All I Need
by Laura Spudzmom
Chapter 05
Jasper sat back and crossed his arms over his chest as he stared at the girl across the table. "You ever gonna talk about it?"
She looked up from the books she was taking notes from, startled. "What?"
He gave her a flat look. "Well, let's see… You've only sighed about twenty times in the last hour. You only do that when somethin's on your mind, and it's becomin' irritatin' as hell, so spit it out. And don't bother bullshittin' me." He pointed at himself. "Empath, remember?"
She looked down and sighed before looking back at him with a smile as he smirked. "Sorry," she said, looking sheepish. "Okay, ya got me…" She tossed down her pen and slumped back in her chair.
"Okaaay," he said with a nod. "That's a start…now keep going. What's buggin' you?"
She picked up her bottle of water and took a sip before speaking. "It's Marcus…" She cut her gaze over to Jasper and he arched a brow. She rolled her eyes. "He's avoiding me…I'm sure of it."
Jasper rolled a hand in the air. "And this bothers ya…why exactly?"
She slapped her hands down on the arms of her chair. "Because…because… Shit! I dunno!" She pursed her lips and looked away from the smirking vampire across from her. "I mean, I've been here for a month now and with the exception of the first couple of days, I really haven't seen him. He assigned all this stuff for me to learn and arranged you as a tutor, but that's been the extent of our contact. He comes to his rooms well after I'm asleep and leaves before I wake…every damn day." She looked back at Jasper. "Am I that repulsive?"
Jasper laughed, long and loud.
She gave him a moment, then scowled and crossed her arms over her chest. "What's so damn funny?"
"Oh Bella," he grinned, "you are. Repulsive? Really?"
She shot him a glare and he leaned forward, his voice low and gritty as he spoke. "Put it this way darlin', if it wasn't for Alice, I'd be all too willin' to introduce ya to the carnal pleasures."
He leaned back and grinned wickedly as her mouth dropped open while she stared, wide eyed.
"Don't look at me that way sugar. That tight little body and those perky tits, just right to fit in a man's hand… Hell, I'm gettin' turned on just thinkin' about it."
Finally, she recovered enough to speak…sort of… "But—but…" she spluttered. "What about the bloodlust? And—and your vampire strength—and—and all the reasons Edward gave me for not being able to do such a thing with me?"
He leaned back in his seat with a scoff. "You see this shirt I'm wearin'?" He gestured to the black silk shirt he had on and she nodded. "How fragile ya think the material is?"
"Compared to your strength, it's gotta be like handling tissue paper," she answered and he gave a nod.
"Exactly right, and yet I possess the fine motor skills required to dress myself without destroyin' it." He sat back and let his point sink in, watching as her disbelief morphed into anger.
"That lying asshole!" she seethed and he smirked and held up his hands. Her face fell. "So, it wasn't because he couldn't…he just really didn't want me," she muttered before meeting Jasper's gaze. "Was that it? He just didn't desire me?"
Jasper toyed with a pen while gathering his thoughts. "I really can't tell ya what Edward's reasoning was…I'm not a mind reader, after all. What I can tell ya is that he did lust for ya, so don't go thinkin' he abstained because you're revoltin' or some such bullshit." His look was fierce and she nodded. He relaxed at her acceptance. "Ya want my educated guess?"
She looked up from the piece of notebook paper she'd been doodling on. "Yeah, please, let's hear it."
"I think he was afraid. He's a virgin and had no idea what to expect and for someone like Edward…" He let that thought hang and she smirked.
"Yeah, anal-retentive control freak doesn't begin to describe him."
Jasper chuckled. "Exactly darlin'."
After all this talk of Edward, he reached out with his gift, tasting her emotions with curiosity. "So, you're really over him," he commented and she looked a bit startled before nodding.
"Yeah, I am. I mean, it really hurt when he left, especially with the things he said…" Jasper cringed at the pain that ghosted through her emotions. She looked up. "I got over it though, amazingly enough, especially after this suicide stunt he pulled. I guess there's something about seeing what an immature, drama-queen he is that sort-of killed the romance." She shrugged and Jasper smirked.
