Dangerous Influence (The Harcourte Vampyre Society Book 5) Read online

  Jolie shivered.

  It was Heaven

  Lower he moved until he found the perfect spot. With his tongue, he lapped at her until she shook.

  “Jacques.”

  He didn't stop. He wanted it to never end. The taste of her on his taste buds was delicious and sweet. Jolie had always called to him.

  On that first night, he’d never thought he’d get enough, and centuries later, the same was true.

  She was meant to be his.

  That’s why he chased her so long and hard.

  When she moaned, it forced him to focus. While Jacques wanted to take her, he knew this was special.

  For both of them.

  Flynn brought something to the table, and so did he. He could be there for Jolie when she needed him to be. Time had changed a lot, but this remained the same.

  She needed him.

  He needed her.

  As he teased and tormented her, she came. Her moans and shouts were music to his ears.

  Instead of stopping, Jacques continued on, whipping her back into the heat of the storm. Her hands were balled in his hair, and he wanted her to see what lived in him for her.

  Jolie was his all.

  As he forced her back to the edge, her legs shook around him. It made his lower body react, much like it had centuries ago. He still wanted to bury himself in her.

  That primal call was still there.

  Instead of answering it, he pushed her over again. While she fell into the pleasure, he stripped from his clothes. He needed his mate.

  He had to have her.

  When Jolie opened her eyes, she was awash in the Christmas lights. In front of her stood her mate, and he was waiting, much like he did centuries ago.

  “Yes, Jacques. Like then, I want you to touch me.”

  He didn't wait. Pressing her into the rug on the floor, he covered her body. Immediately, her legs went around his hips, offering him a way home.

  Back then, he believed it to be a pipe dream.

  Now it was his reality. When they finished, she’d still be his. That had been his Christmas wish, and it came true almost a year ago.

  As he slid into her body, her moan filled the room. It was hard not to go fast, but instead take his time.

  He moved slowly.

  Achingly slow.

  It tore at his control and made her wild.

  That was priceless.

  As he continued moving, Jolie bared her fangs. “Let me taste you, Jacques,” she whispered, recalling exactly what had happened that first time.

  He lowered his throat to her awaiting mouth. As she lapped and licked, he braced for it.

  Then she struck.

  His body nearly exploded at the sensation.

  Her mouth sucked eagerly at his flesh, taking him in. His lower body quickened the pace. He wanted to fall with her.

  As she released his throat, she stared up into his now black eyes. “Taste me, Jacques.”

  He smiled down at her. “I wasn’t permitted then,” he said, as he still rode her body with his.

  “You are now. That’s all that matters,” she admitted, arching into him as he hit that perfect spot.

  He lowered his mouth, finding that throbbing in her neck. Lapping at it, he blew warm breath across the wetness to get her to shiver.

  When she did, he sank into her body with teeth and erection.

  They both came.

  It was wild.

  It was hard.

  It was exactly like the first time.

  As the pleasure swirled around them, he couldn’t help but feel calm. This was what was right in his life. This moment reminded him that they’d always have this.

  “Jacques?” she whispered. “I love you.”

  His heart quivered at the words. Each time they were said, they stole his breath.

  “Oh, Jolie, my love, I’ll always love you, but with one exception.”

  She stared into his eyes.

  “What?”

  “I have to move you over a bit in my heart. I now love Flynn too.”

  With that, she cried, and as always, Jacques knew exactly what to do.

  He held her through the storm.

  * * * H a r c o u r t e * * *

  When he carried her to their bed, Flynn was reading a book. As he sat there, Jacques couldn’t help but notice that Flynn looked worried.

  As they approached, he didn't move.

  “Is she with death?”

  Jolie lifted her head. “No, I wanted to talk to you first.”

  He knew what it was going to be about.

  “Flynn, you didn't have to tell him.”

  He shrugged. “I did have to. It involved us, and I needed to be honest.”

