As Raven and Rosemarie strolled down the streets of New Orleans, the teen's hunger gnawed at her. She could feel the lust of every human that passed them. When their eyes wandered to her of their own accord, she couldn't help the predatory smile that graced her lips.
After a moment, she began feeling apprehensive.
"Why do I need to learn how to do this? I have Victoria. I don't need to feed from humans," Raven complained, stopping on the busy sidewalk.
Rosemarie frowned. "Feeding from vampires is not as fulfilling as feeding from humans, cherie. It does not last as long, and it does not give you as much strength. And what if your bondmate is human? You need to know how to control yourself during intimacy."
The older woman grinned as her daughter tried to hold back a blush. She understood her hesitation, but she knew it would not always be that way. Once she gave into her true nature, she would understand why this was necessary.
"Where are we going," she murmured, resigning to the fact that she had to do this.
"To a restaurant, of sorts. A buffet," Rosemarie chuckled to herself.
When they reached the building, Raven scowled and glared at her mother.
"What the hell! This is a strip club. I'm not old enough to be in here."
"No, it is a Gentlemen's Club. It's my Gentlemen's Club. I own it and I choose who is allowed in," her mother said coyly. "The women here are oblivious to what I am but they are no strangers to our kind. I'm sure one of them wouldn't mind being used for your first feeding lesson."
Raven stuck closely beside her mother as they strolled through the dimly lit club.
She blushed as many hungry eyes stared her down. The atmosphere of lust was thick in this place, and she struggled to remain focused. The ache of her hunger was becoming painful.
She basically hid behind her mother when a tall, dark chocolate woman walked up to them.
She was beautiful and shapely. Her hair was braided, almost touching the small of her back. When she walked, it waved behind her. Her eyes were kind, but something dark and primal lurked behind them.
"Mistress Marie, welcome back," the woman purred, before turning to her. "Who is this beautiful lady you have with you?"
"Zoe, this is my daughter, Ardenne. It's her birthday, and I think she deserves a party," Rosemarie said, smirking.
Raven squinted at her mother, wondering what she was on about. It certainly wasn't her birthday.
Zoe nodded, brown eyes wide with surprise. "Ahhh, of course. Well, Ardenne. You can choose which of us you want to party with. Or you can have more than one. Whatever floats your boat."
Raven looked around at the myriad of women trying and failing to act like they were not listening in and then she turned back to Zoe, devouring her with a glance.
"Ardenne likes gingers. Don't we have a few gingers," the matriarch said, looking around the club.
"Yes, Mistress."
"No, I want her," Raven said matter of factly.
Rosemarie smirked proudly as her confident, lead dancer stuttered and blushed under her daughter's intense stare.
"O-Of course, I would be honored. Follow me," Zoe said, blushing.
Once they reached a secluded room, Raven sat down on the couch. Her mother was speaking to Zoe and it annoyed her. She was becoming impatient. She just wanted to feed and go home to her mate.
When they finished speaking, Zoe kneeled in front of her and placed her hands on her thighs. The teen tensed and stopped breathing.
She stopped her, looking at her mother in concern.
Zoe's eyes were clouded over, telling her that her mother had enthralled her.
"Relax, Ardenne. She has agreed to this," Rosemarie said calmly.
"You may begin. But, while you feed, I need you to try and listen to my instructions."
Raven nodded, her eyes fading into darkness as she gave in to her desire. She gently took Zoe's face in her hands and felt the other woman shiver. She bit her lip as she experienced the full array of the human's lust for her.
It was a warmth that sizzled on her skin.
She pressed their lips together gently and groaned as the feeding process began. Her hair stood on end as electricity pulsed through her body. For a moment, she forgot where she was.
"Slowly. There is no rush. Remain mindful," Rosemarie said, watching her daughter intently. "Let your prey feed you. There is no need for us to take when they so willingly give us what we desire."
Raven retracted her hands as to not squeeze the human too hard as the pleasure mounted. Zoe, however, gripped her neck and pulled her in. She clenched her thighs together and moaned.
"She enjoys this, but I need you to ignore her pleasure. You can feel her life force waning. No matter how badly you want to drain it all, you must stop receiving her chi when you feel her weakening," her mother instructed. "We shall only ever accept what we need, nothing more."
