Dark Desires (The Hunter Chronicles Book 2) Read online

  Eric raised an eyebrow. “Jasmine, may I point out we have already fucked this evening.”

  This was something he desired to repeat as many times as possible. The girl was his obsession and he wanted to savour her all he could. Perhaps by the time the case was over, he would have finally had his fill. Could he truly work her out of his system? He was willing to try.

  “That just kind of happened.” The words leapt from her lips. Her eyes were wide and filled with apprehension. “I’m here to work...we can’t...I mean...as you said before work comes first right.”

  Eric was not sure he could believe his ears. Suddenly she was looking at everything else in the room, but him. She had no wish to be intimate again? This was absurd.

  Though her mouth spoke the words, her body told another story. The greenness of her eyes dilated with lust whenever she looked his way. Her arousal was never quite gone. Even now its subtle musky scent teased him across the distance. She wanted him.

  “Fear not, I shall sleep on the floor.” This was not really what he wanted to do. Perhaps though, when she was a little more comfortable with the situation, they could share the bed. Jasmine needed to relax. One night of discomfort could not hurt.

  Eric was also curious to see how she felt after the dinner. This would be nothing like she could imagine. Her lust for him would no doubt grow.

  The relief suddenly flooding her face irked him.

  “Good…I mean thanks.” She glanced down anxiously at the scrap of material in her hand. “I should probably go put this on.”

  Without another word, she scurried towards the bathroom. Not even sparing him a backward look, she closed the door with a click.

  Eric frowned. He had spent more centuries than he cared to count in existence, yet he still did not understand the female mind. A mystery he was not sure, he would ever comprehend.

  With a sigh, he busied himself with putting away her clothes. Plenty of space was provided in the dresser and wardrobe. Her things set next to his looked right. This gave him a strange sense of satisfaction.

  He could hear her moving about. The faint rustle as she shed the bathrobe. Then after a moment, he heard her swear soft and low.

  No doubt she had caught sight of herself in the full length mirror in the bikini. Eric smiled to himself. He had not lied when he had told her she would thank him. Her reaction would be interesting when she saw what the other companion’s wore, or the lack of.

  He could just imagine her embarrassment. Tonight might prove more than entertaining.

  The sound of the doorknob being twisted caught his attention. Turning, he watched as she emerged. Jasmine looked embarrassed and uncomfortable. She did not seem to know where to put her hands. The skin coloured cups of the bikini top covered her nipples and not much else. Her little breasts were a tantalising sight.

  The bottoms were a thong. A small triangle barely covered the dark enticing curls, which lay beneath. Her long slender limbs were on display, the graceful curve of her hips and the flatness of her stomach. So much more was revealed with this than the nightie, she had previously worn.

  Jasmine’s green eyes were shadowed with doubt. Her coppery red hair was feather pleasingly around her face, in its short bob like style. She looked extremely sexy. An air of innocence was about her and she looked far too unspoiled, fresh.

  Eric felt his loins grow heavy with need. Lust thundered through his blood. His power nipped at his skin. The energy was chilly like the kiss of a winter’s day. Concentrating he kept it leashed around his form, not wishing her to feel it.

  Wrapping her arms around her chest, she pinned him with a glare. “I can’t leave the bloody room like this.” She complained in a mutter. “It’s fucking indecent.”

  He wasn’t a hundred percent sure he wanted anyone else to see her dressed like this either. Jasmine’s pale skin was exhibited in all its creamy perfection. The length of her neck was bare. Her skin was visibly bruising from his love bite. Any vampire would be mad not to want her. He would need to guard her well.

  Already he could feel his fangs itching in his gums. Eric wanted to sink them into her. Drink her blood. This female was the sweetest he had ever sampled. Hardening his control, he tampered down the urges. He would not let them rule him. Emotions were dangerous. Eric could not afford to experience them now. They were hunting a killer, he required his cold logic.

  With Jasmine here, he would have to double his efforts. This was a challenge he was willing to accept. He did not like the power she wielded over him. The sooner he conquered it the better.

