The Huntress #2
Matilda snickered when the orc bolted out of the bedroom, slamming the door closed behind her.
“Good riddance,” Matilda sighed, stripping off her clothes. She tested the water and frowned. “I might as well bathe in a pit of fire,” she whined, slowly easing herself into the tub.
Six rounds of bathing later, Matilda’s hair was free of dirt and blood, and her rich mahogany body glowed from the rosemary and lavender bathing oil.
“This feels absolutely glorious,” Matilda groaned, head falling back and resting against the wooden tub right as the bite on her shoulder began to pulsate. The vampire’s venom was unbearable—as intended.
A vampire’s bite was very much an aphrodisiac to humans.
It started as a slow burn that licked through the veins, building its victim to the precipice of uncontrollable lust until they exploded.
Matilda had been bitten a handful of times and had built up a semblance of resistance to the venom that made her snap her legs together and clench. She meticulously trained herself to ignore the wanton urge to fall to the ground and undulate her hips as she begged for mercy.
Tonight was different. She didn’t want to fight it any longer. It had been a dreadfully long time since she experienced a release.
Matilda bit her full bottom lip and allowed her thighs to fall apart, hitting both sides of the narrow tub. Although her body begged for release, Matilda intended to leave no stone unturned. Foreplay was essential.
Matilda softly ran her fingers up and down the inside of her thighs. They trembled when she touched herself at the apex of her thighs. She squeezed the flesh and let out the tiniest whimper.
Her hands continued their journey up her abdomen and cupped her breasts.
They were heavy in her hands. She massaged and squeezed them with wild abandonment.
She tugged on her rock-hard nipples and moaned from the tightening sensation she felt in her core.
Her tongue darted out and licked her bottom lip.
At that point, Matilda didn’t know if she was sweating from the steaming bath water or the ache that ran rampant through her.
Wasting no more time, she sank her right hand into the water and widened her legs as far as the tub would allow.
It didn’t take her long to find the sensitive bud of her womanhood.
“Oh, shit,” she whispered as she caressed herself. The venom had sent Matilda into the beginning of a frenzy. Her gentle swirls soon sped up. She rocked against her hand, splashing water onto the floor that so desperately needed it, and with a final cry, she met her long-awaited climax.
Matilda slumped against the tub with a heavy sigh.
“I hope you were thinking of me,” Belzar announced through the door.
“You were the furthest thing from my mind,” Matilda declared, not surprised by Belzar’s skulking.
“You know, nothing beats the real thing.”
“I wouldn’t know, and I don’t wish to find out,” Matilda called out as she dried off with a linen cloth.
“I have a feeling I’ll be changing your mind.
I have your dinner and ale. Tell me when you’re presentable.
” Matilda quickly dressed in her sleeping attire and wrapped herself in a blanket before answering the door.
“Mhmmm. Matilda, your beauty knows no bounds,” Belzar praised, hoping that at one point, she would carelessly drop her blanket and reveal what was underneath.
“And your unrelenting sexual harassment knows no bounds.”
“And yet, you’re allowing me into your sleeping quarters late in the evening when things go bump in the night.”
“A girl has to eat. Plus, I was promised risk-free conversation.”
“And risk-free you shall have,” Belzar agreed.
“Good,” Matilda replied, stepping to the side to allow him to enter. “Since you’re here, I must inform you that your room could use a little housekeeping.”
“You’re right, Matilda; however, I was ill-prepared for your arrival, and this room is seldom used. Perhaps, you may be more comfortable in my bedroom?” he teased, setting the tray of food and drinks on the table.
“Risk-free,” she reminded him.
“I jest, I jest. Please, sit and eat and drink to your heart’s content.”
Matilda practically drooled when Belzar lifted the silver dome from her meal.
The roasted quail, carrots, and potatoes looked absolutely delectable.
She leaned in and took a giant whiff of the meal.
She almost cried. It had been days since she had a home-cooked meal.
Since the fire, she’d been surviving on jerky, cheese, apples, and stale bread she picked up from the market.
