Vampires and Mistletoe

Chapter 4

December 24th

Groggily, Tessa sat up. Seeing the man sleeping in the chair across from her bed she gasped. The memories of how he'd come to be in her room came rushing back and brought her anger to the surface. Her father had sent a vampire after her. He hated vampires; just the act of sending one showed her how little he thought of her. She had nothing against the species, herself, but for Victor to send an errand boy after her was too much. Granted, vampire movies in the human world got it mostly wrong, but not the blood drinking. Tessa cringed. Blood. Icky and gross, and being only half demon, she was human enough to be drinkable. Rubbing her neck, she was relieved to find smooth, uninjured skin. He hadn't drunk from her.

Sitting back in relief, she looked at the sleeping vampire. If he'd been born human, he could have been a male model or Hollywood actor. Long blond hair fell over his forehead. It had been too dark to be sure what color his eyes were.

Muscular and tall, the man oozed masculinity. She felt her pussy tingle with awareness. Disturbed by the reaction, she quietly got up and tiptoed to the bathroom, locking the door. It had been a long time since she'd felt what she was feeling about a man. A vampire from Other World was the last male she wanted to be attracted to.

Realizing it was Christmas Eve, an acute sense of loss filled her. Grumbling, Tessa thought, how does Victor manage to ruin everything? It would be hard to be merry without her sisters. Rolling her eyes, she slid down the heavy wooden door and moaned. Her next thought made her grin in self-deprecation. It could be worse; at least I'm trapped with a hottie and not a troll. Gritting her teeth, she reminded herself that her father could have sent a real troll; Other World was full of them.

Her suitcase sat in the corner of the bathroom where she had left it after unpacking her toiletries. Standing up, she picked out the clothing she wanted to wear and grabbed a few towels and a washcloth in preparation for a shower.

Adjusting the temperature of the water she stepped into the tub and pulled the curtain. The hot spray of the shower invigorated her. Tessa forgot herself in the relaxing bliss and began to sing.

Gideon was startled awake by the most beautiful sound he had ever heard. Singing; beautiful, light singing that caused him to feel a strange sense of bliss. His mind was still foggy with sleep and he tried to remember where he was. He felt so lethargic. Disturbed by his unusual weakness, a picture of the night's events formed in his mind. He was on the wrong side of the boundary and it was daylight. Groaning, he tried to stand and fell down. Too weak even to pull himself back up, he lay on the carpet wishing that he were home. It had been a while since he had visited this side of the boundary, and he'd forgotten vampires needed to feed more regularly here to avoid becoming incapacitated during the day.

A loud thud made Tessa jump involuntarily. She turned off the water. Stepping out onto the plush bathmat, she grabbed one of the large towels and wrapped it around herself. Worried, she quickly dressed and cautiously opened the door. Peeking out around the corner she saw that the vampire lay helplessly on the carpet. Tessa hurried to see if he was hurt. Other World vampire or not, she wouldn't stand by and let the man suffer. He mumbled something unintelligible as she tried to lift him up onto the bed. He weighed a ton. Finally, she managed to maneuver him onto the bed.

Geez, what are vampires eating these days, sumo wrestlers or something? How much does this guy weigh? Her grouchy thoughts didn't make him any lighter.

Glancing at her watch, she realized that she had slept a good portion of the day away, but there were still hours before sunset. Looking down at the vampire, she wondered if he was going to be alright. Just as she tried to step away, he grabbed her arm. "Blood. I… need… blood," he whispered hoarsely

Tessa highly doubted that room service offered any. She tugged her arm free and spoke quietly. "Sorry, buddy, the blood bank is closed. As soon as it's dark I'll send you home and you can get all the blood you need."

"No… danger."

"I'll be fine. Just rest, ok? I'll send you right home when it's safe." As much as she hated Other World, she didn't like to see people in pain more.

His faint groan sounded like the word no. This was one stubborn vamp. The power she was using to keep them in the room was having some kind of effect on him. Seeing how quickly he'd weakened made her feel guilty until she remembered she'd begged him to let her go and he'd shown her no mercy. Tessa sat down on the large plush sofa. Normally, her Christmas Eve day would be spent with her sisters at Aspen, not babysitting ill vamps. Picking up the Kindle she'd left by the bed last night, she sat down to read the book she'd started. After a few sentences, her gaze drifted away from the page and to the bed. She tried again. After ten minutes of reading the same page, she turned off the device in aggravation. If the thing had been a paperback she would have tossed it across the room. Instead, she set it down on the table, frowning.