Raven's nails dug into her thighs as Zoe took over the kiss completely, willingly giving her chi as though it were a gift. The teen could feel it lessening with each passing moment. Her hunger was sated. It was time to stop, but she didn't know how.
In the back of her mind, she repeated her mother's words. She didn't need anymore chi. She was only allowed to take what she needed, nothing more.
When she finally managed to gather the will to push Zoe away, she miscalculated her strength.
Rosemarie caught the woman before she impacted the wall and laughed at the surprised look on her daughter's face.
"Good job, cherie. However, we need to begin working on your strength as well," her mother said, shaking her head fondly.
"How do you feel?"
It took a moment for her daughter to respond, as she was still reveling in the pleasure of it all. The look of ecstasy on her face said it all. She grinned, watching the darkness slowly recede from her eyes as she came back to reality.
"I feel...complete. I feel invincible," Raven panted, her eyes wide. "This is so different."
"Human chi is more potent than undead chi for obvious reasons. There is no contest."
Raven felt like she could run several marathons. She felt like she could fight multiple grizzly bears and win. She could see why Adaira and Billie became addicted to killing humans.
She understood why her mother banned her kind from doing it. This was what she imagined drugs to feel like.
"In two weeks, we'll return and continue your training," Rosemarie said, checking Zoe over for any injuries.
"Two weeks? That's a long time."
"That is when you will need to feed again."
Raven nodded to herself, grinning.
"I could get used to this. Other than the fact that it feels strange to kiss someone other than Vic."
Rosemarie rose a brow. "Your mate knows what and who you are. She trusts you."
"Right, but it just feels weird with her not being here. I just made out with a stranger...A very hot stranger," she said, laughing at how ridiculous this all was.
"Then she may join you once you've made some progress, and then you both can enjoy your meal in privacy."
Raven couldn't help the slow grin that took over her face. She liked the idea of that.
"Sounds like a plan."
On their way home, Raven's mind went to Wyatt.
The last time she heard from Carlisle, he was still in a coma and things weren't looking too good.
He and Rosalie had reassured her that what happened wasn't her fault. Deep down she knew they were right, but her guilt was still weighing on her.
"What did you do with Adaira and Billie," Raven asked hesitantly.
Rosemarie sneered. "They're still in the dungeons. I've been too busy enjoying you to spare them any of my time. Why? Do you have any suggestions?"
"Well, I kind of...sort of nearly murdered Adaira's son during my awakening and I think she should know about it. The Cullens say he's very hurt. I don't want Wyatt to...pass away or wake up only to find out that his mother and sister are dead or that he will never see them again."
Raven found it hard to look at her mother after her admission, knowing her stance on killing humans. She didn't want to disappoint her.
"I am not angry. Look at me, cherie," Rosemarie said, smiling at her softly. "You were and still are a young, novice succubus with absolutely no training or foreknowledge. This was bound to happen. It is a miracle that the boy is still alive."
She hugged the youngling to her chest and rubbed soothing circles into her back. The worry and guilt wafting off of Raven was palpable to the ancient succubus.
"I will inform Adaira and Billie of the situation with this Wyatt and allow them to be escorted to see him," Rosemarie said. "And don't worry. I don't plan on executing them for a first time offense. Unlike the Volturi, we do believe in second chances in most cases."
Raven smiled and let out a deep breath.
"Thank you, momma."
"Anything for you, mon amour. Now, will you allow me to introduce you to the wonderful gormet cuisine of the French Quarter?"
Raven grinned. "Absolutely."
For the past week, Victoria hadn't been able to spend much time with her mate and it had taken a toll on her.
Her patience was thinner. She was less eager to socialize and participate in conversation.
Victoria longed to be alone with Raven, to have her undivided attention and affection.
She understood Rosemarie and Étienne were happy to have her back. She wasn't upset with Eden for trying to spend as much time with Raven as she could after being apart from her.
That didn't stop the vampire from being annoyed any time she was taken away.
When she finally managed to get Raven to herself without any interference, she realized her mate missed her just as much.
Maybe more.
It was late when she returned.
Raven burst into the room and locked the door. Her expression was oddly stoic which worried the vampire. She frowned, wondering what was wrong.
