Page 105 of The Vampire's Thirst
“You need to be strict. They’re too big to let them run wild. Beasts need a firm hand.”
“Maybe, but just look at them.” She bent to stroke Boris’s fur, making Dax jealous. “They’re too sweet. Not everyone requires submission.”
She was wrong. In the world where Dax lived, you were either the conqueror or the conquered. No in between. At the top of the food chain or on the bottom. No doubt where he was. No doubt where he wanted Chiara to be. On the bottom, under him, his big body between her legs, his cock sliding in and out of her pussy, his fangs in her neck.
He shook his head to erase the picture. “Let’s go now.”
“What about my wolfhounds?”
“I’ll turn them loose outside. They can’t go past the stronghold’s boundaries. Brak, you drive. Chiara and I will be in the back.”
Chiara took off for the stairs. “I’ll be right down. I need a sweater.”
Chewing his last bite, Brak gazed at his empty hands. “Sure. Let me grab a snack for the road.”
Dax nodded, snapping his fingers for the animals to follow him through the outside door where he released them. He filled a huge bowl from the kitchen with water, setting it in the back where the dogs waited for him.
“You’ve got water and acres to roam. Avoid the firing range. If you try to go beyond the stronghold’s border, you’ll get a shock you won’t forget.” The dogs looked like they understood every word he said.But who knows.Ivan’s head bobbed up and down, his eyes clear and bright.Okay. Alpha guy probably does.“You’re in charge, big guy.” Taking a few treats from his pocket, he patted each wolfhound’s head while it ate from his hand. “That should hold you for now. I’ll get you more later.”
When he returned, Chiara said, “I don’t like you giving orders all the time.”
“I don’t care, little witch. Get used to it.”
“Don’t push me.” She wiggled her fingers. “I’ll melt your bones. If you keep pissing me off, you’ll be a puddle of vampire on the floor.”
Dax snarled. The conquered were supposed to be submissive. He had a lot to teach this female about their relationship.
Wait. What relationship?
****
Athis desk, Cerberus studied a map on his computer showing raids in progress. He reviewed the statistics on victories and losses. The numbers of Arisen Dawn Gold Dusters sacrificed were well within the range of acceptability.
Conquering North America would have a priceless fear effect. Once he was victorious on this continent, the rest of the world would fall like teetering dominoes. A decisive win in the States would also bring nearly every Aeternal to his movement. Maybe even the high and mighty Firebrands would see reason. They thrived on aggression. Why not join the cause to give those desires free rein?
A knock interrupted his contemplation. Cerberus waved a hand in front of his body. Upon entering, Lort saw only a demon at work. “Your men have not brought the English Blood Coven warlock to me yet.”
Lort tugged on the sleeve of his black uniform. The general’s dress was as crisp as his demeanor. He was a confident male. Too confident at times.
The faux demon pointed to a chair in front of him.
Lort sat, his spine rigid. “Miller Nash is clever. His early training in British Intelligence makes him a slippery target. But our vampire who tasted him can track him like GPS.”
Cerberus swept his arm across the desk, knocking papers and pens onto the floor. Though Lort did not flinch, the momentary flash in his eyes betrayed wariness.Good. “I want him.”
Lort shifted, vinyl creaking under his weight. “I’ll personally see to his capture.”
“Do not let me down.” Cerberus released his power.
Lort clawed his throat, slipping from the chair onto the floor, his feet kicking as he gasped for air.
The warlock watched the general squirm, his mouth gaping as he struggled to breathe. Cerberus fed from him, drawing energy to fuel his future spells. Soon an entire world would be at his feet, begging for his permission to live. Chuckling, he flicked his wrist to dissolve the spell. “As long as we understand each other. My plans are proceeding on schedule. We have Celene Bailey and others. You will bring in Miller Nash. I need only three more bloodlines. But I do enjoy ample back-ups.”
Lort fingered his neck, reddened by a magic hand print as he crawled back to the chair a little less confident.
Cerberus laced his fingers together, resting them on the desk. “With the Blood Coven descendants, I will make the world whole again. We will assume our rightful place as rulers. We were the first species, the apex predators. We will conquer by the rule of might. Humans will be cattle while our numbers will flourish once again.”
“It is time, sir, to make your followers aware of who you are. Rumors are spreading, murmurs saying you don’t exist.”
