Tales Of Texas Vampires Part 1

THE HUNTER'S PREY: TALES OF TEXAS VAMPIRES.

BY.

DIANE WHITESIDE.

For The Three G.o.dmothers: Ame, the best psychiatrist ever seen by a character; Julie, the best friend any writer could hope to find; And Brynda, who wondered one day why there weren't any vampires in Texas.

This one's for you.

LA PALOMA BLANCA.

A Tale Of Don Rafael Perez & Ethan Templeton Dearest Pearl, Thank you so much for your letter! It seems like an eternity since we vowed eternal friends.h.i.+p in Concord, outside Miss Amity's Young Ladies Seminary. It has taken every ounce of strength that my sister Cordelia and I can muster just to survive this harsh Texas summer. We hope to return soon to Boston, if only we can obtain Father's permission. But he plans to remain here in Austin, searching for ways to help this Rebel state return to the Union. I suspect he also hopes for ways to line his wallet but he publicly speaks only of the good to be done here.

You ask if we have met any interesting young men. Most of the young men we meet are Army officers. Alas, Father will not permit us to do more than speak to men of the sword. He extended this ban to followers of Mr. Colt so very few men in this martially inclined dust hole are acceptable. Cordelia has been known to say that if we did not meet anyone soon, she would invent someone! However, we encountered two men last Sat.u.r.day night who were very intriguing. I will tell you everything that I can remember of them.

Father had invited some acquaintances for dinner, which Cordelia and I attended as his hostesses. We were excused when the drinks were pa.s.sed, a departure we both welcomed. The gentlemen here drink whisky and smoke the most appalling cigars all night long, whether or not there are ladies present! It is very distressing to both of us. In any event, Cordelia went directly upstairs to nurse her headache while I went to say a few words of thanks to the cook. (She had managed to provide a meal without beans, a most remarkable feat.) When I went upstairs, I could hear voices from within our bedroom. It seemed that Cordelia was moaning, a most intense sound if somewhat low-pitched. I hesitated then approached softly, reluctant to disturb her if her headache had increased. Her moans did not sound pained so I went up to the door, holding my skirts so as to make the least sound. I put my ear to the door and heard words out of Cordelia's mouth. To my surprise, she was begging someone for more!

I could not imagine to whom Cordelia was speaking. This is a most uncouth town and she complains frequently of the lack of presentable callers. I crouched down and peered through the keyhole.

What should my stunned eyes behold but my sister Cordelia sitting on a man's lap! He was a tall blond man in a threadbare Rebel uniform, seated on the edge of the bed, holding Cordelia arched across his arm. His hair spilled across her generous bosom so I could not quite make out all the details. He seemed to be kissing her throat and farther down. Her language was rather incoherent but I am certain that she wanted more of whatever he was doing.

I observed them for some time. He was able to unb.u.t.ton the back of Cordelia's dress so that her underthings were very evident. His mouth was most busy, although I am not certain of all his actions since Cordelia spent much time clutching at his head. I believe his name was "Ethan" since she frequently repeated that word. I blush to say that my hand reached under my skirts, echoing Ethan's movements.

Suddenly, I was picked up in a man's arms! I squeaked with surprise as I beheld a giant holding me as if I were as light as a feather. (Which you know, Pearl, I am not!) He stood some inches over six feet, black hair and black eyes, olive skin, heavily muscled, an eagle's beak of a nose, and a very nasty scar above one eye. He had quite the look of a conquistador from the days of Cortez.

"La paloma blanca," he murmured. "Little white dove, perched on the gallery to watch the excitement." He smiled at me, then kissed me. It was a very dream of a kiss, one to flutter any lady's pulse.

"Won't you invite me in, la paloma blanca?" he asked. I could only nod yes as I stared at his mouth, hoping for more of his attentions. He lowered me slightly so that I could open the door and in we went.

