Warnings: explicit smut so nice, I did it twice ;) Big thanks to mama_sin for guiding me in those areas!
Song lyrics: Born to Be Wild by Steppenwolf
A sharp jolt of pleasure ripped through Grace. She cried out softly into his lips and Eric responded by devouring her just like their first kiss. He felt her beginning to lose her composure but didn't hold anything back. His pent-up hunger blasted through their bond making things worse for her sanity and she felt dizzy with need when his tongue slipped into her mouth and he fully unleashed himself onto her.
Grace panted his name in between kisses when she could; her new flesh quivered in anticipation. She yearned for his raw spirit, she needed to have all of him. She'd been waiting too long for this and wanted it now.
Eric growled with satisfaction as he picked up on her desires. The siren shuddered, let him control the pace and desperately tried to keep up with his intoxicating advances. The heat within her wanted a release so badly and her heart felt like it was beating directly at the apex of her thighs. She was already soaking wet. More, more. Her soul demanded it. She wanted his darkness inside every part of her.
His other hand began to curl around her waist and soon, he flipped her onto the bed and continued to dominate over her. His hips ground against hers and she whined, her heartbeat now a complete frenzy that her clit was getting the pressure it deserved. The vampire caught her lower lip between his teeth and Grace moaned desperately, her reactive cries getting louder as his punishing hips continued. Her voice wanted to be free.
"Eric … fuck, Eric!"
Yet there was something bigger than his expert skill that was making her mad with pleasure. Her veins were on fire; Eric's blood inside her new body thrummed with desire, mirroring the sensations he felt within his own. The ancient life force of the noble House of Godric amplified itself through their bond, sending massive amounts of arousal to them both. Their blood sang to each other and the euphoric effects hit Grace like she'd taken another taste of his wrist.
The singer turned feral, her pupils dilating as the dark sensations overwhelmed her senses. She clawed at him and ravenously tugged his shirt off to feel more of his skin. He, in turn, ripped the buttons off her (but really his) shirt and pushed it aside to expose her full chest. He roughly kneaded her breast and his lips finally left hers so his dropped fangs could skim the sensitive skin around her nipple. Grace shrieked and arched her back to further press up against him, her need need need growing and growing as she felt Eric give into his urges and allow himself to take what he'd been denying himself for so long. He was fiending for her. She didn't notice him pausing to push down the waistband of his sweatpants, too distracted by his tongue swirling around her stiff peak and the crackling electricity spreading underneath her skin after he caught it between his teeth.
However, it became too much when Grace felt him return to her lips and quickly rip off all of her clothing. His impressive and newly freed cock teased her entrance as he dragged the tip across her folds, covering himself in her wetness but stopping just short of fucking her. It put her over the edge, but not in a good way; the kaleidoscope fractals returned. She'd had a moment of calm during her rest and explorations during the day but the out of control feelings finally caught up with her now that she was so close to getting what she wanted. His blood was amping her libido to the limit and getting her high.
Dangerously high. It was considered a drug after all.
She got too lost in his animalistic advances and her brain short-circuited. His intense need and thrilling taste overwhelmed her and she stopped vocalizing her pleasure in between his nips. Instead, Grace fought to gulp down any oxygen she could like a drowning victim. She didn't want him to stop but couldn't focus enough to realize she was spiraling and caught in a vortex of emotions she needed to eject from. Her eyes rolled back into her head and she began to feel like she was going to faint. Eric quickly backtracked when her anxiety and apprehension spiked through their bond and her body went limp.
"What is it, lover?"
His concerned gaze scanned her eyes to look for clues. But Grace couldn't see him even though his hands were cradling her face to make her look at him; the fractals were too distracting. She wheezed and her body shivered. She wanted to throw a fit now that his movements had stopped - because fuck, they were so close to acting out the thing she'd been craving since she'd first laid eyes on him - but a trickle of relief spread throughout the rest of her nervous system now that things weren't as intense.
"I … don't k-know," she whimpered.
Eric paused and put up a few barriers within their bond so she couldn't feel every bit of him. Her body responded positively; her breaths weren't as ragged and her vision cleared with every blink. But she was still frustrated, she wanted him and the desires in her system yearned to be satisfied. The vampire rolled over to be beside her and wrapped his arms around her waist, yet Grace resisted melting in his spoon. She was ashamed and irked at her behavior and tears began to pool in her eyes.
"Talk to me," he whispered gently into her ear.
"I want this. More than anything," the siren shared. "It's just … so much. So fast. I -"
Another shiver ran down her spine and she cried out instead of finishing her sentence. Eric held onto her tightly as she rode out the aftershocks and picked up on all of her contradictory feelings. He didn't say a word but stroked her shoulder to calm her. It helped but every time her mind started to settle, it cleared the way for her exasperating need to rise to the surface and set her off again.
