Real Vampires.

Take a Bite out of Christmas.

by Gerry Bartlett.

Chapter One.

I had a knot the size of Austin in the pit of my stomach. Stupid. So Id finally said yes to my long-time lover. I wore his ring, a five-carat beauty that felt heavy and strange on my finger. Not a shackle, a commitment. Which I was ready for. Seriously. Just seeing Jeremiah Campbells happy smile as he directed workmen to tear down walls in my apartment convinced me Id done the right thing. I wrapped my arms around his waist.

Big project youve got going on here. You sure all this is necessary? I leaned against him.

Youll love it. Master bedroom adequate enough for my king-sized bed, a bath with a soaking tub and those jets you like; not to mention a walk-in shower that will fit both of us comfortably. He turned to hold me against him. His dark eyes reminded me of wild times in dozens of showers. The man did know his way around a tile enclosure. Want me to tell the workers to knock off for the night? Let me give you a personal tour?

Tempting. I briefly kissed his firm lips then lingered. These mortal workmen didnt have a clue they were in an apartment with two vampires. Jerrys fangs slid down and I played with them for a moment before I pulled back. Later. The sooner this project is done, the sooner we can move in and start our new life together.

About that life. Gloriana St. Clair, youve been dodging my questions lately. How about some answers? He led me out into the hall. Id lived in 2B.

We carefully avoided two men carrying a piece of granite up the stairs and into unit 2A where Lacy, a werecat and the day manager for my shop downstairs, had lived until recently. Jerry had bought the entire building for us and was turning this floor into our apartment. Lacy had taken being evicted surprisingly well and had found other living arrangements. I hadnt had a chance yet to ask her what those were. Jerrys hand stroking my b.u.t.t brought me back to the problem at hand.

Questions. At first I hadnt thought past saying yes to his proposal. Being practical, Jer had immediately bombarded me with those questions about how and where wed live, the inevitable changes to our relationship, and any number of things that had made me scared to commit. Of course he wanted answers. But would he like what I had to say? The knot in my stomach was now the size of the entire Lone Star State.

Okay, lets get this over with. Ive been thinking. Youre a traditional man, Jeremiah Campbell or Jeremy Blade, whatever name you wish to use when we marry. Ive become a modern woman. I ran my hands over his chest. I did love those hard muscles. My guy had been a Highland warrior hundreds of years ago and had the scars to prove it. He would always have the look"keen eyes and a st.u.r.dy frame that dared anyone to take him on. I knew that even now he could lay his hand on a number of weapons if a threat appeared.

My stubborn, handsome, invincible Scot. Hed faced danger many times. For me, for the people he loved. I adored that about him. I felt fiercely protective of him too and would risk everything to keep him from getting hurt. I let him see that in my eyes and he pulled me tight against him.

Ah, Gloriana, my love. I know youve changed. I loved you then and I love you now. Please trust me to deal with whatever you have on your mind. He ran his hands up and down my back. Id seen him do it before when calming a fractious horse. Yep, that was me. The fractious part anyway. Thinking of bolting.

I took a breath. Okay, so it worked. I was settling down. First, Id like to keep my name. Stay Gloriana St. Clair. I have a business that I plan to continue running, a Facebook presence, lots of connections who know me by that name. So I wont become Mrs. Campbell. Definitely not Mrs. Blade. I smiled to take the sting out of that. Hey, I dont carry knives everywhere like you do. I slid a hand under the back of his shirt and plucked out a dagger to prove my point.

Careful, thats sharp. He had it settled into its custom sheath before one of the workmen could see it. Then he firmed his lips, thinking about the name thing. I knew he wasnt thrilled. It was how in the primitive part of him thought to claim me.

Gloriana Hear me out, Jer. Your mother hates me anyway. Sh.e.l.l be over the moon that Im not sullying the great Campbell name.

Like I care what she thinks. He scanned the room and frowned. Come with me. He dragged me down the hall, to yet another vacant apartment. It made me wonder just how big our new place was going to be. Hed kept some of the details as a surprise. He opened a door and pushed me inside then shut us in, flipping the lock. I glanced around. Most of the walls were down in here too. I started to ask about it but he put a finger over my lips. Listen to me.

I stiffened. I hated taking orders. But this was obviously important so I just stared up at him.

You would do the Campbell name proud. If you ever, ever say again that youre not good enough for me, I swear Ill put you over my knee and beat the daylights out of you. His hands tightened on my shoulders. He was deadly serious. It was sweet and a little scary.

