Primal lusts

Primal Lusts Marilyn Lee

© 2004

Primal Lusts Marilyn Lee

Published 2004 ISBN 1-59578-007-6 Published by Liquid Silver Books, imprint of Atlantic Bridge Publishing, 6280 Crittenden Ave, Indianapolis, Indiana. Copyright © 2004, Marilyn Lee. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the author. Manufactured in the United States of America Liquid Silver Books http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com Email: [email protected]

This is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents and dialogues in this book are of the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is completely coincidental.

Prologue Long ago on the Desert Plains of Denhari—The Planet Aeolia The warm night was lit by the brilliance of a full Denhari silver moon, but the woman fleeing naked across the blue desert did not have time to admire the beauty of the evening. An equally naked, and fully aroused, vampire with glowing eyes and bared incisors pursued her. "Willoni! Come back to me! I command it!" Although she longed to turn and rush into his arms and once again lose herself in his fiery passion, she dared not. The Singer who had won her devotion would return with the dawn and would expect to spend the remaining days and nights of the Immaculate Feast of Bliss and Conception alone with her. The Feast was the one time of the year when the Willoni who served the Goddess Caldara were allowed to indulge their passions, tasting every sort of sexual bliss of which they were capable. Each Willoni, no matter how devoted to her duties at the temple or in the various towns of Denhari, looked forward to the month-long feast. It was a time of great passion, lust, and carnal delights when a Willoni, who had otherwise forsaken physical pleasure, could take on as many lovers as she could satisfy. Before she met the Singer, three years earlier, The Feast had been a sad time. Mindful of the fact that she had incurred the wrath of Caldara, through no fault of her own, she kept to herself during The Feast, only venturing out once a week to take a lover or two who made no lasting impression on her. Her trouble began when the Eternal God of Passion, Heoptin, had fallen for her while she posed for the statue he called The Ebony Venus of Love. His attentions had been unexpected and most unwelcome. As a minor priestess-in-waiting at the temple of Amisha, Goddess of Bliss, she served at the temple of Caldara to repay a favor her Goddess owned Caldara. When Heoptin had fallen for her, Caldara had been furious. The Goddess received Amisha's permission to have her assignment to the temple at Denhari made permanent; then Caldara confined her to the temple grounds, forbidding her to see Heoptin. Longing for the freedom to indulge her passions as freely as her temple duties permitted that Amisha, a much kinder Goddess, allowed her priestesses, she had been miserable. She considered fleeing across the desert to appeal for Amisha's intervention— when she met the Singer. He was such a forceful yet tender lover that she fell for him their first night together. She spent the next eleven months longing for the return of The Immaculate Feast of Bliss and Conception so she could lose herself in him again. She had spent the first week of the current Feast happily with the Singer, drowning in his tender passion that tore at her heart and branded it as his alone. When his duties as Elder Singer had called him away, she had spent the second week with a succession of lovers. More than one night had found her lying on the blue sands with two or more lovers who satisfied her physical needs, but left her emotionally longing for her Singer.

That had changed at the beginning of the third week when she, bored with the males who journeyed to the temple in hopes of pleasuring those who served Caldara, had wandered out naked across the sands. As she stood looking up at the full moon, thinking of her Singer, she had felt a sensual fire spring up in her belly and burn. Turning, she had seen him, naked and aroused, crossing the sands toward her. She immediately recognized him as the priest who had fashioned her image for Heoptin's pleasure. While she had stood naked in the desert, night after night, he had shown no interest in her, but now his desire for her was so potent and powerful, it had reached out to her, setting her entire body aflame. Abandoning thoughts of the Singer, she rushed toward the approaching male whose lust drew her to him. When she reached him, she flung herself into his arms. He caught her, lowered her to the sands on her back and rose over her. With one lustful movement, he thrust the thickest cock she'd ever had deep into her and forced a cry of pleasure-pain from her that had echoed across the sands. Stretching and filling her with his hard warmth, he bit one of her breasts and ravished her repeatedly. Buffeted by a feverish passion she had never experienced, she came quickly and often, in rapid succession, unable to recover from one scorching orgasm before another blazed through her. He took her again and again, feasting on her blood and her pussy with a hunger that branded the taste of his lips on hers, and created a hunger for his cock in her she couldn't fully satisfy or deny. Even after an eternity, she knew she would still long for him as deeply as she did their first glorious night together. They had spent that entire third week of the feast alone together in the desert, discovering new ways to satisfy their passions and hungers for each other. At the end of that week, as they lay on the soft blue sand, still joined after a particularly hot mating that had seen them both come multiple times, a junior singer from the temple had called out to her. "Priestess, may I approach?" Lying on her side, still impaled on the vampire's huge, addictive shaft, she had lazily lifted her head and looked over his shoulder. She noted a tall, slender singer who served in the temple of Heoptin at Denhari approaching. "You may approach, Singer," she said. He stopped very close, his eyes downcast. "I bring a message from my master, the Singer. He will return with the dawn and will want to take you to the Temple of Heoptin at the Rock Cannons on Persia to spend the remaining days of the feast there. He asks that you spend tonight in the baths, undergoing ritual cleansing so that when he mates with you, there will be no seed from other lovers remaining in you, Priestess. He will arrive at dawn and requests that you be cleansed and ready to accompany him." With that the singer had bowed his head, and moved off toward the Garden of Passion. His words had sent a stab of panic through her. She looked at the vampire priest whose cock was still so firmly embedded in her and sighed. "Thank you for such an enchanting week, but I must go." She pushed against his shoulders and bit her lip to keep from crying out in despair as his cock slid out of her body. Bereft of his hard warmth, depression settled over her. She rose to stand on trembling legs, breathing deeply, in an attempt to get the scent of his lovemaking out of her lungs. He rose and turned her to face him. "Where do you think you are going, Willoni?"

The question surprised her. "To the Baths for Cleansing." "No. You're not going to cleanse your body of my seed and you are not going to meet this Singer. There is a week of the feast left. I will take you to my home in the Crystal Falls and there you will spend the rest of the feast with me. I will take you to the base of the Falls and mate with you as it sings its magic, binding you to me forever." Oh, how she trembled with lust at the thought of being taken under the Crystal Falls. It was said the Crystal Falls produced a special brand of male whose passions were legendary and boundless. Oh to mate under the falls with this vampire with the voracious sexual appetite for her! Yet she could not forget the Singer's tender passion and knew she could not hurt him, which meant she had to leave the vampire now. Although mildtempered as most healers were, the Singer would be furious if he arrived and found her full of another male's seed when they mated. He would not be inclined to share her with this big, handsome vampire with his endless passion and incredible, addictive lust. "No. The Singer mastered my soul song three feasts prior and won my devotion. I cannot go with you. I must cleanse myself." She stroked her fingers down his cheek. "Please tell me that you will come back at the next Immaculate Feast of Bliss and Conception." He stared at her. "What? You expect me to let you go and return in a year and hope the Singer gets called away during the feast so I might mate with you? No! I too have mastered your soul song, Willoni. I claim my right to your devotion and your body! They are both mine! When the Singer returns at dawn, I will challenge him for the right to spend the entire feast month with you for eternity." She looked into his eyes and shivered at the thought of her gentle Singer engaging in physical combat for her with this powerful vampire. No! She would not allow it! "You overstep your bounds, Vampire. Who has mastered my soul song is a matter for my discretion alone. I choose my Singer ... I must. There are many priestesses at the temple for you to mate with in the remaining week. I am going to cleanse myself." Heart aching with grief, for she feared she had fallen not only in lust with him, but also in love, she turned and started across the sands. "Come back, Willoni!" Without turning, she ran across the desert, eager to get away from him before her resolve weakened and she raced back into his arms. Instead, she fled across the sands with him in pursuit. "Come back! You are mine and when the Singer returns, I will kill him and whoever I need to, to ensure you belong to me alone." The thought of her kind, considerate lover's life being threatened infuriated her. She would allow no harm to come to him. She stopped and turned to face the vampire. "You will not harm him!" He stopped in front of her, his eyes glowing. "I will not only harm him, I will kill him to keep you! You are mine and I will not share you!" With that, he reached out, took her in his arms, and drew her down to the sands. "No, you must let me go," she gasped, even as she parted her legs and cried out with joy and bliss as he drove his cock up into her pussy and mated with her. Sobbing with pleasure, she wrapped her arms and legs around him, arching her back as she shoved her lower body against his. "Take me! Take me! I'm yours!"

"Forever," he assured her, sinking his incisors into one of her breasts. **** When the new day dawned, the Singer moved over the quiet sands of the Denhari desert. He had left his horse at the temple of Caldara, wanting to enjoy the early morning desert on foot. While he had been away singing healing songs, he had taken several lovers, all of whom had left him longing for his passionate Willoni priestess. He had spent the entire previous night alone, cleansing his body so that no trace of other lovers would remain on him when he mated with she whom he loved so deeply. While Willoni tradition allowed her to have as many lovers as she could satisfy, it was a source of pleasure and joy to him that each time he returned from a healing during a feast, he found her cleansed and eager to mate with him. Heoptin willing, one fine feast, he would manage to impregnate her and she would be free to be his for five whole, glorious years. His heart thumped at the very thought of having her always with him for an extended period of time while she helped rear their offspring. As he moved across the sands toward a small hill, sounds of lustful passion reached his ears. He smiled, thinking that soon, he and his Willoni would be making such sounds of bliss together. He climbed up the hill and stood looking for the source of the sounds. His heart nearly stopped beating when he saw the couple at the bottom of the hill. A big vampire priest of his order lay on top of a Willoni the Singer immediately recognized as his. As he watched, the same soft hands that held and soothed him when he shuddered in her arms in bliss, held the vampire tight as they cried out, and came together. He stood stunned as the priest pumped his seed into that dark, lovely body for which the Singer had spent the last two weeks longing. Filled with rage, he cried out and charged down the hill. "She belongs to me. Get away from her or I will kill you!" With a speed that left him stunned, the vampire slid out of his woman, bounded to his feet, and raced up the hill toward him. They met in the middle, fists clenched and flying, landing vicious blows. Despite the Willoni's efforts to stop them, they battled with a hatred and ferocity that shattered the peace and enjoyment of the last week of The Feast for all attending. And still they battled on, each determined to kill the other that he might win sole possession of the lovely Willoni who claimed to love them both. The Singer should have been no match for the Vampire Priest, but his desire for the love and devotion of his Willoni gave him added strength and he managed to hold his own. Their battle lasted past the closing of the Feast until Heoptin was forced to intercede. Had they but known of the Eternal God's intention, the Singer and the Vampire might have been inclined to resolve their differences themselves. But they fought until Heoptin imposed a solution on all three lovers, which would take several lifetimes to resolve—and it would have an unexpected consequence to Heoptin as well.

Chapter One Modern Day Earth Standing in the midst of a crowded room with the lights low, pulse-pounding music assaulting his ears, with numerous people in various stages of undress and various stages of fucking and discreet blood sucking, Jacoby was bored out of his mind. Why the hell did he continue to subject himself to this idiocy? Damn, it was still a waste of time to attend one of Sean's weekend-long Fuck Fests hoping to find anyone worthwhile. He looked around the room that was filled with lustful vampires and a few shifters, sometimes called werewolves by humans. Some he had known for more than a hundred years. A particular trio of vamps and a shifter standing in a corner caught his attention. The vampires were Sean Patrick, the host of this particular Fuck Fest, Vladimir Madison, a vamp with a reputation for taking no prisoners, and Vitali Bourcaro, of The Defense League of the Brotherhood. The shifter in question was Tucker Falcone. Many of the Brotherhood resented having even a few shifters amongst their ranks, particularly one many called Pretty Boy behind his back. Jacoby often found himself defending the shifter. As he frequently pointed out, it was no fault of Tucker's women took one look at his long, wavy hair, chiseled features, and green eyes, and threw themselves at him. Tucker was a particular favorite of Vitali, who was grooming him to take down Wilfredo Miguel Santiago, the vampire who had led the hunters taking out vampires with near impunity for some thirty years. Jacoby considered the four. Vampires and shifters on the whole were a greedy, selfish bunch—this particular bunch even more so than usual. Jacoby had arrived late. If anyone was worthy of giving him a hard-on, one of the other vamps or shifters would be in the midst of fucking that person senseless. Jacoby crossed the room to the open floor-to-ceiling living room doors. He stood there, breathing in the cool night air. He had sworn off these gatherings, sponsored for all intents and purposes by The Brotherhood. Although a member in good standing, he feared he was fast losing his taste for endless bloodletting. He disliked vampire hunters as much as the next vamp, but there was something in his core that reluctantly acknowledged that maybe there was a need for a band of hunters who took down rogue vamps. No one should have complete freedom to do as he or she willed without consequences. This was particularly true in the case of vampires who had no regard for any form of life but their own. Still, if Vitali was about to recruit Vladimir, Jacoby knew his own active participation wouldn't be missed. He had lost his taste for hunter's blood three decades earlier when he had watched in disgust as a fellow member of the Brotherhood had raped and slain a beautiful and determined young hunter who had battled heroically to the very end. Even as he had watched her savage slaying, something deep inside had urged him to intercede. He had started to go to her aid as she lay dying, but had decided she would rather die than be brought over.

He had never quite forgiven himself for not at least having stopped the repeated raping. No woman should be taken against her will and fed on until her life force faded away, leaving nothing but bitter recriminations in the vampire who had stood and watched when he should have helped her. Helped her? What nonsense he sometimes thought. As the Brotherhood was fond of saying the only good hunter was a dead hunter. Male or female, it made no difference. He tried hard to live by that creed, but there was a hidden part of him that whispered that there was a race of vampires who did not plague their weaker brothers but rather protected them. More nonsense. Vampires by their very nature were predatory. He gave a sudden, angry shake of his head. No good would come of regretting a past he could not change. Yet even before that shameful night, he'd been plagued by nameless regrets that, struggle as he might, he could neither recall nor vanquish. Shades of silly humans who thought they had lived before! He curled his lip and stalked outside. On the terrace he looked around. The moment he saw the tall, handsome man with dark hair, dark eyes, and a hunger in his soul standing alone in the cool night air, Jacoby's interest was kindled. He wasn't sure why. Like most centuries-old vampires, he'd tried every conceivable form of sex, including anal sex with both men and women, but the few times he'd had sex with another male, he'd been left longing for the bliss found only in a woman's arms. For him, there was nothing as exciting as a wanton woman's pussy shattering around his cock. More, women had no peer. After all they had big, round asses and bouncing breasts he could bury his face in or bite, and tight, delicious pussies he could endlessly plunder, so why should he waste his seed in some man's unexciting ass when he could pump it deep into a willing woman? He was forever telling Vladimir that women, even the most wanton, didn't deserve to be treated with disrespect. But he often suspected that Vladimir wasn't really playing with a full deck. Any vampire who had spent so many hundreds of years looking for his mother, just so he could kill her, was probably a little screwed in the head. But he hadn't come here to try and make Vladimir see reason. He had come to fuck. Period. His gaze went back to the man who had caught his attention. There was something about this man that made his cock stir. The man seemed vaguely familiar and yet he knew they had never met. So why did he feel so drawn to this man? He looked up. He doubted it was the full moon, which had never affected him. He shrugged. He wasn't sure why, he just knew he wanted to talk to the man. His gaze moved on the other male's body. Hell, he wanted to do more than talk. He wanted to fuck him deep in his ass and fill him with his seed. The sudden, inexplicable desire disturbed him, but he knew he would have to yield to it. This man was why he'd bothered to come to another of Sean's wild parties. The object of his attention was dressed in a dark, expensive casual suit. He didn't look like the type who would know Sean or come to one of his semi-annual Fuck Fests. Nevertheless, he was there. Jacoby allowed his gaze to flicker over the man again. His ass looked tight and taunt. He instinctively knew the man wasn't gay and had probably never had a dick up his ass. Well, Jacoby wasn't gay either, but there was a first time for everything. Passions rising, he crossed the terrace to the other man, barely acknowledging the efforts of several women who smiled encouragingly at him. Tonight, he wanted some male ass ... this handsome man's ass. He glanced around and his gaze briefly met a vamp's across the terrace. The other vamp was tall, with long dreads, brown skin, and

rather surprising blue eyes. His mother had been a beautiful vampire from Europe, his father a freed slave. Like his twin brother Aleksei, Vladimir never had any problems finding lovers. Unlike his brother, Vladimir had been known to brutalize those unfortunate enough to be his lover. Vlad grinned at him, a knowing look in his eyes. Looking for a little male ass, Jacoby? Damn. He would never live this down with Vlad, but what the hell. He wanted this man and he wasn't going to let a little thing like Vlad's teasing stop him. He arched a brow at Vlad. To hell with you, Vladimir! He stopped by the man who immediately turned to look at him. They were around the same height and Jacoby found himself looking directly into the man's dark eyes. Their surroundings faded and suddenly they both stood on a strange yet familiar desert world, facing each other with clenched fists and open hostility. Before Jacoby could grasp the memory, it withered away and he found himself back on Sean's terrace, looking in a pair of dark male eyes. He blinked, uncertain what had just happened. Or had anything happened? He was no longer sure. In the other male's gaze, he saw confusion and instant lust. This handsome man shared his interest. His cock went rigid. "Hello," he said softly, feeling a strange need to reassure the man. "I'm Jacoby." The man nodded, looking awkward. "Paul." After a slight hesitation, he extended his hand. Jacoby took it in both of his and smiled slowly at him. "The band's playing a slow song ... just for us. Let's dance." He watched Paul's handsome face flush. "Oh, wait a minute. You have the wrong idea." Paul looked to his left. A young vampire simply called Lover, had his pants down and his cock buried deep in the ass of a slender pale male who lay under him on the grass surrounding the terrace. Each time Lover pulled out; then pushed his short, fat cock into the man, he let out a wail of lust and his ass cheeks quivered wildly as Lover fucked him with a surprising tenderness. Was Lover finally falling for one of his lovers? Jacoby glanced at his lover for the night and saw a glint of undeniable hunger in his eyes combined with shame, as he watched Lover fuck the man. Lover's cock was short as vampire cocks went, but no one enjoyed a fuck as much as Lover. It didn't matter if his partner was a male or female. Both sexes seemed to adore Lover's fat, greedy cock. Lover got off on knowing others were watching him fuck. And anyone who saw Lover fuck was guaranteed to get aroused—just as Paul had. Paul dragged his gaze away from the couple, not quite meeting Jacoby's gaze. "I know how my being here must look, but ... Sean is a business associate and he invited me. But I am not ... gay." He tugged at his hand. "I don't dance with men." "Neither do I, but I am going to dance with you tonight," he said, and drew Paul struggling against his body and into his arms. He rubbed his lower body against Paul's, allowing him to feel the length and weight of his heavy, long cock. He was confident Paul's resistance wouldn't last long. Jacoby had a well-deserved rep as a vampire who wielded his huge, thick shaft with uncommon skill. Women routinely went wet just feeling his cock against them. The few men he had fucked trembled with unabashed lust at the feel of his cock against their asses.

Paul stiffened against him. He tightened his arms around Paul's waist and thrust his hips forward so that his shaft pressed tight against the other man's groin. As they gazed into each other's eyes, he saw lust flame in Paul's dark gaze. Within moments, Jacoby felt the telltale bulge of Paul's hardening cock. "About that dance," he said softly. "I don't dance with men," Paul said. "Neither do I," he repeated, tilting his head to one side to kiss Paul. "No!" Paul jerked his mouth away, but Jacoby noted with satisfaction that he made no attempt to pull away from his cock. Content for the moment, Jacoby moved around the terrace with Paul in his arms. Confident he would be fucking Paul before the night was over, Jacoby decided he could afford to bide his time. Ignoring the people around them, they moved slowly in time with the almost hypnotic music, grinding against each other in a blatant and lustful way. Halfway through their third slow dance, overcome with passion, Jacoby cupped a hand over the back of Paul's head and took his lips in a long, hungry kiss. At first Paul resisted, trying to pull away. But Jacoby deepened the kiss, sucking at Paul's warm lips until he groaned and shuddered against him. Still kissing Paul, Jacoby cupped both hands over Paul's ass and ground his cock against Paul's groin. Jacoby nearly came when Paul parted his lips, giving Jacoby access to his tongue. He sucked it into his mouth and deeply drank of the sweetness he found in the other male's lips and tongue. Paul groaned against his lips, pressing his hips forward. Jacoby felt Paul's cock coming alive. "I'm going to fuck you now," he whispered, his voice brusque, his desire threatening to spiral out of control. Paul drew back from him and stared into his eyes. Jacoby heard the other man's heart pounding wildly in his chest. He knew Paul wanted him, but was ashamed of that desire. Then, when Jacoby expected protest, Paul closed his eyes briefly and inclined his head. Jacoby stared at him, enchanted and more excited than he'd been in a very long time. Only one other person had been capable of creating this level of excitement and need in him. And she of the lovely ebony skin, beautiful green eyes, and uninhibited passion, had been lost to him for what felt like a lifetime. He had been a fool to allow her to get away from him. She was not the only woman he had ever lost, but she was the only one he had found impossible to forget. He frowned. Strange that he could not remember her name or the circumstances that had led to her loss. He just knew there was an ache in his soul that threatened to consume him. No woman, no matter how lovely or passionate, had come anywhere near to taking her place in his life. No woman had made him think of her and yet this man did. It was only later that Jacoby realized that with Paul's acceptance of what was about to happen, he had lost a part of himself to Paul. It was a part of himself he had never regained. He'd never wanted to. It belonged to Paul and he was content to allow him to keep and treasure it. He led Paul toward the house, his desire like a rapacious hunger he could no longer control. As they neared the house, a tall man with bronze-colored skin, short, straight, salt and pepper hair, very light brown eyes, and a big cock outlined against his leg, stepped forward and slipped something in his jacket pocket. He knew without looking that it was lube for the coming fuck.

He gave a curt nod as Vitali moved away with a swiftness and stealth of which only a vampire was capable. As he and Paul were about to move into the house, Vladimir appeared suddenly in front of them, his blue gaze flickering briefly over Paul. "How did I miss you?" He switched his gaze to Jacoby. "Want some company?" Although he and Vlad had occasionally shared a lover, he didn't like the way Vlad treated his lovers and there was no way Vlad was getting his oversized cock anywhere near Paul. At least for the night, Paul belonged to him. "Hell no," he said shortly. "Find your own lover." Vlad's eyes darkened and his lips narrowed. Jacoby narrowed his own gaze and tensed, wondering if he'd have to backhand Vlad out of his face and away from Paul when Sean appeared beside them. "Vladimir! There you are! There's someone I want you to meet." "Who?" Vladimir asked without taking his gaze from Paul's face. "Her name is Delilah." "Delilah?" Vlad asked. "Delilah," Sean said. "And she tells me she needs a good fucking. You up for it?" When Jacoby followed Sean's gaze, he saw a tall blond with dark eyes, big breasts, and an ass that would not quit. She exuded a strong aura of sensuality. She had the scent of a woman who loved vampire cock. The discreet puncture wounds on her neck told Jacoby she as a vampwhore ... a woman who traveled around the country going from one Fuck Fest to another, letting any and every vampire who liked bed her. Although pretty, he knew she could take a long night of hard fucking. Normally that knowledge would have drawn Jacoby right to her, but tonight, he had a surprising taste for virginal male ass. To his relief, Vlad sucked in a quick breath and readily accompanied Sean across the terrace to engage the blond in conversation. Only seconds later, the woman let out a scream of pure delight as Vlad stripped her naked, and keeping her on her feet, shot his huge cock up into her and fucked her hard and fast, right there on the terrace for everyone to see and hear. Jacoby had a side view of the action. Vlad stood behind her, holding her waist in his hands as he thrust wildly into her. Her large breasts bounced and she wiggled her big ass, moaning and gasping with lust as Vlad dicked her pussy with a speed and fury that had her coming within moments. Watching Vlad's bronze shaft, already coated with the woman's secretions, slicing in and out of the blond woman's pussy turned Jacoby on. Vlad withdrew from the woman, turned her to face him, and sucked a breast into his mouth, grabbed a handful of the woman's luscious big ass, and slammed his shaft deep into her. "Oooh my God!" The woman screamed and began coming again. Her thighs shook, her legs buckled, but Vlad held her on her feet. Or rather, one foot, as he lifted one leg and draped it across his body. He continued to fuck her, even as his seed began to trickle down one of the blonde's creamy, trembling thighs. And still he fucked her. Suddenly, without warning, Vlad drew his cock out of the blond, lowered her onto her back, and thrust his cock into her mouth. She grabbed his ass and sucked him wildly, swallowing greedily as he shot his seed down her throat. Still not satisfied, he pulled his cock out of her mouth, spread her legs, and plunged into her pussy again.

"Oooh, Lord, yes! Yes! Yeeessss!" she screamed, wrapping her arms and legs around him. He thrust deeper into her and they both began to moan and cry out with unashamed lust. Damn. Watching was making Jacoby so hot, he was ready to burst into flames. He turned his gaze to Paul. "I'm going to fuck you," he said, for Paul's ears alone. "Now." "Not out here," Paul said. "No. Inside." Paul inclined his head and Jacoby's excitement level rapidly rose. He knew paradise awaited him within the ass of this handsome, shy man. There would be time for the Delilahs of the vampire world before the weekend was over. Half an hour later, when they'd realized all the bedrooms in the mansion were already occupied, he took Paul into a huge, walk-in linen closet and leaned against the closed door. "Now," he said softly, "we fuck." Paul sucked in a breath and shocked Jacoby by shaking his head. "No ... I'm not gay and I can't do this. I thought I wanted it, but I..." "You do want it," he said coolly. "And you're going to get it." He did not tolerate teasing. He moved away from the door and looked into Paul's eyes. He saw fear and confusion ... and lustful desire as old as time. "I am going to fuck you," he said, softening his voice. "I've never been with another man. I can't..." "You're going to be with me tonight. I will be as gentle as I can, but I will have you tonight, Paul."

