Twice Bitten Page 9

  “No.” Ripley’s voice was deep and raw. “I don’t want anything between us. Just the three of us this time.”

  The element of trust in her voice overwhelmed him.

  He bent over her, brushing his lips along her shoulder. “You’ll have that…and everything else we possess. You’re ours, Ripley…ours.”

  Mathias echoed the sentiment, claiming her lips as Gabe moved back to her ass, coating his cock before placing his hands on her cheeks and gently easing them apart. The tiny hole opened for him, presenting him with the perfect little O. He pressed forward, his shaft seeking her entrance of its own accord. Ripley groaned as the tip pressed against the outside, slipping slightly inside her.

  Gabe moved forward, knowing the first few inches were the most sensitive. She met his thrust, pushing back against his cock until the head slid through the tight ring of muscles. He groaned in defeat and surged ahead, claiming her ass in one steady stroke.

  “Sweet heavens.” Gabe stopped, his shaft lodged in her ass, his hands clenched around her hips. It was like nothing he’d ever felt. Heat and pressure engulfed his cock, and he closed his eyes to keep from driving into her. “Mathias.”

  It was all he could say through his clenched teeth. Ripley squeezed, and he felt his control shatter. He curled over her back, scraping his fangs along her shoulder, stopping where her pulse fluttered beneath her skin. He could smell her blood, the sweet bounty calling to him.

  He groaned against her ear, nipping at the lobe. “I suggest you tame that vixen inside you, or my beast will be the one to claim you.”

  Ripley twisted, locking her eyes on his. “Bring it.”

  She squeezed again, just as Mathias thrust inside her, claiming her pussy, increasing the pressure around Gabe’s cock until he thought his eyes would pop out. He lowered his head, drawing his teeth along her skin, teasing the surface as he reared back, stopping with the head pinched inside, before driving forward. Ripley screamed, squirming between them, chanting their names as they took turns claiming her. Gabe countered Mathias’ thrusts until they were fucking her in unison, filling her completely, then leaving her wanting. She writhed in their grip, begging for more, whimpering when they fulfilled her wish. Spasms rocked his cock as her release neared, her body strung tight with the effort to hold it at bay. She tilted her head, opening up her neck, tempting him with the ultimate bond. For a moment her eyes found his and she nodded, mouthing the words before her eyes rolled back and she screamed her release.

  The contractions surged him into a climax, jerking his shaft inside her ass, filling her hot channel with spurt after spurt of his vampire seed. He moved forward, brushing her hair aside as his fangs descended once more. A strangled moan tore from his chest as his cock erupted one last time, and he sank his teeth into her flesh, binding her to him.

  Ripley reached her arm behind her, holding him to her, pressing their bodies together. He felt Mathias grunt through his orgasm, the man’s shaft jerking against his. Gabe closed his eyes, savouring the sweet taste of her, until her arm relaxed and he pulled back licking the wound. She whispered his name and he saw her reach for his brother, pulling him to her, tilting her head the other way. Mathias met his gaze, love gleaming in his eyes before they shimmered to red and he lunged at her neck.

  Gabe moaned as Mathias’ fangs sank into her vein, giving him a ghosted tasted of her blood. Power and strength flowed through him, and he knew he’d give his immortal life to save hers.

  Minutes ticked by before Gabe had the strength to draw his shaft from her body, holding her in his arms as she sagged against him. Mathias reached for her shoulders, and the two men turned her onto her side, laying her across the cushions. Her heartbeat echoed in Gabe’s head and he put his hand to his chest, the rhythm so strong he felt certain it was pounding within him.

  Mathias sighed, brushing her hair back from her face. “I feel it too. I never dreamt it’d be like this.”

  Gabe nodded, his throat too tight to speak. She’d given them more than her love, she’d shared her soul. The thought fuelled his protective nature, and he found himself standing over her, dressed and ready for battle. He didn’t care how many came looking, he’d fight them all.

  Mathias chuckled, shifting into view beside him. “How about you worry about taking care of your half. I have a certain quota I’d like to meet.”

  “We need to get ready. There’ll be enough shadows to move through the alleyway in an hour. I don’t want any of Alexander’s groupies catching us by surprise.”