  “I meant that I would have done it.”

  “Part of loving you is doing what I did. I hope you’re not angry with me.”

  She moved toward him.

  When he opened his arms, she kissed him. “I’m not at all mad. In fact, thank you for being my mate. I love you.”

  He accepted the kiss and nuzzled her cheek with his. Relief filled him, and he couldn’t help but be grateful that she wasn’t upset.

  “I love you too,” Jacques said, crawling into bed and taking his place on the opposite side of Jolie.

  “You’re both important to me,” Flynn offered. “I’d die for you both.”

  She didn't doubt it. The man was honorable, and just like Jacques in so many ways.

  She was doubly blessed.

  “I’m exhausted. We should rest.”

  Flynn tucked her into his body. He could pick up Jacques’s scent all over her skin.

  “Rest well,” she said, before slipping away. As the darkness pulled her under, she was at peace.

  Jacques cuddled near. “Thank you. I needed that moment with her.”

  “I understand. I have them too. So, you settled this issue about tomorrow and her dominating someone at that club?”

  He opened his mouth.

  Oh, hell!

  “Jacques, you didn't talk to her about it?”

  He shook his head as he smiled in chagrin. “I was a little busy with other things.”

  He knew what those other things were.

  Flynn growled. “Damn her! She knew this would happen. She didn't bring it up so we couldn’t argue.”

  Jacques laughed.

  He had nothing to worry about.

  Jolie was still going to be Jolie, and Flynn…he was going to be frustrated as hell.

  It was good some things didn't change.

  ∞ Chapter Twelve ∞

  Sunday Late Afternoon

  When she woke, they were waiting for her. If Jolie had hoped to avoid any type of altercation, that wasn’t going to happen. As she opened her eyes, she noticed that the men were sitting on chairs they had pulled over to the foot of the bed.

  The looks on their faces said one thing.

  They meant business.

  Flynn sat there, his legs up and ankles crossed. The look on his face proved it had been a long night for him.

  Jacques also sat in his chair, looking unhappy.

  The second she saw them, Jolie laughed. It was uncontrollable and definitely needed. The men in her life amused her to no end.

  How could she not be in love with them?

  They were incredibly loving men, even when they were pissed at her.

  “This is far from amusing, Jolie,” Flynn stated.

  “I’m with our mate on this,” Jacques added. “You didn't discuss our plans for today, and that was intentional.”

  She wiped her eyes.

  “You’re right. I was trying to avoid this kind of spectacle, but I see that didn't happen. I’m off my game.”

  Flynn leaned forward. “We’re going to discuss this, and now.”

  “Can I feed your children first? I’m getting dizzy, and I haven’t been up that long. They need my attention, and then you’ll have your turn.”

  The men wouldn’t let her suffer.

/>   They also wouldn’t let their unborn offspring be hungry. Together, they crawled across the bed, heading her way. She licked her lips hungrily, glancing back and forth between them as she tried to decide who she wanted first.

  Tugging Flynn toward her, she went with him. She was craving his blood and had to sink her teeth into his tan flesh. He was a delicious first course.

  As they tumbled backward onto the bed, Jolie clung to him. As her mouth moved across his neck, she whispered into his mind.

  ‘I love this first thing in the morning.’

  ‘You’ll never hear me complain,’ he admitted. ‘I got energy from Chloe, so take all you need.’

  She didn't hesitate. As she found that spot on his throat that called to her, Jolie bit down.

  Flynn moaned.

  Jolie wanted to shout in joy. She loved waking up. These two were her morning cup of coffee.

  ‘God! That feels so good. I love your fangs in me. That sounds so wrong, but it feels so right.’

  Jolie kept drinking, all the while cognizant of how much she took. When she slowly pulled away, he didn't move. Flynn simply laid there. His body was vibrating in need.

  “Are you okay, my love?” she asked, staring down at him.

  He simply laughed.

