Gabriel Read online

  “Which is?”

  “Women. He shags them and kills them. Then he rips their hearts out for his private collection. It’s pretty common really, but that’s his compulsion.”

  “Charming!” The mere thought of it disgusted her. “What has any of this got to do with me?”

  “I believed we were past playing coy,” Gabriel said, his dark eyes drilling into hers. “Don’t make me say it.”

  “Say what?” In spite of her candid face, Calista already had an inkling the big vampire was much too perceptive. “I’m not sure I…”

  “You’re a gelder.”

  “Oh!” So, he knew what she was and probably what she was able to do to a vampire. “How did you find out about gelders?”

  “It doesn’t matter. Your only concern now is Spade.”

  As he spoke his mind, she suspected his agenda wasn’t unrelated to hers. “You’re not actually thinking of asking me to geld him, are you?”

  “As I said, you catch on quick.”

  “No, no, no.” She shook her head, backing away from the large desk. “There’s no way you’re making me do that.”

  “The way I see it, you don’t have a choice, princess.”

  “Why is that?”

  “Several reasons.” Although sitting across the desk from her, he still gave the impression of towering over her. “The first one being that you’ve just had the best orgasm of your life. I expect gratification.”

  What was it with these vampires? Why did they all believe she would do them favours because they made her come? “What else?”

  “If he’s unable to hurt people, you’ll be saving more lives than you can imagine.”

  “I know. Carry on.”

  Gabriel placed the paper knife on a blank sheet. “You gave me your word. If I’m not mistaken, it was right about the time I used this.” As a reminder of her recent orgasm, he raised his thumb.

  Although she was more than reluctant to negotiate with him, he had her cornered. She too was a woman of her word.

  “If I was to accept your deal, I don’t see how it can be achieved. I can’t just barge in and ask to be screwed. Spade would never buy it.”

  “True. That’s why you’ll do it my way.”

  He seemed to have an answer for everything. Taking a deep breath, Calista yielded. “You’ve been plotting for a while, haven’t you?”

  “I only lacked the weapon.”

  “So, what’s your master plan?”

  Gabriel’s scorn hung in front of her face. “Spade is sly, conceited and envious. He’s always coveted what’s mine and he’s prepared to go to any length to get it. Bearing in mind that he’s obsessed with women, the conclusion is fairly obvious.”

  She understood now. “He’ll do anything to possess a woman.”

  “Not any woman. My woman.”

  “Meaning?”

  Gabriel stared at her. “An official announcement should goad him out of his hole. I’ll send word tomorrow to proclaim my engagement to you.”

  “Are we”—the bloody word felt stuck in her throat—“engaged?”

  “Don’t get your hopes too high,” he replied haughtily. “It’s only for a few days.”

  His superior tone was definitely irritating. Calista wished she possessed the means to knock him down a notch. On the other hand, he was giving her Spade’s head on a platter. She was treading on dangerous ground all right, but she didn’t have the right to pass on such a fantastic opportunity. She had been chosen for the job. Bringing a master vampire down was the mission of a lifetime.

  But, for all Gabriel’s cynical plan, she felt he wasn’t being quite straightforward. “Has Spade eliminated any of your former companions?”

  “I’ve never been engaged before,” he said, looking awkwardly at the paper knife. “That’s why I’m confident he’ll rise to the bait.”

  Calista was taken aback by the sudden edginess she sensed in him. Bound to evil, vampires only perceived extreme, violent emotions. Soul-deprived, they couldn’t comprehend kindness, friendship or uneasiness, let alone love. So what was the problem here?

  “Let’s say you take control,” she suggested. “How can I be sure you won’t behave exactly like Spade? What’s to tell me I won’t be your first victim?”

  “Trust me, you won’t be.”

  A genuine grin stretched her lips. “Trust a vampire? You’re kidding me.”

  “You have my word.”

  “Christ!” She clasped her hands in a Dear-Mother-of-God-where-am-I gesture. “You seem to give it easily these days, don’t you? Next thing you know, we’ll be exchanging vows!”

