Night and Shadows -- (Closed)

[DarkEmpress]

Vlad’s arms tightened around her and gooseflesh erupted across her skin as he growled in response and buried his hands in her hair. Skye melted against him, her lips on his, moving and searching; hands everywhere, roaming across him asif she could never get enough of him.

In what felt like an eternity, Skye finally tore her lips from him and stood staring up at him, longingly. Her hands slid down the side of her frame and in one smooth motion, she peeled her shirt from her body, fully complying with his earlier request. Her black, lacy bra still hugging her form.

She didn’t want to take her shirt off earlier, for fear of the moment becoming awkward; but now that has changed. Now the fierce need she felt in her, validated the need to be undressed...

Skye buried a hand in his shirt once more, but this time she took a step back and half pulled Vlad with her onto the bed. She wanted him anywhere and everywhere in this room. On top of her, beneath her, beside her... inside her...

 

[The_gladiator]

Time stood still as their kiss stretched on and on. It was she that finally broke the kiss, seeming almost dazed, and a light in her eyes that demanded more, telegraphing her desire. He was surprised to admit he didn’t want the kiss to end.

However, what she did next upped the ante even higher, and managed to further inflame his desire. She removed her shirt with one smooth motion. The black lace cupping the firm weight of her full breasts, caressing against her skin. He could clearly see the outline of her nipples pressing sensually against the fabric, demanding out, almost as if begging for his attention.

This was another prime moment for Vlad to break away, to deny this, to prevent this from going further. It was not wise to give her this power over him. Yet, he made no effort to stop her, in fact his eyes traveled up and down her form, clearly advertising his desire for her.

Bunching her hand again in his shirt she took a step back half pulling him atop her and the bed. He went willingly, making even that motion graceful, the strike of a predator. He pinned her beneath his weight, feeling her lush curves pressing so wonderfully to his chest. His hand was in her hair, tugging her head to the side, exposing the delicate arch of her neck, so vulnerable, so tempting, to him. He could claim her in that moment; physically complete a bond they had started when she took his blood earlier. For a trio of long heartbeats he let her live with that knowledge, let her anticipate what he might do—before he let his lips trail over her skin—so soft—just what he wanted. There was something about her, so familiar yet so different. He recognized in her qualities that were similar to the one he had once bound his life to. She was different, yet something about her got through his shields and laid his soul bare to her. “Glad to see you can obey orders, even if it is on your own time.” He whispered in her ear, referring to her removing her shirt. “Though I will admit, you have a better sense of timing than I do.” His teeth scraped the skin just below her ear as he spoke. His words were as much about the warm breath teasing the flesh of her ear as they were about what he was actually saying.

 

[DarkEmpress]

Vlad’s entire frame pinned her to the bed and Skye took a sharp breath in, as she trailed one leg up his frame, letting a single fingernail gently scrape up his spine.

His hands were buried in her dark, luscious hair once more and Skye could feel him move her head to the side, exposing her neck to his advances...

She froze, panic screaming through her senses, her eyes momentarily swirling into dark orbs. If Vlad sunk his fangs into her flesh and took of her blood, a sacred ritual would be complete, making Skye his mate, for life. Such a bond was rarely broken, establishing a deep link that was only ever undertaken by a select few who vowed their lives to each other. It was a decision that was never taken lightly, as forever translated into a very long time in a vampire lifespan.

Skye had undertaken such a bond once before in her life, to someone who had turned out to be her worst nightmare. He was able to track her through the bond and was also the main reason she has spent her life running, staying under the radar, making her a master at disappearing.

Vlad kept Skye hanging in the fear of that all encompassing moment for what felt like an aeon.

Would that be so bad? A little voice in the back of her mind asked.

She was even more stunned at the answer... Perhaps not...

Her eyes drained of all its colour, once more, leaving the answer to the question clearly engraved in its depths, and when Vlad’s lips finally descended to innocently trail across her skin, Skye shivered in response, shutting her eyes tightly, trying to hide the answer...