"It's my blood, you're not acclimated to it. But you need a release," he stated calmly. "Let me give it to you."
Her heart fluttered as another panicked wave crashed into her. Yet something inside her screamed wildly like a bird of prey; it approved. Eric felt it through their bond and kept some of his guard up. His fingers moved up her shoulder and started to tenderly stroke the curve of her neck to test her reactions. His feather-light movements caused goosebumps and soft mewls but she showed no signs of wanting him to stop.
"I'll be gentle," he cooed, understanding that she needed the slow pace. "Trust me, Grace."
She gulped but ultimately did as he asked. The artist closed her eyes, inhaled deeply, savored his woodsy scent and allowed herself to soften into his embrace. Her earlier heat reignited but didn't burn out of control when his touch moved down to trace the outline of her hourglass waist. Grace sighed luxuriously; her skin prickled and the goosebumps multiplied. Eric nuzzled and sweetly kissed her earlobe while his fingers continued to leisurely move up and down her torso. He teased a slice of his own pleasure through their bond so she knew he was enjoying it too and kept it steady once he knew she could handle it.
"That's my good girl," he praised and she was surprised at how much she loved his verbal caress. His blood within her veins wanted to be appreciated.
Eric perceived her green light and let his touch roam her round belly to test the next boundary. Grace moaned in response; his touch was heavenly. He smirked into her neck before planting a soft kiss on her collarbone and more arousing heat bloomed from the spot and traveled the path he'd been tracing repeatedly. Her muscles clenched when he added to his track and his fingers skimmed over her rose tattoo.
"You're doing so well," he encouraged.
His exhale hit her sensitive spot and lit up her pleasure center. Grace squirmed with need and her heartbeat picked up the pace, her supple flesh yielding to his dominance instead of resisting as she had before. She wanted him to massage her breasts but Eric still kept the pace slow, languidly worshipping her newly transformed curves with both of his hands. The singer found her voice again - whining and moaning - when his right hand played with her dark curly pubic hair and twirled it around his finger. Their intoxicating blood bond perked up, although at much more manageable levels.
"Faster," she growled through her teeth.
"You're beautiful when you struggle for me," the Sheriff smirked. She sucked in a sharp breath when his fingertips diverted from their normal path and traced her areola… just to go back to the pattern he'd been following. Grace shot him a strong plea through their bond and thrust her ass backward into him, desperate to feel his hardness against her. Eric nipped her earlobe while his hand returned to her curls. He sent cautious energy, prodding her to understand if she was ready.
"Please," she whimpered.
"Very well," he obliged with a daring grin. The vampire slid her onto her back to have better access to her sex and his fingers finally dipped between her thighs. He stroked her precious pearl while his smoldering gaze bore into her. "Look how wet you are, perfect."
Another jolt ripped through her - fuck, he was so good at this - when he slipped in a finger. Grace moaned, closed her eyes and licked her lips. The vampire blood in her veins rejoiced when Eric put in another and started stroking her in a 'come hither' motion. Its happiness fueled her desire and all five of her senses blasted pure ecstasy into her brain, overwhelming anything else.
Her excitement grew with each slide of his hand and Eric let her perceive his satisfaction while dragging his fangs across the tender flesh of her neck. His breath sent shivers down her spine again and her vocalizations soared. She gave him another green light through their bond and urged him to continue. He responded by letting his lips wander to touch her neck, collarbone, nipple, delicate black sternum tattoo lines, solar plexus, belly button, hip bones, public bone and finally, the top of her slick folds. He kept his fingers in motion while he flicked his tongue against her nub and Grace cried out desperately from the soul-sizzling pleasure. She was still in control, but the electricity in her core shocked her system.
"What a little treat you are," he remarked with a husky tone before diving back into his task and lapping up her wetness with slow, tantalizing strokes of this tongue.
She squealed at his praise and wiggled her hips, the vampire blood inside her full of anticipation for her climax. Her need need need was back again; she wanted him to fuck the ever loving shit out of her until dawn. But Eric picked up on her out of control feelings, shushed her, muttered 'Relax' and held her still to force her to endure the slower pace. She caught his blazing gaze and the image of him looking at her directly in the eyes while savoring the taste of her sweet pie would forever be burned into her brain. She threw her head back into the bed - feeling dizzy in the best way possible - and he took his time to build up her release, one indulgent lick and finger pulse after another until she was writhing with desire and swearing like a sailor.
"Fuck, Eric! Fuck, Jesus Christ - f-fuck!"
She arched her back, about to burst; Eric smirked into her entrance when he picked up on her state. He finally decided to give her what she wanted by roughly thrusting his fingers a few last times, sinking his fangs into her femoral artery and opening up his side of the bond so she could feel him come alongside her. Her arousal and blood had forced his release, he was soaring just as much. Grace shrieked, gasped for air and gripped the sheets between her balled up fists as a white light streaked across her field of vision and she exploded.
