Bloodlust Read online

  "What the hell—"

  His mouth dropped over hers, cutting off her words as his tongue delved within. Momentarily stunned by it, Kira could only gasp as he seduced her with his mouth. God, it had been so long since she'd been touched, let alone kissed, and Kira didn't think she had the will or want to fight it.

  Groaning, she wrapped her arms around his shoulders, absorbing what he had to give her. Following his lead, she explored his mouth as well, tasting the sweet essence of him. Heat sliced through her body and tickled her neither region at the thought of his dick only inches from her. She wanted this. She wanted him.

  As though hearing her unspoken plea, his hand rode down her waist along her hip toward the center of her. Spreading her legs wide in invitation, she undulated against the brush of water he forced toward her aching clit. Again he forced more water against her, and she cursed at the teasing caress.

  He pulled back, the intensity and dark promise written upon his features filling her with equal levels of apprehension and passion. Panting, she licked her lips, prompting a groan from him. He rained a line of kisses along her jaw line and down the column of her neck. Hooking her leg around his hip, she forced him to edge closer, urging him to give her what she wanted. He raised his head; golden eyes blazing with need stared down at her.

  "Don't play games, Luke,” she whispered, her voice aching with need.

  Acceding to her, she let out a sigh as his fingers caressed her labia, gently sliding along the folds in exploration. Pleasure rolled through her, tingling from the center point outward as he continued to tickle her lips. Tipping her head back against the tiles, her breasts rose out of the water, and he took immediate advantage.

  His mouth surrounded one nipple, rolling it in his mouth and grazing it with his teeth, while at the same time his fingers pinched her clit. The double shot of ecstasy broke like fireworks within her as she arched her back, her knees clasping onto his hips. Her fingers rode into his dark locks, forcing his face into her, and he complied, worshipping her breasts with his hot tongue.

  His finger delved into her moist channel, and Kira let out an exultant moan. Goddamn, it felt good. Riding his finger, she fisted her hand in his hair as pleasure descended upon her in iridescent waves of sinful delight. Another finger joined the first, and she bit her lower lip against the scream that threatened. His languid caress teased her with the elusive orgasm she craved as small waves of bliss washed through her being, forcing her to open more.

  "Faster,” she urged, to which he growled in response.

  He shifted slightly, then moved his hand so that he brushed her clit and G-spot at the same time. She shuddered against the pleasurable spasm that rocked her body, and cried out. So close, so damn close. His finger glided in and out of her, rubbing against her bud and G-spot, drawing her taut as all thought abandoned her to the music he played with her body. He pushed her closer to the precipice with every slide of his hand, teasing her with shimmers of unbelievable ecstasy.

  His thumb pressed against the most sensitive part of her, and she cried out as blazing light flared behind her eyes.

  "Luke, Luke, Luke,” she panted.

  His fingers thrust into her in quick even strokes, pushing her over the edge and causing her to shudder as she came.

  He abandoned her breasts, his hot breath touching her cheek. “Sela ni piktu, ina loho,” he whispered, then pulled back.

  Gasping for breath, she opened her eyes to find herself very much alone in the spa. Jerking upright, she scanned the room. Empty. Her heart missed a beat as cold reality invaded her senses. Even now, her body hummed in the repletion of sexual gratification, but she had no one to share it with ... had she?

  Chapter 3

  The roar from the dome was almost deafening. Wearing a pair of doeskin slacks, Lukiamo clutched the short sword close to his chest, the weapon a cold comfort to what he knew lay beyond the gate. Beside him, similarly dressed men of varying species crowded in. The gates before him slid open with a creak, and the fellow next to him let out a gasp. Lukiamo peered at the pallid skin of the man and how his crystal-like eyes glimmered with fear.

  Lukiamo cast a curious stare towards the sanded pit that glared against the overhead lights. What waited for him beyond that gate, he knew, was blood and violence; but this time, he had recovered somewhat from the beating he'd suffered.

  The line behind him pushed against his back, and Lukiamo trudged through the hall and into the arena. The light blazed overhead, warming his skin. Holding his arm up against the glare, he grimaced as the crowd roared to life.

