Darling Fiend: Dark Blood Clan, page 10
“What is it?”
“Just take it,” Skye said in that sing-song way she got when she was excited, her eyes landing on Jacob. “You should both take it!”
“You think so, do ya, Skye?” He toyed with her like a cat with a mouse, and she ate it up like cotton candy on a stick.
And who can blame her? He’s sex on a stick.
“What is it?” Evaine asked again.
“It is Lash, Ma Petite. It will make our evening that much more enjoyable.” Julien passed one to Jacob. “Share it with Raven,” he said before handing Skye the second dram.
She’d enjoyed the bit of Lash Julien gave her after her transformation. Not to mention, Ecstasy was a favorite that she’d done with Gage on several occasions. The problem was that Gage wasn’t here to make her feel safe. Resilience tugged at her insides, reminding her she wasn’t a mere mortal anymore either and didn’t need anyone to make her feel safe.
Her gaze flicked up, meeting Jacob’s, and he gave her a slight nod with his it will be fun eyes.
“How about we start with half a dose?” Julien uncapped the last dram.
She gripped his forearm, shaking her head. “I’ll take a full dose.”
His fangs glistened in the low light. “Are you sure?”
“I’m good.” Evaine plucked the vial from his regal fingers, downing half before handing it back with a smile. The coppery blood mixed with the potent and musky taste of sex as it coated her tongue and throat, and she immediately wanted another dose.
“Yes, you are, Ma Petite. Very good.” His words were low and smooth — appreciative, as he put the vial to his lips. “I want you both to keep an open mind and behave yourselves. This private club caters to vampires and humans who want to interact with us. You must remember no matter what you see; it is all consensual.”
“You don’t think you should’ve told us that before we downed the X?” Jacob asked from the front seat.
“You will be fine. Skye will keep an eye on you.” With a languid shift, Julien reached around her and opened the back door. “After you, Ma Petite.”
The inside of the Crimson Oubliette reminded Evaine of the devil’s playground. Red light bathed everything, and it was exactly like the images in her head, blue lights bouncing in time with the music and mixing with the red to cause purple flashes.
A spacious bar spanned one wall with a thick red and black marble top and red leather stools. At the back, there was a small empty stage surrounded by chairs and tables. Two large black cages flanked it with half-dressed women dancing in them, their bodies writhing seductively to the heavy beat of the melodic music.
In the middle, where she would’ve expected to see a dance floor, couches and tables sat for people to watch the show or mingle. Most patrons were dressed in latex or leather. Corsets and collars. Some carried crops, and others, whips.
One particularly tall vampire with long blonde hair absently stroked the short, ebony locks of the girl kneeling at his feet, his aciculate nails grazing her scalp as he chatted with the woman beside him. His eyes glimmering, a malevolent smile spreading across his lips as he winked.
The heat of it made her shift her gaze to the two metal contraptions sitting against the other wall, barely dressed women strapped into them.
“This is a vampire bondage club?”
Sandalwood engulfed her as Julien’s arm encircled her shoulders. “Keep an open mind. You are part of a new world now, and many inhabitants have darker tastes that may not appeal to you as a fledgling.”
Her first instinct was to pull away, but he held her in a fierce embrace. “I — I’m not a prude. I’m just surprised, is all.”
“Of course. Apologies.”
His hand waved dismissively, pushing her to stand up straighter as she said, “I’m not!”
Icy fingers tickled her jaw before he latched them around her chin and pulled her lips to his. “I believe you, Ma Petite.”
The glimmer in his inky gaze was unconvincing as he kissed her.
When he broke the embrace, a tingle tickled her tongue; the Lash kicking in and sending a zing through her as she opened her mouth to argue. Heavy tension nestled low in her belly, euphoria edging in as she accidentally tapped into the humans’ lust and desire, making her thighs clench as her pussy pulsed.
Wide eyes flicking to meet his, she whispered, “I can feel all of them.”
