Monster Pucked (Pucking Monsters #2)

3. Marco

CHAPTER 3

MARCO

T ypically, if one tried to make a last minute reservation at one of the most coveted Michelin-starred restaurants in our city on New Year’s Eve, they’d be laughed at.

But I wasn’t just anyone. I was a vampire chef with connections I shamelessly used to set up the perfect date for wooing the orc I wanted.

There was something about Ehrokk I couldn’t shake. Every waking moment was spent wondering just what kind of man he wanted—and if I could be the one for him.

I feared I’d be too much. I’d been around for so long that I was set in my ways. I was an old dog who couldn’t learn new tricks, but I’d try to for him.

Nerves fluttered as I adjusted my tie and stole a glance at myself. My fangs were already out. It was a problem I’d only had recently, coupled with the random erections that threatened to bust my zipper at the thought of Ehrokk.

I pricked the tip of my tongue on one of my fangs as I smoothed my palms down my midnight-blue velvet jacket, trying to redirect my thoughts.

I hoped tonight went well. I wanted it to, more than anything. I hoped it would be the start of something I desperately craved.

Love.

I’d seen so many monsters find love. It’d been easier before I’d seen Klaus and Flurry find Holly. Now, I was constantly surrounded by their outrageously sweet relationship, and it had made my heart hungry for the same.

Would I ever find the right one?

I wasn’t sure. But tonight was a step in the right direction.

A soft knock echoed from my townhouse door. I glanced at my watch and smiled. He was right on time, as I’d asked.

Ehrokk had agreed to meet here before I drove us to the restaurant.

My body moved in a blur, magic surging through me. With a flick of my hand, the door flew open.

Ehrokk’s face immediately fell and I winced.

I was in a suit, and he was in a plaid button-down and jeans.

“I already fucked up,” he said softly.

“No,” I said immediately. “Of course not. You look handsome as ever, Ehrokk.”

“I’m way underdressed,” he said. “I should have asked?—”

I took a step closer and placed a hand on his chest. His heart was hammering so quickly, his delicious scent flooding my senses. Don’t get hard. Fuck. Control yourself. My nostrils flared.

“You could be wearing a banana hammock, and we’d still be going out tonight. They won’t care,” I said.

“Won’t you? Should I go home and change?”

“It’ll be fine,” I promised. How did I convince him that I simply didn’t care what he wore? Of course, I had my own personal tastes, but that was what I liked for myself. He could wear anything, and I would still be pleased. “You are as handsome as ever, Ehrokk. But, come in for a moment. I’m going to change.”

“You don’t need to do that,” he said quickly.

I gave him a tug, bringing him into my foyer, and shut the door behind him. His eyes widened as he looked around my living room.

The furniture was modern with sleek lines and soft grays and blacks. But it was the art on the walls that were my pride and joy. Erotic gay paintings in bright colors, some in black and white.

“Wow,” he said. “These are amazing.”

“I like to collect. I’ll be back momentarily.”

My gaze lingered on his expression for a moment, eating up his surprise. Then, I disappeared back to my room and ripped open the closet doors. I shucked off my jacket and swapped my button down for a nice black turtleneck. It wasn’t plaid and jeans, but it was far more casual.

We’d be a sight to behold together.

I liked the thought of all eyes being on us. And how could they not be? Ehrokk was deliciously attractive with his hockey player physique. Even more so, he was sweeter than honey.

I sauntered back to the living room. Ehrokk was inspecting a piece with a man on his knees, collared, his erection straining against a cock cage. He hadn’t heard me come up behind him, and I watched in amusement as he adjusted himself.

Did the idea of kneeling turn him on? I needed to know.

“Ehrokk,” I said softly.

He immediately spun around, a blush creeping into his cheeks. “I was just—I was?—”

“Do you like it?” I asked, stepping closer to him. “It’s one of my favorites. The trust and submission on his face turns me on.”

He swallowed hard, throat bobbing. “Me too.”

His voice was thick with lust. Gods, how was I going to make it through dinner?

“We should get going so we’re not late,” he said.

I nodded and held out my hand. He took it nervously, his palm swamping mine. I gave him a tug and led him out the door to the attached garage.

“I didn’t think you’d own a car, being a vampire,” he said.

I chuckled. “Well, sometimes they’re useful when I can’t fly as a bat. Like when I have a hot date.”

Ehrokk gave me a shy smile as I pressed a button. The garage door opened and I led him to my sports car, unlocking the doors.

He froze. “Uh...”

I frowned. “What’s wrong?”

“I’m not sure I can fit in this tiny thing.”

Oh. Oh. I hadn’t even considered that. He was a tall, bulky orc and this was a car built for humans, not monsters. Fuck.

“I’ll try,” he said quickly.

“I’m sorry, darling.”

“We’ll make me fit.”

I got into the driver’s seat and grimaced as he squeezed into the front seat, pulling his muscled arms together. It took a few tries, but he got the door shut.

“Got it,” he beamed.

Was it time to swap out my sports car with a monster truck? I could see myself now, the windows down, Ehrokk next to me. Have I lost my mind?