"Yeah, I can see how that would douse the flame."
She gave a rueful chuckle and a nod.
"So," he said. "Back to our original subject…" He cocked a brow and she sighed.
"Marcus…" she said with a nod.
"Yep."
Her brow creased. "Like I said, he's avoiding me." She met Jasper's gaze. "Not sure how to deal with that," she admitted.
"Well," he said, "why do you want to deal with it?" He pinned her with a searching gaze and she blushed.
"I—I'm attracted to him," she admitted with a shrug.
He tilted his head and considered her for a moment. "So, confront him." Her eyes went wide and he continued before she could say anything. "Just keep in mind it's a potentially dangerous undertaking. He's a human drinker and could kill you before you knew what was happening."
She scowled. "I live in a castle full of them with no hope of escape, Jasper," she pointed out.
"Yeah, but you're not exactly gettin' up close and personal with any of 'em, are ya? And while I'm sure he's developed excellent control over the centuries, he's not used to denyin' his urges. Tread carefully."
She nodded thoughtfully before meeting his gaze. "You really think I should confront him?"
He shrugged and casually waved a hand. "Well, ya could wait him out and see what happens. The choice is yours really. I guess it depends on how patient ya are."
She sagged in her chair while running a hand through her hair. "I don't know…maybe I should just leave things as they are. I mean, when I first admitted this attraction to myself, I kind-of made up my mind to ignore it and concentrate on surviving, ya know?" His brows climbed and she groaned. "Shit, I just don't know what to do…"
He chuckled. "That's becoming pretty clear Bella."
She gave him her best stink eye.
He grinned and leaned forward, gesturing to the books in front of her. "Now that we've established your cluelessness, I still have a job to do. Get to studyin' missy. You have a test tomorrow."
"Aw Jasperrrr," she moaned. "Really? Tomorrow?"
"Yep, so focus sweetheart." His grin was feral. "It's gonna be an ass-kicker."
"Yes, Professor," she said before grumbling "heartless bastard" under her breath. He chuckled, looking smug as he crossed his arms over his chest.
"Get to it Miss Swan."
Two grueling hours later, she breathed a sigh of relief and grinned brightly as Felix burst through the doors of the library. "Here I am to save the day!" he yelled with arms outstretched and she hopped up and threw herself at him. "Whoa!" he said as he caught her and spun her around.
"Felix!" she yelled. "God, I could kiss you right now!"
He looked down, startled. "Uh…"
She grinned and slid down to stand on the floor. "Scared ya didn't I?" She patted his chest as he shot a worried look at a smirking Jasper. "Don't worry big guy," she soothed. "It was just a figure of speech, expressing my immense gratitude. Now," she chirped. "Lunchtime, yeah?" He nodded. "Woot! Get me the fuck outta here Fix!" She said while climbing onto his back with his help.
"As you say, my Lady," he said with a grin while settling her more comfortably. "Hang on tight."
Jasper stood with a chuckle while glancing at his watch. "I'll see ya back here in two hours Bella. Enjoy your break."
"Yes Master," she mocked in her best Igor impression and he rolled his eyes.
"Get outta here before I change my mind."
She shrieked as Felix took off. He really wasn't going very fast for a vampire, but to her, he was hauling ass and she loved it.
"Wooo!" she yelled as Felix flew down a flight of stairs. It was as close to a roller coaster as she was gonna get for a while and it was her break from learning all those archaic vampire laws and by god, she was damn well gonna enjoy it.
What neither of them counted on was almost running over Caius and Marcus as they made their way through the halls. Felix slid to an abrupt stop and Bella had to practically strangle him to stay on. Had he been human, she's sure she would have.
Felix bowed automatically and Bella clutched to him even tighter. "Shit Felix, don't do that!"
"Sorry Bella," he muttered while Caius glared and Marcus struggled not to smirk.
"Is there a reason you're running about the halls like a lunatic Felix?" Caius questioned, looking very pissed.
"Uh…" he said, looking a bit constipated. Bella patted his shoulder.
"S'okay Fix," she muttered in his ear. "I got this." She peeked over his shoulder. "Felix was just taking me to the kitchens for lunch."
