The Executive's Bloodline: The Executive's Red, #2

By Leeanna White

Elizabeth has given me the feeling of having a human soul. With her in my arms, her warm living breathing human body against mine, I am a man. A man with needs and desires. A man with a sexual appetite just for her. A man who will stop at nothing to protect what we have found.

Selene, my creator, has come to London, when she swore she'd stay away. Since her arrival, the empire I created for the order has started to crumble, piece-by-piece. The relationship between the different strains is at breaking point. And my need to hunt for fresh human blood has become insatiable.

Those I can trust, I can count on one hand. Those who want to destroy me, are plenty. But it won't deter me. I won't lose Elizabeth to the darkness that resides in me, no matter the cost.

 

Sequel to: The Executive's Red. Told in multiple character POV. Not just one love story, but two. The Executive's Bloodline, is full of romance, with a thrilling conclusion.

Author's Note- This novel is not intended for those under 18. Contains graphic love scenes, language, and extreme violence. Some readers may find offensive.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Leeanna White
• Release date: Sep 22, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393958260

Book preview

Chapter 1

Adrien

Iknew it was too good to be true, Selene staying out of the picture. She sent me a very elaborate message written in her blood, sealed with her wax crest. The parchment was the same paper the order use to conduct business; hundreds of years old. I mean the envelope was wrapped in red ribbon, and I’m surprised it wasn’t opened by some curious human courier.

In the letter she ordered my presence at The Mill, stating she had found a suitable executive to take over, and she would also like to be formally introduced to Elizabeth. Of course that’s not going to happen. Elizabeth is fast asleep at The Shard, being watched over by Ben and Dom, unaware Selene is once again sticking her nose into my personal life. I need to find out exactly what Selene wants, and I will not risk Elizabeth coming to harm again.

As soon as I walk through the entrance of The Mill, I can hear her humming a strange tune. I slowly stroll onto the dance floor, knowing exactly where she is. Unlike making an entrance, Selene likes to make a dramatic scene.

Why hello my sweet Adrien. I gaze up to the fourth floor to see her sitting on the balcony rail in the moonlight, swinging her legs.

Selene, I greet with the confidence that she likes to see in her executives.

She drops down from the fourth floor, landing like an acrobat before me. How is love treating you. Your scent tells me good. So, where is she?

She is unwell, I lie easily. And please don’t take offence, but I will not have you scaring the hell out of her. She had enough of that with Laurie.

You are disobeying me? An excited smile spreads across her red blood stained lips.

Yes.

I look down to her bare feet. Selene is a bohemian kind of vampire. She aims to look young and sweet, but in reality she is as dark as a vampire can be. She sticks to the worldwide perceptions of what we are. She’s conniving, and her bright greedy eyes are always ravenous. She circles me, swirling her forefinger across my chest and back. However, I stand strong, looking ahead to the bar.

I will meet her, Adrien.

Why now?

She is going to be a part of our family. I ask to meet with her just once. What say we throw a masquerade for our human allies. Not a vampire in sight, apart from us.

You’re crazy. I smirk.

She stands before me, beaming confidently because she knows she will have her way in the end.

I pick up the scent of blood suddenly. Human blood so faint it is barely noticeable. I have come across the odour many times before. Just like the smell of cooked steak lingers in the air hours after being consumed, this is the scent of a finished vampire feed. I glare toward the elevator.

I hope you don’t mind. She stops before me, tilting her head in the direction of a body.

Fuck. She’s hunted and fed off a young man. He’s lying in a pool of blood, which I am going to have to clean up. She knows this is not what we do here in London. These are the rules of the order. But Selene being Selene, will always push the boundaries. She helped create the rules, so she thinks she can break them whenever she feels like it.

It was a long journey. I needed something with a little more kick. Don’t worry, he didn’t suffer. She smiles up at me. I know how you love the warm-bloods like they are pets.

