TableofContents

TitlePage
Copyright
DearReader
ChapterOne
ChapterTwo
ChapterThree
ChapterFour
ChapterFive
ChapterSix
ChapterSeven
ChapterEight
ChapterNine
ChapterTen
Thankyou!
AbouttheAuthor
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EMBRACETHEHUNT

BLOODROSESERIES#8

CARISROANE

EMBRACETHEHUNT

ByCarisRoane

Allrightsreserved.NopartofthiseBookmaybereproducedinwholeorinpart,scanned,photocopied,
recorded,distributedinanyprintedorelectronicform,orreproducedinanymannerwhatsoever,orby
anyinformationstorageandretrievalsystemnowknownorhereafterinvented,withoutexpresswritten
permissionofthepublisher,exceptinthecaseofbriefquotationsembodiedincriticalarticlesand
reviews.

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

FormattingandcoverbyBellaMediaManagement.

DearReader,
WelcometotheeighthinstallmentoftheBloodRoseSeries,EMBRACETHEHUNT.Inthisbook,

MastyrIanjoinsforceswiththeRubyFae,Regan,tobreakdownadeadlyspellconcealingthetruescope
ofMargetta’sarmy.Butwilltheybeabletoovercometheeffectsofaterriblemassacrethathauntseach
oftheirlives?

Apowerfulvampirewarrior.Abeautifulfaeofgreatpower.Awarthatthreatenstodestroy

theirloveforthesecondtime…

MastyrVampireIanneverwantedtoseeReganagain.HeblamedherforthemassacreatRaven’s

Overlook,anattackthatkilledhissisterandherchildren.He’sconvincedReganenthralledhim,usingher
extensivefaepowerstokeephimbyherside.Ifhe’dbeeninhisrealmthatnight,hecouldhavesaved
200people.Instead,hewascaughtupinapassionateaffairwiththewomanknownastheRubyFae.
However,whentheenemyabductsRegan,Iangoesonthehuntforher.Findinghertrappedbehindawall
ofmist,hehelpsherescapetheAncientFae’sfortress.Reunited,oldpassionsrunhotoncemore,butwill
thepastkeephimfromembracingthewomanhe’slovedalltheseyears?

ReganneverstoppedlovingIaneventhoughthey’ddatedseveralcenturiesago.Buthe’dalways

blamedherfortheterribleeventsatRaven’sOverlook.Whenshefeedshimfromherveinandlearns
she’sabloodrose,she’sdevastated.Ianhurtherbadlyintimespastbymakingherascapegoat.Butwhen
she’sforcedtoworkalongsidehimtohelpbattlethedeadlyInvictuswraith-pairs,herloveforhimrises
oncemore.Yet,cansheevertrusthimagain,whenheswearssheenthralledhimthatfatefulnight?

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CHAPTERONE

Anhourfromdawn,Iansatinthedirtatthebottomofadrystreambed,headinhands,waitingfor

somesignReganwasstillalive.Withhisassonacoupleofsharprocksandablackscorpionnottwofeet
away,he’dneverfeltsouselessinhislifethanrightnow.

Aslow-movingriverranthroughDarkGorgeanotherthousandfeetbelowthestreambed.Whenthe

rainscame,thisdrywashwouldspillatallwaterfallintotheriver.

Rightnow,itwasasemptyashiseffortstofindRegan,theRubyFae.
Hesatbackandtwistedhisthumbring.Hehadaringoneachdigit,hiswayofdealingwithshit.All

butoneofthemsymbolizedtheNineRealms.Thetenthring,theoneheturnedtoletoffsomesteam,
representedtheirworldasawhole,whichheworkednightanddaytokeepsafe.

Healsousedtheheavyblingtobeattheshitoutofwraith-pairs.Maybethatwaspartofhisproblem;

hehadn’tbeeninagoodfightforwaytoolong.Heenjoyedusinghisfists,goingmano-a-mano.

ReganhaddisappearedfromtheSwanicottFaeGuildamonthago,abductedbytheAncientFae.In

truth,hedidn’tknowifReganwasaliveordead.Buteachtimehethoughthemightneverseeheragain,
somethinginsidehimtightenedsohardhecouldn’tbreathe.

Shecan’tbedead.Hedidn’tknowwhatlifewassupposedtolooklikewithoutReganinit,even

thoughshehadn’tbeenarealpartofhisworldforalongtime.Yetsomepieceofherlivedinsidehim,a
heartbeatingalongsidehisown.He’dlovedheroncewithakindofmadnesshe’dneverexperienced
since.

Andneverwantedtoagain.
Heliftedhisheadandstaredupatthewallofmistatthetopofthecliff.Heworesunglasses,and

thoughitwasstillfull-dark,hecouldseeeverydetailasclearasday.Forthepastfewdecades,he’d
becomeunusuallysensitivetomoonlightandattimeseventothestarsandforthatreasonhadtowear
shades.

Buthecoulddefinitelyseethemist,somethingonlyahandfulofverypowerfulrealm-folkcouldsee.

Tomost,themistcreatedanillusionthatthemountainforestwasrightthereandnothingelse.Whatlay
behindthemist,hedidn’tknow,onlythatMargetta,thewomanintentontakingovertheNineRealms,had
createdit.

Herosetohisfeet,butlistedsideways.Spotshoveredinfrontofhiseyes.Inhisdesperationtofind

Regan,hehadn’tbeenfeedingasoftenasheshould.Ifhewaitedmuchlonger,he’dfallintoacomaand
die.

Whenacripplingspasmhithisstomach,heknewhecouldn’tstayinthestreambedasecondlonger.

He’dhavetosuspendhishuntforReganforthenextfifteenminutesorsototakecareoftheproblem.

Levitatingswiftly,heflewabovethegorgecliffsandheadedtotheoutposthamletofPikon.Thesmall

villagewaslocatedwherethecliffsdroppeddowntoLeberionPlain,notfarfromthePeralinRiver.

Oncehearrived,heflewdowntheshortmainstreetandsawthatalightstillblazedinthewrought

ironlanternhangingoutsidethevillageinn.Helandedonthewalkway,butlurchedforwardtoplanta
handontheheavywooddoorinordertocatchhisbalance.Morespotsmovedbackandforthinfrontof
hisvision.

Blinkingseveraltimes,heremovedhissunglassestorubhiseyesthenputthembackon.Eventhe

lanternlighthurt.

Whenhewassteady,hejerkedthedooropenandsawoneofhisregulardoneuses,Charlotte,sitting

onabarstoolinthepub.Sheworerustsuede,thighboots,ashortdenimskirt,andamatchingfringed

jacket.Sheheldabottleofbeertoherlips,butpausedwhenshecaughtsightofhim.

Settingthebottledownontheglossywoodbar,hereyeswidenedinshock.“Ian,”shecried,sliding

offherstool.“You’vewaitedtoolongagain.SweetGoddess,openmyveinnow.”Shemovedswiftlyin
hisdirection,herarmsoutstretched.

“Charlotte,thanktheGoddessyou’rehere.”Hisgazehadsettledonherpalethroat,buthestumbled

againsther,losinghisbalance.

Thelovelyfaewomanshowedsomesenseandpushedhimintothenearestbooth.Givenhissize,he

neededtomakesomeroomandusedabootedfoottopushthetabletotheoppositeside.Hewasdizzy
again,andfellbackwardontotheseat.

Shelandedonhim,holdingherlongblackhairawayfromherthroat.“Digin,mastyr.Takewhatyou

need.”

Ashisfangsdescended,heslidahandaroundthebackofherneck,tiltedhisheadtotherightangle

thenstruck.Withinasplit-second,hewassuckingdownherblood.

Thewholetimehisstomachcrampedandonlybegantogrowloosewhenitrecognizedthesubstance

heneededsobadly.

Histhoughtshowever,flewstraightbacktothewallofmistthathadforweekspreventedhimfrom

gettingtoRegan.Hehadtogetbackthere.

Hedrankdownthecriticalsustenance,countingtheseconds.Whenhefeltasthoughhecouldcontinue

onwithouttheriskofpassingout,hereleasedherneckandswipedthewoundswithhistongue,healing
theminstantly.

“Mastyr,it’shardlybeenaminute.”
“Gottogetgoing.”
“I’llstayhereincaseyouneedme.”Shecalledouttothetrollinnkeeper.“Willyoustayopenforhim,

Shayla?”

“Damnstraight,Iwill.AnythingfortheMastyrofCamberlaune.”
WhenIanrosetohisfeet,thedizzinesswasgoneaswerethespotsthattendedtofloatacrosshis

visionwhenhisstarvationbecameacute.Hestillfeltweakashell,though.

AsCharlottestoodup,heplacedahandonhershoulder.“Thanksagain.”
Shenodded,threequickdipsofherchin.“I’mheretoserve.”
Hislipsquirked.“Youwerealwaysmyfavorite.”
Atthat,shegiggled.“Youforget,Mastyr,yourdoneusescomparenotesallthetime.Yousaythatto

eachofus.”

Hesmiled,adjustinghissunglasses.“Doesn’tmeanit’snottrueeachtimeIsayit.”
Hisgazedroppedtotheslightredpatchonherneckwherehe’dsuckled.Hisinstinctstoldhimtostay

putandcontinuemakinguseofCharlotte’svein,butRegan’splightcalledtohim.Hehadtogetbacktothe
graniteoutcrop,tostandvigil,towait,tohope,toprayshewasstillaliveandhecouldhelpher.

~~~

Anhourfromdawn,Regansatonthetallwindowsillofhertowerprison,herkneespulleduptoher

chest,herlonggownwrappedaroundherankles.Whileshewaitedforherlastmealofthenight,she
lookedoutoverthefortressgrounds.

Alargeenemyencampmentlaybeyondthegraystonewalls,madeupofrowafterrowoftents

housingthemurderousInvictuspairs.Yet,evenashergazepassedoverthecamp,shehadasensethata
spellkeptReganfromseeingeverythingthatwasthere.

Margettahadplacedherinthetoweronpurpose,givingheraviewnotjustoftheroofofthelarge

stonefortressbutofherarmyaswell.SeeingsomanyInvictuspairsreadyforwarhadastrong
psychologicaleffect.Thethoughtthattheremightbemorethanevenwhatshecouldsee,hadputachillin
herbones.JusthowbigwasMargetta’sarmy?

TheAncientFaehadpaintedafrighteningpictureofRegan’sfutureaswell.Sheplannedtobond

Reganwithamastyrvampireofherchoosing,onealignedwithMargetta.Thevampireshe’dchosen
wouldnotonlyruleCamberlaune,butwouldalsoserveastheleaderoftheentireNineRealm’svampire
community.

But,no,shehadn’tnamedthemanyet.
TheonlythingthatsurprisedReganwasthatMargettahadn’talreadyforcedthebond.
Inamomentofanger,Reganhadaskedsarcastically,“Whyhaven’tyoubroughtmyhusbandtome?

YoumustknowI’mdesperatelylonelyforcompany.”

Margettahadliftedalovelybrow.“Don’tyouknow?Yourpowerhasnotyetbeenfulfilled.Ionly

awaittheproperhour.”

Whathour?Andwhatdidshemeanherpowerhadn’tbeenfulfilled?
Margettawasaphysicallybeautifulwoman,withexquisite,wide-set,violeteyes,archedbrows,a

straightnoseandsoftlypointedfaechin.Shehadlong,blondhairwornthroughoutthepastmonthinlarge
curlstoherwaist.Exceptforthehollowexpressioninhereyesandtheoccasionalmalevolentsmile,she
lookedlikeaprincessfromsomeofearth’sfairytales.Sheevenworelong,velvetgownsaroundthe
fortress.

Reganknewthewomanwasmonstrouslyambitiousbutwhattroubledhermorethananythingwas

howcalmsheseemed.Afterall,she’dlostahugebattleinSwanicottRealminwhichovertwohundred
InvictuspairshadeitherbeenkilledorsenttoMastyrEthanandSamanthaforrehabilitation.Everything
aboutMargetta’sdemeanordidnotspeakofawomanpressedagainstawallandfightingforher
existence.

Instead,RegansensedtheAncientFaewaspoisedtoaccomplishwhatshe’dbeenworkingtowardfor

hundredsofyears,fromthetimeMargettahadcreatedthefirstdeadlyInvictuswraith-pair.

WhenReganheardthelockinthegrate,shelevitatedslowlydowntothetowerfloor.Thoughshewas

afaewithconsiderablepowerandhadflownuptothesill,shewasn’tstrongenoughtobreakthroughthe
ironlockontheheavywooddoor.

Sheworeasoftlinengown,agarmentMargettahadprovidedforheraftertellinghershe’dburned

Regan’s‘disgusting’leatherjacketaswellasherjeans.

Whenshe’dheardthenews,Reganhadquietedheremotions.She’dhadthatjacketforalongtime,at

leastthreedecades.She’dtrieditonjustforfunatanopenairmarket.Inamomentofpureserendipity,
Ianhadseenherinit,achancemeetingneveragainrepeated.He’dtoldherhelovedthelookonher.

Themomentheleftthestall,she’dboughtthejacket,oneofthefewspontaneouspurchasesshe’dever

made.

Nowithadnodoubtbeentossedontooneofthemanybonfiresburningthroughoutthecamp.
She’devenshedtears,whichseemedabsurdgivenhersituation.Exceptthelossofhercoathadbeen

verysymbolic;shehadnoprotectionagainstMargettaandverylittlecontrol.

Thedooropenedandthelovelyfae-slave,Sandra,walkedin.Behindher,butremaininginthe

doorway,wasaveryfatslave-trollwithadarklookinhiseye.Heheldthekeytothetowerdoorinhis
hand.

AssoonasSandrawasinside,thetrollshutthedoorandRegancouldhearthelockturninginthe

grate.Hethenpeeredthroughthesmallbarredopeningtokeepaneyeonthem.

Sandrakeptherheadbentandmadenoeyecontact.Inherhandsshecarriedatraybearinghersecond

meal.

ReganhadmanytimesbeggedSandratohelpher,tobringherakeybywhichshemightescapethe

tower.She’devenbeenencouragingSandratocomewithher,thoughshedoubtedthiswouldbepossible
giventhepresenceoftheguardwhoalwaysaccompaniedher.

ButasRegancaughtsightoftherolleduptowelclutchedtightbeneathSandra’sarm,Regan’s

heartratesoared.Sandraneverbroughtextralinenswithheratthishour.

“Asyourequestedlasttime,Mistress,”Sandrasaidpointedly.“Ibroughtatowelforyou.”
Reganhadmadenosuchrequest.“Thankyou.I’mgratefulyouremembered.Andhowareyou,

Sandra?”

“Verywell,thankyou,Mistress.”Hertonewasbreathy,assheslidhergazetoRegananddippedher

chinonce.

Shesetthetrayonthesmalltable,thenmovedtothewashstand.Shetuckedthetowelnexttoabasin

andcompanionwaterpitcher.

Therecouldonlybeoneexplanationforthetowel.SweetGoddess,Sandrahadbroughtthekey.
InthemonthReganhadbeenimprisoned,she’dlearnedsomethingofSandra’shistory.She’dbeen

imprisonedforthirtyyearsandhadservedasapersonalmaidtoMargettaallthattime.Sandrahadasad
aurathatinstinctivelyfeltlikemoretoReganthanjustareflectionofherenslavedstate.

ThoughSandrahadspokenonlyalittleofherpreviouslife,Reganknewshe’dlostahusbandand

youngsonwhenshe’dbeenabducted.Reganwasprettysurethey’ddiedinanInvictusattack.Butshe’d
neverpressedSandrafordetails.Again,hersadnesshadtolditsowntale.

SandrarepresentedforReganallshedespisedinMargetta’sregime.Worse,therewasn’tathing

Regancoulddofortheslave.

Bymonth-longhabit,Regansatdownonthestoolinfrontofthetable.Sandramovedeachitemoffthe

trayinameasuredsequenceofbowlandplatefirst,thenembroideredclothnapkin,largespoon,anda
smallceramiccupofblackberrywine.

Reganheldherhandstogetherinatightclasp,hergazeneverstrayingfromthelovelybraiddraped

overherSandra’sleftshoulder.Theyoungfaewomanhadbeautifulredhair,afaintlypointedchin,dark
eyes,andasmooth,delicatecomplexion.

Reganhadtoknow,soshespokemind-to-mind.Youbroughtthekey?It’sinthetowel,right?
Foroneofthefewtimesinthemonthofservice,Sandrasmiled.Idid.
BecauseSandrawasblockingthetroll’sviewofRegan,shetouchedSandra’sarm.Canyoucome

withme?I’mastrongflyer.

Sandrashookherhead.Imighthavemyownwayout.Butifnot,doallyoucantotakethismonster

down.

Regan’seyesfilledwithtears.Iwill.MaytheGoddessbewithyou.
Andwithyou.
Nootherwordsfollowed,justtwotearstrackingdownSandra’scheeks.Shelookeddifferent

somehowtoRegan,maybemoreconfident.Andshehopedwithallherhearttheslavewouldsomehow
makeherescapeaswell.

Sandratooktheemptytrayfromoffthetableandnoddingtothetroll,thekeycouldoncemorebe

heardturninginthelock.Whenthedooropened,Sandradisappearedintothesmallhallwaybeyond.The
soundsofherstepsaswellasthetroll’sfadeddownthesteepstairwell.

Reganmovedtothedoorandlistenedintently.Shewouldhavetowaitafewminutes,tomakecertain

theyweregonebeforesheattemptedherescape.Yetnowthatthemomentwasathand,eachsecondfelt
likeaneternity.

Whenshesensedenoughtimehadpassed,sheunrolledthetowelandwithtremblingfingerspickedup

thekey.Returningtothedoor,shesliditinthelockandafteracoupleoftries,feltitgiveway.

Anenormousswellofemotionrushedthroughheranditfeltlikefreedom.

~~~

WhenIanreachedthestreambed,hedidn’tflydowntothebottombutcrossedtothelargeoutcropping

ofgranitetwentyfeetawayfromthemistwall.

Regan,hepathed,usingtelepathy.Areyouthere?Pleaseanswerme,sweetheart.Thistime,Ibeg

you,pleaseanswerme.

Thoughhehadn’treceivedasingleresponseinalltheseweeks,hestillwentthroughthedrill,

speakingtoherasthoughshewasthere.I’vebeenhereeverynight,hourafterhour,sinceyour
disappearancefromSwanicottRealm,sinceMargettatookyouawayfromyourhome.Yourservant
witnessedwhathappenedandIfollowedafteryou,butthetrailendedhere,thoughI’mnotsurewhere
‘here’is.

IknowI’matthetopofDarkGorgeandatthefoothillsoftheDauphaireMountainRange.ButI

can’tevenseethemountainsfromhere.Margettahasaspellinthisarea.IbroughtBenhereonceto
havealookaswell,buthewasn’tabletoseethewallofmist,justme,andyouknowhowmuchpower
Benhas.Bensaidallhesawwastheforest,butwhenItoldhimtoenterthewoods,hecouldn’tdoit.
Hesimplyfeltatremendousurgetogotheoppositedirection,Margetta’sspellisthatpowerful.

Regan,pleaseanswerme.Talktome,Sweetheart.
Hefeltasuddenpressureonhistelepathy.Ian?SweetGoddess,isthatyou?
ThesoundofRegan’svoiceinsidehishead,seteverywarriorinstinctonfire.Heloweredhisknees

andstretchedoutbothhands.Hisbattleenergysweptdownhisarms.IftheInvictuscame,hewasready.
Regan,areyouokay?Isthisreallyyou?

Yes,it’sme.I’mtrappedinMargetta’sfortress,oratleastIwas.I’moutsidenow,butIdon’tknow

whichwaytogo.Themistissothickfromhere.WhenIwasimprisonedinthetower,Icouldseefor
miles,butnotnow,notoutside.

Ianfeltbothrelievedanddistressedatthesametime.He’dbeenrightallalong;theRubyFaewas

here.

Regan,Ican’tmoveforward,becauseofthewallofmist.I’monthegraniteoutcropaboveDark

Gorge.Andwhereinthefortressareyouexactly?

I’monacatwalk,onthesouthernside.Butthewallofmistisrightthereaswell.Ian,Margettahas

alargearmyhere.IdoubtevenyourVampireGuardandShifterBrigadecombinedcoulddefeatit.

Iantookamomenttoprocessthisinformation.Trynottothinkaboutthatrightnow.It’smore

importanttofindawayforyoutoescape.Wecandealwithherarmylater.Butwithsomuchadrenaline
flowingthroughhissystem,hebecameacutelyawarethatthebloodsupplyCharlotteprovidedhim
wouldn’tlastverylong.Shit.

What?What’swrong?
Whateverwe’regoingtodo,wehavetodoitfast.Mybloodstarvationisfuckingmeup.
Shedidn’trespondrightaway,whichprobablymeantshewasthinkingthingsthrough.Don’tleave

yet,Ian.Please.I’vewaitedamonthforthischanceandIhaveafeelingit’llbetheonlyoneI’llget.
Margettaintendstomarrymeofftoamastyrvampirealignedwithher,butshe’swaitingforsome
fulfillmentofmypower.

Ian’sheartraterampedupasalongstringofcursesflippedthroughhishead.Finally,hepathed,I’m

here.

Waiting,however,becametorture,sincethespotshadreturnedandoncemoreflewbeforehiseyes.

Hewasworseoffthanhethought,buthecouldn’tleavehernow,notwhenhe’dfinallymadecontactafter
allthistime.

Regan,I’mgoingtotrysomething.Focusonmeashardasyoucan.IwanttoseeifIcanhomein

onyourtelepathyandestablishyourlocation.

Oh,dearGoddess,Regancried.IcanhearMargettashouting.Idon’thavemuchtime.
Ianusedwhatwasleftofhisstrengthtoreachthroughthemistwithhismind,huntingforRegan.He

hadtofindheranddoitfast.Forthehelluvait,headdedhisbattlevibration,stretchinghishandstoward
themist.

He’dbeenrighttoexperimentbecausesuddenlyhefoundher.Hecouldn’tseeadamnthing,buthe

couldsenseherlocationfiftyfeetintheair,onthecatwalk,butnomorethanahundredyardsalmost
directlyinfrontofhim.Soclose.

Stayingfocused,hefoundapathgrowingvisiblewithinhismind,theonethatwouldtakehimto

Regan.He’dberunningblindthroughthemist,butwithoutanotherthought,heheadedintothespelled
areaandtookeachjaggedcurveofthepaththatpresenteditselfwithinhishead.

Regan,I’mcomingtoyourightnow.Beready.
Margetta’snotfar.
Heputonsomespeed.
Ashemoved,hebrushedupagainsttreebranchesoverandover,yetneveronceranintoanything.His

pathwastrue.

Whenhereachedhisdestination,hecouldfinallyseethegraystonewallsofthefortressrightinfront

ofhim.Lookingup,themiststillcloakedthehigherreaches.

Ian!
Heshoutedtelepathically,Levitatestraightdown.Iknowyoucan’tseeanything,butI’mright

belowyou.

Ihopetohellyouare.
Havefaith,butkeeppathingtome.
I’mjumpingnow.Ian,findme.Findmefast.
Buthecouldfeelherasifhewasactuallylookingather.Heheldouthisarmsandonlyduringthelast

secondofherleap,didhefinallyseeher.Shelandedinhisarms,andhecaughtheragainsthischest.I’ve
gotyou.

Sheclaspedhimhardaroundtheneck.Thankyou.
We’vegottogetoutofhere.Withnothingtohomeinonforthereturntrip,herosehighintotheair

abovewhathadtobetheforestcanopy.HethenheadedinasoutherlydirectiontowardDarkGorge.

Themomenthebrokefreeofthemist,hewassurprisedtofindhe’dflownafullquartermileupinto

theair.

Hebeganaquickdescent,however,knowingMargettawouldgivechase.Themomenthedropped

belowthecliffedge,hecouldbreatheeasier.

Spots,however,startedflyinginfrontofhisvisionagain,remindinghimhowfarhe’dpushedhis

bloodstarvation.Foramoment,hislevitatingskillfaltered.

Ian!
Regan’svoicebroughthimaround,andhehadjustenoughleftinhimtoregainhisbalance.Heflew

swiftlytowardthePeralinRiverandfinallylandedthembothontheoppositebankinanestofshrubs,
deepinthegorge.

Allwentblack.

~~~

Reganbroughtherselftoasittingposition.Thelandinghadbeenhardandshewasbruised,butsafe.
Sheworkedatclearingherhead.Ian?
Butnothingreturned.
Helaysprawledonhisback,hissunglassesgone.Hisusualgoldencomplexionhadpaledandhis

eyeswereclosed.She’dneverseenhimlooksobad.

Sheknewhewasclosetocoma,afterwhichdeathwouldfollowswiftly.Allmastyrswerecursed

withthiskindofchroniccondition,butshedidn’tknowwhyIanhadlethimselfgettosuchadangerous
state.

Hermindmadeaswiftadjustment.Shedrewherwristtoherlipsandusingherteethtorethrougha

vein.Shecriedoutinpain,butshehadtodoit.

Sheforcedhismouthopen,thenplacedherarmoverhislips,strokinghisthroat.Ian,drink.Please,

takemyblood.

Herveinsreleasedtheirnourishmentreadilyandatfirsthegaggedandchoked.Butwhenhefinally

gotsomeofherbloodintohisstomach,hiseyesflutteredopenandhegrabbedherwrist,formingaseal.

Hewaswild-eyedashesuckled.
Andithurt,butshedidn’tcare.She’dmadeitoutaliveandIanwouldlive.Eachhadcomesocloseto

death.

Sheglancedoverhershoulder.Throughtheshrubberybehindwhichshewashidden,shecouldseea

goldenglowatthetopofthegorge.

Margettahadfollowedthem.
Thoughathousandfeetdistant,theAncientFaewasnodoubtsearchingtheshallowbankalongthe

river.Reganwasn’tsureMargettawouldactuallybeabletoseethem,butshedidn’twanttoriskbeing
caught.

Wehavetoleave,shepathedtoIan.Margettaisstandingontheoutcroppingstaringintothegorge.
DoesshehaveInvictuswithher?
No.
Then,we’reoutofhere.
Ianbecameonefluidmovementashepulledheragainsthim,whileholdingherwristtighttohis

mouth.Hesweptherswiftlydownriver,flyingclosetothewaterthroughDarkGorge.Fasterandfasterhe
wentasherbloodrestoredhim.

IanwasoneofthemostpowerfulvampiresinalltheNineRealms.EvenifMargettachoserightnow

tosummonInvictustochasethem,they’dnevercatchup.

ReganfacedforwardasIanflewhertosafety.DarkGorgewasoneofthewondersoftheNine

Realms.ItspannedbothCamberlauneandTannisfordRealmsasdidtheDauphaireMountainRange.The
lengthofthegorgewasnearlytwo-hundredmileswithahighplainonthesouthernslopeandthetallest
mountainsofalltherealmsonthenorthernside.Becausenotallrealm-folkcouldfly,dozensofbridges
spannedthegorge.

WithonearmwrappedaroundIan’sneck,shecouldn’trememberthelasttimeshe’dbeenthiscloseto

him.Butithadtobecenturies.Shecouldfeelhisnumerousthickringsasheheldherwristtohismouth.

Thesensationofhissucklingsentshiversofdesireallalongherarm.Beingthisclose,shesniffedhis

skinathisneck.Hiscologneremindedheroftheforest,deepinthedarkestplaceswherethesoilwas
richwithlife-givinghumus.Shewonderedwhatitwascalled.Whateveritwas,itdidsomethingtoher
andshemighthavetobuyabottlejusttoenjoythefragrancenowandthen.

Shecouldn’tbelieveshewashere,inIan’sarms,orthatshe’descapedthepowerfulAncientFae.
Foramonth,she’dlivedunderMargetta’sruleandsomeofthattimehadbeenphysicallypainful.

NowshewasflyingthroughDarkGorgeandshewassafe.

Tearsofreliefandgratitudestunghereyes.Shetookdeepbreathstocalmherspiritandsilentlysent

prayersofthanksgivingtotheGoddess.

Shealsocouldn’thavedoneitalone.Thankyouforbeingthere,Ian.I’dstillbeaprisoner

otherwise.Thankyousomuch.

You’resafe.That’sallthatmatters.
Thoughshesensedhewasnolongerindangerofslidingintoacoma,shewasgladthatasheflewhe

continuedtakingdownherlifeforce.

Afteramoment,herthoughtsturnedtothefirstdayofherimprisonment.Thoughitwasn’tthemost

significantthingthathadhappened,ithadmeanteverythingtoher.MargettaburnedmyclotheswhenI
arrived,includingmycoat.

Continuingtosucklesteadily,Ianpathed,TheblackleatheroneyouwerewearingwhenIsawyouin

Swanicott?

Yes.
Wasitthesamecoatyouweretryingonattheopenairmarket,what,thirtyyearsago?
Sheturnedherfacetowardhimalittle.I’mstunnedyouremember.Butyes,that’sthecoat.
Hechuckled,alowseductivesoundthatreachedintoherchestandgrabbedherheart.Iwatched

whileyouboughtitthenputitonforgood.Itlookedgreat.Youknowthat’ssomethingIalwaysliked
aboutyou.Hereyouwerethisseriousfaeteacher,almostaprophetamongtheFaeGuildcircle.Yet
youdidn’tmindwearingblackleatherandalotofmake-up.Ialwaysthoughtyou’dlookgoodonthe
backofmyHarley.

Herhandtouchedhisbareshoulder,remindingherheneverworethetraditionalwovenshirtsall

Guardsmensported.TheGuardcoatshungtomid-calfbutweresleeveless.Ihadnoideayou’dstuck
aroundtowatchme.

Oh,Idid.Hadagoodlonglook.Ialmostheadedbackinyourdirectionaboutadozentimes.Now

hereweare,flyingdownDarkGorgetogether.

Yep,heretheywere,butshehadnoideawhatwouldhappennext.They’dspentthelastfewcenturies

instrainedsilencebecauseoftheirpreviousrelationship.Ithadendedwithalotofblameonhispart,and
heartacheonhers.Nowhe’drescuedherfromMargetta’sfortress.

We’regettingclosetomyhouse.You’veneverbeenhere,haveyou?
No,never.ButIheardZanetalkaboutitalot,especiallywhenthehousewasunderconstruction.I

understandMastyrSethinspiredyou.

Hedid.Absolutely.Thoughhalfmyhomesitsonsolidrock.Seth’shangsoffthesideofthe

Walvashorrgorge.IalsohaveaviewofthemountainsbeyondandasIrecallSeth’sissmackup
againsttheforest.

Itis.
Whenhebegantoslow,sheknewtheywerenearinghishouse,oroneofthem.Mostmastyrskept

severalhousesaroundtherealmforsecurity.

Hefinallyreleasedherwrist,butheldontoherarmtokeepherbalancedagainsthim.Shehadboth

feetsettledonhisrightbootandfeltperfectlysafe.Ofcourse,shehadtheabilitytolevitateaswell,so
shewouldn’tfallveryfarifshelostherholdonhim.Butshecouldn’tflynearlyasfastasIan.

Hewasabigman,justshyofMastyrJude’sextraordinarymass.Andforabriefmoment,hermind

flewback,allthosecenturiesago,whenthey’dbeenlovers.Howmuchshe’ddelightedinhisbody.He’d

oftenlaughedather,atthewayshetouchedhimanddidotherthings,sayingshemadeafullmealofevery
musclehepossessed.

Andsoshehad.Butwhatwomanwithagrainofsense,findingherselfwithsuchabanquetbeneath

herfingertips,wouldn’ttakethetimetoexploreandenjoy?

Ofcoursethesewerehopelesslyerrantthoughts.ShehadnointentionoftakingupwithIanagain,not

whenhe’dhurthersobadly.Butwasshetempted?SweetGoddess,always!

Yet,she’dkeptherphysicaldistance.He’dmadehisharshopinionscleartoherallthoseyearsago

andhadn’tchangedhisviewofhercharacterevenalittle.

ButbeingthisclosetoIan,broughtthebestpartsoftheirrelationshipfullybacktomind.
Whenheslowedtoahover,theneasedaroundafinalbendinthegorge,shesawthehouseperchedon

anoutcroppingofgraystriatedgranite.He’dbuilthishomeonthecurveoftheterrainsothatfromone
sideofthehousetherewouldbeauniqueviewofanangledstretchofDarkGorge.Theeasternviewtook
theeyeallthewaytotheLeberionPlain.

YoubuiltveryclosetotheDauphaireRim.
Idid.
Thegeographyofthelandhadsteepcliffsinatwo-hundred-milestretchacrossmuchofCamberlaune,

allanglingslightlytotheplainbelow.Theregionwherethecliffwasvisiblefromtheplainwascalled
theRim.

Ianpathed.Iwantedtobeclosetothelargestportionofthepopulation,yetinthecenterofthe

realmgeographically.Thisseemedlikethebestchoice.AndIlovetheviewofthemountains,thegorge
andtheplain.

Aretherestillonlyscatteredsettlementsinthemountainousareas?
Yes,oneithersideofthegorge,shiftersmainly.Afewtrolls.Abulkofthemenarestrongwarrior

typesandbelongtomyShifterBrigade.Theydomostofthehigherelevationpatrolling.TheInvictus
attacksareheaviestontheplainwherethepopulationisthedensest,especiallyclosesttotheRim.
AlthoughuntilMargettakidnappedyou,Ididn’tknowherfortresswasontheborderbetween
CamberlauneandTannisford.

Shefelttheweightofhiscommentlikeadragonhersoul.Hewasmastyrofhisentirerealmandlike

alltherealmrulers,hecarriedtheburdenofhispeople’ssafety.Shewonderedifshe’devertruly
understoodwhatrulingwaslikeforhim.

Shefeltashudderrunthroughhimandshewasn’tsurprisedwhenhesaid.“It’llbedawnsoon.”
Anyvampirecaughtinthesunlightwoulddiewithinminutes.Faewerealsosunlightsensitive,though

notasinstantlyharmedasvampires.ShewouldsurviveafewhourslongerthanIan,thoughnotbymuch.
So,she,too,couldfeelthehourwascomingwhentheywouldneedtoseekshelter.

I’mafraidyou’llhavetostayherethroughtheday.Iknowyou’dratherbehomeinSwanicott,but

Ihaveaguestroomyoucanuse.

Shechuckledsoftly.YoucouldtellmeIhadtosleepunderahaystackforthedayandI’dbe

completelycontent.Yourhomeismorewelcometomethanyou’lleverknow.

Whenthoughtsintrudedofallthathadhappenedduringhermonth’simprisonment,shesetthemaside.

TherewouldbeplentyoftimeinthefuturetodealwiththewaysMargettahadtorturedher.

Ianflewhertowhatprovedtobethemainentrance,thoughontheeasternsideoftheround,cliff-edge

dwelling.Landingonagraveldrive,heledherupseveralwidestonesteps.Thefrontdoorwasarched
andmadeofclearglasswithanintricate,protectivemetaldesigncrisscrossingtheoutwardfacingside.

“Ilovethisdoor,”shesaid,runningherhandalongthecurvesofoneofthecentralmetalsupports.

“It’salmostlikesomethingyou’dfindintheforest,likeentwinedbranches.”

Heopenedthedoorforher.“Whenthearchitectshowedmethedesign,Ihadthesameresponse;it

hadthefeelofthenearbymixedforest,especiallysomeofthedeciduoustreesnowthatthey’velosttheir
fallleaves.”

Shemovedintothefoyer,rememberingjusthowmuchIan’swarriornaturehadastrangecompanion

sensibilitythatherfaesoulloved.Ianhadevenstudiedarchitectureatonetime,thoughacoupleof
centuriesago.Takinginthelinesofthehousebothoutsideandnowwithin,shesawthissideofhis
abilitiesinthecomplexdesignofthemoderndwelling.

Asheclosedthedoorbehind,asuddenwhirringsoundmovedthroughthehouse.
“Whatisthat?”Sheturnedinaquickcircle,wonderingiftheywereunderattack.
“It’sonlythesteelshutters.Iwantedextensiveviewsforthishousewhichmeantalotofwindows.In

turn,Iinstalledasystemofheavyscreenstocomedownautomaticallyatdawn.”

Shehadherhandtoherchestandtearstouchedhereyes.“I’msorry.”
Hetookholdofherarminagentleclasp.“Forwhat?”
Shesqueezedhereyesshutforamoment,rememberinghowdifficultithadbeentogetusedtobeing

imprisonedinthefortress.“Ididn’tmeantosoundsoalarmedwhenthescreensdescended.Thefirst
weekinthetower,Ijumpedateverystrangeknock,jangle,orcreepywraith-shriek.Andtherewerealot
ofthose.I’llcalmdowneventually.”

Heheldhergaze,hisdarkgrayeyesfullofconcern.“Didshehurtyou?”
Regannodded.“Shehadawayofburrowingintomymindandcausingpain.”
“Often?”
“Thefirstweek,yes.”
“Didshehaveapurpose?Didshewantsomethingfromyou?”
Reganslidherfingersintoherhair,shakingherhead.“Ihavenoidea.Shewassostrangelycomposed

thewholetime.Ithinkshewastoyingwithmeforherownamusement.”

Ianstoodwithhishandsonhiships,frowningheavily,hisgazestillfixedtoher.Inthatposition,each

ofhisringsstoodoutbecausehe’dmadefists.Theywereallsilverbutnonewerethesame,justheavy
withadeadlyfeel.

“Ihatethatshehadyouimprisoned.I’vediedathousanddeathsoutthere,hoping,prayingwe’d

connect,thatI’dbeabletogetyouawayfromher.”

Shetiltedherhead.“Ian,haveyoubeennearthefortressallthistime,sinceIwasabducted?”
Henodded.“FromthetimeIlocatedthemistandthatwastwodaysafteryouweretaken.”
Shelookedintosmokygrayeyes,sofamiliartoher.Whenhewouldmakelovetoher,healwaysheld

hergazeandshe’dlovedit.She’dforgottenhowhandsomehewasinhisruggedway.Hehadbroad
cheekbonesanglingtoastrongjaw.Hislipswerefullandhisnosesomewhathawkish,especiallywhen
heflaredhisnostrilslikehewasnow.

“Areyouwearingperfume?”heasked.
Shehadtolaugh.“I’vebeeninatowerprison,remember?”
“Right.”Hisfrowndeepenedandhishandshottohisstomach.“Oh,shit.No.”
Shereachedoutandtouchedhisshoulder,hisskinwarmagainstherfingers.“What’swrong?”
Hisgazeshiftedbackandforthoverhereyes.“HowdoIsmell,rightnow?Toyou?”
Sheshruggedslightly,thensmiled.“IusedtotakelongwalksintotheforestbehindtheFaeGuild

retreat.Myfavoritepathtookmemaybethreemilesawayfromthecompound.Itwassodeeplyshaded
thatatnightevenmyfaevisionhadahardtimewarmingitupsoIcouldsee.Butthesmellinthat
particularlocationwasverydenseandrich,fullofhumus,thekindyou’dcollecttofeedyourgarden.
That’swhatI’mgettingfromyourightnow,arichforestscent,wherefernsliveandwherethesoilcould

growanything.Sowhatkindofcologneisit?”Shewassmilingathim,buthelookedfrighteninglysober
inreturn.

Henarrowedhiseyes.“Andwasthattrueafewcenturiesago,whenweweretogether?Didyou

smellthiscologneonmethen?”

“No.Youneverworecologne,eventhoughyoucouldhave.Iknowthatsomeoftheelvenpopulation

werequiteadeptatblendingfragrancesallthosecenturiesago.”Sheforcedhermindtoflowbackward,
recallingtheintensityoftheirrelationship,ofmakinglovewithhimandsavoringeverypartofhisbody.
Sheshookherheadseveraltimes,needingtodispelthememories.Shecouldfeelherdesireforhimrising
thelongershestoodsoclosetohim.

“Istilldon’twearcologne,Regan.It’snotmything.”
Hedidn’tsayanythingmore,yethissilenceforcedhertoconsider.
Hergazefelltohishandonhisstomach,andshefinallygotthepicture.“Waitaminute.No.Ian,no.

Thiscan’tbe.Oh,sweetGoddess.Tellmeyou’renotfreeofpain.”

“Yes,andthatmakesyou—”
“Abloodrose.”
Atthat,heturnedawayfromherandletgoofalongstringofobscenities.“ThisiswhyIwasso

obsessed.WhyIhadtofollowafteryou.WhyIstuckaroundatthewallofmist.”Hewasn’tlookingather
ashespoke,buthadturnedtowardthelivingroom.Steelshuttersnowcoveredseveralbroadpanelsof
glass,leavingthespaceasthoughitwasstillnight.Withherfaeinternalclock,shecouldtellthesunwas
closetobreachingthehorizon.Shecouldn’tleavenowifshewantedto.

“Whatdoyoumean,obsessed?”
Heheldhishandswide.“TheonlypersonIbroughttothegraniteoutcropwasBenandeventhenIfelt

uneasybecausehewasthere.Iwouldn’tletanyoneelsecomewithmewhileIwaitedatthegorge.Itold
BenitwasbecauseIneededhimtotakechargeoftheVampireGuard,butitalwaysfeltlikemore,likeI
didn’twanthimoranyothervampirenearyou.”

Tearsbithereyesassheglancedoncemoreathisstomach.
“Hey,Ididn’tmeantoupsetyou.”
“It’snotwhatyouthink.I’mjustsuddenlysogratefulyounolongerhavepain.AndIwasabletodo

thatforyou.”Allmastyrvampiressufferedcripplingstomachagonyasaresultofchronicblood
starvation.She’dfedhimoftenbackwhenthey’dbeentogether,buthe’dneverbeenfreeofpainashe
wasnow.

Sheshookherhead,thetruthofhersituationhittingherhard.Shewasabloodroseandsolongasshe

fedIan,he’dneverexperiencehisprevioussufferingagain.

Butshedidn’twantarelationshipwithhimeither.Therewastoomuchcontentionbetweenthemfor

that.Yet,shecaredabouthimandwouldaslongasshelived.“Youcanalwaysopenmyvein,Ian,
anytimeyouwant.Nomatterwhathappens.”

Hefacedheragain.“Itwon’tbethatsimple.IsawwhathavingabloodrosedidtoZaneandI’ve

talkedtoseveralofthemastyrs.AndnowthatI’mfeelingtheeffectsofthisphenomenon—”

Withoutwarning,hedrewcloseandgatheredherintohisarms.Helevitated,liftingheratthesame

time,thenmovedherintothehall,pushingherupagainstthewoodpaneling.

Connectinghishipswithhers,hesaid,“Thisistheproblem.”
Thelinengownshewore,withnotevenathongtoaddanotherlayerbetweenherselfandIan’sleather

pants,allowedhertofeelthefulllengthofhisarousal.

Oh,sweetGoddess,shewasintrouble.“Ian,don’t.”
“Don’twhat?Don’tfeelwhatI’mfeeling?Rightnowyousmelllikeaflower,likejasmine,butthere’s

acitrusylimescentaswell.AndI’vegotacloudinmyheadinsteadofasinglerationalthought.Andonly
onedrive.”Hegroundhishipsagainsther.

Reganhadn’tbeenthisclosetoIaninsuchalongtime.Sheputherhandonhischeek,hergazefalling

tohislips.Woulditbesobadtosurrendertowhatshefelt,tothestrengthoftheemotionsracingthrough
her?Herbodycalledforhim,longingforhim.Butthereweretoomanymemories.“Wefoughtbadly,
remember?”

Ahauntedlookenteredhiseyes.“SomethingItrytoforgetandhaven’tinallthistime.”Heeased

awayfromher.

“Youblamedme.”Herchinroseandsomeofherdesirestartedslidingaway.“Youweresoangry.

YouneverforgavemeforthemassacreatRaven’sOverlook.”

Withthesewords,Ianplantedhishandsagainstthewoodpaneling,hisjawmovingbackandforth.

“NoneofthemastyrshadeverlostanentirevillagetoanInvictusattack,notbeforeorsince.Yet,Idid.
Mysisterandhertwodaughtersdiedaswell.”Hepushedawayfromthewallbutpoundedhisfistagainst
thepanelingatthesametime.

Ifhiswordshadn’tconvincedher,hisbehaviordid:Ianstillhadn’tforgivenher.Shedoubtedheever

would.

“Ian,”shecalledtohimsharply,commandinghisattention.Whenhisgrayeyesgrewfixedonher,she

said,“Justfortherecord,Ididnothingwrong.Youshouldn’thaveblamedmeforwhathappened.”

“Butitwasallyourfault!”heshouted,hisfaceturningadarkreddishhue.“Youhadmeenthralled

withyourfaeabilitiesandbecauseofit,Ishirkedmyobligationstotherealm-folkofCamberlaune.I
shouldhavebeenwithmyGuardthatnight.Instead,IwasinSwanicottmooningaroundyourfeet.”

Andthat’showhesawitall,thatshe’denthralledhimleadinghimtoforfeithisduties.Buthisanger,

andcompletelymisplacedjudgements,fueledherownrage.

Straighteningherspine,sheliftedherchin.“Youcan’tcontrolthetides,Ian.Younevercould.We

weretwopeopleinlove.Benhadchargeoftherealmthatnight;you’dlefteverythingincapablehands.
Butbecausetheabsoluteworsthappened,youchosetobelievetheworstofmeandtoblameme.But
you’rewrongaboutallofitandIresentthehelloutofyouforit.”Herownfaceflamednowandhisdeep,
earthyscentfadedalongwithherdesire.“Now,showmetoyourguestroom,becauseIwantashower
andthenalongdayofnothingbutsleep.”

CHAPTERTWO

Despiteherinsistenceonnotneedinganythingbutsleep,Ianofferedherasandwich,oranythingelse

shemightwant,butsherefused.Apparently,Margettahadfedherwell,evenifshe’dtorturedher.

Heledhertohisguestroom,oppositethemasterbedroom,expressinghishopeshesleptwell.She

thankedhim,thoughhertonewaschilly.

Heleftherandgrabbedaglassofsweet,Germanwine,afterwardheadingtohislibrary.He

sometimessatamonghisbooks,lookingatthescenerybeforeretiringfortheday.AfterwhatReganhad
saidtohim,he’dneededsomethingtocalmhimdown.

Butlikehellshewasn’ttoblame.
Ifhehadn’tbeenenthralled,hewouldhavebeenpatrollingCamberlaunethatnight.Hewasconvinced

hecouldhavepreventedthemassacre.

Hesighedheavily.Theroomfacednorthwestandsincethesunneverhitthewindowsinthispartof

hishomeduringlatefallandwinter,theshuttershadn’tcomedown.Thewindowhadacurvetoit
becauseofthedisk-likeshapeofhishouse.Withthebendinthegorgehecouldalmostseetheriver
below.

Theskywasbluenow,thesunhavingrisenwellpasttheskyline.Hehadaviewofsnow-capped

mountains,dottedatthelowerelevationswithevergreensandthebarebranchesofelmsandchestnut
oaks.

Hefrownedandtouchedhisface,thenblinkedhiseyes.Wherewerehissunglasses?Hemusthave

lostthemwhenheflewRegantosafetyovertheriver.

Heblinkedagain,severaltimes,expectingtoexperiencethesharpdartingpainhe’dknownforyears.

Butitwasn’tthere.Thepainwasgone,justlikethecrampsinhisstomach.Hecouldlookatblueskyand
hiseyesdidn’thurt.Unbelievable.

Heshookhishead.Hecouldn’trememberthelasttimehe’dsethisgazeatasunlitvistawithout

cringinginpain.Alotofthevampiresheknew,oncewellawayfromdirectsunlight,couldenjoyall
kindsofscenery.

Whenhe’dfirstbecomeafflicted,he’dsoughtoutapowerfulfaehealer.Butallshecouldtellhim

wasthatitwaspartofhismastyrsuffering,uniquetohim.Andsomehow,tappingintoRegan’svein,had
correctedtheproblem.

Hestillcouldn’tbelieveshewasabloodrose.
Healsofeltthewholethingacruelironysincethewomanwho’dcuredhimwithherbloodwas

someonehecouldneverbetrulyconnectedto.

Heknewheneededhisbed.Hewastired,notjustfromthenight’svigil,butfromamonthofstress,of

worryingaboutRegan,ofnotknowingifshewasevenalive.Buttherewereacoupleoftasksheneeded
togetdonebeforehecouldmakehiswaytothemasterbedroom.

HepulledhiscellfromhispantspocketandcalledBen.
“Ian.Beenwaitingforyourcall.Everythingokay?”
Foramoment,Iandidn’tknowhowtoanswerthequestion.HavingfoughtwithReganbeforehe’d

beenwithherevenhalfanhour,hadleftasourtasteinhismouth.

“I’vegotReganwithme.SheescapedMargetta’sfortressandyes,she’sfine.”
“That’sgreatnews.I’mrelieved.HaveyouletMastyrZaneknow?”
“Mynextcall.”
“Good.Good.”

“How’sCamberlaune?”
“TheusualnumberofInvictussightingsthroughthenight,buttheGuardandtheShifterBrigade

performedasexpected.Weonlyhadoneinjury,withdozensofcasualtiesonMargetta’sside.Andwe
wereabletosendnineInvictuspairstoEthanandSamanthaforseparationandrehab.”

Ianwantedtorejoice;thiswasallgoodnews.Butastonesatonhisheart.“Gladtohearit.”
Benfellsilentforalongmoment.Ian’sgazehadsettledonachokeberryshrubtwentyfeetfromthe

window.Aredcardinalwasflittingaroundlikehewaslost,thensuddenlydartedaway.

“Allright,mastyr,what’sgoingon?”
Ianshookhishead.BencouldreadhimbetterthananyoftheGuardsmenorevenanyoftheother

rulingmastyrs.Ofcourse,BenwasatmastyrlevelhimselfandnotfarbehindIaninpower,whichmeant,
yeah,hecouldreadIan.“I’vejustlearnedRegan’sabloodrose.Andbeforeyoucongratulateme,believe
me,thissucks.”

Benremainedsilentforseveralbeats.“Areyoukiddingme?Why,Regan,ofallwomen?”
SomethinginsideIanrelaxed.Benunderstoodthenatureofthedilemma.
Bencontinued.“Oh,shit.”
“What?”
“IjustrealizedIwon’tbeabletobearoundher.”
“Unlessyou’reinterestedinbondingwithabloodrose.”
“Notfunny,Ian.”
“No,itisn’t.”
Oncemore,Bengrewquiet.IanknewhisbestfriendneededtoprocesstheinformationasmuchasIan

did.TheattackonRaven’sOverlookhadtakenthelifeofBen’solderbrotheraswell,adevoted
GuardsmannamedSean.

ButBenhadneverfaultedReganforthemassacre.Ifanything,he’dtakenresponsibilityforthe

disasterhimself.He’dbeenondutyandsomehowhe’dmisreadtheInvictusmovementthatnightandan
entirevillagehaddied.

ButIanhadneverthoughtforamomentBenwastoblame.Andsohelphim,aslongashehadbreath,

onedayhe’dmakeReganseehowshe’dbeenindenialforfivelongcenturies.

“Listen,Ian,getsomerest.You’vehadashittymonth.AndwhateveryoumightthinkofRegan,she’s

servedtheNineRealmsfaithfullyforalongtimeandI’mgladshe’sokay.Callmelaterwhenyou’reup
forthenight.I’llbehappytotakechargeoftheGuardandtheBrigadeforhoweverlongyouneed.My
guessisMargettawillbeonthehuntforRegan.”

“Thanks,Ben.Can’ttellyouhowmuchthatmeanstome.Butbeforeyougo,there’sonethingI’dlike

youtodoforme.”WhenhedeliveredhisrequestforBentofindareplacementjacketforRegan,Bensaid
he’dseewhathecoulddo.

WhenBenhungup,IanspentthenextseveralminutestalkingwithZaneofSwanicott,reassuringhim

thatReganwaswell.HealsotoldhimwhatReganhadsaidaboutthesizeofMargetta’sarmy,towhich
Zanewhistledlowandaddedonepowerful‘motherfucker’.

“What’stheplan?”Zaneasked.
Thequestionwaslogical,butIan’sbrainwasn’tfunctioningattopspeed.Heswirledhiswineinthe

clearglassgoblet.“HellifIknow.I’mstilladjusting.”

“ToReganinyourhouse?”Zanewasalsoagoodfriendandhadaskedtherightquestion.
“Thatandsomethingelse.”Hedidn’twanttospeakthewordsaloudagain,butheneededtofaceupto

hisnewreality,thesoonerthebetter.“Regan’sabloodrose.”

Zanerespondedashehadbeforeandanotherbeautiful‘motherfucker’lefthislips.“AndRegan,ofall

women.Yet,Idon’tknow.”Hepaused,then,“Itfeelsrighttome.”

“Sincewhenareyou‘feeling’anything,myfriend?”
Zanelaughed,adeepresonantsoundhehadn’theardinmaybethewholeofZane’slife.“Since

Olivia,that’swhen.SweetGoddess,thatwomancanmakemelaugh.AndIseealotofthingsdifferently
now.”

“No,shit.”Iandidn’tthinkhecouldhandlemuchmoreofZane’scurrentpositivitygainedfromhis

recentbondtohisownbloodrose.

Hefrownedashesettledhiselbowonthearmofhisleatherchair.Herubbedhisforeheadwithhis

thumb,thenlookedattheetchedsilverringshewore.“I’llsayonething.It’sincrediblenothavingpain.”

“I’mwithyouthere.”Zanepausedforamoment,thenloweredhisvoice,“Ian,it’snotsobadhavinga

bloodroseenteryourlife.There’sacertainamountofmysterytotheprocess.IcanonlysayOlivia
changedjustabouteverythingforme,andallofitgood.TrytobeopentoReganifyoucan,thoughI
know,givenyourhistory,itwouldbetough.”

Zanedidn’tknowthehalfofit.“Yes,itwould.ButIwantedyoutoknowI’vegotherandshe’ssafe.

I’llprobablybringherbacktoSwanicottlaterthisevening.”

“Youdowhatyougottado.”