Caius sneered. "And it requires this display of immature impropriety, why?"
"Well, 'cause he's awesome like that," she stated and Caius' lips pressed together, his glare heated enough to ignite the two of them where they stood. Bella was sure, had he been human, he would have been a lovely shade of purple just then. The mental image made her snicker.
Marcus stepped forward and laid a restraining hand on his brother's shoulder while addressing Bella. "You have a limited time for lunch, yes?"
She nodded.
"Then may I suggest you get on with it…" he pinned Felix with a steady look, "perhaps in a more professional manner henceforth?"
Felix bowed. "Yes, Masters."
The two Kings continued on and turned down another hallway. When they were completely out of sight, Bella leaned forward. "Hit it Fix," she said and he took off with a grin.
Coming to a more gentle halt just outside the kitchens, he set her down and smiled as she finger combed her tousled hair. "Thanks for the lift," she said with a grin.
He smiled. "No problem, little human." He glanced at his watch. "I will retrieve you in one hour and forty five minutes?"
"Sounds good," she said while pushing open the doors. His nose scrunched and she chuckled. "Go ahead Fix. I'll be fine here. You vampy types seem to avoid this area like the plague."
"It stinks," he said and she shook her head with a wave as she entered the room that smelled like heaven to her. She was starving.
"Isabella!" Chef Andre greeted her with a smile and the wave of a spoon. "Just in time!"
"Bless you Andre," she said while sliding into a chair at the center island. He chuckled and set a huge plate of chicken and pasta in front of her with thick slices of bread on the side. She narrowed her eyes at the shifty looking old chef. "You trying to get me fat?"
"Argh," he scoffed. "You're too skinny little girl! Need more meat on your bones! Eat! Eat!"
She rolled her eyes with a fond smile. Over the month she'd been here, she'd become fond of the old man, and not just for his cooking. He was becoming the grandfather she'd never had, especially with the way he fussed over her at meal times.
She hummed and closed her eyes as she chewed the first bite. "Oh Andre." she chuckled. "Eating won't be a problem. This is phenomenal."
He grinned. "Good. You like," he said in heavily accented English. "That's good."
He turned back to mind the various pots and pans on the stove and she made short work of the food as well as she could. About two thirds of the way through, she sat back and patted her stomach with a sigh. "That was amazing Andre, but I can't eat another bite! I'm stuffed."
He eyed the plate and then her for a moment before nodding. "Okay," he agreed. "You eat more now than when you first came…this is okay." He waved her off with a hand as he cleared the dishes and barked at the kitchen help in Italian as they rushed around at his orders.
She smiled at the sight and stared around wondering what to do now. With a sigh, she hopped off the stool and waved as she decided to see if she could find Felix nearby. "See ya later!" she called out with a wave as she stepped into the hall.
"Good bye Bella regazza!" Andre called out as the doors swung shut.
"Felix?" she called out as she walked back the way he'd brought her. "Where are ya big guy?"
A blur flashed in front of her and she gasped as a body pinned her to the wall. "Well, what do we have here?" an unfamiliar voice asked as a nose trailed up from her collar to her ear. She trembled.
"I—I'm under Marcus's protection," she choked out and the male chuckled.
"Is that so?" he drawled. "Then why, little morsel, are you here, unprotected? If he really cared, he would have you well guarded."
"I was ju—just having lunch in the kitchens. Felix is my guard and will be here any moment to get me!"
"Of course he will," he said with a chuckle.
She shuddered as she felt his tongue lick the skin just over her wildly throbbing pulse. "You taste…divine," he breathed while nuzzling her ear.
"Stop, please." Her voice quivered with fear as his hand ran up her ribs to her breast.
"I long to taste you," he said, ignoring her plea before sucking at her neck. "Perhaps I could have some fun first though," he said while kneading her breast.
She whimpered. "Marcus is gonna be pissed if you hurt me," she warned.
He laughed quietly. "Don't worry my sweet. I'm quite skilled. You'll enjoy it…" he drew back and locked his black gaze to her tear-filled one. "…until you don't."
