4

Tariq's heart rate increased as the enormity of this moment sunk in. His lifemate, too young to claim and still very afraid, has chosen freely to exchange blood with him. Though he did tempt her with the freedom to search his mind, deep down she was trying to reach for him. He was in awe of her courage. He was desperate for her taste. He forced his heart to calm, for she was still very wary. He sat very still. "Zoe, be sure," he said softly.

Zoe watched his face, so stoic, but his eyes were on fire, his aura's rich blue color deepened. She didn't know why she felt she needed to do this, but she knew she had to. This was somehow very important, and though he made it sound casual, he needed this from her. If this was her fate, then so be it. "I am sure, Tariq. If I'm to be stuck with you, I might as well be able to spy on your thoughts, too. It's only fair." She played it off as a game, but knew it wasn't. Slapping a brave front on her fears, she offered him a small smile.

Tariq was a shadow in her mind, feeling her fears and knowing the moment she made her decision. She humbled him with her bravery. "Then come here to me, Zoe, my heart," he extended his hand and once again waited. This time her acceptance of his hand meant everything, it was truly acceptance of him as a man and as a Carpathian. When she took his hand and stood, his heart skipped. He drew her to him, pulling her down onto his lap, cradling her against his chest. Her small gasp of surprise made him smile.

Zoe felt so small in his arms, his strength a bit intimidating, but he was so very gentle with her. He gazed into her eyes and she felt as though she were falling. He leaned closer, slowly, so slowly until his lips brushed hers softly. It was heaven, that small touch of lips. Her eyelids fell and she sighed. His hand slid up her back and burrowed in her hair to cradle the back of her head as his lips burned a trail of light kisses across her cheek to her ear. He nuzzled there a moment then drew on her lobe gently. Her heart was racing, his touch exquisite. She wrapped her arms around him and held on tightly. She felt the bunching of his muscles beneath his dress shirt, the leashed power of his body as he held her. His hot mouth trailed kisses down her neck and she felt his tongue stroke over her pulse sensually.

Tariq was fighting to maintain control; her skin was so very soft. It was a test of honor to have her in his arms and not touch her sexually. He forced himself to just hold her, contenting himself with light kisses. He waited until her mind was foggy with desire then bit deep, drawing her exotic taste into his mouth. She was heavenly, rich and decadent, unlike anything he had ever tasted. He held her tight against his chest and drank deeply, savoring her. She was everything beautiful, sweet and generous, a beacon of light to his soul. The beast within roared in triumph, demanding he bind her to him and complete the ritual. She moaned in his arms, still clinging to him, offering him everything without fear. Her body sagged in his arms and she sighed in pleasure, showing no hint of fear. It was her trust that stopped him; he was being far too greedy. She could not afford to lose the amount he was taking. He withdrew, and licked the wound to heal it.

Zoe was floating in a dream, Tariq's mouth on her skin, setting her body on fire. His tongue was teasing at her pulse and then a flaming hot shock of delicious pain followed by pure ecstasy. Stars burst behind her eyelids, and she gasped at the pleasure. Her nipples beaded and she felt her entire body respond to his touch, though he only embraced her. She could stay here forever, relishing the feel of his arms around her, his mouth moving at her throat. So this unbelievable pleasure is why all the women chased Dracula in the movies. Who would have ever thought it would feel so erotic, so incredible. All too soon she felt his teeth withdraw and his sinful tongue stroke her neck. She couldn't believe it was over already.

Tariq lifted his head to look into her sexy lavender eyes, she smiled at him and it broke the last shred of his control. He crushed her lips in a demanding kiss, knowing he was pushing her but suddenly unable to care. His tongue stroked the seam of her lips, tempting, coaxing, until she opened to him and he deepened the kiss. He swept his tongue into the warmth of her mouth, a groan of pleasure rumbling deep in his throat. He was leading, but she was meeting his passion halfway, following without question or protest. She wanted to please him, to give him the same pleasure he was giving her.