~~~

Reganheldtheedgeoftheblanketbetweenherindexandmiddlefingers,rubbingbackandforth.

She’dsoothedherselfthiswayfromthetimeshewasachild.Theshowerhadbeenheaven,andher
escapefromMargetta’sfortresswasawaveofreliefthatkeptdelivering.

Herhairwasdampaswerehercheeks.Shewasn’tevensurewhyshewept.MaybeforSandraand

therestofthoseenslavedbyMargetta.Butalsobecauseshe’dfoughtwithIanandbecausehe’dnever
forgivenherforsomethingshehadn’tdone.

Shedoubtedheeverwould.
Hebelievedshe’dbewitchedhiminsomefae-ishway,thoughshehadn’t.She’dneverdoneanything

likethatinherlifeandneverwould.UnlikethepowerfulVojalie,whocouldenthralleasilyandtakeover
themindsofthoselesspowerfulthanherself,Regan’sabilitywasquitelimited.

Hisaccusationshadcutdeepforsomanyreasons.Howcouldhehaveknownherallthemonths

they’dbeenlovers,yetnotreallyknownwhoshewas,herintegrity,herinnocence?

Shewipedathertearssomemore.
Shewasn’tsureshe’dbeabletosleep.Shethrewbackhercovers,andthoughIanhadgivenherone

ofhisfreshlylaunderedt-shirtstosleepin,sheneededsomethingelse.

Roamingthehouse,shewentintothelivingroomandfoundexactlywhatshewaslookingfor.Asmall

leatherpillowwithacrinkledtexturesatagainstthegraywoolsofaback.

Shepickeditupandpressedittohernose.
Thereitwas,therich,deepforestandfernscentthatshe’dsmelledearlier.
Shereturnedtoherbedroomandclosedthedoortight.
Crawlingbackintobed,shedraggedhernoseacrosstheleatheroncemore,thenheldthepillowto

herchest.

Withinafewminutes,shewassoundasleep.

~~~

Thatnight,asIansatinthekitchen,heheardRegan’sfootstepsinthehall,thenheardhercallout,

“What’sthis?”

HeliftedhisheadfromtheCamberlauneChronicle,shiftinghisgazetoherasshedrewclosetothe

marbleisland.Sheheldupthenewsoftblackleatherjacket,theonehe’daskedBentohuntdownforhim.
Foralastminute’snotice,Benhaddonewell.Ofcourse,hehadseveraltrollsonhisstaffwho’d
probablydonethelegworkduringthedaygiventhattrollshadnoaversiontosunlight.

“Youmeanthejacket?”
“Well,yeah.Wherediditcomefrom?ItlooksalmostidenticaltotheoneMargettatookfromme.”
Reganlookedamazinginhersnugjeansandleatherankleboots.Herbraidedbelthadcinchedinher

waisttoaperfecthand-measuringsizeandhewantedhishandsonher.

He’dawakenedwithanarousalsohard,he’dstayedinonepositionforalongtimejusttryingto

breathe.Theurgencyhe’dexperiencedtocrosstotheguestroomandtakethewomaninbedthenand
therestillhadhisthighsinarestlessstate.

Evennow,justlookingatherandcatchinghersweetjasmineandlimescent,hadhimshiftinginhis

seatandtryingtogetmorecomfortable.Theneedsofhiscockfusedwithhismind,andheknewwordsof
anykindwouldn’tcomeeasily.Despitethehandicap,hestruggledon,forcinghismindtoputafew
sentencestogether.“Uh,thejacket.Yeah.ItoldBenwhathappenedandhefoundthisforyou.”Hewaved
atthecoat.“Hopeit’stherightsize.Oliviasentovertherestofyourclothesandmake-up.Everything
okay?”

Shefrowned.“Everything’sfine.”Sheloweredherhandandstaredatthejacket.“Great,really.AndI

doappreciatethis.”

“Uh,good.”Herepressedaneye-rollathisinabilitytoproperlyexpresshimself.Buthecouldn’tget

overhowprettyshelookedwithhersmokylavendereye-shadowswepttoapointoneachlidandher
browsarchedanddarkwithwhateverwomendidtotheireyebrows.Hecouldtellshe’dworkedonher
hair.Itwaspoufy,thewayshelikedtowearitandhadasortofwaveinback,infactafewwaves.

Hisgazefelltoherlips.She’dalwayshadbeautiful,fulllips,andtheygleamedwithgloss,oratleast

hewasprettysurethat’swhatshecalledit.Hewantedtospendsometimegettingitoffher,takingsome
ontohisownlips.

“Thanksforthecomplimentandthejacket,”sheadded,thoughherfrownhaddeepened.Shelaythe

jacketoverthebackofthenearestbarstool.“You’reactingkindofweird.”

Heshookhishead.“Ifeelweird.Idon’thaveanypainandmyeyesdon’thurtanymore.”
Herarchedbrowsrose.“Theydon’t?”
“Notevenalittle.Anothersidebenefitofyourrecentdonation,Iguess.Wantsomecoffee?”Herose

ashespoke,andpickedupawhiteceramicmug,wavingitinherdirection,waitingforherdecision.

“Uh,sure.Yes.Absolutely.SweetGoddess,theswillMargettaserved.Ittastedlikesherolledthe

beansinthemudbeforegrindingthem.”

Hecrossedtothecoffeemakerandpouredheracup.“You’lllikethis,then.Ihaveacolonyoftrolls

inthemountainswhodonothingbutgrowcoffeebeans.TheGuardsmentaketurnsmakingsurethe
Invictusdon’tbotherthem.We’realladdicted.”

Hehandedherthemug,whichshetookinbothhands.Takingherfirstsip,shemoanedsoftly.
Thesoundwasunfortunate.Hestillrememberedallthenoisesshecouldmakewhenhehadherin

bed,fromthesoftestcootothethroatiestgroan.Ofcourse,theutteranceshadnothingtodowithtasting
coffeeandeverythingtodowithhisneedtositdownagainandtrytoignoreheroratleastherdamn
womanlyscent.

Goddesshelphim.
“I’mtakingyoubacktoSwanicottatfull-dark.”

Herbrowsrose.“Youthinkthat’swise?”
Hedrewadeepbreath,tryingtofindsomewaytokeephislustforherfromtakingover.“Ithinkit’s

forthebest.”

Shesatdownonthebarstoolandshookherhead.“Isitbecauseofourlovelyconversationearlier

thismorning?”

“Thoughtyou’dbringthatup.”Hedidn’tlookatherashereachedforhisownmugandtookhistime

refilling.Hethenreturnedtohisstool.

Heneededhertoleave,butshe’daskedtherightquestion:wasitwiseforhertogo?Hehadnothing

toofferher,noreasontoprompthertostay.“ItoldZaneaboutthefortressandtheencampments.”

“Whatdidhesay?”
“Otherthanexpressinghishorrorwithafewwell-chosenwords,notmuch.Ithinkwe’rebothin

shock.He’llbehereinanhourorso.Stoneaswell.AndI’vehadmycommunicationscentergetintouch
withtherestofthemastyrs,lettingthemknowwhat’sgoingon.”

Shenodded,staringatthecounter.“Thanksagainforbeingatthegorge,forhuntingforme.IknowI

couldn’thavegottenoutoftherebymyself.”

Hefrowned.“I’mstillnotsurewhyshedidn’tmakeitharderforyoutogetaway.”
Shemethisgazesquareon.“I’vebeenthinkingthesamething.Ifshe’dreallywantedtokeepme

there,shewouldhavepostedguardsorsomething.Orhadapatrolontheroof.Orevenchainedmetothe
wall.Although…”

“What?”
“Idon’tknow,Ian.Herconfidencetroublesme.IknowImentionedthislastnight,buthersuperior

attitudehasmeworriedmorethananythingelseshe’sdoneoverthepastyear.Eventhoughshewas
defeatedoutatAngler’sCliff,shedoesn’tseemconcernedatall.”

Heturnedthemuginhishands,thentappedhisthumbringagainsttheceramic.“Yourinabilitytosee

allthetentsintheencampmentbecauseofthespellhasmeworried.Imean,whatyou’vedescribed
soundsmassiveallbyitself.”

Regansethercupdownandslidoffherstool.Shewalkedtotheeasternwindowwithavistaleading

totheLeberionPlain.

Theshuttershadalreadycomeup,thesunhavingsetontheothersideofthehouse.Fromtheeastern

view,shewouldbeabletoseetheforestonbothsidesofthegorge.

“Ihavetogoback,”shesaid.
“Andyoushould.Youshouldbewithyourpeople.”Hisgazefelltotheshapeofherass,thesnug

jeanshelpinghimtovisualizehernaked.Hementallyplacedahandonherleftcheek.HelovedRegan’s
figure.

Sheturned,lookingathimoverhershoulder,andshookherhead.“NottoSwanicott.Imeanthe

fortress.Iwanttoflyoverthereatfull-darkandseewhatthemisttellsme.Youhavetoremember,Ionly
sawthemistwhenIwastryingtoescape.Itwasn’tvisiblefromthetowerandIneedtostudyit,atleast
forafewminutes.”

“Youdidn’tseethemistwhenyoufirstarrived?”
“Iwasunconscious.Iwokeupinthetowerinalotofpain.”
Ianrepressedashudder.Hehatedtheideathatshe’dsuffered.“Well,there’snowayI’mlettingyou

getanywherenearthemist.”Hesethismugdownandrosefromhisseatatthesametime.“Ijustgotyou
outofthefortress.Itwouldbefoolishashelltobeanywherenearthatplace.”

“Temper,Ian.”Sheofferedhimatauntingsmile.Shecouldalwayssetuphisback.
Hegrittedhisteeth,grindinghismolars.“Nowayyou’regoingbackthere.”

“Really?”Shepivotedinhisdirection.“Areyouforbiddingme?”
“Hell,yeah,Iam.”Oncemoreawarethathisvisionhadbeenhealed,thatnotevenindoorlighthurt

hiseyesanylonger,hecrossedtoher.“Thisismyrealm,incaseyou’veforgotten,andmywordislaw.
Youarenotreturningtothefortress,themist,thegorge,nowhere.IwantyouinSwanicott.”

Shemovedwithinahandfulofinchesfromhim.“IfIcanfindawaytohelpallofyoubringthat

womandown,thenI’lldowhateverIneedtodo.Iwanttohelp,andforthatIneedtobeclosetothe
spelledmist.Besides,you’renottheonewhowasstuckinMargetta’sfortress,whohadtoendureher
torture.”

“Andyou’renottheonewhosatinthedirtnightafternight,prayingforsomekindofopeninginthe

shieldingmistsoIcouldfindyou.”

Anarrestedexpressionenteredherdoeeyes.Healwaysforgothowbeautifulshewasuntilhestood

thisclosetoher.Herskinwaslikecream,hercheekboneshigh,andthefaepointofherchinsofterthan
most.Hereyesweresowarmhisheartachedjustlookingather.Hersweetjasmine-limescentroseina
suddenwave,apowerfulreminderhislifehadchangedbecauseReganwasabloodrose.

“Iwasn’tthinkingofwhatyouwentthrough,”shesaidinaquietvoice.“Onlywhatneedstobedone.”
“Andwhatdoyouthinkthatis?”heasked.
Herbrowsrose.“Todestroyherarmy,ofcourse.”
“Soyourintentionistoswingby,takealookatthemist,hopetohellsheorahundredofherInvictus

pairsaren’thangingaroundlookingforyou,thenheadtoSwanicott.”

“Somethinglikethat.OncebackattheFaeGuild,I’llstartworkingonacounter-spell.Ijustneedto

getafeelforhermist,howsheconstructedit.AnditwouldhelpifIwasthere.”

“It’stoodangerousrightnow.Myguessisshe’llhavepartofherarmyouthuntingforyoutonightasit

is.”

Shecaughthisarm.“Thentakemeoutthereyourself.”
“Youdon’tknowwhatyou’reasking.Margettawillbeonguardnow.She’llbewaitingforyou.”
Buthergazefelltowhereherfingersnowtouchedhisskin.“Youstillworkout.”Hervoicehad

deepenedandsoundedhoarse.

Desirerosealloveragainasherememberedhowshelikedtotouchhimanddootherthings.Noone

hadeverpleasedhimasmuchasRegan.Atthesametime,herhandfellawayandsheshiftedtolookback
outthewindow.Shecrossedherarmsoverherchest.“Ishouldn’thavetouchedyou.SweetGoddess,I’m
scared.”

Nothingshe’dsaidhadsurprisedhimmorethanthesewords.“YoushouldbeafraidofMargetta.”
“No,that’snotit.Imean,yesIamafraidoftheAncientFae.”Shewavedahandbetweenthem.“It’s

youandme.I’mafraidofgettingsuckedbackin.”Hereyeswidenedassheturnedbacktohim.“Youhurt
me,Ian.You’restillhurtingme.”

“Andyou’vedonethesametome.”
“Ididn’tcausethemassacre.”
“Butyoumightaswellhavebecauseyouenthralledme,thewaythepowerfulfaecando.Youreyes

oftenturnedsilverwhenweweretogether,thewayVojalie’sdowhenshe’sreadingpeople,entrancing
them,takingtheirmindsunaware.Youenthralledme,Regan,keepingmebyyoursidewhenIshouldhave
beencaringformypeople.Mysisterdiedandmytwonieces.Benlosthisbrother.Thiswillalwaysbe
yourfault.YoudidsomethingtomebackthenandI’llneverforgiveyouforit.”

Hemovedawayfromher,allhisrageflowingoncemoreinaheavytornadothroughhishead.He

couldrecallwhatithadbeenlikethatnight,flyingslowlythroughRaven’sOverlookandseeingbloodon
everydoorstep,childreninpieces,severalofhisGuardsmendecapitated.Thefuneralpyrehadbeen

enormousandburnedfortwodaysinordertoproperlysendallthedeadtotheafterlife.

He’dweptoverhissisterandhergirls.Herhusbandhadbeenkilledaswell.Hisgriefhadbeen

almostunbearable.

“You’rewrong,”shecountered.“Idon’thavetheabilitytoenthrall,notlikethat,andcertainlynot

someoneatyourpowerlevel.I’vetalkedthisoverwithVojalieandevenshedoesn’tknowwhymyeyes
turnsilver,butitisn’taboutenthrallment.Youcanaskheryourself.”

Heflaredhisnostrils,hislipsturningdown.“Soyou’vebecomealiaraswell.”
Shemovedclosetohimoncemore,herfistsclenchedathersides,breathingfireathim.Herdark

eyesflashedheranger.“Neverthat,Ian,andyouknowit.”

Heknewhewasanimposingman,givenhismassandhisstrength.Buthereshewas,theslenderfae

woman,atleastseveninchesshortthanhe,andshedidn’thesitatetostanduptohim.She’dsaidshewas
afraid,butheknewshehadalotofnaturalcourageandherespectedherforit.

He’dneverwantedtobelieveshewasliar,butwhatotherconclusioncouldhedraw?Reganwasone

ofthemostpowerfulfaeintheNineRealms.KnownastheRubyFae,she’dsatontheFaeCouncilin
TannisfordRealmforatleasttwocenturiesbeforeleavingtocreatetheFaeGuildretreatinherhome
realmofSwanicott.

Shewashighlyrespected,notjustinthefaecommunitybutinalltherealm-folkcommunitiesoftheir

world.She’devenhelpedMastyrZaneandOliviadefeatasmallarmyofInvictusoutattheDeadZone
nearAngler’scliffinSwanicott.ReganhaddispelledMargetta’snon-mistbasedshieldwhichhadkepta
massiveInvictuscamphiddenfordecades.

Buthe’dalwaysbelievedheraccomplishmentsreflectedherguiltyconscience,herattemptstoatone

forhermisdeedinkeepinghimawayfromCamberlauneatacriticalhour.Hebelievednothinglessnow.

“GohometoSwanicott,Regan,becauseIwon’tallowyoutoheadbackupthegorge.Leavethewar

tothemastyrs.”

Heturnedhisbacktoher,pulledouthiscellandcontactedZane.HetoldZanetoholdoffcomingto

CamberlaunebecausehewasreturningRegantotheSwanicottFaeGuild.Healsoaskedhimtocontact
StoneandtellhimtowaituntilIanwasbackinCamberlaunebeforecomingtohim.Thelastthinghe
wantedwasapowerfulmastyrlikeStonegettinganywherenearRegan.

~~~

ReganmovedpastIan.Inthespaceofafewminutes,theirrelationshiphadrevertedtoalltheold

issues.Besidesthefacthe’dcalledheraliar,Ianhadalwaysthrownhisweightaroundanychancehegot.

Butshe’dbeeninchargeofherownlifeforavery,verylongtime.Shealsohadastrongopinion

abouttheircurrentsituation.Reganhadbeenawomanoffaithfromthetimeshecouldremember.Andin
heropinion,theGoddessneverdidanythingwithoutapurpose,includinghermiraculousescapefromthe
fortress.

Addtothattheundeniablefactshe’dhelpedZaneandOliviademolishtheInvictuscampatAngler’s

Cliff,Reganfeltinherbonesshewasmeanttohavearolenow.Butitwouldn’tbeabadthingtohead
backtoSwanicottandaskforfaeassistancetobreakthespell.MaybeshecouldpersuadeZanetotake
herwithalargeportionoftheSwanicottGuardbacktoDarkGorgeandthemist.

Fornow,sheneededabreakfromIan’srecriminations.
“GiventhatMargettamaybeinpursuit,I’llflyyouhome.”
“Thatwouldprobablybebest.”
“You’renotgoingtofightmeanymore?”
“Inthiscase,Ithinkyou’reright.Margettamighthaveherarmyoutlookingformeandyouareamuch

fasterflyerthanIam.So,yeah,justtakemebacktoSwanicott.”

Reganputonthenewleatherjacket,thencollectedtheclothesandtoiletriesOliviahadsentover.She

placedtheminthestripedvioletandwhitesatchelthey’dcomein.Whenshereturnedtothefoyer,the
doorwaswideopenandIanstoodwithhisbacktoher.Hefilledthespacefromonedoorjambtothe
other.

Atsix-six,andbuiltlikeatank,hewasabigman,verymuchinMastyrJude’smold.
Hisattentionwasfixedonthenightsky,soshestoppedandallowedherselfagoodlonglook.

Becausehisarmswerebare,shehadastellarviewofhisripped,cordedmuscles.Heworethe
sleeveless,blackleatherGuardcoatwhichhungtomid-calf.Hislong,darkhair,gatheredinawoven
clasp,hungwelldownhisback.She’dalwayslovedthetraditionalGuardsmanlength.

Afamiliaraffectionroseupwithinherbeforeshecouldstopitandherheartswelledsobigshefelt

likeherchestwouldexplode.Damn.She’dalwayslovedhim.

Andhe’dalwaysblamedher.
Inaminorway,she’dfaultedherselfaswellorattheveryleastbothofthem.They’dbeensocaught

upintheirloveaffair,maybeithadcausedIantomisscriticalsignsthatamajorInvictusoffensivewas
onthewind.

Themassacrehadpulverizedthemboth,endingtheiraffairthatverynight.
Sheknewshehadn’tdoneashe’dsaid;shehadn’tenthralledhim.Butiftheyhadn’tbeeninvolved,

hadn’tlovedeachothersodeeply,wouldthemassacrehaveeverhappened?WouldIanhaveseenthe
signsinhisrealm?Hadhisloveforherandhisdrivetowardherpreventedhimfrombeingaproperruler
ofhisrealm?

Maybewhathurtmost,however,washetrulybelievedhercapableofsuchhorrendouswrong-doing.

Although,shesuspectedhe’dbeenusingherasascapegoattosalvehisownfeelingsofguilt.Yet,Ian
hadn’tdoneanythingwrong;he’djustlovedher.

Butshecouldn’tchangethepastorhisbeliefs.
Sheliftedherchin.“I’mreadytogo.”
Ianturnedinherdirectionandheldouthisarmtoher.Hewasaquickflyeranddespitetheocean

betweentherealms,he’dhaveherhomeinnotime.

Shecrossedthefoyerandwentoutsidewithhim,savoringforabriefmomentthefeelofhishandon

thesmallofherback.Heeventookhersatchelfromher.“I’llcarryit.”

Assheclimbedaboardhisfoot,hepathedsoftly,Regan.Justhername,butshewasalwayssurprised

bythewayhisvoicesoundedsodeepandsupremelysexyevenwithinhermind.

Yes?Sheresponded.Didyouforgetsomething?
Whenheslidhisarmaroundherwaist,itwasallshecoulddotokeepfromcryingout.Itwaslike

beingheldinthemostbeautifulembrace,eventhoughitwasjustasimpleflighthold.

Apologies.Ishouldn’thaveyelledatyou.
Whichpartexactly?Shehadtoaskthequestion.Shedidn’twantanymisunderstandings.
Forsayingwhatdidn’tneedtoberepeated.YouknowwhatIbelieve,butIdidn’tmeantodistress

you.

Youdidn’t.Youmademefuriousthenreallysadthatyouholdsuchawretchedopinionofme.No,

pleasedon’tsayanythingmore.Justtakemehome.

Sheslidherarmaroundhisneck,butsetherfaceforward.
Shewasdone.
Shementallystartedmakingplans.AssoonasIanhadhersafelybackattheFaeGuildretreat,she

wouldcontacttheFaeCouncilinTannisfordandmakeacaseforthemostpowerfulfaetoworkwithher

toeradicateMargetta’smist-spell.She’dseenenoughbeforeherescapetoknowitwasmuchmore
complexthanthespellthathadhiddentheInvictuscampnearAngler’sCliff.

ShefeltIan’smusclesshiftinawaythatmeanthewasreadytolevitateandtakeoffflying.Then,he

stopped,hisbodygrowingoddlystiff.

“Shit.Stone’shere.Zanemustnothavereachedhimintime.”
Stone,MastyrofTannisfordRealm,droppeddowninfrontofthem,fifteenfeetdistant.Hewastaller

thanIan,almostsix-seven,hadthick,wavy,blackhair,unusualgreeneyes,andmoretatsthanevenIan.
HisappearancehadalwaysremindedReganofahawk,thewayhiseyesfocusedlikeapredatoron
whateverhewaslookingat.

Herheartpickedupitscadence.SheblinkedacoupleoftimesbecauseStonehadneverlookedmore

handsomeinhislife,thoughshecouldn’tsaywhy.Asuddenandverypowerfuldesirebegantorisewithin
her.She’dalwayslikedandadmiredStone,butshe’dneverexperiencedaromanticinterestinhimlike
shedidnow.

Shealsofelthischronicbloodstarvationlikeapressureagainstherbreastbone.Shewantedtofeed

him.Neededto.Andsheneededtodoitnow.

Ataboutthesametime,shefeltsomethingverystrangeflowthroughIan,avibrationunfamiliarto

Regan.Themusclesofhisbackflexedandreleasedonlytotightenagain.

Astrangechuffingsoundcameoutofhisthroat.Shelookedupathim,shockedtoseethathisfangs

hadsettledlowonhislips.“Ian?”

Alowgrowlcamefromhisthroatasheslowlyslidhisarmfromaroundhertheneasedheraway

fromhim.Atthelastmoment,hepushedherbehindhim.

“Getinthehouse.Now.”Hisvoicewaslow,almostunrecognizable.
Regandidn’tunderstanduntilsheheardStonegrowlaswell.Hestaredather,ahungryglintinhis

eye,nostrilsflared,fangsonhislips.

Oh,no.
Itwasallsonewshe’dforgotten:shewasabloodrose.AndStonewasoneofthemostpowerfulof

alltherulingmastyrs.

Herheartsetupaheavyracket,thepulsesoundinginherears.Thebloodrosepartofherfeltramped

upandexcitedbeyondwordsforwhatwasabouttohappen.Theotherpart,thesensible,womanlyfae
partknewthesemenwereindeeptroublesinceeachhadquicklydevolvedintoaprimordialstate.

Shetrembledfrombothexcitementandhorror.Sheneededtodosomething,yetshewasunableto

move;shewantedtoseethemenfightforher.

Ianchargedfirst,levitatingandflyingatStonesofasthewasonlyablur.Usinghishead,hecaught

Stoneinthechest,forcinghimbackwardseveralyards.HelandedontopofStoneatthefootofalarge
bouldernoteightfeetfromthecliffedge.

WhenIanroseup,Stoneflewupwardwithacombinationoflevitationandsheerstrength,catching

Ian’schinwithhisfist.

AsIan’sheadjerkedback,heflewinanarcthroughtheair,thencametoearthwithadullthud,

landingonhisbacknotfarfromwhereshestood.ButbythetimeStonemovedinagain,Ianwasalready
onhisfeetandthebattlewason.

Fistsflew,themengruntedwhenstruckandattimeshowledwithakindoffuryReganhadnever

heardbefore.

Theywereequallymatchedandastheystruckeachother,theynearedthecliffedge.Regan’s

excitementbegantowearoff,replacedbyanalmostparalyzingdread.

Shebegantoshakeasthenatureofthebattlesettledinhard.Thiswouldbeafighttothedeathover

possessionofher.

Andshecouldn’tletithappen.Shecouldn’tbethecauseoftheNineRealmslosingoneoftheirmost

powerfulmastyrsatatimewhentheirworldwasonthebrinkofacivilization-endingwar.

Shesanktoherknees.
Shehadtolookawayfromthebattlingpairandcloseherearstotheirterriblegutturalsounds.
ShehadtoreachVojalieandshehadtodoitnow.
Therewasonethingshedidunderstandaboutherbloodrosestate.Allthewomenwhoforwhatever

reasonlaunchedintothisnewstateofbeingalsogainedpower.

Shetookdeepbreathsandletherbloodroseabilityaddnewstrengthtohertelepathicskill.The

resultingvibrationstunnedher,butshemadequickworkandsummonedtheonewomanwhocouldhelp
her.

Vojalie,shepathed.I’mintrouble.Pleasehearme.Vojalie,IlearnedearlythismorningI’ma

bloodroseandrightnowMastyrsStoneandIanarebattling,butneitherisinpossessionofarational
mind.Theywillfighttothedeathifsomethingisn’tdone.Canyouhelpme?

Foramoment,nothingreturned,butitwasn’tVojaliewhoresponded.InsteadDavido,herhusband,a

veryancientandpowerfultroll,pathed,We’llbewithyouinamatterofseconds.Stayoutofharm’sway
andwe’lljoinyouatyourlocation.

ThanktheGoddess,wasallshecouldthinktorespond.
Tearsstreakeddownhercheeksassherosetoherfeet,herkneesshaking.Shestayedput,hatingthe

soundsofthemenroaringateachother,thesemenwhohadalwaysbeensuchexcellentfriends.Eachhad
bloodpouringoffhisbodyandsomanybruises.

Theywerewithintwofeetofthecliffedge.Reganshouted,“Ian.Stone.Lookwhereyouare!”If

eithertumbledoffwithoutengagingtheirlevitationskills,theycouldhitthecliffwallandbeknocked
unconscious.Withfivehundredfeettogo,seriousinjuryandpossiblydeathcouldfollow.

Butshemightaswellhavewhisperedforallthegooditdid.
Thenextmoment,shefeltthearrivalofVojalieandDavido.Sheturnedtothem.“I’msograteful

you’vecome.Ididn’tknowwhatelsetodo.Ican’tstopthem.”

“Perfectlyunderstandable,”Davidosaid.Nooneknewhisexactage,onlythathe’dlivedaverylong

timeandwasaswiseashewasold.Healsohadatremendousamountofpower.

Andasthetwomentooktheirbattleoverthecliff,Davidolevitatedafewfeetofftheground,

somethingmosttrollscouldn’tdo.Hethenheadedafterthemanddisappearedintothegorgeaswell.

Reganputahandtoherchest.Anythingcouldhappeninasituationlikethis.
Don’tworry,thepowerfulfaepathed.Davidowilltakecareofthis.You’llsee.
Reganbegancountingherbreaths.Shewantedtogototheedgeoftheclifftoseewhathadhappened,

butcouldn’tmakeherfeetmove.

Thenextmoment,allthreemenreturned,levitatingabovetheedgeofthegorge,Davidobetweenand

holdingeachbythearm.

BothIanandStoneappearedconfusedasthoughtheydidn’tknowwhathadhappened.
VojalieurgedRegantoreturntothehousewithher.“Letthemenfigurethisoutfirst.”
“Absolutely.”
Nowthattheterrifyingsituationhadbeenbroughttoanend,Reganshookworsethanever.Herlegs

feltrubberyasshemadeherwaybackintothefoyer.

ItlookedlikeherplantoreturntoSwanicottwouldn’tbeassimpleasshe’dimagined.Therewere

othermastyrvampiresineachoftherealms.IfsheleftIan’ssideandoneofthemcameafterher,sheknew
bythestrengthofherreactiontoStone,shewouldn’tbeabletoresistbondingwiththefirstonetogain

herattention.

Bettertostickclosetothedevilsheknew,especiallysinceIanwouldresistcompletingtheblood

rosebondwithher.Inthatsense,shecouldbuyalotoftimehereinCamberlaune.

Anywhereelse,she’dbeatrisk.

CHAPTERTHREE

Afewminuteslater,withRegansafelyensconcedinhislibrary,IansatoppositeStoneinhisliving

room.Stoneheldanicepacktohisfaceandkeptmovinghisjawbackandforth.Hesatonanottoman,his
bodyangledforwardwithoneelbowsupportedonhisthigh.

Ianleanedbackonthesofa,apackoffrozenpeaspressedtothebridgeofhisnose.Stonehadgotten

inseveralmajorhits,butthisonehadpracticallyslammedhisnoseintohisbrain.Davidohaddonehima
solidandsetthebone.

Oh,shithadithurt.
Davido’sblueeyesglitteredasheglancedfromonemantotheother.“SorryImissedthefirstpartof

thebrawl.Musthavebeenasighttosee.”Herubbedhishandstogether.

StoneglancedatIan,andofferedacrookedsmile.Hislipwasbleeding.“Itwasasighttohurt,I’ll

saythat.”

Ianchuckled.“Itwas.”
“AndIan,thoseringsofyours…brutal.”
“Whatwerewethinking?”
Atthat,ashardofconcernpassedthroughStone’sswolleneyes.“Ididn’tthink.IsawReganandI

wasdonefor.Whydidn’tyouwarnmeshewasabloodrose?”

“Zanewassupposedtoheadyouoff.Didn’thecall?”
Stoneshookhishead.“Myphonerang,butIwasalreadyinflight.Andhemighthavetriedpathing,

butlatelymytelepathicfrequencyhasbeenhit-and-miss.”

Iannodded.“Ithappens.”
Stonenarrowedhiseyes.“Butwereyouactuallygoingtoletheroutofyoursight?”
Ianshookhishead,shiftinghisgazetothefloor,workingtothinkitallthrough.“Idon’tknowwhatto

tellyou.Iknewwhattheothermastyrshadsaidontheloop.GuessIhadn’tthoughtitout,ornotasfarasI
neededto.”

Davidobroughthimascotchneat.Iandrankitquickly,butcameupsputtering.Evenhisthroatfelt

swollenfromthefight.

Finally,heansweredStone’squestion.“Itwasalltoonewandwe’dbeenquarrelingaswedowhen

wespendmorethanafewminutesineachother’scompany.Ineededhertoleaveandshewantedtogo.”
Heshookhisheadseveraltimes.“Ican’tbelieveIwasgoingtotakehertoSwanicottandleaveher
there.”

Thehorrorofwhathe’dalmostdoneandhowhewouldhaveessentiallyleftherwideopentoother

mastyrs,madeeverybruiseonhisbodythrob.Hisnosestartedbleedingagain.

Davidobroughthimacoupleoftissuesandrefilledhistumbler.
Ianpluggedupbothnostrils.Hethenleanedhisheadontothecushion,removedthebagofpeasand

pinchedthebridgeofhisnose.Afteraminute,hegentlypushedthetissueasideandslowlysippedthe
scotch.Theburndidhimsomegood.

He’dengagedhishealingpower,mostofitfocusedonhissmashednose.ButsweetGoddess,hehurt

insomanyplaces,hewasafraidtomove.

“So,tellmeaboutthefortress,”Stonesaid.
IanrelatedeverythingReganhadtoldhim,addingthatbecauseofthemist,he’donlyseenasmall

portionofoneofthesouth-facingstonewalls.“Butthearmysize,accordingtoRegan,wouldindicatewe
wouldneedtojoinforcestoaccomplishmuchofanything.”

Stonenodded,shiftinghisicepacktohisoppositecheek.Davidoofferedhimatumbleraswelland

Stonetookit,throwingitback,thenwincing.“Shouldn’thavedonethat.Ian,whatthehelldidyoudoto
myneck?”

Iancouldonlylaugh,buthegroanedafterwardsincehisribsached.“Notsure.Butifitmakesyoufeel

anybetter,Ithinkyoubrokeacoupleofmyribs.”

“No,itdoesn’thelpatall.”ButStonesmiledasheslowlyblewairfromhischeeksthentookanother

gulpofwhisky.

Ian’sthoughtstookaturnasheconsideredRegan’sbloodrosestate.Hownaïvehe’dbeen,ormaybe

justignorant,tothinkhecoulddropheroffinSwanicottandnotthinktwiceaboutit.

Buteventhesefewthoughtsbroughthisfangsdescending.Heknewtherewereseverallessermastyr

vampiresinSwanicottwhowouldhavebeenequallydrawntoReganaseitherheorStonewere.

