WICKEDNIGHT

THEAMULETSERIES#1

By

CarisRoane

WICKEDNIGHT

ByCarisRoane

Copyright©2012byCarisRoane

Allrightsreserved.NopartofthiseBookmaybereproducedinwholeorinpart,scanned,photocopied,
recorded,distributedinanyprintedorelectronicform,orreproducedinanymannerwhatsoever,orby
any information storage and retrieval system now known or hereafter invented, without express written
permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and
reviews.

Thisisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,places,andincidentsareproductsoftheauthor'simagination
orareusedfictitiously.Anyresemblancetoactualevents,locales,orpersonslivingordeadisentirely
coincidental.

PublishedbyBellaMediaManagementatSmashwords

FirstEditioneBook

DEARREADER

WICKEDNIGHTismyfirstshortnovellasetintheWorldoftheAmulet!
Many of you know me from my Guardians of Ascension series, published by St. Martin’s Press,

beginning in January of 2011 with ASCENSION. Or from my Blood Rose Series that began with the
publicationofEMBRACETHEDARKinMayof2012.

Forsometimenow,I’vewantedtowriteanovellaseriesthatwasashorterlengthtosatisfyreaders

whowantaquickread.Becausevampiresarestillmyfavorite,theworldoftheamuletisdominatedby
master vampires. Each master has a forge located deep in his tribe’s home. By ancient tradition, and
through formulas passed down from one century to the next, the master creates amulets of varying
purposeswhichhethenusestobarterwithhissupplicants.

Thefirstnovella,WICKEDNIGHT,takesustoReavenshire,ruledbyGabriel.Whenahuman-fae

comestohimindesperateneedofahealingamulet,hebartersruthlessly,askingforwhathedesiresthe
most:thewoman,Thea.

Ihopeyouenjoythisnewtakeonparanormallore.
WICKEDNIGHTisanovellaof13,000words,whichisanapproximatepaperbacklengthof43

pages.Formoreinformationabouttheseries,visitmeat:

www.CarisRoane.com

ForlotsofFacebookfun,youcanfindmepostingfrequentlyonmywall.Ialsoencouragemyfansto

post,sothere’slotsofsharingofmusicandpicsofallkinds.Facebooksearch:CarisRoane.

Prior to writing sensual paranormal romance, I wrote sweet Regency Romance for Kensington

Publishing Corp., and was fortunate to publish almost 50 Regency novels and novellas during that time
under the pseudonym, Valerie King. In 2005, Romantic Times honored me with a Career Achievement
Award in Regency Romance. You can learn more about my Regency work at:

www.ValerieKing-

romance.com

I’vebeenblessedtowriteromancealltheseyears.
Ihopeyouenjoy,WICKEDNIGHT!

Blessings,
CarisRoane

ChapterOne

Thevampire,Gabriel,ofFrenchdescent,feltvictoryflowlikeaslow-burningfirethroughhisveins.

ThewidowThea,thewomanhehadbeentryingtoseduceforthepasttwoyears,stoodbeforehim.She
hadstatedherrequestforanamuletandhehadthepowertograntherrequest,solongasshewaswilling
topaytheprice.

“Forwhatpurposedoyourequireanamulet,cherie?”Evenaftertwo-hundred-years,hehadnotlost

hisFrenchaccent,butthewomendidnotseemtomind.

“For healing,” she responded. “My mother is nearly at the point of death. She went into the bogg-

woodsinsearchoftheWitch’sFlowerandreturnedwithafever.Shehasbeenillsince.”

Thevampiresintheroomhissed.Thebogg-woodswerefullofevilvaporsandnowThea’smother

wasdying.

Heleanedforward.Hesawthetensionaroundhereyes.HeknewTheawell,especiallyherlovefor

hermother.Hedidnotliketoseeherdistressed.

Hesatonhisthrone,inhislargeaudienceroom,inthedeepundergroundcavernsthathehadshaped

intohistribe’scommunalhome.Hespentpartofeachnighthearingtherequestsofnumeroussupplicants,
mostofthemmadeforhispowerfulamulets.Everymastervampirehadaforgedeepwithinhislairwhere
hecreatedhisamuletsaccordingtotheancienttraditions.Eachcarefullyworkedpieceenjoyedaunique
propertythatwouldservetheborrower.

AshemetThea’sgaze,hesighedwithsatisfaction.Hefeltlikeahunterwhohadbeenonaverylong

chasethroughtheforest,stalkingadeer,andhadfinallybroughtdownhisprey.

Shewastresbellewithlongbrownhairthatwasveryfineandverysoft,andtendedtocurljustat

thetips.Herdarkbrowneyesglitteredinthesoftcandlelightofthechamber.Herwaistwasnarrowand
herhipsflaredinawomanlymanner,whichsuitedhimperfectly.Herfullbreastspushedatthecherryred
sweater she wore, beckoning him. Only last night, he had discovered how sensitive they were since he
hadsuckledthemforthefirsttime,feastingonherbounty.

Nowshewashere.
Thoughhefeltlikeabastard,hehadwaitedtoolongforhertodomorethanask,“Andwhatprice

areyouwillingtopayfortheamulet?”

Shedidnotansweratfirst.Finally,sheliftedherchin,justalittle.“Anythingyoudesire,ofcourse.”
Heshuddered.
Hewasaroused,hisnormalstatewhenhewasaroundThea.Merde,evenhisfangsthrobbedinhis

gumsbecauseherbloodcalledtohim.Shewashumanandfae,amixhefoundintoxicating.

“Bon.”Headded,“Iamalwayshappytoobligethoseinmykeeping.”
Sheliftedabrowatthat.Herepressedasmile.Theaarguedwithhimconstantlyabouthisviewof

Reavenshire.Hesawthelandashisterritoryandeveryoneinitunderhisprotectionandtherefore,toa
degree,subjecttohiscommand.Shehadadifferentviewinvolvingautonomyandfreedom.

His gaze fell to her throat. His fingers gripped the armrests, pressing into the soft red fabric. He

shiftedinhisseat.Thetightleatherpantsheworerubbedhisarousalinthenicestway.Hewouldtakeher
bloodsoon,bloodshehaddeniedhim.Untilnow.Hisnostrilsflaredandhetrembled.

His blood-lust for the widow went deep, like a drill boring through the toughest layers of stone.

Oncehehadcaughtthescentofherbloodallthosemonthsago,nothingelseseemedtosatisfy.Hetook
fromwillingdonors,ofcourse,butonlyjustenoughtostayalive.Hewas,therefore,inastateofblood-
hungermostofthetime.

Andthereseemedtobenoendofwaysthathehadfantasizedabouttakingherblood,especiallywith

hisfangsinherneckandhiscockburieddeepinsideher.

Merde,ifhewasnotcareful,thecursedwomanwouldbecomeanobsession,whichwasjustashort

distanceawayfromabinding.Hehadpromisedhimself,vowingbyalltheancientvampirelords,never
to be bound to any female, nonetheless a fae-human. Such bindings always ended in an incessant
worthlessbattle.Hehadseenitathousandtimesoverhistwocenturiesofliving,hisparentstheprime
example.

Herosefromhisthroneandextendedhishandtoher.“Comewithmeandwewillsettlethematterof

theamuletbetweenus.Inmyprivatequarters.”

*********

“As you wish, master.” Thea moved forward and stared at Gabriel’s long white fingers and

manicured,buffednails.Hewasapowerfulvampirewhoattendedtohisappearance.

Shetriedtoignorewhatshecouldseewashisfullyarousedstate.Thesnugblackleatherofhispants

leftlittletotheimagination.Thecrownofhiscockstrainedagainsthiswaistbandandshewassurethatif
hehadnotbeenwearingashirt,shecouldhaveseenthetipofhim.

His pursuit of her had been relentless and it was just her luck that the vampire was treacherously

handsome.Hisskinwasabeautifulivorycolor,hissharpcheekbonesangledoverthestrongplanesofhis
face,hislipsfullandsensual.Hisravenblackhairhungalmosttohiswaistinsoftcurls,sostrangefora
man,yeteroticatthesametime.Hiseyes,whenhewasn’tlostinhisblood-hunger,werethemostelegant
green,likeemeraldsinwater.

Shesupposeditwaspartofhisvampireattractionthathiseyeswouldbeasexquisiteastheywere,

butshesworeshecouldlookatthemforhours.Inhiseyes,hissoulshimmered,somethingthefaepartof
herfeltandalsopartofherattractiontohim.Hewasnotwhollyevilashelikedtopretend.

Yet her casual involvement with Gabriel was by no means simple. She had once seen him save a

troll child from galloping horses. He had flown through the air and swept up the child in his arms just
beforethecalamitywouldhavemangledeverysmallbone.

Theincidenthadshapedherwillingnesstospendtimewithhimandwhichhadultimatelyledherto

permithimlastnight’ssuckling.