As mouthwatering as the meal in front of her was, there was something she desired more. Matilda grasped the pint of ale and chugged it down. She released a loud, satisfied gasp and slammed the tankard down after consuming every single drop.
“You should have another,” Belzar offered.
“No, thank you,” Matilda politely declined. Her head was already feeling fuzzy, and she didn’t want to find herself regretting anything in the morning.
Belzar patiently waited as Matilda tore into her meal. She was ravenous, and he had to wonder when she last had a decent meal. He chuckled when she slurped the tender meat off the bone in a very unladylike manner.
“You don’t have to eat so fast. I won’t steal it from you.”
“You had something you wished to discuss, Belzar. Please make good use of our time and get on with it.”
“Right. Are you okay?”
“Am I okay? What do you mean?”
“Your family’s home was burned down.”
“I’m fine. It was just a dwelling.”
“You’re sorely mistaken, Matilda. Your memories burned away with it.”
“I am still in my right mind. I still have my memories.”
“You took your first step in that house.”
She lifted a brow. “I’m sorry. Is that supposed to mean something to me?”
“You lost all of your belongings.”
“I will get new belongings.”
“You have no place to lay your head at night, and you are impoverished.”
“It would be great if you and Belzara would quit reminding me of the obvious.”
“I apologize. But we worry for you.”
“There is no need for worry. I’ve been taking care of myself for years.”
“‘Tis true, but aren’t you tired of always having to fight for your life?”
“I’m not fighting for my life. I’m fighting for the people of Night Falls so that they can have a better life free from the tyranny of vampires. This is our home, not theirs. We need to take back what rightfully belongs to us!”
“You are not a martyr. Look around you, Matilda. You are the only one fighting the ‘good fight.’ One of these days, you won’t be so lucky.”
“I’m not the only hunter fighting against the vampires.”
“Tilda… I’ve been hearing rumors.”
“What rumors?” she asked suspiciously.
“Rumors that the donors are considering selling their blood once again.”
“W-why would they do that?”
“King Alesi has raised the taxes again. Money is hard to come by these days.”
“This is bullshit!” Matilda snapped, driving her fists into the table. “I need to get to the bottom of this.”
“Luckily for you, the next meeting will be held at my tavern a week from now, where you’ll be able to address the donors. May I give you some unwanted advice?”
“Might as well,” Matilda sighed, suddenly losing her buzz and appetite.
“Give up. Quit trying to live your life for these people who don’t give a damn about you.
You’ll die believing you’re doing what’s best for them, yet they wouldn’t show up to your burial.
They’ll keep living their lives as normal, and what would you have to show for it?
Perhaps some wilted flowers near your burial stone. Be selfish for once.”
“I-I can’t just give up hunting. It’s in my blood! It’s my namesake!”
“There is more to the world than hunting vampires,” Belzar softly reminded her. “Get out while you still can.”
Matilda distracted herself from her tears by gnawing on one of the quail’s legs. Belzar could see she was no longer in the mood to talk and excused himself.
“I’ll be taking my leave for the evening. I can take your bathwater.”
“No, thank you. You might drink it.”
He chuckled. “Damn. My plans are foiled.”
“Why am I not surprised?” Matilda replied, standing to her feet. She walked the orc to the door. “Thank you for the hospitality, Belzar. You didn’t have to, but you did. It was pleasant not having to rough it out under the stars.”
“Any time. Please make sure you stay for breakfast. Belzara will prepare food for you to take that should last a week if you ration.”
“I can’t accept that.”
“You can. Think of it as repayment for my unwanted sexual advances.”
“Thanks, Belzar,” Matilda whispered, throat tightening with emotion.
“Don’t thank me yet. I’m still hoping that one day you’ll say yes.”
She scoffed. “Goodnight.”
She slammed the door in his face, ensured the lock was latched, and returned to her meal.
Belzar thought he had all the answers, but what else was she to do if she gave up the very thing she was born and bred to do? She was Matilda Serafina Helsing—the last of her name and the last defense against the vampires that threatened their existence.