Earlier she'd been greedy for many rounds of pleasure for the rest of the night but Eric was right to assume things would play out differently. The orgasm had taken more out of her than she was anticipating but fuck, it was so good to finally get her release. Her body quivered as it expelled the tension from her aching muscles and Eric took a few last licks of her blood before he healed the wound, cleaned himself off and moved to spoon with her again. She felt his exhilarating joy while he held her close.
"Thank you," she murmured. "For taking care of me."
"You were great, lover," he praised one last time, kissing her neck. She sighed happily and nuzzled into his embrace. But after a moment, something still tugged at her and he picked up on it. "What is it?"
"I'm sorry I can't … do more," she admitted shamefully.
"Ah, ah," he tutted. "Don't. We have all the time in the world to build up to that. And believe me, I intend to take great pleasure in it."
About two weeks later, Grace stood in front of an easel in her new place. Thankfully she had thought to lay out some plastic sheeting and put on a smock before angrily hurling a glob of red paint onto the canvas.
She'd moved into the small bungalow style home shortly after her transition. Eric told her the previous owner used it as a quiet getaway since it was nestled next to the edge of Cross Lake and she could see why. The Craftsman was compact and comfortable; a three bedroom, one bath property with an open floorplan for the kitchen, dining room and living room. She'd taken to it immediately after the Viking arranged for someone to bring over her stuff from the other house and she purchased a few extra perks with her own money. One of the bedrooms housed a piano and recording equipment, another became her art studio and she turned the backyard into a spa after getting a portable sauna and cold plunge pool.
Nesting became her self care to endure the shit storm her emotions were going through but it didn't completely soothe her. Sure, she enjoyed being alone sometimes, turning on the impressive stereo system and dancing round and round the connected rooms and singing at the top of her lungs. It was the first time in her professional life that she wasn't thinking about the next show or paycheck and it gave her space to explore her creativity. But the general isolation made things more challenging since she didn't have any outside distractions from her new urges and it became a bumpy ride. One moment she was horny and over the moon, the next she was spending time curled up next to the toilet and puking.
Eric came to visit her every night to help her get used to the effects of his blood, however, their time together wasn't damn near long enough. The Sheriff had to maintain appearances and do his nightly duties at Fangtasia, which meant they only spent an hour or two together before the sun rose and whatever time they had once it set and he had to leave. The immortal did what he could to settle her into their blood bond - still taking things slow when she needed a release and praising her for her progress even though her body still couldn't handle full penetration - but when he wasn't there, Grace found it hard to control. The erotic dreams and vampire like hunger drove her crazy.
She visited her ancestor for advice, who told her to lean into her creative outlets and find a different kind of release to overcome the dark tendencies and drug like effects. Hence the spare bedroom set ups in the house. The advice worked alongside the daily spa treatments and Pam and Louis' visits when they came by between their other priorities. Yet when the time came for Fangtasia to put on their first show without her, she became irate and moody like a baby vamp who couldn't regulate herself. The siren knew she shouldn't be on that stage but longed to sing for an audience again.
And so, she decided to express herself through any art necessary that night to distract herself from the fact that the Fangtasia cabaret would be going on without her. Grace had been throwing paint at different canvases all night with Ma Rainey blaring in the background. She sang along with the recordings - her voice turning guttural and raspy when she felt particularly angry - and used her creativity to process the onslaught of emotions she was going through. Eric would be there later that night but Grace didn't want to rely on him to keep her in line. She'd have to do whatever she could when he wasn't around.
Her heart quickened in anticipation when she heard the doorbell, believing the Sheriff was finally done with his duties. But the ring was confusing, Eric normally appeared without alerting her because she could feel his presence. Grace turned suspicious; she didn't sense him at all. She peeked out of the bedroom towards the front door and awkwardly held her paint covered hands in the air so as not to touch anything.
"Who is it?"
"Vincenzo, Miss."
Shit. Grace blindly reached into her stash to throw one more coat of paint onto the canvas and get the disappointment out of her system.
"Come in, I can't open the door. I assume you have a key."
The vampire darted into the room and stopped beside her. She hadn't seen him since her transition but knew that he'd been helping monitor her somehow. Yet she didn't get any creepy vibes from him. His intentions seemed genuine and she felt oddly closer to him now, her blood rejoicing at his proximity. Which she supposed made sense since Eric had told her they were cousins.
When Vincenzo noticed what she was doing, his demeanor softened uncharacteristically. He looked her up and down, noticed her dirty hands, smiled to himself and slowly walked over to her canvas while inspecting her work so far. Grace watched him admire it and realized that her vision of making a piece titled 'Seeing Red' was ruined. She'd reached into the wrong container before and flung streaks of gold instead.
"Shit," she grumbled. "Throwing it out then."
"Why?" Vincenzo asked, raising a brow.
