This Blood (23 page)

“Well, as I said, this has to be our secret. Seth can’t know about it or he’ll mop the floor with both of us. You haven’t mentioned it to anyone, have you?”

She looked offended. “No, of course not. I know what Seth would do if we were found out, especially if he discovered your involvement. Not only would he have my head, I am sure he would also remove that part of Thorak I am most interested in. No. I will not risk it. It is far too dangerous to risk telling anyone.”

“Er... Yeah. Now, you do realize you won’t be, ahem…
mating
with him tonight? We have to arrange everything first. Can we speak to him? See what he thinks?”

“Oh, he will be all too willing. He knows I want to bed him. He has never taken a willing woman. I will be his first. He also knows that I am physically able to take him. Not many women are, certainly not a human woman. It is truly a sad situation.” She shook her head, “Thorak needs someone who can last, not perish with his first thrust. I am she.”

I was having trouble controlling the physical repulsion on my face. As much as I needed Arian’s help, it was far from a pleasant experience being around her. She was so blasé in her discussion of death and twisted sex with disgusting monsters. Pretending to be her friend was not an easy task.

“You’re lucky, being able to accommodate such a large… creature.” I looked away.
Yeah, that wasn’t phony or anything.

“Do not be envious. Perhaps I can find a way to allow you to participate. Seth said ‘no sex with another man’; he did not forbid you from being pleasured by a woman, or a troll for that matter.”

She smiled, pleased that she might have discovered a loophole.

“Um no, really, I told you what I wanted. I’m quite content watching; and besides, I am human. I wouldn’t be able to handle any appendage of Thorak’s.”

She gave my arm a gentle squeeze.  Heaven help me!

“Arian, I really don’t want to pull down any of Seth’s wrath. He is a vampire. Don’t you think he would be able to smell another being on me?” I had no idea if it were true. I was relying on my love of monster movies to fuel my defense. I hoped it worked.

“Well, yes, I guess he would,” she looked puzzled. “Oh, I am so sorry, lovely Grace. Maybe later, once Seth has lost interest, you will be allowed to mate with whomever. We can only hope.”

“Ah, yeah,
hope
.”  I smiled weakly. She seemed to take it as a different sadness. Okay by me.

The elevator stopped, the doors opened and I was immediately hit in the face with warm humid air and gardenias. We were in an underground terrarium!  Trees and plants occupied the entire space. It was darker here, the tall trees and plants blocking out most of the light. The illusion of being outdoors was powerful! It was like a mini tropical rain forest without the bugs! I was in awe and my mouth hung open stupidly.

I turned in a circle, trying to take all of it in at once.  It was really quite amazing. Even the sprinklers that hung from the canopy were disguised in such a way that you wouldn’t notice them, unless you really looked.

Arian sighed, grabbing my hand as if I were an annoying child. She led me through a narrow path, which ended at a pair of large iron gates.

“This is where we will find Thorak. Seth keeps him occupied almost all of the time.”  She stopped; I could see the wheels turning in her sick little mind. Her eyes narrowed as she gazed at my face. “Are you aware of what Thorak is doing behind those doors?” she asked me, a hint of scorn lacing her voice.

I lowered my brows. “Why? Do you think Seth will be upset if I see what he is up to? Is it something awful? Should I hide?”
Should I get an Oscar when all of this is over?

As she studied me more intently, I thought the jig was up. Then she smiled brilliantly. “No, of course not! That would be beyond foolish, and Seth is no fool. No Grace, you should not hide. We will go to speak to him together.” 

She unbuttoned her shirt all the way. Her tiny red bra pushed her small breasts up. Then she unfastened her skirt and folded the flaps open to reveal her navel. She removed her stockings and placed her shoes on her bare feet.

I watched, puzzled by her actions. “What in the heck are you doing?”

“Remember what I said about him? He loves seeing a lot of flesh. It excites his hunger.”

“Oh, yeah, how could I forget?” I said. Exciting hunger in that malformed atrocity was the very last thing I ever wanted to do.

“Maybe you should take your top off too? Your breasts are quite alluring. He would have a hard time denying either of us anything, as well as interrogating you, if you appeared not to fear him. It would thrill him beyond belief”

“You know, Arian;” I began. “I think I should stay away. What if someone sees me in there? My top off and all, don’t you think they would run to Seth and report it?”