Chapter Two

Without waiting for his response, Jacoby undressed Paul, revealing his taunt body. He closed his hand around Paul's cock and felt it swell against his fingers and palm. Leaning forward, he stopped with his lips a breath away from Paul's. Within seconds, Paul leaned forward and kissed him hungrily on his mouth. Cupping Paul's hard ass in his palms, he took control of the kiss, devouring the other male's lips. As he kissed him and sucked his tongue, Paul shuddered and came, his body trembling uncontrollably. He held Paul, still kissing him as he moaned and gasped through his orgasm. When the trembling subsided, he released Paul and pulled off his clothes, revealing his cock. He watched in delight as Paul gasped at the size of his fully erect length. "Oh, damn, there's no way that's going up my virgin ass." Jacoby grinned with pride, tossed several sheets onto the floor, and drew Paul down onto them on his back. "It won't be virgin ass for much longer," he promised, stretching his body out on top of Paul's. "Oh, damn! You feel good," Paul admitted. Smiling, he ground his cock against Paul's as he slowly kissed him, savoring the taste of his lips and mouth, as well as the feel of Paul's cock swelling to its full length and hardness again against his own shaft. Damn. How had he never realized how intoxicating foreplay with a man could be? He kissed and sucked at Paul's lips and tongue until he felt his incisors descending. He suspected that learning his true nature would be too much for Paul. Even at these Fuck Fests, Vitali was inclined to insist that no blatant feeding took place outside. Vitali was old school and liked to maintain an air of respectability. Jacoby forced his incisors back. There would be time for tasting Paul's blood later. His current overriding need was to bury his cock balls-deep in Paul's ass. To his surprise, his heart beat wildly and his mouth felt dry at the thought of taking Paul's anal virginity. He had to have him now. He broke away from their shared kiss. Hands trembling, he lifted off Paul and eagerly turned him onto his stomach. With other male lovers, he had plunged his cock deep with two thrusts and hammered away at their asses until he came. As a vampire and a member of The Brotherhood, he did not concern himself with his human lovers' feelings. Power made right and he was a powerful vampire. For some reason, he did not want to exercise that ruthless command over Paul. He wanted Paul to welcome his cock. Kneading Paul's taunt ass cheeks, he bent his head and did something he had never considered with a male lover. He spread Paul's thighs and ran his lips up and down his inner legs, always stopping just before he reached Paul's cock and balls. Paul's groans spurred him on. He rained a series of greedy kisses on Paul's ass. Then, overcome with lust and desire, he parted Paul's cheeks and lubed him. He lubed his cock and slid his body on top of Paul's.

Paul stiffened under him. Keeping his weight on his arms, he pressed warm kisses against Paul's hair and the back of his neck and shoulders. It will be all right, he whispered the words directly into Paul's mind. I will do my best not to hurt you. Relax and prepare to give yourself to me. The words were as much for Paul's sake as they were for his own. Just a breath away from taking Paul, he found himself fighting a sudden and unexpected wave of revulsion. There was a hidden part of him that knew he should not be doing this ... not with this particular man. There was something about this male that made what he was about to do completely unacceptable. If only he could remember why. There was another part of him, urging him to ignore the first voice and take Paul ... consequences be damned. With a primal lust and hunger raging inside him, he knew which voice would win. Get ready, he whispered. Some of the tension left Paul's body. Supporting his weight on one arm, Jacoby eased his rigid shaft between Paul's ass cheeks and pressed forward. Relax, he ordered before Paul could stiffen again. However, he found he needed the admonition himself. So close to his goal of taking Paul, his heart thundered in his chest. Forcing himself to relax, he moved his hips forward, pressing against the small puckered opening gently but firmly until the head of his cock penetrated Paul's ass. Paul gasped. "Oh, damn!" He paused, kissing the back of Paul's neck. "It's all right," he whispered. "No! No. I can't do this!" The hell he couldn't. It's too late to change your mind, he warned. Relax. Relax. Again, he tried to take his own advice as the incredible pressure on his cock head sent the most delicious sensations through him. He wanted to go slowly, but he had to have more. He sucked at Paul's ear and eased forward. Several inches of his length slid into Paul's tight warm, virgin ass. Oh damn. Oh, damn! He had to have more. Using his free hand, he parted Paul's cheeks further and eased even more of his cock into his wonderful ass. "Damn it, this hurts!" Paul groaned. He put his other hand down on the floor near Paul's hips. I have a big cock and you have a tight ass, it's going to hurt the first time or so. He licked Paul's neck. Do you want me to stop? Paul lay under him, breathing deeply, his big body stiff. "I'm not gay!" Neither am I. Would you like some more of my cock? Paul pressed his head against the sheets, closing his eyes. "Yes," he spoke through gritted teeth. Jacoby ejaculated into Paul to help keep him lubricated before he eased more of himself inside. With three-quarters of his cock buried in warm, virgin ass, Jacoby closed his eyes, gritted his teeth, and fought to keep from coming. Now, my handsome Paul, we fuck. "Don't thrust," Paul pleaded. "Or you'll split me open." Ignoring the first voice, that urged him to thrust hard and roughly in an effort to bring Paul pain and humiliation, he thrust gently into Paul's tight warmth. His desire to be

tender with Paul overcame his desire to seek his own selfish pleasure. Within a few strokes he knew he wanted to make love to Paul, rather than fuck him. He controlled his movements and ejaculated frequently so their lovemaking was as easy on Paul as possible. He kissed and caressed Paul, whispering directly into the other male's mind. Even as his own passion built and threatened to rage out of control, he kept a tight rein on it, determined not to come until Paul climaxed. Being inside Paul brought a sense of wonder and contentment he had not known for a very long time. Even as he fought to control himself, he wanted to prolong their lovemaking. His hands itched to palm Paul's cock, but he resisted the urge. Just when he thought he could hold out no longer, his efforts were rewarded. Paul groaned, shuddered under him, and came. Jacoby tossed back his head, cried out aloud, and came, flooding Paul with his seed. His climax was so intense, he barely had the strength to ease out of Paul before collapsing beside him. Paul turned, found his lips, and held him as he lay gasping. Lying in Paul's embrace, with his warm lips pressing gentle kisses against his mouth, Jacoby shuddered and willingly surrendered another, bigger piece of his heart. **** Twenty years later Jacoby stood over the bed he shared with Paul. Now silver-haired, Paul lay face down on the mattress, his ass full of Jacoby's seed, a satisfied smile on his still handsome face. "You're going?" Paul asked sleepily. Jacoby bent for a last deep kiss from Paul's sweet lips before straightening to leave. "Yes, but I will return soon," he promised. "You know that." Paul sat up in bed and extended a hand to him. In the darkened room, he saw the look in Paul's eyes, begging him without words not to go. He lifted Paul into his arms. Holding his lover close, Jacoby kissed his lips slowly, savoring the taste and texture of his mouth and his tongue. He tasted his own seed on Paul's lips and tongue and felt a surge of desire and affection. There was something about holding and kissing Paul that made him feel whole and ... loved. He allowed Paul to slide to his feet where he held him close, rubbing his cock against Paul's flaccid one. "I have to go. I have needs, Paul, but I'll come back to you ... just as I always do." Paul's hand clutched at his ass, making his cock even harder. Unable to deny his never-ending need for Paul, Jacoby carried him over to the full-length mirror in the bedroom, and moved to stand behind him. Next to the mirror was a small table where they kept the various lubes they used within easy reach. Even though Paul no longer needed any lube other than his seed, they both liked the ritual of applying the various liquids they used during their lovemaking. He grabbed a large tube and lubed Paul's ass and his cock. When he was satisfied Paul was ready, Jacoby parted his cheeks, pressed his cock at the entrance of Paul's butt, and slowly eased forward. Passion flared in him, as it always did when his cock first entered Paul.

There was no feeling quite like entering Paul ... each time was more delicious than the last and each time was almost like the first time when he had taken Paul and lost his heart. Even after all these years of lovemaking, Paul's ass remained as tight and hot as it had the first night they'd made love. And being with Paul enchanted him as much now as it had then. He eased in his cock. Standing in front of the full-length mirror, he fought the urge to close his eyes to savor slipping balls-deep into Paul's ass. When he was fully seated in Paul's warm rear, he paused and licked the side of his favorite lover's neck, one hand on Paul's hip, the other reaching between Paul's legs. He loved the feel and weight of Paul's thick cock in his hands. He waited until Paul opened his eyes before he began a slow, tender fuck. He loved to watch the look on Paul's face as he looked into the mirror and saw only his own reflection. Among vampires, there were two breeds as reflections went, the nocturnal breed and the diurnal breed. The Diurnal cast reflections and were scornfully called Reflects by the nocturnal breed who proudly and loudly proclaimed that they cast no shadows. As reflections went, one was either diurnal or nocturnal. The exceptions being Jacoby, Vitali, Aleksei Madison, and the vampire traitor Wilfredo Miguel Santiago, all four of whom could chose to cast or not to cast reflections. Jacoby preferred to cast a reflection, but to please Paul, when they made love he became nocturnal, casting no reflection. He knew Paul got off on his lack of a reflection and loved being taken in front of the mirror like this. Knowing Paul was tired and in need of rest, he pumped Paul's cock and sucked on the side of his neck as Paul groaned and shuddered through his orgasm. Keeping a tight reign on himself, Jacoby came, feeding briefly at Paul's neck before easing out of him. He lifted Paul in his arms. Paul turned his face against his shoulder. "Damn, I love you, Jay," he whispered. Jacoby's chest tightened as it frequently did when Paul whispered a declaration of love. He knew Paul longed to be told that Jacoby was in love with him, but the words always caught in Jacoby's throat. He was not gay and he was not in love with another male. To compensate for his silence, he kissed Paul's lips and carried him back to bed. Paul was asleep almost before his firm, muscled body touched the mattress. Already missing Paul, Jacoby ventured out into the night in search of another lover to satisfy his hunger, but his thoughts remained with Paul. Paul was perfect in most ways. He eagerly sucked Jacoby's cock and welcomed him up his ass as often as he could, never complaining. He was a beautiful man who drew Jacoby back to his arms again and again, as he had for the last twenty years. Jacoby supposed he would always return to Paul ... for as long as he lived. Paul was now fifty-five and he worried that in a few more years Paul would no longer be able to handle even his most tame needs. He had broached the subject of bringing Paul over, but Paul had been adamant that he would not allow it. "I am human, Jacoby! And I plan to stay that way. If that's not good enough for you, leave me in peace and go find another lover!" Paul had snapped at him five years earlier. Enraged that Paul didn't fear death separating them as he did, he had grabbed Paul, tossed him on the bed, lay on top of him, and thrust his cock up Paul's ass with one hard

plunge, staring down at him with glowing eyes. Paul had gasped, but had not resisted in any way. In fact, even though he knew he was hurting him, Paul had wrapped his legs and arms around him, found his mouth, and moaned against his lips as Jacoby fucked him hard. Paul's silent acceptance of the rough sex had chastened him. He had cradled Paul in his arms and gentled his movements in Paul's sweet ass. In Paul's kiss and his caressing hands, Jacoby had found forgiveness and he had sworn then that he would never hurt Paul again. And he hadn't. Although they had separate houses and Paul traveled frequently, they were still very close. At 350-years-old, Jacoby was not accustomed to allowing lovers to make their own decisions, but Paul was special and he could not find it in himself to force anything on Paul he did not welcome. So to keep their relationship intact, he made love to Paul for as long as Paul could bear, then he went out to find another younger lover he could ravish. When he had taken the edge off his sexual hunger, he would return to Paul and make sweet love to him again. He sighed, wrenching his thoughts back to the present. He moved silently through the night, his incisors bared, his eyes glowing. It was dark and quiet, as he liked it when he was on the prowl for a new lover. Thoughts of Paul made his cock harden. He needed a few rough fucks; then he would return home to Paul. As he neared the club district, he spotted several people emerging from a nightclub. One person in particular caught his attention, a tall, voluptuous woman with lovely smooth dark skin, dark eyes, long legs, a nicely padded ass, an amply endowed chest, and a pair of full lips that made him wet his. Although she was modestly dressed in a red dress that cupped her breasts and lovingly fondled her butt, he felt a surprising physical reaction to her. Since he and Paul had become lovers, he had confined himself to male lovers so that Paul would not feel threatened. And yet this woman ... this lovely lovely woman made him remember how sweet and warm sex with a woman could be ... had once been in a distant place and time. Like his lost love, this woman was beautiful and as alluring as a statue of an exquisite Ebony Venus he had once owned and lost. Strangely, although he did not think she resembled the one woman he could not forget, this lovely woman recalled his lost love to mind. He watched her and knew he had to have her ... had once had her ... a long time ago. He frowned as long forgotten memories taunted him, dancing out of his reach as he teetered on the edge of reclaiming them. Why couldn't he remember? The woman's soft, seductive voice recalled him to the present. She said goodbye to several people and headed toward a dark sedan. Obeying an instinct he could neither deny nor understand, he followed, his cock hardening, his incisors sheathed. Tonight, he was going to enjoy his first taste of pussy in twenty years. His excitement level soared. **** Venus Ryan felt a warm tingling sensation along her spine and a wave of heat suffuse her. She turned quickly and caught her breath. Standing before her was the most striking man she had ever seen. He was tall and well-built with short thick brown hair.

His eyes were deep and dark. His lips, although narrow, were sensual, his skin rather pale. Although not drop-dead gorgeous, he was attractive in a rugged, I-can-fuck-youhard-and-often way that made her wet just looking at him. Dressed in all black, he reminded her of a miniature painting she had found in her mother's possessions after she had disappeared. The caption under the picture had read, J for V? Somehow, without knowing how she knew, she had always known she was the V in question. She had given up wondering who J was and just what "J for V" meant. Still, that painting had always intrigued her. Now, she wondered if she was looking at the man who had inspired it, J. Like J, this man exuded sensuality like no man she'd ever seen. Unable to stop herself, she glanced down. She sucked in a breath at the clear outline of his cock revealed along one long, muscled leg. Oh, mama, but he was nicely put together in all the right places. "Hello." His voice, deep and compelling, sent a shiver along her spine. She swallowed slowly. She had come out for a night of dancing with her friends with the certain knowledge that she would be returning home alone. Having ended a verbally abusive relationship three months earlier, she wanted some time to reevaluate where her personal life was going and who she wanted to get there with. She had a well-paying job as a computer programmer, a small, loyal group of friends she knew she could count on, and at twenty-seven, her life in front of her. For the present, she felt no pressing need for a man in her life. But one look at this man and she knew he was on the prowl. He wanted to pick her up. To her amazement, she felt something within her responding to his raw sensuality and sense of power. "Hello..." Her voice quivered and she wet her lips. "My name is Jacoby and I would like to take you home and fuck you." His voice exuded the confidence that she would acquiesce to his near-demand. Although, with the right man, she loved a good, raunchy fucking as much as the next woman, she did not approve of men who talked about fucking without having romanced her a little first. Even though her body responded to him, there was no way she was going anywhere with the smug bastard. She forced herself to look away from him and put her key in her car door. She opened the door and slid in. She started her car and rolled down the driver's side window and beckoned to him. With a confident look on his rugged face, he bent his head to listen. "Yes?" Up close, she decided drop-dead gorgeous was overrated. This man's rugged looks were stunning. Unable to stop herself, she stroked a hand down his cheek to his neck. He sucked in a quick, excited breath. Smiling, she turned her head and brushed her lips against his. The contact, although light, sent a wave of pure, primal lust and longing through her she had never experienced. Even this light kiss made her burn all over with desires that had gone unfulfilled for what had seemed eons. But she was allowing her imagination to run away. She fought the desire to submit to him and deepened the kiss until his lips parted. Then she touched the tip of her tongue against his and breathed into his mouth, "Take a flying leap off the nearest building, Jacoby!"

She heard his startled exclamation. Ignoring the increasing need to surrender to him, she shoved against his shoulder as hard as she could. When he stumbled away from the car, she raised her window and shot her car forward. She glanced in her rearview mirror and frowned. The parking lot was well lit and yet she saw no sign of him. Where had he gone so quickly? She slowed the car and glanced over her shoulder and let out a startled exclamation. She could see him standing where she had left him, his white teeth bared, his eyes glowing with malice. Glowing. His eyes were actually glowing! Yet when she glanced in her rearview mirror again, she couldn't see him. Casting another look over her shoulder, she saw him still standing glaring at her. She could think of only one reason he would cast no reflection. And she had teased and shoved him. Oh, Lord, her goose was well and truly cooked. Heart pounding, she pressed her foot against the gas and roared out of the parking lot. But even as she fled, she knew there was no escape for her. How did one escape a vampire, she wondered wildly. Then a frightening realization struck her. Although she was afraid, she felt a powerful desire to turn the car around and go back to him. Not to determine if he were really a vampire, but to apologize, and agree to spend the night ... or eternity with him in whatever dark place he lurked. As much as she repeatedly told herself she didn't need or want a man, there was a part of her that did need and want a man in her life and in her bed. She would always need a man, preferably, a strong, powerful man with a huge sex drive who could make love to her all night long, night after night. A powerful, sexual man who would dominate her and take her again and again with rough, hurtful thrusts from a hard cock that would drive her crazy and make her come. She longed for a man who would bind her, thrust his cock deep up her behind, and fuck her until she exploded in a haze of heat, passion, and primal lust. Lord, what a way to go! Conversely, she also wanted a tender and considerate lover who would wine and dine her and treat her gently ... worship her. She went wet thinking of all the sexual needs and desires she'd denied herself for so long. Although she and her ex, Jordan, had been sexually compatible, he had never touched her most secret inner woman when they made love. Each new relationship left her feeling as if something vital and essential was missing. She felt a deep aching need for primordial, lustful sex that was nonetheless driven by an underlying tenderness. Therein lay her problem. She wanted too much from a man. Small wonder all of her relationships ended badly. She had to learn to accept what was offered and available, not long for the impossible. Her thoughts turned briefly to Jacoby and she shivered with desire. Lord, how she longed to explore sex with him. But she would not be governed by her endless need for sex. And she certainly had no desire to face a vampire who would doubtless long for vengeance.

Chapter Three

Paul Michaels came slowly awake and sat up in his darkened bedroom. Jacoby, fully dressed, stood at the window, looking out onto the back patio. Paul glanced at his bedside clock. The soft glowing number read 3:05 p.m. When Jacoby left him, he usually did not return until after sunset the following night. From across the room, he sensed Jacoby's agitation. Something had gone wrong. Although Paul was tired and had a long day in front of him, he got out of bed and walked to Jacoby. He slipped his arms around Jacoby and pressed his cheek against his shoulder. Jacoby's muscles felt tensed and coiled. "What's wrong, Jay?" Jacoby gave an angry shake of his head. "Nothing is wrong, Paul. Go back to bed and sleep." "What happened? Couldn't you find anyone who pleased you?" Jacoby stiffened against him and he tightened his arms. "Jay! What is it?" When Jacoby remained silent, he released him and turned him so that they faced each other. As he had expected, Jacoby's eyes glowed and his incisors were bared. He fairly trembled with rage. Someone had been foolish enough to piss him off. Paul closed his eyes briefly, praying that Jacoby had not killed the offender. Although he'd been in love with Jacoby since the night they met, he had no illusions about his lover. He was a vampire and he was not above killing those who dared annoy him. He stroked a finger down Jacoby's cheek, took his hand, and led him to their bed. Jacoby remained silent and still as he undressed him. When he finished, he stood back and admired the vampire in front of him. Jacoby was a beautiful man with a big, sleek body that was nicely muscled. His shoulders were wide, his chest impressive, his abs flat, his legs long, and his cock long and thick. Although his ass burned and he didn't really feel up to taking Jacoby again, he knew without being told that Jacoby had not been with anyone else. He was still in need. Cupping his face between his palms, Paul leaned forward and pressed a long, hot kiss against his lips. Jacoby shuddered and slipped his arms around him, taking command of the kiss and devouring his lips with a voracious passion that made Paul's cock jump to attention. Cradling a big hand against the back of his head, Jacoby kissed him again and again, rubbing his thick shaft against him with an insistent pressure that set Paul's passion on high boil. In just a matter of moments with no more stimulation than hungry kisses and a grinding cock against his, Paul shuddered and came, blasting his seed against Jacoby's cock and thighs. His knees buckled and he would have sunk to the floor if not for Jacoby's arms around him. Jacoby lifted him onto the bed and lay on top of him. Finding his mouth, Jacoby clutched his bruised ass in his big hands, and ground his cock against him. After several minutes, Paul knew this fondling wasn't enough to make Jacoby come. When he was in such need, Paul knew nothing short of penetration would do. Steeling himself, he pushed

Jacoby off him and rolled over to reach for the lube. He liberally filled himself; then reached for Jacoby's cock. To his surprise, Jacoby's hand shot out and held his away from his cock. "What's wrong, Jay?" he asked. "I know you cannot take me again tonight, Paul and I will not torture you for the sake of my own pleasure." He pulled away from Jacoby. "I'm an adult, Jay. I know what I'm doing. You need sex." He leaned forward and kissed Jacoby's lips. "And it's my job to take care of your needs." Jacoby snarled angrily and flashed away from him and off the bed. "I will not take my pleasure at your expense, Paul. I will survive the night without your sacrifice. Now leave me be!" "What? Leave you be?" "Yes! I have no wish for selfless sacrifices tonight or for your company!" Paul sat in bed, staring at Jacoby. What the hell had happened while he had been gone? He couldn't recall the last time Jacoby had spoken to him like this. He tightened his lips. He had given up a lot to be with Jacoby. Divorced at the time from his wife of thirteen years, his relationship with his teenage son Jeff had taken a beating when Jeff had arrived unexpectedly at his house one afternoon. Paul had been groaning and moaning loudly as he had greedily bounced up and down on Jacoby's cock in the chair they shared. Just as he exploded, his bedroom door opened. Jeff stood there, watching in horror as, with Jacoby's cock buried to the hilt in his ass, Paul's cock spewed come into the air. Although he had planned to eventually tell his son about his relationship with Jacoby, he had never wanted his son to see him and Jacoby together. It had taken him three years to coax Jeff into visiting him again. Even now, he and Jeff had never quite regained the close relationship they'd enjoyed before Jeff had walked in on them. And now Jacoby wanted to give him grief. Hell no! He climbed out of bed and stormed across the room to where Jacoby stood glaring at him. Both he and Jacoby were roughly six-six. He stood toe-to-toe with Jacoby and stared into his eyes. "Don't start anything you can't finish, Jay," he said coolly. "I don't know what happened while you were out, but I do know one thing and that is whatever it was, it wasn't my fault. You got an attitude? Fine! Take it and your ass out of here! And don't you dare darken my damned door again until you're ready to apologize!" "Apologize?" "Yes, Jay, apologize. You're nuts if you think I'm taking any shit from you! For what? Because I want to take care of your needs? Hell no!" Jacoby's right hand shot out and closed around his bicep. He didn't make the mistake of trying to jerk away. There was no question of who was physically stronger. He frowned. Sometimes he almost felt as if he could take Jacoby is a fair fight. Although he suspected Jacoby did not and never would love him, he knew Jacoby placed a high value on their relationship. And after twenty years, he knew how to handle Jacoby's temper. "You're about to cross a line you crossed five years earlier, Jay. I forgave you then, but I will not forgive you again. Unless you're prepared to tell me our relationship is over, take your hand off of me immediately!"

As he had known he would, Jacoby immediately released him. But instead of apologizing, he snatched up his clothes, flashed across the room, and disappeared. Surprised and hurt, Paul walked back to the bed, sinking down on the side. What had happened while they were separated to make Jacoby rage with such fury that he had nearly manhandled him? Where the hell had he gone? And when would he return? Paul lay on the bed and closed his eyes. He tired to drift back to sleep, but for the first time since they had become lovers, he was not sure that Jacoby would return. Just as he started to drift into a fitful sleep, he felt something warm and hard against his back. Oh, thank, God! Without opening his eyes, he turned onto his side and into Jacoby's arms. He felt his lover's lips against his hair, his hands stoking down his back to cup his ass. There was no passion in Jacoby's touch ... just a warm, silent plea for forgiveness. He sighed, knowing this was as close as Jacoby would come to apologizing. Oh, hell! It was enough. He lifted his head and sighed with pleasure as Jacoby pressed a soft, gentle kiss against his lips. He sank his teeth into Jacoby's bottom lip before drawing back to look at him. "I want to know what happened, Jay." Jacoby stiffened. "I was teased and turned down." He arched a brow in surprise. He couldn't imagine a man turning down his handsome, charismatic lover, who radiated such a strong aura of sex he was impossible to resist. Hell, before he met Jacoby, he'd been strictly heterosexual. But one look at Jacoby and he'd fallen into instant lust. When Jacoby had asked him to dance, although the thought of dancing with another man had embarrassed him, he had been so overcome by lust that he had agreed. The moment he had felt Jacoby's impressive cock hardening against him, he knew that he was only moments away from having his ass reamed for the first time. In that closet with the sounds of the party surrounding them, he had lost his anal virginity to Jacoby. Even after all this time, he still got aroused remembering that first tender fuck. Jacoby had rained warm, insistent kisses on his neck and shoulders, and held him, back to chest as he gently thrust his huge cock up into his ass. He hadn't tried to get it all in at once, but he was so deliciously thick and hard that Paul had exploded after only a few minutes of having his prostate stimulated. Even then Jacoby had been a considerate lover. He had held Paul as he groaned and shuddered through his climax. Then, without coming himself, he had eased his cock out of Paul's burning ass, turned Paul in his arms, and planted a deep, soul-destroying kiss on his lips. "I must see you again," Jacoby had whispered, grinding his cock against his. He had been tempted, but had shaken his head and pulled away, snatching up his clothes. "Look, I can't deny that I enjoyed what just happened between us ... but I am not gay." Jacoby had taken his clothes, tossed them to the floor, pulled him in his arms, and kissed him again, making him hot and roused. "Neither am I, but I will see you again. Yes?" "I like women ... I enjoy pussy, damn it!" "So do I," Jacoby had whispered and smothered his lips with kisses.