Zoe was drowning in bliss. His mouth was so hot, so soft and sinful as he kissed her, his tongue stroking the inside of her mouth so erotic. She timidly stroked his tongue and he groaned. She wanted his pleasure, it felt powerful to know that she pleased him, this strong, powerful worldly man who was probably older than she could imagine. She slipped her tongue into his mouth and he seemed to go wild in her arms. Not too bad for a first kiss, it was certainly far beyond her imagination.

When Tariq caught the thought drifting through her mind that for a first kiss she could never have imagined this, he suddenly felt like a beast, mauling an innocent. He was moving too fast for a courtship with a woman not yet of age. He immediately drew back, softening the kiss, simply savoring the caress rather than trying to devour her. She sighed into his mouth and his body shook with desire. Cradled in his lap as she was, she couldn't possibly miss the evidence of his body's need for her. But no matter how swept up she was, it was too soon. He kept kissing her lightly, and unbuttoned his shirt, exposing his chest to her. He spoke softly to her in her mind, are you ready to take what is offered to you, sívamet? Can you do this without my help?

Zoe slowly opened her eyes, "Hmmmm?" She kissed along his jaw and his eyes closed as he savored the feel of her lips exploring his face. She followed a similar path down his neck as he had done with her, but as she reached his pulse, she stopped and laid her head on his shoulder. "I don't think I can, I'm sorry."

"Shhh, it's not important that you do it on your own, will you let me help you? You need this, I need this," Tariq admitted it, he needed this. But more than that, she was very weak from his feeding, and he could not leave her that way.

"Then help me," she said.

Immediately he drew her down to the thick muscle over his heart and began whispering in his sexy Carpathian language. Her lips began to move over his chest and his body went rigid, the pleasure that hit him was shocking. He reached up and slashed a cut in his chest with a sharp fingernail and guided her mouth to it. At the first pull of her hot mouth he growled in ecstasy. His mind raced with the ritual words, his beast demanding they be said. Instead he whispered endearments into her mind. He let her feel the pleasure she was giving him, and slowly let her come out of the enthrallment. He wanted her to remember his taste, remember the pleasure he felt when she fed from him. He knew when her awareness fully returned because she whimpered slightly. Shhhh, my heart, you remember how it felt when I drank, it is even more pleasurable for me. She held him tighter and continued to drink, fully aware, giving him the greatest gift he had ever received, trust and acceptance. Enough, csitri, that is enough. He drew her away from his chest and closed the wound himself. A stream of blood still lingered on his chest, and Zoe bent down and licked it from his skin. It was too much, she was too much to resist. He drew her up to his lips and kissed her hungrily, tasting his blood on her lips. His tongue dueled with hers and he slid his hand down her back to the hem of her sweater, slipping back up underneath it. Her skin was like satin, and her hair strands of silk in his fingers. His whole body shuddered, and he had to remind himself of his vow to court her until her eighteenth birthday. He eased his hold and pulled back, sliding his hand from her sweater and sighed.

"Oh, Zoe… sívamet, I am sorry, we must stop. This is too soon," his breathing was so heavy, like hers. His heart was pounding, the blood rushing in his ears. He forced himself to calm. "Shhhh, listen to the sound of my heart, feel its rhythm. Match yours to mine…" Her heart followed his; it was a miracle, this woman in his arms. He just held her for a while as they relaxed. Thank you for your trust and for this great gift you have given me. He whispered it into her mind

Zoe rested her head against his chest, you're welcome, Tariq. The reply was soft, like she was unsure if it would work. He felt her there, in his mind, just a brush against his consciousness. Thank you for making my first kiss so sweet.

Tariq held his groan. He wanted her so much, and at times she seemed all woman, but now she seemed like a little girl. You are doing well, csitri, I like hearing you speak to me in this intimate way. Now our minds have a link, private from all others. You can talk to me any time you wish. He hoped she would.