Oh god, the little voice whispered, and Skye wasn’t sure whether it was relief... or regret...

“Glad to see you can obey orders, even if it is on your own time.”

His whispered words cut through her senses, implying something much darker... more primal. If Skye was human, she would have been panting against him right now, and yet she didn’t want to let on just how much his words affected her.

“Though I will admit, you have a better sense of timing than I do.”

Skye moaned as his teeth scraped the skin just below her ear, absolutely driving her insane. Wrapping her legs around him, She raked her nails down his back, whispering back in his ear, “Timing, is everything,” before she nibbled his earlobe, returning the favour.

 

[The_gladiator]

His eyes had caught the flash of fear in her gaze, then fading away to submission. He had to admit that the fear pleased the predator in him. However, the submission pleased the predator as well. The two combined showed her desire, and it was her passion, her sensuality that pleased the man within him. It was the two factors combined that made the being that was Vlad. He wasn’t just the hunter, nor would he ever be the man he had once been, such a very long time ago. He was something different, his role in vampire society setting him apart. Even so she was quickly proving that he was just as susceptible to her charms as any. Possibly even too vulnerable to her charms for his liking. However he had made his choice, had given in, and this meant trusting her.

Her words seemed to echo his own thoughts, timing indeed was everything, and this was the right time for what they were doing. He could not explain why, but it was. Merely taking her blood might not have bound them without the words, though he had heard of that happening, but he did not dare take her blood with passions this high, with emotions this raw, for he was certain that would be enough to bind them irrevocably.

“You do seem skilled at knowing what is needed, and when it is required.” He whispered in response, breath tickling the delicate shell of her ear. His hands were still in her hair, such softness and she seemed to respond to his possessive hold so wonderfully. He could feel those delicate hands of hers touching his back, but he was wearing too many clothes himself, he found that he needed that touch on bare skin.

He pushed himself up on his knees, between her legs, and wordlessly guided her hands to the buttons of his shirt in a wordless request, nay a demand and challenge. His own hand found her cheek, turning her face up to his, a request evident with that simple touch as well, he wanted her to show him her desire, not hide it with her eyes closed as she was currently doing.

He held her gaze for long moments waiting to see her next move as he let his own hands fall to skim up her sides towards her breasts. He let his eyes drop from hers long enough to find the front clasp of her bra, flicking it open with his hands , gently pealing the layer of cloth back to expose her to his hungry gaze. He took in her full beauty for an equally long moment, before he again lifted his eyes to her, his desire now plain in the dark depths. A hunger for her, and vast appreciation of her beauty was telegraphed in that second gaze.

It was becoming clear that Vladimir was surprisingly tactile, for someone who held himself so apart from everyone, so it was a tease of her in and of itself that he did not immediately touch what he had exposed. The way he caressed her ribs and abdomen suggested he wanted to. The slight upturn of his lips suggested not that he was nervous or being tentative, but wanting to heighten her desire, her anticipation of what he might do, what he might expect her to urge him to do.

 

[DarkEmpress]

Following his cue, Skye slowly and very purposely undid the buttons on his shirt, revelling in the sublimely masculine chest that she revealed, running her hands across him and drinking in the feeling of his bare skin beneath her fingertips.

He had lifted her chin to look at him, and Skye complied, watching him as he undid her bra. The emotions that were illuminated in his eyes were mesmerising, ranging between hunger and desire. He was teasing her by purposely avoiding touching her erogenous zones.

Staring up at him, she ran her fingers down his abdomen, painstakingly slow, teasing the skin just above the button on his trousers, before flicking a seductive finger across it and undoing it. In one smooth motion, Skye pushed herself up from the bed and made herself comfortable on his lap, where he sat on his knees. Wrapping her legs around him, she smoothed her hands up and around his torso before she brought her hands down his back, bringing his shirt down with them as her nails gently scraped bare skin this time. Pressed up against him, Skye claimed his lips once more, not able to stand being so far away from him.