She smirked. “No. The only beings allowed down here are Ael, Eden and Chloe; and no way do they want to get on my bad side, which I would deny them my bed. And they really don’t want to get on Thorak’s bad side, not when they could be standing in the way of his first sex in years. That, sweet Grace, would be insanity.”

“Well, okay, if you’re sure.”  I guess I was stuck. Damn it! If I were going to get a chance to get away from her, I had to come up with something more substantial! I knew my friends were near.

I opened the buttons on my shirt, slipping off the sleeves I gently laid it across the top of a nearby bush and then I pulled the hem of the white camisole up and over my head, placing it next to the blouse.

I looked down at my chest; the sight still alarming me. Bite wounds in different shades of red and purple, like horrific hickies, tattooed my breasts. They varied in color from bright red and puffy, to an angry mauve, while others were beginning to fade to a lighter shade of pink. I looked like hell. If I ever got back to the real world, I could never wear a plunging neckline again. How could I explain where the scars came from?

I looked at Arian’s smiling face. “Yes, it’s just as I thought. Thorak will be unable to resist. Most excellent.”

She reached for the latch on the gate. Pushing down on the guard, she pulled the latch up. The gate swung open. I jumped as the rusty sound of the hinges sent dozens of birds to wing.  We entered another room, which I assumed was a sort of guardshack. It was filled with soft light and had a short panel with several buttons. Thorak was standing by a door, bigger than life. I could see that the door behind him had an alarm system with a numbered keypad.

The large troll strode toward us. His steps were slow and deliberate as his huge mass moved awkwardly in the small room. I could almost feel his watery eyes gliding over our exposed bodies.

“You are not allowed in here, Arian.” Thorak grumbled, his voice sounding like he was gargling rocks.

She walked right up to him, ignoring his statement.

“Now, Thorak, is that any way to speak to me?” She reached up and stroked his shoulder. “I am here to present you with a rare opportunity.” She pushed her body close to his, pressing her breasts against his stomach.

“What trouble are you causing now, girl?” he asked, his ugly eyes sliding to me. “Why is she here? This is not a wise move, Arian.” He folded one set of tattooed arms, while the other set slowly started to reach for her.

I took a step back. I was totally fine with letting her take the lead on this. He was way too huge and frightening.

“Oh, don’t worry about her, she is here with me. We are companions, and don’t worry - Seth approves.”

“What do you want? She shouldn’t be here.” His arms were aching to touch her, I could tell, because they kept reaching for her then moving back. He obviously didn’t know what to do.

“I am here to arrange a meeting, between you and me. We, that is, Grace and I, are very interested in your special gifts. She wishes to watch you bed me.”

Well, that was blunt.  Guess no beating around the bush for Arian.

“That is not allowed,” Thorak replied, but he could not conceal his interest. His ugly hands had actually started to move over Arian’s back. One was sliding along her spine while the other began cupping her butt cheek. The second set were still folded across his chest.

I took another small step back. Glancing around the room, I noticed the control panel had a small monitor. I couldn’t see what was on it. I’d have to get closer to Thorak in order to look. I couldn’t do it. I just assumed he was monitoring my friends. Really, what else could he be watching?

“Yes, it is forbidden,” Arian admitted. “But, you see, our dear Grace is the key. Seth is very adamant about not allowing other creatures around her, so we will not be found out. Only the three of us will know.”

“You mean the
four
of us.” a deep voice came from behind me.

Oh, God! I spun on my heel and my heart sank as I met the gaze of a very happy, very sinister looking Eden.

“What is this mischief?”  he giggled. “Are you still trying to seduce our gate keeper, Arian? Tsk, tsk!” he admonished with a grin. “And, you chose to involve the fair Madea?  How scandalous! I’m quite sure Seth will be murderous once he discovers what you are about… How delicious.” He took a step closer, his face now a mask of evil delight. I watched his eyes change as thoughts seemed to race through his mind. He didn’t even try to hide his euphoria.

“Now, Eden,” Arian said, her hand resting on her hip, “we both know you won’t be telling anything to anyone. You would not jeopardize your place in my bed,” she added haughtily.

