Shannon, Shae - The Beginning of Eternity [Decadent Delights] (Siren Publishing Classic) Read online

  Chloe reached down, suddenly getting a shiver up her spine. Her hands shaking, she grabbed a package wrapped in thick linen tied with a dainty feminine ribbon. Pulling it out, she let the ribbon slide off so her eyes could feast on the contents. It was a gown, but so different than the others she had pulled from the trunk. This dress was the most gorgeous dress she had ever seen in her life. Unfolding it so she could examine it fully, she ran her hands over the deep, almost bloodred, satin masterpiece. The bodice was a corsetlike top that laced up the middle, tied in a tiny bow at the bottom. The top of the bodice had delicate crystal beads rimming the edge, like none she had ever seen before. The whole formfitting corset had inlays of black lace, surrounded by more beading woven in an intricate pattern. Unlike other antique garments, it didn’t stop at the waist. Instead, it continued to the top of the hips, giving a sexier silhouette than the acceptable clothing worn in past centuries. It was almost modern looking, except for the exquisite detailing. The silk flowed down and gradually flared out, falling to floor length. On one side was a slit, also lined in an unheard of amount of crystal beadwork, ending at what would reach midthigh. Turning the dream dress around, Chloe noticed that the bodice also continued the intricate detailing to the waistline, but tight satin gathered slightly so to emphasize the butt area, replacing the dropped waist that was in the front. Tiny satin buttons ran from the top down the middle, stopping just below the space designated for the rump. The skirt flowed out into a slight train, with even more lace and beading, giving a delightful view to those who had the pleasure of watching the occupant leave.

  Chloe ran her hands over the dress, imagining what it could possibly have been made for centuries ago. Then it hit her. With a loud “Oh, hell yeah!” it dawned on her she now had something to wear to the masquerade, and not a fake cheesy costume. Doing her happy dance, she swung around, holding the stunning gown to her, imagining wearing such beauty. She carefully wrapped it back up and set it on her pile of stuff to take home.

  She went through the rest of the contents, enjoying the little discoveries she made. Jewelry, trinkets, and even a few bottles of what she guessed, by the smell, were old perfumes were among the items. At the bottom was a small wooden box, again with some sort of metal latch in the shape of a rose. “So I’m thinking someone really liked roses…Very cool, but very odd. Let’s see what’s behind door number two!” Chloe said in between songs coming from her phone. As she went to open the rose latch, CCR’s “I Put a Spell on You” filled the air. With a giggle, she flipped the lid open, letting her gaze roam the contents. She first pulled out a comb, with red jewels adorning it, made to wear in the hair. “Wow. That’s pretty. This must be all part of the mysterious, sexy-red-dress ensemble.” A matching bracelet that was made to snake up the arm instead of being a bangle, and a pair of dangling earrings with large red stones were set aside in the treasure pile. The last item was a paper, folded and sealed with wax and a rose emblem. Carefully, Chloe opened it so as not to break the seal’s design, revealing the last item for the hotter-than-hot wardrobe. A necklace, made up of the same red stones in a choker-fashion, glimmered in her hand. The detailing once again was not to be outdone.

  On the paper, a letter was written in fancy calligraphy. It read: Only time is the enemy, which I face. My heart calls to you, awaiting your loving embrace. We are destined to be together as one on our journey through eternity, my love. The gown is for you to wear the night you become mine, not comparing to your angelic beauty. Until our desires can unleash and entwine, feel my lips on yours. Feel my touch on your skin. I will come for you.

  As Chloe read, she unconsciously rubbed the large stone with her thumb. Her mind wandered as time seemed to be standing still. She felt a touch on her cheek, caressing lightly. Closing her eyes in an almost druglike state, she felt the warmness of his breath on her neck, feathering kisses down each side. Her body became Jell-O. She now saw in front of her the man from the pictures. She felt his strong arms embrace her as his hands glided over her body in a sinful assault. Knowing in her subconscious that this was crazy and couldn’t possibly be happening, she dismissed it. All that mattered was this—these feelings she could not describe or explain, and she had no notion to.