Weak, hungry, and in severe pain Gideon came awake miserably. He tried to sit up but could only moan. A light touch on his arm startled him. His eyes blinked open; even with the curtains drawn the sunlight burned his eyes, making them dry and sore.

The woman was watching him warily. She looked too beautifully angelic to be a demon. His pain intensified, and he let out a long tortured groan. Obviously the sound upset her because she gasped and came closer to him.

"Are you alright? Can I do anything to help you? I know your species can't handle daytime on this side of border. What can I do? I've tried to send you home twice, but I'm unable to. I can't even take away my protective lock around the room. I tried. I'm so sorry for your pain."

Her words were genuine and it made his heart flip. He had no idea why she'd care about a vampire. She moved to step back, but he grabbed her arm and she whimpered in fear. His voice cracked as he made a desperate request. He'd never make it until sundown; the curtains just weren't providing enough protection from the sun.

"Blood… I must have… blood."

When she came closer, her actions surprised him. Holding out her arm so that the inside of her wrist was close to his lip, she whispered, "Since you are one of my father's goons, I don't owe you anything, but I don't want you to die if I can help you. Go ahead, just don't kill me."

He looked up at her face through sore eyes. He could see Tessa had her face all scrunched up and her shoulders hunched as if waiting for something horrible. She mustn't know how good being bitten by a vampire felt to a human, orgasmic. It was even more sensual for a demon. Being half of each, she would probably come for him the moment his fangs sank into her flesh. It made him hard even as he lay close to death.

Contrary to human belief, vampires were very much alive; and he was very much a man. His cock twitched as he thought about that lyrical voice crying out his name as he sank his fangs and cock inside of her. Yes, vampires could kill a human, but it was rare, and only a vamp with no self-control would actually murder. He had iron control, but in this state he did worry about taking too much. What would the Grand Master do if he brought his daughter home with bite marks? Pushing her arm away, he grumbled weakly.

"No, I will… be fine."

"You won't. Just do it, alright? Merry Christmas; It's my good deed for the holiday."

She scrunched up her face again and he couldn't stop his weak chuckle. Quickly, her eyes popped open, and she looked angry. Even with the red fire in her big eyes she was beautiful.

"Just do it you stubborn vamp! I don't like it any better than you do!"

Her scent was delicious, and the adrenaline in her blood added a delicate spice. He could smell the mango-based soap she had used recently on her skin. Intoxicated with need he felt himself losing the will to resist her offer. Tessa was a conundrum and a beauty. She intrigued him far more than what was safe for either of them. Oh, hell. Her father kills me or the sun kills me, I'm dead either way. I might as well die happy! With his decision made, he gently took her arm and brought her wrist to his lips. He placed a soft kiss on the vein and she gasped, then he sank his fangs into her skin and felt the blood rush into his mouth.

Tessa cried out as a sharp pain radiated up her arm. The sensation became a pleasure unlike any she'd ever felt before. Her knees gave out, and buckling, she found herself sitting on the edge of his bed. She felt the most intense desire of her life. Tessa was a modern girl yet sexually inexperienced. Whatever he was doing to her made her feel unlike anything any man ever had. Arching her back and crying out, she felt herself grow wet and needy. All she wanted for Christmas was for the vampire to fuck her. She didn't even know his name, but she wanted him immediately.

When he released her she was horrified to hear the sound of her disappointment echoing in the room. His chuckle sounded warm and much stronger. Tessa opened her eyes and looked at him. His eyes were a deep sapphire blue; entrancing. She licked her lower lip and he moaned. Before she realized his intentions, he pulled her to him. His strong, large hands pulled her shirt off. Wiggling a bit, she assisted him in removing it. He'd already seen her all but naked, so she didn't feel the shyness she should at being naked in front of him. She began to undo his buttons. It was only a moment before she had his shirt open. His hard muscular chest displayed only a sprinkling of dark golden hair.

Tessa splayed her fingers across his broad shoulders and she felt his hands working the clasp on her bra. It popped open, and the cool air in the room had her nipples peaked to hard points in seconds. His eyes darkened when he saw them. Tessa pushed his shirt over his arms and he moved just enough for her to remove it. Her demon nature sensed that sunset was approaching; her power always magnified with the darkness. All of Tessa's hungers increased after nightfall, even lust. With human men she'd have to hold back, but with Gideon she could be herself completely.

