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  Christina grabbed her coat and took the arm Marcus offered, letting him escort her to his car.

  “Where are we going?” she asked as Marcus opened the passenger door to his Italian sports car, then handed her inside to melt into the buttery leather seat.

  “What, don’t you trust me?” Marcus feigned a hurt expression, for just a moment, before allowing it to morph into a genuine smile. “Just sit back, relax, and let me take you.”

  Marcus winked when Christina smiled in understanding of his double entendre.

  Chapter 11

  The vehicle purred under Marcus’ expert skills. They caught a red light, and Marcus seized the opportunity. “This is for you,” he said, plucking a single white rose from the center console.

  As Christina wrapped her fingers around the stem, she felt the bite of a thorn. Still seated in her mind, he felt the pain even as she did.

  “Ouch!”

  Marcus smelled the blood before Christina even registered the pain. Damn that florist. I said no thorns.

  Christina looked at the drop of blood forming on her finger and started to bring it to her lips. Instinct took over and Marcus’ hand shot out of its own volition. His fingers were a vise around her wrist, tight but not painful.

  He slowly brought her hand toward his mouth. A fast movement would have brought out his predatory instincts to strike, but doing this slowly had its repercussions too, giving the blood time to drip down Christina’s finger.

  He heard her draw a deep breath when he brought the finger to his mouth. His tongue started down low and licked up the line of blood toward the origin. He sucked the finger into his mouth. His tongue twirled around the tip, sealing the wound. A small moan escaped Christina’s throat in response to the heat generated by his touch, sending his senses into overdrive. He closed his eyes and savored the experience of her essence on his tongue. She tasted like ambrosia, making him want more, so much more. He wanted to take her right here, in his car. Pin her between his body and the leather seat.

  She would be exquisite. The warmth of her inner heat surrounding him. The image of her legs wrapped around his waist made his mouth draw hard around her finger.

  The honk of a horn brought him back to the present. He released Christina’s wrist, gunned the gas and sent the car off like a rocket. The ponies under the hood pushed them back into the soft leather.

  That was close, thought Marcus as he slowed the car to the speed limit, forcing deep, calming breaths into his lungs. Her blood drives me crazy.

  Christina sat clasping her rose with both hands in her lap. Concerned by her silence, Marcus gleaned her thoughts. She sensed the tension in the car and knew Marcus seemed upset but was unsure as to why. Apparently, he wasn’t as good at hiding his desires as he thought.

  She opened her mouth to speak, then closed it with an audible click of her teeth. The tiny sound seemed to echo in the car. They rode in silence until Christina commented nervously to end the screaming silence, “So, you never said where we are going.”

  “You’ll see.” Those two words were all Marcus managed to say, his voice having been left back at the stoplight. He white-knuckled the black and silver steering wheel in an attempt to wring out his desire.

  His heart galloped a furious pace in his chest. Hot blood coursed through his veins, heating his passion. His inner beast roared in need—for his mate, for her delicious nectar. Marcus cursed the preternatural senses that allowed him to hear the pounding of her steady heartbeat. His eyes found her pulse, beating under the soft flesh of her neck for just a second before they returned to the road.

  Marcus planned a picnic in the park, but now he doubted the prudence of that idea. Being alone with Christina might not be the best idea at the moment, at least until he tightened the reins on his lust and brought it back under his control.

  Marcus decided to drive for a while, needing the distraction. He opened the sunroof, grateful for the cool evening breeze. The smell of the oak trees that lined the street mixed with her amazing scent. As he drove, the warrior took in the soothing night air. It calmed his desire until he finally locked it away once more.

  When they arrived at the park, they found it desolate as a desert on a hot summer day. Walking hand in hand, they looked for a perfect spot for the blanket. Marcus carried the picnic basket while Christina carried her rose. Marcus found a small clearing in the middle of a group of pine trees by a manmade pond. He flipped the blanket, spreading it on the ground with a courtly gesture, like a lord laying his coat over a mud puddle to help a damsel.

  The grass and pine needles crushed beneath him when they sat on the wool blanket. The meal Payton prepared for them tasted superb. The veal was tender and the pasta al dente, but he looked forward to dessert the most.

