WIP Wednesday

DRINK

This is a story I've played with off and on for seven or eight years and it's finally taking a spot in my head. Grayson Colter is complicated. He's evil, mean, and nasty which has caused me to set him aside numerous times. However, I believe he's redeemable. What he's been whispering lately hasn't quite convinced me, but I'm willing to work with him!

Enjoy this brief beginning...

Thirst rode Grayson Colter like the skeleton of death, its boney knees digging deep into his soul. His dry mouth hung open catching moisture from the air. The scent assailed him and nostrils flared as he twisted in every direction. The smell of sex mingled with tantalizing aroma of food—blood. Her blood.

Master of this land, he wouldn’t allow anyone else to have what he wanted. Astor’s henchmen escaped this time but would pay dearly for what they’d done. First, he needed to find her. Weak from battle, his senses weren’t as sharp as they should be and he wouldn’t be able to hold the shape of his raven long.

Where was she? The heartbeat, faint, slowed even more and made it harder to locate but Gray had to find her before she died. Her life’s force would be no good to him then. His eyes swept the barren, stony landscape. Why couldn’t he see her? No holes or craggy rocks to hide behind. The Joshua trees were green and full. Could she have climbed one in her condition?

Time moved quickly as sunrise peeked over the horizon. Only minutes before it would be too late. Using what little strength left, he became mist and floated invisibly across the dust basin. This would give him more time. A glint of something shiny protruding from the tree closest drew his attention. He streaked toward it. The ring she’d stole from him. Its glittering jewel is what would save her.

And him.

He needed to hurry. Her body lay draped over a limb, blood streamed down her arm, and weakness for sustenance overtook him. Gray materialized and gently lifted her from the tree holding her close. God forgive him for his need but he was helpless to fight the pull of her sweet blood. Her fingers were drawn to his lips and he suckled ruby red liquid dripping from them. He savored the taste as it soared through his veins. Vowing to take only enough to save himself and get them to safety in a nearby cave.

Rays of light burned his skin. Her life’s force gave him energy to clothe himself and keep sunlight at bay for a short while. Stop! He released her fingers and lifted straight into the air leaving a whirl of dust as he sped toward a cave used often when caught by daybreak in his desert.

Puckered skin forced a groan of anguish through dry lips. A ragged sound escaped his throat in a whoosh of air when he spied the cavern’s opening. His pain eased at hearing water lap against rock. Dank, musky darkness welcomed him inside the cocoon of safety. The warm pool of alkaline water would help him heal. Their clothes vanished and he dropped neck deep into the wetness holding her gently in his arms. Though she barely moved, Gray smelled life in her. He wouldn’t let her die.

Saliva pooled in his mouth. Drink. Quiet the hunger. His tongue flicked out tantalized by lingering sweetness on his lips.

He looked forward to the task of cleansing her, his mouth touching every crevice. His dick hardened at the vision in his mind of sinking into her body. Christ, he hoped he could at least wait until she healed. Gray used cramped fingers to brush damp hair from her forehead wishing he could see her blue eyes as dark lashes fluttered on pink cheeks.

Why had she run from him last night? And why can’t I read her? He’d have to wait for her to gain consciousness for an answer to his first question. The second baffled him.

Only one other could help him understand that. The bastard he’d pledged to kill for letting his brutes hurt her. Astor Cade. Another master vampire who visited Colter lands often.

Grayson relived last night.

Growl and roar-it's okay to let the beast out. - J. Hali Steele