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TWELVE

Micha

Andy was like a guard dog, chomping at the bit, dying to grind me to bone. It was laughable really—I could’ve killed him before he ever saw me move. If he’d still had romantic intentions toward Ashley, I may have done just that.

As it was, he wasn’t worth the bother or the clean up a public execution would’ve required.

Shuffling Ashley into my car, I tucked myself in after her and my driver closed the door.

“Where are you taking me?”

“To the office. You’ll shower and get dressed. My people will prepare you.” I pulled out my phone and messaged Lester, one of my assistants, our arrival time. It was early but I wanted everything to be perfect.

The woman glowered at me and leaned an arm on the window, turning away. “Then what?”

There was no harm in telling her. “Then you’ll be escorted to Fleur de Luna where Josiah and Kiam will be joining us.”

Her gaze snapped to mine. “Will Della be there?” Hope filled her eyes as she leaned forward slightly.

I shook my head. “She will not. This is a special night, just for you.”

Her back hit the leather, but she kept her focus on me, weighing and measuring. Possibly even plotting. Her aura had tucked in, barely detectable, in a self-protective measure. She was harder to read this way, but I knew, with her, it was a sign of nervousness. The thought of going to an exclusive, secretive club with myself and the two other men had given her significant pause. No surprise, really. But there was something else lingering about in the ether around her and I didn’t like it.

Ashley was thinking so hard I wouldn’t have been surprised if steam started flowing from her ears. What was my little pet up to? Examining her didn’t really tell me much but I knew, in that moment, I’d lost some of my power over her. The expected level of fear was greatly diminished, and I wasn’t sure how I felt about that.

Her lips didn’t stretch into a smile, but the corner of her eyes crinkled lightly as she tried to stare me down. I couldn’t read her mind but without a doubt, she was aware that I was fully cognizant of the fact she’d loosened the leash a sliver on her own.

This wouldn’t do. She’d risked everything with her foolish actions. She’d thrown away all possibilities of a future for herself and ruined my plans.

After everything that’d been stolen from Josiah and I, all that had been ripped straight from our spirits without any regard for our wellbeing, I couldn’t tolerate deception. It wasn’t allowed.

Josiah and I had reclaimed much of our stolen heritage but none of that erased what we’d been through. All the nights in our youth when I’d held his once-frail figure through night terrors and horrors weren’t for naught. It was a wonder we’d made it as far as we had. Much of our natural magic had been stolen and what remained, was stifled or manipulated. We’d been beaten and abused, subjected to horrors under the tutelage of the Collective.

He’d eventually killed Ezra, one of the primary five figures of the Collective, but that still left four hell-bent on revenge for their loss. Neither Josiah or I had heard anything or had anything happen since we’d retrieved Della, but the men were known for their patience. I couldn’t imagine they’d let our actions remain unpunished and Ashley would be ripe for the picking if I claimed her.

As agents of the court of the Second Realm, we’d upheld their laws and delivered swift punishment to those who broke it. Our self-protective actions when we rescued Della were unheard of, no one would ever dare take on the Collective. But we had, and we came out victorious. It was a beautiful moment, watching Josiah sever Ezra’s head from his body in one graceful motion after the hell he’d put him through—put us both through.

Much good had come from the event, we both came out stronger and more in charge of our lives, having broken the chains that bound us.

However, there were still laws that applied to all of us—such as rules against theft and the murder of superiors. They were universal laws. No gray areas.

The car pulled up to the front doors of Ipomoea and I guided Ashley into the building, my arm loose at her back. She was still difficult to read but she held her head high, in defiance. I chuckled and she shot me a look. She was too adorable for her own good.

Too bad tonight would change everything.

When the elevator doors closed, I took off my sunglasses and hung then on my breast pocket while Ashley stood dead center in the box. I circled around her, slipping to the back wall, observing my prey. Her scent filled the enclosed space, sweet, creamy, and light, causing my mouth to water. The fragrance filled my head with visions of holding the woman against the mirrored wall, hiking her skirt up, and plundering her depths as she made a mess of my cock. She wouldn’t, nor could she, stop me from taking my fill if I so desired.

Wheeling around her again, I stopped and glanced down, eyeing the vein anxiously throbbing beneath the skin of her neck. The lift stopped and I hit the button to pause the doors, relishing in her rebellion.

Being trapped in such a tight space, the two of us, had caused her to stoicism to falter. Her breathing shallowed and her chest rose and fell quickly as she struggled for air, but she refused to look at me, even though we were now toe to toe.

