Endless Chase (5 page)

Tipping back her head, she released a cry that came straight from the depths of her shattered soul. She was so close to coming. “Chase.” She said his name because she had to. Had to taste it on her tongue.

Chase released her breast and nuzzled her rib cage, forcing her to unlock her ankles. Her legs slid back to the rock, shifting restlessly as he continued his downward passage. His clever tongue dipped into her bellybutton before he shifted to the side to kiss and nip her hipbone.

Her chest hurt it was so hard to breathe now. No one had ever touched her in this manner before. It was as if he wanted to explore every inch of her. His fingers sifted through the short, curly hair covering her mound before pushing lower.

Katya cried out as he stroked over her slick folds. She was babbling now, incoherent phrases in Russian and English, as he shifted his entire body so that his face was right in front of her sex. Tilting her head so she could watch him, she sucked in a breath when he spread her wide with his thumbs and blew softly on her heated flesh.

“You are so beautiful, Katya. Like the mountain flowers, your scent is intoxicating, your skin is flawless, your petals soft and inviting.” He licked a slow path over her swollen folds, stopping just before he hit the bundle of nerves at the apex. “But there is strength in you too.” He licked a path back down the other side.

She reached down, gripped his hair and tugged him closer.

Chase laughed. “So demanding. What do you want?”

“Here.” She squirmed and pulled at him until his mouth hovered just above her clitoris.

“Ahh,” he breathed as he sucked the nub between his lips.

Tears leaked from the corners of her eyes, dampening the hair at her temples. She’d never imagined anything this powerful or beautiful before.

His fingers probed at her opening. He pressed one finger deep. The sensitive muscles contracted around him. “You’re so tight,” he groaned.

Katya wanted to respond, to tell him she’d only had one other lover, but it was impossible. With his tongue and lips on her clitoris and his finger pressing deep, she was alive with sensation. The first wave hit her, taking her off guard. Screaming, she wrapped her legs around his shoulders, not wanting him to leave her.

Chase thrust a second finger into her, sending her core on a second wave of contractions. Katya felt as if her body was exploding in the center of the sun. It was so pleasurable it was almost painful. She didn’t care. Surely no one could live through something like this.

Finally, the spasms stopped and she relaxed her legs, letting them drop back down to the ground.

24

Endless Chase

Chase rose up, supporting himself on one hand as he gripped his cock with the other. As she watched, he pressed against her opening. The sensitive flesh was swollen, but slick. The broad head pushed inward. He stopped, breathing heavily as she adjusted to the invasion.

His chest and shoulders were slick with perspiration. He was as elemental as the mountain itself and she wanted him.

There were reasons for her to keep her distance, but at the moment, she couldn’t think of any. Even the rock beneath her wasn’t uncomfortable. She frowned at that thought. Why wasn’t the rock digging into her back?

A dream.

The thought came out of nowhere. This was nothing but a dream.

The moment she thought it, he began to fade. She heard him yell her name, felt her body becoming insubstantial. She cried when she no longer felt him pressed against her.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

“No,” she cried, coming awake in a rush. Her body was slick and her sex was wet and throbbing. She’d had an orgasm, yet she felt empty, incomplete. Burying her face in the pillow, she tried to push the dream from her mind. She ignored the tears seeping from the corners of her eyes. She didn’t cry. Tears were useless and changed nothing.

“Katya.” Chase came awake in a rush. His hands were clenched into fists, but she slipped away from him.

He sat up, aware of a growing wetness in his groin area. Groaning, he flopped back down on the rock and flung an arm over his face. He couldn’t believe he’d had a wet dream and come in his pants. He hadn’t had one of those since he was a teenager.

Damn, it was embarrassing. The only good thing was that there would be no one to notice it when he got back to the castle. Everyone would be asleep.

A smile touched his lips as he remembered the dream. Katya had been everything he’d imagined and more. Her skin as soft as velvet and her taste was sweet. He licked his lips and froze. Reaching up, he touched his mouth. It was wet. He could taste a combination of honey and violets and willing woman—Katya.