Shehadn’tbeenwithamansincetheevilMagevampireskilledherhusbandfiveyearsago.Shehad

lovedhimandhadgivenhimseveralchildren,allgrown.Butherhomewasemptynowandforalong
timeshe’dwantedherlifetochange.Stillquiteyoungbylong-livedstandards,sheneededamantowarm
herbed.

She placed her hand within his, the weight of the act weakening her knees. When he sighed, she

shiftedhergazetohiseyes,hisbeautifulgreeneyesglitteringwithdesire.

His voice was low as he said, “I have longed for this moment, cherie, a thousand fold since first

seeingyou.AndIstillhavethetasteofyourbreastsinmymouthfromlastnight.”

Hercheekswarmed.Hehadsomuchpoweroverher,morethanheimagined.Shehadresistedhis

seductionswitheverybreathofherbody,butshehadcravedhimterribly.

Nowshewashere.
“Youarecharmingwhenyoublush.”
He guided her to the dark arched hallway behind his throne, a passage that led to his private

chambers.“Imusttellyouoneimportantthing,cherie.Thehealingamuletisnothere.IgaveittoMaster
EligioofFealconshireforoneofhissupplicants.”ThevampiresoftheGreatNorthShireswerenumerous
andpowerfulandlivedinlargecommunitiesortribes,eachrunbyamastervampire.Gabrielcontinued,
“WewillgotoEligioalittlelatertoretrieveit.AndIvowthatbeforedawncreststhehills,yourmother
willhavetheamulet.”

Theanodded,reliefallowinghertodrawadeepbreath.“Thankyou,Gabriel.”

Hesqueezedherarm.“Ihadthoughttowinyouinaverydifferentway,butIamgladyoucameto

me.”Onceoutofsightofhisaudienceroom,hepulledherintohisarms.“Thea,cherie,Ihavewaitedso
long…”Heslantedhislipsoverhers.

Theasurrendered,meltingagainsthim.Allthepentupfrustrationsofholdingbackfortwolongyears

releasedinawaveofdesiresostrongthatGabrielpulledback,panting.“Thea.Mondieu.”

He then picked her up to carry her in his arms and before she knew what he intended, he was

levitatingandflyingswiftlydownwhatprovedtobealongpassagewaydeepintotheearth.

A few moments later, she arrived at his bedroom, one of several rooms in his private suite. The

chamberwasquitelarge,andchippedoutofstone,thewallsirregularandobsidianblack,verybeautiful
andshiny.Candleseveryfewfeetlittheroominasoftglow.

Thebedstoodagainstthefarwall,supportedbyfourheavycarvedwoodpostsandathickframe.
Sheshiveredashedrewthescarletvelvetcoverletbackandlaidherdownonmatchingsilksheets.
Shethoughthewouldgetdowntobusinessandstretchoutontopofher.Instead,hemetandheldher

gazeashebegantoslowlyunbuttonhisblacksilkshirt,pullingitfromhisleathers.Helettheshirtfallto
thefloor.Hethenreachedforthebuttonofhispants.

Sheletoutasoftcryandsatup,herhandsreachingforhim,forwhatshehadsuspectedshewouldbe

abletoseeathiswaistband.Sheslidherfingersalongtheedgeandpulledtheleathertowardher.And
there was the crown of him. She leaned over and swirled her tongue just over the tip. She tasted the
wonderfulsaltyflavorashegroaned.

“Oh,Thea,”hemurmured,sayinghernameintheFrenchwaywhichsoundedlike‘Tay-uh’.“Please,

macherie,tellmeyouhavedesiredmeasIhavedesiredyou.”

“OfcourseIhave,”shesaid,sighingsoftly.Oh,howshehadmissedbeingwithaman.
Whileshecontinuedtolickthevelvetyhead,sheusedherfingerstosavorthesizeofhim,stroking

him through the leather. After his next groan sounded even more throaty, she began to work the zipper
down,carefulnottohurthim.

The head emerged fully. She had fantasized about this moment a hundred times over the past two

years.Sheplacedherhandsonhishipsandbentovertotakehiscrowninhermouth.Hishipsflexedso
thathepushedintoher.

Sheworkedthezipperdownallthewayandhetuggedatthesidesofhispants.Amomentmoreand

her mouth was full of his cock. He began to thrust in and out of her. She sucked as he drew back then
swirledhertongueashepushedbackin.Shemoaned,achingdeepandwantinghisbeautifulhardlength
insideher,yetnotwantingtolosethefeelofhiminhermouth.

Shewantedthevampiretofillherthewayamalecouldfillafemale.
She squeezed his hips and sucked just a little harder until his body grew still and he hissed. “You

muststop,cherie.”

Sheunderstood.Slowly,shereleasedhim.
Sheslidoffthesideofthebed,andhelpedhimtogetoutofhisbootsthenhispants.
“Butthisistresunfairtome,cherie,whenIamnakedbutyouarestillclothed.”Hesmiledashe

spoke.Hehadadevastatingsmile.

Thea took several steps back and let her gaze drop over his well-muscled, if very pale vampire

body.Hisforearmswerecorded,hispecsthick,hisabsflatandmolded.Shedrewcloseandflattedher
palmagainsttheangledmusclesthatleddown.Sheglidedherfingersslowlyoverhiscockjusttosavor
thefeelhim.

“Ithasbeenalongtimeforyou,non?”
“Yes.”Hervoicesoundedhoarse.
“Sinceyourhusbanddied?”
Shenodded.Herfingersdrifteduphiserectcock.Sheplayedwiththetip.

“Youhavebeencelibateallthistime?”
Sheliftedhergazetomeethiscleargreeneyes.“Yes.Iwasneverpromiscuous.”
“Untilnow.”
Atthat,shesmiled.“I’vewantedyousobadly.”
He touched her curls, his fingers drifting the length all the way to her elbow. She wanted him

touchingherhair,herskin,everypartofher.Shehadlongedforhistouch.

“Ihavecravedyou,”hesaid.“Formonthsnow.Youtookpossessionofmymind,Thea.”
Hetookthebottomofhersweaterandassheliftedherarms,thegarmentflowedupandoverher

head. He cupped her left breast and bent down to kiss the soft mound above the lace of her bra. He
hookedhisthumbintothesideandtuggeddownsothatherfleshemergedandoncemore,ashehaddone
onherfrontporch,hesuckled.

Shemoanedheavily,closinghereyes.
Shewasn’tsureexactlywhathappened,butsuddenlyshefellbackagainstthemattress.Sheblinked

upathim.“DidIjustfaint?”

Hislipsquirked.Damn,thevampirewassohandsome.“Ibelieveforthebriefestsecond,oui, you

lostconsciousness.Areyouallright?”

“Oh,yes.”Shesmiled.
Heunbuttonedandunzippedherjeans,pullingthemoverherhips,herthongwiththem.Shesatup

andtookoffherbra.

Asheleaneddowntokissher,heslidhishandlowandcoveredherbarelowerlips,strokingher

withhisfingers.

Her legs relaxed and parted. She drove her tongue against his. He drew back. “Cherie, how you

pleaseme.”

*********

Gabrieltrembled.
Helookedintodarkbrowneyes,glitteringwithpassion,andhetrembled.Hecouldhardlythink.He

hadnotexpected,whenheawokeateventidethathewouldhaveTheainhisbed,almostunderhim,be
thisclosetoburyinghimselfinsideher.

Shedidnotknowthatshewasagoddess,sobeautiful,hereyeslargeandluminous,hercomplexion

fulloflifeandhealth,theoppositeofhisown.Andherblood,mondieu,scentedliketheearth.

Hisheartpoundedinhischest.Hisneedforherbloodbegantocalltohimandhisfangsoncemore

throbbed in his mouth. He would frighten her if she saw them. But he could not help himself. He was
blood-starved.

Helookeddownather,hisgazerakingherbody.Hestretchedbackwardandkissedhernavel.
“Whatisit?”sheasked.“Icanseethatsomething’sworryingyou.”
Hemethergazeandsheappearedstartled.Heknewwhy.Hiseyeswereprobablyblacknow.
Sheputahandtoherthroat.“Youreyes.”
Henodded.“Imusthaveyourblood,Thea.Doyouunderstand?Ihavebeendesperateforyourblood

foralongtime.”Hestretchedoutoverherandpushedherhandawayfromherthroat.Hecaressedher
neck,thumbingthevein,encouragingittoriseforhim.“TellmeyouunderstandandthatImaydrinkfrom
you.”

Shewaspanting.“Oui,Gabriel.Takefromme.Allthatyouneed.Iwantyouto.”
Hegroanedatherwords.Hisballsweresotight,hiscockhardforher.
Hisjawtrembled.Hisbodyarchedoverhers,hiscockrigidandready.Mondieu,healmostcame.

“Imustenteryounow.”