The young succubus strode towards her with purpose, not saying a word. Simply staring at her.
"Did you have a good time with your parents," Victoria asked, standing to hug her.
"Yep."
The vampire grunted in surprise as Raven shoved her onto their couch and straddled her. She removed her shirt as if it were offending her in some way, baring herself to her mate eagerly.
"Somebody is excited to see me," Victoria chuckled huskily.
She bit her lip as a hot mouth attacked her neck fervently.
"So are you. I can feel how much you want me," Raven whispered in her ear.
Without another word, she captured her vampire's lips with slow, burning passion.
Strong hands clutched her waist as her fingertips caressed Victoria's scalp, gently tugging her closer and deepening the kiss.
Victoria moaned into her mouth as she palmed the vampire's breasts through her shirt. The teen sucked her bottom lip into her mouth, and nibbled on it, causing the redhead to growl.
After a moment, she pulled away, panting.
"Take it slow, Ray. I'm not going anywhere," Victoria chuckled huskily.
"I'm sorry," Raven whispered against her lips.
"Don't ever be sorry for desiring me," she said, pecking her lips. "Do you need to feed again? Is that it?"
"No. I just can't get enough of you."
There was a hint of frustration in Raven's voice that turned Victoria on.
Her eyes were so intense and full of emotion. The vampire would never get used to how loved and validated her mate could make her feel with just a look.
Her eyes told the truth.
They always had.
"You'd better not," Victoria murmured, pulling her closer.
She felt her shiver as her hands smoothed up her bare back to unhook her bra. She grinned as the succubus writhed impatiently in her lap.
"Because I'm not going anywhere."
Bruised, pink lips spread over ivory teeth and blood rushed to the surface of mocha cheeks.
"Promise?"
Raven pressed her forehead to Victoria's, connecting the fronts of their bodies together fully. She felt guilty for not spending every moment of every day like this with her person.
Victoria deserved this from her, at the very least.
Love and contentment pulsed through their bond, and Victoria closed her eyes to revel in the moment. In times like these, she was certain their was a God above that favored her.
"I swear. I promise. I vow. You will never be without me for as long I live."
Raven blinked and Victoria was straddling her. She looked up at the vampire, in awe of her beauty. She brushed a few crimson locks away from her perfect, porcelain face to commit the artistry before her to memory for the hundredth time in her short existence.
"You can't be real," Raven muttered, shaking her head. "You're a dream, straight from my head."
Pitch black orbs stared back at her hungrily, and she knew her mate was not in a soft, lovey dovey mood anymore. The possessive look in her eyes was thrilling. For, she knew what was to come.
"Not a dream," Victoria purred as she hastily unbuttoned her mate's jeans. "Maybe a fantasy."
Raven choked on her words as cold fingers slipped into her panties. She held onto the vampire for dear life. Her eyes rolled into the back of her head as those fingers worked her expertly.
"You're always so wet for me," Victoria growled in her ear. "Always ready for me to fuck you."
Raven nodded frantically, nails digging into her back. "I love it when you fuck me."
"Of course you do. You're my little demon, aren't you?"
"Yes, all yours."
Suddenly, the vampire straightened and removed her hand from her jeans, making Raven groan in frustration.
"Hey, don't fret. I have a gift for you. Wait right there," Victoria said, her lips twitching into a small smirk.
Raven rose a brow, watching her disappear into the closet. A million ideas ran through her mind.
Instead of asking what it was, she patiently waited for her mate to reappear with her impromptu present.
It was cinched around her waist and protruded outward about seven inches. Her eyes were as wide as saucers.
"Oh...," Raven choked. "You look great."
Victoria rolled her eyes fondly.
"If you aren't comfortable with this, then we don't have to use it. I just thought you might like it."
She was nervous for very obvious reasons, but she wanted to know what it felt like. Images of her vampire on top of her made her bite her lip. She enjoyed the idea of using it on Victoria, too.
"I want to try it."
Victoria swallowed venom, listening to the breathy whimpers her mate made as she lubed her up. She'd gotten a bit carried away and now her fingers were slicking inside of her, curling perfectly to caress her g-spot.
Just as her walls began to contrict, she stopped.
"Fuck you," Raven growled at her.
Victoria hummed. "Maybe after I'm done fucking you."
