Dalakis Passion: Harker's Journey Page 5

  It was darker in the shadow of the tree and Johanna could feel the rough bark against her back as Cris pushed her against the trunk. The movement upset an owl and it hooted and flew from the branches above. At any other time, Johanna would have been keen to see the creature, but she just didn’t care about anything at the moment except Cris.

  Johanna tried to raise her body high enough to get his cock inside her, but she was pinned between Cris and the tree. She couldn’t get enough leverage to do that, but the slight up and down motion allowed her to rub her damp sex against his erection.

  Stroking her clit against his cock made her even hotter. She could feel her creamy outer lips coating him as she pleasured herself. Cris gripped her ass in his large hands, spread her cheeks wide and raised her high. Flexing his knees, he drove his cock to the hilt. Johanna arched back, feeling the bark of the tree scrape her back.

  Cris nipped and sucked at her breasts, holding her easily in his grasp. Johanna tried to move, but she was helpless, impaled on his cock. Cris kept his hands anchored on her ass, not allowing her any motion.

  Arching her back, she pushed her breasts closer to his mouth. Cris laughed and caught one of her tight nipples between his teeth and flicked it with his tongue. He teased one breast and then the other.

  “Cris.” Johanna moaned his name as she tugged his head up to hers. Peppering his face with kisses, she desperately tried to move, jerking her hips forward.

  Holding her easily with one hand, he tugged one of her hands away from him and raised it high, wrapping her fingers around a thin branch. When he was sure she had hold of it, he captured her other one and raised it as well. “Hold tight to the branch and don’t let go.”

  She nodded, her face brushing his. Cris turned his head and caught her mouth with his. Plunging his tongue deep inside, he kissed her breathless. She was gasping for breath when he finally pulled away and buried his face in her neck.

  His fingers tightened around her bottom as he bent his knees and lifted her. He pulled her back down at the same time he straightened his legs, driving deep into her. Her inner muscles clenched around his cock as he pulled almost all the way out of her. Driving back even harder than before, he buried his cock to the hilt.

  Johanna could feel her hot pussy wrap tight around him each time he drove into it. He set a pounding rhythm that had her gasping for breath. With her fingers wrapped tight around the tree branch, she hung on and rode out the storm. Her breasts bounced with each stroke, making them ache for Cris’s touch.

  Her cunt clenched harder with each thrust. His skin slapped against hers, music on the night air, as she hung onto the tree for support. Cris was relentless, not stopping for a moment. If anything, his thrusts seemed to get harder and quicker. Johanna didn’t know how much more she could take. Every cell in her body was screaming out for release.

  Digging her ankles into his behind, she slammed down hard on his cock with every upward thrust he made. A bead of sweat slipped down her temple as she tightened the inner muscles of her cunt around him.

  Cris growled and hammered into her over and over again. Tilting back her head, she dug her nails into the tree bark, screaming as she finally came. Her muscles flexed and closed around his cock as he continued to pound into her.

  “Don’t let go.” His guttural command had her hanging on even tighter. She felt his teeth scraping her throat and tilted it back even further. Growling, he sank his teeth into her flesh and drank.

  Even though she’d just come, Johanna felt a familiar heat as her pussy clenched once again. Spasms of pleasure rocked her body, as Cris gave one final thrust and came on a moan of pleasure. He removed his teeth and licked at her neck as he continued to hold her close.

  Johanna took a deep breath and the scent of sex and pine filled her nostrils. She shivered as the cool night air dried the sweat from her skin.

  “You can let go now.” Cris’s voice sounded amused and Johanna was slightly bemused to discover that she was still clutching the branch. She released her grip and dropped her hands to his shoulders.

  Carefully, Cris lifted her off his cock, which had hardened once again, and stood her in front of him. Picking up her blouse, he shook it out before helping her to slip it on. Her skirt was useless, so she picked up her jacket and wrapped it around her waist, tying the sleeves together to keep it up. She scooped up her underwear and stuffed it into the pocket of the jacket. Looking around, she spied what was left of her poor leather shoes and slipped them over her feet.