“Takeme,”camesoftlyfromThea’slipsasshespreadherkneeswiderforhim.
Settling between her legs, he balanced on his forearms. He shook with anticipation and need. His

bodywascoiled,hischestonfire,hisheartnowamalletswinginginsidehischest.“Bythegreatvampire
lords,ithasneverbeenlikethis.”

“Never?” she asked. Her body had begun to writhe beneath his. Her sex smelled so sweet and

beckoning.Hewantedtosuckleherlowbuthisotherneedsweretoogreat.

“Never.”Muchtohissurprise,hefelthisinvisiblebindingtendrilsreleasefromhisshouldersand

arms,hislegs,evenhisbuttocks.

“Whatisthatsensation?”sheasked.“Likefingersripplingovermyskin.”
“Thebindingtendrils.Iamsosorry,cherie.Ihavewaitedforyouforsuchalongtimethatmybody

feelsaneedtobindyoutome.”

Sheshookherhead,hereyespanicked.“Idon’twanttobebound.”
He squeezed his eyes shut. “I will not bind you. I promise you. I intend never to be bound to

another.”Hisarmsshookwiththeefforttorepressthepowerfulneed.

Sheheldverystillandthetendrilsdrewback.Butoncetheyweregone,hisblood-lustreturnedand

hisfangsdescendedfully.

“Forgiveme,”hemurmured.“Icannotwait.”Hepressedhiscockagainstheropeningandpushed,

harderthanheintended.Hiscontrolwasslippingaway.

*********

TheaplantedherhandsonGabriel’sshoulders.Shesunkhernails.Thetendrilsweregonebuthad

leftintheirwakesuchneedthatshecriedout.

Ashepushedinsideher,shegrippedhimdeep,tuggingonhim,herbodysoclosetoreleasethather

breathingcameinheavygulps.

Herneckthrobbedasthoughherveinbeggedforhisfangs.Therazorsharppointswouldsting,but

shedidn’tcare.

Shesweptherlonghairawayfromherneck.
He fell on her, his fangs biting in a quick jab. But as he retracted them, the momentary pain

disappearedreplacedbystrongpullsatherneck.Shesensedhowmuchhecravedherblood,thedepthof
hishunger,andthatshefulfilledapowerful,life-sustainingneed.

Shewrappedherlegsaroundhiships,crossingheranklesandpushingagainsthimashedroveinto

her.

She had wanted this for so long yet had been unwilling to give herself to Gabriel. His intentions

towardherwereallaboutseductionandconquest.Butshewasawomanwhohadknownthepleasureof
sexwhenlovewaspartoftheequation.Forher,sexhadgreatmeaning.

ForGabriel?
Butrightnownoneofthatmattered.Shewasdoingthistopayforthehealingamulet,yetwhatgreat

pleasuretofeelGabrieldrivinginsideher,connectingphysicallywithherandfeastingonherblood.

Her hips pushed against his with each thrust. She was so close. Her fingers squeezed the rippling

muscles of his shoulders and his arms. She focused on the feel of his cock moving in and out of her, a
pistondrivinghard.Herbreathinghitched.

Soclose.
He drove faster and the moment he did, her body gripped him and a powerful release began.

Lightning strikes of pleasure streaked over all the folds of her flesh and up inside her so that she was
pullingonhimnow.MaybeitwasbeingwithGabrielorperhapsbecauseshehadn’tdonethisinsolong,
butthesensationscontinuedandherorgasmkeptpulsingsothathersoftcriesgrewlouderrisingtothe

obsidianceiling.

Gabriel shoved harder now, his length and girth hitting her even deeper than before. A second

releasearrived,poweringoverthefirstsothatshecamescreamingandthrashingonthebed.

He finally let go of her neck. He arched and thrust with tremendous force, grunting. Then he was

shouting,hiseyessqueezedshut,ashereleasedintoher.

Helookedsobeautiful,hislonghairmovingwithhisbody,hiswhiteskinshinywithsweat.Ashe

openedhiseyes,theemeraldshadewasback.

Heeaseddownontoher,hislipsparted,hishairsettlingonherarmsandneck.
“MyGod,Thea.MyGod.”
Thenhestretchedoutontopofherandreleasedaheavysigh.
“Oh,cherie,Icanfeelineverycellofmybodythatthisisnotsimplebetweenus.ButIamnotaman

ofcommitment,doyouunderstand?IcannotloveinthatwayandIrefusetobebound.Tellmeyouknow
thismuchaboutme.”

“Ido.Ialwayshave.”
Butsuddenly,sadnessweigheddownherheart.Asshesurroundedhimwithherarms,oh,howshe

wishedsheheldamerehumanandnotavampire.

ChapterTwo

TheaflewwithinthesafetyofGabriel’sarms,andenteredthedeepforestofFealconshire.Shehad

heardofEligio’scompound.Thoughmuchwasunderground,theouterportionwasnothingshortofagreat
castlewithmassiveturrets,allindarkbluishstone.Candlelightgloweddimlyfrommanyofthedeep-set
windows. Though the shires had plenty of electricity and were modern in many ways, she enjoyed the
pervasiveuseofsoftcandlelightthatvampiresseemedtoprefer.

Once inside, Gabriel led her not to another audience chamber, but into what must have been the

private living room of the master. Dark blue velvet sofas and chairs anchored the space along with
antique tables and bookcases. Matching silk drapes hung in pairs beside the tall windows. A modern
painting,layeredinshadesofblueandstreaksofred,hungabovethemantelofamassivestonefireplace.

“Do you like it?” The deep timbre of a masculine voice prompted Thea to turn. The vampire was

veryhandsome,thoughquitedifferentfromGabriel,darkersomehowinexpression.

Gabrielturnedaswell.“Ah,Eligio,howgoodtoseeyouthiseventide.”
Eligiowastall,andbroad-shouldered.Hisdarkbrownhairflowedaroundhisshouldersinbeautiful

waves.Hiseyeswereanicyblue.Theawonderedifitwasaprerequisiteforallmastervampirestobe
deadlyattractive.

He held her gaze and tilted his head slightly. “You’re very beautiful,” he murmured. “And there’s

somethingaboutyou...”

Gabriel’s arm snaked around her waist. His grip tightened. A slight hiss formed at the back of his

throat.

Eligio must have heard it as well, because he backed up and focused his attention on Gabriel.

“You’dchallengemeinmyownhouse?”Hisgazenarrowedandhisnostrilsflared.

Thea felt the air heat up between the men and the fae part of her that was sensitive to prescience

knewthatthevampireswouldbefightingwithinafewmoresecondsifshedidn’tact.Shecouldfeelthe
musclesofGabriel’sarmflexingagainstherback.

Shewhirledoutofhishold,positionedherselfbetweenthevampires,thenflungbotharmsintheair.

“Enough,”shecalledout,surprisedbytheboldsoundofhervoicethatfilledthelargespace.

Bothvampiresturnedtoherandstared.Shestillheldherhandsintheair,palmstowardthemenas

thoughholdingeachofthemback.Thegesturehadaneffectandinslowstagestemperscooledandthe
tensemomentdissipated.

Shehadseenthisbefore.Vampiresfoughteasily,especiallywhenanissueofterritoryrampedupthe

testosterone.

Whatshedidn’tunderstandwaswhythesituationhaderuptedsoquicklyandwithoutprovocation,or

atleastwithoutoneshecoulddetect.

“I’msorry,”Eligiosaid,addressingGabriel.“Ididn’tknowyou’dboundthewoman.Infact,Iwould

swearyouhadn’t.”

Gabriel glared at him and his beautiful green eyes turned very dark. “I have not bound her. I have

takenherbloodandIclaimherasmylover.Forthosereasonsalone,youmaynottouchherorapproach
her.”

Eligio’s thick arched brows rose and a smile quirked his lips. “Of course, Gabriel.” He turned to

Thea. “I think it would help, at least for now, if you stood next to your master so he and I won’t be
temptedtoexchangepunches.”

SheknewEligiowasrightsoshecrossedquicklytoGabriel.Thoughuncertainhowtomanagehim,

she took his hand, threading her fingers through his. He squeezed her hand in return. He looked almost
panickedashemethergaze.

“I’mhere,”shesaidquietly.“I’mwithyou.”
Henodded.“Merci.”Hisvoicewasbarelymorethanawhisper.“AndIamsorry.Iaminastrange

statethatevenIdonotunderstand.”

Shecouldsensethestrugglewithinhimashecontinuedtocalmhistemper.
EligioaddressedGabriel.“WhatIdon’tget,”Eligiosaid,“IswhythehellI’mdrawntoherlikethis.

Maybeyoushouldthinkaboutbindingher.Orifnot,thenatleastmarkher.”

Thea’sfingershurtbecauseGabrielwasnearlycrushingthem.Sheusedherotherhandandrubbed

hisforearmthroughthesoftsilkofhisshirt.Whatonearthwasgoingon?

“I will not bind her,” he said. “It would be cruel to her and the binding is a trap. You know how

thoserelationshipsfare.”

