The Mate Fixer ~One~

Content advisory: m/f sex

Lexie adjusted her dress and checked her lipstick before she went to answer the knock on her apartment door. Might as well let him wait a few minutes and see how he handled it. He knocked again and this time it was rapid fire. Yep, he was losing it already and they hadn’t even spoken.

She stifled a sigh. He was going to be difficult all right.

After one last glance in the mirror she went to greet him. She opened the door and beheld her evening’s work. She caught her breath. Jesus, she’d almost forgotten how gorgeous he was in the week since he’d come into her office and signed the contract.

For one fleeting moment, she wished he was a real date and not a client.

“Why the hell did you make me wait so long?” Michael Hunter snapped.

She saw the tips of his fangs and got a little tingle exactly where she shouldn’t. Vampires were so damn temperamental. She didn’t like taking them on as clients but this one was so handsome she’d found herself saying yes instead of no. And of course the problem he needed fixed was his bad temper. Go figure.

“I made you wait because that’s what you’re paying me for. Did you think I was going to humor you and make this easy?” She looked into his lovely aqua eyes and wanted to fall into them. She jerked her gaze away. It wouldn’t be wise to fall under his spell. That wouldn’t lead to helping him. That would lead to doing exactly what he wanted. Not a good business plan.

Being a mate fixer wasn’t easy but it was her calling. She’d fixed more males, human and of the paranormal variety, than she could keep count of and they paid her well for her services. When she fixed a male, he stayed fixed. It wasn’t that she was good at teaching anger management or refining manners or making the awkward confident. She simply willed the bad trait or behavior away and gave it a psychic push. Some clients were harder than others but eventually they all gave to her coaching.

Michael Hunter would be no different but perhaps she would take her time with him. She didn’t mix business with pleasure, especially with a vampire, but he was so hot she caved, ignoring her own rule.

“So, where are we going tonight?” she asked.

His mood immediately improved and his lips tipped up at the corners. “I’m taking you to an indoor horse show. You do like horses, don’t you?”

“I happen to love horses but that doesn’t exactly sound like a date.” Oh boy, he was going to be unconventional.

His smile became a sheepish grin. “Well, I must confess that I’m considering one of the animals for my personal stable and I want to see him perform.” He shrugged. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize the show was tonight.”

Actually, the idea had a certain appeal. “That’s okay. I love seeing beautiful horses in action.”

“Excellent.” He offered his arm and she took it without hesitation.

Lexie’s ass was numb. She’d been perched on the bleacher-type seat in her little black dress for the last three hours watching a non-stop showcase of some of the finest Arabian horses in the country. Despite her discomfort, she was enjoying herself immensely. So was her client.

Michael had his eye on a stunning red-roan stallion that was performing well against his competitors. “Isn’t he magnificent?” Michael asked.

“Yes. He’s gorgeous.”   

“I must have him.”

He had the money. If the horse was for sale, the purchase was as good as done. The horses lined up while the judge inspected each animal up close. After the judge returned to his booth, a moment later the steward called the sixth place horse and then the others one at a time. Michael practically crowed when the red-roan was called for first place and his rider accepted the huge blue ribbon. It was his fourth blue in the three hours they had been there.

The horses exited the ring and Michael stood and offered his hand. Thankful to stand, she laced her fingers with his and brushed off the back of her dress. She was more than ready for something else.

Michael led her toward a sea of horse trailers. He went directly to the one owned by Martin Arabians. The red-roan was already loaded in the trailer along with three other lovely animals.

“Hold up there a minute,” Michael called to the man who had ridden the horse.

The rider looked at them quizzically. “Can I help you?” he asked.

“The roan,” Michael said. “I want to buy him.”

“Well, he isn’t mine to sell.”           

Lexie felt Michael’s annoyance but to his credit he kept his composure. She stood a bit behind him and admired his ass. He was well put together. He was also a very young vampire. He had been thirty-one when he was turned less than twenty years ago.