  Cris said nothing as he wrapped his arm around her and led her out of the woods and back towards the castle. She sensed that he didn’t want to talk any more than she did. In truth, after what she’d just gone through, she was content to just enjoy the sensations still coursing through her body. She knew they’d have to talk, but right now it was enough that they were together.

  Her leather briefcase was lying abandoned in the middle of the dusty road. “I can’t believe I forgot it,” she murmured under her breath. Cris said nothing, but waited as she bent down and picked it up. They continued on in silence, back up the path, across the courtyard, and into the castle.

  It was only when the door slammed shut behind them that she found the courage to begin seeking the answers to her many questions. “Please explain to me how our relationship has been possible all these years? There are so many things that I need to understand.”

  Cris pried the briefcase out of her clenched hand and dropped it to the floor. He nodded, but continued to guide her past the study to a set of worn stone stairs. At the bottom, he scooped her up in his arms and carried her up the long flight of steps. She snuggled closer as his familiar shape and scent filled her senses. His face showed no emotion, but his muscles were tight as he walked. She could sense his emotional turmoil, but now that the crisis had passed, his mind was closed to her once again.

  Taking a deep breath, she continued her line of thought. “How is it that you can read my mind? It’s not fair, you know.” Looping her arms around his neck, she placed her head on his shoulder and nuzzled his neck. “You know my thoughts all the time, but I catch only rare glimpses of yours.”

  “Be thankful that you cannot read my mind.” His words made her shiver, but now what she felt was desire, and not fear.

  At the top of the stairs he turned right and walked down a dimly lit hallway. The walls looked as if they were covered in artwork, but she couldn’t quite make out what they were. “I’ll give you a tour tomorrow,” he told her as he strode into a large room and pushed the door closed with his booted heel.

  “See what I mean?” she complained. A moment later, that thought was forgotten as she peered around the room, unable to contain her natural curiosity.

  The huge bed in the center of one wall made it obvious that this was his bedroom. It was a study in masculine opulence and suited him well. All the furniture was large, obviously hand-carved, and quite old. The bed was draped with yards of rich burgundy velvets and brocades. A set of bed curtains was pushed back so she could see the piles of overstuffed pillows that lay there. The stone walls were covered with a variety of tapestries and artifacts, including an enormous jewel-encrusted sword that was mounted directly over the fireplace. A low, lacquered table sat in front of the roaring fire, which was the only light in the room, and on it sat a bottle of wine and two crystal glasses.

  Cris carried her to the far side of the room where she noticed another door. It was a small room with an old-fashioned bathtub that was steaming with hot water, the smell of lavender tickling her senses. Plush white towels sat on a low stool next to the tub, and a heavy brocade robe hung on a hook by the door. He stood her next to the tub and began to unbutton her blouse. Peeling it down over her arms, he dropped it to the floor at her feet.

  Cris surprised her by falling to his knees in front of her, wrapping his arms around her waist, and burying his face between her breasts. His tongue was moist and hot as he wove a path around both breasts before licking her nipples into hard p
oints. Johanna felt the familiar heat rise within her.

  It was the night of the full moon and they’d just had sex outside under the moonlight sky. It had felt like the first time, which was ridiculous, considering how many times they’d made love in her dreams over the years. But the truth was that she was thirty years old, and she’d never had sex with a man except Cris. No other man in her day-to-day life had ever been able to measure up to him and what he gave her. Her legs shook as she stood half naked in front of him.

  He rubbed his face over her breasts and belly, tickling them and making her laugh. “What am I to do with you?” Cris asked, his tone tender and playful all at once. “I have known you as no other man has. There is no need to be nervous of me.” He continued to work as he talked, untying the sleeves of the jacket from around her waist and peeling it away from her body. She stood naked in front of him. Even kneeling on the floor, he was overwhelming.