I started the engine and it roared to life, giving me a silent thrill.

Ehrokk let out a soft chuckle. “Do you like going fast?”

“Sometimes,” I said, dropping my voice seductively. “Although I certainly enjoy taking my time too…”

I stole a glance at him, offering a smirk.

“Should I slow down?” I asked.

“No, no,” he said. “I like that. I mean, be safe of course, but… have at it.”

I wasn’t sure if he was ready for a vampire behind the wheel.

It should have taken us twenty minutes to get to the restaurant. With my driving, it took twelve. Ehrokk’s laugher brought me immense joy as I whipped behind another car, pulling into park for the valet.

“That was awesome,” he said.

I grinned as I got out, handing over the keys. In a blink, I was standing in front of Ehrokk, my hand outstretched. He took it, his gaze lifting to the building before us.

“Wow,” he whispered.

I loved the way he said wow . “Just wait.”

The restaurant was located at the top of a skyrise downtown. We took the elevator up and I hoped everything else would go smoothly this evening.

I wanted to wine, dine, and bed him. I wanted to give him a New Year’s Eve that neither of us would ever forget.

Ehrokk shifted side to side nervously as we stepped off the elevator. The hostess stood in front of a sleek podium, checking reservations of those lined up in the waiting area. Everyone was dressed to the nines, and I’d gotten my wish. We certainly did attract attention.

But not because of what we were wearing.

Ehrokk was on one of the most well-known hockey teams in the world. I hadn’t considered that when I’d booked a restaurant like this.

Damn. I should have thought about that.

“Will this be okay?” I asked him quietly.

“Yeah,” he said.

“Wait here.” I darted around the line to the hostess. “We have a reservation under Marco.”

Her eyes lit up. “The chef told me to be ready for you.”

I grinned. Aulus was a demon that I’d known for… gods, how long had it been? Ages, it seemed. But, he was a wonderful chef, and happily let me slip a last-minute reservation in for a spot at this restaurant. “My date and I…”

I trailed off, my senses alerting me. I looked back over my shoulder and hissed. A group had surrounded Ehrokk, begging for his autograph. I watched as a woman reached out to stroke his bicep and was there in a blink, snatching her wrist before she could touch what was mine.

“Please do not touch him without his consent,” I said, keeping my tone pleasant. “I’d hate to end this year with murder.”

A couple squeals and murmurs followed as I bared my fangs, and they stepped back to give us space. Ehrokk winced as I dragged him back to the hostess. A server waited with our menus.

“Right this way, sir,” she said.

“Sorry about that,” he said under his breath.

I shot a dirty look over my shoulders.

If I were a fledgling, blood would have spilled. What was wrong with me? Everything primal and feral was drawn to the surface by his mere presence.

“Please don’t apologize,” I said. “I didn’t like that they swarmed you. I’m sorry if I overreacted.”

“You didn’t overreact,” he chuckled. “I liked being rescued by you.”

Pleased, I hooked my arm into his. We followed the waitress through the restaurant. It was as glorious as I remembered. We passed through a set of double doors and stepped out onto a rooftop with glowing lanterns, a fountain at the center, and a live orchestra. A cello’s tenor notes intertwined with the soft murmurs of people chatting away, the city lights twinkling beyond the glass balconies.

I stole a look at Ehrokk as we were seated right next to the edge, and frowned.

He was greener than normal.

“Are you okay?” I asked.

“So, I’m afraid of heights, just a smidge…”

Fuck me. Was I blowing it already? “I’ll have us seated close to the fountain?—”

“No, no?—”

I was already dashing to the waitress. “Can we please be seated elsewhere? Away from the edge?”

“Oh, of course,” she said.

“Thank you.”

Ehrokk raked his fingers through his hair, clearly stressed. I waved at him, and he navigated his way through the tables toward me. “She’s moving us.”

“Thanks, Marco. You didn’t need to do that.”

“I want you to be comfortable.”

Some of his tension melted. I swallowed hard, wondering if I’d done too much as we were led to another table, one that was away from the balconies, quieter, and just as nice.

Ehrokk sat down across from me.

“What can I get you both to drink?” the server asked.

“I’ll take a blood wine,” I said. I hoped it would ease this unreasonable hunger I had every time I was with him.

“Oh, let’s see…” Ehrokk trailed off as he picked up the menu. “I’ll have water with lemon.”

“Right away. Any appetizers?”

“The peach pork bites sound tasty.”

“Yes,” I said immediately. “We’ll have those.”

“Oh, I have a nut allergy,” Ehrokk said.

“Everything should be prepared separately,” I said sternly.

“Of course, sir. I’ll return shortly.”

She flitted away and all my attention zeroed in on Ehrokk.

Gods, he was hot. My cock perked up at the thought of those soft brown eyes looking up at me in adoration, his lips closing around me as I fucked his throat. I wanted him so badly, my body yearning for his touch.

I needed to calm myself, but it was difficult. I was grateful to be seated, at least, so he couldn’t see the outline of my bulge.

Suddenly, I was even more thankful we’d switched tables.

He glanced around nervously and then cleared his throat. “Sorry, I’m not the most suave date.”