 

[The_gladiator]

Vlad slid his gaze back down her body to her breasts, and couldn’t help licking his lips, that subtle gesture telegraphing his desire for her as much as a shout, to someone who was observant like Skye. Eventually his gaze traveled to her delicate hands, which worked confidently to open the buttons of his shirt.

He sucked in his breath sharply as she let her fingertips dance over his bare skin, teasing him. The feel of her hands on bare skin was unbelievable to him. It had been so long since he had been given such a gift. She was soon proving that more than one could play the game of seduction, and teasing, as she teasingly opened the button of his pants, making him think of where her hands might go next, and he held his breath with anticipation. However, mistress of timing that she was, she had something else in mind, no need to rush things. All would happen in due time.

He slid his arms around her as she slid seamlessly onto his lap. She sensually made removing his shirt a part of the journey her hands took exploring him. He was a bit surprised but definitely pleased when his first touch of her breasts was them pressed to his strong chest as she kissed him, his own hands likewise sliding up her back, to increase that sensation, to feel her pressed to him. After all this had been his goal in wanting his shirt gone. He had needed to feel all of her against him.

His mouth controlled the kiss this time, his tongue sweeping into her mouth, exploring every inch of her mouth he could reach. It found her tongue and sensually twined with her’s. As he kissed her his hands made their way back into her hair, it quickly becoming clear that her hair was a feature of hers he was more than passingly fond of.

Pulling back from the kiss he let his lips trail across her jaw, briefly teasing her ear again before he let them travel down the column of her throat. This time his teeth did scrape at her beating pulse; his tongue swirling over the place to sooth the gentle sting of his teeth. He wanted to taste her blood, so much was evident in the way he lingered there, but he didn’t dare, and slowly, ever so slowly he moved lower. He nibbled his way over her shoulder and down her collarbone. His hands gently pulled her shoulders back, leaning her back on his lap so he could begin kissing down the slope of her breast his eyes rolling up to watch her reaction to his mouth’s exploration of her body.

Even as his lips neared her nipples, his hands had slid down to her bottom, pulling her pelvis closer to his, not quite grinding them together, but joining them in this sensual dance.

 

[DarkEmpress]

He wanted her blood, that Skye was certain of. She also knew it took every ounce of his restraint not to do so, which made her melt in his arms. With his hands in her hair, Vlad pulled Skye back as his lips followed the curve down her neck, kissing a trail of red hot desire down to the gentle mounds of her breasts.

With her hands on his shoulders, Skye arched, throwing her head back as she sucked in a deep breath and bit down on her bottom lip, her eyes fluttering shut. Vlad was in control of her every move and as she hung somewhere between complete surrender and blistering need, she shuddered as his lips trailed across her skin.

She could feel his full erection pressed against her very willing flesh and Skye’s entire body was aching to feel him slide into her depths. She needed Vlad, so badly. A moan escaped her lips, as she dug her nails into him, wanting to be free of the clothes that kept them apart.

"I want you," she breathed, as her eyes fluttered open. They were almost translucent as she locked her gaze with him, pleading...

 

[The_gladiator]

The smile that came to Vlad’s lips was slow in coming, and more than just a little wicked as Skye spoke. Her seductive tones advertising her need, bordering on a plea for him to take her. The smile was born perhaps of his desire for her, how much her words were like sweet music to his ears. However, the smile had a hint of a dark sensuality, as he was just getting started with her. He would give her all that she wanted, but he would savor this moment.

“A starving man does not devour his meal, lest he spoil the experience.” He whispered, the faintest accent creeping into his words. Vladimir had excellent knowledge of modern American English, however there were moments like then where he could not hide what he was—ancient—whose native language had been something far different. It was clear some of his perfect control was eroding.

He slid his mouth over one of her nipples, tongue swirling as a rumble of a sound escaped him. It wasn’t quite a growl of need, but definitely a very male sound of pleasure. As his teeth scraped over her tender flesh, his left hand slid up her side to cover the breast not being worshiped by his mouth. He traced her skin as if she were a work of art or sculpture he wanted to memorize. His hands were those of an artist, even if death was their art. Perhaps though in this moment they could be more than that macabre calling, they could be hands of pleasure. His eyes continued to meet hers, holding her gaze. He was unable to hide the pleasure he was experiencing from this act of teasing her body. Although he had not spoken the words in that moment that he wanted her, his actions spoke volumes.

