painting the night with brush strokes of gray: (Closed thread)

[The_gladiator]

He watched her every action, each and every delicious stroke of her delicate hands. It was clear the image of her touching him was very arousing to him. He let out a low moan of pleasure as she did so.

Just as she had him to the point, he was almost squirming for more she escalated the situation, sliding slowly onto his cock. He groan/growled his pleasure a sound of need. She was tight, warm, wet and willing.

He returned her fierce kiss, his teeth drawing blood from her lip. Even as his tongue stroked it away. The taste of her blood could have fueled his bloodlust, but she chose that moment to slide her hands over his healed chest and begin to ride him earnestly and she succeeded in distracting his mind yet again.

His hands slid to her hips holding her close, tracing down her thighs, strong fingers caressing her muscles as she moved on him, her breasts beginning to bounce a bit, drawing his eyes. He lifted his head in a clear indication of what he wanted, his hand tracing up her back to pull her closer so he did not have to strain to reach her breasts, the sit up motion he had tried at first drawing a grunt of discomfort from his mouth.

 

[SandS13]

Imogen leaned over just a little. Her hand stroked his cheek. She looked deep into his eyes before leaning over so his mouth could find her breast. Her hips tilted and the angle change made Imogen cry out. She came, the walls of her pussy spasming around him. She could feel all of him and he was incredibly deep inside of her.

She did not stop moving though. She rode out her climax and offered her breasts up to him.

 

[The_gladiator]

He had not had the chance to appreciate her bounteous gift to any full extent their first encounter and seemed eager to make up for lost time as he sucked and teased her nipple with his teeth. The new angle also pleasing him.

His hands moved to her hips stilling her a little higher up and began to fuck her from below, long strokes, holding her in place so he could continue to torment her breasts with his mouth moaning his pleasure. He couldn’t keep this up long due to how it made things inside him move, but for now, it was intimate and exciting to him.

Her release drew one of those low chuckles from his throat and he opened his eyes and she could tell that it was almost completely him in them now. Evidenced by the long methodical strokes from below, teasing her. He left her breasts to find her lips, this new angle causing her to press down on him harder, for him to thrust even deeper. “Fuck Imogen,” he rumbled against her mouth.

 

[SandS13]

Imogen couldn’t think. There was just the feeling of him lifting his hips, just enough to drive himself deeper. His hands held her where he wanted and she happily let him. All she wanted and to feel him inside of her.

He was teasing her nipples and it was making her moan, uncontrolled and unconstrained.

Her eyes opened at the sound of his chuckle. It was low, pleasurable and the moment her eyes fell on his she knew he had returned to her. Her hands sought his face. They moved together, her hips easily matching his. Imogen moaned against his lips and her hands moved up and into his hair.

“Gabriel...oh...Gabriel...” she kissed him over and over again. She didn’t care that she was a liaison or something for him to feed on. In this moment she was his. No pretense. Her mind opened to him, her aura reaching out for his. She was close to climaxing again. So very close...

 

[The_gladiator]

As he took her in, he realized suddenly what he had seen in Isabela’s face. The coloring was wrong. She did not have Isabela’s dark hair or honey brown eyes, but the familial resemblance was startling.

The revelation made him miss a stroke, however he covered it with a kiss. They continued moving together. Even more than before he wanted to plunder her mind with it open to him thusly, but he couldn’t take advantage of their love making for that. She would have to give him access willingly. He would not take what did not belong to him, for now.

That being said, he had far more questions. Questions that were being forced out of his mind as she drove him higher and higher. She was intoxicating, and he was fairly certain when this investigation was done, he would not be able to give her up.

 

[SandS13]

Imogen didn't notice the missed stroke. She was so close to that sweet, perfect peak of pleasure that all she could focus on was his lips, his hands, the feel of his hair in her hands and the perfect way he felt, filling her.

She put her head down, pulling away from his mouth. Her teeth rasped against his shoulder and her body tensed. Her fingers tightened in his hair as Imogen cried out his name. She didn't stop moving. It was the sort of orgasm that makes one see stars, where muscles tense almost violently.