  The group spread out, making a path toward the center of the stadium. On the opposite end of the arena, another gate opened as a line of women stepped out. His eyes instantly latched onto her. Her brown locks were tied back in a braid that shimmered with streaks of blonde as she turned around and held her arms up toward the masses, encouraging their frenzied thirst for violence.

  In one hand, she held a trident like a prize, a net trailing behind her. The silver chain shirt she wore barely came below her ribcage, and he was gifted with an erotic site of a red jewel glinting from her belly button. His mouth watered as sound muffled and his focus sharpened on Kira. Her name whispered through his mind like an elixir. She had opened the pathway to her mind, and although the binding she'd started was nowhere near complete, he could manipulate her mind just as he had in the spa.

  His eyes fell on the wondrous curves of her breasts, and he recalled the feel of them against his cheek and the taste of the succulent nipples. Even now, in a time when he should focus on the battle ahead, his desire to possess her settled in his bones with a warm hum.

  As the women drew near, he noticed the moment her attention latched on him. The shine in her emerald eyes—the color of royalty—dulled. Clearly she was still sore from the effects of bonding and somewhat cautious.

  Her lips curled in disdain while her cheeks flushed a coral pink.

  He inclined his head in a form of respect. “It is a pleasure to see you again ... Kira."

  Her eyes narrowed to slits of anger. “Is it? You won't think that in a few minutes, Golden Boy."

  Lukiamo wasn't sure he liked this nickname she'd given him. She had briefly taken to calling him Luke, and he found that fit him far better. Letting it slide, Lukiamo cast a glance over the waving arms of the crowd overhead before focusing on her again. Kira dropped the end of the trident on the ground, the muscles in her arms tensing in a clear attempt to intimidate him. Why? He didn't know.

  "Are we to battle again?” he asked casually.

  She laughed, soft and musical, but he heard the scorn behind it. “Nope, you're in luck tonight. It's a group rumble. Out for numero uno,” she said holding out her index finger.

  "I don't understand."

  Her lips fell in a thin line as she rolled her eyes. “Fine, I'll give you this one favor and spell it out for you. See those trap doors circling the arena?"

  His curious gaze fell on a wooden door that rose above the ground on a forty-five degree angle.

  "Well, Valtarian beasts are going to come out of there. Your purpose is to survive until the gong sounds. Those that do move on to the next round tomorrow. Those that don't...” she drifted off with a nonchalant shrug.

  Before he could respond, a gong sounded, and in unison the doors opened. Beasts with heads and legs of a bull and a torso of a man emerged. Their hands were great talons, clearly created to rip their prey apart.

  The other gladiators began to spread out and beside him; Kira pulled her weapon from the ground, a bloodthirsty gleam entering her eyes. “Let the games begin."

  Stepping back with one foot, he watched fifty of those beasts approach; their growls muffled against the crowd that roared to life. The light on the silver manacles around the Valtarians shone green, and then blinked before turning red.

  At that moment, all hell broke loose. The beasts surged to life, a howl that curdled blood ripping forth as they charged. Lukiamo held his ground while oth
er gladiators leapt into the fray. Gripping his weapon, a Valtarian broke through the masses, his large arms swinging high and dispelling those that came up against him with quick efficiency. Blood sprayed again his skin and dark fur, his onyx eyes never leaving Lukiamo.

  With nothing to shield him against the brute force of such a beast, Lukiamo held one hand out, timing himself. His feet spread as the beast broke into the open and sprinted forth. Swapping the weapon with his hands, he too charged forth, a war cry ripping from his mouth.

  Eating up the distance between them, Lukiamo raised his sword and, timing it, he slid onto the ground just as the animal was upon him. Slipping between its legs, he pushed to his feet and swung the blade downward, a spray of blood hitting his face as he decapitated the Valtarian. The head fell with a thunk against the sand while the body flailed slightly before crumbling in a dead heap.