The next thing Paul knew, he was lying on his back on the floor with Jacoby on top of him, balls deep in his ass. Jacoby held him around the waist and kissed him hungrily as he thrust up into his ass, making his whole body shudder with unimagined lust. He had groaned and moaned into Jacoby's lips, his arms wrapped around him as he came. When he'd calmed down, Jacoby had eased out of his ass and lubed them both up again. Then his legs had been raised to rest against Jacoby's shoulders and he had felt Jacoby's hard tool pressed tight against his ass. Closing his eyes and thinking of only how good anal sex felt, he groaned as Jacoby's thick dick slowly plowed up his rear. After a few, leisurely movements, they fell into an easy rhythm and this time, Jacoby had come, filling him with his seed. And he had been hooked. When they had emerged from the pantry much later, he could barely walk without pain and he had lost his heart to Jacoby. Strangely enough he still did not consider himself gay. He had never once wanted another man and he frequently dreamed of thrusting his cock into a receptive pussy. He was in love with Jacoby and had not had another lover since meeting him. Still, his hunger for a woman lingered and tortured him. Jacoby stirred against him and he forced his thoughts away from the joys of pussy. "Tell me about him," he invited. "It ... it was a woman, Paul." Surprising. As far as he knew, Jacoby had given up women. "A woman?" "Yes ... I ... it's been so long, Paul..." Paul tensed. "Since what?" "Since I had any pussy! You know how I ... value our relationship ... but sometimes a man feels the need for pussy and I haven't had any since we met." "Neither have I," he said bleakly. Surprisingly, Jacoby's admission didn't hurt or surprise him. Even though he highly valued their relationship, somewhere deep inside, it had never seemed natural to him. He had no problems with same-sex relationships, but some deep-seated part of him felt that he had no business having a relationship with Jay in particular. "You're not the only one longing for a woman, Jay." Jacoby pulled away form him. "Are you telling me ... you want a woman too?" "I ... well ... I ... yes!" he admitted. "I told you when we met I wasn't gay! Jay, I wouldn't trade you for a million gorgeous women ... but I dream about women all the time. It would be so nice to have some pussy and a pair of breasts to suck and bite ... to feel a woman's soft, warm curves under my body ... just once in a while, Jay. It wouldn't change how I feel about you ... do you understand?" "Yes, Paul. I do." Jacoby sounded relieved and Paul realized that they'd both been fools for not admitting they had needs the other couldn't fill. While Jacoby filled all his emotional needs and he knew he did the same for Jacoby, there was a physical need a man had for a woman that nothing could replace. "So what are we going to do about this, Jay?" "We'll have to get ourselves a woman." He heard the excitement in Jacoby's voice and nodded, his heart thumping at the idea of no longer having to hide his one remaining need from the man he loved. "Yes. We will, but don't you go falling in love on me, Jay or I'll beat your tight ass."

Jacoby turned him over and looked into his eyes. "How can I fall in love with anyone, Paul, when my soul belongs to you?" His soul. Not his heart. Paul sighed. He supposed that was as close as Jacoby would ever come to admitting to loving him. Oh, hell. It was enough. The next time he was on a business trip, he was going to go find himself a woman to spend the night with. Then he would return to Jacoby and welcome him back. Life was about to get a lot more interesting. He turned and pressed his back against Jacoby's chest. "So tell me about this woman who had the balls to turn you down. You didn't ... hurt her ... did you?" "Not yet!"

Chapter Four

"Are you sure?" Venus stopped pacing the length of the living room and turned to look at the woman seated on the hardwood floor with her legs crossed. As usual, Belladonna was dressed in one color. Today it was cream. The cream dancer's tunic with the flowing cream skirt hid the curves of her lithe body and provided a striking contrast for her rich honey-bronzed skin tone and naturally curly dark hair. No one looking at Belladonna with her wrinkle-free skin and stunning green eyes would believe her true age. She looked like someone fresh out of college and yet Venus had reason to believe Belladonna was several decades older than she looked. She nodded, then hesitated, biting her bottom lip. "Oh, I'm not sure. I mean I know he had no reflection and his eyes glowed ... but there could be another explanation for that. Couldn't there?" Even as she asked the question, she didn't believe it. She knew what he was. Somehow she would have known even if she hadn't realized he had no reflection. She swung away from Belladonna and stared out into the darkened night. Was he even now out there somewhere watching her? She'd heard vampires could fly as well as become invisible if they chose. What if he was hovering outside the window watching her? She shivered with a combination of fear and excitement at the thought. "Are there really such things as vampires?" "Do you believe there to be?" She cast her eyes ceiling-ward and turned to look at the other woman. She wasn't in the mood for any of Belladonna's cryptic questions or remarks. "Can you please just answer the question for once? A simple yes or no is all I'm asking. Do vampires exist?" "And if I tell you that they do? Then what? What has upset you?" "What has upset me? Belladonna! I told you what I did! I shoved him ... after kissing him! He was furious. I could feel his fury as I fled from him. He'll be looking for revenge!" Belladonna closed her eyes, pursed her lips, and began humming a beautiful yet tuneless melody that Venus had heard many times in the years she had spent with Belladonna after her mother had vanished without a trace when she was ten. She stood watching and listening as Belladonna swayed to the tuneless music ... as if in harmony with it. Venus had learned over the years that the music was an important and integral part of Belladonna. It was how she knew things. Finally Belladonna stopped swaying, fell silent, and opened her eyes. As usual after her song, she looked weak. "What did you see?" she asked. "Is he a vampire? Will he come after me?" "In the long run ... it will be all right, Venus." She let out a gusty sigh and dropped to her knees in front of Belladonna. She frowned. "Wait a minute. You said it will be all right in the long run. What about the short run? Is he a vampire? Will he be coming after me?"

"I could not see the near future ... but in the long run, you will be all right. As I have long told you, you are more than just a human woman. Like your mother before you, you are the image of the goddess Caldara, mistress of the soul song, model for the famed and enchanted Ebony Venus of Love in her natural form centuries past." Venus closed her eyes and clenched her hands into fists to keep from screaming in frustration. She feared for her life and Belladonna was wasting time talking about some long dead goddess from some mythical alien world that had nothing to do with the here and now. "Belladonna! Please! I am Venus Ryan, human. I am not some ... some ... Willoni ... I can't sing and there is no music in my soul that will tell me what's going to happen in five minutes! Forget telling me the future! Bella! There's just no music inside me." "There is music everywhere in the universe. Can you not hear it in the beauty of a waterfall ... the song of birds ... in the silent twinkle of the stars at night?" "Bella, how can I hear it if it's silent?" "You can hear it with the ears of your musical soul." She shook her head. "There's no music in me." "It is there, but you will not hear it." Belladonna placed a hand over Venus's heart. "The music is there. I can feel it and so would you if you would but let yourself. Surrender to it ... let it flow over you and take possession of your soul. You are Venus, daughter of Ebonee'. It is your destiny and cannot be denied. Why do you think you have encountered this vampire? Because the goddess Caldara willed it to force you to admit who and what you are." Normally, Venus was even-tempered, at least with Belladonna, but now she struggled to hold onto her temper as she exploded to her feet and paced the floor angrily. "Do you think I could ever be induced to serve this Caldara of yours? What did serving her get my mother? Where is my mother, Belladonna? All I have left of her are dreams where she comes to me and tells me she's okay and if I trust in Caldara, all will be well. Ever since I was a baby, she talked to me about this Caldara. But where was she when my mother disappeared without a trace? Where is my mother? Why didn't this so-called goddess help her? Why did she allow her to be taken from me so that I was left alone? Why?" Pain filled Belladonna's eyes. "You were not left alone, Venus. Did I not step in and do my best for you?" Oh, darn her filthy temper! She dropped to her knees and wrapped her arms around the other woman. "Oh, Bella! Please! I didn't mean it like that! I would have died of grief if not for your loving care of me! Please forgive me! I'm just scared ... I don't know what I'm saying, but you know I love you." Belladonna drew back and stared into her eyes and into her soul. "You know he will not kill you. What is the root of your fear, Venus?" She felt heat rush to her cheeks. "I ... even as I was afraid of him ... I felt drawn to him. When I turned and looked at him, I felt this sense of homecoming and a wave of longing I could hardly bear." "You know what he is?" She inclined her head. "Yes. That's what is really frightening. Even before I saw he had no reflection ... I knew he was behind me and I knew he was not human. Bella, there

was a very strong sexual attraction, but I also felt as if we'd once shared a powerful and deep ... love for each other. I ... I wanted so badly to go with him." "Why did you not?" "He said he wanted to fuck me..." "And you wanted him to fuck you. Yes?" "Yes. Oh, Bella, you have no idea how badly I wanted that." "He is a dangerous being, Venus, but you are more than human. You have desires that are ... deep and soul stirring. He cannot harm you as long as you admit who you are. No one, even a vampire, can do lasting and permanent damage to Venus, daughter of Ebonee', high priestess of the goddess Caldara. I am Belladonna, your guardian and guide. We are Willoni, Earth Bound. Be true to yourself, Venus. Sing the creed song with me." She shook her head and rose to her feet. "No." Belladonna closed her eyes and began to sing softly. We are Willoni. Once the protectors of Persia, Denhari, Wind Swept Valley, and all lands graced by the goddess Caldara. Though earthbound, our spirits are of Aeolia. We have forsaken carnal pleasures in pursuit of higher goals. We are Willoni. As usual when Venus heard what her mother and Belladonna called their creed or soul song, she felt a deep stirring inside her, wanting to sway to an inner beat and cry out that yes, she felt the soul music and yes she was Willoni. But she had not ... could not forsake carnal pleasures. She wrapped her arms around her body, as if to hold the inner music she had denied for so long inside her. "I do not forsake carnal pleasures. Bella ... I love sex ... I think about it almost as much as any man ... and I want ... I like being made love to and I love to fuck ... I will not live my life without the comfort and joy of a man! I am not Willoni!" Belladonna rose and came to stand in front of her. "Just because you crave physical pleasure does not mean you are not Willoni. In fact, my little darling, it means just the opposite. We are a race who crave pleasure like few others." She blinked. "We?" Belladonna nodded. "We. I too crave carnal pleasures, Venus. Did you think I did not?" There was a wistfulness in her voice and not for the first time, Venus thought of the tall, well-built ... hunk ... there was no other word for the handsome blue-eyed accountant who did Belladonna's taxes. Although a few years older than Venus, Benton Diamond always looked at Bella with a hint of lust in his eyes and with an air that she was the only woman in the world worth looking at. Venus had often felt sorry for Benton, sure that Bella had no interest in sex or anything else but her music and that he stood no chance of ever catching Bella's green eyed-gaze. Clearly she had been wrong ... at least about Bella's desire for carnal pleasures. She found the thought that one of these days Benton might get lucky with Bella pleasing. He was handsome, kind, sexy, and considerate. Yet, Venus had sensed a depth of untapped passion and lust in him. For all his apparent reserve, she knew he would make an explosive and fiery lover who would make Belladonna's toes curl with his passion for her. She had a sudden vision of Benton, his big body nude and sporting a more than respectable erection, sliding his cock deep into Bella's pussy from behind as he held her

quivering breasts in his tanned hands and rained hungry kisses against her bare neck and shoulders. Bella was also nude and the contrast of his fair skin against her bronze skin tones, was striking and exciting. He fucked her with a lust and passion Venus could almost taste. With each thrust, Bella quivered and moaned with pleasure, her pussy joyfully accepting his returning cock. As he fucked her, he whispered to her with the mind music that he loved her and couldn't go on without her. As their climaxes washed over them, they both cried out, their voices raised in a combination of lust, love, passion, desire, and immense satisfaction. Afterwards, he held Bella's trembling body close to his, his cock still fully seated in her pussy, whispering that she was his now and he would never let her go again. Bella drew away from him and rose, her eyes filled with tears, sadness, and regret. She stroked her hand down his cheek. "You are so young and so handsome. It is unacceptable for a woman of my age to sleep with someone so much younger." "Oh, Bella, I don't care how old you are! I've wanted you from the moment I saw you twelve years ago when I was just eighteen. I never thought I'd ever actually get a chance to kiss your warm lips, hold your beautiful body in my arms, and make love to you. This was the most incredible experience of my entire life." "You are very young, Benton. There will be other experiences and other more fulfilling lovers." "No, there won't be any other woman for me ever again. Not now that I've tasted passion and love with you, Bella." "You are, as ever, charming, my handsome young Benton, but I have erred in giving into lust with you. I should not have taken advantage of you like this. This should not have happened, my little one. It must not happen again. It can not happen again. I must go!" Even as she spoke, as if it had a mind of its own, her hand drifted down between his legs to fondle his cock. It came to immediate attention. "You're not going anywhere now, Bella." Benton rose to his knees on the bed. He wrapped an arm around Bella's waist, swept her back onto the bed, and settled between her legs, with his cock resting against her pussy. "You are mine and I am not giving you up." She stroked her fingers along his face. "You have to, Benton. We can't do this again. It's not right." "You think I care about that? I don't. I don't care about anything, but you, Bella. You have to learn to accept that." As she lay staring up at him with wide, green, lustful eyes, he thrust his cock deep into her pussy with one forceful, powerful lunge, grinding his hips tight against hers. As he bottomed out inside her, Bella cried out with unmitigated pleasure, and wrapped her arms and legs around him. "Benton! Oh, Benton!" "Oh, damn, Bella!" He groaned and thrust wildly into her pussy, kissing her with a deep, greedy passion that was nonetheless tinged with an undeniable tenderness. Bella bucked her body against his, raking her nails down his back to clutch at his tight, clenching buns, forcing his cock to penetrate her body ever deeper. Clinging together, they fucked with a sweet, yet primal passionate rhythm until their bodies moved together in perfect harmony as two parts of one whole, finally reunited. They cried out together, coming within seconds of each other in a matter of minutes. Afterwards, they held and kissed each other, murmuring words of love.

Venus, completely captivated by the depth of passion and devotion she felt from them, started when Bella touched her arm. She blinked away ... the vision? and stared at Bella with a flushed face, realizing the other woman was still speaking. "It has been well over sixty years since I have known the pleasure of sex..." So what she had just seen had not yet happened. The goddess willing, it would and soon. Bella deserved the pleasure and devotion Benton was so willing and eager to give her. "I too think about it," Bella went on, a distant look in her eyes. Venus knew her thoughts had turned to Benton. "Bella, have you seen Benton lately?" She saw a brief but unmistakable flash of desire and longing in Bella's gaze. She recalled overhearing a conversation between her mother and Bella, just before her mother disappeared. Thirsty and barefoot, Venus had left her bed for a drink late one night. As she walked back down the hall past the living room door, she had heard her mother's voice. She loved the sound of her mother's voice. Her mother sang her to sleep every night and she often sang for Bella. Thinking she might get to hear one of the sultry ballads for which her mother was world famous, she crept close to the door and listened. "Oh, Bella, how can I be expected to live the rest of eternity without a man?" "It is your destiny, Ebonee'. You are Willoni. You will do as you must. And there will be the annual Immaculate Feast of Bliss and Conception to which you may look forward." Venus had heard her mother sigh. "But that is but once a year and who is to say Caldara will allow me to participate?" "It is your right." "Oh, Bella, I know you mean well, but do not talk to me of rights. When was the last time you were allowed home to partake of the feast?" "It has been a long time, but I have been needed here with you and now with Venus. It is not always easy, but I will do my duty." "What about Venus, Bella? How can I make her understand what is about to happen? She's only ten." Her mother's voice had taken on a note of despair that had frightened her. Dropping the glass to the floor, she had pushed the door all the way open and run into the room. "Mommy! Mommy, what's wrong?" Her mother had immediately comforted her and she had never heard of the Feast of Immaculate Bliss and Conception again. Nevertheless, the mere words conjured up a picture of incredible lust and passion when any and everything was possible and the most wonderful delights happened. And this Bella had been denied for more than sixty years. It wasn't fair! The more Venus heard of this Caldara, the less she liked her. Still, maybe Bella and Benton could create their own Immaculate Feast of Bliss and Conception. She gave herself a mental shake and looked at Bella. "Benton? Why do you ask about him? He is a good accountant, but he is forever under foot, always wanting to discuss tax issues over coffee, breakfast, or dinner. I have often told him that he should work less and find himself a woman. Then he would not need to mix business with ... pleasure." Bella wet her lips. "He is a handsome boy, isn't he?"

"He's very handsome but, Bella, he's hardly a..." "He is very lonely for a woman's warmth, attention, and passion." Not to mention a woman's neither regions, Venus thought wickedly, remembering the gusto with which he had fucked Bella in her "vision." Benton always looked like he needed to be laid. "Bella he is at least thirty years old and the partner is a very successful CPA firm. He's hardly a boy." "When you are as old as I, thirty is but an infant." "He's a big, hunky infant, Bella and you should be flattered that he still does your account himself." Bella shrugged. "This is not the time to talk of handsome, impetuous little boys talking of things they ought not and trying to steal kisses where they ought not." Impetuous? Steal kisses? Had Benton made a pass at Bella and been rejected? She frowned, seeing another vision of Benton, his blue eyes dark and filled with longing, bending his head, and pressing a long, hungry kiss against Bella's mouth. Just for a moment, Bella remained close to him, her beautiful face lifted to his, her hands resting against his chest, her lips parting under the force of his demanding kiss, her body pressed tight against his. When he cupped his hands over Bella's ass, she moaned and ground her hips against his. Then, abruptly, she drew away, asking him in an icy voice to let himself out of her dance studio. He did ... but only after cupping his hands against Bella's large breasts and pressing yet another long kiss against her lips. A kiss Bella didn't resist in any way. The vision floated away and Venus stifled an inward sigh. She hoped Benton would not give up. She suspected he and Bella could be very happy together. Venus had a sudden flash of inspiration. "You know, Bella, I think you're right about Benton. But he's a little rough around the edges, isn't he?" Bella's eyes widened. "What are you speaking of, Venus? Benton is a perfectly handsome and charming boy any girl in her right mind would be lucky to have. He has no rough edges that require smoothing." Stuck on him, was she, but unwilling to admit or accept it? "Why don't you help him find a suitable woman?" "Me?" "Yes. You." Bella nibbled at her lip. "I would like to see the boy happy. He deserves a woman who will be good to him and fulfill all his needs." "Then help him find one." "No. Like your mother and like you, I am Willoni. It is my calling to guard and watch over future Willoni like Ebonee' and you until such time as I meet he who will master my soul song and release me to love again." She heard the yearning in Bella's voice and knew Bella had suffered greatly resisting her own inclinations. From what Venus had heard of the Willoni, they were a passionate race, loving deeply and eternally. She had a feeling Bella had met the man she was waiting for, but just wasn't willing to see it. "Bella, can Willoni see their own destinies?" "It is said those of the priestly line can. For others, such as myself, we do not often or very accurately see our own futures. It falls to our sister Willoni to assist us, if they are so inclined." So she would have to assist Bella in seeing that Benton was the man for her.

"And does everything Willoni see become a reality?" "No. Not everything. We can not predict the future ... just sometimes see it ... and if powerful enough ... help shape it." Oh, damn. She hoped that didn't mean her vision of Bella with Benton had no chance of coming true. But for now, Venus sensed Bella wanted to concentrate on Venus's future. She shrugged. "Bella, I will not forsake carnal pleasures for anyone. It's too much a part of who I am. I crave it. I ... I have to have it." The admission would have shamed her with anyone other than Belladonna. Her need for sexual pleasure had long been a cause for concern for her. While other women longed for love and tenderness, she longed for carnal pleasures with a need that troubled her. Her lusts and passions seemed to run deeper than in any other woman she had ever meant. She wanted love and tenderness too, but she knew if she had to choose between the three, carnal pleasure would win out. "Then follow your needs, Venus. Give in to them. Saturate yourself with carnal pleasures and lusts to your soul's desire. You are Willoni and we have a great capacity and need for the sensual joys in life. Caldara is a gracious goddess and she will allow it." Bella closed her eyes and placed her hand over Venus's heart. "Let yourself go just this once, little Willoni, and you will see the pleasures in store for you." Venus took a deep breath and then closed her eyes. When Belladonna began to sway, she swayed with her. Suddenly, her mind was flooded with feelings and passions of incredible proportions that washed over her, drowning her ... dominating her. She saw herself in an agony of bliss and delight, being tortured with inconceivable joy and ecstasy. Her lover/torturer's face was hidden, but she knew it was him. Jacoby. And yet it was not him. It was the J who had fascinated her for nearly seventeen years. And yet again, her lover was someone ... another man. Not Jacoby nor J. Someone she had yet to meet. And yet ... she had met him. It was all so confusing. She sighed in frustration, her eyes snapping open. She was damp between her legs and trembling with need. Oh, God, the joy and pleasure awaiting her. It was more than she had ever dared hoped for. "That is what awaits you, Venus. Go. Embrace your passions. Indulge them ... luxuriate in them. Deny yourself nothing of a carnal nature that feels good. And when you have had your fill ... you will be ready to admit who you are and take your rightful place among the earthbound Willoni. Go seek out your vampire. There is an untamed passion in him. Spend as much time with him as Caldara in her graciousness will allow. Engage in licentious and primal lusts of every sort imaginable. When you have had your fill ... I will be waiting to guide you to your true destiny." Venus shuddered. If nothing else, she had long ago learned that Belladonna did not lie and all her pronouncements had a way of coming true. "And what do you say is my true destiny?" "You are daughter of Ebonee', High Priestess of Caldara. The time will come when you must take your place in the Temple of Caldara, as Ebonee' has." Venus heart thumped. "You mean ... she's alive? My mother is alive?" Belladonna inclined her head slightly. "And what you call dreams are trances. She misses you, but has a destiny she must remain true to. She is forbidden to come to you except in your trances." Venus sucked in an aching breath. "Bella! Tell me more! Where is she?"

"I can not ... until you are ready to accept who you are ... there are things you may not know. When you are ready for your destiny, you must leave your lusts behind. But that time is not yet upon you. Live in the here and now. Seek out the dark one called Jacoby. Use him to sate your carnal lusts." "He'll want revenge." "How do you know that?" She shook her head. "I don't know ... I just do." Belladonna smiled and nodded. "You know because your soul song tells you so. Know this also, my young Willoni, he will not be able to cause you any lasting damage ... and you are of a strong sexual inclination. They will do nothing to you that you will not enjoy." Venus blushed. "They? You mean I'm destined to have two vampires?" She burned with unmitigated lust at the thought of the shameless things she would do to and with two such highly sexed creatures. "Did I say two vampires?" "Bella! Then who are you talking about? Oh, Bella, please tell me it's at least a man!" She closed her eyes briefly and swayed, humming softly. After several moments she opened her eyes and shook her head. "I can see no more ... except a short term destiny you will not object to. Go without fear of the future and enjoy yourself, Venus. Immerse yourself in carnal delights of every sort. I will be here if and when you need me." Venus stared at her and laughed suddenly, feeling as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. Willoni or not, she shared their deep-seated passion. Belladonna smiled. "You are happy. You accept your destiny?" She was no more willing to accept that Belladonna saw as her destiny than Bella was ready to accept that Benton Diamond might be her destiny. "No, but I feel like James Bond." Belladonna frowned. "In what sense?" Venus retrieved her purse from the floor and headed for the door. Once there she grinned at the other woman. "I've been given a license." "To kill? You plan to kill this vampire?" She blinked. "How can I possibly kill a vampire?" "You are not only Willoni, but daughter of Ebonee'. You have an inbred power and might that not all Willoni possess. That includes a physical power you have not begun to tap into. "Far from fearing this Jacoby, you should look forward to your encounters. You will prove yourself his equal." That she doubted. She had sensed the potential for immerse power in him. Still, something inside her assured her she would be equal to the challenge. "Oh, believe me, I'm ready." She grinned. "After all I've been given a license to fuck!" "Where are you going?" "Now?" She shrugged. "It's after one and I have to work tomorrow. So I'm going home and going to bed. After that? I plan to put my new license to work for me. I've been celibate for three months and now I want a little loving." She thought of Jacoby's cock and felt herself go damp. Okay. So she wanted a lot of loving and all of it from a sexy vampire named Jacoby with a cock that wouldn't quit.

All she had to do was find him, avoid being killed by him, then strip butt-naked and allow herself to be dominated and sexed out of her mind. Oh, Lord, but the future was looking very exciting indeed.