 

[The_gladiator]

Her teeth scraped, and he imagined what it would feel like to have her feed from. H was a second from opening his skin for her, urging her to drink, hand cradling the back of her head to him. However, his control was reestablished. He couldn’t do such, especially not without her permission.

Then the psychic wave from her orgasm hit him and he growled his pleasure and reached his peak filling her from below, his hot cum spraying up into her sopping heat. His toes curled with the release and he held her to him through his release.

He was fairly certain that she passed out or lost consciousness for a moment after her orgasm, and he found himself stroking her hair as she panted for breath on his chest. Her weight was slight enough that she caused him no discomfort. What was happening to him? What was this woman doing to him and his hard-won control? Strangely though, he wouldn’t have it any other way.

 

[SandS13]

Imogen laid there. She was having trouble catching her breath but she was safe and comfortable in his arms. She could feel the warmth inside of her from his climax. He was running his hand on her hair again.

Imogen began to cry. They were soft tears of released emotion. She had been so afraid of Daniel, then of Gabriel being shot, the blood...so much blood. Then the healer had difficulty healing him and there was a moment when Imogen realized she had feared loosing him. She thought she had, she thought he was going to rip her throat out. Even then all she could think was at least she would die in his arms. Then sex unlike any she had ever experienced and it was all too much.

She clung to him as the tears wet his shoulder and the sheet below.

 

[The_gladiator]

Words weren’t needed. He did not need to ask her what was wrong. He silently knew. His hand stroked her hair. His free hand slid along her arm until he found her hand. Guilt swept through him for having gotten this beautiful young woman mixed in this mess, but it did not last long, he couldn’t regret having met her, he was growing to care for her too much.

He finally murmured to her in his language, little one the only words he spoke in English. Finally, English came, “I will shut down with the dawn, and sleep the sleep of my people. Have you been near Morgan when she died for the day?” he asked softly, not wanting that to frighten her as well, on top of everything else.

 

[SandS13]

He took her hand. Imogen turned her head to press her lips to his neck. Either he was just sweet or he knew what she needed in that moment. Words she didn't understand hit her ears though she did hear him murmur 'little one'. Imogen sighed and longed to tell him what she felt. She didn't, she remained quiet.

He did not need her growing feelings for him.

"No. I haven't. She has always kept me away. I was not in her inner circle like that." Imogen lifted her head. Her eyes were ringed with red from her tears. Her hair fell about her face, over his a little like a curtain.

"Should I leave?"

 

[The_gladiator]

His thumb brushed away her tears and lifted them to his lips, tasting her pain her sorrow, Bodily fluids were sacred and not to be wasted, emotions should be honored. “You do not have to leave on my account; however, my breathing will slow, my heartrate as well. To your very human senses I will appear like I am dead to you.” He stroked her cheek, “So it would depend on if it would bother you to sleep cuddling me in that state.”

He gazed deep into her eyes, “There is no shame if you wish to leave. I would sense your plight were you in trouble. My mind would sense your distress and I would do what I could for you.”

 

[SandS13]

"I wish to stay." Imogen bit her lower lip. How could she explain that she needed to be near him without him thinking her somehow like a lost puppy following him around?

"I would watch over you and ensure you can feed when you rise. I know we have dinner but-" Her hand went to his chest. "The healer said you were still hungry. I am not permitted to feed you again. She said I would not survive. I would be at your disposal when you wake, if that is alright with you."

She was stretching it, reaching for a reason. Morgan would expect him to eat at dinner. She could think of no other reason. I cannot simply tell you I wish to be with you.. Her thoughts went unspoken.

"I will stay if you are allowing it." She leaned into his hand.

 

[The_gladiator]

He stroked her cheek and nodded, “Yes, I find your presence to be more than pleasant,” he said a slight smile on his lips, considering that she was still laying in his arms post coital bliss, the comment was a tad of an understatement.

He cuddled her head to his chest, “Let me hold you little one,” he said, reaching for the blanket with his free arm to pull it over them, kissing her softly on the top of her head. He did not tell her how much he was trusting her; he did not tell her that he almost never did something like this, those things could also go as known, but unspoken.

As time slid closer to dawn, he let his eyes flutter closed, letting his body mimic human sleep, so she too would fall asleep, and maybe she would be asleep when his heartbeat and breathing slowed for the day as he fell towards the healing sleep of his kind.