“How?”Theaasked.
Gabrielmethergaze.“Notwell,cherie.Usually,abattle-groundfromonedaytothenext.”
She put a hand to her chest and widened her eyes on purpose. “But, Gabriel, how is that possible

whenvampiresaresogently-natured?”

Hemethergazescowling.Butafteramoment,hechuckled.“PerhapsyouandIwouldnotquarrel.”
“Oh, we would quarrel, but it doesn’t matter. I have no intention of doing anything so foolish as

aligningmyselfwithyourkind.”

“Withourkind?”Eligioroundedthebluevelvetsofanearestthefireplaceandsatdown.Hewastall

andmuscularandtookupabigsectionofthecouch.

“Yes,”shesaid.“Yourkind,asinblood-sucking,volatilevampires.”
Eligio laughed but shifted his gaze to Gabriel. “I like her a lot.” He lifted a hand when Gabriel’s

shoulders hunched. “Forget I said that. So, what brings you here? Although I’m guessing your mission
involvesthewoman.”

“Itdoes.Wehaveneedofthehealingamulet.Thea’smotherwentintothebogg-woods.”
Eligio hissed. “A lot of bad shit comes from those woods. I’m only troubled that I don’t have the

amuletonhandrightnow.IloanedittoChalicelastnightforoneofhissupplicantswhowasbittenby
wraith-lice.Thepoorfellowhadscratchedhimselfraw.”

Gabrielcluckedhistongue.“Adreadfulaffliction.”
Eligionoddedthendrewhiscell-phonefromhispocket.“ButI’msurethey’redonewiththeamulet

bynow.LetmegetChalice’ssecretaryonthephone.”

“Merci.”
Eligiotouchedthesurfaceofhisphoneandspokequietlyforaminute.
When he returned his phone to the pocket of his jeans, he said, “Chalice’s secretary will have the

amuletreadyforyouwheneveryouarrive.”

“Youareagoodfriend.Again,Ithankyou.”
EligiothenfrownedatThea.“ButI’mcuriousaboutyourmother.Whatwouldhavepromptedherto

gointothebogg-woods?Surelysheknewthedanger.”

“She was beholden to the witch at the end of our street and wanted to repay her for her many

kindnessestoourfamily.ThewitchhadtalkedaboutwantingtheboggwortFlower,andmotherdecided
shewouldriskgoingintothewoodsforit.She’dtakenprecautions,butintheendthefevergother.”

“Well,Gabriel’samulethasalotofpowerandwilldothetrick.”Heleanedforwardinhisseat.He

clearedhisthroat,thenadded,“I’mratherfondofwitchesandIactuallyknewawitchfromReavenshire
once.Isyourneighbormarried?”

Theasawtheglimmerinhiseyeandlaughedagain.“YouandGabrielareincorrigible.”
Thegriponherfingerstightened.
SheglancedatGabrielandmethisgloweroncemore.“Whatisitthistime?”
“StopflirtingwithEligio.”

“Iwasn’t.”
Shegotnofurther.Gabrielshiftedtofaceher,hisbacktoEligio.Heputbothhandsonherneckand

slidhisfingersupintoherhair.Heslantedakissoverherlips.Histonguepushedatheruntilsheopened
hermouth.Hedroveintoher,histonguethrustingwickedly.

His hips connected low; the vampire was completely aroused. She didn’t understand and pulled

away.“What’sgoingon?”

“Eligio,leaveus,”Gabrielsaid.“Andletnooneenter.”
“Done.”
EligiohadspokenwithsuchfirmnessthatTheaknewsomethingsignificanthadjusthappened.She

putherhandsonGabriel’sshouldersandpushedathimuntilhebackedupenoughsothatshecouldlook
himintheeyes.“Irepeat,what’sgoingon?”

Shefelthimtremblingalloverandasbeforethestrangetendrilsmovedoverherskin,thebinding

tendrilshehadcaressedherwithearlier.

Shetriedtotakeastepback,buthepreventedher,holdingherarmsfast.“Idon’twanttobebound,”

shesaid,herheartracing.

“Ihavenointentionofbindingyou,Thea.”
“Whatifyoudoitaccidentally,becauseIcanfeelthetendrilsagain.”
Hewasbreathinghard.“Thepresenceofthetendrilsandsexmusthappensimultaneouslyinorderto

completethejoining.AllIhavetodoisholdthetendrilsbackfromyouasIamnow.”

Shefeltthetendrilsrecedeandatlastdisappear.
Shecouldbreatheagain.
“ButIneedsomethingelsefromyou.”Oncemoreheflexedhishipssothatshecouldfeelhisneed.
“YouwanttohavesexwithmeinEligio’slivingroom?”Shewasappalled.
Buthiseyeswereblackoncemoreandhisfangshadmadeanappearance.Vampiresweredefinitely

not human. “More than sex. I need to create a mark, the one Eligio referred to, so that you’ll be
protected.”

“Butthemarkisn’tabinding?”
“No, it is not. Now please take your clothes off. All of them. You have nothing to fear. We have

privacyandthemarkisverysimpletocreate.”

Shewantedtoargue,topointouthowinappropriatethiswas,butGabrielseemedtobewellbeyond

debatingtheissue.

Sheglancedatthedoors.Theywereshut.Thiswouldbeprivate,aspromised,butshehadafeeling

itwasanythingbutsimple.

“Pleasehelpmetounderstandwhat’sgoingonandwhatthemarkwillmean.”
Heranhishandsupanddownherarms.Hestilltrembled.“Whenawomanismarked,vampiresfind

italmostimpossibletodrawnearher.”

“EvenMagevampires?”
Henodded.
Well, if that was one of the advantages, then she didn’t think it was such a bad idea, especially if

beingmarkedwouldprotectherfromtheMage.

“Please, Thea. I’m begging you. I did not expect this to happen, but without the mark, I will lose

control.”

Shesawhowserioushewasandthathestruggledwithinhimself.
Whenshefinallynodded,heletgoofadeepbreathandreleasedher.
Sheslowlystrippedoffhersweaterandremovedherflatsandjeans.Sheundidherbra,butGabriel

droppedhisgazetoherthongandbeforeshecouldremoveit,hegrabbedthepoorscrapoflace,rippedit
apart,andflungitonthePersiancarpet.

Sheturned,intendingtoheadtothecouch,buthisarmwassuddenlyaroundherandhedroppedher

tothefloorsothatshewasonallfours.Shecouldhearhiszipper,whichhemusthavebeenworkingwith
hisfreehand,becausehisotherarmwasaroundherstomachholdingherfast.

Thea had never experienced anything like this in her simpler human world. The vampire was in a

desperatepredatorystateandshewasonherhandsandknees,averyanimalposition.Shefelthimather
entrancebuthedidn’ttrytoforcehimselfeventhoughhewasbreathinghard.

“Areyouafraid?”heaskedgently.
“Alittle.”Yetatthesametime,sheneededanddesiredhim.Howbizarreherlifehadbecome.
“Willyoupermitmetoenthrallyou?Itwillmaketheprocesseasierandmorepleasurable.”
She’dalreadyagreedtobemarkedsosheresponded,“Please,Gabriel.Yes,enthrallme.”
He bent over her and smoothed her hair away from her neck. She felt his breath on her ear as he

begansayingsomethinginalowvoice,wordswhisperedinFrench,averylongstringofwords.Waves
ofpeaceandpleasureflowedthelengthofherbody.Herskingrewhot,hernipplespeakedandherwell
begantoweep.

Heshiftedslightly,hiscockstrokinghertenderflesh.Histonguemovedinandoutofherearseveral

times then once more he repeated the words until her body rocked with desire. The air smelled of
vampireandmanandatlasthebegantopushinsideher.

Shearchedherpelvistogivehimaccessandhedrovetotheendofher.Shehadtheworstfeeling

thatshewasinakindoftroubleshehadnowayoftrulycomprehending.

*********

Gabrielhadneverbeenthisvampire,onetotakeawomanlikethis,tomarkher.Hewasavampire

whoalwaysemployedseduction.Buthecouldnothelphimself,notrightnow,inEligio’slivingroom.

Heleanedoverher,pushingherhairasidewithhisnoseuntilhewasabovehervein.Hestruckhard,

sinkingtotherightdepthsothatthebloodflowed.Butinsteadofremovingthefangs,hebegantopump
herhardfrombehindwhilehesucked.Thepositionandthethrustingcausedthefleshonhernecktotear,
somethingnecessarytohelpcreatethemark.

“Gabriel,you’rehurtingme.”
Hadshesaidsomething?Hewaslostinthesensationoftakingherlikethisandherbloodwasan

eroticelixir.Hepumpedharder.

“Gabrielplease.”Thesoundofhertorturedvoicereachedhimatlast.Hewashurtingher.Ofcourse

hewas.Hewastearingupthesideofherneck.