Chapter Five

He came to her late the next night as she lay naked, needy, and restless. Although he made no sound, she bolted up in bed to stare into the darkness of the room. She halted her hand halfway to her bedside lamp. If he did not wish to be seen, turning on the light wouldn't help. But she knew he was there. She could feel him. And she had a way of seeing him whether he wished to be seen or not. She closed her eyes and swayed from side to side. A soft, tuneless song swelled within her. After a moment, with her eyes still closed, she saw him. He stood near her bedroom window, buck naked and fully aroused. His cock was big and thick and covered with a series of what looked like five rings. She thought of that metal-encircled cock sliding up into her pussy and went damp. "I know you're there," she told him. "Despite your vampire tricks, I can see you." His eyes narrowed and he stepped forward. She saw a leather overnight bag on the floor near the window. Although she couldn't see into the bag, she knew its contents. Oh, Lord. She was in for a very strange night. She opened her eyes and saw him standing in the glow of the moonlight. "What do you want? Why are you here? Jacoby, isn't it?" He moved across the room with lightning speed. She felt his anger and drew back. It didn't help. His right hand shot out and his fingers closed around her throat. Her heart raced and she went damper still. "I am here to show you the error of your ways! No woman toys with me with impunity!" Fear warred with excitement and lust in her. Up close, naked and aroused, he emitted a level of sexual excitement that started an incredible sensual fire in her belly and pussy. She knew he was dangerous, but she didn't care. She wanted him. And judging by the size of his hardened shaft, he wanted her. That certainly was all at once exciting and exhilarating. "Remove your hand from my neck immediately," she ordered. It didn't hurt or constrict her breathing in any way, but she didn't like a man getting physical with her who hadn't romanced her first. She would never tolerate real physical abuse, but she wasn't averse to sensual pain inflicted by a favorite lover. He had yet to reach that status. "The only thing I'll remove is the tightness in your pussy," he told her. Retaining his grip on her neck, he slid onto the bed, between her legs. Oh, Lord! His cock, hard, thick, and hot, came to rest against her pussy and she gasped and shuddered helplessly with lust. She had always loved sex and suffered from what she secretly called cocklust, but this level of need shocked and frightened her because she knew its depth would put her at his mercy. Keeping his hand on her throat, he stared down into her very essence, capturing her soul and taking it hostage. She gasped at the feelings that coursed through her, begging with her eyes for him to take possession of her body as he had of her soul. As if in answer to her silent plea, he rotated his hips and she felt the big head of his cock move against her pussy. Then he thrust forward with a fierce swiftness. He took

total possession of her so quickly, she didn't even have time to gasp before he was ballsdeep inside her, with the top metal ring pressing against her clit. She'd had her share of lovers and knew enough to know that size didn't always ensure pleasure. But she had no doubt that he knew how to make the best use of every single inch of his big, thick shaft. She knew the coming hours would bring incredible delight. She barely had a moment to adjust to the feel of the rings around his cock seeming to burn her insides before he began thrusting in and out of her, his dark eyes glowing at he continued to look into her soul. The movement of the biggest cock she'd ever had inside her quickly pushed her to the point of absolute bliss. "Oh, Lord! Oh, Lord!" She closed her eyes and wrapped her long legs around him, undulating her body wildly in time with his hard, almost brutal thrusts. Dear God, she had never been fucked so hard or so deliciously. How had she lived without the joy his body and his cock brought? Drowning in joy and lust, she slapped his hand away from her throat. When he released his grip on her neck, she cupped her hands over his face and pressed her parted lips up against his mouth. She eagerly sucked at his tongue, drawing it into her mouth, as he drilled his cock deep into her body. By the Goddess, this is why she had been born ... to fuck and be fucked by this powerful, virile vampire. He shuddered and devoured her mouth, rotating his hips so that the ring, feeling hot and yet cool, brushed rapidly against her clit. He slipped his big hands under her body and cupped them over her butt. Lifting her slightly, he thrust wildly, drilling his cock into her with a speed and force that took her breath and left her gasping and sobbing as she dissolved into a helpless mass of pure, unmitigated ecstasy. She came and came, one intense, almost unbearably sweet climax rolling into another until she began to ache with the pleasure. She tore her mouth away from his and pushed against his shoulders. She needed a respite to collect herself. He responded by reclaiming her mouth and thrusting harder, making her come again ... and again. And still he fucked on, his cock seeming to swell inside her, driving ever deeper with each stroke. He touched depths no offer man had ever achieved. He fucked her like a man who hadn't been with a woman in years and though almost overwhelmed by his seemingly endless passion, she reveled in it. Even as she pushed against his shoulders, her pussy caressed and convulsed around his cock, adoring it and him. Without words, she begged for more. Although she felt as if she could not bear to come again, she clung to him, holding him tight and close, her pussy clenching and clutching his big cock as it shot in and out of her drenched tunnel. He kissed her and bit into her lips, sucking on her blood and tongue as he finally came, blasting jet after jet of creamy seed deep up into her pussy. Oh, yes! By the Goddess, yes! Yeeessss! The feeling of his seed filling her was so intense, she moaned, gasped, and dissolved into helpless tears of joy as yet another orgasm seized her body. And still he clutched her behind and thrust his ring-enclosed cock deep into her. Oh, Lord, if she came one more time, she'd die. She sank happily into sexual oblivion. When she woke, she lay on her stomach in her darkened bedroom. She was immediately aware that her wrists and ankles were handcuffed to the bed rails. Warm lips nipped at her neck, her legs were parted, and a big cock, without the rings this time, thrust leisurely in and out of her pussy.

He rested his full weight on top of her. She couldn't move, but by the Goddess, she could feel. She was so damp, she knew she must have already come before she had awakened and was even now on the verge of coming again. She shuddered and moaned, letting the ecstasy roll over her, setting her entire body on fire. Gripping her hips in his hands, he propelled his thick cock deep into her pussy and put out the fire there with streams of thick, wonderful seed. Oh, Lord, this was beyond good. She tightened herself around him, eagerly milking the last drop of seed from him. As she lay shuddering, he eased out of her pussy, sliding his big body down hers. She felt his lips coming to rest between her legs. He pressed a hot kiss against her pussy. She caught her breath, her heart racing. He touched the tip of his tongue against her outer lips. "Oooh!" She felt his lips turn up in a smile before he kissed her again, grinding his mouth against her. By the Goddess, his mouth felt good. She wiggled her body, desperately trying to press herself against his face. Laughing softly, he teased her by withdrawing his altogether. "No!" she cried. "Don't stop!" He rose over her, settled his body against hers, deliberately pressing his hard shaft between her ass cheeks, making her shudder with lust. "Not so sure of yourself now, are you, little wanton," he taunted. "Don't you ever fuck with me again," he warned. Fear raced through her. She was at the mercy of a vengeful vampire with a score to settle with her. What did he plan to do to her when he'd had his fill of her? Kill her? On the verge of panicking, she recalled Belladonna's words. He couldn't harm her if she admitted who and what she was. "Fuck off," she told him, even as she pressed her body up against his. He responded by gripping her neck in one hand and slapping her thigh so hard, she gasped. "Wrong answer." He scraped his incisors against her shoulder. "Try again, little bitch." Why the hell did bitch sound like an endearment? Was she losing her mind? She decided she was because she felt herself going damp and losing her desire to offer even a token resistance. There was a part of her that felt no shame with this male. "Fuck me," she whispered. He immediately softened, brushing his lips against her shoulder and releasing his grip on her neck. "Better," he told her. "Much better, my sweet, luscious brown bitch." She turned her head and lifted it slightly, feeling needy and shameless. Sliding several fingers into her pussy, he brushed his lips against her mouth and kissed her lightly. Liquid heat rushed through her. She licked hungrily at his lips. "Fuck me!" she ordered. He bit into her lips before sliding down her body. She cried out in frustration. She wanted a fuck! "Where are you going?" she demanded. "When I get free I'll make you pay for torturing me." He laughed and his voice was all male satisfaction when spoke. "So you find being denied my cock torture, little bitch?" "Fuck you!" she cried angrily, struggling to release herself. "I am not a human woman you can use as a slave, vampire," she warned.

"And I am not your average vampire, little Willoni wannabe," he shot back. "But I am the vampire in control of this situation and your delectable body, pussy, and ass." Then he lifted her hips and began to eat her pussy with a hunger and lust that quickly drove her into another climax. As she moaned and sobbed her way through that one, he rose over her, parted her ass cheeks, ejaculated into her, and with a surprising tenderness, eased his big cock into her behind up to the hilt. "Oooh!" She had never had such a huge cock in her rear and she froze, afraid he would do serious damage. "I didn't give you permission to do this," she gasped. He laughed, raking his incisors against her neck. "You seem to be suffering under the impression that I require your permission to fuck you. I do not. You are mine to do with as I like and I like to fuck your large, lovely ass," he told her, gripped her hips again, and began fucking her with deep, long yet gentle, strokes. She closed his eyes, shuddering and gasping with unmitigated delight, her body on fire with unimaginable feelings of lust and desire. Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined sex could be this delicious with a man who didn't pretend to love or adore her. But by the Goddess, he was a fantastic lover, strong, forceful, and in complete control. What a heady sensation. She had to sink her teeth into her bottom lip to keep from screaming at him to fuck her harder. But he seemed to know what she wanted and needed and didn't seem averse to giving it to her. Caressing the sides of her legs and licking her neck, he ground his groin tight against her butt, fucking his cock deep into her. Overcome with a combination of lust and desire, she cried out, her whole body shuddering with her approaching release. Sliding a hand under her, he found her clit and began rubbing it in time with his thrusts into her. She lost complete control, and her climax triggered his, and in minutes they were both crying out in ecstasy and coming together. Venus slumped against the bed, eyes closed, enjoying the aftermath of one of the best orgasms she'd ever had. He rested his full weight on her bound body, pressed his lips against her neck, and fed on her as he took her ass again. By the Goddess, sheer, unmitigated bliss. But he hadn't had enough. Dear God, he would surely kill her if he didn't allow her to rest. As she slipped into unconsciousness, he lay on top of her, still fucking her with a seemingly insatiable passion, chanting that she was now his wanton little bitch to do with as he liked. His wanton little bitch. She'd never heard a sweeter endearment. Hugging the words close like a longed for caress, she drifted to sleep as he fucked away. Lovely. Just lovely. **** When she woke in the morning, she was alone. There was no sign he had even been there ... except for her aching body and the sexy aroma lingering in the room. And in her mind, his whispered words lingered, she was his sweet little luscious wanton bitch. With the light of day, her sense of outrage returned. She was no one's bitch ... sweet, wanton, or otherwise. The next time they met, he wouldn't find her so pliable.

She turned to look at the clock. Six-thirty. Time to get up, after what felt like less than an hour's sleep. Groaning, she dragged herself out of bed. She ached everywhere, but she felt an inner peace and delight at what had happened the night before. All her life, she had felt as if something vital had been missing. She no longer felt that way. A frown formed on her face. As fulfilling as her night with Jacoby had been, there was still a part of her that cried out for the passion of a tender, considerate lover. Lord, there was just no pleasing her. She had been taken without her full permission and had loved every second of it. Her only regret was that she had passed out from pleasure twice. She took a deep breath. Lord, to meet such a powerful and dangerous man who could fuck her into unconsciousness. She had to see him again ... no matter what he had planned for her. But next time she planned to be in more control. Aware that she was making absolutely no sense, she headed for the kitchen. On the table lay a single red rose. Closing her eyes, she held it against her cheek, and felt a wave of lust ... from him for her. Inhaling, she closed her eyes and saw a vision. It was a warm night lit by the brilliance of the full moon. She fled naked across the sands of a blue desert. In pursuit, an equally naked, and fully aroused man with glowing eyes and bared incisors, followed, calling out that she was his and he would kill her lover before he would give her up. The thought of her kind, considerate lover's life being threatened infuriated her. She would allow no harm to come to him. She turned to face her pursuer and found herself back in her kitchen. She blinked to clear her head, her thoughts turning back to Jacoby and how her night with him had affected her. By the Goddess, if she were not careful, she would find herself a sexual slave to a vampire. The thought induced no fear or apprehension in her. Feeling a new level of vitality and expectation for the future, she downed two cups of coffee before heading to the bathroom. She studied her reflection in the medicine cabin mirror. She wasn't entirely surprised to find that the two small puncture wounds he had made in her neck had healed. She could never remember being sick and any small wounds, scraps, or bruises had always healed with a rapidity that had surprised everyone—except her mother and Bella. Remembering what Bella had said of her mother the night before, she felt a new sense of contentment, knowing that some way ... some how, she would see her mother again. Then she could explain why she had left and what J for V meant. Maybe her mother would know if there could be any meaningful future for her with Jacoby. Thoughts of Jacoby made her wet and she gave an angry shake of her head. Stepping into the shower, she allowed the cool water to pour full force over her body until the last remnants of her lustful night with Jacoby were washed away. They were replaced by powerful feelings from a time long past. With her eyes wide open, Venus stared into a past that had always hovered just on the edge of her consciousness, defying all her efforts to drag it into her conscious mind. She stood alone on a vast expanse of blue desert hills with the light of the Denhari moon shining down on her nude body. Just in front of her sat another figure, hands moving over a small dark piece of some type of material she'd never seen. But she knew she was looking at herself as she had lived a long time ago when she had been in the company of someone ... a man ... whose passion made her his slave. Yet, miles away in

another direction, another man called to her ... this one with a sweet voice that promised eternal tenderness and devotion. As she stood torn between the two of them, both of them vanished, leaving her alone in a cold, dark, loveless world. Venus gasped and blinked, finding herself standing in the shower, sobbing with grief and struggling with a feeling of timeless loss as cold water poured over her body. She turned the water off and sank down to the floor of the shower, where she sobbed for a past she couldn't fully remember, but which still had the power to hurt her. The sound of her second alarm going off in her bedroom finally roused her. Still sniffling, she rose and left the shower, vowing for the moment to leave the past undisturbed. As she dressed, she ate two pieces of toast and had another cup of coffee. On the drive to work, she refused to allow her thoughts to dwell on her night with Jacoby. Every part of her body ached, but Lord, it had been worth it. Still, considering how much she had enjoyed being dominated by him, she arrived at work feeling strangely expectant. For a moment, her heart raced, certain that Jacoby would be waiting for her there. She dismissed the thought. She had gotten the impression Jacoby was a nocturnal breed vampire who didn't or couldn't venture out into the light of day. So who were her senses telling her awaited her at work? Whoever it was, it was someone that caused more than a stir of excitement in her. She glanced at her watch and saw she had just enough time to check her makeup before she headed to the executive lounge. In the ladies room she saw Robyn Deems, one of the friends she'd gone to the club with the night before. "Any word on what the new CEO is like?" She frowned at her reflection. Her skin was oily and she saw that her nose was already shining. Robyn shrugged. "I hear he's a waste of time." She reached for her makeup case. "Oh?" "It's such a shame. He's way over six feet tall, good looking, and built." "Then what's wrong? He sounds de-licious! Is he married? Or gay?" "Who cares? He's on the wrong side of fifty." Satisfied that her nose no longer shone, Venus turned to face Robyn. "That doesn't necessarily have to be a bad thing." "Vee ... are you nuts? I said he was on the wrong side of fifty. A nice bod and good looking will atone for a lot ... but not that. His hair is silver for God's sakes." Recalling the first adult movie she'd seen at eighteen, Venus smiled. It had been called something ridiculous like May-December Cock. The man had been a gorgeous hunk with silver hair, dark eyes, a beautiful body, and a big cock that had seemed to her young eyes to hang nearly down to his knees. His partner had been a much younger black woman, who had moaned and writhed with passion as he thrust his thick tool into her in every conceivable position and opening. Venus had sat in the movies, squirming in her seat, and having what had felt like a thousand climaxes right along with the lucky woman on the screen. At the end of the movie, while he and his lover had kneeled on the carpet with his cock still imbedded in her body, he had looked directly into the camera and straight into Venus's gaze. And she had lost a little piece of her heart that she had never minded losing, although she had never managed to recover it. She had never forgotten the movie or the strikingly handsome man with the silver hair and unabated lust for his much younger lover. She had

measured all her lovers against him and they had all come up short ... all except for Jacoby ... and even he was momentarily forgotten while she remembered her first love, a porno star who had called himself Paul Steele. Sighing with remembered pleasure, she turned to look at Robyn. "Silver hair can be very sexy on the right man." She put her makeup case away. "So. Let's go meet Mr. Silver Hair." Groaning and rolling her eyes, Robyn followed her out the door. The executive lunchroom was already filled when they arrived. Most people sat at the long tables covered with white linen and sparkling silverware. They spotted a few empty seats near the middle of the big room. As they made their way there, Venus glanced across the room and saw her supervisor, Charlie, talking to a tall, well-built man with silver hair, near the head table. She couldn't see his face, but even without looking into his eyes, she felt a gaping hunger in his soul, reaching out to a similar one in hers. Looking at his profile she knew who he was ... one of the two men for whom she had spent an eternity searching. He was the man who had offered her an eternity of tenderness and devotion. The dream that had slipped away from her just that morning, danced along her consciousness, teasing her. She swallowed, certain that the past she had long known she had, but never fully remembered, would soon be revealed to her. Charlie spotted her and motioned her over. Me? she mouthed. He nodded impatiently, beckoning to her. "What have you done?" Robyn asked, her dark eyes alight with curiosity. "Nothing. Save me a seat," she said and made her way to the head table. "Ah. There you are. Mr. Michael, this is Venus Ryan, one of our top programmers. Venus, this is Paul Michael, our new CEO," Charlie told her. Smiling, she turned from Charlie and found herself staring up into the smiling eyes and face of a man she knew very well! It was the man from May-December Cock!

Chapter Six

Heart hammering in her chest, she felt him take her hand in his. Was it her imagination or was his smile tinged with an unusual warmth? Did he really hold her hand far longer than necessary, caressing it? And did she stare at him with lust in her heart and eyes? Did she feel a hunger in his soul, calling to one in her? By the Goddess, what was happening to her? She managed not to stare at his crotch ... but only just. She was aware of Charlie's voice calling her name and forced her thoughts back to the present. She pulled her hand from Paul Michael's but found herself unable to look away from his deep, dark eyes. "It was nice to meet you, Ms. Ryan." At the sound of Paul Michael's deep warm voice, Venus gave herself a shake, nodded at him and Charlie, and fled back to the table where Robyn waited, her thoughts in turmoil. All through the meal, she found her gaze continually drifting to the head table. More than once, she encountered Paul Michael's dark gaze and knew he was the source of her feeling of expectation that morning. Belladonna had said Willoni couldn't see their own future, but somehow she had known she would encounter someone important to her at work. And she had found the man she had fallen in love and lust with so many years earlier. But how could she possibly pursue a relationship with him now that Jacoby had branded her as his? She looked at him again sitting at the table, smiling at something Charlie had said, and the breath caught in her throat. By the Goddess, she had to have him. And yet she couldn't give Jacoby up. She wasn't sure how, but she knew she had to have them both. **** Paul paced the length of his office. He was wound so tightly, he felt as if he would explode at any moment. A vision of Venus Ryan's lovely face refused to be vanquished from his thoughts. It was nearly three o'clock and he had thought of her every second since he had looked into her dark eyes and knew he was looking at a woman he had to have. Not would like to have ... had to have. He couldn't even think that she might not be interested in a man his age. For the first time, he almost wished he had taken Jacoby up on his offer to stop the aging process while he was still in his forties. How likely was Venus Ryan would be interested in a man his age? Although he still regularly attracted women, he hadn't actively dated since he and Jacoby became lovers. Now he felt rusty and old. God, but he wanted her so badly he could nearly taste his desire for her. When she had offered him a sweet, seductive smile and extended her hand, his cock had jumped to attention. He had been hard pressed not to snatch her into his arms and thrust his aching cock balls deep into her in front of everyone. He had not felt this level

of lust since he had felt Jacoby's cock hardening against him as they had danced so long ago. He knew all the reasons even considering getting involved with her was sheer lunacy, but with lust consuming him, he didn't care about the consequences of stupid actions. He had to have her. His lips tightened. He would have her. And now was the perfect time because Jacoby was at a meeting of The Brotherhood, plotting God only knew what mischief for some poor vampire hunters. He would be gone for an indeterminate period. He sighed, wondering if he could wine and dine her and bed her before Jacoby returned and wanted to pump his ass until he felt like a limp rag. His mind made up, he sat at his desk and buzzed his secretary. "Will you get Venus Ryan on the line? She's a programmer in Charlie Houser's department." Five minutes later, he heard her voice, soft and seductive, in his ear. "Mr. Michaels, this is Venus Ryan." He raked a hand through his hair. "Ah ... I'll come right to the point. I was wondering if you'd have dinner with me." He heard the catch of her breath and tensed. Damn. She was going to refuse his invitation. "Yes. Yes, I will." Her lack of hesitation surprised him. He recovered quickly. "I meant tonight." "I'm available." A woman who didn't think she had to play hard to get. This was almost too easy. "Ah ... are you comfortable with this?" "You're asking me out? Oh, yes." "No pressure to say yes?" "Yes, but not from you." He stiffened. "From who then?" She laughed. Listening, a tingle of desire danced down his spine. "From myself. Shall I share a secret with you?" "A beautiful woman who wants to share secrets with me?" He smiled. "Please do." "When your secretary called, I was sitting wondering how I could engineer another meeting with you." Oh, damn, but he was going to like her. "You're sure?" "I am positive. I know what I want and I usually get it." A confident woman unashamed to go after what she wanted. Damn, he was looking forward to getting to know and getting to bed her. "Then we have a date?" "Yes." They agreed on a time and he hung up. Six and a half hours later, he held her in his arms as they slow danced. He was aware that more than one man found it difficult to keep his gaze off of Venus's lovely face. Not only was she one of the most beautiful women he'd ever met, she was sexy as hell. Although she seemed confident and independent, she still somehow managed to make him feel protective. He'd never run across such an exciting combination in a woman. She enchanted him. "Tell me about yourself," he invited, sipping his coffee. She glanced at his dinner plate, pushed to one side. "You haven't eaten anything." His appetite wasn't for food, but he thought that was better left unsaid. He didn't want her to think all he was interested in was sex. Of course he wanted sex, but he wanted to romance her first. "I'd rather look at you," he told her. The moment he spoke,

he wished the word unsaid. She was going to think he was a clumsy blockhead trying to get past first base on a first date. Her eyes lit up and she smiled at him, pushing her own half-filled plate aside. "That's one of the sweetest things a man's ever said to me." Encouraged, he smiled. "Oh, I'm full of sweet things," he told her. "That's what I'm counting on, Paul." Her smiled widened and her gaze locked with his. He saw a hint of green in her dark gaze and a snatch of memory of a long lost lover with beautiful dark skin and green eyes danced briefly along his conscious mind before vanishing. She had a way of saying his name that made it sound like an intimate caress. Damn, but this woman excited him. He longed to hold her body close to his. "Would you dance with me?" "I'd love to dance with you, Paul." He didn't touch her as they moved to the dance floor, but he was more aware of her than he'd ever been of any woman in his life. Before he'd married, he'd had quite a number of lovers. But no other woman had come close to making him a slave to desire as this lovely woman had managed in less than a day. When she turned into his arms, his heartbeat increased and he couldn't suppress a shiver as he slipped his arms around her. She settled against him, pressing her chest against his shoulder, her soft hands against his body. He sucked in a breath. Surely he had waited a lifetime for this moment with her. Thoughts of Jacoby crossed his mind and he stifled a groan. How could he feel this way with her and yet still love Jacoby with every fiber of his being? How could he want them both so much? He was in love with Jacoby and always would be. Yet he could not deny thoughts of love at first sight that chased themselves around in his head as he held her. Her body, soft and firm, felt so good against his. He could feel her breasts and her hands pressed against his chest, making his heart thump and his cock stir. How he ached to make love to her. "Are you married or engaged?" he asked, resisting the urge to brush his lips against her forehead. "No. You?" He sighed. There was no way he could admit his relationship with Jacoby to her. She would think he was gay and give him his walking papers. "No," he answered truthfully and prayed that she wouldn't ask him if he were involved with anyone. Yet he couldn't stop himself from probing to find out more about her. "Are you involved with anyone special?" There was a brief, but noticeable pause. Damn he hoped he wouldn't have to kick some young guy's ass who took exception to him trying to move in on his woman. "No one who could compare to you, Paul." If she didn't stop talking like that, he was going to take her out to his car, and fuck her in the backseat like a classless hormone-driven teenager. He tightened his arms around her and she immediately pressed into him, smiling at him with a look of desire in her dark, mesmerizing gaze. "You're making it difficult for me to try and be a gentleman." "I really love that you want to romance me, Paul."

He blinked. How the hell did she know he wanted that? Was he that transparent? Or ... he gave her a long look. Was there more to her than met the eye? His relationship with Jacoby had taught him to be receptive of many things he had previously considered supernatural nonsense. He didn't think she was a fem, a female vampire, but was she as human as she looked? He didn't think so. "It feels good being together, Paul. Let's not analyze too much," she urged softly. That settled it. She could read his mind. The thought should have unsettled him, but didn't. "Good." She rubbed her cheek against his shoulder. "I've waited a long time to meet you, Paul." "You have?" "I saw you when I was eighteen and developed a crush on you at least five miles wide." "Where?" She lifted her head and arched a brow at him, a gleam of devilment in her eyes. "I'll tell you sometime. Right now I just want to enjoy dancing with you." So they danced and he got more aroused by the minute. Nevertheless, he promised himself that trying to bed her on a first date was really out of the question. So he contented himself with thoughts of possible love making after a few dates. After several dances, they returned to their table to drink coffee and talked about everything but each other and the desire rapidly escalating between them. When he caught her trying to smother a second yawn, he reluctantly beckoned for their check. Burning with lust and desire, he took her home. At her apartment door, he touched her cheek. "Thank you for a lovely evening. I hope we can do it again soon." She lifted her lovely face and gave him one of the sweetest smiles he'd ever seen. "We can if you ask me out again." Looking down into her dark eyes, he experienced a sensation of falling. It had been so long since he'd been with a woman. He felt almost dizzy with delight, because a beautiful, young woma n smiled at him. He moistened his lips. "Well ... good night." She arched a brow. "You know this is where you're supposed to tell me you'll call me." He swallowed quickly. "I will." "Make sure you do, Paul. If I have to come gunning for you, I will not be very gentle," she teased, squeezing his hand. He looked down at her and knew he had to at least taste her lips. He cupped her face in his palms and bent to kiss her. Her warm, soft lips flowered open under his and he felt the tip of her tongue against his mouth. His passions rising, he gathered her in his arms and pressed a long, demanding kiss against her mouth, hungrily sucking at her tongue while he cupped her ass in his hands. She surrendered completely to his kisses with a hunger and passion that matched his and he felt his cock swelling. Damn, he wanted her, but he was determined not to try and bed her on their first date. He wanted to treat her with as much tenderness and consideration as he'd treated his ex-wife when they were dating. Blood pounding in his head, he dragged his mouth away from her clinging lips, and sucked in a long breath. "I'd better go."