 

[SandS13]

He was holding her, he kissed the top of her head. The blankets were pulled about her. Imogen tried hard not to sink into the feeling. She tried but was so tempted to just give in. Sleep took her but brought nightmares. She clung to him in her sleep.

She wasn't sure what time it was when she woke. That wasn't surprising though. There were no windows, no clocks. Under her, Gabriel was still. Eerily still. Imogen fought the natural panic that bubbled up.

Sleep...just sleep

She repeated the thought over and over again as she slid from the bed, covering him with the blanket. She headed to the bathroom. As she washed her hands she stared at herself in the mirror. Yesterday she had just been one of Morgan's human staff. Empathetic, able to read people but that is all. Nothing special.

Now, she was helping a sentinel solve murders and fighting the urge to fall for him. That in itself was stupid. She didn't believe in love at first sight, she didn't believe in falling from someone. She had been careful her whole life to never fall for anyone. She hadn't even slept with anyone in almost two years.

She grabbed her things and pulled the bag into the bathroom, closing the door. She bathed in the large tub. No shower had been installed but that was fine. A bath was a luxury she didn't have in her apartment. Imogen scented the water enjoying the smell of vanilla.

She took her time, the bathe, drying off and dressing. She cleaned the room ensuring there was no sign of her there. This was not her quarters after all. Gabriel had asked her to stay. She exited, leather pants, barefoot, white off the shoulder blouse tied at her waist. Hair brushed smooth and left out. Her bag was placed back under a table in the main room. She was trying to keep her presence to a minimum.

Laptop opened she worked for a bit - emails, other business things for Morgan. She had no social media, no online presence herself. Morgan did not allow it. Before Morgan, Imogen couldn't afford a laptop or cell phone. Before Morgan...

Imogen fought down the memories.

A knock on the door brought food for her and Gabriel's clothes taken. The next knock brought a suit for him to wear to dinner. The final knock brought the taking away of her tray.

She sat now, sipping water and watching the clock tick closer to sunset.

 

[The_gladiator]

While they had been occupied with Gabriel’s healing and Morgan had continued to make plans for her guests to arrive. However, she received word that they would not arrive until the next evening, so eventually she retired for the day.

Gabriel rose before sunset. As one of the older vampires and being deep underground, he had that ability. He knew that the only other vampire awake at this time aside from himself would be Morgan. This would give him time to review the files more in detail prior to the prickly dinner.

He stood slowly hearing Imogen in the other room. He looked over himself. He considered himself fully healed, yet they had forgone the bathing part of the healer’s request, and he was in desperate need of cleaning himself.

He walked out into the other room taking a seat at the desk and again pulling the files towards himself, wanting to check what he thought he had learned the night before. His eyes flicked to Imogen and he could not help smiling at her beauty. “I like your hair down like that,” he said softly. “Would you run a bath for me? I would not be suitable to meet anyone in this state,” he said with a hint of self-deprecation. His eyes followed her, her hair kissed her skin, teasing places he wished he could be touching. “I trust you slept well?” he asked.

 

[SandS13]

"Well enough. Thank you for asking." Imogen smiled and stood. She didn't need to burden him with her nightmares, her personal worries or even details of her life. She made her way to the bathroom.

She wasn't sure how he liked his bath so she made it hot but not so hot his more sensitive areas would be uncomfortable. She stared at it and wished she hadn't bathed..her mind drifted to laying in there with him, her back against his chest and his hands cupping her breasts. Imogen snapped out of it.

She checked her teeth in the mirror ensuring there was no food stuck there from her meal. She turned the water off.

"It is ready for you. Morgan sent a suit for you to wear tonight." Imogen came back into the main sitting room. "I have hung it in the closet. Your clothes were taken for cleaning. Your shirt is ruined."

 

[The_gladiator]

He stood behind her, slowly becoming visible as she looked in the mirror. His arms slid around her as he bent to nuzzle her hair, feeling it scrape along his jaw. “Of course, she sent a suit, she wouldn’t want me picking out my own clothing. She’s afraid I’ll show up in jeans and a metal t-shirt.” He joked. “She need not worry, that would be Nicholas who does such things, that’s why he owns a concert venue. Let’s see what she has chosen for me.”