  She jumped when he slammed the paper knife on the desk and stood, brusquely. “Do we have a deal?”

  She was in, yet she lingered over the outcome, reflecting on the influence and authority he would be drawing from this deal. “We may have one, but first I want you to promise me you’ll let me live when everything is over.”

  “I promise.”

  “You really want him, don’t you?”

  “That I do.”

  “Okay, we have a deal!” Crossing the distance between them, she held her hand out. The great master vampire wavered for a second, then enfolded it in his. Something alien sparked in her stomach when they touched, something that wasn’t sexual.

  Staring at him, she saw a fleeting shadow mirrored in his eyes, a flicker of eternity. Time seemed to stretch on before he dropped her hand. Getting a grip on herself, she ran her fingers through her tousled hair and walked to the door while attempting small talk to lighten the moment.

  “I need to go home. Damn, this vampire business can prove exhausting. You know, sometimes I wonder what’s in it for me.”

  He was right behind her as she faced the closed door to grab the handle. His hands fell on her shoulders, his face not quite touching her cheek, his huge, heavy body pressed against her back.

  “I’ll fuck you.”

  Chapter Five

  In the next few days, Calista mulled over her encounter with Gabriel. The master vampire was certainly ambitious and his wicked reputation preceded him. He longed for more power, ultimately for control of the whole city. Although it was too late, she wasn’t sure she should have agreed to his deal.

  As much as she tried to keep a professional attitude, her mind relentlessly returned to Gabriel fingering her, sucking her, giving her by far the best orgasm of her life. She wasn’t keen on admitting that fact, but he had been right. What was she to do with it? Forget about such an electrifying moment and move on to God knows what, or let him have his way with her?

  Her brain was telling her to focus on the mission, her guts were screaming at her to spread her legs. She had never wanted another vampire the way she craved him, and that was the most frightening feeling of all. If she let him penetrate her, she would have to geld him. Period. Although he was evil, the thought of depriving this great, bloodsucking beast of his essence troubled her. The worst part was that she didn’t understand how she could feel so.

  Besides, there was something odd about him. For now, Calista couldn’t quite put her finger on the strangeness she had perceived, but she would. Sooner rather than later.

  On Saturday evening, a long black car parked in front of her building. The day before, she had found a brief note in her mailbox. Tomorrow evening. Ten o’clock. Checking her mirror one last time, she admitted the strapless, short, red satin gown did her justice and should serve her well. She looked juvenile, perky, highly sexy, and downright tasty. Red bag in hand, she felt almost eager to meet her fate.

  “Hi darling,” she derisively greeted Gabriel when she got in the car, realising for the first time that she wasn’t afraid of him. “You look smashing!”

  He eyed her from head to toe for a few steamy seconds, appreciating her sex appeal. “You look hot.” He cast a glance at the driver then put a finger to his lips, looking at her intently. So, the vampire in front was a mole. Calista nodded. In order to keep up appearances, she resumed her banter.

  “Well, aren’t we going to our engagement party?”

  Gabriel signalled the driver to proceed but kept silent, his cold features reflecting his sombre mood and thoughts.

  “Don’t I get a kiss?” she asked coyly, in a strange way enjoying his seriousness.

  He raised an eyebrow, arrogance written on his face. “I need you productive tonight. I don’t want you swooning.”

  “Oh yeah, ‘cause that’s sure to happen,” she scoffed, smiling at him.

  He crushed her in his arms before she had time to react, his lips squashing hers. Her heart leapt, loudly knocking on her ribcage. Locked in his tight embrace, she felt his lust for her, felt her body furiously responding to his. It had started as a provocation but it was turning into something far more hazardous. Furthermore, what the fuck was she doing kissing a vampire?

  Cupping her head in his hands, he invaded her mouth. Their tongues met, fondling and caressing. To her great surprise, he was gentle. As their kiss deepened, excitement brought them ever closer, compelling them to cling to each other, tongues entwined in a swirling choreography.