  “That was delicious,” proclaimed Christina after she finished the last of her veal.

  Marcus nodded. “Payton is an excellent cook. I’ll let him know you appreciated his effort. Now for the pièce de résistance.” The vampire pulled a white china plate from the wicker basket and presented it to Christina. Her little pink tongue licked her lips delicately as she looked upon the ten red strawberries dipped in white and dark chocolate. They looked like they wore tiny delicious tuxedoes.

  “Try one.” Marcus lifted one of the strawberries and brought it to Christina’s mouth. Her lips curled around the berry when she brought her teeth down to bite through it. The movement pinned his gaze.

  “Ummmm.” Christina’s sound of approval came out somewhere between a moan and a sigh, heating Marcus’ blood once again. He leaned forward and captured her lips, shifting his weight gently to push her down beside his body. As their tongues twirled together, he brought one hand to her knee and found the hem of her dress. His hand raised it tantalizingly slowly, his desire for her sliding it higher. His fingers gripped her thigh before they moved even higher toward their prize.

  Christina shifted her leg slightly under his touch, opening for him. A thought pressed at the back of his mind. He should stop this now, before it went too far. But he couldn’t. He wanted this, needed this, and Christina seemed to be in agreement.

  He shifted his hold, moved his hand farther up her leg. He drew circles on her inner thigh, then the back of his hand brushed her moist channel through her delicate lace panties. Her heart raced. The scent of her arousal flooded the air.

  She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and pulled him closer while their kiss deepened, growing more intense and passionate. His tongue swept between her lips, ran seductively over her mouth, claiming her for his own. He pushed his chest against her breasts, needing to feel the soft curves of her body against his hard lines. His mind became a haze of sensual desire, fed by his consuming passion for her.

  Marcus suddenly stopped and pulled away, leaving Christina gasping for air. He went marble-still, his gaze looking out into the dark park. Christina regarded him, easily reading his alert stance to know something must be wrong. She released her grip on his shoulders immediately and brought her fingers to her kiss-swollen lips.

  “What’s wrong?” she whispered, looking around nervously.

  Marcus rose to his knees, his intense gaze focused on the surrounding tree line. “I heard something. We’re not alone.”

  He sat back on his heels, his head jerked toward the woods, then he disappeared into the trees.

  Christina propped herself up on her elbows and looked in the direction Marcus had gone. Unsure what to think, she got to her feet and packed the basket just in case they needed to make a hasty exit. After a few anxious moments, during which Christina paced the clearing, Marcus emerged from the forest carrying a small object.

  She narrowed her eyes in an attempt to bring them into focus. Cradled in Marcus’ arms lay a small child. He placed the toddler before her on the blanket.

  “Who’s this?” Christina bent down beside the child.

  Marcus wiped the boy’s long bangs from his eyes. “I don’t know. I didn’t sense anyone other than him. I’m g
uessing he wandered off from his parents.”

  Christina looked down on the sweet face. By his facial features, she knew he had Down syndrome. The boy, small in stature, looked to be about three years old, Christina guessed. The nurse did a quick medical assessment of the child.

  “He seems all right, Marcus. He has a few scratches, probably from traipsing around in the woods, and a few bug bites but nothing serious. He doesn’t have any signs of dehydration. He couldn’t have been in the woods too long.” Christina pulled the child’s shirt down after checking his abdomen. Thank goodness it seemed normal, no signs of injury.

  “What’s your name, sweetie?”

  Silence was her only answer.

  “Maybe he can’t talk,” suggested Marcus.

  “That’s possible. Often children with Down syndrome have delayed communication skills.”

  “Perhaps he is hungry.”

  Marcus reached into the picnic basket and plucked a strawberry from it. The boy took it, then graced them with a sweet smile. He ate it hungrily, so Marcus brought out the entire plate. The boy ate the berries two fisted, putting them into his tiny mouth as fast as he could. When he finished, Marcus and Christina laughed. Chocolate and strawberry juice poured from his mouth like red and black lava from a volcano. A coating of the sticky lava encompassed each tiny finger as well.