"Because I wasn't supposed to use that color."
"I like it. It reminds me of Kintsugi."
"What's that?"
"The Japanese art of repairing pottery," he explained. "If a bowl breaks, one can mend the broken pieces with lacquer, leaving bright gold seams behind in the cracks. Beauty within imperfection."
Grace huffed past his compliment, blowing some of her layered hair out of her face since she couldn't use her hands.
"Eric not coming?"
"No. He's going to Texas for a few days, the Sheriff of Area 9 called in her favor." She reached into the gold container on purpose this time and threw another aggravated splatter of paint onto the canvas.
"He could have told me that himself."
"He didn't have time. I volunteered to deliver the message in person." The artist turned back to the paint containers but stopped herself from throwing something when she heard his next words. "He also wanted to ask if you're free for dinner when he's back."
"Tell him sure, I guess. Not like I have a lot going on these days," Grace scoffed. The remark made her angry again and she scowled back at the painting. "If that's all, goodnight then. You're not going to want to be around me. I'm in a mood."
"Understood … but promise me you won't throw it out," Vincenzo added softly, nodding towards her easel.
"Why do you care?"
"Because siren art is sacred and priceless. It deserves to be treasured."
Grace paused, her anger receding as she studied his longing expression when he looked back at the painting. It reminded her of the question she'd been meaning to ask him.
"Who was she? The siren you met?"
He took a moment to collect himself and she wasn't prepared for his answer.
"My maker ordered me to track one down for a … competition of sorts. I found her in Naples." Grace blinked rapidly, the connections beginning to form. "She was still part human and living with her parents, but she eventually sailed to America after I let her escape." Her heartbeat jumpstarted. No, no. It couldn't be. "Her name was Alessandra. She was also a skilled painter."
Grace was so shocked she didn't even realize she reached out to grab his arm, getting red and gold all over his shirt sleeve.
"Desiderio." Her mother's family name.
"Sorry?"
"Her last name …"
"How did you …"
The two supernaturals caught each other's stunned faces and sat in silence for a solid minute, drinking in their fated connection.
"The painting, it's yours," Grace finally offered. "Come back to get it once it's dry."
"I couldn't," Vincenzo backtracked, putting up his hands to protest.
"It's the least I can do. You're the reason I'm here after all. If you'd trapped her … "
"I don't want to think about that," he shuddered. And then returned to his closed-off state, the warmth and easyness of their conversation fading away. "I'll take my leave. Goodnight, Miss."
With that, Vincenzo zipped out of the house and Grace was alone again. But instead of returning to her anger management techniques, she stripped off her smock, put her paints away, took one last look at her canvas and made herself a cup of tea. She remained pensive as she sipped it on one of the outdoor chairs overlooking the lake. The headspace spilled over into the next day and finally, she put her finger on what was making her so off-kilter.
Eric's blood … it wasn't a curse she had to continually bear. Yes, V was dangerous and could turn any human or supernatural into an addict; her body had a right to be so sensitive to it. But his bloodline had shown hers considerable support, more than once. So what if she used the magical properties of his blood as a springboard into something better instead of giving into her urges and letting them rule her? What beauty could she find within the imperfections to help her grow into a stronger siren? Because that's what she was, after all. Not some baby vamp who was out of control. She was a full blown, fucking bird woman who was going to help restore her species alongside her vampire family.
And V was not going to destroy her life. She was going to harness and master it. She was stronger than this.
The outlook shift changed her mood completely and Grace decided to keep the painting and cautiously venture out of the house to shop for a new outfit for Eric's upcoming plans. Fangtasia was no longer in charge of dressing her and footing the bill; she was. After pursuing a few local boutiques, she finally landed on something that made her feel sexy and comfortable. And when the night finally came, she donned her new mightnight blue Grecian style goddess dress with a plunging neckline and cutouts on the side that showed sensual bits of her curves. But Eric would have to wait to see them since they were hidden under a grey Viking fur cape he'd gifted her. It was February after all and as far as she knew, sirens didn't naturally run warm.
She threw her purse together, slipped on her boots and was finishing up with her berry lipstick when Eric's scent wafted through the front door. Grace felt her knees wobble slightly. As well as she'd been doing on her own, her body and soul still missed him dearly. And although she hated to admit it, she was a little nervous going into the night. It was their first - well, date. She hadn't been on one of those in ages and even then, not many overall. It made her feel like a teenager again, waiting for a boy to pick her up to go out for the night.
"This man is over a thousand years old, this is not high school you fucking idiot," she grumbled to herself. "Snap out of it."
However, her fluttering heart only worsened when she opened the door and her eyes landed on Eric. He was standing on her covered porch and leaning up against the front railing, dressed in a sharp black suit and looking absolutely gorgeous with his matching dress shirt slightly unbuttoned. The vampire had a flare for showing off his chiseled chest and Grace didn't mind one bit. Her desire for him immediately blossomed, this time without the craziness of his blood. He stared off into the distance with a stormy expression but it softened once his intense blue eyes met hers.