Disconcerted, he sat up and looked around the clearing. The sun was high in the sky and he was alone, except for the steady buzz of insects. Pushing to his feet, he grabbed his jacket and tossed it over his shoulder.

“That was one heck of a dream.” He scrubbed his hand over his face and was once again assailed by Katya’s unique scent. Pulling his hand away, he stared at his fingers.

“Impossible,” he muttered, as he headed toward the path.

Yet the memories lingered in his brain, not fading as dreams do. He could see the fine porcelain of her skin, hear her breathy sighs and moans as he’d touched her. He 25

N.J. Walters

even knew the color of her nipples—pink. They were the same pink as the roses that Johanna had cultivated in the castle garden. Chase didn’t know what they were called, just that they were some heirloom variety.

“Get a grip.” His voice seemed unnaturally loud in the forest as he strode toward the castle. All he needed was a shower, a hearty meal and a nap. He’d be as good as new then, or as good as he was going to get.

The worries that had been pushed aside by his erotic dream came back full force.

Still, the memory of him and Katya together didn’t fade, but remained strong as he strode up the stone steps toward the large wooden and iron door that locked the world outside the castle.

26

Endless Chase

It was early evening when Chase finally made his way downstairs to the study.

He’d taken a long hot shower when he’d returned this morning, helped himself to a couple of ham, cheese, lettuce and tomato sandwiches, a mound of potato chips and a large glass of milk before finally falling into bed. He’d slept a solid five hours before waking, which was longer than he got most nights.

Sleep had been in short supply as of late.

Feeling more energized and rested than he had in weeks, he found himself looking forward to the next few weeks here in Transylvania. Yes, he still had problems to deal with, but they could wait. This time was his to enjoy with his family. Katya popped into his mind and he smiled. He wouldn’t deny that Katya was a big part of the reason he was anticipating his stay. He couldn’t wait to see her again.

“Chase.” Johanna started toward him as he entered the study, her arms open.

He allowed himself to be hugged, his hair fluffed by her loving hand. She treated him much the same way his sister did. In fact, so did Laurel Rose. It was like having a trio of sisters. He didn’t mind it too much when they fussed over him, although it did seem to amuse the hell out of their men.

Cristofor leaned against the massive ornate mantel, an indulgent smile on his face.

Chase kissed Johanna’s cheek and then headed toward Cristofor. He straightened away from the mantel and grabbed Chase’s outstretched hand and pulled him close for a quick hug. “It is good to see you again.”

“It’s great to be here.” It had been so late when he’d unexpectedly arrived last night that he hadn’t had the opportunity to really catch up with his hosts.

They all settled on the comfortable oversized chairs, which were situated around the fireplace. As it was summer, the grate was bare, but in the spring, fall and winter, a blaze usually roared, adding heat and atmosphere to the room. Above the heavy oak mantel, several large, jewel-encrusted swords hung in a place of honor.

Chase leaned back and smiled. This place never changed. There were books and manuscripts, tucked haphazardly into cubbies and shelves, which museum curators would give their eyeteeth to have.

Then there was the artwork. Paintings from old masters hung alongside undiscovered artists. Several rather large pieces of sculpture graced the far corners of the room. There was an entire cabinet devoted to glass and small sculpture.

Yet the room wasn’t stuffy. The latest women’s fashion magazines were strewn across the large coffee table alongside financial reports and business periodicals. This was a family home and it exuded warmth and welcome.

27

N.J. Walters

“How are you?” Chase heard the edge in Johanna’s voice and it took all his concentration not to stiffen. She couldn’t know about his health problems—the headaches and fatigue that had been a constant part of his life for the past six months.

No one knew. He’d kept his visits to the doctor a secret, and had only finished the battery of tests his doctor had ordered hours before he’d climbed on the flight overseas.

He figured there was no point in upsetting the family before he knew if there was really anything to be concerned about. And he’d long ago learned how to shut them out of his mind—a very necessary skill when those around you were vampires.

“I’m good. Tired,” he added truthfully, “but good.”

