Velvet Dawn (The Red Velvet Trilogy)

  VELVET DAWN

  By Mina J. Moore

  Smashwords Edition

  Copyright © 2012 Mina J. Moore

  All Rights Reserved

  Smashwords Edition, License Notes

  This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of the author.

  PUBLISHER’S NOTE

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  Nickie Asher, you’ve been a mentor and a great friend through this entire process. I wouldn’t be here today without your guidance.

  Karli Rush, thank you so much for always believing in me and pushing me further than I ever thought I could go.

  Thanks to my Beta Readers: Karli Rush and Maira Holt

  CHAPTER ONE

  The Meeting

  Men could be such overbearing apes sometimes. I glared at my sibling, our amber eyes clashing across the room.

  “Sylvain, I told you the dangers of going out alone. You’re as stubborn as they come!”

  I tossed my silver blond hair over my shoulder, feeling the silk tresses against my bare back.

  “I’m not going to let some stupid threat stop me just because the humans are out trick or treating!”

  I watched him run both hands down his cheeks in frustration. If he could smash something, he would.

  “It’s not just any threat and you know it. This is Insurgent business and those fuckers don’t play.”

  I pursed my lips, sick and tired of hearing about the Insurgents this and that. My brother was involved somehow but he wouldn’t tell me. I agreed Insurgents were nasty bastards but I refused to jump in fear whenever they said Boo. Now there was some kind of rumor milling about and tonight was the night it was supposedly going down. Halloween, how fitting.

  The Legion, or as I call them; good vampire team, was up in arms about it, literally. Silas had more weapons on him than a full S.W.A.T assembly. This was protocol for them; See or hear a threat, protect. It was beaten into them all through training. I couldn’t really blame him, even thought he still pretended he was just helping out and not a part of the team. Well, I knew better.

  Studying his face, so much like my own, we were twins after all, I felt bad. But I was extremely willful and yes, stubborn. So, I grabbed my purse and walked toward the door.

  “If it makes you feel any better, I have a weapon and will not be on the Run for long. The Red Velvet is having a smashing costume party tonight so I will be surrounded by people you know.

  His head snapped back on his neck. I tilted mine to the side, raising my eyebrows. “Don’t pretend not to be linked. The Legion is known to frequent the place.”

  Silas scowled. That was not a good sign. “Just because I know people doesn’t imply jack shit.”

  I stared down at his weapons. “So… are all those weapons a part of your Halloween costume? Do you need a pumpkin bag for your candy?” By the look that spread over his gorgeous face, he was beautiful with his silver blond hair and that tan coloring all Shifters had, I would say he was getting very close to throttling me.

  He came closer and I took a step back. All this bravery I had going on wasn’t entirely genuine when it came to Silas. He was probably the only male on this planet who could scare the ever-loving shit out of me when he was good and pissed. I fiddled with my bag, the one that was going to stash my sexy dress and hooker pumps while I took a stroll in the forest in my wolf form. That was the Run, Shifters needed it like humans needed oxygen. It was part of our nature.

  Baring his fangs at me was his final show of anger. Vampire males were possessive with females, especially mates or family. And a Shifter? Even worse.

  “You are going to call me the minute you shift and return. Then you’re going to call me when you get to the club. Got it?”

  I nodded because his voice seemed to seize my speaking ability, then I was out into the open forest, the smell of autumn was everywhere. Taking a deep breath, I let the change take me. In this form I felt vividly alive, all of my senses doubled. I took in the noises of the forest from the rustle of a jackrabbit to the hooting of an owl. This was awesome.

  Invigorated by my brother’s acquiescence, I leaped into a fast-paced run, going deeper. The air grew cooler in this part and darkness surrounded me. A chill took me by surprise and my ears stood at attention. I sniffed at the air, trying to gage what was troubling me. Then I knew. As my wolf’s female body parts clenched in anticipation, I knew.

  CHAPTER TWO

  The Mating

  He was absolutely beautiful. The huge wolf prowled toward me, tawny head low to the ground. When he leaned back on his haunches, I understood what he wanted. The scent of my arousal was everywhere, including his nose. Before he lunged, I bolted. My paws dug into the soft earth, leaving deep tracks. But he didn’t need them; my scent alone would drive him. The winds flattened the silver white fur on my face as I pushed onward, zigzagging through the woods. His deep growls urged me to increase my speed. This was no longer a game, he meant business and I didn’t know that I was ready for it.

  My breathing became labored and I slowed, thankful when I saw the steep slope of a small cliff ahead. The jump wasn’t the issue. It was his nearness halting my departure. I stood very still, front legs trembling. His amber gaze bored into mine. He sniffed at the air around me and stepped back.

  Was it relief or disappointment I felt? I wasn’t sure. He retraced his steps backward and with one last lingering glance turned and disappeared into the wooded copse. What the hell? All that racing and growling for nothing? I looked out over the cliff, feeling dejected and lonely. Somewhere down in the twinkling lights of the city beyond, there was a party waiting for me. I could have any vampire I wanted and I was just in the mood to prove it.

