Romancing the Paranormal Read online

  “That’s it, love,” Kade encouraged.

  Sydney’s hips gyrated against the heel of Kade’s hand, his fingers plunging deep inside her. His thumb grazed her clitoris and her breath caught. Drenched in arousal, the walls of her tight channel contracted as he fucked her. Anthony took her nipple between his lips and sucked hard. The seductive pain rolled through her and she cried out, her fangs distending. She fisted Anthony, rhythmically stroking his cock.

  She growled as Kade lifted her hips toward him, his fingers still deep inside her pussy. He pushed her legs open with his knees and began to tease her opening with the crown of his dick. She protested as he withdrew his fingers and spread the wetness of her core through her folds. He applied pressure to her clit with his thumb, and Sydney responded, tilting her ass toward him.

  “Fuck me,” she pleaded. Her mouth dropped to Anthony’s neck. The scent of his delicious blood called to her and she flicked her tongue at his shoulder. Her razor-sharp teeth scraped his skin, drawing a thin white line across his flesh.

  “Ah yeah,” Anthony grunted as she cupped his balls.

  Jolted by the sound of Anthony’s voice, Sydney froze.

  “What’s wrong?” He sighed, leaning his forehead onto her shoulder. “Why are you stopping?”

  “I hurt you,” she whispered, jarred from the moment.

  “I’m fine. I want this. You won’t hurt me…you’d never hurt me.”

  “Give me your arm,” Kade told him.

  Anthony gave him a look of confusion, but complied. He released Sydney’s breast and reached his arm around the back of her neck within inches of Kade’s lips.

  “We’ll do this together, love. You with me?” he asked, his eyes meeting Anthony’s.

  “Fuck, yeah. Syd, ya got me hangin’ by a thread here,” Anthony moaned.

  Fear had strangled Sydney for far too long. Releasing her anxieties, she bared her fangs, allowing herself the freedom to take what he offered. She nicked his lip, a drop of his blood coating her tongue. Wild with arousal, she grunted as Kade slammed his cock into her pussy.

  “Yes, yes, oh God, I want you, Tony,” she rambled as she fisted and stroked him hard.

  “Faster,” he ordered, thrusting his shaft into her palm.

  “Now,” Kade instructed.

  The sight of his sharp teeth inches from Anthony’s forearm drove her into frenzy. Lost in her desire, she followed Kade’s lead as they both sank their fangs deep into Anthony’s flesh. As he thrashed in pleasure, his sweet blood flowed freely down her throat. Her mind open, she focused on driving him into a state of unbridled euphoria.

  “Holy fuck, yeah…I should have…this feels…don’t stop,” Anthony cried.

  Blood ran down his neck and over her lips, and Sydney drank her fill, lapping her tongue at his wounds. Her own orgasm built as Kade plunged into her from behind, his fingers pinching her swollen nub.

  “Harder,” Anthony yelled.

  Sydney caressed his sac while pumping him faster and faster. He screamed in climax, his seed spilling into her hands. As Kade released his arm, she removed her mouth from Anthony’s neck.

  “Get up,” Kade demanded. “Hands and knees.”

  Sydney obeyed without argument. After Kade had shared her with Anthony, he’d dominate every square inch of her body. Out of the corner of her eye, she smiled as she spied Anthony lying on his back, still reeling from his orgasm. The glow on his face exuded satisfaction and his eyes caught hers right before she felt Kade thrust into her from behind. His fingers dug into her hips, and she concentrated on balancing herself. Eagerly awaiting his next move, she wriggled her hips and was reprimanded with a hard slap on her bottom.

  “Do I have your attention now?” He laughed.

  “Sorry,” she giggled. Elated that she’d fed from Anthony, she allowed herself to relax into submission. No matter what he’d ask, she’d give it to Kade.

  “You’re magnificent, my little vamp,” he praised. “Look what you did to our poor detective. He can barely move.”

  “No pain,” she grunted. Flesh meeting flesh resounded throughout the room as he pounded into her. The smell of sex permeated her nose and her core clamped down around Kade’s cock.

  “No pain. Only pleasure. You did that.”

