the end of the book containing 6 pages.

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GABRIEL Chris Lange

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Who can stop a master vampire from expanding his territory? Only one woman—with a rare, invisible power and hate for his kind deep in her blood. Nothing counts but the mission. Nothing is relevant but getting the job done. Calista is a gelder. The ancient, invisible power is in her blood, her heart, her soul. Instinctively drawn to vampires, she always does what she is born to do. She gelds. No feelings, no emotions, only deeds. She hates their race. She can’t wait to get rid of them all. But something is about to change. Although gelding vampires has been fun sometimes, it can also prove dangerous and scary when faced with a master vampire: a master who has become a legend. His name is Gabriel.

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Dedication To my family, for their unconditional love and support.

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GABRIEL

Chris Lange

6

Chapter One

Sunset was drawing too close for stalling. Standing before the cemetery gates, Calista only had two options. She could walk all the way around the so-called resting place—but she wouldn’t get home on time—or she could cut across it and reach safety in a matter of minutes. Encumbered with her shopping bags, she might already have no choice. Pushing the gate with her shoulder, she got a move on. Focusing on the other side of the cemetery, she kept to the main path, staying off the grass and the headstones. Halfway across the holy ground, she knew she was going to make it. With the last rays of light casting shadows around her, she only had a short distance to cover. Relief creeping over her, she pressed on, tightening her grip on the shopping bags and intently watching the gates. Calista fell head over heels almost without making a sound, her purchases flying away, her extended hands breaking her fall. A little stunned, she took deep breaths, expecting pain. When none came, she tried to sit up, but was hindered by something pulling at her ankle. Rolling and shifting, she edged closer to the grass and managed to sit. Her left foot was caught in a loop, the line secured around the nearest headstone. Although it looked like some kind of metal, it wasn’t biting her skin. Not yet. She tugged at it and felt the noose tightening, realising at once she wouldn’t be able to get out of it this way. She attempted to untie the knot, but it was too tight. Maybe she could cut it with a knife, but hell, she was no MacGyver and she didn’t carry blades in her pockets. Oh God, oh God, this could not be happening. Not now. Not a thousand feet from the safety of her house. Not when she had practically made it. She glanced up and fear threatened to pin her down. The sun was gone. A gust of wind slapped her face and shadows whished about, engaged in a nocturnal, graceful dance—the ballet of the dead. Refusing to admit defeat, Calista grabbed the line with both hands and pulled it as hard as she could. “Hey, looks like I got myself a nice titbit.”

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GABRIEL

Chris Lange

7

The voice came from behind her, but she didn’t turn her head. No point. She already knew what kind of creature had crept out of the night. Trapped like a frightened rabbit, there was nothing she could do but bide her time. That was, if he gave her time. “Please, don’t hurt me!” she whimpered. “Why would I do that? First, let’s have a look at you, sweetie,” he said, kneeling in front of her, lifting her chin up. “Oh my, aren’t you a treat for sore eyes!” He was good-looking for a vampire, with shoulder-length blond hair framing clear, blue eyes in a thin face. Although he was trying to hold a conversation, his gaze was sort of feverish and his fangs were out. He was hungry. If she didn’t keep him on safe ground she would end up dead very shortly. “Who’s out there?” Calista asked in a panicked voice, pretending to notice something, craning her neck towards the biggest tombstone in the cemetery. The vampire turned around, looking for whatever he thought she had spotted. “I don’t see anything, sweetie, but just in case”—he produced a long knife and used it to cut the thin wire—“I’d better take you home.” Grabbing her arm, he pulled her along, heading for the darkest shadows. Although scared, she didn’t resist. She had a job to do. They soon rounded the crematorium, going past the building to the edge of the cemetery. Holding on to her, the vampire bent down and opened a trapdoor in the ground. Once he had switched the lights on, he pushed her forward. She nearly tumbled down the steep stairs, and gripped his arm to catch her balance while he shut the door and locked it. “Welcome home, precious.” To Calista, the vampire’s ‘home sweet home’ looked like a crypt—cold marble, cold tiles, cold interior. She had been in crypts a few times in the past and this one was no different. “Make yourself comfortable,” he teased, pushing her towards a long marble table, “I’m starting to feel quite peckish.” She desperately needed to buy time. If she wanted to save her life, she had to make him believe she was merely a young woman, scared out of her wits. She slowly backed towards the edge of the table, looking lost and helpless. She figured vampires got their kicks out of human helplessness. “Please,” she begged, “don’t hurt me.” www.total-e-bound.com

GABRIEL

Chris Lange

8

“Now, now, sweetie, there’s no need to be afraid,” he said, in what was obviously intended to be a reassuring tone, a large grin on his face that didn’t reach his cold, blue eyes. “It’ll be over before you know it.” Fangs out, he advanced on her like a hunter stalking his prey. He brushed her hair back, baring her neck. Calista hated their fangs more than anything else. Tools of death, they were a blatant reminder of countless lives eradicated and she feared them. Besides, she had no power over the long, sharp teeth. “Hmmmm…your neck is so soft,” he whispered, “I don’t think I’ve ever had such a tasty breakfast.” He stroked the tender skin before exposing her round shoulder. “I bet every part of you is delicious. It would be a pity not to enjoy it.” He ripped her clothes off, subjecting her body to the coldness of the crypt. Naked, and with goosebumps on her skin, she shuddered. “My…my…you really are something.” He looked at her body, spurred by a remnant of the man he had once been. “I think we should have some fun before breakfast, don’t you?” Calista could have had a completely different evening, but fate had decided otherwise. From the moment she’d got caught and realised her life wasn’t worth much any more, she had contrived to bring him exactly where he was now—away from her neck and ready to hump her. As he unzipped his fly, she nodded. Quickly shaking his trousers down, he grabbed her breasts and squeezed her nipples. “Oh yeah, baby, you’re soft!” He hissed when she took his cock in her hand, applying pressure, slowly moving up and down. He was hard in a flash. In spite of their great speed and strength, vampires were nothing more than undead men, still driven by human needs and desires. Groping her breasts, he grunted when she wiggled her fingers around his short, thick dick. “I knew you wanted it, you dirty little bitch,” he groaned, sliding his hands under her buttocks. “Come and get it.” His crude words set her off. Time and again, she had chewed over the fact that her sexuality was unlike that of other women. She couldn’t figure out why men never aroused her; why only vampires did. They had the means to kill her without even blinking, yet they were her only source of excitement. Was it the thrill of danger or the heady sensation of their strength and ruthlessness? www.total-e-bound.com

GABRIEL

Chris Lange

9

Whatever it was, she wanted this vampire right now, right here. Desire rushing through her veins, she put her arms around his neck. He lifted her easily, his cock brushing her wet pussy, making her guts twist with lust. “Now get down on it, you slut!” His commanding tone did nothing to lessen her avidity. Clinging to his square shoulders, Calista lowered her body, letting him slide into her. His shaft was so thick she moaned when it rubbed her inner flesh, filling her completely. Then he took control, bringing her up and down in quick, heavy movements. “Bloody hell, you’re hot stuff,” he said in a throaty voice, gripping her buttocks with rock-hard fingers. “Shut up and fuck me!” His T-shirt excruciatingly chafing her nipples, his powerful cock thrusting in and out of her, Calista unleashed her desires. As long as she got the job done on time, she was safe. In the meantime, she was going to enjoy this to the full; to empty him of his substance, every little scrap of it. Smashing into her, he put his face on her neck, instinctively looking for the spot he could sink his fangs into. “Don’t!” she ordered. “Not yet. If I have to die, make me come first.” “You do like it, don’t you? Well, brace yourself, hussy, here I come!” He was grunting now, each of his motions bringing him closer to his end. Abraded by his short, broad thrusts, her cunt was on fire, her clitoris crying out for release. She couldn’t wait any longer. Closing her eyes, she summoned her lifeblood. The force instantly surged from her very core, wildly coursing through her body, filling her veins and her heart. On the verge of orgasm, Calista took a deep breath and released it. She felt the force rushing out, penetrating the vampire without so much as a tingle, infusing his every pore, melting into his blood forever. As her lifeblood receded, the vampire heaved into her for the last time and bore her down hard. She climaxed as he buried his cock in her, shouting from the sheer bliss of it, her whole body quivering from the intense sensation. Blown away by his orgasm, he blurted out a hoarse sound.

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GABRIEL

Chris Lange

10

“Bloody hell,” he exclaimed after a few seconds, “that’s the best fuck I’ve ever had.” Letting go of her, a thin smile creeping on his face, he pulled her hair back. “Let’s get down to business now, shall we?” Standing naked before him, she didn’t answer. She just looked at him with confidence and serenity. “Go ahead.” He seemed surprised by her boldness, though he leaned towards her neck. “If it isn’t the first time someone’s asked to be bitten…” He was thrown back violently, hitting the wall fifty feet away. His head struck the stone surface, his lean body collapsing in a heap on the ground. Watching his slumped form, Calista marvelled anew at the destructive force living in her. She was only able to unleash it when having sex, but somehow it felt natural and it made sense—sex and blood merging to bring forth life. Picking her clothes up in a hurry, Calista got dressed. Her skirt had seen better days and her top was in tatters, showing the fullness of her breasts, but it would have to do. Head down, she was zipping up when the vampire grabbed her arm, probably intending to finish what he had started. Arms pumping, he flew backwards, squarely hitting the wall for the second time, sliding down with a look of complete stupefaction. “Christ! What did you do to me?” “I didn’t do anything,” Calista lied, enjoying the shock on his face, “I guess you must be having a bad day.” “Damn you!” He spat on the ground, slowly getting to his feet. “What did you do?” “Let’s just say you can’t hurt me anymore, or anyone else for that matter.” “What? How?” He seemed dazed, understanding ploddingly dawning on him. From now on, he would never feed off a human being and would be cut off from nourishment and death. He was a vampire without fangs, without means to kill. “That’s bullshit!” He got up and came up to her with more caution. Slowly stretching his arm out, he sensed the invisible shield around her, protecting her from harm. Still disbelieving, he reached out anyway and was repelled again. “Undo it. Whatever it is, undo it.” www.total-e-bound.com

GABRIEL

Chris Lange

11

“I can’t,” she replied in total honesty, walking away from him. She was at the foot of the stairs when he called out to her. “Please, I’m hungry.” She turned to him. He was staring at her, vulnerable and pathetic, his blond hair falling on his lean face. Although he had banged her to her satisfaction, she had no compassion for vampires. No pity, no mercy. “I’m sure you’ll find rats around here. Enjoy your meal!” Letting out a sharp cry of frustration, he slammed the wall with his fist. As the thudding sound echoed in the stone chamber, she got the hell out.

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GABRIEL

Chris Lange

12

Chapter Two

After a long, relaxing shower, Calista cooked pasta so she could eat her favourite dish in front of the television. Watching the screen without seeing it, not interested in the news, she allowed her mind to wander. Coming back from school the day she had turned fifteen, she had found a scroll. ‘Found’ didn’t strike her as an adequate term, because the scroll had been on her bedside table, just lying there, waiting to be picked up. She had unrolled it, her heart beating faster as she’d deciphered the gothic handwriting. The story had nothing to do with a fairy tale. It depicted instead a hard tale of violence, blood, death and order restored. Chosen men and women were bestowed with a sacred gift, a life-giving force meant to countervail unnatural phenomena—an occurrence bound to the rising of dead creatures and also a weapon to be wielded with caution; for each time the force was used it deprived the bearer of a spark of humanity. Ten years later and hundreds of vampires down, Calista wasn’t yet feeling the consequences. Still, if her humanity was being taken away from her little by little, how would she wind up? Would she end her life shrivelled, desiccated, bereft of emotions, sensations, desires, beliefs and expectations? Reflecting on this, she examined her preferences. Given that the fabulous weapon inside her was tied to her sexuality, it might be the reason she was solely turned on by vampires—a kind of ‘an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth’ situation. She had tried with men, of course she had—kind, sensitive, intelligent, gentle men; then aggressive, irrational, eccentric, rough men. All she’d got from them had been very dull moments and an itchy pussy. Although she deemed vampires to be a scourge, she needed them in this regard. Sometimes she felt like a goddess, powerful and invincible, seeking retribution and vengeance. And sometimes she felt like a woman, weak and vulnerable, carrying a burden too weighty for her shoulders. She viewed herself as an ant in a colony working for her community, performing a task like anyone else. Some people governed, saved lives, provided an education or supplied