She blushed and didn't respond.
When the lubricated tip of the fake phallus rubbed against her entrance, she gasped quietly.
"It's okay. This won't hurt at all," the redhead reassured her. "Your body is ready. Just relax and let me know when you're ready."
Raven took deep breaths to calm herself. She didn't know what to expect, but she knew she wanted it and that her mate would never hurt her.
"Alright, I'm ready."
Raven stared down between their bodies as Victoria slowly slid the toy into her body a couple inches and then stopped.
She sucked in a breath and clutched onto the vampire as the strange feeling of being penetrated overwhelmed her.
Victoria was right, her body was ready. There was absolutely no pain. Just the sensation of being stretched. Odd at first, but slowly becoming pleasurable. Her inner muscles contracted and she felt her body becoming impatient for more.
"Are you okay, Ray," Victoria asked, noticing her tightly closed eyes.
"Y-Yeah, I'm good," Raven muttered breathily.
"Do you want me to move?"
"Yes...please. Slowly."
When Victoria leaned down to kiss her, the toy shifted inside of her. She gasped and dug her nails into her mate's back.
"Don't be afraid to tell me what you want."
When Victoria began to thrust into her, Raven lost herself.
"Open your eyes for me, Ray."
The vampire seemed to know exactly how slow or fast to go, and exactly how deep she needed it. The feeling was more intense than she expected, but so much better.
"Let me see those pretty eyes," Victoria commanded, her tone quiet, but stern. "Look at me while I fuck you."
Raven did as she was told, whimpering and panting like a bitch in heat as her lover slowed down but thrusted harder and deeper.
"How's that," Victoria whispered, smirking.
She couldn't speak.
Instead, her eyes rolled back.
It was absolutely perfect and she felt like she was melting from the inside out. Especially with the way her mate was talking to her.
Her eyes watered from the pleasure of it all.
Victoria kissed her deeply, her tongue mimicking the motions between her legs. The lewdness of it caused a surge of wetness.
"You love being fucked like this, don't you?"
"I love it...it's so good," Raven moaned, clutching onto the woman above her desperately.
"You look like you're about to explode. You're going to cum for me, aren't you?"
"Yes! I-fuck- I'm close!"
Victoria was looking down at her with such a lustful look in her eyes that she wished to pull her in and never let her go. Heaven had to be a place where her mate was permanently this deep inside her, making love to her slowly.
The feelings she was giving her were enough to make her go mad.
Her body was slicked with sweat and the moans and whimpers coming from her mouth were involuntary. She would have been embarrassed if her lover was anyone else. Instead, she felt comfortable and safe.
"Victoria," she whispered, nearly unable to breathe as her climax approached. "Vic..."
"It's okay, love. Let it happen."
With that, the vampire watched, entranced, as her mate came undone. Her eyes fluttered closed, her jaw tightened, and her breaths stopped as her orgasm wracked through her. Her body stiffened dramatically as she transcended space and time.
Victoria could feel the residual sensation flowing from Raven and into her from where they were touching. Her hips stuttered as the power of the sensation surprised her.
Once she regained awareness, she removed the toy carefully. Looking up, she noticed lidded, hazel eyes staring her down.
"Lie back against the headboard," Raven commanded in a quiet but firm tone.
Victoria did as she was told, admiring how seamlessly she could float between submissive and dominant.
She watched, her mouth hanging ajar as Raven lowered herself onto the toy again. She held onto the vampire for support as she began to ride her.
Her movements were shaky and unsure at first, but the redhead guided her until she gained confidence.
"Goddess...," she murmured.
The sight before Victoria was unbearably beautiful, with the way her long curls spilled down her back and over her shoulders like a black waterfall. Her small, perky breasts bounced gently and her abdominal muscles visibly tensed beneath the flesh of her stomach.
She was speechless.
Raven's head fell back from the pleasure and Victoria couldn't resist the call of her slender neck. She licked, sucked, and nibbled away as she moaned and rode her faster.
When Raven felt her body tensing again. She looked down into her vampire's eyes, wanting her to see, wanting her to watch her cum.
She pressed her forehead against her mate's, her fingers gripping crimson tresses as her orgasm approached.
"I love you," she whispered breathlessly, watching the vampire's eyes ooze devotion.
