Undeniably Enemies: Chapter 1

I’m walking through the gates of heaven, and instead of God, I’m greeted by a half-naked Grim Reaper.

“Welcome to Heaven’s Hell,” he says with an oddly high-pitched, chipper voice that contradicts the nature of his costume. He’s wearing a white skeleton mask across the upper half of his face, a black cape, black leather chaps, and a scythe that looks scarily real. “May I have your name, please?”

Shifting the scythe into the crook of his arm, he pulls out a tablet, his black eyes on mine as he patiently and politely waits for my answer.

“Jack Kincaid.”

He types my name in and steps toward me with a warm smile. “Dr. Kincaid, welcome. And may I just take a moment to thank you?” He extends his hand to me, and I automatically shake it. “We’re all so grateful for what you did for Mr. Tom.”

I give him a nod because I’m not sure what else to say. You’re welcome doesn’t quite fit. I’m a doctor and simply did my job. Jarvis Tom is a big Hollywood producer, and when he showed up in my emergency department, he wasn’t in good shape after suffering an ischemic stroke. I administered tPA or tissue plasminogen activator, to dissolve the clot, and it ultimately saved his life. He was able to recover without long-term deficits.

As a thank you, he gave me a ticket to his Hollywood A-list Halloween party.

“We’re delighted you were able to attend,” he continues. “Are you alone this evening, or may I put a guest’s name on the list?”

“I’m alone.”

“Hopefully not for long.” He winks at me. “But you know this is a costume party, correct? One that revolves around a certain amount of anonymity. Masks are required.”

“I didn’t realize that.” I glance down at my all-black attire. At least I’m not in scrubs, though maybe that would have made for a better costume.

The invitation didn’t say costumes or masks, but then again, most of the people who were invited to this event probably already knew this. When I mentioned it to the nurse working with me today, she screamed—literally—and told me people sell their souls for an invitation.

Hence the name of the party and the costume of the man greeting me.

“Here.” He digs through a giant bag just behind him. “These will help.” He thrusts a packet of fake blood at me, along with a set of fake teeth still in the plastic and a large black mask. “We keep extras back here for such a situation. You’ll need those. Especially the mask. Speaking of…” He trails off as he returns to his tablet while I don the mask and teeth, foregoing the blood. “I see you’ve already signed the NDA, so please feel free to enjoy the evening’s festivities, though I should warn you that photography and video are not permitted.”

“That won’t be a problem,” I tell him, and he steps back to allow me through the pearly white gates of Heaven’s Hell.

“Don’t forget the blood. No vampire is complete without it.”

I throw my hand up in acknowledgment and reluctantly open the packet that squirts red gel everywhere. A few small dabs beneath my lip should suffice, but the teeth dig into my gums, and I already feel entirely out of place in this league far above me.

You’d think growing up in Boston and being best friends with the Fritzes—a famous family of billionaires—I’d be more comfortable with, or at least used to, this level of wealth, but I’m not. I never quite fit into this type of world, and this party is a glaring reminder of that.

Still, there was no way I could turn it down if for no other reason than the curiosity factor of it. And the fact that I could use something fun and different to drag me out of the misery and heartache I’ve been held down by for the last six months since I caught the woman I was planning to propose to screwing my boss. Two years of a relationship. Of living together and sharing everything. Gone. They’re in my old apartment, sleeping together in my old bed. Even the dog she and I got together is now his and not mine. On top of all that, I had to leave the hospital I loved.

So I need this. I need to rewrite my life because every good thing I’ve ever had—every dream—has been ripped away from me, and I’m just about at my breaking point with it all. But in this mask, I can be anyone. Anonymous, and hopefully not alone for long, as he said. I wouldn’t mind that. I’m here, aren’t I? Might as well take advantage.

Immediately past the white gates is a glowing red ring—hell, I presume—and after I step through, the sprawling manicured lawn and Olympic-sized sparkling pool with the twinkling lights of Los Angeles in the distance catch me off guard. The lawn and even the pool are filled with what are likely Hollywood elite, and I shake my head at just how over the top this is. Purple and white fairy lights are strung around every available surface, and servers wearing white angel or Grim Reaper costumes—like the guy who took my name—are holding trays of food and various premixed cocktails in extravagant glasses as a DJ spins music that pumps through a sound system.

“Shit,” I muse, squeezing the back of my neck.