  Strolling towards her, Eric retrieved the collar, which she had left sitting on the bed. She watched him anxiously.

  “This is part of your cover and I am afraid you will have to endure it.” Their eyes met and held. “If you still wish to remain.”

  Stepping closer, he unbuckled the collar. Slowly he slipped it around her neck. Jasmine did not resist, although he detected slight stiffening to her posture. He had forgotten how small she was. She had to tilt her chin up just to look at him.

  The pulse at the base of her neck began to beat erratically. Her pupils dilated with desire at his nearness. Eric made sure the padding inside would protect her from chafing. He did not want to see her pale skin marred. Far too perfect it was for that.

  Eyes never wavering from hers, he effortlessly buckled it at the back. His fingers caressed her shoulder blades before he stepped away.

  Seeing her like this took his breath away. Eric had never imagined seeing her wearing a collar marking her as his. This was a fantasy come true. Strangely it felt appropriate. A dark primitive feeling of male satisfaction surged through him. Heating, it left his chest tingling.

  “You may find the evening uncomfortable.” He informed her softly, showing none of his feelings on his face. “But you must pay attention tonight to everything that happens. If the killer is here, they may drop a clue to their identity.”

  “Uncomfortable?”

  “I will be demanding of you Jasmine. I too am playing a part which must be upheld. I will have to treat you in a certain manner in front of those who dwell here, but I will not let harm befall you. I promise you that.”

  She looked so nervous standing there. Yet there was something he needed to know.

  “Do you still trust me Jasmine?”

  “Yes.” She replied back without the slightest hesitation.

  Eric let a small smile touch his lips. “Then let the games begin.”

  JASMINE STILL COULD NOT BELIEVE she had to wear a micro bikini around the mansion. Embarrassment was not the word. She was not sure if this was a cruel joke or if Eric genuinely had his reasons for her wearing it. The thing barely covered her. She felt exposed.

  Chewing on her thumb nail, she followed him from the room. He had changed his clothes. Now he wore a fresh white shirt and black tailor trousers. Black Italian loafers graced his feet.

  Eric looked extremely handsome as he always did. Short black hair tousled. His cold handsome face was remote in an untouchable kind of way, with just a hint of arrogance. An air of dominance perpetually clung to him like a second skin.

  Compare to the vampire she felt awkward. Being barely dressed also wasn’t helping. She wrapped her arms protectively around her chest.

  Eric strode along on long legs. Jasmine had to hurry to keep up with him.

  The wooden floor of the hallway was cool against her bare feet. Goosebumps were already racing across her skin from the draft from the windows, as they passed them by. Candles were still burning in clusters on the small tables. The wax had melted leaving harden puddles across the wooden surfaces. Flames bobbed and flickered as they passed them by.

  “You will not be expected to speak tonight.” Eric murmured. His deep baritone curled down her spine. This vamp had the sexiest voice.

  They had reached the grand sweeping staircase, which led down to the ground level of the mansion.

  He paused for a moment. The hushed tones of others below could be
heard. Eric towered over her. Tilting his head down, he met her nervous gaze. The icy blueness of his eyes rested on her face. They thawed slightly with warmth.

  Jasmine wrinkled her nose confused. “I just sit there quietly?”

  “Yes.”

  He did not elaborate, but regarded her with his familiar look of cold reserve. His eyes returned to hard chips of glacial ice. Eric was giving nothing away.

  She realised then, he was probably worried about being over heard. The vamps down stairs were probably listening. Their vampiric hearing was that acute. Jasmine knew she had to play her part and had to start acting like it. She knew what he expected of her. Submissiveness. This was more than glaringly obvious.

  She knew Eric would probably get a kick out of it. In Paris she had been aware of his dominant personality. He had expected her to follow his orders to the letter. Not that she had of course.