"You've changed," he observed after zipping over to place a hand on her cheek.
"You think so?" she giggled, leaning into his touch. And then berated herself for being such a school girl.
"You're not as tense." Before Grace could say anything, he swooped in for a chaste kiss and let her feel a portion of his longing through their bond. It sent shivers down her spine. "I missed you, lover."
"Me too," she said dreamily. She blasted him with her need, but he still cautiously held back. "Me too."
"I hope tonight makes up for my absence."
He hesitated about mentioning anything else about his trip to Texas.
"I think it will." She couldn't help the stupid smile that followed. "Now what ya got planned?"
Eric's feelings lifted alongside hers; he smirked, turned to reveal the bright red vintage sports car behind him and held out his arm for her to take. Grace's face lit up like a kid on Christmas and she let out a boisterous squeal. Instead of taking his offer, she bounded down the front porch steps and stopped in front of the old-school convertible Corvette Stingray. She'd ask him to get rid of her impulse purchase - it was too painful to drive her toxic getaway car - but damn, she missed the roar of that engine. Her current beat-up Jeep didn't hold a candle.
"What year is this?"
"A '69," he chuckled, trotting down the front steps to join her.
"How on earth did you get it?"
"I bought it. The year it came out."
"Of course," she snorted. "You know, I'm going to have to see this full car collection of yours someday."
"That can be arranged," he grinned, opening the passenger door for her. "You'll learn I have a particular fondness for Corvettes." She opened her mouth to ask how many he owned but he intercepted her. "Seven."
"Damn you," the singer laughed and slipped into the car. She secured her hair to prepare for the wind, relaxed into the plush leather seat and absorbed the engine's purr once Eric turned the ignition. Her skin prickled with anticipation when he backed out of the driveway; her siren sense of naughtiness bubbled up after he floored it and broke many speed limits. She was finally starting to feel like herself again, the only thing missing was a little music.
Yet when she turned on the radio, none of the stations were playing anything she wanted to hear and her sunny disposition darkened. She kept hitting the seek button and jumbled through different sounds of commercials, gospel, pop, mariachi, more commercials, hip-hop, classic rock and more commercials. Finally, the artist abandoned her quest and settled back into her seat, humming to herself as she watched the Louisiana nature fly by. Eric made a few more turns and then guided them down a gravel driveway in front of a mint green Victorian house with three stories and an inviting wrap-around porch decorated with quaint lights. There was nothing else around except massive live oaks scattered across the property.
"Is this someone's house?" Grace asked incredulously. Shit, this was way beyond her expectations for the evening. It didn't help her nerves.
"Let's just say I called in some favors. We won't be disturbed."
Once they parked, the singer's head was on a swivel as he led her into the house; the place had a refreshed take on the original 1800s character, complete with an impressive front entry stairway, stained glass windows and vaulted ceilings. They settled in the dining room where they were met with a romantic table setting for two and a well dressed server. The man informed Grace of the fixed menu that evening before leaving to start the first course and she started to get a little uncomfortable in her seat.
"What?" Eric asked, picking up on her energy. "Did Vincenzo not tell you this would be dinner?"
"No, he did."
"You wanted to get to know me under better circumstances. Is this not what you're used to?" His voice dropped. "… Is this not up to your standards?"
"Eric, this is the nicest dinner I've ever been to," she laughed tensely. "I'm used to guys buying me a slice of pizza after a show. I don't even know when to use all these different forks. And are you just going to … watch me eat while you do nothing?"
"I'll be feeding as well, don't worry," he smirked, gesturing to the deep red bottle and martini glass on his side of the table. He poured himself a drink to make her feel more at ease but Grace still gulped when the server placed a mocktail and petite appetizer in front of her. Everything was still so fancy.
"You know, I don't even know if I need to eat anymore. With the whole not human thing," she remarked. It was something she'd been testing ever since her transition, but she immediately put a hand over her mouth and looked over at the server, who was still hovering over their table. How could she have been so stupid as to mention that in front of him?
"Everyone's been glamoured and Vincenzo is keeping watch outside. I told you, we will not be disturbed," Eric reassured as he reached across the table and put a hand on hers.
Grace eyed him tentatively but softened into his touch and squeezed his hand before biting into the cheese bomb on her plate. She couldn't help but let out a moan of delight; she may not have needed to eat it, but fuck, she was glad she did. Cheese had healing powers, human or not.
"Now, go ahead. Ask me anything. I've been told that's something you do these days on … whatever that website's called. I promise to tell the truth."
Her cheeky nature rose from her gloom and was intrigued by his game.
"You sure about that?"
"Only if I get to ask you questions in return."
