TableofContents
TitlePage
Copyright
DearReader
Forthelatestreleases...
ChapterOne
ChapterTwo
ChapterThree
ChapterFour
ChapterFive
ChapterSix
ChapterSeven
ChapterEight
ChapterNine
ChapterTen
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AbouttheAuthor
EMBRACETHEPASSION
BloodRoseSeries#4
By
CarisRoane
EmbracethePassion
ByCarisRoane
Copyright©2014TwinBridgesCreationsLLC
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,
WelcometothefourthinstallmentoftheBloodRoseSeries,EMBRACETHEPASSION.Inthis
book,MastyrSethhungersforhisbodyguard,thepowerfulfae-shifter-wraith,Lorelei.Buthowcanhe
trustanywomanwhenhishearthasbeenbetrayed?
Forathousandyears,he’slivedalifeofsolitude…
Sethhassustainedhissolitaryexistenceoutofadeepsenseofsurvival.ButwhenLoreleientershis
realmtoserveashisbodyguard,hefindshimselfdrawntoherinwayshe’sneverbeforeexperienced.He
hungersforher,andherwildshifternaturecallstoapartofhimhe’srepressedforcenturies.Whenhis
cravingsforherbloodandherbodydrivehimintohershifter-den,hemarksherashisown,bitingdown
hard.Discoveringthatshe’salsoabloodroseandhasthepowertoendhisvampireblood-starvation
forever,hisneedforherexplodesintouncontrollablepassion.Yet,howcanhecompletethebloodrose
bondwithawomanwhosecloseconnectiontotheenemyputshisrealminjeopardy?
Enjoy!
Forthelatestreleases,hottestpics,andcoolestcontests,besuretosignupformynewsletter!!!
http://www.carisroane.com/contact-2/
ComingSoon:Book#5,JudeandHannah’sstory:EMBRACETHENIGHT!!!
BesuretocheckouttheBloodRoseTales--TRAPPEDandHUNGER--shorterworksforaquick,
satisfyingread.
ChapterOne
AsthesnowyDecembereveninggavewaytofull-dark,Loreleitookupherbodyguardposition
outsideMastyrSeth’sbackdoor.ShewasaboutasqualifiedtoguardthemastyrofWalvashorrRealmasa
rabbittakingonahawk,butshewasherebyQueenRosamunde’sorders,sohereshe’dstay.
Herrealproblem,however,wentwaybeyondherlackofanyrealbattleskills,sinceshe’ddonethe
unthinkableandactuallyfalleninlovewiththeman.Sethhadalonghistoryofkeepinghisdistancefrom
anythingthatsmackedofarelationshipandhehadabsolutelynoreasontobeinterestedinarealm-person
ofquestionableparentage.
Lorelei’smotherwasthepresentscourgeoftheNineRealmsandthepowerbehindtherecent,deadly
Invictusinsurgence.Noself-respectingmastyrcouldeverinvolvehimselfwiththedaughteroftheancient
fae,Margetta,theoneresponsibleforthedeathsoftensofthousandsofrealm-folk.
Yethope,asalways,refusedtodie.
Shetremblednowasshewaitedforhim,standinginthesnow,herheartthumpingheavilyinherchest.
Shesavoredthisfirstmomentofthenight,anticipatingthelonghoursaheadinSeth’scompany,traversing
therealmbesidehim,huntingtheenemyoftheNineRealms,thedreadedInvictuswraith-pairs.
Sheheardhimmovingthroughthehouse,headinginherdirection.Heknewbynowtoexpectherthe
momentthesunsetfullyinthewest.
Hiswonderfulmossyscentreachedherfirst,aneroticmuskthatrippledalongtheairandteasedher
shiftervibrationfirst,thenheroverworkedfaematingvibration.Fromthefirsttimeshe’dseenhimatthe
queen’scastletwomonthsago,she’dhadtheworstcrushonthevampire.
Amomentlater,hecameintoviewthroughtheglassdoor.
Hearrivedatthekitchenthresholdandpausedtobucklethebeltthatangledacrosshislongleather
Guardsmancoat.Meetinghergazethoughtheglassdoor,hefrowned,hisexpression,asusual,
disapproving.
Heliftedhischin.“Youmightaswellcomein.Ihaveacalltomakeandyou’reshivering.”
Shecouldn’ttellhimthetruth,thatshewasn’tcoldatall,thatsheshookbecauseofhimandnot
becauseofthebelowfreezingmountaintemps.
Sheopenedthedoorandsteppedinside,butherbreathingstalledout.Hersensitiveshifter-based
DNAmighthavebeenabletocatchhisscentwhilestandingoutsidehishome,butnowthatherfurryboots
wereplantedinsidehiskitchen,aredolenceofmossandSethcombinedalmostknockedherover.
Sheswallowedhard,tryingtocontrolthesuddenswellofdesirethatwashedthroughher.“Good
evening,mastyr.I’mheretoserve.”
Heshookhisheadashestraightenedhisbelt.“Oneofthesedaysyou’llrealizehowfoolishthisis.
You’renotbattletrained,Lorelei,sohowthehellcanyouserveasmybodyguard?”
Shesmiled.“We’vebeenoverthishowmanytimes?You’renotgettingridofmesoyoumightaswell
getusedtoit.”
“Stubborn.Verystubborn.”
Hemightbescowling,butLoreleisawthefaintglimmerofamusementinhissoftgray-greeneyesand
thathislipsalmostcurved.Desireoncemorecurledthroughher.Wasitpossiblehewasn’tindifferentto
her?
Hepulledhisphonefromthepocketofhisblackbattleleathersandturnedawayfromherslightlyto
makehiscall.“Hey,Aaron,howarethingsshapingup?IstheGuardonpatrol?”
Hespokewithhissecond-in-command,themaninchargeoftheWalvashorrVampireGuard.She’d
beenbySeth’ssideafullmonthnow,soshecouldrepeatverbatimhowthisconversationwouldgo,that
AaronhadalltheGuardsmenoutonpatrolthroughoutthesouthernhalfofWalvashorrrealm,whichalso
includedthelowerportionoftheShauckMountainRange.Sethwouldaskifthere’dbeenanyfatalities
amonghisrealm-folk,andhewouldscowlifAarontoldhimtherewere.
Noscowlyet,butthenightwasyoung.
BecauseSethhadfocusedhisattentionelsewhereandhadfixedhisgazewellawayfromhers,Lorelei
allowedherselfonedizzyinglookattheMastyrofWalvashorr.
Heworehislong,thickbrownhairpulledbackintheheavywovenclaspthatalltheGuardsmen
wore,allowingheraneasyviewofstraightbrows,strong,angledcheekbones,aslightlyaquilinenose
thatgavehimasexy,hawkishappearance,andafirmjawline.Hewasincrediblyhandsomewitha
seriousdemeanorthatrarelychanged.
Hedidn’thavethelarge,boisterouspersonalityofsomeofthemastyrslikeJudeofKellcasseor
EthanofBergisson.HewasmorelikeGerrodinthatheruledwithastoic,dedicateddrivethat
overshadowedeverythingelseinhislife.
Morethanalltheotherrulingmastyrs,Sethlivedanalmostsolitaryexistence.Herarelyhadanyof
hisGuardsmenovertohishouseforsocialreasons,notevenAaron.Andthoughhehadasmallapartment
inthesouthernplainsofhisrealm,heonlystayedthereifhewascaughtoutpatrollingneardawnand
couldn’tgetbacktohisShauckGorgehome.Andthisdwellingwastensofmilesawayfromthenearest
town.
Hestoodalmostsix-seven,somethingshelovedbecauseshewasjustshyofsixfootherself.She’dbe
verycomfortableinhisarms,hiskissablelipsonlyinchesaway.
Ofcoursethisthoughtbroughtherbacktohersurroundingsbecauseshetriedveryhardtokeepher
personalfantasies,likelongingforSeth’sarms,andyes,hisbed,fromaffectingherprofessional
relationshipwithhim.
Sheclearedherthroatandlookedawayfromhim.Sheclaspedherhandstightlytogetherbehindher
backinhopesthathewouldn’tnoticeherrenewedtrembling.TosayshehadathingforMastyrSethwas
likesayingthemoonwasround.
Hergazedriftedthroughthenorth-facingwindowofthebreakfastnookandlandedonthesnow-
crusted,steelrailingthatranthelengthofthebroad,wrap-aroundporch.Seth’shomewasanamazing
architecturalwonder.He’dhiredoneoftheNineRealms’leadingarchitectstodesignamodernstructure
thatcouldhangoffthesideofthegranite-basedgorge.Theresultwasasingle-story,elegantstructureof
darkwoodandblacksteelsupports,suspendedtwohundredfeetabovetheAthaliaRiver.She’dcometo
lovethedynamichouse,asmucharepresentationoftheownerasitwashispermanentdwelling.
Theshifterpartofherrelationshipwithhimwassimple;sheknewSethasherpackandshedoubted
thatwouldeverchange.Butthefaepartofhersavoredwhatwascomplicatedandhadfallenhopelessly
inlovewithhim.
Seth,however,hadn’texactlytakentoherpresenceandhedefinitelydidn’tappreciateherbeinghis
bodyguardbuthewasright.Shehadnobattleexperiencenorthephysicalstrengthtofightoffanattacker.
ButQueenRosamundehadcommandedLoreleitoserveashisbodyguard,andthatwasenoughfor
her.Andperhapstosomedegree,enoughforSeth,sincehealwayspermittedhertotrackhimthroughthe
night.Hewasamanofthelawandheobeyedthequeen.Atthesametime,hedidn’thidethefactthathe’d
petitionedRosamundetohaveLoreleiremovedfromhisservice.
HergazetraveledbeyondtherailingtotheviewofDefianceFallsinthedistance.Shecouldhearthe
fallsthoughtheywereahalf-mileaway.
Theviewwasexquisite,ofthemountainsandforestblanketedwithsnow.Rosamundemayhavehad
herownreasonsforsendingLoreleitoWalvashorr,butLoreleihadneverbeenhappier.Shelovedthe
forest,thefalls,thefast-movingfrothyriverbelow,andespeciallyhernewlifeservingMastyrSeth.
Shestoodupalittlestraighter,proudthatshewasfinallymakingacontributiontoherworldinstead
oflivingahalf-lifeontherunasshehadforthefirstninetyyearsofherexistence.
MaybeshelackedtraditionalGuardsmancredentials,butherfaeness,alwaysdippingintothefuture,
toldherthatshewouldonedaybeofgreatusetoSeth.
Hehunguphisphoneanddrewclose,searchinghereyes.“YoudounderstandthatIworrylikehell
everynightyoutraipsealongbesideme?”
“Iknow.ButtherealmpartofmeunderstandsthatI’msupposedtobehere.”
“I’mstillpetitioningthequeenbecauseIbelieveyouputyourselfatriskeverytimeweheadout.”
Again,shestraightenedhershoulders.“Foraslongasitlasts,I’llserveasyourbodyguard.”
Shecouldn’tsaytherest—thatshe’dlaydownherlifeforhim,orforthequeenwho’dmadehernew
lifepossible.QueenRosamundehadtaughtherthelayeredenthrallmentskillsthatnowprotectedherfrom
Margetta.
EvenifLoreleihadn’thadadeepattractionandveryrealm-likecommitmenttoMastyrSeth,she
wouldhaveremainedathissidesimplyoutofloyaltyandgratitudetoRosamunde.
Heswitchedsuddenlytotelepathy,asuresignhewasreadytogooutonpatrol.Youintendtoshiftto
wolfanytimesoon?
Didshedetectaslightcurveofthemastyr’slips?WasitpossibleSethwasteasingher?She’dbeen
seeingmoreofthissideofhimoverthepasttwoweeks.Justwaitingonyou,mastyr,butyousureare
chattywithAaronthesedays.
Chatty?You’recallingmechatty?
Shegrinned.Ifthebootfits--
Hepassedbyherandopenedthedoor,holdingitwideforher.Let’sgo,bodyguard.
Loreleinoddedasherheartthrummedwithexcitement.Thefewshortweeksshe’dbeendoingthis
hadgivenheraloveoftheshifter-sideofhergeneticsthatshe’dneverreallyexploredbefore,of
embracingherwolf-sideandrunning.Previously,shelivedinherfaeform,but,SweetGoddess,howshe
lovedtorun.
Inaswiftblurofintentionandmovement,shebecameawolf.Herclotheswereabsorbedaspartof
theincredibleprocesssothatlater,whensheshiftedbacktofullfaeform,she’dbedressedasbefore,in
fullwintergear,furrybootsandall.
ItwasdamncoldintheShauckMountains,sodespitehershiftermetabolism,shewasgratefulshe’d
berunningmostofthenight.
Sheranpasthimandbyhabitboundeduptheinclinetowardthemastyr’sfavoritelaunch-pointatthe
topofthesteepridgebehindhishouse.
*********
Seth’schestachedinthestrangestwayashewatchedLorelei’sstrongwhitewolfformdisappearup
thetrail.Herpresenceinhislifedisturbedhimmorethanhewouldhaveeverbelievedpossible.
Shewasafairlydelicatewomanandwouldn’tbeofmuchuseinahand-to-handcombatsituation
despitethefactthatshecarriedahelluvalotoflatentrealm-power.However,shecouldsniffoutthe
presenceofInvictuswraith-pairsfromseveralmilesaway,soherfrequentwarningshadbeeninvaluable.
Healwaysgavecreditwherecreditwasdue.Buthestilldidn’tknowwhatthequeenhadbeenthinkingto
sendhertohim.
Yetheknewthattherealtroublelaydeeper,becausefromthefirstmomentshe’dshownherselfto
him,agoodmonthago,he’dbeenwaytooattractedtoher.She’dappearedathisfrontdooratfull-dark
wearingaRussianfurhat,ashortjacket,tightpantsandfurryboots,thekindshe’dwornsince.Andfrom
thatmomentuntilnow,she’dprettymuchovertakenhisthoughts,thoughheworkedhardtomakesureshe
didn’tknowit.
Shewasbeautiful,whichdidn’thelp,withlargedoeeyes,softlyarchedbrows,andlayereddark
brownhairthatfloatedaroundhershouldersanddownherback.Avulnerabilityclungtothiswoman,
makinghimwanttodragherintohisarmsandholdherclose,toprotecther,toloveher,totakeherinto
hisbedandkeepherthere.
Morethanonce,hismatingfrequencyhadlitonfirewhenhe’dopenedthebackdoorforherfirstthing
atnight.Hewasdrawntoherinawayhehadn’texperiencedinalongtime.
Averylongtime.
Centuries,infact.
Butsomethingmorethanjustherappearancehadsnaggedhim,maybehersmilebecausesheseemed
tofindalotofpleasureinlife,ananomalygivenherhorrendousbackgroundasthedaughterofMargetta,
thegreateviloftheNineRealms.
HeknewanumberofcriticalthingsaboutLorelei,havingvettedherwhenshe’dfirstshownup.
Basically,she’dbeenkeptasolitaryprisonerduringhergrowingupyearswithoutcompanyofchildren
herownage.Agood-heartedtroll,namedGenevieve,hadraisedherandevenhelpedhertoescape.
LoreleihadspentheradultliferunningfromMargettauntilshe’dcomeunderthequeen’swingand
Rosamundehadtaughthersomeseriousenthrallmentskills.Nowshewasfreefromhermother’sability
tolocatehersothatshecouldlivewherevershewanted.
Andnowshewashere.
Closingthebackdoor,hefollowedafterthewolf,levitatingandflyingjustafootabovethesnow
coveredtrail.Hestuckclosetothegroundtoavoiddetection.
Hefoundherattheuppermostpeakoftheridge,wellabovetheforesttreeline,sothathehada
spectacularviewinalldirectionsoftheShauckMountains.Thevastrangeextendedacrossnearlythe
entirenorthernhalfofhisrealm.
Therecentsnowstormhadeasedupbutstillcloudedthenightsky,blankingoutthestars.Hisvampire
nightvision,however,warmedupthesnow-ladenscene.Themountainshadbeenhishomeforcenturies
andhelovedithere.
Loreleiwaitedafewyardsaway,lookingleanandregalasshesatonherhaunches,nosesniffingthe
airandnevergettingtooclosetohim,somethinghepreferred.Despitethathelikedherandapprovedof
herworkethic,forherownsafetyhewantedherremovedfromhisservice.Hewoulddefertothequeen,
ofcourse,butatthispoint,hefearedLoreleiwouldbecomeahindranceinsomefutureencounterand
she’dgethurt,orworse,die.
Well,hecouldn’tchangethattonight.
Heputahandtohisstomach,crampingalreadyeventhoughoneofhisvampiredoneuseshadcome
andgone.
Allmastyrvampiressufferedashedid.Somethingabouttheincreaseinpowerthatcamewith
reachingmastyrstatuscreatedacorrespondingchronic,andverypainfulbloodstarvation.Hecouldhave
fedfromadonoronthehour,everyhour,buthe’dstillcrampupashedidnow.
HefeltAarontaphistelepathicfrequency.Somethingsosoon,Aaron?We’vejustgottenstarted.
Theworst.Anelvenfamilyslaughteredinthesouth,nearKavelithGorgebuttheInvictuspairgot
away.
Shit.Hetookadeepbreath.I’matShauckGorge.Whichdirectionwasthewraith-pairheading?
North.
Okay.I’lltrytointercept.Headingsouthnow.Keepmeinformed.
Yesmastyr.
Hebrokeoffcommunicationandatthesametime,fromhisperipheral,hesawLorelei’searsdart
forwardandhermuzzlejerktowardthesouth.
Hepathedtoher.Whatdoyousee?
Invictus.
Hetoldherquicklyabouttheelvenfamily.
Loreleididn’tshiftherwolfeyesinhisdirectionassheadded,Iseeawraith-pair,maybethree
milesaway.They’vejustdippeddowntheeastsideofaridge.
He’dgiveLoreleithat;shecouldseefartherthananyotherrealmpersonhe’deverknown.Hastobe
them.
Whentheechoingshriekofawraithrolledthroughthemountains,Sethtooktotheairinpursuit.He
descendedswiftly,flyingasfastashecould.
Bythetimehereachedtheoppositeridge,hecouldseethepairinthedistanceandthatthey’dheaded
downoneofthemostdifficulttrailsintheRealm.
Fromexperience,heknewthatLoreleitrackedwithhim.Theshifterpartofhercouldrunasfastas
themostpowerfulalphamalesofthefourpacksofhisrealm.Sincethetimeshe’dbeenhere,she’dmake
herwaythroughthemountains,usingthenumerousfootbridgesthatcrisscrossedthehundredsofgorgesin
thispartoftherealm.
Heknewthepathswell,havingexploredeverysquaremileofhisrealmfromthetimehe’dlearned
howtofly.Asolitaryprocess,butonehe’dsavored.Orphanedearlyinlife,whenhewaseight,he’dbuilt
aninnerworldforhimselfthatkepthimsatisfiedanddeterminedtodorightbyhismastyrcalling.
TheInvictuspairhefollowedinvolvedawraithandavampire,thelatterjustshyofmastyrstatus,
whichwasalevelofpowerthatSethpossessed.However,thebondingthatonlyawraithcouldperform
withanotherrealmperson,createdatremendoussurgeofpower,sothatafterfifteenmilesofpursuit,they
werestillatleastamileaheadofhim.
Hepickeduphispace,awaretheLoreleitrackedwithhim,racingatfullshifterspeed.
Anotherturninthebendandhesawthewraith-pairinthedistance,racingacrossashallowmeadow
andheadingtowardwhatheknewtobeaboxcanyon,onecalledLoperzafteratrollfamilyofancient
lineagewhoranchedthere.
Hesmiledandwentfasterstill.
Hehadthemnowbecauseiftheydaredriseintotheairabovethemountains,they’dbevisiblefor
milesandhisVampireGuardwasinflight,huntingforthemfromeverypossibledirection.
Heflewthroughthemeadow,thefreezingtemperaturemakinghimgladforhislongGuardsmancoat,
battleleathersandboots.
Fromhisperiphery,hewatchedthewhitewolfracingoverthesnowyground,leapingoverdeadfall,
butalwayskeepingpace.
Heslowedslightlyasheapproachedthenarrowingentrancetothecanyon,risinghigherintheairat
thesametime.Hedidn’twanttobecaughtbyaguerillastrikefromthesurroundingtrees.
Butthewraith-pairremainedtighttothecanyonfloor,streakingthroughascatteringoffirs,the
wraith’sgownofredgauzestripsflyingbehindher,abeaconinthenight.Wraithsstayedwarmnomatter
howcoldthetemperaturedropped.
Hegraduallydescendedtohisoriginalpositionjustabovetheground,flyingswiftly.Thecanyonfloor
spreadahalf-mileacross.
Thewraith-pairhadalsostartedtoslowdownandhethoughtheknewwhy.They’dprobablyjust
discoveredthatthey’dchosenaboxcanyon.Toescapehimnow,theironlyhopewastoriseupandover
themountains,buttheyriskedrevealingtheirpositiontohisVampireGuard.
Thewraith-pairhadjustlosttheadvantageandhesmiledalittlemore.
AnothermileandLoperzCanyonwouldendinawaterfallandasheerrisetotheridgeabove.
HealsohopedtotheGoddessthatthetrollfamilyhadgoneintotownforsupplies.
Helistenedhard,buthedidn’thearanysoundscomingfromthedirectionoftheirramblingloghouse.
HepathedtoAaron,I’matLoperzCanyon.Doyouhaveanyoneinthevicinity?
EveryoneknewtheLoperzplace.ArlenLoperzhadafondnessfortheWalvashorrGuardaswellas
theShifterBrigadeandfedanyathistablewhocamebyduringnightlypatrols.Hebrewedafreshpotof
coffeeeverycoupleofhours.
IcanhavethreeGuardsmenthereintenminutes,butnotsooner.
Sendthemin.TheInvictusarehere.I’mnotseeinganyofthefamily,though.I’mhopingthey’re
eitherinhidingorawayfromthehouse.TellthenearestGuardsmentogetherequickbuttobecareful.
Thisisadangerouspair.
Yougotit.
Heshutthecommunicationdown,slowinghispaceatthesametime.
Theapproachtotheranchhadabroadwind-breakoftrees,atleastadozendeepthatservedasanall-
purposeweatherbarricade.Rightnowthetreesgavehimcoveruntilhecouldassessthesituation.
Anothershrieksoundedoverthecanyon,louderthistime,thewraithgivingfullexpressiontoher
battle-voice.
Whenhereachedtheinsideedgeofthelineoftrees,notevenasmallcolumnofchimneysmokerose
fromthecabin,agoodsignthatthefamilywassafe.
Thewolfgrowled,maybeawarning,hecouldn’tbesure.
Buthefeltitaswell,thatsomethingwasn’tright.
Thewraith-pairhe’dbeenchasinghungintheairnearthewaterfall,talkingquietlytoeachother,well
beyondthecabin’sposition.
Thewholesituationstartedtosmelllikeatrap.
Thedoorofthecabinopened,andasecondwraith-bondedpair,themateapowerfulvampire,strode
outontothefrontdeck.ThevampirefixedhisgazeinSeth’sdirection.
Evenatthatdistance,heknewhewaslookingatamastyrvampire,liketheonesQuinlanhad
encounteredinGrochaireRealmjustalittleovertwomonthsago.WithnoothersignofInvictusaround,
Sethmadeacalculateddecisiontodowhathecouldtotakeoutthevampireontheporch.Slayingone
partofapair,renderedtheotherhalfimmobileandsometimesevendeathfollowed.
Heflewattopspeedtowardthecabin.Thevampiresawhimcoming,butdidn’tmove.Instead,as
Sethflewcloser,aslowsmilecurvedthevampire’slips.
Loreleiletoutasuddenpowerfulhowl,clearlyawarning,butofwhat?
Thenextmoment,apreternaturallychargedfaenetsurroundedSethasthoughcomingoutofnowhere.
HetumbledaroundthenlandedhardagainstseveralbouldersnotfarfromtheLoperz’syard.Theair
gotknockedfromhislungsandhe’dbrokenanarm,afewribs,andshatteredhisknee.
Holyfuck.Hewascompletelyimmobilized.Heslidofftherock,thejutenettingclingingtohimand
burninghisskin,ashelandedinthesnow.
HepathedtoAaron.I’mtrappedinanet.Bonesbroken.Can’tmove.
ThreeGuardsmenaresevenminutesout.Hangtough.
Sethcouldn’ttellhimtherest,thattwowraith-pairsheadedinhisdirection,takingtheirsweettime,
knowingtheyhadhim,andthatatleastoneofthebondedvampireswasatmastyrstatus,theothernotfar
behind.
Heworkedathishealingandbythetimehesawthethickleatherbootsofthevampire,he’dbrought
hisforearmbonesintoalignmentandtheywereknittingtogether.
Butthepainfromhisribskepthimpinnedinplace,andhiskneewasamess.
Despiteallthat,hegatheredhisbattleenergyintobothhands,butatthelastsecondherealizedhe
couldn’tfire.
“Won’tdoyouadamnbitofgood,MastyrSeth.You’llfryyourownassifyouletloosewiththat
charge.”Hissmilebroadened.“Themistresstoldusyou’dfallforthetrapandthatweshouldmakequick
workofyou.ButI’velosttoomanyfriendsbecauseofyouandyourGuard,nottosavorthismomentjust
alittle.”Hegatheredsalivainhismouthandletitfly.
ThespittlelandedonSeth’sface.Ragemovedinhim,andhewantedtoattack,butthenatureoffae-
chargednetsmeantthatanybattleenergyhemightsendoutwardwouldbereflectedbythenetting.The
vampirewasright.He’dkillhimselfifhedischargedaseriousenergyblastfromhishands.
Andrightnow,hehadawhisperoftimeonhissideashestaredupatthebondedvampirewhohad
alreadymadethedecisionnottokillhimimmediately.“Wehavesomeonewhocanseverthewraith-bond.
You’dbefree.HernameisSamantha.She’sboundtoMastyrEthan.IcanbringhertoWalvashorrwith
onephonecall.”
“WhatthehellmakesyouthinkIwanttobefree?Abunchofusmastyrswatchedyouandtheothers
takeoverourrealms,andIpromisedmyselfthatifIeverhadthechance,I’doffasmanyofyouassholes
asIcould.Todayjusthappenstobemyluckyday.MargettahasbigplansandI’llonedayruleinthis
realm,sono,Idon’twantyoutomakeaphonecall,nottoday,notever.”
Ifhecouldkeepthisegomaniactalking,hisGuardmightgettohimintime.“Andwhatexactlywould
youdowithWalvashorrifyouhadthechance?”
“Tryingtobuysometime?”Hechortled.“It’sokay.Afewsecondsmorewon’tmatterandI’llhappily
shareexactlywhatwewilldooncewegainpower.Forstarters,we’llgetridofthelesserfolk,weedout
afewoftheelvenandtrolllines,buildupthewraithandvampirepopulations,limitthenumberofshifter
packstooneperrealm,maybetwo.Icanatleastrespecttheshifter’sbattleethic.”
“You’retalkinggenocide.”
“Whateverittakes.Butenoughofyourstall-tactics,mastyr.Timetopayyourdebttonature.”
Hefeltthevampire’spowerrevvingup.Hiswraith-matejoinedhim,abeautifulfemalewhowrapped
herarmsaroundhisshouldersasshefloatedslightlyabovehim.“Sweetmusictomyears,darling.Now
killtheprick.Doitslow.Iwanttowatchhimsuffer.”
“Anythingforyou,sweetheart.”
Sethknewhewasaboutasclosetodeathashe’deverbeeninhislonglife.HisGuardwastoofar
awaytointerveneandLoreleiwasnomatchforeitheroftheseInvictuspairs.
Butjustasthevampirewouldhavereleasedhisblast,awhiteblurcameatthevampirefromtheside.
Lorelei,stillinherwolfform,clippedhislegshardandknockedhimoff-balance.
Thevampirespun,fallinghardtothesnow-coveredground.
Loreleihadjustsavedhislife.
Whensheleapedtoattackoncemore,however,thewraithleveledahand-blastather,hittingherin
theside.SheyelpedandtwistedmidairtolandnotfarfromSeth.Thatshedidn’tinstantlyspringtoher
feettoldSethshe’dbeenseriouslyinjured.Loreleiwhimperedasshecreptonherbellyinhisdirection.
Sethbreathedhard,hisheartpounding.Hehadtothinkofsomethingfast.Themomentthewraith
woundupherpoweragain,they’dbothdie.
Loreleipathed,You’vegottotouchme,mastyr.Now.
Whatareyousaying?
I’vefeltitforacoupleofweeks,thatwehavepowerbetweenus.Can’texplain.
Hepivotedinherdirection,butthenetpreventedhimfromgettingcloser.Ican’tmoveanyfarther
thanthis.
“Youfuckingbitch.”Thevampirehadgainedhisfeetandoncemorepulledhisenergyintohishand,
drawingthevibrationsfromtheearthitself,fromthesky,fromthemountains,forest,androcks.
ButLoreleikeptcrawlingtowardSeth,leadingwithherfrontpaws,bloodseepingfromthewoundon
herside.Hefeltitnow,thefemaleshifter’sbattlevibration,acoreofreservethatcouldbereleasedif
onlyhecouldmakecontact.Therewouldevenbeenoughpowertodestroythenet.
Thewraithshriekedherdelight.Shecouldhavelongsinceaddedthekillingblowbutitwasclearshe
preferredtowatchthewolfsuffer.
Amomentlater,theoriginalwraith-pairarrived,nodoubthavingdecidedthatitwassafetojoinin
thefun.
Thesecondwraith’sshrillvoicetauntedSeth.“Ithinkthemastyr’sgothimselfsomeshifterlove.Will
youlookatthat,creepingalongwithherribsallbloodyandexposed.Sheprobablywantstokisshim
good-bye.”
Thewraithwho’dblastedLoreleicaughthermate’sarm.“Awhoney,atleastletthemsaytheir
farewellsbeforeyouburnthembothtoacrisp.”
“You’resoromantic.”
Morelaughter.
Seth,I’mgoingtobreachthenetandit’sgoingtohurt.Justtouchme.
Understood.
SethgotascloseashecouldtoLorelei.Shecrawledtowardhim,inchbyinch.
Theclosershegot,Sethfeltherlatentpowervibratingwithinherwolfform.Justaninchmore.Do
it,Lorelei.Icanfeelwhatyou’vegot.
Thevampirecalledout,“Timetodie,MastyrofWalvashorr.”
Sethglancedoverhisshoulderasbothvampireswounduptheirenergythistime.
HefeltthemreleasejustasLoreleishovedherpawthroughthenetandmadecontactwithSeth.
Powerflaredbetweenthem,thenerupted,blowingthenetapart.
Seth’sribsandkneestillhurtlikehell,butnowthathewasfree,hereleasedhisbattleforcethrough
bothhands.Loreleicrouchednexttohim,stayinginphysicalcontactandstreamingherbattleenergyinto
him.He’dneverfeltsomuchpowerbefore.
Evenso,facingtwosuchincrediblypowerfulwraith-pairshadhimbattlingatthefullreachofhis
abilityasstreaksofhisenergyrepulsedthepowerfulredvibrationsthatcameathimfrombothvampires
aswellaslesserpulsesfromtheirwraith-mates.Asweakashewas,hedidn’tknowhowlonghecould
keepitup,especiallysincehecouldfeelLorelei’sbattlevibrationbegintoweaken.
Lorelei,howyoudoing?
I’mdizzy.IthinkI’velosttoomuchblood.
Staywithme.IhaveGuardsmenontheway.They’realmosthere.
Buthefeltherfadeashecontinuedtobattleandsuddenlyherpowerjustwinkedout.She’deither
faintedorworse,droppedintoacomafromlossofbloodwhichmeantshe’dbedeadinafewmore
minutes.
Withoutherpowersupport,hisownbattleenergybegantosubside.Themosthecoulddowasholda
battleshield,butafewgoodstrikesandthesetwopairstogetherwouldtakehimdown.
Whenbothvampires,cheeredonbytheirshriekingwraith-mates,stoppedfiringinordertorevupfor
afinalblow,Sethknewthemomenthadcome.
Whileholdinghisshieldsteady,heturnedtowardLoreleiandreacheddowntoputahandbetween
herears.Lorelei,I’msosorry.
Hisheartfeltheavyashell.Hedidn’treallyevenknowthiswoman,butshe’dbeenhiscompanionfor
thepastmonthandhe’dgottenusedtoherbeinginhislife.Andshesureashelldidn’tdeservetodielike
this.YouhaveoneofthesweetestspiritsI’veeverknown.Thankyouformakingmysolitarylifealittle
lesslonely.
Thevampiresdrewclosetohisshield.Heturnedtomeethisenemysquare,facingdeathwithasmuch
strengthashecouldmuster.
Thenallatonce,dozensofwolvesraninfromeverydirection,fillingthesnowygroundallaroundthe
Loperzcabin.Hecouldn’tbelieveit,butalargeportionofhisShifterBrigadehadjustcometotherescue
andbythelooksofit,notonlyfromonepack,butfromallfour.Unbelievable.
Theytransformedswiftlyfromtheirwolfformstouprightwarriors,clothedintheirShifterBrigade
uniformsofleather,chains,snugblacktees,andheavyblackleatherwork-boots.Eachfiredbluestreams
ofpowerfulenergystraightatbothwraith-pairs.
Thevampiresfoughtwildlyinreturn,theirenergyblastsscatteringallaroundthem,buttheywouldn’t
beabletowithstandsomanyshiftersallatonetime.
SeththrewhimselfoverLorelei,formingaphysicalshieldagainstanystrayhits.Shebreathedinlight
pantsnow,tonguelolling,eyesclosed.
Shewasn’tdead,butshewaswaytooclosetotheedge.
Afewmomentsmoreandthebattlefieldfellsilent.
WhenheliftedupoffofLorelei,hesawthatthetwowraith-pairsweredeadontheground,thestench
ofburnedfleshfillingtheair.
HepickedthewhitewolfupandturnedtoEphyx,oneofthealphamales.“Ican’ttellyouhow
gratefulIamthatyougothere.You’vesavedmylifeandhers.”
Ephyxstoodsix-five,notastallasSeth,butbiggerthroughtheshoulders,chestandarms.
Thepowerfulalphaglancedaround,frowningheavily.Heappearedtobeconfused.“Mastyr,we’re
notsurewhathappened—whatwe’realldoinghere.”
“Whatdoyoumean?”
HeglancedatLorelei.“YourbodyguardcalledtheentirebrigadefromallovertheShauck
Mountains.”
SethrememberedLoreleihowlingjustasthenettrappedhim.Heglanceddownather,frowning
heavily.Whowasthiswoman?“Sheletoutalonghowl.ThatmuchIremember.”
“Yes,shedid.”
“Andyou’resayingthatwhenshehowled,shereachedtheentirebrigade?Allfourpacks?”
“Exactly.”
“SweetGoddess.”Heturnedinacircle.Wolveswerestillarrivingfromeachpointofthecompass.
HeturnedtomeetEphyx’sgazeoncemore.“IhavetogetLoreleitomyShauckGorgehouse.After
you’vedisposedofthewraith-pairsandtendedtoyourwounded,youcanreturntoyourterritories.I’llbe
intouchlater.Continueonyourpatrols.”TheShifterBrigadeworkedtheShauckMountainsallnight
protectingtherealm-folkwholivedinthemountains,inthesamewayhisVampireGuardpatrolledthe
southernpartofhisrealm.
“Yes,mastyr.”
AsSethflewintotheair,hecontactedAaronaswell,lettinghimknowwhathadhappenedandthat
theShifterBrigadewouldtakecareofclean-up.Hethenheadedinthedirectionhe’dcome,backtoward
DefianceFallsandShauckGorge.Atthesametime,hecontactedhisrealm’smostpowerfulfaehealer.
Thewomancouldfly,butevenmovingathertopspeedshecouldn’tcoverthatmanymilesinunderan
hour.
Hetoldhertocomeanywayandhopedtohellhe’dbeabletokeepLoreleialiveuntilshegotthere.
Somewhereinthedepthsofhisrealm-soul,heknewthatheheldthefateofalltheNineRealmsinhis
arms.
Loreleihadtolive.
Whenhearrivedathiscanyonridgehome,however,hefoundhisfrontdoorwideopen.
ChapterTwo
SethstoodonthethresholdwithLoreleiunconsciousinhisarms.Iftheenemywaitedforhiminhis
house,hewasinserioustrouble,whichmeanthecouldn’triskstaying.
Hepreparedtoheadbackintothesky—maybetotakehertooneofhisclosestneighbors—untilhe
feltanunmistakableenergyflowingtowardhim,somethinghe’dfeltinFerrendenPeacetwomonthsago
whenhe’dmetQueenRosamundeforthefirsttime.
Hesteppedinsideandfoundthequeensittingonhiscouch,waitingforhim,thewomanwhoneverleft
herkingdom,whoforthepastthousandyearshadlivedinisolation,justashehad.Inordertoprotect
herselfandherpeoplefromMargetta,she’dcreatedanenthrallmentveilthathadkeptFerrendenPeace
fromtherestoftheNineRealmsforoveramillennium.
Nowshewashere.
HergazefelltoLoreleiandshestretchedoutherarms.“Givehertome,MastyrSeth.”
“Youknewshe’dbeinjured?”
Rosamundesighed,aheavysoundthatwentwayintothepast,ofalifelivedinservitudetoher
calling.“Let’sjustsaythatIhadavisionandnowI’mhere.”
Faevisionswerehighlyrespectedinhisworld.“Wheredoyouwanther?”
Rosamundelookedaround.“Herewilldojustfine.”
SethlaidthewolfonthecouchbesideRosamunde,positioningLorelei’sbackagainstthecushions
andherheadrestingonthequeen’slap.Thispositionleftherwoundedsidefullyexposed.
SheplacedherhandgentlybetweenLorelei’swhitewolfears.Loreleiwhimperedsoftly,hersnout
longandgraceful,herwintercoatcreatingathickwhiteruffaroundherneck.
Rosamundeclosedhereyes.
Sethfeltaprofoundwaveofhealingenergypulsethroughtheroom.Theacheinhiskneeandribs
lessenedbecauseofit.
Lorelei’sbreathinghitched,thenreleased.Shefinallydrewadeepbreathandtheterrible,bloody
woundbegantoknittogetheratlightningspeed.