  * * *

  Moments later, I was feeling pretty good in my backless skin tight dress. The crimson color accentuated my pale blond hair and the shoes screamed, I’m ready for business.

  Silas had calmed down somewhat after I assured him I was at The Red Velvet. The man needed to get laid. I was one to talk after being stood up back in the forest. The Moon Phase sucked. You were horny all the time and pretty much wanted to jump everything and anything with the right equipment between their legs or haunches, in my case.

  Flashing the special ID Silas had gotten for me from his “friends” I walked in through the side entrance. I didn’t frequent this club too often, knowing my brother would get the nasty details if I happened to get busy with anyone. I slid my mask into place and scoped the place out. Some of the costumes were downright outrageous. One chick had one of her boobs out with a silver star covering a nipple. Her guy friend was sporting the other star over his…

  “Hey Sylvain. It’s been a while since I see you here.”

  I quirked an eyebrow. Cade was the head bouncer at this place and a good friend of Silas’s. The vampire was one fine specimen of a male but I wouldn’t touch him with a ten foot pole. It was simply too close to home.

  “Good to see you, Cade. How is business?”

  His full lips came up in a sardonic smile. Bastard was as canny as they came.

  “Well, as you can see, pretty good. I ad
vise you to say in and let me know when you’re ready to bounce.”

  I think I actually rolled my eyes at him. “Sure. Are you going to keep surveillance up my ass all night?”

  He laughed. “Silas has his hands full with you. Enjoy yourself.”

  Fucker didn’t answer my question which meant I was going to be babysat all night. First things first; I made a beeline straight to the bar. Goth girl was behind the bar and no, that wasn’t a costume she had on. Onyx was the real thing and most people didn’t mess with her. She was as tough as they came. The few times I had been here, watching her bartend had been the highlight of the night. Hopefully, I would have the pleasure of other types of entertainment tonight.

  Surprisingly, she remembered my choice of drink, one of her signature creations. The blue liquid was heaven as it slid down my throat. I closed my eyes to savor the minty taste mixed with vodka. Until his scent permeated my senses. I didn’t turn right away, waiting to see if I had gauged the smell in the air correctly. It was the aroma of a male just back from shifting. Pine and earth mixed with the heady arousal was a cocktail I would be glad to engage.

  I moved slowly, taking my time. My eyes scanned the area, moving through the bodies writhing on the dance floor, oblivious to their obscenities. His eyes drew me. He stood directly across the huge space, leaning against the wall. Looking down, I cursed when I saw the black shirt with the words STAFF across his chest. Damn. It.

  It figured the one male I wanted wouldn’t be able to….or let me rephrase...allowed to provide what I craved. My eyes widened as he pushed away and came toward me. I literally trembled when he stood not three feet from me. His hand came up to push the mic piece closer to his mouth.

  “I’m not leaving just yet. I think I’m going to stick around. Yeah, I’ll keep a good eye on her. Later.”

  Taking the contraption off from around his ear, he pushed it into his pocket, staring at me the entire time.

  “Sylvain is it?” He asked.

  His eyes were killing me. They we piercing and it wasn’t the color. I was accustomed to that.

  “Yes,” I answered him because the silence was making me crazy. What was I supposed to say now? Hey why did you run off when I wanted to get busy?

  He left for a reason. Obviously, he wasn’t interested, especially now that he was tasked with the watching over me duty. How unsexy was that?

  “You really shouldn’t be out alone tonight. I’m sure Silas gave you a good scolding for that.”

  I wanted to run my fingers through his dark blonde hair. Damn. “Yes. He did. But I’m here now and I’m sure there are about another dozen pair of eyes watching right now.” I had to tease him. It was second nature to me.

  He smiled. “You have me and that’s all you’ll need tonight.”

  I think I soaked my panties right then. I tilted my head and studied the light stubble on his jaw. My eyes moved to the line of earrings running up his left ear, ending is a spiked stud on the top.

  “So do I pass your test?”

  That was it. I was done playing timid little girl. Time to get this moving. If he wanted to tease and flirt, I was right there with him. He just didn’t know who he was messing with.

  I looked down his strong body, stopping at his crotch. “Well that depends. I don’t think I’ve seen it all. Yet.” For good measure I licked my bottom lip. I can’t say that I’m always this forward because I’m not. Part of the issue was the Godforsaken Moon Phase crap. It made the Ho come out even when you didn’t want her to.

  He smiled again. “Well in that case maybe I should introduce myself. I’m Ronnie.”

  I removed my mask and stuck my hand out for a shake but he pulled me in closer, our lips inches apart. I couldn’t help what came next. Practically lunging at him, our bodies came into contact. Oh he met me half way. Our lips locked and it was a hell of a ride from that point on. The kiss was deep but quick. I didn’t think he wanted to give everyone a show. Pulling back, he grabbed my hand and dragged me across the dance floor and into the back. I couldn’t have stopped him because my legs had a mind of their own at the moment. My other hand came up to touch my swollen lips. There had been licking, sucking, and everything in that single five second kiss. Never in my two hundred years had I experienced this kind of intensity.