She screamed as he shredded her shirt, her eyes clenched shut as the remnants fell away. "Beautiful," he murmured and she shook as his head dipped to nuzzle her bra-clad breast.
"No," she sobbed. "Don't do this…"
Just as he reached to remove her bra, he was snatched away and thrown against the opposite wall, a furious Marcus standing over him. "Felix!" he bellowed as her assailant withered under his King's glare. Felix appeared from nowhere and bowed.
"Master?"
"Take this filth to the dungeons," he said with a sneer. "I'll deal with him later."
Felix grabbed the vampire and hauled him to his feet. "Yes Master," he said and flashed away.
Marcus turned to Bella and removed his cloak which he wrapped around her before scooping her into his arms. He held her close to his chest and began to walk.
"Thank you," she said as she laid her head against him.
He glanced down at her before looking straight ahead once again while speaking. "You are fortunate he was sadistic enough to want to play with you. Otherwise, you would have been dead." His voice was flat, his eyes black as pitch and she knew, despite his smooth tone, he was beyond pissed.
"I'm sorry," she murmured. "I should have waited for Felix…"
"Yes, you should have," he agreed and she winced at his angry tone.
Moments later, they arrived at Marcus's quarters and he pushed the doors open, strode in and set her on the couch. He then walked to the window and stared out, his body tense, his fists clenched.
Rising from the couch, she pulled the cloak close about her shoulders and walked over to him. "Marcus?" she murmured and gasped as he spun to face her.
Pulling her into his arms, he buried his face in her neck and breathed deeply. Then a low growl rumbled in his chest. "His scent…it's all over you, but especially here," he mumbled while nuzzling her neck.
A pleasant shiver ran through her and she tilted her head with a quiet moan as her eyes slowly closed. "Marcus…" she whispered.
He gathered her even closer and pulled away to look in her eyes. "Mine," he said while caressing her cheek and her breath caught at his touch and the look in his eyes.
Then, slowly, as if to give her time to protest, he leaned in and kissed her.
'Protest?', she thought.
Not in a million lifetimes…
Jasper sat back and crossed his arms over his chest as he stared at the girl across the table. "You ever gonna talk about it?"
She looked up from the books she was taking notes from, startled. "What?"
He gave her a flat look. "Well, let's see… You've only sighed about twenty times in the last hour. You only do that when somethin's on your mind, and it's becomin' irritatin' as hell, so spit it out. And don't bother bullshittin' me." He pointed at himself. "Empath, remember?"
She looked down and sighed before looking back at him with a smile as he smirked. "Sorry," she said, looking sheepish. "Okay, ya got me…" She tossed down her pen and slumped back in her chair.
"Okaaay," he said with a nod. "That's a start…now keep going. What's buggin' you?"
She picked up her bottle of water and took a sip before speaking. "It's Marcus…" She cut her gaze over to Jasper and he arched a brow. She rolled her eyes. "He's avoiding me…I'm sure of it."
Jasper rolled a hand in the air. "And this bothers ya…why exactly?"
She slapped her hands down on the arms of her chair. "Because…because… Shit! I dunno!" She pursed her lips and looked away from the smirking vampire across from her. "I mean, I've been here for a month now and with the exception of the first couple of days, I really haven't seen him. He assigned all this stuff for me to learn and arranged you as a tutor, but that's been the extent of our contact. He comes to his rooms well after I'm asleep and leaves before I wake…every damn day." She looked back at Jasper. "Am I that repulsive?"
Jasper laughed, long and loud.
She gave him a moment, then scowled and crossed her arms over her chest. "What's so damn funny?"
"Oh Bella," he grinned, "you are. Repulsive? Really?"
She shot him a glare and he leaned forward, his voice low and gritty as he spoke. "Put it this way darlin', if it wasn't for Alice, I'd be all too willin' to introduce ya to the carnal pleasures."
He leaned back and grinned wickedly as her mouth dropped open while she stared, wide eyed.
"Don't look at me that way sugar. That tight little body and those perky tits, just right to fit in a man's hand… Hell, I'm gettin' turned on just thinkin' about it."
