Vampire's Kiss
Vampire's Kiss
Guardians
Valerie Twombly
Copyright © 2013 by Valerie Twombly
Editing by: JRT Editing
Cover by: Original Syn
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
ISBN: 978-1-73263-066-6
Print ISBN: 978-1-7326306-9-7
2nd Edition
Created with Vellum
Contents
Introduction
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
About the Author
Also by Valerie Twombly
Introduction
He’s no guardian angel.
* * *
Being the first vampire Guardian ever created, Seth Ruiz struggles with his identity. While his sanity balances on a razor’s edge, it’s only a matter of time before he succumbs to the evil inside him. When realization strikes that the fiery Kaitlyn belongs to him, he must not only battle his past demons, but fight his desire to claim her or chance killing them both.
* * *
She’s a demon slayer.
* * *
Handed a dagger as a child, Kaitlyn O’Hara has slaughtered demons her entire life. It should come as no surprise that she is also destined to save a crazy vampire. When fate reveals her true identity, she must search her heart for the courage to move forward.
* * *
Katie holds the key to help save humanity. With Seth’s dark side edging closer, he prays he can keep it together long enough to protect her through the challenges she must face. However, he could prove to be her biggest threat.
* * *
He fights his desire to claim her. She battles to save him. Together they wage war to protect humanity. Survival may come at a price.
* * *
This book formerly published as Primal Hunger. Revised 2nd edition.
Prologue
Temple of the Gods
1 BC
* * *
Seth knelt at the feet of the man who towered over him. “How may I serve you?” He dared not look up at the one who called himself Zarek, but the god’s heated gaze stared at him with intent. Why glare at him? Did Zarek contemplate a deed he found distasteful? Seth had no idea what the man could be considering or how he ended up with his knees planted in the cold dirt of a land he didn’t recognize. His body naked except for the plain linen shendyt he wore. How do I know the name of this Egyptian garb? When he searched his memories, he realized he had few.
He scanned the area. To his right blackness filled the sky and fire crawled along the ground in a mad search for something. Perhaps it sought out the screams that filled the acrid air or it was the cause of them. On his other side were green rolling hills bathed in a soft golden light. While nice to look at, he found himself turning his head back toward the blackness, desperate to crawl into its depths. It whispered to him with promises of evil and destruction and caused his pulse to race. Something sharp punctured his lip and he winced. Instinct told him to show no fear. The man who towered over Seth radiated more than enough power to smite any who angered him.
A firm hand touched his shoulder. “Do not fear me, for I am your maker, your god.” The man smiled and it was then he noticed the fangs that extended from his mouth. Seth ran his tongue across his own points. The taste of blood caused his stomach to clench.
“It is called hunger. The pain you feel in your gut.”
“How do I make it stop?” He clutched his side to keep from doubling over. Show no weakness. Droplets formed on his brow and his body trembled. “If you are my creator, why this torture?” Was it a test of his strength? If so then he would endure.
“It is not torture, my son. Only the darkness in you.” The man turned his head toward the black void. “It calls to you, doesn’t it?”
He was unsure how to answer, so decided on the truth. “Yes, my lord.” Even as he spoke the words, he fought with every ounce of his being not to move toward it. Follow the fire. Find the ones who screamed and make them shriek even louder.
“That is because your birth has yet to be completed.”
He tipped his head. “I do not understand.”
“You will. Soon.”
A brilliant flash of light shimmered next to Zarek, and was quickly replaced by a beauty so bright, Seth forgot about the darkness that whispered his name. The woman wore a thin, white gown that showed every curve of her body. His mouth watered to taste the pink areolas that pushed against the fabric. He watched in awe when she moved her dark curly mass of locks away from her neck to reveal the beat of her pulse against creamy flesh.
Seth licked his lips.
“Come to me.” The siren’s voice beckoned.
He was unable to move, not sure of what to do, but the points in his mouth lengthened. They ached and he dug his nails into the dirt beneath him.
“You must feed. Go to her,” Zarek commanded.
Seth crawled to her and gazed up. Her swirling silver eyes met his and she opened her arms in a welcoming gesture. He stood and stepped closer. Instinct kicked in and had him placing a hand on her waist and a palm to the back of her neck. She tipped her head. The pulsing vein sang of life, and death. Something inside him snapped, a primal hunger drove him and he sank his fangs deep into her throat.
He growled.
She moaned.
Sweet, warm nectar filled his mouth and power flowed through his veins. A barrage of visions assaulted his mind, of a child running through a field of flowers. Laughter rang when a dark-haired man scooped the young girl into his arms and swung her in the air.
