In a quick decision, he runs his fingers into the back of Haruka’s short hair and pulls him upright. He wraps his palm around his husband’s shaft, then bites down into the curve of his shoulder. Nino sucks hard against his flesh, feeling the metaphysical weight of Haruka’s aura inside his core. Focusing his mind, he pulls again, filling his mate’s body with love and assurance—urging him to let go. Haruka cries out, his voice echoing through the trees as his body trembles.
Nino holds him tightly as the rosy coolness of his aura releases like a dazzling sunset. His scent is divine and Nino moans, slowly rolling his hips into him as his own body finally surrenders. He pulls his mouth from Haruka’s shoulder, gasping as the release rushes warmly from within him and into his mate.
When the force of the climax subsides, Haruka is sagging. His elegant body lulled and satiated as Nino supports his frame. The beautiful, hazy glow of their bonded aura surrounds them. Peaceful and dreamlike. Truly, it is the manifestation of something deeply significant between them.
He licks Haruka’s neck where he fed. After a moment, Nino rests his forehead against his temple while he holds him tightly, warmly in his damp embrace. “So… have we been too timid? Is this what turns you on, Haru? Diplomacy and rough sex?”
Laughing, Haruka stands straight as they carefully disconnect their bodies. He turns in his arms, then cradles Nino’s chin with his fingertips. He smirks, his evocative eyes practically shining. “As I have said before—when you are involved, many things arouse me. And I am looking forward to making new discoveries with you.”
Nino leans in to softly kiss his lips as he wraps his arms around his waist. He can’t believe that this intelligent, beautiful, complicated, messy and seductive male is his mate. His partner, friend, source and lover for life. He takes a deep breath to calm the warm pounding of his heart, then grins. “Agreed. I think this is the start of something very good.”
-The Beginning-
Preview
Lore and Lust book 2: The Vanishing
One year later | Late April
Morning. Nino enters the kitchen and Haruka is already there, sitting at the table with Junichi. The doors to the courtyard off the kitchen are propped open, allowing the cool, sweet air and sunlight of spring to saturate the open space.
Moving toward the counter, Nino’s objective is clear. Coffee pot. He smiles in their direction. “Hey, Jun.”
Tall and dark with warm, almond butter–brown skin, the first-generation vampire lifts his marble-black irises, grinning. As Okayama’s local tailor and clothing designer, something about Junichi Takayama is unquestionably suave. In Nino’s mind, he’s like a male peacock, except his feathers are all black. When the light hits him, his plumage flashes like liquid iridescence.
“Good morning, Nino.” Junichi nods politely, his English smooth and unimpeded by his native tongue like Haruka’s. Junichi is also fluent in Spanish. His mother was Dominican, but he was raised in Hiroshima. “Your husband and I are at an impasse. Maybe you help can us?”
“What’s going on?” Nino pours his coffee. He has told Junichi that he can speak Japanese when visiting their home, but the vampire has coolly refused, claiming it’s “more fun” this way.
“This is for the Hamamoto-Iseki wedding in six months,” Junichi explains “We’re having difficulty deciding whether Haruka should wear a suit or traditional attire. Do you have a preference in his clothing?”
Junichi flirtatiously raises his eyebrow while Haruka sits with his arms folded at the head of the table, his gaze focused on a letter directly in front of him.
“Well…” Nino leans against the counter with his elbows, cradling the warm coffee cup in his palms. “He looks regal in a kimono… but modern and sexy in a suit. I like both. Maybe I prefer the kimono? Oh—you know what’s even better? A yukata. He’s always naked under those things. Only one layer.”
Junichi laughs. Haruka shakes his head, his eyes closed. Nino grins, bringing his coffee cup to his lips. Lately, whenever Haruka wears traditional robes, Nino feels as if he’s bonded with one of those elegant lounging figures in an ukiyo-e wood-block painting—especially with his hair so dramatically long like this.
“That was a lot of information.” Junichi smirks. “Unfortunately a yukata is too casual for a wedding, but your preference is noted. Maybe I’ll make a couple new robes for him this month before I fly to Europe? They’re easy for me to design and tailor since I know his measurements by heart.”
Feeling accomplished, Nino beams. “You’ll be traveling for three months, right?”
“Yes sir. My clients abroad demand personalized deliveries.”
“You’re amazing, Jun. Everything you make for Haruka always suits him perfectly. My favorite was that kimono you designed for his welcome celebration last year… Maybe I should wear a kimono to the wedding?”
Junichi blinks, considering. “You could absolutely do that. I’ll have to think about a design that complements you.”
“Haru has so many, maybe I can just try one of his?”
“Absolutely not.” Junichi frowns, shaking his head. “You two are the same height but your shoulders are broader and rounder. Your physique is slightly more defined from your exercise routine. There’s no way I’d let you walk around in a tight, ill-fitting kimono.”
Haruka unexpectedly laughs. The deep, throaty sound of it surprises both Junichi and Nino as they shift their attention toward him. Haruka is holding the bridge of his nose with his fingertips. “My apologies. The mental image of that scenario caught me off guard.”
“Welcome to the conversation, tesoro.” Nino stands straight and walks to the end of the counter. He leans there comfortably with his hip. “What are you reading?”
“A formal visitation request.” Haruka’s brows are drawn together as he takes a deep breath, his previous mirth evaporated.
“From someone you dislike?” Junichi asks.
“From someone I do not know and have never heard of.” Haruka lifts his bright burgundy gaze toward Nino. “May I please have a cup?”
Nino nods and turns toward the cabinet to grab a mug. “What’s the request for?”
“Introductions…” Haruka folds his arms. “The vampire is Lajos Almeida, which is undeniably synonymous with Ladislao Almeida of Rio de Janeiro… but I have never heard of this particular vampire within the clan’s family lineage.”
Tense, Nino walks around the counter with Haruka’s coffee. In light of both Gael and Ladislao disappearing last year, having anyone even vaguely associated with the Almeida Clan so close to their home seems like a bad omen.
“Why would someone from the Almeida Clan want to meet you?” Junichi asks. “I hate to say this, but things calmed down in Brazil after Ladislao vanished. He was obviously the root of the problem.”
“We have a connection,” Haruka says, accepting Nino’s offering. “We crossed paths with one of the Almeida Clan’s associates last year. There was an altercation regarding my family’s research, but then he escaped and I have not seen or heard anything since.”
In a fog, Nino sits down at the table beside Haruka. The associate is Gael Silva, a large, domineering first-generation vampire they met in England more than a year ago. He’d attacked Haruka after learning about the Lore and Lust manuscript—an impressive compilation of accounts on forming vampiric bonds. The research is invaluable, giving shape to a topic typically shrouded in mystery.
Gael’s brutal response had convinced both Nino and Haruka that they should avoid casually bringing up the manuscript’s existence. At least among strangers.
Using his fingertips, Nino slides the request within his line of sight, then reads the details. The appeal is for one month from now—the exact minimum amount of time considered proper when making formal requests of purebreds. Nino pushes the letter away so that it sits in the middle of the table, unsettled by the sense of foreboding emanating from it.
Junichi picks up the paper to read it, his black irises scanning. He pulls the letter to his nose and inhales deeply. “Smells strong—like sage. This Lajos is probably purebred?”
Haruka blows out a breath. Concern is etched in his forehead. “So it would seem.”
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Also by Karla Nikole
Lore & Lust Series Book Two: The Vanishing
Lore & Lust Series Book Three: The Awakening
Lore & Lust A Novella Volume One: The Arrival
Love, Magic & Misfortune
