Chapter 12

Kathleena whimpered, turning to the window in a feeble attempt to hide her heartache. His deep affection for her was palpable; pouring from his fingertips as he lovingly touched her. Mon Dieu! He - he forsook the memory of Josette, for nothing! Love was an impossible emotion. Angelique had made certain of that. And Duncan. While completely averse to the idea of marrying her, he will come to claim her as his bride, of that she had no doubt. If simply for no other reason than the pure pleasure of destroying her after their vows are exchanged. To punish her for being born, for postponing the nuptials to his heart's desire if, in fact he truly had a heart to begin with.

Totally absorbed with her all-consuming thoughts, Kathleena was startled when Barnabas gently slid large hands about her waist, drawing her back into the firm circle of his comforting embrace. Powerless to resist, she layed her head against the solid wall of his chest for a brief moment, sighing in relief as he wrapped himself tightly about her. Why? Why did she feel completely safe while she was with him? As though nothing or no one could touch her, harm her. Suddenly, Angelique's vicious words returned to terrify her. "Just as he had Josette, Barnabas will love you. When you die, he will completely break. Never again will he hope to love another mortal! And then… then, he will turn to me! How long I have waited for my ultimate triumph… Barnabas's realization that we were always destined to be together!"

Dear God in heaven, No! She couldn't allow that to happen! She couldn't love him, she wouldn't. She must quash Barnabas' love for her. Turning in his arms, Kathleena looked up into warm loving eyes. And then, she felt it. As his icy breath wafted gently along the sensitive skin of her chest and neck, those wonderfully familiar sensations of awareness resonated throughout her entire being, thrilling her. She knew what was to come and she longed for it desperately! Yes. Yes! Dear God! With a wild cry, she reached up behind his head, urgently yanking him to the quick beat in her throat. "Please," she hissed digging sharp nails into his bloodless flesh. "Please Barnabas. Take what you need!"

Moaning her name, Barnabas smoothly pierced her taut skin with razor-sharp fangs in the very next instant. Kathleena pitched tightly against him as her life giving blood spilled easily down his throat. It never ceased to amaze him how she so willingly offered herself to his overpowering hunger.

All of her delirious pleasure was fixated on the spot where Barnabas's mouth and lips drank from her, consumed her! Suddenly her eyes flew open with awareness. She wanted more, needed more of this man… Needed him, in every way. To experience the love, the ecstasy he had to offer. To hell with Duncan and Angelique! To hell with any possible consequences. Her future was so uncertain. What if she died tomorrow? With heartfelt resolve, Kathleena swore she would enjoy life tonight! To experience what the evil duo would try to deny her.

As the vampire licked away the tale tell marks from her throat, Kathleena stared up into his dark eyes, her passion and desire splayed naked before him. Barnabas returned her gaze and, in that moment, their souls met. Lowering his icy mouth to hers, he murmured huskily against her warm lips." Kathleena, I-"

On the cusp of hearing him declare his love for her, Kathleena wailed, "No, Please!" She'd not wanted to hear those words when she was unable to return his sentiment. Perhaps, if she tried very hard, she could pretend. Yes, but only for one night. Tonight, there was no maniacal fiancé, no nefarious, hate filled witch. Just she and Barnabas. Alone. Together. "Although I know it's wrong of me, I want you… No," she shook her head and quickly corrected herself, "…I need you to love me, Barnabas. I've never needed anything so desperately in my life."

Smiling widely and lowering Kathleena to the coverlet, Barnabas slid down alongside her, enjoying the feel of her body, warm and tight pressed against him. Propping his head with his hand, he gazed down at her. A look of such incredible desire darkened his features making him appear almost evil. "Kathleena, I do not wish to hurt you. Although I am unlike other men, I've been without a woman for so long, I am uncertain if even I can control myself."

Smiling shyly, she lifted a hand to the hollow of his cheek, trailing her fingertips along the pale skin. Closing his eyes, he moaned at the tenderness of her touch. Raising herself, she innocently kissed his jaw and he trembled, shocked at her initiative. "Look at me, Barnabas," she whispered. As she stared deeply into his burning gaze, she whispered. "I am here with you of my own accord. My own desire." Grasping his large hand, she placed it on her right breast, her blue eyes darkening as his long fingers gently cupped her though her bodice. "Take me."