Agrowlescapedhisthroatbeforehecouldpreventit.
“So,”Davidodrawled.“What’sgoingonnow?AreyouplanningtoattackMastyrStoneagain?DoI

needtopreparemyselftointerveneoncemore?”

IanglancedatDavido,wonderingwhatthehellhewastalkingabout,thencametoasudden

awarenessofhisfang-state.Hecoveredhismouthwithhishand.“Shit,sorry.Iwasthinkingaboutwhat
couldhavehappenedifI’dactuallytakenReganbacktoherrealm.”Heworkedatretractinghisfangs.

Davidostaredathim,hisblueeyestwinklingwithamusement.
HewasoneoftheugliesttrollsIanhadeverknown.Hisskinwasheavilywrinkled,andhisthree

foreheadridgerollssproutedhairinafewplaces.

Despitehislackoflooks,womenflockedtotheshortmanbecauseofhisabundantcharisma.That

he’dwooedandwonthebeautifulVojaliespoketohisnaturemorethananythingelse.Hewasagood
man,anexcellentfather,andmadeastronghabitofnottakinglifetooseriously.Infact,allhedidat
presentwasservetwomastyrvampiresahealthydoseofscotch;hedidn’tevendispenseadvice.

“WhatamIsupposedtodo,Davido?YouknowmyhistorywithRegan.”
ThethreerollsofDavido’sforeheadsquinchedup.“Now,howamIsupposedtohaveananswerto

suchaquestion?I’mnotavampireforonethingnordoIhavethesmallestideawhatitfeelsliketo
suddenlybeobsessedwithabloodrose.Sorry,myboy,butIcan’thelpyouatall.”Hejerkedhisthumb
inStone’sdirection.“Thoughyoumightwanttothinkaboutsendingthisonepacking.”

IanmetStone’samusedgaze.“Thatwasmyfirstthought,butweneedhimhere.Howaboutyouspend

thenight’srotationwithBenuntilIgetthingswithReganfiguredout?MyinstinctstellmeI’mgoingto
needyourbattlingsupport.”

Stonenodded,holdinghistumblerouttoDavidowhointurnaddedanothertwofingers.“Iagree.

Besides,itseemstomewemighthaveachancetoendthiswarforgoodnowthatweknowwhere
Margetta’sfortressis.”

Ianranahandthroughhishair.Somewhereinthebattling,he’dlosthiswovenGuardsman’sclasp.

Stonehadaswell.

Athoughtoccurredtohim.“Holdon.MaliksaidhedidsomethingtokeepZanefromchasingWillow,

butwhatwasthat?”

“Iremembernow,”Stonesaid.“Itwasallovertheloop.MaliktooksomeofWillow’sbloodand

spreadituphisforearmsinlongstreaks.Zanesaiditworked,thathisobsessivedrivetowardWillow
endedabruptly.”

“That’swhatwe’lldo,then.”
Davidoclearedhisthroat.
Ianfrownedathim.“What?”

“Won’tyouneedtoaskReganifshe’sonboard?”
“Idon’tseehercomplianceasanissue.”
Davidoshookhishead.“Youwerealwaysabsurdlystubborn.Butletushopeshe’saswillingto

obligeyouasyouthinksheis.Youhaven’texactlygivenherreasontoadoreyoursweetself.”

Ian’slipsquirked.“Thatlastbitisverytrue,butReganhasasensibleside.”Atleasthehopedshe’d

bepracticalgiventheircurrentpredicament.

~~~

Regansatontheblackleathercouchinthelibrary.“IforgotwhatitwaslikewithIanoneveryfront,

thegoodpartsandthebad.FromthetimeIfedhimatthebottomofthegorge,I’vefeltasthoughI’ve
gottenstuckonacarnivalridewithwaytoomanysuddenhighsandlows.I’mreadytogetoff,asinnow.”

Vojalienoddedseveraltimesinsuccession.“AreyoustilldeterminedtoreturntoSwanicott?”
“Iwanttomakeuseofthesignificantresourcesatmyfaeretreat,andIintendtocontacttheFae

Council.It’stimewe,asafaecommunity,steppeduptogethertoconfrontMargetta.Surely,asaworking
unitwecanuncoveraspelltoridherencampmentoftheshieldingmist.”

“Didyoutrytosolvethespellwhileyouwerethere?”
Reganthoughtbacktothesequenceofeventssinceshedidn’tseethewallofmistuntilshe’descaped

fromthetower.“ThoughIwasabletodetectaspelloveraportionofthecamptents,thebestIcoulddo
wastoimprintthespellinmymind.Ihadnoluck,however,dissectingtheformulaatall.Andyouhave
noideahowhardItried.Ithinktheremighthavebeenablockingspellinplace.

“Asfarasthemistgoes,itspresencecameasahugesurprise.I’dhadnoideatherewasevenaspell

alongthesouthernedgeofthepropertyuntilI’dreachedthecatwalk.Bythen,Ihadverylittletimeto
escape.So,no,Iwasnevernearthemistlongenoughtotakeareasonablestabatitscomposition.”

Vojalie’sbrowgrewpinchedasthoughshewasmullingthesituationover.Shesatinaleather,wing-

backchair,andwassomewhatswallowedupbecauseitwasbuiltonIan’smassivelines.Herrightwrist
dangledjustoverthearmrest.Withherfreehand,shetwirledalong,darkcurlaroundherfinger.

RegankeptexpectingVojalietorespondtoherobservationbutsheremainedsilent.Shealmostlooked

perplexed.

“Whatisit?”Reganasked.“Don’tyouthinkmyideahasmerit?Thatweshouldinvolvethefae

community?”

Vojaliehuffedasmall,almostfrustratedsigh.“Insomerespectsyes,thoughIhavemyreservations.

ButonlyyoucandeterminetherightpathforyourselfandforIan.”

“Doyouhaveabetteridea?”
“Actually,Idon’t.I’veneverexcelledatspell-making,soI’mofnousetoyouinthissituation.ButI

havebeenclosetoseveralofthebloodrosesoverthepastfewmonths.AndI’veobservedthateachone
eventuallyhadtoalterherthinkinginordertomoveforward,especiallywheretherealmmastyrwas
concerned.”Shelookedalmostpained,herhandsnowclaspedtightlytogether,assheadded,“Ifatall
possible,makeeveryefforttoseeIaninanewlight.”

“Idon’tknowwhatyoumean.”
Vojalieappearedtohuntforwords.“Youdon’tknowhimverywell,Regan.Wecouldstartthere.”
“You’resowrong,”Reganansweredquickly.“Iknowhimextremelywell.Youforget,wewere

loversonce.”

Vojalieshookherhead.“I’msorry,butIstronglydisagree.Youwereenamoredofhimmanycenturies

ago,youhadaterriblefallingout,andyou’vebarelyexchangedanhourofconversationsince.Howcan
youpossiblysayyouknowhimwell?Iwouldsuggest,youdon’tknowhimatall.”

Reganwantedtoargue,butsomethinginwhatVojaliesaidstruckachordoftruthwithinRegan’sfae

nature.“Partofmewishestoarguethepoint,butmaybeyou’reright.Insomeways,wewerejustgetting
toknoweachother,eventohavetheoccasionalargument,whenRaven’sOverlookchangedeverything.”

Vojaliehadbeenhermentorfromthetimeshewasateenagegirlnearlysevencenturiesago.Regan

hadlivedalongtimeandinturnhadmentoreddozensoffaewomenherself.

Whatshehadneverdonewell,however,wasenjoyalong-termrelationshipwithaman.She’ddated

dozensoftimessinceIan,butmostofheraffairsonlylastedabriefcoupleofyears.Afterallthistime,
shewasn’tsureshe’deverhavearealrelationship.

Shiftingherthoughtsforamoment,sheconsideredthelightning-and-thundernatureofherbrieflove

affairwithIan.Wasitpossibleshe’dbeenpartoftheproblemasIansuggested,evenifshe’dneverquite
seenitbefore?Notthe‘enthralling’part;Reganknewshe’dhadn’tputIaninanykindoftrance.Yet,how
manytimeshadshebeggedIantostaywithherjustafewmoreminutes,sometimesextendinghisvisitby
anhourortwo.

Ifshehadguilt,itlaythere.Maybebylettinghimgosoonerthenightofthemassacre,hemighthave

beenabletosavehispeople.

“WhenI’mwithaman,I’mallin,buttherelationshipsneverseemtolast.WithIan,I’dalwaysseduce

himtostaylongerwithmethanheshould.Itwaswrong.”

“Soyoudoblameyourself.”
“HowcouldInotfeelguiltybecauseofwhathappened?MaybeifIanhadbeenthereatthetime,he

couldhavepreventedthemassacre.However,that’ssomethingwe’llneverknow.ButIpromiseyou,I
didn’tenthrallhim.MyonlyexcusecanbethatIwasout-of-my-mindinlovewithhim.”

Vojalieleanedbackinherchair.“Well,youdefinitelyhaveacomplicatedrelationshipwithIan.ButI

wouldstronglyencourageyoutostickclosetohimatleastforthenextfewnights.Iknowthisisallnew
toyou,butStone’sreactionwillbethefirstofmany.Andonceit’sknownyou’reabloodrose,thereare
somemastyrs,anxiousformorepower,whowilldowhatevertheycantotrapyouintoabond.Areyou
awarethisisapossibility?”

Regannodded.“Ibelievethat’swhathappenedtoSamantha.AmastyrnamedRywasafterherand

almostsucceededinforcingabond.”

“Yes,hedid.AndhewasalsoalignedwithMargetta.So,Iurgeyoutokeepthesedifficultfactsin

frontofyouasareminderhowseriousthissituationis,especiallyforyou.”

ReganknewVojaliewasright.“I’lldoasyou’vesaid.Myearliestthoughtsweremoreaprimal

reaction,toputasmuchdistancebetweenmyselfandIanasIcould.”

Sheheardfootstepsdownthehallandamomentlater,Ianappearedinthedoorway.Hisbruises

lookedbetter.Hehadaconcernedfrownbetweenhisbrowsashemethergaze.“Thoughtweshould
talk.”

Shenodded.“Weshould.”Sherosefromthesofaandcrossedtohim.
ToVojalie,Iansaid,“Yourhusbandispouringouttwoglassesofaveryfinecognacforyouboth.He

saidherefusestoreturntoMerhaineuntilyou’vehadadrinkwithhim.ShallIsendhimin?”

Vojalierolledhereyes.“Thatman.Hetakeseveryopportunitytoflirt.”
“Youaresoright,mydearestlove.”Carryingabrandysnifterineachhand,DavidopushedpastIan.

“Youwilllovethis,mymostdarlingsweetheart.Theveryfinestbrandy.Iansaidhe’sbeenkeepingitjust
forus.”

Reganwatchedthecoupleforamoment.They’dbeentogetheralongtime,butDavidostilltreatedhis

womanasthoughtheyweredating.She’dalwaysadmiredthemasacouple.

WhenDavidohandedthesniftertohiswife,sheleanedforwardandtiltedherfacetohim.Davido

caughtherchinwithhisnowfreehandandRegancouldsenseabrieftelepathicexchange.Hethenkissed
Vojalieandsatdowninthecompanionwing-backchair.Hewasonlyfive-threeandhisfeetdidn’thitthe
floor,notinachairdesignedforGuard-sizedbodies.

ButwasanyoneascomfortableinhisskinasDavido,orVojalieforthatmatter?
“Regan?”Iandrewherattentionawayfromthecouplenowclinkingglassesandsmilingtenderlyat

eachother.

Assheturnedandmovedintothehall,heclosedthedoortothelibrary.Inalowvoice,hemurmured,

“Thoughtweshouldgivethemsomealonetime.”

“Right.”Sheglancedupathim,nervoussuddenly.“Ian,VojaliethinksIshouldstayhere,withyou.”
Helookeddownather,scowling.“Notsurewehavemuchofachoicegiventhesituation.Stoneleft.I

senthimtoBenattheCommunicationCenter.”

“Butyoudon’twantmehere.”
“Idon’twantalotofthings.Idon’twantthatMargettaabductedyoufromyourhomeorheldyoufora

month,orthatyou’reabloodrose.AndIdefinitelywishIhadn’tbattledStonebecauseI’mbeatupasall
hell.ButStonedidmakeasuggestionandIthinkweshoulddoit.”

Heledherintothelivingroombutdidn’tgestureforhertosit.Instead,hestoodfacingher,hisringed

fingersgatheredintofistsandplantedonhiships.He’dtakenoffhisGuardcoatbutnowworeablack
tank,exposingalargepartofthebroadtattoothatcoveredhischestandpartsofhisarmsandshoulders.
Thefigureofahawkinflighthadn’texistedwhenthey’ddated.

Butitdidnow.
Herbreathinghitched.She’dalwaysfeltthiswayaroundIan,likeshecouldstumbleandfallsoeasily

andinmorewaysthanone.

Shedraggedherattentionawayfromhischestandbacktohiseyes.Thiswasunfortunatebecausehis

nostrilsflaredafterwhichhiseyesdroppedtohalf-mast.“Seesomethingyouwant?”Hisdeepforest-fern
scentflowedoverherinheavywaves.

Shedrewcloseandgrabbedhistankt-shirtwithonehandandpulleditintoaknot.“Always.And

that’sabigpartofthisproblem.Youshouldn’tbebuiltlikeeverywoman’sdarkestfantasy.”

Heslidhishandsoverherhipsthendownherbottom,squeezing.“IsthatwhatIamtoyou?Adark

fantasy?”

“Yeah,exceptthisisn’tafantasy,isit?Thisisyou,intheflesh,infrontofme.”
Thoughshecouldfeelhisresistance,heleaneddownandcapturedherlipswithhisown.
Heat,thenfire.
Pressure,thenademandingtongue.
Shereleasedhisshirttoslideherarmaroundhisneck.Heusedhishandsonherbottomtopressher

againsthim,nodoubtsoshecouldfeelthehardlengthofhim,feelwhatshe’dmissedallthistime.

Ian,shepathed.
Regan,camebacktoher,alowresonancethroughhermind.I’vemissedyou,missedthis.
Iknow.Me,too.
Hedrewbackandsettledhisforeheadagainsthers.Hewasbreathinghard.Shewasnodifferent.
Arhythmicthumpingcamefromthedirectionofthelibrary.ReganpulledawayfromIan,hereyes

wide.Shefeltablushclimbhercheeks.“IsthatwhatIthinkitis?”shewhispered.

“Yeah.Thetrollisgettingiton—”
Reganfinishedthesentence.“Withhiswife.”
“Yup.”
“Howdotheydoit?Didyouseehowheiswithher?Heshouldwriteabookonhowtolovea

woman.”

“I’dreadit.Yourgenderismostlyamysterytome,tomostmen.”
Ahigh-pitchedsquealforcedRegan’shandstoherlipsandwhenatrollishgroanfollowed,Ianshook

hishead,laughingsoftly.

“Whatdowedonow?”Reganasked.
“Idon’tknow.Waittilltheycomeout,Iguess.”
Reganchuckled.“Ididn’tmeanaboutVojalieandDavido.Imeantaboutus.”
Heturnedbacktoher,frowning.“YouneedtostayhereinCamberlaune.ItwasstupidtothinkIcould

letyoutakeoff.I’dbeworriedaboutyouthewholetimebecauseifsomeothermastyrevergotholdof
you,somebastardwithoutaconscience,youcouldendupinabondedrelationshipthatcouldhurtyou
forever.AndIdon’tthinkI’dbeabletoforgivemyself.MaybeIhaveissueswithwhathappenedalong
timeago,butIdon’thaveaproblemwithyoustickingclose,notuntilallofthisissettled.

“Besides,youknowthelay-outofMargetta’sfortressandencampment.Noneoftherestofusdo.

You’rethelogicalpersontoanswerallthequestionsanyofuswillhave.

“AndStoneremindedmeaboutsomethingMastyrMalikhadsharedwithus.Whenhewasbattlingthe

Invictusinhisrealm,he’daskedZanetocomeinforsupport.WhenZanereactedtoWillowinthesame
wayStonerecentlyrespondedtoyou,MalikusedasmallportionofWillow’sbloodandpaintedstreaks
upbotharms.ZanesaiditmadeahugedifferenceinhisabilitytowithstandthepulltowardWillow.”

“That’sright,”Regansaid.“Irememberhearingsomethingaboutthat.”
Ianofferedahalf-smile.“IhavenodoubtMalikmadesureZanestayedawayfromWillow,butit

reallyhelped.Whatdoyousay?Willyoumarkmewithyourblood?”

Reganknewshe’djuststumbledintoreallydangerousterritory.Everythingaboutthesituationwarned

hertokeepherdistancebutherehewassuggestingshemarkhimtohelpkeepothermastyrsaway.Itwas
badenoughshe’dalreadyagreedtostickclosetohimuntiltheyhadeverythingfiguredout.Butthegiving
ofherbloodinsuchanearthycavewomansortofway,hadwarningbellsclangingloudlyinsideherhead.

“Ian,isitreallynecessary?Can’twejustmakesurethatI’mnotaroundotherunbondedmastyrs?”
Hemighthaveanswered,butDavidocalledtohim.ReganshiftedtolookpastIanandsawthat

Vojaliestoodbesideherman.Thetrollwasgrinningeartoearandawarmblushsuffusedhiswife’sface.

Vojalieheldhisarm,hereyesfullofaffectionasshelookeddownathim.
Davidocalledout.“Wemustbegoing,Ian.Thankyouforthecognac.”Hissmilebroadenedwhenhe

lookedatRegan.“AndIsuggestyouindulgeyourinterestinthemastyr.Lifeisveryshort,evenforus
long-livedtypes.Makethemostofeveryopportunity.”

Andwiththeextraordinarypowerthetrollpossessed,thecouplesimplyvanished.
“Withsomuchabilitybetweenthem,”Regansaid,“whydon’ttheybattlealongsideus?”
“I’vewonderedthesamething,andI’veaskedDavidotointervenewithMargetta,butherefuses.He

saidhemadewarforthefirstthousandyearsofhislife,butpromisedhimselfneveragain.Iguessif
you’veservedthatlongasawarrior,it’senough,nomatterhowmanycenturiesyouaddedtoyourbelt
after.”

Heglancedbehindhim.“Listen,areyouhungry?Myhousekeeperalwayskeepssoupandsomeofher

homemadebreadstockedinmyrefrigerator.”

Atthesuggestion,sheputahandtoherstomach.“I’mstarved,soyes,I’dlovesome.”
Hegesturedwithhishandforhertoprecedehim.Sheledthewayacrossthefoyertohisgreatroom,

anopenareaofhishouseencompassinganorthviewofthemountains.

Hedirectedhertositattheislandbar,whereearlierhe’dservedhercoffee,thenmovedeasilyfrom

thepotsandpans,tothefridge,andback.HewascomfortableinthekitchenandRegancouldn’thelpbut

smile.Ianhadbeenabacheloralongtime,butwhenshe’ddatedhim,hewouldn’thavespentasecond
buildingafireandsettingupthespittoroastsomemeat.He’dhadstaffbackthentotakecareofhimand
he’dmadeuseofthem.

Thoughhehadahousekeepernow,apparentlyhenolongermindeddoingsomeofthecooking.
“Didyoumakethecoffee,too?”
“Sure.”Hechuckledsoftly.“Iknowwhatyou’rethinking.Irememberhowyouwentintothewoods

yourselfsolongagoandcollectedfirewood.ItpissedyouoffthatIorderedmyservantstothetask.”

Shesmiled.“Iwasperfectlycapableofscouringyourlandforsomedeadfall.Andsowereyou.”
“Youevenstartedbringingyouraxetomyhouse.”Thevegetablebeefsoupwasheatinginapotonthe

stoveandalreadysmelledheavenly.Ianleanedontheislandmarble,hissmilewarmasheheldhergaze.

“I’maresourcefulperson,”shesaid,“thoughIwillconfessit’smucheasiernowwithfoodgrownin

bulkandshippedtomarkets,withelectricityandhowaboutthemicrowave?”

Iangrinned.“Oneofmyfavoritethings.Thatandcellphones.Imean,noteveryonecancommunicate

telepathicallyandIcanreachanyofmyGuardsmenatanytime.Whatdidwedowithoutallourgadgets?”

Sheshruggedbutsmiled.“Weheadedintotheforest.Doyourememberthetimeyoubroughtdowna

buck?”

“Ofcourse.Usedmybowandarrow.”
“Youshareditwiththevillage,too,theoneatthebaseoftheRimnearthePeralinRiver.Pikon,I

think,atleastthat’swhatIremember.Youknow,Iswearthat’swhenIfellinlovewithyou.”

Hisbrowsrose.“BecauseIgaveawayvenisonI’dneverbeabletouse?”
“Youcouldhavedriedit.Youdidn’thavetoshare.”
Hesighed,hisgazeshiftingpastherbutnotappearingtolandonanythingparticular.“Isuppose,butit

wasaroughwinterthatyearandsomeofthefamilieshadithard.HowcouldInothaveshared?What
kindofmastyrwouldthathavemademe?”

Heturnedbacktohissoupandusingawoodenspoon,stirredslowly.Healreadyhadthickslicesof

breadallbutteredandtoastingintheoven.

Hergazebecamefixedtothebackofhishead.Vojaliewasn’tentirelyrightthatRegandidn’tknow

Ian.Sheknewhewasgenerousandself-sacrificingasmostvampireGuardsmenwere.

Herheartgotthatswollenfeelingagain.Sheleanedherelbowonthecoolmarble,anddroppedher

chinintoherhand.Shehadtorepressaheavysigh.Shewasclosetomooningafterthemanallover
again.

“I’lldoit,Ian,theprotectivebloodstreaks.Ithinkit’sthesmartthingtodo.MaybeIcan’tbebound

toyourightnow,butIknowwe’llbebetteroffifwefollowMastyrMalik’slead.”

Afterwardstackingupthetoastedsourdoughonaplate,heladledsoupintotwobowls.Hemether

gaze.“Thatmeansalottome.”

Shewishedhewasn’tsodamnhandsome.Justlookingathimsentdesireskyrocketing.
Hebroughtabowlaroundforheraswellasaspoonandnapkin.“Digin,”hesaid.“Ihaveafeeling

thisisgoingtobealongnight.”

~~~

Iancouldhardlytastethesoup.Forsomereason,thejasmine-limescentRegancarriedasablood

rosehadinvadedthekitchen,thoughhedidn’tknowwhy.Theproblemwashiscocklovedit,couldn’tget
enough,andwouldn’tsettledownespeciallyknowingshe’dbeopeningaveinsoontocreatethe
protectivestreaksonhisarms.Healmostgroanedatthethought.

Hedippedhisspooninthesoupbutdidn’tdarelookatRegan.Anditdidn’thelpatallthatshekept

makinghercooingsoundsbecauseshewasenjoyingherfood.Shemighthaveawell-developedspiritual
sideandspentmostofhertimeteachinginherfaeretreat,butshewasalsoextremelysensual.

Shelovedlife,lovedgoodfood,andsheadoredsex.
Hetookabigbiteofsourdoughbread,hopingtheflavorswouldmitigateherexquisitescent.
Nosuchluck.
“Youokay?”sheasked.
“Notevenalittle.”
Shechuckled.“Thissoupistodiefor.Mycomplimentstoyourhousekeeper.Andthebread,well,

whatcanIsay…heaven.”

“She’llappreciateyourcompliments.”
Whenthemealwasover,hedidaquickclean-upofdishes.Reganbroughttheemptybowls,plates

andspoonstohim,butremainedveryquiet.

Glancingather,hethoughtheunderstoodwhybecausehewasfeelingthesamething.He’dbe

piercingherveinsoonandgiventherealityshewasabloodrose,besidesherseductivescentandtheir
pasthistory,sharpdesireranthroughhim.

Theheightenedcoloronhercheeksaswellasherflowery-limescentspokeitsowntale.
Bythetimehehunguphisdishtowel,hefeltlikeakidonafirstdate.
Hecaughtherhandinhis.“Howaboutwegetthisoverwithbeforeoneofusexplodes.”
Shegiggled.“Ifeelridiculous,Ian,likeI’msixteen.I’msonervousandwe’renotevendoing

anything.”

Heleanedcloseandspokeagainstherear.“No,I’mjustgoingtopiercetheveinsofyourwrist.

That’sall.”Herubbedhisnoseagainsthercheek,thenpressedhislipstohersverygently.

Whenshepulledback,hestaredintoglimmering,doeeyes.“Wheredoyouwanttodothis?”she

asked.

“Outonthewalkwayifyou’regame.Iwanttofeelthefreshairflowingoffthemountain.”
“Soundswonderful.”
Theyhadthisincommon,aloveoftheoutdoors.Civilizedlifehadalottooffer,noquestionabout

that.ButgivehimafullnightspentinoneoftheNineRealms’manybeautifulforests,andhewasahappy
man.

Ofcourse,thelasttimehe’dhikedforafewhourswithReganhadbeenoneofthehappiestofhislife.

Therest,allwhichhadhappenedatRaven’sOverlook,hewouldn’tthinkaboutrightnow.

Instead,hetookherhandandledherthroughthelivingroomtotheslidingglassdoorandoutontothe

walkwayoverlookingDarkGorge.

Theairwasfreshandcool,evenchilly.Buthefelthotfromstemtosternandheknewitwasbecause

ofRegan.Hisdrivetowardherhadhissexrampedup,noquestionaboutthat.Yet,thisfeltlikemore,like
anewkindofpowerhadbeguntoflowthroughhim,asteadyvibrationofenergyandheat,makinghim
gladheworeonlythetankrightnow,andnottheGuardcoat.Hewaswarmenoughasitwaswiththe
leatherpantsandthighboots.Thecoolwinterairhelpedaswell.

EvenRegandidn’tseemcoldassheleanedagainstthesturdywoodrailingandsettledhergazeonthe

forestedcliffopposite.ItwasearlyDecembernow,notquitewinter,buthiselevationwaslowenoughhe
rarelysawsnowathiscliffsidehome.Butthemountainswerecappedpermanentlynowatleastuntilmid-
March,evenApril,dependingonhowcoldtheseasonwouldprovetobe.

Hemovednexttoher,thengentlytookherwristinhand.
Shemethisgaze,hersasdirectasever.“Youcanfeedaswellifyouneedsustenance.YouknowI’m

willing.”

Henodded,buthischesttightenedashelookeddownather.Whathereallywantedtodowastakethe

veinatherthroat.Butthethoughtofdrinkingfromherneckhardenedanalreadystiffarousal.Atleastthe
leatherskepthimsnugandnottooexposed,buthehaditbad.

Hecaughtherchinandkissedheragain,anothersofttouchofhislipstohers.“Thankyou.AndI’ll

takeyouuponyouroffer.”

Sheshiftedtomakereachingherwristasimplething.Heliftedherslenderarmuntilhehadtheright

angleabovethecollectionofveinsatthebaseofherpalm.Hisfangsdescendedandhisbreathingtook
anotherdifficultturn.Hecouldn’trememberthelasttimehe’dbeenthisworkedupbeforeabite.

Hedidn’tstrike,yet.Instead,hetookalonglookatthenightskyinacompletethree-sixtytomake

suretherewerenoInvictusaround.

Seeingnothingtomartheviewofthestars,herevertedhisattentiontoherarm.Takingadeepbreath,

heloweredhisheadandwithahelluvalotofpractice,strucktotherightdepth.Formingasealoverthe
punctures,hebegantosuck.

ButthelonggroanthatleftRegan’smouthdidlittletomitigatehisothergrowingproblem.

CHAPTERFOUR

Reganhadfedplentyofvampiresoverthecourseofhercenturiesofliving.Andshe’dfedIanwhen

they’ddated.Butithadneverbeenlikethis.

Asoftvibrationflowedoverherentirebody,fullofdesireandlatentwithpower.Morethanatany

othertimeinthepasttwenty-fourhours,shefeltinherbonesshewasabloodrose.Herdestinyhadcome
toher,maybebecauseofIan,toprovideamastyrwithbloodrichenoughtoendforeverhischronicblood
starvation.

Shewasessentiallyawomanofservice,soevenifshehadn’tcaredaboutIanasmuchasshealready

did,shewouldhavefeltgratefultobeabletohelpout.

Thankyou,Regan.Heliftedhisgazetoher,hisnostrilsworkinglikebellowsashecontinuedtodrink

fromher.

Shesmiled.“You’rewelcome.ItmeansalottomethatI’vetakenawayyourpain.”
Hesuckledforanotherminute,theneasedawayfromherwrist,thoughhedidn’tsealthewounds.He

wasabouttousehisfingertopaintthelinesonhisskin,fromhiswristtohiselbow,whenshestopped
him.

“Allowme.”Thevibrationgrewstronger.“Canyoufeelthat?”
Hestillheldherarminagentleclasp.Hiscolorwasheighteneddespitethechillyaironthedeck.“I

can.Whatthehellisthisbetweenus,Regan?”

Sheshookherhead.“Idon’tknow.ButIwantyoutosealthewristwound.IthinkIneedtodo

somethingelsehere.”

“Yousure?”
“Yes.Absolutely.”
Usinghistongue,heswipedoverthetwopuncturesonherwristandthesmallincisionsfadedto

nothing.“Whatdoyouhaveinmind?”

Sheofferedtheindexfingerofherrighthand.“Bitemehere.”
Hiseyesrolledinhisheadathernot-so-subtlecommand.Hisscentsharpenedandshelovedit,loved

hewassointoher.Sheplantedherlefthandonhisbareshoulder.“Ineedtocreatethemarks,somakeit
good.”

“It’llhurt.”
“Iknow,butIneedasteadystreamforthis.”
Hisfangsdescendedoncemoreandwithaquickjab,heslicedopenherfinger.Thesuddenstrike

madehergasp,butsheignoredthepainofthecut.

Sheslidherlefthanddownhisarmandusingherrightforefinger,paintedaslowlinedownthecenter

ofhisforearmallthewaytohiswristbone.WithoutIan’stonguetostopthebleeding,thecutflowed
freely.

“Takesomeofthis,”shesaid.“Iwantthistoberight.”Sheheldherforefingerupforhimandhetook

itinhismouth,suckingoncemore.Shedidn’tstophimrightawaybecauseshelovedthelookonhisface,
hiseyesathalf-mast,pupilsdilated.

Ineedyou,Regan.
Shethoughtaclearintentwouldbebest.I’mwithyoualltheway.
Hegroanedsoftly.Tellmewhattodo.Isthisenoughofamark?
Sheshookherhead.“I’llbemakingthreeoneacharm,butIwanttostopinbetweeninordertokeep

thelinesclean.”

Shestillheldhisarmashenodded,thenrelinquishedherfinger.Thebloodflowedbetterbecause

he’dsuckled.Asavampire,hereleasedchemicalswhenhedranktokeepthebodyfromhealingthefang-
wounduntilhewasdone.

Shebeganthesecondmark,movingslowlydownhisarm.Thelineformedaslightangletothe

originalone.Oncethelinewascomplete,shestoppedjustasshe’dsaidshewouldandhadhimsuckle
again.Eachtime,hegotahungrylookinhiseyewhichfedherowngrowingdesiretobewithhim.

Afteramoment,shecreatedthethirdline.Whenshewasfinishedwithhisrightarm,sherepeatedthe

processwithhisleft.

Whenshewasdone,thesamestrangevibrationflowedfromherhandstrongerthanever.
Hestaredathisarm.“Idon’trecognizethisvibration,Regan,doyou?”
“No.It’snotfamiliaratall.Butlookatthelines.SweetGoddess,what’shappening?”
Reganpulledhisarmforwardandpeeredatthestripesofblood.She’dexpectedthemtomelt,

instead,theyweretransforming,shapingthemselvesintodeepburgundylines.“Theylookliketattoos.”

Shehadnoideaiftheywerepermanentornot,butherheartbeathardinherchestatthesightofthem.
Hecaughthergaze.“You’vemarkedme,Regan.Yet,somehowthishasbecomemorethanjusta

simplewarningtoothermastyrs.Andyou’redrippingagain.”

“What?”
Hecaughtherfingerinhishandandtookitinhismouth.
“Oh,”shemurmuredsoftly.Heneededtosealupthewound.
Shefeltknockedsidewaysbyallofit,bythefeelofthevibrationsflowingbetweenthemyetcentered

onhisarms,bythewayhesuckled,andbecausehisforest-fernscentflowedoverhernowinheavy
waves.

Shefelthistonguetouchthesliceonherfingerandthenextmoment,herskinknittogether.Shewas

relievedtohavethestinggone,butatthesametime,wishedhewouldcontinue.She’dalwayslovedit
whenIandrankfromher.

Withthesmallwoundsealed,hesurprisedherbypullingherintohisarmsandkissingher.Andnota

gentlepressurethistime,butaninvasion.

SweetGoddess,howshelovedhisarmsaroundherandhistongueinhermouthpulsing.Foragood,

longmoment,sheforgoteverything,forgotthedifficultiesbetweenthemorthattheirenemyhadafortress
inCamberlaune,nodoubtpreparingforinvasion.

Instead,sheallowedherselftosavorIan,thestrengthofhisbody,thesensualfeelofhiskiss,andhis

forestscent.

Shecouldfeelthemarkingsonhisarmsaswell,likeanotherpairofarms,surroundingher,protecting

her.Butevenassheexperiencedthesethings,sheknewthemarkingbondwasn’tcomplete.

Shedrewback,holdingontobothofhisforearms.“Weneedtodosomethingelse.”
“Yes,wedo.”Hedippeddownandtriedtokissheragain,butsheputahandonhischest,chuckling

softly.“Notthat.Imean,yes,Iwanttobewithyou,butthemarkingbondisn’tcomplete.”

“Whatdoyoumean?Itfeelsperfect.”
“Yes,itis.Foryou.ButeveryfaesenseIhavetellsmeIneedtodosomethingelse,somethingmore.”

Shethoughtforamomentthensheunderstood.“Oh,Isee.Ian,youhavetomarkmyarmsinthesameway
I’vemarkedyours,onlyusingyourbloodthistime.Thiswillstrengthenthesharedvibration.”

Hemethergaze.“IwishIunderstoodwhatwashappeninghere.Doyougetthis?Thepurposeofit?”
“Notallofit,thoughitfeelsveryprotectiveinnature.ButIdosensethemarkswillincreaseeachof

ourabilities,thoughinwhatwayIhavenoidea.”

Henodded.“Iwouldagreewithyourtakeonitbecausethisvibrationfeelsfullofpower.”

“Areyouconcernedaboutmarkingmeinreturn?Doesthisfeellikeitwillbetoomuchofa

connectionbetweenus?”

Heslidhisgazeawayfromher,nodoubtexploringthevibrationhimself.Finally,heshookhishead,

revertinghisgazetoher.Hiseyesnarrowed.“Idon’thaveasensethisisaboutabond,morelikepower
we’llbeabletouse.”

“Iagree.”Shethenheldoutherarmstohimandsmiled.“Justdome,Ian.”
Heheldhergazesteadilyandwhenanewwaveofhisearthy,eroticscentrolledoverher,headded

fueltothefirebythrowingagrowlintothemix.Oncemore,hisfangsemerged.Onlythistimehe
puncturedthetipofhisrightindexfingerandbegancreatingthetrailsasshehad,firstwithacenterline
almostfromtheelbowofherrightarm,allthewaytothewristbone,followedbyangledlinesdowneach
side.

Whenhewasdone,hetookbothherhandsinhis,frowning.Sheunderstoodwhy.Thepowershe’d

beenfeelinghaddoubledonthemboth.Thevibrationsracedupherarmsanddownherback,flowing
fromherhandsandintohis,thenreturningthejourney.

“Holyshit.”Heheldon,hisfrowndeepening.“Regan,what’sgoinghere?Isthisbecauseyou’rea

bloodrose?”

“Ithinkso.Andbecauseyou’reaverypowerfulmastyrvampire.”Shethoughtitwasanideaworth

exploring,buthiscellphonerangandheinstinctivelyletgoofherhandstoretrieveit.Withtheirphysical
connectionbroken,thevibrationsdriftedawayasswiftlyasthey’dcome.

“Hey,Ben,”hesaid,hiscelltohisear.“Everything’sgoodhere.IhaveReganwithmeandI’llbe

stickingcloseforawhile,especiallysinceshe’sseenMargetta’sfortressandherarmy.”

HepausedtolistentowhateverBenwassaying.
Reganmovedaway,needingamomenttothink.Whateverthiswasbetweenthem,itwashappening

fastandcomingonstrong.Shefeltdizzywithsuddenconcern.Nothinghadtrulychangedbetweenherself
andIan,justthestrangebloodrosephenomenonthathadclippedheratthebackofherknees.

Shesawmovementfromthecornerofhereyeandshiftedtoseeifanowlhadflownoutoverthe

gorge.Butwhatwasactuallytheresentfearpummelingherheart.Aredwindfloweddownnearthecliffs,
thetruestsigndeadlywraith-pairswereheadedtheirway.

ShereturnedtoIanandwavedherhandathim,drawinghisattentionbacktoher.
“Invictus,”shesaid,gesturingtothesouthernvista.
Ianfollowedthelineofherarm.“Iseethewind.”ToBen,hesaid,“I’mswitchingtotelepathy.We’re

introublehere.”

HeshovedhisphonebackintohispocketandshesensedhewasnowpathingtoBen.
Lookingupathisface,shecouldseehestaredoutatthegorge,thenslowlyturnedtoviewthefarthest

westernhorizon,thesoutherncliff,thentheeasternflowoflandinthedirectionoftheLeberionPlain.

Finally,heturnedtoher.Regan,Iwon’tpretendwe’renotintrouble.Bymybestguess,having

foughttheInvictusforcenturies,we’relookingattwentypairandthey’reheadedstraightforus.Ben’s
sendingtheGuard.Tenwillbehereinafewminutes,withanadditionalthirtyarrivingafterthat.

Whatdowedountilthen?shepathed.
Holdthemoff.
Evenduringthetimethey’dbeentogether,she’dneverbeeninarealbattlesituationwithIan.Shefelt

histensionasthougheverymuscleinhisbodywasflexed,readyandwaiting.

Heliftedhisarm,staringdownatthebloodtattoos.“Doyouknowwhatthismeans?”
Shelookedathisarms.Eachlinenowpulsed.Sheliftedherownarmsanditwasthesamething,as

thoughthemarkswerealive.“We’vebothagreedthisispower,butIdon’tknowwhatitisorwhatI’m

supposedtodowithit.”

“Samehere,butwe’llfigureitout.Rightnowwehavetohunkerdown.”Hecaughtherarmand

guidedherbackintothehouse,closingtheslidingglassdoorandlockingit.

Hebeganmovingfurniture,pushingthesofasandchairsupagainstthecurvedwindows.“Theglassis

bullet-proof,butwiththismanypairs,Idon’tknowwhatwe’llbeupagainst.”

“CanIhelp?Whataboutthesteelshutters?”
“That’snext,becauseitwillslowtheenemydown.Butmostoftheshuttersaresetatadistancefrom

thehouse.AnyoftheInvictuscanslipbetween.”

Ashemovedtowardthefoyer,hegesturedwithaquickwaveofhishandforhertojoinhim.She

didn’thavetobetoldtwice,butrantohisside.

Hetookherhand.“Stickclose.”
“Iwill.”
Movingacrossthefoyer,thenturningintothehallleadingtothebedroomsandthelibrary,heopened

thecontrolbox.Heflippedtheswitchtooverridetheautomaticcommandsandpressedtheshutterbutton.
Thesuddensoundoftheshuttersloweringmadeherjumpagainastheyhadthefirsttime.

Thenextmoment,therewasanawfulbangingonthesteel,gaininginvolumeasmoreandmorehands

struckthemetal.Whatfollowedwasworseasseveralwraithsstartedtoshriekinthehorriblewaythe
Invictuswraithscould.

“Oh,God.”Shecoveredherears.
Buthetookherhandsaway,forcinghertohearthethunder-likesounds.“Youneedtobestrong,

Regan.We’reinitrightnowandthisnoiseisnothing;it’sonlymeanttofrightenyou,butdon’tletit.”He
keptholdofherrighthand.“Okay.Backtothelivingroom.”

“Whythere?”
“BecauseifanyoftheseInvictushaveenoughbattleenergytobustdownthewindows,we’llhave

roomtofight.”

“We?”Sheswallowedhard.
Heliftedherarm.“Doyouseehowyourmarksarepulsing?They’rematchingmineandwhatI’ve

accessedismybattleenergy,thevibrationIcanreleasewhenIengagetheInvictus.AndIbelieveyou’re
alsoexperiencingarampedupversionofbattlepower.”

Reganstaredatherarms,thenclosedhereyes,shuttingouttheterribledinoffistsstrikingsteel.She

wantedtoknowexactlywhathemeantandtofeeltheenergyherself.

AnewvibrationhadstartedtopulseandithadIan’ssignature.Shewasfeelinghisbattlepoweras

wellasherownsinceeveryrealm-personhadessentialbattleability.She’djustneveraccessedhers
before.

Openinghereyes,sheturnedandgrippedIan’shand.“You’reright.ButwhatshouldIdo?Thisisall

newtome.”

Heheldhergazetightly.“Gowithyourinstinctseverystepoftheway.Whenthetimecomes,you’ll

knowwhatactiontotake.Bestrong.”

Shedeliberatelystraightenedhershouldersandforcedherselftogrowcalm.
Inresponse,heofferedacrookedsmile,thenkissedheronceonthelips.“You’lldo.”
Shehopedtohellhewasright.
Thepoundingontheshuttersandtheshrieksofthewraithsgotlouderandlouderthensuddenly

stopped.

“Didsomeoneissueanorderorsomething?”sheasked.
“I’msureofit.”

“I’vealwaysthoughtoftheInvictuspairsascompletelyunruly.”
“Notanymore.Margettahasfoundawaytoharnessthem,tocontrolthem.”
Suddenly,severalInvictuspairsslidbetweenthesteelshuttersandthebankofcurvedglasswindows.

Thewraiths’eyesglowedafierceredhueandtheirbondedmates,whethertrollorfae,vampireor
shifter,appearedcrazed.Eachbegantohammerontheglassforeffect,tomakenoisetofrightenthem.A
coupleofmassiveshiftersthrewtheirweightagainstthewindows.Theircombinedbattleenergiescould
havebustedthebullet-proofglass,butnoisewassomethingwraith-pairslovedtomake.

Ianhelduphisrighthandandlethisbattleenergyflow.Heerectedamassiveblueshieldinfrontof

thetwoofthem,hispowercracklingtheair.

ReganwishedlikeanythingshehadOlivia’sabilitytocreateashieldofinvisibility.Butforallher

powerastheRubyFaeandtherealmknowledgeshesharedonadailybasiswithherfaestudents,she
couldn’tdomuchinabattlesituation.

Justwhenshewassureitcouldn’tgetworse,shefeltIantenseup.“Shit,”hemuttered.
“What?Whatnow?”Glancingupathim,shefollowedthedirectionofhisgaze.
Ianwasstaringatalargevampireandhisbondedwraith.Thewomanlevitated,herdarkblackhair

writhingasthoughastrongwindswirledaroundher.Sheworetheredgauzystripsoffabricpieced
togetherinalonggown-likegarment,adesigncommonamongthefemalewraiths.Thewomansmiled,
bearingsharpyellowfangs.

Hervampiremateworeonlyleathersandtough-lookingblackbootswithsteeltoes.Hisheavily

muscledchestwasbare.

Asshewatchedhim,understandingcametoherandsheinchedclosertoIan.Thevampirewasa

mastyr.Becausehewasbondedwithawraith,hewouldhavegainedanextraordinaryamountofpower,
wellbeyondIan’slevel.

Ifthey’dbeenintroublebefore,theywerenowclosetothepitofhell.Therewasnoquestioninher

mindthatthismastyrcoulddefeatIan.