Hecalledthefaehealerandrescindedhisrequestforhertocometohim.Hedidn’ttrytoexplainwhy
henolongerneededherthoughheassuredherthatLoreleiwashealingmorequicklythanhethought.He
justwasn’tsureRosamundewouldwantitknownthatshe’dleftherkingdom.
HeremainedstandinginfrontofLorelei,hisgazefixedtoher.Instages,herbreathingeasedandshe
nolongerpanted.
Afterseveralminutes,Rosamundelookedupathim.“MastyrSeth,fromthismomentforward,you
mustopenyourselftoLoreleiandtowhatthetwoofyoucanaccomplishtogether.Iknowthatyou’restoic
bynature,notgiventopassionatepursuitsoranythingofaromanticnature,butforyoursakeandforthe
sakeofyourrealm,Iaskyoutobeopentoallthatyou’llsoondiscoverLoreleitobe.”
HisgazefelltoLoreleioncemore.“I’vefeltherpower,whichshesharedwithmewhileconfronting
theInvictustonight.Shesavedusboth.”
“Beopen.”
Hemethergazeandsawintheweightofherexpressionnotonlyhisneedtotakeheradvicetoheart,
butherownsuffering.Hecouldrelate.Inmanyways,heandthequeenwerealike,butevenhedidn’t
carrytheburdenthatRosamundedid.Shewasperhapsthemostpowerfulwomaninhisrealmandhad
keptherthronesafefromMargetta.ItwasbelievedthatwhoeverruledFerrendenPeacecouldalsotake
overtheNineRealms.
WhenSethhadvisitedthecastletwomonthsago,he’dspokenwiththequeenaboutherresponsibility
tokeepFerrendenPeaceoutofthehandsofMargettaoranyotherself-serving,realmpersonwhowanted
toenslavealltherealms.She’dlivedapartfromherpeersinordertopreservethefreedomofall.
Hisownsolitudehadbeenapersonalchoice,whilethequeen’shadbeenanecessityforthesakeof
theirworld.Theleasthecoulddowastakeheradmonitiontoheart.
“I’lldoasyou’vesaid.”
Sheappearedtobreatheadeepsighofrelief.“Good,andthat’sallthatanyonecanaskofyou,Seth,
tojustbeopen.”
*********
Loreleihurtdeepintoherstomachallthewaytoherspine,thenupthroughherribcage.Shewas
certaineveryoneofherinternalorganshadbeendamagedwhenthathorriblewraithhadslungherbattle
energyinherdirection.
She’dneverknownsuchpainandwhilelyingnexttoSethinthesnow,she’dbeenconvincednotonly
thatshewoulddie,butthatSethwouldaswell.Andshewouldhavefailedatthefirstimportanttask
she’deverbeengiveninherlonglife-on-the-run.
Butfromwhereshelay,withawarmhandpressingonherheadandhealingrollingthroughherbody,
sheknewshehadn’tdiedafterall.Foronething,therewasasmallspiderwebinthecornerofthebroad
frontwindownearthegrandpiano.Surely,theNineRealm’sversionofheavenwouldn’thaveallowed
spiders.
Shepushedherpawagainstthehealer’sknee,aformofgratitude,thensigheddeeply.Shewasstillin
wolfform,ashapeshe’dcometotreasuresincecomingtoWalvashorr.
Howlongagoitseemedsinceshe’dmadethetrektoFerrendenPeacewithMastyrQuinlanand
Batya,throughtheCavernsofPickerne,theDeadForestandtheSnowfieldsofRayne,alltogettoQueen
Rosamunde’skingdomandtosafety.
Thequeenhadtaughthersomuch,somanyskillsthatshenowemployedtosuccessfullythwarther
mother’sattemptstogaincontroloverheragain.Sheowedthequeeneverything.
“Canyoushifttoyourfaeform?”
Loreleifrowned.Sherecognizedthehealer’svoice,butitseemedimpossible.Rosamunde?You’re
theonetendingtome?
Yes,I’mhere.
Butyou’reindanger.You’reonlyprotectedinFerrendenPeace?WhatifMargettafindsyouand
whydidyoucomehereinthefirstplace?
Rosamundechuckled.Somanyquestions,child.
Loreleiwasanadult,ninetyyearsintherealmworld.ButRosamunde’sagewasasyetunknown,well
overathousandyears,soLoreleisupposedthequeenhadcausetoaddressherasshewouldachild.In
realm-terms,Loreleiwasstillveryyoung.
Shetriedtoliftherhead,butcouldn’t.Shewassoweakandshestillhurt.
Butshewouldhealsomuchfasterinherfaeform.
She’dalsocreateanewlevelofpainwhenshewentthroughthetransformation,butitcouldn’tbe
helped.Shehadmoretoconsiderherethanherowncomfortlevel.Forone,thequeenwasalwaysin
dangeroncesheleftherkingdom,andforanotherLoreleistillhadajobtodoinprotectingMastyrSeth.
I’llshiftnow.
Good.Justremaininthisposition,recliningonmylap.
Noproblem.
Shesqueezedhereyesshut,accessedhershiftingvibration,andletitflow,focusingonthefaeform
she’dbeenbornwithsomanydecadesago.
Butthepain!
Shecursedmentally,makinguseofeveryfoulwordshe’deverheardinthecourseofherlife.She
hopedshedidn’tpaththemtoRosamunde,butevenifshehad,shewasn’tsureshecared.
Intheend,sheblackedout.
Whenshewokeup,QueenRosamundehadleftandLoreleihadbeenmovedtoadifferentroom
altogether.Shesnuggledbeneathawarmcomforterwithawoodfireblazinginthestonefireplaceacross
fromthefootofthebed.Sheturnedontohersideandglancedoutthewindow.Shecouldseethatnight
hadbecomedayandthesnowhadstartedtofalloncemore.Herinternalclocktoldheritwaslate
afternoon.Shehadsleptalongtime.
Everythingwasquiet,exceptthatsheheardDebussy’sClairdeLunecomingfromthelivingroom.
Shesmiled.Sethwasplayingthepiano,expertly,beautifully.Helivedarichlife,fullof
divergentinterests,andinthiswayheseemedsodifferentfromtheothermastyrs.Helovedmusic,
books,mathematics,andlivinginthemountains.
Sheshiveredsuddenly,asensationthathadnothingtodowithachillintheair,butwithapowerful
memory,somethingshewouldneverforget,ofthefirsttimeshe’deverlaideyesontheMastyrof
Walvashorr.
Twomonthsago,thedayafterMastyrQuinlanandBatyaleftFerrendenPeaceonthequeen’sorders,
LoreleihadbeenwalkingalongthethirdstorycatwalkthatlookeddownintotheQueen’sreceivingroom.
Theupperstoriesofthestonecastleenjoyedaflowofheatfromthelowerfireplacessoshe’dgone
exploring.Shehadn’tknownthatMastyrSethhadstayedoveranextranight.
Butshe’denteredashorthallwithasecrecyscreenthatallowedhertoseeintowhatprovedtobe
MastyrSeth’sbedroom.
Hehadthelargebalconydoorsflungwideopensothatfresh,coldairblewthroughtheroom.Though
nighthadn’tyetfallen,thenorthernlightfloodedtheroomwithoutthedangerousdirectraysthatwould
harmvampiresandtoalesserdegreefaeandotherrealm-folk.
Heworehislong,thickbrownhairintheGuardsman’swovenclasp,butlittleelse.Justblackwork-
outshortsandawhitetanktophangingfromhiswaistband.Heusedtheshirtoccasionallytowipesweat
offhisforehead.
Shewatchedmesmerizedashedroppedlithelytothefloorandonthetipsofhisfingersperformedat
leastahundredquickpush-ups,thenshiftedtohisbuttocksandcrunchedoutatleastasmanysit-ups.He
wasleanerthanQuinlanbyalot,buthismuscleshadaripped,heavierlook.
Desireforhimhadbegunlikeasmallwavethatgotbiggerandbigger,finallyswellingoverheruntil
shefeltdizzy.She’dneverhadsopowerfulareactiontoamanbefore,ofanyspecies,inthewholecourse
ofheradultlife.Theneedtotouchhim,toconnectphysically,becamealmostacompulsion,something
morewolfthanfae.
Hadshebeeninwolfform,shemighthavechargedintotheroomandbumpedhimwithhernose,then
herbody,justtomakecontact.
Butasafaefemale,andexperiencingsexualneedofhim,shecouldonlyremainrootedtothesecret
hallwayfloor,staringathimthroughthescreen,essentiallyspyingonhim.
Hewrappeduphisroutinewithmorestretching,thenmovedtothebalconytostareoutatarolling
vistaoffarmlandsandtheoccasionalislandoftrees.FerrendenPeacewasabeautiful,pastoralcountry,
almostarealmapart.
Whatshedidnext,however,wasunpardonable.UsingthenewskillsRosamundehadonlythat
morningtrainedhertodevelop,shecastalayeredenthrallmentshieldaroundherself,leftthehall,and
stoleintohisroom.
Shehadtoseehimcloseup.
Movingtothebalcony,shetookupaplaceattheendsothatshecouldwatchhim.Hesmelled
heavenly,arichmossyforestscent,likesomethingwooded.Hernostrilsflaredandthewolfpartofher
wantedtohowl,wantedtocryoutsomemessagetotheworldthatshe’dfoundhim,she’dfoundtheone.
Hehadnoideashestoodfivefeetawayfromhim,staringupathisgray-greeneyes,hisstraight
brows,theangled,masculinelineofhischeeks.
Hergazefelltohisneckandshoulders,cordedwithtight,extremelywell-definedmuscle.Hedrank
fromawaterbottle,smallsips,rehydratingashisgazewanderedthedistantvista.
Sheepbleated,ajarringsoundintheserenepasture.Hisgazerose,trackingahawk,hersdidaswell.
Sherealizedthatinallhertravelswhilehidingfromhermother,she’dspentonlyoneyearin
WalvashorrRealmandallduringthattime,she’dneveronceseenMastyrSeth.Wouldshehavehadsuch
anintensereactiontohimallthoseyearsagoifshehad?
Shewantedtotouchhim.Thatwastheworstpart.Itwasonethingtoholdtheshieldtightanddisguise
herpresence,butquiteanothertoputherhandonhim.Shemovedcloser,inchingherfingerstowardhim.
Avibrationigniteddeepwithinherbodyandinstinctivelysheknewwhatitwas,hermatingfrequency,
andthatnoneofherpreviousboyfriendshadeveronceawakenedherinthisway.
Thoughshedidn’tactuallymakecontact,Sethsuddenlygrabbedhisarmandrubbedtheareanearthe
tipsofherfingers.Hemusthavesensedherproximity.
Shedrewherarmback,fearingdiscovery.Stillkeepinghershieldtight,shehurriedfromtheroom,
returningtohercastlebedroom.Shelayonherbedforalongtime,stunnedthatonlyarealmrulerhad
beenabletoarousehermatingfrequency.
Arealmruler.
SethofWalvashorr.
Itwasn’tuntilthenextdaythatshesettledintoherinvestigativeroutine,ferretingouteveryscrapof
informationaboutSeth,makingliberaluseoftheNineRealmsInternet,readingeverycomment,every
blog,everynewspaperarticlethatevensomuchasmentionedhisname.
Fromthatinformation,she’dgraduallyconstructedaportraitofhim,thathelivedanextremely
solitaryexistenceforarealmruler,butthathewasamanofhonor,apowerfulwarrior,andhespent
everywakingmomentservingWalvashorr.
Hehadonlyoneresidenceofanysignificance,hisShauckGorgehouse,whilemostoftheother
mastyrshadthreeorfour.TheapartmentinsouthWalvashorr,inHawgrine,didn’tcountnordidtheodd
treehousehe’dbuiltatRedheartPeakinthenorth.
Hehadnoclosefriends,andinthisonethingespecially,LoreleifeltshecouldreallyrelatetoSeth.
Batya,nowabloodroseandbondedtoMastyrQuinlan,hadbecomeagoodfriend,maybeeventhefirst
realfriendLoreleihadeverhadinthepastseventy-twoyearsofherlife,fromthetimeshe’descapedher
mother’sprison-homewhenshewaseighteen.Buthertransientlifestylehadseverelylimitedthethings
she’dbeenabletosharewithBatya.
Essentially,she’dlivedherlifeapart,likeSeth.
Sosheunderstoodhimandeventhecauseofhischosensolitude.He’dbeenorphanedateightwhen
anInvictuspairhadkilledhisparents.Whileonafamilypicnic,Sethhadbeenexploringdeepinthe
nearbyforestandwhenhe’dcomeback,he’dfoundamassacre.Hisyoungerbrotherandhisparentshad
beendrainedandslaughtered,whileanolderbrotherhaddisappeared.
Anorphanagehadfollowed,aplacewheresurvivalofthefittesthaddefinedday-to-dayexistence.
Almostacenturylater,he’dbeenengagedtoawomannamedKristen,butshe’ddied.Notmuchhad
beenwrittenaboutthosecircumstances,buttheycouldn’thavebeengoodbecausehe’dnevertriedagain.
Hekeptwomenatadistance.
Shortlyafter,he’dbecomeMastyrofWalvashorr.
Asthereveriedriftedaway,Loreleisigheddeeply.Sheliftedthecomfortertohernoseandbreathed
in.ThefabricsmelledofSeth,thatintenselyrich,mossyscentofhis.Sheknewshe’dbeenlefttorecover
inhisbedandsomethingaboutthatafflictedherheartbadly.Herchestfeltstrangelyheavyandweighed
down.SheworriedaboutSethandthoughshe’dbeeninstrumentalinsavinghimatLoperzCanyon,she
couldfeelinherbonesthattherewasmoretocome.
Shetrembled,asthefaepartofherwarmedup.Shehadasenseofthefuture,thatshewouldbecome
muchmorethanSeth’sbodyguard.Yethowcouldtwosuchsolitaryindividualsevertrusteachother
enoughtojourneytogether?
*********
SethplayedDebussy,asuresignhehadaproblemtosolve.Somethingabouttheimpressionistic
music,ormaybejustthesoothingaspectofrunninghisfingersupanddowntheblackandwhitekeys,
helpedhisbraintoprocesswhateverdilemmahadhimtiedup.
Andheneededprocessingrightnow:Rosamunde,Lorelei,herlatentpower,thefutureoftheNine
Realms.Andofcourse,hisbloodstarvation.
Hisstomachcrampedinincreasinglytightwaves.Heshouldhavecalledhisdoneusesooner.Butshe
wouldarriveatfull-darkandhe’dbereadytofacewhateveritwasthatRosamundehadhintedatwhen
she’dtoldhimtobeopentoLorelei.
Inbetweenpieces,hishandsshook,anotherindicationhe’dwaitedtoolongtofeed.
Andthemorehehungered,themorehisthoughtsturnedtoLoreleiasleepinthenextroom.For
reasonshecouldn’texplain,fromthetimehe’dsettledherinhisbed,he’dstartedtocraveher.Helonged
forherbloodandmaybebecauseshelaybeneathhiscovers,hewantedtojoinher,tofeedfromher,and
tomakelovetoher.
Thesethoughts,however,hestrovetosetaside.Nogoodcouldpossiblycomefromsexinguphis
bodyguard.
Butthecravingsremained.
Hisfingerscontinuedtoplythekeys,repeatingClairdeLune.
Hestillhadn’tcompletelyprocessedtheattackhe’djustbarelysurvived.He’dbeenledintoatrap
thatwouldhavekilledhimexceptfortwothings,thatLoreleihadintervenedandthatsomehowshe’d
summonedhisentireShifterBrigadetocometohisrescue.Heowedhislifetoher.
HehadsomanyquestionsincludinghowLoreleihadactuallyreachedhisentirebrigadewithone
longhowl.
WhenhefinishedClairedeLunethesecondtimethrough,herosefromthepianobench.Glancingat
theclockonthewall,hesawthatitwasfour-thirty,notlongnowuntilfull-dark,themonthbeing
Decemberandhisrealmfarthernorththanmost.RosamundehadlefthimstrictorderstoawakenLorelei
atthishour,togivehersomefood,andtotalkwithherabouttherecentbattle.Hewasthentokeepher
closetohissideoverthenextseveraldays.She’demphasizedthelatter,thatcriticaleventswereonthe
horizonforthemboth,mattersthatinvolvedtheirindividualsafetyaswellasthefutureoftheNine
Realms.
Sethsmiledwryly.Butnopressure.
Hewenttothekitchenfirstandpouredacupofsteamingbeefbroth,alsorecommendedby
Rosamunde.TheshifterpartofLoreleiwouldalwaysrespondtoredmeat.Headdedaslabofbuttered
sourdoughbread,thenheadeddownthehall.
Ashewalkedtowardhisbedroom,aseverecramptookholdofhimsothathehadtopauseandwait
forthepaintosubside.Hischeeksdrewinwardandsalivafilledhismouth.Itdidn’thelptobesmelling
thebroth.
AssoonashetookcareofLorelei,he’dcallhisdoneusetomakesureshewasonherwayandtoput
somespeedon.Atthispoint,hewasinbadshape.
Hegenerallyfedtwiceadayandhe’dmissedhisearlymorningfeeding.Maybeitwashisstrict
exerciseregimen,butheseemedtoneedmoredonationsthantheothermastyrsheknew.Rightnowhe
wasmaybethreehoursawayfromfallingintoacoma,withdeathtakingplacenotlongafterthat.
Enteringtheroom,hefoundLoreleistandinginfrontofthesouth-facingwindowwhichhadalong
viewdownthegorgetotheAthaliaRiverandthesnow-coveredforestbankingbothsides.Sheworeone
ofhist-shirts,ablackonethatbaggedoverhershouldersandhungtomid-thigh.
Hisgazedroppedtoherbarelegsandfeet,andlikethered-bloodedvampirehewas,desirerose,but
hesuppresseditimmediately.Shelookedsexyashell,whichwasn’thelpinghiscravingsatall.
Sheseemedintentontheviewoftheriver,twohundredfeetbelowhishome,rollingfast,visible
throughalightfallofsnow.
“Ibroughtyousomethingtoeat.”
Sheturned,hernostrilsflaring.Shesqueezedhereyesshutasthoughinpain.
Concernforherbloomed.“Areyoustillhurting?”
Hesetthefoodonthetabletotherightofthefireplace,neartheeastwindow,thenhurriedovertoher,
movingtostandnexttoher.
“I’mfine.”Sheheldupbothhandsasthoughtowardhimoff.Shewasshaking.
“You’renotfine.Lorelei,what’swrong?”
“Nothing.I’mallhealedup.Really,I’mfine.”Sheturnedashouldertohim,facingthewindowonce
moreandcrossingherarmsoverherchest.
Shewaslovely,eveninprofile,withherhairdrawnbackbehindherrightear.Theshaperosetoa
stunningfaepoint,withthreeamethyststudsleadingtowardthepeak.Exquisite.
Hehadasuddenfantasyoflickingalongthatcurve,teasingthefoldsofherear,thehardedgesofthe
jewelsrubbingoverhistongue.
Timeslowedtoastopashewatchedherstaringatthemountainvistaoncemore.Andthat’swhenhe
caughtafaintscentcomingfromher,somethingverylight.Hebreathedin,lettingtheunusualfragrance
flowthroughhim.Afteramoment,herealizedherscentremindedhimofappleblossomsandonceagain
desiresweptthroughhim,sosuddenandprofoundthathebarelyrepressedagroan.
Imagesspedthroughhismindoftakingfromherneck,thencarryinghertothebedandhavinghisway
withher.
Heneededtogethimselfundercontrol,butherproximityseemedtobetakingasuddenandprofound
toll.
Returningtothetablebythefireplace,hegavehimselfashake.Hedidn’tlikefeelingthisedgyand
hisbloodhungerhadrevvedupagain.
Hetookafewdeepbreathstocalmhisbodydown.Hejustdidn’tunderstandwhyhewasreactingto
herlikethis,withsuchimmediateneedforbothherbodyandherblood?
Afteralongminute,hefeltmoreincontrol,andtookthemugtoher.
“Youneedtoeat.”Hehelditouttoher.
Shetookholdofthehandleandsmiled.“Oh,thankyou.Thissmellslikeheaven.”Hergazeflittedto
him,thenawayasshebroughtthemugtoherlips.
Shewasnervousaroundhimrightnow.Hecouldseethat.
Shetookalongdrinkandhershoulderseaseddown.“Mywolflikesthis.”Sheevensmiledagain.
Hisbreathcaught.Shehadbeautifulteeth,longincisorsthatmadeherlookbothpredatoryand
adorableatthesametime.Whywashesodrawntoher?
Thenhecaughtthescentofherbloodoncemore,onlyricherthistime,likeappleblossomsandwine,
andhelistedonhisfeet.
“Areyouokay?MastyrSeth,what’swrong?”
“I’mfine.”Herightedhimself.Hisdoneusewouldbeherewithinthehour.He’dtankupandbemore
likehimself.
“Iguesswe’llbothbelyingforawhile.”
Hisgazeshottohers.“Whatdoyoumean?”
“Well,we’rebothfine,right?”
Atthat,hislipscurved.“Iseeyourpoint.”
*********
LoreleiwatchedSethovertherimofhermug.Hisaromatic,mossyscenthadthickenedintheair
whichmeanthedesiredherandthatmadeherwanthimmorethanever.He’daskedwhatwaswrongbut
shecouldhardlytellhimshewantedhispantsoff.
Heturnedtoleananarmalongthesupportbeamnexttothewindow,hisgazefixedoutsidetothe
oppositetree-linedridge.Heseemedpreoccupied,perhapswithignoringhisinterestinher.Hewould
thinkitinappropriate,partofwhatsheunderstoodtobetrueabouthim,notjustfromherresearchbut
becauseshe’dtrackedhimforweeks.
Sethhadahighlydevelopedsenseofpropriety.
Sheknewaswellthathisbloodhungerhadreachedacriticalpoint,buthowsheknew,shewasn’t
exactlysure.
Shecontinuedtosipherbrothasshewatchedandwonderedexactlywhatwasgoingonwithhim.
Vampiresgaveoffalotofsignalsthattheywantedtotapintoavein,themostpowerfulbeinga
spontaneousappearanceoffangs.YetSethshowednofangs,althoughsheunderstoodwhy.Hewasaman
ofstrictcontrolsohe’dprobablyleavetheroombeforeheletherseehisfangsinasituationlikethis.
Butwhatshefeltemanatingfromhimdifferedfromanythingshe’dknownbefore.Itwasasthoughshe
couldactuallyfeelhishungerlikeasoftvibrationagainstherskinandhewasn’tjusthungry,oreven
blood-starved.Heneededtofeedorhe’ddiewithinacoupleofhours,hewasthatclose.
SweetGoddess,whyhadhelethimselfgetthisfarstrungout?Yetknowinghoworderedhekepthis
life,andthathetookfromhisdoneusestwiceaday,henodoubthadawomanflyinginrightnow.
Butshedidn’twantanotherwomaninhishouse.
Shewantedtofeedhim.
Ifsheoffered,wouldhelether?Woulditevenbewise?
“There’sbread.”Hepushedawayfromthewindow,andreturnedtothesmalltable.Hebroughtback
aplatethatboreathickslabofsourdoughslatheredwithbutter.
“Thatlookswonderful.”Shesetthenowemptymugonthewideshelfjustbelowthewindow,then
tooktheplateinhand.
Thefirstbitewasheaven.“Amazing.”
“Fresh-baked.Myhousekeepercomesineverycoupleofdays.She’sastubborntrollwhobakes
breadfreshformeandkeepsmestockedwithsoups,meats,allkindsofhome-grownfood.”
Loreleitookanotherbiteandhereyesrolledinherhead.“I’vediedandgonetoheaven.”
Hislipscurved.“Herhusbandtellsherthatherbreadcouldbringadeadtrolltolife.”
“Isobelievethat.”Shechuckled,thenputahandbetweenherbreasts.Herheartfeltverystrange
suddenly,almostleaden.She’dbeenfeelingthiswaysinceshe’dawakenedinSeth’sbed,butthe
sensationhadworsened.
“What’swrong?”
“Idon’tknow.Ijustfeelsoheavyhere,inmychest.”
Hisnostrilsflaredandhisgazefelltoherthroat.“Byalltheelflords,Icansmellyourblood.Lorelei,
what’sgoingonwithyou?”Hetremblednow.
Shehadasuddenfae-ishpremonitionthatshewasdestinedtofeedhim.What’smore,onceshe
offeredanddespitehisself-discipline,hewouldn’tbeabletoholdback.
Asshewatchedhiseyesdilateandhisgazeslideupanddownherthroat,sheknewshe’dwantedthis
fromthefirstmomentshe’dseenhim.
Shemadeherdecisionquicklyandsetherplatebesidethemug.Shegatheredupherhairandtwisted
ittoliedownherback,awayfromherneck.Youhungry?
Hiseyeswidenedandforamomenthelookedpanicky.Yousure?
Takewhatyouneed,MastyrSeth.I’mhereforyou.Mybloodisyours.
Hisfangsdescendedandoncemoredesirerippedthroughher.ShewantedSethtodrinkfromher,but
shewantedhisbodyaswell,movingoverhers,intoher,possessingher.
Hisbeautifulgray-greeneyesglazedover,alookshe’dneverseenbefore,blood-lustmaybe.Her
heartbeathardinherchestnowanddesireforhimspreadlikeawaveofheatthroughherabdomen.She
wantedthis.She’ddreamedaboutservicinghiminasmanywaysashe’dletherandnowthetimehad
come.
Shespokealoud,commandinghim.“Takeme,Seth.”Hervoicesoundedhoarse.
Shehadjustenoughtimetoanchorherself,whenhewasonher,pinningheragainstthecoldwindow,
hisfangsburiedinherthroat,piercinghervein.
Hegruntedstrangelyasheretractedhisfangs.
Thenhebegantosuck,deepdrawsthatfeltsogood.
Loreleilostherselfinthesensation,inthewayshe’ddesiredSethfromthemomentshe’dfirstseen
himinRosamunde’scastle,inthedeepmossyscentofhimthatbroughtdesirerisingsharply,inhislean
toughbodypressedagainsthers.Shecouldfeelhisarousal,asolidropeagainstherabdomen.
Caressinghisshouldersandback,sheslidintohisheadoncemore.Yousmellextraordinary,Seth,
andIlovethatyou’redrinkingfromme.Feeduntilyou’resatisfied.Anduseme.Pleaseuseme.
Hegruntedagain,buthishandsmoveddownhersides,thenpulledupthelongt-shirtsheworeuntil
hisfingersdugintoherbarehipsandbuttocks.
Shewhimperedathistouchbecausevibrationscamefromhishands,flowingthroughherskin,
increasingherneedforhim.More.Dothatmore.
Hegrippedherhips,caressingandlettinghisfrequencyflow.Shemoanedagainsthisshoulderand
kissedhisneck,thenusingbothherhands,shepushedinsidewaysalonghishipstothefrontofhisjeans.
Hegruntedhisapproval,givingheraccessashecontinuedtodrink.
Yourblood…anelixir…sweetgoddess,likewine…intoxicating.
Sheworkedswiftly,unbuttoningandunzippinghispants,thentuggingthemdownhiships.
Hesuckedhardernowandgroaned,whichonlymadeherneedhimmore.Hishipsmovedina
promisingrhythm,gettingreadyforher.
Don’tstop,Seth.Whateveryoudo,keeptakingmyblood.
Sheworkedhisjeansuntiltheyfelltothefloorandusingbothhandsshecaressedthehardlengthof
him.Hewasabigmanandtheshifterpartofherhadgrownneedysothatherbodywrithedasherhands
strokedhim.
Suddenly,heleftherneck,hisgreeneyesglowingandwild.Hetookhiscockinhandand,dippinghis
hips,hefoundherentrance.Themomenthepushedinsideher,shemethimwithanansweringgrindsof
herhips.
Sogood.
Feedifyouneedmore.
Hedidn’thesitate,butattackedherneckagain,suckinghardashishipssetupastrongrhythm.
You’resowet.
Andyoufeelsodamngood.
Hegrabbedherbottom,liftingherupjustenough,sothatshecouldwrapherlegsaroundhim.The
anglewasperfectandwitheachrollofhiships,hehitherjustright,allthewhiledrinkingherdown.
Atthesametime,hesentavibrationthroughhiscockandthesensationpushedhertowardtheedge.
Shegroanedheavily,slingingherarmsaroundhisback,clutchinghim.Hishardbodymethersoftcurves
withjusttherightpressure.
Shewouldn’tlastlong.She’dbeenwantingthisfortwofullmonthsnow,wakingupfromerotic
dreamsofSeth,achingforhim,lustingeverytimesheshiftedtoherwolfformandranthroughthe
mountainswithhim.
Seth,I’mready.I’mgoingtocome.
Thosewordsdrewhimoffherneck.Helookeddownather,meetinghergazeandbreathinghard.He
stillhadthatwildlook,almostasthoughhedidn’tknowwherehewas.
Hisgazefelltoherlipsandhecrasheddownonhermouth,kissingherwildly.Sheopenedforhim
andthat’swhenshestartedtocome.Pleasuregrippedherasshetastedherbloodonhistongue,feltthe
vibrationsflowingthroughhiscock,andsavoredtheswiftpumpsofhiships.
Andasecstasyrolledthroughherinpowerfulwaves,desireflowed,tighteningherdeepinsidesothat
thepleasurablepulseskeptwashingthroughher.Passionmovedupthroughherabdomentogildherheart,
drawingairinandoutofherlungsinheavinggasps,forcingherarmsandhandstomoveoverthemuscles
ofhisshouldersandback.Shecriedoutagainandagain.
Justastheorgasmstartedtoeasedown,anotherreplacedit,rushingthroughheragain,takingherto
anotherpeak.Sheleanedawayfromhim,pressedherheadagainstthewindowandscreamed.
Setharchedaswell,thenheroaredashecame,asoundshewouldneverhavebelievedcouldcome
fromthemoststoicofthemastyrvampires,agutturalclaimingsoundthatreachedintothenightsky,
callingeverywildthingdownfromthehills.
Inthedistancewolveshowled.
Andaspleasurecontinuedtopossessherbody,Loreleismiled.
ChapterThree
Withhiseyesclosed,Seth’smindspun.Hedidn’tknowwhy,buthewaslockedintosomekindof
derangedanimalstatethatmadeitimpossibleforhimtorecognizehissurroundingsoreventheidentityof
thewomanhewaswith—hewasthatlost.
Atthesametime,hereveledinthedrugged-out,groggysensationthatpossessedhim.Hehadno
stomachpainandhefeltfree,relaxed,andaboveall,thewoman’sbloodhadsatiatedhimasnever
before.
Butwhichwoman?
Oneofhisdoneuses?
Thewomantrembledinhisarmsandkeptsighing.Hesensedhersatisfactionaswell,asthoughwhat
he’dgivenherhadbeenthefulfillmentofadream.
Withhisarmswrappedaroundherandholdingherclose,hecaressedher.Hefeltt-shirtfabric,
incrediblysoft,beneathhisfingertips.Evenhissenseoftouchwasmoreheightenedandalive.
Alightappleblossomscentreturnedtohim,feedinghisdesireforthewoman.Hishipsflexedslightly
sothathiscockmovedinsideherwarmnestagain,andthat’swhenhebeganthestrangeglidebackto
reality.
He’dhadsexwithoneofhisdonors,somethingheneverdid.Sowhythistime?Hemadeitapractice
tokeephisrelationshipswithhisdoneusesstrictlyprofessional.Sowhathadpromptedhimtocrossthe
line?
Slowly,thecareful,controlledpartofhisbrainbeganfunctioningandhiseyesopened.Hehadaview
ofShauckGorge,snowfallingonfirtrees,frostonthewindowprobablyfromalltheheavybreathing.
Hewasinhishome.He’dneverhadsexinhishomebefore.Hekeptthisdwellingsacred,simple,a
refugefromthedifficultpathhewalkedasMastyrofWalvashorr.
“Seth?”
Lorelei’svoice.Againsthisshoulder.Howwasthatpossible?
Herlegswerewrappedaroundhiswaistandherarmsaroundhisback.Shestrokedthelengthofhis
longhair.
HewasholdingLorelei?
He’dburiedhiscockinsideher?Hisbodyguard,who’dalmostjustdied?
Hedidn’tunderstand.
Thenhismindclearedwithasudden,abruptstart.
Shit,he’djustfuckedLorelei,thefae-shifter-wraith,alsopartvampire,whohadsavedhislife,who
servedashiswolf-guardian,andwho’dalmostdied.He’dfedhersomebrothandbutteredbreadand
somehowthoughthehadarighttoherbody.
“Lorelei,I’msosorry.SweetGoddess,Ihadn’tmeanttodothis.”
“Iknow.”Anothersighfollowed.Shesaidnothingmoreandforthathewasgrateful.
Thereweresomanythingswrongwiththisequationthathehardlyknewwheretobegin.Hedrew
backslowly,easingoutofher,whichcreatedanewproblem.Afterpullinguphisbriefsandjeans,he
tookoffhist-shirtandhandedittoher.
Shenodded,aworriedfrownbetweenherbrowsasshecleanedup.SweetGoddess,he’djusthad
unprotectedsexwithMargetta’sdaughter.
Butforjustamoment,hismindtraveledbackafewminutes,towhatithadfeltlikedrivingintoher,
hisbodysatiatedwiththebloodfromherthroat,theorgasmshootingthroughhimlikeapleasurablefire,
thebestsexofhislife.Bestblood.Heputahandtohisstomachagain.Butthistime,nopain.
Nopain.
Whowasthiswoman?
Hemurmuredanotherapologyandturnedawayfromher,headingtowardhiscloset.Hepulledout
anotherlong-sleevedshirt,navybluethistime,andslidhisarmsintothesleeves,thenpulleditoverhis
head.
Hefeltdizzy.Nauseawouldprobablyfollow,theusualprogressionofthechronicblood-starvation
thathesufferedfromasamastyrvampire.
Stillnopain.
Notasinglecramp.
Nonausea.
Nothing.
Hefelt…normal.Dizzyinaeuphoricway,butnormal.
Unbelievable.
Hehadn’tfeltthiswaysincebeforehe’dbecomeamastyrathousandyearsago.
TurningtolookatLorelei,anewterrifyingsuspicionemerged.“Howdoyoufeelrightnow?”Slowly,
hemadehiswaybacktoher,watchingherintently.
Sheheldherhandswide,hist-shirtbunchedupinonehand.Thelongshirtsheworeonceagainhung
tomid-thigh.“Ifeelreallygood.Infact,Ifeelwonderful.”
Hefrownedashesearchedhereyes.“YoutouchedyourchestbeforeIdrankfromyou.Why?”
Sheshookherheadslowly.“I’mnotsure.Iwasfeelingstrange.Myheartwasbeatinghard.Itfelt
heavy,likeIhad...toomuch…blood.Oh,God,no.”
She’djustdrawnthesamefuckingconclusion.
“That’swhatI’vebeenthinking.”
Shelookedhorror-stricken.“Seth,thiscan’tbehappening.Ican’tbesomanyspeciesandablood
rose.I’mMargetta’sdaughter,fortheGoddess’ssake.Ican’tpossiblybelongtoyouinthisway.”
Shedroppedthet-shirtonthefloorthencoveredherfacewithherhands.
“I’msorry.”Hisvoicesoundeddull.Hedidn’tknowwhatelsetosaytoher.Hecouldonlystand
wherehewasandstareather.Lorelei.Abloodrose.SweetGoddess.
Sheshookherheadbackandforthseveraltimes.“Thiscan’tbehappening.ImeanIknewIlikedyou
asinreallylikedyou,but—”Sheturnedtofacethewindowoncemore.“Thewolveshowled.Didyou
hearthem?”
“Idid.”
Hewantedtotouchher,tooffersomecomfort,butwhatcouldhedoorsay?
Intheend,hedecidedtotellherwhatheknew.“I’vetalkedenoughwithGerrodandEthan,andmore
recentlywithQuinlan,toknowthatyou’rerightaboutbeingabloodrose.Mystarvationisgone,asthough
itneverexisted.ButIshouldn’thaveattackedyoulikethatandafterward,Ididn’tevenknowwhoIhadin
myarms,Iwassoderangedbytheexperience.”
Sheglancedoverhershoulder.“Youdidn’tknowitwasme?”
“IbarelyknewwhereIwasandIdon’tlikebeingthisoutofcontrol.I’mneveroutofcontrol.”
“No,you’renot,sothismustbeashorrifyingtoyouasitistome.”
Sheputherhandtoherthroat.“Rosamundemusthaveknown.Onsomelevel,shemusthaveknown.”
“Whatdoyoumean?”
“ThatIwasabloodrose.Shemusthaveforeseenthis,maybetheattackinthecanyonaswell,Idon’t
know.”
Hishairhadcomeloosefromhiswovenclaspandheshovedthelongstrandsawayfromhisface.
He’dbeenlikeawildbeastwhenhe’dgoneafterLorelei.
Heturnedtowardher,adifferentkindofconcernsurfacing.“DidIhurtyou?Justnow,whenIdrank
fromyouandusedyourbody,didIhurtyou?”
“No,ofcoursenot.Iwantedit,too.Couldn’tyoutell?”
“Iguessso,butIbarelyrememberwhyIsuddenlyletgoofmyrationalmind,exceptthatIsmelled
yourblood.Yougiveoffthispowerfulscent,likewalkingthroughanappleorchardinearlyspring.”
Shesmiledsuddenly,afamiliarwarmexpressionthatreachedintohisheartandgaveahardsqueeze.
“That’sfunny,becauseyourscentremindsmeofthosemomentswhenI’mrunningthroughanoldpartof
theforest,onefullofrichearthandcoveredinmoss.”Sheclosedhereyesbriefly,hernostrilsflaring.“I
cansmellyouevennow.”
Hewatchedpleasuremoveoverface,herheadtiltedbackslightly.Shehadabeautifulcomplexion,
likecream.Herbrowswerearched,herchinanexquisitefaepoint,andtheamethystswinkedathim,
teasinghimalloveragain.
Butitwasthedelighthesawinherfeaturesthatgottohim,thatwhoevershewasasarealm-woman,
sheknewhowtotakeenjoymentwhereshefoundit.
Heunderstood.Hispathhadbeendifficultforathousandyears,alwaysbattlingandalwaysalone.
Buthe’dlearnedhowtoappreciatetheworldaroundhim,whetheranewpieceofmusic,orasquirrel
thatoftenracedacrossthelongrailsofhisporch,orthemoonrisingthroughthetopsofthedistanttrees.