Reluctantly releasing Imogen, he moved to the closet and looked over the suit. “At least it’s in black,” he grunted, “She is smarter than I thought.” He joked.

“I would ask you to join me in my bath little one, but you look too nice to despoil.” He trailed fingers across her bare shoulder as he passed her headed to the bath. “Perhaps another time,” he said, his tone suggestive.


Like streaks of black they came. It was not long after sunset, the last of the light fading away when 5 shapes streamed out of the sky. A second larger group of shapes would be arriving at the front of the club, this was their servants though. No, arrival by foot or car was not enough for the Angeles brothers at this time. They had flown in from their secluded homestead, and provided an imposing impression. They flew in a v formation, Antonio running point, Esteban and Juan Pablo out to either side and behind him, with Diego and Fernando serving as the wingtips of the formation. In unison all 5 touched down on the roof of the large complex that Morgan also owned, adjacent to the club. They moved, still in formation to meet their hostess.

 

[SandS13]

Imogen felt a delightful shiver run through her as he nuzzled against her hair, his arms around her. He was comfortable and she felt safe. It was a dangerous combination. It was the very thing she had avoided.

She looking longingly at the bath as he moved to get in. All Imogen could do was nod. A knock at the door drew her away.

"You are to come with me."

"Why?" Imogen sounded confused.

"You are requested."

"I must go Gabriel. I will be back as soon as I can." She called out to him as she slid her heels on and followed out the door. It was secured behind her.

She would not return though. A servant came to fetch Gabriel for dinner.
------
Morgan had been informed her guests had arrived. She had Imogen sent for and when everyone was ready, waiting for her arrival in the dining room she entered.

The room boasted a large, ornate wood table and big, comfortable dining chairs. The Angeles brothers were all seated though none looked overly pleased, when Gabriel was led in.

Morgan appeared. her gown was sheer, only just covering her more intimate parts. It shone like stars with a deep v in front, a belt at her waist and long, dramatic sleeves.

"Welcome, all of you." She bowed to the table. "I am sure everyone is hungry. Let us eat and enjoy a meal before we talk of business."

Six attractive women, each in a white toga-like outfit appeared. They were led to the table.

"Please, choose your preferred meal. They are all willing, clean and well cared for. From my private stock of course."

She waited until they had chosen before sitting. There was not one for her. Morgan smiled and crooked a finger. A servant left and when he appeared again he had Imogen behind him.

She was dressed in red. The gown was long, off her shoulders with thin straps at her upper arm that seemed to be all the held it up. It flowed down her body and to the floor. A slit up the front showed her legs as she moved. She was barefoot. The material moved like liquid and when she stopped it pooled at her feet like blood. Morgan had chosen it especially for this reason.

"Meet Imogen." Morgan gestured to the brothers. "Imogen, the brothers Angeles. Some of the most influential in our world."

Morgan's eyes fell to Gabriel. "Imogen is special..." She reached out and drew the woman to her. It seemed that Morgan intended to feed on Imogen, herself. "Please, eat...we will discuss our little bird here after..."

Imogen's eyes were wide. She clearly had no idea what was going on. Her fear radiated off of her in waves.

 

[The_gladiator]

Gabriel bathed and dressed quickly. He wondered why Imogen had been called away, but he had no right to inquire as to why she was needed by Morgan. Yet his questions remained. He was certain that Imogen was related to Isabela. If he saw it then surely the brothers would.

Finally, they were all in the room. Gabriel broke the shadows and slid into the room. He was instantly recognized by the brothers who all offered him nods of respect, even if it was not friendly.

When the meals were led in, all 5 brothers selected female companionship. Gabriel was left with the last woman; however, he made no move to feed or even pull the woman close, the way the others were doing. He watched, wondering where Imogen was.