He pulled her to him, and his large hand tangled in her hair as he brought her lips to meet his. She could taste the metallic flavor of her own blood, and instead of repulsing her, she felt turned on. His growl let her know that he guessed her thoughts. She'd grown up hearing all sorts of untruths about vamps. It appeared that the whole bite equals sex myth was the truth. She couldn't remember if they could read minds or not. His soft chuckle told her that he could, and Tessa realized it was probably because he'd drunk her blood.

She thought hard about him removing his pants, hoping he would get the hint. When he forcefully flipped her onto her back so that he hovered above her, she noticed that his hands were at his belt. Yep, he got the hint, Tessa decided. It was her turn to chuckle.

When Gideon slipped out of his black jeans she noticed that he wasn't wearing any underwear. Oh yummy, commando. I love it! she thought. His long thick cock was very erect and fleetingly Tessa wondered if all vampires could claim to be as hung as he was, or if he was just special. When his hands found the buttons on her fly he growled low and menacingly as he struggled with the row of buttons. Achieving victory over the Levis, he soon pulled the denim down her legs, and she heard the swish of her jeans joining the rest of the clothing on the floor. He looped his fingers in the sides of her panties next, and slowly he slid the bit of fabric off her body. Both of them were completely naked.

Tessa felt the sun set and the room darkened just a bit more. Using what little demon magic she could muster after locking the room down, she managed to light the candles on the dresser and in the sconces on the wall. Warm soft light filled the room and Tessa noticed her vampire looked even more handsome in the subtle light.

"I'm at a disadvantage. You know my name, but I don't know yours."

"Gideon, I'm Gideon Duke, lovely Tessa."

"It doesn't fit you."

He snorted, a sound of mirth, and she decided he was too easily amused. Soon her annoyance was forgotten when his lips found her jutting nipple. He drew on it hard and she arched her back and hissed with pleasure. His sharp fangs only heightened her pleasure as just a little pain mixed with the sensation. Oh, he was good, very good. Closing her eyes, she reveled in the joy of sensation.

Normally she'd have been shy, guarded; but with Gideon she felt able to express her desire unhindered by her own lack of confidence. She'd never been with a non-human before, but she'd heard her sisters talk. They hadn't been exaggerating about the difference. He responded in kind, and she knew he was as consumed with need as she was. The feeling of his fingers rolling her other nipple while his mouth teased the first made her very wet.

Wonder bought heat to her already wet, needy pussy. Tessa wanted him to slam his cock inside her, but she was so consumed by lust that words were beyond her. His chuckle let her know he was still in her head. Normally, it would have pissed her off, but as she felt two of his long fingers enter her body and stroke her she was glad he knew her need. He removed his fingers, and she felt a moment of bereavement; her body had been inching toward orgasm. Then he began to stroke her clit.

As the tension built inside of her, each of his touches brought little gasps of pleasure from her lips. His skilled fingers rolled and pinched her clit. Tessa clutched Gideon's shoulders, her long French-manicured fingernails digging into his flesh. She arched her back, and all the feelings broke free as she came for him.

Screaming his name, a name she'd just learned; Tessa experienced the most intense orgasm of her life. Normally her orgasms were like wonderful little ripples in a pond, but this was a waterfall. Sensation went on and on. It didn't end quickly, but flowed and ebbed as he worked her into a frenzy. Fuzzy with lust, she looked into his eyes and knew he relished her pleasure. Flipping over in her chest, her heart seemed in harmony with his. In that moment, their eyes meet and held. A strange connection passed between them. Deeper than anything she had ever encountered with another man, the experience felt surreal.

Crying out, she felt his eyes on her as she writhed under his talented fingers. It felt so right, so wonderful. In the back of her mind, she reminded herself he was a complete stranger, a vampire. But it felt so right to be with him. Shaking the thought from her mind, she reminded herself that this was just hot sex. Giving into the sensations was her Christmas present to herself…

When nothing but the ripples of her pleasure remained, Tessa looked up into his handsome face filled with delirious bliss. It must be a crime that any being should be so attractive. Maybe it was vampire glamour, and he was old and ugly, but if he could make her come like that again, she didn't care if he was a hunchback too!

