Wounded Soul Read online

  Blinking up at him, wondering if the beer had affected him more than he thought, Ian grinned. “Wow, you get undressed quickly.”

  A shadow passed over Jesse’s eyes, gone so quickly, Ian wondered if he imagined it. Jesse shrugged, grinning back, and gestured to where Ian lay naked and sprawled out on the bed. “There’s a lot of incentive for me to hurry up.”

  Naked and glorious, Ian barely had time to take in Jesse’s flawless, pale skin and the soft dusting of dark hair over his pecs before he climbed back onto the bed and crawled up to reclaim his spot.

  “Where was I?” he whispered, stroking a hand along Ian’s thigh, fingers teasing the crease of his groin but going no further.

  Ian huffed out a laugh and reached down to palm his rapidly thickening cock. “About here, I think?”

  “Here?” Sliding his hand over Ian’s, Jesse wrapping their fingers around Ian’s dick and started a slow glide up and down.

  It felt so good having someone else touch him. The months of only his own hand for company seemed a million miles away. Closing his eyes, Ian settled back into his pillow, letting Jesse take over. For once his mind was blissfully empty of everything but what was happening in that room.

  Jesse’s tongue worked magic on the head of his cock, teasing little licks before he slowly took him in his mouth and sucked him deep. Ian’s breath caught, torn between the urge to fist his hands into Jesse’s hair and thrust, and the need to not be a wanker. He gripped the quilt instead, fingers curling into the material and holding fast as Jesse’s head bobbed up and down, his mouth drawing Ian to the edge of orgasm almost embarrassingly fast.

  For one second he considered telling Jesse to back off a little, slow things down, then Jesse sucked him deep enough for his cock to nudge the back of his throat, and fuck it.

  Fingers dug into his hip, and Ian gave in to the urge to thrust, chasing Jesse’s mouth. The hum of approval went straight to his groin, balls drawing up tight, and he did it again and again until the need to come overwhelmed him and he let go, emptying into Jesse’s mouth. The sounds of his breathing filled the room, and Ian scrubbed his hands over his eyes, basking in the glow of the best orgasm he’d had in ages.

  Amazing what an extra pair of hands and a willing mouth could do.

  When Jesse sat back on his knees, Ian looked up to find him watching him, one hand on his cock and stroking it lazily as though he had all the time in the world. Only the tense set to his shoulders and the hungry way he eyed Ian gave away how close he was. Jesse bit his lip, gaze roaming Ian’s body as though deciding what he wanted to do with him.

  Ian was up for anything.

  He put a hand on Jesse’s thigh, the soft hairs tickling his palm as he slowly slid it higher. “You can fuck me if you want?”

  Jesse’s eyes darkened, his mouth curving up into a smile, but his hand kept the same steady rhythm. “Tempting,” he said, gaze dropping to between Ian’s legs.

  He’d forgotten how it felt to be looked at like that, to be so obviously wanted, and his pulse kicked up a notch. “What do you want?”

  Jesse glanced up to meet his eyes, expression so intense Ian got lost in it for a moment. “Everything,” Jesse murmured, voice low and soft. It seemed to skitter over Ian’s skin, making the hairs stand on end.

  He spread his legs wide in invitation, but a frown coloured Jesse’s features and he shook his head quickly. “I’d want to take my time with you, explore your body thoroughly with my tongue, my hands, and my cock.”

  “Fuck.” Ian swallowed, gaze dipping to Jesse’s dick, hard and jutting up as he continued the slow thrusts into his fist.

  “That’s not possible tonight.” Jesse smirked. “Maybe another time.”

  Ian should tell him this was a one-time-only thing, that there wouldn’t be a next time, but then Jesse tipped his head back, eyes closed, and started to jack himself off with purpose.

  All Ian could do was watch.

  And get hard.

  His hand went to his cock without conscious thought, and Ian found himself matching Jesse’s rhythm as he stared, transfixed.

  The rest of the room faded away, Ian’s sole focus on the glide of Jesse’s hand up and down his cock. He licked his lips, wishing he’d got to taste it, but Jesse’s back arched, hand tightening around his cock, and he let out a low moan before shooting over his hand and Ian’s thigh.