“Daddy!” she giggled.
The man pulled her to his chest in a tight embrace and turned to face Seth.
Zarek.
The vision faded and Seth was pulled back to the woman he held in his arms. She was so soft he could spend an eternity caressing every inch of her. Their souls touched and emotions bubbled to the surface. He was desperate to keep her with him. Always.
Something was wrong. He pulled himself free from the pleasure and realized her heart slowed. Breaths grew shallow. She was dying. He fought to release her, but his muscles refused to loosen their grip. Panic set in. No! No, please don’t die. Why did she not push him away? Certainly, her father would stop him. Instead, her warm elixir continued to flow down his throat and caused him to embrace her harder. Her breathing stopped, followed by her heart. His sharp teeth retracted, but he kept his head buried in the soft flesh of her neck.
“No! Please.” He lifted his head and gazed at his god through tear-filled eyes. “You are powerful, bring her back.” He needed her warmth beside him.
Zarek shook his head. “I cannot. She chose her path.”
“She was innocent.” He spoke through clenched t
eeth. “I did not mean to take her life.” He cradled her head with care and laid her gently on the ground. He placed a kiss on her lips and let a tear touch her cheek before he turned back to his maker, determined to end his pain. “Slay me.”
Zarek crossed his arms over his naked chest. His biceps swelled until Seth thought the gold bands the god wore would snap. “No.”
Seth dug his nails into his palms and set his jaw. “You stood by and allowed me to kill your daughter. Why?” And why allow me to feel. I don’t want to feel this pain.
“You were created from darkness and evil.” Zarek waved his hand toward the burning fires. “In order to bring balance to chaos you needed the light. My daughter sacrificed herself to give you what you required.”
It was Seth’s turn to shake his head. “I do not understand. What am I? Why am I here?” And why do I have no memory?
“You have been born this day of dark and light. A guardian, a protector of humanity who will do my bidding.”
“How can I protect when I take life? You said I was evil. I do not think one such as I could guard another soul.”
“Your dark side will fight against those who intend harm to my children and the light will keep you balanced.” Zarek dropped his hands to his side and looked over at his daughter. Seth followed his gaze and had he not known better he would have thought her asleep. If only it were so.
“What was her name?” he whispered.
“Vivian. Among your many gifts, one will be to take the memories of those you feed from. You will see the life they have led and know their most intimate thoughts. You can discard them at will, except for Vivian. You will always remember my daughter and her sacrifice.”
Seth dropped to his knees at Zarek’s feet. “I will serve you well and honor her always.” I will carry her in my heart as long as I draw breath.
Zarek brought his own wrist to his mouth and bit. He then offered his blood to Seth. “Drink.” Even though he feared the same outcome as Vivian, he feared the god’s wrath even more, so he obeyed. The liquid scalded as it hit the back of his throat and his head began to swim. Knowledge loaded into his memory and became his own. The sudden realization of who and what he was hit him, as did the understanding of the evil he would fight and the people he was sworn to protect. The love of a father for his daughter mixed with Seth’s already burning emotions. A searing pain on his left bicep nearly made him release his grip on the god, but he knew he had to drink until commanded to do otherwise.
“Enough.”
Seth released his king and looked to his arm where a marking in black ink had appeared. He frowned. A winged lion with a strange head and the outline of an eye above it colored his bicep.
“The sphinx represents the guardian of the king. Above it is the eye of Ra for Vivian.”
Seth straightened and shifted his shoulders back. “I am honored, my lord.”
Zarek tipped his head. “Good. Today we begin your training and soon your brethren will join you.”
He knew he should feel honored, but as he looked at Vivian he considered his birth already cursed. One he would have to fight for eternity.
Chapter One
Current time
* * *
Seth stared into the glass of whiskey and dug his nails into his thigh. Sanity, an old friend that rarely visited anymore, slowly crept back and cleared his mind. It took him a moment to realize he still sat at the bar of the Fire and Ice club next to the beautiful Kaitlyn.
“We need to talk.” He turned to stare into her cool blue eyes.
She tipped her chip up. “I couldn’t agree more. Follow me to my office.” The redhead slipped from her stool and the emerald dress slid down her legs. When she turned, Seth caught a glimpse of creamy thigh through the slit up her gown. The prick of fangs into his bottom lip reminded him he needed to regain control before he threw her to the floor and drank from her slender neck. No, make that her femoral artery. He wanted to taste the strawberry essence straight from her silky thigh.
“Are you coming, Mr. Ruiz?”