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GABRIEL

Chris Lange

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services. Others competed, helped, assisted or simply strove to make the world an artistic and beautiful place. She disabled vampires. She had no idea how or why she had been chosen, but such was her life now. She fucked bloodsuckers for her own pleasure and she incapacitated them for the job. She seldom looked for trouble because she didn’t have to. As if magnetised, she always happened to stumble into it. Her business with them was strictly sexual, so she abided by a single rule— never kiss a vampire. Bored with stupid programmes, she switched the television off and went to bed for a long, satisfying read. The novel was good, yet she soon felt sleepy, blurred words jumping at her then receding. Putting the book down, she stretched with pleasure, her hand gliding down to her pussy, lightly touching the sensitive skin. She pictured her most recent encounter with a bloodsucker. That one had been a good lay! Calista woke up in the middle of the night, her bedroom bathed in darkness. She sat up, listening to the pounding on her door. Whoever it was, he was making enough of a racket to awaken all her neighbours. Quickly slipping her knickers on, she hurried to the door. The blond vampire was standing outside. His blue gaze was steady and he didn’t look fretful— the way they usually did when they were hungry. “You’ve fed.” “Yeah. Mutts and stray cats prove easy to find.” She thought that was gross, but didn’t comment on it. “How did you find me?” “Your smell. It was pretty easy to follow.” “What do you want?” “You owe me one,” he replied, purposefully. Leaning on the door frame, she crossed her arms. “I don’t believe I do.” “Look, I don’t know what you did to me, but it’s killed me. You have to make up for it.” “You were already dead.” “You know what I mean,” he said, raising his voice, looking more and more fidgety by the second. “You didn’t play fair.” “How many people have you killed?” she said, in a sarcastic tone. “Have you been fair to them?” “That’s different. It’s in my nature; I can’t help it.” “Well, I believe you can now!” www.total-e-bound.com

GABRIEL

Chris Lange

14

“Ha ha, very funny.” He snorted. She could see simple, human teeth. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?” “Sort of.” He flapped his arms. “As much as you enjoyed me? Didn’t I give you everything you wanted? Didn’t you get a real kick? Don’t I deserve something in return?” “Oh, I see.” Pure sarcasm was flowing out of her mouth now. “I’m supposed to do you a favour because you made me come. That’s not the way it works, pal.” “Why not? Besides, I won’t ask anything you don’t want to do. As a matter of fact, I’m quite sure you’ll be more than willing.” That got her interested. Whatever he had in mind, he must have been pondering it since she had left his crypt. Therefore, it had to be important to him. “I’m listening.” “Will you do it?” he asked, his blue gaze never leaving her face. “For Christ’s sake, spill it out!” “All right, no need to get cranky,” he said, holding his hands up. “I want you to…do your thing to another vampire.” “You’re kidding, right?” Calista smiled. “Aren’t you all brothers, best pals, sucking buddies?” “Definitely not.” He seemed sure of himself. “So?” “Who do you have in mind?” “Master Gabriel.” Calista shuddered. Was it from a sudden draught in the stillness of this warm summer night or the evocation of a monster crouching in the shadows? Gabriel, master of all dead and undead creatures. Gabriel, whose name alone had people and vampires alike fleeing in terror. Gabriel, the most vicious, powerful, and ruthless bloodsucker who’d ever wielded hell on earth. Arms still crossed, Calista cocked her head. “You don’t beat around the bush, do you?” “Forget what you heard about him, you can take him.” “Why should I do that?” The blond vampire smiled. “To get rid of him, that would be a good start. You know what he does.”

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GABRIEL

Chris Lange

15

“How come I get the feeling you don’t give a damn if he killed millions of people? That’s a bit of a flimsy excuse.” He dropped his ridiculous smile and held his hands up. “Okay, you win. I just want to be rid of him.” “Why?” “It’s personal.” She didn’t know vampires could get personal. “And you think I’m gonna fall for that? Come on, you’ve got to give me more.” “Let’s just say he did me wrong. What’s it to you, anyway? If you really must know, I can’t stand the sight of him.” Judging by his attitude, Calista thought he must be speaking the truth. She also assumed he was scared shitless of his master. The blond vampire wanted Gabriel incapacitated and so was using her as a weapon. She wasn’t sure she ought to enter such dangerous territory. At best, death would be a blessing. But if worst came to worst, she could be turned into a vampire. In spite of her circumspection, she was tempted. Gabriel was a legend. She had always been dying to meet him; to see if she was prepared to take the challenge up. It was obviously a huge mistake, but curiosity was eating away at her… “You’d be doing a good deed,” he insisted. “Stop being such a suck up; it won’t get you anywhere!” “Maybe not, but there’s something else I haven’t told you.” The smug smile was back on his lips. “Gabriel is expecting you.” “What?” “I went to see him after you left. I told him about you.” “What exactly did you say?” Calista asked, dread rising in her throat. “You dickhead, what did you tell him?” “Only that you were special, nothing more, I swear.” He took a step back. “Don’t worry, he won’t hurt you. He gave me his word he wouldn’t lay a finger on you.” “So I’m supposed to trust a master vampire?” “Oddly enough, that jerk-off is a man of his word.” Irritation growing inside her, Calista burst out, “Don’t call him a man!”

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GABRIEL

Chris Lange

16

“Whatever, you have to go to him while he’s still in good spirits. ‘Cause if you don’t he’ll come for you. By then he might be pissed.” “I guess that doesn’t leave me much of an alternative.” He shrugged. “I’ll take you to him.” Ever since she had first heard about Gabriel, she had felt their paths would one day cross. It was only a matter of time. She wasn’t ready for such an encounter, but then she never would be. Nobody would. Uncrossing her arms, she took a step towards the vampire. “When?” “Now.”

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GABRIEL

Chris Lange

17

Chapter Three

Calista had to let him into her car. Slumped in the passenger seat, he directed her to the eastern edge of town. The streets were bathed in shadows; not a soul in sight. They passed through residential areas and soon they were driving past sumptuous houses and mansions. Clearly they were nearing a wealthy neighbourhood. “Are you sure this is the right way?” she asked. The place bore no relation to cemeteries, crypts or sewers. “Yeah, the man lives in style.” “Don’t tell me,” she jeered, eyes on the road, “sewers aren’t good enough for a master vampire?” “Something like that.” “Of course, what else?” He gestured towards one of the biggest houses. “Here, pull over!” Her stomach constricted as they got out of the car. She had acted boldly up until now, but she was scared. She was about to go into a vampire’s safehold, and if she didn’t get a grip on herself she’d be dead meat. He led the way up the steps and rang the bell. “Tell Gabriel I’m bringing the girl”, he said, to someone Calista couldn’t see. They were ushered into a luxurious, preternaturally quiet and dim living room. Those creatures really enjoyed dwelling in shadows. On the right side, two couples were slouching on large plush sofas, snogging like there was no eternity. In the middle of the room, sitting across a table, a male was playing cards with a bald female. All heads turned to Calista when she stepped into the room. She sensed their malevolence straightaway; their hatred of the human race, their sudden, blatant thirst. With his gaze riveted to her neck, the male card player stood up. “Sit!” He obeyed the harsh voice without question. The order had come from the left side of the living room, which was plunged into darkness. Squinting, Calista could just discern a

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bulky shape in a chair. The blond vampire stepped forward, then kneeled before the ominous shadow. “This is her, Gabriel.” “Good. Let’s see what all the fuss is about.” The voice sounded deeper and richer when addressing her. “Come forward.” Legs wobbling, Calista noticed she had been holding her breath. She approached him slowly, laying eyes on him for the first time. Words leapt to her mind—huge, so huge. If she had felt free from strain, she might have been able to consider at length the jet-black hair kept short, the strong nose, the square jaw, the liquid dark gaze settled on her. But all she saw in that instant was him, the wholeness of him. To her greatest distress, he was the most attractive vampire, creature, or beast she had ever seen. “She’s a slip of a girl.” He seemed to be talking to himself before acknowledging the slave still kneeling at his feet. “Get up!” The blond vampire stood, head bowed. “She may not look much, but appearances can be deceptive.” “What’s your name?” Gabriel asked her. “Calista.” She wished her voice sounded more confident. “Are you scared?” “If I wasn’t, I’d be a fool.” Gabriel’s eyes glowered. “I don’t think you’re a fool. I think you’re a clever girl who should have known better than to peeve my men.” “I didn’t.” She gestured towards the vampire she had incapacitated only hours ago. “This one caught me.” “Let’s not squabble over this, shall we? The question is what am I going to do with you?” Gabriel spoke in a forbidding tone. “More to the point, what am I going to do to you?” “How about tea and biscuits?” She was flouting his authority in front of his devoted disciples, but she needed to get the upper hand. If she kept quiet, she would die. He stood incredibly quickly for such a massive body, towering over her like a hungry predator. Panic struck her. She was rooted to the spot, unable to move a single muscle. Bad as it was though, she had been frightened before and she could fight it. What she couldn’t fight www.total-e-bound.com

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was the overwhelming sensation now running uncontrollably through her blood. She was utterly and helplessly turned on. Gabriel came up to her so they were only inches apart. He curled a lock of her hair around his finger, smelling it, leaning too close for comfort. “You smell delicious,” he announced for the company to hear. His mouth brushed against her neck, softly going up to whisper in her ear, “And horny.” She blushed, glad that the dimness veiled her shame. Then he grabbed her arm and dragged her out of the living room without a word. Crossing the hallway, he pushed her into a smaller room, locking the door behind him. He sat on the corner of an enormous desk to watch her, his eyes cold and unyielding. “Strip!” he barked. “I’m sorry?” “Strip. Now!” She was in his power—what else could she do? With no other option coming to mind, Calista undressed. He observed her the whole time, studying each of her movements. When she was naked, he snapped his fingers. The commanding gesture took her by surprise. Her body responded instinctively and she felt a familiar moistness between her thighs. “Lie down and spread your legs!” In a way, he was working for her. He had clearly decided to have sex with her, and that was the best thing he could have done. She complied, the cold desk giving her goosebumps. Trapped, she had to play the part till the end. “Now I see what all the fuss was about.” Gabriel moved to the side, shifting his gaze from her breasts to her shapely legs. “He told me you wouldn’t harm me,” she said in her meekest tone, acting scared and vulnerable. “You gave your word.” “I said I wouldn’t lay a finger on you.” He hovered his massive hand over her belly. “I never said I wouldn’t lay a finger in you.” He roughly penetrated her with his middle finger. She jerked, taken aback by the intense, unexpected sensation. “Mmmm…yes, what am I going to do to you?” he teased, beginning circling motions to stir her desire.

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GABRIEL

Chris Lange

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With her breathing matching the rhythm of his finger, Calista perceived he was taking her to an unusual place. Yet she couldn’t resist him—the fact that he was fully dressed and subjecting her to his wish aroused her even more. Of its own volition, a moan escaped her lips when he started moving back and forth. “Do you like that?” She was loving it. She didn’t know she could take so much pleasure in it and wondered what his cock would feel like. “Answer me!” he barked at her. “I do, I do.” The words tumbled out of her mouth as he slid his finger out and rested it on her parted cunt. He deftly stroked the swollen lips, edging towards her softest spot, but lingering and lingering. She needed him to touch it now. The frustration was gnawing at her, and her hips were rising to him. “Asking for more? You are some horny bitch!” He thumbed her clitoris and she gasped. She had never been so wet, so desperate for a vampire’s touch. “Technically, this spot here”—he brushed against it—“is as much on you as it is in you.” He pressed his thumb, sending heatwaves through her body. “So as part of our agreement, you can ask me to stop if you want. Just say the word.” Dear God, stopping was the last thing on her mind. Almost quivering from the powerful feelings coming from her throbbing clitoris, she spread her legs wider. He smiled. “What was I saying? Oh yes, should I stop?” he asked again while rotating his finger, his eyes pinning her to the desk. “Answer me!” “No, don’t stop!” she cried, her lust mirrored in his cold stare. He increased his movement, pressing her clitoris, petting it, fondling it. “I’m sorry, I didn’t quite catch that.” “Please, don’t stop!” she urged him, whole new sensations surging from within her, flooding her. The desk seemed to burn her back, and she realised she was completely losing it. He was nowhere near fucking her and she was too far gone to complete the job. This had never happened before. Abruptly, he removed his finger. He raised it to his face to smell it. The delightful sensations ceased, but the throbbing between her thighs didn’t. She could have screamed with frustration. www.total-e-bound.com

GABRIEL

Chris Lange

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“Come again?” Although he was mocking her, she knew what he wanted. He knew what she wanted. Sprawled naked on a table, enslaved by a master vampire, she surrendered. “Touch me. I beg of you, please touch me.” “Now, that’s much better,” he said with complacency. “Let me see, where was I? Right here, I believe…” His thumb took possession of her again, rolling, twirling, spinning the delicate flesh. The sudden, incredible feeling was almost painful. She let out a vibrant moan, causing his smile to stretch. “I don’t know who you are, princess, but I do know what you are.” How could he? She should have torn herself away from him, but his skilful touch was inflaming her, his fingering burning her up. Her head rocking from side to side, she plunged into the whirling ocean of delirious bliss he had created for her. The crashing waves swirled and churned, slinging her further away from reality and well on her way to happiness. Then he removed his thumb. “You and I are going to strike a deal,” he said without a flicker of emotion on his sensual, magnetic face. Brutally cut off from her body’s desire, she uttered a sharp cry, her thighs quivering from tension. “Oh God, oh God, don’t do that to me. Don’t leave me stranded!” She wasn’t breathing as much as panting. “I’ll do anything you want, but keep going, please.” “I knew you were a clever girl,” he said, sounding self-satisfied, showing her his glistening thumb, “but I’m going to need your word.” Looking at his finger, she cursed her own weakness and wantonness, cursed his compelling bestiality. Standing between her sprawled legs, the huge master vampire was waiting for her answer. Although she couldn’t guess what he had in mind, at this point she didn’t care. She wanted him to make her come. “You have my word.” “Good girl,” he whispered, passing out of her sight. She wasn’t sure what to expect, but she cried out when he licked her cunt. He clasped her lips in his mouth, sucking deeply on them. When he inserted his tongue into her sex, she gripped the sides of the desk, holding on for dear blessedness.