  Jacques held out his hand. “Our mate will be fine. I need to hold you in my arms.”

  Jolie crossed to him. They, too, tumbled back. Jolie didn't hesitate. She bit Jacques with ferocity. The second his blood rushed into her mouth, the little lives deep within her calmed. They were happily being fed by their fathers. Jolie could now tell which little spark of life belonged to which man.

  They reacted to the blood feedings.

  It brought tears to her eyes. So much so, that she could barely focus on feeding. When her fangs slipped free, Jacques stared down at her.

  “My love, what’s wrong? Why are you crying?”

  She sniffled, even as Flynn moved closer protectively flanking her body with his.

  “I just felt something so amazing,” she said, taking each of their hands. Holding them over her abdomen, she called to the little lives.

  The men slipped into her mind. One by one, they were introduced to the men who made them.

  The men in her life were shocked, surprised, and in awe. They’d met their child.

  It was life changing.

  Jolie stared up at them as they didn't move. Each man looked overwhelmed with emotion. Flynn’s eyes were filled with tears as he focused on the right side of her body. His child was a tiny ember of life, and he was overjoyed.

  Jacques didn't have the tears, but the wonder and joy was clearly there. He’d never thought this was ever going to happen, and it was. He was astounded by his luck.

  “I just felt them as I was feeding. They respond to your blood. They already know who their fathers are.”

  Flynn lowered himself down her torso until he was inches from her flat belly. “I love you both. No matter what happens, I always will. You may have two fathers, but you’re both still mine. I’ll die to keep you alive.”

  Jolie’s heart hitched.

  Jacques’s did too.

  He knew that if it weren’t for his mate, this moment would never have happened. They wouldn’t have these tiny lives to call their own.

  “I love you too,” Jacques said, running his long fingers across Jolie’s stomach. “I’ll protect you both because you’re both mine to love. I promise no one will ever hurt you.”

  Jolie touched their cheeks. “These little ones are lucky to have you both, and so am I. You’re going to be wonderful fathers. I can already tell.”

  “I can’t wait,” Flynn said, staring into Jolie’s eyes. “You’re going to be a terrific mother.”

  “He’s right. You will be.”

  Jolie’s heart skipped. “I hope so.”

  The men took a few more minutes to enjoy the growing lives. When they were done, they knew there was pressing business to handle.

  “About tonight,” Jacques began.

  Jolie didn't speak.

  “You’re not doing it. There is no way we’re letting you put yourself in danger. Look what happened when we simply went to check that club out. I don’t trust Mulduk.”

  She was well aware.

  “I don’t trust him either,” she stated, “but what choice do we have?”

  Flynn lifted an eyebrow. “We have the choice of not going. That’s a pretty good option.”

  “We have to do this. We have an obligation.”

  They didn't like it.

  It was worrisome.

  “Can you actually go to that club and dominate someone?” Jacques asked. “Do you want to do that?”

  “No, I don’t, but don’t you think I want our children to be born? The Tueur isn’t messing around. He claims to know why I’m marked.”

  They were aware.

  “Who will you take?” Jacques asked.

  Flynn watched her. Jolie didn't look as sure about it as she was trying to portray. She was nervous.

  “I was thinking of taking Mathew.”

  The men began laughing at the mere mention of his name.

  It startled her.

  “That is NEVER happening,” Flynn stated. “In fact, I can pretty much bet my life on it. He’s a horrible guardian, and he attacked me. If you think I’ve lost my mind, you’re going to be in for a huge shock.”

  Jacques agreed. “Not in this lifetime, Jolie,” he stated. “We live a long time, so you’ll be waiting an eternity.”

  “Then who do you suggest? If I don’t bring someone, Mulduk has told me it’ll be him. Do you really want me getting some man off in a bondage club?”

  “Oh, no way on this green Earth, Jolie,” said Flynn, turning red at the idea of her standing above some man and...

  He sputtered.

  “No way.”