Dying hadn’t interfered with his businesses and he’d made a fortune since his death and rebirth. Other than his temper which, according to him, eventually drove away every woman he took an interest in, he was living the good life-or perhaps it was unlife. Whatever he was doing, he was very good at most of it. She would take care of the rest.

“Then who do I talk to about it?” he asked.

“My father. Tom Martin. But I don’t think he’s going to sell Magic.”

“Everything and everyone has a price.  Including this horse.”

“Here’s his card.” He pressed a business card into Michael’s hand. “You can give it a shot but I wouldn’t get my hopes up.”

Michael smirked. “I don’t have to get my hopes up. I’ll make him an offer too good to refuse.”

Lexie didn’t doubt for one moment that Michael was going to own the horse in a matter of days.

Their next stop was a cozy restaurant. She was surprised. She hadn’t expected him to take her out to eat considering he couldn’t have anything for himself. The place was small, dark, and smelled like Italian food. He ordered a glass of wine for appearances and played with it while she had a plate of the best lasagna she’d ever tasted.

“I’m sorry you can’t try this,” she said.

“I had it. Years ago. I remember it was delicious but I can no longer remember what it tasted like. If that makes any sense.”

“It makes absolute sense.” A wave of pity rolled through her.

“Please. Don’t feel sorry for me. I hate that. I live a good life. Giving up food isn’t that big of a deal for what I got in return.”

Odd, she’d never considered that a vampire gained anything by losing his mortal life. “Do you like being a vampire more than you liked being human?”

“In a lot of ways, yes. I miss very little about my human life. I’ve forgotten what most things taste like so that isn’t an issue for me anymore. And there are some nice perks.”

“Such as?”

He grinned. “I can make love all night long and pleasure a woman like no human could ever manage.”

Heat filled her cheeks.

He chuckled. “I didn’t mean to embarrass you.”

That was a lie. He had absolutely intended it but she wasn’t averse to playing games if that’s what he wanted. “You didn’t. You just caught me off guard.”

Their gazes met and she stared into the aqua depths. His eyes were really beautiful. She wanted to drown in them. She bet it would be nice. Warm. Pleasant.

Shit! She was having a good time with him. That wasn’t what she was being paid to do. Instead of helping a client, she had fallen into the trap of acting like she was on a real date. It was time to get things going.

Forget his gorgeous eyes. . .hell, his gorgeous everything, and get on with it. She knew his hot spots. He’d had to disclose them in order for her to effectively work with him.

“Did you see the article on the Internet about the President’s parrot making a scene at a charity event?”

“No. And what a waste of brain cells. Posting crap like that and calling it news.” His mouth twisted. “Why the hell don’t they post a story on the latest bullshit the lying thieves are doing to piss away the taxpayer’s money?” His hand curled into a fist on the table. “Politicians! I’d like to see all of them removed and sentenced to thirty years hard labor.” His pale skin was taking on a mottled shade of deep pink. “Thieving bastards.”

She felt to link with his mind on a psychic level. At first he was resistant and she didn’t think he was going to allow it but she tried again and this time the link was forged-hard and violent. Pain stabbed her temple and she barely held on and didn’t drop the connection. Jesus, he was strong and pissed.

She sent waves of calm to him and the thought that discussing politics while calm was much better and then she pushed. Hard.

He yelped.

Alarm shot through her. “Did I hurt you?”

“Oh! My God. No. No you didn’t.” Then in a total switch he lost it. “I hate politicians, I can’t stand it,” he practically brayed at her.

She sent the calming thoughts and pushed again.

“Ah yaa.” A huge smile spread over his face. “God, do that again.”

“Huh?”

“Do it again. I have to make sure.”

Sure of what? He was a confounding creature but she repeated the push and to her amazement, he practically purred as some strange little noise came out of him.  

“Again, please.”

She pushed.

“Aaaaah.”

Holy shit. He acted almost as if. . .

“My God. That is so good. Where have you been all my life?”

“Excuse me?” Now she was completely confused.

“That feels. . .as good as sex only in a different way.”

Her face heated again.

He laughed. “I’m sorry. No one has ever said that to you before?”

“No. That’s a first.”

He reached across the table and captured her hand before she even had a chance to consider avoiding it. Not that she would have.