“Holyfuck,”Ianmurmured.
Atfirst,shethoughthewasexpressinghisowndismay.Instead,shesenseditwassomethingelse.

“Wait.Youknowhim,don’tyou?”

“Braden.HewasoneofmineandIthoughthimlongdead.Lookslikehe’sbeenservingMargetta

instead.Iknewhe’dcovetedmyposition,andthere’devenbeenrumorshe’dboughtsomeblackmarket
faespellstorampuphispower.ButheneversucceededinbestingmeorBenforthatmatter.Nowherehe
is.”

ReganwatchedinhorrorasBradenliftedbothfists,hisInvictusredbattleenergyglowinglikefire

overbothhands.Hewavedanarmandshoutedanorder.ThefrenziedInvictuspairsallslidawayfrom
betweenthewindowsandthesteelshutterssothatBradenandhishoveringwraithstoodalonebehindthe
glass.

Bradensummonedthefullbreadthofhispower.Hewasabigvampireandallmuscle,almost

matchingIan’ssize.Hislong,wavyblackhairhungloosepasthisshoulders.Withhislipspulledback
oversharpfangsandhisskinnowadarkmarooncolor,helookedbeyondferocious,readytokill.

Reganwassurprisedshewasn’tshakinglikemad,exceptshefeltsomethingemanatingfromIan,a

kindofcalmthatcouldonlycomefromamanwho’dmadewarforcenturies.Inthisdifficultmoment,she
feltallthathewas,theforceofhiswill,hisdetermination,andhisstatureasaVampireGuardsman.

DespiteBraden’samplifiedpower,becauseofthewraithbond,Ianknewwhathewasdoing.
Ianpathed.Thisisdamngoodnews,Regan.Bradenwantstotakemeonalone.Hecouldhave

commandedthefieldrightnowifhe’dkepteventwooftheInvictuspairscloseby.Instead,he’s

throwingdownthegauntlet.

Reganfelttearsburnhereyes.Basically,Ianhadjusttoldhertheynowhadachance.
ThanktheGoddess.
Amentothat.
Hereleasedherhandandmovedtostandthreefeetinfrontofher,yetstilltwentyfeetawayfromthe

windows.Hisbluebattleshieldshimmeredthefulllengthofthelivingroom.

Staywellback.
Shedrewadeepbreath.That’stheplan.
Braden,hisbattlevibrationsatfull-bore,plantedhisfistsagainstthewindow,andletthesameenergy

invadethethickglass.Shewatchedlargefissuresform,thenwithanotherwaveofpower,athousand
smallercracks.

Onemoreburstofhisenergyandallthepanelsoftheglasswallshattered.
WhenBradenlevitatedslowly,flyingabovethefurnituretolandnotfarfromIan’sblueshield,she

knewthenIanhadbeenright;Bradenwantedtogomano-a-manowithIan.

ButcouldIanholdhisownlongenoughforBen’stroopstogethereintime?

~~~

“Comeon,motherfucker.Bringit.”Ian’svisionhadnarrowedtothetraitorwho’donceservedinhis

VampireGuard,butwhohadsincesoldhissoultothedevil.

Bradenliftedbothhandsandengagedhisownbattleenergy.RedsparksflewatIan’sshield.
Ianpressedback,holdinghisblueenergytight,butBraden’spowerpulsedheavyandstrong.Ianknew

hecouldn’tholdoutagainstthevampire’senhancedabilityforverylong.So,ratherthanwastehis
resourcesonholdingtheshield,hechosetoletitgoandslowlyallowedthebluevibratingwallto
disintegrate.

ButIanhadmorethanonereasonforgivingground.HewouldbeablekeepRegansaferthisway

sincehecouldthencontrolthephysicalbattlewithBradenbetter.Andhecouldbuytimeforhistroopsto
arrive.

Bradenofferedaslowtriumphantsmileinreturn.Hemovedforward,hismaniacal,Invictusgaze

fixedonIan.“I’vebeenwaitingforthisdayalongtime.Somakeitgood,Ian.Iwantyoubruisedallto
hellwhenIfinallysmashthelastbitoflifeoutofyourface.”

Ian,hisarmmusclesflexing,liftedbothhandsinapairoffists,gratefulasneverbeforethathewore

hisrings.He’dneedeverysingleoneofthemthisnight.

Hebeganwithataunt.“Hadtosuckuptoawraithtogettheballsyouneedtofight?Isthatit,traitor?”
Braden’slipscurled,andhelaunchedatIan.HemovedfastandcaughtIaninthestomach.Ianflew

back,landingwithaheavythudagainstasupportbeam,butremainedstanding.

Bradendrewbackenoughtowindupforaseriousrighthook.ButIanhadbeenaroundafewdecades

andbeforeBraden’sfistcouldland,hesmashedBraden’sribswithtwoquickhits.AsBradendoubled
over,Ianlevitatedbackwardjustfarenoughthatwhenheswunghisbootedfoot,helandedapowerful
kickinBraden’sgut.

Bradengrunted,theninaswiftflashofmovement,tucked,rolledandgainedhisfeetacoupleyards

awayfromIan.Bradendidn’trushinagain,ashehadbecauseofIan’staunt.Instead,thoughbreathing
hardandprotectinghisleftsidewithhiselbow,hedancedonhisfeet,side-steppingseveraltimes.

IanknewBradenwasdoingaquickself-heal.Hewatchedthelargebruisingonthevampire’sbare

stomachdiminishsteadilythenvanish.Somuchpower.

Ianheldback,movinghisshouldersslowly,fistsup.HisgazeneverleftBraden.Stallingwasgood.

Bradenmovedinagain,onlyfasterthanbefore.HesweptpastIanonhisrightandinthesamesplit-

secondturnedandcaughtIaninachoke-hold.

Ianreactedinstinctivelybygrabbingtheheavymusculararmpressingagainsthiswindpipe.Buthe’d

neverbeabletobreaktheholdwithhishands.

Hementallyregroupedquickly,shiftedsidewaysjustenoughtoslamhiselbowintoBraden’sribs.

ThejoltcausedBradentoreducethepressureonIan’sneck.

IancaughtBraden’sarminatoughgrasp,thenwithajerkofhishipsandlegs,flippedBradenover

hishead.

Bradenlandedhardonhisback.Ianfeltthevibrationsupbothlegssincetheentirebuildingshook.

Bradenhadtobeclosetothreehundredpounds.

Again,Iandrewbackseveralfeet,needingmorethananythingtobuysometime.Butthenextsecond,

Bradenrushedhimwhilelevitating,spunandkickedIanhardintheface.Ianflewbackward,hishead
hittingthestonehearthinfrontofthefireplace.

“Ian,”Regancriedout.
Ianslowlyroseontohisknees,shakinghishead.Thekickhadhurtlikehellandhisbrainfeltlikeit

wasupsidedown.Hecouldn’tpullhisthoughtstogether.Heneededtime.Buthedidn’tgetit,since
BradenoffereduphisownheavybootandkickedIanrepeatedlyintheabdomen.

Iandrewhimselfintoaknot,takingtheblows,buthecouldn’tdomuchmorethanthat.Hishead

throbbedbadly.

WhenBradenshifted,andbegankickinghiminthespine,theblowsaddedawholenewlevelofpain

tothemix.

~~~

Reganhadwatchedthebattlewithherheartinherthroat.BecauseBradenkeptpoundingIanwithhis

boot,sheknewshehadtodosomethingorIanwoulddie.

HerforearmsvibratedpowerfullywithIan’sbattleenergy.He’dsaidtogowithherinstinctsso

withoutgivingittoomuchthought,ReganlevitatedandflewatlightningspeedtowardBraden.Justbefore
shemadecontact,sheflipped,kickedoutwithbothfeetwhileinahorizontallineandconnectedhardwith
thebackofBraden’sskull.Heflewagainstthefireplace,hisforeheadhittingthemantel.Downhewent.

Theforceofherkicksentherflyingbackward.Butsheaccessedherlevitationskillquicklyandbroke

herfall,landingnotfarfromIan.

Sittingupquickly,sheplacedahandonhisforearmoverwhatshenowthoughtofasbloodtattoos.

Shegatheredherhealingvibrationandletitflow.Shewasstunnedbythelevelofpowershewasableto
releaseandcouldfeelitmovingintoIaninaswiftwave.Afewsecondslater,Iansatup,hisgrayeyes
wideashestaredather.

Holyshit,Regan.Yourpower.You’rehealingme.
Shenodded,butherattentionwascaughtbyBradennexttoher,nowrightinghimselfandlevitating.

Shehadtogetoutofthewayandstartedtoriseupwhenhandscaughtherfrombehind.

Suddenlyairborne,sherealizedthebondedwraithhadengagedthebattleaswell.Shelaunched

ReganwithtremendousInvictuspowertowardthewindows.

Reganwouldhavehitoneofthesteelframes,butshewasableatthelastmomenttoreverseher

course,chartingasafertrajectorybackintotheroom.Evenso,shehitthefloorhard.

Shaken,shestillforcedherselftolevitate,togainherbearings.
IanwasbacktobattlingBraden,butwherewasthewraith?
Shecaughtsightofaredflashaboveher.Thenextinstant,thewraithscreechedandfellonRegan,

pushingheronherbackasshetookherdowntothewoodfloor.

Powerflowedfromthewraith,avibrationsheknewwasallvampirebecausethewomanhadblended

herbeingwithBraden.ShesatonRegan,pinningherdownandusingeachofherhandstokeepRegan’s
armsfrommoving.Reganwascompletelyhelplessagainstthewoman’ssuperiorphysicalstrength.

SheliftedRegan’sarmsandcrossedthematthewrists.Usingonlyoneofherhands,thewraith

grabbedbothwrists,holdingRegancaptive.Inaclevermaneuver,thewraithusedRegan’shands,
pressingthemtoRegan’sfaceinordertoforceherheadtotheside.

No.Oh,no.SweetGoddess,no!
Fromherperipheralvision,Regansawthewoman’ssharpfangsemerge.Invictuswraiths,giventheir

maniacalstate,werebrutalfeeders.Thenextmoment,thewraithstruckRegan’sthroatwithaswift,hard,
painfulblow.Openingthevein,shebegantodrinkindeepgulpsthathadRegancryingoutinagony.

Wraithstookbloodthesamewayvampiresdid,exceptthatanInvictuswraithdrankuntiltherewasso

littlelefttheheartstoppedbeating.

Worse.Eachsippoweredthewraithevenmore.
FearbecameacloudinRegan’shead,paralyzinghermindandpreventingherfromdoinganything.
RegancouldhearIanandBradenbattling,sosheknewshecouldn’trelyonhelpfromthatquarter.She

hadtodosomething,orshewoulddiethisverynightandshedidn’twantto,especiallynotbythefangsof
aheinousbondedwraith.

Sheforcedherbreathingtoeaseanddespitethepainandfear,sheenteredameditativestate.Slowly,

hermindbegantofunctionagainandherthoughtsstartedcomingtogether.Eachfaehadadifferentsetof
abilities.Vojaliehadsaidshedidn’texcelatspell-making,butRegandid.

Shealsohadsomethingelse:Ian’sbloodtattoosonherarmsofferingherpowertotapinto.
Shefocusedonthesethingsandamomentlaternewthoughtsemerged.Foronething,herblood.The

wraithwasdrinkingherblood.

Regankeptthepowerofthetattoosflowingandcombinedthosestrongvibrationswithafocusonthe

bileinherbody.Sheconjuredasimplespellandthoughshemightbeillafterwards,shecouldfeelbile
fillingherstomach.Withthepowershenowhadthroughthebloodtattoos,sheletthebileleakintoher
bloodstreamalittleatfirst,thenalot.

Afewsecondslater,thewraithleapedoffher,spewingamouthfulofRegan’sblood.Ashriek

followed,thenshefelltotheground,rollingbackandforth.

Reganwasunsteadyasshelevitated.Oncemore,BradenhadtheupperhandandpummeledIan.She

hadtointervene.Ifshecouldkillthewraith,thevampirewouldlosehisbondedpowerandIanwouldbe
abletodefeatBraden.

Searchingthroughthejumbledlivingroom,shefoundaheavypewtercandlestick,flewtowardit,and

assoonasshehaditinhand,turnedandheadedbacktothewraith.Thoughgaspingforair,thewoman
gainedherfeet.

ReganpathedtoIan.I’mtakingthebitchdown.Beready.
Thoughshewassicktoherstomachandherveinswereonfirebecauseofthebile,shejerkedthe

candlestickupinaswiftarc,andcaughtthewraithbeneathherchin.Thewraithflewbackward,eyes
fluttering.Herheadconnectedwithoneofthesteelwindowframesandshesanktothefloor,unconscious.

Reganmovedswiftlytowherethewraithlay.Herspinewastwistedandshewasbarelybreathing,

butshewasstillalive.

Reganhadneverbeenpresentedwiththiskindofproblembefore.Sheheldthecandlestickinher

handandhadtomakeadecision,maybethehardestshe’devermade.

She’dneverkilledanyoneinthecourseofherlife,butdidshedareletthewraithlive?

Herheartslammedaroundinherchest.Wraithsbynatureweren’tevil,onlywhenthey’dbeenturned

byMargetta’sfoulmeansintoanInvictusbeing.

Holdingthecandlestickinanirongrip,sheturnedtoseehowIanfared.AnInvictuspairgained

strengthfromeachotherinaconstantflowofenergy.Becausethewraithwasunconscious,Regancould
tellthatBradenhadlostagoodportionofhispower.Iannowsatontheman’schestandthrewpunchafter
punch,hisringshelpingtodeliverawell-deservedbeating.Themastyrwasalsonearlyunconsciousas
well.

Shealsoheardsoundsofabattleheatingupoutsidethehouse.Relieffloodedhersincesheknewthe

troopsBenhadsenthadfinallyarrivedandwerenowengagingtherestofBraden’sInvictusforce.

Ian,shepathed,turninginhisdirection.Ican’tdothis.I’msorry,butIcan’tkillher.
Ianroseup.Bradenlayonhisback,hisfacebloody,andhewasn’tmoving.
Ianwasbreathinghardashelookedatheroverhisshoulder.IwonderedwhyBradenhadsuddenly

succumbed.Andyoudidthis?Hewavedahandinthedirectionofthepronewraith.

Yes,throughthepowerofthebloodtattoo,butIcan’tfinishheroff.
Iunderstand.WhatIwantyoutodoistoputyourhandontopofherheadandreleaseasmallflow

ofbattleenergy.I’lldothesamehere.Thatwillkeepeachofthemunconsciousuntilwecangeta
retrievalsquadfromBergissonoverhere.

Really?TearsburnedRegan’seyes;shewouldn’thavetokillthewomanafterall.
Yes.
Areyousure?
Iam.Absolutely.Iknowhowmuchthiswouldhurtyouandwhatyou’vejustbeenthroughisbad

enough.

Inallherlong-livedlife,Reganhadnevermadeuseofherbattlevibrationuntiltonight.Earlier,she’d

madeuseofIan’s,butneverherown.Withit,shecouldstreamenergypowerfulenoughtohurtandeven
killothers.

Sheplacedherhandontopofthewraith’sheadandletthesmallestamountpossibleleaveherhand.

Whenitenteredthewraith,thewomanseized,moaningfaintly,thenherwholebodywentlax.

Regansensedthewraithwouldbeoutforhours.
ShiftingtoglanceatIanwhostoodoverBraden,shecouldseethatIanhadputthetraitorousvampire

inthesamestateashisbondedmate,asthoughrestinginadeeptrance.

Itwasover.
ShehadbloodalloverherclothesfromthewraithspewingRegan’staintedblood.Ianwasbleeding

fromseveralcutsandwasbruisedinadozendifferentplaces.

Buttheywerebothalive.
“Regan,I’msorryyouhadtogothroughthis.”
Shecrossedtohimandwhenshedrewclose,heopenedhisarms.Sheallbutthrewherselfagainsthis

chestandheldhimtightaroundthewaist.Shedidn’tcaretheywerebothamess.Sheletthetearsflow.

Shewasalsonauseousfromthebileandneededtocleanseherbloodorshe’dreallybeill.Fornow,

though,sheneededIan’scomfortingembracemorethananything.

Ben’svoiceflowedintothespace.“We’vegottheInvictusoutherecontainedandEthan’steamison

itsway.Anumberaredead,butI’dsaywehavetenpairswe’llbesendingontoBergissonRealm.
Eleven,includingthesetwo.”WithherfaceburiedagainstIan’schest,shecouldn’tseeBen,butsheknew
himwell.HewasIan’snumber-twoGuardsmanandalmostaspowerfulasIan.Camberlaunewas
fortunatetohavetwosuchpowerfulmastyrsservingtherealm.

“That’sgood.”Ian’schestrumbledashespoke,hisdeepvoiceeasingheralittlemore.

Later,whentheretrievalteamarrivedtotakeBradenandhisbondedmateaway,Reganwentintothe

kitchenanddranktwolargeglassesofwater.Shetheninvokedanotherspellandsetaboutremovingthe
bilefromherblood.ShealsoencouragedIantobewithhisGuardsmenespeciallysincesheneededsome
timealone.

Shewentintothebathroomofherguestroom,intendingtowipedown.Butwhenshesawhowmuch

bloodspattershehadonherface,neckandinherhair,shestrippeddownandsteppedintotheshower.
Sheletthewarmwaterflow,thenfocusedinwardonherbloodtocontinuethecleansingprocess.

Bythetimeshetoweledoff,putonfreshclothes,andsetaboutdryingherhair,shefeltmorelike

herself,justreallysober,evengrief-strickenfromhavinggottenthisclosetothewar.

CHAPTERFIVE

Ahalfhourlater,Ianhoveredintheairnearthegorgecliff.Theretrievalteamhadcomeandgoneand

nowhismenweredoingasearchforthoseInvictuswho’dbeenstruckdownmidairandfallenintothe
gorge.

Threetrolls,alreadyplantedintheafterlife,hadbeenbroughtupandnowlayinarowattheedgeof

thecliff.Theirbondedwraithslaynearthemaswell,alsodead.

Therewouldbemoretocome.
Itwastoughseeingthemstretchedout.EachRealm-personhadmostlikelybeenabductedandthe

bondforcedonthem.Whenithappened,thesemenandwomenbecamebeast-likeversionsofthemselves
andanxioustomakewar.

TheInvictusfoughtwithaferocitymatchedonlybytrainedGuardsmenorthoseshiftersbelongingto

anyoftheNineRealmBrigades.

Awarehowmuchheowedhissecond-in-command,IanstoodnexttoBen.“Thanksforgettingthe

troopshereasfastasyoudid.Yousavedmyass.”

“Gratefulashellwegothereintime.”Heglancedatthehouse.“Butyou’llneednewdigs.”
“I’vethoughtofthat.I’mgoingtotakeRegantomycabin.”Heshouldhavetakenherthereinthefirst

place.Itwasinthefarnortheasternpartofhisrealmandhighinthemountains.Giventhedistancefrom
Margetta’sfortressontheborderbetweenCamberlauneandStone’srealm,hewasprettysurehe’dbe
freefromanykindofInvictusattacks.

Nooneknewwherehiscabinwasexceptforonefaecaretakerwholivedseveralmilestothesouth

ofthedwellingandcouldbetrustedtokeeptheplaceasecret.

Hehadn’tevensharedthelocationwithBen,orthenameofhiscaretaker,andheintendedtokeepit

thatway.Heoftenwenttohismountainretreatafteragruelingnightwhentoomanyofhispeoplediedand
notenoughInvictushadbeensavedtosendtoBergissonforrehab.

Rightnow,afteralmostdyingatthehandsofawraith-bondedmastyr,hewantedReganinhisarms

andthewindinhisfaceasheflewnortheastforaboutseventymiles.

Stoneappearedsuddenly,toppingtheedgeofthecliff,adeadfemaletrollinhisarms.Ianunderstood

thehardexpressiononhisface,especiallysincethetrollworeslavechainspiercedthroughherearsand
nose.AlotofhisRealm-folkwereabductedandforcedintoslaveryfirst.Later,they’dhavetoendure
bondingwithawraithandthesubsequentvaporizingofpersonality,longheldbeliefs,andbasicRealm
decency.Asaresult,mostofthosewraith-bondedwouldeventuallydieduringabattlewithhisVampire
GuardorhisBrigade.

Ianneededthewarover.
Stonelaidthebodynexttoawraith.Herose,butremainedwherehewas,hiseyesclosed.Hewas

probablyofferingupaprayerofsupplicationtotheGoddesstotakeherservantdespitethesinsofthe
wraith-bond.Ianhaddonethesamethousandsoftimesoverthecenturies.

Hecrossedhisarmsoverhischestandstaredoutacrossthegorgetotheoppositecliff,beyondthe

treelineandintothesouthernnightsky.AbrightglowofstarsburnedalongwhatheknewtobetheMilky
Way.

Hisworldsharedtheearth’suniverseonaseparateyetjoinedplane.Hisaccesspointwas

Harrisburg,acityinPennsylvania.Hehadacommunicationcenterthere.Benhadseentotheconstruction
andlatertheoveralloperations.

Yetveryfewhumansvisitedhisrealmanymore,notwithsomanyInvictusattacksinCamberlaune.

StonemovedtostandonIan’sright.“LooksliketheywereafteryouormaybeRegan.”
“I’mthinkingbothofus.Iknewthemastyr;he’dservedinmyGuardforalongtime.Whenhe

disappearedseveralyearsago,Ithoughthewasdead.Instead,he’djoinedMargetta’sarmy.”

“Fuck.”HethenglancedatIan,frowning.“Howthehelldidyoudefeathim?Hispowermusthave

beenoffthechartsbecausehewaswraith-bonded.”

“ItwasandactuallyIalmostboughtit,butReganintervened.I’mnotsurehowshedidit,especially

sincethebondedwraithattackedher.”Hehelduphisarms.“We’vebeensharingpower,though,because
ofthese.”

Stonepeeredathisarms.“Whatthehellisthis?”
Ianexplained.
Stoneshookhisheadslowly.“AndthisallowedRegantodefeatawraith.SweetGoddess.”
Ianturnedtoglanceatthehouse,attheshatteredwindows.Reganwasinsidesomewhere.“Tomy

knowledge,thisistheclosestshe’severbeentoabattle.”

Stonesighedheavily.“Idon’tthinkI’lleverunderstandthiswholebloodrosethingthatputsour

womeninharm’sway.It’snotfairtothem.”

“No,it’snot.”
“What’stheplan,Ian?You’renotstayinghere.”
“No.I’mtakingRegantomycabinfortherestofthenight.She’llbesafethere.”Herubbedhis

forehead,thinkinghard.“Butwe’vegottofindsomewayoflocatingMargetta’sfortress.It’sdamntime
wewentontheoffensive.”

“I’vebeenthinkingthesamething.Notsurehowtogetthejobdone,though,whenthere’sapowerful

shieldingmistproblemliketheoneyoudescribed.”Stonemethisgaze.“WhataboutRegan?Thisshould
beupheralley.AndIknowthethingsthemastyrshavesaid,thosebondedtobloodroses.Therealways
seemstobeataskthepairmustaccomplishtogether.Maybethisisyours.”

“Idon’tknow,”Iansaid.Hedidn’twantittobetrue.He’dprotectReganforthetimebeing,butas

soonasitwassafe,hewantedherbackinSwanicottandforhisownlifetogetbacktonormal.

Stonepressedhim.“Thinkaboutit.Everybloodrosecouplehasbecomeateam.LookatEthanand

Samantha.Together,theyrehabilitateInvictuspairs.We’vebeenabletosaverealm-folknowbecauseof
Samantha’sbloodrosegift.”Hegesturedtothesouth,inthegeneraldirectionofSwanicottRealm.“And
OliviacanshieldZanebesidescreatingaZephyrwindinbattle.MaybeyouandReganwillbeableto
establishthecoordinatesforMargetta’sarmy,Imeanifyouworkedtogether.”

Iangroundhismolars.“YouknowhowIfeelabouther.Ourhistoryisbad.”
“Iknow,andIsympathize.ButIhavetospeakmymind,Ian,becauseifyoucouldfindMargetta’s

army,thenmaybeyouandItogethercouldtakeheron.Itwouldbeastart.”

Wasitpossible?IfheworkedwithRegan,couldthetwoofthemtogetherstartbringingthewartoan

end?

Stoneturnedhisheadinawesterlydirection.HisrealmlaytwohundredmilesfromIan’shome,

directlywest.Heshookhisheadslowly.“I’veflownoverthatregionthousandsoftimes,overtheborder
betweenourrealms.ButI’veneverseenadamnthing,noteventhemistyou’vetalkedabout.”

“I’dneverseeniteither,notuntilMargettaabductedRegan.”
HisgazeflippedbacktoIan.“Anothersign.”
Iandidn’twanttoadmitit,butStonehadapoint.Whyhadn’tIanbeenabletoseeMargetta’smist

untilnow?

Stonemutteredacurse.“Allthistime,soclosetomyrealm.”
“Iknowthefeeling.”

WithhismindmadeuptotakeRegantohiscabin,IanturnedtoBenandtalkedoverhowtherestof

thenightwouldbehandled.Bentoldhimnottoworry,he’dkeepafourthoftheGuardonpatrolwhere
thegorgeendedandtheplainbegan.HealsoexpressedtheopinionhethoughtitlikelytheattackatIan’s
homehadbeenpromptedbyBradenaloneandwasn’tanopeningsalvotoafull-scalewaragainst
Camberlaune.

Ianhadtoagree.IfMargettahadbeenintentonconqueringhisrealm,shewouldn’thavesentacouple

dozenInvictuspairstohishome;shewouldhavesentherarmyfullboredownintotheLeberionplain.

Sowhyhadn’tshedonejustthat?Toomanydamnquestions,notenoughanswers.Healsokept

mullingoverRegan’sobservationthatMargettawasn’tbehavinglikeshewasupagainsttheropes.

Allthespeculation,however,wouldn’tchangewhatheneededtodonext.
HeturnedtoStoneandclappedhimontheshoulder.“Ifyouhaveideasabouthowweshouldmove

forward,Iwanttohearthem.”

“I’vebeenthinkingofnothingelse.”
“Isittimetocontactthequeen?Hell,fromwhatI’veheard,Rosamundehasherlandshroudedina

similarkindofshieldingmist.”

Stonefrowned.“Actually,Ispokewithherearlier.”
“Youcalledher?”
“Shecalledme.She’shadapremonitionMargettaisbuildingtosomethingbig.”
Itwasn’tsolongagothatMastyrQuinlanhaddiscoveredthequeenlivinginashieldedlandbetween

thebordersofGrochaireRealmandWalvashorr.Shewasoverathousandyearsoldandhadessentially
beeninhidingformostofthattime.AfewrumorswererifeshewasrelatedtoMargetta,butnothinghad
beenproven.IanhadonceaskedDavidoifheknewofakinshipbetweenRosamundeandMargetta,but
theancienttrollhadavoidedansweringthequestion.

“WillRosamundegetinvolved?”Ianasked.“IfshecancreateasimilarshieldingmisttoMargetta’s,

maybeshecouldbustthroughthisonenearthegorge.Willyouatleastask?”

Atthat,Stone’snostrilsflared.Thebrotherwasangry.
“What?”
“Ialreadydid.Thequeenrefused.”
“Idon’tunderstand,”Iansaid.“Why?”
“Basically,she’sconvincedthisisn’therbattle,otherwiseshewouldhavejumpedinsooner,asin

centuriesago.Shesaidit’safaethingandshe’snottobeinvolved.”

IanknewbetterthantoquestionRosamunde’sdecision.ThefaeoftheNineRealmshadtoanswerto

theirhighestcallingfirstandsometimesthatmeantcounter-intuitivedecision-making.

“Ian?”Regan’svoicehadhimturninginherdirection,Stoneaswell.Shestoodontheporch,her

stripedsatchelinhand,butsheworeadifferentsetofclothes.Thebattle-stainedlothadbeencoveredin
blood.Shenowworealong,violetsweaterandjeans,thoughshe’dputonheranklebootsagain.

Herthick,lightbrownhairwaspartedinthemiddleandhunginamassaroundhershoulders.It

appearedtobedamp.Nodoubtshe’dneededtoshowerafterthebattlewiththewraith.

Hisheartfeltstrangelycompressedashelookedatheranddesireroseoncemore.
“Readywhenyouare,”shesaid.
“Givemeasec?”
“Absolutely.”Shesetthesatcheldownonthefrontstepandnodded.
Hisforearmsfeltheated,andlookingdown,hesawthetattooswereglowing.Regan’sappearance

hadactivatedthetattoos.Theproblemwas,theyalsomadehimacutelyawarethatStonewasamastyr
vampireandwouldcraveReganthewayIandid.Ben,aswell.

HebackedawayfrombothGuardsmen,glancingfromonetotheother.
“Holyshit,”Stonemuttered.“They’realive,aren’tthey?”
“Partofmyskinnow.”Againsthisrationalmind,Ian’sbattlevibrationfiredupandhisfangs

thrummedinhisgums.Despitetheprotectionthetattoosoffered,onaprimallevelhewaspreparingto
defendReganagainstotherpotentialcontenders.

BecauseStonewasthemorepowerfulofthetwomastyrs,heheldStone’sgaze,hisshoulders

hunched,butStoneonlysmiled.“Ithinkthebloodtattoosareworkingforyou,becauseI’mnotfeelinga
thingtowardRegan.”

“Me,neither,”Benadded.
Still,Ian’swordscameoutonagrowlasheshiftedhisgazeoncemorebetweenthemen.“Let’skeep

itthatway.”

StonetookastepbackandtossedupbothhandsinagestureofsurrenderasdidBen.
Ianforcedhimselftocalmdown.Hecouldn’tbelievehowfasthe’dbeenreadytodobattlewith

Stoneagain.Benaswell,ifneeded.

Hetookseveraldeepbreathsandforcedhisbattleenergytodialdown.Whenhefeltundercontrol

oncemore,heturnedtoBen.“Callmeonmycellifyouneedme,especiallyifMargettamakesamove
againstCamberlaune.Icanbebackinafewminutes.”

Bennodded.“I’vegotthis,Ian.JusttakecareoftheRubyFae.”
IantookonelastlookaroundathisVampireGuarddoingafinalclean-up.Theyonlywaitednowfor

thetrolldispatchcrewtoarriveandshipthedeadtothelocalmorgue.

Heknewhedidn’tneedtostayamomentlonger,yethehatedleavingabattlescene.Camberlaune

washisresponsibility.

Stonespokeinalowvoice.“Bewithher,Ian.BenandIhavethiscovered.I’mstickingarounduntil

weknowtheAncientFae’snextmove.I’vealreadyputalltherulingmastyrsonalertaswell.Ifweneed
tomobilize,we’reready.”

Iancouldfinallybreathe.WithbothStoneandBenincharge,hisconcernforhisrealmeased,andhe

couldnowturnhisattentiontoRegan.

Headingtowardtheporch,hefeltthebloodtattoosstillsendingpulsesofheatuphisarms.Ashe

drewclose,Regan’srichscentremindedhimofherearlierwordsthatshewasallin.Hesureashell
hopedsobecausegiventhewayherjasmine-limescenthadhimworkedup,hewouldhavethedevilofa
timekeepinghishandsoffher.Especiallysinceforthenextfewhours,he’dhaveheralltohimselfinan
isolatedlocation.

“Everythingset?”sheasked,searchinghiseyes.
Hetoldherabouthiscabin,andhecouldn’tmistaketheglintinherdarkbrowneyes.Ashecaughther

arm,adifferentkindofvibration,verysexualinnature,movedoverherskin.

“Regan,”hesaidquietly.“Idon’twanttotakeadvantageofyou.”
“It’sokay,”shewhispered.“I’mwillingandthat’sallyouneedtoknow.”
Anotherpotentrushofdesiretraveledfromhisgroin,straightupthroughhisbodyuntilbloodpounded

inhishead.Healmosttookherinhisarms,buthewasbattle-stained,hiswomanhadjustshowered,and
theyhadanaudience.

Hetookherhandandledherbackintohishouse,takingherwithhimtohismasterbedroom.“Iwant

tokissyou,butnotlikethis.Iwon’tbelong.”

“Again,readywhenyouare.”
Thewordshadadoublemeaning,andhealmosthauledherintohisarmsanyway.Instead,hemade

tracksforthebathroom,strippeddownlikehisfeetwereonfire,removedalltenrings,thenhoppedinthe

shower.

~~~

Reganfelttinglyallover,fromthesoftvibrationstravelingdownherneckandsides,totheexquisite

sensationsplayingoverhersex.

Shehadtoworkhardtorecallthelasttimeshe’dbeenwithaman.Afteramoment,sherealizedithad

beeneightyears.She’ddatedafaeprofessorforafewmonths.He’dbeenagoodmanandhadsatisfied
herinbed.ButwhenimagesofIankeptcreepingintohermindduringsex,shedecidedtobreakitoff.She
didn’thaveenoughpassiontocontinuetherelationship,buteightyearswasalongtime.

Tonightwouldendaseveredryspell.
Whensherealizedshe’dremainedinoneplacewithhersatchelstillclutchedinherfingers,she

droppedthebagandsatdownonthebenchattheendofIan’sbed.

Shewasgladhe’dbroughtherwithhimintothebedroom.ThesightofStonehadunsettledher,even

thoughitwasclearthebloodtattooshaddonetheirworkandthepowerfulmastyrhadbarelygivenhera
cursoryglance.

Ian’sbedroomhadasimilarviewtothelibrarysinceitoverlookedthewesternvista.Thesteel

shuttershadlongsincebeenraisedfollowingthebattleandhernightvisionwarmedupthelandscape.
Thegraniteoutcroppingonwhichthehousesatprovidedanunobstructedviewoftheangledportionof
thegorge.

Astheshowerdroned,sheleftthebedtohaveagoodlook.
Thecliffoppositehadstriationsofrock,oneafteranotherwithvariationsofbeige,gray,athinlineof

blackandevenred.She’dalwayslovedDarkGorgeforitsnaturalbeautyandthefeelingofpower
inherentintheruggedcliffs.Theriverbelow,thatservicedmostoftheplaincitiesoftherealm,hadcut
throughtherockoverthemillennia.

Aquartermileawaywasabeautifulwrought-ironbridge.Shewatchedasshiftersintheirwolfform

movedfromthesouthernclifftothenorthern,thendisappearedalongseveraltrailsleadingintothe
mountains.Shelovedherworld,thebeautyofthelandandtheuniqueaspectofeachspecies,whichonly
madeMargetta’scorruptionoftheusuallygentlewraithspiritoneofthemostheinousintheNineRealms’
longhistory.

Whentheshowershutoff,sheturnedinthedirectionofthebathroom,wheresteamflowedintothe

dressingarea.

Ianemerged,atowelaroundhiswaist,hisdarkhairhangingwettothemiddleofhisback.
Herlipsparted.Hiswarriorphysiquewassobeautifulandsoperfect.Hisshoulderswerebroadand

heavilymuscled,andhisbackangledtoanarrow,fitwaist.Thetowelcoveredatightgorgeousassand
herhandsinvoluntarilymadeapairofclawsbecausesheknewwhenandhowshewantedtosinkher
nails,somethinghe’dalwaysenjoyed.

“Seesomethingyoulike?”
Sheliftedhergazefromhisbacksideandsawthathe’dcaughtherwatchinghimfromthemirror

abovethesink.

Busted.
Butshewasn’tembarrassed.Instead,shecrossedtheroomcomingupbehindhimandslidherhands

aroundhiswaist.Shewasn’tashortwoman,butIanwassix-six,soshehadtopeeraroundhisshoulder
tomeethisgazeinthemirror.IwasjustthinkingabouthowIusedtousemynails.Remember?

Hiswholebodydidastrangerollingjerk.SweetGoddess,yes.
Shereleasedhimandheleanedforward,catchinghishandsontheedgeofthesink.He’dbeeninthe

middleofputtinghisringsonandnowtookdeepbreaths.Iwanttokissyouanddoeverythingelseright
now.ButifIgetstarted,Iwon’tbeabletostop.

Shelaughedandheadedbacktothebedroomwindow.I’dbetterbegood,then,becauseIreally

don’twanttostayinthishouseasbeautifulasitis.

WhenIanlostthetowel,however,desireshotthroughhersexoncemoreandcreatedakindof

whirlingeffectbetweenherlegs.Shealmostrantohimandleapedonhisback.

Buthewasright.Onceeitherofthemgotgoingnothingwouldstopthem.Worse,there’dprobablybe

adozenGuardsmenoutsidewho’dhearawholelotofmoans,sighs,andatleastoneearth-shattering
screamsheknewwouldcomefromherthroat.

Sosheturnedawayfromhimandevenclosedhereyesassheworkedtofocusonanythingelse.“Just

letmeknowwhenyou’redressed.Okay?”

Hechuckled,adeepthroatysound.“Almostdone.”Amomentlater,“There.You’resafenow.”
Butassheshiftedtofacehim,sheknewshewasanythingbutsafe.Heworejeansandalong-sleeved

t-shirtandlookedmorehandsomethanever.HerheartwasindangeroffallingforIanalloveragain.
Everythinghewasasawarrior,asadevotedleaderofhisrealm,asatrustedfriendtothoseclosestto
himwaswhatsheadmiredmostinaman.Insomeways,Ianwasherideal.

Inothers,asinhowmuchheblamedherforthemassacreatRaven’sOverlook,sheknewshehad

littlehopethiscouldeverbemorethanabriefinterlude.

SexwithIanwouldbeamazing;italwayshadbeen.
Butbeyondabeautifullayingtogether,whatfuturecouldshepossiblyhavewithhim?
Hecametoherandtookherhands.“Iknowyou’redistressed;Icanfeelitintheair.Wasitthe

battle?”

Sheshookherhead.Shecouldhavesaidsomanythingsrightnow,butheldback.Shecouldeven

havespokenthewords,‘Raven’sOverlook’,andendedthismomentwithIanentirely.Indoingso,she
wouldn’thavetoworryaboutthefutureofheralreadyachyheart.

Instead,shemadeadecisionthenandtherenottoletherconcernforwhatmighthappendestroythe

nextfewhourswithIan.

Takingadeepbreath,shetoldahalf-lie.“I’mworriedaboutwhatMargettaisplanningtodonext.”
Hepulledheragainsthim,wrappinghisstrongarmsaroundhershouldersandback.Shemoaned

softly.“Youdon’tknowhowgoodthatfeels.”

~~~

Shewaswrong;hedidknow.Reganfeltlikeheaveninhisarmsbecauseshefithimreallywelland

heneverfeltasthoughshe’dbreakifhesqueezedtoohard.Shehadafullfigurewithroundedcurvesand
largebreasts.

Andheneededherinhisbed.
Withoutsayinganotherword,hereleasedhertopickuphersatchel.Afterward,hetookherhand.She

walkedbesidehimtothefrontdoorwithahoptoherstep.Sheseemedtobeasanxiousashewastoget
going.Butforwhathewantedtodotoher,heneededsomeprivacy.Nowayinhellhewantedevenone
oftheGuardsmenprivytohisdoingswithRegan.

Onceoutside,hesettledheronhisrightbootwithhisarmaroundherwaistandheldhertightagainst

him.HeinclinedhisheadfirsttoBen,thenStone.Afterwhich,helevitatedstraightup,thenheadedeast
untilhewaswelloutofsightofanyoftheGuard.

Whenhefeltcertainnoonecouldseehim,heveerednorthanglinghisflightatthefoothillsofthe

DauphaireMountains,stayingtothecontoursoftheland.Hepassedoverseveralvillages,butmaintained

hisaltitudesothatheandReganwouldn’tbeseen.

Reganwasquiet,thoughshesighedseveraltimes,leaningherheadagainsthisneck.She’dalways

lovedflyingwithhim.Howmanytimeshadsheaskedhimtotakeherforaquickflightforthesheer
pleasureofit?Shetrustedhim—thatmuchheknew—andhevaluedherconfidenceinhim.

SweetGoddess,heneededtotakehertobed.Hisdrivetowardherwasalmostoverwhelmingand

everythinghe’dreadonthelooporheardtheothermastyrssayaboutthebloodroseexperiencenow
madecompletesensetohim.Mostly,hewasstruckbythepowerfulneedhefelttoprotecther,asthough
heressentialvaluetohimhadincreasedexponentially.

Buthowcouldheandthiswomanevertrulyhavealifetogether?She’denthralledhim,oratleast

he’dalwaysbelievedshehad.Andbecauseofthatthrall,overtwohundredvillagersatRaven’s
Overlookhaddied.

Yes,heblamedher.He’dtriedtoleaveherbedrepeatedlythatnight,knowingheneededtobewith

hisVampireGuard,butshe’dkeptcallinghimback.

Andhe’dgonetoherbecausehecouldn’thelphimself.Ifthatwasn’tenthrallment,thenwhatwasit?
He’dlivedwithcenturiesofguiltforhavingbeensoweakandherehewasagain,caughtinasimilar

drivetobewithRegan.Onlythistime,aphenomenonhadholdofhim,somethingothermastyrshad
experienced.

Healsoknewhehadtobeopentothepowertheirconnectioncouldbring.Fromthesame

conversationsandloopemailswiththebondedmastyrs,heknewunexpectedpowerscouldemerge,
abilitieswithgreatpotentialforuseagainsttheAncientFae.

WhenhereachedthefoothillvillageofJuniango,heveeredwestandbegantheclimbinaltitudeto

5000feet.Regan’swarmbodypressedupagainsthis,kepthisneedforherthrummingstrong,despitethe
seriousquestionshehadabouttheirrelationship.

ThebattlewithBradenhaddrainedhim.HeneededtomakelovetoReganandtofeedagain.Whether

helikeditornot,shewasabloodroseandhe’dmadeacommitmenttotakethejourneywithherasfaras
hecould.

Heknewshehadherdoubtsaswell,whichkepthisconscienceclear.
Whenhetoppedthefinalrise,heflewdownintoalargegreenmeadow.Thecabinwasperched

betweenameadowandasmallriver.BehindthecabinwasthetypicalDauphairemixedforest.

Ahotspringbubbledfromthetopofthemeadowatthewesternend,flowinginashallowstreamto

theriver.Heoftenusedthespringtoeasesoremusclesafterahardnightofbattling,thenbathedinthe
riveratthepointthespringemptieditssuperheatedcontentsintothecoldwateroftheriver.

Heslowedhisflightasheheadedtothefrontporch.
“Ian,youhaveaparadisehere.”
Hesmiled.“Ido.Andincaseyou’reconcerned,onlymycaretaker,whomItrustwithmylife,knows

aboutthisproperty.He’sstockedthefridgeforusandIthinkhesaidhe’sprovidedadishofhiswife’s
homemadelasagna.”

“Soundslikeheaven.”
Ashedroppedtothewide,woodwalkwaythatoverlookedtheriver,shesteppedoffhisfootand

turnedtoviewthebroadrushofwater.“I’dbehereallthetime.Imean,Ienjoythelocationofmyfae
retreat,butwedon’thaveanythinglikethisnearby.”Sheleanedonthehandrail,peeringovertheside.

Hedrewupnexttoher.Hisgazeliftedtotherisingmoon,andhewasremindedagainwhatRegan’s

bloodhaddoneforhim.“I’mstillamazedIdon’tneedthesunglassesanymore.Thisamountoflight
wouldhavegivenmeaseriousheadache.”Hetwistedhisthumbring.“I’mgrateful,Regan.Iwantyouto
knowthat.”

Sheglancedathimashesettledhisforearmsonthethickwood,thenrubbedhisshoulder.“I’m

gratefulaswell.Itwasalwayshardformeknowinghowyousuffered,butIcouldneverdoathingabout
it.”