  Pressed against his strapping chest, nipples erect, a delicious ripple pulsing between her thighs, she kissed him harder. He instantly tightened his grip on her, his mouth ravishing hers, his body radiating desire and…and what? She had to stop him right this minute or they would end up having sex in the back of the car. She didn’t want that, didn’t want to incapacitate him before the mission was over.

  On impulse, she pulled back, breathless, unable to comprehend the violent feelings they had unleashed. Eyes wide open, he was staring at her, his face a mask of total bewilderment. He was obviously as astonished as her, almost like he had lost his ability to control the situation.

  “What the hell?” he grunted, without looking away from her.

  “I think we’d better cool off,” she said. “Now isn’t the time.”

  Listening to her reasonable words, he shifted in the seat, placing one of his hands down his groin to stifle his erection. In seconds he had regained composure, his features turning to stone and his body stiffening. He was Gabriel again, a dominant master vampire. Yet a glimmer of something obscure remained in his eyes.

  Straightening her gown, Calista tore her gaze away from him. She watched the city streets passing by, glowing lights adding a touch of mystery to the gloomy pavements, the shadow of the moon shining silver rays on the highest glassy buildings. The heart of the city—a hundred thousand people locked in their homes as about five thousand vampires roaming the town.

  Heading south on a straight course that bordered a residential area, the car whizzed along, drawing near to Spade’s stronghold—to the point of no return.

  “We’re almost there.” Gabriel broke the awkward silence. He looked as if he wanted to say more, but had thought better of it. A quick glance at the rear-view mirror told Calista the driver was listening in.

  Almost there. Dread rising in her, she wondered if she was up to the task. A single mis-step and she would kiss her life goodbye. She was starting to panic when the strangest thing happened. Shifting on the seat, Gabriel softly took hold of her hand. Had he guessed she needed support? Whatever his motive, the kind gesture shook her up, filling her with courage and security.

  A short while later, the driver parked in front of a white, detached house. Out of the car and out of earshot, Gabriel led her to the threshold.

  “Whatever I say in there,” he whispered, “do it!”

  The interior was posh indeed, and crowded. About thirty vampires were hanging out, talking in hushed voices, all staring at her, the sole human in the house. Still, they moved aside as soon as Gabriel stepped in. His huge body protecting her, he steered her to the main room.

  Surrounded by a dozen more bloodsuckers, regally sitting on what resembled a throne, Spade was waiting for them. With a long, crooked, nose and deep-set eyes in a gaunt face, he couldn’t be described as attractive, but certainly interesting. He kept his attention on her as they came to stand before him.

  “Gabriel, my friend,” Spade said in a sugary voice, “how long has it been since your last official visit?”

  “Long.”

  Spade didn’t seem in the least thrown off by the sharp answer. He turned to Calista, pursing his thin lips. “Welcome to my humble cottage. I have heard an awful lot about you these last few days. Do you have a name, human?”

  “Calista.”

  “Pretty.”

  “She’s my companion now,” Gabriel said, purposefully sliding his muscular arm around her waist. “That is as official as it gets.”

  “A human?”

  “Not for long.” Gabriel’s crude remark triggered laughter, some vampires nodding, others offering high fives.

  “Then, we should celebrate,” Spade replied, gesturing towards his gang, “I’d like to propose a toast in honour of your engagement.”

  The crowd parted and Calista’s stomach jumped up her throat. Three women were chained to the back wall, naked and terrified.

  “Gabriel, will you do me the honour?” Spade asked, behaving as a perfect host.

  “Thank you, but I shall celebrate later.” He squeezed Calista’s waist. “In private.”

  His eyes narrowing, Spade held Gabriel’s unflinching gaze. “I see. In that case, I take it we’ll share your…wedding present.”

  The atmosphere froze. All of a sudden, she felt Gabriel stiffening, hearing the vampires’ hushed whispers conveying the bold dare. Without warning, the nearest vampire turned on her and sprang into action. He never touched her.