 

[DarkEmpress]

A starving man does not devour his meal, lest he spoil the experience.

Vlad’s dark eyes were shimmering with something wickedly alluring in their depths… Desire? Lust? She did not know, but as his mouth claimed her nipple, she gave a silent gasp. Skye was holding on to him as his hand smoothed up the side of her to caress her other soft mound, his touch, gentle and demanding all at once. The movement intensified the pressure of him against her, making Skye’s body quiver.

Her eyes were mesmerising slits, an almost ice white colour, arousal simmering in their depths as she watched him. For an individual that struck such fear in the hearts of the entire vampire community, Skye felt herself inexplicably and inexorably drawn to him. Vladimir’s entire persona radiated raw and unbridled power, and yet what was transpiring between them was so far removed from it; perhaps another manifestation of his absolute dominance even in the field of making love? Who knew that she would find herself so sensually lost in his powerful arms, when the very mention of his name had the opposite effect, not so long ago.

She rolled her head back, her eyes fluttering shut, spiralling raven hair dripping from between Vlad’s fingers as he held her in her place. Skye moaned against his assault on her senses, as he slowly kindled a fire that she had thought was extinct.

He kept her suspended for what felt like a lifetime, lost in the sensation and oblivious to the world. Moving one of her hands down, she delicately traced her fingertip down his shoulder and traced his jawline, before lightly lifting his head. The movement freed her nipple from his advances as she pulled herself back up into his arms, her lips claiming his back, far too jealous of being left alone for so long.

Her lips were moving hungrily across his, deepening the kiss and getting lost in the sensuality of it. Skye wrapped her arms around him, her hands moving across him, memorising every inch of him. Somehow, they just fit, as if they were made for each other... as if her hands were tracing a very faint memory of something her body already knew.

When Skye finally pulled her lips from his, and stared into those glorious dark eyes of his, she was drunk on desire… her body wanting so much more. She shifted herself up and made quick work of the rest of her garments, before she abruptly crashed down on him, searing pain from her wounds momentarily dizzying her. She moaned against his chest, her eyes a sudden azure blue, before swirling back into its ice white colour of desire.

“I’m fine,” she whispered against his lips, before claiming them again, feeling safe in his arms.

 

[The_gladiator]

Time stood still as his eyes locked with hers. On the edge of the knife of time they hovered, balanced precariously there for seconds that stretched into eternity. He could only hope that it never ended. Vladimir had no rational explanation for the animalistic hunger that was growing inside him for her. He wanted to possess her in that moment and for all the moments to come. The instincts of their ancient race beat at him, whipping him onward. They begged for him to make her his. His sense of self preservation told him that he should run but Vladimir didn’t run. He would not lose this chance, this gift.

Her gasp was music to his ears, a wordless heartbeat of pure acceptance and her body’s betrayal of her enjoyment. It was a sound she made no attempt to hide. He treasured her every reaction. It had been so long since he had felt a woman stir under his touch. Following her unspoken request, he let her nipple pop from his mouth with an audible sound. He was all too willing to kiss her. Their lips molding to one another as they danced the sensual tango of tongues and teeth. It was like she was made to kiss him, seeming to know how to kiss him without being told. Long, slow and deep, yet with so much pent up tension behind them is how his kisses were would he have to describe them.

Another stolen moment was experienced as their eyes met and he could see his desire mirrored in the blue orbs. His smile returned as she rid herself of her clothes. Again, it held a wicked glint as his eyes traveled over the valleys and plains of her body as she exposed herself to him. His gaze was wanton and possessive. That is until she gasped with pain and fell against him.

Concern flashed quickly over his face before he stoically wiped it clear of emotions, his armor snapping back into place as he steadied her, left hand traveling up to press against the wound on her back. Warmth spreading from his hand through the wound. It had probably been too much movement on her part.