Ethan lifted his head as we came in but kept his hand busy on Cordelia. He did not seem surprised but simply lifted an eyebrow. Cordelia twisted her head around and glared at me. (Pearl, you at least must believe me. I was not spying on her so that I could inform Father! Cordelia has always accused me of such reprehensible behavior when, in truth, she is the one who ran to our patriarch with tales of my misdeeds. But she has not done that since this night's adventures so I have some hope for the future.) In any event, I mouthed an apology for interrupting her frolic and Cordelia soon went back to fondling Ethan's head.

"Continue as you were, Ethan," my gentleman said. "This young lady is desirous of seeing how a gentleman pleasures a woman. So make sure that you provide ample entertainment." Was I mistaken or was there the slightest emphasis on the word "gentleman?"

"As you wish, Don Rafael, but..." Here, Ethan hesitated as if seeking words. My gentleman fixed him with a stare that would have made even Andrew Johnson behave reasonably.

"Tonight is the first opportunity to see how well you have learned your lessons, Ethan. You know how to walk into a room and select your best prey from the adults present. You understand how to excite their pa.s.sion, preferably by seduction but, if necessary, by blanketing their mind with l.u.s.t. You have thus learned how to walk out of a room with any adult in it, your quarry full of carnal antic.i.p.ation and more than willing to feed you. Now you must prove that you can dine discreetly, leaving your prey alive. You will not risk my family by killing, thereby making humans hunt us."

Ethan nodded, his eyes fixed on my gentleman, who continued the lecture.

"Remember that feeding is better on emotion than on blood alone. You will answer to me if you forget that and harm either lady."

Ethan flinched as if he had been struck yet Don Rafael's voice had been low and even. I remembered how the officers had spoken to their men at the close of the late conflict. The slightest word had been attended as well as any minister's thundering sermon. Don Rafael's words held a similar grip on Ethan.

Don Rafael studied him for a moment before speaking again. "Bien. Now arrange yourself and the woman to provide the best display. My little white dove has known a man's pa.s.sion before but now she wishes to watch. Is that not true, little one?"

I agreed, blus.h.i.+ng hotly. How had he known of an occurrence that I had only told you, Pearl? Had he read my thoughts when I wished that drunken oaf had paid half as much attention to my rapture as Ethan paid to Cordelia's?

Ethan bowed his head in acknowledgement then s.h.i.+fted Cordelia so she came astride him with her back against his breast, draped across his lap and her head arched back against his shoulder. He ran his hands over her and her dress slid away from his touch. He lifted her hips and soon stripped the obscuring cloth from her. My startled gaze beheld my sister's body attired only in a chemise, stockings, and her kid boots, outlined against a fully clothed man. Cordelia smiled at me in the exact manner she uses every Christmas when she gets to open her presents first as the eldest child. Ethan began to touch her in the most intimate fas.h.i.+on imaginable, paying considerable attention to her bosom. Cordelia's arms went up over her head as her eyes closed with a smirk and she stretched, offering herself to him.

Don Rafael carried me over to the armchair and sat down. He settled me on his lap in a similar fas.h.i.+on, facing my sister and her lover. This left his hands free to unb.u.t.ton my garments. I could not pay much attention to this state of undress as he simultaneously fondled me in a fas.h.i.+on comparable to that wrought upon Cordelia. His attentions were thorough but perhaps a bit absent-minded. He seemed more intent on how well Ethan displayed his education than on myself, although I had no cause for complaint.

Ethan's hands began to center between Cordelia's legs. She twisted and thrashed against him in a most uninhibited manner. I could see every detail of her responses. His hands would move quickly then slowly, sometimes even more cautiously until they were still. Then an abrupt movement would bring such a gasp from her! He drove her up to the very brink of rapture and then kept her there for what seemed an eternity. (I confess that I writhed upon Don Rafael's lap as his hands took liberties with me during this time. My hands gripped his, seeking to guide him between my legs to where I knew release could be obtained. But he retained command of my carnal appet.i.tes and did not allow me to become so desperate as to stop watching my sister's burning desires.) I have never seen her lose all discipline as she did under Ethan's touch. She begged him for release, crying that he was cruel, cruel for torturing her in this way. (You would wish to be tortured in such a fas.h.i.+on too, Pearl!) Ethan licked and sucked at Cordelia's neck, showing some very sharp teeth. She went very still once and Don Rafael growled. Ethan released Cordelia's throat immediately and then licked her. I could see a crimson drop sliding over her white breast as she sobbed again, begging him for still more.