I have to hold my tongue. I don’t know how she’s going to react when she learns of mine and Elizabeth’s engagement. I never asked for her permission. At the time I didn’t see it had anything to do with Selene after she told me in Prague to be happy. That I had done enough for the order, etcetera. Love has made me blind and soft. Probably very stupid also. 

So, are you going to ask me? She runs her hands down my chest. The answer is yes, Adrien. Of course you can marry your little red, she says excitedly.

Who told you?

The vigore council. They assumed I would be enraged. But I am thrilled. My favourite executive’s happiness comes before everything else. I told you this in Prague. I bite down, staring down at her happy yet devious big eyes. You’re welcome, she adds.

Selene, there better be no catch. I know this is leading somewhere, not sure where, but she must want something in return for her approval.

Adrien, you should be more trusting. But then I suppose it is one of the qualities about you I love. It makes you a good executive, and it’s why you are so much fun to play with.

I’m not your play thing Selene.

No, not anymore. Now you are Elizabeth’s play thing. She’s trying to make a joke out of this meeting. I’m sorry. She sighs. I just want what is best for you. You and the girl have entertained my imagination, and for that, you deserve what was taken from you. You can play house and pretend to be that hot strapping human man you once were. Now let us get on with the introductions. Oh Vincent, she sings across the dance floor.

Out from the shadows, next to the bar, a figure emerges. A male sang, tall with skeletal features, and no charisma whatsoever. Being an executive requires approachability, mercy, and excellent communication skills. This executive has none of the above.

What experience does he have? My view remains fixed on Vincent, who stands there arrogantly staring at me.

Vincent. She turns to him, circling her fingers around his chest. Is more than qualified. I chose him personally. Just as I chose you.

I study Vincent’s face, trying to read what kind of executive he’d be. Maybe I am being too fussy. Once a replacement is found, I’ll be elsewhere running my own affairs anyhow.

Have you lost the ability to talk? I ask him, but he just continues to eyeball me, and I’m sure I see a smirk.

I am more than capable of running this city, he says, taking a step closer to me.

And where is your coven? You state you’re capable, but no executive can run the blood in this city without help. I also take a step closer.

Adrien, this is tedious. You and Vincent are my sired. You are like Brothers. Selene waves her hand at Vincent. Like a loyal dog he walks by me and out of the entrance, leaving Selene and I alone. So, you are to show Vincent the ropes. I will trust you will sort out our little engagement masquerade party. Let’s say it will be on the next full moon. 

You can have your party. She’ll never leave here until I agree. What Selene wants, she always gets in the end. Even if she has to go to the extreme to get it. But on one condition.

Anything.

You do not approach Elizabeth. As far as introductions go, there will be none. But you can see her. There will be no vampires, no feeding, and no floating around the room for attention, seducing the guests.

You drive a hard bargain, Adrien. She giggles. But you have a deal, and my word.

And if Vincent shows nothing but incompetence, he’s out. After decades of work to find peace, I won’t see it ruined.

I’d expect nothing less from you. Her eyes will not leave mine, and I see a lack of sincerity in them.

So, is that all? I need this meeting to come to an end.

She sighs, humming, and says, There is something else. You are mine Adrien, and you always will be. I made you, so I’d like a little something to remember you by, until we meet again.

What? Here we fucking go.

She closes the space between us, takes hold of my cheeks in her pale hands, and pulls down my head so she’s right in my face.

A kiss.

Fuck. She forces her lips on mine. I fight to pull away, but she’s stronger than me. I muffle against her mouth, gripping her forearms, struggling to push her back. She bites my bottom lip, pulling it out with her teeth to draw blood.

What... I manage to shove her back. The hell was that! I say through my bloody lip.

Smiling, she steps before me, taking a handkerchief from her pocket. Scowling down at her, I jerk my head as she dabs the blood from my mouth.

A goodbye for now kiss, she says, blasé.

Selene, you pull a stunt like that again, I will turn against you.

Her bottom lip curls over then she smiles. So faithful to the little red you will be.