  Gabe cupped Ripley’s shoulder, giving her a gentle nudge. He didn’t want to rouse her, but if they were going to keep her safe, they couldn’t waste any more time.

  Making love to her wasn’t a waste of time.

  He gave Mathias a look. “You know that’s not what I meant. Let’s—”

  The sound of the bolt tumbling in the lock whispered through the room. He stepped in front of Ripley as Mathias shouldered up beside him. They could charge the door, but leaving Ripley unguarded wasn’t an option. The door clicked open, followed by a soft whoosh of air as it swung to the side. Gabe allowed the beast inside him to rise to the surface, the scent of his prey already hanging in the air.

  “Now, Gabriel. Before you go all vampire on me, I’d like to remind you we’re both on the same side.”

  Gabe cursed as Sirus stepped through the doorway, hands raised beside his shoulders. Gabe wasn’t in the mood for any more games, and he still wasn’t convinced he could trust the man.

  He shifted forward, ghosting into view with his hand wrapped around Sirus’ neck. “You said we were safe for the day.” He closed the distance, breathing heavily in the man’s face. “You lied.”

  Sirus merely shrugged, nodding at the light dusting of ash. “I wasn’t aware two of my men had been turned. Besides, it’s obvious you took care of the problem.”

  “How do we know you didn’t send them after us?”

  “Really now, Gabriel. We both know they weren’t after you.” Sirus nodded towards the couch. “They came for Ripley.”

  Blind rage filled Gabe’s head at the mere mention of Ripley’s name. He growled, slamming Sirus against the wall, all trace of his humanity gone. “How do you know?”

  Sirus gave Gabe a smug, half-smile. “Who do think sent her the necklace?”

  “What…” Gabe morphed back and slowly released the man, but kept Sirus corralled against the wall. “Not another fucking step until you tell us what the hell is going on here!”

  Sirus sighed, smiling when Ripley moved in behind Gabe, Mathias at her side. She’d managed to pull on her clothes and looked a far sight calmer than he felt.

  He lowered into a dramatic bow. “Hello, my dear. I see you’ve met the dynamic duo.”

  Gabe growled but Ripley silenced him with a light touch to his arm. He bared his fangs, keeping her protectively at his side.

  “You gave me the necklace?” She shook her head, confusion clouding her eyes. “But why didn’t you ever tell me?”

  Sirus shrugged again. “Because I wasn’t certain you’d want the responsibility behind it. But your father seemed to believe—”

  “My father! My father knows about the necklace! About vampires!”

  Sirus smiled. “I know he used to tell you they were only make-believe. But that’s because he wanted you to pick your own destiny. So you wouldn’t spend your life searching for something that might not exist.”

  “But…” She paused. “That’s why he begged me to take the job with you. Why he’s always asking me to come over here to pick up files that aren’t even important. He wants me to fulfil the prophecy.”

  “He thought since vampires frequent this place, you might find the answers here. After you quit, it required more calculated measures.”

  Gabe stepped forward, not hiding the anger raging inside him. “If you knew Ripley had the talisman, why the hell didn’t you tell us? We’ve been coming here for over a year.”

  “I had no way of knowing yo
u two would be the ones to activate Ripley’s necklace. Who knew you’d each be linked to only one. After hearing about the other girl’s questionable fate, you can understand why I was reluctant to find out. Ripley means more to me than that, and I had hoped to unearth more information before she answered the call.” He paused and smiled at her. “I’m not sure giving you that was such a great idea.”

  “According to Gabe, it was always meant for me.”

  “Always the fatalist.” Sirus looked back at Gabe. “Does all this dust mean you have a plan?”

  “It means that we’ve got one hell of a fight ahead of us. One that’s only just beginning.” Gabe glanced at his brother. “We need to be ready to move as soon as there are enough shadows down the alleyway.”

  Sirus sighed, shaking his head. “Why do you always insist on doing things the hard way? There’s more than one way in and out of this place.”

  He waved his hand in the air at the look Gabe shot him.