"No, lovely, I'm not a hunchback. I'm glad that you enjoyed yourself, but I'm not done with you. Lie down; let me give you your Christmas present. You are definitely on my nice list right now." His deep whisper was like brandy or velvet, sinful and soothing all at the same time.

She felt his large hand slid under her bottom and he squeezed the cheeks firmly. His hands slid to her thighs, and she felt him opening her legs as wide as they would go. His body settled between the "V", and his lips found her clit. He kissed her there once, tenderly, before he began to suck the little nub. She cried out as the pleasure began to build again.

Tessa had always felt she was a giving lover. She tried to make sure that she attended to the man in her bed and gave him a memorable encounter; but somehow it felt right just to let Gideon pleasure her. After all, he was trying to take away her freedom; he owed her a big apology.

His snort reminded her that her thoughts were not private, and she opened her eyes to look down at him. His blond head bobbed between her pale thighs, and the sight only increased her desire. Darkness had fallen and she could feel his growing power. It frightened her a little, even as she enjoyed his power over her body. Unable to control herself, her hips bucked a bit. He raised his head and his thumb began to make lazy, wonderful circles where his mouth had been.

"Easy, lovely, we have all night. I want this to be your best Christmas ever."

She had no doubt that it would be. Gideon smiled, and his fangs flashed in the darkness. Suddenly, he lunged at her inner thigh and she felt his fangs sink in. His thumb never stopped moving on her clit. Hissing, she came for him again; and it felt amazing. Her pussy throbbed, and the spasms left it tight and wanting. If he didn't stop it, he would need the 'jaws of life' to get his cock inside of her. Bucking on the bed, Tessa cried out in a keening wail. She had never made such an animalistic noise, but in the glory of pure desire she didn't care how it sounded at all. Gideon was making her crazy with his bite and his touch.

She pulled at him, desperate for him to be inside of her. He knew it too. It irritated her, even as her pleasure kept coming. When he pulled his mouth away she felt his tongue lap at the little wounds his fangs had left on her sensitive, pale skin.

She felt his cock on her leg, and the wetness of his pre-cum let her know he was not immune to the pleasure growing between them. Groaning, she opened her mouth to beg for him, but his fingers on her lips stopped her. She could taste herself on his fingers, but instead of repulsing her, it just added to the oddly erotic moment. His deep whisper kept her silent.

"Never beg my lovely one. Never beg for anything, my Tessa. Your sweet lips deserve more than pleas."

His kissed her then, and she felt him slide his arms behind her back and head and pull her to him with a ferocity that both surprised and delighted her. Clinging to him helplessly, she allowed him to crush her in a punishing kiss that made her light-headed. His tongue danced in her mouth and she returned the action. Tongue kissing had never been her favorite until that moment. What she had been missing not kissing the man made her regret not laying one on him the moment he'd stepped into her life to save it. Pure magic seemed to flow from his firm, masculine lips into her wanting mouth.

Tessa relished his talent and skill. Obviously, someone had been keeping secrets about the magic of vampire sex. No wonder there were so many vampires in the underground sex trade of Other World. Gideon would certainly make a stellar gigolo. He pulled back, snorting out a belly laugh at her thoughts. Scowling at him, she felt unable to help the rush of emotion as he kissed her furrowed brow.

"Never scowl, my sweet," he whispered in his magical voice. "For you, I will be a gigolo or anything that you desire tonight. For you, lovely one, I will give the best performance of my life. Let me make you scream my name again. I want to hear your sweet song as you come for me."

His words were as sensual as his actions, and Tessa wondered how many women had come just hearing him speak. If it wasn't some kind of vampire glamour the guy should get himself an infomercial, because a woman could believe anything that came out of that delectable mouth. He restrained his amusement, but Tessa could see the sparkle in his beautiful eyes. It was obvious from his reaction that he enjoyed the way she thought. Definitely a first for her in the male companionship department; a guy who liked her thought process. Gideon was one in a million.

When she tried to move, ready to start showing him her appreciation, he gently held her back. "No, lovely, this is all for you. Enjoy it. I will enjoy putting my cock in you soon enough. I just want to give you this night. Let me love you, sweet."

Tessa felt a little odd, but she lay back, allowing him to pleasure her. Soon the tension left her body as she felt his hands roving, touching her in places that she had never considered sensual, but that suddenly felt erogenous. He brought her to the edge, and she was desperate for him to join her in another orgasm. He must have read her mind because she felt the bed dip as he pulled her to him.