  “I did that…” Her words trailed off as he slammed into her again.

  “We did that. You and I.” He dug his fingers into her hair, fisting it.

  The sting of her hair being pulled reminded her that she was as alive as before she’d been turned. Kade, her husband-to-be, master of her body’s pleasure, had done what he’d promised. She’d survived and he’d never leave her unprotected.

  With her head tilted back, she was able to catch a hint of Anthony’s smile as he enjoyed the show. Deferring to Kade, she surrendered to her own desire to be watched.

  “Yes,” she breathed, unable to speak the words that eluded her.

  “You’re mine, Sydney. From that very first day we met.” He reached underneath and cupped her breast, pinching her nipple between his fingers. “You are everything to me.”

  “Always.” She was overcome with emotion; tears brimmed through her lashes as her climax teetered on the precipice of its explosion.

  “Whatever you need, I will always give it to you.”

  “Please…I can’t wait, harder,” she pleaded.

  Kade plunged into her, over and over, increasing the pace. Her pussy convulsed around him as he stroked the strip of nerves inside her core with the tip of his cock. The first wave of her climax tore through her and she screamed his name at the top of her lungs. The sound of his grunting drove her to widen her stance, welcoming every hard thrust he gave. As he came, she fell onto her stomach and he rolled her onto her side, while still quietly pumping into her.

  “I love you,” he told her, grazing his lips against her hair.

  “I love you so much. What you did for me…I’m sorry about everything. I should have trusted you.”

  “Shh, my sweet little vampire. You’re going to be all right. It’s all going to be all right.”

  Kade pulled a sheet over her, shielding her nude body from Anthony’s view and Sydney suspected he hadn’t planned to share her any further than he had. What he’d done was only to ensure that she be able to learn to feed, to give and receive pleasure within the safety of his presence.

  Anthony tied his pajama pants and shoved himself out of bed. As he went to walk away, their eyes locked and she mouthed the words, ‘thank you’. He gave her a wink and left her and Kade alone. What had happened between the three of them had forever changed her life; she’d now be able to control the sensations caused by her bite, giving her independence.

  As darkness fell, Sydney reveled within the warmth of Kade’s loving embrace. In the morning they’d face a killer, but in the heat of the night, they’d celebrate their love. No longer drifting apart, their passion and devotion to each other had withstood the impossible. Tomorrow, healed, they’d go after Pat Scurlock and Sydney swore to herself that this time when she found him, he wasn’t going to be leaving New Orleans alive.

  Chapter Ten

  Kade kissed the nape of Sydney’s neck, his arousal prodding her back. She moaned but didn’t yet wake, and he recalled the events of the prior evening. The erotic exchange with Anthony had been an extraordinary success. Surprisingly, Kade hadn’t felt jealousy as his fiancée pleasured another man. She’d shown restraint by going no further than touching Anthony, demonstrating the ability to control both her hunger and desire.

  Thoughts of the killer infiltrated his mind. He had to identify the vampire who was aiding and abetting the escapee. It made no sense that a supernatural would allow a human to lead any kind of activity, let alone one of a criminal nature. He’d ordered Luca to take an account of every vampire in the city. With over two hundred in the surrounding parishes, it wouldn’t take long to rule out the innocents, narrowing the others down to a short list. Whoever it was obviously hadn’t been in the town ver
y long. A bigger question was how they had a connection to Pat Scurlock.

  Sydney stirred, and Kade spooned her, wrapping his arm around her waist. Despite the danger they faced, he wished he could stay like this forever. Within seconds his phone buzzed and he glanced to the bed stand, noting Luca’s text. Without releasing his mate, he reached and touched a forefinger to its glass. He cursed as he read the message: Problem at Sangre Dulce.

  Kade shook his head and rolled away from Sydney. With no time to waste, he headed toward the bathroom. He’d let her sleep for a few more minutes before their hunt continued.

  The odor of smoke hung thick in the air as Sydney carefully navigated through the charred remnants of what used to be Sangre Dulce. It had been months since she’d been there. At one time, it housed a mixed venue for kink lovers, both humans and supernaturals alike. Unfortunately, it’d also been the scene where a former psychopath mage, Asgear, had chosen to target his victims. The dark club tended to attract both good and evil, experienced and neophytes, all congregating for the purpose of pleasure and pain.