  “I wish I had a camera,” Christina mused, chuckling.

  “Your wish is my command, milady.”

  Marcus pulled his cell phone from his pocket. After he set it on a nearby rock, he angled it toward the child. The couple sat on each side of the boy seconds before the flash ignited.

  When Marcus showed her the picture of the three of them, her throat tightened with unshed tears. They looked like a family. A question came to her mind.

  “Can vampires have babies?”

  “Technically, yes, but there are complications.”

  Marcus lifted the child onto his lap, and Christina quelled the instinct to tell him not to, due to the sticky hands. Instead she pulled a napkin from the basket, impressed that he appeared oblivious to the mess in his lap.

  “What complications?” She used a napkin to wipe the little mouth and fingers of their new friend.

  “Well, first of all, only two vampires can conceive, so there is no cross breeding with humans, which limits our potential to parent. Second, the virus that changes us affects all of our organs, including the reproductive ones. It is difficult for some vampires to conceive after the virus changes the organs. It’s almost like nature is working against our kind. I guess it’s nature’s way of keeping a balance.” Marcus mussed the child’s hair. “When vampires do have a child, it is treasured by all for the miracle it is.”

  Christina looked at the little face smiling up at her, then back at Marcus. “I’m sure his mother thinks he is a miracle too. Can’t you do something to figure out who he belongs to?”

  “I can try to read his thoughts. They might give me a clue as to where his parents might be.”

  Watching the intensity in Marcus’ eyes, Christina wondered what he was finding in the young brain. She didn’t have to wait long.

  “His name is Dillon. I have an image of a house and several memories of a blonde woman caring for the boy.”

  “Probably his mother.”

  “Agreed.”

  “Could you get his address?”

  “No. But I have an idea.” Marcus stood. “There’s no way he wandered far from home with those tiny legs. His clothes are in good shape, so he hasn’t been out too long. Let’s get in the car and drive to nearby neighborhoods. Maybe we’ll get lucky, and I’ll spot something from his memories.”

  Christina nodded. “Good idea.” She made her way toward the picnic basket.

  Marcus wrapped the toddler in the blanket as Christina picked up the wicker basket. He carried the child in one arm and tucked Christina under the other, pulling her against his chest as they walked. The gentle sway of his body made the boy snuggle into Marcus and close his eyes. He fell asleep quickly, obviously tired from his great adventure. Marcus seemed like a natural with the child. He would be a great caring father one day. The thought brought a smile to her lips while they made the short trip to the car.

  When they arrived at the vehicle, Marcus placed the child delicately into Christina’s lap, careful not to wake him.

  They drove through the nearby neighborhoods. The third neighborhood they turned into was a gated community. The gate opened for them, probably from Marcus willing the thing open with his mind, Christina supposed as they drove into the subdivision.

  “There,” Marcus whispered, pointing toward a group of people. “I recognize the blonde from his memories. I think she is his mother.”

  Marcus pulled to the curb and helped Christina exit the car with Dillon cradled in her arms. She appeared so natural with the sleeping child. She would make an amazing mother to his children. His chest ached with joy as he let himself believe this could be what having his own family would be like. The thought brought a sad smile to his lips.

  The woman he believed to be the boy’s mother turned and watched the trio come toward the group of searchers gathered on the sidewalk. Christina pulled the blanket away from Dillon’s face, revealing him to his mother. The sight of her son made his mother cry out in relief before she ran toward them.

  Marcus bristled from instinct when the woman approached his heartmate. Surprise took him at the intensity of the need to protect his mate and the child. The fierceness of the instinct staggered him; the knowledge that he would do anything to keep his mate safe was shocking. He fought the compulsion to put himself between Christina and the human running toward them, for he knew that the human woman presented no real threat. She simply tried to reach her baby. Pushing down his nature, he allowed the reunion between mother and child.

  After explanations were made and the two of them tearfully thanked, the mother turned with Dillon, hugging him to her chest in a loving embrace as she made her way along the sidewalk.