Oh, he wanted to be. He grinned. “I wouldn’t dream of missing the opportunity to see your office.” Or perhaps drape you across the desk and rip that gown straight down the middle. He pulled in a deep breath and reminded himself there would be no drinking or fucking this woman. As much as he wanted to, he didn’t trust himself. Images of Vivian dead on the ground were replaced with Kaitlyn’s. So much time and still the goddess haunted him.
He followed her across plush carpet like a hound after a bitch in heat. Passed several tables and bustling staff that prepared for a busy evening. On the other side of the room was a large stage with a dance pole and three cages hung above it from the ceiling. “What kind of club is this exactly?” Like he needed to ask since the evidence glared at him, but for some reason he wanted confirmation.
She glanced over her shoulder. Ruby lips curled upward and white teeth flashed in contrast. “A gentlemen’s club, of course.”
“Indeed. Let me guess. Dancing girls?”
Kaitlyn pushed open a six-paneled, oak door and glided through. Seth followed and scanned the room. Black lacquer desk on one side with two leather chairs placed in front of it and across the room a sectional faced a sixty-inch flat screen. She directed him to a chair opposite the desk.
“Why? Would you care to partake of our services?” She handed him a black leather folder, the gold letters on the front read ‘Fire and Ice’. He opened it to find a menu of available services.
He scanned over the items. Everything from a standard massage to things much more intimate. While the house specials weren’t spelled out, he could only assume what each meant. He tossed the menu to the desk. “How much for an entire evening?”
She rounded the desk and took a seat in a plush high-back chair, placed her elbows on the glossy surface and steepled her fingers under her chin. “So, you want the club’s exclusive? Ten thousand, up front, in cash.” She leaned back, riffled through a drawer and pulled out a photo album. “Frankly, Mr. Ruiz, I’m surprised.”
He raised a questioning brow. “And why is that, Ms. O’Hara?”
“You’re a handsome man. I would think you’d have no trouble in the female department.”
“Oh, but I don’t. I can have any woman I choose.” He leaned forward. “What about you? Will I find your photo in that album you hold in your hands?”
Her eyes narrowed. The woman read like a book and irritation was plastered all over her pretty face. “I am not for sale,” she spat.
“Really? You seem to have no trouble asking others to sell their bodies.”
She slammed the album shut. “Look. I don’t need to explain myself to you. The girls I hire only give what they are comfortable with and they are paid very well.” She rose. “I think it’s time you left.”
She walked around and stood in front of him. Waited.
Seth rose from his chair. “Tell me, would you take twenty thou?”
“No.” Anger radiated off her and pricked his skin and for some reason it aroused him. He grabbed her arms, pressed her against the desk and stared into her eyes. “Enough of these fucking games. I want the dagger, now be a good little girl and fetch it for me.”
“Get off me,” she whispered through clenched teeth.
He was taken aback. Why did she not fall under his enthrallment? Humans were so easy to manipulate with a quick stare.
“I’ll give you to the count of three, Mr. Ruiz. If you do not take your hands off me, I will knee your man junk so far into your body you’ll be eating cock for dinner.”
He couldn’t help the grin that slipped across his lips. “I’m afraid I’m now wise to your tricks.” The memory of her knee planted in his balls when he’d last tried to rescue her still fresh in his mind. He pressed his groin closer, pinned her to the desk and enjoyed watching her eyes widen as his erection pushed into her.
“What are you exactly? It’s not every day I encounter a human female slaying demons.”
Her gaze narrowed indicating anger, yet the musky scent of her arousal coated the back of his throat as he inhaled. Damn she smelled good.
“I’m none of your business, but I may ask the same of you.” She jerked, tried to free herself but he held steadfast. “Why is it you keep showing up and how do you know about the dagger?”
“That blade is dangerous and you need to give it to me,” he growled. His patience waned.
She spit in his face. “Go fuck yourself.”
He didn’t miss a beat. “I’d much rather fuck you and watch you writhe beneath me as you experience the best orgasm of your life.”
A delicate red brow shot up. “You think highly of yourself, don’t you.”
“Was that a question?”
“It was more of a statement.”
To hell with the gods and their rules. He’d obeyed them for thousands of years, but not today. He let his fangs elongate and again enjoyed the look of surprise cross her face. “There are so many ways I could pleasure you.”
“W-what are you?”
“Your guardian angel, sweetheart.”
She tipped her head back and let out a nervous laugh. He was surprised that even after he revealed his pearly whites, she was still aroused. He had to wonder what type of shit she was into.