Butshedidn’thavetofeelthepain.
Headdedanotherlayerofenthrallment,sweepingthroughhermind,calmingherandexcitingherso

thatshebegantobuckashedroveintoher.

Atthesametime,heretractedhisfangs.Theyhaddonetheirworkandtheseincisionswouldnotheal

withoutscars.

Hehadnevermarkedafemalebefore,buthehadseenhumanwomenwhoborethem.Thepowerof

themastervampirewhogavethemarkwouldalwaysbeawarning.Everytimehehadbeennearamarked
woman,hehadfeltcompelledtomoveawayfromher.

Stillmovingintoher,hewatchedThea’sskinreformsothathisinitial,‘G’,wasprominent.Shewas

nowandforeverunderhisprotection,theclosesttobeingboundtoahumanasheeverintendedtoget.

Whenthescartissuewassolidtothetouch,heroseupbehindherandpoundedintoher.Shewrithed

againsthim.

“I’msoclose,”shecriedout.“Gabriel,sogood.”
Asherneckarchedandshecriedoutrepeatedly,hecouldfeelherbodyseizingonhimdeepwithin.

Herorgasmspurredhisownrelease.

Butashestartedtocome,thepleasurewaslikenothinghehadexperiencedbeforesothatheshouted

repeatedlywitheachspurtthattraveledthelengthofhiscock.

Hesawstarsasheheldontoherhips,stilldriving,notwantingtostop.Butatlast,hisbodyeasedup

andThea’smovementsslowedaswell.Shewasbreathinghardandfinallycollapsedontothefloor.He
heldhimselfclosetohersothathewouldnotleaveherbody.Hewasnotreadytodisengagefromher.

“Oh,Gabriel,youmusthavewomenbeggingforyou.”
He lay on top of her and stroked her arms. He even smiled a little. Maybe it was true, but he

wouldn’tsaythattoher,notrightnow.Hewasfeelingfartoomuch.Hestrokedherhead,pettingherand
pullinghercurlstoflowdownbothherarms.Shehadbeautifulhair,verysofttothetouch,veryfine.

“Iwouldapologize,”hesaid,“butthatwastoowonderfulforwords.”
Shenodded,herfaceglidingoverthesoftcarpet.
“Thea?”
“Yes?”
“DidIhurtyoubadly?”
“Nottoobadlyandtheenthrallmentwaswonderful.Whatdidyoudobackthere?”Shereachedup

andtouchedtheskin.

“The scars have already formed the mark. My initial, as it happens. You will be safe from the

attentionsofothervampires.”

“Good,”shemurmured.
Afteralongmomentjustsavoringher,hefinallyleanedcloseandkissedthebackofherneck.“Shall

wesecuretheamuletfromChalice?”

“Yes.”Shesigheddeeply.
Reluctantly,hewithdrewfromher.
Shesighedoncemoreandturnedovertolookupathim.
Hestareddownather.“Youlooksobeautiful.”Hercheekswereflushed,herlipsswollen.Andhe

couldsensethepoweremanatingfromthemarksothathischestswelled.

She belonged to him, that was what he thought, a very dangerous concept. If he continued in this

way,wouldhesoonsuccumbtohisneedtobindher?

*********

GabrielheldTheainhisarms,herheadpressedagainsthisneckasheflewinanortherlydirection.

He never stopped watching the shadows of the forest, hunting for sign of the Mage vampires. They
traveled in packs and often attacked as a group, but had not been active in either Chalice’s or Eligio’s
shiresinoverayear.

TheMageweremarauderswhomadeuseofthebindingtendrils,usuallyduringaterriblerape,to

increase their power. But afterwards the vampire would slay his bound mate. A terrible crime, without
conscience.

But Eligio had said the roads had been clear for a long time and Chalice’s secretary had been

completelyreassuring.

AshedrewnearChalice’scompound,hesightedtheuniquerotundasthatformedtheabove-ground

portion of his communal world. The white plaster coated surfaces were topped with caps of slate in
swirls to the pinnacle of each dome. Each of the interconnected edifices had a spiral staircase leading
deepintotheearthwherethevampiretriberesided.

Gabriel slowed on approach, calling out, “Master Gabriel for Master Chalice.” But no answering

greetingreturnedtohimandthegatesofthepropertyhungwideopen.

He touched down and let Thea unfold from his arms. But he did not move forward. The guards

shouldhavebeenpresent,whetherpreparedforhimornot.

“Ithinkweshouldleave,Thea.Noneofthisfeelsrighttome.AndIhearnonoisefromwithinthe

compound.”

Heopenedhisarmstoherbutthenextmoment,movementrushedtothemfromallsidesandfrom

highintheair.

Magevampires.
BeforeGabrielcoulddoanything,heandTheaweresurroundedbyadozenpowerfulMage.
Gabrielknewthemastervampireinchargeofthebrigandsandaddressedhim.“Drachyn.Uptoyour

oldtricksIsee.WhereisChaliceandhistribe?”

“Chalice,thecowardthatheis,escapedearlywithmanyofhisfollowers.Herefusedtostandand

fight.Butwewereabletoeliminateascoreofhistribes-people.Hesmiled.“AndnowIhavethegreat
Gabriel of Reavenshire in my power.” His gaze slid to Thea. “A celebration is in order and of course
you’vebroughtsomeoneformetoenjoyaswell.Howkindofyou.”

TheadrewclosetoGabriel.Heslidhisarmaroundherwaistandpulledheragainsthim.Hewas

angrybeyondwords,asmuchwithhimselfaswithDrachyn.Hehadputhiswomanindanger.

WithsomanyMagearound,hecouldnotbattlethemall.
Drachynstoodwelloversix-feet-tall.Hisblackhairhungindreadlockstohisshoulders.Hisgray

eyesglittered,nodoubtwithasenseoftriumph.

Hedrewaredvelvetpouchfromaninnervestpocket.“Chalice’ssecretarysaidyouwerecoming

forthis.”

Theagasped.“Icanfeelthehealingpower,”shesaid.“It’stheamuletIneed.”Thefaepartofher,

whilenotdominant,wouldhavesensedthenatureoftheamulet.

Drachynreturnedthepouchtohisinnervestpocket.“I’vewaitedforthisdayfordecades,Gabriel,

tohaveyoubowingtomywill.Andnow,we’llreturntomyfeastinghallwhereyou’llbothbemyguests
ofhonor.”Hegesturedtoseveralofhistribe.“TakethewomanfromMasterGabriel.”

ButwhenseveraloftheMagetriedtodrawnearThea,eachfeltcompelledtobackup.
TheMageleaderhissed.“Youhavemarkedher.Veryclever.ButIsensesheisnotboundtoyouand

Ihavesufficientpowertotakehermyself,despitethemark.”

DrachynapproachedThea,butGabrielcouldseehestruggled.HowevertheMageleaderhadgreat

power,andjustassomethinghitGabrielfrombehind,DrachyntookholdofThea,laughingallthewhile.

Gabrielmurmuredhername,thenhewasfallingintoadeepbottomlesspit.

ChapterThree

Theaknewshewoulddie.Shestoodinthecenterofabanquetroomwherethetableswerejoinedin

au-shapeandshewasthestarattraction.

Shewasnaked,humiliated,andfrightened.Butsheheldherheadhighasonebyonethevampires

triedtogetclosetoher,totouchher,yetunabletosucceedbecauseofGabriel’smark.Drachynthoughtit
greatfuntowatchthemtryandfail.

The Mage were vile creatures, not worthy of the name vampire. She worked hard to ignore the

horrorallaroundher.

Human females made up the feast, each vein sucked on until all the blood left the body and the

woman died. Rape of course occurred at the same time and she thought she would never forget the
screams.

Shecouldn’tbelievethathersearchforthehealingamulethadledhere,toaMagehall.Thewood

andstonestructurerosetoatallvaultedceiling.Therewerenowindowstobreakupthewhiteplaster
wallsandtheonlyadornmentswereafewswordsandmacesfromoldertimes.

Thoughshewasn’tcertainwhy,shecouldactuallyfeelGabrielnearby,perhapsonlyseparatedbya

wall.

Shetriedtodeterminethehour,butthelackofwindowstoldhernothing.Herfatiguespokeforher,

however.She’dbecomeexhausted,havingstoodinthispositionforhours.

Another hour passed. She flexed her hands and bent her knees slightly, the only movements that

didn’tcauseDrachyntothrowsomethinghardatherlikeawoodbowloragoblet.

Whenthefirstfewvampireslefttheroom,sheknewdawnapproached.Drachynhadbeenstaringat

heroffandontheentiretime,inbetweenrapinganddrainingatleasttwowomen.Evennow,asshelisted
onherfeet,lustfilledhiseyes.

Butwithdawnadvancing,hefinallyrose,hisgazefixedonher.Withafinedisplayoflevitationand

speed,hevaultedthetabletostandafewfeetinfrontofher.