So, you’ll be heading back to Prague now? I ask, putting meters between us.

I like it here. I’ve always loved the fresh blood of the British. But yes Adrien. I have plans to make, so I will be returning to Prague until the next full moon.

Goodbye then Selene.

Goodbye my darling Adrien. Enjoy love and life. Her cold lips peck my cheek before she flits out of the doors.

HOW DID IT GO BOSS? Dom asks before I have the chance to remove my jacket.

It looks like I’m throwing Selene a goddamn masquerade. Get me a drink. Ben knows what I need, and is making me a feed right now, disguised in a glass of course. He hands me the blood. I down it and hand him the glass back. Whiskey.

You’re joking? Dom asks.

Do I look amused? I snatch my whiskey off Ben.

Why? Ben asks, knowing he shouldn’t because I more than pissed-off.

Selene is under the impression that Elizabeth is going to be a part of her family. She wants to meet her. I snort, angrily.

I was expecting this, Ben says. It’s what she does.

Well, thanks for having my back. I polish off my drink.

So this is like some engagement party? Dom asks, his brows meeting.

Spot on.

I hear Elizabeth’s footsteps behind me, emerging from the bedroom. She’s heard everything. Great.

We’re having an engagement party? Her half asleep voice echoes.

I close my eyes and turn to her. She runs her fingers through her hair. Her eyes are narrow as she waits for me to explain, standing there in her grey nightwear, looking so damn sweet.

Ben, Dom, goodnight. I gesture my head at the door.

I wait until the door closes and we’re alone, before I approach her.

A masquerade? She hates the idea.

I have to be completely honest with her. I wasn’t going to be, but she knows I’m not happy. I take her face in my hands, setting my lips gently on hers. I guess I’m hoping it will soften her.

She pulls away. I know Selene is here. She wants to meet me?

Fucking Dom and Ben. She probably was woken by them and their loud mouths discussing my whereabouts.

Yes and no. Look, it will be quite normal. No vampires other than the coven. She doesn’t respond, just stares at me. Elizabeth, you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to. I can find a way to cancel this.

Will you stop treating me like a child, she bites. I knew what I was getting involved with when I said yes. I also told you that this wouldn’t be like any normal relationship. I’m like the talk of the vampire world right now. The little human girl with the leader. It’s getting boring.

I’m trying to give her normal. I’m trying to be a man. It’s what I want. What I need. But at times it feels like she’s willing to go even deeper into my world, when I’m trying to crawl out of it. What I am and what I do, has become the norm to her.

There will be a ball, party, well something with masks. But it will be under my terms, I grumble. And of course, your family and friends are invited, I add.

Immediately she turns cold. You... you think that’s a good idea?

You’re more comfortable with Selene, than your own Mother? I shake my head at her disapproving eyes. Elizabeth, just see it as a party. I know you don’t like fuss and attention. But it is normal to have an engagement party.

She’s silent in thought. She’s doing that thing with her lips that turns me on. A little nip with her teeth, finishing off with a pout.

I suppose so. It’s just my mum’s going to be impossible when she finds out about this, she finally says under her breath.

Vampires are not permitted, unless invited. And Selene will be out of sight to you. She’s more curious. Once she’s satisfied her curiosity, you’ll never see her again. One day soon, you’re going to marry me. You’re going to have to get used to me being around your mom.

My mum adores you already. Sickeningly so.

I laugh. I’m going to book a table at Le Gavroche. We’ll have a practice run. Get formal intros out of the way.

Even that she’s not content with. Her lips are still pouting up at me. I’ve had enough of this conversation. With our work commitments and everything else, we don’t see much of each other. This will be her last night here for a week, maybe more. Her mind needs to be taken elsewhere.