It wasn’t just feelings either; images of scantily dressed bodies writhing, arched backs, thrusting hips, hands fisting sheets, and bloodied fangs. Pain edged the pleasure, burning hot lashes and stinging welts from crops and paddles. It crashed into her with a force that left her breathless. “Do you feel it?”
“Of course. I’m just better equipped to handle it.” His lips ticked up in a sexy smile before he kissed her again, this time far less chaste. When they parted, Evaine’s heart thrummed, her breath thready as he added, “The Lash heightens the sensations you are picking up from the humans. If you embrace it, their pleasure and pain will enhance your experience.”
“Embrace it?”
“Oui. Enjoy the passion, relish in the pain. It is a cocktail like no other.”
His smooth tone made her want to comply, limbs heavy as her tension melted away, and she relaxed against him.
“That’s my girl.” It was a low purr that vibrated his chest as he stroked the side of her face, his arm wrapping around her waist possessively.
Desperate fingers fisted the lapels of his jacket, wrinkling them. “My lips are numb,” she mumbled as her fangs sank into the bottom one.
Electricity buzzed along her nerves when he chuckled, a dark and sinister grin spreading across his face. “That is the Lash, Ma Petite.”
“I like it,” was all she could manage before he asked, “Would you like a drink?” and steered her to the bar.
She slid in beside Jacob, a lopsided grin lighting up his face as he said, “This shit is fucking amazing.”
“It’s strong.” Her words were a tangled jumble, her tongue refusing to work as she watched Julien order drinks.
Sensation skittered along her arm as Jacob leaned in and whispered. “Do you see how hot that fucking bartender is? I’ve got wood just watching him mix those fucking drinks. What is it with bartenders?”
“I think it might be the Lash, Jay.” Evaine giggled.
“Maybe.” His free hand ran down his toned stomach, the sheer black material bunching under the tips of his fingers and exposing his alabaster skin. “I definitely like it.”
“Down, boy; keep that thing in your pants, please.”
He shot her an incredulous look. “That’s how you’re going to talk to me?”
“You’re a little overzealous.” She took the oversized martini glass Julien offered and sipped the glittering, pearlescent-red liquid as he whined, “It’s been like three days. It’s going to fall off soon.”
Liquor speckled his face as she giggled. “Mm. That’s good,”
“Did you just spit on me?” Gripping the bottom of his shirt, he wiped his cheeks.
“Sorry.” She tried to keep a straight face but failed.
His head shook as he side-eyed her. “What a bitch!”
“Whatever, Petite Pierre!”
Incredulous disbelief washed over him, making a maniacal laugh burst from her.
“I am so done with you!“ Drama kicked up his tone, his finger in her face.
“But you love me,” she purred with a sweet smile.
“Barely, if at all.” His arms folded over his chest.
“Lies,” she said before downing her drink in two gulps.
When she handed the empty glass back to Julien, he asked, “Would you like another?”
“What’s it called? I’ll order it for you, Kitten,” Jacob’s words tumbled out just a bit too fast, causing an effervescent giggle as she smacked his shoulder. “You’re shameless.”
“It’s a Blood-Soaked Nymph,” Jullien said.
His nose scrunched. “Sounds delicious.”
“It really is.”
The hair on the nape of Evaine’s neck prickled at the feeling of eyes on her back, her gaze sweeping the crowd and landing on a tall, burly, bald man with his tattoo-covered arms crossed over his beefy chest. The weight of his intense stare made her lean in and ask Julien, “Who’s that watching us?”
He tossed a nonchalant glance over his shoulder. “That, Ma Cheri, is Baldric.” Julien’s smooth veneer cracked a little as he frowned and mumbled, “The question is, what is he doing here?”
“Wait here a moment.” He straightened his jacket before strolling across the room with controlled steps and a lackadaisical shift of his body that was clearly intentional.
As they exchanged words, Julien’s shoulders tightened with each passing interaction, and she was pretty sure that it wasn’t good news he was getting as Jacob handed her another full glass.
Sipping his whiskey and coke, Jacob asked, “What’s going on?”