"It's strange," she whispered softly. It could feel intrusive, don't you think?

Please, Zoe, intrude upon me as much as you like. I would delight in your intrusion.

She looked up into his deep midnight eyes, so beautiful as they gazed at her. How strange that he could melt her with those eyes. Her gaze slid down to his perfect, sinful mouth. He had kissed her like he owned her and wanted her to know it. He had said that she belonged to him. Would he then belong to her? Could any woman hold a man of such immense power? She leaned up, intending to surprise him by kissing him first, but he met her halfway. He whispered in her thoughts, even as he wove a magic spell around her with his gentle kiss, you are the only woman for me; no other can ever turn my head, only you, Zoe, päläfertiilam.

He ended the kiss, and she felt bereft, but he smiled and her heart warmed. "It is near dawn, I must rest somewhere near."

"The basement, daid said you would like it. I'll show you," Zoe tried to rise, but he held her and stood, cradling her against his chest.

"Point the way, I'm not ready to let you go," Tariq said gruffly, giving her a light squeeze.

"Can't you read it in my mind?" she teased.

"Is that an invitation?"

"Have you really ever left?" she accused with a cocked brow.

Tariq had the good grace to look sheepish, "I have not looked at your memories, just your thoughts. I had to know if you had favorable thoughts of me."

Zoe laughed, "And?"

"Of course you do," he grinned, but then turned serious, "Look into my thoughts, Zoe, and you will know all my secrets, even the ugly ones. Lifemates have no secrets, Zoe. I will not hide anything from you, even though I worry how you can ever accept a man of violence. Hunters… we protect, but to do that we must kill," he paused. How could he make her understand?

"Stop, Tariq, don't speak of it with shame. I don't know enough of your people to understand now, but protection I get. I totally get the protection thing. I have not been allowed out of the circle all my life. It is my home, but it is a prison. It's for my protection, but…"

Tariq kissed her; I will be your protector, sívamet. I will take you anywhere you wish. But now, perhaps you will direct me to this basement.

Zoe giggled against his lips and turned toward the hall. She pictured the way in her mind and waited. He immediately carried her toward the kitchen and the cleverly hidden door in a panel near the end of the hall. He let her reach out and release the hidden mechanism, as his hands were delightfully full. They descended a carved stone staircase that went down in a spiral, a surprisingly big spiral, descending surprisingly far. As they passed little alcoves, about every twenty steps, he lit the torches with a thought. When they neared the bottom, it opened into a natural cavern. There was a natural spring that fed a pool, and he noted the floor near the stairs was a carved stone pattern. A little farther from the stairs the floor was a rich loamy soil. It was beautiful, perfect.

"Is there an outlet to protect?" he asked.

"There are many miles of winding natural tunnels that cross like a honeycomb and lead out to an old sealed mine. This room has only two ways out, and both are hidden from the outside. It is well protected," She smiled at him. "Carpathians like caves?"

"They offer protection from the sun, and many, like this one offer rich soil to rest in. Your father was right; it is very much to my liking. I will take you to your room and return after a goodnight kiss at your door," he said with a smile. Hold on to me.

It was all the warning she got before he suddenly moved like the wind, flying straight up inside the stairwell and through the door, only slowing slightly to navigate the halls of her home. They stopped in front of her door and he lowered her legs and let her body slide down the length of his hard frame. One part of his frame was especially hard, and had been since he laid eyes on her at the party. He held her in his arms and whispered in his sexy voice into her mind, I'm ready for my goodnight kiss.

Zoe leaned up and offered her lips, he took possession, burned her with his passion, devouring her with his sinful lips. His tongue stroked hers, enticed her to follow into his mouth and he sucked gently to keep it there. He would never get enough of her, never weary of her touch, her taste. Do you… want to come in? Her shy offer almost undid him. He reluctantly ended the kiss.