She nodded and pecked at his cheek. "Good night, Paul." He waited until she was inside and he heard the lock turning before he turned away. He walked back to his car feeling like a geek who'd just managed to get a date with the most attractive woman in sight. She wanted to see him again. Hot damn! He made a call on his car phone before driving away. He was so aroused at the thought of seeing her again he went home and jerked himself off. He dreamt of falling in love with both Jacoby and Venus with a delicious future ahead of him—and then he died. He bolted up in bed, sweating profusely, his heart pounding with fear. "Jay," he turned to reach for Jacoby and remembered he was away with The Brotherhood. Fighting to overcome a sense of dread, he rose and took a quick shower. As the water cascaded over his head, he resolutely refused to allow his thoughts to linger on the nightmare. It was true that he had lately begun to feel tired and fatigued, but he had too much to live for to die now. Five years earlier, Jeff and his wife Lonnie had made him the proud grandfather of beautiful twin girls, Meg and Paula, who he and Jacoby, along with his ex, doted on. Not that Jacoby admitted it, but Lonnie laughingly complained that there was no more room in the girls' playroom for the presents that "magically" appeared on the doorstep at regular intervals. Although Jacoby bristled when the presents were mentioned, everyone knew he sent them. And he constantly found reasons to be in the neighborhood when the girls were out playing. After twenty years Jacoby still cared for him and he still loved Jacoby. He and Jeff had made peace with each other. Meg and Paula were the light of his life and they loved him and Uncle Jay, as they called Jacoby. Jacoby always frowned fiercely when they did, but neither child had ever been afraid of Jacoby. Life was good. Now was not a good time to die. Of course he had no need to die or to grow much older. Jacoby was ready and willing to bring him over or at least to drastically slow down his aging process. Although he longed to be with Jacoby forever, the idea of outliving Jeff and the girls held very little appeal for him. He stepped out of the shower and dried off. He was human and come hell or high water, he would die in the normal human fashion. He rubbed at his chest, breathing deeply and slowly. In the morning, he would make an appointment with his doctor. Then he would call Venus and ask her to have dinner with him. He walked back to his bedroom and frowned at the vampire standing there staring at him. The other male was completely naked, holding his fully aroused cock in his hand. "Why the hell don't you learn to knock?" he demanded. A flash of unnaturally white teeth greeted his surly question. Dark blue eyes assessed his naked form, lingering on his flaccid cock. The dark gaze rose to meet his and not for the first time he saw a hint of lust in the vampire's eyes. He tightened his lips and firmly shook his head. "Jacoby is not here." "I know. I came to see you." The blue gaze shifted to his cock again. "I thought it was time we got better acquainted." Paul considered him through a narrowed gaze, making no effort to cover his cock. "I'm not gay," he said coldly.

The blue-eyed vampire shrugged. "You want to play that I'm-not-gay-card-justbecause-I-let-another-male-bang-my-ass regularly, fine." He touched his own ass. "You can be top." Annoyed that everyone thought he was gay, Paul glared at him. "I wouldn't fuck your putrid ass for a million bucks. Now if don't wish to get better acquainted with Jacoby's wrath, you should take your ass out of here. Leave now and I may not tell him you were here." "Jacoby's not here to protect you," he pointed out. "If I desire some of that ass Jacoby's been keeping for himself, I'll take some." Years earlier, Paul would have been frightened to be confronted by a vampire with lust and possible rape on his mind. But after having spent twenty years with Jacoby, he'd learned a trick or two. He lifted a hand and beckoned to him. "You think you're vampire enough to take what belongs to Jacoby, come on and try it." The vampire bared his incisors. "Bitch!" Paul put his back against the wall and tensed as the vampire flashed across the room at him. Locking his fingers together, Paul reached deep within. A coil of energy flowed up from his gut and into his upper body. He swung his arms like a baseball bat. Only a small part of him was surprised that the blow sent the vampire stumbling backward. However, his adversary recovered quickly. When he flew at him again, Paul's hands streaked out with a speed he had no idea he possessed, closing tight around the other male's neck. He saw the look of surprise in the blue eyes as he lifted the vampire and held him several inches above the floor. Two powerful hands closed around his wrists and Paul found himself staring up into a pair of compelling eyes. "Release me now, bitch!" Instead, they began to struggle. Within a matter of moments, Paul knew he was in over his head. His heart pounded so quickly, he began gasping for breath. Panicking, he tossed the vampire onto the floor. He jumped to the side and clenched his hands into fists as the vampire bounded to his feet and rushed at him. A moment later, two dark blurs flashed across the room. Paul blinked and found a second vampire standing between him and the first vampire. Standing to one side watching the other two was a tall, fair-haired man Jacoby had once told him was a Shifter or werewolf, Tucker Falcone. Paul's shoulders relaxed. It was all right. He wouldn't have to try and fend off the attentions of a lustful vampire alone anymore. "Get out of here. Now!" the second vampire ordered in a voice that sent a chill down Paul's spine. "Or I will dispatch you like the fluff you are." With an angry snarl, the first vampire raced across the room toward the door and vanished. With a gleam of teeth, the Shifter flashed after Lover. The newcomer turned to look at Paul. "Are you all right, Paul? Did he hurt you?" For a moment, Paul couldn't speak. He stood bent over with his hands on his knees, gasping for breath. Finally, he straightened. "No, he didn't hurt me." He sighed and raked a hand through his hair. "I've never been so glad to see you." Sean Patrick smiled. "Glad I could help." "What are you and Tucker doing here? I thought you were at the retreat with Jay." Sean shrugged. "We were, but Tucker and I left briefly ... to come see you."

"Me?" Paul moved across the room and pulled a pair of pajama bottoms from a drawer. He stepped into them before turning to face Sean again. "Why? Jay's okay ... isn't he?" "He's worried about you, Paul. And now that I see you, I understand why. You're not well." Paul shrugged and sank onto the side of the bed. "I'm human and I'm getting older." Sean shook his head. "It's more than that, Paul. I can see you're not well." He sighed; remembering Jacoby had once told him Sean had been a doctor, although he had not practiced for the last sixty years or so. "No," he admitted and then told Sean what he suspected and feared. "And you haven't told Jacoby this?" He shook his head. "I don't know that there's anything to tell him yet." "Why haven't you told him of your suspicions?" "I don't want to and you mustn't tell him either." "Paul, your death would wound him in a way it would take a good hundred years or more to recover from. Vampires love deeply and eternally. You must tell him and let him help you. He's lost one love. Don't make him suffer like that again." He shook his head again. "I am not going to outlive my son and granddaughters. I want your word as a member of The Brotherhood that you will not break my confidence, Sean." "I refuse to give it." Paul rose and starred at Sean. "I demand you give me your word, Sean." He breathed a sigh of relief when Sean threw up his hands. "I will not tell him, but do not think I will stand by and watch him suffer needlessly." Paul gave a mental shrug. Vampires were always so damned melodramatic. Sean flashed across the room, to pause at the bedroom door. "Sleep soundly, Paul. I will take the young upstart with me. Unless you have a need to have Jacoby kill him, I would not mention his visit to Jacoby." "I won't mention your visit, either." Eyes glowing, Sean leveled a finger at him. "Remember what I said, Paul. I will not watch him watch you die." Alone again, Paul changed the sheet, and collapsed on the bed. Lover would not be returning that night at least. Forcing unpleasant thoughts out his head, he allowed his thoughts to turn to Venus and gradually slipped into a troubled sleep.

Chapter Seven

The next afternoon Paul emerged from his doctor's office resigned to his impending fate, but determined to live each day to the fullest. If Jacoby had been in town, he very well might have confided in him. He might even have had a weak moment and agreed to allow Jacoby to do something about his aging and his worsening health. But he was away with Sean and The Brotherhood. That was just as well. By the time he returned, Paul would have gotten over his momentary weakness and would again be ready to face the eventuality common to all humans. Back at the office, he called Venus. "Hi." When she spoke, her voice was warm and welcoming. "Paul, what a nice surprise. Thank you so your bouquet. It was lovely." "My pleasure. Ah, I know it's short notice, but I'd really like to have dinner with you tonight. Are you free?" "Yes. I am." She sounded excited and somehow that eased his fears for the future. Maybe it wasn't as rosy as he would have like it, but if he got to share even a small part of it with Venus, while not losing Jay, he could handle whatever his future held. However short his time might be. **** "Hey, Ben." Benton Diamond looked up from his computer as a pretty brunette with dark eyes looked around his office door to smile at him. He sat back in his seat, allowing a smile to form on his lips as he considered his partner's younger sister. Divorced for seven months, Jenny, twenty-eight, had recently started dating again. Or she had started trying to date him to be more precise. Although she was attractive, at the moment he had no interest in anyone other than a certain pretty dance instructor with lovely warm chocolate skin, short naturally curly hair, and a pair of absolutely stunning green eyes. "Hi Jenny. How are you?" She slipped into the room, holding up two tickets. "I have an in for the jazz concert tonight. What to go?" "Sounds interesting, but I'll be burning the overtime oil at Bella Donna's dance studio tonight." Jenny pushed her long, dark hair behind one ear. "Oh, come on, Ben. This place is full of eager, bright underlings who would love the opportunity to prove themselves by taking on Ms. Difficult." "Ms. Difficult? What makes you think she's difficult?" She shrugged. "She must be or you wouldn't have to spend so much time with her." "She's not difficult." "Then why does she demand so much of your with time?"

He decided it was time he told Jenny of his real interest in the dark, mysterious woman who had bewitched him. "I could say because she has twenty dance studios across the country and was our first big client, but the real reason is because I find her ... exceedingly attractive. And I'd like to take her out." Jenny wet her lips. "Ben, she's ... God only knows how much older than you." He shrugged. "It doesn't matter, Jenny. She's the woman I want to date." "Okay. If that's how it is, okay." She walked toward the door and turned to look at him. "If you change your mind, let me know. I'll be waiting." He shook his head. "No, Jenny. Don't wait. Please. I'm a one-woman man and my mind is not going to change. You're entirely too attractive to sit around waiting for any man." She sighed. "But I'd really like to get with you, Benton. You're the reason me and Martin broke up." He stared at her. "Me? What? Jenny, I've never come on to you." She shrugged. "I know, but Ben, you have an aura of pure male sexuality that I couldn't stop thinking about once we met." "But Jenny, we met five years ago—at your wedding!" She nodded. "I know." Her next words shocked him. "On our wedding night, I pretended it was you making love to me instead of Martin. And I kept right on pretending and one night in the middle of sex, I called out your name." Poor Martin. No wonder the other male had suddenly cooled toward him. He sighed. "Jenny, I'm sorry, but I'm ... I don't want to hurt you, but I'm not interested in anyone but Bella Donna." "Ben you've been hanging around her for at least a year without getting anywhere." The blood rushed up the back of his neck. He'd been longing for her for years, but he'd never come right out and admitted how he felt. Now, tired of waiting for her to notice him, he decided it was time he stopped playing games. "She's the only woman I'm interested in," he said quietly. "What about Sammi?" He and Sammi Hariston had been casual lovers for a number of years. He had broken off their relationship a few months earlier, determined to reveal his feelings for Bella. Although they remained friends, he knew she was already sleeping with another man, much to his relief. "We're just friends, Jenny." She bit her lip. "Damn! Well ... knock yourself out tonight. And I will be here if she still doesn't want you." He gave her a tight smile and remained silent. He couldn't expect her to understand his feelings for Bella when he didn't fully understand them himself. He had never once made love to a woman without wishing he was with the dark, sultry Bella Donna instead. He waited until he was alone before punching out a number on his desk phone. Moments later, a soft, seductive voice sounded in his ear and his heart thumped. "Hi. It's Benton," he said. "Benton. How are you?" "I'm fine. How are you?" "Busy. I'm teaching two new classes today." Damn. A built-in excuse for her to say she was too busy to see him, if he were in the mood to be brushed off. He wasn't. "I'll be around about six to discuss your quarterly

taxes. Or if you prefer we could discuss them over dinner," he suggested. "I have a client who owns an upscale ritzy restaurant in old city and I can get reservations." Used to her constant refusals, he was stunned when she spoke. "If you come two hours later, I'll have time to unwind, shower, and I'll cook dinner." "What? You will? For me?" "Yes. Do you have a date, Benton?" "No." "Good. Dancing always makes me hungry and I have no wish to eat alone tonight, Benton." Something in her voice sent his senses spinning. She sounded as if she really wanted to see him. Damn. Was his luck about to change at long last? "It's a date," he told her. "Do you like Chinese?" He was strictly a meat and potatoes man. "Yes," he lied. "I love it." She was silent for several moments before she spoke. "Meat and potatoes it is," she said, as if he had spoken his thoughts aloud. "I have two steaks I defrosted this morning ready to cook. How do you like your steak?" "Well done," he said. After seven years as her accountant he had learned to take her seeming ability to read minds in stride. "It will be ... pleasant to see you tonight for dinner, Benton," she said in that sultry voice of hers that sent chills down his spine. "Very pleasant." He wet his lips. "I'll see you at eight." "I will be eagerly awaiting your arrival, Benton." After he hung up, he tried to get back to work. He didn't get much done because he couldn't stop thinking about her and marveling at how eager she had sounded to see him. God, he hoped he wasn't imagining things. If he were, he was going to be one disappointed fool. Giving up all pretense of working, he took a quick shower in the bathroom off from his office and changed into a fresh suit. He put his laptop into his briefcase and left the office. On the way to Bella's uptown studio, he made two stops. When he arrived, he picked up his packages from the passenger seat of his car and made his way around to the side staircase that led up to Bella's apartment over her flagship studio. He ran up the steps. At the top, before he could ring the bell, the door opened, and she stood there, smiling at him. The breath caught in his throat, threatening to choke him. She was the most alluring woman he'd ever seen. Tall and lithe, with beautiful dark skin, short hair, full lips, and those incredible green eyes, she took his breath away. Instead of one of the many colored dancer's tunics she loved, tonight she wore a soft, silk dress that cupped her breasts, while revealing an enticing glimpse of her ample cleavage, and hugged her waist before ending halfway up her lovely, long, dark thighs. Looking at her, he thought his heart would beat right through his chest as his cock hardened against the side of his leg. Oh, damn, she was the loveliest woman he'd ever seen. How was a man supposed to desire any other female after having met this lovely, captivating woman? As he stood staring at her, she reached out and took his free hand in hers. "Benton! How very nice to see you." She urged him inside and closed the door. "And you've brought flowers and wine. How thoughtful." He swallowed and found his voice. "These are for you, Bella."

She accepted them and stretched up to kiss his cheek. "I'm very pleased you were able to have dinner with me, Benton. Go into the living room and make yourself a drink while I put the wine in the fridge and these lovely flowers in water." Blowing out deep breaths to in an effort to steady his pounding heart, he moved along the hallway to look in the living room. It was a large room with a huge exotic crystal chandelier hanging over a table large enough to seat twelve people. He noticed two place settings at the head of the table complete with sparking silver utensils and crystal glasses. So they were going to dine in style. He crossed the wide hall to the living room with the huge windows and sat on one of the two loveseats. Although he glanced at the bar, he knew if he had even one drink he was not going to be able to keep his hands off Bella. Across the room, above a huge mantelpiece, was a painting of a beautiful woman with dark skin and eyes. Although the woman didn't resemble her, he always thought of Venus whenever he looked at the picture. "Is she not the most beautiful woman you've ever seen?" He swung around to find Bella had quietly entered the room and stood staring at the picture with a look of almost ... reverence in her gaze. "She's very attractive," he admitted, "but her beauty, stunning though it is, pales in comparison to yours, Bella." She tore her gaze away from the picture and looked at him, a hint of rose jumping into her cheeks. "Why, Benton, how can you possibly compare me to her? She has no equal." He crossed the room and looked down at her eyes. Her perfume, soft and subtle, enticed him. "She's pretty, but if we're talking no equal ... then we're speaking of you, Bella. God, you are so beautiful, you take my breath away." She stared at him, genuine surprise in her gorgeous green eyes. "Why Benton, have you been drinking?" He tightened his lips. Damn if she thought he was drunk to pay her a compliment, he had a long way to go. He sighed. "No, I have not been drinking." She stepped back from him, her cheeks still red. "Would you like a drink?" "No, Bella, I do not want a drink," he said irritably. He knew she was much older than he, but she didn't look it and even if she did, he just did not care about her age. He was not some horny teenager looking for his first sexual experience. Why the hell wouldn't she take him seriously? "What do you want?" "You." He took a deep breath and slipped his arms around her waist. He quickly pressed his mouth against hers, determined to taste her lips before she shoved him away and ordered him out of her apartment. His senses reeled as her lips softened and opened under his. Her hands slid up his body to rest against his chest. She leaned into him and returned the caress of his mouth, offering her tongue. Holding her close, he accepted, eagerly allowing his tongue to dance with hers. Her large, firm breasts pressed against his chest and he began to harden. Feeling his passion, long suppressed, spiraling out of control, he slid his hands down her body to cup her ass. Oh, damn, but she had a nice ass. He stroked his fingers down over her butt. She had a pair of legs that wouldn't quit. It would be even nicer to feel them parting to make way for his cock to enter her pussy.

She trembled, moaning softly against his lips. Certain tonight was his lucky night, he drew her closer and deepened their kiss. She eagerly accepted his mouth roaming over hers, which left him unprepared for what happened next. One moment he was pressing his aching groin against hers, devouring her sweet lips, allowing himself to drown in her warm sensuality, the next his arms were empty and she stood across the room, staring at him with a look in her dark green eyes he could not read. "What do you think you are doing, Benton?" she demanded, her voice icy. Oh, hell! He raked a hand through his hair. "Wasn't it obvious?" he asked coolly. She lifted her chin, still shielding her expression with her long, dark lashes. "There has clearly been a grave misunderstanding." "No there hasn't. I want you, Bella. I have for a very long time." She tightened her lips. "I think maybe you had better leave." Damn it! He'd overplayed his hand. He swore softly and stalked across the room to the door. Once there, his temper flared and he swung around to face her. "What the hell! You invited me to dinner and I'm staying for it." He saw a brief flash of surprise in her eyes, followed by satisfaction or pleasure. Then her dark lashes swept down again and she remained silent. He stared at her, longing to kick himself. Damn! He felt like a fool. Had she been waiting for him to take charge all this time while he'd bided his time like some indecisive teenage lover? Deciding to test his theory, he crossed the room and stood in front of her. After a long moment, she lifted her gaze and looked up at him. Although he couldn't read the expression in her gaze, he could read her body language. Her relaxed stance and slight downcast of her gaze told him the ball was in his court. Nevertheless, he decided he might still need to proceed with caution. He knew she had something of a temper. He reached down and linked his fingers through hers. She tensed, but didn't pull away. He squeezed her hand gently before lifting it to his mouth. He brushed his lips against the back of her hand. "Is that my steak I smell cooking or do you want to play games and pretend you still want me to leave?" She lifted her chin and stared at him, her gaze narrowed. "Do not press your luck, Benton." "Whatever," he muttered and bent to kiss her lips. As before she at first yielded, going so far as to link her arms around his neck and run her fingers through his hair. Holding her cradled against him so she couldn't help but feel his cock, he kissed her slowly, overcome with a rush of tenderness and a desire to protect her. Granted he wanted to make love to her and to fuck her, but he also wanted to whisper that he loved her and would be happy to spend the rest of his life with her. Before he could, she whirled out of his arms, her dark eyes flashing. "Keep your feelings to yourself and do not attempt to kiss me again, Benton. I know your hormones are out of control, but I will not sleep with you." Allowing her green gaze to rest briefly on the bulge along the side of his leg, she flushed, tossed her head, and stalked out of the room. "The hell you won't," he shot back. He followed her across the hall into the dinning room where they stared at each other from either side of the big table. He glanced at it, noting the serving dishes and the bottle of wine he'd bought. "You are a child." She pressed her lips together.

"Then you're better get prepared to rob the damned cradle, Bella." She shook her head. "It would be almost criminal for me to touch you." For her to touch him? He made it sound as if she planned to control their relationship. Fat chance of that happening now that he understood what she wanted and needed from a man. "You understand very little about me, Benton." "I understand that like with any woman, the sight of an erect cock excites you." Her cheeks burned and she tore her gaze away from his groin area to stare at him. "Do not be crude, Benton." He sighed. "It's not being crude. It's just stating facts. Believe me, Bella, I fully intend to treat you with all the tenderness and respect you deserve. I know you are a lady and I will be as much of a gentleman with you as I know how. Trust me not to hurt you, honey. Believe me, I won't." "You speak as if we're going to have an ... intimate relationship." "Oh, honey, we are." "Do you have any idea how old I am?" He shrugged. "No and you know what? I don't care how old you are. All I know is that we are both adults ... unattached adults. What else matters, Bella?" "You have no idea what I am." "No," he allowed, admitting for the first time, even to himself, that there might be a supernatural reason why she always seemed able to easily read his thoughts. "And you know what? I don't care. Nothing can change how I feel about you, Bella." She moistened her lips, her green eyes filled with a longing that left him yearning to swept her up in his arms and assure her that everything would be all right. "Now can we eat?" He pulled the chair out to the right of the head place setting. She shook her head. "I'll sit at the head of the table," she told him. He laughed, enjoying himself. "Only when I'm not here. Now. Please. Have a seat, my lovely, lovely Bella." Cheeks burning, she took the seat he held out for her. He pushed it in, allowing his fingers to linger on her shoulders before he took the seat at the head of the table. "Don't get too comfortable there, Benton. Nothing has changed between us." The hell it hadn't, but he was content with the ground he had gained tonight. He cherished her and had no wish to turn her into a woman with no will of her own. He just wanted her to give him half a chance to win her heart. Still, being Mr. Nice, Unassuming Guy hadn't gotten him very far. He gave her a confident grin. "Dream on, my absolutely beautiful Bella." Although she bit her lip, he saw determination in her green eyes and knew she was only prepared to allow so much. He would definitely be going home, but for the first time in years, he knew that one day ... soon, he was going to be able to call her his woman. "No, Benton. That is not permitted," she said in a low, almost inaudible voice. "I can not and will not sleep with you." "Whatever you say, Bella." He reached across the table to put his hand over her clenched fist. Despite the defiant look in her gaze, her fingers opened and she clung to his hand with a desperation that gave him hope. Her green gaze told him what she wanted him to

overcome her resistance without trying to strip her of her dignity or trying to rush her. Hell, he could do that. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze and her a tender smile. "Not to worry, honey, I'm in this for the long haul and I will treat your heart very gently ... even if I get a little rough with that lovely body of yours." Cheeks red, she pulled her hand away and gave him a haughty look. "Control yourself, Benton. An accountant with too much imagination is a liability rather than an asset." "Oooh. I love a woman who can talk accounting," he told her. "We can talk balance sheets over dinner." "You are an impossible, child!" "And you are the most alluring and beautiful woman I've ever met. God, Bella, you are so sexy and gorgeous. All other women pale in comparison to you. You must be the most beautiful woman who ever lived." Her eyes widened. "You ... you mean that." She sounded surprised and he nodded firmly. "Oh, yeah, honey, I do." "Nevertheless, I am not your honey. Do not be overly familiar, Benton. We have a business relationship ... nothing more." He laughed and relaxed. Damn, but she was going to make the chase excruciatingly exciting. But in the end the outcome was certain. He would catch her—and soon. She lifted her chin. He saw in her gaze that she had again read his thoughts. He shrugged. It was gratifying and exhilarating that she didn't contradict him. Oh, yeah, boy, but his prospects were looking very good indeed.

Chapter Eight

For their second date, Paul took Venus to an expensive upscale restaurant where the chef came to their table to discuss the preparation of their meal with them. He didn't recall what he ordered, but he barely touched it and watched her push her food around on her plate before he asked her to dance. On the dance floor, she eagerly pressed into his arms and he held her close, allowing his thoughts to wander aimlessly as they danced. "Do you still make them?" He blinked and realized she had spoken to him. He lifted his cheek from against her forehead and found her gazing at him with an expectant look on her beautiful face. "What did you say?" "I asked if you still made them?" "Make what?" "The movies." "What mov..." he trailed off and gave her a weary look. He thought Jacoby and The Brotherhood had managed to round up all of them. Clearly she had seen one. "No," he said. "Why not?" "I only made one ... more than twenty years ago when I was ... newly divorced and looking for myself." She sighed. "That explains why I could never find another one ... but if you made it so long ago ... why was your hair silver then and if memory serves, you looked younger? Did you silver early?" "I was younger. A lot younger. I dyed my hair for that ... ridiculous movie." "It wasn't ridiculous. I saw it when I was eighteen and fell so hard for you. I never dreamed I'd actually one day meet you..." she grinned up at him. "In the flesh so to speak." "Oh, damn, I hate the idea of an eighteen year-old seeing that filth. It makes me feel so old and..." She stroked her hand down his cheek. "At the end of the movie, you looked right into the camera ... and I fell in love with you." "In lust you mean." She shook her head. "No, Paul, I don't mean lust. I mean love..." She tilted her head. "You want to know something? I never fell out of love with you either." His heart thumped in his chest. "What?" "Would you kindly take me home now?" Something didn't add up. If she was telling him she was in love with him, why was she demanding to be taken home? She pressed her hands against his shoulders and he reluctantly released her. As they left the restaurant, he reached for her hand. She immediately weaved her fingers through his.