Caughtashewas,desireforherrosesharplyalloveragain,andhealmostpulledherintohisarms.
Butthepleasureinherexpressiontransformedintosomethingdarkerandhecouldfeelhersudden
anxietylikeavibrationonhisskin.
“Lorelei,whatisit?What’swrong?”
*********
Loreleididn’tunderstandwhySeth’sdesirehadrisensosharply,buthisscentdidn’tlie.Thevery
thingshe’dlongedforhadhappened,butnowthatshe’dhadsexwithSeth,herentirebeingsuddenly
recoiledatwhatwashappeningbetweenthem.
Shedidn’tknowhowtodothis,tobethisintimatelyconnectedtoanyone,andespeciallynottoaman
she’dcravedforthepasttwomonths.Morethananything,shefearedbeingrippedfromherworldagain,
asshehadatleastonceayearforthepastseveraldecades.
SheknewshewasnolongeratriskfromMargettafindingher,butherboneshadn’tyetlearnedthis
truth.
Asthoughherbodyactedinstinctively,sheshiftedtoherwolfformandboltedfromtheroom.She
heardSethcallingafterher,butshequicklywrappedanenthrallmentshieldaroundherselfandraced
throughhishouse,herclawsslidingacoupleoftimesonhispolishedwoodfloors.
Whenshereachedthebackdoor,sheshiftedtofaeonlyaslongasittooktocreatefingersandpullthe
doorwide.
Resumingherwolfshape,sheleapedontothenearbypathandranashardasshecouldupthesteep
mountainside,disappearingintotheforestitself,followinglesseranimaltrailstoavoiddetection.
She’dmadeadenforherselfsoonafterherarrivaltothearea,settingupaseriesofenthrallment
layerstoprotectherselffromotherrealm-folk,especiallyshifters,vampires,andmostimportantly,
Margetta.
Onceinsidetheden,shecurleduponthepadded,furcomforter,tremblingandtryingtocalmherself.
Sheboreathickwintercoatandwascomfortablephysically,butheremotionsswirledinherbody,
tearingthroughhermind,creatinganupheavalshecouldn’tseemtosettle.
Shelickedthetopofherpawsandbreathedhard.She’djusthadsexwiththemanofherdreams.And
ithadrocked.
Shewhimpered,apurewolfishsound,andhuffedasigh.
Shewasabloodrose,butshedidn’twanttobe.She’dwatchedBatyaallthattime,asQuinlanhad
pursuedher,chasedher,thenbroughtherdown.
Hershifternosehadcaughtthescentofsexbetweenthemandthepowerfulfaepartofherhadfeltthe
vibrationsastheyconnected.
She’dneverconnectedwithanyone,butthebloodroseexperiencewasasprofoundasitwas
comprehensive.Theredidn’tseemtobeamiddleground,noplayingatsexandofferingherveinwhenit
suitedher.Thiswouldbeafull-blowncommitmentandshedidn’tknowhowtodothat.
She’dalsoheardthatSethhadalmostsunkhisfangsintoBatya.
Sheroseupswiftly,herfurliftingallalongherback.ShegrowledatthethoughtofSethdrinkingfrom
Batyaoranyotherwoman.
Shepacedinacircle,disgustedandfrightenedbysomanyoverwhelmingandcontradictoryreactions,
asthoughsherejectedabondwithSethwiththesameforcethatshedesiredhim.
Foramoment,whileshemovedbackandforth,adifferentkindofvibrationreachedher,veryfaint,
andhavingmoretodowiththeshiftercommunityinWalvashorrthanwithSethinparticular.
Shepaused,waitingtoseeifshecoulddecipherthemeaningofthisnewvibration.Somethingabout
thefrequencygaveherthesensesheneededtobemoving,buttodowhatshecouldn’tquitefigureout.
Afterafewminutes,thefrequencystoppedandshecurleduponcemoretothefurcomforter,crossing
herfrontpawsandsettlinghermuzzleontopofthemandwonderingwhatMastyrSethmadeofallthat
hadhappened.
*********
Sethstoodatthebackdoorofhishome.Thesunwasalmostgoneanditwouldbefull-darksoon.He
staredupatthesteepridgeandnoticedafaintbutveryrealtrailofsilvery-teallight.
Instinctively,andinaveryrealmway,heknewhewaslookingatLorelei’simprint,somethingonlyhe
couldsee.Thesexhadestablishedaprivatemarker,somethingthathadoccurredwhenhe’dtakenher
blood,createdbecauseofhismastyrvampirestatusandherbloodroseability.
Noneofthebondedmastyrshadmentionedthiskindofphenomenon,butthenLoreleicarriedsomany
specieswithinherthatthesilvery-tealtrailmightbespecificonlytoherorperhapsasaresultofher
shifterDNA.
Partofhim,thesamepartthathadjumpedonherthemomentshe’dsweptherhairbackfromherneck,
wanteddesperatelytofollowthattrail.Hewantedtograbthewolfbythescruffoftheneck,andhaulher
prettyasshome,straightintohisbedroomwhereshebelonged.
Ontheotherhand,thecivilizedpartofhimthatbelievedinself-controlaboveeverythingelse,
rejectedchasingthefemale.
Hewasaman,notabeast.
Yethe’dbeenallbeastwhenhe’dtakenherblood,thencoupledwithher.Hehadn’tevenknownwho
shewas.
Hisconductappalled,yetinturn,excitedhim—onehelluvadichotomy.
Loreleiwasashifter,whichmadehermoreconnectedtotheearthandtheanimalworldthanhe’d
everbe.Helivedapart,physicallyandmentally.Hekepthisbodyleanandfightingtoned,utterly
disciplined.Hismindservedtherealmheruled.
Whatwashesupposedtodowiththisnew,raw,unexpectedturnofevents?Theothermastyrshad
warnedhimtobeready,thathisbloodrosewouldcome.He’dpreparedhimselfforamoreregularsortof
woman,maybeafaelikeBatya,orevenhalf-realm,half-human,likeSamantha.
ButnotLorelei,ananomalyinhisworldknowntohavefourdistinctDNAstrands:wraith,fae,shifter
andevenasmallremnantofvampire.Thoughrealm-folk,whenbirthedfromdifferentspecies,always
landedononesideoranother,Loreleicouldmoveeasilythroughthefirstthreemoredominantforms.He
hadyettoseethewraithpartofher,butQuinlanhad.
OnceQuinlanhadreturnedwithBatyatoresumehisdutiesasMastyrVampireofGrochaireRealm,
Sethhadspokenwithhimseveraltimesonthephone.He’daskedabouttheirmutualenemy,theancient
fae-wraithknownasMargetta,andintheprocesshadlearnedalotaboutLoreleiaswell.
Heknewshe’dbeenontherunforseventy-twoofherninetyyearsandthatagood-heartedtroll,
Genevieve,hadraisedLoreleiandinfusedherwithagenerous,givingattitudetowardlife.Whilehelping
Loreleitoescapeherprisoninoneofthemountainousrealms,GenevievehaddiedatMargetta’shands.
Notlongafter,LoreleihadlivedwiththefamousNineRealmscouple,VojalieandDavido,servingin
theirhouseholdonlytobediscoveredbyMargettathroughalatentmother-daughtertrackingsystem.From
thattimeforward,Loreleihadmovedfromrealm-to-realmandhermostrecenttwo-yearstayhadbeenin
Batya’sfree-clinicinGrochaire’sTennesseeaccesspoint.
AtFerrendenPeace,apparentlythequeenhadtaughtLoreleispecialskillsthatwouldkeepMargetta
fromfindinghereveragain.
YethereSethstood,watchinghersilvery-tealsignaturefinallyfadeaway,wonderingwhatchance
sequenceofeventshadbroughtLoreleitohishome.
Hecouldhavetrackedherrightnowifhe’dwantedto,butherabsencehadgivenhimachanceto
recoverhiswits.
Abloodrose.
Heshookhishead.
Heslippedhisphonefromthepocketofhisjeansandcancelledhisdoneuse.Beyondthat,hedidn’t
knowwhatthehellhewassupposedtodo.
*********
Withfull-darkhavingfinallyarrived,Loreleiemergedfromherden.
Shegaveherselfagoodstretchandanevenbettershake.Thesnowstillfell,thoughgently.Sustaining
herenthrallmentshields,sheliftedherheadtostarethroughthethickfirbranches,allthewaytothedense
snowcloudsabove.
ShewatchedforeventhesmallestsignofMargetta,whooftenpatrolledtheairduringthefirstcouple
ofhoursofthenight.Butforthemostpart,Loreleinolongerfeareddiscoverybyherparent.Rosamunde
hadhelpedbreakthespell,orwhateveritwas,thathadoncegivenMargettaanupperhandoverLorelei.
Keepingherlayeredshieldtight,shelistenedtotheforest.Snowkeptthemountainsincrediblyquiet,
whichmeantshecouldhearsoundsfromalongdistanceaway.Whatsurprisedherwasn’twhatsheheard,
butratherthatnotonesoundcamebacktoher.
Atthistimeofnight,theShifterBrigadepatrolswouldbealloverthemountains,movingatlightning
speedonallfoursasonlywolf-shifterscoulddo.Andshe’dbeabletohearthismovement,however
muffledbyalayeroffreshsnow.
Instead,sheheardnothing,norunning,nomovementofwind,nohowlsasthepatrolscalledtoeach
other.
Herheart-rateincreased.Somethingwaswrong.
WasitSeth?
She’dbeensooverwhelmedbyherrecentexperiencewiththeMastyrofWalvashorrthatshe’d
forgottenthatherfirstjobwastoguardhim.
Shesetherpawsinmotionandwithinsecondsarrivedatthebackdoorofhishouse.Shelistened
intentlyandheardhisphoneringing.
Amomentlater,hisvoicehittheairwaves.“Ephyx.Whereareyourmen?Ihaven’tseenonepatrol
sincefull-dark.”
Loreleishiftedtoherfaeself.She’dchangedinherdenearlier,puttingonafreshpairofjeans,furry
snowboots,along-sleevedt-shirtandathin,butwell-paddedjacket.Sheknocked,thenenteredthe
kitchen.
Sethappearedinthedoorway,aphonetohisear.Hefrownedashemethergaze,butdippedhischin,
thenwavedherforward.
Shefelthisdistress,whichputallhersensesonhighalertasshewalkedswiftlytowardhim.He
turnedinthedirectionhe’dcome,afrownforcinghisbrowslowonhisforehead.
Ashemovedintothelivingroom,shefollowed.
“Ican’tbelievewhatyou’retellingme.”
“Whatisit?”Loreleiaskedquietly.
Hecoveredthephonewithhishand.“TheShifterBrigade.”
“They’regone,aren’tthey?”
Heglancedtowardthewindowasthoughstrainingtohearthemhimself.“Howdidyouknow?”
“Theforestissilent.”
Henodded,uncoveringthephone.“Ephyx,letmecallyourightback.”
Hergazetookhiminasheputhisphoneaway.HeworehisGuardsmanuniform,thelongblack
leather,sleevelesscoatoverathick,blacklong-sleevedwintershirt.Hishipbootsrosetomid-thighand
coveredhisbattleleathers.Asinglelineofsmallsilverstudsrandowntheoutersideofeachboot.He
lookedamazing,especiallywithhishairslickedbackandsecuredbythetypicalwovenclasp.
Hehadanextraordinaryphysiquetobeginwith,butthelayereddesignattheshouldersenhancedwhat
naturehadalreadygivenhim.
Familiarsensationspummeledheroflovinghowhelookedandhowhesmelled.Herhearthadstarted
laboringagain,aheavypullwhichshenowknewmeantshewasabloodrose.Shecouldn’tbelieveshe
wastheuniquekindofdonorthatfromnowonwouldproduceallthenourishmentamastyrvampire
wouldneed.
Knowingshe’drelievedhimofhispainfulblood-starvation,easedsomethinginsideLorelei.She
watchedawarriorvampirewhohadsacrificedforcenturiestoservehisrealm,whowouldgladlydiefor
WalvashorrandtheNineRealms,andshe’dhelpedhim.Forthat,anddespitewhatevermaycomeinthe
nextfewhoursordays,shewasgrateful.
“WhatdidEphyxsay?”
Herubbedtwofingersoverhisforehead.“Idon’tknowwhathappened.Hedoesn’teither.ButI
wantedtotalktoyouaboutLoperzCanyon.Areyouupforthat?”
“Yes,ofcourse.”
“Rememberhowyouhowledbeforeyouattackedthatvampireandknockedhimoverattheknees?”
Shenodded.
“EphyxtoldmethatsomehowyoucalledalltheshiftersofWalvashorrwiththatoneeffort.HeandI
discusseditbriefly,butyouwereinterribleshapesoIleftimmediatelyafterandbroughtyouhere.He
justtoldmethatevenafterIleftwithyou,apparentlytheShifterBrigade,fromallfourpacks,arrivedin
thatcanyon.”
“Theentirebrigade?You’rekidding.”
“Notevenalittle.Youhavesomekindofsuper-connectiontoallfourpacks.”
Sheopenedhermouthtoaskanotherquestion,perhapseventoexpressherincredulity,butatthat
momentthesamefrequencythatshe’dexperiencedearlieratthedenreturned.Thevibrationfeltfullof
chaosevenrage.“Sowherearethepacksnow,ifthey’renotonpatrol?”
“That’sjustit.Ephyxsaidthey’reallatBigTimber.”
“All,asineveryshifterGuardsman?”Sheshookherhead,astonishedyetagain.
Henodded.
“Thenwe’dbettergetoverthere.”
Amomentlater,hisphonerangagain.“Yes,Ephyx.”HemetandheldLorelei’sgaze.“We’reonour
way.”
Sethdidn’thavetotellherwherethey’dbegoingorwhy.Thevibrationshe’dfeltearliernow
coalescedonherskinandthroughherbodylikeasuddenbrushfireandsheknewwithoutthesmallest
doubtthattheshiftercommunitywasabouttoeruptintoafull-blownwar.Shejusthadnoideawhy.
*********
Sethstaredintowarm,browneyes,surprisedbyhowhefelttowardthiswoman,bytherushof
gratitudeandevenaffectionthatflowedthroughhimbecauseofhowreadyshewastoenterthefray.
Knowingthatallfourshifterpackswereclosetotearingeachothertopieces,toldhimshecouldbe
endangeredbygoingtoBigTimber.Yetallshe’dsaidwas,‘Thenwe’dbettergetoverthere.’
“Maybeyoushouldstayhere.You’restillrecovering.”
Shetiltedherheadasthoughthesuggestionconfusedher.“I’mfine.Really.Don’tworryaboutme.
Besides,IcansensethatI’mnecessarytowhat’sgoingonwithyourbrigaderightnow.Myguessisthat
summoningthepacksasIdidhascausedaproblem.NowI’mhopingIcanbepartofthesolution.”
Sethdrewinadeepbreath.Hedidn’tlikethesituationatall.Mostofhisbrigadewasmadeupof
powerfulmalesthatwouldchompatthebittobattleeachother.AndbecauseLoreleiwaspartshifter,she
wouldn’tstayoutofthefightifitcametothat.
Butshewouldn’tremainhereeither.Shemighthaveatender,caringside,butshewasalsotoughand
stubbornashell.Thequeenhadcommandedhertoserveashisbodyguard,andnotoneofhisinitial
shoutingmatcheswithherhaddislodgedherintentiontoremainbyhisside.
“Sowhichwouldyouprefer,runningorflying?”Hedidn’twanttoassumeanythingwithLoreleiand
shemightprefershiftingtoallfours,ratherthanflyingwithhim.Mostwolf-shifterslovedtorunand
couldcrossdozensofmilesinanightandcouldoccasionallysprinttocoveramileaminuteforaquarter
houratatime.
“I’dlovetorun,ofcourse,butitwouldbefasterformetofly,right?”
“Yes,byatleasttenminutes.”
“ThenI’llfly.”Afunnygleamenteredhereye,almosttaunting,asthoughsheknewtheeffecthernext
wordswouldhaveonhim.“Anddon’tworry,IflewwithQuinlanmorethanonce.Inhisarms.Heheld
metight.”
Agrowlformedatthebackofhisthroat,deepandpossessive,somethinghe’dneverdonebefore.
Thatstoic,rationalpartofhimbegantofadeintothebackgroundoncemoreashepulledherintohis
arms.You’renottoflywithothermen,especiallynotmastyrvampires,doyouunderstand?
Isthatthewayyouwantit?
That’sacommand.Henarrowedhiseyes,willinghertoobeyhim.
Shesmiled,almostwickedly.“ThenIhaveacommandofmyown,SethofWalvashorr.Aslongas
we’retogether,aslongasyou’redrinkingfrommythroat,don’teventhinkaboutusingoneofyour
doneuses.Thisisatwowaystreet,understand?”
Sheleanedupandkissedhimwhichignitedhisneedforheralloveragain.
Withhereyesglinting,sheasked,“Sohowdoyouwantme?”
Heignoredthefirstresponsethatshotintohisbrain,whichwentsomethinglike‘flatonyourback’.
Instead,heorderedhissensesandgavethenecessaryinstructions.“Plantyourfootonmyleftboot.
That’sit.Nowyourarmaroundmyneck.”Hedrewhertightagainsthisside.“Doyoufeelsecure?”
“Very.”
“Good,becausewe’llbemovingfast.”
Helevitatedafootabovethefloorandglidedslowlytothefrontdoor.Onceoutsidewiththedoor
shutsecurely,heshotintotheairandheadednorthtowardBigTimber.
*********
Loreleiexperiencedtwosensationsatonce,thepleasureofbeingheldagainstSeth’sbodyandthe
oddvibrationsthatreachedherfromthenorth,acontinualfierysensationagainstherskin.Bothcalledto
herinwaysunfamiliartoher,thoughsheunderstoodherdesireforSethbetterthanthepack-based
frequencythatkeptpeltingher.
Howfarawayarewe?She’dneverbeentoBigTimberbeforeandshedidn’tknowWalvashorr’s
geographynearlyaswellasSethdid.
Fiveminutes,butyoufeelverytense.What’sgoingon?
Loreleiswallowed,herthroattight.I’mnotsure.Thebrigade’sshifterfrequencyiscrawlingover
myskin,butIdon’tknowwhatitmeans.
Isitpainful?
Almost.
Describeit.
Shehadtothinkforamoment.Fieryandchaotic,that’swhatthisfeelslike.Infact,itfeelslike
morethanonevibration.
Howmany?Evenwithinherhead,Seth’svoicesoundedjustlikehim,amid-rangetimbrewithstrong
resonance.
Ithinktherearefour.
Shefocusedonthevibrations,loweringherchin.Breathinginandout,shebeganseparatingthefour
strands,thesourceofthechaos.Eachfrequencystrandheldastrongemotionalelementthattheshifterpart
ofhertunedinto.
SherelayedtheinformationtoSeth.
Whichemotion?Canyoudefineit?
Shefocusedagain.Turmoiland...rage.Yes.Rage,butit’sfocusedonsomekindofterritorialissue.
Thatwouldn’tbeasurpriseforshifters.Territoryisextremelyimportantasyouprobablyalready
know.Andyousaytherearefourstrands?
Yes,I’mexperiencingfourexactly.
Lorelei,ourshifterpopulationismadeupoffourpacks.Doyouthinkyou’resomehowtappinginto
eachpack’ssignaturefrequency?
Ihavenoidea.Maybe.
Duringthispastmonth,haveyouspentmuchtimewithothershifters?
No,notatall.Rosamundesentmetoguardyou.
Sinceyouarrived,haveyoufeltcompelledtoenterpacklife?Yourshifterheritagefeelsvery
powerfultome,almostaspowerfulasthepartofyouthat’sfae.
Sheneededhimtounderstand.ThetruthisthatIhaven’treallyfounditpossibletobeengagedin
anycommunity.TheclosestIcamewaswhenIlivedinLebanonandservedasBatya’sassistant.
Beforethat,Ineverstayedinoneplacelongerthanayear.
Ican’tevenimaginewhatthatmusthavebeenlikeforyou.I’velivedheremyentirelife.
Yetyou’realone.
Notalone.Ichooseasolitarypathtokeepfocusedonthejob.
So,hethoughtthiswasachoice.ButsheknewthetruthevenifSethdidn’tknowthatthiswasanold
survivalskillhe’dlearnedearlyonandstillemployed,togoitalone,alwaysalone.
Andshewasn’tmuchdifferent.
IsyourVampireGuardnearby?
Outpatrolling.I’vegivenAaronandCharlesafullupdate.They’llbecheckinginsoon.But
whateverisgoingonhere,Ican’ttaketheriskofleavingtherestoftherealmunprotectedbybringing
theGuardhere.
Ofcoursenot.
We’realmostatBigTimber.Howarethefrequencies?
EasiertomanagesinceIseparatedthem.Butthehostilityisunbelievable.
Onemoreridge.
Herosehighintheair,crossingthetallestmountainyet.Theruggedpeakwaswellabovethe
timberlinesothattheypassedoverasmoothwhiteexpanse.
Astheydescendedandthecentral,ancientconferencegroundscameintoview,Loreleidrewinalong
breath.“Howbeautiful.”
BigTimberwasanexpansivecomplexbuiltofavarietyofmodern,logstructures,includingseveral
massiveoutdoorplatformswithenormousburningfirepitsandhugetorchescirclingtheperimeter.Asa
famousrealmconferencecenter,allsortsoforganizationsusedthecomplexthroughouttheyear.
Shesawatonce,however,thatinalargecentralarea,maleshifters,int-shirts,leathers,andheavy
boots,shoutedateachother.
Sethslowedhisflight,easingthemtowardtheearth.I’veneverseenthemlikethis.Whatthehellis
goingon?
Withthepacksallcarefullyalignedwiththeiralphas,Loreleicouldseethatsomethingveryterritorial
innaturehadsetthepacksagainsteachother.Butshecouldn’timaginewhatshecouldpossiblydoto
relievethehorrendoustensionofthesituation.
Someoftheshiftersstrainedtodobattle,heldbackbyothers.Shoutingfilledthespace.
AnddeepwithinhershifterDNA,shewantedtojointhem.
ChapterFour
Sethlandedintheverycenteroftheturmoilknowinghisshifterfightingforcewasahair’sbreadth
awayfromafree-for-all.Centuriesofworkingtounifythepack-loyalbrigadehadalmostcompletely
disintegrated.Themalewarriorsbehavedastheyhadlongago,tempersvolatile,loyaltytothepackset
farabovethewell-beingoftherealm,andthefemaleshiftersnotfarbehind.
Loreleisteppedawayfromhim,turninginacircle.Hefeltherdistress,evenheruncertainty,amirror
ofhisownresponsetothesituation.
Buthehadn’tbeenaleaderofwarriorsforcenturieswithoutknowingwhere,atleast,tobegin.
Inaloudvoice,hecommanded,“Iwantthealphasherewithmerightnow.Therestofyou,fallback
intopackformationsbeyondthecentralcommunalarea.”Hethenassignedwhatappearedtobethe
closestfirepitforeachpack.
Butthealphasdidn’tmoveandeachregimentstuckclosetoitsleader.EvenEphyx,whoalways
obeyed,stayedfrozeninplace,hiseyeswildwithshifter-rage.
Sethrarelyemployedhisrank,buthediditnow,addingapowerfulvibrationtohisvoice,ashe
shouted,“Doit,now!”
Thetensionintheranksaroundhimrosetoasharp,suddenpeakbutalmostasquicklysubsided.The
alphas,respondingtohisauthority,eachgaveasignalandtheirgrumblingforcesretreated.Pack
organizationreliedheavilyonchain-of-command.
AndSethwasatthetopofthatchain.
Someshoulderbumpingwenton,aswellasheavy,bassgrowls.Manyoftheshiftersshowedfuron
theirhands,andsomearoundtheneck,atypicalreactionofstrongemotion.Butforthemostpart,the
retreatrolledoutthewayheneededitto.
Ephyxspokeinaloudvoice.“Territorieswereviolatedduringtheprimecall.”
Sethstaredathimforalongmoment.“Whatdoyoumean,‘primecall’?I’veneverheardthatbefore.”
“Thesummoningcallthatonlyaprimefemalecanissue.”HeloweredhischinandheldSeth’sgaze.
“Thecallyourprimefemaleissued,callingallfourpackstoLoperzCanyon.”
HeglancedatLoreleiasanewlayerofhorrordescendedonhim.
Primefemale?
Hepathedtoher.Isthatyourtakeonthis?Primefemale?Andifshedidholdthisposition,whatdid
thatmakehim?
Lorelei’seyeswentwide.Idon’tknowwhatthatmeans.Remember,I’veneverbeenpartofa
shifterpack,soIdon’tknowalltheranksortheterminology.Itakeityoudon’t,either.
Heshookhishead.No,Idon’t.Atleast,I’veneverheardthistermbefore.
ThealphaCohoetspoke,histoneacerbic.“Shedoesn’tevenknowwhatsheis,orwhatshe’sdoing
here.Thisisfuckingbullshit.”Hisvoiceroseasheleveledhisgazeather.“Youdon’tdeservethisrank,
MistressLorelei.Whothehelldoyouthinkyouare,anyway,enteringWalvashorrwithoutdeferringto
me,ortooneoftheotheralphas?Youshouldhavedonethatfirstbeforechoosingamate.”
SethheldCohoet’sgaze,tryingtograspallthathewassaying.WhatdidhemeanthatLoreleihad
alreadychosenamate?
Glancingather,thehorrifiedexpressioninhereyestoldhimshewasn’tawarethatshe’ddoneany
suchthing.
ThereweresomanyissuesatworkthatSethcouldn’tquiteprocesswhatexactlywasgoingon.Butas
hebegananalyzinganddissectingthesituation,herealizedthatanewproblemhadrisen,oneclosely
associatedwithLorelei’sshifterDNA.Cohoethaddemeanedherandnowolfofcharactercouldletsuch
achallengegounanswered.Hefeltherangerkickintohighgear,matchingthesamelevelofragethat
ruledallofBigTimberrightnow.
Heturnedtowardher,intendingtocalmherdown,butshe’dalreadylaunchedintotheairatCohoet.
Inturn,thealphabracedhimselfwithasmile,readytodobattle,evenwithafemaleinherweakerfae
form.
Actingoninstinct,however,Sethflewtowardher,catchingheraroundthewaistmidair.Heswungher
inacircleandthoughshefoughtagainsthim,hebroughtherbacktothesnow-coveredplatform.
Shepantedhard,hermusclestwitching,assheshovedagainsthimtryingtogetfreeofhishold.She
evenshowedasoftwhiteruffcirclingherthroat,whichsharpenedtheappearanceofhernowruddy
cheeks.Herfurhathadcomeslightlyaskewaswell.
Lorelei,easedown.Heheldhertight.Herbrowneyeswildassheglaredatthealphathathad
challengedher.Ineedyoutocomebacktome.Lookatme!
Thecommandworked.
Loreleiturnedherattentiontohim,blinkingseveraltimesasshementallyshouted,What?
Getholdofyourshifter-selfrightnow.
Sheappearedstartled,maybebythesterntoneofhistelepathicvoice.
Still,sheargued,ButwhothehelldoesCohoetthinkheis,Seth?AndwhatdoeshemeanthatI’m
yourprimefemaleandthatI’vechosenyou?That’sthebullshithere.
Butashestaredintohereyes,ashethoughtabouttherealitythatshewasabloodroseaswellasan
anomalyinhisworldbecauseofherunusualDNA,hewondered.Whatifyouhavechosenme?Whatif
youareaprimefemale?
Shefinallyceasedstrugglingagainsthim,andhelethergo.Thisisinsane.Shetuggedatherhat,
turningitslightly,straighteningitout.Furhadevensproutedonherhands.
Atleasthertemperhadsettleddown,thoughnowshepacedbackandforth.Thewhiteruffaroundher
neckspokeofheremotionsaswellashershifternature.Therandomthoughtstreakedthroughhismind
thathelikedhershowoffuratherwrists,handsandthroat.Helikedthatshehadadominantshifter
temper,earthyandwild.Inthisway,shebalancedhisstoicanalyticalnature.
CohoetaddressedSeth,noddingseveraltimes.“Iapprovethatthemastyrcancontrolhisfemale.This
isagoodthing.”
Sethgroanedhisdismay,thenquicklycaughtLoreleiaroundherwaistassheoncemoreleapedin
Cohoet’sdirection.SethheldhertightagainsthimassheletlooseverballywithherviewsonCohoet’s
attitudesandcharacter.
“Yousexistpig.MastyrSethwasn’tcontrollingme,hewasspeakingsense,butwhatthehellwould
youknowaboutthat?Youtreatyourmenlikeslavesandhaven’tallowedasinglewomantoserveinyour
forces.You’retheleastevolvedshifterI’veevermet.”
Cohoetwastheonlyalphawhorefusedtoallowwomentojoinhisregiment.Therestofthepacks
hadnearlytwentypercentinclusionoffemaleshifterwarriorsintheirranks.ButnotCohoet.
HeheardsomeofthefemalesfromalloverBigTimbershoutingtheirencouragementtoLoreleias
shecontinuedherrant.
“Andletmetellyousomethingelse,whenIthinkofyouasanalpha,Ithinkofanotherwordthat
beginswithAthatfitsalotbetter,andyouknowexactlywhatthatis.”Shecontinuedoninthisveinwith
Cohoetappearingalmostbored,armscrossedoverhismassivechest.Hehadnouseforwomenexceptin
bed,tocookhismeals,ortocleanupafterhim.
Seth,however,nowfoundhimselfinaridiculousquandary.Heneededhertocalmthehelldown,but
herwrithingbodyasshetriedtopullawayfromhim,sentdesireforherrocketingthroughhimoncemore.
Theuncivilizedpartofhimlovedthatshewasout-of-controlandsayingthingstoCohoetthatmostof
themenpresent,andallofthewomen,hadwantedtosaytothebastardatsometimeoranother.
Helethersaywhatshewantedandsettledintoenjoyingthesoftcurvesofherbody.Hesniffedthe
ruffatherneck,savoringtheeroticappleblossomscentasshecontinuedhertirade.
Thebeautifulwhitefuronthebacksofherhandscalledtohimaswell.Hewasprettysureherscent
wouldbestrongthereaswell,andhewantedmoreofit.
Suddenly,Loreleiwhirledabruptlyinhisarms,landingonherfeetandstaringathimwithhorrified
eyesoncemore.Whythehellhaveyougoneallmossyonme?
Hethoughtaboutlyingtoher,buthedidn’tseethepoint.Hisscentclearlyhadgivenhimaway.
BecauseIlikeyoulikethis,allworkedupandshoutingatCohoet.
Hehadn’tplannedonhisarousalbeingthereasonthatherrageburntitselfout,butitwasasgooda
toolasanyandratherfittingforthecircumstances.Ofalltherealmspecies,shiftershadarealwildside
whenitcametosex,likingitearthyandrough.
Andheunderstoodveryclearlythatsomepartofhiscontrolledvampire-selfwantedtothoroughly
explorethissideofLorelei.
Shebreathedhardassheslowlyrecoveredhertemper.
Anotherofthealphas,Valgus,spokeup.“MastyrSeth,IconfessI’veenjoyedlisteningtotheprime
femaleenumeratemyfellowalpha’sconsiderableflaws.”Hepaused,noddingtoCohoet,andachuckle
ranthroughthecrowd.“Buttoreturntotheissueathand,Lorelei’ssummoningofallfourpackshas
createdahugeterritorialconflict.Ourcustomsdemandthatwesettlethedisputebyourusualmethods.”
Intheshifterworld,the‘usualmethods’referredtophysicalcombat.
Partofrulinganentirerealm,withsomanyvariedspecies,involvedallowingindividualspeciesthe
latitudetoself-governaseachsawfit.Battlingmano-a-manoworkedfortheshifterpacks.
ButthecurrentsituationleftallofWalvashorrvulnerable.“Ican’tletyoudothat,Valgus.Theancient
faehasapresenceinWalvashorrrightnowandhasbeenbringingindozensofInvictuswraith-pairsto
harmourfamilies.WhichmeansthatIneedallofyouservingyourterritoriesasyouhavebeenforthe
pastseveraldecades.RightnowmostoftheShauckMountainsisunprotected.”
Alophi,closerinattitudetoCohoetthantheothers,addedhispiece.“Youknowwetakecareofour
ownfirst.That’spacklaw.Anddecisionsmustbemade.”
Sethfrowned.“Whatdecisions?”
Ephyxsteppedforward.“Theprimefemalehasupsetthebalanceamongthepacks.Crossing
territories,asmanyofusdidinordertoanswerhercalltoLoperzCanyon,hasleftscenttrailsandthe
womenofthoseterritoriesarenowfreetopursuethemenofotherpacks.”
Okay,thatwasarealproblem.“Isee.”
EvenLoreleigrewquiet.Shecouldhardlyargueagainstterritorialitywhen,notevenanhourago,
they’dbothestablishedaneedforexclusivity.
Loreleipathed,Seth,Ihavenoideawhattodohere?Idon’tevenknownwhatitmeanstobea
primefemale.
Sethturnedtowardher.Ifyou’retheprimefemaleandyourcallcausedthisproblem,maybeyou
havetheansweraswell.
Thatmightbetrue,butIstilldon’tknowwhatI’mdoing.
Sethoncemoreturnedhisattentiontowardthepacks,acutelyawareofthehostilitythatranthrough
thebrigade.Hetriedtoquicklysizeupwhatneededtobedone,butthetruthwashedidn’thavesufficient
informationtomakeaproperassessment.Weneedanexperthere,someonetohelpusfigurethisout.
I’mthinkingweshouldbringDavidoin.
Davido,ofcourse.Lorelei’seyesbrightened.He’sasoldasthehills.Ifanyonewillhaveanswers
aboutwhat’sgoingon,hewill.
Iagree.
Aloud,headdressedthealphas.“WeneedrealmsupportandI’mcallingDavidotohelpussortthis
out.Anyobjections?”Heglaredashespoke,hischinlowered,lettingthemknowthathewasn’tinthe
moodforargument.
Thealphastookturnsnoddingtheiracquiescence.Whenhehadthefullsupportofeach,hesuggested
ahuntforfreshvenison,whilehecontactedtheoldtroll.Emptystomachswouldnothelpthegeneral
volatilityofthepacks.
Whentheorderswereissued,severalshiftersfromeachpacktransformedintowolvesandtookoffin
fourdifferentdirections.Therestsetuptalltripodsfordressingthemeatandbuiltfirepitsforspit-
roasting.
SethremainedwithLoreleiinthecenteroftheexpansivecompound.
Sheslippedherarmaroundhis,thenpathed,Thatwasbrilliant,sendingthemouttohunt.Shifters
prefertobedoing.
Hemethergaze.SweetGoddess,aprimefemale?
Don’tremindme.I’mfreakingout.
Hedrewhisphonefromthepocketofhisbattleleathers.Timetobringinthebigguns.
JustashepulledupDavido’snumber,thetroll’svoicesoundedfrombehindhim.“Wereyouaboutto
callme,mygoodMastyrSeth?Ihopeso,becausemymostbelovedonesentme,orhaveIcometoo
soon?”
“Davido,”Loreleicried,turningasshespoke.Thistimewhenshelaunched,Sethdidn’tstopher.He
hadnofearofDavido,despitehisfamouscharisma.
DavidoopenedhisarmsandembracedLorelei.ShehadtobendovertoreachhimgivenDavid’s
shortstature,whichgaveSethanimproperviewofherbottomencasedintightjeans.Likethemalehe
was,hetookfulladvantageofthesight.
DavidorubbedLorelei’sbackandclearedhisthroat,finallydrawingSeth’sgazeawayfromher.
Davidowinked.
Sethchuckled.He’dalwayslikedDavido,oneoftheugliesttrolls,andfinestmen,he’deverknown.
HewasmarriedtoperhapsthemostbeautifulwomanintheNineRealms,VojalieofMerhaineRealm,a
verypowerfulfae,theonewhohadsentDavidotoBigTimber.
ThemysteryofDavido’sagepromptedallkindsofcuriosity.Sethhadknownhimhisentirelifewhich
placedhimbeyondeleven-hundredyears,yethisancientbackgroundremainedagreatsecret.Butthe
realm-folklovedthekindandverywise,ancienttrollandhiswife’sadorationsetanexamplefor
everyone.
Healsohadincrediblepowers,wellbeyondeventhemostgiftedintheirworld.Sethstilldidn’t
knowhowheactuallytravelled.Thoughhehadthecapacityforflight,moreoftenthannot,hedidhis
appear-disappearact.
WhenhefinallyreleasedLorelei,heshivered.“Istheresomeplacewarmerwecangototalk?”
Sethglancedaround.Themainlodgewouldwarmupquicklyoncehegotafiregoing.“Followme.”
DavidoimmediatelytookLorelei’shand.“Andhowiseverything,mydear?DidRosamundeteach
youwhatyouneededtoknow?”
Sethwatchedthem,hisgazedroppingmorethanoncetoDavido’shandclaspingLorelei’s.Hisheart
seized.Hewantedtofeelthatateasewithher,thathecouldtakeherhandandholditinhis.
Hefeltasthoughhe’dlivedalifetimewithheroverthepasttwenty-fourhours,carryingherinhis
armswhileshe’dbeeninwolf-form,fearingshewoulddie.He’deventakenfromherthroatandhadsex
withher.Yet,thethoughtofholdingherhandunsettledhim,anothersignthathehardlyknewher.
ShechattedwithDavidoaskingaboutbabyBernice,theirrecentadditiontowhatwasalargefamily.
HeknewLoreleihadworkedinDavido’shouseholdalongtimeagoandthatDavidohadhelped
QuinlanandBatyagetLoreleitoFerrendenPeacejusttwomonthspast.Thetwoofthemhada
connection,somethinghehadn’texperiencedinalongtime.
Centuriesago,he’dcareddeeplyforKristen,awomanhe’dthoughttomarry.Butfromthetimehe’dlost
herthroughherbetrayalandsubsequentdeath,hehadn’tallowedanywomantogetclose.
HemarveledatthebloodrosephenomenonthatkeptmovinginwavesthroughthemastyrsoftheNine
Realms.AndnowLorelei,whohadcomeintohislife,wascapableofcreatinganendlesssupplyof
bloodforhim.
ThroughQuinlan,andsubsequentconversationshe’dhadwithRosamundeduringthemonththequeen
hadtrainedLorelei,SethknewthatLoreleihadbeentheproductofgeneticmanipulation,atest-tubefetus
thathadcarriedallfourstrainsofDNA,eachwiththeabilitytopresentasignificantfacetotheworld,a
completeanomalyinrealmhistory.