Eden shook his head, and said, “Well, you certainly place a lot of importance on your body, Arian. However, if you demand my silence,” he turned to face me, “
Grace
must come to my bed.”

My jaw dropped.  “What? You’re kidding. No way, I won’t do it, I can’t do it. Seth would have you for breakfast!” I stood gaping at him. His nerve was astounding.

“And what do you think he will do after discovering your involvement in this little coup,
hmm
?”  he simpered, “Nothing very pleasant, I can assure you. Perhaps he will even feel it is time to properly dispense of your Lucian?  Maybe he will finally give your little Ann to my brother and me?”

My eyes widened, I hadn’t expected to be caught so soon. What now? I was thinking hard. I needed time, but from the look on Eden’s face, I had just run out of it.

Straightening my spine, I smiled. “I have conditions, of course,” I said. “The first is that you not only maintain your silence with Seth, but you also keep it from Chloe and Ael. If you can’t do that, then were dead already!” I stepped closer to him. “You are already out of favor with Seth; imagine what this tryst would do.”

Thorak shifted. All four of his arms were now caressing Arian. But his eyes had settled on me.

“Why do you do this?” Thorak garbled, “You dislike us all, that is clear. You are here not of your own will. Why would you bed Eden for the chance to watch us mate? It seems a large sacrifice for such a petty reward.”

Shit
. Deliver me from intelligent trolls.

I fisted my hands to keep them from trembling. Hiding them behind me, I threw my shoulders back, and pushed my breasts forward.

“Well, I guess you’ve found me out.” I said with an exaggerated sigh, “I’ll tell you, because I know my secret will be safe. You see, I’m very bored, and if I‘m going to be stuck here, I need something to amuse me.” I stepped closer to Eden, keeping my eyes still fastened on Thorak’s face.

“I am very interested in observing you in action,” I said. “I have never seen a creature such as yourself in my life. Hence, if sex with Eden is the price I must pay per viewing, then I will do it. Who knows? Maybe I’ll enjoy it.”  I smiled wickedly at Eden. His eyes were as large as saucers and his chest was rising and falling rapidly with each breath. I just hope I hadn’t gotten myself even deeper into trouble. I was going to need heavy equipment as it was to dig myself out if I didn’t think of something fast.

Eden pulled me into his arms. “You are not what you seem, are you? I was expecting at least a little fight.” He pushed out his bottom lip, “Part of me is a bit disappointed. Fear always adds to the flavor.”

I placed my hand on the bulge at his pants, squeezing hard, and I sighed “Oh, really? If that is what you require. I’m sure we can arrange a little fear.” He held me tighter, then suddenly his head bent and he took my mouth in a harsh, almost painful kiss. Forcing his tongue into my mouth, I almost gagged. His teeth were growing as he punished my lips.

His tongue danced wildly, licking my teeth, as he practically ate my mouth. He pulled back, and I could see his eyes were hooded, while I felt his erection press against my lower belly.

“I will agree to your conditions,” he said between breathy pants. “I will also keep the secret from my brother, not an easy feat; and because of that, you will be required to enter my bed numerous times. You will be virtually mine.”

I pretended to consider that, and then agreed.

Arian broke in. “I hate to burst your bubble, Eden, but Seth will know the instant she returns to his bed. He will smell you on her. Why, you may have already sealed your fate by kissing her lips.”

“All she needs to do is wash. We will be safe.”

Arian wasn’t satisfied. “Well, I doubt that will be enough. Besides, it will only make him wonder why she is always bathing when she is around me! He’s bound to get a little suspicious.”

“Then we will space our trysts randomly. Just think, Arian, you can have Thorak all you want.  We just have to be smart about it.”

That made her laugh, “If you think that is enough, then we will do it. Perhaps this will work out even better than we had originally planned.  After all, the forbidden fruit always tastes the sweetest.”

“I have a duty to perform,” Thorak spoke again. “I cannot just walk away.”

Arian smiled and cooing softly she said, “We will just make sure you leave when they are not around.” She looked around her. “I don’t see them now.”

“It is true,” Thorak responded. “They are seldom around, despite their orders to remain here. I think we will try,” he said, his hands sliding under her clothing.