Pearl, I do not know how Ethan could move his hand so rapidly between Cordelia's legs! Suddenly her entire body convulsed and she cried out. She arched against him, anch.o.r.ed only by his hand between her legs and his mouth on her neck. I could see him suckling at her, like a calf on a teat, as she screamed her pleasure. His body shuddered, contractions running through it in concert with the pull of his mouth on her throat.

"Ethan." Don Rafael's voice was scarcely more than a whisper but it cut like a knife. Ethan's head jerked as if slapped but he stopped pulling at Cordelia.

Finally she lay against him, a few slow ripples pa.s.sing through her body. His eyes shut and he licked her neck slowly.

I burned to follow Cordelia over the precipice of delight. But Don Rafael had his legs firmly between mine and held my hands tightly, withholding any chance of completion from me. I was forced to sit there and study Cordelia's sated sleep. I cursed and fought him but his strength was too great. I demanded the same ecstasy that my sister had enjoyed! Pearl, he laughed at how little effect my struggles had! Then he kissed my hair, still chuckling, and quickly sought my intimate parts. I jerked in surprise at his acquiescence to my pleas but quickly fell into delight.

Truly, Pearl, I do not know what I was more distressed by at that moment: whether, his first denial of my satisfaction or, his casual and efficient provision of that pleasure!

I sat astride his legs, panting and tried to recollect myself. I was intensely aware of the contrast between my moistly glowing body and the rough strength of the body supporting me. He did not seem unaffected by the pa.s.sion that Ethan and Cordelia had displayed. In fact, I suspected that his masculine tool was pressed hard against me in hope of similar pastimes. But his discipline over himself was as great as the control he had exerted over me. He made no further movement but simply held me still as we watched Ethan and Cordelia's exhaustion.

Ethan opened his green-gold eyes finally and studied me. His tongue slid out and cleaned the last drops of blood from his lips.

"May I watch you, Don Rafael?" he asked humbly.

Don Rafael chuckled and stroked the inside of my legs.

"Bien, Ethan, muy bien. Yes, it is time for this paloma blanca to coo..."

Dearest Pearl, the most wonderful thing has happened! Reverend Smith has just stopped by. He is returning to Boston and will carry this letter directly to you. I know you will be intrigued by this tale, even half-written, so I must send this with him. I will send you the remainder as soon as I can write it Pray convey my love to your family. I miss you desperately and will write more to you soon.

But for now, I remain, Ever your truest friend, A-.

Dearest Pearl, I have found the ending of my previous letter! I will add but a few words to it so that I can send it off to you immediately.

I believe that the summer heat here is more oppressive than in Beelzebub's domain. Cordelia and I venture out only under protection of the evening's cool, except for Sabbath services, of course! While we have not met any new young men since my last letter (for there are few here worth meeting), at least we encounter them during times of frivolity and friendly congress at the dinners and dances that Father's friends offer. Then we retire to our room and read or dream of gallant men to bring excitement into our lives.

I believe that my last letter ended with me seated on Don Rafael's lap, looking at Ethan. Cordelia slumbered on the bed, so lost to dreams that she would not wake until the sun had almost finished its next day's course.

I am afraid to confess that I broke the silence with a question so unbelievable that even now, I blush to confess it.

"Are you vampires?" I asked, feeling a calm that owed much to my irritation at the gentleman holding me. I felt a slight ripple of surprise go through the big body holding me. Don Rafael tilted his head to look at me.

"We are, querida. But I give you my word: you have nothing to fear from us. We offer a simple exchange: rapture in return for a taste of blood. Our friends often find their way eased in matters outside the boudoir, as well. Your sister will awaken tomorrow, suffering only from the aftermath of pleasure and a slight la.s.situde. Her body will heal itself completely within a few weeks. She will remember nothing of this night."