  She was focusing on looking for clues, when she caught sight of Kade in a heated discussion with Anthony. Her stomach fluttered as she recalled her evening with both men. She could have taken it further, she knew. The desire to make love to Anthony had been strong. She and Kade had talked about the experience in detail on the way over in the car. She’d been afraid to admit her feelings, but he’d assured her she’d done well. Sexual arousal was an illusion, one that could be controlled. She suspected she’d want to drink from Anthony again, but knew she’d never fall in love with anyone but Kade. He was her universe and reason for living, every breath she took was a dedication to their love.

  The sound of her foot breaking through a piece of soggy wood drew her focus back to the scene. Why did Pat Scurlock burn down Sangre Dulce? Kidnapping and torture were the hallmarks of his crimes, not arson. Pat had always resorted to all too common ways of selecting his victims, such as trolling mall parking lots for women who shopped alone. She considered that maybe he was trying to kill a vampire. Torching the building would certainly have done the trick. But according to the firemen, Sangre Dulce was closed when the fire started; no human bodies had been found. Sydney kicked at the soot beneath her feet. Ash was ash. If a vampire had been killed, the fragments stuck to her boots could be the disintegrated remains of vampire. No one would ever know.

  “Maybe you and Anthony should go get some coffee,” Kade suggested, startling her.

  “I know you’re worried and I love you for it, but seriously, I’m okay,” she assured him.

  “You let me know if you get hungry. No more dizzy spells. I’ve got donors on call.” He glanced at Anthony, who approached. “The detective is still here for you, too.”

  “Thanks.” She smiled and reached for his hand. “I’m doing well. I think last night…”

  “Hey,” Anthony said, a warm smile crossing his face.

  “Hey, yourself,” Sydney said. “I was just telling my fiancé here that I feel great. About last night…I know I already thanked you, but it meant everything to me…to us. I’m feeling like a new woman.”

  “It was pretty hot, huh?” Anthony teased. “Who knew getting bitten could be so much fun?”

  “Don’t get used to it, my friend,” Kade warned with a wink to Sydney. “On second thought, Sydney may need some practice.”

  “Now, now, boys. We did have fun, but it may have been a one-time kind of thing.”

  Both men feigned saddened expressions and she laughed. “Okay, maybe a couple more times, but I can’t keep Tony in New Orleans forever.”

  “I won’t lie. It was pretty awesome. You think Philly’s got any hot vamp women?”

  “I’m sure Tristan could hook you up in his club,” Sydney replied.

  “Tristan is the only one I’d trust with our detective’s safety.” Kade’s face dropped as he spoke.

  “What’s wrong?” Sydney asked.

  “Everyone quiet!” Kade yelled. “Shh…”

  “What is it?” Anthony whispered.

  “Shh.” Kade held up a hand, silencing them.

  Not a sound but the whoosh of passing cars could be heard in the room. In the distance, a baby cried.

  “I thought I heard footsteps…something.” He shook his head in confusion and waved Luca over. “I want you to stay here with Anthony.”

  “But Kade…” Sydney began.

  “No arguments, love. If there’re any surprises in the back rooms, Luca and I will ferret them out.”

  “Both P-CAP and the firemen have been through this building. It should be safe.” As much as she tried to rationalize what she was saying, the same instinct that had always kept her alive told her something was off.

  “Safe or not, I agree with Kade. You’d better stay with me,” Anthony insisted.

  “I know, it’s just that I don’t want him going alone.”

  “I’m going with him, darlin’. I promise we’ll be back in a few minutes.” Luca rested his palm on her shoulder.

  There was a time she and Luca had fought like cats and dogs. But their relationship had evolved into one of respect and friendship. They lived on the same property and Sydney had become close with his fiancée, Samantha, a witch, who was expecting.

  “Okay, but both of you better be careful. You’ve got a baby on the way, big man. No messing around, you hear me? Call us if something happens,” she told him.