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She thought she wouldn’t be able to bear any more tarrying; she thought she would pass out. He had her panting, he had her whimpering, he had her supplicating. “God, I can’t take this. Finish me, please, finish me!” His tongue settled on her bursting clit to flicker over it. Her body jerked, overpowered by the fiery sensation coming from her guts. “Oh shit,” she groaned, feeling her orgasm rushing out of her. “Oh shit!” His tongue flicked to and fro, unrelenting. It darted about until she climaxed, clenching her muscles, gritting her teeth. It was so staggering she shouted out, blown away by his overmastering strike. When she exploded in his mouth he kept on licking her, his slow motion appeasing the violent tremors, lapping up her juices, drinking her. She let his mouth soothe her as her ragged breathing rent the silence and sweat coated her body. He had raised her to a pinnacle she hadn’t even known had existed. He was the first one and, deep down, she believed he was the only one. He straightened up, his massive body seeming to fill the room. He looked at her— breasts rising up and down from exertion, hair damp, legs apart, hands still clinging to the desk. A thin smile stretched the corners of his lips as he gloated over his triumph, and she felt like killing him. When he spoke, his self-assured tone did nothing to alleviate her murderous impulse. “Can we talk now?”

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Chris Lange

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Chapter Four

He pointed at her discarded clothes on the floor. Sliding off the table, Calista went to pick them up, then dressed quickly. Having gone around the desk, he sat in a big chair, though not fast enough—from the corner of her eye she noticed the bulge stretching his trousers. So the episode had excited him after all, maybe more than he’d wanted, and she took a small measure of satisfaction from it. “Have you heard of Spade?” Gabriel asked. “I guess.” “He’s also a master vampire. He owns the southern part of the city.” More in control of herself, her cheeky nature came back full force. “Do you mean to say he’s more powerful than you are?” “Don’t use that tone with me,” Gabriel growled, “I could kill you for that.” “But you won’t, because apparently you need me.” He sighed, fiddling with a paper knife. “I want him out of the picture.” “So you can have control over his creatures and his territory.” “You catch on quick.” Calista nodded, glad he didn’t believe her a hopeless fool. “Why don’t you kill him?” “He’s not stupid. He’s guarded at all times and he hardly ever goes out.” The huge vampire hesitated. “But he has a weakness.” “Which is?” “Women. He shags them and kills them. Then he rips their hearts out for his private collection. It’s pretty common really, but that’s his compulsion.” “Charming!” The mere thought of it disgusted her. “What has any of this got to do with me?” “I believed we were past playing coy,” Gabriel said, his dark eyes drilling into hers. “Don’t make me say it.” “Say what?” In spite of her candid face, Calista already had an inkling the big vampire was much too perceptive. “I’m not sure I…” “You’re a gelder.” www.total-e-bound.com

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“Oh!” So, he knew what she was and probably what she was able to do to a vampire. “How did you find out about gelders?” “It doesn’t matter. Your only concern now is Spade.” As he spoke his mind, she suspected his agenda wasn’t unrelated to hers. “You’re not actually thinking of asking me to geld him, are you?” “As I said, you catch on quick.” “No, no, no.” She shook her head, backing away from the large desk. “There’s no way you’re making me do that.” “The way I see it, you don’t have a choice, princess.” “Why is that?” “Several reasons.” Although sitting across the desk from her, he still gave the impression of towering over her. “The first one being that you’ve just had the best orgasm of your life. I expect gratification.” What was it with these vampires? Why did they all believe she would do them favours because they made her come? “What else?” “If he’s unable to hurt people, you’ll be saving more lives than you can imagine.” “I know. Carry on.” Gabriel placed the paper knife on a blank sheet. “You gave me your word. If I’m not mistaken, it was right about the time I used this.” As a reminder of her recent orgasm, he raised his thumb. Although she was more than reluctant to negotiate with him, he had her cornered. She too was a woman of her word. “If I was to accept your deal, I don’t see how it can be achieved. I can’t just barge in and ask to be screwed. Spade would never buy it.” “True. That’s why you’ll do it my way.” He seemed to have an answer for everything. Taking a deep breath, Calista yielded. “You’ve been plotting for a while, haven’t you?” “I only lacked the weapon.” “So, what’s your master plan?” Gabriel’s scorn hung in front of her face. “Spade is sly, conceited and envious. He’s always coveted what’s mine and he’s prepared to go to any length to get it. Bearing in mind that he’s obsessed with women, the conclusion is fairly obvious.” www.total-e-bound.com

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She understood now. “He’ll do anything to possess a woman.” “Not any woman. My woman.” “Meaning?” Gabriel stared at her. “An official announcement should goad him out of his hole. I’ll send word tomorrow to proclaim my engagement to you.” “Are we”—the bloody word felt stuck in her throat—“engaged?” “Don’t get your hopes too high,” he replied haughtily. “It’s only for a few days.” His superior tone was definitely irritating. Calista wished she possessed the means to knock him down a notch. On the other hand, he was giving her Spade’s head on a platter. She was treading on dangerous ground all right, but she didn’t have the right to pass on such a fantastic opportunity. She had been chosen for the job. Bringing a master vampire down was the mission of a lifetime. But, for all Gabriel’s cynical plan, she felt he wasn’t being quite straightforward. “Has Spade eliminated any of your former companions?” “I’ve never been engaged before,” he said, looking awkwardly at the paper knife. “That’s why I’m confident he’ll rise to the bait.” Calista was taken aback by the sudden edginess she sensed in him. Bound to evil, vampires only perceived extreme, violent emotions. Soul-deprived, they couldn’t comprehend kindness, friendship or uneasiness, let alone love. So what was the problem here? “Let’s say you take control,” she suggested. “How can I be sure you won’t behave exactly like Spade? What’s to tell me I won’t be your first victim?” “Trust me, you won’t be.” A genuine grin stretched her lips. “Trust a vampire? You’re kidding me.” “You have my word.” “Christ!” She clasped her hands in a Dear-Mother-of-God-where-am-I gesture. “You seem to give it easily these days, don’t you? Next thing you know, we’ll be exchanging vows!” She jumped when he slammed the paper knife on the desk and stood, brusquely. “Do we have a deal?”

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She was in, yet she lingered over the outcome, reflecting on the influence and authority he would be drawing from this deal. “We may have one, but first I want you to promise me you’ll let me live when everything is over.” “I promise.” “You really want him, don’t you?” “That I do.” “Okay, we have a deal!” Crossing the distance between them, she held her hand out. The great master vampire wavered for a second, then enfolded it in his. Something alien sparked in her stomach when they touched, something that wasn’t sexual. Staring at him, she saw a fleeting shadow mirrored in his eyes, a flicker of eternity. Time seemed to stretch on before he dropped her hand. Getting a grip on herself, she ran her fingers through her tousled hair and walked to the door while attempting small talk to lighten the moment. “I need to go home. Damn, this vampire business can prove exhausting. You know, sometimes I wonder what’s in it for me.” He was right behind her as she faced the closed door to grab the handle. His hands fell on her shoulders, his face not quite touching her cheek, his huge, heavy body pressed against her back. “I’ll fuck you.”

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Chapter Five

In the next few days, Calista mulled over her encounter with Gabriel. The master vampire was certainly ambitious and his wicked reputation preceded him. He longed for more power, ultimately for control of the whole city. Although it was too late, she wasn’t sure she should have agreed to his deal. As much as she tried to keep a professional attitude, her mind relentlessly returned to Gabriel fingering her, sucking her, giving her by far the best orgasm of her life. She wasn’t keen on admitting that fact, but he had been right. What was she to do with it? Forget about such an electrifying moment and move on to God knows what, or let him have his way with her? Her brain was telling her to focus on the mission, her guts were screaming at her to spread her legs. She had never wanted another vampire the way she craved him, and that was the most frightening feeling of all. If she let him penetrate her, she would have to geld him. Period. Although he was evil, the thought of depriving this great, bloodsucking beast of his essence troubled her. The worst part was that she didn’t understand how she could feel so. Besides, there was something odd about him. For now, Calista couldn’t quite put her finger on the strangeness she had perceived, but she would. Sooner rather than later. On Saturday evening, a long black car parked in front of her building. The day before, she had found a brief note in her mailbox. Tomorrow evening. Ten o’clock. Checking her mirror one last time, she admitted the strapless, short, red satin gown did her justice and should serve her well. She looked juvenile, perky, highly sexy, and downright tasty. Red bag in hand, she felt almost eager to meet her fate. “Hi darling,” she derisively greeted Gabriel when she got in the car, realising for the first time that she wasn’t afraid of him. “You look smashing!” He eyed her from head to toe for a few steamy seconds, appreciating her sex appeal. “You look hot.” He cast a glance at the driver then put a finger to his lips, looking at her intently. So, the vampire in front was a mole. Calista nodded. In order to keep up appearances, she resumed her banter. www.total-e-bound.com

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“Well, aren’t we going to our engagement party?” Gabriel signalled the driver to proceed but kept silent, his cold features reflecting his sombre mood and thoughts. “Don’t I get a kiss?” she asked coyly, in a strange way enjoying his seriousness. He raised an eyebrow, arrogance written on his face. “I need you productive tonight. I don’t want you swooning.” “Oh yeah, ‘cause that’s sure to happen,” she scoffed, smiling at him. He crushed her in his arms before she had time to react, his lips squashing hers. Her heart leapt, loudly knocking on her ribcage. Locked in his tight embrace, she felt his lust for her, felt her body furiously responding to his. It had started as a provocation but it was turning into something far more hazardous. Furthermore, what the fuck was she doing kissing a vampire? Cupping her head in his hands, he invaded her mouth. Their tongues met, fondling and caressing. To her great surprise, he was gentle. As their kiss deepened, excitement brought them ever closer, compelling them to cling to each other, tongues entwined in a swirling choreography. Pressed against his strapping chest, nipples erect, a delicious ripple pulsing between her thighs, she kissed him harder. He instantly tightened his grip on her, his mouth ravishing hers, his body radiating desire and…and what? She had to stop him right this minute or they would end up having sex in the back of the car. She didn’t want that, didn’t want to incapacitate him before the mission was over. On impulse, she pulled back, breathless, unable to comprehend the violent feelings they had unleashed. Eyes wide open, he was staring at her, his face a mask of total bewilderment. He was obviously as astonished as her, almost like he had lost his ability to control the situation. “What the hell?” he grunted, without looking away from her. “I think we’d better cool off,” she said. “Now isn’t the time.” Listening to her reasonable words, he shifted in the seat, placing one of his hands down his groin to stifle his erection. In seconds he had regained composure, his features turning to stone and his body stiffening. He was Gabriel again, a dominant master vampire. Yet a glimmer of something obscure remained in his eyes.