I stare down into her eyes, while my fingers slowly walk over her soft skin and around the back of her neck. I show her a hint of sexual aggression, grinding my jaw, allowing just a small flash of black to appear in my gaze. She loves it, and I drink in her need. I can feel her body weaken, hear her heart flutter, and I can smell her urgent desire to have me. The feeling is mutual, and it would be simple for me to just take her. But with Elizabeth, it’s better to be slow and suggestive. I’ve learned over these last few months how to rein in her impatience. She’s been perfect, and deserves to come over and over.

What do you want to do now? I ask as she sways slightly, pushing her neck against the palm of my hand, silently pleading with me to grip her hair, and screw her with no thought.

You know. Her view draws down, and her eyes for a second only, land on my crotch.

I push up her chin, so she can’t see my cock growing hard for her.

Okay then. She hums at me in a mood, turning away so my touch leaves her. Well, I’m going to do what I should be doing. Sleeping. Goodnight!

Oh fuck patience. She clearly knows my game now. I reach out, grab her, and lift her up.

Get those legs around me, I demand, slapping the skin on her thigh as I carry her over to the kitchen island.

She giggles as I set her down onto the marble, sweeping a pile of papers off the worktop behind her so they scatter to the floor.

You still tired? I rumble, watching her squirm as she unzips my trousers, wild and frantic.

No.

I tweak down her shorts and she threads out one leg. I stroke my cock, glancing at the only remedy for us both. I ease in and push up deep inside her. Fuck yes.

She gasps, God, leaning back.

I need to see her breasts as I take her, so tear down the thin strap of her camisole. It’s stunning, the way her body moves. She fits me perfectly, as though she was made for me. I’ve been with women, vampires, nearly once a man (a nice guy who got the wrong impression after I gave him a job back in the States) but with Elizabeth, it’s so intense and powerful. If it was possible, I’d take her body every goddamn day, several times a day.

I glide into her, then out, repeating the move, while adding a deep firm pause as my cock throbs. The cold blood running through my body for a moment feels boiling hot. I inhale her excitement, watching her body working with mine, accepting every inch of me. Her heart beat sounds like a deep drum, and I can feel everything inside her.

You. Come. For me. Elizabeth. I thrust, grazing my fingers down between her nipples and over her stomach, until she arches her back, like I’m pulling on her strings.

I push her down to fuck her harder. She whimpers and moans, her hands trying to grab at me. I slide my arm around her waist and lift her up onto me, needing to feel more of her skin against mine. Her arms cross behind my neck, her legs tighten around me, and her sinful eyes are determined to climax. She’s in a rage, and I love it.

Adrien! An almost demonic sound leaves her mouth in a breath, as she rubs her supple warm cheeks against my arms. Oh shit!

Sweat begins to emerge from her pores, and the tips of my fangs peek through my gums for a millisecond. It’s an automatic reaction when things get over-passionate, and I see her come. When I hear that high gasping, inhale her sexual nectar, and feel her body shudder, it’s better than fresh blood.

That’s... it. I give it three more deep hard motions, and release to an abrupt stop. Grrr.

Her body falls limp as she catches her breath. Her head is on my shoulder as I grumble into her neck.

I love you, she whispers in a state of lethargic serenity.

I love you. I kiss her head, while carrying her to the bedroom.

Chapter 2

Elizabeth

This is not what I had in mind when I accepted this job. I presumed I would be editing articles, not out on the road writing them.

I’ve worked for the Hearsay magazine for four weeks now. My first week was great. I had the task of editing a small cookery piece (how to make a lemon meringue tart) and I was also put in charge of postal deliveries. Now, I’m driving down the narrowest dirt track you could possibly imagine, with scarcely enough room for Beryl to manoeuvre through. And just to top off this hellish day, the lashing rain is impeding my view, and I can’t see where the hell I’m going.

I guess I did rush into taking this job, when I should have waited to hear back from PG publishing, and Lawson & Son Write House. They did explain it would take several weeks for them to make a decision. But when Mary Harper, the top editor interviewed me for the Hearsay Company, offered me the job right away, of course I said yes, very enthusiastically. She’s really nice, the down-to-earth hippy type, and made my interview a pleasant relaxed experience. Looking back, I should have been suspicious on my first day that my new job may be a little unorthodox. Especially when Mary had us all doing morning yoga at our desks.