“I’m not sure, but it doesn’t look good.”
Silence ticked between them before he nodded, “Not good at all from what I can tell,” and tapped his temple when she glanced at him.
“Can you hear his thoughts?”
“No, but I can hear Raven’s, and he’s feeding Julien information about the project he’s been working on. Sounds like Ansel isn’t happy with how things are progressing here in the States. Something about Incubus blood and not having enough to cover the demand for Lash. “
Evaine’s brow furrowed. “Incubus blood and Lash, what the fuck does that mean?”
“That we just dosed with Incubus blood!”
Pent-up energy wafted off Skye as she bounced up. “It’s not nice to eavesdrop. Tati would be upset with you.”
“You’re right, Skye,” Evaine shot Jacob a look to drop it.
“I know.” Tiny fingers laced with Jacob’s. “Come with me, Jay.”
His brows hitched up. “Where we goin’?”
“To get a drink, Silly.”
Sculpted muscles flexed under his see-through shirt, his shoulders meeting his ears as he shrugged. “Okay.”
A frown tugged at the corners of Evaine’s mouth as they approached the bar to chat with the handsome tender.
When Julien stalked back, she couldn’t help but enjoy the alluring, smooth movements, licking her lips before she asked, “Is everything okay?”
“Oui, Ma Petite. Just a slight change of plans, but we will deal with that later. Right now, I have other things in mind and will not be swayed. It is time you take the next step to truly putting your old life behind you.”
The Lash made her bold, unrestrained. Mixed with alcohol, she quipped back, “And what step is that?”
“It is time for you to feed from the vein.”
Panic caught her breath in her throat, her mouth drying instantly. “I’m not — Now? But why?”
“Relax, Evie. I won’t let anything happen.”
“But why now? You said I had time?” She whined.
“We will travel to Krev Castle in a matter of hours, so you need to become more comfortable with what it means to be a vampire, Ma Petite. Better to experience it here rather than waiting until you’re in the viper pit.”
“What does that mean?”
“Not all of us are as kind and cuddly as yours truly. You must get used to it. You can’t show weakness and fear, or they will shred you. Fear is like chum in the water for us predators. Getting past this step will help you with the next.”
“What’s the next?” she asked, breathier than intended, foreign pleasures coursing through her like it was her own.
“The Ministerium Aevum is a savage place. You are too soft for such things; they will devour you without my protection.”
Another wave of pleasure washed over her, mixing with the cool desire low in her belly, her eyes fluttering shut as she gripped the front of his jacket and bit her bottom lip to keep a moan under control.
“Come along. I have a place that is a bit more private where we can finish this discussion.” Julien enveloped her hand, leading her across the large open room just as the dark stage lit up and displayed two girls strapped to metal contraptions. Evaine zeroed in on the flush of their skin and the rapid beating of their hearts. They were human, and the sweet, mingled scents of anticipation and excitement wafted from them, saturating the room. Her fangs dropped as she tried to slow their steps with her body weight.
It did nothing to stop his confident stride until she finally hissed, “Wait!”
He flashed a fiendish, fanged grin. “Oh. Do you want to watch?” A shiver chased his hand as it slid seductively down her side and gripped her hip. “All you had to do was ask.”
Evaine couldn’t tear her eyes away from the dark-haired girl struggling against her leather restraints, consumed by the lust that wafted off of her from across the room. “What’re they gonna do to her?”
“Nothing she won’t enjoy.” Cool breath tickled the shell of her ear, his fingers caressing her hip in slow circles.
His touch was just as mesmerizing; the sensual feel of his rough jacket on her back kicked up by the drugs that ravished her system. It inundated her senses and sent her into overload. “It’s all just a little overwhelming,” she mumbled as a tall man strolled onto the stage and jerked at the restraints for the blonde first and then the brunette, their bodies arching and straining for his touch.
“You tell me when it is too much. It is always your choice.” Julien trailed soft kisses along the curve of her neck, her insides liquefying as his fangs grazed her sharp collarbone. “Just say the word.”