I almost didn’t want her to shower and wash away the pheromone-soaked sweat that clung to her skin. The scent permeated the interior of the elevator and before I knew it, I found myself reaching for her hair. She froze, holding her breath. The magnetic draw I felt toward her beckoned, threatening to crumble my convictions to dust and push me into making a debilitating mistake.

Gently, I tucked her long curls back over her shoulder, letting my fingers dance along her slender column while she vibrated under my touch. Her guard began disintegrating when she let her head tilt to the side, subconsciously inviting me in.

She naturally wanted to submit to me, without any pretense or contrived seduction. Not once had she thrown herself at me like the typical human woman, greedy to be seen on my arm. She was completely unaware of the space she’d just made for me, or of the effect she had. I couldn't detect any trickery in her aura, only her fear-tinged defiance, insecurity, and much to my delight—her desire.

My cock wasn’t the only thing she was making harder. My delightful plans for the evening were disintegrating as each second passed while she wove her spell.

Spinning around and putting space between us, I punched the button that would release us from the lift. “Go,” I ordered her, nodding toward the exit.

“What are you doing?” she asked. Without a doubt, I knew she was referring to my plans for her.

Unable to face her, I showed her my back. “What I should’ve already done.”

Ashley moved forward slowly and stopped. I could sense her directly behind me, close enough to effortlessly touch before she stepped out, taking a right toward my office.

Lester was waiting inside my apartment, lounging on the couch. It had occurred to me I could’ve taken my pet to my penthouse, but I wouldn’t allow her entry into my most personal space no matter how convenient it would’ve been.

I’d never brought a woman there before and it was outrageous that this deceitful one was the first I’d considered. There’d been other, disposable, dates who were suitable, but I hadn’t let anyone into my heart in years. My home was a sacred space and only those with permanence would receive entry. Ashley couldn’t fall into that category no matter how badly I wanted her to.

“Greetings,” Lester said, standing upon our arrival. “Everything has been arranged. Miranda will be here shortly for the finishing touches.”

“Excellent.” I acknowledged his statement and led Ashley toward the bathroom.

Once inside, she watched while I grabbed a pile of towels from the cabinet and set it on the counter. Her spirit was reined in once again, but she couldn’t hide the fire in her eyes. I cupped her chin with one hand, keeping her focus on my face and with the other, let my index finger’s nail sharpen with the thought. I dragged it down the front of her blouse, not allowing her to look down. The fabric fell away smoothly, revealing her luscious, lace-covered breasts.

She glared at me, and I had to swallow, hypnotized by the sight of her. It was all I could do to stop myself from tearing into her even though it’d never be enough. “Clean yourself,” I snapped at her, slamming the bathroom door shut behind me. I swore I heard her let out a deep breath.

Lester and Miranda were speaking quietly in the living room when I returned. Miranda was a vampire witch, employed by him to assist with the niche business of outfitting beings such as myself with discretion. By using those familiar with our ways, we didn’t have to worry about our appetites or physical anomalies such as our eyes or teeth and we were free to be ourselves.

We could’ve used magic or spells to clothe and groom ourselves via glamours, but many of us preferred longer, permanent results as well as keeping the items we obtained.

The man presented me with a rack of gowns and other items of clothing for Ashley and I poured us all drinks while he fiddled with the material.

“You did specify risqué, correct?” Lester asked as I handed him a glass of a blood and wine mixture. Miranda shook her head when I offered her one as well.

After I sipped my own beverage, I answered, “Correct. And I trust you remembered the other items as well?”

“Indeed, Sir.” He grabbed the duffle bag Miranda passed him. “Right here.”

“Thank you,” I said, setting my glass down and retrieving the bag. “If she looks anything less than immaculately gorgeous, I will rip both your heads from your bodies.” Everything would be different after tonight and I wanted her to look exquisite for the memories.

First, I chose a dress for Ashley, a short black number with a fluttering skirt made up of a multitude of gossamer panels and a tight, corset-style strapless top. She wouldn’t be able to hide a thing and access to most of her succulent flesh would be a breeze. I could already see her in it, her waist pinched to within an inch of its life, her gorgeous chest just aching to escape. Her toned thighs screaming for me to take a bite. The gown was absolutely perfect. She would be my little doll, and I was her Keeper. For the next several hours, she was still my pet, my slave, and my property.

Next, I sat down and pulled the bag with specially requested items onto my lap. It was full of collars and chains, and it was of utmost importance to me I choose the right one to match her beauty.

The variety was as expected but it didn’t take me long to find a black leather collar studded with blood-red rubies. The ringlet dangling from the center was a perfect circle of the crimson stone. For the chain, I chose a silver linked rope with the matching gemstone pendants hanging from each connector.