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Straightening her gown, Calista tore her gaze away from him. She watched the city streets passing by, glowing lights adding a touch of mystery to the gloomy pavements, the shadow of the moon shining silver rays on the highest glassy buildings. The heart of the city—a hundred thousand people locked in their homes as about five thousand vampires roaming the town. Heading south on a straight course that bordered a residential area, the car whizzed along, drawing near to Spade’s stronghold—to the point of no return. “We’re almost there.” Gabriel broke the awkward silence. He looked as if he wanted to say more, but had thought better of it. A quick glance at the rear-view mirror told Calista the driver was listening in. Almost there. Dread rising in her, she wondered if she was up to the task. A single misstep and she would kiss her life goodbye. She was starting to panic when the strangest thing happened. Shifting on the seat, Gabriel softly took hold of her hand. Had he guessed she needed support? Whatever his motive, the kind gesture shook her up, filling her with courage and security. A short while later, the driver parked in front of a white, detached house. Out of the car and out of earshot, Gabriel led her to the threshold. “Whatever I say in there,” he whispered, “do it!” The interior was posh indeed, and crowded. About thirty vampires were hanging out, talking in hushed voices, all staring at her, the sole human in the house. Still, they moved aside as soon as Gabriel stepped in. His huge body protecting her, he steered her to the main room. Surrounded by a dozen more bloodsuckers, regally sitting on what resembled a throne, Spade was waiting for them. With a long, crooked, nose and deep-set eyes in a gaunt face, he couldn’t be described as attractive, but certainly interesting. He kept his attention on her as they came to stand before him. “Gabriel, my friend,” Spade said in a sugary voice, “how long has it been since your last official visit?” “Long.” Spade didn’t seem in the least thrown off by the sharp answer. He turned to Calista, pursing his thin lips. “Welcome to my humble cottage. I have heard an awful lot about you these last few days. Do you have a name, human?” www.total-e-bound.com

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“Calista.” “Pretty.” “She’s my companion now,” Gabriel said, purposefully sliding his muscular arm around her waist. “That is as official as it gets.” “A human?” “Not for long.” Gabriel’s crude remark triggered laughter, some vampires nodding, others offering high fives. “Then, we should celebrate,” Spade replied, gesturing towards his gang, “I’d like to propose a toast in honour of your engagement.” The crowd parted and Calista’s stomach jumped up her throat. Three women were chained to the back wall, naked and terrified. “Gabriel, will you do me the honour?” Spade asked, behaving as a perfect host. “Thank you, but I shall celebrate later.” He squeezed Calista’s waist. “In private.” His eyes narrowing, Spade held Gabriel’s unflinching gaze. “I see. In that case, I take it we’ll share your…wedding present.” The atmosphere froze. All of a sudden, she felt Gabriel stiffening, hearing the vampires’ hushed whispers conveying the bold dare. Without warning, the nearest vampire turned on her and sprang into action. He never touched her. Before he could reach Calista, Gabriel knocked him over, snapping his neck in a single twist. The cracking sound was heard from one end of the room to the other, silencing everybody. The corpse fell down, collapsing to the floor. Tension was palpable, a fleeting respite before battle. But Spade held his hand up in a conciliatory gesture. “Come, come, there’s no need for that.” He waved his fingers. Two sturdy vampires carried the corpse away. Taking a step towards Spade, Gabriel announced in a deep, intelligible voice, “She’s mine!” Was it the way he said it or his blatant proprietary stance that spurred his enemy? Surrounded by deadly creatures, watching their threatening faces, Calista realised this was the moment of truth. Trying not to show her fear, she gave her attention to the master of the house. His sleazy eyes were focused on her bare legs, casually moving upward to her round, exposed breasts. He licked his thin lips and she cringed at the thought of him touching her, of this sordid bloodsucker inside her. www.total-e-bound.com

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Spade stood up, offering his hand. Right by her side, Gabriel gave her a nudge and she accepted it promptly. “Let’s talk in private,” Spade said, leading them out of the stuffy room, and up a large staircase. Fighting off nervousness, Calista let him hold her hand, inwardly flinching from the cold, skanky skin. Although she couldn’t change her mind, she didn’t believe she would be able to bear his touch. He revolted her, he disgusted her, and there was nothing she could do to sneak out of the ordeal to come. Too soon, they were ushered into the master bedroom, four vampires standing guard outside.

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Chapter Six

“What do you want, Spade?” Gabriel demanded in a sharp tone as soon as the door was closed. At least his performance was good. “Do you remember the last time we were in London? If it hadn’t been for me, those stalkers would have slaughtered you.” “I remember.” Spade nodded. “Good. I think it’s about time you repaid me for my generosity.” “So I’ll ask you again, what do you want?” Spade pointed at Calista. “Her.” “Didn’t you hear what I said downstairs?” Gabriel replied in a haughty voice, brilliantly acting his part. “She’s mine.” “Would you rather be slaughtered tonight?” All traces of so-called friendliness gone from his face, Spade had laid his cards on the table. Pretending to balance the pros and cons, Gabriel looked at her, then at the floor, then at her again. As if he had just made up his mind, he faced Spade. “I share, I don’t give!” “Fine by me, you know my fancies.” Except for not shaking hands, it was like they were trading her off. In less than a minute, she had become an active player in the game and Gabriel’s plan looked promising. But as he was walking out of the room, Spade called him back. “Where are you going?” “I’ll wait outside.” “Not so, my friend, I wish to watch first.” Spade’s gaze didn’t leave Calista’s neck. “Ready her for me, will you?” It was more of an order than a polite suggestion. While Spade settled comfortably in an armchair by the bed, Gabriel faced her, a weird sparkle in his eyes. She blinked, signalling him to go on. She had never had an audience before, but she welcomed it. It meant Gabriel would arouse her.

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He came up to her and removed her gown, discarding it. His eyes boring into hers, he cupped her breasts, twirling her pink nipples. As his proficient fingers fondled her flesh, excitement rushed through her at once, heating her blood. Behind her, Spade hissed at the sight of her nakedness. “On all fours,” he ordered. “She’s nothing but a bitch!” Without looking at him, Gabriel took her hand to lead her to the bed. She climbed on it, adopting the requested position. Head down, she stared at the blue counterpane, sensing Spade’s eyes on her body. He was sitting just a few feet to her right, close enough to enjoy the show. She felt Gabriel’s weight behind her, his hands touching her legs and the inside of her thighs, caressing her full bush. He took his time, giving her the opportunity to open up willingly. When he inserted a finger in her, she heard Spade unzip his fly. The movement caught her eye, and she saw him fumbling for his dick. She felt Gabriel’s finger slithering out, and halting on her clitoris. He started going round and round, his soft touch giving her so much pleasure she almost purred. It was very different from the first time he had fingered her. As much as it had been dominant before, his touch was now stimulating and devoted. When she thought he might continue his titillating rubbing, he stopped. Then his hands were on her buttocks, pulling them apart. His mouth caught her lips, licking her moistness. As he pushed his tongue in her and went straight for her pulsating spot, her body tensed, charged with flowing, carnal sensations. To her right, Spade was masturbating, his hand going up and down, his rather small prick already hard and appearing willing to enter the game. Although she wasn’t attracted to him, his hand job excited her even more. It was as if she couldn’t look away from his pale hands’ pulling and tugging; couldn’t look away from a master vampire jacking off while watching her being brought to ecstasy. Gabriel’s lips licking her cunt, Gabriel’s tongue deliriously uncorking the throbbing inside her… Calista stared at Spade’s glistening dick, at the foreskin being beaten off, at the head red and swollen. She didn’t know how long it lasted, but the experience was captivating, all of her senses heightened and geared up.

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Gabriel’s mouth left her. Before she could even react, he dipped his finger into her wetness, soaking in it. Drawing out, he slid it in her arsehole in a single thrust. Indescribable pleasure shot through her. She let out a sharp cry, her whole body jerking. “That’s it, Gabriel,” Spade grunted. “Keep up the good work, I’m coming.” Clenching the counterpane, Calista submitted herself to the sizzling finger. As Gabriel went in and out of her arse, she watched Spade wank till he suddenly stood up and barked at Gabriel, “Sod off, I’m going in.” Inches from her face, Spade’s dick glistened with pre-cum, an angry red colouring the tip. From the look of it, he wasn’t far from releasing his jism. It vanished from her sight when the vampires swapped places. A few seconds later, Gabriel knelt right by her side, plunging his gaze in hers. In position, Spade grabbed her hips clumsily then penetrated her arse without warning. When he began poking her in rapid, short strikes, Calista knew she had to do it now or she would miss her chance. On impulse, she took Gabriel’s hand in hers. Closing her eyes, she let her lifeblood come through. Although he didn’t feel a thing, Calista felt the force hit Spade like a hammer as he reached orgasm, gelding him forever. He twitched briefly then popped out, put away his penis and zipped up his fly. “Good,” he said in a satisfied voice. “I’ll be downstairs.” Spade was gone; it was over. She hadn’t come. She was left unsated and frustrated, but her most perilous mission so far had been a success. Shifting position, she sat on the bed, letting Spade’s semen leak out of her arse. “It’s done,” she told Gabriel. He nodded, a deep satisfaction lighting his eyes. At least one of them was satisfied. “Thank you,” he acknowledged. “You’ve been very brave.” He was looking at her in a funny way again, quite unlike his usual arrogant self, showing emotions akin to respect and tenderness. That was utterly silly, of course, given that vampires had no kind feelings, least of all powerful master vampires. “I’m tired,” Calista replied, breaking the spell. “I know. I’ll take you home.” She donned her dress and they went down the stairs together. In the main room, the crowd parted to let them pass. Sitting on his throne, Spade was waiting for them, a crystal glass filled with blood in his hand. www.total-e-bound.com

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“Would you care for a drink?” he asked Gabriel, lifting the glass to his lips. Gabriel wrapped his arm about the young woman’s neck. “I believe I have everything I need.” Spade laughed at that. “Congratulations on your engagement, my friend.” His eyes glided over the red gown. “I have to say your new companion is most pleasing, and she’s dressed to kill.” A slip of a smirk lifted Gabriel’s lips. “You don’t know the half of it.” They left Spade’s house unharmed, but Calista thought of the three women chained to the back wall like stored food. At last out of danger, the distressing image nagged her. Having dismissed the driver so they’d be able to talk freely, Gabriel sat behind the wheel to drive her home. “What about the girls?” she asked him as he started the engine. “I’ll get them out.” “Can you do that?” Gabriel sighed. “Thanks to you, I can now. When Spade’s crowd finds out he’s nothing but a hollow shell, they’ll dispose of him. There’s no compassion in my world. They’ll either eliminate him, or let him fend for himself. In any case, he’s dead meat.” Calista had done her homework. She was familiar with her enemies’ practices. “He can still feed on animals. If he keeps it a very low-key affair…” “But he can’t kill any longer. He’s a master vampire, and leaders have to wield authority. They need to reassert their sovereignty from time to time. He’ll never be able to do that now. In a few days at most, the whole business will be laid bare.” “Time for you to swoop down on them.” Gabriel nodded. “Vampires are similar to humans. It’s quite easy to gain dominion over them.” “So, they’ll accept you as their new ruler.” In the near darkness, Calista could only see his profile. “What I don’t understand is why you’re willing to save these girls. Don’t tell me you’re going to do it out of gratefulness. I mean, I’ve never seen a grateful vampire.” There it was again—the weird look in his eyes, the uneasiness coming from him in imperceptible ripples. “Let’s just say, it’s my gift to you. For your assistance.”

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Calista looked outside. The night was still young but she felt exhausted. Drained of physical energy, bleak prospects suffocated her. Would this town ever be free? For that matter, would the world ever be as it once was? Come to think of it, all she had achieved tonight was swapping one deadly creature for another. “Will they come for me?” she asked, recalling the stifling atmosphere, the vampires’ conspicuous thirst, the veiled hunger in their eyes. “Why would they?” Gabriel stopped at the traffic lights, staring ahead. “They don’t know what you are and even Spade won’t understand it. He hasn’t got enough brains to make the connection.” “Oh, please, they must have heard about gelders.” “Gelders are only rumoured to exist. They are a myth among vampires, something akin to the monster in the closet, but nothing more. Although gelders have always been around, they’ve managed somehow to keep their secret.” That was when Calista recalled her recent capture in the cemetery. “I don’t want to undermine your convictions, but what about the blond vampire I gelded? He knows who I am.” “He did.” The light turned green. Gabriel sped up, studying the road ahead as if his night vision was anything but flawless. “He’s dead.” “Oh!” No need to ask why or how he had been killed. Gabriel was protecting her, and Calista now had solid proof of it. Yet his motives remained ill-defined. “Besides, you’re my woman now. Not one of them would dare…” His voice trailed off as if he was picturing a bloody punishment. “Don’t worry, you’re safe. Just stay in at night, and you should be all right.” “If you say so.” Neither of them said anything else until they reached her neighbourhood. By that time, Calista was longing for a shower and a good night’s sleep. Gabriel parked the car along the kerb. He escorted her to her flat, waiting in the corridor while she let herself in. “I can’t come in,” he reminded her as she disappeared into the living room. She heard him. She hadn’t forgotten that vampires had to be invited in, but she took a few seconds. Was it a smart move to let him in? Once invited, he would have the option to

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come in at any time. It wasn’t safe, it wasn’t canny and it was positively unwise, but she felt an urge to keep him by her side a little while longer. “Come in, Gabriel,” she called out, “make yourself comfortable, I’ll be with you in a mo’.” She didn’t find him in the living room as she came out after a cleansing shower. Wearing only knickers and a loose T-shirt, she tiptoed to the bedroom. He had prepared the bed for her, and was sitting in the only chair in the room. His eyes lit up when he saw her not-so-sexy outfit. “You’d better get some rest. I’ll stand watch for a while.” “I guess you’re my guardian then,” she said in an offhand manner, settling in bed and switching the light off. “But who’s going to protect me from you?”