  Heat licked up his spine, but Ian needed a little more to push him over the edge. He let out a groan of frustration, then Jesse was on him, kissing him hard and slipping a hand around Ian’s to urge him on.

  With sticky-wet fingers, Jesse moved his hand lower, tracing fingertips over Ian’s taint towards his hole. His touch was light, but the realisation that he was using his own come to press inside Ian tipped Ian over the edge, and he cried out, clenching around Jesse’s fingers.

  Jesus Christ.

  With an exhausted sigh, Ian let his arms drop to the bed, lazy smile in place as he basked in the afterglow.

  His second of the night.

  He felt spoiled, not that he was complaining. He hadn’t felt this relaxed in . . . fuck, he couldn’t remember.

  Ian found himself smiling, his whole body settling into the mattress like it weighed a ton.

  Maybe he needed to rethink his original plan of this being a one-time thing.

  The bed dipped, and Ian turned onto his side in time to see Jesse stand and start to look for his clothes.

  Or maybe he wasn’t going to get a choice in the matter.

  CHAPTER TWO

  Jesse kept his head down, eyes focused on finding his clothes. He daren’t look at Ian, splayed out on the bed—boneless and sated—or he’d never find the self-control to leave.

  And he had to.

  The collection he had to make wasn’t something he could afford to miss.

  He allowed himself one last deep inhale, the smell of sex and sweat heavy in the air, but neither overpowering the scent of human as blood rushed to the surface in Ian’s body, pounding through his veins and calling to Jesse like a siren.

  Fortunately for Ian, Jesse had long ago learnt to resist its pull.

  Closing his eyes, he took a moment to get himself under control. His fangs ached, the urge to feed not strong enough to make him careless, but sufficient to tell him it was time to go. Tugging his boxers on, followed by his jeans, he finally chanced a glance at Ian to find him watching. “I have to go.”

  He saw the moment Ian realised that this was it, parts of him closing off.

  The smile Ian offered seemed forced, or at least not as warm as moments before. “Yeah, of course.” He shrugged a shoulder, then pushed himself up onto his elbows. “Thanks for a great time.”

  “My pleasure.” Jesse smiled, couldn’t help himself, and despite knowing better, the words tumbled out anyway. “Maybe we could do it again?” He shouldn’t. It wasn’t forbidden, but fucking a human wasn’t without risk. His lack of a heartbeat would be a bit of a concern should anyone notice. Thankfully alcohol and sex tended to make people less observant. But he couldn’t rely on it.

  Before he could take it back, Ian’s smile grew into something much more genuine, and Jesse was done for. He wanted to fuck him so badly, his whole body ached with it. Any other night he would’ve done. Would’ve spent hours teasing him, bringing him to the edge, only to back off until Ian was a writhing mass of want and need.

  Just not tonight.

  “I’d like that.” Ian sat up, elbows resting on his knees as he watched Jesse get dressed. “Let me get your number.” Reaching over to the bedside table, he picked up his phone and looked up at Jesse expectantly.

  Jesse hesitated. Handing out his number was another thing he probably shouldn’t do, but fuck it. Everyone else broke a rule here and there. Why shouldn’t he? Hoping this wouldn’t come back to bite him—he grinned at his own joke—he rattled off his number as he pulled his shirt on, watching as Ian entered it into his phone. A minute later his own phone buzzed with a text, and Ian sm
iled up at him.

  “Now you’ve got mine.” He went to get up, but Jesse raised a hand to stop him. “Stay there. I can see myself out.” He caught the flash of disappointment and shot over to the bed, maybe a little too quickly, judging by Ian’s gasp. Jesse kissed him, pouring everything into it in the hope of diverting his attention. Cupping his jaw, Jesse stroked his tongue along Ian’s bottom lip, dipping into his mouth and deepening the kiss until they were both making soft little moans. When he drew back, Ian seemed to have forgotten all about everything but the kiss.

  “I really have to go.” Scooping his phone up off the floor where it had fallen, Jesse ignored the missed message for now and held it up. “But I’ll be in touch.”