Cordelia emitted a slight snore as he spoke, her usual sign of deep slumber. (As you well know, Pearl, her other sign is stealing all the covers but that is not likely to happen during a Texas summer!) Don Rafael continued speaking in the most melodious tones for such a deep voice. "And you, mi paloma blanca, now have to concern yourself only with your own pleasure. You will sing like a dove tonight, I promise you, low and sweet, your voice quivering with ecstasy."

Somehow I believed him, Pearl! It truly was amazing that I accepted the a.s.surances of this man, a vampire by his own admission! And yet I did trust him, at least for this much.

I must have relaxed in his hold because he slowly lowered his hand, bearing mine with it. My hands finished at my waist, grasped firmly by his strong fingers. I slanted my head back to look up at him for the first time.

"Will I remember this?" I asked. I yearned for memories to set against those of that drunken oaf who'd s.n.a.t.c.hed my virginity away. And then had the discourtesy to fall off a horse and break his neck before Father could bring him to account. (But enough of that old lament, Pearl. I must speak more of the gallant Don Rafael.) Don Rafael arched one eyebrow in surprise but smiled at me. I was so close that I could see how that dreadful scar cut into him, even denting the bone above his eye.

"Si, you will remember this," he granted me. "But you may only speak of this night's events once. And do not worry about Ethan. He is my servant and will do only what I command. Comprende, senorita?"

I nodded eagerly. You have so often yearned for adventure, Pearl, that I knew you would enjoy a tale of das.h.i.+ng men if I could but tell it.

Don Rafael kissed my cheek and then rubbed his against mine. It was a gesture of the most amazing gentleness and, yes, even friends.h.i.+p! I purred under it, enjoying the touch. He smelled like the finest of gentlemen's soap, sandalwood, I think. His teeth were excellent and his breath fresh and sweet. I thought suddenly that his kisses would be more pleasant than those from any of Father's guests downstairs.

"Ethan, convey the young lady to the chaise lounge. Arrange her so that she may comfortably rest for the remainder of the night."

Ethan nodded in obedience and stood up. He carried Cordelia to the chaise and arranged her as directed. All the while, Don Rafael kept me on his lap, murmuring into my ear. I am not entirely sure of what he said but some of it sounded familiar. Do you remember that Latin book your older brother had? The one that your parents refused to let us see but we spent an afternoon poring over? Don Rafael's words reminded me of those phrases, sweet nothings that a lover might whisper. My body softened at the liquid syllables and the light caresses of his fingers on my hands.

Ethan returned to stand in front of us, eyes lowered. I watched him idly while preening under my gentleman's touch.

"Curious, mi paloma?" Don Rafael whispered in my ear. "Would you like to see a man's secrets?"

My indolence fell away in a rush. As you well know, Pearl, curiosity is my besetting sin. I sat up straight and watched eagerly as Ethan slowly began to unb.u.t.ton his gray jacket.

Ethan took his time removing his garments. I may be mistaken but it seemed that his every gesture was calculated to tempt a woman. I was almost shaking with excitement when he finally stood revealed in the lamplight. He was a splendid sight as he posed there, white as marble and clean muscled. His golden hair shone only as demure accents on his torso, not as a heavy pelt concealing his charms. My mouth watered at the sight of him, all ivory and gold. A tracery of thin silver lines covered his backside with one line crossing his b.r.e.a.s.t.s just above his nipples. (Perhaps they were scars from a whip or a knife. They did not seem to hinder him in any way.) I studied him, comparing him to what little I knew of men's bodies.

"What do you think now?" Don Rafael's warm breath caressed my ear.

"He is a fine figure of a man," I remarked, striving for savoir faire. "But he seems a bit," I hunted for words, "soft perhaps, between the legs. Your body doesn't feel soft there to me."

Don Rafael rocked with laughter. I blushed at my own words but chuckled with him. Ethan blushed too but continued to wait.