She woke up in the middle of the night. She was in Gabriel’s arms, her head in the crook of his shoulder. Cradled in his potent embrace, she felt like a bird snuggled in its nest. She felt cared for, free from harm, and she deeply welcomed the unfamiliar sensation. “Sleep,” he whispered. When she woke up in the morning, he was gone. Sunlight was flooding the room, the sheets beside her still crumpled from his weight.

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Chapter Seven

Two weeks had gone by without any news from him. Calista supposed he was deep into the business of overthrowing an incapacitated ruler. She had always been proud of her work, but this time she couldn’t have cared less. Somehow, she must have disregarded a significant detail and something beyond her ken had happened. A completely new feeling was growing inside her, urging her to hide in her wardrobe and lock the door. She missed Gabriel. Whether working, shopping, reading or doing her daily chores, she missed him. Vivid pictures of the master vampire churned in her mind—his massive body, his deep voice and his haughty, dominating face. As if that wasn’t bad enough, she had dreams about him every night—Gabriel crushing her in his arms, Gabriel kissing her, Gabriel licking her cunt, Gabriel driving a finger up her arse. One night she even had a wet dream, yanked awake by a powerful orgasm. She should have been up and about gelding vampires, yet she hadn’t gone out at night a single time. She told herself it was because she needed some time off after a decisive battle, knowing she was deceiving herself. What she needed was him, running his hands up and down her naked body. What she wanted was the fulfilment of his last promise, his words still ringing in her ears—I’ll fuck you. Was that it? Was that really it? She figured that would be too easy an answer because she also missed the way he held her, the way he’d cared about her, the way he’d tenderly looked at her sometimes. As much as the idea frightened her, she knew she was falling in love with him. But that couldn’t be. Gelders were supposed to bring vampires down, not stir up inconceivable emotions in the soulless creatures. The whole issue ate at her. For the past two weeks, she hadn’t been able to think about anything else, her mind constantly going back to Gabriel. Making a determined effort to regain her former lack of concern, she had taken up drawing and watching films. Going to the pictures, sitting in the dark and letting her mind soak in fabulous worlds soothed her. Even if they were only make believe, movies had the power to take her away from herself. That was all she asked for.

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Tonight she had seen a great tale of enduring love and captivating adventures. Around midnight, the taxi had dropped her off in front of her building. Her head full of fantastic lands and magical powers wielded by incredibly skilled wizards, she’d gone straight to bed. The moon was full tonight, casting a silver glow and providing brightness. Without bothering to switch the lights on, Calista undressed before jumping into bed. “Have you missed me?” She screamed. Heart pounding, she fumbled for the switch, her bedside book toppling down in the process. “Shit! Oh, bugger!” she uttered, as light flooded the room, her fingers trembling. “Don’t do that, you scared me shitless!” He was standing by the window, arms crossed, seeming highly amused. Moving quickly, he ducked to avoid the big, fluffy pillow she threw at him. Then he sat on the bed, entangling her in the sheets. He caught her chin, forcing her to look into his intense gaze. “Have you missed me, princess?” “I’m not your princess and you’re not a charming prince,” Calista replied, cheeks hot from the seriousness of his question, raking her mind for another topic, any topic to lead him astray. “Don’t feign anger.” He dismissed her answer with a wave. “I know you’re happy to see me.” He stroked her neck, the hollow at the base, the tender skin below… Then he slowed down and moved to her breasts to brush her right nipple. He was barely touching her, yet he ignited her instantly. Just a light caress and desire wrenched the pit of her stomach, twisting her heart into a nonsensical jive. “I can’t imagine why I’d be glad to see you.” She spoke the words, all the while thinking, God, please God, touch me, inflame me, burn me, drive me insane with desire but don’t let go of me, do not let go of me. “I’ll tell you why.” Gabriel grabbed her erect nipple. He twirled it between thumb and forefinger, listening to her sudden shortness of breath. “You think I came to fulfil my promise.” “Thank you for my life,” she said, misinterpreting his words on purpose, remembering all too well he had vowed to fuck her, “but there was no need to come all the way over here, really.” www.total-e-bound.com

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“Not that promise.” Bending forward, he took her nipple in his mouth, gently licking it. It took all her strength to remain motionless as his tongue heated her whole body. She had to bite her lip when he nibbled her bud with his teeth. He raised his head, smiling at the sight of her outwardly cool composure. “No, not that promise, princess.” He bent to her left nipple and proceeded with his arousing. As he darted his tongue about she felt like crying out, all her attention focused on her legs, on restraining them from spreading open. “I’m not sure”—she stifled a moan as he pressed his lips around her nipple—“I’m not sure what you mean.” He straightened up, his eyes alight with glee. Raising a finger to her mouth, he outlined her pink lips. “Then I’ll have to refresh your deficient memory,” he said, staring into her eyes. “I promised I’d fuck you.” “Oh… That promise!” As if the prospect was of no consequence to her, she added, “I had forgotten about that.” “No, you haven’t.” He traced fiery lines across her belly, gradually edging towards her curly bush. “In fact, I think you’ve prayed for it. I think you’ve implored your God to bring me back here.” The nerve of that man. “How dare you imply…?” She shut up as he reached her opening, wriggling his way into her inner, humid, flesh. She shut up because she couldn’t speak any more. Excitement pressing down on her, her body began to writhe in pleasure. “Would you like me to?” Although his question was casual, he seemed to enjoy the pleasure he was giving her. “Would you like me to fuck you?” In the midst of increasing bubbling sensations, she was past pretending. His finger found his way. She let out a simple ‘yes’. As soon as she said it, he retrieved his hand and turned her face to his. “I thought you might. It’s a pity really, because I don’t want to.” She stared at him, speechless. What was going on now? She could tell he was lying. His eyes were plainly telling her and he wasn’t trying to hide the bulge in his trousers. She didn’t know what to say, didn’t know why… Of course! How could she have been such an idiot? www.total-e-bound.com

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He wanted it as much as her, but he would wind up gelded. He couldn’t trust her on that particular issue. The risk was too high for him. Gabriel’s face was grave, without a hint of his former merriment, his eyes clear of frivolity. He meant what he’d said. Calista studied his handsome features, noticing he also looked unsure and vulnerable. Although she understood he didn’t want to be incapacitated, she felt disappointed, let down, sad and hopeless. The strong emotion rising in her was surprising, bewildering and totally unexpected. Their faces inches apart, he observed her, probably trying to figure out her train of thoughts. Then he blinked once. “Calista.” As he said her name for the first time, she realised she was wrong. Unbelievable as it sounded, he appeared too compelled to stop now. Something impossible was happening here. Something deep, scary and… “Calista,” he whispered, “I want to make love to you.” A long time ago she had read a sentence that had struck her as both poetic and very true in a rare moment. Four simple words—an angel passes by. She rose up to him and laid her mouth on his. That was all he required. Cupping her head, he parted her lips, seeking the warmth of her tongue. He found it and kissed her with tenderness. His gentle manner stirred a longing in her, unearthed a long-standing ache, brought forth emotions she had subdued her whole life. Their tongues caressing, she yearned for more than sex, yearned to be loved by this man. Forsaking the shield of insensibility she had tightly woven over herself during her years as a gelder, she unbarred her heart. She invited him in. He must have sensed it, for he pulled out and gazed at her, his eyes heavy with raw desire, with a long-awaited hunger for recognition and acceptance. “Let me love you.” He undressed swiftly. Naked, he stood before her, so tall, so big, so hard. A rush of fever ran through her at the sight of his magnificent body, at the thought of what she was about to experience. She held her hand out. “Come!”

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He lay on top of her, mindful of her fragility. She relished his weight bearing down on her, the touch of his cool skin against hers. Coming to rest on his elbows, he kissed her lips, her nose, her brow. “You’re beautiful,” he murmured, his erection burning the soft skin of her thighs, the lip of her ripe hole. “I want you inside me.” She splayed her legs out to let him fit in, raising her pelvis to his approach. He penetrated her, sighing with desire. The sensation was powerful, blocking her breath, causing her to grip his shoulders. “You’re so wet. Hell, how do you excite me so much?” He moved in her, his rod exploring her intimately from top to bottom, at last discovering the woman she really was. Emboldened by his dirty whispering, thoroughly held in thrall, she rejoiced in the profound sensations he was conjuring and she felt like keeping him inside her forever. “This is too good,” she let out, her flesh sucking his shaft ever deeper, succumbing to his steady rhythm. “Oh my God, Gabriel, keep doing that.” “You’re driving me crazy, princess.” He seemed to quell a shiver. “I never imagined you’d be so hot, so tight and open for me.” He kissed her, dipping his hands into her hair. “Put your legs around me, I want you to feel every inch of me.” She moaned as he pushed even deeper, his long, broad thrusts sending her reeling. She clung to him then, fascinated by a whole new range of emotions she could neither identify nor control, terrified by the complete trust he had placed in her, swept over by the intensity of his passion. “Can you feel me, darling?” His comings and goings were getting the better of her. His words were piercing her through. “Tell me what you want. Tell me what you like,” he said, looking into her eyes. His touch alone was magic. His fervour was carved in his face, his weight on her, his cock driving her wild—what else could she have desired? “I’m coming, Gabriel, I can feel it. Dear God, I’ve never felt this way before.” “Hush, hush,” he whispered. “Not yet. Let me love you a little longer.” He slowed down, tempering his movements, unaware that the sudden alteration had assuaged her mind as well as her body. Now was the perfect time to geld him. In spite of

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what in honest truth she could only call an epiphany, she had to do her job. She had been chosen; she was meant to do it. She hated herself for what she was about to execute. In a terrible way, it would be like annihilating his vampire self, like destroying the undead man in him. She felt ripped apart, rent between her feelings as a woman and her duty as a gelder. Right now, her moral obligation to the world sucked. She closed her eyes. His body tensed. He had watched her performing the task on Spade; he knew what she was doing. Yet, he didn’t attempt to stop her; he didn’t seek his way out. He waited for her to finish. Try as she might, she couldn’t bring herself to do it. He cared for her; he acted as a protector and a lover. No man had ever done that for her. She suddenly realised she didn’t regard him as a vampire anymore, but as a man. In that second, a thought filled her mind. To hell with the world. She opened her eyes. He was staring at her. He had no way of knowing if she had accomplished her mission, yet he kissed her lips, slowly moving inside her. The exquisite sensation of his hard shaft throbbing and melting in her expectant flesh brought tears to her eyes. “Love me, Gabriel.” He did. He raised her to the state of complete obliteration. She forgot her duty, her power and her name. She wailed in his arms, he cried out in hers. She came like nothing she had ever known, her body writhing from unbearable torment. He spurted his love in her, and it gushed forth while he bellowed with unrestrained pleasure. She must have fallen asleep from exertion. It was still dark when she woke up, but she could discern shapes in the gloom. Curled up in his arms, warm and safe, she sighed when he got up. “I have to go. It’ll be dawn very soon.” He put his clothes on quickly, then sat on the bed. He stroked her cheek, the bridge of her nose, her full lips. “Did you do it?” he whispered, “did you geld me?” She shook her head, consistent with her decision, satisfied he was still the master vampire he was meant to be. “Why not?” www.total-e-bound.com

GABRIEL

Chris Lange

“Because I’m yours.”