With a hiss, the vampire began to nimbly undo the miniature pearl clasps marching along the bodice of her cream colored gown. Shoving his hands away and sliding to the opposite side of the bed, Kathleena stood and without hesitation, clutched the hem of her dress, drawing it over her head tossing it onto the floor. Barnabas stared at her as she was left in nothing but a lacy shift and fine white stockings fastened to her thin but muscular thighs with delicate bows. Unable to resist, he was drawn to her as a moth to a flame. Slowly, almost warily lest she recoil from him, he raised a hand and with icy fingers, grazed the bare skin above her barely covered breasts. As she breathed deeply he paused, a tense frown hardening his gaunt features. Fearing his rejection Kathleena clutched desperately the lapels of his fine jacket. "Please, Barnabas. I need you! It feels as though I'm on fire! "

Offering up a silent plea for the ability to control himself, he lowered her gently against the soft coverlet. Kathleena watched on clearly captivated as Barnabas, generally calm and mannerly hurried to remove his clothing. His pale form becoming a golden statue when reflected in the soft glow of the firelight. Only when long fingers drifted to the buttons of his trousers did she glance away. Kathleena shivered as he came to her and as he slid his firm body against hers her breath hitched. His icy erection pressed hard against her, nearing the juncture of her thighs.

Wishing only to plunge himself deeply into her tight warmth, Barnabas growled low in his throat. She watched closebly as a myriad of pained looks marched across his chistled face. His sharp fangs, extended with unbelievable need, were clenched tightly in his jaw. He was trying so desperately not to hurt her but she knew how difficult it was for him to fight for sanity for she could feel his struggles.

Hoping to cast aside his worries and hers, she smiled up at him. "Barnabas, I know there will be pain. I would be lying if I told you I wasn't a bit nervous. But… I feel wild, frantic with need, as though I will die if you do not touch me. Please…"she begged. "Please…" Lifting herself slightly, Kathleena removed her shift and tossed it beside her gown. As she made to remove the amulet, he stayed her hand.

"No, leave it. Always."

Staring at her incredible breasts Barnabas hissed and, pushing her gently against the bed, instantly buried his face between the splendid globes. With a guttural moan, Kathleena arched up as he held a hard nipple between his teeth and began to lick it with his tongue tip. Sliding to other breast, he matched his sensual caresses from only moments before. Threading her fingers behind his head, Kathleena pulled him deeper against her flesh, unable to get enough of him.

Slowly trailing the cold tip of his tongue between her breasts and up along the hollow of her throat, Barnabas was certain not to linger in that dangerous area for too long. He continued upward to a shell like ear. As he nibbled the sensitive organ, Kathleena instinctively thrust herself up into him, her movement bringing him closer to the spot of desire. The vampire felt himself nearing madness. Despite all of his superhuman control, he could no longer wait.. Kneeling before her sweet body, he spread her thighs; liquid essence proving to him that she was ready and eager. Placing the tip of his hard manhood at her entrance, inch by exquisite inch he entered her, her tight muscles gripping about him. Grinding his teeth, Barnabas fought for some semblance of control. He felt as randy as an untried youth. Sweat formed on his brow as he stared down at her lovely face.

Kathleena's eyes were glazed as his cool fullness filled her with delight until… until he bumped against the evidence of her innocence. In sudden pain, she cried out as he pushed against the resisting flesh. With her muscles quivering madly about him, Barnabas was sent tumbling over the edge. "I will make this better. I promise." he whispered. Confused by his mysterious words she opened her mouth until he covered her lips with his own. Absorbing her screams, he drove through the firm barrier. Unwilling to cause her further pain, Barnabas forced himself to remain still. Surprised, Kathleena opened her eyes and immediately drowned in his compelling gaze. As her body slowly adjusted to him, she felt the tearing pain lessen and instinctively thrust her groin up into his.

"No, Kathleena! Don't move!" he hissed through tightly clenched fangs, "Please, don't move. I can't hold on much longer!" And then, his nostrils caught her scent; the sweetness of her virgin's blood. He could feel it surging onto his sex deep within her. With a fierce groan, he lost what shred of control he possessed.

