Dark and Beautiful Nights (The Vampire Covenant Series Book 3) Read online

  Her fangs pierced her lip as his hungry eyes stared down at her. His voice grew rough and pained. "Get dressed before I change my mind."

  He watched her grab her clothes and dress, his eyes never leaving her body. Excitement fluttered in her belly at the erotic, dominating look in his eyes. He was planning what he wanted to do to her. That realization sent a shiver of arousal through her body.

  She buttoned her jeans and pulled her shirt over her belly and went to him. His hands claimed her possessively, pulling her into him as his mouth ravaged hers. His hand raised, settling on the nape of her neck as he drove their kiss further. His other hand reached down between her legs and cupped her, giving her a pleasured caress before he released her. She gripped his biceps, holding herself steady, her fangs biting into her bottom lip.

  He looked at her, his eyes still bold with desire. "At least one of us should leave this room satisfied. Have a taste."

  She gave a wicked grin before leaning into him, taking the savory blood he offered. His head tilted back as the pleasured daze swept over him. He held her tightly against him as she drank. Once satisfied, she pulled back, licked her lips, and admired the content expression on his face.

  "I'm looking forward to our time together." She gave him a wink as she slid from his arms.

  A painful grumble escaped his mouth. He grabbed her hand and pulled her back to him before covering her mouth with his. His hunger escaped in his kiss. He squeezed her ass and slid his hands over her hips and then thighs, easily lifting her and wrapping her legs around him. He turned and pushed her against the wall, pressing himself into her. The heat of their caged sexual tension throbbed between her legs.

  His low, husky voice whispered in her ear, "I don't want you to forget this moment." He thrust against her. "I want you to remember how hard you make me." Another thrust sent her head reeling back and her breath escaping her lips. "Until next time we're alone and I can have you moaning beneath me." Another thrust and her vampire senses took over. Her head tilted forward and she dug into him, aggressively pulling the blood from him. A low groan escaped his lips.

  He eased the pressure off her as she licked at his neck, cleaning him of any remaining blood. As he stepped away from her, she saw the sated hunger. It had been contained for now.

  She kissed him gently and took his hand. "Let's go downstairs."

  As she stepped away, his hand slapped her backside. She looked back at his playful smirk. "Can't help myself."

  She smiled and turned to kiss him once more, before leaving her bedroom and the scent of their feral desire.

  Chapter 11

  She entered her living room to find more than just Thorne, Sofia, and Alex sitting and standing around the room. Alaric had arrived as well. He'd taken a seat in her armchair. Cass joined her a moment later and placed a firm hand around her lower back. She immediately noticed Alaric and Cass offering equally heated stares. He was making it clear to him, she was his. Alaric's gleaming eyes lowered. Defeat or acceptance filled them. She wasn't sure.

  "Vladimir and Frederick are on their way," Thorne told her.

  "Liliana?" Kayci asked. Her intuition told her she wasn't coming.

  Alaric's cheeks warmed from his last feeding. "She won't be joining us."

  "Hmm." Kayci nodded. Her chest tightened, her irritation revealed in her wrinkled brow. "Why is she not joining us? Does she wish to vacate her seat on the Covenant?"

  "She is travelling elsewhere on her own agenda. Our last conversation did not indicate she planned to leave the Covenant, however, I don't speak for her. When she returns, it would be best to speak with her directly."

  Kayci's jaw tightened. Cass' thumb caressed her back, reminding her he was there and to control her temper.

  "I'll be sure to speak with her," she vowed.

  She looked at the others. "Cass and I will meet you at the airport. I need to finish packing."

  Alaric and Sofia stood from the couch and armchair. Thorne followed them out, giving her a fatherly wink as he walked by. "I'll inform Vladimir and Frederick to meet us there."

  "Thank you."

  Alex grabbed his suitcase by the door. "Never been to Colorado. Lookin' forward to seein' the McCabe homestead," he told Cass.

  "It's a lot different from California."

  Alex nodded, smiling. "See ya in a while."

  He strolled out the door and Kayci turned to Cass.