I descend the grand staircase and head toward the pool area, the pale blue water illuminated and glowing like a beacon. I gaze from person to person as I tuck myself back along the periphery of the hardscape where it meets the grass while I try to decipher which celebrity they are. It’s nearly impossible. Everyone is wearing a mask and an elaborate costume.

A server dressed as a sexy angel comes over with a tray of drinks. “White cranberry cosmo?” she offers.

It’s some clear concoction in a girly glass with sparkly glitter floating on the top. Fuck it. I need some liquid courage to get me over the hump. Gratefully, I accept it and drink most of it down in one large gulp. Not bad, I guess. Especially on the second gulp. The empty gets set on a nearby table, and I grab a new drink from another tray. This one is bright red in a large heart-shaped glass, and I don’t question what it is. Especially as I snag some food from the next passing tray.

At this rate, I’ll drink and eat my way through the party and have to Uber home, but I don’t care.

“You must be new here,” a soft voice says behind me, and I turn to find myself staring at the most stunning Cinderella I’ve ever seen. Tall and thin, with slight curves pushed up and accentuated over the top of her blue satin gown. She has the most graceful neck and delicate bone structure. Coupled with her blazing blue eyes visible even through her white filigree mask and full red lips, I can hardly catch my breath. Her blonde hair is rolled into a tight bun on top of her head, but she has one stray wavy piece floating down her face and tickling her cheek. It makes me want to tuck it behind her ear.

“How can you tell that?” I throw back at her, finding myself taking an inadvertent step in her direction. There’s something about her, something almost familiar, though I can’t quite place what it is.

Her red lips quirk up on one side into an amused smirk. “For one, your costume isn’t much of a costume. And for another, you’re casually holding ‘Til Death Do Us Part.”

My gaze drops to the drink in my hand and then back up at her. “‘Til Death Do Us Part? That’s what this is?”

“Yep. They only hand out two of those. They’re coveted, and people search all night for them, anxiously trying to tempt their fate. If you don’t know what it is, you must have been in the right place at the right time to snag it. Go on.” She juts her chin toward my glass. “Take a sip. I’m curious.”

Another step has me cutting our distance in half. “What will it do?”

She leans in as if she’s sharing a secret, and I catch a hint of her perfume. It’s subtle and enticing, and I want to bury my nose in her neck so I can take a deeper inhale.

“Rumor has it that with one sip, you’ll meet someone tonight and have a torrid affair with them. Drink half, and you’ll fall in love with them. If you finish it, you’ll be tied to that person, well, until death do you part.”

“Hmm. And is that love returned, or is it unrequited?”

“No clue, but for it to be returned, my guess is you probably both have to drink it. Isn’t that how love potions work?”

I chuckle. “I haven’t a clue. This is my first experience with one.”

Her red lips which match the color of the drink spread into an alluring smile, and I can’t stop staring at her.

“Same for me. I’m simply going based on what I’ve read in fairy tales as a child.”

I hold up the innocuous-looking drink. “You don’t actually believe that do you? That this is a love potion?”

“That’s the story and why they only serve two. Now this one is yours.”

“Two? Shit. Am I supposed to go in search of the other person who has this? What if it’s a man? Then what do I do?”

She comes closer and rests her gloved hand on my forearm as if to reassure me. “I could see how that would be a problem. How’s this then? You stay here with me, and we can see how it goes for you.”

I smirk, liking that answer. “Should I be nervous?”

Her shimmery blue, bell-shaped gown rustles and sways as she slides in beside me and peers down into the glass. “I’ve never had one. I’ve only heard the stories.”

Now I’m intrigued. “Do I want to know?”

Her gaze flashes up to mine. “This is only my second year coming here, but last year, the two people who had them are now married.”

I laugh. “No way.”

She holds up a white-gloved hand, her smile matching my own. “I swear. Wild, isn’t it?”

“Or terrifying.” I bring the glass closer to her, and both of us stare down into it. “Will it affect me if I’m already dead? I am a vampire.”

“I don’t know.” She breathes softly, our faces inches apart now. My heart is thrashing in my chest, and my cock is throbbing in my slacks. It’s been way too long since I’ve felt something like this. “Maybe just a sip then to test it.”

My fingers trickle up the bare skin of her arm that’s impossibly soft and silky, up to her face, where I tuck that strand of hair behind her ear. “And settle for a torrid affair?”

Her eyes lock on my lips. “Well,” she starts, only to get cut off as some guy dressed like Prince Charming tries to grab her hand.

“There you are, princess,” he slurs and staggers, practically tripping over his own feet. “I’ve been looking for you all night. It’s not yet midnight.”