I want that far too much, csitri. I will take my rest. You must sleep, too, and dream of me. I will return to you this evening. He bowed, and then dissolved into mist and disappeared down the stairs.

Zoe reached up and touched her lips with her fingertips. She could still feel him there, as if the kiss had never ended. It felt erotic. She touched the place on her neck where he had bitten her. It felt warm, and she remembered the ecstasy of it. She sighed, and retreated into her room. She was too tired to bother with a shower, so she just changed into her Betty Boop pajamas and crawled into her canopy bed. She glanced around the room, suddenly grateful he didn't accept her invitation. It seemed like such a childish little princess room. She suddenly felt like a little girl playing at being a grown up with no idea what she was doing. What would he have thought of her if he'd followed her through that door?

I would think that my lifemate had been blessed with a loving family that cared for and protected her. Do not be ashamed of your child's room or the innocence it represents. You please me just as you are, Zoe. She felt his lips brush her forehead as if he were right there with her. I could not be in the same room as you and a bed. I promised you friendship first, and I keep my promises.

There is such a thing as friends with benefits, Tariq. Zoe said with a wicked smirk on her face.

Once we partake in the benefits, we will be bonded as lifemates, do not tempt me to break my oath. You remain in your father's home and he has given me his trust. Go to sleep, sívamet, he used a mental push at the end, wanting her to rest while he rested so that she would begin to adjust her schedule to his. Sleep until I call you.

Zoe yawned and turned onto her side, pulling a large plush bear into her arms and sighed, Goodnight, Tariq. You're so bossy, trying to force me to sleep when I'm already so tired. I suppose you'll believe it was your doing when I drift off to sleep, and not the fact that I was up for more than twenty-four hours.

Stop sassing your lifemate and go to sleep. Tariq sent the response with a much stronger push and heard her laughter in his mind briefly before he felt her finally succumb to the command. He had been setting additional safeguards around her home, and returned to her room to set safeguards at every entry point. He looked around at the room she thought embarrassing. The walls were a very light lilac color, her drapes in deep purple, and her canopy a light lacy flower print that matched her bedspread that was nothing but thick ruffles from the edge to the floor. Her furniture was solid hand carved wood in a rich deep stain that was very old. It was feminine, but not really childish, unless you counted the plush animals that had been pushed from her bed to the floor. He watched her sleep a moment, allowing himself the pleasure of observing her in innocent repose. Her hair, like waves of honey fanned across her pillow, and her eyelashes were dark brown fans against her cheeks. He smiled at her freckles, oh how he liked those freckles across her nose. Her arms were wrapped around a plush bear, not a child's teddy, but one made to look like a wild grizzly. He wanted her arms wrapped around him as she slept. He reached down and touched the softness of her hair, because he could not stop himself. With one last glance, he turned to the windows and set his safeguards. He retreated from her room to set guards on her door, but remembered her father. If she slept late, he would come to check on her. He would have to be content with the protections on the house.

Tariq returned to the basement and explored every crevice for and entrance that might have been overlooked. This cave was a wonder, but it could be a weakness if a vampire were resourceful enough to find it. After weaving protections at every possible vulnerable point, Tariq found a place not far from the stairwell and opened the earth. It was not the soil of his homeland, but it was rich with minerals. He shed the tux with a thought and floated down into the healing earth. His thoughts were on Zoe, and he wondered what threat the Sióg were to her. He would speak with Russ on the next rising about the fairy threat to his lifemate. As he replaced the soil above him, leaving no visible evidence above ground to mark his resting place, he shut down his heart and lungs and slept.

Irish Gaelic Translations

athair - father

athair céile - father-in-law

banphrionsa - princess

daid - father

le do thoil - please

leasathair - Step father

máthair - mother

ná - do not

seanathair - grandfather

scoir - quit

sióg – fairy

Carpathian Translation

csitri - little one (female).

o köd belsö - darkness take it.

päläfertiil- mate or wife.

päläfertiilam – my lifemate.

sívamet - my heart.