Page 27 of Blood as Sweet as Roses

Paige

This room is chilly, and goosebumps prickle my skin.

But I don’t let myself shiver. I hold myself still, my shoulders up but my chin down, maintaining an image of perfect subservience.

I’m grateful for the soft, plush red pillow under my knees.

The stone floor must be hard, and even colder.

I suppose not a lot of living humans come down here.

I don’t think the chill bothers the vampires much.

The double-doors of the war room creak on their hinges as they open.

A vampire strides confidently in, flanked by several others.

He has white, pale skin and messy, dark brown hair brushed back from his temples.

His eyes are a strange, supernatural purple, glimmering in the dim torchlight of the stone room.

For a moment, they flicker, and a shudder pulses through me.

Did his gaze fall upon me, so quickly I just barely perceived it?

My face flushes hot, aware of the collar on my neck.

I wring my hands together in my lap, and look over to Crimson instinctively.

I’m glad she’s there. The words she said earlier “You’re mine.

I’ll protect you” ring pleasantly in my ears.

Two lines of Night vampires watch the new guests with keen interest, from along both sides of the war room. But the commanding presence here is the Crimson Stake herself, seated like a king upon her throne, her head resting lazily upon her fist, a bemused expression in her grey eyes.

“So kind of you to join us, Cedric,” she drawls. “I have to admit, I wasn’t sure if you would heed my summons.”

“Good evening, Crimson,” he replies. “And certainly, I wouldn’t deny the King of the Night my presence when summoned.” He gives her a deferent nod. “Leadership looks good on you. My condolences on the loss of your Creator.”

“And my condolences in turn.”

They regard each other like statues, giving nothing away. There’s a heavy tension underlying their exchange, but I have no idea what the context is. I’m suddenly intrigued, and desperately curious about what’s passing between them.

“I imagine it must be very complicated between you and your siblings, in the wake of Tudor Thornblade’s passing,” Crimson hums, leaning a little forward on her throne.

The other vampire meets her gaze steadily. “Of course, as it always is, when older vampires are staked. I’m sure you know something about that, Crimson.” He gazes pointedly at her. “I see that Waylan Night is no longer here.”

“I don’t hesitate to end vampires in my territory who fail to demonstrate complete fealty to me,” she answers. Is there a hint of a threat in her voice? What’s this other vampire done?

But he makes no indication of fear, or pledge of allegiance. “Understandable, to someone in your position.”

There’s a pregnant pause. I try not to fidget or squirm in the silence. Vampires seem to be comfortable with a lot of silence. I’m learning a lot tonight.

And seeing Crimson on her throne, in her element as the leader of her region…it’s amazing to think that I could be even more attracted to her, but I am. That ever-present desire in my core heats up, watching her engaged in this back-and-forth.

Crimson tilts her head slightly. “I’ve found, in my position, that being clear is very important. That establishing a shared…understanding is crucial, for vampires in powerful positions. Wouldn’t you agree?”

The other vampire’s eyes darken. It’s hard to tell, since he stands so still, but he seems to stiffen. “I would.”

Crimson raises her hand, two fingers gesturing, beckoning. For a moment, I think she’s gesturing toward the other vampire. But he doesn’t move.

Then I realize, with a jolt in my stomach, that she’s gesturing for me.

A blaze of fire ignites inside me. It takes all of my strength to rise to my feet, to cross to her throne. I keep my head bowed, my hands folded dutifully in front of me as I wait for further instruction.

But she doesn’t speak. Instead, she pats her lap, once.

Oh my god. This is what she meant, when she said she would showcase me. And the idea of her showing me off in this way…it’s absolutely overwhelming. I can feel the wetness pool inside of me, the flushed heat across my cheeks and chest.

I perch obediently upon her lap, willing to offer whatever it is she wants of me, wholly at her mercy. I’ve never experienced desire like this.

Her thrilling fingers caress up and down my arm absentmindedly as she speaks.

“My intention is to not only rule in Xavian’s place, but to fortify the Night clan’s position in this region,” Crimson declares. “Which makes me highly concerned with the supply chains in the eastern region.”