Finally, she recovered enough to speak…sort of… "But—but…" she spluttered. "What about the bloodlust? And—and your vampire strength—and—and all the reasons Edward gave me for not being able to do such a thing with me?"
He leaned back in his seat with a scoff. "You see this shirt I'm wearin'?" He gestured to the black silk shirt he had on and she nodded. "How fragile ya think the material is?"
"Compared to your strength, it's gotta be like handling tissue paper," she answered and he gave a nod.
"Exactly right, and yet I possess the fine motor skills required to dress myself without destroyin' it." He sat back and let his point sink in, watching as her disbelief morphed into anger.
"That lying asshole!" she seethed and he smirked and held up his hands. Her face fell. "So, it wasn't because he couldn't…he just really didn't want me," she muttered before meeting Jasper's gaze. "Was that it? He just didn't desire me?"
Jasper toyed with a pen while gathering his thoughts. "I really can't tell ya what Edward's reasoning was…I'm not a mind reader, after all. What I can tell ya is that he did lust for ya, so don't go thinkin' he abstained because you're revoltin' or some such bullshit." His look was fierce and she nodded. He relaxed at her acceptance. "Ya want my educated guess?"
She looked up from the piece of notebook paper she'd been doodling on. "Yeah, please, let's hear it."
"I think he was afraid. He's a virgin and had no idea what to expect and for someone like Edward…" He let that thought hang and she smirked.
"Yeah, anal-retentive control freak doesn't begin to describe him."
Jasper chuckled. "Exactly darlin'."
After all this talk of Edward, he reached out with his gift, tasting her emotions with curiosity. "So, you're really over him," he commented and she looked a bit startled before nodding.
"Yeah, I am. I mean, it really hurt when he left, especially with the things he said…" Jasper cringed at the pain that ghosted through her emotions. She looked up. "I got over it though, amazingly enough, especially after this suicide stunt he pulled. I guess there's something about seeing what an immature, drama-queen he is that sort-of killed the romance." She shrugged and Jasper smirked.
"Yeah, I can see how that would douse the flame."
She gave a rueful chuckle and a nod.
"So," he said. "Back to our original subject…" He cocked a brow and she sighed.
"Marcus…" she said with a nod.
"Yep."
Her brow creased. "Like I said, he's avoiding me." She met Jasper's gaze. "Not sure how to deal with that," she admitted.
"Well," he said, "why do you want to deal with it?" He pinned her with a searching gaze and she blushed.
"I—I'm attracted to him," she admitted with a shrug.
He tilted his head and considered her for a moment. "So, confront him." Her eyes went wide and he continued before she could say anything. "Just keep in mind it's a potentially dangerous undertaking. He's a human drinker and could kill you before you knew what was happening."
She scowled. "I live in a castle full of them with no hope of escape, Jasper," she pointed out.
"Yeah, but you're not exactly gettin' up close and personal with any of 'em, are ya? And while I'm sure he's developed excellent control over the centuries, he's not used to denyin' his urges. Tread carefully."
She nodded thoughtfully before meeting his gaze. "You really think I should confront him?"
He shrugged and casually waved a hand. "Well, ya could wait him out and see what happens. The choice is yours really. I guess it depends on how patient ya are."
She sagged in her chair while running a hand through her hair. "I don't know…maybe I should just leave things as they are. I mean, when I first admitted this attraction to myself, I kind-of made up my mind to ignore it and concentrate on surviving, ya know?" His brows climbed and she groaned. "Shit, I just don't know what to do…"
He chuckled. "That's becoming pretty clear Bella."
She gave him her best stink eye.
He grinned and leaned forward, gesturing to the books in front of her. "Now that we've established your cluelessness, I still have a job to do. Get to studyin' missy. You have a test tomorrow."
"Aw Jasperrrr," she moaned. "Really? Tomorrow?"
"Yep, so focus sweetheart." His grin was feral. "It's gonna be an ass-kicker."
"Yes, Professor," she said before grumbling "heartless bastard" under her breath. He chuckled, looking smug as he crossed his arms over his chest.