My hands fight with the wheel, trying to keep Beryl on the straight and narrow as she bumps violently over rocks and mounds of mud. With my head shunting back and forth, I keep my eyes peeled open for the farm I was supposed to be at over an hour ago.

Oh shit! I shouldn’t have attempted to drive over that boulder. I’m not driving a damn tank here.

I shut down the engine and take out my frustration on the steering wheel. I know when I get out to have a look at the damage, it’s going to be bad enough to have me stuck out here in the wilderness for God knows how long. Fuck.

I grab my green raincoat from the backseat. I’m so not dressed for this. I should be wearing a frigging wetsuit and wellies. Not flats, black tights, and a grey wool skirt that will take forever to dry.

I swing open the door. The cold heavy rain lashes my face, and as soon as I put my flats down to stand up, they sink deep into the sludge. Dammit. I pull my foot out of the slop, wanting to scream in anger as I note the damage to Beryl.

Give me a break! The left front tyre is completely flat, and the bumper is badly scuffed.

I close my eyes and press my forehead down on the roof of Beryl. I just want to go home, crawl into my bed, and forget this day existed.

You okay my love? I nearly jump out of my skin as a heavy built man in a green poncho, waits for me to speak. Bit of car trouble I see. I hum, cautious of him. I tell you what, I live just down the way there. Why don’t you come down, dry off, then we’ll fix that tyre of yours.

Okay mister sinister, that’s not going to happen. You may not freak me out like Laurie did, but your still on the weirdo list.

Thanks, but I’m late for an appointment at... I pull my notepad out of my pocket with the address on. Mayfield farm.

His double chin and red veined cheeks jiggle as he laughs. Well that’s us, he says. I spoke to you on the phone this morning. We were wondering where you got to.

Oh, Mr Dewhurst. I shake the rain from my hand and offer it to him.

Come on, he says. I’ve got a very excited wife who’s been preening Bacon and Hooch all morning. He sets off, waving for me to follow.

Hmm, Bacon and Hooch. Jeez, maybe I should deny all knowledge and call a cab.

You see, my job today is to interview owners and pets who bare an uncanny resemblance to one another. It was a nightmare when I found out it was going to be my first real article. And now, well, it’s an awful reality.

My feet squelch through the thick mud and by an unused rusty tractor, as I follow Mr Dewhurst toward the farmhouse. It’s dilapidated: tiles missing from the roof, windows held together with masking tape, and I don’t see one cow or sheep, so it’s obviously not a working farm anymore.

Mr Dewhurst opens the door. Come on in love. Mind the cage though, Boris has been a naughty boy today.

Who the hell is Boris, and why is he in a cage? This is like some screwed up version of Animal Farm and Texas Chainsaw Massacre, combined.

I move reluctantly through the doorway, where I’m greeted by a bloody badger of all things. It’s snarling in a cage, trying to get to me. The smelly creature has me up against the wall, clutching my bag to my chest.

Oh, never mind Boris. He’s harmless really. He loves his cuddles and kisses, don’t you Boris. Mr Dewhurst waits before a door at the end of the hall. Come through, come through. He holds the door open for me.

Good god, it reeks in here. It smells like the zoo on a hot day.

I shuffle between a sideboard and a filthy green sofa. Well I think it’s green. Either that is the colour it’s intended to be, or it’s covered in mould.

Take a seat, and I’ll go fetch the gang. Mr Dewhurst leaves me among the mounds of crap, tat, and rubbish.

These people are clearly hoarders. There are newspapers everywhere. Bottles half full of curdled stinking milk. And a swarm of flies, buzzing around a dirty plate in the corner of the room. This, hands down, is the dirtiest house I’ve ever been in, and I can’t help but wonder if this is some joke. You know, like an initiation test to prove myself to the Hearsay team. I do recall when Mary was giving me the directions to this place, hearing the sound of sniggering at my back.