That exquisite ache palpitated in the crux of her thighs, the mix of pleasure and pain intoxicating as her inhibitions melted away until she was left rubbing her ass against his stiff cock, earning a low, lethal growl.
“Keep doing that, Ma Petite, and you will find yourself in the same predicament as that pretty brunette. I am dying to find out if you beg as loud as she does.”
Talk about wet.
Her panties were drenched as she chose chaos and continued to stroke him. “She’s beautiful.”
“Mm... That she is.”
The tip of her tongue darted out to wet her dry lips as she focused on the girl, graphic images flooding her. “Were you the one that made her beg?” The words came out breathy but challenging.
“Non, Ma Petite. But I assure you, I will be the one to make you.”
A wicked smile spread across her mouth; wholly black eyes glued to the stage where the man whipped both girls with a vigor that made Evaine feel a little dirty for enjoying it as much as she did. The way they begged for another, arching to meet the leather throngs as they battered pink flesh, bringing welted lines to the surface. Carnal urgency ignited under her skin, that familiar cool tingle spreading to her face as her entire body flushed with it.
“Would you like it to be her?” Julien’s banded arm held her in place.
Fangs ravaged her bottom lip, blood coating them as she struggled under the unrelenting onslaught. “What?”
“Would you like to feed from her?”
“Blood?” was the only coherent word she could find as she watched the girl get fucked in the memories that engulfed her, watching her whimper and plead, and enjoying every second.
His cheek rubbed against hers as he nodded, the friction electrifying her overstimulated nerve ending. “To sink your fangs in her flesh and make her writhe with pleasure as you drink. Is that what you’d like to do, Evie?”
Evaine ground against him shamelessly. “Yes.”
The realization that she meant every word broke the trance, but then Julien’s smooth, sexy voice was at her ear. “This is your last warning, Evie. Continue to behave in this manner, and I will show you exactly how she feels.”
It swept the apprehension away like dust before she could consider the ramifications of her choices.
“I want her.” The proclamation slurred as the alcohol joined the party. “Will you get her for me?” Her palm stroked his cock, the heel of it caressing the crown through his well-fitting black dress pants.
Twitching in her hand, he hissed, low and lethal, long fingers wrapping around her wrist and yanking her hand free. “I will get you anything you want, Ma Cheri.” His grip tightened as he growled, “Come along, Impius Puella.”
“That’s not French!” Her legs were liquid as she floated behind him, an effusive titter bubbling from her.
Julien glanced over his shoulder and grinned. “My smart girl, it is Latin.”
“What does it mean?”
“Wicked Girl.”
On the other side of the club sat a black door with scrawling purple neon that said Playrooms. A burly-looking vampire with a buzz cut and black T-shirt with the Crimson Oubliette embroidered on the pocket stood in front of it, his arms crossed over his chest.
When he straightened, he was taller than Julien, his shoulders twice the size.
But he immediately flashed a smile as Julien beckoned him with a regal flick of his hand and whispered in the vampire’s ear.
His dark eyes bore into her as he nodded and stepped out of their way.
Evaine was unwilling to break the gaze, even as she stepped closer to Julien, who gripped her hand and led her into the dimly lit hallway. Four black doors lined each side, numbered in blood-red, except the one in the back, which had double doors with more purple neon that said Sanguine Suite.
Julien’s hand was on the knob. “Are you ready, Ma Petite?”
His velvety voice made her want to ride his face.
“Yesss,” she slurred, lights flaring into bursts of color that mesmerized her as she reached out to hold them in her palm like stardust.
Julien’s grin edged on wicked as he swung the door open, his regal hand beckoning her inside. “Ladies first.”
The private suite was luxurious, to say the least, the walls covered in a fancy paper that reminded Evaine of Julien’s jacket. But instead of all black, it was a deep red with black swirls and ornate flowers peppering it. A beautiful wooden table and set of chairs sat next to the double doors.