Youve never hit me before, Jerry. And I know Ive provoked you. I looked up at him through my lashes. Beat me? On my bare bottom? I slid my hand down to tease the bulge in his jeans. As usual, my man was quick to respond. I havent seen daylight in over four hundred years. How hard would you have to spank to get the daylights out of me? I slid down his zipper. He was hot and hard, going commando, my fascinating lover.

Are you saying you need a good spanking, my love? He growled, his fangs down and his eyes narrow.

It would be something new to try. Ive been reading some interesting books lately. It seems that, for some people, it can be quite a turn-on. I stroked his erection, rubbing my thumb over the moisture at the tip. But then you didnt want to excite me, you wanted to punish me. For thinking that an actress, a lowly commoner, might not be good enough for the heir to Clan Campbell. I sighed when he grasped the edge of my sweater and pulled it up and then tossed it out of the way, He proved once again that he had excellent fine motor skills, popping open the front clasp of my bra with one hand while he pushed his other hand into the back of my spandex jeans. I do love pants that stretch.

This is just one reason I love you, Gloriana St. Clair. You have never failed to surprise me. Just when I think we might begin to fall into a pattern, you turn the tables, invent something new.

A pattern? Why that sounds way too much like boredom. I continued to play with his c.o.c.k and walked us back toward a rough table had been made out of a piece of plywood laid across a pair of sawhorses. It was set up next to where a kitchen was being torn apart. Various utensils were scattered on the countertop. If I ever bore you, promise to file for divorce.

Bore me? I dont think that will be a problem. Jerry stopped when I grabbed a rubber spatula and thrust it into his hand. Whats this for?

I shoved my jeans and panties down to my knees and leaned over the table, offering him my bare bottom. Figure it out, Jer. I think Ive been a bad, bad girl. Your mother was right. I was never good enough for you. Its a mistake for you to marry me. I bet you havent even told her our news yet. You surely wont invite your parents to the wedding, will you?

Thats enough, Gloriana.

No, I can see it now. When the priest asks if there is anyone with a reason why this couple should not marry, your mother will rush the altar and beg you to come to your senses. I rested my head on my folded arms and closed my eyes. Would he do it? Abusing women wasnt in Jers wheelhouse. But this was a game. And" I felt the sting of the rubber hitting my a.s.s. It wasnt a love tap.

Ow!

Our marriage isnt a joke. I called my folks as soon as you agreed to marry me. Mums first question was if wed set a date.

Probably so she could figure out if she had time to talk you out of it. Whap.

Ill not have you talking like that. I dont give a d.a.m.n if my parents approve or not, Gloriana. You are my choice. Da made it clear they would be at the wedding and greet you happily as the newest member of the family.

Now youre making me dread my own wedding day. I sighed and rubbed my b.u.m. This isnt as exciting as the books make it out to be. Have you had enough?

Not yet. The spatula whispered across my tender flesh and I quickly moved my hands out of the way. Now this was more like it. The gentle brush of plastic between my b.u.t.tocks could definitely be a turn-on.

Okay, keep going then. I kept my eyes closed, enjoying the feeling as he ran his hand across what I was sure were bright pink cheeks back there.

Set a date. You keep putting me off. I need for you to name the day for our wedding. The spatula tapped me one, two, three times. Gentle blows.

I owed him answers. I braced myself. June. A June wedding. That earned me a serious swat.

Youre mad. No f.u.c.king way Im waiting until June.

Its a traditional month. And I want to do it up right. I was sure hed lose it now. Jerry rarely cursed in front of me. Not the f word anyway. So that meant Id p.i.s.sed him off. I forced myself to lie still. If he beat me until my b.u.m was a b.l.o.o.d.y mess, wed end up drinking from each other anyway. The scent of fresh blood is such a turn-on for vampires. I waited, scared and maybe a little excited. But instead of another hit, I felt Jerrys lips on my stinging flesh. I moaned when his tongue licked away the pain of his punishment.

Are you sure you want to wait that long? He turned me over and watched me, waiting.

How could I disappoint a man who seemed to know my heart better than I knew it myself? Its just a ceremony, Jer. A formality. He picked up the spatula. Wait! I know it means a lot to you. And youve been very patient with me. Truly. I reached up to rub his cheek. His frown made me want to cry. I had to fix this.

He threw the spatula away. Then why do you keep putting me off? Are you sure this delay isnt because you still have feelings for Valdez? Or Caine?