"Ah, mi paloma, what shall I do with you? So inexperienced and yet so observant! You are a delight! Ethan is very new to the feel of a woman's ardor as it flows through her blood over his tongue. He so far lost command of himself that he followed your sister into pa.s.sion's release. Please accept our regrets that Ethan cannot yet offer you the full use of his manhood. He will take some time yet to regain himself after tasting your sister. "

Am I mistaken, Pearl, or did Ethan's blush deepen at Don Rafael's words? But I did not dwell on Ethan's experience or lack thereof as Don Rafael continued speaking.

"Would you care to study another man's body? Mine is not so elegant as Ethan's but I can a.s.sure you that I am not soft between the legs."

I agreed quickly and soon was deposited on the bed. Ethan dropped to his knees next to the chair, watching Don Rafael but leaving him s.p.a.ce to move about in.

Don Rafael divested himself of his garb, the typical attire for a Mexican gentleman here in Texas, without any seductive tricks. His short jacket and tight pants emphasized his intense masculinity. His movements' directness fired my blood so that my breath came faster and faster as his clothes fell away. He was a strongly built man, a veritable warhorse to Ethan's racehorse. Every muscle and sinew spoke of power while his hardness reared up between his legs with a stallion's vigor. (I must confess, Pearl, that I trembled at the size of his staff!) He had more than one brutal scar to emphasize a puissance that had been well tested by life. I was utterly conquered, as eager as any mare in season, before he even touched me.

He lifted my chin up with one finger and his mouth claimed mine. I was an eager pupil and our tongues soon twined and danced...

I have few words for what pa.s.sed next, Pearl. My very senses were so dazzled that memories fail me. We kissed, oh how we kissed! And he caressed me with those magical hands, quickly freeing me of my few remaining items of clothing.

What more can I tell you? The feel of his mouth on my breast as he taught each nipple to beg for him? The slide of his long black hair across my hip as his lips moved below my b.r.e.a.s.t.s? Or the feel of his shoulders under my grasp, the muscles rippling as he moved? (His back was deeply scarred, like the former slave we saw at the abolitionists' rally. You would weep, Pearl, to see flesh and blood ruined so! And yet in that instant, I cared more for the raptures that body could bring me than its past torments.) And his fingers, Pearl, oh such marvels they taught me! I fell more than once off the precipice of delight as his fingers and then his tongue played between my legs. Then his mouth traveled back up to my b.r.e.a.s.t.s and I clutched his head in my frenzy, twisting against him like a demented woman as we lay side by side.

Don Rafael said something softly, an order perhaps, but I paid little attention, too lost in pa.s.sion to listen.

A gentle hand stroked my legs and I instinctively bent my leg to allow it freer access. The hand insinuated itself to where my desire raged hottest. I groaned in an ecstasy beyond all words as Don Rafael's hands and mouth ravished my b.r.e.a.s.t.s while Ethan stoked the fires below. Oh, Pearl, it was bliss beyond compare to have two men compelling me onward! I hope that one day you may feel the like of it!

My leg was urged upward until it at last clasped Don Rafael's hip. I rubbed him urgently, the p.r.i.c.kle of his leg's hair a pleasant sensation for my sweaty thigh. We moved closer still and I felt his hardness pressing against me. This caused me to grow more excited yet. I gripped him fiercely with hands to his head, leg wrapped around his, and my head thrown back.

I begged him for more and he gave it to me. He entered me easily, sliding home on the liquid welcome my body rolled out for him. I felt utterly enveloped by him and yet marvelously free at the same time. Ethan caressed and licked us both, encouraging us to find our zenith. I sobbed my pleasure, my voice breaking slightly with each breath. My sounds were low and sweet, quavering like a dove's voice.

Don Rafael's lips sought my throat. I yielded instinctively and he rewarded me quickly. A fire blazed in my neck and I flew off my pinnacle into a storm of delight. Tremors racked my body as my blood flowed into his mouth on matching waves.