  His lips took hers in the most erotic dance she had ever waltzed. His tongue searched and devoured every corner of her mouth, stopping to stroke each spot with a heated need. She returned the kiss, plunging her tongue in return. She tasted a sweet, intoxicating flavor like nothing she had ever experienced. Her heart pounded in her chest, trying to beat out of her ribs. Her pussy dripped with need, soaking her panties. She roamed his body with her hands, confirming each and every one of the hard, ripped masses of muscles. His was skin was silky cool. Just the feel of this piece of perfection was like electricity zapping her fingertips with each tantalizing touch. He laid her back, never breaking the war their mouths were engaged in. Flashes shot through her mind, paralyzing her. Sheets were tangled on a huge four-poster bed that looked to be crafted for a king. Bodies were entwined and glazed with sweat, while moaning sounds of pure bliss echoed around her mind. She was suddenly overwhelmed by pure ecstasy, a feeling of being totally consumed by another being. Her breathing came in pants as her desire overwhelmed her, needing to feel the release she so craved. She felt his huge cock pressing against her thigh as he pinned her to the ground. She moved, trying to manipulate his huge shaft to where she wanted it most. He held her firm, trapping her hands above her head. Her tongue found his neck, licking and tasting him, hungry for something she couldn’t explain.

  And then he spoke. Like a thought in her head, his voice was soothing and caressing. “Soon, my love, I will take you to places you have never dreamed of. I will bring your body to peaks of unworldly bliss. You belong to me, Chloe. I will fuck you and erase any thought before me. I will make you mine for eternity and show you love like no other.”

  Chloe felt the warmth spread through her body. The tingling started at her fingertips and toes, radiating through her like a wildfire. Her orgasm was building to soaring heights, and all she needed was his thick shaft deep inside her, filling her. She moaned with frustration and need, sweat beading off of her brow. Her pussy clenched, aching for release. Her taut nipples scraped against her lace bra, begging to be sucked.

  “Hey, Chlo, you almost done down there? I am exhausted, hungry, and ready to call it a day. Pizza or Chinese tonight?” Amy said, cutting through her thoughts. As she tried to draw in on who was speaking, she didn’t want to leave the man she was throbbing for. “Chloe! Where are you, hun? Hey! CCR. Good tunes. There you are. Hey, did you notice all of the awesome pictures down the hall? This place is so cool. So are you about ready?”

  Chloe came out of her trancelike state sitting exactly where she was when she opened the letter, the necklace still in her hand. In front of her was Amy, rambling on and obviously waiting for an answer. Chloe searched her mind, trying to zone in on what her friend had said, as recognition finally pieced together. “Um, yeah, I am definitely done for the day, only a few little things left to finish tomorrow. And I am beyond starving. Let’s go get ready to get our drunk text on!” Chloe laughed slightly, hoping her friend had no idea of what she had just interrupted.

  What exactly had been happening? Her body still hummed with need, and the pool between her legs confirming any doubt. No one was in the room with them. She looked around, trying to appear casual, as if examining what was left to do. There was no trace of him. Who was he? She didn’t even know his name. Her mind whirled with questions that had no answers. It was all so odd, but yet so perfect at the same time. She could tell that something was way different, almost eerie. The only thing she was sure of was that she wanted him. He had left his mark on her soul. Her heartbeat did a triple thump in her chest at the memory of his touch. I imagined his touch, but it felt so real, so perfect. Was I dreaming? If that was a dream, I don’t ever want to wake up again. Just give me a supply of sleeping pills and lock the door! Maybe I’m working too
hard. Ugh. Snap out of it, Chloe!

  Grabbing her treasures she had found, she stood up, allowing a big sigh to escape. “Let’s get locked up and get out of here. Why don’t you call in a pizza, and we can pick it up on the way to my place?”

  “Yippers. But I insist we get those yummy, cinnamon, gooey icing thingies, too. We both need a sugar pick-me-up, and…yum!” Amy drooled out.