Henodded,holdinghergaze.“Youhaveagoodheart.”
Herlipscurvedinasoftsmilethensheshiftedherattentionbacktotheriver.
Hedidthesame,takingamomenttoenjoythesoundoftheriver,thesmallwhite-capsasthecurrent

hitimmoveablestones,theglimmerofmoonlightreflectedinthewater.

Asoftenhappenedwhenhecamehere,hefoundhecouldbreathe.OfcourseithelpedthatStonewas

inCamberlauneandwouldtakecareofanythingtheInvictusmightthrowathisrealmthroughtherestof
thenight.

Afterseveralminutesofsharedappreciation,heturnedtoher.“Hungry?”heasked.
Shenodded,smiling.“Starved,especiallysinceyoumentionedlasagna.”
Afewminuteslater,hehadtwoplatesloadedwiththewarmedup,layeredItaliancasserole,apairof

forks,andtwoglassesofwinesettledonthetablebythedeckwindow.

Reganhadneverstoppedlookingoutside.Sheheldaglassofwinetoherlipsandevennowhergaze

slidtotheforestontheoppositesideoftheriver,thenthestarlitskyabove.“Thisplacespeakstome.”

AnimageflewthroughhisheadofkeepingRegansecludedinhiscabinforweeksormonthsonend.

Hishipsarchedinresponse.Hegrabbedforhiswineandgulped,thensettledintochowdownonthe
lasagna.Heneededthismeal.

“Youshouldeat,”hesaid.
“Yes,you’reright.”Shesmiledinsuchawaythatheknewshe’dcaughthowmuchhewantedherright

now.

Hedidn’ttrytopretendotherwise.Hewasreadytotakehertobed.Onlywhatwoulditbelike,after

allthesecenturies,tobeburiedbetweenherlegsoncemore?

CHAPTERSIX

WhatsurprisedReganwasn’tthatIanwasanxioustomovethingsalong,butjusthowclearlyshe

couldfeelhisbloodhungerrising.Itwaslikeasoftcrawlacrossherskinmovingtowardherheart.Her
ownsupplyhadincreasedandfeltlikeaweightonherchest.Ianneededtofeedandsheneededastrong
bite.

Butshealsoneedednourishment,soshekeptherforkbusy.“Inoticedyourcabinhasasecond

smallerstory.Isyourbedroomupthere?”

“No,it’saloftspacewithacouchandacoupleofottomansaswellasafull360view.”
“Mmmm.Soundsperfect.”
Heliftedhisgazetoherandsippedhiswine.Settingthegobletbackonthetable,heasked,“Whatdo

youmean?”

“Well,Ialreadylovetheviewfromthedeck.Toseeeverypossibledirectionwouldbeheaven.”
“Thenweshouldgoupthere.”
“Okay.”
Whenshewasdone,sheofferedtocleanupanddidn’twaitforIantosuggestotherwise.Sherose

fromthetable,gatheredeverythingandsettowork.Sheusedasoapyspongetowipeeachplateandglass
down,aswellastheforks.Shemadequickworkofit.

Ianrinsedanddriedthedishes,thentookherhand.“Comeon.”
Itwasdefinitelytime.
Heledhertothestaircase.Shemovedquicklyupthesteps,smilingassheenteredtheroundspace.

Darkpanelingcoveredthefewareasnotframedbywindows.

Theview,justasshe’dexpected,wasmagnificent.Shetookamomenttolookouteachcurvedaspect.
Ianwaitedpatiently,thoughshecouldfeelhistensionfromacrosstheroom.Whenshereachedthe

lastofthewindows,completingafullcircuit,hedrewclose,slidinghisarmsaroundherfrombehind.

Sheleanedherheadbackandallowedherselftosavorthistimewithhim.Shecouldn’timagineany

othercircumstancethatwouldhavebroughtthemtogetherlikethis.

Sheturnedinhisarms,andhekissedher.She’dalwayslovedthefeelofhisfulllips,whichheused

toteasehermouthopen.

Whenshepartedforhim,heslippedhistongueinsideandeverythingshifted.Gonewasevery

concern.Inthismoment,shefeltonlyIanandthesoft,seductiverhythmashepulsedwithinhermouth.

Sheleanedintohim,grippinghisarmsthroughhislong-sleevedt-shirt,wantingtheshirtoff,needing

tofeelherskinagainsthis.

Whenshedrewback,shetookthehemandtuggeditpartwayuphischest.
Herespondedwithasmile,andobligedherbypullingtheshirttherestoftheway.
Shesteppedaway,eyeswide.
“What?”
“You’remagnificent.”Hergazesettledonhisthickpecsandthehawktattoospanninghischest.She

tookhertimeexploringeachfeatheretchedinblackinkandthemusclesthatlaybeneath.

Hebroughthisarmsinfrontofhisabdomen,crossinghiswristsandflexedeachofhismusclesfor

her.

Sheplantedherhandsonhim,feelinghimup,enjoyinghishardnipples.“More,”shewhispered.
Heflexedslowly,buildingupthegirthofthemuscles,thenreleased.
Shedippedandtookanippleinhermouthandasmuchsurroundingfleshasshecouldreach.

Doitagain,shepathed.
Shegroanedasheflexed.Shesuckedhim,whilecoveringhisothernipplewithherhandandplaying

withhim.

Shedrewback,lookingathim.Shecouldfeelhowswollenherlipshadbecome.
“Youalwaysenjoyedmybody,”hesaid,hisgrayeyesdarkwithdesire.
Shedippedahandandcaressedhisarousal.“Yes.Always.”Shesearchedhiseyes.“Youneedto

feed,don’tyou?”

Henodded.“ButIcanwait.It’snotlikebefore,likeIwasalwaysclosetofallingintoacoma.”
Shecaressedhisarm,slidingherhandalongthelineofhisshoulder,allthewaytohisfingers,

touchingthebloodtattoosatthesametime.Sheknewnowthatthelongstripeshadbecomepermanent.

Shetookhishandandpresseditbetweenherbreasts.“Canyoufeelmyheart?It’sheavywithvolume.

I’dheardaboutthis,howmuchextrasustenanceabloodrosecouldcreateforherman,butnowI’m
acutelyaware.Ineedtofeedyou.There’sjustonething.”

Henarrowedhisgaze.“What?”
Shetookthesamehandandranitdownherbodytothetopofherthigh.“Iwantyoudrinkingfromme

here.Rememberhowyouusedtodoit?”

Heleanedclosetoher,theintakeofhisbreathacooldrawagainstherskin.“Goddess,yes.Iloved

doingthattoyou.Hotashell.”

Shekissedhisforehead,histemple,anddownthelineofhischeek.“Doitnow.”
Heslidhisarmsaroundherthenpickedherup.Carryinghertothecouch,heknockedhiskneeagainst

theottoman,pushingituptomeldwiththesofacushions.Layingherontopofthejoinedpiecesof
furniture,hekneltinfrontofherlegs,thenworkedthebuttonaboveherzipper.

Hetookhistime,leaningdowntopushhersweaterupthenkissingherstomach.
Herbodyrolledbeneaththefeelofhislipsandhisfingersnowunzippingherpants.Heremovedher

anklebootsfirst,afterwardslidingthepantsoffonelegatatime.Somewhereinthemix,herthong
disappeared.

Hespreadherlegssothatshewasfullyexposedtohim,thenstoodupandgotridofhisownjeans

andshoes,hisgazefixedtoherbaresex.Shetookthemomenttoslidehersweateroverherheadthough
shekeptherbraon.Theunderwirepushedherbreastsup,andshewantedhimlookingthereaswell.

Sheleaneduponherelbows,watchinghisgazemoveoverherbodyfromherthighs,hersex,her

navelandfinallyherbreasts.Hegroanedashedroppedoncemorebetweenherlegs.Onlythistime,he
putbothhishandsonherbreasts,takinghistimetoenjoyherthewayshe’dsavoredhim.

Shecouldfeelhisrings,whichaddedanotherlayerofsensation.Andhisscentwasrichinhernose,

theearthy,forest-fernredolencecausinghertoclench.

Heleaneddownandkissedthemoundsofherbreasts,thendippedatonguebetweenherskinandher

bra,pushinguntilhefoundanipple.Heflickedthetightbudoverandover.Usinghishand,hesqueezed
herotherbreast.Thedualsensationhadhermoaning.

Shewrappedherlegsaroundhiswaist,herhipsarchingasshetriedtomakecontact.Sheneededthe

pressure,thesweetfeelofhisbodyagainsthersex.

Usinghisfinger,heslidthefabricofherbrabeneatheachbreast,exposingher.Hesuckedher

nipples,takingturnsflickingandlavinguntilherhipsrocked.“Ian,you’rekillingme.”

Good,hepathed,suckingharder.
Shedidn’tthinkshecouldtakemuchmore,whensuddenly,headdedavibrationtohislipsandshe

criedout.“Icouldcomelikethis.”

Thencome.Ashesuckedherbreast,hepressedhisabdomenagainsthersex,pulsing.Shetightened

herlegsandecstasybegantoflow,asoftseriesofexplosionsdeepinsideherwell.Shecriedoutlong
andloud.

Thewholetime,hegroundagainsther,sustainingtheintensepleasure.
Whenthewavepassedandherbodybegantosettle,hereleasedherbreast,placingtenderkisseson

eachbeadednipple.

“Youhavethemostbeautifulbreasts.”
Shepushedhisdamphairbehindhisear.“Thankyou.Andyou’vealwaysknownhowtobringme.”
Heroseupalittle.“NowarchyourbackbecauseIwantyourbraoff.”
Shedidashecommandedandwhilekissingher,hereachedbehindhertounclaspherbra.He

draggeditawayfromherbreastsandtosseditontopoftherestoftheirclothes.

Ashebegantokisshiswaydownherabdomen,herheartstartedtopoundbecausesheknewwhat

wascoming.Heopenedhismouthandrubbedbackandforth,lettingherfeelthesidesofhisfangs.

Thevampireneededtofeed.
“Ian.Yes.”
Hetonguedhernavel,swirlingandpressing.Sheclenchedagainanddesireoncemoreflowed

throughher,sendingshiversoverherstomachanddeepbetweenherlegs.

Whenhereachedhersex,heslidhisarmsbeneathherlegsandbegantolick,longswipesofhis

tonguestartingatheropeningthenmovingoverthesensitivefolds.Herepeatedtheprocessslowly,at
timesdippingintoherwellbeforecontinuingup.

Herhipsrocked,pushinghersexintohisface.Hishandsgrippedherfirmly,thefeelofhisringsonce

moreaddingtoherpleasure.Shewasbreathinghardalloveragain.“Ian,whatyou’redoingtome—”

Iknowyourbody,Regan.Iremembereverything,andIwantyoutocomeagain.Howaboutthis?

Whenanewvibrationlefthistongue,shegroanedheavilyaspleasureracedupherwell.Thesame
sensationthentraveledacrosshersexashepressedhistongueagainstherandkeptaddingtothe
frequency.Fasterthevibrationwent.

Herhipswerejumpingofftheottomanandoncemore,ecstasyexplodedthroughherbody,his

vibratingtongueworkingmagicthatnootherloverhadbeenabletoachieve.

ThestrangeimagewentthroughherheadofbringingIanintoherfaeretreat,thenchaininghimtoher

bedforadecadeortwo.Maybeacentury.

Hesustainedthevibrationuntilagainherbodygrewlax.
I’msohungryforyou,hepathed.Thevibrationhaddisappearedfromhistongueashemovedtoher

upperthigh.

Hebeganlickingaboveherveininheavystrokes.Takingbloodfromthegroinwasn’tforamateurs.

ButshewasconfidentinIan;heknewwhathewasdoing.He’dsuppedfromherthiswayallthose
centuriesago.

Knowinghowpleasurableitwouldbetofeelhisfangs,shecouldn’tkeepherhipsstill.Withaneed

topreventherfromgettinginjured,Ianoverlaidherabdomenwithhisarm,pinningherinplace.

Shecouldfeelherveinrising,comingtothesurface,obedienttothevampire.Shearchedherneck,

hereyesclosedasshefocusedonthesensationofhavinghimbiteherashepreparedtodrinkfromher.

Oncemore,herheartpounded,readytoserve.
ShallIpierceyourvein?
Yes,please,yes.Ineedthis,Ian.Now.
Shepanted,anticipating.
Thenextmomenthestruckandshecriedoutasherwellclenched.Asmallexplosiondartedthrough

her,asortofmini-orgasmgivingherskinanewflushofpleasure.

Ianbegantodrinkandthesoundofhissucklingmouthhadherpantinginlightwispsofair.
Usinghisfreehand,hefoundherwellandslidtwofingersinside.Isthiswhatyouneed?I’venever

heardyousoundsodesperate.

I’malmostoutofmymind.Ican’tgetenough.Hedrovehisfingersinandout.Shefeltherwell

relaxthentighten.Allthesensationstogether,hisringshittinghersex,thesoundandfeelofhissucklingas
hetookherblooddownhisthroat,andtheplungingofhishand,tookherstraightuptothepinnacleyet
again.

Shecamescreaming,herbodyonfirewithpleasure.

~~~

Iandidn’tknowwhichwasmakinghimharder,Regan’sscreamsashedrovehisfingersinandoutof

herorthepowerfulnatureofherblood.

Ineedtofuckyou,Regan.
Shegroanedathiswords.Ian,Ineedyourcock,too.Ineedyoudeep,hard,andfast.
I’mnotdonedrinking.
Sealmeup,thentaketheveinatmythroat.Please,Ian.Iwantyouinsideme.
Hedidn’tneedtobebeggedtwice.Usinghistongue,heswipedoverthepuncturesathergroin,

stoppingtheflowofblood.

Herose,andtakinghiscockinhand,placedthetipatherwellandbegantopush.Shewassowetand

hewashardashell.

Lyingwithherbottomontheottomanandherbackonthemiddleofthecouch,shewrappedherlegs

oncemorearoundhiships.Sherolledherheadtothesideandpushedherhairawayfromherthroat.Very
ready.

Oncehewasseatedinsideher,helickedherneck.Hethoughthemighthavetowaitfortheveinto

rise,butitwasalreadythere.Hisfangsdrippedwithsalivaasheangled,preparingtobite.Hischin
trembledashestruckandherbloodoncemorebegantoflow.

Whenheformedasealandbegantosuck,hesetupasteadyrhythmwithhiships,drivingdeep.
Yes,Ian.Anotherheavymoanfollowed.
He’dneverbeensoturnedoninhislife.Orpoweredup.Yourblood,Regan,islikeafireinme.Feel

myarms.

Thoughherheadwasturnedtotheside,shereachedupandgrabbedhisarmwithherrighthand,her

fingerspressingintohismuscles.Ian,you’rebigger,whichIdidn’tthinkwaspossible.What’s
happening?

You’redoingthis,becauseyou’reabloodrose.
Whenhemovedfaster,shewrithedbeneathhim,moaning.Hefocusedonhiscockandaddeda

seriousvibration.Hebarelyrecognizedtheheavysoundthatcamefromherthroat,halfgrunt,halfmoan
andhelovedit.

Healsoknewshewasoncemoreclosetoorgasmandthefeelofhertightpulsingwellcausedhis

ballstodrawup,gettingready.

Hedrewbackfromhervein,swipingthewoundsoncemore.Sheshiftedherheadbacksoshecould

lookathim.Forasplit-second,allhesawwasherandhowmuchhe’dalwaysdesiredherandcraved
her.Hischestswelledwithsomuchfeelingthatforamomenthefeltlost.

“Ian,”shesaid,herjasmine-limescentnowperfumingthespacebetweenthem.
Hecamebacktohimself,hisbodyreadyforrelease.Hemovedhishipsfaster,wantingtowatchher

writhewithanotherorgasmashedrovetothefinish.“Canyoucomeagain?Comewithme?”

Shenodded,herlipsparted,herbreathingerratic.Tearsfilledhereyesandhefeltherclenchlow.His

cockwashard,sohard,thenhebegantorelease.Hegotlostintheintensityofthepleasure,thefiery
sensationspulsingthelengthofhiscockoverandover.

HecouldfeelReganbuckingagainsthimandheheardherscreamingsoheknewtheyweresharing

themoment.Herfacewasflushed,herneckarched,herlipsparted.

Ashisorgasmsubsided,hefeltverystrangeasthoughhewasn’tfinished.Heknewthenhewas

gearingupforasecondround.“Holyfuckingshit.Regan,lookatme.”

Sheopenedhereyes.Shewasgaspingforbreath.“What?”
Hepumpedhishipsafewtimestoletherfeel.
Herdoeeyeswidened.“Oh,sweetGoddess,you’restillhard.”
“IamandI’mgoingtogiveittoyouagain.”
Hervoicehitadeeperregisterasshegrippedhisarms,herhipsrollingtomeethis.“Yes.Giveitto

me.Fast.”

Hespedup,drivingintoherasfastashecould,pistoninginandoutofher.
Herbodygrewflushedagainasoncemorethroatycriesleftherlips.Hisballsreleased,shooting

morepulsesofintensesensationthroughhiscock.Heroaredhispleasure,overandoveruntilhe’dspent
hisseed.

Sheclungtohimashisbodysettleddown.Shewaspantingandlaughing.“Thatwasamazing.”
“Itwas.”Hebreathedhard,stunnedbythedoublerelease.“I’veneverdonethatbefore.”Hesmiled

downather.“Youhave,though.You’rejustasIrememberyou,verysensualforsuchaspiritualbeing.”

Shestrokedherhanddownhisneckandacrosshisshoulder.“Isthathowyouseeme?”
“Exactly.”
“AndIseeyouasaleaderofmen,awarrior,incrediblybuiltineveryway.”Hereshedippedherhips

enoughtofeelthelengthofhim.

Therewassomuchfeel-gooddriftingthroughhisveins,hecouldn’thelpbutsmile.
“Butthere’ssomethingmore.”Shesqueezedhisshoulder.“IvalueyourservicetotheNineRealms

aboveallelse.YourworkwithbothyourVampireGuardandShifterBrigadehassetthestandardfor
otherrealms.You’vesavedlives.”

Hestareddownatherandafrownsplithisbrowasherememberedthepast.“Butnotenoughlives.”
“You’retoohardonyourself,Ian.Youalwayswere.”
“AndIdidn’tcutyouanyslackeither,didI?”
Sheshookherhead.
Hewasstillburiedinsideherastheoldissuescameup.Yet,somehow,hedidn’twanttokeep

thinkingthesamethoughts.Hadhebeenwrongabouther?Whatifshehadn’tenthralledhim?Whatif
somethingelsehadbeenatworkthatnight?Onlywhat?

Slowly,hedrewoutofher.
Sheflunganarmoverherhead,watchinghim.“It’sokay,Ian.I’mnotheretochangeyouropinionof

whathappenedsolongago.AndIknowwe’reinaweirdplace.We’vebeenthrowntogetherinthisreally
bizarreway.Thebenefitssofarhavebeenamazing,butI’mnotnaïve;thesharingofbloodandsexwill
notfixwhat’swrongbetweenus.

“Inthemeantime,Iwanttobeinyourbed,ifyoucanhandleit,tobeasclosetoyouasIcan.Myfae

instinctstellmewhateverthisisbetweenuswillaffectthefateoftheNineRealms.Morethananything,I
wanttohelpendthiswar.”

Henodded,turningtograbhist-shirtoffthestackofclothes.Hewaddeditupandtuckeditbetween

herlegs.He’dleftalotofhimselfbehind.

“Thanks,”shemurmured.
“I’mnotbackingaway,Regan.Ineedyoutoknowthat.Ihavemyconcernsjustasyoudo.But

Camberlaunecomesfirst.So,yes,you’llbesharingmybed.Stonebelieveswe’remeanttoaccomplish
somethingtogether.Andifhe’sright,Idon’twanttomakeaseriousmistakebyfailingtoengagewithyour
bloodroseability.”

“I’mwithyou,Ian.Alltheway.IloveourworldandI’vehatedwhatMargettahasdonetoit.

Whateverwehavetodo,I’min.”Sheleaneduponherelbowsandsmiled.“Butrightnow,I’dlove
anothershower.”

Hechuckled.“Yougotit.”Herosetohisfeet,thenpickedherup,intentoncarryinghertothe

bathroomdownstairs.

Shewrappedherarmsaroundhisneck,sighingatthesametime.“Thesexwaswonderful,Ian.”
“Yes,itwas.”Heknewhesoundedverymale,butithadbeenawesome.

~~~

ReganlovedthatIancarriedherdowntothefirstfloor.Thiswasoneofthereasonsshe’dfallenso

hardforhimallthoseyearsago.Hewasattentiveinunexpectedways.

Hisbedroomoverlookedthedeepwoodsbehindthehouse,asdidamassiveopenshowerwith

severalheads.

Heturnedthemon,butinsteadofleavingheronherown,hestayedandtookhistimesoapingher.

Again,unexpected,whichwarmedherheart.

Whenthey’dbeentogetherpreviously,Ianhadtakenalotofpleasureinherbodyinthesameway

she’dprettymuchworshipedhis.Still,sheknewhismindset.Yethiswillingnesstoshowerwithher
madeheralmosthopeful.

Whenheaskedhertospreadherlegswithavoicethathaddroppedacoupleoftimbres,sheslungan

armaroundhisneckandkissedhim.Afewminuteslater,shewaspinnedtothebathroomtile,herlegs
oncemorewrappedaroundhishipsashepoundedintoher.

Later,andtuckedbetweenthesheets,shebegantodriftoff.Butherlastthoughtjarredherback

awake:CouldtheirsharedpowerhelphertocreateaspellthatwouldpenetrateanddissolveMargetta’s
shieldingmist?

ShewasabouttowakeIanuptotalkitoverwithhim.Buthelayonhisback,anarmoverhiseyes

andshedecidedtoletthematterrestuntiltheyeachgotsomesleep.

Whenshewokeup,adimdistantlightaroundtheoutdoorshutterstoldheritwaslateafternoon.She

turnedonhersidetofaceintotheroomandhadaviewofIan’sbareknees,heavilymuscledlegs,and
blackboxers.Twohandsheldacoffeecup.Foramoment,hergazerestedonalltheringshewore,ten
heavypiecesofman-jewelry,eachdifferent.

Sheliftedhereyestotherestoftheman.Hesatinaheavywoodchairnexttothebed,watchingher

withacrookedsmileonhislips.

“Hey,”hesaidquietly.Hemusthaverememberedshedidn’tlikeloudvoiceswhenshefirstwokeup.
Sheimmediatelyreachedforherhairandstrokedacoupleoftimes.Shewassureshehadaterrible

caseofbed-head,butIandidn’tseemtomind.Sheglancedatthecup.“Youmadecoffee?”

“Idid.”Hegesturedtothenightstand.“Yoursisrightthereifyouwantit.”
Shemadeacooingsound.“JustwhatIneed.”
Shepulledthesheetandblanketuparoundherandscootedtoasittingposition.Holdingthecoversin

place,shejammedoneofthepillowsbehindherback.

Shetookthewarmmuginbothhandsandcradledit.Eyesclosed,shesippedthenletoutalong,deep

sigh.

“I’vealwayslovedthataboutyou.”
“What?”Shepoppedhereyesopen.“ThatIlikecoffee?”
Heshookhishead.“No,thatyou’resensualinyourphysicalreactionstoeverything.”Awaveof

forest-fernscentrolledoverher,sendinganewshiverofdesireracingthroughher.

Shesippedagain,staringathimovertherimofhermug.Ianworenothingbutboxerswhichsethis

broadshouldersandchestondisplay.Itwouldtakesolittletoencouragehimtocomebacktobed,and
shealmostcrookedherfingerandextendedtheinvitation.Butshewantedtotalkabouthowthey’dshared
theirpowerduringtheattackathishomeandaboutthepossibilitythattogethertheycouldfindawayto
dispelthemist.

Unfortunately,hergazefelltothetattooofthehawkspanninghischest,hereyedrawntohisthick

pecs.Aflushcreptuphercheeks.Ianwasallmanandeverythingabouthimgottoher.

Shehadtolookaway.Otherwise,inabouttwoseconds,shewasgoingtothrowthecoversbackand

doingsomeseriousbegging.

“O-k-a-y.”Sheblinkedafewtimesanddrewaraggedbreathortwo.
Ianlefthischair,however,tositonthesideofthebednexttoher.Hiseyeswereathalf-mast.“Do

youneedme?BecauseI’mhereifyoudo.”

Hergazeflippedtohisandherheartraterose.Sherealizedshe’dalreadystarteddevelopinganow

familiarsensationinherchest,theweightofanincreasedsupplymeantforhim.Herlipsparted.Shewas
sotempted,butshehadmoreimportantthingsonhermind.

Forcingherselftothematterathand,shesaid,“Ian,weshouldtalkaboutMargetta.”
Hechuckled.“Well,ifthatisn’tabuzz-kill.”
Someofthetensionleftherandsherushedon.“AsIwasfallingasleeplastnight,Iwasthinkingabout

whathappenedinyourhome,whenwebattledBradenandhisbondedwraith.You’dneverexperienced
suchasurgeofpowerbeforeandIcouldn’tbelieveIactuallylevitatedtohead-kickamastyrvampire.”

“Wait.Isthatwhathappened?”
Shenodded.“Yes.Hewasrealclosetotakingyouout.Ihadtodosomething.”
“Yousavedmylifethen.”
“Asyoudidmine.”
Heshookhishead.“Ididn’tknowwhathadhappenedtomakeBradenstop.Hewaskickingmyspine.

IthoughtIwasdonefor.”

“Youwerealmostunconsciousbythen.ButmybloodtattooswerealiveandI’dneverfeltsoramped

upinmylife.Youtoldmetogowithmyinstincts,soIdid.”

Hefrownedhard,butsaidnothing.
“What?”sheasked.
“I’mreplayingthebattlewithBraden.Hehadsomuchpowerineveryblow.”
“I’veheardwhenamastyrcompletestheInvictusbondwithawraith,they’reundefeatableinaone-

on-one.Hewassoconfidenthecouldtakeyou.Butwe’dbothbedeadifhe’dbroughtinacoupleof
wraith-pairstobackhimup.”

Hisjawworked.“You’reright.Wegotlucky,whichiswhyIbroughtyouhere.Onlyoneperson

knowsthelocationofthiscabin.”

“Ben?”
“No,notevenBen.Onlymypropertycaretaker.”
“Right.Theonewhosewifemadethelasagna.”
“Yep.”Hebroughthismugtohislipsanddrank,buthisfrownremained.Hewasthinkinghard.

Hewassuchagorgeousmanandhadthemostbeautifuleyes,anunusualdarkgraywiththickblack

lashes.Hislonghairhungdownhisback,invitingherfingerstodosometouching.

Instead,shesippedhercoffeeandoncemoreforcedherselftolookaway.She’dsortofhopedthe

lovemakingthenightbefore,includingthesurprisingroundintheshower,wouldhaveeasedherdesire
forhim.Instead,itseemedtohavefannedtheflame;shewantedhimmorethanever.

Sheneededtofocusandturnedherthoughtstoherbloodtattoos.“Whatiftogetherwecouldenhance

myspell-makingabilityenoughtocounterMargetta’sspell?”

Heleanedforward,holdinghiscupinbothhandsbetweenhisknees.“Howwouldthatwork?Imean,

I’maboutasfarfromfaeabilitiesasanyonecanget.I’veneverunderstoodhowyoupeopledowhatyou
do.Iknowthatyoude-spelledtheshieldaroundtheSwanicottcampoutatAngler’sCliff,butIcan’t
fathomtheprocess.”

“Howmuchdoyouwanttoknow?”
“Whatit’slike.Thestepsyoutake.Thatsortofthing.MaybeifIhadanideawhatwasinvolved,I’d

seeawaytomakeitwork.”

“Okay.”Shethoughtforamoment.“Well,firstandmostimportantly,Imeditate,especiallywhenit

comestocounteringaspellorifI’mtryingtofashionanewspell.IrememberwhenIwasworkingon
Margetta’sspellinSwanicott,Ispenttwohoursindeepmeditation.Buttowardtheend,thecounter-spell
cametomelikeapoem.Itwasamazingandveryspiritual.”

“AndnoamountofmeditationworkedwhileyouwereheldcaptiveinMargetta’stower.”
Sheshookherheadslowly,remembering.“YouhavenoideahowhardItried.Butitfeltasthough

becauseI’dworkedoutthecounter-spellfortheAngler’sCliffcamp,Margettahadusedthattostrengthen
herspellaroundherfortress.”

Henarrowedhiseyes.“Thatdoesn’tmakesense.”
“Everyspellhasasignatureasdidmycounter-spell.Tosomedegree,becauseI’dworkedoutthe

counter-spell,IshouldknowMargetta’ssequencebetter.Insteadshe’dreadmySwanicottcounter-spell
andI’mconvincedshefoundawaytoblockme.Atleast,that’smyconclusionatthispoint.But…”

Hewaited.“Finishyourthought.”
“Ibelievewecouldgetridoftheblock,ifweworkedtogether,youandme.Wouldyoubewillingto

try?”

“Ofcourse,ifyouthinkitwouldhelp.ButI’mavampire.Idon’tseehowI’llbemuchuse.”
“Idon’tneedyoutobringcertainabilitiestothetable,ifthat’syourconcern,justyourpowerandhow

wearetogether,howourpowerflareswhenwetouch.”Shereachedtowardhimandoverlaidtheblood
tattoosofhisleftarmwithherhand.

Shecaughtherbreathasasurgeofpowerwarmedherpalmandflowedupherarm.Shemethisgaze.

“Wanttogiveitashotrightnow?”

“Sure.Whynot?”
“Good.”Shesethermugdownandleanedbackagainstthepillow.Closinghereyes,shekeptthe

powerflowinganddroppedintohermeditativestate.ShecouldfeelthatIanstayedwithher.Hedidn’t
moveorhisshifthisarminanyway,butremainedsittingonthebed.

Whatdoyouneedmetodo?heasked.
Keepthepowerflowingjustasyouare.
ButI’mnotdoinganything.
Shesmiled.Thenkeepdoingthat.
Hisdeepchuckleflowedthroughtheroom.
KnowingIanwaswithhercompletely,sherelaxedevenmoreandletherselffalldeeperstillinto

whatwasahighlyvulnerablestate.Hersurroundingsdisappearedsothatsoonshefeltasthoughshewas
floating.

Herinnersensescamealiveastheyneverhadbefore.She’dalwayshadaninternalpalettefrom

whichsheworked,avarietyofcolors,words,andsymbolsshewouldfashionwhenconstructingaspell,
evenmusicalpatterns.

Counter-spellsweremuchmorecomplicatedtocreateespeciallysinceamongherfaecommunity,

suchincantationswererarelyeverneeded.Sometimesoneofhernoviceswouldrequireherhelp.Butat
suchanelementallevel,shebarelyhadtodipintohermeditationtofashionthenecessarycorrective
process.

Thistime,shefloatedwithinhermind,everycellofherbodycenteredonMargetta’smistspelland

theblockshehadinplace.Almostimmediately,however,ablackcloudbegantodescendwithinher
mind.ShegrippedIan’sarmandfelthimrespondbytighteninghisown.Thebloodtattoosheatedupeven
more,warmingherskinandexpandingthesharedpower.

Shebroughtthatsamepowerdeepintohermind,fightingagainstwhatfeltveryfamiliar,asthough

Margettawasactuallywithher.

ButReganknewtheblackcloudwasjustablockingspell.MuchaboutbeingfaeatRegan’slevel

involvedstayingwiththehuntfortherightsequenceofelements,keepingfocused.Sheonlyhadtofindthe
keytoMargetta’ssignatureandshe’dbeabletodestroythespell.

AsReganfacedtheblackcloud,sheheldthesharedpowersteady.Shedirectedallherthoughtsand

sensestothestructureoftheblockingspell,yetshecouldn’tpinitdownorinanywayfinditsformula.

Ian,I’msoclosebutIneedmorefromyou,ifyoucanpossiblyhelp.
TellmewhattodoandI’lldoit.ThoughIhavetosayyou’reemittingtremendousenergy.You’re

redauraisglowingallaroundyourbodyandyourbloodtattoosarepulsinginadarkburgundyhue.

HeraurawasthereasonshewasknownastheRubyFae.Fromthetimeshecouldremember,

wheneversheconnectedinastrongwaywithherfaepower,shegaveoffaredshimmeringlight.

Shekepthereyesclosedandexploredtheimageswithintheblockingspellandanideacametoher.

Takebothmyarms,butthistimeengageyourbattleenergy.Theblockingspellthat’spreventingme
fromunderstandingMargetta’smistcreationisinfrontofme.Iwanttoseeifbyusingyourstrongest
energyIcanfinallyfigurethespellout.

Willdo.Whatacomforthisdeepresonantvoicewaseveninsidehermind.
Shekepthereyesshutandfeltthebedshift.Ianneverlosttouchashemaneuveredsothathecould

takebothherhandsinhis.

Themomentthecirclewascompleteandhebegantoaccesshisbattlevibration,herbloodtattoos

turnedhot,herneckarched,andafierypowerflowedthroughher.

Withsuchtremendoussupport,Reganlettheblackcloudinfusehermind.Shewasdeepinher

meditationnowandshe’dlostallsenseoftimepassing.

WithIan’spowermovingthroughher,shewasabletosetthecloudspinningslowly.Everyparticleof

Regan’sfaebeingkepttouchingthespell,pondering,examining,sensing.

Oncetheentirespellmadeacompletecircuit,Margetta’spatternbegantoemerge.Finally,asthougha

keyturnedinalock,thesecrettotheblockingspellopenedtoherwithasequenceofwords,colors,and
melodies.

Shewantedtocryoutintriumph,butfearedlosingthemoment.Instead,bymakinguseofthe

componentsofthedarkspell,shecreatedacounter-spell.Takingadeepbreath,sheletitfly.

Theeffectwasimmediate.Theblackcloudbegantothinandfadetoagrayishhue.Finally,it

dissipated,vanishingcompletely.Inresponse,Regan’smindgrewlightandairy,herspiritfree.

She’dbrokentheblock.
Haveyoudoneit,Regan,becauseI’msensingabigchange.
Yes,theblockingspelliscompletelygone.Butwedidittogether.Icouldn’thavepenetratedthe

formulaforthespellwithoutyourpower.However,Ican’tstopnow.Thisisonlyhalfofwhatneedsto
beaccomplished.

Youintendtoworkontheshieldingmistitself?Heasked.
Yes.Ithinkwithyoursupport,I’llbeabletoanalyzethemistspellwithouthavingtobeatthe

gorge.So,staywithme.Okay?

Goforit.I’mhere.
Knowinghewasstillwithher,helpedRegantosetallherattentiononthemist-spell.She’dstudied

thecampportionofthespellthoroughlyduringhertimeinthefortress.Thoughshe’dneverbeenableto
doanythingaboutit,she’dimprinteditonhermindandbroughtitforwardnow.

Themomentshebroughtittolife,sheknewitwasthesamespellthathadcausedthemist,thoughshe

hadn’tseenthemistuntilshe’dactuallyleftthetower.Thiswasahugerelief,sinceshe’donlybedealing
withonespell.

Yet,howdifferentthespellappearedbecausetheblockingportionwasgone.Everythinghadbeen

jumbledbefore.Nowthecolorsweremorevibrant,themelodiesclearer,andeventheincantationsmade
sense.

Asthespell’sstructurebegantoemerge,sherealizedshewaslookingnotatasimple,singlespell,

butonewithaseriesofintricatelayers.Thiswasherfirstrealclueastohowtobreakitdown.

Ian,I’mabletoseethespellinitsentirety.It’samazinglyintricate,withlayers,whichisone

reasonIcouldnevercomprehenditbefore.

NotsureIknowwhatyoumean,butIcanfeelyourexcitement.What’snext?
It’sprettysimple;allIhavetodoisuncoverthestructureofthefirstlayerthentherestwillfollow.
Canyoudothatnow?
I’mprettysureIcan.
Thenkeepgoing.
Moretimepassedassheremainedinmeditation.Everyfaeinstincttoldhertostaywithit,tonotlet

anyaspectofthespellslipthroughtheopenweaveofherthoughts.

ImagesofMargetta’smistswirledinfrontofher,ahauntingcollectionofwords,colorsandcarefully

chosenmelodicsequences.Whatshesawandfeltwasincrediblybeautiful,evenseductive.

WhateverelseMargettamightbe,shewasalovelycreaturetobehold,bothphysicallyandinherfae

abilities.ReganwonderedwhathadhappenedinMargetta’slifetohavetakenherdownsuchadark,
destructivepath.Whenhadshechosenalifeofdominationratherthanoneofservice?

MargettawasveryoldandReganknewnexttonothingaboutherearlycenturies.Perhapssome

catastrophehadoccurredinherlifetoalterforeveradesiretodogood.Reganwouldlikelyneverknow.

Now,ofcourse,allthattrulymatteredwasdefeatingher.
Astheimagesmovedinswiftcirclesnow,thestructureofacomplexcounter-spellatlastemerged.
Shelaiditwithinherconsciousness,sothatshe’dalwaysknowitsexactsequenceandcomposition.
Witheverythinginplace,shelefthermeditationandopenedhereyes.
AsoftwindfullofmagicandpowerblewthroughthebedroomsothatIan’shairwasliftedawayfrom

hisface.Hisgoldenskinwasflushed,hismusclespumped,andasheenofsweatcoveredhisbody.

“Ian,youlooksodifferent.”
“Andyouhavethemostbeautifulredaura.Whateverthisisbetweenus,Regan,poweriswhatwe

createtogether.Andforthat,I’mgrateful.I’mconvincedwe’llbeabletodothisthing.”

Herewasthemanshe’dalwaysloved.Thosefeelingshadneverstoppedandsheknewshe’d

comparedeverymanshe’deverdatedtoIan.Inmanyways,sheshouldhavebeendrawntoasensitivefae
artistorteacher.Instead,onlyawarriorwoulddoandnotjustany,buttheMastyrofCamberlaune.

“Ineedyoutotakemebacktotheareaofthegorgenearthefortress,”shesaid.“Iwasn’tabletosee

beyondthefirstlayerandIthinkIneedtobepresentwiththemisttoconstructeachsequence.”

Slowly,hedrewhishandsawayfromher.Thesensationmadehersmile,becauseitfeltlikethe

connectionwasmadeoftaffy,givingastrangetugasheletgo.Whenhenolongertouchedher,theshared
powerfadedquicklythendisappeared.

Hisgazesweptfromoneshoulderupandoverherheadthendowntheotherside.“Yourredglowhas

disappeared.”

Shenodded.“Andthebreezeintheroomisgone.”Shesettledagainstthepillows,becomingaware

shewasstillnakedinbed.

Butsomethinghadchanged.Sheglancedatthewindows.Theshutterswerefullyretractedandthe

forestwasdark.Shesearchedherinternalclockandrealizedwithastarthowmuchtimehadpassed.

ShiftinghergazebacktoIan,hereyeswidened.“WasIreallymeditatingfortwohours?”
Henodded.“Youwere.”
“Ibarelyhadanawarenessoftimepassing.”
“Noworries,Regan.Icouldsenseitwasimportantforyoutokeepgoing.Andassoonaswe’vehad

apropermeal,I’lltakeyoutothefortress.”

“Maybeweshouldgonow.”
Butheshookhishead.“Trustmeinthis.WebothneedtoeatfirstbecauseIhaveafeelingwe’re

facinganotherlongnight.”

CHAPTERSEVEN

Oncehe’dsharedasubstantialmealwithRegan,ofscrambledeggs,sausage,andthickslicesof

toastedcottagebread,hepreparedforthenight.Whilesheshowered,hecontactedBentoseehowactive
theInvictuswere.

Fortunately,they’dconcentratedtheireffortsinthefareasternreachesofhisrealm,aplacenearthe

smallerVenasetMountainrangedominatedbyhisShifterBrigade.Stonewasalreadyintheregionand
helpedtodirectboththeBrigadeandhisVampireGuardfromvillagetovillageasthewraith-pairs
attacked.

HechosenottotelleitherStoneorBenaboutwhatwasgoingonwithRegan.Someinstinctwarned

himheshouldprotecttheirpurpose,atleastfornow.Besides,untiltheyactuallyhadaneffectonthemist
therewasnothingtotell.

HeshoweredintheguestroomandputonhisGuarduniform,minusthewovenshirt.Whenhe’d

gottenthehawktattoo,he’ddecidedtoforgowearingtheshirt.Mostofhisdoneuseshadmadealotof
noiseaboutthetattooandforasolidyear,he’dhadmoresexbecauseofitthananyprevioustime.And
he’dneverlacked.

Reganhadspreadherfingersovereachofthefeathers,thenfeltuphispecsandsuckedonhim.
Thoughhe’dbeenwithalotofwomen,outofallofthem,Reganhadhisnumber.Hecouldn’texplain

it,andthishadbeentruelongbeforethewholebloodrosething,butshemadehimfeelthingsnoother
womancould.WhichmeantthatanytimeadateofhisremindedhimofRegan,eveninthesmallestway,
thecomparisonbegan.Invariably,thewomanfellshort.

Ifheactuallybelievedinsoulmates,he’dsayReganwasit.
Exceptthathedidn’ttrusther.Hecouldn’t.She’dlethimdownbykeepinghimwithherwhenhe

shouldhavebeenoutbattling.Andhecouldn’tforgiveherbecauseofalltheliveslost.

Whensheemergedfromthebedroom,hesawthatshe’dsweptherlightbrownhairawayfromher

facewhichemphasizedherstrongcheekbones.Herbeautystruckhimalloveragain,causinghisheartto
squeezeuptightoncemore.Herlargebrowneyeswidenedasshelookedhimupanddown.

Shesmiled.“Loveyouwithouttheshirt,Ian.Betweenthetattooandtheblackleatherofyour

sleevelesscoat…wow.”

Hisgazedrifteddownherskintightjeansandblackankleboots.Heknewtheshapesofthoselegs,

andwhatthey’dfeltlikewrappedaroundhishipsashedroveintoher.

Hefeltindangeroffallingforheralloveragain,andpartofhimresentedherforit.Despitethat

she’dhadaboutasmuchcontrolintheircurrentbloodrosesituationashehad,hestillwishedhewasn’t
gettingalltangledupagain.Except,damnthesexhadbeengood.

“Ineedtosaysomething.”Heplantedhisfistsonhiships,hisringsmakingaclinkingsound.“Justto

beclear,myfeelingstowardyouhaven’tchanged.”

Sheshrugged.“Iknow.”Couldshehavebeenmorematteroffact?
Hescowled.“Youalmostsoundasthoughyoudon’tcare.”
Shetiltedherhead.“Ian,Iknowwehaveseriousissuesbetweenussobelieveme,Ihaveno

expectationshere.Andevenifyousuddenlyhadachangeofheart,I’mnotsureI’dbelieveyouorbeable
totrustyou.”

“Whatdoyoumeanbythat?”Hewasirritatedbecausehe’dnevergivenherareasonnottotrusthim.
“Ian,youbrokemyheart.Idon’tthinkIcouldgothroughthatagain.WhatwehaveherebecauseI’ma

bloodroseisnothingshortofamazing.ButIknowitcan’tlast,andI’mwillingtogoalongfortheride

becauseI’mconvincedwe’llbeabletodosomegoodtogether.ButIdefinitelydon’tseethisasyouand
meforgingalifetogether.Ithinkit’salovely,sexyinterlude,that’sall.”

Hewasdumbfoundedashefrownedather.“Therearesomanythingswrongwithwhatyou’vesaid,I

don’tknowwheretobegin.Foronething,youspeakasthoughitwillbeasimplethingforyoutowalk
awayoncewe’vegottenthemistsituationresolved.Butitwon’tbe.”

He’dneverseenherlookmoreseriousassheresponded.“You’rewrong.Forme,itwillbeeasy.