“I feel so calm and. . .just plain wonderful. No one has ever made me feel like that.”

A thrill with a side of fear raced through her. She’d never had such an effect on anyone.  And he was positively elated. How was he so different from her other clients? She sure as hell wished she knew. If her skills worked so well with everyone, hell, she’d have a line outside her office door every day.

His thumb stroked over her wrist and a different kind of thrill shot through her, heating her blood and arrowing straight to her crotch. And wasn’t his good humor having an effect on her? She shifted in her chair and he smirked as if knowing what he was doing to her.

“You are quite lovely,” he said. “The first time I walked into your office I wondered what it would be like to make love to you. I’m still wondering. And now I want to find out. If that’s agreeable with you,” he amended.

She almost laughed. She’d never been propositioned in such a way before. “My goodness, you impress easily.”

“Actually, that isn’t true at all. But I am impressed with you.”

“Thank you.” Shit. That sounded lame. But that wasn’t the issue. There was only one question at the moment. Either she was going to sleep with him or she wasn’t. And that scared the hell out of her because. . .hell, because he was a neck biter and sure as shit, if she slept with him, he’d bite. And who knew how far that might go.

Being bled to death while in the throes of passion with the most beautiful man she’d ever met wasn’t her idea of a good time.

“So how about it?” he asked. “Are you going to allow me to have my way with you?” He cracked a grin that showed the tips of his fangs.

Her breathing quickened.

“Ah, you are,” he said.

“I didn’t say that.” She should be offended but it wasn’t happening.

“You didn’t have to.”

“I’m not going to your place and I never take work home.” Let him stew on that.

His smirk reappeared. “Fine. There’s an officer here. We can use it.”

“What? We can’t barge into someone’s office.”

“Sure we can. It’s mine.”

“Yours? You own this place?” The clever bastard. Just like a man to show off his own place.

“Yes. I’ve owned it for many years. I have several more restaurants for that matter.” He stood and offered his hand. “Let me show you where I conduct my back-door deals and nefarious transactions.”

She didn’t know if he were joking or not. And certain parts of her body didn’t care. She let him guide her through a doorway at the back and down a shadowy hall to a room at the end of the corridor where he ushered her inside.

Dim lighting cast over a room with a huge carved desk and a monster-sized leather chair. Two walls were lined with filled bookcases and the far wall had an enormous fireplace.

“The fireplace is magnificent, is it not?” he asked.

“Yes, actually.”

“Gas logs. Wonderful invention. Hold tight.” He started the gas and heat radiated out immediately though it wasn’t cold in the room. “For atmosphere,” he said and chuckled. “Besides, you may get a bit chilly, at least for a moment, when I get those pesky clothes off you.”

She couldn’t help but laugh as he came forward and caught her about the waist. She had never been with a vampire but her former fear melted away. She didn’t know if he willed her to relax or if it was a natural reaction.

“You have nothing to fear. I would not hurt you though I may ask permission to take from you.”

She didn’t delude herself. She knew exactly what he meant and she was still not afraid. Instead, a thrill quickened her breath.

“Good. You want it, too.” Oh yes, she did. She wanted everything he could deliver.

He drew her close and she slipped her arms around his neck. Slowly, as if not to spook her like a wild horse, he leaned in and pressed lips that were surprisingly warm to hers. There was no demand, only gentleness. When he broke the contact, it was she that reestablished it, kissing him with rising excitement until she panted against his mouth.

He took over and licked at her lower lip. She granted entrance and their tongues danced and twined together. She touched one of his fangs and he groaned in a way that was all desire combined with restraint.

Somehow, she had her fingers on the buttons of his shirt. She worked them loose and slipped her questing hands inside, running over his chest, feeling the contours of muscle under soft skin.

“Ah nice,” he said and leaned into her hand.

She slipped her palm down his torso, over his hard stomach but she stopped at his waistband and worked her way back up to his pecs. Not content with the under the shirt action, she grabbed the garment and pulled it off his shoulders.

“Holy crap.” She said it before she caught herself.