She’dalsobeendesignedtobeaweapontobeusedforMargetta’sambitionstoonedayruletheir
world.
ButMargettahadkidnappedthewrongtrolltoraiseLorelei,becauseGenevieve’sexcellentcharacter
hadmadeLoreleiawomanofgreatworth.
AsDavidoandLoreleisteppeduponthebroadporchofthemainlodge,sheglancedathimand
smiled.Shelookedhappy,andwhywouldn’tshebesinceshestillheldDavido’shand?
Jealous?Loreleipiercedhistelepathicfrequency,tauntinghimagain.
Hisbreathcaughtattheteasingsmileonherlips.Thewomanseemedtoenjoybaitinghimand
thereforedeservedtobeansweredinkind.Yes.Iwantmyhandsonyou,shifter-woman.
Whatreturnedtohimwasasuddenrushofappleblossomscent.Desireflowedquicklythroughhis
groininresponse,hardeningwhatshouldn’tbehardrightnow.
Davidoalsolookedbackathimandchuckled.“Thetwoofyoucanflirtlater.Rightnow,weneedto
stopthefourpacksfromgoingtowar.”
*********
LoreleistoodbackasDavidoandSethworkedtobuildafireinthemassive,lodgefireplace.
Becauseofhershifterqualities,shewasperfectlywarmdespitethefrigidairintheroom.Shesatdown
ontheleatherloveseatnearestthefire,restingherelbowonthearm,herchininhand.Shecrossedher
legsatthekneeandwaggledherfurrybootupanddown.
Shefeltedgy,inpartbecauseSeth’smossyscenthadaboutknockedheroverandallshe’ddonewas
teasehimalittle.She’dbeencravingthemanfortwomonthsnowandallthattherecentsexhaddonewas
makeherwantmoreofhim,alotmore.
Davidodirectedtheprocessoffire-building,whichincludedtellingSethtotakeoffhisGuardcoat
andgiveittoLoreleitokeepwarm.Shealmosttoldhimitwasn’tnecessary,butassoonasSethstarted
removinghiscoat,sheclampedherlipsshut.Shewantedtolookathimwithoutallthatleathercovering
uphispowerfulphysique.HisGuardsmanshirtclungtohismusclesinthenicestway.
Hebroughtthecoattoherandlaiditoverherlap,smilingdownather.Hiseyes,however,wereat
half-mast,asuresignhewasstillthinkingthingsheshouldn’t.Whenheturnedaway,sheliftedtheleather
tohernoseandsniffed.Shebarelyrepressedagroanbecausehisscentclungtoeverybitofhide.
Walkingaway,helookeddamnsexyinhisthighbootswithstudsdownthesides.Andbecause
DavidokepttellingSethtohuntthroughthestackoflogstoreachtheexactsizeDavidorequired,Sethdid
alotofbending,whichinturngaveLoreleithebestview.
He’dperformedthistaskseveraltimeswhenDavidoclearedhisthroat.Reluctantly,Loreleishifted
herattentiontotheancienttroll,butfoundhisblueeyessparklingwithamusement.Hewinkedather,
clearlyknowingfullwellshe’dbeenenjoyingtheview.Sherealizedhe’ddonethisforher.Whata
wickedman!Warmthclimbedhercheeksathavingbeencaught,butshecouldn’thelpbutsmile.
WhenDavidoturnedaroundtofacethefireplace,hergazefelloncemoretoSeth’stightbuttocksand
muscularlegs.Shehadthestrangestdesiretobitehim,toshifttoherwolfformandsinkherteethintothe
fleshypartofhisbottom.Hermouthwateredatthethought.
She’dalwayslikedthemalephysique,frombroadshoulderstonarrowwaist.AndSeth,becausehe
workedoutashedid,wasallfirm,hardmuscle.Onemorereasonshewantedherteethonhim.
Shebitherlipandjustasthefiregotgoing,Sethsuddenlystraightenedandstoodupright.Heturnedto
stareatherforalongmoment,thenhelaughedashepunchedDavidolightlyintheshoulder.“Youold
devil,”hesaid.
DavidoshruggedandmovedtojoinLorelei,thoughonthefarendofthefull-sizesofa.Heusedsome
loosethrow-pillowstomakeacomfortableseatforhimself.Hewasshortatfive-three,andgiventhat
mostshiftershitthesix-footmarkandabove,thefurniturehadbeenbuiltwithlargerframesinmind.
Thoughtherewaseightfeetofcouchremaining,Sethchosetositbesideherontheloveseat,muchto
hersurprise.
Heeventookherhandinhis,asmallactionthatcausedherhearttomelt—sillywomanthatshewas.
Davidosmiledatthembothinturn.“So,tellmewhat’sgoingonandhowIcanhelp.”
Sethrubbedhisthumboverhisforehead,afamiliargesture.“ThealphashavecalledLoreleithe
primefemaleandweneedtoknowwhatthatmeans.”Hethengaveabriefrecountingoftheeventsat
LoperzCanyon.
“Andyou’retheregismale,correct?”Davidocrossedhislegsatthekneeandlookedelegantdoingit,
hishandsrestinglooselyonhislap.
Sethshookhishead.“Noneofthealphassaidanythingaboutamaleregis.”
“Theywill.Aprimefemalealwayshasaregis.”
“ButhowcanIbeanythinglikethatwhenI’mavampire?”
“Historically,anytimeashiftermarriesaspeciesoutsidehisown,heorsheautomaticallygainsthe
complementaryposition.WereEphyx,forinstance,totakeatrollwife,shewouldbethealphafemale.”
“Well,thereareacoupleofproblemswiththat,thefirstbeingthatLoreleiandIaren’tmarried.”
Davido’sbrowsrose.“Marriageistheceremonywe’vecreatedovermanythousandsofyearsto
confirmanalreadyestablishedbondandI’mcatchingastrongshifter-bondingscentcomingfromyou,
Seth.Rememberthatintherealmworld,we’reallconnectedonabasicDNAlevel.Therefore,you
wouldalreadyhavewithinyourgeneticsafewshiftermarkersaspartofyourvampirenature.I’dsay
they’vekickedinandthefourpackswillhavenoproblemrecognizingyouastheirregis.”
Loreleishookherhead.“Thisisallsomuchtotakein.ButwhatIreallydon’tgetishowIbecamethe
primefemale?”
“It’sjustsomethingyouare,whichmeansyouhavethecapacitytosummontheentireshifter
communityofallnineRealms.”
“What?”Seth’svoiceboomedaroundtheroom.
Loreleishookherhead,bewildered.“Seriously?Allnine?”
“That’sright.Ifyou’dbeeninanyotherrealm,yoursummonswouldhavebroughttheshiftersinthat
realm,justasitdidhereinWalvashorr.”
“Ican’tbelievethis.”Loreleifeltoutofherdepthinmorewaysthanone.“SweetGoddessandthe
MotherEarthcombined.Howisthispossible?”
“Youhavemorepowerthanyouknow,whichiswhyMargettahastriedsohardthroughtheyearsto
gettoyou.ButhowhappyIam,mychild,thatyou’veescapedher.Justdoingthatmuchhassavedthe
NineRealms,atleastfornow,sinceshewon’tbeabletoemployyouasaweapon.
“Butwhat’shappeningheretonightisonemorelayerofthebattleaheadofus.Vojaliehassenta
messagetoyouboth,thattogetheryoumustfigureouthowtoforgetheshiftersintoasingle,powerful,
fightingunit.Inthecomingyear,theywillbecomeacriticalpartofthefinalbattlethatmusttakeplacein
ordertodefeatMargettaforever.
“However,mywifealsowishesyoutoknowthatworkingtogetherwillnotbesimpleatfirst,that
thereisahugeobstaclebetweenyou,somethingofadeeperrealmnaturethatwillrequiregreatsacrifice
onbothpartstoovercome.”
Lorelei’sheartstartedpounding.“Andhowarewesupposedtodothat?Webarelyknoweachother.”
Davidoshookhishead.“Youmusthavefaithandlearntotrustoneanother.Muchmoreeasilysaid
thandone,Ifear.”
Seth’schestroseashedrewadeepbreath.“Andwhataboutthispresentconundrum?Allfourpacks
areclosetowarbecauseofaterritorialissuethatarosefromLorelei’ssummons.”
“TheonlywordIhaveforyoufrommymostwiseandmostbelovedwifeisthatyoumustdothis
together,joinforces.Canyoudothat?”
LoreleilookedupatSeth.Meetinghergaze,helookedasseriousasshefelt,hisgray-greeneyes
pinched.“Wecantry,”hesaid.
“AndmywiseonehassuggestedsomethingtowhichI’veagreed.Icanholdtheshiftersbackfora
while,foratleastacoupleofhours.Duringthattime,Iwantyoutocommune,talktoeachother,seeif
youcanfigurethisoutandtakethenextstep.”HeheldSeth’sgaze.“IsuggestyoutakeLoreleitothehot
springsatMagnumPeak,butletherrunthedistanceasashifter.”
Sethturnedtoher.“Areyouwilling?”
Shesmiledsuddenly.“AmIwillingtorun?Anydayornightoftheweek.”
“Youknowthat’snotwhatImeant.”
“Iknow.”Andbecausehelookedsoserious,shesqueezedhishandandadded,“Wehavetogo.We
havetodothis,explorewhat’shere,andmakeadecision.”
Henodded.
Davidosmiled.“Bebackintwohours,nolonger.”
“Understood.”
Insteadofgoingoutthefrontdoor,Sethrecommendedtheyleavethroughthebackentrancebecauseif
theyshowedthemselvestothebrigadeatthispoint,theirpresencemightremindtheshiftersoftheir
unresolveddispute.
Asshesteppedintothecoldoncemore,shecouldsmellvenisonalreadycookingonthespits.The
brigadewouldbewellfedbythetimesheandSethreturnedandhopefullythiswouldservetokeepthe
shifterscalmaswell.
Themomentherbootstouchedthesnow,sheshifted,thenlookedupathimthroughherwolf’seyes.
He’dputhiscoatbackon,andeveninherwolfformhelookedsogoodtoher.
HaveyoubeentoMagnumPeak?
Sheshookhermuzzle.
Hesmiled.“It’saquicktenmilejauntduenorth.”
I’lltrackyou.
Withthat,hetooktotheskies.Herconnectiontohimseemedtobegrowingstrongerthemoreshewas
inhiscompany.Sheknewwherehewaswithouthavingtoglanceskyward.
Shealsoknewthemomentheputonhisspeed.
Shechangedgearsandbegantorunfasterthanarealwolfcouldrun,hergazechartingtheterrain
ahead,upandup,pasttreeaftertree.
Shehitagorgeandfoundthenearestfootbridgethenracedacross.ThenorthernhalfofWalvashorr
wasalandofrivers,gorges,andsteepmountains.Becauseofit,everygorgehaddozensoffootbridges
createdforrealm-folkwhocouldn’tfly.
Shestayedwithhim,notingthathealwaysslowednearagorge,givinghertimetocatchup.
She’dcrossedherthirdonewhenhetookhistimeflyingupwhatsheknewhadtobethefinalpeak.
Hisvoiceenteredhermind.Followthepathtotherightofthefootbridge.It’llbesteep.
Piece-a-cake.
Shecouldhearhimlaugheventhoughhehoveredthirtyfeetaboveherandglidedoverthesnow
coveredtreetops.
Shefoundthenarrowrockypathandbegantheclimb,zigzaggingandworkinghermuscleshard.
She’drarelyspenttimeinherwolfformbeforeservingasSeth’sbodyguard,soshehadn’tknownwhat
shewasmissing.Butnow,shedoubtedshecouldgobacktohersimplefaelifeontwolegs.
Sherarelytransformedtoherwraith-shapesinceonlyahandfulofenlightenedrealm-folkwouldbe
abletotolerateherinthatform.HervampireDNAplayedaverysmallpartanddidn’tseemtohavea
roleinherlife,whichwasfinewithher.Threeidentitieswereenoughtomanage.EvenMargettahadtold
herthatherfatherhadalwaysbeendisappointedthathervampireDNAheldanentirelyrecessiveplacein
hermake-up.
Buthershifterabilitieshadexploded.Rosamunde’scommandthatshegotoWalvashorrhadopeneda
newworldtoLorelei,oneshealreadytreasured.
AndnowtherewasSeth,andthepossibilityofbondingwithhimasabloodroseandsomethingmore,
somethingshifter-basedasregisandprimefemale.Shewasn’tsureexactlywhyDavidohadsentthemto
thehotsprings,butshevaluedthetimeshewouldhavewithSethtogettoknowhimbetter.
*********
SethhoveredattheedgeofthecliffwatchingLoreleiworkherwayupahorrendouslysteeppath.If
shestartedtoslide,hefullyintendedtoracestraightdownthroughthetreesandcatchher.Hefelt
intenselyprotectiveofher.Hecouldnolongerdenythatsomuchabouthermadehimcontent,asthough
onadeeplevelherrealmvibrationsoothedhim,likebuildingafirethatwarmedanicyroom.
Thelastfewyardsweretheworstandhewaited,poisedtoflyasshescrambledup,creatingsmall
rockslidesbehindherasbitsandpiecesoftheunstablepathgaveway.
Butshemadeit,tonguelolling,sidesworkinglikebellows.
Shelookedupathimandifwolfscouldsmile,shesmiled.Hecouldfeelhowhappyshewas,that
runningfilledherwitheuphoria.
Heturnedandflewslowly,guidingherinthedirectionofasmall,shallowvalleywheremistcurled
fromadepressioninthesnow.
Whenhereachedthehotspring,heturned,surprisedtofindLoreleihadalreadyshiftedbacktoher
faeform,herfurhatinhand.Theamethystsalongtheridgeofherearglintedinthenight,callingtohim
oncemore.
“Doyoucomehereoften?”Shesmiled,teasinghim.
Helaughedatherjoke,butadded,“NotasoftenasI’dlike.Youinterestedintakingadip?Although
withyourshiftermetabolismitmightbetoowarm.”
“Afterthatrun,Icoulduseabath.”
Movingtotheedge,shereacheddown,andwithherfingers,testedthewater.Hewasgoingtobe
polite,waitafewminutestoseewhethershereallydidwanttojumpintothehotspring.Butthenext
momentshestartedstrippingoffherjacketandbeforehe’dblinkedtwice,she’dlosthershirtandherbra.
She’dalreadyremovedherbootsandwasworkingatherpants,whenhisbrainfinallyfiguredthings
out,thathehadtohurrytocatchup.Buthehadafineviewofhernakedbackandbuttocksbeforeshe
droppedintothesteamingwaterandsankbelowthesurface.
HisGuarduniform,whileperfectforbattlingInvictuswraith-pairs,tooksomeworktodivest.He
easedoutofhisbootsandsnugbattleleathers.Hiscoatandshirtcamenext,thenhisbriefs.Shedidn’t
hideherfrankinterestinhisbody,sohehoveredabovethewaterandsankslowly,lettinghergetagood
look.
“Sorry,”shesaid,blushing.“It’stheshifterpartofme.Iloveyourbody,Seth.You’resoperfectly
muscledandlean,whichleadsmetosaythatbeforewegoanyfurther,Ihaveasmallconfessionto
make.”
ChapterFive
Loreleifloatedinthewarmwater.Steamroseallaroundher,thendisappearedquicklyasthewater
vaporhitthefrigidair.
HerrealmnightvisionwarmedupsothatshesawSethasthoughasoftlightpouredoverhisfeatures.
Hefinallydisappearedbelowthewaterline,thensurfacedquickly,thewaterbeadingandrollingoffhim.
Hehadlongeyelashesandthewatergatheredthemintostar-likeclumps.
Hewassohandsome,shecouldhardlybearit.
Shefeltasshehadthatfirstdayatthecastle,butterfliesteasingherstomach,excitementrolling
throughherveins,heatingupherentirebody.ShewantedSethwitheverydominantfae-shifterfiberofher
being.
Hesmiledruefully.“We’resupposedtotalk.ThatwasDavido’spurposehere.Butifyoukeep
sendingmesuchstrongdriftsofappleblossomscent,Iwon’tanswerforhowwespendthenexttwo
hours.Besides,I’mwaitingtohearyourconfession.”
Shenodded,herheartthumping.Shedrewinadeepbreathasshemovedherhandsthroughthewater
andkeptherselffloating,kneesup.
Finally,shemadetheleap.“Isawyouatthecastle,twomonthsago.”
Hewassotallthatevenstandingonthebedrockofthespring,thewatercameupjustbelowhispecs.
“Youdid?ButIdon’trememberseeingyouthere.”
Shetoldhimtheentireshamefulincident,notsparingasingledetailabouthowshe’dusedher
enthrallmentshieldandspiedonhimwhileheworkedoutandafterwardonthebalcony.
Hewatchedherclosely,hisgazeneverwaveringuntilshefinished.
Puttingahandtohisarm,hefrowned.“Didyoutouchme,hereImean?”Hetappedhisfingersagainst
thedipofhisshoulder.
“Notexactly.Igotclose,butthenIcouldtellyoufeltsomething,soIstopped.”
“Iremember.Itwasastrangesensation,likeazapofelectricity.”
“I’msorry,Seth.Ishouldn’thavedoneit.”
Henarrowedhisgaze,buthislipscurved.“So,youspiedonme.”
“Icouldn’tseemtohelpmyself.Eventhen,IwasdrawntoyoualmostuncontrollablyasIamnow.
ButIdoapologizeforinvadingyourprivacy.”
Heshookhishead,andgentlyslappedatthesurfaceofthewater.“You’reforgiven.”Heevensighed.
“Isuspectthathadthesituationbeenreversed,andknowinghowIfeeljustlookingatyou,Iprobably
wouldhavedonethesamething.”
“Youreallyshouldn’tletmeoffthehooksoeasily.”
“Hey,we’rebothtryingtounderstandwhat’shappeninghere,tomakethebestdecisions.”Heleaned
overandsplashedwateronhisface,thenhuffedasigh.“Let’sgiveDavido’ssuggestionatry.Maybe
knowingeachotherbetterwouldhelp.So,goahead,askmeanythingyou’dliketoknowandI’lldomy
besttoanswerhonestlyandopenly.”
Shepushedawayfromthesideofthespring,floatingtowardhimjustalittle.“Okay.Iknowyou’re
old,buthowold?”
“Eleven-hundred-and-one,tobeexact.”
Sheshookherhead.“Ican’tevenimaginewhatthatwouldbelike,livingthatlong,seeingsomuch.
Canyoutellmeaboutit,especiallyyourearlyyears?”
*********
Sethstaredintolarge,warmbrowneyes,theamethystssparklingalongthecurveofherear.He
wonderedifsheknewthathersympatheticmannerhadchippedawayathisneedtokeepheratbay.
Onsomelevel,hetrustedher.Heunderstoodthatnowasshecontinuedtoholdhisgaze.Shewatched
andwaited,lettinghimmoveathisownpace.
Finally,hebegantospeakabouthisfirstcenturyinWalvashorr.“Ihadtwolivesreally.Thefirst
occurredbeforeIwasmastyrandIdidn’trisetothatlevelforahundredyears.ButwhenIdidgain
mastyrstatus,theSidheCouncilvotedmerulerthesameyear.”
Hedidn’tknowthewhyofit,buthespokefirstabouttheworstmomentinhislife,thatduringafamily
picnic,theInvictushadslaughteredhisparentsandyoungerbrotherwhilehe’dbeeninthewoods
exploring.Inaddition,anun-bondedwraithhadgottenholdofhisolder,sixteen-year-oldbrotherand
hauledhimaway,forgingthehatedInvictusbond.
Yearslater,whenhebeganbattlingInvictuswraith-pairs,hecameacrosshisbrother.He’dbecomea
killingmachine,withoutconscience,andSethhadbeenforcedtodestroyhim.Thedespairhe’dlived
withforyearsafterwardhadaddedanotherlayerofsolitudetohislife.
Bythispointinhisstory,Loreleistoodnexttohim,herhandonhisarm,rubbingbackandforth.“I
understandwhatit’sliketolosesomeoneyoulove,whoyou’velivedwithyourwholelife.”Sheshared
withhimallabouthergoverness,Genevieve,thewomanshewouldalwaysthinkofasherrealmother,
howGenevievehadhelpedherescapeMargetta’sprison-home,butwhointurnhaddiedintheprocess.
“Doyoumissher?”
“Everyday.”
Hesurroundedherwithhisarms,pullingheragainsthim,hernakednessmoreacomfortinthat
momentthananythingelse.He’dneverhadsomeoneclosetohimlikethis,someonehecouldsharehis
pastwith.Andtheirearlyexperienceshadasimilarfeel,lossofafamilyconnection,alotofgriefto
processforyoungminds.
“I’mgladyouhadGenevieve.”
“Me,too.Ican’timaginewhatmylifewouldhavebeenlikeotherwise.Afterward,that’swhenIwent
toworkasaservantinDavido’shome.Ilovedbeingtherebecauseitwasanincrediblypeacefulplace.I
usedtowatchhimwithVojalie.I’veneverseenamandoteonawomanlikethatbefore.Haveyouever
seenthemtogether?”
Hechuckled.“Afewtimes.He’sveryaffectionatewithher.”
“You’veknownhimalongtime,then?”
“Yes.He’swhatI’dcallarealfamilyman.Overthecenturies,he’shaddozensofchildrenandmakes
timeforthemall.Buthe’sveryoldandnoonereallyknowshisage.Isuppose,asfarasthatgoes,we
mightallberelatedtoDavido.”
Shelaughedatthat.“Maybeweare.”Afteramoment,sheleanedbacktolookathim,pullingoutof
hisarmstofloatoncemore.“So,tellmeaboutWalvashorr,abouttherealmyou’veruledforathousand
years.”
Hisheartexpandedashethoughtofhisworld,ofhispeople,howhekneweveryfarm,hamlet,town
andcity,thewayheknewhisownreflectioninthemirror.
Andheopenedupalittlemore,tellingherabouttheterrainitself,theseasideinthesouth,howthe
landroseupanduptothevastShauckMountainRangethatcoveredtheentirenorthernpartoftherealm,
howhelovedthehundredsofdeepgorges,thetallmountainpeaks,theruggednessofthelandandthathe
hadsuchalargeshifterpopulationthatroamedthemountains.
“IhaveaconnectionwiththeshiftersthatI’veneverunderstood,althoughperhapsit’sstartingtomake
moresensenow,especiallywithwhatDavidosaidaboutourbasicDNA.ButIdoseemtounderstand
yourshifterqualitiesbetterthanmostvampires.”Hesmiledashemethergaze.“Okay,yourturn.What
happenedafteryouleftDavido’shome.”
Shesharedhowshe’dlived,movingfromrealm-to-realm.Howharditwas,howlonely.She’dkepta
low-profile,usuallyworkinginrestaurantsorhotelsandleavingthemomentshefeltMargetta’spresence,
knowingthathermotherhadfoundheryetagain.
Butshe’dalsoexploredeveryrealm,mostlyonfootatnight.She’dcometoknowalotofwonderful
people,mostofwhomshe’dhadtoleavebehind.“Soyoucanseewhy,whenQuinlanandBatya
championedme,helpingmegettoFerrendenPeace,thatIcouldn’tbelieveImighthaveachanceata
normallife.”
Hisheartstilled.“Yet,now,insteadofnormal,you’reabloodroseandaprimefemale.”
“Yeah.”
Hefelthersadness,thatthesenewrealitieswouldprobablymakeitimpossibleforhertoeverhavea
simplelife.
“Whatdoyouwantmost?”heasked,headingthesubjectinaslightlydifferentdirection.
Atthat,shechuckled.“I’maprettyboringperson.IjustwantwhatIthinkmostwomenwant:ahome,
afamily,amantolove.”Hergazeskittereduptohisfacethenfellaway.Shepaddledinacircle.
“Yethereyouareinextraordinarycircumstances,thedaughterofanextremelypowerfulcouple.”
Facinghimoncemore,shefrowned.“Seth,forthatreasonalone,becauseofmyparentage,howcould
Ieverhaveanormallife?Won’tIbeblamedfortheirevil?SometimeswhenIthinkofwhotheyareand
allthepeoplewhohavediedbecauseoftheircreationofwraith-pairs,Ifeeloverwhelmedwithguilt.I
mean,howcouldyouevenconsiderbeingconnectedwithme?”
Thequestionsurprisedhim,buthetookhistimeanswering.Finally,hesaid,“BecauseIdon’tthinkof
youasconnectedtoeitherMargettaorGustav.You’vebeenasmuchavictimasanyofthosewhohave
diedandyou’veescapeddeathatyourmother’shandsmorethanonce,I’msureofthat.WhenQuinlanand
BatyatoldmeabouttheirjourneytoFerrendenPeace,IknowMargettareachedapointwhereshe
intendedtodestroyyou.That’strue,isn’tit,thatshetriedtokillyou?”
“That’sexactlywhathappened.IwasconvincedIwasgoingtodie.”
“DidMargettaevershowyoukindnesswhenyouwereachild?”
“Shewasneveraround,notthatIcanrecall.”
Hespokestridently,wantinghertoknowhowmuchhebelievedwhathewouldsaynext.“Asfaras
I’mconcerned,you’rethedaughterofGenevieve,thetroll.Youhavenootherparentsthanher.”
Tearsglistenedinhereyes.“Thankyouforthat.Ilivewithsuchterribleshameaboutwhomymother
is.Butyou’reright.Shewasnevermymother,justmycaptor.”Shenoddedseveraltimesinsuccession.
“Butwhatofyou?Whoisyourfamilynow?”
“Myrealm.”He’dmadethestatementsoquicklythatuntilthismoment,he’dneverunderstoodjust
howmuchhethoughtofhisrealmashisfamily.
“You’velivedakindofenforcedsolitudeoverthecenturies.Butwhatdidyoudoforthatfirst
hundredyears?WereyouaGuardsman?Didyoueverfallinlove?”
Hedebatedhowmuchtotellher,butintheenddecidednottoholdanythingback.“Alongtimeago,
beforeIreachedmastyrstatus,IfellhardforawomannamedKristen.Butitwasn’tuntilI’dalready
givenmyheartthatIfoundoutshe’dbeenworkingforthecurrentMastyrofWalvashorr,avampirebythe
nameofGryffith.Apparently,he’dreceivedanadvancewarningaboutmyforthcomingmastyrpowerand
decidedhewantedmedead.”
“SweetGoddess,whathappened?”
Herefusedtorevealthespecificsofwhathadturnedintoabloodymessofafight.Summoningup,he
said,“Gryffithandacoupleofhisfriendslaidatrapformeandwefought.Butsomehowthesituation
launchedmymastyrcallingandIgottheupperhandoverthemall.TheproblemwasthatKristenshowed
uptowardtheendandinaneffortsaveGryffith,themanshereallyloved,shegotcaughtinthecross-fire
anddied.Itwasaterriblescandalatthetime.IwasexoneratedbeforetheSidheCouncilandmade
MastyrofWalvashorrnotlongafter.”
“WhathappenedtoGryffith?”
“Hediedinprisontwoyearslater.”
Sethhadneverfeltsofreesharinghispast,buthehadtoadmitthatLorelei’sempathyhadmadeit
possible.She’dknownsufferingaswell.
Inmanyways,Lorelei’scurrentsituationfeltsimilartohisownjourney,thatwhileshe’dbeenready
toembraceamorenormallife,she’dbeenthrustintoextraordinarypower,justashehadallthoseyears
ago.Inaddition,hethoughtitlikelythathispresenceinherlifehadignitedherbloodroseability.Butit
wasalsoclearthatifhecontinuedonthispathwithher,hislifewouldchangeaswell.He’dbebondedto
abloodroseandbecomeregistotheshifterpopulationinhisrealm,somethinghe’dneverbelieved
possible.
Butheneededtobehonestwithher.“I’mnotsureI’mcapableoflove.”
Shesearchedhiseyes.“Thatmakessensegivenallthatyou’vebeenthrough,butIstillcan’tbelieve
Kristencouldhavedonethattoyou,ortoanyone.I’mappalled.”
HerealizedsomethingaboutLoreleiinthatmoment.Shetrulydidn’tknowherself.Hesmiled,
thinkingitfeltdamngoodtohaveachampioninhislife.
“Hey,whyareyousmilingsuddenly,becauseIdon’tfindanythingamusingaboutthatwoman’s
betrayal.”
“It’snotthat.I’msmilingbecauseit’sabsurdforyoutobeworryingaboutyourparentage,since
you’vejustprovedGenevieve’sinfluencealloveragain.Ifyou’dhadeventhesmallestpartofMargetta’s
characterlivinginsideyou,IbelieveyouwouldhaveapplaudedKristen’sconduct,insteadofcondemning
it.”
Herlipscurvedandherdarkeyessparkled.“Seth,didyoujustoffermeacompliment?”
“Yes,butletmestateitplainly.You’reagoodwomanandIvaluethatmorethanIcansay.ButI’ve
spentenoughofourtwohourstogethertalkingaboutme,sowhydon’tyoutellmeaboutBatya’sfree
clinicinLebanon.”
Loreleistillfloated,kneesup,asshetoldhimwithmanysmileswhatitwasliketoworkwithsucha
talentedartistandawomanwhogaveherselfsoselflesslytotheentireex-patriotrealmcommunityliving
inTennessee.
Shetalkedaboutthegallery,theclinic,andfinallythenightthatchangedeverythingforherwhen
Quinlanshowedup.
Shegavehimamountainofdetails,especiallywhenheproddedherabouttheuberpowerfulwraith-
pairsthatMargettahadcreatedfromdisenfranchisedmastyrvampires.Whenamastyrvampirebonded
withawraith,andbecameessentiallyanInvictuswraith-pair,theresultingpowerwasbeyondanything
evenheoranyoftheothermastyrscouldbattleeffectively.Margetta’sgrowinguseoftheseextraordinary
wraith-pairsthreatenedalltherealms.Thesecondwraith-pairinLoperzCanyonhadbeenexactlythat
andbothheandLoreleihadnearlydiedbecauseofit.OnlythroughsiphoningLorelei’spowerhadhe
escapedthedeadlynet,andeventhen,thearrivalofthepackshadsavedboththeirlives.
Shetoldhimingreatdetailofthenightoftheattack,ofseeinghermother,andhowBatya’s
enthrallmentshieldhadsavedthemall.
“YoudoknowthatQuinlanalmostdiedduringthatattack.”
Sethnodded.“IsupposeBatyafedhim.”
“Webothdid.”
ThemusclesinSeth’schestandarmstightenedsuddenly.Heplantedhisfeetonthebedrockofthe
springandstoodup,thewaterhittinghimjustbelowhispecs.“Youdidwhat?”DespitethatLoreleihad
helpedsaveQuinlan’slife,awarriorhevalued,Sethcouldn’tbeartheimageinhisheadofQuinlan’s
fangsinLorelei’sthroatanddrinkingfromher.
Sheturnedinthewater,easingtowardhim,hereyesglintingwithpurpose.“Whyareyousomad,
mastyr?Quinlanwasadyingman,andIfedhim,gaveupmybloodforhim.Youhaveaproblemwith
that?”
Herecognizedtheshifter-likegleaminhereye,verychallenging,andsomethingwithinhim,
somethingverymale,responded.Helunged,grabbedherbeneathherarms,andhauledheragainsthim.
“You’renottofeedanyoneelse,gotit?”
“IcanfeedwhoeverIwant,Seth.”Shesmiled,tauntinghim.“You’renotmymaster.”
Theuseoftheword‘master’,andherpush-backattitude,wentstraighttohisgroin.Heslidahand
downherbacktoherwaist,thenlowertofondleherbuttocks.Hepressedhishipsagainsthersothatshe
couldfeelhim,allofhim,andthathewasfullyaroused.
Heshouldn’tbedoingthisrightnow.Davidohadsentthemheretotrytomakeaconnection,notfor
himtosexherup.Butherappleblossomscentnowperfumedthemistyair,soheknewdamnwellshe’d
hadenoughtalking.
Shewassosoftinhisarms,ajuxtapositiontohistoughwarriorbody,theperfectbalance.“You’re
mine,Lorelei.Allmine.”
Hekissedher,slidinghistonguedeep,pummelinghermouthandlettingherknowhewashermaster
whethershelikeditornot.
Heheardasoftgrowlingsound,veryguttural,anddrewawayfromherjustenough.Herlipstrembled
andashelookeddownatherthroat,hesawthatshe’dsproutedherthinwhiteruffoffur.
Heburiedhisnoseinherruff,anddrankinherrichsexualscentthathadhishipsflexingashepushed
againstherabdomen.
Withoutusinghisfangs,hetookherthroatinhismouthandheldon,shakinghergently,amovemore
shifterthanvampire.Hehadasuddenimageoftakingherfrombehindandholdingontothebackofher
neckasheplowedintoher.
He’dbeenwithafewshifterwomenbefore,buthe’dneverfeltthispossessiveanddemanding.Her
fingernailsfoundhimnext,diggingintothemusclesathisshoulders,andscrapingdownwardjustshortof
drawingblood.Thesensationstruckhome,teasinghisballsandsendingshockwavesthelengthofhis
cock.
Hewantedherlikehe’dneverwantedawomaninthecourseofhisentirelife.
*********
Loreleidugshernailsintohisfleshandcouldfeelhowmuchhelikedwhatshewasdoing.For
herself,shelovedthewayhe’dclampedontoherthroat,notinavampirefang-hold,muchmorelikea
shifterclaiming.
Herbodyroaredwithneed.Shewantedtowrapherlegsaroundhiswaistagainandlethimuseall
thestrengthofhisleanpowerfulbodytogiveherwhatshecraved.
Shewasinaheightenedstate,movingalongthecrestofdesire,partbloodroseandpartprime
female,needingherman.Butwasanyofitreal?Orweretheyjusttwochronicallylonelypeoplecaught
upinabizarre,realmexperience?
Whateverthecase,herbodydemandedrelease.
Butjustasshelockedherarmsaroundhisbackpreparingtoliterallyjumphiminordertotakethat
beautifullengthdeepinsideher,afamiliarvibrationhitherskinlikeanelectricshock.
Atfirst,shethoughtperhapsMargettawasnearby.Butthensherecalledthatshe’dfeltthiswayinher
denwhenshe’dfirstexperiencedacommunalcallthroughhershifterfrequency.
ShepushedagainstSeth’sarmsandtwistedfromtheholdhehadonherthroat.
“What’swrong?”Helookedpainedassheclimbedontothespring’sbank.
Sheshiftedtowolfforabriefmoment,givingherselfagoodlongshaketogetridofthewater,then
shiftedbacktoherfaeformalmostcompletelydry.“Ourtime’sup.Thepacksareabouttoimplode.”She
scrambledquicklyintoherclothes.
Sethlevitatedinasuddenboltofmovementstraightupthroughthewaterandhighintotheair.She
watchedhimgo,prettysuresheunderstoodthathisintentionwastodryoff.Shezippedupherjeans,
pulledonherboots,thenputonherfurhat.
Hereturnedamomentlater,completelydryfromairfriction,exceptforsomedampnesstohishair.
Movingswiftly,hedressedaswell.“Andyoucansensethepacks?”
“Allfourofthemwithgreaterclaritythanbefore.Eachpackwantstogotowar.”
Shestartedtoshift,readytorunbacktoBigTimber,buthecaughtherarm.“I’llflyusback.”
Shenodded.“Thatwouldbefaster.”
Hegrewverysolemn,somuchso,thatshequietedhershifterneedtobegoingandmethisgaze.
“Whatisit?”
“Ineedtosaysomething.”Hedrewadeepbreath.“Iwantyouwithme,Lorelei.Idon’tknowhow
thisisgoingtowork,orifitwillwork,youandme,Imean.I’vebeenalonealongtime—”
“SohaveI.”
Henoddedbriskly,afurrowbetweenhisbrows.“ButI’mwillingtodowhatweneedtodohere,
eventhoughIdon’tunderstanditall.Whataboutyou?Canyoutakeariskonme?Canyoustandwithme
asmybloodrose,asmyprimefemale?Morethananything,Iwanttokeeptheshiftercommunityfrom
fallingapart.Whichmeansmymotivesherearemoreforwhat’sbestfortherealmthanwhatmightbe
bestforyou,orevenforme,whichmakesmesoundlikeanasshole.”
Shegrabbedhisarmsandsqueezedhard.“SethofWalvashorr,Ihavemetalotofbrutal,selfishmen
inmytime,butyou’renotoneofthem.DoIhaveconcerns?Yes,ofcourse.Andwe’vebeentogetherfor
justalittlelongerthanonemoonrise,butIamwillingtostartdownthispathifyouare.”
“Iam.”
Shesmiled.“Good.”
Heplantedakissonherlipssothatshefeltbothhisdeterminationandhiscommitment.
Whatshefearedhadmoretodowiththeunknownthanwithherdoubtaboutthemankissingher,
especiallywhattrickshermothermighthaveinstoreforWalvashorr.
Whenhedrewback,heslunghisarmaroundherwaistandshefollowedsuit,balancingherfooton
topofhisandholdingontohisneck.“I’mgoingtomakethisquick,sodon’tletgo.”
Shetightenedhergripandhelaunched,straightup,thenangledsouth.Whenhesaid‘quick’,hemeant
it.TheG’shepulledmadeherstomachturn,especiallyastheforestflewbyinablur.
Shefinallyjustclosedhereyes,andahandfulofsecondslaterhedroppedherbacktothecenterof
theBigTimberconferencegrounds.
Davidowaswaitingforthem,butdespitethechaosofthepacks,hesmiledwhentheytoucheddown.
“Ihavetogo,mysweetlings.MaytheGoddessgiveyouwisdomandprotectyou.”Thenhevanished,one
ofthefew,orperhapstheonlyrealmperson,capableofdisappearingwithathought.
ThoughtheShifterBrigadehaddinedwell,andthescentofroastedvenisonstillpermeatedtheair,all
fourpacksboiledwiththeneedtofight,halfthenumberalreadyinwolfformandhowling.
ShesteppedoffSeth’sfoot,butlookedupathim.Iguesswe’reonourown.
Lookslikeit.AsSethreleasedher,however,hetookherhand.Allright,primefemale.You’vegot
thedominantshiftergenehere,soIsayhaveatit.
Shenodded,smilingruefully.There’sjustoneproblem.IhavenoideawhatI’mdoing.