  The only time she had was in the bedroom. A delicious tingle shimmied in her belly, at the remembered pleasure. He certainly hadn’t disappointed with all his commands. Oh how she had enjoyed that. Not that she would admit it to another living soul.

  Pushing aside the memories, she focused on the here and now. Jasmine released a shaky breath. Together they descended the steps.

  Vampires stood in little groups talking as they reached the bottom. A few looked their way. Jasmine felt their eyes crawl over her. Trying to swallow down her mortification at being practically naked in front of them, she kept her eyes on the floor.

  She hated being centre of attention. Eric bloody well knew this.

  Taking her hand he tucked it through his arm. She felt the reassuring squeeze of his fingers for a moment. He probably hadn’t missed her discomfort. Fuck.

  This was probably plain for every vampire to see. No way would they believe she was a seasoned submissive. The new girl title would have to stick.

  Head still lowered, she followed where he led. Drawing her along, Eric steered her into an opulent dining room. This was a large room, filled with antiques and was timelessly beautiful.

  The strong scent of lilies drifted in the air. Vases of the white flower were scattered throughout. Their thin delicate stalks and elegant buds gave pale splashes of colour to the space.

  Incandescent light illuminated the area. Shadows flickered and danced up the burgundy walls. This came from long tapered candles, in stylish black metal candelabras, that were arranged around the dining table.

  The table itself was wide, made of dark wood, and stretch down the room. Jasmine’s eyes widened with surprise when she saw each place setting.

  Positioned in front of each chair was a woman. A naked woman. The shadows and light were playing across their pale bare flesh.

  They sat, back straight, on the surface of the table. Heads bent, eyes downcast. Hands resting on their thighs, they sat silently waiting. They were eerily still. A collar disturbing similar to the one Eric had given her, adorned their necks. Each one though was a different colour. These had to mean they were property of a vampire. Human pets Eric had spoken of.

  Jasmine’s gaze slipped to Eric’s, but his face was blank. He had to have known this was waiting for her. Why hadn’t he told her? Had he been worried it would scare her off?

  Suddenly she was very grateful for the scrap of material he insisted she wear. Going completely naked was something she wouldn’t dare to do. Job or not, it was just too much.

  As he moved further into the room, she found herself reluctant to follow. Other vampires were making their way in now. She could feel the vibration of power in the air behind her as her sixth sense picked it up. Like unsettling prickles across her skin. Different from Eric’s though more muted.

  This she was sure had to do with him being a vampiria, a born vampire. All the ones here had to be turned vamps. Were their powers not so strong?

  Progressing down the side of the table they soon stopped at a seat. She guessed this had to be his place. Jasmine found the space directly in front of it was empty. Suddenly her mouth went very dry. Surely he didn’t mean for her to sit there? Did he?

  Turning to gaze down at her, Eric met her wary look. His expression was chilling. He looked like a stranger. The intensity of his eyes became almost hypnotic.

  “Sit on the table Jasmine.” His deep voice was commanding and brooked no disagreement. Jasmine stared at him for a moment. He had said she would have to obey his commands. She just hadn’t realised what she would be made to do. Fuck.

  Pushing aside her anxiety she hopped up onto the surface. It was cold and smooth against globes of her bare bottom. Legs closed, she scooted back, until the back of her knees touched the edge of the table. They dangled, unable to touch the floor.

  As graceful as a cat Eric sank down into his chair. He took a moment to arrange himself to his liking. Relaxing back he settled, oozing self-confidence and poise. The vampire looked almost bored.

  Jasmine found it annoying he could act so cool. Would it be the same if he was the one barely dressed? An image of Eric naked popped into her head. Nibbling on her lip, she pushed it aside. Thinking about that now would only lead to trouble.

  She jumped when he touched her legs. Putting one hand on each of her knees, he pushed them gently apart.

  With a small gasp Jasmine tried to close her legs. What the fuck did he think he was doing? The material of the thong was stretched too much in that position. The garment was already having a hard time covering her lady bits. This was too exposing. She already felt vulnerable in the barely there bikini. No way was she sitting with legs akimbo.