I sigh out my irritability and perch right on the very edge of the couch, when my phone begins to ring in my bag. I unzip and take it out. There’s voicemail messages from Adrien. I listen, peering up at the water stained ceiling:

‘Elizabeth, I’m just calling to ask why you didn’t return my call last night.’

I didn’t intentionally not call him, it just slipped my mind. You see, we met up yesterday for lunch. It was supposed to be so I could grab a quick sandwich, but turned out to be much better. I had to go to the little girl’s room at Ollies, a posh bistro two streets away from Hearsay headquarters. I’d just flushed the toilet, when he tapped on the cubicle door. He gave me that steely hot look, and I became the puppet on his strings. It wasn’t one bit romantic, but hell, I don’t need romance all the time.

I drop my phone back into my bag, hearing shuffling and heavy panting.

Hold still Bacon, Mr Dewhurst barks.

Oh god. There’s a huge black pig and a slavering monstrous dog, bounding over the mess to get to me. Now I don’t care about how much contact I have with the couch. I’m pressed right into the back cushions, hoping they will somehow protect me.

Hooch, down boy, Mr Dewhurst yells as Hooch’s tongue quivers near my face.

I try to push Hooch back, but he’s strong, and I don’t want to upset him in case he turns on me.

Mr Dewhurst grabs Hooch’s slobbering cheeks, telling him to be a good boy and sit. I thought he’d remove the monster from the room, but now he’s sitting next to me on the couch, panting in my ear. And Bacon, well, his wet snout is sniffing at my tights, leaving a trail of cold pig snot. Great.

I’m trying so hard not to gag right now. This is definitely good grounds to hand in my resignation. I must be crazy to still be sitting here.

It’s Liz isn’t it? Who I’m presuming to be Mrs Dewhurst, holds out her hand to me. I’m Maggie.

I smile nervously as Bacon sniffs a little too close to the hem of my skirt.

Come on Bacon. Maggie pulls on the pig’s neck, and sits down in the armchair across from me.

I slowly turn to face Hooch. He’s now drooling on my damn jacket for fuck sake.

Before we start, would you like a cup of tea? Maggie asks.

Wow, I can’t help but stare as she rubs Bacon’s back. She is a dead ringer for that pig: short black hair, round face, and a snout shaped nose.

Would you like some tea? she asks again, waking me from my daydream.

Hmm, no thank you. I snap out of it, pulling out a notepad and pen from my bag.

I squiggle down a few possible headers in shorthand, as the Dewhurst’s wait for me to begin. Any ordinary person would not want their face compared to a pig, or a dog. But each to their own I guess.

I look up, displaying my professional smile. So Mr Dewhurst...

Call me Jack.

Jack, how long have you had Hooch now? As soon as I mention his name, I see that flapping long tongue in my side view, nearly touching my cheek.

Oh, since a pup. It was like destiny when we met. That’s why I think people say we look alike you know.

Okay, you odd man. I jot those exact words down, but scribble them out straightaway. I know I’m in the foulest of moods, and I can’t let that spill out into my first article.

And what about Bacon. I look to Maggie, while dodging Hooch’s incessant need to lick me.

Bacon here was the runt of the litter. Abandoned at birth on the neighbouring farm, she replies. I couldn’t leave him. So I hand reared him. And now he’s my special boy, aren’t you. She pats Bacon’s backside.

Oh, so did this used to be a working farm also?

Of course, many moons ago. Now that lazy shit would rather stay in bed with his dog all day. She glares at Jack.

Oh hell, this is turning sourer by the second. Ask something nice Liz; something that will defuse a possible domestic.

So what about you two? I smile, trying not to breathe in Hooch’s warm stale doggy breath. Twenty years of marriage. That’s some going. I press my pen on the paper and wait.

Too long, Jack grumbles.

"You shut your