Ashley emerged from her shower in a cloud of steam, the fragrance of her signature bath products wafting around her. Tentative steps brought her to the living room, wrapped in a fluffy robe and her soaked hair showered the floor with droplets. I couldn’t wait to see the finished product.

I’d found myself interfering with her shower with some last-minute instructions and I couldn’t hide my smirk now, remembering what happened to the container of body wash. Her aim wasn’t that bad, but the entirety of her beautiful body was now free of hair.

I sat back on a recliner, drink in hand, to watch the show. Surprisingly, she’d listened to me and not a stray hair lurked anywhere on her perfect skin. I couldn’t tear my gaze away. She tried to fuss when I wouldn’t allow her any panties, but really, she wasn’t going to need them. They were pointless.

Miranda set up a small folding table after arranging the light to shine on my pet like a haloed spotlight. Ashley glowed, her chestnut curls framing her perfect face, as she took in everything around her. It was obvious she’d never been treated in this manner—or more accurately, luxuriously prepared like the lamb she was for slaughter.

The arrogant smile my lips tilted into couldn’t be helped. This was my doing. I was pampering her and providing for her in a way I’d only dreamed of. Sensing my delight, she flicked a glance at me and then straightened her spine like a steel rod, as if one had been shoved up her ass.

“How would you prefer her makeup? Would you like a natural look, or something smokier?” Miranda asked, opening a tray of cosmetics. I’d had her leave Ashley’s hair down, other than a few pins arranged to keep her hair out of her eyes.

Just to screw with my pet, I said, “Give her black eyes.” Ashley’s gaze widened and she braced herself for blows, gripping the sides of the stool. It was all I could do not to laugh. I knew I could chip away at her a little bit with my words and now I had her on edge.

“A smoky look, perfect. It will complement the rest of her outfit,” Miranda replied, not missing a beat. She set to work with brushes and powders, beginning the transformation of my pet from gorgeous to ethereal, with Ashley’s death stare glaring at me every chance she got to look my way.

The hour was turning late, and I messaged Josiah and then Kiam. They both informed me everything was on track for what I had planned for the evening.

“We’re done,” Miranda announced.

I glanced up and had to grind my jaw to keep it from falling. Ashley stood there, her head slightly tilted down, running her fingers through the silky material of her skirt. Her shoulders were angled forward, and she wavered on her tall heels. Perfectly pliable.

I stepped in front of her and tilted her chin. “Look at me,” I said, my voice strained.

A stake through the heart would’ve been kinder than the sensation that trickled through me. Lester and Miranda stood there, waiting to be praised and subsequently dismissed but I couldn’t get over how defeated I felt.

Ashley should’ve only been this compliant in the bedroom, why wasn’t she fighting me? Really, all she’d have to do was beg me on her knees and I’d spare her. She had to know Josiah leaving Della alone signaled something serious was going on. Shaking my head, I chided myself. I couldn’t spare her. She honestly deserved everything she had coming to her.

So, why did I feel so badly and why had she given up so easily? A sense of panic began to rise within me at my unfamiliar angst. It felt like my chest was being crushed, and my breathing had shallowed. I’d even begun to sweat—something that never happened unless I spent multiple hours in a row in the gym.

We were about to do something I could never come back from and as much as my angel had done wrong, how could I do this to her? She would never forgive me for giving her away or for subjecting her to the planned scenes.

As I stood staring at her, watching her shy aura cling to her skin with trepidation, I knew I only wanted her to bloom. Remembering how brightly she’d shone while she relayed her car thieving story from her youth, her energy excited and teeming with life threw my thoughts into chaos. How could I extinguish that flame?

“Sir?” Lester asked, his nervousness clear. He likely took my silence as a death blow.

Nodding to him, I said, “Thank you. You both may leave.”

They began packing up their equipment as I fixed the collar I’d clenched in my hand around Ashley’s neck. “This is to remain on you at all times. It now bears my signature and will let others know you are my slave,” I told her quietly. I’d spelled the jewelry with my blood, and no one could touch her without the explicit permission I no longer had any intention of giving.

While the assistants were preparing the girl, I’d changed into an all-black suit and tie, pinning a ruby tie bar to complement the collar and leash. Lester had replaced the one I’d crushed under my heel after hoisting my errant pet after my shoulder.

We made a stunning couple, and we were ready to go.

* * *

Ashley was silent the short car ride, choosing to stare out the window. I wasn’t in the mood to rile her up, my conscience harassing me over what I’d planned. It was too late to completely back out now, seeing as I’d included Kiam in the festivities, but I couldn’t see myself finishing the evening in the manner I’d proposed.