Morgan had timed it well, so the brothers were distracted by the meal and did not look too closely at Imogen, or things may have gone against her plans. The same couldn’t be said of Gabriel. He watched her constantly. He could sense her fear. As Morgan pulled her close, he spoke, “I demand guest right, the full guest right,” his eyes narrowed, “This gives me right to anyone in your lands who is willing.” He held his hand out to Imogen, urging she come to him, knowing in such a public setting that Morgan could not refuse his formal and ancient request as a sentinel, she was out maneuvered, and she had to know it. He did this for Imogen, but to the brothers it would simply look like sentinel arrogance. People would see what they expected to see. He gently patted the woman he had selected and urged her towards Morgan, “go, please your mistress.” Then he waited imperiously, hand out stretched for Imogen to come to him, for Morgan to allow it.

This drew the interest of the brothers especially Antonio who narrowed his eyes. He could not make the same demand for the sentinel’s rights outweighed his own and he had asked first. What was it about that human? His aura infused with curiosity. Yet, he expected the arrogance of the Sentinel's usurping the woman.

 

[SandS13]

Morgan's eyes flashed. She was barely containing her annoyance at the sentinel. He wasn't playing by her rules. Her grip on Imogen tightened.

The woman moved from Gabriel and went to stand by Morgan's chair.

Imogen looked around and closed her eyes. Their auras were all too overwhelming. Normally, Morgan warned her of the situation or who she was reading but this time she had been kept in the dark completely about them. It was too much power, too much of everything. Morgan's grip on her arm was tight. She feared she might break her arm without even realizing it.

"As you wish sentinel. Full guest rights..." She released Imogen who immediately moved around the table to Gabriel. Morgan's arm moved inhumanly fast and yanked her meal to her. She was almost violent in the way she fed. The poor, willing woman was taking the brunt of Morgan's annoyance.

Imogen slipped her hand into Gabriel's. She wanted to ask him what was happening but she said nothing. Her fear was that what they suspected about her abilities and Morgan's plan was indeed true. If so, why all of this then? Why the posturing for the brothers?

Imogen wasn't sure if Gabriel wanted her to kneel or if he wanted to hold her or, if like a couple of the brothers he wished her to lay on the table.

The brothers were in various positions. Diego has his on the table, mouth on her thigh. Fernando had gone with the wrist.

Imogen's eyes looked around and tried to keep her barriers up. She needed them out of her head.

 

[The_gladiator]

Gabriel ignored everything around him as she came to him. As she came to him, she confirmed that she was willing. Then that small hand was in his and he drew her into his chest, bending to eclipse her from the views of the others. It was a very possessive person. Morgan showed her displeasure by almost ripping into her victim. Gabriel by contrast was gentle as he tilted Imogen’s head to the side.

He watched the others even as he prepared to feed. Fernando seemed to be attempting to stay alert. His choice of wrist made sense as he was a bonded male. Diego showed that he was still an animal as ever. The twin to Fernando, he couldn’t be any different, fiery heat to his brother’s icy formality.

It was Antonio that Gabriel hid Imogen from who was not focused on the woman who he had pinned to his chest, his eyes were on Imogen until the second that Gabriel used his larger body to break her from the Angeles leader’s probing gaze.

Gabriel looked down into her eyes. Communicating with them that he would do what he could to keep her safe. He bent his head to her throat, tongue stroking over her neck, “I will feed lightly, you will need your strength,” he murmured in her mind, not wanting the others to hear. He had fed well last night on both Imogen and Leanna his need was not as great this night.

 

[SandS13]

Gabriel brought her in. It was almost protective and not as sensual as it had been the previous day. He almost completely covered her. Her face was hidden away and she was grateful.

Her eyes met his. Gabriel seemed intently focused on her. His voice in her mind, his words confused her. Why was she going to need her strength?

It was fleeting as she felt his tongue on her throat. Her hands reached around him, holding herself tighter to his body. Her eyes closed and her head tilted a little more. Her way of making it clear she was willing, ready for him to feed.

Morgan practically growled as she finished and half shoved the woman away. The servant helped the woman up and out of the room. She ran a finger along her lip and turned her gaze to Gabriel. She needed to get the upper hand back from him.

Once everyone had finished and all the humans, save Imogen had been taken out of the room, Morgan placed her hands on the table.

"I know you are upset at the loss of your sister. I wish you to know I take it very seriously. That is why I had the sentinel sent and I pulled some strings to get Gabriel. I find him most competent. I would have you know that I mourn Isabela's death. I want this killer found and Gabriel will succeed in this. However..."