She could see that he struggled as well to reach her because of Gabriel’s mark, but he would

overcomethatashehaddonebeforewhenhebroughtherhere.Heforcedonefootforward,thenthenext,
ahardsmileonhislips.Whenhestoodinfrontofher,sweating,hegrabbedherarmsandheldherfast.

“Now,I’lldowhatGabrielrefusedtodo.Iwillbindyoutome,whichwillbreakhismarkandgive

methevictoryIseek.”

Thea felt Drachyn’s tendrils touch her arms, her neck, her shoulders. Tendrils even wrapped

themselvesaroundherthighsandcalves.Butnotoneofthementeredher.

Drachyndrewbackandglaredather.“Youarenotjusthuman,then?”
“Iampartfae,averysmallpart.”
Hecursed.“Youmustinvitemethentocompletethebinding.”
“Never.Slaymeifyoumust,butIwon’tgiveyouwhatyouwant.”
He reached into his vest once more and withdrew the pouch. “Not even for this, for the hope of

this?”

“DoyouthinkmeafoolorthatIsomehowclosedmyeyestothewomenyoukilledheretonight?Do

youthinkIbelieveIwillescape?”

Helaughedlongandloud,bellowinghisfetidbreathoverherface.
Shecalledoutfromthedeepestplaceofhersoul,Gabriel,youmusthelpme,please.Drachynwill

notholdbackmuchlonger.

*********

Gabriellayonhardstonesandhisheadached.Hismindwasveryfoggy.Somewhereinthedistance,

heheardTheacallingtohim,Gabrielyoumusthelpme.

Hecouldnotevenhelphimself,howcouldhehelpThea?
Hismindclearedalittlemore.Hadhetrulyheardhervoicewithinhismind?
Butwhatwashelookingat?Wasthatthenightskyabovehim?Hisprisonroseseveralstorieshigh,a

roundancientstonetowerofsomekind.Manyoftheupperblockshadtumbledaway,whichmeantthis
wasaruinfrompastcenturies.Starsglitteredthroughthetreetopsofanearbyforest.

Starsglittered.
Oh,God,no.
His mind cleared completely then he understood what had been done to him. He’d been put in a

place that would expose him to sunlight and he would die. He rose to his feet, ignoring the pain in his
skull.Hetestedthewoodendoorfirst.Thoughhehadagreatdealofphysicalpower,hewouldneverbe
abletobreakthismassivedoordown.

He levitated, moving straight up, but halfway to the top his skill weakened and he floated back to

earth.Hehadtheabilitytoflygreatdistances,buthecouldnotriseveryhighintheair.Drachynknew
this,ofcourse.

Hetriedfindingtoeandfingerholdsinthequarriedstone,buteachwaschiseledandpolishedflat

enoughthatheonlymanagedtoclimbafewfeetbeforedroppingbackdown.

He sensed dawn approaching and no doubt a line of gray rimmed the eastern horizon. The air

smelledofmorningdew.

Hedidnotdesirehisdeath,notwhenhehadfoundThea.
Histhoughtsturnedtoher.
He had been stubborn in his pursuit, determined to seduce her. Because of her resistance, he had

actuallycometoknowherwellandtoholdherinaffection.Heknewmuchabouther,howshelovedher
grownchildrenwithapassionandhopedforgrandchildrenoneday.Howshehadgreattoleranceforall
speciesandwouldnotallowanyonetospeakillevenofvampires.

Theasaidshehadenjoyedbeingmarriedandhopedtofindanotherhumantoloveaswell.
Couldsheloveavampire?
Heblinkedasthetruthsettleddeepintohisbones.
Mondieu,helovedThea.Thatiswhatherealizedinthisterriblemoment.Helovedher,thesoulof

her,thescentofher,thewayshelaughedandrolledhereyeswhenhewasbeingarrogantandabsurd,that
shehadresistedhimfortwoyearswhennohumanhadeverdonesobefore.Helovedthatshehadtalked
withhimonherporchnightafternight,askingabouthistribe,hislife,hisworld,asafriendmight,always
wanting to know his thoughts, what he found meaningful. No wonder he had returned to her again and
again,neverlosinginterest,alwaysdrawnbacktoherhome.

ThethoughtthatshecoulddieinthisearlymorninghourbecausetheMagehadhimtrapped,pierced

hismasculinesoultothequick.Hepridedhimselfonhisabilitytokeephistribesafe,yetherehewas
confrontingdeath-by-sunlightknowingthathislackoflevitationpowerwasallthatstoodbetweenhimself
andsavingThea’slife.

Hewasdesperatetosaveher.Nowonderhehaddreamedthatshecalledtohimforhelp.
Hefrownedandanewthoughtformed.Telepathywasunusualamongfae-humansandhisownability

waslimitedtocommunicatingwithahandfulofpowerfulvampires.Buthehadheardhercallforhelp,he
wassureofthatnow.Wasitpossibleshecouldspeakmind-to-mind?

He focused his thoughts very carefully, blocking everything else out. Thea, he sent from his mind.

Thea,mydarling,mylovelyfae-human,canyouhearme?

He held his thoughts very quiet and open. Then he heard her. He could not be mistaken. Gabriel,

you’vegottohelpme.Drachynistryingtobindme.Yourmarkworkedforatimebutit’sbeginningto

fail.

The solution to his terrible imprisonment came to him in a flash. Yet his means of escape would

requireasacrificeonhispart,somethinghehadswornnevertodo,tobindhimselftoawoman.Butthe
bindingwouldgivehimthepowerheneededtoescape.Oncefreed,hecoulddestroyDrachyn.

Somethingdeepwithinshiftedandhisspinestraightenedasthoughhehadknownfromthebeginning

thathispathwithTheawouldrequiremorefromhimthanhehadevergiventoawomanbefore.

Yetsomehow,withThea,makingthisleapfeltveryright.
Hemadethedecisionandoncemade,joycametohiminasurprisingflowofpowerfulenergythat

toldhimhehadwantedthisallalong.

InthesamewaythathehadheardThea’svoicewithinhismind,hefocusedhisthoughtsclearlyonce

moreandmentallysaid,Thea,canyouhearme?

Yes. Oh, yes, Gabriel. Thank the ancient vampire lords you have heard me. Drachyn is pushing

pastthepowerofthemark.Hisfangsaredripping.Itwillbebutsecondsnow.

Thea,youmustlisten.Theonlywaywecanescape,forIamtrappedinatowerofsorts,isifI

bindyoutome.Willyoupermitmetobindyou?

Oh,dearGod,yes,please.Irespectyou,Gabriel.Youwouldneverhurtme.Withallmyheart,I

acceptthebindingyouofferme.

Thebindingtendrilsreleasedswiftlylikearrowsshotfromabow,flyingthroughthestonewall,sure

oftheirmark.

HeknewwhenthetendrilsreachedTheabecausehervoicewassuddenlyinhishead.Gabriel,Ican

feelthem.ButwhatdoIdo?Theywillnotengagewithme.

Invitethetendrilsintoyou.
Yes,Drachynsaidsomethinglikethat.Aslightpause,then,Cometomebindingmagicandmake

mewhollyGabriel’s.

Thewordswerepoeticandbeautifulandeveninthisdesperatemomenthewastouched.Hefeltthe

tendrils connect and flow first around Thea’s body then deep into the tissue of her flesh to spread
throughouthertorsoandlimbs.Heknewtocompletethebindinghewouldhavetojoinphysicallywith
heraswell,butthisinitialcontactwouldbegintheprocessandwouldgivehimstrength.

PowercametoGabrielimmediatelylikenothinghehadknownbefore.Hisneckarchedandheflung

hisarmswideasthebindstightened.

Hebegantorise,levitatingfasterandfasterandheknewhewouldbreachthetopofhisprisonwith

yardstospare.

Justashesuspected,dawngrayedtheeasternskies.HehadbutafewminutestogetTheaoutofthe

compoundandbacktoReavenshireandtosafety.

Heclearedthetopandflewtothefrontofthebuilding,throughthevastfoyerthenintothefeasting

hallthatwasnowemptyofallthevampiresexceptTheaandDrachyn.Hernakednessspurredhimon.

*********

ThoughTheasawGabrielentertheroom,shekepthereyespinnedtoDrachyn.Gabrielbreachedthe

tablesandlandedonhisback,sinkinghisfangsdeepandtearingintotheMagevampire’sneck.

Drachyn threw himself on the ground backward, intending to crush Gabriel. But with incredible

speed,Gabriellaunchedawaybeforehecouldbetrappedonthestonefloor.HenowstoodatDrachyn’s
feet,hissing,armsoutstretched.

Drachynstartedtorise,ahandtohistornandbleedingneck.
Gabriellookedaround.
Theawatchedhimcatchsightoftheweaponrymountedonthewalls.

Bursting with power, Gabriel flew through the air, plucked a mace off the wall and returned in

blindingspeedbacktotheMagewarrior.