Hemethergazeandhisgreeneyeswarmedupashesmiled.Well,don’tlookatme.I’mjusta
vampire.
Yes,butaren’tyoutheregis?
OnlyinthatIsupportmyprimefemale.Youcandothis,Lorelei.Justtrustyourinstincts.
Inthemiddleofwhatpromisedtoturnintoashifterwar,Loreleihadtheoddestthoughtthatshecould
getusedtothis,beingthisclosetoSeth,standingbyhisside,figuringoutimpossiblesituations.
Finally,sheclosedhereyesandletallfourpackfrequencieshither.Shewouldhavefallenatthe
strengthoftheirvibrations,butSethcaughtandsteadiedher.
Whatdoyouneedmetodo?
Hisvoiceinherheadgaveherconfidence.Turnwithme.Iwanttofeeleachpackclearly.Ihave
theirfrequenciesseparatedbutthey’resoclosetodisintegrating.
Yougotit.
Openinghereyes,shemovedinaslowcircle,andmetthegazeofeachalphamalehead-on:Ephyx,
Cohoet,Valgus,Alophi.Fourmassiveshifters,physicallypowerful,eachalmostastallasSethbutnot
nearlysolean.
Theyweremagnificentleaders,eachdifferentfromtheother.Fursproutedonherwristsinlayersto
herfingerstipsaswellasadeepeningoftheruffthatencircledherthroat.
Thechaoticenergyofthepacksresonatedwithinherandherbodywantedtogowolfandwantedit
now.
Butwithoutshifting,sheopenedupherpackfrequency,thatsamevibrationofenergythatshe’d
experiencedbeforeatSeth’shomeandmorerecentlyatthehotspring.Allfourpackvibrationspulsed
heavilynow,batteringher.
Herfirstinstinctwastoshutitalldownbecausethevibrationsoverwhelmedher.Butshesqueezed
Seth’shandhardandhisvoiceenteredherhead.You’redoingfine.Icanfeelthevibrationsaswell
becauseI’mconnectedtoyou.Justletthemflow.I’vegotyou.
Hecouldn’thavespokenwiserwordsrightnow.Formostofherlife,she’dhadonlyherselftorely
onandnowSethstoodwithherinwhatwasprovingaverypainfulprocess.
Thevibrationsbecameagrowingfireinherbody,burningherupfromwithin.Shealsoknewthatif
shedidn’tdosomethingsoon,shewoulddiefromtheonslaught,butwhatwasshesupposedtodo?
Oncemore,Sethpiercedhermind.Icanfeelthatyou’reclosetowhatyouneedtodonext.Just
focus.You’realmostthereandI’mwithyou.
Shesettledherbreathingandclosedhereyes,thenthewordsbeganforminginherheadandlefther
throatinastrong,vibrantvoice,somethingshe’dneverdonebefore,asshecalledout,“Thecommunityof
shiftersinWalvashorrisone,andIamwithyou,toserveyou,foraslongastheGoddesswillsmetodo
so.”Thefirebegantoflowoutofhernowandalongeachfrequency.Butwhatshewassayingfeltmore
faethanshifter,anothersignthatshewasn’tnormal.“Lettheterritoriesandboundariesberestored.”The
lastfewwordscameoutasafiercecommandandshecouldfeelthefourpackterritoriesrealigning.
Buttherewasmorethatneededtobesaid.
“Youareoneinbattlefromthistimeforth,thoughfourseparateunits,andyouwillcontinuetoserve
theMastyrofWalvashorr.Onedayyouwillhearhiscommandswithinyouandseehisvisionstoaidyou
inbattle.Comenowandsubmityourselvestohim.”
Thepowerstreamedsteadilyandshecouldsensethateachalphahadbeguncalmingdown,histroops
withhim.Theexperiencewasveryrealmandmysterious,somethingsheknewtheshiftercommunity
valued,asallrealm-folkdid.Noteverythingcouldbeunderstoodrationally.
Sheopenedhereyes,thefuratherwristsmovinginsoftwavesasthefrequencyfaded.
ThealphascameforwardandeachkneltinfrontofSeth,confirmingoncemoretheirloyaltyand
service,packhierarchyatwork.Thecrisiswasover.Somehow,she’deffectivelyreturnedtheterritorial
boundariesbacktotheiroriginaldemarcationpoints.
LoreleistillheldontoSeth’shand,knowingthattheconnectiontohimhadplayedapartinalteringthe
volatilityofthesituation.Sheheldthefrequenciesopenandaseachmastyrrose,sheknewhissignature
assurelyasthemoonroseandfell.
SheglancedupatSeth.Whatdowedonow?
I’vegotthis.
Hespokealoud,hisresonantvoiceechoingthroughtheconferencegrounds.“Thismarksanewnight
inrealmhistorythatwillsetaprecedentforalltheNineRealms,thatourpackscancometogetherand
functionasone.Yoursisthefirst,theShifterBrigadeofWalvashorr,andwillbeknownastheancestorof
thisnewbeginningforalltime.”
Almostasone,acheerroseupfromthefourpacks.Thealphasacknowledgedeachotherwithstiff
dipsofchins,theneachblurredthroughthetransformationfrommantowolf.Thepacksfollowedsuitthen
ranintotheforestindifferentdirectionsheadingbacktotheirterritories,toguardtheShauckMountain
realmfamiliesfromtheInvictusdepredations.
Withinlessthanaminute,LoreleistoodalonewithSeth,inthemiddleofBigTimber,thesnow
trampledwithhundredsoffootandpawprints,acoldwindblowing.
“Thisfeelssostrange,somuchcolderwithoutthetroops.”
Hesqueezedherhand.“Onemomentsurroundedandnowalone.”
Sheturnedtowardhim.“Icouldn’thavedonethatwithoutyou.Therewasamomentwhenthechaotic
natureofthefrequenciescausedunbearableburning.”
“Iknow,Ifeltit.Whatdidyoudo?Howdidyouovercomewhatwashappening?”
“Withyoursupportmorethananything.”
Henodded.“Youamazeme,Lorelei.”
Shefeltflustered.“Well,thesearejustabilitiesIhave,they’renotsomethingI’vecreated.”
“Iknow,butyouhandleitallwithtremendousgrace.”
Shestaredupathimandfeltherthroatgrowverytight.“Thankyouforthat,MastyrSeth.”
Hissmilegrewcrooked.“Ithinkwithwhatwe’vebeenthrough,youshouldsticktocallingmeSeth.
Anythingelsejustfeelswrong.”
“Isupposeitdoes.”Shesearchedhiseyes.“So,we’reprimefemaleandregis?”
“Iguessweare.”
Loreleistraightenedhershouldersanddrewinadeepbreath.Shebecameawareonabasiclevelthat
she’dnevertrulyacceptedwhoshewasinherworld,especiallysinceshewasaproductofgenetic
manipulation.She’dalwaysfeltlikeafreakandhercurrentroleasprimefemalehadspokentoher
deepestfearsofbeingfoundoutandtreatedexactlylikewhatshebelievedherselftobe.
YetevenBatyaandQuinlanhadshownhergreatkindnessandthedeepestrespectbyhelpingherget
toFerrendenPeace,toaplacewhereshecouldlearntheskillstostayhiddenforeverfromhermother.
Sethreleasedherhandbutheldhisarmouttoher.“Howaboutwegetbacktomyhouseandseeifwe
can’tfigureoutthenextstep.”
“Goodidea.”Shewrappedanarmaroundhisneckatthesametimethatheslippedhisaroundher
waistanddrewherclose.
Hedidn’ttakeoffrightaway,however.Instead,hestaredintohereyes,thenhekissedher,hismoist,
sensuallipsplyinghersuntilsomeofthetensionleftherandshepartedforhim.
Heslidhistongueinsidehermouth,thrustinginandoutandmakingallsortsofpromises.She
shiveredashedrewback.
“Cold?”
Shakingherhead,shesmiled.“HungryforthingsIshouldprobablyignorerightnow.”
“Ibegtodisagree.”
Shecaughthismeaningandkissedhimback.“I’mjustworried.”
“Youworryalot.”
“Ido,butprobablynolessthanyou.”
Henodded.“Andthat’sonemorethingweshareincommon.”
“Onemorething?”
“Webothworry,we’vebothlivedsolitarylives,andweeachknowthattosomedegreethefutureof
theNineRealmsrestsonourshoulders,ondoingwhatwe’vebeenrequiredtodo,orinyourcase,not
gettingtrappedbyMargettaagain.”
“Whenyouputitlikethat,nowIreallyamworried.”
“Letmegetyouhome.Webothneedagoodmeal.”
“Oh,you’reright.Neitherofushavehadfirstmeal,havewe?AndIshouldprobablytellyouthatmy
heartisfeelingprettyladenaboutnow,bloodrosethatIam.”
Histurntoshiverasahintoffangappeared.
Andwiththat,hetookthembothintothenightair,headingsouthtohishomeatShauckGorge.
ChapterSix
Sethfeltknockedoutofstride,butnotnecessarilyinabadway.Hehadneverfactoredsomeonelike
Loreleiintotheequationofhislife.Nowshewashere,awarmthpressedtohissidethathadbeencold
forsolong.
Sheseemedtohavebumpedupmorethanoneaspectofhislifeatthesametimesinceshe’daltered,
maybeforever,hischronicblood-starvation.Hehadasexualneedandadrivetowardherhecouldn’t
explain,andifthatwasn’tenough,herroleasprimefemalehadcreatedanewtypeofunityamonghis
realm’sfour,extremelyvolatileshifterpacks.
Inshort,heheldamiracleinhisarms.
So,hewasn’texactlysurehowtoadjusttoher.
Hereachedhishomeswiftly,landingonthesweepingfrontporchwhichoverlookedthegorge.
Shesteppedoffhimandherhandscaughthiseye.“You’restillsportingaruff.”
Sheliftedbothhands.“Thisisweird.Imean,theyusuallydisappearrightaway.”Shetouchedtheruff
atherneck.“Ididn’texpectittostay.”
Hetookoneofherhandsandashe’ddoneearliertoherneck,henowburiedhisnoseinthesoft
whitefur,flaredhisnostrils,anddrankinherscent.Withthefur,theappleblossomscarriedanearthy
layerthatarousedhim.Usinghisteeth,andwithoutthinking,henibbledatthelayers.
Heheardhergasp.Whenheliftedhishead,sheseemedstartled.“Whatisit?”
“Youhavethatfeelaboutyourightnow,likeyou’regoingtostopthinkinganysecondandgoall
cavemanonme.”Shesmiled,adding,“AndasmuchasI’dlikethat,Ithinkweshouldeatbeforethingsgo
anyfarther.”
“You’reright.”Buthismindfeltmuddled.
Whensheturnedawayfromhimandopenedthefrontdoor,hefollowedbehindasifsheheldhimbya
leash.Withherscentinhisnose,hewantedmore.Hewasalmostbehavingmoreshifter-likethanvampire
—anotherundecipherableinhiscurrentlife.
Hewaspurevampire.Thatmuchheknew,butnotnecessarilyaroundLorelei.Andmaybethat’swhat
Davidohadmeant,thatthefewindiscerniblemarkershecarriedsimplybybeing‘realm’hadbeen
awakenedbyLorelei.Thefactthathewantedtobitethebackofherneckwasproofenoughthathis
thinkinghadmadeajumpinanunexpecteddirection.
Shewentstraighttothekitchenandsimplytookcharge,heatingabowlofhomemadechickennoodle
soupthathishousekeeperhadleftforhiminatureeninthefridge.Sheslicedoffthickslabsofthe
homemadesourdoughbread,butteringeachthoroughly,poppingthemafterwardsintheoventobroil.
Finallyabletoaccesshisrationalbrain,heasked,“Wine?”
“Lovely.”Shesmiledathimoverhershoulder,thefurstillvisibleonherwrists.
Hisjawtrembledforthingshedidn’tunderstand.Heneededtobondwithher.That’swhatshot
throughhishead.Heneededtomarkher,matewithher,bondhertohimanddoitnow.Hiswholebody
calledoutforit,demandedhepullrankandletherknowshebelongedtohim,onlytohim.
Takingseveraldeepbreaths,heforcedhimselftoleavethekitchenandwentdownthestairsintoa
deepcavewherehekepthundredsofbottlesofwine,allatappropriatetemperatures.Hepulledabottle
ofsweetGermanwhitewinefromacoolingfridge.Hewasn’tsurewhy,butmostrealm-folk,and
especiallyhismastyrvampirebrethren,lovedthiswine.
HetookitupstairsandfoundLoreleihadsetthetableandwasalreadyladlingthesoupintobowls.
“Smellswonderful.”She’daddedaplatterofsharpcheddarcheese,grapesandfigs,thefruit
importedfromColumbus,Ohio,hisrealm’searthaccesspoint.“Youworkfast.”
Sheputahandtoherstomach.“That’sbecauseI’mbeyondstarved.”
Shefetchedacoupleofwineglassesasheopenedthebottle,thenbroughtthesoupandbreadtothe
table.Shesatdowntowaitwhilehepouredthewine.
Hetookaseatacrossfromher,andherewasanotherfirst,awomaninhisbreakfastnook,diningwith
him.Hisbrainrefusedtocomputethisnewinformationsohepickeduphisspoonandshejoinedhim.
Sheateslowlyandquietly,hergazemovingasitoftendidtotheviewofDefianceFallstothenorth.
Inthedistance,theShauckRiverfellfromtall,threehundredfootcliffsinadozendifferentplaces.Fir
treesandshrubsgrewuparoundthesamearea,andforsomereasonhestartedtellingheraboutthe
ShauckMountainsandmoreaboutthebridgeshe’dbuilt,andallthehelphe’dhad,especiallyfromthe
trollcommunitywhowereexcellentatexecutingthewoodsuspensionconfigurations.
Sheaskedsimplebutpointedquestionsthatkeptthetopicmovingfrombridgestogorges,tothefarms
thathehadthemostdifficultyprotecting,tohisVampireGuardthathadspenttwoweeksinFerrenden
Peace.
Shesmiled.“Ioftenwentintotownduringthattime,whenyourGuardwasthere,especiallythepubs.
QuinlanandBatyahadalreadyleft,butIwasfreetoroamatwill,neverhavingtoworryaboutMargetta.
Yourmen,aswellasQuinlan’strollbrigade,hadasuperbtime,havingbeengivenpermissiontospread
theirseedatwilltohelpexpandthecity’sgeneticbase.Ihadtokeepmyshifter-sensesshutdownalittle
becausethescentofsexintheairwaseverywhereandyouwereonmymind.”
Heleanedforwardandtookherhand,holdinghergaze.“WishIcouldhavebeentheretotakecareof
you.Iwouldhave,inaheartbeat.”
Shespokesoftly.“Seth.”Andherlightappleblossomscentrushedoverhim.
Heletherhandgoandleanedbackinhischair.Sheneededtoeatespeciallysinceshe’dbefeeding
himsoon,buthelongedtopickherupandcarryhertohisbed.
Hepickeduphisspooninstead,andfocusedoneating.Hekepttheconversationfromthatpoint
focusedonthehistoryofhisrealm.
Whenhewasdonewithhismeal,herosefromhischair.“Pleasetakeyourtimeandeatallyouwant.
RightnowIhavetocallmysecond-in-commandtoseehowthingsareshapinguptonightinthesouth.”
“Ofcourse.”
Hemovedintothelivingroomandpulledhiscellfromthepocketofhisbattleleathers.“Hey,Aaron.
What’stheclimateoutthere?”
“TheInvictusarequiet,maybetooquietformytaste.”Hedetailedhowhe’dapportionedtheVampire
Guardthroughoutthelowerhalfoftherealm,standardprocedure,anarrangementSethhadbuiltthrough
reviewingbattlelogsoverthepastcentury.HisGuardhadoneofthehighestkill-ratesintheNineRealms
becauseofhisattentiontoenemyattackpatterns,andhisanalyticalmind.
AaronaddedthatMastyrJudehadcalledabouthalfanhourago.“Hesaidoneofhismostpowerful
faehadhadavisionthathe’stocometoWalvashorrtohelpoutwithsomekindofevent,buthecouldn’t
saywhat.Ithinkhewantsacallback.DoyouhavesomethingplannedIdon’tknowabout?”
“Thingsarechanging,”hemurmured,hisgazefallingoncemoretothefurstillenhancingLorelei’s
hands.“IfJude’sfaethinksthere’ssomethinghereandthatheneedstobepresent,thenheshouldcome.
Butdon’tworry,I’lltakecareofthis.I’matShauckGorgeandLorelei’swithme.”
“Yourbodyguard.”
Hedrewadeepbreath,oneofmanyinrecenthours.“Yes.Andthere’ssomethingelseyoushould
know.”HetrustedAaronimplicitlynottospreadthewordaround,buthefelthissecond-in-command
shouldhavefullknowledgeofwhatwasgoingon.“She’sabloodrose.”
Longpause,then,“Holyfuck.You’rekidding.So,she’syourwoman.”
Hemadethestatementsosuccinctly,thatSethspokebeforehecouldevenprocesswhatheoughtto
say.“Absolutely,she’smywoman.”
Andthereitwasagain,thatpowerfulneedtolayclaimtoher.Andyet,heknewhowhe’dresponded
toBatyaasabloodrosethemomenthe’dseenhertwomonthsagointhequeen’sreceivingroom.He’d
lostcompletesenseofwherehewas,tookherinhisarms,andwouldhavepiercedherneckwithhis
fangsifQuinlanhadn’tknockedhimflat.
WhichmeantthatifJudewascominganywherenearLorelei,heneededaplaninplaceandtomake
sureoneofthebiggestmastyrsintheNineRealmsknewthatLoreleiwastaken.Returningtothekitchen
doorway,heglancedherdirection.
Shenowstoodbythefarwindownearthetableandstaredoutatthefalls,herglassofwineinhand.
Hecalledtoherquietly,“Onemorephonecall,andI’mallyours.”
Hischoiceofwordssurprisedhim,buttheyweredamnaccurate.Thefactthatsheturnedtowardhim
andsmiled,ablushrisingonhercheeks,gavehimconfidencethattheywereonthesamepage.
HeheadedbacktothelivingroomandcalledJude.
Amomentlater,themastyr’svoicecameontheline.“Seth,youdumbfuck,how’sithanging?”
Sethsmiled.JudewasalotlikeEthan,justreallyoutthere.HemightevenhavebeenSeth’sopposite,
builtasJudewaslikeatank.HehadmoremusclethanQuinlanbutprobablyrangedatsix-six.Andno
doubtwhenheflew,hebruisedtheairthatrushedtowardhim.
“IgotamessagefromAaronthatyou’vehadsomekindoffaerevelation.”
“Yeah.Lookslikeyou’vegotanattackcoming,somethingbig.Rememberwhenwelastspoke,after
youmetQueenRosamundeandyousharedwhatyouknewaboutMargetta?”
“Ofcourse.”
“Well,it’sMargettaagain.Accordingtomyfaesource,Margettaneedstoshutsomethingdownin
yourrealmandifshecandothissuccessfully,she’llgainahugeadvantageinherbidtodominateallthe
realms.”
Seththumbedhisforehead.“Andwhatisitsheneedstoshutdown?”
“Thefaecouldn’tsayexactly,butshekepthavingarecurringimageoflongslenderfemalehands,fae
hands,trimmedwithwhitefur.Whichmadenosensetome.Doesittoyou?”
Andthereitwas,anotherindicationthatheandLoreleiwerecaughtinapowerfulrealmexperience.
“Perfectsense.”Buthedidn’tlikethatLorelei,despiteherintricateenthrallmentshield,wasstillin
danger.
“AndI’msupposedtolendahand.”
Sethscowled.“Whatkindoftimingarewelookingat?”
“Withinthenexttwodays,that’sallIknow.AndIwastobeatyourbidding.I’llcomenowifyou
want.”
“Wasthatpartofthevision?”
“No,onlythatIwassupposedtowaitforyourcallanddowhatyousaid.So,it’suptoyou.Ican
comenoworlater.Wheneveryouwant.”
Seth’sarmsshookwiththethoughtofJudebeinganywherenearLorelei.Hedebatednotsaying
somethingabouthiscurrentpredicament,buthereconsidered.Ifhe’dhadaheads-upaboutBatya,he
wouldeitherhavecontrolledtheimpulsetopullherintohisarms,orhewouldhavemadehimselfscarce
themomentsheshowedupwithoutQuinlanintow.“Jude,Ihaveanothersituationhere.”
“Thoughtyoumight.”
“Theserumorsyou’veheardaboutthebloodroseareundeniablytrue.Notthatyouwouldn’thave
believedGerrodortheothers,butminehasarrivedandit’sLorelei.”
Judewhistled.“Nofuckingshit.”
“I’masshockedasyouare.”
“Butshe’sMargetta’sdaughter.Howisthatgoingtofly?”
HesharedwhatheknewaboutherpastandallthathadhappenedatBigTimber.Judewassilentfora
longmoment.“Don’tbeafoolandwaittobondwithher.I’vetalkedtotheothers,toQuinlanandEthan.
AndofcourseGerrod.Butthey’veeachsaidthesamething,thatifthey’dhadanysensetheywouldhave
justbitthebulletrightaway.”
“Iwishitwasthatsimplebutthewholethingisdamnoverwhelming.”
“I’veheardthat,too.AndIwon’tmakeamovetobeinWalvashorruntilyoucall.”
Hebreathedasighofrelief.“Thankyou.I’dhatetofaceoffwithyou,butthisthing,it’spowerful.”
Hesmiledruefully,adding,“Besides,Iwouldn’twanttoruinthatprettyfaceofyours.”Judecouldwipe
thefloorwithhimoranyoftheothermastyrs.Hewastheonevampireyouwantedinyourcornerwhen
thingsfellapart.
Judelaughedheartily.
“I’llbeintouch.”
Whenhereturnedthephonetohispocket,heheadedbacktothekitchen.Loreleihadalreadycleaned
upandwasdryingherhandswhenhereachedthedoorway.
“JusttalkedtoJude.”
“MastyrJude?”Herbrowneyeslitup.
Hemovedintotheroom,hisfistsclenching.“Youknowhim?Youdidn’ttellmethat.”
“He’soneofthefewmastyrsIdidmeet.Didn’thesayanything?”
“Likethesmartvampireheis,hesaidheintendedtokeepawayfromyou.”
Sheroundedthegranitecounter,arimoffurstillevidentonbothwrists.Butinhereyewasafamiliar
glintandhewasprettysureheknewwhatwouldfollow.“ButIlikeJude.He’sabigman.Ilikehimjust
fine.”
Thereitwas,herpleasureintauntinghim,workinghimup.
“YoustayawayfromJude.”
“I’lldowhateverthehellIplease.”
Insteadofapproachinghim,however,shestartedmovingbackwardtothedoorthatledtothetrailup
themountain.
Hefeltsomethingfromher,somethingrawandveryshifter,anearthyvibrationonhisskin.Hisneed
toclaimhersharpened.
Suddenly,shemovedfast,ablurtothedoor,openingitwithfaefingers.Butassoonascoldair
flowedintothehouse,shetransformed,becomingallwolfandflyingonfourlegsupthemountain.
Heflewafterher,levitatingafootabovetheground.She’dalreadydisappearedintotheforest,buthe
couldfollowhersilvery-tealtrailandhesmiled.
Butwherewasshegoing?Hehadn’tmistakenherdesiresincethesweetsmellofhersexwasstillin
hisnose,appleblossomsandearthcombined.Heknewshewasn’trunningfromhim,justplayingagame
thathisbodyliked…alot.
Upthesteepridgeheflew,glidingthroughthetrees,duckinglowerbranches,slowingdowntoease
hiswaythroughinterlockedforestbrushuntilfinallyhertrailended.
Hestopped,loweringhisbootedfeettotheground.
Hestoodinfrontofalargerockformation,snow-cappedinplaces.Scanningtheentireface,he
droppedhisgazetothepointatwhichthesnowmetthebase.
HeknewLoreleiwasnearbybecausehecouldsmellherandsomethingmore.Hecouldsenseher,
maybebecausehe’dtakenherblood.Herealizedshelivedhere,thathe’dfoundherden.
“Lorelei,”hecalledoutsoftly.“Won’tyouletmein?Iwantin.”Heemphasizedthelastword.
Slowly,herenthrallmentshieldpartedandhesawthecast-offsnowwhereshe’ddugoutherden.
Hewouldbarelyfit,andwouldhavetodosomeseriousbendingandtwisting,butlikehellhewould
refusethisinvitation.Hiswomanhadcreatedahomeforherselfoutofrockandearth,averyfemale
shifterthingtodo.
Usinglevitation,heleanedlowandworkedhiswaythroughthespace,untilonceinside,hecould
stand.Loreleihadfoundacavetoinhabit.
Shekneltonafurrugfacinghim,completelynakedexceptforthewhiteruffsonthebacksofher
handsandaroundherthroat.Herbrownhairhunginlayersaroundhershoulders.Hereyesweredark
withdesire,hernipplespeaked.
Slowly,heremovedhiscoat,workingoffhisbootsandhisshirt,finallyunzippinghisbattleleathers,
peelingthemdownhistoughenedthighs.
Sheleanedforwardslightly,watchinghim,herfingerscurling,nailsdiggingintoherthighs.“Seth.”
Henoddedasheapproachedher,butheremainedstanding.Helovedthatshewasonherknees,a
verysubmissivepositionforwhathehadinmind.Holdinghiscockinhishand,hesaid,“Letmefeed
you.”Heheldhergaze,commandingher.
Sheloweredherhandstothefurrugandcreptforward,herchindownbuthereyesraisedtohim.Yes,
veryshifter.
Henoddedhisapproval.
“Partyourlips,Lorelei,letmeseeyourbeautifulteeth,yourwettongue.”
Sheleanedbackonherheelsandopenedhermouth,rimmingherlipswithhertongue.
Hetookhiscockinhand.Hewasfullyerect,readyforher.
Hisgazedroppedtoherbreasts.Theywerelargeandfirm,weightedatthebottomandslopedatthe
top.Hewantedhismouthonthem,workingherintoafrenzyofneedanddesire.
Hestrokedhimselflightlyashewatchedherchestriseandfallwitheachraggedbreath,herscent
rising.
Hesteppedontothefuranddrewclose.“Doyouwanttobefed?”
Shenodded.
Easinghimselfintoposition,hemovedhishandtothebackofherheadandwatchedasthetipofhis
erectcockslidpastherlips.
Thesightalonemadehimgroan,butthefeelofhermoist,warmmouthashepushedinside,senta
seriesofthrillsdownhisthighs.
*********
LoreleisavoredthefeelofSeth’scockinhermouth,thevelvetytextureofhisskinandthehard
arousalbeneaththatwouldlaterpierceherjustright.
Fromthetimeshe’dseenhiminthecastle,she’dfantasizedaboutthis,aboutbeingonherkneesand
havinghishandatthebackofherhead,controllinganddirectingherasshesuckedhim.
Sherolledhertongueoverhisflesh,drawinghimdeeper,thenreleasedhimjusttotheedgeofher
lips,onlytopullhimbackin.Shelookedupathimassherepeatedtheprocess,hergazeneverwavering
fromgray-greeneyessofullofpassion.ThiswasSeth,MastyrofWalvashorr,oneoftheoldestofthe
mastyrswhohadbeenbattlingtheInvictusforcenturies.
He’dlivedaloneforsuchalongtime,nowshewashere,kneelingandsuckingandinherwayletting
himknowhewasn’taloneanymore.
Sheskatedherfingersuptheinsidesofhisthighsandnudgedhisballswiththebacksofherhands,
driftingherfurruffsupandoverthenbackdown.
“SweetGoddess.”Hisvoicewasbarelyawhisperinherprivateden.
Seth,shepathedhisnamesoftly,mind-to-mind.
Hepulledoutofher,lookingdownintohereyes.Hedroppedtothefurinfrontofherandcaughther
chininhishand.Heleanedcloseandkissedher,drivinghistonguedeep.
Shewhimperedanddriftedthebackofherhanddownhisneckandchestsothathecouldfeelherfur.
Shecouldtellhelovedtheruffs.
Ashekissedher,shepettedhiscock,thenturnedherhandoversohecouldfeelhersoftfurdownthe
hardlength.
Sethwasabigman,andlongerthananymanshe’dbeenwith.Herbodywrithedashistongueentered
hermouthagain.
Sheknewwhatshewantedandwithoutgivinghimwarning,sheflippedaround,turningawayfrom
himandatthesametimeloweringherarmstothefurs.Shewasfullyexposedtohim,swollenandneedy.
Shecouldn’texplainit,buttheshifterpartofherneededhimtotakeherlikethis,frombehind,andshe
wanteditrough.
Fromthetimeshe’dfirstseenSethatthecastle,she’dkeptherselfbare,hopingforthismoment,so
thatnothingwouldbehiddenfromhim.Butjustforfun,shesproutedanewruff,thistimeontheinsidesof
herlegssothatherpassagewassurroundedbyathinlayerofwhitefur.
“Youlookamazing.”Hisvoicewasdeepandhoarse.
ThecavesmelledofSethnow,amossy,richscentfromthedarkestplaceintheforest.
Hisnosefoundherfirst,pushinghiswaythroughthecrownoffurshe’dcreatedjustforhim.Shefelt
hischintremble.
Heusedhistonguefirst,swipingfromside-to-sideashetraveledfromthebottomofheropening,to
thetopofherclitoris.Sheheardhisroughbreathingashetastedher,suckinginturns,thennipping,
sometimesnuzzlingthroughtheruff.
Yousmellsowonderful,Lorelei.Edible.SweetGoddess,soedible.
Shewantedhiminsideherbadlynow,anypartofhim,sothatwhenhedrovehistongueintoher,she
criedout,archingherneckandrisinguponherarmstoallfours.Inthispositionhehadtobendoverto
reachher,butheheldherrighthipwithonehandandsupportedhimselfwiththeotherwhileheworked
her.
Heatelikeastarvedman,teasingherfleshwithhisthrustingtongue,thencomingouttonibbleand
suckonherlips,thendivingbackin.Hemadethemostdelicioussounds,likehewasfeasting.
HowdoItaste?
LikeanorchardandIcan’tgetenough.Icoulddothisforhours.
Herhipsrespondedbypushingbackintohisface.I’msoclose.Seth,you’vetakenmerighttothe
edge.
Thenfallover,letitspilloutofyou.
Andbeforesheknewwhathemeanttodo,histongueheldavibration,averyrealmsensation,andas
hethrustintoher,hesentthevibrationthroughherwell,fillingherwithsomuchpleasurethatshecried
out.
Anorgasmfollowedinarippleofecstasythatstoleherbreathinonemomentthenhadherscreaming
thenext.Thewholetimethesensationflowed,hekeptpushingintoher.Hesentdartsofvibrationuntil
shetrembledandanotherorgasmbarreledthroughher.
“Seth!”Shescreamedhisnameasthepulseskeptflowingthroughher,upintoherabdomen,sothat
sherockedintohimoverandover.
Asthelastofthesweetpleasuredriftedaway,shefellonherface,herbodyfloatingandcontent.“Oh,
Seth.It’sneverbeenlikethis.”
Heslappedherbottom.“Don’trefer,evenobliquely,tootherexperiencesyou’vehad.”
Sherolledslightlytolookathimashepickeduphisshirtandwipedhisface.
Foraveryspecificreason,shesaidtheunthinkabletohim.“I’vehadalotofmeninmylife.Alot.”
Shewatchedhimblinkthenhisnostrilsflared,butnotinpleasure.
Shewantedhimthisway,angrywithher,workedup.
Rubbingahanddownherthigh,shepartedherlegswide,lettinghimseetheruffthathelikedso
much.Shereachedbehindandpettedthecrownoffur.“Thosemenhavebeenrighthere.”
Themusclesofhisarmstightenedintoballsofpuremasculinerageandintent.
Hefellonher,forcingherbackdowntothefurandtheshifterpartofherliftedherhipsonstrong
thighsandpreparedfortheonslaught.
Hegrabbedherwithonearmacrossherlowerpelvisandfoundherentrance.Heshovedhiscock
hard,somethingshewantedmorethanlifeitself,forSethtotakeherlikethisonallfours,liketheanimal
shewantedandneededhimtoberightnow.
Hefuckedher,hisbreathingraspyasheanchoredhimselfwithonehandbalancedonthefurnearher
leftshoulder.Hepumpedintoherwithquicksolidjerksofhiships,hittingherjustright.Shearchedher
neckandhowledasfurspreaddownherchestjustcoveringhernipples.Thesensationtookhertoanew
levelofarousal.
She’dneverexploredherpassionate,shifter-side,herownanimalnature,andhavingSethpummeling
herfrombehindpushedhertowardanotherclimax.
Anchoredashewas,heslidhishandupherabdomen,grabbingherskinandchuffingagainstherneck.
Whenhefoundthefurthatcoveredhernipples,hecriedoutandpunchedintoherharderstill.
Thensuddenly,histeethsankintothebackofherneck,thewayashiftermalewouldclaimhis
woman.
Shescreamedinecstasyalloveragainasanotherorgasmfellonher,rockingherbody,pullingmore
pleasurethanshe’deverknownfromherclitoris,drivingupthroughherwell,filingherwithwavesof
bliss.
Andjustwhenshewassureshecouldn’ttakeanythingmore,heremovedhisholdonthebackofher
neck,butonlylongenoughtobiteintoherneckwithhisfangsandtosuckhard.
Themomentherbloodbeganleavingherbody,herinternalwellbegantopullonhimalloveragain,a
kindofpleasurableagonyshe’dneverknownbefore.Shepantedhardashedrankherdown,gruntingas
hefedonher.
Anewvibrationflowedstraightfromhiscockthistime.
Anotherorgasmpouredthroughherjustasheleftherneck,risingup,thendrivingdeep,holdingher
hipsasheroared,hisvoicelikeapowerfulstorminsidethesmallspace.
Shefelthisreleaseanditspurredyetanotherrisetothepinnacle.Shearchedherneck,howlingand
shovingherbottomintohim,meetingeachthrustofhishipsuntilatlasthebegantoslow,untilhe’dgiven
herallthathehadandherownpleasurefinallydriftedtoastateofsweeteuphoria.
*********
Sethtrembledasthelastofhisorgasmsettleddown.Hiscockjerkedafewmoretimes,makingsure
thateverydropofhisseedwasplanteddeepinsideLorelei.
Hefeltdifferentthanthelasttimehe’dhadsexwithLorelei,atthewindowofhisbedroom
overlookingtheGorge.Atthattime,hehadn’texactlybeenawareofwhathewasdoing.
Thistime,heknewpreciselywhathisintentionwas,tomakeitclearthatshebelongedtohimnow,on
abasicrealmlevel,mantowoman,tonooneelsebuthim.
Andshe’dknownexactlywhatshewasdoingwhenshe’dspokenofothermenhavingbeeninsideher.
She’dwantedhimtolosecontrolanddamnhimforlovingit,thathe’dtakenhersohard,withsuch
effortlessandcompletepassion,thathebarelyrecognizedhimself.
Assheloweredherselftothefuroncemore,hewentwithher.Hewasbigenoughtostayinsideand
hewantedtobethere,tostayconnected.
Easingdownontopofher,shesighedandreachedforhisoutstretchedhand,entwiningherfingers
withhis.
Thesightoftheirjoinedhandsgrippedhisheartasnothingelsehadinalongtime.Evenhisthroat
grewtight.Couldthisbehislife?Hisfuture?
He’dsplitintoadozenpieceswhenhisparentsandyoungerbrotherhaddied,andadozenmorewhen
he’dbeenforcedtokillhiselderbrotherbecausehe’dbecomepartofawraith-pair.Butthatdidn’tstop
himforlongingforthepromisesthatLorelei’spresenceinhisrealmnowmade,thatmaybehecouldhave
apermanentwomaninhislife,maybeevenafamilyofhisown.
Withthesethoughts,hismatingvibrationbegantohumfromdeepwithinhisrealmsoul.Thesensation
wasverydistant,likeafarofftrainwhistle,sofarawaythathewonderedifhe’dreallyhearditatall.
Butintheend,thevibrationfadedandhesighed.
HesethisrationalmindtoexamininghisbizarrerelationshipwithLorelei,tobegincreatingavariety
ofboxesintowhichhestuffedherfaeness,herwildshifterside,herconnectiontothepacksof
Walvashorr,thatshewasabloodrose,thathefeltsopossessiveofher,andthatshewassomethingcalled
theprimefemaleandhetheregisinthevolatileshiftercommunity.
Hisbodycooleddownwithhisthoughts.Ashedrewoutofthewarmcenterofherbodyandstood,
hismindturnedtowardhisdutiesasMastyrofWalvashorr.
Hebegantofeelmorelikehimself,moreincharge,morecentered,andyes,moreshutofffromhis
emotions.
“Hey.”Hersoft,melodiousvoicerippledthroughtheair,forcinghimtoturntowardher.Sherolledon
hersideandsmiled.“You’rethinkingveryhard,Seth.Toohard,maybe.”
Andthatwastherealproblem,thatsheonlyhadtosmileandpartofhimgotlostintheprocess,
especiallyhisabilitytothink.Hewantedtofalldownnexttoherandpullherintohisarms,cradleher,
kissherformaybethenextcentury.
Whatwasherholdonhimthatafteronlyamonthwithher,hecouldbedrawninsoeasily?
Helookedawayplantinghishandsonhishipsandconsideredhisnextmove.Heneededtocleanup
beforeheputhisclothesbackonandfoundafewwashclothesonalowshelfshe’dinstalledinherden.
Whenhehandedheracloth,shepresseditbetweenherlegsandhelovedthesightofit,thatshehadto
useittotakecareoftheseedhe’dfilledherwith.Especiallyintheshiftercommunity,thescentofsexhad
astrongmarkingaspectthathelpedthemalestoknowwhatwaswhat.Itwasalsothecauseofalotof
warringbetweendifferentpackswhenamaleorafemalecrossedtheline.
Andherewashisdichotomyalloveragainthatwhilehewanteddistancehewasgladshe’dcarryhis
scent.
“Soyoucreatedaden.”Heglancedaround.“Andyou’vebeenlivinghereforthepastmonth?”
Somehow,hethoughtshe’drentedahouseormaybejustaroominoneofthenearbyhamlets.Itseemed
oddtohimthathehadn’tthoughttofindout.“SomehowIassumedyouwerestayingwithalocaltroll
family.”