He could hear her words reassuring him that she was ok even as she kissed him again. He did not kiss her back immediately, the leader in him worried about one of his people being injured. However, the feel of her body and the press of her lips Stripped away the shields like layers of an onion at the hands of a master chef. He melted for her yet again. Another growl of need escaping him.

However, the protective streak would not totally be put to bed so easily. Therefore, Vlad tilted his head to the side in a silent invitation. His hand sliding deeper into her hair to the back of her neck, cupping the back of her head pulling her towards the exposed line of his throat. “Feed,” He said. One word, an imperious command that would accept no argument. She needed, and he would provide for her. That was his duty, but moreover it was his honor in that moment, and it simply felt right, and much more intimate than it aught to be.

 

[DarkEmpress]

It was mesmerising watching the silent war play out inside of him. There was desire, concern and an iron will, all warring for dominance. His hand came up to support Skye, possessively covering her wound. She was thankful for it. Taking a steadying breath, Skye soaked up the feel of his sublime male figure in such close proximity.

Vlad’s single command took her by surprise, disbelief playing across her features. His every gesture and every action was completely disarming. Skye’s heart was in serious danger of falling head over heels for this tapestry of a man, who was imposing, forbidding and violently dangerous, and yet… there was something very tender in the way he approached her. His hand slowly slid up into her hair, taking control of her movement, making it clear that there was no debating the matter.

Skye let her hands slide up his chest, feeling the muscles ripple beneath her fingertips as she moved them up and over his shoulders. She shot him one last uncertain glance, only to be reassured that there was no backing out, before she slightly opened her mouth, the tips of her fangs just visible. Her eyes orbed into an obsidian black colour as she succumbed to her body’s primal need for sustenance and healing. Leaning in against Vlad, Skye pressed her naked body to him, skin on skin… his manhood still trapped, but pressing against her. She placed a gentle kiss to his lips and then slowly trailed a line of soft kisses to the curve of his neck, before very gently piercing his skin.

An audible gasp escaped her lips. The first time he had allowed her, she was too weak to fully comprehend the pure strength that simmered in his bloodline. It felt like an explosion in her veins and coupled with the raw desire that was simmering between them, it created an addictive cocktail that completely blew Skye’s mind. She moved against Vlad, hoping the endorphins her venom injected in his veins, would bring him along on this extraordinary ride. It was custom for vampires to feed from one another during mating - as it did, just this - but Skye had never experienced anything remotely like this before.

When she finally extracted her fangs, she healed him, before lifting her eyes to Vlad. The black colour slowly orbed back into its ice white colour, gratitude simmering in their depths... but also something else... something much deeper. Her breath was racing , every inch of her body on fire as his blood coursed through her veins, healing her wounds and at the same time fuelling her desire for Vlad. “Thank you…” the words ghosted from her lips.

Skye moved her hands down his back, her nails gently scraping as she did, flattening them and moving them around his waist to undo the top button of his pants.

 

[The_gladiator]

He felt her slight hesitation at his command. The glance she gave him questioning the wisdom of obeying his decree, seeking validation that he meant his offer genuinely. His look was steady and his touch implacable and he made it clear that this was his expectation.

Vladimir was quickly becoming aware that everything Skye did, everything she touched became an artform. Feeding was no different. Vlad lost himself in the sensuality that she exuded, and when she finally bit into his neck whips of white-hot pleasure rocketed through his bloodstream, fanning the fires of his desire.

At the right moment in time what she’d just done could have been enough to trigger release, had he been inside her, for example. Fortunately, he was still clothed and did not embarrass himself—yet. Even still simply feeling her pressed so intimately against him would have been pleasing, coupling that with the feel of her drinking of his essence, allowing his strength to nurture her, just increased the delight he felt tenfold.

After she had respectfully healed him and offered him her gratitude, he dismissed it with a simple shrug. It was silent yet said so much. His expression somehow clearly conveyed his belief that she had needed and he had provided for her. Even so, there was something there that told her it was so much more than just a simple duty to him though. Its transcended honor or privilege even in that moment. It was clear he desired her, yet was holding himself in check.