With her other hand, she takes my chin, turning my gaze to meet her’s. I feel the glamour working, a chill over my skin, smooth and quick. Her magic is effortless, her power undeniable.

I sigh as I ease willingly into her grasp.

Her voice is a little thicker now, her fangs beginning to arch over her lips. “And I believe you have compelling knowledge of certain supply chains, do you not, Cedric Ducharme?”

The vampire appears a little less composed now, subtly so, but it’s clear that she has some intended, pointed meaning. He stares warily at her elongated fangs.

“I…do,” he replies.

“Hm.” Instead of responding to him, she laces her fingers through my hair. I understand her intentions, and I bend toward her, offering up my neck submissively.

My body spasms as her fangs enter me, a helpless moan escaping my lips. I squirm pleasurably on her lap as she drinks, aware of every eye on us, witnessing my unraveling, watching me give myself to her. It makes me feel both desperately shy and also…

Incredibly turned on.

She sucks at my neck with skillful, raw hunger. My head spins and I have difficulty following their conversation, I’m so at the mercy of her bite, of her strength.

After what feels like several minutes, she takes her fangs from my neck. Blood pours down my body, a crimson line across my neck and chest, staining my satin dress.

“Go ahead, then,” she snaps at the other vampire, her fangs covered in my thick, dripping blood.

The other vampire shifts, his nose twitching. I know enough about vampires now to know that he can also smell my blood, and it looks like it’s affecting him. Although it’s dark, I can see how his irises are tinged with red.

“We’ve…I’ve…established a production line of glow. I’m sure you’re already aware of that, Crimson.”

“I am,” she confirms, lazily tonguing her fang to lick the blood from it.

“I meant you no disrespect by it,” he continues, his words a little quicker now, a hint of desperation in the pitch of his voice. “Certainly there’s nothing wrong with a little vampire entrepreneurship.”

“Certainly not,” Crimson replies silkily. “But I’m not interested in information I already have. I’m interested in knowing who you may be partnering with.”

The blood is still flowing from my neck, down through my dress. I can feel it pooling lower, mingling with the wetness between my legs.

“I’m…sure I don’t know what you’re insinuating,” the other vampire says, but it’s clear that he’s losing the game. His eyes are now brimming bright red, his nostrils flaring.

Crimson’s fingers graze my thigh, and I realize with a wonderful tingle where they’re going. I spread myself wide for her, my dress riding up against my hips.

“I’m sure you do,” Crimson hums. Then she whispers in my ear, too quiet and fast for anyone else to hear. “Don’t hold back.”

She finds my throbbing, wet clit, capturing it deftly between her fingers. Not missing a beat, she caresses it assertively, sending cascades of pleasure through my already-aching body.

A groan of satisfaction rips through me, and I squirm in her grasp. With her other hand, she takes me by the neck, her fingers between my collar and the tender area below my jaw. Her touch is gentle, but tight enough to send shock waves of desire through me. Again, she’s read my body like a book.

I’m exposed completely, my pleasure on display for everyone to see, engaged in this power play between Crimson and the other vampire.

The thought is enough to push me over the edge, and an overwhelming orgasm tears through me.

I close my eyes tightly, succumbing to it, riding it like a wave.

I buck up against Crimson’s hand, begging silently for more.

The other vampire is clearly disheveled, his eyes fixed on the thick line of blood that drips down from my neck. There’s a hungry, desperate expression across his face. “Crimson, I…”

“Are you working with Oana?” Crimson demands, her voice crisp and commanding.

Her iron stare penetrates the other vampire, at the same time as she works me with her fingers, never ceasing, never faltering.

How does she know how to touch me this way?

My skin is still buzzing from my last orgasm, but already, I’m desperate for another…

Cedric averts his gaze, lowering it to the floor. His voice comes out in a furious hiss. “Yes.”

“And her intentions?”

He grimaces. “You should bring her here, and ask her that, if you…”

“I’m asking you.”

Despite the mounting pressure in my core, I wait, wanting to hear what he’ll say. Crimson slows, as if prolonging my pleasure along with the tense moment.

The other vampire’s voice is quiet, but clear. “She lusts after your throne.”

Crimson’s fingers caresses me with agonizing slowness. My chest heaves against her fist. Her voice booms, echoing through the stone room, like a rumble of thunder.