  “Whatever the noise was I don’t hear it now,” Kade lied. He leaned in and pressed his lips to hers. “I promise we’ll just have a quick look.”

  “Be careful.”

  “I’ll be right back.” Kade’s eyes met Anthony’s. “Detective?”

  “We’ll kick around in here, check out what’s left of the bar and kitchen.”

  Kade nodded and took off through the rubble. Luca shoved away debris that blocked the entrance and they disappeared into the darkness. Sydney bit her lip, wrapping her arms around her waist. Never in her life had she considered herself ‘needy’. She wasn’t sure if it was their bond strengthening, perhaps caused by Kade turning her, but without him near, her stomach churned in worry. Resisting the urge to cry, she took a deep breath and allowed Anthony to take her into his arms. Bawling at a crime scene is not an option, she thought. Get your shit together.

  Within minutes, she’d calmed her emotions, cognizant that with her transition, she had to learn how to better control her primal impulsivity. Ready to resume her work, she broke out of Anthony’s arms and pointed to the bar. In silence they picked through the remnants. She found herself looking back toward the hallway where Kade and Luca had gone. No matter the reassuring silence, she teemed with restless worry. Scurlock’s motives for burning the club to the ground may have been nebulous, but Sydney was certain he’d been the one who had done it.

  Anthony called for her to go into the kitchen and she nodded. Her cell phone buzzed and she retrieved it from her pocket. By the time she’d finished reading the text from Mya’s number, the color had drained from her face. 495809 Mattise Lane 9pm The hair on the back of her neck stood up as Luca’s voice reverberated throughout the musky air. Without giving it a second thought, she sprinted through the pitch black hallway toward the back of the club. Suspecting something had happened to Kade, she ignored Anthony’s calls for her to return.

  Kade speculated that Sydney’s senses were becoming more sensitive, but she hadn’t yet developed them enough to hear the soft crunch of the embers in the alleyway. Both he and Luca had heard footsteps, but as they made their way down the hallway, they were met with dead silence. Kade reasoned that it could have been looters, but his instincts told him that danger lurked in the darkened sex rooms. As they moved further into the labyrinth, it became apparent that the fire hadn’t progressed past the bar and seating area. He ran his finger along the soot-covered wall, its smooth texture sticking to his skin. The plastered structure remained firm as he rapped it with his knuckles.

  Luca p
assed to his right and he nodded, acknowledging his departure into a larger room. Several feet up he spotted a door to a private alcove. The claustrophobic area housed just enough room for two lovers to engage in what surely would be an intense encounter. Approximately five by five feet, there was little room to wield a whip. While many of the spaces encouraged exhibitionism and voyeurism, this tiny closet did not allow for observation.

  Kade wrapped his fingers around the cool brass doorknob and turned it. A loud click gave way to silence. He glanced over his shoulder, checking behind him. Confident no one was following, he placed a foot through its entrance. Scanning the room, he saw no other doors. A cool breeze grazed his face, and he caught sight of a small piece of cardboard fluttering in the wind. His attention was drawn upward to a large hole in the ceiling. The heart-shaped paper had been wound around a metal ring which was attached to the concrete wall. With both caution and curiosity, Kade approached. He took it between his fingers, noticing that unlike everything else in his surroundings, it was dry as a bone. He flipped it over, and saw the message: She’s dead.

  By the time he heard the door slam shut, the heavy silver chain had fallen onto him. He swatted at it, the stench of scorched skin permeating the room. It fell away to the floor but his reprieve was brief. Kade grunted as a wooden dart pierced deep into his thigh.

  “Luca!” He yanked the splintered projectile from his flesh.

  A hidden door slid open and a blinding stream of light speared into his eyes. As the first human came at him, he swung, landing a solid punch to his face. A second chain wrapped around his neck, and he struggled to free himself. He fell to his knees, clawing at the interwoven rings. His head smashed against pavement as they dragged him into the van. A tunnel of darkness closed in, and his final thoughts were of Sydney.

  Chapter Eleven

  “Where’s Kade?” Sydney cried. Luca blocked her from entering the room where Kade had disappeared, and she pounded on his chest. “You fucking said you’d keep him safe.”