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GABRIEL

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Chapter Eight

Two vampires were watching her building. Calista had first spotted them the evening before and they were back tonight. They were cautious, keeping to the shadows, but not trying to conceal their presence. They acted as if they were standing sentinel. She didn’t feel threatened, but she was dying to know why they were patrolling up and down her street. On the second evening, she decided to ask them. The night was warm, with July’s heat hovering over the town. Down in the street, Calista went for the nearest vampire. He started walking away when he saw her coming for him. “Hey you!” she called, “I wanna talk to you.” He halted, waiting for her to catch up. “Why are you here?” she asked, noticing his muscular body and unflinching eyes. From up close, he looked just like a bodyguard. “We’re under orders.” “Whose orders?” “Master Gabriel’s.” So, his warriors were calling him Master now. He must have quelled the rebellion and asserted his rights. He was the new leader in town. “What kind of orders?” “Make sure you’re safe.” That was odd. With Spade out of the way, she should be safe. “Why wouldn’t I be?” “Because of the duel, but it’ll be over soon.” What was that about a duel? She hadn’t heard from Gabriel in the past three days, since he had made love to her ecstatically. Something bad must have happened during that time to prevent him from seeing her. She needed to learn more. “Keep talking.” “Spade has challenged Master Gabriel to a duel. A hand-to-hand combat to the death.” Fear twisted her guts. They had believed Spade out of the picture—huge mistake. He had lain low for a while, probably plotting devious schemes, and he was back. www.total-e-bound.com

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“Tell me Gabriel declined.” Sounding like trampled gravel underfoot, the bloodsucker guffawed, examining her as if she was terminally insane. “You know nothing about honour, do you? I can’t begin to imagine why the master chose you,” he said, his voice reflecting contempt and outrage. “I guess you must spread your legs wide.” She had just made a slight bloomer, and cursed her own foolishness. Acknowledging she had to tread with more care, she ignored his rude comment. “Where is the duel?” “Northgate Cemetery.” “When?” The vampire seemed willing to provide her with important information. “Right about now, but you’re not to go there.” “Why not?” She feigned surprise to lull him, her mind already made up. “Master’s orders. You stay in.” She nodded like an obedient child. “All right. Will you look out for me till dawn?” she said, playing the dutiful slave in need of reassurance and protection. “Yeah.” “Good. I’ll feel better knowing you’re close by. Thanks.” She walked back to her building then shut the door behind her, sensing his gaze following her. Inside, she went straight to the staircase. The vampire couldn’t see her any more, so she flew down to the basement. It was gloomy and cooler down there. Reluctant to turn the light on in case he might spot it through the transom window, she felt her way to the rear of the building, her hand grazing the cold walls. She soon reached the small door leading to the back street. Using the deepest shadows as cover, trying to be as inconspicuous as possible, she headed towards the main street. Getting into a taxi proved easy. Inside, she reclined her head on the back seat. She had acted on impulse. She certainly would have been better off at home, but she had to see that duel. She had to. She needed to make sure Gabriel came out of it alive. Watching houses and shops go by, she smiled. How could she be worrying over his ‘aliveness’ when he had long been dead?

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The taxi driver dropped her off some distance from the cemetery with a warning. “Sorry, Miss, but this is a dangerous area at night. I’m not going any further.” She thanked him and ran the rest of the way. She saw the fire five hundred feet from the entrance, an orange light brightening the night. As silently as possible, she squeezed past the gates and trotted towards the fire. She slowed down when she believed she was close enough—vampires had a keen sense of smell. To her left, the ground was hilly, perfect for a clear view. She climbed up, then lay down behind scanty bushes, her body a blur in the landscape, a shadow among shadows. Feeding on wood and gasoline, the flames leapt high towards the sky, forming a large ring of fire. All around the burning circle about two hundred vampires stood, transfixed. Inside the ring, Gabriel and Spade were facing each other, stripped to the waist, their bodies glittering in the fiery glow. Incredibly tall and strong, Gabriel looked invincible. A head shorter and leaner, Spade seemed a lesser opponent, though he could be concealing speed and resilience. Two great beasts poised ready to strike. When they started circling each other, a low growl came from the crowd, expanding, swelling up in the stillness of the night. Fast and furious, Spade rushed at his adversary, hitting him square on the point of the chin. Blood flowing from a gash in his lower lip, Gabriel flinched but stood his ground. He grabbed Spade by the shoulders and sent him sprawling, inches from the flames. The former master vampire got up in a wink, moving away from the fire. Then they charged at the same time, bodies violently colliding with a powerful thud. Encouraged by a salvo of approval, they grappled with each other for several minutes, exchanging brutal swats and kicks, striking, shoving, biting, neither of them gaining advantage, Gabriel hitting harder but Spade avoiding more blows. Calista was going through hell. The mortal struggle, the roar of the flames blurring her vision, the cheering crowd deafening her and the sight of her lover’s blood were far too demanding. Spade was a lethal weapon, scaring her out of her wits. Yet she couldn’t tear her eyes from the ring of fire, whispering a litany to Gabriel through clenched teeth. I forbid you to die, I forbid you to die, I forbid you to die. Suddenly striking out, Gabriel drove Spade back, eliciting new cheers from the gang. On all fours, Spade raised his head, a smirk on his lips. Swift and efficient, he moved his arms to the small of his back. Then he bounced to his feet, throwing his hands forward. Two www.total-e-bound.com

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daggers flew towards Gabriel, striking his shoulders. He howled in pain when the weapons ran through his flesh. Before he had time to wrench them out, Spade lunged forward, crashing into him, pinning him down. A savage cry erupted from the crowd. Two hundred vampires were now stamping their feet, uttering obscene and offensive curses, shouting at the top of their voices, clamouring for the kill, kill, kill… Lying flat on the ground, Calista thought her heart had ceased beating. Fisting her hands, she pressed her face against the bushes. Going for the kill with a sadistic smile on his face, Spade twisted the daggers, tearing flesh. Gabriel flinched, but in spite of the pain that contorted his features, he managed to grab the other vampire’s throat. Flames bounced from the ring of fire and the clamouring intensified as the bloodsucker gang closed in. Beyond pain, solely focused on his mighty hands, Gabriel was crushing his enemy’s throat. Gradually, Spade released his grip on the daggers, finally slumping onto the ground. With a slow motion like that of a movie, Gabriel stood upright, blood leaking down his chest and arms. His huge, powerful presence seemed to fill the circle, bringing the shouts down to a low, chanting buzz. Staring at the crowd, he seized the daggers and drew them out of his shoulders without as much as a wince. It seemed to be over. Calista began to breathe again as tears of relief wetted her cheeks. She unclenched her fists and looked at Spade sprawled on the ground. Although he wasn’t moving, she sensed excitement and expectation rippling through the vampires, a disturbing feeling of something not quite terminated. Dropping the daggers, Gabriel grabbed Spade by the hair and heaved him up. Extending his arm, he displayed his trophy to his gang. Feet began to stamp once more, murmurs becoming growls. In seconds the uproar sounded cacophonous as he cocked Spade’s lolling head, and leaned in. He sank his fangs into the incapacitated vampire’s bare neck while the crowd acclaimed him wildly. Then Gabriel yanked at his head. The new master’s mouth drenched in blood, he spat out a big chunk of flesh. All around him, the yelling was uncontrollable as he ripped his enemy apart. With intent. Without hurry. Gabriel wrenched Spade’s head off in a single forceful motion and hurled his body parts into the flames. Then, like a great feline after a kill, he threw his head back. A thundering roar exploded from his throat, soaring to the heavens. When his feral call died out, a deep silence fell on the www.total-e-bound.com

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cemetery. One by one, the vampires went down, kneeling before their master, bowing in submission. From her hiding spot, Calista had watched the whole show with growing exhilaration. Gabriel’s ruthlessness and ferocity fascinated her. His raw power and carnality were spellbinding. As tender as he could be, she also understood the animal in him, the untamed beast that set her blood on fire. There was no mistaking it—Gabriel’s demonstration had crudely turned her on, to the point where she wanted him right now, right there. Stifling her acute desire, she saw the vampires dousing the flames, circling around Spade’s body parts, and making their way out of the cemetery. New king of his territory, Gabriel stood motionless in the centre of the ring, sniffing the air. Then he turned his head in her direction while barking a command to the remaining vampires. “Out. All of you, out!” He had smelt her. He knew she was there, in spite of his orders. He knew she had witnessed the killing. She was on her feet when he routed her. His mouth was bloodied, his long fangs still out, his wounds already healing. He looked vicious and irresistible. When he was in front of her, she looked deep into him. She was astonished to read concern in his eyes, fear of rejection. She knelt before him.

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Chapter Nine

“You’re my woman. You don’t kneel to me.” Before he could add another word, she unzipped his fly and pulled his trousers down. She approached her fate slowly. Taking hold of his foreskin with her mouth, she gobbled him whole. With his soft flesh in her snug mouth, he sighed. In seconds, she felt him hardening, clearly aroused by her obedient posture and the sight of his cock in her mouth. She let go of him. Seeing his full erection up close excited her as it conjured images of their bodies joined in passion. She lifted her eyes and shivered when she saw naked lust in his. She licked his uncovered tip, licked the skin to the base, forward and backward until his rod glistened in the moonlight. With both feet planted on the ground, he stood still but clenched his hands. She took him fully in her mouth and began easy motions, her lips enfolding him, leaving him, sheathing him in her warmth. Arousing him felt wonderful; sucking his dick and sensing his pleasure felt tremendous. Kneeling at the feet of a master vampire and having him by the balls was simply staggering. As he started moaning each time she swallowed him up, she understood at last the real magnitude of her power, as a woman and as a gelder. “Fucking hell,” he uttered suddenly, “this is so fucking good.” Withdrawing, she gripped the base of his shaft in one hand and gently brushed its head on her lips, exhibiting her enjoyment. Darting her tongue over the thin skin, she dipped her head back. Gabriel was watching her mouth on his stiff cock, wincing from delectation. His handsome, sensual face stimulated her desire, triggering a craving to be screwed in any fashion he wanted. She heard him growl when she cupped his balls in her hand. Stroking the wrinkled skin, she took them all the way down her throat. His body twitched, his hands grabbing her hair, pulling her head back. The abrupt gesture ignited sparks in her blood, a nerveshattering thought reverberating in her mind. Come and get me. “You won’t get off that easy!” He swung her around, pushing her to the nearest tree. After hoisting her skirt up, he ripped her knickers off. www.total-e-bound.com

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His roughness sent her mind soaring high, her skin tingling in anticipation. Hands firm on the big tree trunk, she bent over and jolted as his finger pulled her cunt open to check her moistness. “Someone wants to be fucked,” he said, seizing her hips. Then he rammed into her, and she let out a loud moan. “Do you like my cock?” he asked, drawing it in and out of her in long, powerful thrusts. “I know you do, you’re so fucking wet every time I touch you.” She held onto the trunk as it bit into her hands, his pelvis banging against her arse, his words music to her ears. “Spread your legs. I’m stiff for you; I want you to feel my cock. I want you to feel it all the way through.” Tightening his grip on her hips, he brought her to him, keeping her close, humping her in quick, hard strikes, fucking her as a vampire. Everything was hard inside her, his inflexible rod stuffing her to the brim, cutting her breath. His ceaseless movements filling her with absolute joy, she felt intoxicated with love. His pace slowed. His thrusts became long and deep, his cock deliberately bearing on her clitoris. “Oh, my God,” she cried, pressing her hands on the coarse trunk. “Oh, sweet Jesus, what are you doing?” Moving his pelvis back and forth, he kept pressing on her soft spot, whispering to her. “Come on, pretty, wail for me.” She wailed. Intent on sending her to the heavens, he rubbed her until she was about to burst, her panting cries tearing the night. When he sensed her coming, he spoke to her in a needy tone. “Say my name!” Her whole body shaking from the force of her savage orgasm, she shouted his name in an ultimate exhalation. Still rock hard inside her, he withdrew when her tremors quietened and pulled her skirt down. Freeing her hands from the tree, she faced him. Her face was elated with bliss and she looked at her hunk of a vampire-man and his fierce erection. She knelt down again. “I want you in my mouth.”

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This time, he shivered when she took him in. She sucked him long and deep, listening to his escalating grunts of pleasure. Using tongue and lips, she blew him to the point where his body stiffened and his voice quaked. “I’m coming. Fuck, I’m coming!” She longed for his taste in her mouth. Grabbing his buttocks, she devoured him. A hoarse cry escaped his lips as he violently spurted in her mouth, his spunk splashing her throat. She let him soften between her lips before she swallowed his seed, tasting him at last. Without releasing him, she gently licked clean his shrinking cock. “Calista!” She pulled his trousers up. “Let’s go home.” They exited the cemetery hand in hand. Without a single taxi in sight, they walked all the way and she enjoyed it. She felt elated in his company, proud to stand beside the new master, completely safe in his hands. They walked in silence, a drizzle washing the blood from his body. They got to her street an hour later, soaked with rain, happy to be together. When he saw them coming, the vampire standing guard recoiled, the other one fleeing as if he had just seen a walking nightmare. “I’m sorry, Master. I was watching her flat. I don’t know how she got out. Please, forgive me,” he begged, kneeling in the middle of the street, “I promise it won’t happen again. Please, Master!” “Sod off!” Gabriel said, his face an ice mask. The vampire left without further ado, running to the top of the street, disappearing round the corner. “It wasn’t their fault,” Calista said. She had no love for bloodsuckers, but she believed in fairness. “I tricked them.” “I guessed as much, yet you wouldn’t have tricked me.” He spoke in a disdainful voice, much like a conqueror after a merciless fight for his life and his kingdom. When he was tender and caring, she felt satisfied. However, she had also come to love the other side of him, the exciting moments when he showed authority, arrogance, self-complacency and egotism. Picturing a relationship with him, she perceived she was in for trouble, but the attraction was far too compelling.