Whatwashard,waslivingwithyourattitudetowardmeforthepastfivecenturies.Ididn’tdeserveit,
Ian.AsIseeit,youfellintoawholelotofguiltbecauseofRaven’sOverlookandyoutookitoutonme.”

Heshookhishead,stunnedsheheldtheseopinions.Forabriefsecond,hewonderedifshewasright.

Hadhisguiltcloudedhisperception?Whateverthecase,he’dneverbeabletomakeherseewhereshe
wasatfault,sofornowhehadtoletitgo.“Idon’twanttoquarrelwithyou.Weeachseethepastvery
differently.Weshouldgo,thoughrightnowI’mprettypissed.”

Shehuffedasigh.“Andjustfortherecord,Ian,theonlythingIwaseverguiltyofthatnightwas

lovingyoutothepointofmadness.Now,let’sgetgoing.Ihaveacounter-spelllivinglikewildfireinside
me,andI’mreadytotakedownsomemist.”

“Fine.”
Sheliftedonearchedbrow.“Fine.”
Onceintheair,Ian’stemperstartedtocool.Flyinghelped.SweetGoddess,helovedtobeintheair.

Hisbloodtattooshadlitupthemomentshe’dwrappedanarmaroundhisneck.Heflewfasterthanever
withRegan’spowerflowingoverhim.

She’dfallensilent,havinghadhersay.Shedidn’tevenattempttocommunicatetelepathically.Butshe

heldontohisneck,eventhoughhehadherpinnedtohissidewithanarmaroundherwaist.Itwasfunny
howatpeacesheseemedtobeintheirimpossiblesituation.

She’dsaidshe’dlovedhimtothepointofmadness.He’dheardtheexpressionbeforeandhehadto

admithe’dbeencrazyinlovewithherbackthenaswell.Butshe’denthralledhim,whatevershechoseto
believe.EvenBenhadsaidhe’dseenitfromthefirst,thatReganhadsomehowusedherfaeabilitiesto
keephimclose.

Themassacrehadchangedeverythinginhislife.Fromthatpointforward,he’dnevertaken

relationshipswithwomenseriously;hecouldn’taffordto.

~~~

Regankepthercool,butsomethingaboutIan’scontinuedinsistenceshe’denthralledhimhadstarted

tearingatherheart.Shewasn’tmad;sheknewhisopinion.Butshe’dneverstoppedlovinghim,andnow
thatshewassophysicallyclosetohimagain,herlovehadstartedrisingtothesurfaceoncemore.

She’dmeantwhatshe’dsaid.Shereallydidn’thaveasingledamnexpectationofhim.Butallthe

closenessofthenightbeforeandeventhiseveningwithhispowersupportinghermeditations,hadstarted
smashingdownhercarefulwalls.Shedidn’twanttobefeelingsomuchforhimbecausetheendgame
hadn’tchanged.However,thisterriblemiddleplaceofextremeproximityandsatisfyingsexhadherheart
aching.

Infact,shehurtsodeepshecouldhardlybreathe,thoughsheworkedhardatappearingimpassive.

Sheforcedherlungstoexpandandairtoflowbackin.

Ianmovedswiftlythroughthenightsky,buthedidn’tfollowthefoothillsthistime.Instead,heflew

overthemountains,headingtowardDarkGorge.ShecouldsensethetrajectorywithherinnateRealm
homingability.

Whenhebeganhisdescent,hewasoncemorealmostattheborderbetweenCamberlauneand

TannisfordRealm.Shesawthelongwallofmistasbarelyalineatfirst,butgrowinginmassasthey
drewclosertotheland.

ShewasremindedforcefullyofherrecentincarcerationandthewaysMargettahadtorturedher.She

shuddered.

Youokay?
Justremembering.Don’tworry.I’llgetoverit.
Iknowyouwill.ButweneedtohaveaplanreadyincaseanyInvictuspairsshowup.I’dbeafool

totrytodobattlerightnow.SoI’mthinkingthatwhileyoudoyourthing,I’llkeepwatch.ButI
reservetherighttotakeofffastthemomenttheenemyshowsup.Agreed?

Shehadnoproblemwithhisplan.Anysignofthosedevils,evenifI’minthemiddleofstrippingthe

firstlayerofmistaway,yougetusoutofthere.

Good.
Nearthegorge,Iandescendedtothestretchofgranitethatcreatedaprecipiceoverlookingthe

thousandfootdropbelow.Themomenthelanded,shesteppedoffhisbootedfootandturnedtowardthe
mist.Timetoforgethertroublesandfacethemuchmoreimportanttaskaheadofher.

Becauseshe’dfiguredoutthemist’scomplex,layeredstructure,shesawitinanewway.
Hey,hepathed.Whensheturnedtomeethisgaze,shesawtheconcernedlookinhiseye.Sorrywe

gotinto.

Sheshookherhead.Don’tgiveitasecondthought.Idon’tbelieveit’severabadthingtospeak

yourmind.Sheturnedtowardthemistoncemore.Nowlet’sseewhatwecandotostartunraveling
Margetta’sspell.

Wheredoyouwantme?
I’mgoingtoneedyourphysicalsupportbecauseI’llbemeditatingasIdothis.So,standbehind

me,thenreacharoundandputyourhandsonmybloodtattoos.

Whenhedrewnear,sheliftedherarms.Hemovedinclose,straddlingherfeetwithhisboots.When

heslidhisfingersdownherarmsandcoveredhertattoos,sheshiveredasmuchfromhistouchasfrom
thesuddenvibrationofpower.

Damnthisisamazing.
Magical,shepathedsoftly.
Anditwas,likenothingshe’deverexperienced,especiallybecausehesupportedherfrombehind.

Shefeltasthoughshecoulddoanything.

I’mgoingintomymeditationnow,soIwon’tbefullypresent.Doesthatmakesense?
Don’tworry,Regan.I’vegotyou.ButbepreparedthatifIseeawraith-pair,I’llsweepyouintothe

skies.

Iunderstand.Andnow,hereIgo.
Notknowinghowlongtheprocesswouldtake,shefoldedtheirjoinedarmsacrossherstomach.He

movedwithhersothatessentiallyhewasembracingher.Theintimacyaboutkilledher,butshehadtolet
itgo.

Takingadeepbreath,sherefocusedherattentiononthemist.
Sheclosedhereyesanddrewthecounter-spellforwardinhermind,thecolorsandmelodiclines,the

words.Turningherhandspalmsup,sheletthespellbecameavibration,flowingthroughhermindandher
body.Whenthespell-breakingenergyreachedherarms,shefeltIan’spowergatheraswellandsuddenly
infusethevibration.

That’sit,Ian.Nowkeepyourhandslooseoverme,butretaincontact.Andfollowmylead.
IwillandrightnowIcansensethecounter-spellbuildinginsideyou.

I’llonlybetakingoutasmallportionofthelayerrightinfrontofustomakesurethespellworks.

Iforwhenitdoes,wecandecidehowwewanttoproceed.

ShefeltIantakeadeepbreath.That’sanexcellentstrategywhichwillkeepoureffortsherequiet

fornow.

Ithinkso,too.
Sheslowlyopenedherfingersandbegantospreadherarmswide.Ianstayedwithher,glidinghis

handsalongherarmsasshemoved,sustainingcontact.

Thepowerbuiltuntilsheknewtheexactmomentsheneededtorelease.
Now,shewhisperedfromhermindtohis.
Thecounter-spellsyncedwiththeircombinedpowers.Thebloodtattoospulsedonherskinandshe

couldfeelanansweringvibrationinhis.

Thespellreleased,aheavywaveofenergyheadingstraightforthemassivewallofmist.Itcaughtthe

initiallayerandbeganspinningthemist,twistingitintosmallcyclonesthatroseintheairthenfadedinto
vapor.

Becauseitwasonlyasmallsectionofthefirstlayer,whatremainedwasashallowareawithmuch

lessdensemist.Yet,Regancouldseeshapesmovingwithin.

Ian,IthinkI’mseeingwraith-pairs.Willtheyattackus?
Iseemovementaswell,butI’mnotsurewe’reinanydanger.Becausethemistcreatesashielding

disguisebothdirections,theyprobablycan’tseeus.Hedroppedhishandsfromherarms,movingpast
her,butshekeptpacewithhim.Hestoppedwhenthemovingshapesbecameclearer,thoughstillmist-
disguised.

Ianwasright.Theyweren’tunderattack.Instead,theywereseeingtheedgeofthearmyencampment.

Butnotasingle-wraith-pairturnedintheirdirection.

Ianpathed,Howsoondoyouthinkyoucancreatetheremainingcounter-spells?
Veryquickly.Amatterofonlysecondsperlayer.Whatwe’vedoneoverthepastfewminuteshas

providedasignaturebasefromwhichtowork.It’singrainedwithinmyconsciousnessnow.

~~~

Ianknewexactlywhatneededtobedone.
We’regoingtofly.
Heturnedtoher,holdingouthisarm.Shequicklyclimbeduponhisfoot,andhedrewhertight

againsthim.

Heroseintotheairstraightup,rocketfast,thenturnedtoheadeasttotheplain.
Hisheadwhirredwithaveryspecificidea.HealmostcontactedStone,butsomethingheldhimback.

SamewithBen.Whatneededtobedonehadtobekeptsecret.

Ashepassedtherimcliffs,heslowedbecausehehadtothink.Hehadanopportunitytochangethe

courseofthewarrightnow,buthisinstinctsshoutedathimthatheneededtobesmartaboutit,maybe
evendeceptive.

IfMargetta’sfortresshadexistedbetweenCamberlauneandTannisfordallthistime,thenMargettano

doubthadaspynetworkinplace.AfterbattlingBraden,Ianhadfinallybeenforcedtoacceptthe
possibilitythathisVampireGuardandevenhisShifterBrigadehadbeencompromised.

Ian,what’sgoingon?You’veslowed.
I’mthinking.
CanIhelp?
Hepausedinflightandlevitatedmidair.Theywerehighaboveasmallvillage,nodoubtinvisibleto

anyonewhowouldbelookingup.

Heheldherlooselyasshepushedbacktogainenoughdistancetomeethisgaze.ThoughRegancould

levitateandflyonherown,Ianwasmuchfaster.“What’sgoingon?”sheasked.“Something’sbugging
you.Icanfeelit.”

“I’vejustrealizedIdon’tknowwhototrustinmycombinedforces.IfBradencouldbeturned,who

I’dalwaysbelievedhadmybackdespitehisambitions,thenotherscouldaswell.IfIorderafullout
assaultandevenoneofmyvampiresorshiftersisaspy,thewholeoperationwouldbelost.”

“Andyouwanttoattacknow?”
Henodded.“Tonight.Wemightnotbeabletodestroythearmy,butwecoulddosomeserious

damage.Ifyoupeelbackthemistasquicklyasyousayyoucan,we’llhavetheelementofsurprise.And
everythingyou’verelatedaboutMargetta’sattitudetellsmeanassaultisthelastthingshewouldexpect.”

Hereyeswidened,glittering.“SowhatcanIdo?”
“Hearmeoutandgivemesomefeedback.Iwanttogoaroundtherealmoverthenextfewhoursand

coordinateanattackforthreeinthemorning,wellbeforedawnbutwithplentyoftimefortheshiftersto
getupthemountain.

“I’lldeliverorderspersonallytoeachsquadoutinthefieldwiththeunderstandingthatI’msending

theirgrouponasecretreconnaissancemission.Usinggeographicalcoordinates,eachteamwillbeplaced
atcarefulintervalsattheedgeofthemist.Thesquadswon’tbeabletoseethecamp,thefortress,orthe
mist,notuntilyourcounter-spellgoesintoeffect.”

Regan’sbrowsrose.“Soyou’resayingnotevenStoneorBenwouldknowyourplans?”She

appearedshocked.“Butyoutrusteachimplicitly.”

“Ihaveonegoalhere.IwanttoreducetoanabsoluteminimumthepossibilityMargettacouldever

learnaboutmyplans.BothStoneandBenhavemenintheVampireGuardandtheShifterBrigadethey
trust.Butifanyofthesehavebeencompromised,Icouldhaveadisasteronmyhands.”

“Okay.Iseeyourthinking.Igetitnow.”
“Tellmewhatyouthink,sincetheplandependsonyourabilitytorollbackthemistataspecifichour.

Doyouseeanyholes?ShouldIincludeatleastBenwho’sbeenmyrighthandallthesecenturies?”

Sheappearedtoconsider,herbrowfurrowingforalongmoment.Finally,shedrewadeepbreath.“I

sayyougowithyourinstincts.SeeingBradenaspartofawraith-pairhaschangedmyviewofthingsas
well.MargettacouldhaverecruitedalotofdissatisfiedRealm-folkovertheyears.”

TheonethingIanknewwashetrustedReganinthissituation,despitethepast.“Andyou’resureabout

paringbackthemist?”

“Ihavenodoubtitcanbedoneandveryquickly.”
“IsthereachanceMargettawillhavealreadyrealizedyou’veremovedaportionofthefirstlayer?”
“Averysmallone.ShewouldhavetobepatrollingthesectionIworkedonandIdon’tseethat

happening.Accordingtotheservants,Margettararelyleftthefortressitself.Shespentmostofhertime
eitherwithherhusband,Gustave,orworkinginherchambersbelowground.Although,therewassome
talkshe’dbuiltacommunicationnetworksimilartoyourcenters,oneineachrealm.”

Atthat,Ianscowled.“AreyousayingsomewhereinCamberlaune,thewomanoperatesacenterofher

own?”

“Ithinkso,butIdon’tknowhowsophisticatedhersystemwouldbe.Remember,thiswasfortress

gossip.”

OfeverythingIanhadeverheardaboutMargetta,includingherabilitytoorganizetheInvictusintoa

fightingarmy,centersofoperationineachrealmdisturbedhim.Margettahadtremendousnaturalpowers
andallthefaegiftsincludingmist-makingspellsandenthrallment.Butthesealonewouldn’tcommandthe

NineRealmsasawhole.Communicationcenters,however,wereadifferentmatterandspoketothe
woman’slong-view.

“SweetGoddess.”Hefelthisheartbeatdrumminginhisneck.Nowwasthetimetodobattleagainst

thewoman’sruthlessambitions.He’dneverbeenmorecertainofanythinginhislifeormoreconfidentin
thenatureofhisplans.

Reganwasrighttotellhimtotrusthisgut.Everythingshe’dsaidsupportedbothhistimingandthe

wayhewantedtohandletheupcomingengagement.

Hisbattleenergyvibrateddownhisarms,readytoexplodefromhishands.Heneededtodialit

down,butasenseofurgencywasonhim.

HedrewReganclosetohissideoncemoreandcontactedBentelepathically.
Hey,Benresponded.Goodtohearfromyou.Everythingokay?
Yes,absolutely.Thenheconcoctedhislie.IhaveReganwithmeandwe’vebeenworkingthemist

butnothavingalotofsuccessyet.Reganwillkeeptrying.AreyouattheCommunicationCenter?

Iam.
How’stheInvictusactivitysofar?
Verylow,butIhavesquadsscatteredallovertherealm.
ThesewereIan’sstandardorders.Good.Excellent.
What’sgoingon,Ian?Youseemdifferent.
Shit.AminuteoutofthegateandalreadyBencouldtellsomethingwasup.Hewasn’tmuchfor

dissimulationanyway.

Foranotherfewseconds,hedebatedbringingBeninonhisplans.HetrustedBenwithhislife.He

alwayswould.

ButgivenhewasintheCommunicationCenterwithanumberofearsreadytolistenin,Ianretreated

backtohisoriginalintentionofkeepinghisplanshiddenfromeveryone.

AnsweringBen’squestion,hesaid,It’shavingabloodrose.I’mrevvedupbecauseI’moutofpain.
Icanonlyimagine.BenwasamastyrandhadlivedforalmostasmanycenturiesasIanwithchronic

bloodstarvationandtheaccompanyingconstantdiscomfort.

Arethetroopsoutattheusuallocations?
Bythebook.
Ianbegantobreathealittleeasier.Hewouldn’thavetohunthismendown;heknewwherethesquads

wouldbe.I’llberoamingtherealmtonightwithReganintow.We’llprobablydropdowntoWinnick
foramidnightmeal.Otherthanthat,pathmeifyouneedme.

Willdo.
HefeltBenendthecommunication.
Mentally,IanlaidoutthesamegridofCamberlauneasatthecenter.Havingpresetpointsofarrival

andsetareasforhuntingforInvictussignwouldmakeIan’sjobofreachingeachsquadamuchsimpler
task.

Regansuggestedsheusehercelltomapthemistedareaandcreatespecificgeographicalpointsfor

eachsquad.Shehadstronghomingabilities,ashedid,soheknewshe’dgetthecoordinatesright.

Withhisplaninplace,heheadedtotheclosestregionfirst,whichwasthelongstretchoffoothill

communitiesatthebaseoftheDauphaireRim.TheRimwastheplacewherethemountainsdroppedfive-
hundredfeettotheLeberionPlain.

Whenhefoundhisfirstsquadofeight,headdressedtheteam.“Ihaveareconmissionforyouatthree

o’clock.We’vesightedanInvictusoutpostnearthelocationMistressReganwillprovideyou.Theareais
hiddenbehindashieldingmist,buttheRubyFae,”hereheinclinedhisheadtoRegan,“willperforma

spellremovalfunctionasshedidforSwanicott.Whatweneedtoknowisthesizeanddispersalof
Margetta’sarmycampedaroundtheAncientFae’sfortress.CanIrelyonyouforthistask?”

Hesmiledwhenashoutwentup.Helovedtheheartofthewarrior,alwaysgame.
“ReganwillsendthecoordinatestoAngus’scell.”Angusledthesquad.“It’salsocriticalthatyou

don’ttellanyonewhatI’veaskedofyou,includingMastyrBenorthecommunicationcenteroreven
MastyrStone.Ihavereasonsforthis.”

Angusfrowned.“Willtherebeothersdoingreconaswell?”
Again,Ianhatedlying,butheknewthismissionhadtoproceedinsecret.“Acoupleofothers,butif

youmeetanyonealongtheway,Idon’twantanydiscussionbetweensquads.Isthatclear?”

“Yes,Mastyr.”Angusspokefortheentireteam.
“Justbesuretobeatyourassignedlocationatleastfifteenminutesbeforethree.Thedisguisingmist

shoulddisperseatthreesharp.Anyquestions?”

“Onlyone.”Angus’seyesglowedwithafamiliarbattlefervor.“Whenthemistdisappearsandwe

sightInvictus,doweengage?”

Atthat,asmileoverspreadIan’slips.“Atwill.”
Anothershoutwentup.
Angusadded.“Weshoulddomoreofthis,beontheoffensive.”
Ianclappedhisshoulder.“Iagree.ButbecauseI’mnotsureofthenumbersyou’llbefacing,ifatany

timeitappearsthesquadwillbeoverwhelmed,don’thesitatetoretreat.Keepyourheads.Thinkofthisas
aforay,notanovertbattle.Understood?”

Eachheadbobbed.
“Good.AndIwantoneofyourteamtoremainbehindtoworkwiththelocaldefenseleadersofthe

communitiesassignedtoyoursquad.HavethesecommunitiesonthealertincasetheInvictusshowup.”
Ianmeteachwarrior’sgaze.“Again,beatyourcoordinatesbytwo-forty-fiveandI’llbeintouchwith
Angusbeforethree.”

KeepingReganclose,heheadedtothenextsectorfarthernortheastalongthefoothillcommunitiesand

receivedasimilar,enthusiasticresponse.AlltheGuardsmenwerereadytotakechargeandendthe
Invictusmiseryforgood.Withluck,tonight’seffortwouldtakethemagoodpiecedowntheroad.

Reganusedhercelltoestablishthenextsetofcoordinatesandtokeeparecordofwhichteamof

Guardsmenwouldgowhere.Ianknewthenamesofallhismen,soshemadelists.Shedidthiswhilehe
flewbetweensectors,ateaseinhisarmsasthoughthey’dflowntogetherfordecadesinsteadoftwo
nights.

Onceallthesquadstookupapositionnearthefortress,eachteamwouldonlybefifteenyardsfrom

thenext.Thewarriorswouldnodoubtstartgettingapicturethatsomethingbigwasgoingon.Whenthe
houradvancedtothree,he’dbeginpathingwiththeleaderstolettheminonwhathehopedtoachieve.
Oncethesquadswereinposition,hiscombinedVampireGuardandShifterBrigadewouldsurround
Margetta’scamp.

Ianknewhisforcewasn’tnearbigenoughtodefeatsuchalargearmy.Butbythetimethebattleended

withastrongretreat,hefeltcertaintheCamberlaunewarriorswouldhavemadeadentinthenumberof
wraith-pairsreadytomakewar.

Itwouldbeonehelluvaabeginning.

~~~

ReganknewfromvariousnewspaperarticlesandblogsaboutIanovertheyearsthatoneofhis

favoriteeaterieswastheHungryTrollinthecentralcityofHocklin.Atmidnight,heflewhertherehaving

madeareservation.Therestaurantservedspecialtybeers,severalofthemimportedfromtheStates
throughtheHarrisburgAccessPoint.

Whenhetoucheddownonthecobbledstreet,andshesteppedoffhisbootedfoot,shebecameaware

hewasinstantlythecenterofattention.Hereceivedmanywell-wishesfrompassingvehiclesanda
numberoffriendlyback-slapsfrompedestriansinthearea.

Reganlovedthegood-naturednessofRealm-folkgenerally.Anditpleasedherthatamanwho

sacrificedhispersonalcontentmentforhispeople,wasappreciatedsoverymuch.

Whenatrollhurriedtoopenthedoorforthemboth,shewasn’tpreparedforthesuddenstanding

ovationandapplauseeruptingfromeverysingletableofthepub-likeestablishment.

ShelookedupatIan,wonderinghowhewouldtaketheadulationandshecouldseebyhissmileit

pleasedhim.Heliftedahand,thengraciouslygesturedtoRegan.

Ifshe’dbeensurprisedbefore,shewasastoundedthatshe,too,receivedanincrediblywarm

welcome.WhensheglancedatIanwithaquestioningbrow,hepathed,Everyoneknowsthepartyou
playedintheSwanicottvictory.You’reasbelovedhereasyouareinyourownrealm.

Tearsstartedtohereyes.Sure,she’dhelpedoutbygettingridofthedisguisingmistsothatthe

Swanicottarmycouldseetheenemy,thenengage.Butshehadn’tactuallyparticipatedinthebattlesoshe
wasn’tsurejusthowmuchadulationshedeserved.Butitmeantalottoherthatherservicehadbeen
appreciated.

Shealsoliftedahandandwaved,thenfelthercheeksgrowwarmastheapplausecontinued.She

wasn’tusedtosomuchattention.

Atrollapproachedthem.Heworeawhiteapron,blackvestandwhiteshirt,hadtwomenusinhand

andalargebelly.Thelatterwashisbestadvertisementforthequalityofthefood.

Heheldhisheadhigh,beamingasheledthemtoaprivateboothattheback.Tohersurprise,shesaw

Benstandingagainstthewallnearthebathrooms,scrollingthroughhiscell.

Foramoment,though,shegotaverystrangefae-ishfeelingaboutBen,asthoughsomethingwasn’t

right.Shefocusedonhim,buttheoddquestioningresponsedissipatedswiftly.

Shegaveherheadashake.Thenatureofthesecretattack,aswellasallshe’dbeenthrough,seemed

tobehavinganeffectonherandnotinagoodway.

Ben’shere,shepathedtoIan.Sheslidintothebooth,thehighmaroonleatherbackscreatingprivacy

forthem.

Iseehim.Iwonderwhat’sgoingon.
Benliftedhisgazefromhisphoneandsmiled.AsRegandrewhermenuintoherhand,Ianwavedfor

Bentojointhem.

WhenBendrewclose,Ianasked.“Everythingokay?”
Benhelduphiscell.“Yes,verylightactivitytonight.”HeturnedtowardRegan.“Howareyou,

Mistress?Ithinkit’sbeenthirtyyearssincewelastspoke.”

“Atleast.”Reganhadtoadmitshe’dneverbeencompletelyateasearoundthevampire,thoughshe

hadnoideawhy.

Duringthetimeshe’ddatedIan,BenandhisbrotherhadbeentwoofIan’sclosestfriends.Ben’s

brother,amastyraswell,haddiedatRaven’sOverlookduringthemassacre.

Maybethatwasthereasonshefeltslightlyill-at-ease.BenhadsufferedasbothsheandIanhad.And

fromwhatIanhadtoldher,Benhadtakenhisbrother’sdeathveryhard.

Benhadlong,curlyblondhair,pulledbackintheGuardsman’swovenclasp.Hehadaregalbearing,

astraightnoseandstraightbrows.Hewassix-fiveandwell-muscledthoughnotasheavilyasIan.He
woreawovenmaroonshirtandtheGuardoutfitthathadalleyesintherestaurantturnedtowardthetwo,

handsomemen.

Ben’ssmilewaswarmashesaid,“I’llleaveyoubothtoyourmeals.Theshepherd’spieis

outstanding.”

Ianaskedhimtojointhem,butherefused.He’donlywantedtotouchbaseinpersonandtosayhello

toRegansincehehadn’thadthechancethenightbefore.

Asheleft,hestoppedandchattedwithanumberofpatronsalongtheway.Hehadaneasystyle,a

perfectcomplementtoIan.Reganunderstoodwhythetwomenhadbeenfriendsforsuchalongtime.

Duringthemeal,Iangrewveryquietasheatehisshepherd’spie.He’dorderedalocalstout,butshe

wasn’tsurehetastedmuchofeither.

“What’sbotheringyou?”sheasked.
Heliftedhisgazetoher.“Isitthatobvious?”
“Yourhead’sdownandyouseemtobepathingwithyourfood.”
Atthathesmiled.“Iwantthistogowelltonight.”Hekepthisvoicelow.
“Itwill.You’vedonetherightthingbykeepingitonthedown-low.”
Hismouthworkedandaftersettinghisforkonhisplate,hetwistedhisthumbringafewtimes.“I

thinkIneedtobringStoneinonthis.”

Shenoddedandusingherfork,cutintoachickenfiletcoveredwithcapersandlemon-buttersauce.

“Youwanttoaddtothenumbers.”Bythispointshewaswhispering,afraidtorevealthesecretplanto
anyonewhomightbelisteninginontheirconversation.

Heswitchedtotelepathy.That’sitexactly.Mytroopswillbetoospreadoutaroundtheperimeter.

Andoncethebattlingstarts,it’shardforawarriortoretreatevenwhenhe’soutnumbered.Itgoes
againsteveryinstinct.

Shepoppedthebiteintohermouth,followingupwithasipofsweetGermanwhitewine.Whatdo

yourinstinctstellyou?

Atthat,hechuckled.
“What?Whyareyoulaughing?”
“Iforgothowmuchyourfaenessslantsyouradvice.”
“Isthatabadthing?”
“No,itwasn’tacriticism,Ipromiseyou.I’msurroundedbywar-makingvampiresandshifters.We

thinkintermsofweaponry,timeanddistance,numbers.Youradviceleanstowardintuition.”

“Wedivineouranswersasmuchbythesubtlevibrationsallaroundus.LikewhenIfirstsawBen,

whatInoticedasheleanedagainstthewallcheckinghistextsoremail,wastheglitterinhiseyeas
thoughhewasgettingreadytodobattle.Iknowhewasn’t,butsomethingabouthisexpressiondidn’tquite
jivewithbeinginarestaurantjusttosayhitome.”

Iantookadrinkofthestout.“Inthiscase,you’rethinkinglikeafae.Youforget,Benmakeswarfirst,

aboveeverythingelse,justasIdo.Hecouldhaveeasilybeendirectingoneofthesquadstomoveto
supportanotherbecauseofanInvictusattack.”

“Thatmakestotalsense.”Shethenswitchedthesubjectandaskedaboutthequalityofthestoutandif

helikedhismeal.

Herelaxedafterthat.She’dmadetherightdecisionnottopresshimaboutBen.
Onceshe’dfinishedherdinnerandIanhadaswell,heledheroutside.Again,hereceivedthethanks

ofthosepassingby.Whenmostofthewell-wishinghadsubsided,hepulledouthiscellandspokeina
quietvoicetoStone.

ReganalsohadtwoyoungfaewomentakeherasideandaskaboutherretreatinSwanicott.Regan

suggestedtheycheckoutherwebsite,whichhadalltheinformationtheywouldneedtoapplyforentrance

intooneofavarietyofprogramsherteamoffered.

Ian,afewfeetaway,replacedhiscellinhispocket.Hemethergazeandnodded,smiling.Helooked

pleasedwithStone’sresponse.

ShewasabouttorejoinIan,whenafemaleshifterranuptohimandthrewherarmsaroundhisneck.

“Ian,”shecried.“Ihaven’tseenyouinages,notsinceyoutookmetoyourcave.”

Ah,theinfamouscavewherehewassupposedtohaveheldtwowomancaptive.
Iansmiledashetookholdofherarmsanduntangledthepowerfullookingwomanfromaroundhis

neck.Ah,ashifterfemale.“Janice.Don’tyoulookpretty.”

Theshifter,atleastsix-twoinheight,hadherblondhairteasedtoamassiveheight,sportedlongfake

eyelashesanddarkredlipstick.Sheworeafringedblackleathervest,cutlowenoughtorevealaboutfive
inchesofcleavage,areallyshort,redskirtandblack,thighboots.

Shedidn’tbackupeither,butplantedherhandonIan’sarmandbegantomassage,strokinghisbicep

upanddown.Themovementwassosuggestive,eventheyoungfaewomennearRegancluckedtheir
tonguesindisapproval.

ButRegan’sreactionhadherbloodtattoosfiredupandherheartbeatingfasterandfaster.
“Sohow’sithangin’?”Janiceleanedinclose.Whenshereachedlow,Regancouldtellbythe

movementofthewoman’sarm,she’djustslidherhandbetweenIan’slegs.

Reganhadneverfeltsuchaquick,possessiveresponseinherlife.Norhadsheevermovedasfastas

shedidnow,pushingherselfbetweenIanandhisadoringfan.

“Whatthehell?”Theshifterwasn’tabouttogiveupherground,andimmediatelygrabbedReganby

theshouldersreadytodobattle.

Butthebloodtattooshadcometolifeandflowedwithpower.
Inaswiftmove,ReganslidherhandupandplaceditonJanice’sforehead.Sheletaninfinitesimal

amountofherbattleenergyrelease.Theshiftersuddenlylookeddazedasshesteppedback,thenslumped
toherknees.Shedidn’tpassout,butalmost.

IanshiftedtostandbesideRegan,hisbrowsraised.“DidyoujustdowhatIthinkyoudid?”
“Yes.ThesamethingIdidtotheInvictuswraithinyourhome,exceptthatIonlyusedaboutatenthof

thepower.”

Janicerecoveredquickly,however,andgainedherfeet.ShescowledatRegan,thenpeeredather.

“Youhaveaglowingredaurarightnow.Oh,sweetGoddess,you’retheRubyFae.”

Janice,boldasmostshifterswere,tookRegan’srighthand.“Yousentpowerintomymind.”
“IhopeIdidn’thurtyou.”
Janiceshookherhead,causingherlongsilverearringstojangle.“No,notatall.Itfeltlikeasoftrain

insidemyhead.”SheglancedatIanthenbacktoRegan.“AndI’msosorry.Ididn’tmeananything.I
didn’tknow.You’rewiththemastyr,aren’tyou?”

Regandidn’twantanyconfusion.“Iam,”sherespondedfirmly.
“Iapologize.”Sheofferedasheepishsmile.“I’mjustsousedtohavingfreereinwithMastyrIan.”

HergazelingeredonhimforamomentafterwhichsheturnedtoReganandspokeinalowvoice.“Hashe
takenyoutohiscaveyet?Ifhehasn’t,makehim.It’sbeautiful.Ithinkitwouldsuityou.”Shethenwished
thembothwellandrejoinedherfriendswaitingforherattheentrancetotherestaurant.

ShewatchedJanicego,butsuddenlygrewawareofhowIan’sforest-fernscentnowfilledtheair.She

turnedtowardhim.“Ian?What’sgoingon?”

CHAPTEREIGHT

EverythingwithReganwasdifferentthistimearound,includingheraggression.He’dneverseenher

attackanotherRealm-person,especiallynotapowerfulashifterlikeJanice.

Wherehadthisnewboldnesscomefrom?Wasittheirsharedtattoos,orbecauseReganhadtheblood

rosephenomenonworkinginher?

Whateveritwas,herintrusionintoJanice’sattentionshaddonemoretofireuphisbloodthan

anythingelsecouldhave.

Heleanedcloseandsniffedherthroatabovehervein.Icansmellyourblood.You’vebuiltanew

supplyforme,haven’tyou?

Yes.Hervoice,eveninsidehismind,soundedbreathy.She’dbeguntoshedhermatingscentaswell,

richwithjasmineandlime.

“Ian,”shesaidquietly.“Youshouldtakemeintotheair.Ithinkwehaveanaudience.”
Heglancedaroundandsawshewasright.Atleastthreedifferentknotsofpedestrianswerewatching

them.

Heactedinoneswiftmovement,draggingheragainsthimandrisingswiftlyatthesametime.He

heardthesmallgroupofnearbyRealm-folkissueaunison,‘Oh-h-h,’ashedisappearedintothenightsky.

Ian,didyousettlethingswithStone?BecauseI’mfeelingtheneedforsomealonetime.Imean,

reallyalone.

Stoneisalreadygettingthingssetup,bringinginhistroopsfromTannisford.Isenthimthe

coordinatesyouprepared.He’sfollowingmyprotocolandkeepingeverythingquiet.So,theansweris
yes.

Becauseheheldhertightagainsthim,shehadholdofeachofhisbarearmsandduginhernails.He

groaned.

Canwegotothecave?TheoneJanicetalkedabout?
Rightnow,Ihavesomethingelseinmind,somethingIthinkyou’lllove.
Sheslidanarmaroundhisneck,pressingherbodyagainsthimasheflew.Hefeltherlipsonhis

cheek,hisjaw,thenlowerasshehalfsuckled,halfkissedhisthroat.I’dlovetogolower,Ian.Really
low.

Hegrunted,theonlysoundhecouldmake.Hewashardasarockandhisbrainkeptrollingtheimages

ofRegantakingonJanice,thensubduingtheshifterfemalewithahandplacedonherhead.

Reganhadstakedaclaimandheneededtorespondinawayshewouldloveandinaplacehewas

sureshe’dappreciate.

WhenhesawthegoldgleamoftheCamberlauneFaeGuildtower,hebeganhisdescent.Hedidn’t

aimforthebuildinghowever,butdeepintothegroundsonthefarsideofthelake.

YourGuild,shepathed.Ihaven’tbeenhereinages.Heheardherquickintakeofbreath.Whata

beautifulgarden.AndIremembernow,thelandwasagift.

That’sright.Oneofthewealthyfaeleadersdonatedwhatwasherfamily’squarryandsurrounding

property,aswellasthemoneytofundthegarden.

Verygenerous.
HescannedtheareaforRealm-folkofanykind,includingInvictus,butallthatreturnedwasacool

Decemberbreeze.Hedroppeddownbesideaweepingwillow.

Afewmonthsago,he’dseenthetreefromacrossthelakeandknewithadpossibilitiesforahidden

hook-up.He’dneverimagined,however,thatonenighthe’dbebringingReganhere.

Hepartedseveraldroopingbranches,revealingaprivategrassyspace.Hemovedinside,takingher

withhim.

Sheturnedinacircle.“You’reright.Iloveit.”
“Ithoughtyouwould.”Hekissedher.Shecooedinresponse,herarmssnakingaroundhisneckonce

moreandholdinghimtight.

Herscentwasheavyintheair,lettinghimknowhewasontherighttrack.
Ian,thisisperfect.ExactlywhatIneed.WatchingJanicefondleyougotmybloodallworkedup.I

can’texplainit,butmydesireforyouexploded.

Mine,too.
Heliftedheroffherfeet,carryinghertothetreetrunk,settlingheragainstit.“Areyoucomfortable?

BecauseI’mthinkingthisshouldbehardandfast.”Hereleasedherenoughsothatherfeetoncemore
touchedtheground.

Sheshiveredthenwiggledherbackagainstthetree.“Thiswillwork.”Sheglancedfromonesideto

theother,whispering,“Isanyoneoutthere?Imean,isthereachancewe’llbeseenoroverheard?”

“Isawveryfewinthegardenandnoneasfaroutasthistree.We’regood.”Hedroppedtounzipher

ankleboots,thentookoffherjeans.Hewasprettysureherthonggotlostsomewheredownoneofher
jeanleg-holes.

HelethisGuardcoatfalltothegrassthenunzipped.Hedidn’tbotherwithhisboots,notforwhathe

meanttodo.Heleanedinandkissedheragain,plunginghistongueinandout.

Shecrossedherarmsoverthebackofhisneck,holdinghimtightassoftmoanssoundedinherthroat.
Withhishipsconnectedtohers,herubbedhiscockdownhercleft.Herhipsarchedintohim,begging

formore.

Hethenliftedoneofherlegstohiswaist,afterwardraisingtheotherandgettinghersettledin.
Hedrewbacksohecouldlookather.Herdarkeyesglitteredwithdesireandherlipswereswollen.

“Ian.”Shearchedherhips.

“Whatdoyouwant,Regan?Youhavetotellme.”
Asoftsmilecurvedherlips.“Yourcock,plungingdeep.”
He’dalwayslovedhowdirectshewaswithhim.
Whenshelockedherlegsaroundhiswaist,hedippedhishandbetweentheirbodiesandguidedhis

cocktoherwell.Thesweetscentofhersexwaftedupashecontinuedtokissher.

Hethrustinalongslowglide.Shewassowet,soreadyforhim.Hegroaned.Youfeelamazing,

Regan.

AndIcouldworshipyouonmyknees,Ian.
Hisbodyjerkedinresponseattheimageherwordsconjured,ofhermouthsurroundinghiscock,of

hertonguelicking,handsfondling.

Tellmewhatyou’ddo,Regan,onlywhisperitoutloud.
Hedrewback,thrustingsteadilynow.
“I’dbeonmykneeswithoutanythingon.I’dteaseyourcockuntilitstoodstraightout,thenswipethe

tipwithmytongueoverandover.Butyou’dhavetobegmetodomore.Wouldyoubegme,Ian?”

“Hell,yeah.”Henodded,movinghishipsfaster.“AndafterIbegged?”
“I’dgetdowntobusiness.I’dtakeyouinmymouthandsuckforaslongasyouwantedmeto.”
Hemovedfasternow.“Whatelsewouldyoudo?”
“Ian,”shecried.“Oh,God.”
Seeingshewasalmostreadytocome,heslowedthetempo,easingherbackalittle.“Iwanttohearit

all,Regan.IwanttofeellikeI’mcominginyourmouthasIrelease.Willyoudothatforme?Talktome

whileIcome?”

Shegrippedhisarms,strokinghim,herhipsmatchinghisinhard,responsivepulsestoeachofhis

thrusts.“I’dtakeasmuchofyouinmymouthasIcould,andI’dbegyoutomouth-fuckme.Wouldyoudo
that,Ian?Wouldyoufuckmymouthwithyourdick?”

“Yes.”Hisvoicewaslowandhoarse,hisballsgettingtight.Hedroveintoherfasterstill.
Shewasbreathinghardasshecontinued,“Witheachthrust,I’dsuck,thendragmylipsinatightcircle

asyoupulledback.I’dkeepsuckinganddragging,catchingtheheadeachtime.You’dgofasterandfaster,
likeyouarenow,onlyinmymouth.”

“I’msohardforyou.Areyouclose?”
“Rightontheedge.”
“Thenlet’sdothis.”Hewentfaster,hiscockpistoning.
“Andonemorething,Ian.I’dtakeyourcomeinmymouth,allofit.”
Hegaveashoutandhisseedflewlikelightningthroughhiscock.Whenshestartedtoscream,he

coveredhermouthwithhishand.Herbodyjerkedandwrithedbeneathhisasheplunderedhersex.

Hekeptdrivingintoheruntilthelastbitofpleasurepulsedthroughhim.Stillconnected,hesmiledat

thesatisfiedlookinhereye,eventhoughshebreathedingaspsagainsthishand.Hewastakingindeep
gulpshimself.

Whenhecouldtrusther,heuncoveredhermouthandchuckledsoftly.“HopeIdidn’tdistressyouwith

myhand,butIdidn’twantanyonetothinkawomanwasbeingmurderedinhere.”

Shelaughedinresponsethenrestedherarmsonhisshoulders.Withasmile,sheleaneduptokiss

him.“Itwasperfect,beginningtoend.”However,herbrowsrose.“There’sonlyoneproblem.”She
glanceddownatwheretheywerestillconnected.“Youleavealotbehind,youknow.AndIdidn’texactly
comeprepared.”

Hereachedintohisbackpocketandtookoutakerchief.“Thoughtwemightneedthis.”Pullingoutof

her,hetuckedthesquareoflinenbetweenherlegs,holdingitinplaceassheloweredherlegs.

“Thankgoodnessyouhadthiskindofforesight.”
Hechuckledagain.“Let’sputitthisway,I’vebeeninaconstantarousedstatesinceIcaughtyour

bloodrosescent.Ifiguredthiswouldhappensoonerorlater.”

~~~

Regandidn’tknowwhattomakeoftheircurrentsituation.He’dbeenrighttoplanaheadandhe’d

beenreallyrightabouttheirmutuallustforeachother.Shecouldn’thaverefusedhimevenifshe’d
wantedto.

Whichshedidn’t.
She’dbeenwithoutamanforalongtimenowandwhereverthisled,sheappreciatedthesex.There,

she’dadmittedittoherself.She’dmissedrompinginbedwithhim,oronottomans,orbeneathweeping
willows.ShewonderedifIanhadeverthoughtaboutdoingitintheair.

“You’resmiling.No,I’dcallthatagrin.Whatareyouthinking?”
“Youdon’twanttoknow.”
“Tellme.Now.”
Havingfoundherthonghalfwaydowntherightlegofherpants,sheputitonthenpulledupherjeans

andzipped.“Haveyoueverhadsexwhilelevitatingorevenflying?”

Hethrewhisheadbackandlaughed.“Honey,I’mgameifyouare.Butno,I’veneverdonethat

before.”

“Wemighthavetogiveitashot.”Shepulledhersweaterdown,thendroppedtothegrassandslidon

herankleboots,zippingupeachinturn.

“I’llsaythisagain.Forsuchaspiritualbeing,you’reveryphysical.”
“Thetwoaren’tmutuallyexclusive.”
Henodded,smilingoncemore.
Whenshestoodup,shesawhe’dturnedhisbacktoherandwasusingacoupleoffingerstopartthe

drapedwillowbranches.

“LookingforInvictussign?”
“Always.Theskieslookclear,though.Nosignofaredwind.AndI’vebeenthinking.Weshouldhead

toGrasmerthenClarefieldtomakeanappearance.I’llcontactBenandStoneagaintoletthemknow
wherewe’llbe.”

“Soundslikeaplan.”
Heturnedtowardher,lookingherupanddown.“Thekerchief?”
Shefeltablushclimbhercheeks.“Um,I’mkeepingitwithmeforthetimebeing.”
“Shit.I’mnotthinking.LetmeflyyoutomyhomenearGasmer.Wecanbothcleanup.”
“Nowthatdoessoundlikeaplan.”
Heflewherswiftlyinthedirectionofthenorth-centralplaincity.Fromwhatsheknew,Gasmernow

hadapopulationoffifty-thousandRealm-folk,thoughsheremembereditasavillageofonlyacouple
hundred.

Justashepassedoverawell-litstreet,however,heveeredsharplyleft.
Shedidn’tknowwhyuntilshesawthecause;twoshiftershadfoughtandkilledanInvictuspairright

beneathastreetlight.SeveralRealm-folkstoodback,watching.