  They started chatting away as they made their way out of the huge basement and down the long hall. When they passed his picture, she slowed, taking extra care to discreetly stare and remember his strong arms pinning her, possessing her. Her heart thudded so loud she was sure Amy would hear. Her best friend would be unrelenting if she knew about her little “fantasy dream” and have her hooked up with anyone single within a twenty-mile radius. Hurrying to hide her interest in the man, she picked up her pace and rushed toward the main room. They gathered their things and headed out the door, laughing and giggling as they went.

  * * * *

  Gabriel Jacobs had been living in hell for the last few centuries. All of the perks of being immortal had worn off after a few decades. He had traveled the world over twenty times, exploring every country and island. His journeys kept him informed of the changing cultures and dialog, keeping his vocabulary up to date with the current slang. Loneliness was the one thing his fortune could not buy a fix for. The sculpted vampire had his other vampire friends and enjoyed his disposable-income lifestyle. He kept company with only those who had humility and pure hearts. There were others who were less compassionate and looked at people as only a food source, with little care for anything else that existed. The virus, or people who were changed into vampires by being bitten, had created a lot of evil, nasty creatures. Gabriel did his best to rid the world of the evil spirited. He was stronger than most vampires, and his compulsion and telepathy were above all others. He had been with many women during his long existence, both vampire and human, but all ended the same—with the loss of interest and the deep loneliness that consumed him. No one could keep his attention very long. He was different and chose to remain so.

  All of this changed the moment he laid eyes on Chloe Kent. The little siren didn’t realize that he still occupied the mansion that belonged to his family bloodline, dating back to the fifteenth century. Gabe knew the moment he set eyes on the gorgeous goddess that she was different. Her beauty was radiant and natural, leaving no one to compare. She was a complex creature, leaving him entertained and eager for more. Just the sight of her made his balls tighten and cock throb. Watching her in the basement was torture and heaven at the same time. When Chloe touched the Fire of Shalay collar, he discovered that his instinct had been correct. When the magic stone of the ancients lit with her touch, Gabriel knew that she was of the Shalay witch bloodline. It was evident that she did not practice her gift and probably didn’t even realize that she was, by blood, the queen of all witches. She was the one he had been waiting for the past four hundred years. His motive went from getting rid of the intruder on his homestead to keeping her there at all costs.

  A lot of the other vampires wanted her also, but for different reasons. Her blood, if drained completely and her life light banished, would give the bloodsucker endless powers and strength, making them the strongest vampire on earth. Thankfully, as far as he knew, none of the others of his kind had found her yet or knew of her existence. He, on the other hand, felt the hunger for her forbidden, sweet blood rushing through her veins, but the strong connection of deep passion and love trumped the natural craving. Being in close proximity with her brought feelings and needs he thought dead centuries ago. When the little vixen had touched the collar, he was able to go beyond reading her mind and was able to take over her thoughts, even though he was not near her. She had the connection to him deep within her, and the Shalay stone opened the portal.

  Compulsion worked only in direct contact. Telepathy worked from a distance, depending on the creature. Having the ability to insert visions into one’s mind and take over reality usually only happened to a select few, and only in close proximity. The mental erotic dance he shared with her was more than he had ever experienced. Every cell in his undead body ached for her warm touch. Gabriel had been so tempted to drop the mental escapade and go to her, rip her clothes off, and shove his cock deep in her sweet pussy. Without her knowing about or practicing her witchcraft, he could easily erase her memory after. He had felt the power inside her, but lack of use and knowledge of it had kept her portals open. That meant anyone could get in her head. It was definitely not safe, and needed fixed immediately. He knew that she could stop it if she tried, being what she was. Thankfully, to his amusement, she hadn’t learned how. For now, he could use it to his advantage, and as long as he stayed close, he could protect her.

  When he took her, he wanted her to remember every tantalizing caress and every earth-shattering climax he would bring her to. He refused to accept anything else, even if it meant the throbbing, aching pain he felt straining against his zipper would continue. Nothing would exist after he claimed her. He would make sure that the heights he took her to would bind her for eternity by his side.