I must have lost consciousness then. I stirred once when horses went past under the window, perchance the end of Father's dinner party. But slumber returned quickly, held as I was in Don Rafael's strong arms, with Ethan lying on the other side of him...

And that is the end of the tale, at least as much of it as I can now speak of. Cordelia and I both slept deeply on the following day, awakening to a few bruises and some la.s.situde. Cordelia remembers nothing of that evening's events, although I dare not speak of it directly to her. The small red marks on our necks were gone within a few days.

I hope to see Don Rafael again, perhaps in a few months when my body has recreated all of the blood he enjoyed so fiercely. But Father's business dealings have gone uncommonly well since that night. He speaks often now of permitting us to return to Boston soon. Cordelia greets such talk with open delight while I strive to hide my uncertainties.

And so I conclude this letter, my dearest Pearl, in the hope that we will soon be reunited. Boston is my home and my future hopes are centered there. But I trust that you will understand if sometimes my fingers linger on my throat as I watch a full moon.

Your truest friend , A-.

CHAMPAGNE c.o.c.kTAIL.

A Tale Of Ethan Templeton (With Mention Of Don Rafael Perez And Jean-Marie St. Just) Bartender! I'll have another one of your champagne c.o.c.ktails, please.

How many have I had so far? Does it really matter?

You sure do know how to make a real champagne c.o.c.ktail. Sugar cube soaked in bitters, then champagne, finally brandy. Of course, you do need a really excellent French branch to top it off. It's a drink that's a lot like life, don't you think?

Thank you, young man. What a lovely night this is, sitting here looking out at the moonlight on the ocean, with a good drink and a handsome man close-by.

Did you tell me what your name is? John? That's a lovely name. Did I mention I have a fellow named Johnny? Of course, he's a much older man than you are. Johnny has a waistline that a girl can't hardly put her arms around.

But he's definitely good for a lot of banging, if you know what I mean. His tongue knows how to take a girl to the stars, too. I've spent many an hour, writhing and yowling like a cat in heat, while Johnny worked that magic.

Johnny always knew how to treat a girl right. He loved to give me presents, expensive presents like a fur coat and fancy silk underthings. He used to give me cash too, lots of beautiful money to go shopping with. Sometimes I'd just take some money for myself, have a fine time shopping.

If Johnny knew I'd taken the money, he never said anything. He'd just rub my rear so that my underthings rode high, letting his hand in. His fingers would go to work until I grabbed anything nearby for balance. He always liked to hear me ask him for more.

Champagne was my drink then. It had to be champagne, bubbling and bright as my mood. Johnny bought me my first champagne c.o.c.ktail on the night we met.

I can tell that you know how to treat a girl right, too. The way you pour that champagne out of the bottle so that the bubbles foam up in the gla.s.s... Mmm, that must draw the ladies like flies to honey.

Oh yes, I had a lot of fun with Johnny. He had a speakeasy back when those places were highly sought. It was the finest speakeasy in Austin. He let me decorate it just the way I wanted. So I got a fancy decorator from New York City and we did it up first cla.s.s: gold and mirrors, with bright lights and straight lines. They called the style Art Deco and I thought it looked just as elegant as that fancy French king's palace.

Everything in it was the best that money could buy. Johnny would even bring in pricey wines and liquors from New Orleans. He always said he wanted to make Texas proud of his place. All the high-cla.s.s people came there regularly, including the chief of police.

Of course, lots of people were resentful of Johnny. They kept trying to cause trouble for him. So Johnny just had to keep a bunch of young men around to head off trouble. Fine young men too, with muscles and fast with their guns...

Did I mention their weapons? Well, I made sure that those young men had a good weapon other than what Mr. Colt provided. You see, Johnny couldn't always come through for a girl, if you know what I mean. But he really enjoyed watching me with someone else. Of course, he preferred seeing me with another woman.

But I, well, I like the feel of a big d.i.c.k pus.h.i.+ng up into me, pardon my language. There's just something about the feel of a man sweating and straining away as he pounds between your legs. It's a pulse that's always sent s.h.i.+vers up my spine...