Jerry! No. Theyre my friends. Thats all. I pulled up my jeans, wincing when the fabric hit my tender tush. Rafael Valdez had been my bodyguard and wed had an affair. But that had been over long ago. Israel Caine, famous rock star and my one-time fantasy man, had been a one-night stand when Jerry had gone home to Scotland and left me on my own. I know, not an excuse. Since then Id accepted that Jerry was the one and only man for me. But Rafe and Ray were still in my life and Jerry was jealous of both of them. I didnt blame him. I sure didnt like seeing his old lovers around him. But I had to erase his doubts.

Im ready to marry you. I am. I knew this was one time that distracting him with s.e.x was the wrong move. I bit my lip. He just stood there, staring at me. Waiting.

Are you? Then prove it. If they are no longer compet.i.tion for me, then you wont mind setting a date, a date not that far away, and then announcing it to them and the world.

I took a breath. Put up or shut up. It was only fair. Fine. I dont have a problem with that. Are you okay with me keeping my name? I noticed that hed zipped up his jeans so I pulled my bra back together. No more lovemaking tonight. Too bad.

If its that important to you. But youll wear my rings. I want everyone to know youre taken. He stopped me when I grabbed my sweater. Dont cover up. I like to look at you. He picked up the spatula again. Did this do it for you? Turn you on?

I pulled it out of his hand. No! I broke it in half and tossed it into the sink. Pain doesnt work for me and I hope you dont want me to"

Beat me with something? He grinned and jerked off his shirt, throwing it on the table. No, thanks. But you can bite me, anywhere, any time.

I nipped at his shoulder. Good to know.

Youre beautiful, Gloriana. Is your b.u.m still sore?

A little. I smiled. Want to kiss it again and make it better?

Why not? Ill get there. Eventually. He efficiently got rid of my bra then leaned down and sucked one nipple into his mouth.

I moaned and grasped his hair. He did know exactly how to please me. When one of his fangs drew blood, my own fangs came down. Oh, yes. We would drink from each other tonight and make slow, delicious love. But first I had something I needed to say.

Jerry, look at me.

He raised his head, licking a drop of my blood from his lips. What is it?

New Years Day. What do you think? Wouldnt that be the perfect time for us to start our new life together? I brushed his hair back from his face. I loved him so much my heart squeezed. Why had I been so reluctant to commit to this man?

You want our wedding day on New Years Day? His smile twisted my heart even more. It took so little to make him happy.

It wont be easy. Were busy in the shop before Christmas, but"

No, Ill take it. That gives me a month. If I pay overtime I can have our apartment ready by then. He kissed me hard and deep. I love you, Gloriana. Never doubt it. I cant wait to start the New Year with you as my wife. He slid down my zipper again. I think this calls for a celebration.

Yes, it does. I helped him work off my snug jeans and kicked my heels across the room. In moments we were both naked. Im worried now. Patterns. We need to keep things fresh between us, Jer.

He laughed. You want fresh? Gloriana, I have had you many, many ways in hundreds of places. What do you suggest?

I glanced around, suddenly out of ideas. There wasnt much to work with here and standing in front of him naked under the harsh overhead lights didnt suit me. He might notice the imperfections I dressed carefully to disguise. I had a generous figure, especially in the hip area. Id just about decided to pick up the plywood and hold it in front of me when he dragged me against him.

Relax, sweetheart. Do we always have to reinvent the wheel? He chuckled and kissed my hair.

I should read more, watch p.o.r.n or something. And lovemaking is an important part of our relationship, Jer. I said this to his chest, distracted by the yummy masculine smell of him. He was clean and I could hear the blood throbbing through his veins.

We dont need p.o.r.n or a manual to enjoy each other. But theres something Id like from you. He leaned back and stared into my eyes. Will you sing to me? I was blown away when I finally heard you sing on Halloween. After all those centuries, to get your Sirens voice back Its a b.l.o.o.d.y miracle, isnt it? He smoothed his hand over my throat. Ever since that night, Ive been imagining you singing to me while I make you come.

Jeremiah Campbell! Shocking but then I had to admit I liked the idea. Now that I could sing without sounding like a goat giving birth to a rhino, I did at every opportunity. I couldnt wait to sing in that double shower he was building for us. Any special requests?

Surprise me. He pulled me down to a pile of cotton drop clothes in the corner of the former living room. When his mouth landed on my stomach and began working its way down, I began singing a very wobbly version of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. I felt him smile against my skin.

Like that one?

Yes, and I plan to have a very merry time indeed. He spread my legs and pulled them up over his shoulders. What have we here? An early present. Dont quit singing now. No matter what happens.