As Drachyn gained his feet, blood pouring from the wound at his neck, Gabriel swung the mace

strikingDrachynonthesideoftheskull.

Drachynspun,fallingtothefloorasbitsofblood,bone,andbrainmattersprayedeverywhere.
Gabrielcalledtoherdroppingthemacetothefloor.Whenheheldouthisarms,shelaunchedathim.
Hecaughtheragainsthischestandheldhertight.
“Theamulet,Gabriel.Thepouchisinhisvestpocket.”
Despitethevisceraldebris,andthedeaththroesofDrachyn’sshakingbody,Gabrielsearchedforthe

amulet.Oncehefoundthevelvetpouch,heshoveditintohispantspocket.

Sheturnedawayfromthehorroronthefloorandhurriedtothetablethatflankedthewesternwall.

Drachynhadthrownherclothestherewhenhe’dfirstbroughtherintothehallandstrippedher.Shefound
themandhurriedintoherpantsandshirt.

Oncedressed,Gabrielgatheredherintohisarmsandwithoutsayingaword,levitatedintotheair.

Heflewthroughthedoor,intothelargefoyer,thenstraightacrosstheopenthresholdtotheforestoutside.

ThecoolmorningairrushedoverThea.ButGabriel’sskin,hottothetouchandstillfullofpower

andbattlerage,keptherwarm.Hisemeraldeyesglowedwithasilverylightashetookherintotheair,
headingsoutheast,fasterthanbefore,speedhe’dgainedthroughthebinding.

Shemeltedagainsthim,onearmaroundhisneck.Thistime,however,shewatchedtheforestflyby,

somethingshecoulddobecauseshewasnowboundtohim.Eventhoughmostlyhuman,shehadgained
somepoweraswell.

Thesunwasalmostreadytobreachthehorizon,butGabriel’sspeedwasmuchfasterthanbefore.
A few minutes later, he called out to his guards, passed them and flew into the cavern of his

compound.Hebarelysloweduntilhereachedhissuiteofrooms.

Hereleasedherbutshestayedclose.Evenafootofseparationseemedtoofar.Shehadsomuchto

say,butbeforeanothersecondhadpassed,hestartedundressingher.

His gaze raked her body once then he kissed her hard. When he drew back, he swept her into his

arms,carriedhertohisbed,andwithgreatspeedgotridofhisclothes.

“Weneedtobejoined,”hesaid.
“Yes,wedo,”shesaidsmiling.
“Imeantocompletethetendrilbinding.”
Shefocusedonherbodyforamomentandfeltthatthetendrilsweretherebutverystillasthough

waiting.“Oh,Isee.ImeanIcanfeelthatthetendrilsaren’tsecuredwithinme.”

He pulled back. “It is a sort of safety net, so that if once the process is begun and either person

doubts the wisdom of the decision, then the binding can be cut off. Which means, you don’t have to do
this,Thea.”Tay-uh.“Ifwedonotcompletetheprocess,thetendrilswillfadeovertime.”

Theastaredupathim.
The vampire was giving her a choice. Yet he always had. Over the past two years, he could have

enthralledherinordertofurtherhisseductionsandshewouldhavesuccumbed.Instead,hehadplayed
fairwithher.Evenwhenshehadcometorequesttheamulet,shehadknowntherules.

But it was more than his sense of fairness that had softened her heart. She rubbed the raised scar

tissueonherneck,themarkhe’dgivenherthathadsavedherlife.

“Mais,Gabriel,”shesaid,echoinghisFrenchspeech.“Whataboutyou?Iknowyou’reopposedto

thebinding.Areyousurethisiswhatyouwant?”

He kissed her. “I want you, Thea. I thought this was a simple seduction, but it is not. When I was

trappedinthestoneruin,awaitingmydeathasthesunbegantorise,whattroubledmemostdeeplywas
that I would never see you again, never be with you, never enjoy the delights of your company or the

pleasure of your body. Please, cherie, I desire the binding now as I never thought I would, but it is
becauseofyou,becauseofthislovethatIfeelforyou.Ihaveonlyonedesireinthismoment,tobebound
toyouforever.”

Shesmiledandcaressedhisface.“Youloveme?”
His green eyes softened and he kissed her. “More than my poor vampire life itself. And you? Can

youloveavampire?”

Herturntosmile.Herheartswelledassheleanedupandkissedhim.“IbelieveIhavelovedyou

sinceyourescuedthetrollchild.”

“Whatchild?”
“Ithinkitmusthavebeenabouttwoyearsago.”
She reminded him of the incident, but he shook his head. “I have forgotten all about that. I was

merelydoingmydutyforthoseinmydomain.”

There it was again, the deepest truth of who he was. And he had done no less for her by slaying

Drachynandsavingherlife.

“IunderstandyounowasIneverdidbefore.IloveyouandIwanttobeboundtoyou.”
“Thenitissettledbetweenusthatwewillcompletethetendrilbinding?”
Shenodded.
Hesmiledandkissedheragain,hislipssensuousandmoist,astheyalwayswere.Heeasedheronto

herbackandstretchedoutontopofher,kissingherdeeply.Shecouldfeelthetendrilsmovingwithinher
body,slowlyandsensuously,evendeepwithinherwell.

ShegaspedandpushedatGabrielsothatheroseupslightlytolookdownather.Supportinghimself

onhisforearms,heasked,“Whatisit,cherie?”

“Thetendrils.I’msurprisedbyhowthey’retouchingme.”
He smiled and his eyes fell to half-mast. “It is a great secret but yes, the tendrils become part of

sex.”

“Ifeelthemhere.”Sheslidherhandlow,grazinghiscockasshereachedherbare,lowerflesh.
Hedrewback,fallingtoonesideofher.Usinghishand,herubbedhermound.“Here?”
“Everywhere.”
Heslidtwofingersinside.Thetendrilswithinherbodymovedthroughhersex,teasingherashis

fingersplungedinandout.

“Oh,myGod,”shesaid,herheadrockingbackandforth.“Thesensationisincredible.”Herback

archedandshemoaned.

“Well,ifyoulikethat,cherie,Iknowsomethingthatyouwillenjoyevenmore.”
Her breath hitched as his fingers left her body. She watched him move down the bed until he was

betweenherlegs.Shegroanedasheswepthistongueoverallhertenderfolds,exploringandlicking.She
dove her hands into his long wavy hair. Her breathing hitched again and again as the tendrils flicked
withinher,whereverhistonguetouchedher.

“Thisisamazing.”Shepantednow.
Whenhedrovehistongueinsideher,thetendrilsmovedwithinherbody,flowingtothesidesofher

wellasthoughreachingforhistongue.

Shethrashedonthebed.
Hegroanedheavilyandcontinuedtothrusthard,hishandsgrippingherhipstoholdherinplace.
Cherie,thetendrilsdragovermytongue.
His words sent her flying into the most exquisite release, the tendrils pulsing within her. She

screamedattheceiling,buckingintohim.Theorgasmreachedapinnacle,pulsingandstreaking.

Whenatlastshesettleddown,helookedupather.Heblinkedtwicethencrawledoverherbody,his

longhairdragginglikefingersoverherthighs,herabdomen,herbreasts.

“Thatwasbeautiful,Gabriel.”Shewasstilloutofbreath.
Henodded.“Youarebeautiful,macherie,sobeautiful.”
Heleaneddownandkissedher.Shetastedherselfonhistonguewhichcausedherbodytoarchagain

withpleasure.Whenhedeepenedthekiss,shecouldfeelthetendrilsoncemorewrithingdeepinsideher
asthoughbeggingformore.

Shesurroundedhimwithherarmsandheldhimtight.“Ican’tbegintoexplainwhatthatfeltlike,but

itwasunbelievable.Doyouknowwhatitwillbelikewhenyou’reinsideme?”

Heglanceddownathiscock.“Ihaveheardthatthetendrilstightenandreleasearoundthecocklike

afist,evenwhenburiedinsideawoman.”Heshuddered.

“Ifthisistrue,thenmyonlyquestioniswhyweren’tyoutemptedtocompletethebindingsooner?”
He smiled and kissed her again. “I do not usually resort to philosophy or to fate, but right now I

believeIwaswaitingforyou.”

Gabrielneverspokelikethis,whichmovedher.Wonderglimmeredinhiseyeashelookeddownat

herandoncemoreherheartswelledwithinherchest.“Thenhowaboutwecompletethebinding?”

Hissmilebroadened.Hiscocktouchedherentranceandbegantopush,makinghiswayinside.
Thealovedtheconnectionofsex.Shealwayshad.Thiswaswhatshehadmissedsoverymuchfor

thepastfiveyears.

But now Gabriel was here and his cock filled all her emptiness. Her hands stroked his arms,

savoringthefeelofhismuscles,ofhismaleness.