“Then she’s dug her own grave.”

Her thumb strokes me powerfully, and I come in a crashing orgasm, my entire body on fire.

I can’t hold in the moan that follows, but it’s cut short by Crimson’s fingers in my mouth.

My taste is exquisite, lustful and sweet, mingled with blood.

Crimson lets go of my neck, and laps up the blood there, sealing the wound.

Then she turns back to the vampires before her. Cedric looks furious, his hands balled into fists, his eyes like two glowing rubies.

“We’re done here,” Crimson says, curtly. “Sabina, show our guests out.”

Cedric and the vampires who accompanied him are ushered swiftly out of the room.

Crimson surveys the remaining crowd with a self-satisfied expression. “The rest of you are dismissed,” she says curtly.

The Night vampires begin to file out, moving like shadows flickering across the moon. One of them steps forward, clad in a deep red suit.

“I have to admit, it was an effective strategy,” Murad says with a chuckle. “When you first suggested it, I wasn’t sure if drinking openly would be sufficient to disarm an older vampire like Cedric.”

“He’s always struggled to control his bloodlust,” Crimson answers. She brushes back a strand of hair from my temple. It’s a disarmingly intimate gesture, and knocks me off guard. “And Paige’s blood is undeniably tantalizing.”

Satisfaction twists in my stomach at her words. I meet her eyes shyly, glad to have pleased her. My thighs are still quivering, and I hold on to her for support.

The other vampire raises his eyebrows in a knowing expression. “I’m glad it worked. And now if you’ll excuse me, I’ll take my leave.”

With a nod to both of us, he exits the war room, leaving Crimson and I alone.

She pulls my legs onto her, seating me more firmly in my lap. Her fangs are retracted again now, lined up properly with the rest of her teeth.

“I owe you a debt of gratitude,” she tells me. “Thank you for your help tonight. Did you enjoy our show?”

“I did,” I reply, earnestly. It seems to silly to feel shy, after what we’ve just done, but I do. “I never thought I’d like being watched so much, but…I really like it.”

“I thought you would. I have to admit, my first priority tonight was your pleasure. But I’m glad we also got the information our clan needed.”

Does she really mean that? There’s a surprisingly genuine expression in her eyes. And a comfortable playfulness that’s…new. She looks pleased with herself, I’m sure because of what’s just transpired.

I didn’t think about it much before, but now I’m suddenly very curious about her world.

“Who was that vampire?” I ask. “Is he one of your enemies?”

She seems surprised at my question. “You…really want to know?”

I nod eagerly.

“That was Cedric Ducharme, a vampire from the northern region. Silverlake City, more specifically. His Creator was recently staked, and his sister - his Creator’s other progeny - became the ruler of the northern vampire alliance, and ousted him.”

“And now he’s here?” I reply, concerned. “Does he want your throne?”

“He knows he’s not powerful enough to be a threat to me,” Crimson replies, in a matter-of-fact tone. “But he’s allied with another vampire, Oana Ionescu. Together, they pose a…more significant concern.”

There’s a flicker of worry in my chest. I hadn’t considered the possibility that there are other vampire clans that could potentially harm Crimson and the Night vampires.

Even though I’ve only been at the mansion a few months, it’s starting to feel like…

well, it’s starting to feel like home. And the idea of anyone hurting Crimson is unbearable.

“I didn’t realize you were dealing with that,” I tell her, honestly. “Is there anything I can do, to help?”

She gives me an odd look. I guess the other donors aren’t very interested in vampire politics. “That’s sweet of you to offer. You’ve already helped, of course. I wanted to disarm Cedric, to demonstrate that I’m not to be trifled with, and you certainly helped me with that.”

With a chilly finger, she traces the line of my jaw. It sends a wonderful shiver through my body. She definitely still has the power to thrill me, but I find that the more time I spend with her, the more comfortable I am with her, the more bold I feel.

I respond with a grin. “Happy to be of service, my king.”

Her eyes shimmer. “Now, let’s finish this back in my crypt,” she says. “I can think of some other things you can…help me with.”

I shriek with joy as she lifts me up in her arms, and carries me away.