  “See you soon.” Ian gave him a wave and a small smile. Jesse got the impression he didn’t believe him.

  If Ian knew him better, he’d understand that Jesse didn’t see the point in lying. He’d lived too long to be bothered about playing games. If he said something, he meant it.

  With one last regretful look at Ian, still gloriously naked on the bed, Jesse said goodbye and headed for the door.

  Once outside in the fresh air, he took a moment to lean against the side of the building and collect himself. He stank of sex; there’d be no hiding it from the others, but no one would give a shit as long as he returned on time. It wasn’t as though he was the only one who did it.

  The streets were quiet, people either home already or in one of the many clubs and late-night bars. Jesse could easily slip from shadow to shadow, his speed making him little more than a blur to anyone looking, but with the introduction of mobile phones to capture things forever, it was no longer safe to move as fast as he’d like.

  He settled for walking as fast as he dared, maybe a touch faster than the average human but not enough to cast suspicion. He was just a man in a hurry.

  The hospital was about a mile and a half away from Ian’s flat. The private clinic made the perfect place to pick up what he needed.

  Instead of going through to reception and announcing his arrival, Jesse pulled out his phone and sent a quick text.

  I’m here.

  The reply was immediate. She’d been waiting for him. Meet in the car park. It’s Liam’s Honda, last row near the wall.

  Jesse set off for the car park, looking out for the silver Honda Civic they were using tonight.

  Lys was leaning against the passenger door when he got there, smirk forming as he got nearer. “I see someone had a good night?”

  “Yep.” Jesse smiled. He loved Lys like a sister; they’d been friends a long time. She was one of the few he trusted without question.

  “Good for you. It’s been a while, eh?” She winked as she pushed herself off the car and handed Jesse the keys. “It’s all in the boot. It’ll be okay for the journey, but you’ll need to get it stored in the fridges as soon as you get back though. Preferably before you feed.”

  She licked her lips, the barest hint of fang showing, and Jesse felt an answering ache in his own at the thought of blood.

  He needed to get home.

  “Thanks.”

  She patted his shoulder. “See you later.”

  “When do you finish?” he asked, as she started to walk towards the hospital doors.

  “Four thirty.” At Jesse’s frown she added, “cutting it fine, I know, but they were short-staffed. I couldn’t say no.” She waved him away as he went to speak. “It’ll be fine, don’t worry.”

  Jesse watched her go all the way in through the reception doors, then unlocked the car and got in.

  Hopefully the drive home would be uneventful. He was in no mood to deal with anyone right now.

  FORTY-FIVE minutes later, Jesse drove through the quaint town of Tetbury and soon after turned onto the long, winding drive that led to his home.

  Not just his home, though.

  The huge, stately building housed all of his coven. Had done for the past twenty years or so.

  Jesse parked round the side of the building with all the other coven vehicles. As soon as he opened his car door, he caught the unmistakeable scent of the last person he wanted to run into right now. Saying no one cared who he fucked might have been slightly inaccurate. There was one other person who probably cared more than he should, than he had any right to, and he was on his way over to Jesse’s car.

  “You’re late,” Peter said, nostrils flaring as he inhaled. “And I can smell why.” The accusation in his tone raised Jesse’s hackles.

  Jesse cast a quick glance at his phone. “I’m twenty minutes early if anything,” he snapped, refusing to be intimidated by the likes of Peter. “Chill the fuck out.”

  Instead of backing off, Peter crowded him against the car. “Fucking a human?” He tsked, shaking his head. “What could he possibly offer you?” His eyes narrowed and Jesse’s mind helpfully tacked on the that I can’t to the end of that sentence.

  Anything, everything.

  Jesse had made that mistake once and he was never going back there. No matter how much Peter tried to persuade him otherwise. Ignoring Peter’s heated look, Jesse shoved him backwards, then walked to the back of the car and opened the boot. Four large refrigerated cartons sat in a row.

  Peter joined him, standing far too close again. He sneered when he looked inside. “Oh look, you brought breakfast.”

  Jesse’s coven followed the rules laid out by the Vampire Liaison and Crimes Division, had done for the last fifteen years, but not all covens did and not all members of Jesse’s were happy about it. Some, like Peter, were more vocal than others.