  The vampire who sat beside them chuckled. Slim and lean, his short messy ash blonde hair, looked as if he hadn’t bothered to comb it. He was handsome in a youthful way. A cheerful expression was on his features. The smile he wore was contagious.

  “New is she?” He enquired with amusement.

  Eric’s smile was indulgent. “Yes, she is Simon. She still has a lot to learn, but I shall see to that.”

  The hands on her knees widened them again with force. Eric held them in place. This time she obeyed and left them open. Jasmine knew she had little choice now. She was going to have to play along. He wanted her to obey.

  Gritting her teeth, she swallowed down her embarrassment. Ice blue eyes met hers. They had darkened with approval. The only hint of emotion Eric gave.

  Simon smirked. “Watch my Carly, she’s a good girl and knows how to behave like a proper little submissive.”

  Jasmine looked sideways at the woman to her left. She was a pretty thing. Long black hair tumbled down her bare back. Her breasts were small and high. Stomach flat, her legs were long. Head still bent she did not move.

  Submissively she waited for her master’s commands. Bruises new and old littered her inner thighs. More marks marred the skin on her forearms close to the inner creases of her elbows.

  Jasmine felt a slither of fear. Why would you let someone take control of you completely? Wasn’t the woman practically the vampires slave? His pet?

  She regarded Eric with worry. Is that what he expected of her, submission to his dominance? Suddenly she was not so sure that she should have agreed to this at all.

  Jasmine bit on her lower lip. This was all pretence. She had to remind herself of that. They were both just acting out parts. Eric had no intention of making her his human pet. Not that she wanted to be. Jasmine enjoyed her freedom too much. Something like this to her was degrading. No way would she let someone take control of her life and body permanently.

  Trying not to let it bother her, she covertly glanced around the room. Six vampires sat at the table now including Eric. All of them were male and had a naked woman before them. They were chatting casually to each other, like any other normal dinner party. The companions though were completely ignored.

  They did not eat food, so she guessed the women were dinner. A shiver of unease rippled through her. Would Eric bite her in front of them? The act was very intimate.

  Jasmine wasn’t sure how she would fee
l if he did.

  God knows what her team would think of all this. She doubted her boss would be happy with the part she was playing. Her professionalism would go sailing out the window. Not that she could worry about that now.

  Jasmine returned her focus to her table partner. He was talking to the vampire to his right. Her attention was immediately caught. The vamp had the most amazing violet coloured eyes. They were lavender, with flecks of a deeper amethyst within.

  If she hadn’t known what he was, she would have sworn they were contacts. They were made even more striking by his flawless olive skin.

  Jasmine found them enthralling. They held her gaze almost fiercely. Something raw, almost feral moved in their depths and she found herself captured within his stare.

  Black ebony hair flowed down his shoulders. His cheeks were chiselled like a finely-carved statue. Lips slightly full and tempting lifted slightly in a seductive smile.

  “You have a very beautiful companion amico mio. One I have not seen you with before.” A rich Italian accent coloured his words. Tipping his head to one side, he caught his bottom lip between his teeth. He tugged on the flesh, gently biting.

  Jasmine felt the slow glide, of his eyes roving over her, almost like a tangible caress. She felt her skin prick with heated awareness, as her heart beat increased. The material of the bikini top scraped teasingly against her nipples. They began to harden in excitement.

  The smile became a full blown sexy one, which spread across the vampire’s face. She didn’t miss, the hint of interest veiled in his smiling eyes. He liked what he saw.

  “Bella.” His voice was soft. “What is her name?”

  Eric’s warm hand rested possessively on her naked thigh. His touch set a dart of pleasure between her legs. “Jasmine. I have just acquired her and she is now under my tutoring. She is not yet accustomed to our ways and a little shy, hence the reason I have allowed her to remain clothed this evening.”

  The vampire’s eyes met hers for a moment. A flash of sexual heat lightened their brilliance. “I am Asier.”