Whenhetoucheddown,Reganhadtoholdhernose.Thesmellwasawful.
“MastyrIan.”Thetallerofthetwoshifterswithbloodspatteracrosshisface,chestandarms,nodded

toIan,thentoRegan.“Apologiesforthemess.”Heswipedhischeekwithhissleeve.

Iankepthisarmaroundherwaist.“Justcheckingtoseeifyouneededhelp.”
Theshifterofferedawrygrin.“Nope.Butthesetwohavebeenaroundalongtimeandwerehardto

takedown.”

“Reallyhard,”theothershiftersaid,adeepfrownbetweenhisbrows.“Butwegot‘em.”
“Thentherewasnowaytosavethemforrehab.”
“Sorry,Mastyr,butno.Wewouldhaveneededafewmoreshiftersforthat.”
Ianwavedahand.“Wealldowhatwecan.”
Thetallerofthetwoscratchedhisforehead.Somethingwasonhismind.Loweringhisvoice,hesaid,

“We’relookingforwardtothereconforaylater.But…”

“Whatisit?Don’tholdback.”
“MastyrBenwashereearlier,askingquestions.Didn’tfeelrighttolietohim.”
“Sorrytoputyouinthatposition,butIneedyoutokeepyourmissionacompletesecret.I’llexplain

everythingtoBenlater.He’llunderstand.”

ReganhadlongsincelookedawayfromtheInvictuspaironthegroundandwasgratefulwhenIan

tooktotheskiesoncemore.Shedrewadeepbreath.“Thesmellsurprisedme.”

“Gutwoundsaretheworst.Theintestinesopenup.”
Sheforcedherstomachtosettledown,swallowinghardafewtimes.
“IneedtocontactBen,seeifhe’sgettingsuspicious.”RegansensedwhenIanbeganpathingwithhis

second-in-command.

Sheturnedherattentiontothelightsinthetownbelow.SomuchhadchangedinCamberlauneoverthe

centuries,shehardlyrecognizedanyoftheplacesshe’dseensofar.

ShefeltIangrowtenseashebeganhisdescent.Sheknewhe’ddisconnectedhistelepathic

conversationwithBen.“Everythingokay?”

“Justfeelingguilty.IreallyhatekeepingBeninthedark.HeaskedifI’dbeensettingupsomekindof

missionintothemountains,soItoldhimahalf-truththatIwassendingthreeorfourteamsonreconwork.
HesaidIshouldhavetoldhim.”

“Whatdidyousaytothat?”
Iancrossedasmallrangeofrollinghills,thendescendedintothebackyardofamoderndwelling.“I

lied.IsaidIthoughtIhad.”

“Didhebelieveyou?”
“Nope,butheletitgo.”
Reganlookedaround.“Thisisalovelyhome.Bytheway,exactlyhowmanyplacesdoyouhave?”
“Five.Sixincludingthelakecave.”
“Ireallyhavetoseethatcave.”
“Atsomepoint,I’msureyouwill.”Hewassmilingashesetherdownonthelawn.
Whenshehoppedoffhisboot,heledherintothehousebywayofthebackdoor.Sheglancedupand

sawthesteelshuttersreadytocomedownneardawnagainstsomuchglass.

Thehousewassinglestoryandhewalkedhertothemasterbedroom.Oncethere,hegesturedtothe

bathroom.“Thehamper’srightoutsidethedoor.”

“Perfect.”She’dhadplentyofsexovertheyears,butsometimesthelogisticsafterwardcouldbe

crazilyembarrassing.

Aftercleaningup,sheputthekerchiefinthehamper.Ianstoodnearthefootofthebed,waitingfor

her.He’ddonnedablacktank,freshleathersandevenworeadifferentpairofthighbootsthathadskulls
runningdowntheoutsideseams.

Shecouldn’thelpbutsmile.“Zanewouldlovethose.”
Ianlaughed.“Theywereagiftfromhim.Idon’twearthemoften,butgivenwhatwe’rebeheading

into,Ilikedtheidea.”

Sheglancedathisrings.“Whendidyoustartwearingsomuchhardware?Youneverusedto.”
“AboutthesametimeIgotthetattoo.”Hepattedhischest.“Acoupledecadesago,I’dbeeninaclose

upbattlewiththreeInvictuspairandoneofthevampiresworerings.Damn,theyhurtwhenhefought.
Afterward,IwasbruisedlikeI’dneverbeenbefore.Imadethedecisionthenandtheretoaddthemtomy
uniform.”

Shelookedhimupanddown.“It’sprettyintimidating.”Andotherthingsshedidn’tneedtomentionor

she’dendupinhisarmsagain.

Checkingherinternalclock,shecouldtellitwasalmosttwo-thirty.Herheartratejumped.“Weshould

probablyheadtotheDauphaires.”

“Yep.Youstillfeelconfidentaboutthede-spellingprocess?”
Shedrewinaraggedbreath,morefromexcitementthananythingelse.“Ido,butI’llneedtobeina

meditativestate.WillyouhaveGuardsmennearbyforprotection?BecauseI’mthinkingyou’llneedtobe
guardedifyou’resupportingme.”

“Alreadythoughtofthat.I’llhaveadozenofmymostpowerfulwarriorsstandingwatch.”
“Thenwe’reready.”
“Weare.”
Nowthatthetimehadcome,Reganfelttenseandjumpyasthoughelectricityflowedthroughher

veins,butinareallygoodway.Anguswasright;takingchargerocked.

~~~

IanflewRegandirectlytothegraniteoutcropthatoverlookedDarkGorge.Themistclosesttothem

hadthesamedisruptedappearancefromRegan’searlierefforts.Therestlookedintact,buthecouldn’t
helpbutwonderifMargettahadinadvertentlydiscoveredthisdisturbedpartofherspell.

Whateverthecase,thediewascastandtherewasnothingmoretodothantolettheplanunfold.
Justpast2:30,withhisplansinplace,hesawnoreasonnottoinvolveBen.Hepathedhimthengave

aquickrundownonwhatwashappening.

HeexpectedBentobepissedathimfornotincludinghim,butBenresponded,Itotallygetyourneed

forsecrecy.I’dsuspectedforalongtimesomeonewasleakinginformationtotheAncientFae,butI
hadtheworsttimethinkingitwasanyofourGuardsmen.

Samehere.HeandBenhadalwayshadsimilarattitudesandviews,onereasonhetrustedBenashe

did.Whydon’tyouheadouthere?We’reabouttoengagetheenemy.

Youknowthere’snowhereelseIwanttobe.
Iangavehimhisposition.Benwasaquickflyeranditwouldn’ttakehimbutafewminutestojoin

Ian.

Andtheoffensivestartsatthree?
Yes.
IsReganwithyourightnow?
Forthemoment.Butonceshe’sdestroyedMargetta’sspell,I’mplanningtomovehertothesouth

sideofDarkGorge.I’llhaveacoupleofourwarriorsguardingher.

Soundslikeyouhaveeverythinginhand.AndIan,thisisexactlywhatwe’veneededtodofora

longtime.I’llseeyouinafew.

RevertinghisattentiontoRegan,hepathed,Everything’ssetwithBen.He’sonhisway.
Washeupsetyouhadn’tinvolvedhiminitially?
Notreally.Ithinkhetrustsmyjudgment.Heheldhergaze.Areyoureadyforthis?
Absolutely.
Hecouldfeelherenergyrisingandhecouldrelate.WhateverthiswasforRegan,hewasgoinginto

battleandhiswarriornerveswerehopping,readytogo.

Hemovedinbehindherashehadearlierwhenshe’dfirstexperimentedwithbreakingdownthe

initiallayerofmist.Hesensedherdropintohermeditativeprocessassherelaxedagainsthim.

Iwantyoutowaitbeforeyousinktoofar,hepathed.IwanttheGuardsmeninplacewhoI’ve

assignedtoprotectbothyouandmewhileyou’reworkingonthecounter-spell.

I’vethoughtofthat,too.I’mrestingjustinsidethedeeperstate.Iwon’tsink‘tilyoutellme.
Helovedthatshewasinstepwithhim.Good.Areyoureyesclosed?
Yes.
Hewatchedasanothersquadarrived.Heinclinedhisheadtothemastheycontinuedontotheir

designatedcoordinates.

ToRegan,hepathed,Severaloftheteamshavepassedby,thoseheadingtothewesternmost

reaches.We’reonourway.

Hefeltherbreatheasighofrelief.Soundslikeeverything’smovingasplanned.
Amomentlater,thefirstofthesquadshe’dassignedtoserveastheirdetail,arrivedatthegranite

outcrop.EachwarriorlandedlightlyandthoughnoddingtoIan,stayedinsilentmode.Hetookamoment
topathtotheleader,lettinghimknowwhatwasreallygoingon.Thesquadleaderthenpathedtohisteam.
Excitementvibratedintheair.

Oncetheywereallinposition,heusedhandsignalstodirectthemtoformanarcinfrontofthetwoof

them,withthreeprotectingtherear.Asbattlefrequenciesrose,themenfannedout.Hisownpowerful
energyradiateddownhisarms,preparingtoerecthisshieldwhennecessary.Asaresult,hisblood
tattoosheatedup.

Iancontinuedcontactingthevarioussquadleaderstelepathically.Heletthemknowwhatwasreally

happening,thathisforceandpartofStone’swereheadingintobattlewithMargetta’sprimaryarmy.What
returnedeachtimewasatelepathiccheer,forhecouldcallitnothingless.

Shiftersbegantoarriveaswell.Thesquadleaderspathedtohim,lettinghimknowtheirteamswere

takinguptheeasternmostpositionsasordered.Again,Ianlettheminonthetruenatureofthemission.
EvenifoneofthemwasaspyandinformedMargetta,shewouldn’thaveenoughtimetoremoveherarmy.
Shecouldmoveasmallportionofit,butnotthemajority.

WhenStonecheckedinandthelastunitwasinplace,hepathedtoRegan,Gametime.Letyourmagic

rip.

~~~

Reganreadiedherselftodropintoherdeepestmeditativestateinordertocreatehercounter-spell

oncemore.Beforeshebegan,however,shepathedtoIan,Placeyourhandsonmybloodtattoostheway
youdidlasttimeandletyourpowerflow.Ican’ttellyouhowmuchyourbattleenergysupportsmy
spell-making.

Whateveryouneed,Regan.Letmeknow,andI’lldoit.
Whenheslidhishandstoconnectfullywithherbloodtattoos,hisbattlevibrationhummedagainsther

skin.Shedeepenedhermeditationuntilshereachedaperfectplaceofconnectionwithallthingsrealm.

SheopenedherinnereyetoseeMargetta’sspellandtoonceagainappreciateitscomplexityand

beauty.

Shebegan,asshehadearlierinthenight,tocomposethecounter-spell,aprocessusingmanyofthe

elementsinMargetta’sspellbase.Themomentitcametogether,herbloodtattooslitonfire.

Ianpathed.You’reready,aren’tyou?
Iam.DoIneedtoholdback?
Nope.Yourtiming’sperfect.
Thenstartlettingyourbattleenergyflowlikelasttime.Asthefirstlayerbeginstodissipate,I’ll

begincomposingthesecondcounter-spell.Therearefiveinall,butthiswillhappenveryfast,Ian,in
wavesonlyafewsecondsapart.Ready?

Hell,yeah.Justgivemeonesec.
Shefelthimswitchhistelepathyfromjusthertohissquadleaders.Becauseheincludedherinwhat

provedtobeagroupcontact,sheheardtheordershedeliveredtohisGuardsmenandshifterwarriors.
Thevampirehadpower.

Whatreturnedfeltlikeabigcheer,definitelyaflowofexcitementandenergythatalmostpulledher

outofherconjuringstate.

Letitloose,Ianpathed,thoughjusttoherthistime.
Reganbroughttheinitialcounter-spelltotheforefrontofhermind.Usingtheenormoussharedpower

emanatingfromtheblood-tattoos,sheletthespellflow.

Itwaslikefirefromherarmsandhands.Partofherwantedtowatchthemistdisperse,butshehadto

stayfocusedoncreatingandlaunchingthesuccessivecounter-spells.

Ianpathed,Thefirstlayerisgone.
Shequicklybroughtthesecondcombinationofmelodies,wordsandimagestogether.I’mreleasing

thesecondwave.

Ifeelit.Thelayerispeelingaway.I’mwatchingthewholethingandit’samazing.
ShefashionedthethirdandwithIan’sbattleenergyflowing,shelaunchedit.
Thenthefourth.
Finally,thefifth.
Holyshit.It’sgone.Allofit.SweetGoddess.Butyou’dbettercomebacktomeasinnow.

Something’snotright.

Reganreturnedtofullconsciousness,butdidn’timmediatelymoveherarmsordisengagefromIan’s

power.Together,theywerestillstreamingthespellsanditwouldtakesometimetorollbackthe
disguisingmistfromalloverthelargeacreageofMargetta’sland.

Butwhatstunnedherwashowclosethefortressactuallywas.Themisthadnotonlydisguisedits

existencebutalsoitsproximitytothegorge.Itwasn’tmorethanaquartermiledistant.

Yetthetentsinfrontofthemseemedtooquiet.WhereweretheInvictus?
Ian,what’sgoingon?
I’mnotsure.Where’sthearmy?
Regan’sheartratedoubled.Icanfeelthey’rehere.Icansensethem.Oh,no.
What?
Ian,you’dbettercontacteveryone.There’sanotherlayertothespellandI’llneedaminute.
AsIandeliveredthewarning,RegandovedeepagainandoncemoresummonedMargetta’sspell.
Sureenough,asixthlayeremerged,thisonemoreintricatethantheothers.
Fearbeatather,thatsheandIanwouldbeslaughteredinwhatwasanextremelyvulnerableposition.

Despitethatherkneesshook,sheforcedherselftofocusonthesixthspell.Nowonderthefortresshad
beeninvisibleforsolong.

Fortunately,thesameessentialbaseappearedandaftersortingthroughitandseparatingthevarious

incantations,melodicchoicesandspecialwords,shefoundthefinallayer.Shequicklycreatedthe
counter-spellandletitfly.Ian’spowerflared,andassheopenedhereyes,dozensofInvictuspairs
suddenlybecamefullyvisible.

Ianhadalreadyorderedhisnearbyforcetoholdthelineuntilhecouldtakecareofbusiness.Buthe

nowpathedtheteamleaderswithadifferentdirective.Engageatwill,resoundedthroughhermindand
thereforetotherestofthesquads.Aloud,heagainremindedhisclosestwarriorstowaitforhis
command.

Shiftingtofaceher,hegrippedhershoulders.“You’vedoneyourpart,andIneedtofight.Twoofmy

menwilltakeyoutotheoppositesideofthegorgetoprotectyou.StayhiddenintheforestuntilIcomefor
you.”

HegesturedtotheGuardsmenbehindthem.“Sean,you’llseetothis?”
“Yes,Mastyr.”Seanhadthick,redhairandadeterminedlookashenoddedtoher.“Canyoufly,

Mistress?”

“Yes,absolutely.”
Levitating,hewavedahandtowardDarkGorge.“Then,let’sgetyououtofhere.”
Reganimmediatelytooktotheair,movingasfastasshecouldtotheoppositeside.Landingatthe

edgeoftheforest,sheslippedamongthetrees.TheGuardsmencamewithher.

Eachstoodfacingawayfromherandfarenoughapartthatshecouldseethegraniteoutcropping.Ian

hadsetupapowerfulblueshieldbehindwhichhistroopsbattledtheInvictus.

Butthereweresomany.
ReganhadhopedIan’sforceswouldbeabletotakethefortress,eventhoughsheknewtheoddswere

againstthem.Butwithsomanypairsbattling,shedidn’tseehowitwouldbepossible.

CHAPTERNINE

Withtheenemyencampmentnowfullyexposed,andRegansafelyawayfromthenorthsideofthe

gorge,Ianfocusedallhisattentiononthecomingbattle.Hismenhadalreadyformedalineinfrontofthe
Invictusforce,eachhavingerectedabattleshield.Hethenletloosehisownbattleenergyandaddedto
theheavyshieldwall.

Manyofthewraithsroseintotheair,shrieking.TheirbondedmatesformedanopposinglinetoIan’s

VampireGuard,thenshouted,roaredandstrucktheirweaponstogethertocreateasmuchnoiseas
possible.

Theywerefierce-lookingwithwildhair,andabattlefervorequaltohisGuardsmen.Theyworelots

ofleather,heavyboots,chainsandspikes.

Ianwasn’tfooledbytheircrudeappearance,however.TheirincreasedpowerbecauseoftheInvictus

bondmadethemdangerous.

RedbattleshieldsaccompaniedtheInvictus,acounterparttotheGuardsmen’sshieldsthatnow

vibratedinabluewaveofenergyinfrontofhim.

“Holdsteady,”heshouted.
Histroopsobeyed.
HewantedtheInvictustobreakranksfirst.Bynature,thebondalsocreatedchaosandwraith-pairs

wereeasiertodefeatone-on-one.

Ian’sbloodtattooswerelitupandevenatadistancehefeltRegan’spowerflowingtowardhim,

focusedonhim.Whatwoulditbelikeifhebondedwithher?

Iantrackedapowerfulwraithwhonevertookhergazeoffhim.Shemovedsteadilyclosertohis

position,thoughremaininghighintheair.Nodoubtshewasplanningtodive-bomb.

Whenthewraithwasdirectlyabovehim,sheflippedintheair,headdown,herpalmslightingupa

darkred.Atthesametime,theInvictuschargedforward.

Themomenthadcome.
“Attackatwill,”heshouted.
Almostasone,hisGuardsmenlaunched.
Hereleasedhisshield,morethanreadytoengagemano-a-mano.Hearchedhisneck,liftedhis

glowingpalmsasthewomanfiredthenlethisbattleenergyfly.Theresultingclashoffrequenciessent
explosionsofblueandredsparksintotheair.

Thisonehadpower.
Whenhergazeflippedforasplit-secondtohisright,bylonghabit,Ianlevitatedbackwardinaquick

dartofmovement.Hershiftermate’saxestruckthegranitewhereIanhadbeenstanding,thesound
reverberatingdownthegorge.

Thepairmovedtowardhimwithonemind.Thewraithopenedhermouth,exposingsharp,yellow

fangsthenletloosewithanear-shatteringshriek.Buthewasusedtothesoundsoheignoredher,focusing
insteadonbuildingupthepowerinhishands.

Hisbattleenergyflowedoncemoredownbotharms,hisbloodtattoospulsing.Thewraith,streaking

backandforththroughtheair,wasfiringhersupagain,whichmeanthecouldexpectherbondedshifterto
comeathim.

Theshifter’seyeswerebloodshot,hisskinruddy,andhislong,blackhairhunginfilthystrandstohis

waist.Hisnostrilsworkedlikebellowsashesproutedwolffurdownhisbarechest.

Ianfeltasurgeofpowerfromhisbloodtattoos.Heshotforwardfasterthanheeverhadbefore,

swipedtheaxefromtheshifter’shandsandusedthebluntendtosmashintothebackofhishead.

Themanwentsprawling,landingfacedownonthegraniteandslidingalmosttotheedgeofthegorge

cliff.

Hismateshrieked,falteringintheair,thenlandinghardonherside.Sheshookherheadandrose

unsteadilytoherfeet.Aseriesofdullshrieksfollowedasshewenttohermateandfloppeddownbeside
him.

Theysharedtheirpowerandwheneitherwasbadlywounded,theothercouldn’tkeepgoing.
Hemovedofftothesidetokeepaneyeonthepairhe’djustwoundedaswellasthebattle.
Butasheanalyzedthebattlefield,atfirst,hedidn’tunderstandwhathewaslookingatsincetherewas

solittlemovement.TheGuardthathadservedtoprotecthimselfandRegan,stoodoverseveraleither
deadorincapacitatedwraith-pairs.

Otherwise,thefieldlookedemptythoughtherehadtobeahundredtentsdirectlyinfrontofthem,

leadinguptothefortress.

AfewmoreofhisGuardsmenhadcomeinfromtheirpositionsbotheastandwestofhisandwere

nowmovingfromtenttotentaswell.

Whenhissquadleadersstartedcheckinginwiththesamedisturbingreports,ofencounteringonlya

handfulofeasilydispatchedwraith-pairs,Ian’sheartsank.

WherethehellwasMargetta’sarmy?Wasitpossibleshe’dactuallybeenabletomovethousandsof

hertroopswithinthelastfewminutes?

Instinctively,IanknewtheAncientFaedidn’thavethatkindofpower.Shewouldhaverequiredat

leasttwenty,maybethirtyminutestorelocateanarmyofthissize.Yet,oncethespelldissipated,she
wouldhaveonlyhadacoupleofminutestogetthejobdoneandthatwasimpossible.

Whichmeantonlyonething.
Somehow,thoughhe’dbeencareful,theAncientFaehadlearnedofhisplansinsufficienttimetosave

thebulkofherforces.Butwhohadtoldher?WhowasCamberlaune’straitor?

~~~

ReganheardBencallouthernameandsherespondeduntilshecouldtellhewasmovingthroughthe

forestinherdirection.Yetthemomentshesawhim,sheknewsomethingwasoff.Foronething,shefelt
hisbattleenergyrevvingup.

TheGuardsmengreetedhimandhesmiled,thenliftedglowingbluepalmsintheirdirection.
Regandidn’thavetimetodomorethanutterastartledcryashefiredatbothvampires,hittingeachin

thechest.Theyflewbackward,onelandingagainstatreeandtheotherfallingintoadensethicketof
shrubs.

Shestaredatthemen,horror-stricken.Theirchestswerecavedin,smokecurledfromtheirbodies

andthestenchhadherstomachboiling.Themenweredead.

“Let’sgo,Regan.Andincaseyou’rewondering,you’llbebondingwithme.I’mtheoneMargettahas

chosenforyou.”

Reganhadtogetoutofthere,fast.Shelevitatedtomakeherescape,butBenwasablurashegrabbed

her.Hethenplantedhishandonherheadandhermindgrewstrangelyfluid.Notasinglethoughtcould
emergeexceptthatshefeltsotiredandwantedtosleep.

Benpickedherup,cradlingherinhisarms.That’sit,Regan.AlittletrickMargettataughtme.Now,

letyourselfgo.

Justbeforeshefellunconscious,shefeltherselfflyingthroughtheair.

~~~

BythetimeIanheardbackfromhissquadleaders,hehadalltheconfirmationheneededthatMargetta

hadreceivedawarningoftheimpendingattack.Thecampstillhadfiresburning,foodcookinginskillets,
waterboilinginpots.She’dremovedherarmywiththeformidablepowershehadatherfingertipsbut
she’dbeguntheprocesslongbeforeReganhaddestroyedthespell.

Iankeptshakinghishead.He’dbeendamncareful.Howcouldshehaveknown?
HisforwardGuardsmencontinuedtoplowthroughtentaftertent,headingtowardthestonefortress.

Buttheresponsewasalwaysthesame.TheInvictusweregone.

Whenhereachedthewallofthefortress,thesameplacehe’dcaughtReganinhisarmstwonights

earlier,hehadasickfeelingsomethinghadhappenedthathecouldn’tface,couldn’tbelieve.

AtleastReganwassafeonthefarsideofthegorge.
HereachedforStone,pathing,Whatareyoufinding?
Nothing.There’snothinghere.HalfmywarriorsencounterednoInvictusatall.Therestbattleda

handfulofwraith-pairs.That’sit.

Ianshookhishead.Meetmeatthefortressentrance.Ithinkit’sonthenorthside.
I’llbringsomeofmymen.
IanorderedhisGuardsmentomakeacleansweepoftheadjacentforestallthewaytothegorgeto

makecertaintheInvictusreallyweregone.Hethenpathedtohissquadleaders,directingthemandtheir
troopstodothesame,includingthosebelongingtohisShifterBrigade.

Helevitatedslowlytohavealook,doinga360spinatthesametime.Hevisuallyhuntedforanysign

oftheenemy,buthefoundnothing.Hethenflewhigherintotheairtogetabirds-eyeviewofthe
encampment.Whathesawstunnedhim.Hedidacursoryestimateandrealizedhewaslookingatover
fivethousandtents.

Margetta’sarmywasbeyondanythingtherulingmastyrshadeverimagined.NowonderReganhad

saidthatthewomandidn’tseemworried.ButhowhadMargettaknowntoremoveherarmy?

Itappearedhe’dbeenrightafterall,hehadaspyinhisGuardormaybetheBrigade.Buthismind

refusedtospeculatewhothismightbe.

Thatsick,twistedfeelingreturned,somethingsoheinousthatbilecrawleduphisthroat.Partofhim

knewhewaswitnessingatraitorousactofenormousmagnitude,butanotherpartcouldn’tevenlookit.

HesawthetowerwhereReganhadbeenimprisoned.AtleastheknewshewassafefromMargetta.

He’dlefttwoguardswithher.

HemadehisdescentonthenorthlawnwherehecouldseeStonestandinginaknotofhiswarriors.
Stonepulledawayfromthegroup.“Ian,whatthefuckhappenedhere?It’sasthoughtheyknewwe

werecomingandpulledout.”

“Ithinkthat’sexactlywhathappened.”Ian’stemplesthrobbed.“ButIdon’tknowhow.Iwassodamn

careful.Wereyou?”MaybeStonewasatfault.

“Shit,yes.Itoldnoone,asrequested.Notevenmyseconds.”
“Ididn’teither.”Asharppaindrilledthroughhishead.“Except…”
Stonetookholdofhisarm,grippingithard.“Ian?Whodidyoutell?”
Iancouldn’tbreatheandthepaininhisheadfeltlikesomeonehadsuddenlyjammedahotpoker

insidehisskull.Inthatmoment,hisworldflippedupsidedownandeverythingheknewtobetrueno
longerwas.

Ashestaredhardatnothinginparticular,Ian’sperspectivebegantoshift.Raven’sOverlookslipped

intohismind,thehorror,thecarnage,thelossofthoseheloved.

“Idon’tgetit.Hisbrotherdiedthere.Hismorepowerfulbrother.Whichwouldmeanhe’dplanned

hisdeath.”

StoneshookIan’sarm.“Whosebrother?Talktome.”
HemetStone’sgaze,butshookhisheadbackandforth.“Thiscan’tbepossible.Ihavetobewrong.

Otherwisewhathappenedheretonightbeganfive-hundredyearsago.Itcan’tbetrue.”

Stoneyankedhisarmhard.“Fuckit,talktome.Youknowwhoitis,don’tyou?”
Itcouldonlybeoneperson,butIancouldn’tspeakthenamealoud.
Hejerkedhisarmawayandthrusthishandsintohishair,dislodgingthewovenclasp.He’dchosento

believeBen.Thatwaswhatcametohim.BenhadsaidReganhadenthralledhim.ThosehadbeenBen’s
wordsallthosecenturiesago.AndIanhadbelievedhim.

RavensOverlook.
Allthedead.
Hissisterrippedtopieces,herbabieswithher.
Heheardaloudwind,orsound,orsomething.Butitwascomingoutofhisthroat.
Helevitatedthentookoffflyingnorth.Mayehecouldescapethetruthifheflewfastenough.
Stoneghostedhismovements,trackingwithhim.
Forthelastseveralcenturies,IanhadcastalltheblameatRegan’sfeet.Butthewholetime,asnake

hadslitheredthroughCamberlaune,feedingIan’smindwithpoison.

ButwhatelsehadBendoneonhiswatch?Whatothernightmareshadheinstigated?
IanrecalledtheattackonWestbreakVillagetwo-hundredyearsago.Thoughitwasn’tassevereas

Raven’sOverlook,somehadcalleditamassacrebecausethirtyRealm-folkhaddied,includingtwoof
hismostpowerfulGuardsmen.OneofthemhadbeenamastyrequaltoBen.

Iancouldrecallacouplemoreincidenceswherepowerfulmastyrshaddiedinthemidstofan

Invictusblitzattack.Hehadtoconcludethesehadn’tbeenrandomafterall.Benwasjustgettingridofhis
competition.

Holyfuck.Neverhadavampirebeensoambitious,soruthlessasBen.AndIanhadn’tseenit.
Whenthestormofawarenessfinallypassed,Ianwasleftwithanicecoldsensationthroughouthis

bodythatmadehisfingersache.

Slowly,hecamebacktohimselfandlevitatedmidairtogainhisbearings.He’dbeenmovingsteadily

northandwassomewhereovertheDauphaireMountains.

Theairwasfreezingcold,matchingthefrostinhisveins.
Stonesaidnothing,juststuckcloseasIanturnedtoheadbackthewayhe’dcome,backtothefortress.
Butsomethingelsenaggedathim,somethinghe’dforgotten.
WhatwasthelastthingBenhadsaidtohim?
Anewkindofdreadfilledhimasherecalledeverythinghe’dtoldBen.
Comewithme,hepathedtoStone.
I’mwithyou,brother.
Ianpickedupspeed,hisbloodtattoosthrobbinghotnow.
He’dcoveredoverfiftymilesfromthetimehismindhadconnectedthedots.
Whenhereachedthegraniteoutcrop,hezeroedinontheoppositesideofthegorgewhereheknew

ReganandhistwoGuardsmenhadflown.

Hecrossed,landingattheedgeofthetrees,thenmovedinside.
Hecouldsmelldeathbeforehereachedthebodies.
Twogoodmenlaywithchestsandinternalsfried,theskinblackenedaroundtheedgesfroma

powerfulbattleblast.

“Damnalltheelflordstohell,”Stonesaid.“Whathappenedhere?”
Inamonotone,Iantoldhimeverythinghe’djustfiguredout.
Stonelistened.“ButifMargettacouldgettoBen…”
“Shedidn’t.I’mconvincedBenwenttoherandofferedhimselfup.Infact,I’msureofit.He’sbeen

alignedwithhersincebeforeRaven’sOverlook.”

“Youbelievehewasresponsibleforthemassacre.”
“Yes.Heneededtomakesurehisbrotherdied.”
Stonescowled.“Idon’tgetit.Whywouldhedothat?”
“Hisbrotherhadmoreessentialpower.Ifsomethinghappenedtome,Ben’sbrotherwouldhave

ruled.”

“Thedevilisinthis.”
Ianblinked,aslowpainfuldipofhislids.“HeseparatedmefromRegan.Shewastoopowerfulas

well.Shewasathreattohisplans,especiallybeingfae.She’dpickeduponsomethingearliertonightat
themidnightmeal.Benhadbeenthereandshe’dsaidsomethingwasoff.Ipaidnoattention.Itwasafae
thing,whichIcan’trelateto,soIdiscountedit.Butthis…”

Heglancedaroundasthoughlookingforsomething,butdidn’tknowwhat.
“Ian.”Stone’svoicesoundedamiledistant.
“What?”
“Where’sRegan?”
ThefullrealityhitIanlikeaheavyblowtohischest.Oncemoreheroaredintothenightair,rising

swiftlyandshoutinghisrage.

BenhadReganandtherewasnodoubtinhismindhehadoneintention,toforcethebloodrosebond.
Worse,hedidn’tevenknowwheretobeginthehunt.

~~~

Reganwokeupwithherarmsonfire.
Pain.
Somuchpain.
“Thereyouare.”SherecognizedMargetta’svoice,thelovelymelodicsoundthathidthewoman’s

venom.“Iguessthismusthurt.”

Reganopenedhereyesandtriedtoliftherrightarm.Butshewasboundtothesideofthebed.

Margettahadbothherhandsoverthebloodtattoos,workingtoremovethem.

“Areyouusingyourbattleenergy?”Regancouldhardlybreathethepainwassobad.
“Yes.Itriedaspell,butIcouldn’teasilybreakthroughthisstrangeblood-bondyoucreatedwith

MastyrIan.SoI’mfryingyourskin.It’sworkingverywellandwillhavethesameeffectasacounter-
spell,butinatenthofthetime.”

Regansankintothepain,lettingitrolloverher.Shedriftedoncemoreintounconsciousness.
Shedidn’tknowhowmuchtimehadpassedbeforeascentlikeeucalyptusbroughtheraround.When

sheopenedhereyes,shesawthatMargettaheldasachetbeneathhernose.

“Good.You’reback.”
Thepainhaddiminishedtoadullthrob,somethingshecouldbear.Atthesametime,shesenthealing

intoherarms.“WhereamI?”

“Whatdoesitmatter?You’reminenowandverysoon,you’llserveme.”
Sheglancedaround.“Notthefortress,Isee.”
“No.Unfortunately,yourboyfriendoverranitwithhisforceandsomeofStone’sarmyaswell.So,

thiswillhavetodo.ThisisoneofBen’shomes.Butdon’tthinkyou’llberescued.Nooneknowsabout
thisdwellingandI’vesetupaspelltoguardit.”

ReganstaredatthescourgeoftheNineRealms.Sherecalledthebeautyofthewoman’sspells.“What

happenedtoyou?”

Margettaleanedbackslightly.“Youmean,tomakemethewayIam?”
“Yes.Yourspellsarebeautiful.Melodicandpoetic.”
Margettalaughed.“Yourcomplimentswillnotsaveyou.”
“ButI’dliketoknow.”
Margettashrugged.“Youwanttoknowifdaddytorturedandrapedme.Well,hedidn’t.Ihadalovely

upbringing.Ijustgotboredoflife,especiallyasmypowersgrew.Oneday,Idecidedthatnomatterhow
longittook,IwouldruletheNineRealms.”Herlipscurved.“AndIwill.”

Shethensnappedherfingers.“Come,Ben.We’realmostreadyhere.”
ReganshiftedandsawBenpushawayfromawood-paneledwall.So,she’dbeenrightabouthim.

“YoukilledtwoofyourGuardsmentogettome.”

“TwoofIan’s.Theywerenevermine.”
“Theydidn’tknowthat.Theyservedyouasthoughyouwerethemastyr.”
Heliftedhischin,hiseyescolderthanshe’deverseenthem.“ButIwasn’t,wasI?”
Hermindrolledbacktothemassacre.“YouplannedandexecutedwhathappenedatRaven’s

Overlook.”

“Ofcourse.”
“IncludingfeedingIan’sbeliefsIwastoblame,andthatI’denthralledhim.”
“Ian’sguiltruledhim.Itwasn’thardtomakeyouthescapegoatanditwasthebestwaytogetridof

yourinfluence.Youweretoopowerful,evenbackthen.IknewifyoustayedwithIan,onedayyou’dsee
meforwhatIam.Icouldn’ttaketherisk.Ithoughtaboutkillingyououtright,butthatwouldhavealerted
Ianthatsomethingelsewasgoingon.”

Shesankbackontothepillows.Somehowshe’dendedupabductedbyMargettatwiceinlittleovera

month.NowshewasstrappedtoabedwithBenreadytomakeuseofherbloodrosepowersbybonding
withher.

Howhadthishappened?
Shedroppedswiftlyintohermeditativestate,thenattemptedtopathIan.Areyouthere?
“Notgonnahappen.”MargettaputherhandonRegan’shead.
PainslicedthroughhersofastthatRegancriedoutandsuddentearspouredfromhereyes.Ablocking

spellformedatthesametime.

“Yougonnadothatagain?”
Reganshookherhead.“No,Iguessnot.”
Thoughtheagonyhadpassed,Regan’sheadthrobbed.Sheaccessedherhealingvibrationandletit

flow.Indoingso,however,shecouldtellthatthespellMargettahadinstalledwoulddeliverpain
wheneversheattemptedtopathanyone.

HowwouldIaneverfindherifshecouldn’tcommunicatewithhim?Besides,shestilldidn’teven

knowwhereshewas.Ben’shomecouldbeanywhereinCamberlaune.

MargettareleasedthebindingsonRegan’sarm.Shecouldmovenowandpulledbotharmsoverher

chestsprotectively.

Bendrewclose,settlinghishandonhershoulder.Shecouldhearhimdrawinadeepbreath.“What

amIsmelling?Averyrichfragrance,veryfloral.”Hereleasedhisbreath,closinghiseyesatthesame
time.“Sothisiswhatit’slike.Tobenearabloodrose.”

Reganhadtwothoughtsatonce.Firstwasarealizationthebloodtattooswerecompletelygoneand

nolongerprotectedher.Second,shethoughtBenthemostbeautifulvampireshe’deverseen.

Shecouldalsotellheneededtofeed.
Asoneinatrance,shesatupandextendedherarmtohim.“Takefrommyvein.”

~~~

IanflewbackovertheDauphaireMountains,huntingforRegan,crisscrossingthelandfasterthanhe

everhadbefore.Hekeptcallingouttohertelepathically,butnothingreturnedtohim.He’dleftStonein
chargeofcombingthefortressandthedesertedcampforanythingthatcouldhelphimlocateMargettaor
Regan.

Butsearchinginthiswaymadelittlesense.Benhadher,whichmeantshewasbackunderMargetta’s

thumb.Itwouldn’tdomuchgoodtouseascattergunapproachintryingtofindher.

Reachingthenortheasternsectionofthemountains,heheadedtohiscabin.Afewminuteslater,he

landedonthedeckandpacedthelengthinquickhardstrides,shovinghishairawayfromhisfacesince
theclaspwaslonggone.

Asicknesshadtakenholdofhim,aguiltsoprofoundhecouldhardlybreathe.He’dmisjudgedRegan

forfivelongcenturies.He’dconvincedhimselfshe’denthralledhim,thatshealonewasresponsiblefor
Raven’sOverlook.

Instead–Goddesshelphim–thehorrendouskillinghadbeenorchestratedbyBen.Iancouldn’t

fathomhowhe’dcompletelymisjudgedtheman.Howcouldawarriorhe’dtrustedwithhislife,forsuch
alongtime,havedonetheseterriblethings?

Hecontinuedtomarch.Hehadtothinkthisthrough,hadtofigureouthowtofindRegan.
Hepausedinhismarchingandliftedhisarmsup.He’dbeensocaughtupinhisdistresshehadn’t

realizedthebloodtattooshadnowdisappeared.MargettahadseveredhisconnectiontoRegan,leaving
hervulnerabletoanothermastyr,toBen.

Insheeragony,hedroppedtohiskneesandroaredintothenightsky.ThiswasMargetta’swork.He

couldfeelitinhisbones.

Buthowhadhegottenhere?Wasittrulybecausehe’dtrustedthewrongpersonalltheseyears?
Acoolnightbreezeblewalongthedeck,liftinghishair.
Intheend,thiswasallhisfault.
Whenhethoughtbacktothemassacre,especiallytothehorroroffindinghisbeautifulsisterdead,

he’dfallenintohisgriefthenandthere.Herememberedfeelinglikehe’dbeenthrownintoapithe’d
neverbeabletoescape.

Reganhadbeenwithhim.She’dsoughtcomfortinhisarms,buthe’dpushedheraway.Somehow,she

wasresponsibleforthemassacre,atleastthat’swhathe’dchosentobelieve.Whethershe’denthralled
himornot,hislove,desireandneedforherhadkepthimfromCamberlaune.

Foralongtimeafterward,Benhadremainedsilent.Butatwhatmomenthadhestartedtosupport

Ian’sconvictionReganhadbeentoblameforRaven’sOverlook?WasitBenwhohadfirstsuggested
Reganhadenthralledhim?HecouldrecallBenhinting:hadn’tRegan’seyesturnedsilveronseveral
occasions?IfonlyIanhadbeeninCamberlaunethatnight,that’swhatBenhadsaidtohim.Repeatedly.

So,IanhadmadeReganhisscapegoat.Butthelastthinghecouldhavehandledatanypointfollowing

thedeathofhissister,wasadmittinghe’dbeenculpable.Hewasn’tproudofit,butthereitwas.Hisguilt
hadruledhim.

Ashelaytheentiresituationoutinhismind,onequestionarose.WhyhadheneverdoubtedBen’s

loyalty?WhyhaditnevercrossedhismindthatBenmightbeatraitor?

Hehadonlytothinkbacktothenightofthemassacreandheknewwhy.WhenBenhadfoundhis

brother’sbody,he’dgonewildwithgriefandhadbeencompletelyinconsolable.Andnotjustthatnight.
Benhadbeenoutofhismindforweeks.

Lookingback,IanknewBenhadn’tbeenputtingonashow;hisgriefhadbeenreal.Iancouldonly

supposethatwhateverthenatureofhisplans,whichhadincludedthemurderofhisbrother,thereality
afterwardhadbeensomethingentirelydifferent.Benhadexperiencedrealpainforwhathe’ddoneand
hadbeenawreckedmanformonths,eyesreddeneddayafterday.Benhadlostweightandmuscle,
somethingwarriorsshouldneverdo.KillinghisbrotherhadhurtBen

BecauseBenhadbeengrief-stricken,Ianhadthoughtthey’dsufferedinthesameway.NowIan

realizedhowwronghe’dbeen.Feelingbadafterthefactwasafardifferentcryfromchoosingnotto
commitatreasonous,murderousactinthefirstplace.Ian’sviewofBenhadalwaysbeenslantedbythe
depthofBen’sgrief.He’dmisinterpretedthesignscompletelyandhadplacedhisabsolutefaithinBen.
NowBenhadcontrolofRegan.

IanhadlittledoubtaswellthatifhehadcontinuedtoseeReganafterthemassacre,Benwouldhave

foundsomeothermeansofforgingadivisivewallbetweenthem.Maybehewouldhavecontinuedkilling
offmoreCamberlauneRealm-folkuntilIan’sguiltsentReganaway.Ormaybehewouldhavesimplyhad
herkilled.

Andallthistime,Reganhadbeenguiltyofonlyonething:Lovinghimtothepointofmadness,justas

she’dsaid.

Slowly,Ianrosefromthedeck.Somethingprofoundshiftedwithinhiminthatmoment.Maybehe’d

runfromReganallthoseyearsagobecauseofhisguiltaboutwhathadhappenedatRaven’sOverlook,but
hewouldn’tanymore.Herealizednowthatifhe’dstuckwithRegan,insteadofshunningherasthe
problem,Ben’streacherywouldhavelongsincerisentothesurface.

HehadnodoubtBenbelievedhe’dwonnowthathehadReganinhisclutches.Buteverybonein

Ian’sbodyknewdifferently.HewasgoingafterBenandnothingwouldstophim.

TheonlyquestionthatremainedwashowtofindBen.
Hebegantopaceagain,yetthistimeherefusedtoallowguilttoswamphim.Instead,newideas

begantoflow.

HisthoughtsturnedtowardReganandhowshe’ddoggedlyworkedtofindthecounter-spellby

understandingMargetta’sinitialspell.She’danalyzeditandbrokenitdownintoseveralparts.She’d
focusedononlythat,untilshe’dfoundtherightformula.

Heneededtodosomethingsimilar.HeturnedhisattentionthereforetoBen.Hewasthekey.Evenif

theAncientFaewasinvolved,IanonlyneededtoanalyzeBeninordertodiscoverwherehewouldhave
takenRegan.

Andheknewexactlywheretostart.
Risingswiftlyintothenightair,hefleweastinthedirectionofhisCommunicationCenter.

CHAPTERTEN

ReganhadabattlegoingonwithinhermindasBendrankfromherwrist.Shewantedandneededhim

becauseshewasabloodrose,butherheartlivedelsewhereandbeatnowwithafiresheknewasIan.

ShelovedIan.Shealwayshadandthistimewithhim,astransientasithadfeltatthebeginning,had

onlydeepenedherlove.

Shefeltfoolishinawayshecouldn’texplain,asthoughcenturiesofseparationhadn’tmatteredone

whitinhowshereallyfelt,wouldalwaysfeel.

ButthebloodroseinherwasfixatedonBen,onlyonBen,onresolvingforeverhischronicblood

starvation,onmakinghimstrongerasavampireandawarrior,ontakinghimintoherbody.