Hespoketohertelepathically.Andnowthetendrils,cherie.CoaxthemasIenteryou.
Howbeautifulhisthoughtswerewithinhermind.
Thetendrilsglidedtowardhersexfromalloverherbody.
Shemethisemeraldgazeashelookeddownather.“Jet’aime,cherie.”
“AndIloveyou.”
Hisbackarchedandatthesametime,thetendrilsslidintoplace,liningherdeepsothatwhenhe

pushed,thesensationcausedhertocryoutandgrabhisarms,holdinghimtight.

The tendrils that moved through his cock suddenly touched her tendrils. An electric sensation shot

throughherandshegasped.

Hepausedinhismovements.“Doyoufeelthat,cherie?”
Thebindingspreadlikeasofttinglingthroughherbody.Shesawhisfaceasinabeautifulglow.Her

heartbeathardinherchest.Herlipsparted.“IcanfeelthatI’mboundtoyou.”

Henodded.“Ifeelitaswell.Weareone.”
“Oui,” she said, smiling but tears touched her eyes, a gentle burn that drifted low and seared her

heart.Howshelovedhim.

He began to move within her again, thrusting, pulling back, then driving into her. Her tendrils

disengagedfromhisonlygoingsofarastoteaseherdampwell,strokinghermusclesashedrovewithin
her.

“Oh,myGod.”Shetriedtoexplainwhatitwaslike.“Ifeelasthoughallmytendrilsarereachingfor

youinarhythm.”

“Oui,likeafist.Oh,cherie,thisisincroyable.”
Hepumpedhardnow.Shewouldn’tlastlong,notwithsomuchintensesensation.Severaltendrils

nowpluckedhigheronhersensitiveflesh,strokingherclitoris,andshebegantocryoutwitheachthrust.

“Likeafistoverme,”hereiterated.“Ah,macherie,wemayneverleavethisbed.”
“Iknow.”
Hemovedfaster.
Theorgasmbarreleddownonherthistime,strongerthanbefore.Thetendrilsincreasedthemuscular

pulsesuntilshescreamedattheceilingalloveragainandthepleasurekeptrollinginstrongwaves,one

orgasmafterthenext.

Gabrielshoutedashereleasedintoher,hispelvisslammingintoher,drawingherpleasureout.He

rockedintoher,gruntingwitheachthrust.

Finally, he began to settle and she relaxed against the sheets. She embraced him as he nuzzled her

neck,histhickhaircoveringherarms.

“Iloveyousomuch,”hemurmured.
Whatamiraclethiswasthatlovehadfoundheragaininsuchasurprisingway,evenwithavampire.

Shesmiledandhuggedhim.

Afteramoment,heroseuptolookather,hisexpressionserious.“Iwishmorethananythingtokeep

youbesidemethroughoutthedayandtomakelovetoyouagain.ButIknowyoumusttaketheamuletto
yourmother.”

Thea leaned up and kissed him. “You’re right, I must go, but I’m having the hardest time leaving

you.”

“Itisthebinding.”
Hedippeddown,kissedheronce,thenwithdrewfromherbody.“Go,Thea,yourmotherneedsyou

andifitwerenotdaylightoutside,Iwouldjoinyou.”

Shetookadeepbreathandforcedherselftoslideoffthebed.Shegatheredupherclothes,cleaned

upandoncedressed,movedtothehall.

Fromthedoorway,sheturnedandsaid,“AssoonasI’massuredthatmymother’shealthisnolonger

indanger,I’llreturntoyou.”

“Go,”hewhisperedsoftly.
ThealeftGabriel’scompound,theamuletinhand.Shemadeherwayswiftlytohermother’scottage

andhurriedtoherbedside.Shewasasleep,orperhapseveninacoma,hercomplexiondeathlypale.The
witch,Sol-Brenna,satinachairontheoppositesideofthebed,tearstrackingdownhercheeks.

Theashowedhertheamulet.
“Oh,thankthegoddessoflife,”shewhispered,wipinghereyes.Shewasagreatbeautywiththick

redhairthathunginamassofwavesandcurlstoherwaist.

“All will be well,” Thea assured her. She could sense the amulet reaching out to the illness that

possessed her mother. Thea pressed the amulet into the palm of her mother’s hand and healing power
flowed.

A moment later, her mother’s eyes opened and her fingers closed around the amulet. “Thea,” she

whisperedsoftly,turningtowardher.

Theasmiledandsheletoutadeepbreath.“I’mhere.”
Thehealingworkedswiftlysothatbythenoonhour,hermotherwassittingupinbedandeatinga

bowlofpotato-leeksoup.Sol-BrennahadlongsinceleftandevenTheahadenjoyedabitetoeat.

“DidyouhavemuchtroublegettingtheamuletfromMasterGabriel?”
Theacouldonlysmile.“Well,yes,alittletrouble.”
Hermothertiltedherhead.“Youseemdifferent,mydaughter.”
“IsupposeIam.”
Theathensharedallthathadhappenedovernight,fromhavinggonetoGabrielinthefirstplace,then

the adventures in both Eligio’s castle and Drachyn’s feasting room. She had always been close to her
parent,soshealsotoldheraboutthebinding.

Her mother didn’t speak for a long moment, then she smiled. “I won’t chide you about taking a

vampireintoyourbed,notwhenIcantellthatlovehasfoundyouagain.Onlytellmethatyou’rehappy.”

“MorethanIcansay.”Theasatdownonthesideofthebedandtookhermother’shand,thesame

onethathadheldtheamulet.“IoweGabrieleverything,mama.Everything,includingyourlife.Without
him,Icouldneverhavegottentheamuletforyou.Butbeyondthat,IrespecthimandIknowthathe’san

honorableman.Ilovehimwithallmyheart.”

Her mother nodded. “There is never just one perfect path in life. And though I would not have

thoughtyouwouldloveavampire,yourobvioushappinesseasesanyconcernsImighthavehad.”

Afteranotherhourofsittingandchattingwithhermother,ThealefttoreturntoGabriel’sbed.

*********

Aweeklater,GabrielsupportedTheaasshefloatedinthepool.HehadbroughthertoIsabellaFalls

afterall,inthewarmsouthernshireofEaglenton.He’daccomplishedhisprimarygoal:he’dbeenmaking
lovetoherforhours.

Swimminginthecoolwaterswasbutarespitebetween.
Shereleasedadeepsigh.
“Content?”heasked.
“Tres,tres,content,”shesaid,laughing.
He moved her in a circle, his hands beneath her back, as she floated and trailed her fingers in the

water.

“Andyou,mylove?”sheasked.“Areyoucontent?”
“Ilikethatyoucallmy‘mylove’,cherie.And,oui,Iamverycontent.”
Atthatsheturned,slidingfromhishands.Shestoodupinthewater,whichwasonlywaistdeep.He

glanced down at her puckered nipples and the rivulets flowing over her bare skin. At the mere sight of
her, even though he had released into her just a few minutes ago, the familiar binding tendrils began to
movewithinhisbody.Hisarousalwasswift.

Sheslidherarmsaroundhim.“Iknowwhenyousaidyouintendedtomakelovetomeallnight, I

was pretty sure it was a lovely piece of exaggeration.” She reached low and stroked him. “But I’m
beginningtothinkthatthebondswesharewon’tletusdoanythingelse.”

“Doyouobject?”
Shechuckledandkissedhim,pressingherabdomenagainsthiserection.“No,notatallbutthisis

goingtobeonelongwickednight.”

“Oui,cherie,”hesaid.“Itcertainlywillbe.”
Hekissedheragainuntilshemoanedagainsthislips.Savoringthelovethathadcometohiminthe

formofawoman,mostlyhumanandalittlefae,hethankedhisforebearsforcreatingtheamuletsofhis
world,whichinturnhadbroughtTheatohim.

HehopedhewouldalwaysbeworthyofTheaandsworebytheancientvampirelordsthathewould

spendhislifemakingsurethathewasallthatshedesiredhimtobeasafriend,asalover,andasabound
mate,nowandforever.

TheEnd

ABOUTTHEAUTHOR

CarisRoaneistheaward-winningauthoroffivepublishednovelsforSt.Martin’sPress.Sheisalso

known under the pen name, Valerie King, having published almost fifty novels and novellas for
KensingtonPublishing.

The second installment of the World of the Amulet Series is DARK NIGHT and is currently

scheduledasasummer2012release.

FormoreinformationaboutallthingsCarisRoane,pleasevisitherwebsiteat:

www.CarisRoane.com

To be the first to learn about all upcoming Caris Roane releases, be sure to sign up for her

newsletter!

Andfinally,ifyouenjoysweetRegencyRomanceorsensualRegencyHistoricals,youcanlearn

moreaboutValerieKingat:

www.ValerieKing-Romance.com

TableofContents

ChapterOne
ChapterTwo
ChapterThree
ABOUTTHEAUTHOR

TableofContents

ChapterOne
ChapterTwo
ChapterThree
ABOUTTHEAUTHOR