He felt giddy and almost as if he were falling in love for the first time. He had loved Jeff's mother and he sure as hell loved Jacoby ... but God help him if he didn't think he was in love with Venus, too. Jacoby was not going to like this development. At her apartment door, still holding her hand, he bent his head and kissed her cheek. "You can do better than that, Paul." Placing a hand on his chest, she turned her head and their lips met. Fighting to control his rampant desire, he tentatively kissed her. Her soft lips immediately parted, offering access to her tongue. Slipping his arms around her, he held her close, and accepted the invitation, deepening the kiss. She leaned into him. The feel of her body, the taste of her lips, and the subtle scent of her perfume combined to inflame his senses. His cock stirred and he felt almost dizzy with desire for her. He had to have her. Now. "Oh, God, I need you," he pleaded against her lips, holding her tight and close. "Please. Now." She drew her mouth away from his and stared up into his eyes, her own gaze inscrutable. But there was no doubt about her smile or her words. "Come inside and we can talk about your needs in rather graphic detail." Fifteen minutes later, they were in her apartment, out of their clothes, and sprawling on her bed. He looked at her and nearly lost his breath. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen with her lovely dark skin, large, firm breasts, and long, shapely legs. And damn, but she had a nice, rounded ass. His gaze centered on her jewel, nestled amongst a riot of thick, dark hair. His cock jumped to full attention as he imagined sliding his aching, pussy-deprived cock into her. He sucked in a breath and tried to steady his heart, which pounded so hard, he half feared he might have a heart attack before he even got an inch of cock into her. Looking directly into his gaze, she pushed at his shoulders. He lay on his back, his legs parted, his cock hard and rigid. She straddled his hips, grasped his cock in one hand and his balls in the other. "Very nice, indeed," she whispered and brought his hard shaft to rest against her pussy. Oh, God! After twenty long years, he was about to get some pussy. Not with just any woman ... with the one woman who made him almost forget his feelings for Jacoby, something he had not thought possible. His breathing increased until he was almost hyperventilating. She leaned over him, her dark eyes staring into his. "Easy," she whispered softly. "Easy. We are both about to get what we want and need." He looked up into her eyes, which seemed to swirl with tiny green lights and felt his heartbeat slowing to a more normal rate. Smiling at him, she slowly urged her hips forward until the head of his cock pressed against her dark hair. His hands came up and clamped on her hips. "No," she told him. "I am in control here. I am going to make love to you and make you very happy." He'd never surrendered control to any lover other than Jacoby ... and now to her. Resting his hands on the bed beside him, he allowed his body to slump back against the mattress, content to let her control their lovemaking. Smiling at him with a tenderness that seemed to pierce his chest and take possession of his ailing heart, she slowly pressed forward, wiggling her hips. The head of his cock

found her entrance and he bit down on his lip. His hands clenched into fists. Resisting the urge to thrust forward, spearing her with his entire cock with one, powerful greedy thrust was nearly impossible. "Patience, my handsome Paul." "Quickly," he gasped. "Please. It's been a very long time since I've been with a beautiful woman and I can't wait much longer." "Patience," she whispered again, her voice taking on an almost hypnotic quality. Stroking her hands down his chest to his abs, she eased forward again. Several inches slid into her tight, moist body and he gasped, closing his eyes, savoring the experience of being inside a woman for the first time in over twenty years. Oh, God, please don't let me die before I can enjoy this, he prayed silently. Rocking her body, she eased forward again, slowly and steadily until his cock was completely inside her. A wave of desire engulfed him and his heart thundered in his chest. Oh, God, he was going to die before he could climax with this beautiful woman he had spent a lifetime waiting to meet again. Again? They had never met ... and yet they had. "Paul. Open your eyes and look at me," she commanded. He did, but his vision blurred and he couldn't focus his gaze on hers. "It's all right," she intoned. "Breathe slowly and deeply." She stroked her hands against his chest. "This is a moving experience for me too. More than you can possibly know." There was a power in her that made him believe what she promised. His breathing slowed and his vision cleared. He looked up into a pair of dark eyes, now green and full of tenderness, as well as a timeless love. She cupped his face in her soft hands. "Now my darling, I make love to you as I was meant to since the dawn of time. I am Venus, daughter of Ebonee' and I claim you as my own. My very own darling, Paul. Once more, you are mine again, my love." Her words, which should have been nonsensical, made perfect sense. "Yes," he gasped, closing his hands around her ass. "Yours." Whispering to him in a language he could not understand, she slowly lifted her hips and lowered them until his entire shaft was enclosed in her addictive warmth. She made love to him slowly, pressing warm, sweet yet demanding kisses against his mouth with a tender passion that made his heart pound and kept his cock harder than it had been in years. Her soft, lyrical words washed over him with the force of a tidal wave. She dominated him completely with her body and her words, her pussy controlling the force and tempo of their lovemaking. As she rode him, visions of long nights spent with her on a far away desert world teased his senses. With the Denhari moon shining down, he lay on his back on the blue sands, while she lay on top of him, sliding herself along the length of his cock, making love to him, and branding him as hers. Later that night, they reversed the roles and he lay between her long legs, sucking her breasts, as he thrust his cock in and out of the warm, tight pussy of the woman who had enchanted a galaxy of men, but who had chosen him as her primary and most revered lover during her Feast of Immaculate Bliss and Conception. Knowing he would have to leave with the dawn and that she would spend the last half of the Feast with other lovers, he had thrust into her with long, hard movements,

trying to brand her so that her other lovers would know that though they enjoyed her body, her heart belonged solely to him. He himself had known many other lovers, but none had touched his heart and made him regret what and who he was. If not for his duties, he would not have to leave her with the dawn. "The dawn is not yet. Love me," she whispered, wrapping her legs around his body and squirming under him. He clasped his hands under her, thrusting deep and hard into her silky warmth. She cried out and shuddered under him. Holding her tight, he continued plunging into her, feeling his climax approaching. Closing his eyes, he surrendered to his passions. He called out her name and shuddered through an explosive orgasm, blasting his seed deep into her moist, tight pussy. His release was so intensive and so sustained, he groaned, lost his ability to breathe properly, and slipped into unconsciousness, the past slipping away. When he revived, she lay on her back, holding him in her arms, stroking his body, whispering softly to him in that strange language. He turned his head. "What are you saying? I don't understand you. What language are you speaking?" "English." She sounded surprised. "Unfortunately it's the only language I can speak with any degree of proficiency." She had not been speaking English or any of the other three languages he had a passing acquaintance with. But now was not the time for questions. At least not questions about language. Feeling tired and weary, but very happy, he pulled out of her arms and turned to look down at her. "I didn't understand you." "I asked if you were all right?" Not really, but he wasn't ready to admit that to her yet. "I'm sorry I didn't please you," he began, feeling his face burn. Her eyes widened. "What are you talking about? You did please me. Very well." She took his hand and placed a finger inside her. She felt warm and creamy. But was it just his seed inside her? Had she come too? She urged him onto his back and looked down at his, her eyes drinking in every inch of his body. "You are beautiful, Paul. So beautiful. I can't believe you are finally mine ... after all this time and all the wrong lovers ... I have you." While he lay stunned by her words, she spread her sleek, lovely dark body on top of his. "You are such a sweet lover, Paul. You've stolen my heart all over again." Rubbing herself against his flaccid cock, she kissed him slowly, sucking at his tongue. "I love you—now and always, my darling, Paul." Looking up into her eyes, Paul knew he was in big time trouble because he had no doubt at all that he loved her too—now and always. Just as if he'd spoken aloud, smiling with satisfaction, she slipped a hand between their bodies and began massaging his cock. "You are mine, Paul, and I want more of what's mine." Rather to his surprise, he cock began to harden again. It had been a long time since making love didn't totally wipe him out. "Give it to me," she ordered.

He looked up into her eyes and decided he'd had enough of the passive male bit. He rolled them over so that she lay on her back with him on top of her. Staring down into her dark green eyes, he grasped his cock, and thrust into her up to the hilt. She gasped, wrapping her arms and legs around him and undulating her body against his. Clutching her lovely ass in his palms, he ground himself against her. They began a slow, leisurely fuck, whispering words of love and adoration to each other. Paul, lost in a world of primal lust he couldn't explain or control, came inside her twice before she shuddered and he felt a hot flood of juices flowing over his cock and down his balls. Oh, damn, but she was sweet. They lay locked in each other's arms, happily lost in a world all their own where he began to understand what she whispered to him in that strange language. "Let me handle whoever troubles you," she whispered in the language. Half asleep, it seemed perfectly natural that she should fight a battle he had never expected to have to wage. He nodded drowsily. "Yes," he whispered back in the same language. "As you wish, my love ... my life."

Chapter Nine

Jacoby stood by the bed he shared with Paul, watching the sleeping Paul. He had returned unannounced because he could stay away no longer. He had missed Paul, as always, but he had also returned because he could not vanquish thoughts of Venus for more than a few moments at a time. For the first time in his life as a vampire, he felt torn and uncertain of himself. Paul was his bloodlust. He had known and accepted that almost immediately after meeting Paul. Paul completed him in every way. Except for the usual one-night stands, he had no needs Paul couldn't and did not fill—until now. His thoughts turned to Venus ... dark, lovely, full of fire and passion ... and completely unforgettable. He had thought of little else since leaving her bed and her arms in the dawn just before she woke. The taste of her lips, so warm and insistent, haunted him. The memory of how exquisite that first slide into her incredible pussy had been taunted him. In all his years as a vampire with the countless lovers he'd taken, no other woman had ever come close to capturing his lust and making herself impossible to forget ... except his lost love. Even now, standing with the man he valued more than his own life, it was thoughts of Venus that kept his cock hard along the side of one leg. Venus ... Venus. He felt as if had spent a lifetime aching for her. He sucked in a breath. By The Brotherhood ... he couldn't help it. He had to have her again. Bending to press a kiss against Paul's lips, he raced toward the door. "Jay?" Paul's voice stopped him. Taking a deep breath he turned and crossed the room as Paul slowly sat up. Seating himself on the side of the bed, he cupped a palm against Paul's cheek and bent to kiss his mouth, savoring the taste of his lips and tongue. Paul returned his kiss, stroking his fingers through Jacoby's hair. "Jay, you're back." He frowned. Was it his imagination or did Paul sound more apprehensive than excited at his return? "Yes. I missed you." "I missed you too, Jay. Why didn't you wake me?" He drew away from Paul. Although they had agreed to take a female lover, he found himself unable to tell Paul about Venus. Paul wouldn't understand and would think their relationship meant less to him because he couldn't forget her. "You look tired, Paul, and I have needs." Paul stunned him by nodding and lying down on the bed. "I am feeling a little fatigued. I'll see you later. It's good to have you back, Jay." He rose and stood over Paul. What the hell was going on? Paul had never willingly sent him off for sex elsewhere without first making love to him himself. "Paul? Are you all right?" "I'm not as young as I used to be and I'm very tired, Jay." He touched Paul's silver hair. "I could change that for you." Paul touched his hand. "We've already discussed this. I'm human and I'm going to stay human." "I can't bear to lose you."

Paul sighed and sat up. "Jay ... at some point you are going to have to deal with the fact that I will ... die. I am not going to outlive Jeff and the girls. The thought of spending eternity with you is tempting, but I will not watch my son and grandkids grown old and die while I live on. Please, Jay, you have to learn to deal with my mortality." The thought of losing Paul made his chest feel so heavy it was difficult to breathe. Before Paul came into his life, he'd had no direction or love ... no real reason for living. Paul had grounded him, making his world a place filled with love and tenderness ... like the world he had lost when he became a vampire. When he became a vampire? He realized abruptly that despite his memories, he had not become a vampire. He had always been one. He would deal with the realities of his past later. For the present, Paul's welfare concerned him. Even with Venus in his life, without Paul, he would be devastated. "I can't lose you," he whispered. Paul rose, slipped his arms around him, and kissed his lips. "You have to accept it, Jay. When my time comes, I'm going. Do not use any unnatural means to preserve my life, Jay. Promise." He pulled away from Paul, shaking his head. "No." Paul clenched his hand and stared in his eyes. "Jay ... if you care anything about me, promise." "How can you ask me to give a promise that will rip my heart out?" "Jay, I need you to do this one thing for me. Please." "Paul before I met you, I was lost in a dark world, devoid of warmth and tenderness. There was nothing to hope or live for ... I lost a woman once ... and the ache of it ate at my soul like a cancer—until I met you. Without you, I'll be lost again and this time there won't be anyone to find me. I can not let you die." "You have to, Jay, when the time comes, if you love me ... and I know you do." He saw steel in Paul's gaze and heard the demand in his voice. Paul had never asked anything of him. And though he had never been able to say the words, he did love Paul. "Paul, please don't ask this of me." "I'm not asking. I'm demanding it, Jay. I'm demanding just this one thing from you. Promise me. Give me your word." He sighed. "I ... promise." Paul blew out a deep breath and kissed his lips. "Thank you, Jay." Paul sounded very tired. He swept Paul up into his arms and laid him on the bed. He pulled the cover over Paul, caressing his hair. "Sleep. I will return soon." Paul gave him a tired smile and rolled onto his stomach. Although he hated to leave Paul, his need and desire for Venus drove him into the night in search of her. **** Venus considered Belladonna in silence for several moments. Standing in front of her huge living room windows, staring out into the night, Bella seemed hardly aware of her. Immediately on arriving, she had noted a marked change in Bella. Her eyes sparkled, her cheeks were rosy, and she wore a surprisingly revealing dress that barely covered her

rump and showed a large amount of cleavage. Clearly Benton didn't need any help from Venus to light Bella's fire. "Bella? Is this a bad time?" Bella turned from the windows to look at her. "No. I am your guide. It is never a bad time for you to talk to me." And yet she sensed Bella's thoughts were elsewhere, probably on Benton. "Bella, I don't understand. How can I love Paul so much that I can't imagine living without him now I've met him and still yearn for the passion and fire Jacoby provides? He's rough with me. He shows no tenderness and calls me bitch and wanton and I love it! How can I want and need them both so much?" Bella sighed. "You are not a normal Willoni. You are daughter of Ebonee', who holds a special place in the temple of Caldara. Ebonee' too felt the pull of passion and love when she ought not. She defied Caldara to be with your father." She frowned. She had no memory of a male in her life. "Who is my father, Bella? Is he alive?" "I do not know. She would never say, but after you were born, she took you and fled from him ... but I know she never forgot him and stayed with you much longer than she should have because you were, and are, so like him. And yet she craved another male. With your father there was a gentle passion that tore at her heart. With this other ... darker male, there was a lust she could not deny ... although she never surrendered to it or to him. She could not have him, either, but she told me that one day you would have twin lovers as she never could. Her dark lover pursued her, but she would not give in. And if a Willoni of your mother's skills and ability does not wish to be found ... none can find her, even a vampire." A vampire? Venus moistened her lips. "He was a vampire? What was his name?" "She never said, but she said he had a brother she called J and that one day you and J would meet and consummate a primal passion as old as time itself." Venus gasped. J for Jacoby? J for V? Was she addicted to the brother of the man her mother had desired? As a child, she had remembered that her mother had always seemed sad. "Why couldn't she have him if they both wanted each other?" "It was not her destiny." Bella said gently. "She knew she dared not defy Caldara again by giving into her passion for him. She was content to know that one day you and this Jay would meet. She said when you did, you would finally know who and what you were." They had met. She frowned, feeling memories, buried under eons of time, pushing their way toward her conscious mind. "So what am I supposed to do, Bella? I want them both with a hunger that eats at me." "Then have them both ... for the time allotted." "For the time allotted?" Bella sighed. "At some point, you will be called to serve in the temple of Caldara, just as your mother was. Did you think Ebonee' didn't resist leaving you? She fought hard, but had no choice. Caldara is a generous Goddess, but not one to trifle with. One day, maybe sooner than either of us would like, she will call you away from them and you must answer."

She would ... when hell froze over. No one was going to dictate how she lived her life. But she had no wish to distress Bella so she remained silent on that issue. All the while, the memories pushed up from her unconscious mind. "Bella, are there male Willoni?" "Yes." "Please ... tell me about them." "Not such is known except that their powers and skills vary widely. They sing a different song and are known as Singers, rather than Willoni. They do not serve Caldara." "Who do they serve?" "There are several Gods, but a vast majority serve Heoptin, the eternal God of fire and passion." "Heoptin? Was he Greek or Roman?" "Neither." "I've never heard of him." Bella smiled. "There are many deities of whom you have not yet heard, little Willoni. They bestow various abilities on their servants. The Heoptins are said to be fierce and insatiable lovers. Women have been known to be enslaved for life by a single kiss from one. There are tales of Heoptins gone bad who sexed women to death and who pervert their skills and sell their sex." She shivered, recalling how Jacoby had twice fucked her into unconsciousness. "Like prostitutes?" "No. A Singer who strays can cause much grief to all those around him. A wicked Singer is said to have the power to enslave all he encounters—male and female." Almost as Jacoby had enslaved her. "What are their origins?" "They are honorable. The Heoptins, rather vampires or shifters, were foremost healers. They were renowned throughout the galaxy for their unselfish willingness to heal others at great cost to themselves." An unselfish vampire? There was an oxymoron if ever she'd heard one. "What do these Heoptins look like?" "They could look like any man, but it is said that the majority of the priests of Heoptin have dark skin and green eyes. And it is rumored that those of the royal order of Heoptin have no particular distinguishing features save for their volatile passions they can not always control. Then there are the Heoptin Shifters who some call werewolves and can do amazing things with their appearance." She remembered the hunger in Jacoby and shivered. "Is Jacoby Heoptin? He called me a Willoni wannabe. How did he know?" Bella closed her eyes and hummed as she swayed. Several long moments passed before she opened her eyes and looked at Venus. "I can see nothing of him." "What does that mean? Should I be frightened of him?" "You are Venus, daughter of Ebonee'. There is very little you need fear ... even an out of control Heoptin Vampire ... if that is what your Jacoby is." "Why do you call them Heoptin vampires? Are they different from regular vampires?" "Legends speak fondly of unselfish Heoptin Vampires. Like the Singers of their order, they were healers. They endured much hardship for the sake of their calling and only fed on those who willingly offered their blood. And when they healed, they ingested

large quantities of polluted blood that sometimes made them as ill as those they were attempting to aid." "That's a far cry from vampire lore on Earth." "Yes, it is." Bella sighed. "But I fear over time the Heoptins have lost their way. It is said that Heoptin himself has grown old and weak and his Vampires and Shifters and other minions have scattered and become a menace all across the universe to those unfortunate enough to encounter one of them. They are far worse than Earthbound vampires or werewolves, for those have perverted their calling and turned it into something dark, selfish, and destruction that Heoptin could not have allowed." "Why doesn't Heoptin stop them?" "I do not know. Perhaps he cannot. Perhaps his vision has changed and he no longer cares for those less fortunate. Perhaps, he is, as some say, dead." Her thoughts turned back to Jacoby. Was it possible he was a Heoptin gone astray? Whatever he was, she felt a sudden urge to seek him out and bed him. But not before she made sure Bella was all right. "Bella, have you seen Benton lately?" Bella flushed and averted her gaze, something Venus had never seen her do. "He is forever underfoot ... making a nuisance of himself." A nuisance, huh? She had a feeling he'd finally made his move and poor Bella no longer knew how to handle him. "If he's underfoot and you want to get rid of him, I know this woman who would be glad to take him off your hands. She's..." "No!" Bella swung around to face her, her eyes glowing. "Do not interfere in this, Venus." Venus sighed. "Then stop fighting him, Bella. I know you want to give into him. Do." "I can not. I have a duty to..." "Duty be damned! My mother is somewhere serving your infernal Caldara and I am an adult. It's time you did something for yourself, Bella. Benton adores you. Why should everyone have a chance to taste passion except you?" Feeling a rage of power and of fury knotting in her belly, she strolled across the room and gripped Bella's arms. "Give in to your desires, Bella. I, Venus, daughter of Ebonee', defy anyone to fuck with you!" She released Bella and stalked to the window, staring out into the dark night, her eyes glowing, and an electric-like charge dancing through her body. She raised her gaze skyward. "Caldara, so called Mistress of the Soul Song, hear me! You have my mother, but you will never have me. Never. I willingly served the Goddess Amisha, who was both kind and loving. You, I will never serve and I will not allow you to keep Belladonna a prisoner. She has found the one who can master her soul song and she will have him! Interfere and you will answer to me!" In answer, lightning flashed through the sky and into the room, inches from Venus' feet. Venus sucked in a breath but didn't move as an ancient memory pushed its way up through the layers of her mind. "You'll have to do better than that!" "No!" Bella cried out and rushed over to turn her away from the window, fear in her dark gaze. "Venus! What are you doing? You mustn't challenge Caldara." Venus, infused with a level of power she had never imagined, looked at Bella and the memories exploded to the surface and into her conscious mind with a force that nearly left her bereft of breath. But by all that was holy, she finally knew who and what she was.

"I have challenged her. Do not fear, Bella. I am not only Willoni or just daughter of Ebonee'. I am that and so much more." Images of a life lived eons ago, when her love and passion tore her between two lovers, rushed through her head. She saw herself standing on blue desert sands, naked, smiling and confident as a handsome, green-eyed man with pale skin fashioned a small, magical ebony statuette in her image. Not her mother's nor Caldara's, but hers. She was the model for the Ebony Venus. For the first time in her present life, she knew who she was ... or suspected she did. If what she suspected was true, she and Caldara would have a reckoning as old as time itself. She looked at the woman who had taken the place of her beloved mother. "I will not allow Caldara to keep your from your destiny. If you want Benton, succumb to him. I will deal with Caldara and anyone else who dares make you unhappy." Bella stared at him. "Venus?" She nodded. "Yes. I am Venus, lately daughter of Ebonee' but also Venus, she from whom the original Ebony Venus of Love was fashioned by Heoptin himself ... at the dawn of time at the behest of the nameless one. You were right in telling me no one could harm me if I admitted who I am. I resisted saying I was Willoni, because that is not all I am." "Who ... are you?" "You have heard of Amisha, Goddess of Bliss?" "Yes, but she is no more. Caldara said she was destroyed during the Clan Wars and her orders dispersed and scattered all over the known universe. Her remaining acolytes have no power and very few will even admit that she ever existed. I fear she is lost forever. There has been no word or news of her for many centuries. She is but a distant memory." Venus gave an angry shake of her head. "She is not lost. She was betrayed by one she trusted most." "How do you know this? Caldara said..." "Caldara has said numerous things—many of them untrue." "Venus. Be careful," Bella warned. "I have no need to fear her for I know who I am. I am Venus, of the Golden Hills Clan, from the Valley of Misher, in the land of Persia. I am Venus Amisha, Goddess Ascendant of Bliss. It was the will of the Nameless One that I rule the Willoni of Persia, Denhari, and Wind Swept Valley." With the words, Venus felt more suppressed memories emerging. Still, there were other memories and secrets hidden from her. They would be revealed to her in time once she mastered her own soul song. Belladonna bowed her head and dropped to her knees. "Amisha! You live! By the power of the Nameless One, I live to serve, Goddess." She shook her head and lifted Bella to her feet. "No, Bella. Those days are long gone." Thanks to treachery, she had never ascended to her rightful place. "And even if they were not, I would never have she who nurtured and protected me when I needed it most humble herself in front of me." She bowed her own head and dropped to her knees. "I am the one who should bow to she who loved and cherished me so unselfishly at the cost of her own happiness." Bella dropped to her knees and they clung to each other. She kissed Bella's hair. "If you want Benton, Bella, take him and leave me to deal with Caldara."

Bella drew away to look at her. "You are all grown up, Venus ... or should I call you by your true name, Amisha?" "With you and those I love, I will always be Venus." "You are as gracious as you are beautiful, Goddess. I can feel the power and majesty in you, but you are yet young in this life. Caldara is old and powerful and she has never died as you have. You must not challenge her." "I do challenge her, Bella, for I will never cower before a so-called deity who demands those who serve her forsake love and passion." "You must not be too harsh with her, Venus. Eons passed and she lost her one true love." "And so she would make sure everyone else does the same? No. I will not cower to her. She has my Earthly mother, but she will never have my fear or respect and you will only continue to serve her if you so wish." Bella bowed her head. "Highness," she whispered. She raised Bella's head with a hand under her chin. "No, Bella. Never highness with you." Gripping Bella's arms, she raised them both to their feet. "Now I must go find Jacoby ... I have a craving for him." Bella nodded, a troubled look in her green eyes. She touched Bella's cheek. "Do not fear, Belladonna, guardian supreme. I will allow no one to hurt you. You are dearer to me than my own life, which I would gladly surrender in your defense." Bella lifted her chin, her green eyes sparking with defiance. "You say that as if you imagine I would actually allow such a thing, Goddess." She smiled. "Venus. Please, Bella. Our relationship has been the one constant in this life, which have been filled with uncertainties. Please don't let it change. I am Venus and your are my guardian and mainstay." "As you wish ... Venus, child of my heart." The embraced and held each other for long moments before fear for Paul and Jacoby tore Venus away. As she opened the door of Bella's apartment, she found Benton on the landing, his hand raised to knock, a large bouquet of roses resting in one arm. He looked handsome and confident. "Benton! What a nice surprise," she said. She glanced over her shoulder before looking at him. "Bella has had a shock. Be gentle with her, Benton, and let her work up to admitting she finds you as attractive as you do her." He cast a quick look over her shoulder. "A shock? Is she all right, Venus?" "Yes, but I think she'll be very pleased to see you." He nodded impatiently and rushed inside, calling out to Bella. "Honey, it's Benton. Are you all right?" Venus remained standing on the step only long enough to hear Bella answer in a quite breathless voice before she ran down the steps, got in her car, and went in search of Jacoby, eager to explore their shared past and to learn just who and what he really was.