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“Maybe not, but Spade almost did.” There she was, already stirring up trouble, in need of a straightforward answer, wanting to hear from his lips that he was never going to die, never going to leave her. “It was supposed to be hand-to-hand combat.” Gabriel froze in the act of opening the door of her building, a bemused smile budding forth. “Do you mean to say you were afraid for me?” “Actually…” she started, suddenly embarrassed, “well, actually…” He kissed her then, wrapping her in his iron arms, penetrating her with his tongue, taking the breath out of her. “Let’s finish this upstairs,” he said, pulling away from her lips. Calista wasn’t sure if he wanted to resume the conversation or the lovemaking. In any case, they were going to have a talk first. In her living room, Gabriel plonked himself on the sofa, patting the seat beside him. Hair wet from the rain, drops dripping onto the carpet, Calista crossed her arms. The gesture was meant as much to impose herself upon him as to conceal a shiver of cold. “What is it, pet?” he asked, when he saw her stiff stance. “Is there something you want to say to me?” “Tell me this is really happening. Tell me you have emotions.” “As you well know, I’ve had a rough day. I think you should come to me.” He patted the seat again. “Maybe we could fool around.” “Answer me,” she demanded, in the same tone of voice he had used with her several times. His smile vanished. “Can we not?” “It’s much too late for ‘can we not’,” she replied quickly, “or do you think you can just screw me at leisure? Do you really believe I’ll spend my time giving you fantastic blowjobs and not expect anything in return?” He held a hand up. “That’s not what I meant.” She stepped forward. “Vampires don’t have emotions. They can’t, it’s not in their nature. I know there’s something different about you. What is it?” His eyes narrowed. In a blink, he was standing right behind her, pressed against her back, his left hand brushing her hair aside and tightening around her neck. Although she couldn’t see them, she knew his fangs were out when she felt two pinpricks on her skin.

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“Why do you get yourself into trouble?” he said in a menacing tone, “don’t you know I could simply bite here?” He tightened his fingers. Her throat constricted and her breathing became weaker. But for the love of herself, there was no way she was going to surrender. “Do it!” she taunted. “Come on, Gabriel, be a vampire and do it!” “Aren’t you scared of me?” he whispered in her ear. “No. I never will be.” Fangs still against her neck, he slid his hands down, reaching the curve of her breasts, grazing her nipples through the thin fabric. She should have been frightened, but she was horny. The touch of his hands on her body—his fangs on her neck, of his cock hard in the small of her back—was turning her on. “Look at me!” His voice had never sounded so rough. “I’m not a man, I’m a vampire.” She turned round. Long, sharp canines over his mouth, features strained—he looked gorgeous. His eyes oozed hunger, a profound craving that had nothing to do with the blood flowing in her veins. When she passed her fingers over his brow, his cheeks and his full lips, he retracted his fangs. “You’re man enough for me,” she murmured, stepping away from him, “and you don’t feel like biting me, do you?” That was the question she had held in check until the time was right. He regarded her soberly as if wondering whether to put his trust in her. Running a hand through his damp, dark hair, he committed himself. “No, I don’t.” “How come?” “Because I’ve never drunk a single drop of human blood.”

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GABRIEL

Chris Lange

55

Chapter Ten

She stared at him, dumbfounded. “What? How?” “It’s a long story, Calista.” “Okay. Well, I’m not gelding anyone tonight, so I’ve got all the time in the world. Just hold on a sec.” She ran to the bathroom, and brought back two clean towels. Sitting beside him, she began drying her hair. “I’m all ears.” He toyed with the towel, his eyes far away, lost in memories. “I was thirty-five when I became an immortal. I was dating a young woman at the time and she was very much…very much like you, actually. Her name was Mary. She was kind, true, and she was in love with me. I couldn’t have been luckier.” It had started as a fairy tale, but from the sombre look of him, it wasn’t going to stay that way. Still, she was absorbing his words. “One evening, we wished to be alone, and we strayed from our usual places. Near a forest, we were attacked by three bloodsuckers. I tried to protect her. I did all I could to defend her, but they were so much stronger and I was just a man. They held her down. They forced her to watch while they pounded on me. They beat me up until my body was a bloody mush. By then, I was barely hanging on to life, but conscious enough to understand someone had his eye on her.” Calista gripped the towel, hugging it like a child cuddles his teddy bear. Engrossed in the sinister tale, she rested her head on the back of the sofa. “I begged them. I pleaded for her life. I’ll never forget the vicious, satisfied look the leader gave me. I hated him then, a hatred deeper and more powerful than you can imagine. I swore to haunt him forever. I knew we were as good as dead. I looked at her, and she knew it too. Yet she smiled at me. She looked like a lamb being led to the slaughter, and her gentle smile was unbearable. With my last breath, I cursed the leader, wishing he’d rot in hell.” Gabriel fell silent. Then he reached out, wiping a tear from Calista’s cheek. “I’m sorry, my story isn’t very entertaining.” “It’s okay, go on.” www.total-e-bound.com

GABRIEL

Chris Lange

56

“I can still picture the fury on his face when I cursed him to hell. I think that’s when he decided to inflict on me a punishment far worse than death. Before Mary’s eyes, he drank my blood then forced me to drink his. He sired me. I only have dim memories of what happened afterwards except that he buried me.” “Oh, my God! Oh, Jesus!” Calista moaned, contorting her fingers in the towel, breaking out in a cold sweat. “When I clawed my way out, Mary was sitting by my grave, waiting for me. Underground, my body had regenerated, but I was too shocked and confused to be hungry yet. She told me the rest of the story. As the leader had been turning me into a vampire, another gang had rounded on them. She’d managed to escape in the mayhem, staying close by to see what was befalling me.” “This girl was brave, extremely brave.” “I told you.” Gabriel smiled. “She was very much like you. Anyway, she watched my burial and waited it out. When I emerged, she took me away before the vampires had time to come back for me.” “Who was it?” Calista asked. “Who was the leader?” Gabriel stroked her cheek in such a loving manner that she longed for a lifetime with him. “Don’t you know, my sweet?” She stared at him, finally comprehending why he had been so adamant before, why he would have given anything to get him. It had been so much more than wielding power; it had been about setting things right. “Spade?” “Spade was my sire.” Calista inhaled deeply. “Darn, I’m so glad I gelded that bastard!” “And I can’t thank you enough. Without your intervention, I’d never have had the opportunity to kill him.” “Where did you go when Mary took you away?” “Not far. I didn’t have much time left before the need to feed would control my mind, so we hid in the forest. She warned me about what was about to come, telling me all sorts of things I wasn’t able to take in on such short notice. Since then, I’ve had time to ponder them. What I clearly recall is her desperate attempt to twist fate, her frantic face when she said she could alter my future.” www.total-e-bound.com

GABRIEL

Chris Lange

57

“What was she talking about?” “Gelding me.” Eyes wide open, gaping, and with anticipation warming her skin, Calista stared into Gabriel’s heart. “She was a gelder?” He nodded. “One of the first.” “Wait a minute! Gelders have been around hundreds of years, almost as long as vampires. Mary couldn’t have been one of the first unless you…” Calista slapped her forehead. “Bloody hell, how old are you?” “Too old for you, my pet,” Gabriel replied with a sad smile. “I’ve seen and done things you wouldn’t care for.” “So, what happened?” “We made love for the last time. She gelded me in that forest.” “You’re gelded? Hang on, that’s impossible. Once incapacitated, a vampire can’t touch a human. If she had done it, you’d have been repelled when we met.” Gabriel smiled knowingly. “It seems to me you don’t know much about your ability, do you?” “I know how to unleash it.” “This mighty power is ancient, and lies in intention. Through your lifeblood, you’re able to geld a creature of the night because such is your intention. But it works both ways. As long as a vampire means no harm, he can touch a mortal without being repelled.” Eyes wide open, Calista couldn’t stop staring at him. “Are you sure? I’ve never heard about that.” “You wouldn’t. Have you ever met another gelder who instructed you in your power? For that matter, have you ever met a vampire who meant you no harm?” “I guess I have now,” she said, smiling as she took hold of his hand. “But that doesn’t explain why you have emotions.” “As all things do, the power of gelding evolved. At that time, bearers still had the potential to…” Gabriel seemed to be looking for an adequate term. “How should I say this? To morph its effect as they saw fit. Some gelders used it in extremely rare circumstances. But vampires with feelings soon proved worthless, and the potential to morph ceased to exist. Whatever they are, earthly creatures are bound to nature.” “Did Mary use it on you?” www.total-e-bound.com

GABRIEL

Chris Lange

58

“She gelded the vampire in me, but she spared my emotions. My human emotions. She loved me. It was her gift to me.” Calista couldn’t hide her surprise. “God, that’s amazing!” “In a way. From that moment, I became an immortal. A vampire without a soul, but with his feelings untouched.” Reflecting on what he had just told her, Calista began to perceive his dilemma. Halfman, half-vampire, he didn’t belong anywhere. “How can you live like this? I mean, how can you stand being surrounded by vampires when you aren’t one of them? How do you do it?” “Just like anyone whose life has also become a prison. Day by day.” “How do you feed?” “I still need blood, but I drink from animals. It keeps my strength up and, thanks to Mary, I don’t feel attracted to human blood.” Calista needed to hear the rest of the tale. “What happened to Mary?” “Spade tracked her. He wasn’t aware she was a gelder. He had no way of knowing what she had done to me, but he wanted her because she was mine. He caught her the night following my gelding and he sired her. Out of spite, or revenge, or to get back at me, I don’t know. I don’t care now.” “Is she…?” Calista faltered, afraid to hear the truth, afraid to learn about a gelder’s eventual fate. “Is she a vampire?” “She had loved me, and saved me. I couldn’t possibly let her turn into a bloodsucking fiend. No, that would have been too much for me to endure. As soon as she got out of her grave, I staked her. She was my first kill.” When he saw big tears running down Calista’s cheeks, Gabriel took her in his arms. Was he also feeling her sadness? Rocking her like a child, he whispered, “Hey, it’s all right, it was a long time ago.” Still she cried. He just held her until her tears dried, until she felt strong enough to ask for the end of his tale. “What about your reputation? How on earth did you build it without killing anyone? I’ve always heard talk of your cruelty and ruthlessness. I mean, it doesn’t sound conceivable to create a legend out of lies.” “You’re young, Calista. You haven’t had enough years to study the world around you. Actually, it’s rather easy when you understand people. All you have to do is act, and give them a good show from time to time.” www.total-e-bound.com

GABRIEL

Chris Lange

59

In her mind, Calista saw him tearing Spade’s flesh off and ripping him apart, blood gushing from his wounds. She saw the legend named Gabriel roaring himself hoarse, his bloodied face bathing in the moonlight. She remembered the vampires kneeling before the master, staring at him with a feeling of awe. She had felt it herself, a mixed emotion of reverence, respect and admiration. “Like you did tonight.” “Precisely. I could have killed Spade right from the start, but I held back. I didn’t know about the daggers, yet I thought he had an ace up his sleeve. I bided my time to excite the crowd. I wanted to lure all of them into recognising my sole authority. As you saw for yourself, it’s only about entertainment.” “You make it sound so simple.” “Well, I’ve had centuries to hone my skills as an impersonator. I’ve come to be an expert in deceiving vampires. Today, they all believe I’m someone I’ll never be. It’s been my goal from the start, and I attained it.” Calista frowned. “Why? What’s in it for you?” “It gives me power and freedom. Over the centuries, it’s allowed me to destroy as many bloodsuckers as I could. They’re terrified of me. They know I’ll kill them without blinking if they betray me. Trust me when I say that’s a fact.” “Do you hate them?” A heavy shadow flitted in his eyes as he spoke. “I am one of them. Hate is too strong a word, but I despise them as I despise a part of me.” “I’m sorry, Gabriel.” Showing her compassion, she stroked his hand. “I’m sorry you had to go through all that.” “I admit it was hard, but I sought retribution and I lived off it. Destroying Spade was an obsession and, in a way, it sustained me for centuries. I think I spent all that time looking for a gelder.” “You found one.” “I’ve found more than a gelder.” His arms tightened around her. Once more, Calista felt safe and at peace. She kept silent, sensing he hadn’t yet talked it out. “Although I knew I had the ability to feel, I believed my heart dead. Nothing and nobody ever moved me. It was like walking in an endless maze. I was looking for something, www.total-e-bound.com