  Dillon, awakened by the commotion, looked over his mother’s shoulder and smiled at Marcus and Christina. His tiny wave goodbye tugged at Marcus’ heart.

  Christina looked up into his eyes. “That was the best date I have ever had. Thank you!”

  She wove her arms around his waist and squeezed tight. Marcus wrapped his arms around her, pressing her closer to him. He kissed the top of her head and placed his cheek there to rest with a sigh.

  “I agree, cara.”

  ****

  The vampire walked along the Savannah street. His boring companion made him feel twitchy. His palms itched, mouth watered in anticipation while wicked thoughts flowed through his mind. He needed some action. Now! “I’m outta here, man. I need a little F and L.”

  “F and L?” asked his cohort.

  With an evil, fang-baring grin, the vampire answered, “Yeah, food and a lay. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  The vampire turned on his heels and strode away from his associate. The woman he’d taken the night before hadn’t been enough to sate his sadistic appetite. An iniquitous plan formed in his mind while he walked. He needed two girls, wanted them innocent, not seasoned. He didn’t want someone from his usual BDSM haunt. Tonight, he wanted to smell the fear and anxiety, wanted it rolling off the females to fuel his sinful lust.

  He worked the plan in his mind until he spied two women across the street casually making their way along the sidewalk. He crossed the road and quickened his gait to easily catch up to the women. Remaining several feet behind them, he listened to their trite conversation, waiting for his chance to pounce. Anticipation boiled in his blood. All senses heightened. The smell of car exhaust mixed with the scent of the various cuisines coming from the restaurants. His vision narrowed to the females. He loved this, the thrill of the chase. The hunt called to him. His fangs lengthened in eagerness of what was to come. He allowed his predatory instincts to rise to the surface as he stalked his prey.

  “Hey, sis
, I’m so bored. There’s nothing to do in this town. Let’s see if we can find a bar,” suggested the woman with short brown hair and a stick-thin body. The vampire didn’t care for short hair. He preferred long hair he could wrap his hand around and wrench, but he would make do.

  “I know. This vacation sucks,” whined her sister.

  Her long brown hair, swept up into a ponytail, and curvy hips were much more to his liking. His tongue jutted out to lick his lips in anticipation as he imagined what that hair would feel like in his fingers when he forced her to fulfill his dark fantasies.

  I’ll call her Lay and her sister Food, he thought, referencing his earlier “F” and “L” comment.

  “I wish something exciting would happen.” Lay twirled a strand of her ponytail with her finger.

  “I wish we could find a little adventure,” whined Food.

  “You found it,” he announced as he willed the muscles in their larynges to stop working so they couldn’t scream, then grabbed them both about their waists and carried them into the alley. They struggled, flailing their arms and legs in a useless attempt to escape. He laughed.

  The vampire could have frozen their bodies by taking over their minds, but he liked it when his prey fought. They both kicked at him and scratched his arms futilely. However, the victims could not throw off his bruising grip as he pulled them deeper into the dark alley.

  Lay turned in his arm and pushed against his chest in a fruitless endeavor to free herself. He turned toward the curvy sister. Capturing her eyes with his nefarious stare, he gave her a mental command to be still. Her body went rigid, not even a finger twitched. As she stood silently by and watched, the vampire sliced her sister’s neck with his fangs. With her blood pouring down her shirt, the vampire turned his attention back on Lay.

  “If you do as I command, I won’t kill her.” Yet. “Nod if you understand.” He released his mental hold on the muscles of her neck. Lay nodded her head slowly, unable to command her mouth.

  “That’s a good girl.”

  The vampire turned back to the skinny one and lowered his head to her neck as she continued to fight him. He subdued her by pinning her against the rough wall of the alley with his body. His draws deepened, became more insistent as his excitement increased. He sucked Food until her heartbeat stuttered, and she fell limply against him. When unconsciousness took her, he sealed the wound on her neck with a swipe of his tongue and callously let her fall to the alley floor in a heap. As he rounded on Lay, he wiped her sister’s blood from his mouth with the back of his hand. He ran the hand down the girl’s face, leaving a red trail on her cheek, and released her from his mental hold.