TWISTED FATES BOOK 1: The First Twist

Sammie

When I got up in the wee hours of the morning, it was still dusk. I rubbed my eyes and looked over at Jareth. He was sitting at his desk, working on his laptop.

So Damn Sexy ...

I rolled over onto my side and studied my beautiful enigma while biting my lower lip. His pale blond locks were disheveled, hanging over his sculpted brow, which was a rare sight to behold with Jareth. He was always so composed. So, of course, whenever the slightest imperfection appeared on him, I loved it. His disheveled appearance made me appreciate that he felt comfortable enough with me to let down the fortified walls he had preserved for over three centuries. He caught me watching him and smiled.

“Love, if you continue to regard me with that expression while you are seductively sprawled on our bed and clothed in nothing but my shirt, then I assure you we shan’t be on time for our flight this morning.”

“Why Jareth Mickelsen, I have no idea what you’re talking about. I’m just lying here staring at the sexiest man I’ve ever seen and picturing him naked. That shouldn’t affect you ... should it?”

I blinked my eyes, feigning innocence, then sauntered over to drape my arms over Jareth’s shoulders. I purposefully allowed my breasts to rub against his bare skin as I pressed soft kisses along his neck.

A soft chuckle passed his lips. “Samantha, I feel as if you are trying to deter me from finalizing our itinerary. And I’m certain that you wouldn’t think to do that, would you? Especially when you know how imperative it is that I am on time for this meeting, right?”

I gasped mockingly as I continued to nibble on the spot beneath his ear that drives him crazy. “I would never do such a thing,” I whispered coyly.

Jareth quickly swung his seat around and pulled me to his lap. His blackened eyes stared at me covetously as he skillfully traced his finger along the unbuttoned collar of the shirt I was wearing. His smooth stroke trailed along the nape of my neck, gliding down to the jutting sprout of my breast, circling it with his finger. I shuttered with delight from his masterful touch. And then Jareth did the unthinkable.

He tweaked my nipples and then had the audacity to declare, ”Tune in Tokyo!”

My bratty vampire then burst into a fit of laughter.

I scowled at him.

Needless to say, I was not amused.

I couldn’t believe that Jareth, mister broody vampire, just got me all hot and bothered only to play Tune in Tokyo.

Who does that?!

I am so going to pay back his sneaky ass later on. I huffed and stalked away, pouting. “So mature, Jareth ... Not!”

I could tell he tried to contain his fit of laughter. But the more he looked at my red cheeks; he just couldn’t contain himself. He gently placed a hand on my shoulder and tilted my head up to look him in the eye.

“Samantha, love, I’m sorry for teasing you. But I did warn you that we needed to prepare for our departure. Now the sooner we make haste, the sooner I promise, I will tend to whatever needs you may have once we are on board the plane.”

“Fine...wait... what? The plane? Jareth, I don’t think that having sex on a plane with a bunch of bystanders is really something I’m comfortable with doing. I’m not sure what kind of crazy exhibitionism vampires are OK with, but I’m just not that daring. Also, those bathrooms are way too small, not to mention people poop in there. I seriously can’t see how someone could actually have sex inside of them. That would be just eww, gross.”

Again, he snickered.

How is this funny?

“Samantha, I told you that we were going to be on the Council’s private plane. No one, other than the pilots and cabin steward, will be joining us on the flight. Also, there is a suite at the back of the plane that is reserved for resting ... or other more surreptitious entertainment.”

He gave me a knowing wink.

Well shit. I completely forgot. Oopsy. Color me embarrassed.

“Now...” Jareth commanded as he gave me a quick pat on the ass, “go finish getting ready.”

**********************************************************

It’s official; I am now an exclusive member of the mile-high club folks.

Whoop-Whoop!

We landed in New York and arrived at our hotel a few hours later. As we walked through the stately glass double doors of The Crimson Veil hotel, my jaw dropped. I couldn’t believe I was standing in one of the most luxurious prestigious hotels ever! The amazing thing is that this place is a mecca for supernatural beings to stay and have meetings. Jareth informed me that this hotel was considered neutral ground. He explained that when the hotel was initially built, the old witch Maleyna placed a strong ward over it, making it so that no one has any special abilities within the building.

