Only Vampires Cry Blood (Alexa O'Brien, Huntress #3)(82)

“We don’t have to.”

My eyes grew wide, and I blushed. What was it with these two? They were either ready to kill each other or so oddly in step with one another that it was eerie.

Arys didn’t miss a beat, adding, “I suddenly feel incredibly over dressed.”

When Shaz opened a fresh bottle of champagne and handed me a glass, I tossed it back with unladylike swiftness, anything to calm the sudden nerves that twisted my stomach into knots. I adored both of these men more than I could put into words. Yet, I still wasn’t used to being with them at the same time. It was still new and mind blowing.

It set free a swarm of butterflies inside me and had me blushing like a virgin.

Shaz flashed Arys an apologetic smile. “Sorry we can’t offer you anything. I can’t imagine having a one course diet.”

The wicked smile that spread across the vampire’s face left me tingling even though it was directed at Shaz, not me. “Oh, you can offer me something, wolf. I promise I’ll accept.”

I looked back and forth between them, unable to keep the shock off my face. Arys was bold, and I expected that from him, but to proposition Shaz like that was something he did not do. As if to make his meaning unmistakably clear, Arys let his eyes wander to the pulse that throbbed in Shaz’ neck. I held my breath, fearing an angry retort from my white wolf.

Surprising me further, Shaz laughed it off. “Well, let’s just see how much champagne I have and how impressionable I become.”

“By all means,” Arys replied. “Drink up.”

It wasn’t lost on me that I was the only one in the room feeling uncomfortable. I shouldn’t have been because they were clearly at ease. It was just so unexpected. I was pretty sure they communicated without me more than I was aware though I didn’t get the feeling they’d call themselves friends.

“So uh, shall we move this little party to the living room?” Shaz asked with a playful smile.

I swallowed hard and nodded. Excitement thrilled through me, anticipation guiding me as I followed Shaz down the stairs into the living room. Arys was right behind me, so close a shiver raced down my spine.

A fire was blazing in the hearth, filling the room with a warm glow. A faux fur throw rug was on the floor in front of the fireplace. Combined with the champagne Shaz held, it was a very inviting scenario.

The TV played quietly, little more than background noise. Arys shed his leather jacket and draped it over the back of the sofa. He didn’t stop there, peeling his shirt off in a swift, smooth motion. Grabbing my hand, he pulled me against him, hard. The glass I held sloshed pale golden liquid onto my hand. I automatically licked the spilled drops from the back of my hand. Arys watched me, his pupils dilating in response to his reaction.

He guided me down to the floor so that we sat in the center of the fur throw. Shaz set the bottle on a nearby coffee table and joined us, sitting on the other side of me. My nervousness gave way to intrigue and expectation.

Arys kissed me, a quick but soft press of his lips to mine. “I know I’ve already said this, but … I’m sorry. For everything. I should have trusted you all along. I feared that Harley would corrupt you, and I ran blindly back down that path myself.”

“Don’t.” I shook my head and caressed his face. I hated the self-loathing in his enchanting eyes. It wasn’t right. “Don’t beat yourself up over it. Harley’s dead. You are here now. It’s over.”

With a nod, he leaned his forehead against mine. As much as I hated that Arys was in such emotional turmoil, it was a relief, too. He was so much the killer, seeking the thrill of the hunt, guided by unashamed bloodlust. I appreciated the deeper part of him.

Shaz said nothing, though as the one who had really taken Harley down, I imagined he was still overjoyed about the whole thing. He traced a finger lightly along the back of my neck, sweeping my damp hair aside. While Arys and I loosely held one another, Shaz leaned in to press his lips to my sensitive flesh.

It tickled even as it sent a shot of heat to my groin. I squirmed and giggled against my will. Shaz slipped his arms around me from behind, and I relaxed into his embrace. I pulled Arys closer for another kiss, this time slipping my tongue into his mouth swiftly. I longed to taste him, needing to make up for the last two weeks he’d been absent.

I wanted to tell him never to leave me like that again, that I needed him and couldn’t bear to be without him. Instead, I kissed him with all I had, letting my actions speak for me. With one hand, I reached back for Shaz, grasping his hand and holding it tightly.

Touching each of them like this, it was hard not to notice the strong current of energy that flowed through the three of us.

Arys deepened our kiss, devouring me in his sudden urgency. Running his hands up inside my robe, he pushed it down my arms in an attempt to free me of it. Shaz caught on quickly, tugging the robe off the rest of the way. I sat between them naked and feeling exposed. My response was to tug at Shaz’ towel. It came loose easily, and I tossed it aside.

“What about you?” I grinned at Arys, indicating the blue jeans he still wore.

“In a hurry, are you?” In no time, Arys was as nude as Shaz and I. The sensation of their naked bodies pressed to either side of me was glorious, and I reveled in it.

I turned to Shaz, nuzzling him as I would in wolf form. His musky wolf scent teased me, stirring my lust for him. I bit playfully at his lips before targeting the pulse in the side of his neck. I nipped at it lightly until a soft moan came from him. At the same time, Arys was kissing his way up my arm, pausing in the hollow of my elbow to lick the soft spot that always drove me wild.