“Oh, my hell. This guy again.” She puffs out an annoyed breath and points at the guy. “I’ve already told you I’m not into wasted princes. Go bark up another princess’s dress.”

I snicker even as I slip my hand around her waist and hold her close. There is no way I’m letting this guy touch her.

“But you’re Cinderella,” Drunk Charming protests, reaching for her hand again. “We’re meant to be.”

“Except tonight, she belongs to the villain, and I have the love potion.” I give him an evil smile, complete with fake vampire fangs, and take a sip of my drink. It’s sweet and tastes like roses and strawberries, but I hardly feel any different than I did a moment ago. Not to mention, I’m a doctor, and science is my language. I don’t believe in magic or spells.

Not even on Halloween.

Cinderella gasps, her wide eyes on the glass, her jaw slack. “Oh my god! You drank it.”

We’ve caught the attention of the other partygoers, and now there are murmurs all around us. Fuck, this is nuts. “Come on,” I growl urgently. “Let’s get out of here.” I take her gloved hand and briskly walk us away from the pool area. I have no idea where I am or where I’m going, and everywhere I look, there are more people in costumes, all of them noticing the drink in my hand. Shit. What is it with this damn drink?

As if reading my thoughts, she says, “Here, this way. It’ll be quieter.”

We change course and head toward the back of the house, but instead of climbing the steps that will take us to a large deck, we slip under it, weaving around wooden support beams and the bend of the mansion to the opposite side and away from the pool and party. It’s dark over here with just a few scattered chaises and chairs and an old firepit that doesn’t look like it’s been used in a while.

The teeth are cutting into my mouth, and I quickly remove them and slip them into my pocket.

Cinderella emits a breathy laugh. “That was intense. And all because of Drunk Prince Charming. Do you feel any different?”

A sliver of moonlight catches her just right, illuminating her eyes and the tendrils of shimmery threads in her gown. She’s an angel, and I slip my hand from hers and move it to her waist. With my eyes on hers, I walk her backward until I have her pressed against the house.

“You never answered my question about the torrid affair with a beautiful princess.”

Her lips bounce, but she’s breathing heavier, her chest rising and falling rapidly. “I never mentioned it’d be with a beautiful princess.”

“No? I could have sworn that was part of the deal. Maybe that was wishful thinking then.”

My hand trails up her side until I’m holding her neck. I both hear and feel her breath hitch and her pulse thrum beneath my fingers, but she’s not pushing me away, and she’s not saying no. If anything, even in the darkness, I can see the hunger in her eyes.

“What’s your name?” I whisper, moving in closer until our bodies are practically flush.

“Cinderella. What’s yours?”

I grin and drag my nose along her jaw, enjoying how she shudders and swallows heavily. I want to remove this stupid mask, but she just told me her name is Cinderella, which suggests she likes the anonymity we have going. I’m a vampire, and I search the recesses of my mind for the name of the guy my little sister, Eddie, used to mention from those books she loved. She used to joke that their names were similar to each other.

“Um. Edward? Is that his name?”

Cinderella laughs. “Yes, that’s his name, and I was always team Edward.” Her arms snake around my neck. “Lucky for you.”

“Definitely lucky for me. Do you want to try this?” I hold up my drink between us.

Her eyes flutter behind her mask, and she licks her full, red lips. “I don’t know. That feels like tempting fate.”

“Or perhaps walking on the wild side.”

“Perhaps.” She slips her glove off and lets it drop to the ground. Her fingers wrap around the glass, brushing with mine, and the moment they do, something warm pulses through my fingertips and up through the palm of my hand. It has me smiling, unwilling to let the glass go or move my hand away even as she brings it up to her lips.

I watch, mesmerized, as she takes a sip.

“Mmm. That’s good. But I have to admit, I don’t feel any different yet.”

“Me neither.” I take another sip and then another, just to get a reaction from her. I bring it back to her lips, and she ends up finishing off the drink. “I guess we’re both tempting fate and magic now.”

I set the glass down on the edge of the firepit, cup her face in my hand, and kiss her. My lips dance across hers, firm yet teasing. Coaxing. Her hands clasp my shoulders, her fingers digging into my flesh through my shirt. A tiny noise vibrates against me, and it drives me wild. Makes me hungry. And I don’t waste time. I split her lips, and the moment our tongues meet, a rough groan is dragged from me.