  His hands trailed up the back of her legs from her ankles to her thighs, making her sway with desire. Everywhere he touched, she felt the flames of desire licking her. His large palms covered her bottom and he squeezed both globes tight, massaging them. Moving closer, he nuzzled through her pubic hair, his tongue stroking the hot, moist folds of her sex. She grasped his shoulders for balance as her blood began to sizzle. The need to have him grew deep inside her.

  He growled and sat back on his heels, his eyes glowing hot with desire. He shook himself and lowered his head. “Bath,” he hissed from between his clenched teeth. Turning her, he pushed her towards the tub.

  For a moment she almost protested, but it looked so good, and she felt sore and dirty after her ordeal. Gingerly, she climbed over the side of the tub and sank down in the fragrant water. The hipbath curved up behind her back and she leaned back against the cool porcelain and closed her eyes. The picture of Cris kneeling on the floor was still burned into her mind. Her knees bent slightly as the tub was not long, but it was extremely comfortable, and she felt the hot water relaxing her aching muscles.

  She sensed him leaning over her and parted her lips in anticipation. His tongue dipped inside, tasting and teasing hers. Wrapping one hand around her head so she couldn’t escape him, he laid claim to her very soul with his hot carnal embrace.

  She sucked his tongue and kissed him with abandon. “I want you,” she moaned, when he began to nibble on her lips. The sound of her voice seemed to jolt him and he pulled back and stood by the tub.

  “Bathe first. Then if you still want me, come to me.” He was gone before she could think to reply to his outrageous statement.

  “If I still want him,” she muttered before she held her breath and sank beneath the water. Gasping as she surfaced, she grabbed a cloth and began to scrub. All thoughts of a leisurely bath were gone now as she quickly finished washing the dust from her body.

  “What does the man want? A gilded invitation? I should have just pulled him into the tub with me.” She glanced at the small tub. “On second thought, maybe not.”

  Standing, the water cascaded down her body. She grabbed one of the towels as her body shivered. Carefully, she stepped out of the tub, dried herself off, and grabbed the robe off the hook, stuffing her arms into the sleeves. She didn’t bother to belt it, so it flowed behind her as she stalked into the other room.

  Chapter Seven

  Johanna strode across the room and stood beside the bed with her arms folded under her breasts, which pushed them up slightly. She wasn’t overly large in that department, so she figured it couldn’t hurt, and she knew Cris agreed when his eyes seemed to devour them.

  The heat from his gaze evaporated any water drops left on her body, and her whole body softened as a lethargic heat filled her. She shook her head to try and break away from his sensual snare.

  Cris was sprawled naked across the crisp white sheets with his hands crossed behind his head, his large body taking up most of the space. Even in repose, the muscles of his chest and arms were sleek and hard. The tufts of soft hair under his arms and across his chest should have made him look softer, more vulnerable. Instead, with the trappings of civilization removed, he appeared even more dangerous. He seemed to be totally relaxed, but she wasn’t buying it. She stared pointedly at his erect cock and it twitched slightly in response. “Well?”

  He didn’t even pretend to misunderstand. “You know what I am.” He waited until she nodded before he continued. “But you need to know how it will affect you.” Patting the covers next to him, he urged her to sit. Not bothering to close the robe, she climbed onto the bed and sat cross-legged facing him, waiting.

  “I am a Dalakis.” His eyes glowed red as he stared right into her very soul. “We are different. My family have always been vampires and have lived here for thousands of years. I have heard of other families of vampires, but like us, they keep to themselves, struggling for their own survival. Now there is only myself and my two brothers, Stefan and Lucian.”

  He held up his hand to stop her before she could speak. “Let me finish first, then I will answer all your questions.” She nodded and he continued.