“You’re the perfect date,” I said. “How are you feeling?”

“Nervous.” He gave me a sheepish smile. “Hungry. I decided to practice this morning even though we’re off this week. But I got some good work out time in.”

“Groin stretches too?” I teased.

“Always.” He batted his eyelashes, his shoulders sinking as more tension left him.

“Maybe you’ll show me how it’s done at some point.”

He grinned. “I’d love to.”

The server placed our drinks on the table. I took a sip of my blood wine, contemplating where to take the conversation from here when I remembered a conversation I had with Klaus earlier in the day. “I believe I heard from Klaus that the Claw Classic is coming up, correct?”

“Yep. We leave in a few days. I’m pretty excited about it. There’s nothing like playing hockey outdoors. It reminds me of when I was a kid growing up in Minnesota.”

“How long will you be gone?” I asked. The question came out of my mouth so fast it was almost instinctive.

“Five days. Why? Are you going to miss me?” he asked with a smirk.

“Yes, actually.”

“ Oh .”

His flustered expression reminded me of the way he’d looked at my paintings. I cleared my throat. Change the subject before he thinks you’ve lost your mind. “So… did you like the art at my house?”

He leaned forward, his expression softening. “Yes. How long have you been collecting?”

“Oh, seventy-five years or so.”

His eyes widened. I felt a flash of self-consciousness. He was young and hot and I was, well… ancient.

Despite that feeling, I continued on. “I especially love erotic art. Some of my favorite pieces are in my bedroom.”

His eyes lit up. “Maybe you can show me sometime.” I smirked and then he clamped his hand over his mouth. “Sorry. I don’t know what got into me, I’m not normally so forward?—”

“Ehrokk,” I said gently. “I want you. I want to fuck you. It’s all I’ve been thinking about since the night of the party. My cock is hard now, even as we speak.”

His jaw dropped. “ Oh .”

I heard the waitress before she returned to take our orders. “Be Daddy’s good boy and pick out what you want to eat.”

Ehrokk squeaked, his eyes widening.

Daddy? Where the fuck did that come from? I cleared my throat as the waitress set our drinks down. She placed the pork bites down in front of us, a small plate with two tiny delectable pieces.

“Did you decide what you would like for the main course?”

Ehrokk could barely form a coherent sentence.

Was I moving too fast with my flirting? I swallowed hard. “We need more time,” I said pleasantly.

She nodded and disappeared again, giving us space.

Ehrokk stared at the plate. “Are those the pork bites?”

“Yes,” I said with a smile.

He nodded slowly and I heard alarm bells go off again.

“Is everything okay?” I asked, this time far more strained. I was worried about doing everything wrong.

“No! They’re just tiny,” he said, reaching for one of the metal skewers. He popped the pork bite into his mouth, his eyes lighting up. “Gods, they’re delicious. I could eat thirty of these.”

“I’ll order thirty then,” I said immediately.

I started to get up, but Ehrokk shook his head vehemently and reached over, grabbing my hand. “Oh my gods, no.” He started to laugh, but stifled it. “Don’t do that. I don’t even want to think about how expensive that would be.”

Gods, he was cute. “Darling, you’re not supposed to worry about menu prices.”

He blew out a breath, his hand still lingering on mine. “Marco, I think I need to be honest with you. I am interested in you, but this isn’t who I am. I’m a pizza-and-beer guy. I’m a watch-sports, eat-chips, and talk-about-corn-fields kind of guy. I was raised in the Midwest in a small town, and so when I’m in spaces like this, all I can think about is how I don’t know if I’m using the right fork or being proper. So, if I’m a bumbling idiot tonight, I apologize. I’m nervous and want to make a good impression.”

“Those are all things I adore about you, Ehrokk. You’re not a bumbling idiot, and you’ve made more than just a good impression on me.” I stared at him for a moment and then resettled in my chair, thinking over his words. “I have a proposition.”

He raised a brow. “Kick me out?”

“No,” I snorted. “Don’t be silly. I propose we leave this place and go to the bar next door. It might be a wait, but there will be pizza, beer, and we can get to know each other in a more relaxed environment.”

“But you got us a table here. It’s New Year’s Eve and I’m so thankful to even be out with you?—”

“I’m not here for the food, Ehrokk. I’m here for you .”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

He blew out a breath. “Okay. Only if you’re sure.”

“We have the whole night,” I reminded him.

He smiled and it felt genuine. It felt more like him. “We do. And I really do want to know you better. And about… calling you Daddy.”

My cock jerked to attention. Damn it, how was I supposed to think straight? “Yes,” I said. “I’ll tell you all my secrets over pizza.”

“And I promise I’ll tell you all of mine.”

Such a cocktease. I knew he was being genuine, but all I could think about was sinking my teeth into him as he told me all about his kinks.

“I’ll get the check,” I said.

“You already spoil me too much,” he chuckled.

He had no idea how far I was willing to go. I downed my blood wine right as the waitress came up to us, giving us an expectant smile.

“I’ll take the check,” I said to her. “Our plans have changed for this evening.”

Now, it felt like maybe we’d have an unforgettable, magical evening.