The woman had me utterly under her spell and to make her watch or to share her, the thought turned my stomach to acid and sent my pulse through the roof. I’d underestimated her spirit and fortitude before and to spite me, I feared she would eagerly greet Kiam with open arms. Sure, she was subdued right now but I couldn’t predict, much to my irritation, what she’d do next.

It was either she’d give in, or she wouldn’t fight at all, and both options were unbearable.

As it were, she was still controlling her aura, making it difficult to anticipate her mood but there was no mistaking the iron will she was once again exhibiting. The spark of defiance in her eyes, her sure steps. The lack of fear and skittishness. It was all accompanied by an air of resignation, turning her into a puzzle I desperately wanted to assemble and translate.

Most humans were embarrassingly easy to read, wearing their emotions on their sleeves and with their auras operating like a billboard, flashing whatever they thought or felt for predators such as myself to latch onto and take advantage of. While I could read Ashley to a degree, it remained a mystery as to what her deepest, innermost thoughts were at times.

If I tested her, I’d regret if for eternity and I’d have to kill a useful ally. To do so would surely mean war. Kiam was affiliated with too many respected and powerful vampires for me to take that chance. Somehow, I was going to have to claim my woman and risk wrath anyway, but the less casualties, the better.

The thought of making her mine made me twist away to look out my own window. How to reconcile making the treacherous woman my own without appearing a fool would be a delicate operation. Not only had she stolen Ipomoea property, but now, she’d also stolen my heart.

Whether she wanted it after I’d done everything possible to make her hate me remained to be seen.

Josiah’s opinion mattered and I couldn’t see him bending the rules, it was too serious a crime. He’d skirted rules himself, but he had more authority than I.

The argument in my head still raged on when we pulled up to Fleur de Luna. The club catered primarily to creatures of the night. Be they vampires, demons, witches, or angels, we found entertainment and privacy in an establishment that hid in plain sight behind a veneer of respectability for the benefit of the public.

The humans who were aware of the nature of the business’s clientele knew better than to advertise and as such, it was passed off as an upscale bar with a luxury Gothic flavor. Manipulation and magic assured none of the pets, slaves, or companions’ lips loosened. If those failed, a good old fashioned heavy dose of fear worked wonders.

And if that was ineffectual, they died.

Wordlessly, I beckoned Ashley closer and unfurled the leash I’d wrapped around my hand and fixed the chain to her collar. She kept her expression neutral, as if the act of corralling her like a dog was no more significant than holding out a chair for her to sit in. I tugged the contraption a couple times, the clink of stone against metal the only sound in the backseat of the high-end sedan and she followed me out of the vehicle.

If the setup bothered her, she didn’t show any physical signs. The temptation to tug her hard enough to elicit a response was overwhelming. I snapped and turned my wrist a couple times, yanking her closer and giving in to the compulsion.

Ashley stumbled on her heels, the skirt of her dress swaying, her hands swinging up to still her leash. Fire filled her gaze, and I met it, head on. The temptation to kiss her until she couldn’t breathe taunted, but I led her inside instead, two security men opening the doors wide as we approached.

An array of scents, magic, and auras descended on me the moment I stepped on the floor. Blood, desire, lust, fear, and trepidation were a mouthwatering menu for those of us that frequented the club. The lighting was low and the decor, lavish.

Tones of umber, ocher, crimson, and ebony surrounded us like a blanket. Floral arrangements of artificially preserved Bloodmoon flowers burst from lead crystal and golden vases. Gilded trays bearing various mixtures of beverages scented the air along with platters of meats, fruits, and other delicacies.

There are some familiar faces mingling among the small crowds in the restaurant portion of the building, but I paid them no mind, avoiding eye contact. One fool, a useless demon I’ve never given the privilege of my acquaintance to, stepped directly into my path, blocking the way.

His intake of breath was loud enough to hear over the deep, rumbling music. “What do we have here?” he purred.

The lust in his eyes was infuriating and I stilled, evaluating the vermin and his intentions. He wanted a turn with her, I decided. “Move,” I warned him. “Or I will remove you myself.”

Ashley scooted closer to me, seeking shelter.

“New merchandise?” the man inquired, not giving up. She whimpered as he raised an arm, his irises glowing with a low, yellow light.

“Are you deaf or just stupid?” I asked.

He moved forward, his leather-soled shoes scuffing against the polished hardwood floor and his palm turned up as if he would grip her chin. Ashley raised her hands to ward him off while she turned to avoid the contact, shoving herself against me.

I grabbed my gun from the holster under my jacket and pressed it between his eyes, pulling the trigger the second it contacted his forehead, while clasping my pet to hold her still. She yelped at the sudden noise and jumped, grabbing my waist with both hands.