"Deal." She rubbed her hands together with excitement. "Alright then, let's start with something easy. So how did a Viking like you end up in Shreveport, Louisiana?"
He grimaced before taking a big sip of blood but kept his promise. "The previous Magister forced Pam and I to move here in 1986. And the Authority made me Sheriff to keep me in check after my disobedience. I chose my human lover over their fucking idiotic rules and they made me decide between her life or Pams as an additional punishment."
And that's how Grace found out just how intense this game could get when playing with a thousand year old plus vampire with a chip on his shoulder. She was taken aback with so many anxieties and concerns - holy fuck, what?! - but mostly, she could feel his deep anger towards the Authority. His blood was boiling, which in turn, made hers do the same and she clutched one of the steak knives next to her plate. However, Eric quickly noticed what was happening, chugged his drink, poured himself another, finished it and sent her a soothing push through their bond. Grace inhaled sharply, shook her head to clear her racing thoughts about their own situation and took a sip of her non-alcoholic drink.
"Well, shit. That's … an answer, alright. Ummm … well … I guess it's your turn then."
"Favorite color?" he asked gently.
"It was purple for a long time. Now it's red. You?"
"Black," he smirked. "Always has been. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?"
"Naples" came out of her mouth without thinking. "I have to believe there are more sirens out there from other bloodlines. I'd like to find them. Plus, Italy just seems cool. Never been." She paused to take one last bite of cheese before the server took it away. "Ok … favorite musician?"
"You."
"Oh, come on." She rolled her eyes. "You're just saying that."
"Truly. You may find this hard to believe, but I never cared about music before I met you."
"Ok, but humor me. At least give me a genre you like. And if you say jazz or blues just because I sing it … no."
"I supposed if I had to … I don't hate that new electronic bass music humans invented." Grace laughed and choked on her drink while imagining him at a dark, grimy rave. But then figured it wasn't too different from Fangtasia. "Favorite flower?"
"Didn't really have one. But I guess now it's a rose," she said, absentmindedly touching her tattoo. She knew it was another softball question; he avoided the deeper waters after her earlier reaction. But she got over herself to dip her toe back in with a topic that hopefully strayed away from being awkward. "Alright, well there's something I've been meaning to ask ever since Jessica let it slip … Are werewolves really a thing?"
His demeanor darkened immediately.
"I don't follow."
"Are they real?" she asked tersely.
"Yes," he said through his teeth. "You should know that, because you've been in contact with one."
"What? I never - how do you know that?"
"Vincenzo reported that he took you home from a bar one night and you smelled distinctly of wolf." He downed the rest of his glass and poured it full again. "At the time I thought you were strategizing with it to attack me."
The waiter returned and cut the tension when he placed another appetizer in front of her. But Grace was still reeling as she put two and two together. No, she wasn't strategizing with it; she was fucking it, to get over him. She knew Alcide had to be the wolf in question because she remembered how his eyes changed color. She felt a mixture of hostility and mortification, which transferred over to Eric. His jealousy flared - signaling he knew what she really did that night, although maybe not why - and he chugged another glass of blood. Grace, meanwhile, had a distinct need to smoke a cigarette. She flared her nostrils, got up from her seat and dumped her napkin on the table.
"I need some air."
She retraced their earlier steps and spilled onto the porch, reaching into her purse to grab her supplies. Eric joined her just as she lit the end of her cigarette and inhaled deeply. She felt marginally better when she exhaled the stream of smoke.
"Since when did you -"
"It's only an occasional thing," she answered before taking another drag.
They sat silently for a few moments before either of them said anything.
"Tonight was designed for a human and you are clearly not one anymore," Eric finally broached, stroking her shoulder. "For that, I apologize. Old habits."
"I appreciate the effort, Eric. I really do. But this feels off," Grace sighed. "... Have you been on a date since the 80s?"
"No. Vampires don't date. We fuck and give each other our blood to show affection." Another sharp jolt of pleasure ripped through her; she inhaled sharply. "We should leave."
"But you paid for this already!"
"Fuck money. You said it yourself, you don't need to eat," he pointed out. "You have me for the whole night. Do you really want to spend it here if neither of us wants this?"
"No," she admitted reluctantly before she took another puff of smoke.
"Then what do you want, Grace?"
To take a walk on the wild side; it wasn't a hard decision. Her eyes immediately returned to his car and she remembered the wonderful feelings it had given her earlier.
"Take me for a drive. Anywhere, I don't care. I just want to feel the road."
Eric grinned and held out his arm. This time she took it with a smile of her own after she put out the cigarette on the railing. He guided them to the car, helped her in, started the engine and took off into the night, leaving their previous plans in the dust. Grace's spirits lifted as the Sheriff put pedal to the metal and the odometer's orange ticker moved higher and higher. She got the same urge to put some music on and fiddled with the radio but found the same result. Nothing sounded good or if something did, the song was just about over once she found it. She huffed - very annoyed - until she looked back at the console and remembered the car had another way to play music.