She reached a hand out and gestured for Imogen to come to her. Morgan waited to see if Gabriel would let her go. Was he just protective or had he finally started to put the pieces together?

 

[The_gladiator]

He let his teeth sink deep as he fed. He clast her to him firmly possessively. He drank and couldn’t hide his pleasure as he tasted her. “Give me access,” he whispered in her mind, “Give me permission to learn from you, learn what Morgan wants.” He did not probe this time, but his words let her know that he desired the access, but he would not ask that of her here and now.

Antonio actually snorted. “You insult us,” he spat, “You find this welp,” jerking a thumb at Gabriel, “to be most competent? The youngest of the Sentinels. You insult us by his very selection. Vladimir, Ezekiel, Lefty, Rahul, Nicholas, Lord Byron, and you chose him.” Antonio snarled listing off the names of prominent ancients. Gabriel was old but not an ancient. He was younger than Antonio, but not by much, or so he could read by the brother’s Aura.

Gabriel stiffened at Antonio’s words glaring. He kept his grip on Imogen, not allowing her to return to Morgan, curious how she would answer the brother, would she still persist in trying to introduce Imogen, or would she respond to the vailed insult to her judgment in picking Gabriel.

 

[SandS13]

Imogen closed her eyes as his teeth pierced her skin. Her chin quivered. She had never willingly let anyone into her mind. She had only opened her mind to him because he had caused her to lose her careful control.

What Morgan wanted? There was nothing in her mind that Morgan wanted. She thought it was her abilities, her ability to be turned and bear children that was her appeal. Imogen was very confused.

She did not go when Morgan gestured. Gabriel still held her tightly to him even after he had sealed the marks.

Morgan grit her teeth as she saw that Gabriel was not only holding Imogen protectively still but refusing to let her move. She lowered her hand.

"Brothers. I chose him because out of all of the sentinels Gabriel is the most methodical. He is the last to jump to conclusions. He desires careful gathering of information, leaves no stone unturned. He will not let anything get past him. He has already looked over photos and found them not detailed enough. I am bringing him eye witnesses so he can go through their memories. He will let nothing get by him. When he passes judgement we will all know that he can assure us the killer is dealt with. I trust this about him more than the older ones. They rely on their reputation to speak for them rather than a fulfillment of duty."

Morgan stood and came to stand beside Gabriel. "I do not insult, I wish to guarantee the job is done perfectly." She put her hand on the back of Gabriel's chair.

"Even now, he protects the most important part of this investigation. He has already put together the pieces and knows this little one holds the key." She smirked. Gabriel would never know how she learned of the term he used for Imogen but she was sure it was going to dig at him.

 

[The_gladiator]

Her use of Little one for Imogen grated on his nerves and he wanted to smack the smirk off her face. Her compliments were noticed, but disregarded due to the rush of anger she caused by bating him so.

Antonio had shaken his head at Morgan’s explanation but let it go. He leaned forward. “Realized what about her,” he snapped. “What does this human have to do with my sister’s death,” he asked. He was growing tired of Morgan and the Sentinel’s posturing over the woman. It seemed too much to him like everyone was missing the point, that his baby sister was dead.

“What killed my sister,” Esteban Asked into the sudden silence.

Antonio whipped to face his second, “No, they will explain why they are peacocking over this human whore.”

Gabriel reacted without thinking, coming back to his feet and slapping Antonio across the face. It was a vicious backhand that struck out of nowhere. “You will never refer to her as such again,” He clamped his free arm around Imogen holding her close.

The brothers all rose as one, Fernando and Diego on either side of Antonio, steadying him in his Chair. Esteban with a curious expression stood where he had been sitting. Juan-Pablo moving to attempt to get behind Gabriel, which moved him closer to Morgan.

Antonio spat blood as he straightened. “Someone better give me answers, stop your fucking deflecting.”

“You will apologize to the woman,” Gabriel snarled, leaning forward across the table towards Antonio.

“I will do no such thing.” He snarled and looked to Morgan, “What is the importance of this woman.” He asked finally, choosing a better tone despite his irritation with Gabriel.