  Before he could reach Calista, Gabriel knocked him over, snapping his neck in a single twist. The cracking sound was heard from one end of the room to the other, silencing everybody. The corpse fell down, collapsing to the floor. Tension was palpable, a fleeting respite before battle. But Spade held his hand up in a conciliatory gesture.

  “Come, come, there’s no need for that.” He waved his fingers. Two sturdy vampires carried the corpse away.

  Taking a step towards Spade, Gabriel announced in a deep, intelligible voice, “She’s mine!”

  Was it the way he said it or his blatant proprietary stance that spurred his enemy? Surrounded by deadly creatures, watching their threatening faces, Calista realised this was the moment of truth. Trying not to show her fear, she gave her attention to the master of the house. His sleazy eyes were focused on her bare legs, casually moving upward to her round, exposed breasts. He licked his thin lips and she cringed at the thought of him touching her, of this sordid bloodsucker inside her.

  Spade stood up, offering his hand. Right by her side, Gabriel gave her a nudge and she accepted it promptly.

  “Let’s talk in private,” Spade said, leading them out of the stuffy room, and up a large staircase.

  Fighting off nervousness, Calista let him hold her hand, inwardly flinching from the cold, skanky skin. Although she couldn’t change her mind, she didn’t believe she would be able to bear his touch. He revolted her, he disgusted her, and there was nothing she could do to sneak out of the ordeal to come. Too soon, they were ushered into the master bedroom, four vampires standing guard outside.

  Chapter Six

  “What do you want, Spade?” Gabriel demanded in a sharp tone as soon as the door was closed. At least his performance was good.

  “Do you remember the last time we were in London? If it hadn’t been for me, those stalkers would have slaughtered you.”

  “I remember.”

  Spade nodded. “Good. I think it’s about time you repaid me for my generosity.”

  “So I’ll ask you again, what do you want?”

  Spade pointed at Calista. “Her.”

  “Didn’t you hear what I said downstairs?” Gabriel replied in a haughty voice, brilliantly acting his part. “She’s mine.”

  “Would you rather be slaughtered tonight?”

  All traces of so-called friendliness gone from his face, Spade had laid his cards on the table. Pretending to balance the pros and cons, Gabriel looked at her, then at the floor, then at her again. As if he had just made up his mind, he faced Spade.

  “I share, I don’t give!”

  “Fine by me, you know my fancies.”

  Except for not shaking hands, it was like they were trading her off. In less than a minute, she had become an active player in the game and Gabriel’s plan looked promising. But as he was walking out of the room, Spade called him back.

  “Where are you going?”

  “I’ll wait outside.”

  “Not so, my friend, I wish to watch first.” Spade’s gaze didn’t leave Calista’s neck. “Ready her for me, will you?”

  It was more of an order than a polite suggestion. While Spade settled comfortably in an armchair by the bed, Gabriel faced her, a weird sparkle in his eyes. She blinked, signalling him to go on. She had never had an audience before, but she welcomed it. It meant Gabriel would arouse her.

  He came up to her and removed her gown, discarding it. His eyes boring into hers, he cupped her breasts, twirling her pink nipples. As his proficient fingers fondled her flesh, excitement rushed through her at once, heating her blood. Behind her, Spade hissed at the sight of her nakedness.

  “On all fours,” he ordered. “She’s nothing but a bitch!”

  Without looking at him, Gabriel took her hand to lead her to the bed. She climbed on it, adopting the requested position. Head down, she stared at the blue counterpane, sensing Spade’s eyes on her body. He was sitting just a few feet to her right, close enough to enjoy the show.

  She felt Gabriel’s weight behind her, his hands touching her legs and the inside of her thighs, caressing her full bush. He took his time, giving her the opportunity to open up willingly. When he inserted a finger in her, she heard Spade unzip his fly. The movement caught her eye, and she saw him fumbling for his dick.

  She felt Gabriel’s finger slithering out, and halting on her clitoris. He started going round and round, his soft touch giving her so much pleasure she almost purred. It was very different from the first time he had fingered her. As much as it had been dominant before, his touch was now stimulating and devoted. When she thought he might continue his titillating rubbing, he stopped.