Her lips are so soft and plump, and she tastes so sweet. Like the drink we just shared, but it’s more than that. It’s something deeper I can’t put my finger on. It makes my head spin and my heart pound eagerly in my chest. It has me deepening the kiss, our tongues tangling urgently while I ravage her mouth.

“Oh god,” she moans when she feels the hard length of my cock press against her through the layers of her dress. My hand slides down her throat to the top of her heaving chest, where her small breasts are pumping up and down. Her hand grips my arm forcefully, not pushing me away but holding on tight as if she’s still unsure.

“Do you want me to stop?” I murmur against her lips before I tilt my head and kiss her from a new angle.

“I… um…” She pants a breath, and I force myself back so I can see her eyes. “No. I don’t want you to stop.”

“Are you sure?” I check.

Her eyes search mine, and I wish I could see more of her. All I have are her eyes and lips.

“Keep going.” She grabs the back of my head and slams my mouth back to hers in a hard, passionate kiss. “Please, keep going. Don’t stop.”

Fuck.

Her dress is impossible, and I work my hand under the layers, anxious to get to the place we both want me to be. She helps me out, moving and shifting it until I reach the bare skin of her thighs. Her skin is unbelievably soft, like fucking heaven, and I slide my hand up to the triangle covering her pussy.

Her grip on my other arm tightens as I rub my finger up and down her satin-covered slit. She’s wet and warm, and I need to feel her skin-to-skin. I move the fabric to the side and immediately thrust two fingers straight into her. And fuck is she tight. So tight, I wheeze out a breath and my cock jerks.

Her head falls back against the stucco of the house, and with our eyes locked, I pump in and out of her. “Does that feel good?”

She nods, her teeth sinking into her lip. “So good.”

“After this, I want to take you home with me and do it again.”

She doesn’t reply as I continue to fuck her with my fingers, but I don’t care. This won’t be a one-and-done. I can already tell I’m going to need her again at least once more tonight. Turning my wrist, I use my thumb to rub her clit and recapture her mouth with mine. I kiss her as I work my fingers in and out of her while rolling her clit. She’s moaning and writhing and pawing at me as if she doesn’t know how to control how good this feels.

I swallow her sounds and nearly blow my load in my pants when her pussy spasms and clenches around my fingers as she comes. Fuck is that hot. I can’t wait to feel that on my cock. I slip my fingers from inside her and immediately go for my wallet to retrieve a condom.

“A torrid affair indeed,” she hums, her eyes closed and a flushed, pretty smile on her face. I chuckle as I undo my pants and work the condom on.

“You haven’t felt anything yet.”

Before she can get her bearings or even fully come down from her orgasm high, I pick her up until her thighs are around my waist, shift her dress around, and with one hard push, thrust inside of her. And motherfucker, is she tight. So much tighter than I expected. Sweat breaks out on my forehead, and I grit my teeth to stop myself from coming.

A sharp, wounded noise catapults from her lips, and suddenly, she’s pushing me as far from her body as she can.

I freeze, wondering if I somehow misread this. “What’s wrong? Did I hurt you?”

“Yes. I…” Her eyes are sparkling with tears. “I’m sorry. I didn’t want you to know.”

“Know what?” I can barely breathe. Barely think as my mind swirls, even as euphoria consumes me at the feel of being inside her.

“I’m a virgin.”

I blink and blink again as if the words aren’t making sense. “A virgin?”

She nods. “It’s okay. I wanted to. I still want to. I just need a moment.”

“A moment?” I parrot, still lost. A virgin? The fuck? I was not gentle. Not even a little. Jesus Christ. I cup her jaw. “Are you okay? Do you want me to stop?”

She shakes her head vigorously. “No. Please don’t. I want this. It’s why I didn’t want you to know.”

“Take off the mask,” I demand. “If we’re doing this, if I’m taking this piece of you, I need to see your face and know who you really are.” Because even though I shouldn’t, there is a very dark and primal part of me that likes that I’m the one she’s giving this to. That thrills in how she’ll always remember me and this night. But I have to see her. I have to see all of her.

Without waiting for her response, I slip the mask up and freeze all over again as I get a good look at the lines of her pretty face. Holy shit. Holy fucking shit. If I thought my heart was pounding a minute ago…

“Wren?” No. It can’t be. It’s impossible. Please tell me this isn’t happening. Dread pools low in my gut and shoots ice water through my veins.

“What?” she cries, startled. “How do you know my name?”

I rip my mask off, and her face mimics mine when she realizes who I am.

“Jack?!”

Jesus. I just took my best friend’s little sister’s virginity. And I’m still inside her.