  "Can you believe her?" she growled. "She disregarded a direct order of the Covenant. We need everyone at the meeting with the Southeast clan and what is she off doing anyway? Probably searching for a sorceress to help free Adrian. As if I hadn't looked into every option already! And if the witches find out Natalia's still alive, there'll surely be hell to pay for that. I should do a locator spell and find Liliana."

  She turned, aiming for the herbs and supplies in her office. Cass took hold of her hand and turned her to him. He placed his hands on her arms and rubbed them. "Let her do whatever it is she needs to do. If it satisfies her, so be it. You need to pack and I need to call Logan and let him know the Covenant is coming as well as the Southeast clan and possibly more packs. Whatever Liliana is doing can be dealt with later."

  Her muscles eased, becoming lax. "Fine, I'll deal with her later."

  Cass caressed her arm. "Go pack while I call Logan."

  She headed toward the stairs and as she did, she awaited the anticipative slap on her ass. When it didn't come, she glanced back at him, disappointed. When he saw her expression, his eyes sparked and a mischievous grin spread over his face.

  He took the few steps to her and squeezed her behind as he landed his lips roughly on hers.

  The slap came as their kiss ended. "That's what you wanted, huh?"

  She grinned back at him. Her eyes sparking with vampire gold.

  "If only we had more time," he told her with a wink.

  She glanced back, appreciating his handsome face one more time before leaving him to make his call.

  Cass pulled his cell from his back pocket. He dialed Logan.

  "Hey, brother. How's your mate?"

  "She's ecstasy in a perfectly wrapped package, but that's not why I called. Vladimir had a vision. The Southeast clan is coming. They want the serum. They may have joined with another pack. The Carolina pack, no doubt, or the Louisiana pack. Katerina is sending the Covenant. She plans to head them off and remind them of the repercussions of their actions. I don't see this ending well. Get the pack ready and several rooms. Katerina will be staying in mine."

  "When will you be arriving?"

  "Tonight."

  "I'll have everything ready."

  "See you soon, brother."

  Cass pocketed his cell phone and remained downstairs. He knew if he entered her room, he'd want to take her as soon as he saw the desire in her eyes, making their first time far too quick or causing them to arrive much too late to the airport. He wanted their first time to be uninterrupted and last as long as it needed to and he knew it would last well into the night. His stomach flexed as the arousal pushed itself lower into his groin, stiffening him as the thoughts of her delicious naked body taunted him. The woman was torturously intoxicating.

  He had to focus, though. They were about to enter into hostile territory. He needed to get his head clear so he was fully prepared to protect his mate. Heaven help any bastard who tries to lay a hand on her. If the Southeast clan was foolish enough to attack her, he'd spare no clan member and the Council could smooth their ruffled gray hairs afterwards. The Lycan Council was comprised of a member from every clan. Each member was selectively chosen and put together as a design to keep peace between clans. The Council held the power to determine and disseminate punishment in an effort to uphold Lycan law. They'd asked him to represent the McCabe clan now that Markus' title had been stripped from him. A part of him wanted the role, but Katerina had become his first priority. Once he knew the direction their lives were headed, he could decide on the Council.

  With her bags and
his in tow, she padded down the steps. He smiled appreciatively at her thoughtfulness and took his bag and her heaviest from her hands. "Ready?"

  He caught the hesitation in her eyes. "Yes," she responded, hiding any reservation she held. He admired the strength she displayed even when she secretly harbored fear.

  He set the bags down, pulled her close, and raised her chin to him. "I've called Logan. He's preparing for the Southeast clan's arrival and ours."

  He brought his lips down on hers, giving her the tenderness he knew she needed in this moment. When their lips parted, he admired the beautiful gold eyes staring back at him.

  "Come on, beautiful. We have a plane to catch."

  ***

  Cass' intoxicating earthy scent soothed her nerves as the plane came down in the private airport, not far from the McCabe homestead. Cass laid a hand on her leg, gently rubbing the inside of her thigh. She glanced at him and smiled, appreciating his comforting touch.

  "You okay? Do you need to feed?"