GABRIEL

Chris Lange

60

anything, but I was forever alone. Then, our paths crossed. Yours and mine. I felt a force stirring in me when I laid eyes on you. A deep emotion I hadn’t experienced since I was a human. It was so strong, almost suffocating.” Calista remembered their first encounter all too well. If Gabriel hadn’t actually told her how he’d been feeling, she’d never have imagined it. “You certainly concealed it well!” “I know. Didn’t I tell you I was skilled at deceiving? Anyway, your mere presence boosted me. With you, I had in my grip the means to kill Spade.” “The first night we made love, you asked me if I had gelded you,” Calista reminded him, “but you already were gelded. So, why?” “I wanted to make sure I could trust you and also…” his voice softened, a light breeze on a summer field, “see if you cared for me.” “I do.” She raised her face to his, gazing into the darkness of his eyes. He kissed her lips, and stroked her hair, his hushed words akin to a melody. “I know you do. I never thought I’d meet someone like you, someone willing to accept me for who and what I am. You’re beautiful, Calista. Your heart is true and your body…” He slid his hand down, caressing her skin under her T-shirt. “You’re just so bloody hot!” She felt his erection on her side, his need of her. Getting up gracefully, she undressed him and held him down. Naked, sitting on the sofa, his shaft asking to be fondled, he had never looked so enticing. Her clothes removed, she stood before him, pointing a finger at him. “Do not move. I forbid you to move a single muscle.” She saw plain desire in his eyes. Straddling him, she rested her pussy on his dick, barely touching it. “Master,” she taunted him, “do you give me permission to sit on your cock?” He licked his lips. “Tell me first if you really want it.” “I want it. I need it inside me. I’m wet for you, Master.” “How wet?” “Soaking wet. Look, if I do this,” she took his cock in a little, and they both sighed. “See how it glides in easily?” “I’m not convinced. Maybe you should…”

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GABRIEL

Chris Lange

61

He moaned as she fully sat on him. Then she leaned towards him, placing a nipple on his lips. “Lick me, Master. Lick me till I cry out.” He enfolded the bud in his mouth, his tongue searing her flesh. She moved up and down, calling him master, conducting their pleasure to fulfilment. About to erupt in her, he took her face in his hands. “Look at me, slave,” he said roughly, “look at me when I’m coming!” His fangs came out, and a sense of triumph flooded her soul. His profound cry of joy released her impending orgasm, violent tremors rattling their joined bodies. After years of loneliness, she had finally found her mate. The only creature who could understand the nature of her mission, who could appreciate both the woman and the gelder. And, deep inside, she knew he’d never leave her.

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Lincoln’s Woman Natalie Dae Excerpt Prologue

I swirled the Burgundy, head clear despite having sipped two glasses. This evening was meant to be a time for me and my lover to spend together, to forget all the worries that plagued me daily, but it seemed the wine had made me melancholy, my mind circling around the latest problems to come our way. Problems that could destroy every one of us. Broughton and Amrit…their names resounded through my mind, a discordant melody. I needed to revise our list, send it to The Coterie’s members so they’d be on higher alert for the two who insisted on trying to harm us. “Cormag, please stop thinking!” Anstace said, placing her glass on the small table beside the sofa opposite mine. “Just for one night.” Her Scottish accent had become less broad with time. A part of me was sad she had lost the strong burr. Oh, we still lived in Scotland for the most part, but our travels over the years had ensured Anstace heard many new accents. This woman of mine liked to mimic them, and time had dulled the sharp edges of her usual accent so it sounded more British. “But I—” “Enough!” I mused that she had called me by my name, something she rarely did. The absence of her usual term, ‘darling’, showed me, along with her frown, that she was annoyed. Cormag. It means Son of Defilement, but I am far from that. I do not defile anyone…much. Not in the sense one might think, and only for The Coterie, the good of our kind, their kind. Immortals. Mortals. The name stuck many moons ago and has perhaps www.total-e-bound.com

added to the mysticism surrounding us, given us a darker edge, one that we do not deserve, but suffer all the same. Who are we to prove otherwise? When humans see us or talk of us, they become frightened or…one of us, out of necessity. We are bad, so they say. A race to be feared. The word vampire alone inspires horror and dread, images of pasty-faced beings, teeth bared, with blood dripping from chins. I sighed—yes, I can do that—and thought of the trouble humans have caused in the past. How our kind are perceived due to loose tongues and vivid imaginations. Creating myths, which are just that. Myths. Stories that have evolved and gained layers over the years, twists and turns that have made us appear something we are not. It would be useless to try and say we are not like…that. And who would believe us if we tried to explain? After all, we do bite, we do drink blood, we do turn mortals. I looked at a naked Anstace, my attendant these many, many centuries, as she stretched out on the settee. She looked exactly as she did the day we met. Blonde hair the same shade as mine spread over her full breasts. Peaches-and-cream complexion. Slender build. Except now her green eyes turned amber when she was angered or hungry or…needy. My cock stirred at the sight of her, at thoughts of how her soft flesh felt against mine. Of how her cunt contracted around my dick as she rode out her orgasm. She was a beauty, no doubt about that, learning our ways, learning to love me. I turned her so long ago. Too many years to count. I had remained alone most of my ‘life’ until I met Anstace—and that was what it was, a life, regardless of whether I was immortal or not. I still breathed, still ate, still had dreams and desires. Although I avoided the harshness of sunlight, I still woke every morning, went through the motions, worked my way to the position I now held—leader of The Coterie. The one who kept everyone in line, making sure mortals were safe from their own kind, safe from murderers, pillagers, rapists. The Coterie turned those bad people into who I was, and they worked for me…or not. Some had chosen their own path, and rather than force them to take the good road, I allowed them their freedom. But if they cross the line, if they remain as evil as they were as mortals, they are…dealt with. I see them, know their every move if I choose to link to them, and they know not of my mind-probing. Unless I wish them to.

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As a young Scottish vampire, I had needed a wife of sorts, someone to share my existence. Anstace had come willingly, knowing what I was, her quest to live forever her only aim at the time. I had explained, after her painful and disorienting turn, that living forever with me wasn’t something to be taken lightly. She’d waved her hand and turned away from me as though I spoke of nothing more than trifles, as though what I did and still do was of no consequence to her. “Ah, but it is,” I’d said, gripping her upper arm and spinning her to face me. She stared, the outer edges of her eyes clouding with amber. “But according to the myths, darling, I am just your woman. Someone you turn to when blood isn’t available. Someone to sup from.” She narrowed those eyes and wrinkled her nose with distaste. “Someone to fuck.” The anger slewed out of me, replaced by fierce laughter. She had no idea… So I pulled her to me, her breasts to my chest, and by God I wanted to take her there and then. Fill her with my cock and thrust until she begged me to make her come. Bite her neck and drink her blood, the warmth of it sliding down my throat like a fine mulled wine. Yet I resisted, for wouldn’t I have proved her point? Someone to sup. Someone to fuck. “I hear you,” she said now. “Thinking of the past does no good. It is gone. We cannot change a thing.” She smiled her brilliant white smile, teeth elongating, eyes taking on a glazed look. “Besides, we are in love. It took some time, but you managed to make me love you.” I smiled back, feeling her pull, knowing my thoughts had turned her on. “Thinking of the past helps me prepare for the future. And that is not too bright if—” “There is no ‘if’, darling.” She rose and came over to sit beside me, curling her fingers around my wrist and leaning her head against my arm. “You will not fail The Coterie. Those who wish you dead…” She snorted derisively. “They cannot win against someone as strong as you. You have been around far too long.” Broughton and Amrit….Broughton and Amrit… I shoved those thoughts away, heard her heart beating as if it were mine, her pulse thrumming, and smiled again at yet another myth. We are immortal, not undead. We still breathe, eat, sleep and drink. How else could we roam the earth if our bodies were dead? www.total-e-bound.com

“How else could we be able to come?” she whispered. And I knew without looking that she smiled. She released my wrist and snaked her fingers beneath the hem of my shirt, her touch a blaze on my skin. Much as I wanted to take her, to fuck her senseless, I had things to think about. Our future was under threat—my existence to be snuffed out, if rumours were to be believed—and those of The Coterie remaining after my death would be ruled by those intent on ruining everything we had worked towards. It did not matter that at the present time mortals had a warped view of us—vampires who roamed the earth biting and turning for fun. Beings to be feared. If those challenging me had their way, we would become just that. Not we. I would be gone. “You would not.” Anstace lifted her head and rested a finger beneath my chin. She turned my face so I looked at her. Her eyes pooled with tears that did not fall. She was too hardy for such a display of emotion when she wanted to show her support, her belief in me. “You said yourself that Lincoln will come around to our way of thinking. You said he is the one to help you, and I believe that. Having watched him over the years…he has the makings of a fine defiler.” I widened my eyes at her use of that word. She grinned, knowing I’d taken it in jest. Anstace loved to rile me with regard to the myths. They irritated me beyond measure. They were not who we were, and I wished I could prove that. The one she used too often—oh my, I can’t seem to see my reflection in the mirror anymore—irked me the most. She could see herself. Yet I could not stay annoyed with her for long. She owned me, body and soul, and I would do anything for her. “Including abandoning The Coterie?” she asked. “If I had to.” I thought of Lincoln, a man I had turned when he was but a youth. He had been in the wrong place at the wrong time, and I often wondered about fate and whether there was such a thing. Perhaps he was meant to be where we met. Telling myself that was easier than dealing with the guilt of having turned an innocent man. Lincoln had grown steadily, using his powers only when necessary, choosing to live life much like a mortal, wanting nothing to do with The Coterie. He had been averse to our ways, www.total-e-bound.com

thinking us bad, the same as a human would. If he had listened, perhaps he would have seen things differently. But he was stubborn, in denial, and I had let him go his own way, knowing time would change his perspective. “He has an Achilles’ heel,” I said, stroking Anstace’s cheek. “Emily.” “Yes, Emily. Though…” Yes, I did believe having the young female vampire in his life might make Lincoln someone to be feared. Someone who would be of good use to our overall plan. If Emily’s safety was threatened, I knew Lincoln would do anything to protect her. Even becoming part of The Coterie, as was his destiny. Much as he tried to live as a human, sequestered in that lighthouse on Maine’s remote, rocky coast, his vampire traits had manifested. He’d struggled to ignore them, but when he had rescued Emily, he had recognised his attendant and turned her. Given another few years, he would transform completely. He couldn’t evade his fate. Much like mortals aged. One could not fight it and win. “You see, darling?” Anstace leant forward and brushed her lips over mine. “Things will work out just fine.” “Broughton… That wee bastard has become a problem.” I looked into her eyes, almost forgetting myself in their depths. God, she had a way about her. I stood to lose everything if I allowed myself to think only of her. Her secretive smile did nothing to hide the fact she was aware of my thoughts, of how I felt about her. Of how she had the ability to control me if I would allow it. “Oh, him!” she huffed, clearly unconcerned. “He’s just a childish boy—in our terms, that is. He may be over a century old, but he’s never matured. I disliked him from the very first. Brash little shit.” I chuckled at how Anstace always adapted so well to the new ways of using language, then grew sober again. “But he has plans for Lincoln.” I sighed once more, frustrated that I had promised never to interfere in Lincoln’s life unless I really had to. Unless he could not cope alone. “Then Lincoln will just have to learn to deal with whatever comes his way. If you want him to help you with bigger things…” “Yes, you are right. I know that. He needs experience before he can commit to us.” www.total-e-bound.com

I cleared my throat, pushing thoughts of our bleak future from my mind. We had a while yet before I had to act. Amrit was trying to find the location of a certain knife that he should not get his grubby paws on, and I could not do anything until he played his final hand. Amrit, the so-called Nectar of Immortals. Oh, I knew what he intended to do and how he would do it—my loyal brood had seen to that, bringing information my way, and my own mind-probes had secured much valuable information—but I did not know who he was. He had learnt the art of shrouding himself to such a degree that only whispers of what he was about had filtered through to those in the cause. No one seemed to know him at all. “Fuck me,” I said, pulling Anstace onto my lap so she straddled me. “Make me forget everything but you.” A languid smile transformed her lips, and her irises became full amber circles. “Gladly, darling. I thought you’d never ask.”

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About the Author Chris Lange is a sensual romance author, and a dreamer. She daydreams, nightdreams, Mondaydreams, weekenddreams, springdreams, winterdreams. Then, she writes. Welcome to her fantasy world. Email: mailto:[email protected] Chris loves to hear from readers. You can find her contact information, website and author biography at http://www.total-e-bound.com.

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