Thrusting himself deeply into her tightness over and over again, Barnabas quickened his pace. Shouting hoarsely to the ceiling, his long suppressed climax exploded. Drained, his body collapsed heavily on top of hers, his head resting on the pillow. Kathleena shivered. His seed was as cold as ice as it flowed into her and she ached deep inside. Never in her wildest imaginings had she expected lovemaking to be like this. Staring at Barnabas' handsome face, she knew he was unable to move, having completely exhausted himself.

In a panic, she froze as loud footfalls were rapidly approaching the bedroom. From what well of strength he did not know, Barnabas rolled away covering them both before the large doors swung inward, crashing against the wall.

Having been peacefully asleep following her own pleasurable bout of lovemaking with Page, Tierra instantly jolted awake. Barnabas's hoarse shout triggered an instant fear in her. Bolting from the bed, she threw on her robe and ran to the door. Page, certain he knew what the sound was, tried to stop her but she pulled from his grasp. She only felt a deep seated fear for her friend.

Now, frozen in shock, Tierra could do nothing but stand there gawking at the pair on the bed so intimately intwined. Turning into Barnabas's chest, Kathleena was utterly mortified. "Mon Dieu!" she groaned. Page, who slept in the nude, had finally pulled on a dressing gown. Appearing alongside his beloved, he mercifully led her away, wordlessly closing the doors behind him.

When they were again alone, she looked up at him. Barnabas could see the raw pain in her eyes and the trail of tears drying on her cheek. "Kathleena, I – I don't know what to say."

"No, it was my choice, but I don't understand. I knew there was pain, but so much?… How do women suffer making love more than once?"

Pulling her against the hard wall of his lean chest, he chuckled, unable to resist. She was such an innocent. "There is pain but once. There must be when a woman is taken for the first time. Afterward, if a man is a gentle and knowledgeable lover and cares for the woman he is with, there is no more pain." Kathleena looked thoughtful. Slowly, she began to run her fingers absently through the dark coarse hair matting his taut stomach.

"And you, Barnabas?"

Sighing in pleasure, he felt absolutely satisfied, enjoying the sensation of her warm lithe body in his arms and her hands toying with him. Suddenly he realized she'd asked him a question.

"What?" The vampire queried.

Looking up into his face, Kathleena smiled. "Are you both a caring and knowledgeable lover?"

With a frown Barnabas sighed sadly. "I must confess, I lost control of myself. I was selfish, allowing my desire free reign, I sought out my own pleasure rather than –"

She paused a moment, her smooth brow creasing. Staring up into his sable eyes she whispered, "Had I not fallen asleep that night in the cave would you have taken me?"

He didn't pretend to misunderstand her. And he knew he couldn't lie for she already knew the answer. The thought never crossed his mind to deceive her in any case.

"I would have."

"And yet, you hadn't."

"It would not have been proper at the time."

"Then you are a caring lover?"

"I believe so."

Propping her chin in her hand, Kathleena smiled, finding no discomfort in their conversation. On the contrary, she was quite intrigued. "And knowledgeable?"

Thinking back on his younger years so very long ago, Barnabas recalled his first sexual dalliances with several of the creole slaves in his father's home. Slaves, eager to teach a randy boy of fourteen how to please. Women whom he'd bedded long before meeting Josette. And he remembered the love he had shared with Josette herself before she perished so violently. Barnabas closed his eyes. And, of course there was Angelique... his one fatal mistake!

"Yes Kathleena. I am knowledgeable."

Pulling from his arms, she slid from the bed. Barnabas watched as her naked form disappeared behind her changing screen. At her sharp inhale of breath, he heard the splashing of water. Moments later, she crawled into bed beside him. He breathed in her scent. She smelled of wild roses. Although she was sore deep inside she wanted more of this man. Wanted to experience the pleasure he had told her of.

Nuzzling warmly against him, Kathleena sighed. "Barnabas, teach me how wonderful love can be." Without hesitation, the vampire took her on a beautiful, erotic journey full of kisses and licks and nibbles and caresses and, when he finally entered her, her heart leapt and soared as she reached the pinnacle of heaven.