“You’ve been pushing too hard getting ready for your show in New York,” Johanna chastised. She picked up a teapot that was sitting on the table and poured him a cup. A plate of raisin scones sat on the tray next to it. If he wasn’t mistaken, the cup and plate were also worthy of being museum pieces.

Chase took the cup from Johanna and breathed deep. The smell of peppermint tickled his nose. He’d never gotten into the habit of drinking coffee, but loved the flavor of herbal teas. Johanna always stocked about a dozen different kinds in the kitchen just for him.

“Guilty.” He took a sip before reaching for the plate of scones. “I pushed hard to finish. I needed this vacation.”

Cristofor sat back in his chair, his long legs sprawled out in front of him, his elbows propped on the armrests, his fingers steepled in front of his face. “It is more than that.”

It wasn’t a question. Chase tensed, placing the plate back on the table without having taken a bite. “It is, but it’s something I need to work out on my own first.” His doctor had this number and would call as soon as the test results were in. In fact, Dr.

McGregor had wanted Chase to remain in New York, but Chase wanted to relax and spend time with his entire family. Until the test results were in, there wasn’t any point in hanging around alone in his loft apartment worrying about it. He’d deal with it when he knew exactly what he was facing.

Cristofor nodded. “We are here if you need us.”

“I know.” Those two words said it all. He had an extended family, all who would be more than willing to help at a moment’s notice. However, there was nothing any of them could do. He wasn’t sure what
he
was going to do yet.

Johanna reached out and laid her hand over his, her golden brown eyes narrowed with concern. “Are you sure there isn’t anything we can do?”

He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed the back of it, offering her a smile. “I’m sure, but thanks.” He released her and reached for the cup and took another sip of the tea. “I need to make a few decisions.”

“You’re still not sure about the New York showing, are you?” Johanna was very astute.

He shrugged, replacing the paper-thin china cup back on the saucer. “I like my privacy.” Especially now with the possibility of a major health problem cropping up.

28

Endless Chase

“Your real name will be kept out of it,” she promised. “There is still time to stop the showing. I truly thought this was what you wanted or I would never have pushed you.”

Johanna frowned and rubbed her hands over her arms. Her obvious distress hit him hard and he immediately sought to dispel it. “It was what I wanted or at least what I thought I wanted. I’m going to take a few days to think.”

Plus, he’d be able to make better decisions as soon as he heard from his doctor. “I plan on telling everyone what’s going on before we all leave here after the reunion.”

Chase grabbed a scone and bit into it, barely restraining a moan when the golden biscuit practically melted on his tongue. “Speaking of which, when is everyone arriving?”

Cristofor stared at him for a long moment, before inclining his head, an acknowledgement that the subject of Chase’s problems was closed—for now. “Stefan and Laurel Rose may be arriving tomorrow, the day after at the latest. Your sister, Lucian, Cassidy and his family hope to be traveling with them. Lucian had some business matters to attend to, but if he finishes them in time, they will all come together.”

“So soon?” Chase had been hoping for a few days of quiet before the rest of the family arrived. But the castle was large and most of the inhabitants slept the day away.

There would be plenty of time for him to be alone.

“It seemed to be the best time for everyone, and we don’t mind. The castle is always ready.” Excitement tinged Johanna’s voice and her eyes sparkled. He knew how much she loved having them all here. As much as he loved the place, he realized it must get lonely for her sometimes tucked so far out of the way.

“I love the renovations to the place.” Chase laughed as Cristofor cursed.

“She had workmen everywhere,” Cristofor complained. “Luckily, Cassidy agreed to stay for a month and oversee everything, otherwise I would not have allowed it.”

Johanna laughed. “You’re not complaining when you climb into that large whirlpool bath every night.”

Chase grinned as he watched the byplay. Cristofor Dalakis was every inch the lord of the castle—intimidating, powerful and dangerous—but he was putty in the hands of his wife.

Cristofor stared at his wife, heat in his eyes. “Not as long as you’re with me, I’m not.”

“Cris,” Johanna scolded. Her cheeks were tinged pink when she glanced at Chase.