  "I'm okay. It's just strange being back here."

  He nodded, understanding her apprehension. "When we have a chance, there's something I want to show you."

  Her curiosity piqued her interest. "Okay."

  He put his arm around her and twisted her hair in his fingers, giving tiny pleasurable tugs at the end. She purred beneath his soothing touch. To her benefit, he always knew just how to sedate her.

  After a short ride in one of Logan's SUVs, they arrived at the massive black iron gates. She opened the window to breathe in the fresh, crisp air she remembered. It was cooler than before, as their season would soon turn to winter. She closed the window as the brisk air sent a chill throughout her body. Cass leaned in and wrapped an arm around her, snuffing out the cold. Another astonishing feature to him being her mate, his body was always keen to the slightest variations in hers. She nuzzled against him as the SUV pulled up to the beautiful log house with the colossal windows carved into the front of it.

  She shivered from the gruesome memory of the last time she'd been here and she knew this trip wasn't going to be a vacation either.

  Cass breathed into her ear as he strummed the hair just behind it, sending little sparks of pleasure rushing over shoulders and back. "I won't let anyone hurt you, I promise." His lips caressed her ear as he kissed her.

  She looked up at his loving expression before leaning into him, taking comfort from his soothing words and gentle touch.

  The SUV parked and several werewolves in vests and cargos approached. Logan led the group, his expression pleasant and warm as he awaited everyone to exit the two SUVs.

  She opened the door and stepped out. His smile widened, instantly soothing her jittery nerves.

  "Katerina." He stepped forward, pulling her into his arms. "It's good to see you." He pulled back from her, giving her a look-over. "You look radiant. Perhaps due to some time well-spent with my brother."

  She laughed at his playful inclinations. "I admit, I've enjoyed his company," she responded coyly.

  He let out his pleasant, charming laugh. "Don't lie, you more than enjoyed it." He winked at her, smiling.

  She laughed at him. He gave her a playful eye before becoming serious. "I do appreciate you bringing the Covenant. I've made some calls. The word has spread. The Southeast clan has joined with the Louisiana clan. They'll likely be here tomorrow or the night after. The fact that they haven't called to inform me of their arrival indicates it isn't a friendly visit."

  "I assumed as much. I'll do everything I can to remind them of the dangers they face by trying to force your hand in giving over the serum. Cass told me the Council hired a hematologist to study Cass' blood. I'm sure every werewolf is hammering to take a dose."

  "Unfortunately, there are factors to consider. Once the serum is taken, we don't know if having children will still be a possibility. If we are still able to, our population could quickly become out of control with werewolves breeding and unable to die. If we take the serum without knowing the effects and we discover we're not able to have children, our population could easily become threatened."

  "I completely understand the care you're putting into protecting the serum and studying its effects. I agree that it's dangerous to hand out the serum without knowing more of how it can affect the future of the werewolf species."

  The others crowded around, joining in their conversation.

  "We'll discuss this in further detail later," Logan assured her.

  Logan gave the others a cordial smile. "I appreciate you all coming. I've had rooms prepared and your belongings are being placed in them. If there is anything you need, let me know. I'm sure you are all hungry after a long trip. There are several places nearby that a vampire would be comfortable dining at. Alex and Sofia, you're welcome to join us for dinner. Nothing fancy, I'm afraid, just grilled wings and burgers."

  She could see Alex salivating at the corners of his mouth. "Got any beer?" he asked.

  Logan nodded. "Sure do."

  "Point me in the right direction," Alex enthused.

  Kayci saw Thorne give a sweet peck to Sofia's cheek. She warmed at the affectionate gesture he'd given in front of everyone. Sofia's eyes lit up and Kayci couldn't help smiling at the warmth between them.

  "I'll find you later," he promised.

  He glanced at Kayci, his expression revealing his concern with her comfort. She winked at him, indicating she was okay with their public display of affection. Thorne's charming smile grew wide.

  "Where to?" Frederick asked the others, folding his arms and comfortably leaning back on his heels.

  "I recommend heading to Estes Park," Logan told them.