“Ithoughtaboutit.”Shestartedgettingdressed,slippingintoherlowcutbrathatpushedherbreasts
intobeautifulmounds.Heforcedhimselftolookawayasshepulledhershirton.“ButthenIknewthatin
ordertodomyjobright,Ishouldbeasclosetoyouaspossible.Anditservedmewelltoliveinmy
shifterstatemostofthetimebecauseofthenatureofthesemountainswithalltheseincrediblebutdifficult
gorgestonavigate.”
Theproblemofmanagingeventhesefewbelongingsstruckhim.“Buthowdidyougetthisstuffin
here,theshelf,theclothes,thefurblanket?”Hepickeduphisbriefs,slidingintothem,thenintohissnug
battleleathers.Hisbootscamenext,pullingthemuptomid-thigh.
Shestoodupandtossedthewashclothintoasmallbasketbytheshelf.
“Youevenhavealaundryhamper.”Thewholethingstruckhimashighlyresourceful,onemoresign
thatshe’dbeenonherownformostofherlife.Shewasawomanwhoknewhowtomakethebestofa
situation.
Shechuckledandwithoutshowingtoomuchembarrassment,slippedintoherthong.Heavoided
watchingthatpartoftheshowaswellbecause,damnit,helovedthewayshelookednomatterwhatshe
wasdoing.Hewouldhavebeenattractedtoher,bloodroseornot.Shewasabeautifulwomanandhada
senseofhumorthatcounteredhisownirascibility.“So,I’llaskagain,howdidyougetthisstuffhere?”
Assheslidintoherpants,sheasked,“Doyoureallywanttoknow?”
“Yes.”
“Thethingis,Ihaveafeelingyouwon’tlikeit.”
“Tellmeanyway.”Hepickeduphisdarkshirtandpulleditonoverhishead,tuckingthetailsintohis
leathers.
“Well,itwasasimplechoicereally,sinceIdon’thavethepowerinmyfaeformtofly.OnceImade
mypurchases,I’dshifttomywraith-formandflyeverythingin,hiddenbehindmyenthrallmentshieldof
course.Ittookafewtrips.I’mnotverystrongasawraith.”
Herwraithform.
Heshruggedintohissleevelessleatherbattlecoat.
SweetGoddess,he’dalmostforgottenandhequicklycreatedanotherboxinwhichhecrammed
‘Lorelei’sflyingwraith-form’.
Heseemedtosetthatpartofherrealityasidemostofthetime,thatshewaspartwraithandhadthe
potentialtobindhimtoherandtoformadangerousInvictuswraith-pair.Thenherememberedwhat
Gerrodhadoncetoldhimthatherblood-rosestatuswouldcanceloutthatkindofpairing.Becauseshe
wasabloodrose,despitethefactthatshewasawraith,shecouldneverbindhimintoanInvictuswraith-
pair.
Therealm-folkwhoendedupboundtowraiths,usuallythroughkidnapping,losttheiridentityinthe
processandessentiallybecameslavestotheInvictusimperativeofkillingotherrealm-folkandserving
thewhimsofMargetta.Theancientfae,asshewasknown,hadcreatedtheprocessalongtimeagowith
thehelpofherscientifichusband,Gustav.
“Andyou’resurenoonesawyouinyourwraith-form?”Ifshe’deverbeenseen,shewouldhavebeen
hunteddown.Thoughtherewereinnocentwraithsaround,noonetrustedthem.
“IusedthelayeredenthrallmentthatRosamundetaughtmejusttobesure.”Shelookedawayfrom
him,hereyespinched,afamiliarlookforher.“Youdon’tknowhowmuchmywraith-formfrightensme.”
“DoyoufearbecomingInvictus?”
Shemethisgaze.“Morethananythingintheworld.ButIthinkI’dkillmyselffirstbeforeIeverlet
thathappen.”
Henodded.They’djustmadeloveandnowtheyspokeofthehorrorsoftheirworldandLorelei’s
deepestfears.Hecouldn’tremembereverexperiencingthislevelofsharingwithanotherrealm-woman,
exceptofcoursewithKristen,whohadledhimdeepintobetrayal.
Hefeltuneasyasheturnedtowardtheentrancetotheden.Ascatteringofsnowlinedtheopening.His
coathadprobablydraggeditinwhenhe’deasedthroughinhislevitatedstate.
Butitwastimetogoandhestartedtoshifttolevitatedflight,whenherhandcaughttheinsideofhis
elbow.“Hey,”shesaidsoftly.
Oncemore,heturnedtowardher.Sheleanedupandkissedhimonthelips.“Thankyouforthis.”She
gesturedwithadipofherheadtowardthefurs.“Itwasamazing.”
“Yes,itwas.”Possiblyevenextraordinary,buthecouldn’ttellherthat.Healreadyfeltwaytoomuch.
He’dknownhersuchashorttime,yetitseemedlonger,months,evenyears,longer.
Rememberingthatshe’dfedhimfromherveinaswell,headded,“Thankyouforsharingyourlife-
forcewithme.”
Sheoncemoreputahandbetweenherbreasts,herbrowsrising.“Andthankyou.Honestly,Seth,I
swearIfeelbetterthaneverbecauseyou’vefedfromme.”
Onemorereminderthatshewashisbloodrose.
Atthat,heturnedtowardherfullyandpulledherintohisarms.“Idon’tknowwhatthistimetogether
issupposedtobe,ormean,orhowitwillend,butthisIwillsay,thankyousomuchforalleviating
centuriesofchronicblood-starvation.”
Shenoddedseveraltimes,butlookedseriousalloveragain.“Seth,I’mworried.”
“Inwhatway.”Herubbedherarms,wantingtocomforther.
“Thisisallhappeningsofast,thisthingbetweenus.Itscaresme.Doesitbotheryou?”
“Yes.”Understatement.“I’mafraidyou’llgethurt.I’mnotexactlyboyfriendmaterial.”
“AndIhavealittlebaggageofmyown.”Shehuffedasigh,butherlipscurved.“Ah,well,ifallwe
getoutofthisissomegreatsex,that’sstillalotofplusesifyouaddthemup,giveortakeafewdeadly
encounterswithmymotherandherarmy.”
Hechuckledagain,marvelingoncemorehoweasilyshecouldmakehimlaugh,thenpulledhertight
againsthischestoncemore.“I’lltrynottohurtyou.”
“AndI’lltrynottoexpecttheimpossible.”
Withthat,therewasnothingmoretobesaid.
ChapterSeven
LoreleiheldontoSeth’sneck,nuzzlinghisthroat.Heflewherthroughthedenseforestinwhat
amountedtoaseriesofalmostacrobaticmovesashesqueezedthroughthicketsofbranchesandjumbles
ofsnowcovereddeadfall.
Shewashappy,thatwaswhatsheknewashecarriedherinthedirectionofhishouseoncemore.
Asthechillairsweptoverher,sheheldhimclose,herfreearmslungaroundhisoppositeshoulder.
Shesniffedhisscent,whichsmelledoftheforestheloved.Howwellheseemedsuitedtoherbecausehis
shiftercommunitydominatedtheShauckMountainswherehelived.
Shefeltathomeforperhapsthefirsttimeinherlife,atleastfromthetimeshe’dleftGenevieve
behind.
Sheknewsherodetheperilouscliffsofunrequitedlove.Herheart,maybeshecouldevensayher
bloodroseheart,hadbeengivenfromthemomentshe’dfirstseenSeth,eventhoughsheknewhis
preferenceforgoingitalone.
She’dneverbeenthisclosetoamanandyessheunderstoodthedangersofengagingsexually,that
womenbondedsodamneasilywithmenbecauseofit,butrightnowshedidn’tcare.
ThiswasSeth,andthoughshecouldsensehisuneasinessbecauseofhispast,sheknewhim.She
understoodhismostbasicnature,evenifhedidn’tyetknowhimself.He’dservedtheNineRealmsas
mastyrlongerthananyoftheothersandhadessentiallysetasidehispersonalhappinesstomakesurethat
hisfellowrealm-folkthrivedintheirland.
Aseachmastyrdid,hewatchedoveramillionsouls.Amillionlivesallintentonthesamething,on
earningadecentlivingandraisingahappyfamily,stayingaliveand,inherworld,avoidingthedeadly
Invictuspairs.
Theambitionsoftheaveragefamilydidn’textendmuchbeyondthat,exceptperhapstolimited
communityandreligiousinvolvement.EventheVampireGuardhadmanymarriedwarriorsinitsranks
andtheShifterBrigadewasallaboutpairingupandmakingwolfpups.
Maybethelatterwasthereasonthatshehuggedhimnow,becauseshewaspartshifter.Ormaybeit
wassimpler,andhewasjustagorgeousmanandshegottobewithhimforthisstretchoftime.
She’dneverlivedlongerthantwoyearsinanyoneplace,movingfromcity-to-city,realm-to-realm.In
mostplaces,hermotherhadfoundherwithinthefirsttwelvemonths.Margettahadhuntedforher
relentlessly,yetsomehow,Loreleihadalwaysbeenabletostayjustalittlebitaheadofher.
NowshewashereinWalvashorr,holdingSethasheflewherbacktohishome,safebehindlayersof
enthrallmentthatwouldkeepMargettaatbayforever.
Whentheyarrived,shedroppedtoherfeetjustoutsidethedoorandwalkedin.Shewasalways
surprisedathowmuchSeth’shomesmelledlikehim,whichmadehersmilealloveragain.
“You’resmiling.Why?”
Sheshookherheadandastrongwarmthcreptuphercheeks.“Nothing.It’snothing.”
“What?”Hecaughtherarmandturnedhertofacehim.“Iwanttoknow.Yousmilealot.”
“Seth,I’mhappyhereandwhenwewalkedin,well,youdon’tknowhowmuchyourhomecarries
yourscent.It’salmostlikebeinginyourarms.”
*********
Sethstaredatherforalongmoment,caughtoncemorebythewarmlightinhereye.That’swhathe
lovedthebest,thatshewassuchacaring,selflessperson.Despiteherroughlife,she’dsomehowkept
herselfpureofentangledbitternessandhatred.Sheneverevenspokeofhermotherinharsh,angryterms,
onlywithahopethatshewouldneverbelikeher.
Helovedthatabouther,thatsomethinginnocenthadsurvivedherchildhood,anothertestamenttothe
workofthetroll,Genevieve.
Heleanedclose.Hewantedhislipsonhersagain,despiteanequaldesiretokeephisdistance,that
dichotomyagain,hisrational,boxedupmindandhispassionateneedtobewiththiswoman.
Butatthatmoment,aloudbangingsoundedonhisfrontdoor.
HelevitatedpastLorelei,orderinghertoremainhiddenuntilheknewwhatwasgoingon.Hishome
hadawallofwindowsoverlookingthegorgesohecouldeasilyseethatallfouralphasrangedhisdeck.
Twolookeddownintothegorge.Onepaced,whileEphyxstoodbehindthefront,glassdooritself.
Ephyxscowledashewaited,theunacknowledgedleaderoftheShifterBrigade,theoneSethwould
putinchargeinaheartbeatifitwouldn’tinfuriatetheothers.Intrueironicform,Ephyxprovedhis
leadershiprepeatedly,notbybellowingbutratherbydeferringtoCohoetinanysituationthatdidn’t
involvemultiplepackengagement.Cohoetmightthinkhimselftopdog,buthisself-awarenesshadalways
beenblockedbyhisego.
EphyxwasSeth’sgo-to.
Ofallfourshifters,Valgushadthegreatesteyetohisownpackandheldthereinsmoretightlythan
evenSeththoughtnecessary.Ontheotherhand,nothingcouldgovolatilemorequicklythanoneofthe
packs.
Alophi,morethantheothers,resentedinterferenceofanykindwithhiswarriors,butwasmuchless
strictthanValguswiththeoverallrunningofpackcommunitylife.
Openingthedoor,heletthemin,standingasideaseachmovedintohislivingroom.Herarelyhad
Guardsmenofanykindinhishome,vampireorshifter,becauseofhispreferenceforsolitude,buthe’d
madethespacelargeenoughtoaccommodatetheoccasionalvisit.
Evenso,fourbulkedupshifterstookupalotofroom.
“What’sgoingon?”Heglancedfromonetotheother.
Ephyxscowledalloveragainandaslightshowoffurappearedathisjawline,thendisappeared,a
signofdistress.“Weeachhavesensitivesinourranksthatcancatchbattlevibrationsfromhundredsof
milesaway.Something’sgoingon,RegisSeth,andwethoughtweshouldbringthistoyou.”Theuseofthe
recentlyacquiredtitlesurprisedSeth,exceptthatofallthespecies,shiftershonoredrankandpackorder
obsessively.
“Youmean,allofyouheardfromyoursensitives?”
Themennodded.
Themastyrpartofhim,thevibrationthatlookedtoWalvashorrinterests,pulsedwithinhim.Hecould
feelitnowaswell,thatsomethingwasonthewind.
HewasabouttocallLoreleitothelivingroom,whentheshiftersalmostasoneturnedinthedirection
ofthedoorwaysoheknewshe’dalreadydeterminedshewasneeded.
Whathappenednext,however,stunnedhim,aseachmansniffedtheairthendriftedtoapositionthat
placedSethbetweenLoreleiandtherestofthem.Theairbecamechargedwithavibrationthatfeltlike
respect,ormaybedeference.
Lorelei’svoicewasinhishead.Theysmellthatyou’vemarkedme.
Hestaredatherforalongmoment.
He’dmarkedher.That’swhathe’ddonewhenhe’dbitthebackofherneckhard,thenpiercedher
vein,allwhilemakinglovetoher.Buthearinghersayitwithinhismind,madeitrealandatthesame
timeextraordinary.
Hehadmixedfeelings,though.Asprivateashewas,hedidn’tliketheideaoftheshiftersknowing
he’djusthadsexwithLorelei.Hedidn’twantherviewedinalightthatmightmakeherthebruntof
typicalmalejokes.Atthesametime,knowingtheshiftercommunityashedid,markingwasacritical
factorinkeepingunwantedmaleattentionawayfromawoman,especiallywhenamanhadmadehis
choice.
Hischestpuffedoutalittleashemovedtowardher.
Shemethisgazewiththatfamiliarexpressionofappreciationforhimthathe’dcometorecognize.As
sheglancedattheshifters,shepathed,Whatafinearrayofmaleness.
Heknewherbynowandheglaredplayfullyinreturn.You’regoingtostartwithme?Here?Inthis
room?
Anytime,Mastyr.
Shegottohim,tohissenseofhumor,hisheart,andhisgroinallatthesametime.Whowasthis
womanwhodidn’tseehimasanunconquerablemountainlikemostwomendid,butasherequal?And
maybeshewashisequalbecausehefeltthelatentpowerofher.Shehadabilitiesbeyondwhatevenhe
couldcomprehend,nodoubtthesamereasonthathadcausedMargettatotargetWalvashorrrightnow.
AnewvibrationtookholdofLorelei,butonethathadnothingtodowithsexorherroleasprime
female.Instead,hefeltthedominantfaepartofhersparktolifeashereyeswidened.
Shegrippedhisarm.“Thishasn’thappenedbefore.Seth,IthinkI’mhavingafaevisionandit’s
becauseofyouralphas.”
Heslidhisarmaroundherwaist.“I’vegotyou.”
Atranceslidoverherandtheshifterstensedup,almostasmuchasSethdid.Loreleididn’tblinkfor
thelongesttime,butshetrembled,thenessentiallypassedout.
Hecaughtherinhisarms,scowlingdownather.Somuchhadhappenedoverthepastfewhoursthat
hisheadspun.Whatthehellwasgoingoninhislifeandinhisrealm?
Shefinallygaspedalong,deepbreathandhereyesflutteredopen.“Putmeonmyfeetandgetamap
oftheShauckMountainsnow.”
She’dallbutfainted,yetwhenshecameto,herfirstwordsconstitutedacommand.Butitwasthere
again,herlatentpowervibratinginthebackgroundandheintendedtodoasshewished.
Heeasedherontoherfeet,steadyingher.“There’soneinmylibraryreadytogo.Ialwayskeepit
out.”
Wavingeveryonetothesouthsectionofhishome,hetookLorelei’shand.
Hishomehadtworoomsatthesouthend,oneofthemhisbedroom.Theotherwashislibrarywitha
plateglasswindowthatoverlookedtheeasternportionofthegorgeandtheopposingtree-linedridge.
Alargetableinfrontofthebook-lined,southwallheldamapofWalvashorr.Fourpewterwolves,a
giftfromhishousekeeper,keptthemappinnedinplace.HedrewLoreleitotheotherside,andoncemore
supportedherwithanarmaroundherwaist.Thealphastookupplacesontheoppositesideofthetable
wellawayfromher.
AssoonasLoreleistretchedoutahandtothemap,whichputhertooclosetothealphas,hegrowled
softly.
Theshiftersmethisgazefirstwithachallengeineacheye,thenwithquickdeferencetheybackedup
almostasone.
LoreleimetSeth’sgazeasshepathed,Really?
Yetagaintorn,hewantedtoimpressherwithhowsheneededtokeepawayfromothermen.Atthe
sametime,helovedthatshe’dlightenedthemood.
Hewentwiththelatter.I’lltrytocontrolmyself.
Good,becauseI’vegotsomeseriousshittodiscuss.Shethenspokealoudandlaunchedintoavery
visualdescriptionofanimminentattack.
Hehadn’tseenherlikethisbefore,bentoverthemapsweepingherindexfingerdownseveral
differentgorges,noneofthemfarfromBigTimber.Shetalkedabouttwohundredextremelypowerful
wraith-pairs,intheairandcomingfortheShifterBrigade.
“AreanyoftheVampireGuardintheair?”Sethfeltnervedupnow.Asbattle-worthyastheShifter
Brigadewas,theycouldonlymakespeedaswolves,shift,thenengageonthegroundintheuprightmale
form.Theyweren’tnearlyaseffectiveashisVampireGuardagainsttheInvictus,despitetheirpowerful
andextremelyexactskillswithdaggersandbows-and-arrows.
Sheliftedhergazetohis.“Notaone.”Shefellsilentforamoment.“Thiswillbeabloodbathunless
wedosomething.”
Thefouralphaspacedandcursed.
WhenSethstartedtoliftahandtostopthemforhersake,shecaughthisarmandgaveasqueeze,her
voicesuddenlyinhisheadagain.It’sokay.Letthemwalkitoff.
Heturnedtowardher,staringintohereyes.Shewassuchanunusualwomanthatshedidn’tseemto
mindfourmencursingupashit-storm.Butthenshewaspartshifter.
Youalwayssurpriseme.
Ido?Herarchedbrowsrose.
Henodded.Yeah,youdo.Hecaughttheundersideofherarmandsqueezedgently.
Whenthealphashadburntthemselvesoutontheirdamn-all-the-elf-lords-to-hell-and-back,each
returnedtothemap,settlinginontheareaclosesttotheBigTimberconferencegrounds.Ofallthe
speciesinhisrealm,theshiftercommunitykneweverycrevice,gully,andfeederstreamoftheShauck
Mountainsalmostasthoroughlyashedid.
Hescannedthemapaswell,tryingtounderstandjustwhyMargettawouldsendaforceintosucha
rocky,gorgeriddledterrain.Hedrewclosertothefour-by-sixtopographicalmap,spreadinghisfingers
toencompassthefourmajorgorgesoverwhichtheattackwouldtakeplace.Hefrownedthenglancedat
Lorelei.“Andyou’resureyousawthebattleshere?”
Loreleinodded.“Yes,absolutely.I’vebeenoverthisterrainmyselfanumberoftimes,trackingyou
morethanonceduringthepastfourweeks,ifyou’llremember.Allofthesegorgesarebetweenthe
Wheeling,Shauck,andAthaliaRivers.Ievenknowtheirnames:Bephotine,Clover,Emberith,and
InwetherGorges.HaveIgotthatright?”
Cohoetleanedin.“Yes,exactly.Thesearesomeofthewidergorgesintheentirerange.Theyopen
occasionallyintonarrowstretchesoflandthatcanbefarmed,andaremaybehalf-a-mileinwidth.We
havedozensofhamletsandfarmsalongalltheselanes,andatleastathousandrealm-folk.”
Valgusadded,“Afewtimes,homesteadershavetriedtoworkthemoreremoteregions,butthe
Invictushavewipedthemout,noexceptions.CloverGorgefallsintomyterritoryandIdon’tallow
homesteadersinthenorthernmostreaches,notsinceMastyrSethenactedthelaw.”
Havingtakenthealphas’adviceoveracenturyago,Sethhadcreatedandsubsequentlyenforceda
non-homesteadingpolicyintheShauckMountains.Theestablishedshiftercommunitieshadadozen
safeguardsinplace,protectingahundredhamletsthatmadeuptheintricatepacknetworks.Solitary
venturesintowilderpartsofthemountainshadbeenbannedforalongtime.
Abalancingforceofgood-naturedtrollfamilies,whoenjoyedmountainlifeaswellastheearthy,
volatilenatureoftheshifterpacks,alsolived,ranched,farmedandworkedinthemorehabitablevalleys
andwell-populatedgorges,especiallyneartheriversandlargerfeederstreams.
ThefourgorgeregionthatLorelei’svisionencompassedrepresentedatleastthirtymilesofterritory.
“HowthehellarewesupposedtoprotectourpeopleagainstamajorInvictusattack?”Valgus’s
cheeksturnedaruddy,angryhueashescowledatSeth.“Thisiscompletebullshit.”
ButEphyxsteppedin.“Notbullshit.It’stheancientfae.Margetta.Whichmeansshe’safter
something.”
Loreleistraightenedhershoulders.“That’swhatIbelieveaswell.Theseareherplansandintentions
becauseforsomereasonshe’sseenthefuture,thatwhathappensatBigTimberwiththeShifterBrigade,
mattersinacriticalwaytoherwarstrategy.ThesenseIhaveisthatifshe’snotturnedbackattheShauck
MountainRange,shewillwinherbidfortotaldominationoftheNineRealmsinthenextfewdays.The
visionalsoindicatedthatshe’sbeenplanningtheserecentattacksoneachindividualrealm,beginning
withMerhaineafewmonthsago,foratleastthepastninehundredyears.”
Themenstaredatherasthoughshe’djustspokeninaforeignlanguage.Sethwatchedherlookaround
asshesaid,“What?DidIsaysomethingwrong?”
Alophileanedforwardslightly.“You’vesaidwhatneededtobesaid,MistressLorelei.You’veput
yourrecentvisionintowordsweget:war,thestakes,thepurposeoftheenemy,andtheneedforstrategy.”
SethknewthatLoreleihadhittherightbuttonandhadrampeduptheenergyintheroominapositive
way.Evenhefeltitnow,theswellingofhisbattlevibration.“Weneedtoestablishourownstrategy,right
here,rightnow.”HepivotedslightlytowardLorelei.“Andwhendoesthisattacktakeplace?Doyou
know?”
“Tomorrow,atmidnight,thefirstwavearrives.”
Henodded.“Good,that’sgood.Wehavetimetoprepare.”
Ephyxcrossedhisarmsoverhisbroad,heavilymuscledchest.Alltheshifterswerebuiltlikethey
couldwrestlebears.“Firstandforemost,weneedtoprotectthecommunities.”
Cohoetnarrowedhisgazeashescannedthemap.“Weshouldeachtakeagorge.”
BothAlophiandValguschimedin.“Agreed.”
Sethknewthatthispartoftheplanwassolidbecauseitkeptthepacksseparate,allowingeachalpha
todirectacompletelydifferentpartofthedefensiveaction.
Oncemore,heslidhisarmaroundLorelei’swaist.Thankyou.
*********
Loreleihadneverhadthisexperienceinherlifebeingpartofagroupwithamission,especiallyone
designedtosavehundredsofrealm-lives.EvenwithQuinlanandBatya,she’dbeentheoutsider,theone
they’dbeenworkingtosave.
Buthere,today,she’dhadherfirstfaevisioneverandwasmakingacontributioninawaythathelped
herfeellikeshewasdoingsomethingimportant.Theresultinghappinesssurprisedher,thoughshewas
prettysureithadsomethingtodowiththeshifterpartofhernature,aneedtobelongtothepackandto
findawaytoservethecommunity.
Astheshiftersstartedbrainstorminghowtogoaboutprotectingthevariousgorgepopulations,she
leanedintoSethandpathed,I’msogratefulforthis.
Forwhat,exactly?
Iknowthisisgoingtosoundodd,butforgettingtohelpout.
IthinkIknowwhatyoumean.It’shardtostandonthesidelineswhenyouwanttobedoingand
contributing.
Painfulattimes,especiallywhenthesourceofallthetroubleisrelatedtoyou.
Don’tgothere.Buthesmiledandsqueezedherwaist.
Iwon’t.Idon’tintendto,butitwillstillalwaysbeafactor.
Overthenexttwohours,thealphasdiscussedawidevarietyoftoolsforbringingdownanin-flight
enemy,includingluresandnets,bowsandarrows,anddagger-throwing,allofwhichmostshifters
excelledatandwhichtheyoftenusedinbattleagainstwraith-pairs.
Shemadeapotofblackcoffee.Theshiftersdrankdeeplyandtheenergyrampedupanothernotch.
Shesippedacupherself.Sethrefusedanything,butmorethanoncehisgazefelltoherthroatandeach
timeherheartstartedtolabor,gettingthatheavy,bloodrosefeelingagain.
Ofcourse,knowingthatSethwouldneedtofeedagainsoontriggeredothersensations.Whenhe
lookedatheroncemore,andhisnostrilsflared,ablushoncemorecreptuphercheeks.Shedidn’tlike
havinghersexualdesiresunderstoodsoreadily,butbetweenherstrongshifterDNAandSeth’s
overdevelopedvampireabilitiestosmellbloodandotherthings,shecouldhardlypretendnottofeel
whatshewasfeeling.
I’llneedtofeedsoon.
Iknow.Cramping?
Notanymore,butwhatIdon’tgetiswhysosoon?Ijustfed.
Makingupforlosttime,maybe?Shecouldn’thelpbutsmile.
Hechuckledandthealphasglancedathim.Heshookhishead.“Sorry,men.Justhavingaprivate
conversationwithLorelei.”
Eachacknowledgedhisstatementwithanalmostdismissivegrunt,whichmeanttheyunderstoodhis
attentivenesstohiswoman.Theywentbacktostudyingthemapandconversingwitheachother.
Occasionally,theyusedtheirphonestocontacttheirlieutenantsanddiscussdetailsoftheirplans.
Afteranothertenminutes,Valgusliftedhishead.“Weneedtostartrunningdrillsrightnowandkeep
themgoingthroughtheday.”
Ephyxadded,“MastyrSeth,theentireShifterBrigadehasreassembledatBigTimberandwe’re
readytogo.”
Loreleiwassoimpressed.
Seth’sphonerangandhesteppedawaytoanswerit.Hewasgoneonlyhalf-a-minute,butwhenhe
returnedhelookeddeeplyworried,hisbrowsdrawntogethertightly.
Loreleitiltedherhead,becausethisdidn’tfeelthesameashisconcernaboutMargetta’sattack.What
isit?
Hestraightenedhisshoulders,hisgazesweepingoverthealphas.“Ihavegoodnews,actually.Mastyr
JudewillbeinWalvashorrwithinthehour.He’llmeetupwithusatBigTimber.”
Loreleinowunderstoodwhatwasbotheringhim.Shewasanun-bondedbloodroseandanother
mastyrvampirewouldsoonarrive.SheknewhowSethhadreactedtoBatyabeforeshe’dbondedwith
Quinlan.
Herheartpoundedharder,anotherindicationthatherownbloodroseabilitieswouldn’tdiscriminate
rightnowbetweenthetwomastyrs.ShewouldbeequallydrawntoJudeasshewastoSeth,atleastin
termsofherneedtosatisfyamastyr’schronicblood-starvation.
Shehopedlikehellthatshedidn’trunintoJudealone.
*********
SethflewLoreleislowlyoverMeriwinStreaminEmberithGorge.Theshifterswereontheground,
travelingprimarilyinwolf-forminordertomoveswiftlyfromfarmtohamlet.
Hehadn’tquiterealizedjusthowpreparedtheshiftercommunitywasforwar,buteverywheresnow-
orientedcamouflagenetswentupoverhousesandbarns.Farmanimalswereherdedinsidethelatter,and
familiesmovedtoeithercavernsystemslocatedinthesteep,mountainousridgesofeachgorgeor
extensive,manmadetunnelsthathadbeenbuiltoverthepastcenturyjustforthispurpose.
I’mamazed,Loreleipathed.
Herarmaroundhisnecksoothedhim.Hewasjumpyashell,asmuchfromknowingthatinlessthan
twenty-fourhourshismenwouldbeengagedinbattle,asfromthefactthatJudehadarrivedandwas
workingwithEphyxandhispackatthefarwesternBephotineGorge.
EvenLoreleihadmadeitclearthatherbodywouldfailtodistinguishbetweenthemenandthatshe
knewshe’dbeintroubleifshegotanywherenearJude.
Andheknewdamnwellwhatitwasliketobedrawninstantlytoabloodrose.Memoriesofhaving
attackedBatyagavehimtheshakesalloveragain.
SoSethhadcreateddistancetoensurethatLoreleiandJudedidn’tactuallyseeeachotherduring
theseexercises.
Dawnwouldarrivewithinthenextcoupleofhoursatwhichtimehe’dtakeLoreleibacktohishome
forthedayandgetasmuchsleepashecouldmanage.
Ephyx’svoicebeggedtelepathicadmittance.
Whatisit?
WehaveaproblematBigTimber,aconflictwithCohoet’spackandValgus’s
IsMastyrJudestillatBephotineGorge?
LastIheard,hewas.
I’llheadtoBigTimbernow.
SethshiftedcourseandfleweasttowardBigTimber,explainingtoLoreleithatEphyxneededhimto
resolveaconflictattheconferencegrounds.
Youneedtofeed,Seth.Icanreallyfeelitnow.Myheartispounding.
Soonenough.I’llhavetoheadtoshelterinjustoveranhourasitis.
Andyou’resureyoucanwait?
Yes,absolutely.
Hedroppeddownjustinfrontofthesnow-trampledstairsthatledintothelodge.“Whydon’tyou
waitinsideuntilIsettlethisthing.”
“Thatwouldbegreat,unlessyouthinkI’mneededhereastheprimefemale.”
Heglancedaround,butshookhishead.“ThesenseIhaveisthatyouwouldonlybeneededifallfour
packswereinvolved.Wouldyouagreewiththat?”
“Iwould,actually.”
“Good.Seeyouinafew.”
“Right.”Butsheloweredhervoiceandsmiledupathim.“Youcankissmeifyouwantto.”
“That’sthetrouble,Iwanttowaytoomuch.NotsureIcouldletitstopatakiss,though,whichmeans
we’dendupwithahugeaudience.”Hejerkedhisheadinthedirectionofthecentralplatformandthe
shifterswaitingforhimtoarbitratethelatestdispute.
Thatradiantsmileofhersbroadened.Didsheknowthatsheglowed,thatsomeinternallightalways
seemedtobeshineoutofher,callingtohim?
Whensheenteredthelodgeandclosedthedoor,heturnedaround,headinginthedirectionofabout
fortyshifters.Themenfacedoff,bristlingoneithersideofthenearestcommunalfirepit.
ValgusandAlophihadalreadytakenupdominantpositionsinfrontoftheirmen.
“What’sthenatureoftheissue?”Sethstoodjusttothesideofbothgroupsandcrossedhisarmsover
hischest.Thelastthingheshouldbedoingrightnowwassettlingpacksquabbles,especiallywhenthe
brigadeneededtoberunningdrillsandsecuringthesafetyofallfourgorges.
Thealphaseachturnedtotalktotheirmen.
ValgusaddressedSethfirst.“MytroopswereworkingtheridgebetweenInwetherandEmberith,
exactlyaswe’dalldecidedwhilelayingoutstrategiesinyouroffice,whenAlophi’sGuardsmen
challengedthem.”
SethmetValgus’sincensedstareastheshiftercontinued,“Mytroopshadjurisdictiontwentyyards
pastthecentrallineofdemarcation.Andyouknowthatridgedropsoffsharplytothewest.Weagreedon
that.”
“Yes,wedid.”SethturnedtoAlophi.“Whatsayyou?”
“Valgus’stroopswerewellbeyondthedemarcationpoint.”Darkwolffursproutedalonghisjawline,
thenquicklydisappeared.
IfSethhadn’tbeenasschooledinshifterpoliticsandstructureashewas,hewouldhavelosthis
temperforwhatseemedtobeatrivialmatter.Butthetruthwentdeeper,italwaysdid.
Someonewaslying.
Butuncoveringtheliewouldn’thelpbecausethemastyr,lieornolie,wouldhavetobackhistroops,
nomattertheinfraction.Thiswasonereasoncreatingaunifiedfightingforcehadprovedsodifficult.
“Willyousubmittomydecisionhere?”
Bothmastyrsnodded,ifreluctantly.
Hecouldneveraddressthelieoutright,sohesaid,“Somemistakehasoccurred,thatmuchisclear,
butrightnowIdon’tcarewhoseitis.Iwanteveryonebacktotheirassignedridgesandbacktowork.
Thetwentyyarddemarcationlinestands.”Heslowlydriftedhisgazeovertheassembledshifters,looking
eachintheeye.“Iexpectobediencehere.IfIfindthatoneofyouisstirringuptrouble,I’llhaveyour
landsimpoundedforthenextdecade.”
Nothingstruckfearintotheheartsofshiftersmorequicklythanhavingterritory,includinglandseach
owned,messedwith.
Thealphasnoddedtheiragreementandthetroopsgrumbledtheiracquiescence.BothValgusand
Alophiorderedtheirshifterstoreturntotheirassignedgorges.
JustasSethturnedbacktothelodge,however,anewvibrationwentthroughhim,onethathadnothing
todowithshifters,andwhichcausedhisvampirebraintostartunraveling.Inaddition,hecouldsmell
Lorelei’sarousal,herappleblossomscent,leakingfromthelodgeinheadyquantities.
Oh,shit.
“Where’sJude?”heshouted,turningtowardtheshifters.Severalhadalreadygonewolfandbounded
likelightningintotheforest.“IsMastyrofKellcassehere?AtBigTimber?”
Valgusfrowned.“Yes.He’llbebeddingdownforthedayinthelodge.Itoldhimwherehecouldfind
thewhiskey.”
Sethroared.
*********
LoreleilovedthefeelofJude’smassivebodyashepressedheragainstthewallnearthefireplace.
Themomentshe’denteredthelodge,she’dknownanothermastyrwasnearby,andmostofherability
tothinkhadfled.He’dcomefromthekitchenscarryingabottleofamberliquidandaglass.
Themomentshesawhim,herhearthadstartedpoundingheavilyinherchest.She’dalreadyproduced
anextrasupplyforSethandnowherewasJude,anothermastyrinneedofwhatshecouldgivein
abundance.
Judehadlong,blackcurlyhair,someofwhichhadescapedhiswovenclasp,givinghimawild
dangerousappearance.Hehadgrayeyesandwasincrediblyhandsome.
Heliftedthebottlehigh.“Needsomethingtotakethechilloff?”Butassoonasthewordslefthislips,
hestoppeddeadinhistracks.“Holy,fuck,you’reLorelei.Youshouldn’tbehere.”
Butthathadbeenasfarashe’dgotten.
Shewatchedhisbrainshutdownandhisinstinctstakeoverashislipsparted.Hischinquivered,no
doubtscentingher,andhedroppedboththebottleandthetumbleronthefloor,thesoundofshattering
glassloudintheotherwiseempty,massivemainroomofthelodge.
Hemarchedtowardherandbecauseofherridiculousbloodrosecurse,shecouldn’tmove.Allshe
coulddowaswishforhimtohurryup.
Shesweptherhairawayfromherneck.
Hegruntedandloweredhischin,movingfasterstill,thenlevitatingtocatchherupinhisarmsuntilhe
hadherpressedagainstthewall,whichwashowshe’dendeduphere.
Helickedthelengthofherneckrepeatedly,growlingandgruntingatthesametime,gettingreadyto
strike.
Somewhereinhermind,sheknewthiswaswrongandshewantedSeth,butherbrainwouldn’twork.
Thismastyrneededherhelpandneededhernow.
Theproblemwas,sexwouldfollow.Shecouldfeelitandshedidn’tthinkshecoulddenyhim
becauseshewastoofargone.
Seth.Shecriedouthisnametelepathically,butdearGoddesswhatwouldhappenifhefoundherlike
this?WhatwouldhedotoJudeandworse,whatwouldJude,builtonmassivelines,dotohim?
ThedoorburstopenandSethstoodthereinprofile,notseeingheratfirst.Hisclaspwasgone,his
longhairwrithinginaveryrealmwayabouthishead,hisgreeneyesglowingwithrage.
“Jude!”Hisresonantvoiceblastedtheairinthelodge.“Wherethefuckareyou?”
“Seth,”shecalledouttohim.
Heturnedinherdirectionandthemomenthesawher,hebecameablurofmovementashereached
Jude,grabbedhimbytheshoulders,andflunghimawayfromher.
Judeflewthroughtheair,landinghardinthecenterofthespace,butatthelastmoment,herighted
himself,levitatingattopspeedbacktoSeth.
He,inturn,metJudemidairandthefightwason.Bothmenthrewpunchesandroared.
Atthesametime,acoupleofdozenfight-lovingshifterspouredintotheroomsothatLorelei
remainedintheshadows.
Severaloftheshifterspunchedattheairandshoutedencouragementtobothmen.Thesharedshifter
excitementmovedlikefireoverherskinandjumpstartedherownshifternaturesothatwhitefursprouted
onthebacksofherhandsandwarmedupherthroat.
SethlookedmagnificentasheswunghisfistsandstruckJuderepeatedly.
Sherubbedherthroatandfondledherfurruff.Sheshouldn’tbesoexcited,butshecouldn’thelpit.
Herheartstillpoundedhard,butformorethanonereasonnow.She’dbeenreadytofeedfirstSeth,
thenJude,whichmeantshehadasuper-abundantsupplyandneededtogetridofatleastsomeofit.Atthe
sametime,herinterestinJudehaddisappeared.SheonlyhadeyesforSeth,fulloflustandneedand
desire.Passionroseinaswellofsensationsoprofoundthatherbreathscameinraggedpullsofair.
However,SethstartedtobleedfromcutsthepunchesmadeasdidJudeandneithershowedthe
smallestsignoflettingup.
Shehadtodosomethingorbothvampireswouldendupinabadstatethatwouldtakehourstoheal
andpossiblyputtheircurrentplansinjeopardy.
