Sara Humphreys - Vampire Trouble

Shane leaned down, placed both hands on either side of her shivering body, and flicked one of her nipples with his tongue, sending a wicked lick of fire over her flesh. The tip of his erection brushed over her swollen entrance, teasing and tempting her. She arched her back and wrapped her legs around his waist, urging him closer still.

Not yet, youngling. His mind touched hers with an erotic whisper while he kissed and licked his way down her belly. Shane dropped to his knees and wrapped his strong arms around her thighs, opening her to him even further. He kissed the tender flesh of her inner thigh. It seems you need more convincing, and I don’t want to leave any doubt in your mind about how real this is.

Maya was about to respond when Shane’s talented tongue found her most sensitive spot and stroked. He licked and suckled her clit, sending wave after wave of carnal heat thundering through her body, making Maya scream. His arms clamped over her legs, holding her there while he continued his wickedly erotic assault. The tension of the orgasm crested brightly, and just when she thought she’d explode, Shane rose to his feet and buried himself deep inside her.

Maya’s fangs erupted with the surge of primal need. Sitting up, she wrapped her arms around him as he pounded into her time and again. Tilting her head to gain access to her neck, Shane pierced her flesh, and while his hips pumped furiously, another toe-curling orgasm rippled through Maya. Locking her ankles behind his back, she held him to her, never wanting him to stop.

With his scent surrounding her, there was only one more thing Maya needed. Nuzzling his shoulder, she sank her fangs into his flesh, A deep guttural groan rumbled through him, and tightening his hold, he thrust even faster. Riding the final wave of pleasure, they could feel the now familiar beat of their hearts beginning to pound in unison, and Maya surrendered to it all. As their unified heartbeat thundered through their entwined bodies, she whispered into his mind, I love you, Shane.

Shane and Maya had used every precious minute of their two hours in the private room, and when they left, two bottles of warmed blood were waiting for them in the hallway. Sebastian and Diego had provided the perfect experience, which didn’t surprise Shane. His friends had more than lived up to their reputation as the best hosts in the industry.

Flying through the dark Louisiana night with Maya at his side, Shane could barely contain the grin he’d had on his face since their tryst at Bayou Escape. Maya told him that she loved him. He didn’t think just a few small words could sound so sweet, but they did, and he doubted that he’d ever forget the surge of joy that bloomed in his heart when she whispered them.

Making the approach to Lottie’s house, Shane felt his smile fade when he saw the defeated look on Maya’s face. Instead of looking happy and joyful like he expected, she seemed pensive and lost in her own thoughts. Shane reached out and tangled his hand with hers, which evoked a small smile but not a convincing one.

They landed side by side in Lottie’s backyard, and Shane couldn’t help but notice that Maya was looking everywhere but at him.

“The sun will be up soon,” she whispered, looking out over the moonlit waters of the bayou. “We should go inside but be quiet so we don’t wake up Lottie. I saw her car in the driveway.”

Shane grabbed Maya’s hand, preventing her from leaving, and waited for her to face him. Her back was to him and her shoulders shook as her blond hair fell over her face. Shane realized she was crying. Panic and pure fear shot through him. He flew around and stood in front of her before placing both hands on her arms and urging her to look at him.

“Maya?” Shane asked urgently. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” she sniffed and stepped back, out of his embrace. She folded her arms over her breasts and walked toward the water. “It’s nothing.”

“You’re crying. Am I supposed to believe that nothing is bothering you?” Shane stayed where he was and tried to keep frustration and anger out of his voice. “After all that we have been through and everything that we’ve shared? Why won’t you tell me what’s upset you so much?”

“I think I’ve told you plenty tonight, Shane,” Maya said tightly. She looked over her shoulder at him and rolled her eyes when she saw the confused look on his face. “Right,” she said through a curt laugh while swiping at the tears with the back of her hand. Spinning on her heels, Maya glared at him before stalking past him toward the house. “Just forget it.”

“I will do no such thing.” Shane moved quickly and stood in front of her, blocking her path. “Why are you acting this way?”

“You really don’t get it, do you?” Maya placed her hands on her hips and looked at him as though he were the dumbest vampire on the planet. “You probably think it’s stupid that I’m upset, and you know what? Maybe it is.” Her voice rose and she poked him in the chest with one angry finger. “Maybe I’m a dumb, silly girl with a ridiculously modern notion, but if you ask me, when a woman says she loves you, Shane, you should have some kind of response. Something. ” Her blue eyes, rimmed with pain, stared up at him. “But you didn’t. You just left me hanging out there.”

Her chin tilted defiantly, and the words fell from her lips in a rush. “I know you were sent down here by Olivia to keep an eye on me and I know that we’re bloodmates, but there is still a choice. You don’t have to stay with me, Shane. If you don’t love me, I don’t want you to be with me out of duty or obligation. When we get back to New York, we can go our separate ways.”

Shane blinked, and before he could stop himself, a laugh bubbled up, making his shoulders shake. He grabbed Maya’s furious-looking face with both hands and tossed his head back as he laughed loudly before firmly kissing her lips. Her brow furrowed and the line between her eyes deepened while she continued to look at him as though he’d lost his mind.

“I’m the one who is stupid.” Shane brushed a kiss on the corner of her mouth and rested his forehead against hers. Squeezing his eyes shut, he rasped his thumb over the silky, soft skin of her cheek and whispered, “You’ll have to forgive a foolish old vampire for getting wrapped up in his own thoughts. I’ve been alone for so long, Maya.” He lifted his head and looked her in the eyes, holding her close. “I suppose it will take some time for me to remember that I am no longer a solitary creature.”

“What are you saying?” Maya looked at him through wide violet-blue eyes.

“I am saying that I am a fool—a fool who is desperately and hopelessly in love with you, and like a foolish man, I assumed that you knew. How could you not? I’ve loved you for so long, it seems, that I can no longer recall a time when the thought of you wasn’t buried deep in my soul or when your voice wasn’t drifting through my mind like a siren song, willing me closer at every turn.”

Shane dipped his head, placed a gentle kiss on her lips, and reached out to her with his mind. I love you, Maya.

Maya smiled and kissed him back, wrapping her arms around his neck and holding him tight. Shane’s joy was short-lived when her body tensed in his grasp and she started to shake. Her fingers curled along the back of his neck and she whispered, Werewolves.

An instant later, the pungent scent of a werewolf filled Shane’s head. Growls rumbled in the air around them, and a pair of bright orange eyes glared at him from the brush just before a massive brown wolf charged across the lawn.

“Fly, Maya,” Shane screamed. He flung her out of the path of the charging, snarling beast. “Get out of here.”