  "Oh, I'ma familiar with Estes Park, lad. We all are. A pub would do me good," he told the others.

  Thorne nodded and they moved in sync with one another, escaping through the massive gate and into the darkness in front of them.

  Kayci watched Alex and Sofia follow the wolves inside. Cass, Logan, and Kayci stayed behind.

  "I sincerely appreciate you bringing the Covenant. We'll need the assistance if the Southeast clan really has joined with the Louisiana pack."

  "No worries." The three of them stepped in line with one another toward the house. "I just hope we don't need to resort to combat."

  Logan nodded. "I hope that as well, but I won't hold my breath. The Southeast clan has been waiting for an opportunity to knock us down and take our place amongst the ranks."

  "I won't let that happen," she assured him.

  "Neither will I."

  The three of them stepped into the house. Pitter patter of little boys' feet ran across the living room. "Uncle Cass!" they shouted.

  Cass leaned down and prepared himself to be tackled by two young boys, surely Erick and Whitaker. Kayci smiled as they pounced on him, nipped at him, and tugged at him. It was like seeing an actual wolf and pups playing together. They knowingly wrapped around each of Cass' arms as he raised himself, arms outstretched and a little boy dangling from each one. They giggled and kicked their feet beneath them.

  He lowered them and they immediately begged. "Again!"

  "Don't be rude, boys. We have a guest."

  Erick and Whitaker stared at her with excited, boyish grins. "Who's she?" the older one asked.

  "This is Katerina Salvitto. Your Uncle Cass' mate. She came here to help me and your uncle deal with a problem. She's good at solving problems."

  The older boy's eyes lit up, seeming to understand the word mate better than the other. "She's pretty, Uncle Cass."

  Kayci peered down at their big smiles and rosy cheeks. "Thank you, and who might this handsome young man be?"

  "I'm Whitaker. This is my little brother, Erick."

  Erick stuck his chest and hand out proudly. "Nice to meet you, Kat…rina."

  Kayci smiled, giving her hand to Erick and shaking it gently. "Nice to meet you too, Erick."

  There was no doubt these boys were Logan's. They were miniature versions of him. She felt sorry for th
e future girls who would swoon over them.

  "How old are you boys?"

  Whitaker proudly answered, "Seven. Erick is five."

  "I can tell her." Erick swatted at his brother. "I'm five," he declared.

  Kayci laughed at their sweet and already charming personalities.

  "It's a pleasure to meet you both."

  Above proud smiles, their eyes sparkled with a child's fascination.

  "Boys, why don't you go out and join the pack. Get yourselves a burger for dinner."

  He didn't need to tell them twice. They high-tailed it out of there, heading to the back deck.

  "I'll leave you two to get settled in. Join us when you're ready."

  Logan left them. Cass took her hand, giving it a tug. "I want to show you something."

  He led her through the hallway to what used to be Markus' office. He took her past it and turned right at the end of the hall. Another door lead to stairs. She had an inkling of where he was taking her and her body responded. She tugged her hand back and froze, refusing to go any farther.

  He came close to her, wrapping her body into his. He stared down at her, his eyes full of affection. "Do you trust me?"

  She nodded.

  "Then come with me."

  She reluctantly moved with him, letting him lead her by the hand once more. They stepped down the stairs. She expected to smell death, blood, and other horrid scents, but instead, she smelled wood, plaster, paint, tires, and werewolves. They arrived at the bottom of the steps, her hands now trembling. As they turned the corner, she saw the transformation and it shocked her. The room in which she'd been held against her will and tortured had been remodeled from floor to ceiling. It'd been turned into a kids’ playroom. A tire swing hung from the ceiling. Another giant tractor tire was filled with sand. Legos and plastic tools were spread all over the floor—the new, recycled tire floor.

  She looked at him, her heart swelling with appreciation. She moved into his arms. "You did this?"

  He nodded, proudly looking down at her. "I hoped you'd come back here. I didn't want you to have that awful memory lingering with you, knowing this room was down here. I turned it into a playroom for the boys, hoping a happier setting would ruin the terrible memories you had here."