To sum up, inside this building, it’s like we’re all just essentially human. The ward was put in place as a failsafe so that neither humans nor other supernaturals can harm the other. That’s some remarkably potent mojo, if you ask me.

Jareth literally had to tug me along the enormous, boldly designed black and white marble floor-way just to get to the front desk. Here we were greeted by a stunning svelte blonde clerk who, I might add, looked way too happy to see Jareth’s approach. She blushed as he set his hand on the burnished gold countertop.

“Good Evening Mr. Mickelsen.” She peered at him through her long lashes and began typing into the computer in front of her.

“Good Evening Miss Camille.”

“Your accommodations have been confirmed, sir, just as you requested. Here is your keycard to the penthouse suite. Will you be needing to check anything into your safety deposit box?”

“That will be unnecessary for this visit. Thank you, Camille. I’ve left our luggage in the limo. Please have someone bring them up. Also, I’d prefer to have Chef Jacques prepare dinner for my companion and me this evening, so please make the arrangements.”

“Yes, Sir. Enjoy your stay, Mr. Mickelsen. Please feel free to call me; I apologize. I meant to call the front desk, should you need anything to make your stay more comfortable.”

Oh, Hell, No!

The bitch didn’t even acknowledge me. She acted as if I weren’t standing right here next to him.

Bitch!

As if sensing my growing annoyance, Jareth smoothly lifted me bridal style and kissed me lovingly right in front of Miss Camille. While his lips and tongue traced tenderly along my neck, I turned to her and smiled smugly as she glared at me.

Ha Ha! It sucks to be you bitch!

Jareth began walking us towards the elevator, stopping midway. “Oh, how daft of me.” He spoke, “Miss Camille?”

“Yes, Mister Mickelsen.” She responded, rather sickeningly sweet, I might add.

“I’m sure you are aware, as the owner of this establishment, that I expect an impeccable level of professionalism and respect from my personnel. I reciprocate with such requirements in favor of excellent wages and many pleasantries that may not be provided at other locales of the sort. ”

“Yes, of course, Mr. Mickelsen.” She consented.

“I do not, however ... “Jareth interjects, “tolerate anyone that slights my Beloved mate, Miss Hunter. For to do so would, in fact, be an affront to me, and I have no lenience with such improprieties. As of this moment, you have been permanently relieved of your duties. Please see Mister Thorensen in his office to receive your severance pay. Good Day, Miss Camille.”

Jareth then continued to walk us to the elevator as I glared back at the now not so smug Miss Camille. She glanced up and looked at me as I smiled and waved ta-ta.

That’s right, skank ... who’s the bitch now?!

**********************************************************

When the elevator made it to the penthouse suite of the twenty-four-story luxury hotel, Sammie’s eyes glazed over in wonder. The entire top floor was where she and Jareth would be occupying for the next few days. The massiveness of such a place was incomprehensible to Sammie. She was well aware that Jareth, being over three centuries old, had amassed himself a great amount of wealth, but she had never comprehended the degree of magnitude. Her cheeks blushed as she regarded Jareth. She realized there was still so much that she didn’t even know about him, owning a giant luxury hotel being one of them.

He guided Sammie around their new temporary home, which was surprisingly decorated with modern affixtures, a contrast to the Romanesque mansion they usually resided in.

Yet, with the very masculine and stylized decor, she could easily visualize this belonging to Jareth. She took a deep breath and calmed her nerves, reminding herself that she still had so much to learn about her vampire. But, clearly, by bringing her here, Jareth was working on it.

Jareth leaned over and placed a chaste kiss on Sammie’s shoulder. “Are these accommodations to your liking, my love? Is there anything you may need to be improved upon in order to be suited to your tastes?”

Sammie smiled and wrapped her arms lovingly around Jareth’s neck as she stood up on tiptoe to kiss him deeply. “It’s perfect, Jareth. Thank you so much for opening your world up to me. I love you.”

Jareth brushed a stray hair behind Sammie’s ear and held her eyes lovingly. He lifted her petite frame upwards as she wrapped her lithe legs around his waist, causing her to let out an excited moan.

“I love you too, my Beloved Samantha. Now, why don’t we retire to the bedroom and work on building up our appetites before dinner arrives.”

A roguish grin spread across his lips as he carried Sammie to their bedroom.