"Get to it Miss Swan."
Two grueling hours later, she breathed a sigh of relief and grinned brightly as Felix burst through the doors of the library. "Here I am to save the day!" he yelled with arms outstretched and she hopped up and threw herself at him. "Whoa!" he said as he caught her and spun her around.
"Felix!" she yelled. "God, I could kiss you right now!"
He looked down, startled. "Uh…"
She grinned and slid down to stand on the floor. "Scared ya didn't I?" She patted his chest as he shot a worried look at a smirking Jasper. "Don't worry big guy," she soothed. "It was just a figure of speech, expressing my immense gratitude. Now," she chirped. "Lunchtime, yeah?" He nodded. "Woot! Get me the fuck outta here Fix!" She said while climbing onto his back with his help.
"As you say, my Lady," he said with a grin while settling her more comfortably. "Hang on tight."
Jasper stood with a chuckle while glancing at his watch. "I'll see ya back here in two hours Bella. Enjoy your break."
"Yes Master," she mocked in her best Igor impression and he rolled his eyes.
"Get outta here before I change my mind."
She shrieked as Felix took off. He really wasn't going very fast for a vampire, but to her, he was hauling ass and she loved it.
"Wooo!" she yelled as Felix flew down a flight of stairs. It was as close to a roller coaster as she was gonna get for a while and it was her break from learning all those archaic vampire laws and by god, she was damn well gonna enjoy it.
What neither of them counted on was almost running over Caius and Marcus as they made their way through the halls. Felix slid to an abrupt stop and Bella had to practically strangle him to stay on. Had he been human, she's sure she would have.
Felix bowed automatically and Bella clutched to him even tighter. "Shit Felix, don't do that!"
"Sorry Bella," he muttered while Caius glared and Marcus struggled not to smirk.
"Is there a reason you're running about the halls like a lunatic Felix?" Caius questioned, looking very pissed.
"Uh…" he said, looking a bit constipated. Bella patted his shoulder.
"S'okay Fix," she muttered in his ear. "I got this." She peeked over his shoulder. "Felix was just taking me to the kitchens for lunch."
Caius sneered. "And it requires this display of immature impropriety, why?"
"Well, 'cause he's awesome like that," she stated and Caius' lips pressed together, his glare heated enough to ignite the two of them where they stood. Bella was sure, had he been human, he would have been a lovely shade of purple just then. The mental image made her snicker.
Marcus stepped forward and laid a restraining hand on his brother's shoulder while addressing Bella. "You have a limited time for lunch, yes?"
She nodded.
"Then may I suggest you get on with it…" he pinned Felix with a steady look, "perhaps in a more professional manner henceforth?"
Felix bowed. "Yes, Masters."
The two Kings continued on and turned down another hallway. When they were completely out of sight, Bella leaned forward. "Hit it Fix," she said and he took off with a grin.
Coming to a more gentle halt just outside the kitchens, he set her down and smiled as she finger combed her tousled hair. "Thanks for the lift," she said with a grin.
He smiled. "No problem, little human." He glanced at his watch. "I will retrieve you in one hour and forty five minutes?"
"Sounds good," she said while pushing open the doors. His nose scrunched and she chuckled. "Go ahead Fix. I'll be fine here. You vampy types seem to avoid this area like the plague."
"It stinks," he said and she shook her head with a wave as she entered the room that smelled like heaven to her. She was starving.
"Isabella!" Chef Andre greeted her with a smile and the wave of a spoon. "Just in time!"
"Bless you Andre," she said while sliding into a chair at the center island. He chuckled and set a huge plate of chicken and pasta in front of her with thick slices of bread on the side. She narrowed her eyes at the shifty looking old chef. "You trying to get me fat?"
"Argh," he scoffed. "You're too skinny little girl! Need more meat on your bones! Eat! Eat!"
She rolled her eyes with a fond smile. Over the month she'd been here, she'd become fond of the old man, and not just for his cooking. He was becoming the grandfather she'd never had, especially with the way he fussed over her at meal times.
She hummed and closed her eyes as she chewed the first bite. "Oh Andre." she chuckled. "Eating won't be a problem. This is phenomenal."