Shereacheddeepintoherprimefemalepower,andanewintensevibrationflowedthroughher.One
byone,theshiftersinfrontofherbegantosettledown,turninginherdirectionandatthesametime
creatingapathforher.Thoughthebattleragedintheairjustafewfeetabovethefloor,anddespitehow
revveduptheshifterswere,theystillobeyedthedirectiveshesentthroughherfrequency.
Asbothalphasmethergaze,shecriedout,“Breakupthisfightandbringthembothdownnow.Now!”
Thealphassummonedtheirbiggestshifters,threeeach,andamomentlater,themenlaunchedatSeth
andJude,rippingthemfromthedeathgriptheyhadoneachother.
Bothvampireswereinfull-fang,savageashell,andworse,Loreleilovedit.
WhiletheshiftersbroughtthemundercontrolandasbothSethandJuderoaredtheirrage,Lorelei
directedValgus’smentotakeSethoutside.ShewantedJudetostayinthelodge,corralledbytheshifters
untilhe’dcalmeddown.
Sheleftthelodge,followingbehindthethreeshifterswhohauledSethwiththem.Hestruggledand
lashedout,makingliberaluseofhisfangsandcausingthemennearesthimtoyelpinpain.Buttheyheld
tight.
Shemovedinfrontandledthemfortyyardsawaytothenearesttreeline.“Drophiminthesnow.It’s
stillfreshhere,justathincrust.”
Theshiftersthrewhimsothathesankaboutafoot.Thefreezingsnowhadtheeffectoffinallygetting
throughtoSethandhesatupslowly,hisbrowspulledtogetherinatightfrown.
Heglancedaroundasthoughuncertainwherehewasorwhathadputhimthere.Hestruggledtocatch
hisbreath.Hislungsworkedlikebellows,butheremainedsittinginthesnow,recovering.
Evenwithhisclothestorn,hisfacebruised,hislipsbleeding,toLoreleihelookedhotashell.
Shestoodoverhim.“Youdone,Mastyr?”Butshesmiled.
Helookedaround,thengrowledattheshifters,sincemanyofthemhadstartedchuckling,asoundfull
ofmaleappreciationforSeth’spredicament.
Whenhegrowledagain,sheliftedherhand,glancingoverhershoulders.“Leaveus.”
Shefelttheremainingshiftersmeltawayandshewascertainsheheardafewmorechuckles.Shifting
followedandmorewolvesnowdartedintotheforestheadingbacktotheirrespectivegorges.
Seth,ontheotherhand,lookedupather,hisgreeneyesstillhalf-lostinmadness,astateshedecided
veryquicklythatshewantedhimtostayin.
“ThatJudesurehasalotofmuscle.He’sonebigman.”
Sethdidexactlywhatshewantedhimtodo.Heroaredandlevitatedattheexactsametime,then
lungedforher.Catchingherbythearmsandwithoutaskingherpermission,hetookherstraightupintothe
air.OnlythistimeinsteadofheadingsouthtowardhisShauckGorgehome,heflewnorth.
Justwherethehellwashetakinghersoclosetodawn?
ChapterEight
WithLoreleiheldtightinhisarms,Sethflewtowardhisfortified,treetopdwelling,butthewhole
time,aredangryhuecoloredhisvision.Theairgrewcolder,yetdidn’tservetodiminishhisragethat
he’dfoundhiswomanreadytoserviceMastyrJudewithbothherbodyandherblood.Heneededtoget
Loreleibeneathhimasquicklyaspossible,andhedefinitelyrequiredahitofherpowerfulblood.
Hisdestinationwasn’tfar,abouttwelvemiles,sothatwithinafewminutes,hesawthetimberlineof
RedheartPeak.Astronginstincthaddrivenhimnorth,insteadofsouthtohisShauckGorgehome.He
neededtobewithLoreleihere,inasmallbutverycomplextreehousethataclevertrollhadbuiltforhim
abouttwohundredyearsago.
Threefirtrees,theinnerbranchestrimmedclose,anchoredthetwo-storystructure,thatoverlookedat
leastadozenridgesbelow.Atthisdistance,whenheadjustedhisvision,he’dbeabletowatchthe
shifterswhiletheyrandrillsduringthedaylighthours.
Afewsecondslater,helandedonthedeckthattraveledinacompletecirclearoundthehouse.
HishearthadbecomealouddrumpoundinginhischestashecarriedLoreleiinside.Hecouldsmell
theabundanceofherbloodandthatsheneededhimtotakefromher.
Turningherinhisarms,hekissedherfiercely.Whenherlipsparted,hedrovehistonguedeepintoher
mouthwhichbroughtdesirerushingforwardoncemore,hardeninghimalloveragain.He’ddonesome
healingwhileheflewsoalotofthedamageJudehadinflictedwasnowgone,buthewasn’tsureitwould
havemattered.HeneededLoreleiandheneededhernow.
Herbodyarchedandshemoaned,thenhervoicetorethroughhismind.Seth,takemenowbeforeI
breakintoathousandpieces.Ineedyou.
Stillholdinghertight,helevitatedupandovertherailingbetweenfloorssothathedroppedeasily
downtohisbedroombelow.
“Iwantyoutofeedfirst,”shesaid,pullingoutofhisarms.“Myheartislaboringwitheachbeat.”
“Iknow.Icantell.Andwebothneedthis.”Thoughhenolongersufferedwithexcruciatingstomach
cramps,hefeltlight-headed,desperateforherblood.
Herfamiliarsmileappearedasshemovedtothesideofthebed.“Comehereandsitdown.Ihavean
idea.”Shepattedthecomforter.
Helovedtheshifter-likeglintinhereyeandthoughhewasn’tcompletelycertainwhatshehadin
mind,heplantedhisassexactlywhereshetoldhimto.
Shemovedinbetweenhislegsandshovedherhairawayfromthesideofherneck.Hereactedwitha
full-bodyshiver,tookholdofherarms,anddrewheragainsthim.Thoughhesat,hisheightstillmadethe
positionperfectassheangledherheadandexposedherpalethroat.Helickedalineovertheveinandfelt
hershudderaswell.Herdelicatewhiteruffappearedandhisdesireforherroseanothernotch.
Heburiedhisnoseinherfur,kissingalongthelineoftheruff.Hecouldfeelherpulsespeedupasthe
sweetappleblossomscentofhersexroseallaroundhim.
MaybebecauseoftherecentencounterwithJude,butsuddenlyhismatingfrequencyshottolife.
Shegrippedhisshouldersandcriedout.“SweetGoddess!Seth,whatisthat?”
“Mymatingfrequency.Ineedyounow.Clothes.Off.”Hisvoicecarriedweightandresonance.
Hereyeswidened,butashestartedtostripoutofhisleathersinvampirespeed,shefollowedsuit.
AssoonashewasfreeofhisGuardsmanuniform,hesatbackdownonthebed.Hewasveryfirmby
thetimeshestoodnakedinfrontofhim.Hecaressedherbreastsinturn,oncemorenuzzlingherruff.
“More,”shemurmuredagainsthischeek.“Moreofthat.”
Hesavoredthefeelofhertightbudsagainstthepalmsofhishands,addingpressureasheworkedher
breastsincircles.
Shekissedthelineofhischeekallthewaytohisearthenfrenchedhimdeep.Hiscocklovedthefeel
ofhertongueswirlinginsidehisear.Hishipsrockedandhishandsfoundherbottom.Hesqueezedand
fondledher.Heturnedhisheadandfoundherlips,kissingherhard.
Shewrappedherarmsaroundhisneckashedrovehistongueintohermouthoncemore.
MountmewhileItakefromyou.Again,hecommandedher.
Yes.That’sexactlywhatIwant.Liftmeup.
Goodidea.
Holdingherbottominhishands,heliftedhersothatshewasabletowrapherlegsaroundhiswaist.
Hewassodamnhard,andthemomenthetouchedherentranceandfelthowwetshewasforhim,how
ready,hegroanedagainsthermouth.
Heguidedherdownasheslidinside,herbodywrithingwithneed.
“Seth.”
Thatshewhisperedhisnameagainsthislipstwistedhisheartagain.Loreleicoulddothingstohim
withthepassionthatvibratedthroughhervoice.
That’swhenhefeltherrealmmatingvibrationcometolife,anechoofhisown.Heheldhisown
frequencysteadyashetiltedhishipsandpushedhimselfintoher.Hewatchedherneckarchandher
mouthopenwithamoan.
“Heaven,”shemurmured,hereyesclosed.“Youfeelsogood.”
HisgazefelltoLorelei’sneckoncemore.Herveinthrobbedandherbloodcalledtohim.
Sheopenedhereyesandheldhisgaze.“Icanfeelyourmatingfrequency.”Sheplantedherhandson
hisshouldersasshearchedherhipsintohim,strokinghimwithherwell,digginghernailsin.
Thewhiteruffatherthroatinvitedhimalloveragaintonuzzle,tobite,tofeed.
Hereachedforherwithhismatingfrequency,avibrationthatlefthischestandtouchedthecenterof
hers.Sheextendedherfrequencyandmadetheconnection.
Pleasureexplodedthroughhisentirebodyandthegroanthatlefthisthroatshooktheangledraftersof
thetreehouse.
Seth,that’samazing.Icanhardlybreathe.Feedfromme,takeallthatyouneed.
Sunkinthepleasureoftheirjoinedfrequenciesandthesoundofherwordsinsidehishead,hedipped
hisnoseoncemoreintotheruffatherthroat.Richstreamsofappleblossomscentdriftedthroughhis
senses.
Hisfangsemerged.
Shebreathedinshortpantsasshetiltedherheadoncemore,herpelvisrockingintohim,strokinghim.
Holdinghertight,hepinnedherchestagainsthiminordertokeepherupperbodyimmobilewhilehe
continuedtothrustintoher.
Aswellofdesireandhungerroseashedrewbackhishead,thenstruckwithhisfangstotheperfect
depth.Hepiercedherveinandherbloodbegantoflow.
Afamiliarelixirlikeappleblossomsandwinehithistonguefirst.Flavorburstinhismouth.
Butasherbloodtraveleddownhisthroatandlandedinhisstomach,thewholeworldtiltedonits
axis.Hisrationalmindwinkedout.Powerfloodedhisbody,desireunleashedashetookdeepdrawsat
herneck.Atthesametime,hedrovefaster,thestrengthofhisleanbodykeepingbothmovements
synchronized.
“Seth,”shecriedout,alongplaintivesound.
Hernailsdugintohisbackandherscentmovedaroundhimlikeawhirlwind.Hermatingvibration
glidedoverhis,touchingandstrokinghisownfrequencysothathetrembledwithlustandneed.
Withhisblood-hungerslaked,hedrewbackandheldontoherhips,movingfasternow.
Thepassiononherfacetookhimtothebrink,buthewantedmore.“Lookatme.”
Shemethisgaze,breathinghard.“Youhavemybloodonyourlips.Oh,Seth,I’mgoingtocome.”She
drewinafinalraggedbreathandhefelthertugonhiminstrongpulls.
Hisballstightenedandatthelastsecond,withhisgazefixedtohers,hesentajoltofvibration
throughhiscock.
Shescreamedherpleasureandhisreleasecame,ahot,fierystreamofmalepowerthatshotinpulses
thelengthofhiscock.Heroarednow,ecstasyignitingthemusclesofhisthighsandbuttocks.Hekept
thrustingandjustasshecamedownfromoneorgasm,hefeltasecondonefiringhisbodyup,theresultof
heramazingblood.
“Youreadyforseconds?”Hewasn’tevensurehowhegotthewordsout.
Butshelaughedandnodded.“Yes.SweetGoddess,yes!”
Hewatchedasanotherorgasmtookholdofheragainandwhenherbodybegantopullonhimonce
more,anotherlightningstrikeofpurepleasurestreakedthroughhim.
Stillheheldhergaze,shoutinghismoansandsavoringtheexpressionsofpassionthatmovedoverher
face,thecriesthatleftherlips.
Ecstasycrestedathirdtimeandheroaredyetagainashismatingvibrationwrappedaroundhersand
tightened,takingtheirjoiningstraighttotheedge,closetoacompletebond.Butheheldbackknowingthis
wasn’tthetime.Soonperhaps,butnotyet.
Atlast,hisbodybegantosettleandhisbreathingeaseddown.
Shekeptchuckling,abeautifuleuphoricsound,herarmsdrapedoverhisshoulders.
“Whyareyoulaughing?”Hesmiledashewrappedhisarmsaroundherback,holdinghertightagainst
him.“Tellme.”
“Itjustallfeelssodamngood.Sexwithyouisaflighttothestars.I’mjustamazed,Seth.Amazedand
weweresoclosetobonding.Couldyoufeelthat,Imeaninthemiddleofeverything?”
Hecaressedherandkissedher.“Wewereveryclose,butIheldback.Ijustdidn’tfeellikethetiming
wasright.”
“Iknowitwouldsolvetheproblem,butIdon’tthinkeitherofusshouldfeelpressured.Justkeepme
awayfromothermastyrsandI’llbefine.DoIwanttobondwithyou?I’ddoitinaheartbeat,butfornow,
I’mcontentlikethis,savoringyourbodyjoinedtomine.”
Hisheartswelledatthesightofhersoft,browneyes,andallhergraceandaffection.Hebrusheda
lockofhairbehindhershoulderandglancedatherthroat.“IthinkIsuckedalittletoohard.I’velefta
bruise.”
Hervoicebecameathroatywhisper.“Youcansuckmethathardanydayoftheweek,mastyr.”
Hechuckledthistimeandhishipsflexedautomatically.Hedidn’talwaysreturntoaflaccidstate
followingsexandoften,withjustalittleencouragement,hecouldbebroughttolifeagain.
HetoldLoreleiasmuchandshesqueezedhimlow.
Hegroaned.“Youaresomykindofwoman.”
“I’mpartshifter.Welikesexalot.Themorephysicalinnaturethebetter.”
“Inoticed.”
Shekissedhimandwithhereyesathalf-mast,shewhispered,“Tapmyveinagainandlet’sgofor
roundtwo.”
Henodded,butthistimedrankfromherwrist.Ashefirmedup,herolledherontoherbackandfor
thenexthourworkedheroutslowlyatfirstandthenwithhisspeedandafewextravibrationsfrom
differentpartsofhisbodyhadherwhimperingandscreamingoncemore.
Later,holdingherinhisarms,hefounditdifficulttofallasleepandapparentlysodidLorelei.
Hehadn’tbeentothetreehouseinoveramonth,thoughhelikedtocomeheretothink,andmaybethat
wasoneofthereasonshe’dbroughtherhere.Hereallyneededtothink.
Hehadavampirecrewthatcameineveryotherweektocleanandrestock,andtotopoffthewater
tank,afeatthatrequiredalotofhardwork.Hepaideveryonereallywellfortheirservices.
Likehishomeatthegorge,histreehousehadplentyofwindows.Butwithdawncoming,hewould
needtolowertheprotectivemetalshades.
Hecaressedherarm.“I’msosorryforallofthis.”
“Seth,afterwhathappenedwithJude,IguessI’mjustworried.”
“Iknow.”
He’dtalkedtoallthreebondedmastyrsandknewthattherewasmorethanonewaytobindhimselfto
Loreleiifthatwaswhathereallywantedtodo.
Quinlan,inparticular,haddefinedtheactmorethananythingasastrongeffortofthewill,ofclear
intention:todecidewastobond.
Hewalkedtheline,however,hoveringjustshyofafinalcommitment.HeknewLoreleiwaswilling,
thatapparentlyshehadlessconcernsthanhedidaboutwhatwouldhappenoncethebondwasforged.
Andhehatedthethoughtofwhatheriskedbynotbondingwithher.Therewasastronglikelihoodthat
he’dendupbattlingforheragain,ifnotJude,thenanothermastyr.
InthemiddleofwrestlingwithJude,he’dfelthowmuchtheexperiencehadbeenafighttothedeath.
Withoutthehelpoftheshifterstohaulthemawayfromeachother,hewasprettysureoneofthemwould
havedied.GivenJude’sbrutestrength,Sethknewhewouldhavefallenontheill-fatedsideofthatcoin
toss.
“Andyouhavenodoubtsthatyouwanttobondwithme?”
Sheturnedinhisarmsslightlytoplaceakissjustbelowhisear.“Ifwewerebonded,I’dneverhave
toworryaboutanothermastyrcomingafterme,temptingme.Besides,youmustknowbynowthatit’syou
Iwant.”
HewantedtobelievethatLorelei’slongingforhimwentbeyondthecallofthebloodrose,buthow
couldhetrustherifshecouldsoeasilyofferherveintoJude?
HealsoknewthatseeingLoreleiwithanothermastyrhadbroughtuptheoldwound,theoneKristen
hadinflictedallthosecenturiesago.She’dcosthimtheonethingheshouldhavebeenabletogivetothe
womanofhischoice,aheartfreetoloveunreservedly.
“Ijustdon’tknowifIcanbelieveanyofthisisreal.Theintimacythatwouldcomefrombondingwith
youwouldbebuiltonair,nothingmore.”
“That’swherewedifferbecauseIbelievewithallmyheartthatwhatwesharebetweenusisvery
real,despitethatthebloodrosepartofmeiswillingtofeedothermastyrs.”
Heknewshewassincereinherbelief,buthecouldn’tagreewithher.“Ican’tdoit,Lorelei,not
underthesecircumstances.”
“Isitthatyoudon’ttrustme?”
Hedidn’tanswerrightaway,becausehewantedtorespondastruthfullyashecould.Finally,hesaid,
“IbelieveinyourcharacterbutIdon’ttrustthesituation.”
Sheleaneduponherelbowtolookdownathim.“It’sokay.Thisisnewtobothofussohowabout
untilJudeleaves,wejuststickclosetogether.Howdoesthatsound?”
“Likeagoodplan.”
Thoughshesmiledsoftly,hecouldn’tmistakethelonginginhereyes.
Hergazedriftedoverhisface.“Youlookalotbetter.ThatfightwithJudehadyouprettybruisedup.”
“Don’tremindme.”Hehuffedasigh,scowling.
“Everythingwillbeallright.”
Hehadn’tlovedanyoneinalongtime,buthewasdamnclosetolovingthiswoman.
Withasigh,hereachedforthebuttonthatcontrolledtheshades,loweringthemjustenoughtoprevent
directsunlightfromenteringthehouse.Theremainderofthepanoramaviewheretained,whichconsisted
ofawintryskyfilledwithsnow-coveredtrees,andtheoccasionalhawkhuntingthroughthequietforest.
Puttinghisheadonthepillow,hedrewLoreleiintohisarms,holdingherclose.“Youcanrestnow.”
Heneededtosleepaswell.Thebrigadehadabigbattlecoming.
*********
OnceSethwassoundasleep,Loreleieasedoutofhisarmssothatherolledonhisback,hislean,
powerfulbodyspreadoutinrelaxeddisarray.She’dspiedonhimmorethanonceduringherweeksashis
bodyguard,butshehadtoadmitthiswasthefirsttimeshe’deverseenhimsoatpeace.
ShehadahardtimedefiningallthatshefelttowardSethofWalvashorr,butaboveallthingsshe
wantedhiswell-being.
Hewasunutterablyhandsomewithstrongcheekbonesdefinedinpartbyhissuper-leanbody.She
marveledatthesculptedshapeofhismusclesbecausehehadsolittlefatonhisbones.
Whenhewouldriseforthenight,wellbeforefulldark,hepumpedironforanhour,exertinghimself
byaddingweightsquickly,workinghisarmsandshoulders,hisbuttocks,thighsandcalves.Then,justas
nightfell,butbeforecallingonhisVampireGuardorhisShifterBrigade,herantenmilesupanddown
theruggedridgesofthegorgeriddledShauckMountains.Heonlylevitatedwhenarockslidethreatened
tothrowhimoffacliff,somethingthathappenedatleastoncearun.
She’dtakentorunningnearhim,thoughatadistance,andsavoredthesetimesofsharedquietand
intenseexercise.
Sherosefromthebedandmovedtothewindows.Inherfaeformshewouldn’tbeabletotoleratethe
sunlightverywell,thoughnotsobadlyasavampire.Avampire’sskinwouldblisterwithanylevelof
light,evenwhenthesunwashiddenbehindathicklayerofclouds.Caughtoutintheopen,herfae
constitutionwouldendureamoregradual,thoughextremelypainful,disintegration.
Pacingtheroom,shemadeaquietcircuitaroundthefootofthebed,uponesidethenbacktotrackup
theother.ShefeltasshealwaysdidaroundSeth,thatRosamundehadbeenright;sheneededtocontinue
toserveashisbodyguard.Hewasindanger,morethanheknew.
Inherfaeform,shewouldneedtosleepsoon,butnotasawraith.Forreasonsshecouldn’texplain,
herwraith-formwasimmunetosunlight,whichmeantshecouldgooutsideandhavealookaround,see
whatwashappening.
WithonelastlookatSeth,shetransformed,takingonthelongthinlegsandarmsofherwraith’s
slightlyopaqueandmuchlighterbody.Herlipsweredarkinthisform,herteethapaleyellow.Shepulled
hermulti-layeredenthrallmentshieldtightaroundherselfandaddedanotheronearoundSeththatshe
couldmanipulateatadistance.
Withhersafeguardsinplace,sheslowlylevitatedtotheupperlevelofthetreehouse.Assheflew,she
tookcarenottobumpintoanyoftheangledceilingbeams,thenleftbythefrontdoor.
Wraithswereadifferentspeciesaltogetherandthoughsheworeonlythefamiliarstripsofgauzy
fabric,sotypicalofherkind,sheadjustedherbodytemperatureconstantly.Sheflewabovethetreeline,
knowingshewasinvisibletoeverycreaturearoundher.
TheweakDecembersunbotheredhereyes,anotherrealmresultofaworldlivedmostlyatnight.But
sheignoredthediscomfortandtrackedabovethetreehouse,goingwellbeyondRedheartPeaktoseeif
theenemywasanywherenear.
Butallshefoundwasanexpanseofsnow-coveredridgesthatcomprisedthecentralpartofthe
ShauckMountains.Theterrainwasalandofruggedpeaksandridgescloakedinaquietblanketofsnow,
oficystreamsandrivers,andofwaterfallsinjustabouteverygorge.
Shespentthenextseveralhoursmovingslowlybackandforth,goingseveralmilesfromeasttowest,
northtosouth,watchingandwaiting,alwaysreturningtocheckonSetheveryfifteenminutesorso,then
headingtheoppositedirectionforanotherpass.
Fromthetimeshe’dmadelovewithSeth,herfaenesshadkickedintohighgearandnowtoldherthat
MargettahadtargetedSeth.Thoughshehadnoideawhy,shefullyintendedtokeepherman,herchosen
shifter-mate,safe.
Asthesunlightfinallybegantowane,astrongvibrationoutofthenorthweststartedtobuild.Andjust
assheturnedtoheadbackinSeth’sdirection,fromapositionnearBephotineGorge,agoldenglowof
lightsuddenlyappearedinthefarwest.
Margetta.
Andshewasmovingfast.
Herhearthammeredinherchestasshepulledherselftoastop,levitatinginplace.Thoughsherarely
accessedhervampireDNA,shedidsonowinordertobecomeverystill,asonlyavampirecould.
Rosamundehadtaughtherthisskill,assuringherthatoncecombinedwithherlayeredenthrallmentshield,
MargettacouldstandafootawayandneverknowLoreleiwasthere.
Andrightnow,thelastthingsheneededwasforMargettatogetafixonher.
Theancientfaearrivedatherposition,pausingforafewsecondsasthoughperhapssensingLorelei’s
presence.Butshedidn’tremainlong.Instead,sheheadedinaswiftstreamofgoldlightalongatrajectory
thatLoreleicouldtellputherinlinewiththetreehouse.
LoreleitestedtheshieldaroundSethandfounditasstrongasherown,whichmeantthatMargetta
wouldn’tbeabletoseehimevenifshefoundthetreehouse.YetLoreleiknewsomethingmoresinister
wasatwork,thattherewasastrongpossibilitythathermotherhadexperiencedafaevisionandnow
knewpreciselywhereSethwas.
Evenwhileinwraithform,thefaepartofLoreleikickedinandforthesecondtimeinherlifeavision
cametoher.ShesawexactlywhatMargettaplannedtodoonceshearrivedatthetreehouse,whichmeant
Loreleihadtoachieveamiraculoussplit-secondtimingifshehadanyhopeofgettingSethoutalive.
ShefollowedatadistancebutmatchedMargetta’sspeedonlybypassingheratthelastmile.She
trackedslightlytothesouthinordertoreachthetreehouseatadifferentangle.
Withanewsetofdeep,layeredshieldsnowsurroundingthetreehouse,shepunchedthedoorwide,
swoopeddowntothesecondfloorandlandedonSeth’schest.Shecoveredhismouthwithherhands,
reachingintohismindatthesametime.I’minmywraith-form.Don’thurtme.Margetta’shere.She’s
goingtotorchthetreehouse.I’vegottogetyououtofhere.
Hisgreeneyeswerewildnodoubtbecauseshe’dawakenedhimfromsleep.Butitcouldn’thelpthat
hestaredatawraith.
Heblinkedtwice,processing,thenglancedtowardthewindows.Shit.I’llfryoutthere.I’mnotsafe
untilfulldark.
“I’vethoughtofthat.We’llheadstraightdownintothedarkestpartoftheforest.You’llbeableto
survivewithminorburnsandI’llcoveryouasmuchasIcan.”
*********
Sethdidn’tquestionLorelei,notevenforasplit-second,despitethatshewasawraithrightnow.
Heleapedfrombedandgrabbedafreshsetofbattleclothesfromthesmallclosetnexttohis
nightstand.Hethencaughtheraroundthewaist,flewhertothesecondlevel,andoutthedoor.
Atthesametime,agoldenlightfilledtheduskyskyandsuddenlytheareathatencompassedthe
treehouseexplodedintoaballofflames.
WithLoreleiinhisarms,theforceoftheblastthrusthimthroughthetreestowardthesnow-covered
groundbelow.HeprotectedLoreleiasbesthecouldfromthebranchesthatstruckthemboth.
Atthesametime,hefeltherstruggletostayinherwraith-formandtoholdherenthrallmentshield
tightaroundthemboth.
Loreleiwasonlyhalf-consciousashefinallylandedinthesnowatthebaseofatree.Asquicklyas
hecould,hepulledhisGuarduniformon,buthewasalreadyblisteringsomethingfierce.Hisspineand
headrockedwithpainfrombeingexposedtothelastraysofsunlight.
HesatdownagainstthetreeanddrewLoreleiintohisarms.Heshooknow,buthewasfullyaware
thatshe’djustsavedhislife.
Asheworkedathealinghisburns,hewatchedMargetta,andthegoldglowofthepowerfulshieldshe
bore,makeseveralpassesoverthetreetops.Hesmelledhisnowburningtreehouse,obliteratedinone
singleattack.Theancientfaehadtremendouspower.
Seth?Areyouokay?Loreleihadcometo.
Helookeddownatworriedbrowneyes.
I’mfine.
Sheliftedherarm.I’mstillinmywraithform.I’llshiftnow.
Probablyagoodidea.
Stillholdingher,shetransformedquickly,anothersignofherlatentpower.
Hewasgratefultohaveherbackinherfaeform.Heknewthatnotallwraithswerebad,or
dangerous,oreveninclinedtotakeontheheinousInvictusbondingofwhichallwraithswerecapable.
Buthebreathedalittleeasierholdingafaeinhisarms.Sheworeherjeansandfurboots,awarmshirt
andcoat.Herhatwaslonggone,probablyleftsomewhereatBigTimber.
Hepettedherheadandkissedher.Howdidyouknowshewascomingforus?
Shemethisgazeandtouchedhischeekwiththebacksofherfingers.Iwasoutpatrollinginmy
wraithform.Idon’tneedsleepasawraith,notsurewhy.Ijustdon’t.
Youmeanallthistime,whileIslept,you’vebeenflyingoverthemountains?
Shenodded.
But,why?
Sheseemedsurprised.Toprotectyou,ofcourse.That’smyjob.That’swhyRosamundesentmeto
you,remember?
Hestareddownatherinamazement.Youtrulyaremybodyguard,becauseI’dbedeadrightnowif
itweren’tforyou.
Yes,youwould.Butshesmiled.
Sethrealizedtherewasahostofreasonswhyshemighthavechosennottoreturntothetreehouse
onceshesawthatMargettahadtargetedtheplace.Instead,she’dgottentohimfirst,riskingherownlife
inordertosavehis.
Hewasastonishedbyheralloveragain,byherloyaltytohimandbyherGuardsman-likesenseof
duty.ShewasasmuchawarriorasanyofthevampiresorshifterswhoservedinhisGuardorinthe
ShifterBrigade.
Sheglancedup.Theancientfaeisstillhere.Inafewminutes,she’llrealizeshe’snotsmelling
burningflesh,soshe’llknowthatwe’renotdeadandshe’llstarthuntingforus.
Ithoughtofthataswell.
Loreleileanedbackandoncemoremethisgaze,butthistimefrowned.Seth,Ithinkshe’sgearingup
herenergytoburntheforestinhopesoffindingusbyaccident.Shedidthistwomonthsago,when
QuinlanandBatyawerehelpingmegettoFerrendenPeace.ThoughMargettacouldn’tseemeorthe
brigadethatprotectedmebecauseofBatya’senthrallmentshield,shetorchedtheforestanyway.Inthe
processsomeofthetrollwarriorsdied.Ithinkweneedtogetoutofhere.Now.
Sethtookheratherword,scoopedherupandheldherclose,thenflewthroughthedenseforest
straightdowntheridge,despitethefactthatthesunhadn’tyetset.
Hefeltthefirstblast,whichmeantMargettacouldtrackthem,nodoubttheresultofhowhisflight
disturbedthesnow-ladenbranchesashewhippedby.Margettawouldbeabletoseetheirpathwithout
everactuallycatchingsightofthem.
Butheracedalonganyway,Loreleiclingingtohimandsilent.Sheheldherlayeredshieldstightashe
workedtostayoutoftheremainingsunlight.
TheblastskeptcomingasMargetta’sbattleenergystrucktreeaftertree.
Seth,we’vegottogetoutoftheforest.She’strackingusbecausewe’redisturbingthebranches.
Iknow.
Arethereanywaterfallsaroundhere,withcavesbehind?Ithinkwemightbesafeinaplacelike
that,atleastforalittlewhile,hopefullylongenoughforthesuntoset.
Heknewexactlywheretheycouldgo.Fuck,yeah,thereare.
Butcanyoumakeitacrossopenterrain?There’llbenothingtoprotectyoufromthesun.
I’llblisterup,andI’llbeinbadshapewhenwearrive,butwecandothis.
Heturnedeast,headingtoSageFallsatthetopofInwetherGorge.Valgusandhisshiftertroops
wouldhavethegorgelockeddownbynow,allthecamouflageinplace,andhistroopsinposition.
HepathedtoValgustolethimknowthathehadMargettaonhisheelsbutthathemeanttofindshelter
withLoreleiatthefalls.
Valgusprotested,Butmastyr,you’llbeintheopenandit’snotfulldark.
Thanksfortheconcern.Can’tbehelped.I’llhealfastenough.ButIwantyoutokeepyourtroops
hidden.Margettawillbehuntingforus,butasyourmastyrandRegis,Iorderyounottoengage.She’s
afterme,notthebrigade.
Heheardthelongpause.AllofhisGuardsmen,nomatterwhichbrigade,wouldfeeltornbythatkind
ofcommand.EachhadaningraineddutytoprotectSethatallcosts.
Finally,Valgussaid,Asyouwish.
Sethcutthecommunication.He’dreachedthelastbitoftreecoverwithblastssettingfiretotheforest
behindhim.
Hetookadeepbreathandmovedintotheopen.Butastheweaksunlighthithim,morepainshotup
hisspineandhealmoststumbledintheair.Butheheldhistrajectory,hisobjectonlyahundredyards
distant.
HefollowedthestreamthatflowedovertheInwetherridgeandcreatedthefalls,butalready
Margetta’sgoldenglowoflightwaseverywhere.
Lorelei’shandcreptuphisfaceandblockedtheburninginhiseyes.Thankyou.Almostthere.
Hethrewhimselfoverthefalls,holdingontighttohiscontrol,thenhoveredneartheedgeofthe
cascadeofwater.
Seth,whyareyouhesitating?
Ifwedisturbthefallinanyway,she’llknowwe’rehere.
I’mgoingtoshifttomywraithform.Shewaschanginginhisarmsbeforeheknewwhathappened,
theneasedawayfromhim.Shefloatednearthewaterandslidbehindthefall.
Thoughblisterednow,hepulledinhiscoatandcarefullyskatedbehindaswell.Buthis
consciousnesshadstartedwinkingout,damnit.
Herhandcaughthimandpulledhimquicklytotheshelfofrock.Hefellbackward,landinghard.
Suddenly,Margetta’sgoldenlightappearedontheothersideofthewaterfall.Ifsheblastednow,
they’dbothbedead.
Sethcouldn’tdoanything,however.Hewasinaphenomenalamountofpain,morethanhe’dknownin
hisentirelife.Hestartedtheself-healingprocess,buthewasdizzybeyondwords,blistershavingformed
overagoodportionofhisbody.
Seth,I’msosorry,butshe’sgearingup.
Iknow,Icanfeelit.Lorelei…Ineedtosaysomething…
Buthismindstoppedfunctioning.
Ashedriftedintounconsciousness,hisfinalthoughtwasthathelovedLorelei,butnowitwastoolate
totellher.
ChapterNine
Havingshiftedbacktoherfaeform,LoreleikneltbesideSeth.Buthergazewasfixedonhermother,
asMargettapacedthroughtheair,flyingbackandforthinfrontofthewaterfall.Shefelthermother’s
powerandtheprofoundvibrationshe’dbegunbuildingthatwoulddestroybothLoreleiandSeth.
Soitwouldendlikethis,Margettawinningthedayifshegotthisshotoff.
Barelyabletobreathe,Loreleiheldahandtohertightthroatandtimeslowedtoastrangecrawlas
sheprocessedherpresentreality.Sherealizedthatshe’dshiftedagaintohervampirestate,anintense
stillformthatonlyvampirescoulddo.Sherarelyaccessedthispartofher,thestrainbeingtheweakest
partofhergenetics.
Slowly,sherosetoherfeet,againmovingasthoughsheownedtimeasMargetta’sbattlefrequency
increasedinstrength.
SheprocessedhersituationinthesamethewaythatSethwouldapproachadilemma,analyzing,
calculating,takingideasinandoutofcarefulboxes.
Thenanideacametoher,onethatmightjustsaveSeth’slife,ifnotherown.
Shemovedclosertotheedgeandpathedtothewomanwho’dgivenherlife.Mother,let’smakea
deal.
ShefeltMargettashiftherintention,nowholdingherbattlefrequencyincheck.I’mlistening.
AlthoughI’msureI’dbewisetojustblastthepairofyoutothenextlife,especiallysincemyown
daughterhasn’tshownmeonedegreeofloyalty.
Loreleiignoredherdesiretotellhermothertogostraighttohellandinsteadaddressedtheissueat
hand.IwantSethtolive.IknowthebattleiscomingandthattheWalvashorrforcesstandlittlechance
ofwinningagainstwhatyouhaveinstoreforthem.ButIwanthimtohaveachance.
Margettachuckled.Sothefaepartofyouhasseensomething,then?
Yes.Butrightnow,I’ddoanythingtosaveSeth’slife.
Sowhatareyouoffering?
Whatyou’vewantedforyears,sinceIleftyourhome.Ifyou’llleaveSethaloneuntilthebattle
begins,I’llcomewithyouandI’llgowhereveryouwantmetogo.
You’llcomewithme,justlikethat?Areyouinloveorsomething?
Youcouldsaythat.
Margettasnorted.Ihavetosay,Lorelei,thatyouweremybiggestdisappointment.Allthispotential,
yetyouranfromme,shunnedme,asthoughyourfatherandIdidn’ttrulyliveinyourbones.Andyou
neverreallyunderstoodthefineworldweintendedtocreateforyouinwhichyoucouldbeawraith
andnotbeashamed,inwhichyoucouldonedayrulealltheNineRealms.
You’reright.Ineverunderstood.Butnowyou’llhaveachancetodojustthatbecauseI’llbe
turningmyselfovertoyou.
Well,tobehonestmydarlingdaughter,I’mnotsureI’minterested.Itriedtobringyoubacktothe
folddozensoftimesandonthelastoccasionyouledmeonalivelyjaunttoFerrendenPeace.I’mnot
sayingitwasn’tfun.Ididenjoykillingthosetrolls.So,you’rewillingtoplaceyourselfinmyhands?
Iam.
AndwhatifIdecideonceIgetyoubacktomybase,thatyou’reofnousetome.Aren’tyouafraid
I’llkillyou?
Iwouldexpectnothingless,butI’mwillingtotakethechance.Whatdoyousay,mother?DoIgo
withyounow?LoreleiknewthiswastheonlywaytosaveSeth,ifsheofferedherselfinthisway.
Thenshefeltit,Margetta’sessentialhunger,thatshewouldn’tbeabletoresisthavingLoreleiunder
hercontrolagain.Shewasn’tsurprisedthatMargetta’sbattleenergybegantofade,bitbybit.
Loreleihadheranswerandstillholdingherlayeredshieldingtight,sheshiftedbacktoherwraith
form,theneasedfrombehindthewaterfalltolevitatehighintheair.
I’maboveyou.
ThegoldenglowbegantofadeasMargettaroseintheairatthesametime.Showyourself.
Loreleistrippedawaylayerafterlayerofherenthrallmentshield,untilshewasatlastvisibleto
Margetta.
Face-to-facewiththewomanwhohadbirthedher,Loreleifeltnothingexceptalevelofdisgustthat
sheworkedtokeephidden.Shehadajobtodo,soshefocusedononlyonething,gettingMargettaaway
fromSeth,themansheloved.
Comebacktomycampwithme.I’llhaveatentmadeupforyouruse.Youwon’tbeabletoleave,
ofcourse.
Asyouwish.
MargettaturnedandflewinanorthwestdirectionandLoreleijoinedher.Shefeltprofoundreliefthat
she’dsucceededinsavingSeth,atleastforthismoment.