"You wouldn't happen to have any tapes, would you?"
"I believe there's one in the glove box." His eyes were still on the road as he expertly drifted a corner. Grace popped it open and rummaged around until she found something.
"No way. The Easy Rider soundtrack? Really?"
"Never listened to it. The salesman threw it in after I upgraded to get a tape deck. They had just come out, it was custom."
The singer laughed while she fed the cult classic into the car. The slow opening chords of 'The Pusher' drifted out of the speakers and she relaxed into her seat, listened to the psychedelic sounds and made waves in the wind with her hand. Things finally started to feel right, even if the song was talking about the dangers of substance abuse. But Grace truly brightened when the song ended and Steppenwolf's next tune blasted in her ears.
"Oh fuck yeah!"
Eric threw her a sideways glance and smirked. She immediately cranked the volume, untied her hair to free it, belted out the lyrics with a wicked grin and danced in her seat.
Get your motor runnin'
Head out on the highway
Lookin' for adventure
And whatever comes our way
Yeah, darlin', go make it happen
Take the world in a love embrace
Fire all of your guns at once and
Explode into space
She shrieked and threw both hands in the air with glee. She shimmied her shoulders and Eric eased the convertible into a higher gear down the straightaway. The epic guitar riffs and organ chords soared alongside the siren's voice as she continued to follow along with the recording.
Like a true nature's child
We were born, born to be wild
We can climb so high
I never wanna die
Without thinking, she closed her eyes and put her entire being into the words.
Born to be wild
Born to be wild
A luscious, soul-nourishing high washed over her; her body shivered in delight. Grace ran her fingers through her untamed hair during the instrumental break, reveling in how natural it felt now that she was experiencing her powers sober from drugs and alcohol. When the lyrics returned, she sang along and enthusiastically mimed drumming with the beat on the front dash until the music crescendoed; the artist crowed and let herself get a little out of control. The tape finally transitioned into a slower track and she crashed back into her seat to catch her breath.
The singer glanced over at her lover and noticed that he had a maniacal grin and was practically vibrating as he absorbed her siren joy through their bond. He amplified her feelings and that's when Grace realized what she truly wanted that evening: him. No more holding back because she couldn't handle it. All of him.
Because this man was hers. Yes, Eric was a punch-clock villain and a right asshole in the beginning, something she would never let him forget. Yet ever since he'd accepted their bond and helped her transition, he was her lifeline. Grace didn't want to call him her savior because she'd done a lot of fucking work herself thank you very much, but the vampire had provided her with everything she could have needed along the way, including tender loving care (which she found she desperately needed). Sometimes she still had to pinch herself that he was her soul mate because if you had told little Gracie she would be bonded to such an ancient and powerful being, she would have laughed in your face. No way, she wasn't worth that kind of love. She wasn't good enough for someone who'd seen it all, she wasn't special. They wouldn't care for her that much.
But Eric did. And now she wanted to show him how much she loved him back. The vampire way.
Her little troublemaker was out in full force now that she'd activated her powers. She let her hand wander over to his thigh and at first, Eric didn't notice since he was too caught up in the new exhilarating siren feelings she'd transferred over their bond. But when her fingers grazed the bulge in his pants, his eyes widened and he attempted to reel himself in.
"Grace …"
"Keep your eyes on the road, Mr. Northman," she purred. "I'm driving here."
She sent him soothing sensations to say it was ok and spread her whole hand over his hardness. Grace felt it quiver with anticipation, even through his clothes; she smirked and undid his zipper to go further. Eric growled and kept his foot steady on the gas, but that changed once she slipped her touch beneath the last layer of fabric. She finally gripped his cock and the car began to accelerate as he kept his gaze ahead.
Grace licked her lips and stroked him slowly. His fangs came down with a snick! and he let her feel his arousal and need grow as she sped up her motions. Then she got a rather naughty idea. The singer glanced at the road to make sure there wasn't any oncoming traffic or sharp turns and unbuckled her seatbelt. Before Eric could protest, she leaned over and put her face in his lap to swirl her tongue around his tip.
He groaned and softly ran one of his hands through her hair with the other still on the wheel while she fully took him in her mouth. Her tongue ran the length of his shaft until her lips reached the tops of his blonde curls and he hit the back of her throat. Eric's foot promptly lost control; the Corvette's engine roared as they flew down the Louisiana backroad. Grace used her hand and lips together as she bobbed her head and could feel his animalistic urges desperately clawing to escape his stronghold.
She kept her motions steady, wanting to release them. She was already dripping wet herself. However, it became too much for Eric when she switched the tempo and paused to slowly tease him again by focusing on his tip. Suddenly Grace was deep in the woods and up against a tree; he made sure not to harm her as he used vampiric speed to drag the car over to the side of the road and free her from her seat. His lips crushed into her but she found the slight pain absolutely delicious. She surged into his mouth and stimulated his fangs with her tongue but was disappointed when he pulled away.