  No sooner did he draw in a breath to recover, than Lukiamo sensed movement behind him and twisted on his heel. Dodging the downward swipe of an axe, he kicked out into the attacker's midriff, mucus spraying from the creature's nose at the blow. With the beast doubled over, Lukiamo took immediate advantage and beheaded yet another Valtarian. Adrenalin pumped mercilessly through his veins as the familiar rush of war washed over him. Kicking up the handle of the axe, he caught the weapon in the air and made his way into the fray. Beasts fell under the swing of his blade, blood spraying against his skin and making his hands slick.

  A scream of terror broke out among the fighting gladiators, a cry that signaled imminent death. Lukiamo turned in time to witness a Valtarian rip the arms from the man he'd been standing next to earlier. The body hit the ground, and fury burned through his veins at the glee that shone in the beast's eyes.

  Surging forward, he swung his weapons out in a circular motion and brought them down toward the animal's shoulder. The Valtarian leapt back with surprising speed, and in a move that left Lukiamo off balance, he came forward, his clawed hands latching over both his wrists.

  The hot air of the creature's breath hit Lukiamo's cheek and shifted his hair. With a howl, the animal twisted his arms, forcing his fingers to loosen over his weapons. They swung in a circle, as Lukiamo struggled to gain the upper hand. The beast roared, and kicked out against Lukiamo's legs, sending him to the ground. Grunting, Lukiamo rolled away from the cloven hoof that came down and pushed on his feet, coming up with an uppercut. The beast's head snapped back, thick lips parted to reveal rotten teeth in a morbid imitation of a smile.

  Watching the battle around him, but keeping his focus on the beast before him, he ate up the distance between them, leaping up and lashing out with his foot. His heel snapped into the Valtarian's chin, and the beast stumbled back. Blood dripped off his chin, and the beast shook his head, his arms spread wide as he let out a howl of fury. The beast bent his head down, his bloodied horns aimed toward Lukiamo as he charged.

  Noticing a glint of metal on the ground, Lukiamo dropped on one knee and lifted the spear from the ground. Holding it upright, the bull impaled himself upon it. Dropping the weapon, he found his axe and scooped it up. His gaze snapped over the battling masses, searching her out.

  A flash of chain mail caught his attention, and he moved toward her. Kira stabbed toward the beast before her, twirled the weapon around her body, and lunged again. The Valtarian gripped onto the prongs and tugged with such force it brought her stumbling forward. Her foot lashed out in a roundhouse kick, her lips curled back in a ferocious snarl as she pulled back her trident and stabbed it into the beast's chest. The beast let out an unholy roar as it spent its last breath. Planting her foot on the chest of the dead Valtarian, she pulled the prongs from it with a grunt.

  In a sudden movement, she twisted around, her weapon flying toward him. Ducking the blow, Lukiamo turned and swung out with his axe, striking out against a Valtarian attempting to blindside him. Wrenching his weapon free, he turned in time to see Kira get tackled to the ground.

  Sickening dread brushed against his skin and encased his heart as the head of the large beast shook back and forth in a frenzy. Limbs flailed momentarily as she struggled against the beast, then stilled. Unable to see her, Lukiamo surged forward, his axe striking down against the back of the beast's skull. The bull let out a grunt, stiffened, then fell limp against its victim.

  A loud gong sounded, and a few moments later, all fighting ceased. The Valtarians’ collars clicked over to green, and the raging animals turned placid, their dark eyes wide with confusion.

  The remaining Valtarians trudged obediently back to the trap doors, while the surviving gladiators drew together. Gasping for breath, he pulled aside the animal on top of Kira and almost collapsed at the relief that washed through him at the sight of her wide blinking eyes. The chain mail remained fully intact against the blood that coated her torso and neck.

  Reaching down, he latched onto her wrist and drew her to her feet. His arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her against his body. Her dazed stare stabbed into him, and without giving her a chance to recover her wits, he tipped her chin and dropped his mouth over hers.

  Skimming over the edge of her lips, he delved inside. She tasted better in real life. The world beyond them ceased to exist and all sound disappeared until all he could hear was the thundering of his heart. The heat of battle morphed into something far more volatile. Her body tensed, and Lukiamo pressed into her, his erection rubbing against her stomach. By the Gods, she unmanned him.