"As I love you."
Victoria held onto Raven's shaking body as she climaxed again, letting her slowly ride it out until she was a weak, shivering mess in her lap.
Raven was completely drunk from the vampire's chi and her own pleasure. She was in another dimension.
The vampire could barely hold onto her as she subconsciously transferred the sensation into her, triggering her own orgasm. Instead of fighting it, she allowed herself to bask in it.
After catching their breath for a long while, Raven eyed her with a mischievous look.
"Why are you looking at me like that, my little demoness," Victoria asked, raising a brow.
"Remember what you said earlier?"
The vampire swallowed as she smirked evilly.
"It's my turn."
In the room down the hall, Eden sat as still as a statue while her mate tried to muffle her laughter.
"Either they don't know we can hear them or they don't care," Jane said incredulously.
"I think they just don't care," Eden muttered, blinking rapidly as a particularly loud moan reached her ears. "Wow..."
"They're really going for it," the blonde chuckled. "Maybe we should-"
Eden cut her off. "Yep. Let's go hunt again."
Before Celeste arrived, the Denali Coven decided to head back home. Raven and Victoria convinced them that all was well and they were in no danger.
However, to everyone's surprise, Eden and Jane still remained.
While Jane and Victoria caught up, Raven pulled her best friend into the garden.
"I would ask how you and Victoria are doing, but I got to witness firsthand," Eden said, grinning.
The succubus blushed. "I'm really, really sorry about that. It had been a long time-"
"Jane and I are no strangers to that sort of thing. We live with at least one hundred other vampire's, so you can imagine what we hear every day."
Raven swiftly took the opportunity to change the subject, as her face was burning from embarrassment.
"How has the Volturi been treating you," Raven asked, smiling at her best friend.
"Well, I'm only really apart of the coven because Jane is, but I've made some friends. It's pretty boring, to be honest. I don't have a gift, other than being good at fighting so I'm too low on the totem pole to go on cool missions. This situation is the most interesting thing I've experienced in over a year."
Raven frowned. "What would you rather be doing?"
"I like the idea of a nomadic lifestyle," Eden said, shrugging. "I enjoy traveling."
"I've been thinking about the same thing with Vic," she said wistfully. "If you and Jane were to join us, would you consider being animal drinkers?"
Eden burst out laughing. She only laughed harder when Raven rolled her eyes.
"What kind of question is that? Why would I be a bunny killer when we have overpopulation running rampant," she chuckled.
"I just don't see how you can be okay with killing people. I never would have imagined you could do that."
"Would it be a problem if Victoria decided to do it again," Eden asked, raising a brow. "Because I have a feeling it wouldn't be."
Raven didn't have a response for that question. Instead, she changed the subject.
"Have you thought about visiting your parents?"
Eden looked away. "I want to. I really do, but I can't. They would know something is off about me. Their not stupid."
Raven could feel the melancholy rolling off of her. She rubbed her back soothingly, unsure what she could say to make her feel better. She was lucky to have supernatural parents.
"How long will you be here? I don't want you guys to leave or anything, I'm just curious," she said, nervously.
She didn't know when she would see Eden again once she left, and the thought was becoming increasingly irritating, for lack of a better word.
"Aro summoned us. We're leaving the day after tomorrow," Eden sighed, looking away. "It sucks. I really like your parents. Oh, you and Victoria aren't too bad either."
Raven laughed, rolling her eyes at the taller girl, but inside she felt uneasy. Part of her could not accept that she was leaving again when they'd just reunited.
"That fucking sucks," she muttered under her breath.
"I know."
Eden saw the sadness in her eyes. She felt it too, but this was how their friendship worked.
For some reason, they were supposed to be apart from each other. At least that was what life continued to show them over and over again.
"I missed you," Eden said, looking away embarrassedly. "And I'm going to miss you alot when we leave. You're still my best friend...besides Jane, of course."
Raven chuckled, trying to lighten the heavy mood. "Aww, becoming a vampire turned you into a softie."
"I'm serious..."
Her tone oozed vulnerability.
Without hesitation, Raven took her cold hand in her own. She apologized and caressed the back of it with her thumb.