  “Please. Do you really think I haven’t prepared over the years? I wasn’t sure I could count on the enforcer, so I’ve made a few modifications to the building. I suggest you grab what you need and follow me.”

  Gabe cursed. He hated relying on anyone, and trusting Sirus left a bad taste in his mouth. “Where are we going?”

  “Salvation.”

  Gabe clenched his jaw, following Sirus out of the room and up the stairs, winding their way to the other side of the bar. He didn’t know what to expect, but he was willing to consider anything if it meant keeping Ripley alive. Sirus led them to a small, round door in the wall of his office.

  Gabe stared at it, the hairs on his neck prickling. “What the hell is this?”

  “Like I said…modifications. This shaft leads to the sewer access network. If you follow them, they’ll take you clear of the city. After that, it’s up to you where you go.”

  “Sewers?” Mathias groaned as he shoved his hands in his pockets. “Why does it always come back to the bloody sewers?”

  Gabe looked at the door, not sure if he should thank Sirus or kill him. “What makes you think Alexander hasn’t found your secret little entrance?”

  “This.” Sirus held up a small video screen. “If he were waiting on the other side, the camera would be able to see him. Thank God for new technology.” He tapped his watch. “I’ll do what I can to slow Alexander down from this end, but I won’t fool him for long.”

  Gabe could only nod. “Don’t suppose you have a few stakes handy?”

  Sirus smiled and reached into the desk. “I always keep a few spares, just in case.”

  Gabe nodded, shielding Ripley behind him as Sirus opened the door. A narrow shaft appeared in the wall, another door visible in the distance. He glanced at his brother, silently telling him to wait, as he shifted down the shaft, disappearing into the next room, before returning just as quickly.

  “Looks good so far. Let’s go.” Gabe looked over at Sirus. “Thanks.”

  Sirus motioned to Ripley. “Just keep her alive.”

  Gabe nodded, grabbed Ripley’s hand, and disappeared.

  * * * *

  “Do you really think it’s safe to leave the tunnels?” Ripley stopped. They’d been walking for hours and she wasn’t sure leaving the sewers was such a great idea. “No one has followed us, yet.”

  Mathias pressed his chest into her back. “We can’t stay down here. There’s no room to fight. We’ll start running. See how far we can get before we sense we’re being followed.”

  Ripley frowned. She’d only experienced what they called shifting once, and it felt as if her stomach had lagged twenty feet behind her.

  Gabe tapped her butt, clearing the door and motioning them both out. “It wasn’t that bad.”

  “Speak for yourself.” She followed his lead and stepped into the night. “Didn’t I ever tell you that I hate roller coasters?”

  “I’ll keep that in mind,” he said, pulling her close just as three vampires appeared in front of them, their fangs ghostly white in the darkness.

  Ripley gasped, as Gabe shoved her behind him, grabbing the first vampire when the creature lunged at her, barely missing her throat. Ripley heard the beast howl as her lover attacked, ripping chunks off its body before finally driving a stake through its heart. A burst of flames illuminated the night sky, billowing the ash high into the wind. Ripley could only stare as more vampires shifted into sight, each one staring at her as if she held their very souls in her hand. She raised her stake, ready to fight, only to have the men appear in front of her.

  Gabe looked at her over his shoulder, motioning to the hunk of wood in her hands. “Stake any fucker who gets past us. And don’t hesitate.”

  She nodded and fisted the stake tighter, hoping the creatures wouldn’t see how white her knuckles were. Gabe and Mathias engaged the vampires, driving them back, but there were too many to keep them all at bay. Within minutes, one slipped between them. He roared at her, showing his teeth, smiling at her apparent fear. She waited, knowing he’d shift to try and catch her by surprise. The hairs on the back of her neck prickled a split second before she felt the air stir. She spun around, plunging the stake deep into the creature’s heart as it shimmered into view, its hands stretched towards her. She smiled as its eyes bulged wide before flaming out of sight, a cloud of ash pluming into the sky.

  Gabe shouted her name and she turned, narrowly missing another attempt as one of the vampires grabbed at her arm. She dropped her weight, breaking its hold and dove through its legs, rolling to her feet and catching the beast by surprise. Its painful wail crested the air as she swung the stake into its back, watching it burst into flames.