Vlad could feel his own fangs explode against his tongue as she began to open his pants and his dark eyes simmered with his hunger. He was like a coiled viper, wanting to strike, even if he did not dare drink from her not make that leap. The instincts of their people ran deep and he was barely holding them in check so he did not claim her right then and there. Yet, when he touched her cheek, brushing a lock of hair back from her beautiful face his touch was nothing but tender. Such a dichotomy warred within Vladimir that it had almost a beauty to it. “You don’t owe me this,” he finally spoke, his voice a low rumble. Almost as if he were offering her one last chance to run before, he claimed her. It was clear by the arm wrapped possessively around her waist that he did not wish her to go anywhere, even though his words and the honor they hinted at said he would if she was not completely sure of this. It was also somehow clear in that moment that he was referring to the sex they seemed poised to have, this was not a question about the mating ritual, which he was so clearly fighting not to complete, for her sake. His fingertips caressed the skin of her back as he awaited her verbal consent. His eyes locking with hers. Wanting reassurance that this was what she wanted and not just what she thought she owed in payment for her life.

 

[DarkEmpress]

Vlad lifted a hand and brushed a wayward curl from her cheek. Skye leaned into his gentle caress, their eyes locked in an endless ebb and flow of raw need. She could see the tips of his fangs, realisation setting in that Vlad hungered for her on more than one level and that he showed tremendous restrain.

She lowered her gaze for a moment, contemplating what it would mean if he completed the ritual, and was amazed to find her inner voice cautious on the matter, but not entirely opposed to it…

“You don’t owe me this,” he said in that rich baritone voice of his, that could make a girl melt with a single word. It was an even greater testament to the iron restrain he commanded, that he would be willing to let her walk away. Her eyes lifted to his again, warmth kindling in their depths for this man who surprised her at every possible junction. Chivalry was, definitely, alive and well. Vlad was a gentleman, even when consumed by raging desire.

Skye leaned forward, placing her forehead against his in an intimate caress. “I know,” she whispered in a voiceless tone, their lips almost touching, her breath playing across the smooth contours of his lips. Her hands meandered back up, cupping his face on either side, before she answered him with another deep and searing kiss. There was nowhere else, on this earth, Skye wanted to rather be, than here… lost in Vlad’s arms, her naked body astride upon his lap with every fibre in her being aching with ardour, for him.

 

[The_gladiator]

Vladimir was taken aback by the raw hunger displayed in her kiss. It was a kiss meant to telegraph clearly her acceptance and willingness to participate in this. Something swept through Vlad in that moment. Was its relief? Perhaps it was wonder. Certainly, it contained desire.

He took control of the kiss letting his tongue sweep into her mouth. Tasting the rich flavor that was his own blood. Mixed with the taste that was uniquely Skye, he found it was something he could definitely get used to experiencing. As they grew closer and closer, he realized how much he wanted her, hungered to truly make her his on more than one level.

As he kissed her, he slid his hands down under her bottom to lift her, never breaking their kiss. He lay her down, following her down until she was sitting on the bed and he kneeling between her legs. At last he broke the kiss and in her full view slid his hands down his front to the pants that she had started to open and with quick decisive movements he began to expose himself to her.

He wore nothing beneath the jeans, it was only skin that he revealed as he slid the pants away. At last exposing the part of him that showed he was very male, and that he hungered for her in many ways.

When he was done, he was left as nude as her, still on his knees after pulling the pants out from behind him. Though this time knelt up which put him at her breast/neck level as he jutted up and away from his body.

Dark eyes watched her, ready, waiting poised for what came next. It was almost as if he were displaying himself just a bit, wondering if she approved of what she saw. Even as his own eyes continued to devour her. They hung in another of those frozen seconds before he met her gaze. It was clear that they had reached the point of no return. He would have her now, one way or another. Gone was the invitation to leave, in its place was stark desire for her. The age-old desire of a man for a woman.