  “I am immortal. I need blood to sustain me. But,” he hurriedly reassured her, “I do not kill others to live, but take only what I need to survive. It is different from the old days. Centuries ago, we killed often to protect ourselves and our people.” His features hardened, “And I would kill again in a heartbeat if you were threatened.” With an obvious effort he forced himself to relax. “Today, we even store blood for emergencies, much like a blood bank.”

  He rolled to his side and propped himself up on one arm. His other hand reached out to tease the flesh on the inside of her thigh. The up and down motion of his fingers was making it extremely hard for her to pay attention to his words.

  “Prolonged exposure to sunlight, a stake through the heart, or beheading will kill me. Nothing else. Well, nothing except perhaps love.”

  That comment had her full attention. “What do you mean?”

  “Dalakis men love only once in their lifetime. It is their gift and their curse.” His smile was tender as his hand caressed her cheek. “You were a gift from the heavens when I found you, but you were so young. I could not take you or ask you to join me then. So, I lived but did not fully live. To find you and not have you was a torture beyond what you can imagine. After six hundred years of living, to have you so close—” he broke off and sighed deeply, shaking his head at the dark memories, “—but yet not to have you.”

  Johanna opened her mouth to speak, but Cris placed a finger over her lips. “Many have given up in despair and faced the killing midday sun rather than live any longer without finding their true love. Others have done the same after being rejected. Now it is your turn to choose.”

  He sat up in bed and took both her hands in his, squeezing them gently. “Whatever your choice, I will honor it. I give you my word as a Dalakis.”

  Leaning forward, he kissed her forehead, her cheeks and then her lips. She clung to his hands, half-fearful now. She sensed that his word was not something he gave lightly and that he would die before dishonoring it.

  “You are right, little one.” He laughed, and it was a bitter sound. “I would choose death before dishonor, but that is not your concern. If you wish to stay with me, you can live out your normal life here at the castle and I will cherish and protect you for as long as you live. And when the time of your death is upon us, I will join you.”

  “No!” she gasped, squeezing his hands so tight that her knuckles turned white. Her heart pounded with grief at the mere thought of his death.

  “Or,” he continued as if she hadn’t spoken, “I can change you so you become as I am. You would be vampire, but your life would be linked with mine. If I die, then you too will die. You would be susceptible to the other dangers as well. But I would be by your side for eternity, and no other man living or yet to be born will love you as I will. Your happiness and protection are my life’s work and my life’s joy.”

  Johanna was speechless when he
finished. She could feel the tears tracking down her cheeks, but she could not tear her gaze from his beloved face. His features were impassive as he sat there, a beautiful bronze nude statue, waiting for her to decide his future.

  In the light glowing from the fireplace, his harsh countenance and glistening muscles made it easy to picture him wielding the massive sword that hung over the mantle. She could easily imagine him astride a horse in the fourteenth century, defending his home against all enemies. He was a warrior without equal. Yet he had laid his heart bare before her and now stoically awaited her decision.

  Coming to her knees in front of him, she slipped the robe from her shoulders before wrapping her arms around his neck and gently kissing his lips. The muscles stood out on his arms and chest with the effort it took to keep himself still. “I know there is still so much I have to learn and understand. But I know what is in my heart.” Taking one of his hands in hers, she placed it gently over her heart. “You’re a part of me and we belong together. Forever.”

  Johanna paused for a moment and then uttered the words that would change her life eternally. “Make me like you.”

  As if unleashing a tethered beast, he pounced on her. Before she could take a breath, she was flat on her back and his mouth covered hers in an all-consuming kiss. Wrapping her arms around his broad shoulders, she gave herself into his keeping, not knowing what was coming, but trusting him with her very life.

  His hands were everywhere as he ran them up and down her entire body as if committing every inch of it to memory. They traveled up her arms, teasing the sensitive skin on the underside. The skin on his hands was slightly rough and made her shiver as she imagined them on other parts of her body. He didn’t linger, but traced the veins in her neck and leaned over and nipped at the fluttering pulse at its base.