Eden sighed, entwining their fingers with a smile pulling at her lips. The warmth of her hand was pleasant. She wasn't used to physical contact with mortals.
"I don't want us to dwell on it. Let's enjoy the time we have before you leave," Raven said, tugging the other girl with her as she stood up.
"Walk through the garden with me? It's beautiful out tonight."
The deep, crimson sun was falling into the horizon, turning the sky various shades of magenta, orange, and indigo. The sounds of the crickets and cicadas singing their songs through the mangroves of the surrounding bayou flooded the air around them, and Raven felt at home.
Eden nodded, looking down into hazel eyes intently. Now that she was a vampire, she could see every detail and it was hard not to be drawn into them.
"If my scent starts to bother you, feel free to go. I won't take it personally," she said, loosening her grip on the other girl's hand.
"Don't worry. You smell pretty fucking great, but you're not food. I don't see you that way," Eden said, shrugging.
Raven looked at her incredulously.
In the back of her head, she wondered if that was possible. Even the Cullen's struggled with her scent sometimes. Even Rosalie, for goodness sake, and she was on par with Carlisle.
"I'm offended and honored at the same time."
"At least, you're not my singer," she said, shaking her head. "Although, that would explain alot about us."
"Hmm, maybe..." Raven trailed off.
She eyed her friend and then their joined hands with an odd sinking feeling in her stomach.
Victoria glanced down from the balcony and watched the two strolling slowly through the flowers, hand in hand. She chuckled to herself.
Jane came to stand beside her.
"What's so funny?"
"Look how cute they are."
Following her gaze, she froze.
Victoria watched a myriad of expressions pass over Jane's face, before resignation won out.
"You were right," the ancient sighed. "There's no separating them."
"Is that such a bad thing," Victoria asked. "They're so happy together."
Jane hummed, watching Eden laugh at something Raven said. The way the shorter girl smiled up at her friend was quite adorable. It was obvious she loved her very much.
She expected jealousy to rear it's ugly head, but she couldn't find anything to be jealous of. Instead, she found herself enjoying watching them.
They were not flirting or touching inappropriately. They were merely reveling in each other's presence after being apart for a long time.
The sight of Eden freely joking around reminded her of when they first met. She seemed human again and it warmed her heart.
She was never this joyous in Volterra.
"They are, but we have to leave soon."
"Is there any way you can stick around a while longer," Victoria asked, glancing sideways at the shorter woman.
"No. Aro has another mission for us. He's impressed with our work which means we're going to be busy for a while. Not to mention, Caius has taken an interest in Eden," Jane said, looking at the redhead curiously. "Why? Is something wrong? Do you need our help with something?"
"No. I just know that when you leave, it's going to hit Raven hard. Honestly, we both like having you two around."
"Having Eden around, you mean?"
"You and I are friends, aren't we?"
Jane turned to Victoria with a jovial expression. Not being used to the witch twin showing this lighthearted side of herself, the redhead was intrigued.
"Don't tell anyone. They will think you've gone insane," Jane said, trying and failing to hide a smile.
"I don't mind," Victoria shrugged.
She couldn't remember the last time someone called her a friend. She would never admit it, but she felt honored to be seen in such a way.
"You know, I thought I heard Rosemarie needed your help with something. I'm not sure what it could be, but it sounded urgent," the redhead said, grinning to herself.
Jane frowned. "She hasn't spoken to us..."
When Victoria placed her finger over her lips and raised her brows, she understood. She studied the other woman, wondering what she had planned.
"I can't say I mind staying here longer. I quite enjoy the scenery," Jane said looking out towards the fog covered bayou and then down at the garden.
Victoria glanced at her and then looked down at Raven and Eden as well with a small smile.
"So do I."
Jane looked at her suspiciously, wondering what was going on with her. She seemed off.
The blonde placed a hand on Victoria's shoulder, startling the vampire. Her crimson eyes were piercing and slightly worried.
"You're acting strange."
"No, I'm just content," the redhead said, obviously lying. Jane glared at her dangerously.
"What are you not telling me?"
Victoria sighed and pursed her lips. She debated on whether to say something or not. However, the threat of pain coaxed it out of her.
"I have a theory about Raven and Eden. Fair warning, I could very well be wrong."
Jane rose a blonde brow.
"Please continue."