He laughed. “Like?”

“You might say that.” Damn but he was fine. She glanced down to see what was going on in his trousers. She wasn’t disappointed. He wasn’t lacking down there either.

He drew her to him again but this time when he reached around her, he slipped the zipper down the back of her dress and peeled it from her shoulders. She let it slid down her body and land around her feet in a puddle of black silk.

She stood, proud of her body, breasts bare.

He bent and fastened his mouth over one taut peak. His hand latched onto the other orb and massaged. She kicked her head back and groaned. His tongue laved over the hard bud then he sucked it into his mouth and nibbled.

She wanted to get her hand down his pants but he was driving her crazy with his tongue and teeth and she couldn’t bring herself to even move. Finally he lifted his head. His eyes sparkled with mischief and he went for her hose. He worked the silky material down her legs and then caught her black lace panties. He had them off in record time.

“Exquisite,” he breathed.

She kicked off her shoes and went for his pants. She had them and his boxers off in moments. His cock bobbed free.

Stepping close, she caught his length in her hand and stroked.

He sucked in his breath.

“Like that?”

“Why wouldn’t I?” He leaned in a little closer.

She pumped his cock with long, slow strokes until a droplet formed at the tiny opening at the head. She rubbed her finger through the sticky fluid, smearing it over the crown and along the ridge.

He groaned long and deep then he caught her hand. “No. I don’t want you to jerk me off.”

“What do you want?”

“I’ll show you.” He grasped her shoulders and gently backed her toward the massive desk.  When her butt bumped the edge, he turned her around. “Brace on the table,” he said. He wasn’t asking, it was a demand.

A shiver of anticipation raced through her. She planted her hands on the desk and spread her legs. She wiggled her butt at him.

With a growl that fired her excitement, he grasped her hips and moved up behind her. He slipped his cock between her legs and pumped, rubbing her wet, swollen flesh but he didn’t enter her. He pumped harder, increasing the friction of skin on skin.

She moaned and rocked her hips, wanting more of him on her. She moved faster, encouraging him. Taking the hint, he worked against her, rubbing and sliding.

She shuddered. “Oh, God. Michael, don’t stop.”

But he did. He waited until her shudders subsided and then pushed inside her. His cock stretched her around him. He filled her until she thought she couldn’t take any more. Her moan of pleasure spurred him into a pumping, rocking move that drove in and out of her in smooth strokes. Riding her hard, he reached around and grasped her breasts. While he pumped, he stroked the taut nipples.

Pleasure spiraled through her in growing waves. His stroking fingers and thrusting cock were almost more than she could take. He picked up speed. Working hard. One hand left her breast, stroked down over her belly, on down and burrowed between her legs. His finger found the little nub at the top of her sex and set in with a steady, firm lick until her hips rocked hard, pleasuring herself on him.

Tension coiled in her lower belly and she rocked harder. She peaked. Pleasure released the tension. Her walls squeezed him within her. He grunted and kept going until she stilled.

He withdrew and turned her to face him.

She was limp, wrung out.

He grinned, showing the full length of his fangs, and picked her up. He deposited her on his desk and swept the papers on the surface onto the floor before pushing her down on her back. He climbed up over her, and pushed into her with on hard stroke, filling her again.

He kissed her then planted little kisses along her jaw, up to her ear. Then he kissed down her throat. A couple of inches below her ear, he stopped. “May I?”

She shivered and rocked her hips against him. “Yes.” Terrified excitement shot through her and she turned her head slightly.

He pumped hard and pressed the points of his fangs into her skin.

Oh, God, he was going to do it.

He bit hard.

She screamed, but with pleasure not pain. Her nails sank into his back and raked across his skin. The sensation of him taking her blood was strange but erotic and pleasure spiraled through her again. She bucked under him then climaxed a second time.

He released her with his teeth, pumped hard and peaked with a long groan. When his motions ceased, he pulled from her. “Amazing,” he said. “I can’t wait for our next coaching session.”

Funny, she had been thinking the same thing.

~ Nickie Asher ~

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Copyright © 2012 Nickie Asher

All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.