  “Again, I have to agree. Why does he want you there? There has to be some agenda,” Jacques stated.

  “Mulduk has information as to who the killer is and is willing to give you the next piece of the puzzle. That alone would make me go, but toss in the information on the Tueur…I can’t ignore it.”

  “Jolie,” started Jacques.

  “I need to know, my loves. I need to know why I’m being tracked. It will only be a matter of time before they figure out how to access our home, and then what? We need to be prepared.”

  “There are other ways,” Flynn offered.

  “Not in this case. We can’t hit the Tueur head on. They’re too strong for us. They are rogue and fanatical. They were either hired by someone, or there is another reason they are tracking me.”

  Jacques sighed. “We have no choice then.”

  “No. I don’t.”

  “I’ll go,” Flynn stated.

  They both looked at him.

  “Will that work?” Jacques asked. “I thought you liked Flynn to offer you pain—not the other way around.”

  Jolie stared at her mate. “Flynn, are you sure that’s something you want to have happen? I’m going to have to hurt you.”

  The thought made her sick.

  “I’m willing to sacrifice anything to keep you safe. I’m sure you can make it worth my while.”

  Jacques didn't want his mate to suffer. “I’ll go.”

  Jolie glanced over at him. “Jacques.”

  “I’m a full vampyre. I can handle it. I don’t want to see Flynn hurt. He’s still part human.”

  Jolie had to make a choice. While she knew Jacques was right, she kept thinking back to their conversation.

  “Are you sure you won’t let me take Mathew? He would be comfortable there. He is submissive in bed.”

  “NO!” they said together.

  Flynn continued, “I never want to hear ‘submissive in bed’ from you again when discussing him. We’ve been down this road. That’s too much like sex for us. He’ll get off. That’s the whole issue, Jolie.”

  “It’s one of us,” Jacques said. “We can keep you saf
e. Flynn is a fighter. Mathew is not. I trust our mate to keep you protected. I can’t say the same about Mathew. In fact, he worries me.”

  Jolie glanced back and forth between them. “Okay, but we have to make this look good. I’m not going to be able to pretend to dominate. I have to make it believable.”

  Both men were fine with that.

  “Who will it be, Jolie?” Flynn asked.

  The men waited.

  She had to make this decision. Jacques was the better fighter, but this was about teasing and offering pain. While she trusted him, Jolie knew Flynn was a better choice.

  “Flynn.”

  Jacques looked surprised. “Is it because of what I said?” he asked. “Is this to punish me?”

  She moved across the bed toward him. “No, it’s not. It’s simply about the fact that I think Flynn will be focused on working, and not sex. He’s a detective, and this is about solving this case. He won’t be focused on getting off.”

  “She’s right. If you go, I might not get everything I can to work this case. You’d have to be my eyes, and that might hurt me. I’ll be thinking case.”

  Jacques relaxed.

  He understood her decision.

  “I think I’m okay with that.”

  They both let out the breath they were holding.

  “Thank you, Jacques,” she said, going into his arms. When she cuddled against him, he gently left kisses across her bare shoulder.

  “I trust my mates. I know you’ll come back to me. While you’re away, I’ll be here holding up the fort.”

  “Down,” they both said together.

  Jacques knew it amused them when screwed up the human sayings, so he did it often to lighten the mood. It seemed to be working. “Whatever.”

  “Flynn, are you sure about this?” Jolie asked, watching him with unblinking eyes. The last thing she wanted to do was risk him or make her mate uncomfortable.

  This was a surefire way to stress their relationship.

  “Sure I am. I’m going to prep for the night. When are we leaving?”

  Jolie was feeling wary. “In two hours.”

  Flynn was up, and off the bed. “I’ll be ready. I have a few things to handle. I’ll see you then.”

  They watched him leave.

  “That can’t be good,” Jacques said.

  Jolie agreed. “I hope I didn't just make a huge mistake.”