  Jesse shrugged, already bored of listening to the same old shit coming out of his mouth. “Don’t drink it if you don’t want to.” He stacked two of the containers on top of one another.

  “Since our illustrious leader made a deal with the devil, what fucking choice do I have?”

  Ian shot him a withering look. Like the police were the bad guys in this situation. Peter was old, way older than Jesse, and in the sixty-four years he’d known him, Peter had done some awful things. Things Jesse wished he could unsee. And some of the stories he’d heard about him from the others were horrifying. He was well aware what choice Peter would prefer to have.

  His mind drifted back to Ian, unsurprisingly.

  Ian was exactly the type of thing Peter would like for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The thought tightened around his chest, and he fought to push it away. With the agreements in place, Peter wouldn’t be feeding on anyone again. “Why don’t you make yourself useful and grab those last two cartons?”

  Peter grunted but did as asked, shutting the boot as he hefted them onto his hip. “I much preferred the years when you were frightened of me.”

  Jesse’s laugh had a touch of bitterness to it. “I’m sure you did.” Thankfully those years were long behind him.

  As Peter brushed past him, he leant in close, whispering, “Of course my favourite years were when I had you naked in my bed, begging for my cock.” His hand brushed Jesse’s, making him flinch. “And we’d feed together, sharing—”

  “That was a long time ago.” He marched forward a couple of steps, putting some distance between them, then glanced over his shoulder. “And we all make mistakes.” The flash of anger in Peter’s eyes was extremely satisfying, and Jesse smirked as he walked the rest of the way towards the main front door of their house. Peter was self-obsessed, cruel, and a right wanker, but Jesse was no longer intimidated by him. Some days he wished Peter would slip up, feed on a human, and get caught by the VLCD. The punishment varied depending on what state the victim was left in, but Jesse was pretty sure he’d be banished from their coven at the very least.

  As they approached the huge front door, it swung open and Raph smiled at him from within. Raphael Miller, coven leader for the last eighteen years and the best thing to ever happen to their coven. He didn’t mention the fact that Jesse smelt of human and sex, just stepped back to let them inside. “No trouble, I take it?” Raph glanced down at the two cart
ons Jesse held, then over his shoulder at Peter. “Was Lys okay?”

  “No trouble, and she was fine.” Jesse frowned. “She’s working at the hospital until four thirty though.” He sighed when Raph’s frown matched his own. “I told her she was cutting it fine, but she said she didn’t have much choice in the matter.”

  “Much choice?” Peter grunted from behind them. “She could decimate that whole fucking hospital if she wanted to.”

  Raph rolled his eyes. “And then what would we do for blood?”

  “We could always get it the old-fashioned way.” Peter’s tone was teasing, meant to be funny, but Jesse knew he meant every word. And so did Raph.

  Ignoring Peter, he clapped Jesse on the shoulder and steered him towards the kitchen at the back of the building. “Let’s get this lot in the fridge then.”

  Like the rest of the place, the kitchen was huge.

  They didn’t use it for anything other than storage, but they kept it as a fully functioning kitchen for when they had to inevitably sell it and move on. The VLCD might be aware of their existence, but for the most part, the general population were blissfully unaware. They couldn’t stay in the same place forever, no matter what lengths they went to to stay under the radar.

  Two huge fridges took up the back wall.

  Jesse carried his cartons and dumped them on the kitchen table. Peter did the same.

  As they started to unload the blood and store it in the freezer section, Raph hoisted himself up to sit on the table, watching them. “There’s a coven meeting at six o’clock this evening.”

  Jesse nodded. “I’m gonna wait up for Lys to get back, I’ll let her know.”

  “Thank you.” Raph seemed to brace himself and Jesse caught the look he sent Peter’s way. “We’re due a visit from the VLCD and I want to make sure everything’s in order.”

  “Like good little vampires,” Peter muttered under his breath. Raph eyed him, expression guarded, and Jesse would love to see him pick Peter up and toss him across the room. Maybe break a few bones in the process. Peter would deserve it.