Desireforhimflowedintemptingwavesuntilshecouldhardlybreathe.ThanktheGoddessMargetta

hadleft,buttheAncientFaehadsaidsomethingaboutregroupingandhadvanished.Shehadn’tlevitated
andleftbythefrontdoor;she’dsimplydisappeared,asDavidoandVojaliecould,anothersignofthe
woman’spower.

Andagain,ReganhadthesenseMargettawasn’tworried,asthoughshehadplansinplacethatnoone

coulddefeat.Theonlythingshe’daskedisthatBengetridofIanforgood.Benhadmadeitclearhehad
nootherintention.

ButReganhadtodosomethingorsheknewhowthistimewouldend,especiallysinceshecould

alreadyfeelBen’smatingvibrationprobingtogainentrancewithinherchest.Oncehedid,oncehis
energytouchedhers,shefeltprettycertainshewouldn’tbeabletoresistheroverwhelmingneedtogive
herselftohimcompletely.

AsBengroanedandsuckledatherwrist,shedovedeep,fallingintotheupperportionofher

meditativestate.Shecouldn’tgocompletelybecausesheneededtostayintunewithBen’smoment-to-
momentintentionsandtotakeactionagainsthimwhennecessary.

Goddesshelpher.Shewasinserioustrouble.
AndwherewasIan?Couldheeverfindher?

~~~

AfewminutesafterleavingtheDauphaireMountains,IanarrivedattheCommunicationCenterin

Somerstrong.ThecitywasoneofthelargestinCamberlaune,builtalongbothbanksofthePeralinRiver.
Lightsglimmeredfromdozensofrestaurantsandshopsfrontingthebroadstretchofwater.

Hemadehisdescent,landingbythefrontdoor.Onceinsidethecenter,thestaffturnedtowardhim

withwarmgreetings.Heputonhismostcasualface,notwantingtogiveanythingaway.Heneeded
informationandhewasprettysureaseriesofdirectquestionswouldn’tyieldtheresultshewashoping
for.BenhadchosentheCommunicationCenterworkerspersonallyandeachmanherewasloyaltohim.
AsmuchashewantedtolayitalloutandexplainwhatBenhadbeenupto,itwouldtakewaytoolong.

HegavethemsomedetailsaboutthebattleatMargetta’sfortressandthesubsequentevacuationof

mostofherarmybeforethecombinedforcescouldengage.HeaddedthatheandStonehadaplantobring
allthemastyrstogethertodevelopamajoroffensiveagainsttheAncientFae.

Thestaff,madeupofthreefaeandagarruloustrollnamedScott,gaveshoutswithfistsraised.
Whenthey’dsettleddown,hebeganhisrealinquirywitharuse.“I’mworkingonacelebrationfeast

forsomeofmystaffwithBenastheguestofhonor.He’sbeenanincredibleassettomeovertheyears,as
youallknow,butIwanttokeepthisonthedownlow.Canyoupromisetokeepmyvisithereasecretas
wellasanythingelsewemightdiscuss?”

Aneffusiverushof‘yes,mastyr’followed.
“Good.”Allthreewaitedinanticipation.“I’mthinkinganeventattheHungryTroll.Howdoesthat

sound?Andfreebeer.”

Anothershout,alongwithnodsofagreementandacoupleof‘hell,yeahs’,followed.
Forthenextfewminutes,hechattedaboutthearrangements.Seeingtheireagernessandhowrelaxed

eachwas,headded,“Bytheway.AnyofyouknowwhereBenisrightnow?Hetookofffromthegorge
sayinghehadbusinessatoneofhishomesandI’vebeentoeachbutcan’tfindhim.Idon’tsupposehe’s
checkedin?”

Eachshookhishead,exceptforScottwhohadcompressedhislipsandlookedreadytoburstwith

information.Trollsexcelledatgossip.

Iandidn’tgotohimfirst.Instead,hekeptfishing.“Iknowhehasatownhousehere,asmallfarmnear

Clarefieldandabeachcottagetothesouth.AnywhereelseIcouldlook,maybesomeplacefewpeople
knowabout?”

Thethreefaeshruggedtheirshoulders.
Scott’sfacehadturnedbrightredfromwithholdinginformation.Fortrolls,thesharingofanykindof

newsordetailswasoneofthegreatpleasuresinlife.

Iandidn’tpresshim,notinfrontoftheothers.Instead,heheadedtothedoor.“I’mnottooconcerned.

Whenheshowsup,tellhimtogivemeashout.”

Hemovedintothehallway,butonlyafewfeet,andpretendedtobecheckingemailsonhiscell.He

wasprettysurethetrollwouldn’tbefarbehind.

ThedoortotheCommunicationCentercreakedopenandIanliftedhisgazetoScott.Thetrollclosed

thedoorbehindhim,thentip-toedovertoIan.Hecastfurtiveglancesleftandright,butthehallwas
deserted.Scottwouldhavemadeaterriblespy.

Ianheldhisgaze.“Isuspectedyoumighthavesomethingtotellme.”
Thetrollbouncedfromonefoottothenext.“It’ssomethingIfiguredoutawhileback.Afriendof

minedoescontractworkaroundMercataandgotacalltoworkonapropertyjustnorthofthereinthe
mountains.Atfirsthewouldn’ttellmewhohisclientwas.”

“AndyoulearneditwasMastyrBen?”IanwasprettysureBenwouldhavewipedtheworkers’minds

thelastdayofconstruction.Iansaidasmuchtothetroll.

Scott’sheadbobbed.“Here’sthething.MyfriendletBen’snameslipoveracoupleofpintsjusttwo

daysbeforeMastyrBentookcareofhismemory.I’veremainedsilent,becauseBenoughttohavehis
privacy.”HethenshiftedhisgazeawayfromIanandchewedonhisthicklowerlip.

“There’smore,isn’tthere?Asinyoumightknowhowtogetthere?”
Scottnodded,butthistimehelookedguiltyashell.
Ianpattedhisshoulder.“Iwon’ttellBenhowIfoundhishome,Ipromise.ButIreallyneedtotalkto

him.It’saboutMargetta,somethingheshouldknow.”

WiththementionoftheAncientFaeandahintthismighthavesomethingtodowiththeongoingwar,

Scott’sexpressionlightened.“Ifollowedhimhomeonenight,”heconfessed.“Iknowitwaswrong.But
whenhetookhiscarinsteadofflying,Icouldn’thelpmyself.”Verytroll.

Ianaddressedtheonlyimportantissue.HeknewwhereMercatawas,buthewantedconfirmation.

“So,we’retalkingtheVenasetRange?”

“Yes.NotfarfromthehamletofWarrejet.”HethengavedetaileddirectionsthatsentIan’sheartrate

skyrocketing.

“Don’tworryaboutBen.Iwon’trevealmysource.Okay?”
WhenScottreturnedtothecenter,Ianlevitatedalongthehallthenshovedthefrontdoorwide.Hehit

theskiesoncemore.

Hecouldn’trememberthelasttimehe’dtoldsomanylies.Notthathecared.Rightnow,heneededto

gettoReganbeforeBenbondedwithher.Nothingelsemattered.

Heflewasfastashecouldtotheeast,toMercata.Butwhatwouldhefindoncehearrived?

~~~

SittingonthesideofBen’sbed,Reganworkedhardtoholdhermeditativestate.Shefoundthatas

longasshestayedthere,shewasimpervioustothebondBenwasattemptingtoforge.

Theproblemwashe’dtakentohurtingherinanattempttobringherback.
Heslappedheragain,hardacrosstheface.Shefelltoherside,thenrightedherself,yetsomehowher

meditationheld.Ben’smatingvibrationoncemoreflowedthroughherbody,huntingforhers.Butthe
meditationallowedhertokeepithidden.

Forthemoment,shewassafebutitwasonlyareprieve.Eachstrikeofhishandbecamemorepainful,

morejarring.Sheknewitwouldn’tbelongbeforehediscoveredthatwithenoughforcehecoulddisrupt
herconcentrationcompletely.

Atthesametime,shehadtobattleherownpowerfuldesiretoriselikeageyserandembraceBen

withbotharms.Theurge,becauseshewasabloodrose,wasnearlyoverwhelming.She’dfeltthesame
waywithStonewhenhe’darrivedunexpectedlyatIan’sgorgehouse.

Ben’svoicerolledthroughtheroom.“Comebacktome,Regan.Idon’twanttohurtyou,butIneed

you.”

Thecoreofherbeingshudderedwithacompulsiontodowhatheaskedofher.Regardless,she

remainedverystill,keepinghermindquiet,andsublimatingherbloodrosedrive.

Thenextblowwassohard,however,shefelloffthesideofthebedandlandedfacedownonthe

floor.Hestraddledhernextthenpulledonherhair,forcingherheadupandback.

Thecombinationoffactors,ofhavingbeenstrucktothefloorandtheagonyofherhairbeingpulled

haditseffect.Hermeditativestatevanished.Shewasfullypresentinthebedroomnowandhismating
vibrationhummeddeepinsideherchest.

Whenherownmatingfrequencyresponded,shecriedouttelepathically.Ian,helpme!Ican’thold

outanylonger.

Becauseshe’dusedtelepathy,Margetta’sspellstruckasthoughanaxeseveredherskull.She

screamedinpain.

~~~

IanheardRegan’stelepathiccryforhelpatthesamemomenthearrivedattheVenasetMountains.He

doubledhisspeed,whippingthroughthetroll’sdirections.HefoundBen’sdrivewaysetbackfromthe
mainroad,justasScotthaddescribedit.

Whenhelevitatedaboutfifteenfeetupthedrive,however,hefeltapowerfulcompulsiontoturnand

leavetheproperty.AspellpreventedanyRealm-personfromsimplywalkinguptothehouse.Hecouldn’t
seemuchofanything,either,exceptalotofforest.Hefeltconfusedaswell,moreindicationsaspellwas
atwork.

IanagainrememberedRegan’smethodofdeepfocus.Heclosedhiseyes,andforcedhimselfto

continueupthehill.Hebroughthisbattleenergyforwardandfacedhispalmstowardwhatfeltlikea
tanglednetofaspell.Hethoughtitsurprisinghecoulddiscernthenatureoftheformula,almostthorny
andangry,butwithnumerousholes.He’dlearnedalotfromRegan.

Hehadtheimpressionthatwhoeverhadconcoctedthisspellhadbeenpissedoffandinahurry.He

realizedthenjusthowmuchhe’dsharedwithReganwhenshe’dbrokendownMargetta’sspell.

Ashecenteredhisthoughtsonthespell,hediscovereditsweaknessandhebroughthisbattleenergy

flowingintohisrightpalm.

Openinghiseyes,hismindoncemorefeltconfusedasthoughhedidn’tknowwhathewaslookingat.

Butthatwasaresultofbeinginthemiddleofthespelledterritory.Heopenedhishandandfiredaquick
arraytowardthethornyspell.

Hewatchedashisbluebattleenergypoppedandsparkedinseveralplaces,sendingsmokeintothe

air.

WhentherestofBen’sdrivewaycameintoview,Ianknewhe’dbrokenthespell.
Heflewswiftlyuptothehouse.
Beforeheevenopenedthefrontdoor,heheardRegan’sscreams.Hisfangsemergedashefollowed

thesoundofherpaintowhatwasabackroom,probablyabedroom.

Heshovedthedoorwide.
WhenhesawBensittingastrideRegan,pullingonherhair,aredhueofragecoveredIan’seyes.Ben

lookedeuphoricaswell,astrongcluethathewasasplit-secondawayfromforgingthebloodrosebond
withRegan.Hecouldsenseboththeirmatingbondsswirlingandtightening.

Helevitatedthenflippedtoahorizontalposition.HeflewaboveBen,caughthisshoulders,pulled

himoffReganandslammedhimintothewoodbedframe.Benslumpedsideways,thoughliftinghishead
andshakingit.

IanreturnedtoRegan,intendingtopickherupandgetheroutofthere.Butthenextmoment,Benwas

onhimandhadIaninachokehold.

Ianthoughthe’dbeabletobreakfreeeasilysincehehadmoreessentialmusclemassthanBen.Buthe

caughtthescentofRegan’sbloodandknewthatitnowflowedthroughBen.Hewaspoweredasnever
before.

IangrabbedBen’sarm,buthecouldn’tbreaktheholdonhisneck.
Thenextthingheknew,Reganwasinfrontofhim,herhandssettledonhisforearms.Powersurged

throughhim.Amomentlater,shequicklybackedaway,tuckingherselfnexttothebedsidetable.

Iansteppedforwardwithhisrightfootandatthesametime,twistedslightly.Usinghisleftelbow,he

smashedintoBen’sribs.

Benloosenedhisgrip,gruntinginresponse.
IangrabbedBen’sleftarm,andusinghisfangs,rippedintohismuscleandtoreoutachunkofhis

forearm.

Benshoutedinpain,thenlevitatedbackwardseveralfeetalmosttothewallbythebathroom.Heheld

hisarmwithhisotherhand,clearlyhealingthewound.Hewasdoingitfast,too,anotherpowerfulside
effectofRegan’sblood.

Afteramoment,Benloweredhisshouldersandknees,gettingintoacombatpositiononcemore.
IanspoketoRegan.“Getyourselfsomeplacesafe.I’llfinishthis.”
Reganmovedswiftlytostandnearthedoorbythedresser,butshedidn’tleave.“I’mnotgoing

anywhere.We’llseethisthroughtogether.”

Hecouldtellshemeantit,butwhatshethoughtshecoulddo,hecouldn’timagine.
“Needawoman’shelp?”Bensneered.
Foramoment,Iangotlostinthethousandsofmemoriesofthemaninfrontofhim.Hedidn’t

recognizethisversionofBen,thedarklookinhiseye,thewayhisnostrilsflared,thecruellineofhis
mouth.“Wereyoupretendingallthoseyears?Byalltheelflords,Ineverknewyou.”

“No,youdidn’t.YouruledCamberlaune.Youneverthoughtaboutmeorwhatmylifewaslike

constantlyinyourshadow.WomenflockedtoyouandgavemeacursoryglancebecauseIdidn’thave
yourweight,yourpower.”

“You’vedoneallthisbecauseofjealousy?Howmanyhaveyouhadmurdered,Ben,solidifyingyour

position?”

Adiabolicalexpressiondescendedonhisfeatures,hiseyesred-rimmedandbright.“Overathousand,

countingalltherealms.Andonemoretonight.”

Benlaunched,ablurofmotionIanbarelysawcoming.Becauseofthestrangemovement,Ianknew

someotherforcewasatwork.

Anotherspell.
Benslammedintohischestthistime,forcingIanhardagainstthebedsidetable.BenliftedIanupwith

ahandbeneathhisarm,thenpunchedhiminthefacerepeatedlywithhisrightfist.

Ian’sheadjerkedbackwitheachblow.Hecouldn’tbreatheandhisbrainwasamessbecauseofthe

spell.Buthe’dbeenawarrioralongtimeandswepthislegbehindBen,knockinghimoffbalance.Asa
result,Benletgoofhimandfelltothefloor.

Theroomwassmallfortwobigbodies.IanmovedtowardthefootofthebedasBenliftedupoffthe

floor,levitating.Iansawaflashofsomething,buthedidn’tknowwhatitwas.Shit,didhehavedaggeron
him?

Oncemore,Ian’sheadgrewcloudedbecauseoftheaddedspellandhedidn’tseeBencominguntil

Ianfeltacutacrosshisabdomen.

Helookeddown.Benhadslicedhim,yetdidn’tpenetratethemuscle,thoughhecouldhave.
“I’mtakingyoudown,Ian,onecutatatime.AndI’llenjoyeverysecondofit.”
Ianstumbledashesawthebluroncemore.Hefeltaburnoverhisrightshoulder,thenhisleft.Buthis

mindwasn’tworkingatall.

Thenextcutwaslowathiswaist.Hedidn’tevenseemovementofanykindthistime.Hedroppedto

hisknees.“Regan…run.”

~~~

Reganhadbeenrightnottoleave.Benhadactivatedalatentspell,somethingwithMargetta’s

signaturealloverit.

She’ddroppedintohermeditationwiththefirstcutofBen’sdagger.She’dhadnodoubtwhatwould

happennextsincethespellwasmessingwithIan’smindandmakingitimpossibleforhimtofunction.

Shecouldfeeltheformula,itsintricaciesandagainitsbeauty.Butshedidn’thavetimetoconstructa

counter-spell.IanwouldbelongdeadbeforeshecouldlifttheveilofthespellsothatIancouldbattle
Benonanequalfooting.Withsomuchbloodalreadypouringoutofhim,he’dbetooweaktofight.

IanhaddroppedtohiskneesholdinghisstomachasBenmovedinbehindhim.Heslidahandbeneath

Ian’schin,exposinghisthroat.Hebroughtthebladeuptohisneck,smiling.Shebarelyrecognizedthe
monsterreadytokillamanhe’dknownforcenturiesandfoughtbesidealmostaslong.

Shecouldn’tletIandie,butwhatcouldshedo?Sherememberedwhatithadbeenliketosharethe

bloodtattooswithhim.Eachtimehe’dbattled,she’dbeenwithhimandhadfelthowhedidwhathedid.
Oninstinct,shewarmedupherbattlefrequency.

Shecenteredherselfonhiswarrior-nessandwithoutgivingittoomuchthoughtlevitated,thenrolled

intheairinordertocomeupbehindBen.Atthesametime,shebroughtherbattleenergyintoherpalm.
ThemomentshemadecontactwithBen’sskull,sheletherpowerflow.

Hehadn’texpectedtheblow.Heturnedtowardher,asurprisedlookinhiseye,thencrumpled

unconscioustothefloor,hisknifestillgrippedinhishand.

RegandroppeddownbesideIanwhosatonhiskneesandleanedagainstthebed.Hiscomplexion

waspaleandhiseyeswereclosed.Bloodpouredfromhiscuts.Shecheckedhisthroatfirst,butshe’d
beenintime;therewasonlyasmallwound.

Hewouldlive.
Fornow,shefocusedonbringingforwardherhealingenergyandlettingitflow.Butjustashis

woundswerealmostsealedup,agoldenlightsuddenlyfilledthebedroomanditwasn’tgood.

“Whatthehellisthis?”Margettashouted.“Benjustpathedmesayinghe’dtakenIanout.”
Reganshrugged.“Guesshedidn’tcountonme.”
Margettanarrowedhereyes,herlipscurlingindisgust.“TheonlythingIhatemorethananimbecile

isasmartass.”

TheAncientFaeliftedawhitehotpalmtoRegan.“Nowlet’sfindoutwhichhurtsmore,thespellin

yourheadormybattlepower.”

~~~

IancametofullconsciousnessabruptlybecauseReganwasscreaming.Shewasinpain.Heopened

hiseyesalittle,butdidn’tmove.Heneededtoknowwhatkindofattackwasinprogressbeforetaking
action.WasBenhurtingher?

Butthegoldenlighthecouldseetoldhimitwasworsethanthat.Margettawashere.
Andhecouldn’tpathReganbecauseofthespellstillshieldinghertelepathicabilities.
HeforcedhimselftoignorethelevelofpainReganwasinandoncemoremodeledhermeditative

processinordertoquicklyanalyzethesituation.Moreimportantly,heonlyhadafewsecondstofigure
outwhattodo.

Hisownpain,sincehewasstillhealing,heignored.
That’swhenhefeltsomethingtouchinghischest,avibrationsoatoddswiththeexternalbattle,he

wasn’tsureheunderstoodwhatitwas.

Thenheknew:Reganwassharinghermatingvibration,touchinghischest,askingforentrance.And

shehadaveryspecificplaninplace.

Brilliant!
Hiscorrespondingfrequencyrosealmostwithouthavingtoformthethought.Healsoknewwhatthis

meant:he’dbeforgingabondwithher,thebloodrosebond.Withit,they’deachgainatremendousboost
inpower.

Foracoupleofseconds,hehesitated.Hewantedtoaskherifshewassure.ButheknewRegan.She

wouldn’thavecometohimlikethiswithouthavingalreadymadeuphermind.

Andmorethananythingelseintheworld,hewantedtobondwithher.
Heopenedhimselfwide.Themomenthisvibrationtouchedhers,helethisloveforherflow,allthat

he’dheldbackforsuchalongtime.Despiteherphysicalagony,hermatingvibrationhummedagainsthis,
gettingstrongerandstronger.

Hecouldfeelthebondbegintoform,atighteningofhisenergywithhers.Hismindfilledwithan

extraordinarylightuntilatlastthefrequenciesjoinedandthebondsolidified.Thesamelightexploded
withinhismind,powerflowingthroughhiminmassivebursts.

HeheardashriekingsoundandrecalledthatwhileMargettawastheAncientFae,shewasalsopart

wraithandhadassumedthatformnow.

Heopenedhiseyesandroseup.Margettahungintheair,awild,euphoricexpressiononherface.She

wasinherwraithform,wearingthetraditionalgownofredgauze.Goldstreamsofherbattlepower

flowedoverRegan,causingherenormouspain.

Regan’sbodywaslitwitharedaura,asignshewasbattlingMargettainherownway,butwith

limitedsuccess.MargettacouldhavekilledheroutrightthatmuchIancouldsee.Instead,shewastaking
pleasuretorturingtheRubyFae.

Helethisbattleenergyrideacrosshisshouldersthenflowdownbotharms.Heknewinthatmoment,

becauseofhisbondwithRegan,hecouldkilltheAncientFae.

Margettashiftedsuddenlytostareathim,hereyeswidewithshock.
Heaimedhisbluebattlepowerather,openinghispalmswide.Butthemomenthefired,thegolden

lightvanished.Margettahaddisappeared.Whichmeanttheenergyhe’djustreleasedexplodedthewall
oppositehimaswellasthebathroombeyond.

HequicklycoveredReganwithhisbody,protectingherasdebrislandedallaroundthem.

~~~

Regancouldn’tbelievewhatitwasliketohaveIan’sfrequencyconnectedtohers.Powerflowed,for

onething,sothatshefeltlitonfire.AndthepainMargettahadbeencausingdisappearedcompletely.

AsthedustsettledandIanroseup,shefollowed,turningtostareathim.Hisdarkgrayeyesalso

seemedasfieryasshefelt.Shegrippedhisforearmsandfelthispowerpulsingasthoughtheystillshared
thebloodtattoos.

“Ian,isthiswhatyouwanted?Thebond,Imean?”
Hedrewherintohisarms.“BeingconnectedtoyoulikethisisexactlywhatIwant.Iloveyou.I

alwayshave.”

Sheslidherarmsaroundhisneckandheldhimclose.
Afteramoment,hergazedriftedtothefloor.Benwasonhisstomach,halfburiedindebris.
“Oh,sweetGoddess,ishedead?”
IanreleasedherandwenttoBen.Shewatchedhimpushsomeofthedrywallandtileawayfromhis

body,thenleandowntocheckforapulse.“He’sgone.”

“Ian,Ididn’tmeantokillhim.IsawwherethebattlewasheadedandbecauseI’dfedhim,Iknewhe

hadtoomuchpower.IswearIdidn’tmeantohurthimthatbad.Justtoincapacitatehim.”

Ianreturnedtoher,pullinghercloseoncemore.“I’msorry,Regan.Iknowthisisn’twhatyou

wanted.”

Shedrewinaraggedbreath.“It’shorrible.Allofit.Andhewassoclosetoforgingthebondwith

me.”

AshudderpassedthroughIan.“Let’sgetyououtofhere.I’llcontactStoneandlethimtakecareof

this.Iknowhewon’tmindtakingcharge.”

Shewantedtorespond,butcouldn’t.Tearshadstartedtoflowandwouldn’tstop.

~~~

IanledReganslowlythroughthehouse,anarmaroundherwaist,herheadpressedtohisshoulderand

chest.Heknewshewasweepingandheletherbe.

WhenhetappedStone’stelepathy,thebrotherresponded,Tellmeyougothim.
Wedid.
AndRegan?
She’sfine.Ianthenrelatedallthathadhappened,includingthenewlyformedbondbetweenhimself

andRegan.

WhenhetoldStoneheneededhimtotakecareofBen’sbody,Stoneresponded,Givemethelocation

andI’llbethereasfastasIcan.I’mintheairalready,headingeastwithfiveofmybestGuardsmen.

AsIansharedthesamedirectionsScotthadgivenhim,hewalkedReganoutontothefrontwalkway.

Hedidn’tstoptherebutkepthermovinginthedirectionofthestreetawayfromthehouse.Thoughshe
trembledandhistankgrewdampwithhertears,allhefeltwastremendousrelief.Hehadherwithhim
andshewassafefromamanhenowconsideredasociopathandamonster.

HewaitedatthebottomofthelongdriveforStone.Thebrotherarrivedaminutelaterwithfive

powerfulGuardsmenintow.

Stoneclappedhimontheshoulder.“We’vegotthis,Ian.Go.Takecareofyourwoman.”
Iannodded.Hefeltblasteduponesideanddowntheotherfromtheeventsofthepastfewminutes.
AsStoneandhismenheadedupthedrivetowardthehouse,IansettledReganonhisboot,slidhis

armtightaroundherwaist,andoncemoreheadedintothenightsky.

Atfirsthewasn’tsurewheretogo,exceptthatheneededtobealonewithher.Intheend,hedecided

totakeherbacktohiscabinnearJuniango.

Ontheway,hepathedhiscaretakerandwastoldprovisionshadalreadybeentakentothecabin.The

man’swifehadmadeanexcellentleekandpotatosoupandaloafofsavoryrosemarybread.

Afewminuteslater,whenhelandedonthefrontporch,Reganfinallyliftedherhead.“I’mgladyou

broughtmehere.”

“You’vebeenthroughhell,sotellmewhatyouneedandI’lldoit.Anything.”

~~~

WhatReganwantedmostwasahotbathandsometimealonetoheal.Ianledhertohismaster

bedroom,givingherthespacesheneeded.Thoughshetoldhimshewasfine,aworriedfrownneverleft
hisbrow.

Afewminuteslater,asshesankintothewarmwater,sheletoutapainfulsigh.Partofherwas

euphoricfromtheunexpectedbond.Butanotherpartwashurtinwayshardtoquantify,asthoughtheact
ofreleasingherbattleenergystraightintoBen’shead,hadstrippedsomethingfromhersoul.

She’dneverkilledafellowRealm-personbeforeandshehopedmorethananythingelseinlifeshe

neverhadtoagain.

Butinthatmoment,whenshesawhowsimpleitwouldbetotakeBenunawaresandsaveIan’slife,

she’dmovedinandreleasedherpower.Butthelevelofithadbeengreaterthanshe’drealized.She’d
thoughtshewasstreamingonlyenoughtoknockhimout.Instead,ithadbeenakillingblow.

Shedrewherkneesuptoherchestandweptanew,uncertainhowlongitwouldbeuntilshefeltlike

herselfagain.

Later,whenaknocksoundedonthedoor,shecalledoutforIantocomein.Hedidn’t,however.

Instead,heaskedifshewasallright.Whenshesaidshewas,heofferedhersoupandalotofwine.

Shesmiled.“Bothsoundgreat.”
Herwoundshadhealedandsheknewintimeshe’dcometoforgiveherselffortheaccidentaldeath.

Shewasn’tsorryBenwasgone,onlythatshewishedhe’dlivedtobeputontrialandhisactsexposedfor
thetreasonousmurderstheywere.

~~~

Sittingonthedeck,Ianheldhisthirdbottleofbeerinhishands.Heclinkedhisthumbringagainstthe

glass,thesoundoddlysoothing.He’dwantedtoshutoffhisvampirehearingbecausehe’dheardRegan

weeping.Buthe’dforcedhimselftolistenandtoacknowledgehersuffering.Inthatway,hecouldhonor
thesacrificesshe’dmadetonight.

Sheappearedinthedoorway,thenmovedtowardhim.“Hey,Icanfeelyouthinkingallthewayinthe

bedroom.”Herlightbrownhairwasdampandhangingdownherback.Sheworeasoft-lookingblue
sweater,bluejeansandnoshoes.

Loveforherrushedthroughhisbody,whichcausedavibrationtopassthroughtheirjoinedmating

frequencies.

Sheputahandtoherchest.“Thatfeelssostrange.Wonderful,butstrange.”
Herosetohisfeetswiftly,thensetthebottleonthetablebyhischair.“Howyoudoin’?”
“Better.IthinkI’minshock.”Tearstouchedhereyesagain.
Heforcedhimselftotakeadeepbreath.Heachedinsidehischestasthoughhandshadgrabbedhis

heartandsqueezed.Hard.“Regan,I’msosorry.Words…hell,Idon’tknowwhattosay.Imisjudged
everything.”

“Ididn’tseeit,either,”shesaid,hereyesnowswimmingwithtears.“Iwouldneverhavebelieved

anythingsobadofoneofyourGuardsmenandespeciallynotBen.Imean,I’veneverbeencompletely
easyaroundhimandattimescouldfeelsomethingwasoffwithhim,butneverthis.”

Hetookasteptowardher.“Iwassowrong.”Heputahandtohischest,hisowneyesburning.

“SweetGoddess,hewasmybestfriend.”

“Oh,Ian.”Tearsfloweddownhercheeksasshemovedquicklytowardhim.
Heopenedhisarmsandshefellagainsthim,sobbingoncemore.Ican’tstopcrying.Ithinkthisis

goingtohurtforaverylongtime.

Ithinkyou’reright.
Sheslidherarmsaroundhiswaist,holdinghimtight.“Allthosepeople.Yoursister,too.Itwasthe

worstnightofmylifeatRaven’sOverlook.”

“Mine,too.Ilostsomuch.Ilostyou,mynieces,mysisterandhergood,decenthusband,evenBen’s

olderbrother,andallbecause…”Hecouldn’tsayit.Therealitywastooraw,toopainful.

Shesqueezedhimtight.“Don’tthinkaboutitrightnow.”
“Hardtothinkaboutanythingelse.”Herubbedherback,lovingthefeelofheragainsthim,

rememberingwhatithadbeenlikeafterthemassacretosleepinanemptybed.He’dfelthollowedoutfor
yearsafterward.Nowhereshewas,inhisarms.

Andthey’dbonded.
“Regan.”Hehadtoask.“IknowthebattleforcedthebondbetweenusandnowIdon’tknowwhatto

say.IknowhowIfeelaboutit,but—”

Shedrewbackandcaughthisfacewithbothhands.“Howdoyoufeel,Ian?Ineedtoknow.”
Hischestshuddered.“Regan,Iloveyou.I’vealwayslovedyou.EverywomanIevermethadtolive

uptoyouandtheycouldn’t.It’salwaysbeenyou.”

Shesearchedhiseyes.“You’reafraid,though.Icanfeelit.Butofwhat?”
“Thatyouwon’tbeabletoforgiveme,eventhoughwenowsharethebloodrosebond.Itreatedyou

badly.Ithoughttheworstthingsaboutyouandletyouknowit.Idon’tdeservetobethisclosetoyou,
ever.”

Forreasonshedidn’tunderstand,shesmiledandmoretearsbrimmedinhereyes.“Ian,allis

forgiven.Youhavetobelieveme.Sincewe’vebeentogethertheselastcoupleofnights,andmaybeeven
beforewhenIhelpedZaneandOliviadefeatMargettainSwanicott,I’vegottenabetterglimpseatwhat
therulingmastyrshavehadtoendure.That’sonereasonIcanletitallgonow.Yougavemeuptosave
CamberlauneandIknowwhatitcostyou.Ialsoknowthatifyouhadn’tbuiltawallofblamebetweenus,

wewouldhavecomebacktogetheronedayandBenwouldn’thavehesitatedtoactagainstus.”

Iannoddedslowly.“You’reright.Hecouldn’tallowsomeonesopowerfulintoCamberlaune.And

eventually,givenyourfaeinsight,youwouldhaveseenhimforwhathewas.”

Shedrewadeepbreath.“ButIhavetoknow,areyouregrettingthebloodrosebond?”
“No.SweetGoddess,no!Don’tthinkitforasecond.It’severythingI’vewantedbutfeltIcouldnever

have.”

“Really?”
“Yes,butwhataboutyou?Doyoufeelyou’vemadeamistake?Doyouwishthebondundone?”

~~~

Reganwantedtoteasehim,wantedtotellhim,‘toolatenow’.Butsheknewheneededreassurance.

Guilthaddoggedhimoneveryfrontandshedidn’twantittohaveaneffectonthemastheymoved
forwardtogether.“Irefusetothinkofanythingthat’shappenedasaseriesofmistakes,includingthebond.
Forme,thisismydestiny,oneI’vecravedsinceweweretogethersolongago.Idon’tinanywayfeel
cheatedbecausewechosetoengagethebondintheheatofbattle.Instead,Ifeelincrediblyfulfilled.I
mean,lookwhatwewereabletodo?WeendedBen’ssecretiveholdonCamberlauneandremoveda
powerfulallyfromMargetta’sarmy.Thesearenosmallthings.

“Andtobehonest,evenifIdidn’tloveyouasIdo,savingCamberlaunealonewouldhavebeen

worthit.”

“Youmeaneverythingyoujustsaid,don’tyou?”
Shearchedabrow.“WhenhaveIeverliedtoyou?”
Atthat,asmiledisruptedhissomber,darklook.“Never.You’vealwaystoldittomestraightandkept

pushingback,evenwhenIblamedyou.”

Shehuggedhim,thenpathed,IloveyousomuchandIlovethatwe’rebonded.
Whenshedrewback,hiseyeswerefullofaffectionashesettledhislipsonhers.Thekisswarmed

herheart,hermindandhersoul.Shebecameacutelyawareofthewaytheirmatingvibrationsnowmoved
asone,sendingpulsesoflovethroughherbody.

Afteramoment,Iandrewback,butstillheldhertight.“ThereissomethingIwanttobeclearabout.

Sayinggood-byetoyoubackthenhurtforyearsafterward.Youwereeverythingtome.It’smydeepest
regret,pushingyouaway.”

“Ian,throughoutallthesecenturies,you’vehadoneofthetoughestjobsaround,alltherulingmastyrs

have.Ididn’tlikewhathappenedafterthemassacre.ButIcametounderstandthatRaven’sOverlook
destroyedapartofyouthatmylovecouldneverhaverebuilt.Evenifwe’dstayedtogether,youwould
havefeltguiltythewholetime.”

Hestaredatherforalongmoment,thensaidquietly,“Ithinkyou’reright.”
“Sowe’regood?”sheasked.Sheneededalotofreassuranceherself.
Henodded.“ThebondfeelssorighttomeandIloveyoumorethanwordscaneverexpress.”
Withherfearsallayedandafteronelong,beautifulkiss,heofferedherameal.Shetookhimuponit

andsavoredtherosemarybread,flavorfulpotatosoup,andglassofsweetGermanwine.

Later,withthedishescleanedup,shetookhimoutontothedeck.Shehadanideaaboutwhatshe

wantedtodonext,butshewasn’tsurehe’dgoforit.

Sheleanedintohim,caressinghisfaceandrubbingathumboverhislips.“Wehavesomelosttimeto

makeupfor,don’twe?”

“Yeswedo.Amountainofit.”
“Iknowthismaysoundirreverent,Ian,butI’dlovetogotoyourcaverightnow.Iknowyou’vehad

womenthere,probablylotsofthem.ButthishasbeenaroughnightandwhatIwantneedstocontinuein
thattheme,thoughinagoodway.

Herockedhishipsintohers.“Roughlikethis?”
Hereyesfluttered.“Exactlylikethis.Theonlyquestionremains,howfastcanyougetmethere?”
Hiseyelidsfelltohalf-mast.“AsIrecall,Icouldalwaysgetyoutherefast.”
Shegasped,remembering.“You’reawickedman.Butthewayyoucoulduseyourvibrations...”
“SeveralplacesatonceasIrecall.So,howaboutweseeifwecandoitagain?”

~~~

Iantookherintotheairandfocusedonthesmalllakeinthesouthofhisrealm,setinthemiddleofa

seriesoflow,greenhills.He’ddiscoveredandpurchasedthecaveacouplecenturiesback,whichmeant
Reganhadneverseenitbefore.He’dboughtthesurroundinglandatthesametime.

Healsoknewallsortsofrumorsaboundedconcerninghisactivitiesinthecave,mostofwhich

weren’ttrue.Buthedidn’twastehistimetryingtocorrectthem.Hewasprettysurehe’donlyaddfuelto
thefireifhemadetheattempt.

Whenthehillsappearedonthehorizon,hedippedanddroppeddownthroughtheexternalopening

thatangledoffthesideofthewesternmosthill.Hedescendedslowly,turningRegansoshecouldseethe
sightbelow.

“It’sanundergroundlake.”Shesoundedsurprised.“Withabeach.Howonearthdidthathappen?”
“IconfessIhadthesandshippedin.”
“Smartthinkingandthewaterissoclear.Canweswim?”
“Ofcourse.Anythingyouwant.”
Heflewherdowntotheedgeofthewater,descendingtothesand.Shesteppedoffhisfootandgotrid

ofherboots.Hecouldn’trecallthelasttimehe’dseenhermovesofastasshestrippedoutofherclothes.

Sheranintothewaterandonceshewaskneedeep,shedove.Thelastthinghesawwerethetwo

moundsofherbottomasshedisappearedbeneaththewater.Amomentlater,sheresurfacedthirtyfeet
fartherin.

“Iwasrighttohaveyoubringmehere,”shecalledbacktohim.“Thereissomethingsocleansing

aboutwater.”

Hetookoffhisboots,leathersandtankthenfollowedherlead,wadinginanddiving.Onceinthe

water,heswamtoherbeforehesurfaced.Reachingher,hecaughtherinhisarms,butdidn’tstopthere.
Instead,headdedlevitationandcarriedherfifteenfeetintotheair.

“Whatareyoudoing?”Butshewaslaughing.
Hethenturnedhertofacethewater.“Plantyourfeetonmythighsthendive.”
“Yes!”
Hebenthiskneesandarchedhishipssoshecouldcatchherbalance.Hestayedsteadyintheair,

holdingheratthetopofhershins.Whenshewaswell-balanced,andprobablyusingherownlevitationas
well,shehuncheddown,thenlaunched.Headdedabitofhisownthigh-powertothedive,whichsenther
arcingintotheairinaperfectswan-dive.

Shesurfaced,smilingandafterwardlevitatedstraightoutofthewater.Sheflewovertohimandinto

hisarms.Hismatingfrequencyvibratedheavilyinhisbody,surroundinghers,aseductionallitsown.

“Makelovetome,Ian.That’swhatIwantmorethananythingrightnow.”
Helookedintoherfaceandsawherloveforhim,aconnectionheneverbelievedwouldbelongto

himinthislife.Hekissedher,lettinghisloveforherflowsothathisentirebodyhummedwiththe
promisedvibrations.

She’dwantedtobeinthecaveandintheair.So,insteadoftakinghertothebeach,hesustainedthem

withhislevitationandslowlyleanedherbackward.Theywereatleasttwentyfeetabovethewaterand
anothertwodozenyardsbelowthecaveceiling.

Oncearousedandwiththepracticeofcenturies,heenteredherbodywhileinmidairandbeganto

moveinsideher.Herealizedshewaslevitatingaswell,herhipsrockingintohisinaneroticpushback.

Shesurroundedhimwithherarmsandkissedhisthroat.“Iloveyou,Ian.Somuch.”Herkissturned

intoanip.“ButIwantyoutobitemewhilewedothis.”

Hegroanedashedroveintoher.Hepausedjustlongenoughtostriketheveinatherthroat.Shecried

out,hervoiceechoinginthedomedchamber.

Herjasmine-limeflavoraswellasherlatentpowerfloweddownhisthroat.Themomentherlife-

forcehithisstomach,hisentirebeinglitup.Vibrationsflowedeverywhere,throughtheirjoinedmating
vibrations,alonghisarmsandoverhisgroin.

He’dneverexperiencedanythingsoperfectinhislonglife.Howisthisforyou?

~~~

Reganwasreadytopassoutfrompleasure,certainshewasabouttodieanextraordinarydeath.

“Incredible,”shewhispered.Whereverhetouchedherhisvibrationsflowedintoher,includinghiscock.
Andhislipsonherthroatashedrankfromherkepthersexalivewithdesire.

Shematchedthethrustsofhiships,pushingbackwhichgavehimasolidplacefromwhichtodrive

intoheragain.Pleasurebegantoriseandsharpen.“Ian,comewithme.Iwantyoutocomewithme.”

Helefthervein,sealingthepunctureswithswipesofhistongue,thenlookingdownather.Heheld

herlooselyaroundhershouldersandmovedhishipsfaster,hisearthyforestscentaddinganotherlayerto
allthesensations.

Ecstasyarrivedonatremendouswave.Whenhebegantoroar,shereachedthepinnacle,hercries

minglingwithhis.ShesavoredthesoundofIan’sreleaseasitechoedaroundthecavernoverandover.
Shefeltasthoughshewaslisteningtothebirthoftheuniverse,agreatcataclysmofsoundandpower.

Whenthelastofherpleasuredriftedawayandhe’dreleasedfully,heeaseddown,slowlylevitating

thembothintothewater.Shecaressedhisface,lovingthelookinhiseyeofbothwonderandadoration.

Shefeltthesameway,caughtupinthebeautyofallthathadhappenedbetweenthem.Hefloatedher

inthewaterforafewminutes,justholdingherandwhisperinghislove.Everythingwaschangedand
madenew.

Afterafewminutes,shewasreadytoleavethecave.Sheturnedintohimandslidherarmaroundhis

neck,kissinghimonceonthelips.“AllIwantnowistoreturntoyourcabinandshareyourbed.How
doesthatsound?”

“Likeheaven.”

~~~

Later,IanledReganbackontohisdecktoenjoythelastofthenight.Becausetheywerebothnaked,

he’dwrappedthemupinacomforter.Thebondhelpedhimtofeelhowcontentshewas,andher
contentmentfilledhimwithnothingshortofjoy.

Whenhe’dbroughtherbacktothecabin,he’dtakenhertohisbedroomandmadelovetoheragain.

Butitwasn’tthequick,fierylovemakinglikeatthecave.Thistime,hetookitslowandwitheverytouch,
everykiss,everycaressletReganknowhowmuchshemeanttohim.

Nowasheheldherclose,hecouldn’tbelievesomuchloveandmeaning,somuchpowerandyes,

forgiveness,hadcometohim.Hefeltlikeanewman,someonewhocouldmoveintothefuturewithmore
togivehiswomanandhisrealm.

Thewoodswerealivewithnightbirdsandtheriverrolledonandon.Stonehadsaidtheyweremeant

toaccomplishsomethingtogether,buthe’dneverimagineditwouldbetouncoverthetreacheryinhis
ownrealm.Butindoingso,he’dalsoremovedaformidableallyfromMargetta’sforces.

TheNineRealmswasfacingacriticalturningpointwiththeAncientFae.ButIanhadaprofound

sensethatthefinalshowdownwithMargettawouldbelongtoStone.Comenightfall,hewouldcontacthis
fellowmastyrandoffertoservehiminwhateverwaywasneeded.

Fornow,hesavoredwhathadbeengiventohim.Hefeltblessedfarmorethanhedeserved.Buthe

hadenoughsensenottorefusethebounty.

“Iloveyou.”HeembracedReganmorefullyandtookpleasureinthewayherwholebodyresponded

tohim,movinginaslowsensualglide.

Stillfacingawayfromhim,shereachedupwithherhandandcaressedhisface.“Thebloodrosebond

isheaven.”

“Itis.”
Hedidn’tknowwhatthiswaslikeforothermastyrsandtheirbondedbloodroses.Butforhim,hefelt

asthoughhe’dfinallycomehomeafteralong,difficultvoyage.

Reganwashishome.That’swhatheknew.Andfromthispointforward,throughhowevermanyyears

wouldbegiventothem,shealwayswouldbe.

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