Chapter Ten

Jacoby came awake with a start and realized he stood with his arms and legs spread wide and fastened, along with his body, to what could only be some type of bondage rack. His eyes snapped open and he found himself in his own bedroom in the house where he stayed when he wasn't with Paul. In front of him in the dark bedroom, stood a beautiful naked woman. Looking at her, the centuries began to fade away and he was again standing in the middle of the blue desert on Denhari, vying for her against a rival who wooed her with soft words and whispers of eternal devotion, while he offered endless fire and passion. He strained against his bonds, staring into the moonlit night to see the face of his rival ... the man he would slay at the first opportunity and thus claim the lovely vision in front of him for himself alone. "You're awake. Good." He blinked and focused his eyes on Venus's lovely face. Venus ... the one woman who had broken his heart so long ago. The woman whose image he had tried to erase from his mind. Venus, so much more than just a little wanton Willoni, as her binding him without awakening him had proven. There were pieces of the past still lost to him, but they would come. For now, he knew he was in for a night of fire, passion, and unbridled, primal lust, as only two timeless lovers could conceive or enjoy. His cock jumped to its full length and thickness. "Yes, I'm awake." He tugged at his restraints. They held firm. She had enchanted them. "What do you want with me, little bitch?" He saw a shudder dance through her lovely, bare body and knew his calling her bitch aroused her. "Payback's a bitch, Jacoby," she told him and walked across the floor toward him. Without another word, she climbed up the rack, her large breasts and pussy pressed tight against his body. He sucked in a breath, thrusting his hips forward, trying to work his cock into her pussy. She ground herself against him, being careful not to allow even the tip of his cock to slip inside her. Burning with a lust as old as time, he struggled against the restraints, growling angrily when they held firm. She laughed softly and licked at his lips. "What's the matter, Jacoby, don't like waking to find yourself bound like a Thanksgiving turkey?" "Release me," he ordered. "Or you'll regret this for a very long time." "What is time to such as you and I?" she demanded, rubbing her breasts against his chest. "I just might keep you bound here for the next twenty or thirty years while I have my way with you." She nipped at his lips. "Do you remember what I used to do to you in our special abode in the Blue Hills?" Memories of long nights spent in her arms on Denhari washed over him ... long nights filled with lust and passion like nothing he had experienced before or since. He gasped and closed his eyes, losing himself in the memories so long suppressed.

Memories of when his desire for her had changed him. He had once been a Singer ... a Healer ... a Heoptin ... until he had seen her. Driven by a desire he could not control, he had done things unworthy of a Heoptin Vampire ... things that shamed him. "Like then, you are mine, J," she whispered. She pressed a hot, demanding kiss against his lips before she broke away. He opened his eyes and stared directly into her gaze. He saw his yearning mirrored there. Regrets and sorrows for the centuries of endless lusts and debaucheries of every sort vanquished. What did anything matter except this moment with this woman? "I belong to no woman." "I am not just a woman. I am Venus." Venus. She who had modeled the original Ebony Venus of Love. She who lit an endless and eternal flame in him. She for whom he would kill an entire nation of men to possess again. He whispered to her in an almost forgotten language. Laughing softly, she kissed her way down his body. When her soft warm lips closed over his cock, he cried out with lust and thrust his lips forward. Cupping his balls in her hands, she licked and kissed his genitals, sending jolts of pure desire through him. He gasped, his body straining to be free. "Release me!" Instead, she laughed and ran the tip of her tongue over the head of his cock before swallowing his entire length with an ease that made him ache. She sucked him with a deep hunger, taking his entire cock down her throat the way no human woman could. The suction in her mouth quickly drove him to a powerful orgasm. He shrugged against his bonds, longing to clasp her close against his groin so he could thrust into her lovely mouth. Although the bonds gave a little, he was unable to break them. Still struggling with the restraints, he shot his seed down her throat. She kept her warm lips wrapped around his cock until she had drained the last drop of his seed from him. Only then did she remove her mouth and settle her lips against his balls. She sucked them both until he gasped, on the verge of another climax. She abruptly rose with him just a breath away from his release. "Little, wanton, bitch!" he roared angrily. "Don't you dare stop." Running the tip of her tongue along the outline of her lips, she climbed on the rack, palmed his cock, aimed it at her pussy, and quickly impaled herself on him. They both gasped, staring into each other's eyes as she hung on his cock. "I love it when you call me little wanton bitch." "Release me," he ordered. "Never!" She curled her fingers in his hair. "You are mine," she assured him, her voice low and raspy. "Mine to do with as I will." He strained against the bonds again and felt them giving a little more. Closing his eyes, he settled against the rack, as she began to fuck herself slowly up and down the length of his shaft. Desire sliced through him. He surrendered to it, allowing his thoughts to carry him back to the blue desert when he had owned and lost her so long ago. But never again. He knew he had a rival for her affection. This time he would take no chances. His competition must die. Her soft moans roused him from his memories of the past and snapped him back into the middle of a fast approaching climax. Thrusting his lips forward as far as his restraints allowed, he sank his cock into her and strained to fuck her.

Smiling against his lips, she withdrew her pussy until only the head of his cock lingered inside her. "I will make you pay for this," he warned, jerking furiously against the restraints binding his wrists and ankles. They begin to give and with an effort that made the sweat break out along his chest and shoulders, he gave a powerful jerk and they came loose. Startled, she jerked back, he pushed off from the rack and they tumbled to the floor. She tried to scramble to her feet. He grabbed at her. She slapped his hands away and they rolled around on the floor. Knowing who she was, her strength still surprised him. It took quite an effort to wrestle her onto her back and rise over her, his eyes glowing. He held her slender wrists over her head in one hand. "Now my wanton, little bitch, we will see who is charge." She pulled at her wrists and he tightened his grip and settled against her. Her eyes flashed angrily up at him. Laughing, he leaned over her and took her mouth in a hard, demanding kiss that forced her soft, sweet, protesting lips apart. Even as she struggled against him, he felt the fire in her, responding to his timeless passion for her. Keeping his grip on her wrists, he lifted his lower body from hers, spread her knees apart with his free hand, found her pussy, and thrust deep into her. "Oooh!" she gasped and shuddered, her green eyes glowing. Knowing his own eyes were now green as well, he released her hands so he could cup them over her ass. She immediately clutched him to her and they fucked each other in a fury of lust and rage that consumed them both. With each drive into her hot, silky depths, he branded her as his. She accepted and shared his raging passion and they clung together, united in their common desire to become as one. Gasping and moaning with a lust neither could deny, they fucked long into the night until they were both limp and their combined fluids seeped from her body. He recovered first. While she lay on the carpet, enjoying the afterglow of their latest fuck, he rose, lifted her onto her knees and pressed his groin against her face. "Taste me," he ordered. His heart thundered wildly in his chest as she immediately parted her lips and gladly took his cock into her mouth. She gave him a long, slow, exquisite suck. The passion raging between them exploded out of control in minutes. He experienced a climax so intense that the moment she removed her mouth, he dropped to his knees. Holding him close, she drew him down to the floor, pushed him onto his back, rose above him, and thrust herself onto his cock. She rode him with a furious motion that made him dizzy with delight and joy. One climax crashed into another ... and yet another until he had reached his limit. For the first time in his very long existence, he passed out. As he lost consciousness, his thoughts turned toward Paul. He had to find a way to break the news to Paul that he had found another bloodlust. **** Paul's heart thumped as he watched Venus, waiting to hear her reaction to the bombshell he had just dropped in her lap. Sitting in his living room after a dinner he had carefully prepared that neither of them had eaten, he had told her he had another lover. She rose slowly and faced him as she stood near the mantle, his drink untouched in his hand. "And this lover of yours? He's a male? You're gay."

"No!" he spoke hotly, even as he realized how he must sound to admit he had a male lover then insist he was not gay. For the life of him, he had never understood why he had been so drawn to Jacoby or what had kept them together for so long. For he truly was not gay. He put his drink down, raking a hand through his hair. How could he expect her to understand when he couldn't explain his relationship with Jacoby. "I am not gay ... neither is he." She looked at him, a look in her dark eyes he couldn't quite place. "If you say you're not gay, fine. I'll believe you, but I do not intend to share you with another lover ... especially a man." She crossed the room to place her hands against his chest. "End it with him." He closed his eyes briefly, shaking his head. "I can't." "You have to if you want me. I do not share my lovers, Paul." She stroked a hand down his cheek. "You are mine and I will not share you with him." Oh, God, what a mess. He couldn't give her up. Finding her was like finding a piece of himself he had not realized was missing. On the other hand, the thought of giving up Jacoby didn't bear thinking about either. He couldn't have them both and yet he couldn't give up either of them. He sighed, touching his forehead to hers. "I can't break it off with him." "You'll have to. I will not share you. Come. I need loving like only you can provide." She took his hand in hers and walked him toward the bedroom he shared with Jacoby. He cast a brief glance toward the ceiling. God, please let Jacoby stay away tonight. Moments later, they sprawled on the bed in each other arms, kissing and caressing, working on a leisurely foreplay in which both delighted. Her soft, warm hands on his body soothed him, helping to keep his heart from speeding up to the point he would find breathing difficult. As he held her, rubbing his cock against her pussy, he thought of how different his life might have been were she older and had he met her twenty years earlier instead of Jacoby. They might be married now ... possibly have a few children together. He would be able to confide his fears to her. They would have shared an idealistic life. Yet, he couldn't wish away his time with Jacoby. She made a soft sound against his lips and he dismissed thoughts of Jacoby. He rolled her onto her back and thrust his cock inside her warm, tight pussy. God, she felt so good. He rested his full weight on her body and, feeling lust take over, he took her rather roughly, reveling in his first hard fuck with a woman in years. As she lay under him, clinging to him, whispering that she loved him more than life, he felt dizzy. Oh, God, he prayed. Please don't let me die. Not now. Please. He opened his eyes and lifted his head. He had to blink several times before he believed what he saw. His bedroom had vanished. He looked down and saw that he and Venus now lay on blue sands. He stiffened and looked around. They were in a desert. Denhari on Aeolia, land of the Crystal Falls and whispering blue sands. Denhari, land where he was free to sing a song all his own. Finally! After an eternity, he was home. But home meant that his rival for Venus' affection was around. He stiffened and looked about. This time he would kill him.

"Paul? Paul? Are you all right, darling?" Paul blinked and looked up. He was back in his bedroom with Venus kneeling over him, a concerned look in her dark eyes. He gave her a weak smile. "I could be breathing my last breath and still be all right as long as you were with me calling me darling." Her eyes filled with tears and she lay against him, pressing her breasts against his chest. "You frightened me." Not to mention the fact that he hadn't satisfied her. He wouldn't keep her very long at this rate. He stroked her shoulders. "I'm sorry." She wrapped her arms around him. "I won't let you go again, Paul," she vowed. "I won't." "I'm not going anywhere." Now if only that were true. "Paul, there's something I have to tell you." "I'm listening." "I ... there's someone else in my life I have to tell you about." He stiffened, his hand stilling on her shoulders. "What? But you said..." She sighed and lifted her head to look down at him. "He's very special. I want you to meet him." Filled with rage that there was another man touching his woman, he shook his head and vaulted from the bed. She followed him, catching at his hand. "Paul, please." He swung around to stare at her. "You tell me you won't share me then you tell me you're sleeping with another man and I'm supposed to accept it?" "Yes! I know it seems unfair, but I have to have you both!" "I will share you with someone else when hell freezes over!" "That's about to happen—at least for you, Singer!" Paul swung around and saw a tall, dark man with glowing eyes glaring at him from across the room. The eons melted away and he found himself staring into the cold, murderous gaze of his centuries-old rival. "You! How dare you touch my woman again?" "You! This time you die, vampire!" They spoke at the same time. In the blink of an eye, they rushed across the room at each other. Moving quickly, Venus slipped between them, placing a soft yet firm hand on each of their chests. "No! I won't have this! I will not let this happen again. This is what separated us and caused us all so much grief. I will not have you two battle over me again. I command you both. Stop!" As he had so long ago, Paul bowed to her will. Relaxing his body, he looked into the other male's face. He blinked. "Paul!" Jacoby looked as confused as he felt. "Jay!" Venus stared up at him. "Yes, Paul, it's Jacoby. Jay, it's Paul." She gripped one of their hands in hers. "My two loves. Together with me again after endless lifetimes of misery." She squeezed their hands. "This time I will keep you both." He met Jacoby's gaze over her head and for the first time, saw a look in the other male's eyes that sent a chill down his spine. This man ... this Jacoby was still his enemy ... and would bear watching. He clenched his hand into a fist. He would strike at the first opportunity.

"You two must not battle. I will not have it." Venus stepped from between them and Paul tensed. His chance to strike! Jacoby leaned closer. His hand started to rise then Jacoby took him in his arms and a dam burst in him. He buried his head against Jacoby's shoulder. Both shaking, they sank to the floor together. Venus joined them and the three of them clung together, letting the memories of their former lives wash over them. It was a life that had seen Jacoby and Paul, both servants of Heoptin, battling over Venus, she who had captured Heoptin's heart away from his former lover Caldara. In a rage, Caldara, not daring to touch Venus, had turned Jacoby and Paul into bitter enemies. Their rage had forced Heoptin to intercede. With great sorrow, he had separated the three lovers for an eternity or until they learned how to live and to love together. "I have you both again," Venus whispered. "And this time, I swear I will move Denhari, Persia, and Earth to keep you both." They both whispered soothingly to her and finally she melted against them. With Venus lying naked on the bed between, sleeping, Paul and Jacoby talked for several hours before Jacoby said that he had to attend a meeting of The Brotherhood. Paul nodded, he felt weary and confused. He had a lot to think about and he could do that better once Jacoby left. Still, when Jacoby got up, he went to the door with him and leaned into him as he tilted his head for a kiss. Jacoby curled his fingers in his hair and looked into his eyes. "I don't care what happened in the past, Paul. What's important is what we've developed now and what we can develop with Venus." "I don't know, Jay. We once tried to kill each other. I can still feel the hate and rage I felt for you just under the surface. I wanted to kill you, Jay." "I feel it, too." Jacoby grasped his hand. "But I also feel something else ... something we have developed over the last twenty years ... love." Paul sucked in a breath. Jacoby had admitted to loving him. Oh, damn, he was surely going to die now. Jacoby kissed him again, fondling his bare ass. "I will be back." He glanced at the bed where Venus lay asleep. "Take care of her." "I love you," he whispered against Jacoby's lips. "You're mine and I'm keeping you," Jacoby responded, and disappeared in a flash. Paul sighed and went back to bed. He drew Venus's warm body into his arms and fell into a restless sleep. **** Venus. My daughter. Come to me. Venus opened her eyes. Darkness filled the room where she lay in the bed with Paul. She could feel that Jacoby was gone. She could feel something else—her mother! She was here. She eased out of Paul's arms and rose, her gaze searching the dark corners. Mother? Where are you? Come to me, my daughter. A soft blue light appeared in one corner of the room. Beyond its glow, Venus could see only darkness, but knew it was the way. She longed to see her mother again and yet...

She glanced over her shoulder to the bed where Paul lay, his breathing uneven and raspy. She closed her eyes, hummed softly, allowing her body to sway from side to side. But she could see nothing of Paul's fate. She opened her eyes. The circle of blue light beckoned to her. Come to me, my daughter. What of him? What of Paul? Mother, I have finally found him again, yet I fear he is not well. He is a Heoptin Singer. Restored health is within his own power. He has but to sing his song. But I don't think he knows that fully yet. Should he wish himself well, he has but to master his soul song. Come to me, Venus. I cannot leave him. You cannot deny who you are. Come, my daughter. The pull of her mother's call was at once powerful and irresistible. Against her will, Venus found herself walking toward the widening circle of light. Entering it, she was momentarily blinded. Her mother's voice urged her on and after a time, she emerged from the light into a blue desert oasis flush with lush vegetation. On the horizon, over the blue sands of Denhari, stood a blue stone temple with white Doric columns and twin alabaster water fountains sprouting crystal clear water in front, the Temple of Caldara, so-called Goddess of Denhari and of the Willoni. Squaring her shoulders, Venus walked across the sands, keeping her gaze on the Temple. As she neared the wide steps leading to the entrance, a tall, woman with dark skin and a beautiful face, dressed in a long white dancer's tunic, appeared in front of her. "Come." "Mother!"

Chapter Eleven

Ebonee' opened her arms and Venus rushed to her mother, her eyes filling with tears. Her mother gathered her in a warm embrace, raining down kisses against her cheeks. "Venus! My daughter, it is so good to hold you in my arms again. Oh, let me look upon you." She held the sobbing Venus at arms' length. "Thanks to Caldara's grace, you are so lovely, my Venus. Dry your tears." She stroked Venus's cheeks, took her hand, and led her up the steps to stand in front of the huge temple doors. "Is this real, mother? Am I really here with you?" "Yes. You are here." "Why, mother? Why did you leave me?" Ebonee' cast a glance toward the temple doors. "I had no choice, Venus. I am not only Willoni, but also priestess of Caldara. When she called me to serve, I had to obey, but I left you with Belladonna, who nurtured and guided me and so many Willoni before me." Her dark eyes shone with tears. "I knew Belladonna would guard and protect you as she has. When I could ... I came to you in the dreams." "But dreams weren't enough, Mother! If not for Bella, I do not know what would have become of me. I was so afraid and so lost without you." Ebonee's lips quivered. "I was called to serve and I had to answer." She pulled away from her mother. "Why? What kind of deity calls a single mother away from her ten-year-old child?" Ebonee' lifted her chin. "You are young yet, Venus. You do not..." "No, Mother! I am not young! I am older than you! You surely must know that by now. I am Venus, of the Golden Hills Clan, from the Valley of Misher, in the land of Persia, lands of the Gods of Passion. I am Venus Amisha, born for the first time at the dawn of time. My memories are not all clear yet, but I know who I am ... what I am. Your Caldara has no power over me." "So the whispered rumors of treachery are true." "Yes, and there will be an accounting." "Nevertheless." Ebonee' gripped her arms. "You must be careful, Venus. Caldara is not one to be trifled with. You must not anger her." Venus saw the look of fear in her mother's eyes. "I do not fear her, Mother." Ebonee's eyes darkened. "You would do well to guard your tongue, Venus. I can see in your eyes you are who you say you are, but you are yet young in this life. And you are still the daughter I birthed and I would not wish to see this life lost to you. Do not challenge the Goddess. Please." She bit back to urge to again announce that she did not fear Caldara. Ebonee' had a valid point. She had the fire and passion, but not the skill and ability she would need to successfully challenge one of Caldara's standing and guile. She bowed her head. "As you wish, Mother." Ebonee' squeezed her hand. "Come, Venus, walk with me in the Gardens of Caldara. I long to know of your life since we've been apart."

A brief thought of Paul crossed her mind. Venus ignored a feeling of unease and turned to walk in the garden of Caldara with Ebonee. As her mother said, Paul was a Heoptin Singer. He had the power within his song to sing himself well. Deep into the Garden of Passion, Ebonee' paused and turned to face her, a hungry, sad look in her eyes. "Now, Venus, tell me of your life after we were separated. Please tell me that you have been happy and content." Happy and content separated for eons from the two men she had loved for an eternity? Happy and content separated from her mother at ten? She smiled. "I have, Mother." Ebonee' sighed with relief. "Tell me everything ... all your lovers ... your triumphs. I have so missed you. Tell me of your life, my lovely Venus." **** Paul felt a pair of hot lips eagerly devouring his, while hands greedily touched his body. With his eyes still closed, he smiled against the mouth pressing demanding kisses against his. It had been a long time since Jacoby had awakened him with such a passionate need. Maybe somehow things could work out between the three of them. Still, he had no wish to be ravished by Jacoby. He needed time to heal himself and to work through his lingering bitter feeling for his former rival before he could accept Jacoby as his lover again. He allowed Jacoby to kiss and touch him for several moments before he turned his lips away from the demanding mouth. "Not now," he said. "I'm too tired and I need to be alone." "Yes, bitch, now! And this time I will have you." His eyes shot open and he found himself staring up into a pair of blue eyes filled with lust and a thirst for revenge that sent a chill through him. That's when he realized both his wrists and ankles were securely bound. He tugged at them, but knew he wouldn't be able to break the bonds. He took a deep breath and tried to calm his pounding heart. "Release me, Lover, and I won't tell Jacoby about this." He hated to have to fall back on Jacoby's reputation for protection, but he was in no shape to break the handcuffs binding him. Lover laughed and fondled his cock. "Brotherhood business will keep Jacoby away and when he returns, it will be too late for him to undo what's done. You will be my bitch." "Never!" he snarled, struggling to free himself. The cuffs tightened and jolts of electricity shot from them up his ankles to his chest. Feeling as if a vice clutched at his chest, he gasped, his head swimming, his vision blurring. He lost his ability to breathe and he felt a roaring in his ears. Oh, Heoptin! He couldn't die! Not now when he had finally found Venus again. But he was dying. It had happened before and he knew what it felt like. He tried to summon up the inner energy to sing his song, but it had been too long since he had been in touch with his true self and he couldn't make the connection. Now, when he had everything to live for, he was dying. When the second vampire spoke, Paul struggled to understand his words. "What the fuck do you think you're doing, boy?"

"This doesn't concern you. Stay out of this!" the vampire on top of him roared. "I'm making it my concern!!" The angry voices started to recede and, almost as if he had already died, Paul barely felt the vampire being ripped off his body. Then another body kneeled over him, feeling for a pulse he knew the other vampire would not find. He tried to open his eyes and speak to say it was okay. To leave him be and he would either die or find his inner song and heal himself, but he did not wish to be saved by supernatural vampire tricks. He would not lose his humanity. He heard a deep voice murmuring something about Jacoby ... this was for Jacoby, then, as he felt his life ebbing away, a pair of incisors pieced his neck. No! Not this way! No! Jay, you promised not to do this! He had no voice and the vampire ... Jacoby sank his incisors deeper ... and then he died... **** Jacoby knew something was amiss the moment he walked into the house he shared with Paul. He felt a chill and a tingle that usually signaled the presence of another vampire, one looking for a confrontation. His thoughts flew to Paul. If the interloper had hurt Paul in any way, he was going to have a slow and very painful death. He moved through the house into the bedroom. He had barely stepped through the doorway when he heard a snarl of fury. He narrowed his gaze and tensed as the other vampire, naked with blood on his neck, bared his incisors and flew at him. He easily fended off the other male's attempts to reach his neck and slipped behind him, grabbing him in a headlock. As Jacoby twisted the other vampire's neck, he found himself looking down into a pair of dark eyes he recognized ... dark eyes he'd spent the last twenty years gazing into with desire. "Paul!" Filled with horror, Jacoby released him. "My God, Paul. What's happened to you?" Paul turned and flashed away from him. He stood several feet away, his eyes glowing with centuries-old hatred. "You! You've been a thorn in my side all my damned life. I should have killed you back on Denhari when I had caught you screwing my woman. But tonight I make up for everything you've ever done to me. Tonight, you die, vampire!" Keeping his gaze on Paul, he sniffed. The scent of two vampires he recognized lingered in the air. One of them had done this to Paul and he would pay with his life. "Who did this to you? Which one? Lover or Sean?" The thought that Sean might have taken the humanity of the one person who had kept him sane for the last twenty years angered him. How could Sean have done this knowing how he felt about Paul? "Who did this to me? I saw through your filthy vampire tricks. You did!" With that, Paul flung himself at him, reaching for his throat. Taken by surprise by Paul's unnatural speed for a new vampire, Jacoby had to move quickly to evade Paul. "Stop it," he warned. "Listen to me, Paul. I did not do this to you. I knew you wanted to keep your humanity. Do you think I would forcibly take something from you I knew you valued so much?"