  “Ripley, now.”

  She pivoted just as Mathias appeared in front of her, scooping her into his arms as he moved down the road, Gabe behind him. The scenery passed in a hazy blur, the buildings a mass of streaked light. She closed her eyes, praying they’d make it, only to have the motion stop.

  She blinked, waiting for the surroundings to stop spinning, when Gabe grabbed her by the hand and dragged her up a set of steps, pushing her towards a door. She stumbled against it, not sure why he hadn’t taken her inside.

  He gave her a smile, staring back at the street. “Not our kind of place.”

  More vampires were already gathering, their numbers far greater than before.

  Ripley frowned at him, unsure what he meant, when she noticed the large cross planted in the ground. Her mouth went dry as she turned back to him. “You brought me to a church?”

  Gabe nodded, his expression grim. “We’re running out of time, and this is the only place you might be able to stay safe.”

  “Might? I thought vampires couldn’t walk on holy ground?”

  Gabe shrugged, kicking in the door and pushing her inside. “The strong ones can stand the effects for a while. But it will definitely limit the number.” He nodded at the stake. “Stab anything that walks through this door.”

  “But what about the two of you? You can’t take them all on. There’s too many of them.”

  She tried to walk back out, but Gabe blocked her way.

  “All that matters is keeping you and the talisman safe. If it looks uncertain, I’ll send Mathias in to protect you. He should be able to last a couple of hours inside before his power fails.”

  “Gabe, please.” Tears gathered. She couldn’t bear losing either of them…not now.

  “Don’t argue with me. Now stay in there, or I’ll tan your hide.”

  Ripley watched as the two men darted down the walkway, destroying anything that got in their way. Mathias hadn’t been exaggerating. Gabe fought like an army of ten men, killing two and three at a time. Mathias stayed at his back, ensuring nothing came at him from behind. They moved in tandem, battling those brave enough to cross the threshold.

  The horde began to dwindle, some of the creatures fleeing in the wake of the fight. Ripley clutched the stake, her heart tight in her chest when the fighting suddenly stopped. Gabe and Mathias drew
back, watching the end of the pathway. She felt an electric charge fill the air a moment before a group of men shimmered into sight, their long coats blowing in the wind. The temperature dropped, sending a cold shiver down her spine. Her pendant let out a blinding blue flash, then dulled into a fiery red. She grabbed the glass, knowing something truly evil had just appeared.

  One of the men chuckled and stepped forward. “Well, look who it is. The brothers grim. What were the chances we’d see each other again so soon?”

  “Guess it’s just our lucky day.” Mathias held up his chunk of wood. “Are you hungry, Alexander? I’ve got a stake with your name on it.”

  “Ah, Mathias. Always the joker. I wonder if you’ll still be laughing when I claim the talisman?”

  “We both know that’s not going to happen.” Gabe pointed down the street. “Why don’t you leave now, Alex, while you still have your head?”

  “Ah, Gabriel, still the knight in shining armour. Too bad your sense of honour won’t save you tonight.” Alex’s lips twisted into a cruel smile. “Looks like you’re about to lose your faith for the second time.”

  Gabe growled when a circle of men appeared around them. Mathias stuck first, appearing in front of Gabe as one of the vampires lunged at him. Flames flickered in the darkness, blowing more ash across the ground. Gabe turned, shouldering up to Mathias, grabbing the man’s stake as his brother tossed it over his shoulder. The move took the attacking vampires by surprise, and Gabe used the hesitation to strike, catching two in the chest.

  “Enough!” Alexander shifted onto the pathway. “I’m growing tired of this petty fighting. As I see it, you have two choices. Give me the talisman or I’ll kill both of you and the girl. And don’t start with the heroic speech. You can’t destroy all of us. Not even with holy ground beneath your feet.”

  Gabe clutched his side where one of Alexander’s men had landed a jab, his determination still gleaming in his eyes. “No fucking way.”

  “Really now, Gabriel. Think of the girl. Do you really want to watch me suck the life out of her?”

  Gabe bared his fangs. “Over my dead body.”