Using his hands, he raised her up and slipped just the head of his cock inside her pussy. Hissing with pleasure, Tessa closed her eyes and moaned. His fingers found her clit and he began to play with it; pinching, tweaking, and caressing until she felt her orgasm push her over the edge again. Tessa screamed his name. Gideon continued to rub her clit as he used his large, strong hand to pull her to his cock. She was so tight that when his large cock worked its way to the base the pleasure was so strong it was almost painful. Tessa cried out, and the sensation felt so intense that her eyes watered. Never in her life had she felt anything like what Gideon was doing to her. He moved forward and began to slam his cock in and out of her body until she was screaming uncontrollably.

Her face flushed with the exertion of her pleasure, and when she opened her eyes he was looking at her intensely. Never in her life had anyone looked at her the way Gideon was looking at her. She could feel the aftershocks of her orgasm against his cock where it was buried deep inside her body. Gideon never stopped giving attention to her clit. Tessa was delightfully surprised when she felt herself begin another orgasm.

Gideon began to slam into her body again. His hips moved so that his cock did something amazing in her body. No other man had ever been so skilled at wringing pleasure out of her. Tessa felt like she'd died just a little bit. In making her feel like she did, she wanted him to never stop! His deep masculine growl told her that he too felt the pure perfection of the sex. Coming for him again, she barely noticed when he joined her in orgasm. They lay panting after the last of the moment had slipped away.

Tessa wondered if it was just the magic of the vampire bite or something more; something purely Gideon that had caused her to experience the sex so deeply. It had been the best Christmas present ever. Stretching and feeling pliable and languid she stood up, shaking from her muscles being so weak with relaxation. It was the most perfect sex of her life. Determined to protect her heart she reminded herself it was only sex.

"We must go back. I have to take you home as soon as possible." His statement surprised her. She felt used. Did he think great sex would change her mind about staying away from Victor's world?

"I'm not going back." Ignoring his dark look she got up quickly. She wanted to get away from him and the bathroom was as far as her spell would allow. Tessa slipped into the bathroom to take a shower.

Stepping under the warm water, she reveled in the sensation until the moment of Zen suddenly shattered with his rude interruption.

Gideon stood naked, still looking angry. Without words, he hauled her soapy body out of the shower and she felt his growing power. Angry, she realized he was using her relaxed state to break her protective spell. Clamping down on her power she strengthened the barrier, but after losing blood and not eating all day her body gave out, and she found herself in his arms, blinking up at his wrathful face. Softly, she whispered, "Why is it so important to you to destroy my life?"

"The fate of my people depends on your safe return. Your father will kill every female of my kind if I don't bring you home." His words made her heart drop.

Tessa immediately wanted to cry. What kind of a monster would make such a threat? As much as she detested Other World, she didn't want to see its creatures suffer for her freedom. She didn't want to live trapped in Other World; but if Gideon was speaking the truth, she must return. Looking deeply into his eyes she felt the honesty in his expression. With a shallow cry, she pushed away from him.

"Let me take my shower and get dressed. Alone. I'll return with you, but only for the sake of your people – not for you or my father!" He looked conflicted, as if he might not trust her. She knew her eyes flashed red at him. She could see the moment he decided to trust her because his expression changed. He backed out of the door, and she slammed it in his face, deciding to make the most of her shower. Granted, great sex did not exactly award her his loyalty, but the fate of his kind was at stake. It was frustrating; knowing he had as little choice as she did. Sighing, she finished her shower and dressed.

Taking her time just to irritate him, she finally packed her things and left the bathroom. He was dressed and ready. Setting down her suitcase she stretched her arms out wide, releasing her magical hold over the resort. Within seconds she knew that her protection was gone, and she found herself at Gideon's mercy.

For a moment, she thought she might have seen regret on his face before he took her hand and she teleported them to the other side of the barrier. She could see the human world, and desperately she tried to step through the barrier, but as she suspected it had been a one-way trip. Her father had removed her magical visa. There was no going home. Unable to help herself she crumpled in front of the barrier but Gideon caught her before she hit the ground.

Exhausted and sad she wept softly. Tessa couldn't look him in the eyes; she felt too embarrassed by her reaction. Somehow, losing her ability to cross freely felt a little bit like losing her mother all over again. She felt depleted, and Tessa closed her eyes.