"Yes! I do! I valued Venus on Denhari and she was mine alone ... until you came along with your passion and fire and tried to take her from me!" Thoughts of the battles he and Paul had engaged in on Denhari made his blood boil, but he gritted his teeth and kept his thoughts focused on the near present and the life he had built with Paul ... a life either Lover or Sean had taken from them. "Paul, I did not do this to you." "Foul filthy liar!" Paul roared and flashed at him. He evaded Paul's left hand, but was surprised when Paul swirled around and backhanded him with the right one. The unexpected blow infuriated Jacoby. Fighting hard to hold onto his temper, he snarled angrily and elevated into the air out of Paul's reach. As a new vampire, it would take Paul years, probably hundreds of them to learn to fly. To his amazement, Paul leapt into the air and connected with a flurry of brutal blows to his face that knocked him to the floor. Before he regained his feet, Paul was on him, snarling and trying to strangle him. He bared his incisors and peeled Paul's fingers away from his neck. Then, allowing his temper and fury full reign, he grabbed Paul by the neck. He rose to his feet, keeping his grip on the struggling Paul's neck. Then, eyes, glowing, he backhanded Paul, sending him flying across the room to slide down against the opposite wall. He flashed across the room, his heart filled with fury and a thirst for Paul's life he had never really overcome. Standing over his fallen rival he saw the Singer who had dared stand in the way of his claiming the only woman he had ever loved. His competition was at his mercy and he would die ... finally. He dropped to his knees, clenched his fist, and prepared to deliver a blow to the other vampire's chest that would be enough to stun him into unconsciousness. Death would follow quickly. "Die, Singer!" he snarled and drove his fist down at the other male's chest. An inch from his target, he looked into the dark eyes glaring up at him with hatred and saw not his hated rival, but the man he had loved so deeply, he had given up sex with women. He tensed his arm and stopped the motion of his fist. He released Paul and stumbled away from him, shaken by how close he had come to killing a man who had come to mean so much to him. Without a word, Paul jumped to his feet and flashed at him, with murder in his gaze. "That was your last mistake, vampire! I'm going to kill you!" Afraid he would respond in kind and kill him, Jacoby did something he had never done in a fight, he fled. Paul followed him, but even with the added advantage being a Heoptin Singer gave Paul, he could not achieve the speed of which Jacoby was capable. "Run, you coward, run! I'll find you again and when I do, I'll kill you!" Heart filled with rage and hurt, he sped into the night, increasing the distance between himself and his pursuer. Soon, Paul was left behind. Jacoby paused in the dark night, raising his gaze to the heavens. "Why?!" he cried. "Why did you let this happen to him?" Recalling the scents left in their bedroom, he called out an angry warning. "Lover! Sean! One of you will pay for this with your life!" Then he called out to the only person he knew who could help contain his rage. "VENUS!" ****

Walking in the Garden of Passion with Ebonee', Venus felt strangely torn. While she enjoyed being with her mother again, she worried that she shouldn't have left Paul alone. Although she had tried several times to see something of Paul's fate, she had been able to see nothing. Nothing and that shouldn't be ... not now that she knew who she was, unless... She looked at Ebonee' standing watching her closely. She sighed, her heart aching. "Oh, Mother! You're blocking me! Why?" Ebonee' averted her gaze. "You must stay here with me, Venus. There is nothing you can do for either of them now. They are both lost to you for eternity this time." She sucked in a breath, staring at Ebonee' ... the woman she had thought was her mother. But she had been wrong. This woman had borne her, but she was not her mother. Bella had been more of a mother to her than this woman had ever been. She knew in her heart that nothing, even Caldara commanding it, could have induced Bella to leave her as Ebonee' had done. "It is time for you to take your rightful place next to me in the temple of Caldara." Rage knotted her stomach. She balled her hands into fists and felt a discharge of energy sizzling through her. The urge to unleash it on Ebonee' nearly overcame her. She held back, knowing if she didn't, she would probably not get back to Earth without a battle with Caldara ... a battle she was not yet strong enough to win. Though she felt betrayed by Ebonee', she had no real wish to hurt her. Her fight was with Caldara. "You lured me here ... I trusted you. How could you? Do you feel nothing for me?" Ebonee' gulped in a breath and pressed a fist against her mouth to stifle a sob. "I missed you and I want you with me, is that so wrong?" "You left me a miniature portrait with the legend, J for V and yet you could do this?" "I thought he was the one who could master your soul song, but Caldara said I was wrong!" "Damn her! She would subject the entire galaxy to a loveless existence! What does she know of love? How could you do this?" Ebonee's lips quivered. "Do not judge me too harshly, my child. Please. You are all I'm allowed, but I would not ... cannot conspire to hurt you." She thrust out a hand and a circle of light suddenly appeared to their right. "Go ... quickly ... there maybe be something you can do for them after all." Bolts of lightening lit up the distant sky and she knew Caldara approached. She could feel her fury. Ebonee's eyes widened. "Go. Quickly." Venus hesitated. "What about you?" "I am her priestess. She will be angry ... but I will survive it ... just as I always have. Go." With fear for Paul and Jacoby hanging heavy on her shoulders, Venus ran forward and dived through the circle. She emerged on the other side of the light into the bedroom where she'd left Paul. It was empty. Closing her eyes and swaying side from side, she felt a chill of fear as scenes of the fight between Paul and Jacoby assailed her senses. Where were they now? She opened her mouth to call out to them when she felt a wail of despair resounding in her heart. VENUS! The raw anguish in Jacoby's voice cut through her like a knife. Heart racing, she rushed out of the house and into the night. Jay! Jay, where are you? I'm coming!

A naked male with glowing eyes and bared incisors appeared abruptly in front of her. She stared in horror up into Paul's eyes. Oh, Lord! He was a vampire! What had Jacoby done? She reached out a hand. "Paul, my love!" "Your love? You say that so easily. As if you mean it," he said coldly. "Paul!" She touched his face and found his skin unnaturally cool. "Darling..." "That's what you used to say to me ... while you were screwing that damned priest the moment duty called me away! You were supposed to be mine!" "No, Paul. I was not supposed to be yours. We were both Willoni ... bound to our duties and free only to pursue carnal pleasures at our deities' whims!" "Unlike you, I served a God who did not require me to abandon my desires. As an Elder Singer at the Temple of Heoptin at the Rock Cannons on Persia, I was free to love you..." "Until we found one who could master our soul song." "I did that for you!" She nodded. "Yes ... partly. But there was a part of me that needed something more ... something Jacoby provided. I needed you both ... just as now." "Well you'll have us both when hell freezes over! I'm going to kill him when I find him and you will be all mine again." With that he turned and disappeared into the night in a flash, nothing but a cool breeze indicating where he had been. She attempted to follow him, but like her, he was Willoni and would only be seen when he chose. Paul! Please, darling! Come back to me! I need you, Paul! I will return when I have found and killed the Vampire! Paul! Please. Come back to me, my darling! There was no response. She lifted her face toward the sky. Jacoby! Jay! Where are you? There was no answering call and she feared he and Paul were searching for each other to settle things between them. Heart aching, she turned and raced to her car, which was parked at Paul's house. She slipped inside and headed for the one person who could help her save the two men she loved. If she did not succeed, she would return to Denhari and deal with Caldara. **** Bella shivered and pressed closer in Benton's arms, lifting her mouth toward his as they stood in front of her living room window with thunder sounding in the distance. She feared she knew the source of the thunder. But just this once, she wanted to do something selfish ... like allowing Benton to bed her ... and to hell with the consequences. She knew she would be punished later, but she had to have Benton ... at least once. She turned away from the window and into Benton's arms, wanting to lose herself in the delight of what was about to finally happen. "Oh, Bella! You don't know how long I've dreamed of this moment with you." Benton's warm lips brushed her face. "You are the most beautiful and exciting woman I've ever met."

She lifted her head and looked in his eyes. He was serious. He had seen pictures of Ebonee' and had seen Venus in the flesh. Still, he thought her lovely. Could it be that this handsome young boy was the one to master her song and finally free her to give into the wild passion coiled deep within the soul of every Willoni? "Oh, Benton!" Running his hands down her back, he pushed up her short dress. "Oh, God, Bella!" he whispered, his voice raspy when his hands encountered her bare bottom. She had deliberately not worn any underwear in the hope that he would touch her, fondle her, and finally, ignoring the protests she felt bound to make, draw her down to the dance floor, and take her over and over again, driving his big cock deep into her pussy until he conquered her soul song. "Benton," she raked her fingers through his soft hair. "Benton, we must stop," she whispered, even as she eagerly sought his mouth. He tightened his arm around her waist so that she felt his cock hardening against her. "We will ... when hell freezes over." Fondling her bare bottom, he ground his groin against her. It had been so long since she'd been with a man that she feared, if she were not careful, her unchecked desire would consume him. Nevertheless, she had to have him. She shuddered, parting her lips, offering her mouth and tongue for plunder. Running his lips over her face and neck, he drew her down until they were both on their knees, facing each other. He cupped her face between his palms. "There's something I've wanted to tell you for a very long time." "Tell me later ... much later. Right now, I need to be loved ... I have an overwhelming need to feel you deep inside me. Take me ... ravish me, Benton! Make me yours!" "Oh, baby, yeah!" His hands shook as he unbuttoned her bodice, exposing her breasts. "Oh, damn, Bella! Oh, God!" He pushed the top off her shoulders, pressing warm, nibbling kisses against her skin. She closed her eyes, slowly releasing the tight rein she'd kept on her passions for so long. He continued unbuttoning her short dress, until it fell open, revealing her bare body underneath. "Oh, Bella!" Smiling at him, she reached forward and rubbed her palm over the sizable bulge in his pants. Nice, but she wanted to see and to feel him. She unzipped his pants, drawing his thickening tool from the confines of his briefs. His cock was large and heavy in her hands. By the Goddess, he would feel so good inside her. Keeping her grip on him, she moved forward. Breathing deeply, he settled his big hands around her waist and pulled her closer. She felt his cock at the entrance of her pussy and had to take a moment to calm herself. As she did, she opened her eyes and saw Venus, her eyes glowing, standing in the doorway watching them. Fighting back a wave of bitter disappointment, she drew away from Benton and bounded to her feet.

"Hey, wait a minute!" He jumped up and swung around, a stunned look on his face when he saw Venus standing in the room. Bella turned to look at him, as he groaned and eased his eject cock inside his pants. She felt his frustration and need. It mirrored her own. But her first duty had to be to Venus. By the Goddess, she hoped he would understand and forgive her. "Benton ... I'm so sorry. I have to talk to her now. Please forgive me." She expected him to be furious. Instead, he looked at the silent Venus, sighed and nodded. He leaned down and kissed her cheek. "When you're alone again ... call me. Please? No matter what time, I'll come right back." She squeezed his hand and watched him leave with an aching heart. She buttoned her dress again with trembling hands. The moment the apartment door closed, Ve nus flew across the floor and collapsed at her feet in a flood of tears. "Oh, Bella, I'm so sorry to interrupt. I know you and Benton deserve your time together. Forgive me, but I didn't know where else to go!" She sank down beside her, took Venus into her arms, and rocked her. "No, my little Willoni. You must not apologize. It is my duty and privilege to guide and help you in any way I can. Now, tell me. What is it, Venus? Tell me and I will do everything in my power to make it right. Tell me, but stop crying. Your tears break my heart." She told Bella of her visit with Ebonee' and her fear for Paul and Jacoby, as well as her fear for Ebonee'. She looked up at Bella. "How could she lead me away from him when she knew Caldara planned something wicked for a man I love so much? Bella, if I lose them both again, there will be nothing left for me ... no reason to live." Bella looked at her with tears in her green eyes. "You must not be so hard on Ebonee.' It is not easy to say no to one's deity." "But I know that you would not have led me away from him knowing what would happen to him. I know it!" Bella shook her head. "No. I would not ... even if Caldara destroyed me. I could never do anything to hurt you." She balled a hand into a fist and pressed it against her chest. "I could not love you any more if you were born of my own body. " Venus lay her head on Bella's shoulder, sobbing. "What can I do? How can I save them?" Bella took a deep breath, then rose, pulling Venus to her feet. "The power to save him lies within your bond with Jacoby. Together ... the two of you will and can prevail over what Caldara has set in motion. Find Jacoby and combine your strength with his. He is a powerful priest. Together you can prevail. In telling you this, I am going against the will of Caldara. Go find your Jacoby and save your Paul." Venus stared at her. "And you?" Bella smiled. "There is a price to pay for defying one's deity." She stroked Venus's face. "To see you happy with your Paul and your Jacoby, I will gladly pay it. I just ask that you watch out for Benton. He is so young and so ... passionate. When I ... disappear, he will be hurt. Do what you can for him. Now go! Caldara will not be pleased and she will come." "No! I won't leave you alone!" "You must. Go!" Not even to save Jacoby and Paul could she leave Bella alone to face Caldara's wrath. "No!"

"Go, my daughter." Both Venus and Bella turned to find Ebonee' emerging from a blue circle. "Mother!" "Go, Venus. I will remain here to protect Bella. It is the least I can do for the guardian who so unselfishly raised you when I could not. Go." Venus looked out the windows, where they could all see blue streaks of lightning angrily dancing across the skies. "Will you be strong enough to stand against her, Mother?" "She will not kill me ... even if she tries ... I am not so easily killed. I am not just Willoni ... I am she who was chosen to carry your life force and birth life into you again. Heoptin will not forget that and even Caldara cannot stand against him. Go. I promise you that Bella will be all right." Not quite convinced, Venus closed her eyes, hummed softly, swaying from side to side. After several moments, she opened her eyes. Ebonee' was right. She had seen several futures ... all of them with Bella alive and happy. Surely one of them would come true. "I'll come back and stand with you as soon as I can." She kissed both their cheeks and ran from the apartment and out to her car. Standing next to it, she raised her voice. "Stay away from them, Caldara! If you harm either one of them, you will have to answer to me!" Then she closed her eyes, preparing to call out to Jay. A hand touched her shoulder and she opened her eyes. Jacoby, with a haunted look in his eyes stood in front of her. "Jay!" She took him in her arms and held him, then, recalling Paul's fate, pushed him away. "Oh, Jay! How could you do that you him?" "I didn't!" he snarled. "How could you think I would?" He told her of scenting the two vampires in the bedroom. "One of them brought him over, but both of them will die! One for harming him and the other for not stopping it!" She felt the anguish and fear for Paul coursing through him. Clasping his hand in hers, she closed her eyes, and began swaying from side to side. With the thunder and lightening flashing around them, she saw the future... **** She lay on her side on a big bed with Jacoby next to her, his big cock completely and deliciously buried deep inside her stretched pussy. His lips, warm and caressing, moved over her bare shoulders and neck as he made wonderfully wicked love to her. Without words, he whispered that he loved her ... had loved her since the moment he first saw her walking across the blue sands on Denhari during the Immaculate Feast of Bliss and Conception ... and would love her for eternity. Hmmm. So very nice. She murmured soft words of endless love, arching her neck, inviting him to feast on her blood with the exquisite hunger of which only a Heoptin vampire was capable. He licked at her neck, but made no move to sink his incisors into her skin. Instead, he wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her closer as he thrust his big, thick length in her with slow strokes that made her toes curl and her pussy convulse around him. He pressed a series of hot, demanding kisses against her lips that threatened to send her shattering into a delicious climax. She gasped, parting her lips. He accepted her invitation and touched his tongue against hers. Jolts of ecstasy thundered through her

heart and danced through her entire body. She sobbed and came, raking her nails down his back as she did. He held her, softly kissing her while she cried with the joy of her release. When the world righted itself, she lay still on her side, still impaled on him. By all that was holy, love with him was so delicious. There was only one way this could get better. "Paul. My darling, I need you." She felt movement on the bed, followed by big, warm hands fondling the back of her thighs. Oh, nice. The hands parted her legs without disturbing her on Jay's cock. Her cheeks were parted, a warm lube from the temple of Caldara entered her bottom. Then the head of a hard cock was pressed against her butt. She pressed eagerly backward. Paul's cock pierced her rear. "Ooooh," she moaned, burying her face against Jacoby's shoulder as Paul gently worked his entire length inside her ass, filling her completely. Jacoby stopped moving and Paul remained motionless within her, giving her time to adjust to having them both inside her. She lay still for several moments, basking in the joy of having the two great loves of her life back with her and making love to her together. Then, impatient to have them make love to her, she slipped a hand back on Paul's thigh to encourage him. He began moving inside her, tentatively at first, while Jacoby remained still. It felt so nice to have Paul making backdoor love to her again. She moaned and pressed her behind back against him. "Take me, darling. Take me. I'm yours." He began moving with more force and passion. "Oooh!" she gasped, then to Jacoby, "Make love to me, Jay. Take me. Fuck me." He withdrew slightly, then pushed back into her. Paul paused, allowing Jacoby to fuck her without competition. It touched her that her two loves were finally showing consideration for each other, but her need was great. She wanted them both. "Make love to me, both of you. Please. Take me." That was all the encouragement they required. Timing their strokes with perfect synchronization, they began to make love to her. To have them both inside her like this, one thrusting with all the fire and rigor of a Heoptin vampire while the other's tender passion brought tears to her eyes, was beyond good. The feelings running through her were those only one of her needs and desires could fully appreciate. Within moments, she shuddered and cried out as she felt the most explosive orgasm of her life building inside her. Clinging to Jacoby, she drove her quivering ass back at Paul, who held her waist between his hands as he powered his cock into her with quick, lustful strokes. Jacoby quickly matched Paul's rhythm and soon they were both fucking her with a hunger that swept them all into a vortex of pleasure. Breathing became difficult when Jacoby leaned past her. She felt Paul pressing closer and she heard moans and realized as they fucked her, they were kissing each other. One of Paul's hands left her waist to clutch at Jacoby's ass. She felt the shudder travel through Jacoby's body at Paul's touch. Without warning, Jacoby whirled them over in the bed. When they stopped moving, Paul lay on his back, still inside her bottom, while Jacoby lay on top of her. Resting his weight on his extended arms, he fucked her hard and deep from the top while Paul thrust into her bottom with a matching lust and fury.

Venus's climax burst over her, radiating from her body to that of her two lovers. Allowing her passion and timeless lust and love to sweep over her, Venus happily sank under the wave of bliss that crashed over her, pulling her under with its power and force. When her senses returned, she lay on the bed. Next to her, Paul lay on his back with Jacoby on top of him, his cock buried in his ass, his lips devouring Paul's as he fucked him. Heart filled with thankfulness, she smiled and watched as they made love. Paul cried out first, clinging to Jacoby as he came. Jacoby followed quickly, clutching Paul's clenching ass in his hands as he pumped Paul's rear full of his seed. She heard them exchange words of love and devotion as they lay kissing and holding each other. She allowed them to enjoy each other for a while before she reached out to touch Jacoby's rear. He was still buried inside Paul and she could feel his joy to be there again. "Hey," she whispered. "Can a Willoni get a little action around here?" Breaking their kiss, Jacoby eased out of Paul. Smiling, Paul slid his big body over her, slipping his shaft into her with an abrupt sweetness that made her toes curl. Eyes glowing, Jacoby rose over them, and slid into Paul's ass. This time when they began making love, Jacoby leaned past Paul to whisper to her that he would love her to the end of time. If she died this moment, she would have no regrets. Bliss. Pure and simple. **** Paul. Paul, where are you? Don't hide from me. Please. I need you, Paul. Jacoby's desperate plea brought Venus out of her trance. Her heart aching for Jacoby and the man they both loved, she lifted her gaze to the sky and called out. "I am Venus, she who inspired the love of the God Heoptin. I defy anyone to try and take from me what is mine. Paul Michaels is mine." A blue bolt of lightning touched down at Venus's feet and a female voice sounded from the night sky for her ears alone. "Venus, lost Willoni, I am Caldara, your Goddess. You must bow to my will or all those you love will pay dearly, including this Paul of yours. Defy me further and I will send him so deep into despair you will never be able to retrieve him." Knowing she was not yet strong enough to successfully challenge Caldara, she turned to look at Jacoby. He inclined his head slightly. Eyes glowing and incisors bared, he lifted his face toward the sky. "He is ours and we will have him. Stand aside, Caldara, Goddess of the Willoni or face the power vested in Jacoby of the Crystal Falls, high priest of Heoptin, God Eternal." "Stand aside, Priest," Caldara responded. "Or face my wrath." An impressive array of lightning danced through the sky around them and they were suddenly in Venus' living room. Venus watched with bated breath as Jacoby brought his clenched right hand up from his side to his chest. When he opened his palm, a flow of energy shot from his palm, met and absorbed the lightning in the room.

Caldara responded with another array of lightning ... and another. Jacoby answered every round with a flow of absorbing energy. Although impressed and humbled by his power, Venus feared he could not defend them both from Caldara's rage for much longer. For all his might, he was tapping into a power, which had lain dormant for eons. "Stand down," he ordered again. "Or incur the wrath of one who is not only high priest of Heoptin, but one whose thirst for revenge was forged in the heart of the Crystal Falls. Stand down, Goddess or I and my Clan will hunt you and your acolytes down to extinction. Numbered among my Clan are many Shifters. You have been warned by Jacoby Crystallious, Elder of the Clan of the Nameless One." As his words reverberated through the room, the lightning ceased abruptly. Venus looked up and saw a calm, starry night. Even Caldara didn't dare incur the wrath of the Clan of the Nameless. Jacoby stood staring into the night for a time, his body tensed, his hand extended. Without warning, his shoulders slumped and he crumpled to his knees. Venus dropped to the floor beside him. She wrapped her arms around his trembling body. She felt his agony and fear for Paul. "Do not despair, Jay. We will find him." He looked at her with anguish in his eyes. "When we do he will not be the same, Venus. He's already changed. He's filled with anger and a thirst for revenge that would rival that in one from the Clan of the Nameless. He will be bound and determined to kill me when we find him." "Were you serious, Jay? Are you really Elder of the Clan of the Nameless One?" "That is not something about which one jests." She sucked in a breath. "Is it true what's said about your Clan? That they..." "Many things are said about my Clan. Some are true. Some are not." "And these Shifters you spoke of?" "Heoptin Shifters were the warriors who battled on the rare occasion when Heoptin's enemies could not be reasoned with. " "Then you know who the Nameless One is?" "No." About to ask how he could serve a God he did not know, she paused. She herself had served in Caldara's Denhari Temple without realizing who she was. Had someone enchanted Jacoby? She looked at him. "Jay, is your Clan..." "I do not wish to discuss my Clan. Is that something you can deal with?" There were things in her past she was not yet ready to discuss. She inclined her head. "Yes." "What are we going to do about Paul? He has a son and two grandchildren. How am I going to tell them he's dead?" "For the moment, tell them nothing. We will wait and see how things stand when we find him." "I know what the situation will be." She looked at him, her eyes glowing. "While I do not wield the power you do, I am not without resources of my own, Jay. I have powers I have not yet begun to draw on. I can see the future. Given enough time to reclaim my true powers, I can even shape it to a degree. But that will not be necessary. I've seen it ... the three of us together ... happy, Jay. I give you my word. We will find him and reclaim him. He will again belong to us

both. Believe it, Jay. Believe in me and in the power of our love for him. It will be strong enough to overcome whatever demons plague him." He took a deep shuddering breath and turned to look out into the dark night. Paul, he called. I know you're angry and frightened, but hold on. Hold on, my darling, Venus chanted. Two who love you more than life are coming for you, Paul. In the distance, she felt a faint almost indiscernible response. Come, my Willoni. I have a new song to sing for you. Come. I await you. Bring the Vampire. I have a new song to sing for him as well. Her heart soared and she turned to Jacoby, tears steaming down her cheeks. "He answered, Jay." She clutched at his arms. "I know where he is." He sighed and held her tight. "Is he all right?" She suppressed a shiver at what she had seen and what she suspected from his tone and words. "Reclaiming him won't be easy, but reclaim him as our own we will." He sighed. "He wants to use you to lure me into a trap. Doesn't he?" "He is confused." "He thirsts for my blood!" She heard a hint of bitterness and anger creeping into his voice and squeezed his hand. "Old rivalries die slowly, Jay, and his anger is being driven by outside forces." He shook his head. "He hates me and I..." "No. You don't hate him and he doesn't hate you. Don't give in to your thirst for vengeance, Jay. Please. If you do, we will all be lost again." "There are things about me you do not know. I can't always control my lusts or my anger. If he attacks me again..." "Together we stood against an Enchantress. Together we can do anything, Jay. We will reclaim him. Please don't give up on him ... not now, not when he needs us both the most." He sighed. "I haven't ... but there are forces at work in me I can't control or explain." "You are the strongest of the three of us Jay. Be strong for me ... be strong for him. We need you to stay strong and focused." He inclined his head. She kissed him. "Let's go get him, Jay, and bring him home." He nodded, his green eyes glowing. With one of the men she loved at her side, she walked out into the dark night, unafraid. The future might hold dangers and problems, but in the long run, all would be well. She was Willoni. She had seen it. Jacoby was Heoptin with the power to enforce what she had foreseen. And their Paul was a Singer, capable of singing himself well. Together the three of them would undo all that Caldara's thirst for revenge had wrought. The road ahead would not be easy. She and Jacoby would face many challenges as they forged ahead. The past was gone. The future, once Paul was reclaimed, was alive with endless possibilities for a Willoni Goddess Ascendant, an Elder Singer, and a Vampire Priest bound together by a love and lust as old as time itself. It was a love that not even a vengeful Goddess could destroy. The End

About the Author: Marilyn Lee lives, works, and writes on the East Coast of the US. In addition to thoroughly enjoying writing erotic romances in various genres, she enjoys roller-skating, spending time with her large, extended family, and rooting for all her favorite hometown sports teams. Her other interests include collecting Doc Savage pulp novels from the thirties and forties and collecting Marvel comics from the seventies and eighties (particularly Thor and The Avengers.) Her favorite TV shows are forensic shows, westerns (Gunsmoke and Have Gun, Will Travel are particular favorites), and mysteries (Charlie Chan movies in particular). Her all time favorite mystery movie is probably Dead, Again. She's seen nearly every vampire movie or television show ever made (Forever Knight and Count Yorga, Vampire are favorites. She thoroughly enjoys interacting with readers either through email [email protected] or via her Yahoo web group. To subscribe to Marilyn Lee's Love Bytes, [email protected]

We invite you to visit Liquid Silver Books http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com for other exciting literary erotica romances. Waiting For You — Glenda Diana Weekend Games — Chris Tanglen Destiny's Magick — Rae Morgan Love Lessons — Vanessa Hart Portal — Sydney Morgann Bittersweet — Louisa Trent Business or Pleasure…or Both? — Rae Morgan and Jasmine Haynes And many, many more!!