Some of the chatter surrounding us ceased, but only for a moment. Inquisitive glances were swiftly met with my own and business returned to usual. Now, no one else would dare proposition what was mine.

Unfortunately for me, the pleasure of ending the worm’s life and seeing the trickle of blood oozing only inspired more blood lust. It had been a little while, but I felt certain more opportunities would come my way soon. I’d take full advantage of them and slake my appetite.

Guiding my tearful angel around the garbage, I led her to a table at the back of the dining room. I tugged her to the side and swiped a napkin from a table, the piece of linen large and unwieldy but effective for what I needed.

“No one is allowed to touch you but me,” I told her, softly wiping at the beginning streaks of mascara under her eyes. She blinked a few times, attempting to stem the sudden flow of tears. “Do you understand me?”

Ashley swallowed hard, her throat bobbing and her jaw tensing before she nodded. I had to wonder if she’d cry so prettily with my cock stretching her pussy to within an inch of its life. Would her eyes be as large as they were right this very moment? She glanced up and saw my smile before she quickly looked away.

This wouldn’t do. Twirling my wrist, I shortened her chain until my hand looked like club and her chest was pressed against me. Her guard had been let down for a few minutes. Her shock over the dead man had jarred her from her self-protective shell, but she was rapidly reining herself back in. Her muscles were tightening, her spine straightening, and the cloud over her eyes sliding back into place.

I could feel her satisfaction and comfort over being returned to the fortress she’d constructed, the pride and the defiance forming a stronghold. She better enjoy it while she could; before I demolished it.

By raising my arm, I’d brought her flat against me and the rope of jewels forced her chin up. My head lowered and I nudged her hair out of the way so I could trail my lips along her slender neck. She shivered beneath my warm breath and her pulse fluttered as she leaned in against her better judgment, her hands finding purchase against my chest.

The heat of her own exhalations stirred my hair, and I brought a hand up to grip the side of her face. I feathered my lips along her cheekbone before hovering over her mouth, my cock rock-hard, straining for her, demanding I take her then and there.

My teeth stretched my gums, and my mouth filled with saliva as hunger filled my belly. It was too soon to do exactly what I wanted, but I was going to visibly mark her anyway. I traced the seam of her lips with my tongue as she squirmed, trapped in my embrace. Teasing her, I kept her locked in my arms, licking, prodding, and nibbling until she opened to me. Her fingers reached for my shoulders as she gave in to what I demanded, her tongue meeting mine thrust for thrust. Her soft moan was almost my undoing.

Then I pierced her lip with one, singular fang, her delicate cry causing my fingers to flex against her waistline. She wiggled some more, trying to escape, rubbing against my chest as I moved a hand to smooth along her lower belly. Her sudden panic filled the air, and I took in a long sip before I licked the bead of blood that’d formed when I pulled my mouth back, catching it before it dripped down her chin.

It was so much better with her fully conscious, so much sweeter with her physically here in my arms and not separated from her body. Her blood hit me like a shot of heroin, every cell of my body bursting into song. I felt whole, complete, and the sickness took me body, soul, and spirit. There would be no cure for this infection called love.

I guided Ashley onto the sofa seat at our table, having her enter first. A waitress brought me a mixture of cabernet and blood, and a glass of white wine for my companion.

“Leave the bottles,” I instructed our server.

“Yes, Sir,” she responded, laying small menus in a pile by the beverages.

“Are you hungry?” I asked Ashley as she watched our waitress walk away.

She ran her index finger down the thick paper of the cardstock menu, her eyes seemingly unfocused. “I don’t know,” she answered, her voice small and thready.

It felt like I was going to lose her as my wariness grew more and more. I wanted her forgiveness, though she was the one at fault. Why she’d done something so dumb as try to steal, I couldn’t fathom. All I could do was hope the evening went well and pray to keep her a little bit longer.

“Have you eaten anything today other than at the park?” She shook her head at my question.

“If you don’t order, I will order for you,” I stated, before taking a sip of the blood wine. It was good but couldn’t hold a candle to my pet’s nectar.

Multiple times, I’d fantasized about bringing her here, spoiling her and indulging in her. Never in a million years did I imagine it would be under such shaky circumstances. I wanted to strike out, rip someone’s head from their shoulders or tear their still beating heart from their chest. But I refrained. No one would’ve stopped me if I gave into my baser instincts, here.

The chances of pushing this woman even farther away were much too good if I let her see the animalistic side of my life. She would’ve seen it eventually; eternity was a long time.

Suddenly, Ashley snapped to attention, alerted to something in the distance, toward the front of the room.