Troubles out of I couldnt seem to remember the words as his tongue played with the spot that he knew drove me wild. My hips bucked off the floor and he gentled me again, this time with a soothing hand on my breast. I held onto his hair, that thick so wonderfully soft hair that would always be dark and never streak with gray.

Sing, love. I think theres something about golden days coming up. He glanced up, pushing his finger inside me while he raised my hips even more. Your blood is pounding in your veins, keeping time.

Faithful friends, my voice rose so high I feared for the gla.s.s in the windows. His fangs pierced my vein, there in my upper thigh. Hed hit the sweet spot and the pull of his mouth along with his fingers inside me sent me tumbling over the edge into ecstasy. I shivered, trembled, and pressed my legs together so hard he had to pry them apart.

Careful, Gloriana, youve almost cracked my skull. Hed licked the punctures closed and grinned up at me before he slid up my body and pushed his c.o.c.k inside my still quivering center. I screamed, sure the workmen would come running to see who was being murdered.

If the fates allow, Jer, I do hope well always be together. I pulled his head down to kiss him, licking my way into his mouth and holding him as if Id never let him go. I sang to him in my mind, verse after verse, until we were both relaxed and satisfied in each others arms.

A merry Christmas it will be. Jerry stretched then stood. Let me show you around the place, explain exactly what the men are doing here. We can plan where to put the Christmas tree and hang the mistletoe. If you see anything you dont like, Ill change the plans. He helped me up then began to pull on his clothes.

I watched him, sure that no other man would ever make me feel the way this one did. He cherished me, pampered me and put up with my faults and had for over four hundred years.

I love you, Jeremiah Campbell. I ran into his arms, suddenly overcome with the need to hold him again.

Why, Gloriana, is there something wrong? You seem a little upset. He held me close, brushing my hair back from my face. Am I being too controlling, taking over the apartment planning? I know you hate it when I ignore your wishes.

No, no! Youve been wonderful. Youre more than I deserve. Stupid tears. Where had they come from? He loved me and hed proved it over and over again. So why did I feel like hed come to his senses any moment now? It was a good thing Id named a date only a month away. Hed have no time to examine our relationship and run away screaming from his near miss.

There you go again. Where is that d.a.m.ned kitchen utensil? He popped my b.u.t.t with his bare hand. Maybe you did get off to the hitting then. Since you seem determined to provoke me. He lifted my chin. You are the only woman I want. The only woman I am willing to spend eternity with. Are you clear on that?

Yes. I blinked and, instead of a blur, his handsome face came into focus. Ill try to get over this insecurity. But Ive had it a long, long time. And I come with baggage. A mother who is a G.o.ddess from Olympus.

Some men would think thats a bonus. She gave you some fine skills, didnt she?

Hah! Sh.e.l.l be the mother-in-law from h.e.l.l, mark my words. I rubbed his cheek, a little rough from his evening beard, with my thumb. Im warning you, Jer. Shes going to be trouble. Worse than your mother will be.

I can handle her. He smiled and ran his hand down my back. At least she hasnt produced a father for you yet. That could a real problem. He might not like the fact that Ive taken over four hundred years to make an honest woman of you.

Ive always been an honest woman. I slipped away from him and began pulling on my clothes. I dont need a wedding ring to prove that.

Here we go. And just when I thought wed reached a fine understanding. Jerry waited until I was fully dressed then unlocked the door. Is it safe to open this?

Sure. Let the workers see who was screeching her pleasure a few minutes ago. No embarra.s.sment here. I rolled my eyes then strutted out the door. Jerry grabbed me around the waist and jerked me to him.

Never be embarra.s.sed to be a pa.s.sionate woman, Gloriana. And my woman at that. He kissed my lips, catching me trying to bite back a grin.

Easy for you to say. You want them to think youre a stud who makes your woman scream every time you do her. I popped him on his taut b.u.t.t. Arrogant a.s.s.

He laughed, his eyes bright. He looked more relaxed than Id seen him in a long, long time. It made me want to pull him back into that room and go another round. Make him scream.

Vixen. Come, look over this place and tell me what to make bigger and what to change.

I looked down at his zipper. There are some things that could always be bigger. But Ill let that go. I squealed when he pinched my b.u.t.t. Dont change a thing, Jer. Not a thing.

Laughing we began our tour. I linked arms with him, flushing every time I caught a worker giving me the eye. So this was what it felt like to be happy. Could it last? I didnt dare start a.n.a.lyzing it. Right now I planned to just live in the moment, my biggest worry that I had a mere month to plan the wedding Id always dreamed of. I needed reinforcements and I knew just who to call.