  Ronnie turned us down a path into the bowels of the building. Where the hell were we going? His mic was going crazy in his pocket, a muffled curse coming through. He stopped abruptly and brought it to his ear.

  “Yeah. I fucking know that but what do you prefer this or a show upstairs?”

  I watched the muscle in his jaw jump. His other hand went to his hip.

  “Give me some credit here. You know her brother. Fine.” He cranked the thing away from his mouth like it was poison then continued to lead me deeper.

  “What was all that about?”

  He kept walking. “Nothing. Just boss man getting on my ass for bringing you down here.”

  I stopped, pulling him back. “Listen, I don’t want to get you in any trouble.”

  He laughed. “The only trouble I see is getting you naked on the dance floor and doing the deed right there. I think Cade got my point.”

  I turned every shade of red. This was fantastic! Shit.

  He noticed and touched my lips. “Listen, I could smell you from a mile. I was waiting.”

  Could the earth just take my down into its loving arms now? I was horrified. This was not supposed to happen like this. Crap. I was too far gone to stop now. If I didn’t have him soon the meaning of cranky bitch was going to be put on blast.

  He came closer, kissing my cheek. “Besides, tonight is the worse time for you to be alone. It’s dangerous. I’m sure you have heard the warnings.”

  I glanced down at my hands. “Silas told me. Something about Insurgents releasing some kind of horde or something?”

  “Those fuckers are up to something. We just don’t know what. I’m sure you’ve heard the rumors about dark magic.”

  I nodded. This stuff was legend. Some of us didn’t actually believe it but the Legion did and that alone was enough to get most perking up and getting with the program.

  He cupped my chin. “Listen, he wants you safe.

  I knew he was right, just as Silas had been. My stubbornness had led me here tonight. Gazing up into his eyes, I couldn’t say I regretted it.

  “Why did you leave me?” I blurted, because his departure had bothered the crap out of me.

  “You were scared.”

  I blinked. This hadn’t been my first encounter with a male on my cycle. True our Moon Phase only came twice a year, but even so. I had experienced mating in my wolf form before.

  “I don’t think…”

  His eyes bore into mine. “You were. I could smell it.”

  I looked away first. Why the hell did he have this effect on me? Getting laid had never been such a project. I came here to prove a point. I hungered for two things and he was going to give them to me. My fangs lengthened making my lips pull back. I loved when his nostrils flared with need. He reached over, opening the door behind us. We fell into the apartment, ripping at each other’s clothes. My dress was peeled off my body and when I went for the heels he stopped me.

  “I want those on.”

  He growled at me and I trembled with need. So the Louboutins stayed put. His gaze raked up and down my body. No bra because of my dress, thanks very much. So I was in my red thong and those hooker shoes. I guess he liked what he saw because next thing I knew I was tossed onto his bed. There were no windows, only the light from a small lamp on the night table. But there was enough for me to check out what was walking toward me. At first, I could only see the glow of his eyes, then…his body came into the muted light.

  Holy Mother. I knew he was going to be incredible by the way that black shirt stretched across his chest but seeing him like this was breathtaking. He knelt on the bed and I all but panted to have him inside me. Right. This. Second.

  Reaching out,
he touched my breast with his hand, cupping and rubbing. I closed my eyes as pleasure consumed me. This first time had to be fast. I couldn’t wait and he knew it. The wet stroke of his tongue on my nipple took me over and I groaned, my body trembling all over. He wasn’t done with me. Heading south, his hands followed the trail his tongue was leaving behind. I heard and felt the lace of my panties ripping to shreds. Shit. I was going to explode with need.

  My mind simply hadn’t recovered from the first orgasm so I breathed deep, knowing I was in for more. Then his mouth closed over me. Strong arms wrapped around my thighs, holding me exposed to his gaze. And I mean exposed. Rearing up on my elbows, I watched as he claimed the most sensitive part of my body. This was true intimacy, his eyes locked with mine while his mouth devoured me. I fell back in a liquid mess, my limbs too weak to hold me upright.

  My body jerked when his fangs grazed along my inner folds. I was so close when he pulled back. Glancing down, I saw he was kneeling on the bed. I knew what he wanted. Scrambling up on all fours in front of him, I push back, feeling his large arousal against my ass. My head fell back and he wrapped my hair around his fist. I fought for balance when he urged my legs wider. I didn’t care. I just wanted him in.

  The scream that tore out of me when he entered my body could have raised the dead. His invasion was expected but the pure bliss was alien. It shouldn’t have been. Our race didn’t hold back on sexual exploits, especially Shifters in my condition.

  I was amazed at the complete fullness, both in body and soul. He moved and I was mesmerized, the feeling exquisite. His other hands crept up and caressed my back, running up and down my spine.

  The pleasure grew sharper and I knew this was it. The intensity of my climax had my vision blurring into darkness. I couldn’t possibly be passing out, could I? His fangs sank into my jugular, bringing me back to consciousness. Bucking against him, my body strained to absorb every sensation. It wasn’t until I felt the pulsing of his release that I let myself collapse onto the bed.