Ciara shoved her back, but Vaelna was quick. Too quick.
In a blur, she pinned Ciara down, her breath hot, her gaze feral and then she smashed her lips onto hers.
Ciara didn't kiss back.
And that pissed Vaelna off.
Her mouth trailed down, and before Ciara could register it, sharp teeth grazed her neck , it was not enough to wound, but just enough to break the surface.
A gasp slipped from Ciara's throat.
Vaelna moaned softly as her tongue caught a drop of blood, tasting her like a long-awaited craving. The heat that pulsed through her core was instant. The blood was potent wild, Alpha-blooded. It made her body hum.
She kissed Ciara again, she could taste her blood on Vaelna's lips , her eyes were full of desire and need.
Ciara didn't pull away. Not this time, she didn't feel disgusted but weird and good.
The vampire's hand slid up, fingers brushing against fabric, seeking the shape beneath. Her perfect perky and round boobs.
Her touch was maddeningly slow, deliberate. When her palm found Ciara's chest, she let her thumb tease over a sensitive point …. just enough to make the Alpha's body arch slightly.
"You know," Vaelna murmured against her skin, voice like a sin, "your chest might be my favorite surprise about you, Alpha. Didn't expect an Alpha to be this blessed."
"Ahh—ahh," Ciara moaned, flustered. "If you're going to do this, then stop teasing."
Vaelna chuckled, dark and low, before slipping the cloth from Ciara's shoulder and taking those hard perky tips into her mouth.
"Uhhh… Vaelna…."
Her name came out like a breathless prayer, and the vampire moved with more hunger, lips and tongue working a rhythm that sent shivers down Ciara's spine. She licked, nipped, and claimed , like those curves , those nipples were hers alone.
Then she started moving lower, kissing every inch, trailing her fingers with promise. When she finally got between her legs .. .
Ciara jerked with a moan, her back arching off the bedroll.
"Ah, goddess…."
"keep the goddess out your mouth my love," Vaelna whispered wickedly. "You can scream my name only."
She didn't stop.
The air turned hot and heavy. Ciara writhed under her, hips rocking to the rhythm of Vaelna's mouth and touch. The tension curled deeper, building fast, dangerous and electric.
"You've got... a lot to give," Vaelna teased, voice husky.
"I said—don't... taunt me," Ciara gasped, clawing at the sheets.
But she couldn't stop herself. Her body moved on its own, chasing every wicked flick of Vaelna's tongue, every press of her fingers.
"I... I'm about to … ahh uhh, V….Vaelna!"
Ciara's voice broke into a cry as the pleasure shattered through her like a wave, stealing her breath and flooding her senses.
And then…..darkness.
She passed out, body limp in release, her lips parted slightly as her chest rose and fell.
Vaelna stared at her, a proud smirk tugging her mouth.
"Well… I guess it really was that good."
—---------------
Outside the camp, a swirl of shadows spun in the air, glowing faintly red and silver. The trees shook lightly, and the ground beneath them vibrated.
Vaelna was already up, half-dressed, eyes narrowed at the glowing space.
Zyra stepped out of her tent, sword in hand, her silver eyes cold and sharp.
Sera and Selene rushed out behind her, all of them staring at the vortex dancing between the trees.
"The portal…" Selene whispered, her voice filled with awe and dread, it's bigger than the one leading to Vaelna's clan.
"It's open," Vaelna said quietly, her tone unreadable.
Sera turned to Selene. "Is that the one?"
Selene nodded. "That's the deepest one. The path that leads to the heart of the Vampire kingdom."
Ciara stumbled out, her body still weak, Her skin tingles where Vaelna had touched her, licked her… owned her. She blinked adjusting her clothes, hair messy, lips bruised eyes still a little dazed.
"W-What's going on?" she asked, catching her breath.
"The portal," Zyra said, not looking at her. "We're going in."
"You sure about this?" Kael asked, stepping beside her.
Zyra didn't flinch. "She's in there. I know it."
Selene moved forward cautiously. "Once we step in, there's no turning back. That place... isn't like anywhere else."
Vaelna met her gaze. "I know."
Zyra looked around at the others ,at Ciara still catching up, Sera trying to hide her worry, Kael standing quiet beside her, Selene with her secret knowledge, and Vaelna …her unreadable eyes.
"We go in together," Zyra said firmly. "No one backs out."
Ciara looked at Vaelna, her cheeks still flushed from what had happened. Vaelna smirked faintly, brushing her fingers against her own lips before turning away.
"Then let's move," Zyra ordered.
The group stood in a line, hearts pounding, eyes locked on the swirling red portal.
And then… they stepped in.
One by one.
And the world behind them faded into smoke.