  Flooding her senses with erotic images, Lukiamo forced her body against him. She gasped into his mouth and turned pliant, her tongue dueling with his. Knowing he was about to lose all semblance of control, he pulled back and noted with a great deal of satisfaction the glazed look in her eyes. She was his.

  The crowd, momentarily silenced by the gong, witnessed the impromptu kiss and whooped in excitement. Stepping back from her, yet maintaining a hold on her elbow to keep her upright, Lukiamo cast a glance over the survivors, their faces strained from misery and exhaustion. The blood stood starkly against the sand and white stone walls, a cold reminder why he was here.

  He was here to die.

  * * * *

  It had been so long since Kira had experienced the open fields and the soft music of birds. Before her, the rolling fields of nature spread out in all its glory. Trees waved against the breeze as it whistled over the landscape and caressed her cheek.

  The sun hung low, slashing its amber hue across the grass and casting long shadows. The warmth of it wrapped her in a tender embrace, and she flung her arms wide. Kira lifted her head, breathing in the soft scent of flowers and fresh air. It was the smell of freedom. Nothing like the stagnant air within the station or the stench of sweat and blood that seemed to swamp her on a daily basis.

  The memory of the events in the dome brought with it a cold reminder of reality against a beautiful dream. Her life had almost ended in the arena, all because Luke had distracted her.

  The Valtarians, although massive and extremely powerful, ran on pure rage, and she'd been momentarily stunned by the way Luke had efficiently dealt with any and all that came against him. He was no lower level gladiator, that was for sure. It was in that moment of stunned bafflement that she was tackled by a beast.

  She shivered as she recalled the way she'd struggled to keep the horns at bay. The feel of them scraping against her neck. Her fingers brushed against the column of her neck, feeling for the familiar wound, but found it absent.

  "Beautiful, isn't it?"

  Kira's heart leapt into her throat, and she stared at Luke. Where the hell had he come from? His hair fluttered in the wind along his hawkish features. In the light of the sun, the pupils of his eyes shone copper. Her appreciative gaze ran over his clothing ... or lack thereof. He wore nothing save for a sarong of the finest emerald silk wrapped around his waist. The fabric hugged his hips and fell over his shins.

  "What are you doing here?” she asked, suspicion tensing her body.

  He threw his arms wide, encompass
ing the landscape. “I am showing you my home."

  "Your home? Ri-ight.” Kira rolled her eyes.

  Great, it was one of those dreams again. God, she wished he'd just hurry up and get to the sex. Her lips twisted in a wry grin. She really needed a serious lay.

  "I must be dreaming,” she mumbled. Of course, she was. Why else would she dream of freedom and the tender touch of a man? An illusion that would forever tease her with its elusiveness.

  He stepped closer, and the scent of clean, flesh outdoors and something uniquely him washed over her. “Do you wish this to be real?"

  The wind picked up a bit, brushing warmly against her skin, rather than the bitter chill of winter. Brushing a lock of hair from her face, she stared at him for a moment, openly admiring his physic. “How about you remove the sarong and we can discuss realism later."

  He drew in a shuddered breath and inclined his head. “What my lady wishes..."

  Kira gasped as his hands went to unknotting his clothing, causing life to burst between her legs. He pulled the fabric from his body, revealing toned legs and an impressive erection. His cock and balls were hair free, his cock standing proud in its magnificence. Strangely, Kira had thought the idea of a man being shaved was a turn off, but on Luke it was downright gorgeous.

  Molten desire pooled to her nether region and throbbed insistently, demanding she give into her baser needs.

  "Do you like what you see?” he asked, the gold of his eyes seeming to fire up, his gaze turning predatory.

  Kira tried for an indifferent shrug. “I might."

  He stalked toward her, the low hanging sun reflecting the golden hues of his skin. The way his muscles rippled and the rays of light enveloped him, he looked like Sun God ready to collect his human sacrifice. Her. Stopping a step from her, his lids lowered, and she noticed the heavy golden tinge to his thick lashes. His knuckles brushed against her nipples, electricity zinged through her body, and her knees turned to jelly. Who would think a single touch would send her to a virtual quivering mass?