He grinned. "Good. You like," he said in heavily accented English. "That's good."
He turned back to mind the various pots and pans on the stove and she made short work of the food as well as she could. About two thirds of the way through, she sat back and patted her stomach with a sigh. "That was amazing Andre, but I can't eat another bite! I'm stuffed."
He eyed the plate and then her for a moment before nodding. "Okay," he agreed. "You eat more now than when you first came…this is okay." He waved her off with a hand as he cleared the dishes and barked at the kitchen help in Italian as they rushed around at his orders.
She smiled at the sight and stared around wondering what to do now. With a sigh, she hopped off the stool and waved as she decided to see if she could find Felix nearby. "See ya later!" she called out with a wave as she stepped into the hall.
"Good bye Bella regazza!" Andre called out as the doors swung shut.
"Felix?" she called out as she walked back the way he'd brought her. "Where are ya big guy?"
A blur flashed in front of her and she gasped as a body pinned her to the wall. "Well, what do we have here?" an unfamiliar voice asked as a nose trailed up from her collar to her ear. She trembled.
"I—I'm under Marcus's protection," she choked out and the male chuckled.
"Is that so?" he drawled. "Then why, little morsel, are you here, unprotected? If he really cared, he would have you well guarded."
"I was ju—just having lunch in the kitchens. Felix is my guard and will be here any moment to get me!"
"Of course he will," he said with a chuckle.
She shuddered as she felt his tongue lick the skin just over her wildly throbbing pulse. "You taste…divine," he breathed while nuzzling her ear.
"Stop, please." Her voice quivered with fear as his hand ran up her ribs to her breast.
"I long to taste you," he said, ignoring her plea before sucking at her neck. "Perhaps I could have some fun first though," he said while kneading her breast.
She whimpered. "Marcus is gonna be pissed if you hurt me," she warned.
He laughed quietly. "Don't worry my sweet. I'm quite skilled. You'll enjoy it…" he drew back and locked his black gaze to her tear-filled one. "…until you don't."
She screamed as he shredded her shirt, her eyes clenched shut as the remnants fell away. "Beautiful," he murmured and she shook as his head dipped to nuzzle her bra-clad breast.
"No," she sobbed. "Don't do this…"
Just as he reached to remove her bra, he was snatched away and thrown against the opposite wall, a furious Marcus standing over him. "Felix!" he bellowed as her assailant withered under his King's glare. Felix appeared from nowhere and bowed.
"Master?"
"Take this filth to the dungeons," he said with a sneer. "I'll deal with him later."
Felix grabbed the vampire and hauled him to his feet. "Yes Master," he said and flashed away.
Marcus turned to Bella and removed his cloak which he wrapped around her before scooping her into his arms. He held her close to his chest and began to walk.
"Thank you," she said as she laid her head against him.
He glanced down at her before looking straight ahead once again while speaking. "You are fortunate he was sadistic enough to want to play with you. Otherwise, you would have been dead." His voice was flat, his eyes black as pitch and she knew, despite his smooth tone, he was beyond pissed.
"I'm sorry," she murmured. "I should have waited for Felix…"
"Yes, you should have," he agreed and she winced at his angry tone.
Moments later, they arrived at Marcus's quarters and he pushed the doors open, strode in and set her on the couch. He then walked to the window and stared out, his body tense, his fists clenched.
Rising from the couch, she pulled the cloak close about her shoulders and walked over to him. "Marcus?" she murmured and gasped as he spun to face her.
Pulling her into his arms, he buried his face in her neck and breathed deeply. Then a low growl rumbled in his chest. "His scent…it's all over you, but especially here," he mumbled while nuzzling her neck.
A pleasant shiver ran through her and she tilted her head with a quiet moan as her eyes slowly closed. "Marcus…" she whispered.
He gathered her even closer and pulled away to look in her eyes. "Mine," he said while caressing her cheek and her breath caught at his touch and the look in his eyes.
Then, slowly, as if to give her time to protest, he leaned in and kissed her.
'Protest?', she thought.
Not in a million lifetimes…
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