"Slow down, lover," he rasped.
"No," she protested, focusing her blazing gaze on him. She gave him the biggest green light possible alongside her siren confidence. "I've had enough foreplay. I want what's mine."
The dam broke; his carnal desire flooded across their bond. Eric's feral urges rumbled and he gripped her hips, quickly forced them both to the ground and placed her on top of him so she could have better leverage. She moved her dress out of the way and immediately started rolling her hips now that she was straddling him. The silk fabric of her panties slid against the soft skin of his cock and he grunted, threw his head back into the earth and met her movements with his own thrusts.
Fuck, no more wasting time, they'd done enough of that - she needed him, all of him. Grace's heartbeat was banging in her chest as she reached under the slit of her dress. Thankfully she'd had the foresight to buy the type of sexy underwear that tied on the side in little bows; they easily came off after a few wanton movements and she tossed them to the side. She was ready for this, dear God. The singer craved it and she wouldn't let anything get in the way. Eric propped himself up to help and she placed a hand on his shoulder to steady herself as she parted her sopping folds and finally lowered herself all the way onto his cock.
Tension left her body; her shoulders dropped; her eyes widened; her slacked jaw opened in awe as she adjusted to his size. But it wasn't just the physical sensations that sent her into the stratosphere. Their union felt especially otherworldly and sacred with the hard earth, old trees, Spanish moss and starry night sky all around them.
Eric whispered ancient words of wonder against her chest, just as amazed. Her hips softly rocked forward to feel more of him and she squeaked as shockwaves of pleasure fanned out across her skin. She continued to languidly move back and forth to grind on him while her nails dug into his shoulder to keep a hold of reality. The artist had never felt so whole with someone inside her and the friction against her clit was exquisite. It fueled her arousal higher and higher, but this time, his blood didn't threaten to take her under. Instead, her siren abilities took the reigns and her actions grew more confident as she channeled her inner cowgirl and rode him like there was no tomorrow. Because maybe there wouldn't be if the Authority caught them.
One particular swirl of her hips elicited a savage growl from her mate and an impish grin burst across her face. "Oh you like that, don't you?"
"Yes," he groaned.
His fangs scraped over the sensitive skin of her neck to further show his appreciation, knowing what it did to her. Grace laughed enthusiastically and repeated her movement; Eric let out a guttural sound and she loved that she could feel his deep desire for her. His hands roamed beneath her fur cape and found the dip of her hourglass waist. He tightly gripped her flesh and she let go of his shoulders, worked her thighs and shifted her hips, adding sweet little bucks and twerk sequences every once and a while to keep him on his toes.
The fire was building within them both and sweat beaded on her skin despite being pressed against his cold, hard body in the middle of the winter night. The singer continued to chase her climax but started to lose her grip the more she gave in to the intoxicating fruits of her labor. Eric picked up on her waning strength and she suddenly felt a powerful thrust of his hips from below. She screamed in delight. He smirked as her lust rushed through their bond and paired his next pound with a word that he knew would wreck her.
"Mine."
Grace just about dissolved into a puddle in response to his claim.
"Say - it - again," she managed to get out between ragged breaths.
"MINE."
Eric clutched her hips to keep her steady in the same position as he took control from below. He used his supernatural speed to jackhammer into her - claiming her over and over again - and she hung on for dear life while experiencing a level of ecstasy she didn't know was possible. Her vocalizations were loud and her powers soared; she was at one with the universe. Infinite in all directions. And so was he. Their auras twirled around them and she experienced a wild sense of chromesthesia, seeing and hearing a mixture of red and icy blue colors until her release.
And when the moment finally came and she unraveled into the most beautiful climax, Eric's fangs pierced her neck and he unloaded his blood seed into her, completing the exchange and supercharging her genetics. They were both so caught up in their euphoria and rapture that they failed to notice the spasms that rippled around Grace's shoulder blades. A lump of bone and muscle rose from deep within her for a few moments before fading away.
Her siren wings.
Author's note: Aaaaaand queue the curtains - that's the end of Act Two folks!
Heads up, the next chapter will likely be out in one or two months … I need to iron out some plots before the next Act and I'll be traveling for two weeks. This chapter was like two in one though so hopefully it will hold you over ;) Here's the sexy soundtrack as an extra goodie:
- Lots and lots of Rhye
- You Sexy Thing - Caleb Hawley
- Can't Wait - Doja Cat
- Big Ole Freak - Megan Thee Stallion
- Pony - Postmodern Jukebox, Ariana Savalas
- Tyrant - Beyoncé, Dolly Parton
- Infinite - GRiZ
Love you all, please review and tell me what you think! I hope I did their smut justice ;)