  Sitting down on the black velvet couch, Gabe looked back on the way she had responded to his touch. She had been full of fire, ready to explode. The memory made his huge cock try to burst free, causing pain all the way to his balls. With a groan, he let his thoughts wander through the tantalizing scene. He was going to have fun tonight and make a lasting impression on his little temptress. Soon she would only get drunk off of him, and the endorphins that released from the tip of his fangs and cock would make her forget a buzz in any other form. He would be damned if any other man touched her again. Rising from the couch, he began getting ready for sunset. A quick hunt would help him keep his focus and attention. He couldn’t afford to lose control around his little witch. He was only interested in the powers held in her hot little cunt and her juicy, lush mouth. He had no desire to acquire the powers she held from her heritage. He wanted to taste her blood while she was in the throes of orgasm and bring them both to the explosion of epic proportions that only a vampire’s bite could evoke. He yearned to drink from her life’s light when he bonded with her, becoming her mate for eternity. He had a lot to do before that could take place, starting with introducing himself. That was exactly what was going to take place tonight. This was going to be a night of mystic experiences and sweet agony. But most of all, it would be the beginning of his forever.

  Chapter 3

  Chloe examined her reflection in the floor-length mirror. Her hair was left down to flow around her shoulders, framing her face. The perfect ringlets bounced with every move. Her eyes were outlined in black, with the lashes thick and luscious. She had applied a silver shadow, giving her brown eyes an alluring sparkle. Her cheeks were highlighted softly, and her lips a glossy pink, enhancing their full poutiness. She wore a simple black strapless dress, with a pink bow tied at the waist. It gave her just enough cleavage, outlining her lavish orbs, but not too much. Her favorite black strappy heels adorned her feet, wrapping up her ankles.

  With a loud huff, turning to Amy, she asked, “Are you sure I look okay? I feel so plain. You, on the other hand, look like a sex goddess! My shirt looks so much better on you. I would give anything for your looks, girl.”

  “Chloe, I wish you could see what I see. You are anything but plain. And as much as I want this shirt, I am not going to agree with you just to score it. You obviously don’t know your level of hotness. We are going to be the envy of every girl, and the subject of every man’s dirty thought tonight, darlin’!”

  “Okay, let’s get going. Tonight we celebrate all of our hard work. It is a beginning to a new forever for us! I definitely am ready to make the acquaintance of Mr. Jose Cuervo and get our dance on. We are gonna make this unforgettable!”

  Laughing, Amy added, “Let’s go make some boners!”

  * * * *

  He found his way to the back corner, concealed in the darkn
ess. From this point he could see everything going on in the club. Sitting at the last table, he ordered a drink on the rocks. Even though most things had no effect on his system, and alcohol couldn’t get him drunk, it did relax his nerves some and give him the warmth he was unable to ever experience from the sun. It helped when he had to pass on dinner and just order a drink to ward off any suspicious humans. He observed the room, looking for other vampires or creatures that might cause a threat to his mate. Every aura was human except one, and that was from an elf on the dance floor. It was surprising that she was the only other mythical creature there besides him, given it was an overly crowded place that would make easy hunting ground. His anxiety rose as time went on, and he hoped that they hadn’t changed their plans.

  As he was ordering another whisky on the rocks, the doors opened, and his eyes fixed to her rainbow aura, showing her of witch descent. The girls walked in, and every male in the front part of the bar turned to gawk. Her friend giggled and flipped her hair flirtatiously, loving the attention and demanding more. Chloe, on the other hand, was more reserved, as if she had no idea they were looking at her. She had confidence, but was not vain and not one to be the center of attention. He caught glimpses into her mind from across the room of roaring thoughts and concentrated on just hers. Her mind was rambling in fragments, one thought on top of another. At one glimpse it was her wondering if she looked okay then bouncing to her loneliness. The next flash it was the mansion, and all that needed to be done, snubbed out by an inner fear of never finding love.

  The girls finally moved their way to the bar and ordered up two shots each and some sort of fruity drink. Gabriel had to hand it to her. When she did something she did it all the way. Unfortunately for him, his night’s planned events would have to be altered some, because he was no man to take advantage of an inebriated woman. He would have to work fast, before she became too smashed, and would also have to be on guard to protect her from the evils that lurked in the darkness late at night. It wouldn’t be long before the shadows were crawling with predators, looking for a meal in more ways than one.