Whatshehadn’tsaidtohermotherwasthatassoonasdarkfell,shewoulddoeverythinginher
powertoescapehercaptivity.Ifintheend,shefounditimpossible,thenshe’dfindsomewayto
terminateherownlife.She’dratherdiethancontributetoMargetta’sambitionstoruleandcreateher
versionofaperfectsociety.
*********
WhenSethregainedconsciousness,hewasalonethoughthesoundofrushingwatermadeitdifficult
tohearmuchbeyondtheshallowcave.
Thepaininhisbackhadeasedandhisblisteringhadsubsided.Hewasonhiswaytobeingfully
healed,butwherewasLorelei?
HerecalledMargettahadbeenreadytoburnthembothtoacrisp,thenhe’dblackedout.
So,whatcouldhavehappenedtopreventMargetta’sattack?
HereachedoutforLoreleitelepathicallyandbecameworriedwhennothingreturnedtohim,noteven
ahintofhertelepathicfrequency.
Nothing.
Panicsetin.
Hesatup,awaveofdizzinessbatteringhim.
WherewasLorelei?
Thentheharderquestionrosetopummelhismind:hadMargettakilledher?
Adifferentkindofpainsuddenlyrolledthroughhim,wavesofagonyinhischestthathadnothingto
dowiththeeffectsofsunlight.
Hisgazeslowlydriftedaroundthecold,dampshelf.Asheetoficywaterflowedinfrontofhim,a
perfectrepresentationofhowhisribcagehadcontainedhissolitaryheartforcenturies.
Hewasalone.
Yetforthepastmonth,hehadn’tbeen.
Loreleihadaccompaniedhimeverynight,alwaysguardinghim,thinkingabouthim,puttinghissafety
aboveherown.
Nowshewasgone.
Margettahadintendedtokillthemboth,sowhathadchangedhermind?
Hedrewhiskneesupandrestedhisforearmsoverthetopsofthem.
Heknewthenwhatshe’ddone;Loreleihadmadeabargainwiththeancientfae.Heknewitassurely
asifthewordshadbeenspokenaloudinhiscave-likeprison.
Loreleihadsacrificedherselfandshe’ddoneittosavehislife.Thiswasthetruthofhercharacter.
Anotherpowerfulwaveofemotiongrippedhischest.HowmanytimesdidLoreleihavetoproveher
loyaltyorhercharacterbeforehefoundherworthy?
He’dkepthimselfremovedfromher,eventhoughQueenRosamundeherselfhadsentLoreleitoguard
him.Thataloneshouldhavealertedhimthathecouldtrusther,thathecouldbringherintohislifewithout
fearingshe’dbetrayhim.
Instead,he’dheldbackatacriticalmoment,evenaftershe’dsavedhislifewhenMargettahadfired
awayathistreehouse.
AndnowLoreleiwasgone,caughtinthegripofhermother’sevilhands,andwhatwouldherfuture
be?WouldshebeforcednowtoenterintoanInvictuswraith-pairbonding?Wouldshebeusedforeven
moreexperimentationbyherparents?Wouldshebecometheweaponthatherlatentpowersuggestedshe
couldbecome?
Almostcompletelyhealed,Sethroseslowlytohisfeet.Nighthadalmostcome,justafewminutes
morenowandhecouldleavethesafetyofthewaterfall.
Butheknewonlyonething.HeneededtofindLoreleiandbringherhome.
Thiswasherhome,withhim,besidehim,whetherwolforfaeorevenwraith.Loreleibelongedwith
himandhewithher.
He’dbeenafooltolethispastexperienceswithKristendeterminehisrelationshipwithLorelei.
He’dallowedKristen’sbetrayaltorulehislifeallthistime,neveroncelettinganythingremotelylike
loveoraffectioncomenearhimagain.
Ashewaitedforthelastofthelighttodisappearandglancedaroundthedarkgraystoneshallow
cave,hefinallyadmittedthetruththathe’dbeenavoiding,thathe’dfalleninlovewithLorelei.
Helovedher.
Passionately.
Liftinghischin,hesqueezedhiseyesshutandturnedhishands,palmsup.Hisheartswelledandhis
matingvibrationopenedfully.
Helovedher.Hisentirebeingfeltlitonfireasthoughhecouldflytothestarsandback.Andonsome
levelhe’dfeltthiswayfromthemomenthe’dfirstseenherstandingoutsidehisbackdoorinherfaeform.
She’dhadasoftcurveonherlipsandagleaminhereye,part-challenging,part-amusingandallLorelei.
Withhiseyesstillclosed,hesavoredthetremendousfreeingjoyhefelt,thatlovehadcometohim,
thatforthefirsttimeincenturieshecouldopenhisheartandtrulylovewithoutreservation.
Hefeltpowerfulinthismomentwithhismatingvibrationthrobbing.Andhefeltcertainthatifhe
tried,hecouldreachLoreleithroughtimeandspace.
Again,withoutopeninghiseyes,heletthatvibrationflow,pulsingalongtheairwaves,reachingfor
theonewomanintheNineRealmswhocouldsatisfyhimoneverypossiblelevel.
Whenhehithome,whenhefoundher,heshoutedforjoy.Atthesamemoment,hiseyespoppedopen
andhesawthattheledgewasfullofhersignatureofsilvery-teallight.He’dfoundher.
Lorelei,hepathed.
Seth…Hervoicefadedasquicklyasitcame.
Hetriedagain,buthegotnothing.Hemovedinabriskcircle,reachingforher,shouting,thenfinally
roaring,butnothingcameback.
Forabriefsecond,hemusthavebreachedMargetta’spowerfulshield,buttheancientfaehadshut
himdown.
Hemovedincirclesnow,pacing,waitingforthelastofthesunlighttodisappear,thenhe’dbeonthe
move.Confessingthetruestateofhishearthadgivenhimtheonetoolheneededtolocatehiswoman.
Openinguphismatingvibrationhadmadeitpossibleforhimtoseehertrailevenatwhatheknewtobea
tremendousdistance.
Andinafewmoreminutes,he’dhitthattrail,trackherdown,andpullheroutfromwhateverprison
Margettakeptherin.
Buthedidn’twanttogoalone,anunusualthoughtallbyitself.Andmaybethiswasanewdecision.
Fromthispointforward,hewouldn’tbegoingitaloneeveragain,Goddesswilling.
HecontactedEphyxfirst,lettinghimknowthatMargettahadtakenLorelei,probablyinexchangefor
Seth’slife.
Verycleverofher,butyou’regoingaftertheprimefemale,right?
Damnstraight.ButIwon’tbeabletopromiseI’llbebackbymidnight.
We’vegotthiscovered.Allfourgorgesarewell-protected,ourbestarchersareinhiddencover,
andourpeoplearesafe.
Afterissuinganordertolettheotheralphasknowwhatwashappening,hecontactedJude.Ineed
yourhelp.
What’swrong?What’shappened?Seth,dammit,I’msosorryaboutLoreleiandeverything.
I’msorryforattackingyouaswell,butallthat’sbehindus.HethentoldJudewhathadhappened.
Willyouhelpmegetherback?
Hell,yeah.Whateveryouneed.
Asthelastraysofthesunslippedbehindthemountainstothewest,Sethglidedbehindthefallof
water.Hedidn’tbotherdealingwiththeelephantintheroom,asinwhatwouldhappenifJudegotto
Loreleifirst.
Yetsomehow,itnolongermattered,asthoughhisownrecentpersonalrevelationabouthislovefor
thewomanwouldresolvethesituationassoonashecouldconnectphysicallywithLorelei.
Hestartedfollowingthesilvery-tealtrail,headinginaclearnorthwestdirectionacrosstheShauck
Mountains.Atthesametime,hedirectedJudetoflynorthalongtheBephotineGorgewhichwouldcause
theirpathstointersect.
Yougotit.
Sethshutdownthetelepathiccommunicationandaddressedthesecondissue,asinhowthehellhe
wassupposedtogetLoreleiawayfromtheancientfae?
*********
Loreleisatinherfae-form,inasun-protectedtent,attheedgeofMargetta’sarmycamp.Nighthad
fallenatlast,whichmeantSethwouldberecoveredfromhiswoundsandabletoleavetheshelfcave
behindthewaterfall.
Andforthebarestsecond,she’dheardhimcalltoher,butallherattemptstofindhimtelepathically
hadfailed.
Shewasn’tsurprised.MargettahadtakeneverypossibleprecautionsothatLoreleicouldn’t
communicateusinghertelepathyormatingvibration.
Bynow,Sethwouldhavefiguredoutthatshe’dabandonedhim,butwouldheunderstandwhyshe’d
gone?Orwouldheconsideritanotherbetrayal?
Shehopednot.
Shehadnoillusionsaboutwhatshewasupagainst.Hermotherhadtremendouspowerandonlynow,
whenshe’dseenthemassivecontrolshewieldedoverherInvictusarmy,didshetrulyunderstandthat
givenenoughtime,MargettawouldprevailagainsttheNineRealms.
Asitstood,LoreleihadonlyaslimchanceofgettingbacktoSethandtotheShifterBrigade.Margetta
usedherenthrallmentalmostexclusivelytomanageherarmy.Shehadahugesupportstaffatherbeck-
and-callaswellandwasinconstantcommunicationwiththeInvictusineverypartoftheNineRealms.
MastyrJudehadalwayshadastrongconvictionabouttheneedforamoreunifiedNineRealms,
whichbegan,inhisopinion,withbettercommunicationsrealm-to-realm.Thoughshehadn’tbeenintouch
withhimforalongtime,sheknewthathewouldhaveapprovedofMastyrQuinlansettingup
communicationcentersineachoftheNineRealm’shumanearthaccesspoints.
Shestoodupfromthecampchairandpacedtheeight-by-eighttent.Apowerfulfaespellkepther
imprisoned.Touchinganyofthecanvaswalls,oreventheentranceflap,burnedinthesamewaythenet
hadwithSethtwonightsago.MargettahadmadeitclearLoreleiwouldstayhereuntilafterthebattle,no
mattertheoutcome.
ThoughshecontinuedherattemptstoreachSeth,nothingcamebacktoher.Despiteherfailure,
however,shekepthertelepathicpathwayswideopenaswellashermatingfrequency.Thelatterbecause
shehadthisnaggingsensationthatwhenSethhadreachedouttoherearlier,he’dusedhismating
frequency.
Shepausedinherpacingandputahandtoherthroat.Shehadafunnyfeelingthatsomethinghad
happenedtoSeth,somethingpowerful.Herheartratespedupandinaveryrealmwaysheknewhewas
headedinherdirection.
*********
SethflewhighinthefrigidairabovethenorthwesternportionoftheShauckMountainsatthefarthest
reachesofWalvashorrRealm.
Lorelei’ssilvery-tealtrailhadbeenabeaconinthedark,snowynight.Judetrackedwithhim,offhis
rightshoulder,andjustalittlebehind.Sethunderstoodwhy.IfforsomereasonLoreleiactuallycameinto
view,Sethneededtogettoherfirst.
Theybothunderstoodthebloodroserealityofthesituation.
Whenhisbattlefrequencylitup,heknewhewasn’tfarfromMargetta’scamp.
Doyoufeelthat?Jude’svoiceinhishead,confirmedwhathefelt.
Suredo.Hesloweddown,droppingclosertotheapproachingridge.TheInvictusarmyisn’tfarfrom
here.
Whatdoyouwanttodo?
Let’slandnearthetopofthisnextridgeandhavealook.We’reatNimbusVale,aperfectplacefor
anarmytosetupcamp.
Hedrewdownbehindthesnow-packedridgeandwishedhehadjustalittleofthefae’sabilityto
createanenthrallmentshield.Especiallydressedinblack,bothheandJudestoodoutlikepillarsagainst
thesnowylandscape.
Inadipnearthesouthernendoftheridge,hefoundafewlonetreesforcovernexttoamassive
twelve-foot-highboulder.Hemovedslowlyfrombehindthetrees,levitatingtogainaviewofthevale
below.
Whathesawwerehundredsoftentsanddozensoffires.Heheardlaughterthroughoutthecamp.
Clearly,theancientfaewasn’tworriedaboutdiscovery.
SweetGoddess.Judestoodnexttohimnow.IwassureMargettawouldhavehiddenherarmy
behindanenthrallmentshield.Iwonderwhyshehasn’t?
Sethhadnoidea.Maybeshe’sthatarrogant,butit’sdamnluckyforus.
Judekepthisvoicelow.Doyouseehowthetentsarelinedup,inpreciseorder?Thisreallyisan
armythatthewomankeepsbuilding.
Iknow.Idon’tthinkIwouldhavebelieveditifIhadn’tseenit.Invictuswraith-pairswerenotorious
forchaotic,impulsivekills,sotohavebroughtthemundercontrollikethiswasyetanotherindicationthat
Margettawasseriousinherintentions.Ontheotherhand,Margettamaybeemployingherenthrallment
skillsonkeepingthewraith-pairssubservienttoher.
CanyousenseLoreleiyet?
Sethshookhishead.Nothing,butthenI’msureMargettaiskeepingherlockeduptight,including
herownbrandofenthrallmentshield.
Howthehellarewegoingtogetdowninthere?
Weneedhelp.Andheknewexactlywhoheneededtocontact.
Shiftingtelepathicfrequencies,heaimedthisoneatFerrendenPeace.
I’vebeenexpectingyourcall.QueenRosamunde’svoicerattledhishead.Shesoundedurgentand
upset.
Hetoldherexactlywherehewasandwhathadhappenedinasfewwordsaspossible.Ineedyour
help.ThoughIhavenoproof,I’mconvincedLoreleiisinthecampbutIcan’tgetinwithoutyour
assistance.Areyouwilling?
Rosamundegrewveryquiet,thenfinallysaid,Morethanyoucanimagine.
Sethbreathedasighofrelief.Thiswholeoperationcouldstillgosouth,butatleastnowhehada
chanceofgettingLoreleiout.
HewasabouttogiveRosamundedirectionstohisandJude’sposition,whenshewasjustsuddenly
there,standingnexttohim,peeringbetweenthetreesaswell.It’sworsethanIthought.Howcould
Margettahavedonethis?
Judehadn’tmetthequeenbefore,soheofferedatelepathicintroduction.Sheworeafurmuffand
removedherhandfromwithintoshakeJude’s.Heseemedappropriatelystartledashebowedslightly,
andafterreleasingherhand,hetooktwostepsbackward.
Rosamundedidn’tseemtonotice.We’llneedadiversion.
Sethknewshe’dspokentobothJudeandSethatthesametimeandthatshe’dessentiallysetupa
powerfulconferencecallamongthemsothattheycouldcontinueinaquiettelepathicexchange.
Rosamundemeteachgaze.Icanonlyofferyouashieldforabrieftime.ThemomentMargetta
realizessomething’safoot,I’llneedtodisappear.Shecan’tknowI’minvolvedorFerrendenPeacewill
beatrisk.Doyouunderstand?ForthesakeoftheoutcomeofMargetta’swar,FerrendenPeacemust
beprotectedatallcosts.
HenoddedasdidJude.Canyoudiscernherlocation?
Atthat,Rosamundesmiled.She’sinthetentwiththeflag,atthewesternedgeofthecamp.
Heturnedtolookdownattheencampment,andsawthetentshereferredto.Hesmiled.He’dfinally
cutabreak,buthowthehellwashesupposedtogetLoreleioutofthere,oncehereachedher?
RosamundewithdrewherglovedhandfromhermuffandplaceditonSeth’sshoulder.You’llknow
exactlywhattodoonceyou’veseenher.Trustmeinthis.
Hadshereadhismind?Idotrustyou.Implicitly.
She’sagoodwoman,MastyrSeth.Shedeservesyou,evenmorethanyouknow.
HisrecentunderstandingofexactlyhowhefeltaboutLoreleisweptthroughhimoncemoreandhis
throattightened.Iloveher.Theconfessionlefthismindbeforehecouldstopit.Thenherealizedthatat
thispoint,hissoledesirewastoshoutitintotheheavens.
Rosamundeleanedupandkissedhimonthecheek.You’llbewonderfultogether.Hergazeshiftedto
Jude.Asforyou,MastyrJude,stayawayfromLorelei.Isuggestyousetupadiversionattheeastend
ofthecamp,butdon’tleavetheridge.Andassoonasyouseethearmymobilizinginyourdirection,
headbacktoBigTimber.Doyouunderstand?
Yes,myqueen.
Good.WhensheshiftedhergazebacktoSeth,hefeltherenthrallmentpowerpouringoverhimina
tremendousflowofenergy,sostronginfactthathealmostfellbackward.
Hecaughthimselfatthelastmoment.Wow.Okay.Hethankedheragainbutshefrowned.
Margetta’sonthemove.GogetLoreleinow.Hurry.Jude,startfiringinthenextfewseconds.
Havingissuedherfinalorder,shesimplydisappearedthewayDavidocould.
SethfeltthelayeredshieldthatRosamundehadcreatedaroundhim.JustasheheardJude’senergy
blastsstartstrikingintheeast,helaunchedfullboreandcrestedtheridge,aiminghimselfdirectlyat
Lorelei’stent.
Openinghismatingfrequency,hetelepathicallyshoutedLorelei’sname.
Bythetimehereachedthetent,droppingdowninfrontofthenetteddoor,shewastherewaitingfor
him,eyeswide.Canyouseeme?Heasked.
Shenodded.ButIcan’tgetoutofhere.
Sethfeltthefaepowerofthetent,buthe’dripthedamnthingtoshredswithhisbarehandsifhe
neededto.Hestartedtoreachforthenet,butshestoppedhim.We’llneverbeabletodothis,Seth.The
powermymotherbuiltintothistentistoogreat.
Sethknewshespokeaccuratelybecausehefeltitaswell.Thetentcouldkillthemboth.
Yetherecalledwhathadhappenedwhenhe’dmadecontactwithLorelei,evenwhileinwolfform,
backatLoperzCanyon.
Wehavepowertogether.
Sheshookherheadsadly.Notenough.Notforthis.Youshouldleave,Seth.Saveyourself.
LikehellI’mdoingthat.Infact,Ican’t.
Whythehellnot?
BecauseIloveyou,andI’mnotleavingherewithoutyou.
*********
Loreleidrewasclosetothenetteddoorwayasshedaredandstaredintohiseyes,unabletobelieve
whathe’djustsaidtoher.Youloveme?How?When?
Ithinkfromthefirstmomentyouappearedoutsidemybackdoor.Remember?
Shenoddedandtearsfloodedhereyes.OfcourseIremember.Youscowledatme.
Iwasfeelingwaytoomuchevenbackthen.Ijustdidn’ttrustyouoranywoman.Ihaven’tfora
longtime.
Shereachedforhim,almosttouchingthenet,butpulledbackjustintime.Iknow.Seth,whatarewe
goingtodo?Hergazeshiftedpasthim.Theentirecampwasalivewithmovement,headingtowardthe
eastend.What’sgoingon?
HeexplainedaboutJudeandRosamunde’shelp.
Loreleifeltwildwithpanic.IjustwishIhadasolutionforus,butIdon’tknowwhattodo.
Sethsearchedhereyes.IthinkImight.Hisnextwordsrushedather.Lorelei,willyoubondwith
me?Rightnow,Imean.
Shegasped,stunnedthathewouldsuggesttheverythinghe’drefusedtodonotevenanhourago.Is
thiswhatyouwant?Imean,ofcourseIwill,Iwanttobelongtoyoumorethananything,butareyou
sure?Isthisrightforyou?
Hemovedasclosetothetentashecouldgetsothattheywereonlyinchesawayfromeachother.I’ve
neverwantedanythingmoreinmyentirelife.
Loreleifeltasthoughadooropeneddeepwithinhersoulandawindsweptthroughmaking
everythingnew.Loveflowedandlituphermatingvibration.Shedidn’ttrytoholdback.
Sethdrewinasuddensharpbreathashervibrationreachedhim.You’rebeautifulineverypossible
way,includingyourfrequency.Iloveyou,Lorelei.
Shewantedthemomenttolast,butthetougherquestionhadtobeanswered.Seth,I’mtrappedin
here.HowdoIgetout?
Ihaveanidea.I’vebeentoldthebondisanactofthewillsomaybewedon’tevenneedtotouch.If
wecanengage,likewedidatLoperz,Ithinkitmightbepowerfulenoughtobustyououtofhere.Are
youwillingtotry?
Absolutely.
Sethsmiled.I’vefeltyourfrequency,nowI’mgoingtosendyoumine,sobeprepared,becauseI’m
notholdinganythingback.
Herturntosmile.Doit.I’mready.
Heopeneduphismatingfrequencyfull-bore,sothatithitherinthechestandtookherbreathaway.
Hereyelidsflutteredandthepleasureshefeltwentbeyondanythingshe’dknown.Herloveforhimcame
aliveoncemore,burstingaroundherlikefireworksasherownmatingfrequencyignitedyetagainand
flewoverhis,swirlingandsavoring.
Iloveyou,camefromhismindoncemore.
AndIloveyou,morethanIcansay.Shewantedthissomuchandshecouldfeelthatsomethingin
himhadchanged,thathehadnomorereservationsaboutcompletingthebloodrosebondwithher.
Butshefeltanotherpresenceaswell.Frombehindhisshoulder,shesawthatMargettahad
transformedintoherwraithformandwasflyingfromthesouthdirectlytowardthem.Shemusthave
sensedSeth’spresence.
Margetta!
Forgetabouther.Focusinsteadonme,Lorelei.Bondwithme.Wehavetodothisnow.
LoreleishiftedhergazetoSeth.Hishairhadcomeloosefromtheclaspandnowflewinawildway
aroundhishead.WavesofpowerflowedandsheopenedherarmstoreceiveallthatSethwas.
Powerflaredandexplodedbetweenthem,similarbutgreaterthanattheLoperzplace.Thenetting
disintegrated.
Sethsteppedthrough,caughtherupinhisarmsandsuddenlyshewasinflightheadingupward.She
couldn’tthinkoract,butheldherarmswide,absorbingSeth’scombinedbattleandmatingfrequencies.
Andsuddenlythebondwasjustthere,tightandsure,fixedforeverbetweenthemandstillheflewher
up,headingintothesnowyskyabove.
Seth’svoiceenteredhermind.Lookdown.Youhavetoseethis.
Someofherabilitytothinkreturnedtoher.Sheslidherarmsaroundhisneckandshiftedpositionso
thatshecouldseedowntotheearthbelow.
HerhearingresumedsothatsheheardMargetta’sshrieksbeforeshesawthewomanherself.
Theancientfae,inherwraithform,flewinacircleabovethesmokingruinsoftheprisontent.
SheandSethhaddonetheimpossiblebyescapingMargetta,butthey’ddoneittogether.
She’llwantrevengeandifshecan,she’lltakeitoutonthefourgorges.That’swhatIfeltinthe
originalvision,theoneinyourhousewiththealphaspresent,thatshewasfurious.Weneedtoget
backthere.
Sethnodded,butshefeltsomethinginhim,thingshewantedtosay.
Shekissedhim.Later.Tellmelater.Rightnow,wehaveyourrealmtoprotect.
Theexpressionoftendernessthatenteredhiseyes,nearlyundidher,tearingintoherheartandmaking
mushofwhatwasalreadygiventohim.Thankyou,Lorelei.Thankyou.
HeturnedtheminasoutheasterlydirectionandspedinthedirectionofBigTimber.
Sheunderstoodhim.She’dhonoredhisgreatestlove,hispeopleandhisrealm,andhevaluedthat
morethanwordscouldexpress.
Andshewasbackinhisarms.
Butshefelthermother’sfuryandknewthatMargettawouldholdnothingbackfromtheforthcoming
battle.
WouldtheShifterBrigadebeenoughtoturnbackMargetta’sInvictusarmy?Wouldthealphaswork
wellenoughtogethertobeacohesiveunit?
ChapterTen
Sethflewfasterthanheeverhadbefore.Thatwasthefirstthinghenoticedsincehavingbondedwith
Lorelei.
Andhefeltwhole,asthoughhisprevioussolitarylifehadreflectedonlyaportionofhisrealm
potential.
AndhehadLoreleiinhisarms,thebiggestsurpriseofhislong-livedlife.
Butasheveeredsouth,hefeltapowerful,dangerouswindathisback.
Lorelei’svoiceenteredhispathway.Doyoufeelthat?
Yep.
Mother’smad.
I’msuresheis.
Whereareweheaded?
Sethshiftedherslightlyinhisarms.BephotineGorge.Ephyxisinchargethere.
He’stherightalphatousetosetthestageandyou’reflyingfaster.Shehuggedhim.
Sethsmiled.It’sbecauseofyou.
Becauseofus.
Yes,you’reright.Becauseofus.
Assoonashereachedthetopofthegorge,hepathedtoEphyx.IhaveLoreleiwithmeandwe’renow
bonded.ButIhaveonefuriousancientfaeonmyassandshehasherarmywithher.Getyourmen
ready.
Weare.Justwaitingforyourorders.
ThereweremomentsinSeth’slifewhentheloyaltyofhismenastonishedhim.He’dbeentherulerof
WalvashorrRealmforaverylongtime,andyeshe’destablishedhimselfasawarriorandasatolerant
ruler,butthathisShifterBrigadewasreadyand‘justwaiting’forhisorders,filledhisheartwith
gratitude.
TheNineRealmssavoredindependenceprobablymorethananythingelse.Yet,thesemenwaitedon
him,andconcededtohisdecisions.
Buttonight,hisordersweresimple.Fireatwill.
Yes,mastyr.
Sethcontactedtherestofthealphasanddeliveredthesameorder.
Loreleipathed,WeneedtobeatBigTimber.
Areyousensingthatbecauseofyourfaevibration?
Yes.
Hedidn’twaitforfurtherexplanation,butshiftedcourseagain.HenolongerfeltMargetta’swind.No
doubtshe’dlosttrackofthem.
ButhowwashesupposedtoknowwhatwasgoingoninanyofthegorgesifhewasatBigTimber?
*********
Loreleifelttheweightofherfaenesslikeaheavycloakaroundhershoulders.Imageskeptspinning
throughhermind,ofthealphas,ofeachoftheirpacks,andofthegorges,oneaftertheother.
BindingherselftoSeththroughhermatingvibrationhadresultedinherabilitytotapintoallthathe
was.Rightnow,sheexperiencedhisconnectiontohisrealmandtohisalphas,bothofwhichignitedthe
shifterpartofherthatcravedasenseofcommunalbelonging.
Ashetoucheddowninthecenterofthesnow-coveredoutdoorgatheringarea,wherefourfirepits
stillburned,Loreleihadneverfeltsoalert,soreadyforanythingthatmightcome,includingMargetta’s
power.
Onceonthesolid,snow-coveredplatform,Sethdidn’tlethergo,butkeptanarmtightaroundher
waist.Shefeltit,too,theneedtostayconnectedphysicallywhileeventsunfolded.
Shehadnoideawhatwouldhappennextbutfromthedirectionofthenorthwest,shesensedthefull
expressionofhermother’srageathavinglostcontrolofLoreleiagain.Bynow,becauseofwhathad
happenedtothetent,MargettamustknowthatSethhadbondedwithherandhadcreatedanewlevelof
powerbetweenthem.
MaybethisunionwaswhatMargettahadfeared,thatherwraith-daughterhadformedabondwitha
vampirethathadInvictuspotential.Ofcourse,LoreleialsoknewfromconversationswithRosamunde
thathavingbloodrosecapacitymadeitimpossibletoforgeatrueInvictusbond,thekindofconnection
thatremovedtheconsciencefrombothwraithandhisorherbondedrealm-person.
Butthepower…
Yes,thepowerwasthere,betweenthem,flowingbackandforth,aheavyrealmvibrationfullofall
kindsofpotential,someofitlethalbecauseoftheirjoinedbattlefrequencies.
Yet,Loreleifeltinherbonesthattheirpowerwouldn’tbeaboutslayingtheInvictuswraith-pairs,but
whatexactlytheycouldaccomplishtogether,shedidn’tknow.
Herheartthrummedwithexcitement.
Sethturnedhertowardhim,searchinghereyes.“Tellmewhatyou’refeelingrightnow.”
Sheplantedherhandsonhisarms.Hisbicepsflexedbeneathhertouch.“Asthoughallthepassion
youfeelforWalvashorrandfortheNineRealmsismovinglikeawhirlwindaroundus,throughus,
betweenus.”
Hesmiledandleanedclose.Hetouchedhislipstohers,agentlekissthatfeltfullofallthathewas.
Shereturnedthekiss,sendinghergratitudeforhiswillingnesstoleavehissolitaryworldandpullherso
completelyoutofherownisolation.
Whenhedrewback,heheldhergazeoncemore.“TellmewhereMargettais,whatyousee,through
yourfaeness?”
Sheclosedhereyes,focusingthewhirlwindonhermother.Iseeherinflight,herentireInvictus
armywithher,twohundredpairsandthattwoofthepairsaretheextremelypowerfulmastyrvampire
wraith-pairs,thekindthatalmostkilledMastyrQuinlan.
Understood.Canyouseewherethey’reheaded?
Shebegantodescribethearraytohim,thattherewerefourcolumns,howfasttheyweremoving,and
howeachsplitoffinadifferentdirection,towardoneofthefourgorges.
WhereisMargetta?
Hoveringdirectlynorthofusthoughseveralmilesaway.She’sorchestrating.
Justaswewill.KeepfeedingmeinformationandI’lltranslatewhatyouseetothealphas.
Seth,it’sthestrangestthing,butit’sasthoughI’vemovedhighintotheairandI’mlookingdown
attheShauckMountains.Icanseeherarmiesadvance.Shesqueezedhisarms.I’mgoingtoshowthis
toyou,oratleasttryto.Ready?Thiswillcomethroughthebattlefrequency.
*********
Sethreceivedtheimageslikesomethinghecouldwatchonhisflatscreen.Heopenedhistelepathyto
Ephyx,butoninstinct,expandedit.Ephyx,areyouseeingthisinyourmind?
Holy,shit,mastyr,I’mwatchingMargetta’sarmyadvancedownthegorge.
Canyoutranslatethisforyourtroops?Canyoucommunicatewithyourlieutenants?
Yes.
Good.ThisisallnewtoLoreleiandme,somethingwe’redoingtogether.I’llkeepsendingyou
theseimages,butIneedtocontacttheothers.IfIcan,I’llstreamthistoeachofyouatthesametime.
ThemomentSethfocusedonallfouralphasatonce,whatcametohimfromLoreleiwasthatshehad
alreadyseparatedouteachfrequencyjustasshehadwhenshe’dconnectedwiththepacksearlier.Butthis
time,hefeltthedifferentvibrationsasveryseparatestreamsofenergy.Holdingallfourinhismind,he
contactedCohoet,Valgus,andAlophilikeaconferencecall.BecauseofhisbondwithLorelei,itturned
outtobeaverysimplethingtodo.
HeexplainedwhathewoulddoandthemomenthelettheimagesstreamtoCohoet,Valgusand
Alophi,allfouralphasgaveashoutoftriumphatwhattheywereseeing.
AslongasLoreleiandIcanstreamtheimages,you’llknowexactlywheretheenemyisandhowto
directyourtroops.
Thebattleunfoldedlikeadream,Margetta’sarmyflowingthrougheachgorge,thealphasdirecting
theirmen,camouflagedandhiddenbehindrocksortrees,lettingarrowsfly.
Assoonaseithermemberofawraith-pairgothit,theotherfalteredandbothfelloutofthesky.
Shifterssentbattle-energytodisablethepairsoneaftertheother.
TheShifterBrigadeespeciallyenjoyedfeigningawoundtodrawtheenemyintoatrap.Orthey’drun
southwithwraithsshriekingoverhead,andanetwouldcatchtheirprey.
Theywerealsoquicktohelptheirwoundedtosafetyinnearbycaves,wheretrollandshifterfamilies
waitedtohelptheinjured.
SurroundedasheandLoreleiwerebyherlayeredenthrallmentshields,hehadnofearofMargetta,
notevenwhenshesawherarmydroppinglikefliesbeforeaShifterBrigadethatappearedand
disappearedlikeghostsbehindtheircamouflage.
Frommilesaway,heheardMargettashriekherrageandfinallycallherarmybacktoher.Heheard
thecheeringfromallfouralphasandashestretchedhishearing,thesoundfromthefourgorgesbecamea
joyousringinginhisears.
Lorelei,keeptrackingMargetta’sarmy.Weneedtoseewheretheygo.
Willdo.
HewatchedMargetta’sretreat.Shetookwhatwasaboutfiftyremainingwraith-pairsintothefar
north,thenveeredwest.ShereturnedtothecampandthroughLorelei’scontinuedvision,hewatchedas
withinminutes,tentaftertentwasstruck.Margettahadahugesupplyline,whicheverygoodgeneral
maintained,andasupportstaffofrealmslaves.Withherarmyinflight,hewashopinghewouldfindthe
ancientfae’slair.
Instead,asshereachedthenorthernmostboundaryofWalvashorr,Margettaandherarmysimply
disappeared,asthoughwalkingintoafog.
Ican’tseethemanymore,Loreleipathed.We’velostthem.
Andthere’snoaccesspointinthatpartofmyrealm.
Loreleishookherhead.Idon’tunderstand.Wheredoyouthinktheywent?
MyguessisthatMargettahasastrongholdhiddenbehindadozendifferentspells.She’sretreated
fornow,butprobablyintendstorebuildandattackanotherrealmatitsmostvulnerablepoint.
Wewon’tbeabletofindher.Lorelei’svoicesoundedsomberwithinhismind.
Sethsighed,knowingthatthewarwouldcontinue.I’lllettheothermastyrsknowwhathappened
hereandwhatyouandIsaw.Beyondthat,we’llhavetowaittoseewhatshedoesnext.
ThevictorycelebrationquieteddownwiththedisappearanceofMargettaandhertroopsfromthe
realm.Foronething,eachpackhadtogetonwiththebusinessofclearingupthedifferentbattlefields,
makingsurethattheinjuredshiftersweretakencareof,anddetermininghowmanymembersofeachpack
haddiedintheattack.
Intheend,therewereonlysixteencasualtiestothethreehundredInvictusthathaddiedduringthe
brief,coordinatedbattle,anextraordinaryoccurrence.ButtheShifterBrigadehadbecomeadisciplined
fightingunitandhadbeenextremelywell-prepared.SethalsoknewthattheimagesheandLoreleihad
streamed,hadgiveneachpacktheinformationneededtodeliveracrushingblowtotheentireenemy
force.
Thedeceasedshifterswerepreparedfortheirreturntofamilymembersandeachwouldreceivethe
highesthonorsfortheirrealmservice.ButtheuninjuredandsurvivingShifterBrigadewarriorsbegan
headingforBigTimber.
Thefirsttoarrivebuiltupthefourenormousbonfirepits,andcaseaftercaseofdarkalemadeitsway
outofthecellarsofthemainlodge.
Inaddition,hundredsofrealm-folksoonstreamedintothearea,andamajorcelebrationwas
underway.
*********
LoreleiheldSeth’shandandhadneverknownsuchjoy.
FromthetimeMargettahadtakentheremnantsofherarmyoutofWalvashorr,Sethhadn’tletgoofher
once,notevenwhenthealphasarrivedreadytodohigh-fivesandcongratulatorychestbumps.
Atfirst,shethoughthewasstillafraidthatthemomentJudeshowedup,she’dbealloverhisfellow
mastyr.
ButwhenJudefinallyarrived,Loreleifeltnothingforhim,noimpulsetogotohimortofeedhim.
Jude’sbrowsroseashesettledhisgazeonher,thenshiftedhisattentiontoSeth.Henodded
knowinglyseveraltimes,asmileonhislips.“You’vebonded,Isee.”
Seth’schestpuffedalittle,somethingthatmadeLoreleismileashesaid,“Wehave.”
Judeclappedhimontheshoulder.“I’mhappyforyou.”
“Thanks.Thewaythisisgoing,you’llhaveyourturnaswell,justbepreparedandtrytobeopen.”
“Easyforyoutosay.”
“It’seasynow,butyou’reright.”HeglancedatLoreleiandsqueezedherhand.“Gettingtothisplace
wasn’tsimple,mostlybecauseIdidn’tbelievemyselfworthy.”
Judesnorted.“You,ofallthemastyrsIknow,deservetohaveawomanlikeLorelei.”
Sethclearedhisthroatacoupleoftimes.“Ithinktheremightbeafewbottlesofalewithyourname
onthem.”
“I’mhearingthecallevennow.”Judewaggledhisbrows.Hethenwishedthembotharealm-fullof
happiness,afterwardheadingtowardthelongtablenowladenwithcasesofbrew.
EvenafterJudeleft,Sethkeptatightclasponherhand.
Asshewalkedbesidehimandupthestepsofthemainlodge,herheartswelled.Thealphaswere
insideandhadcalledforthemboth.
Thedoorsswungwide,andastheycrossedthethreshold,athunderouscheerrangtothethree-story
highrafters.Thespacewaspackedfulloftriumphantwarriors,asmanywithinastherewereoutsidein
thesnow.Eachheldabottleofaleinhand.
Loreleirealizedthatpartofherjoyhadtodowiththemenandwomenbeforeher,allshiftersof
Walvashorr,theplaceshenowbelonged.
Whentheroarquieted,Sethraisedhisbottleofalewithhislefthand.“TothefinestShifterBrigadein
theNineRealms.”
Anotherdeafeningcheerpushedagainsttherafters.Loreleidranktothetoast,andfoundtheheavy,
bitteralethemostwonderfulflavoronhertongue.
Ephyxcalledout,“Toourregisandtheprimefemale.”
Thecheers,shouts,andstampingoffeetthatfollowedbroughtapainfulgrintoLorelei’scheeksand
tearstohereyes.She’dfoundanunlikelyhomeinWalvashorrasthebloodrosetoMastyrSethandthe
primefemaletothefourshifterpacksoftherealm.
Severalmoretoastsfollowed,aseachpackhonoredtheirleadersandlieutenantsandasSethoffered
afinalwordonbehalfoftheseveralmenandonefemaleshifterwho’dgiventheirlivestonightonbehalf
oftheirfellowrealm-folk.Observingalongminuteofsilence,Loreleibowedherheadandblessedtheir
swiftjourneysintothearmsoftheGoddess.Sheaddedanotherblessingforthoseenslavedrealm-folk,
whohadsuccumbedtotheInvictuswraith-bonding.
AndSethstillheldherhand.
Whenthesilenceended,heglancedatherandshesawenormouslonginginhiseyes,somethingshe
almostdidn’trecognize.Whatisit?
You.Hischestroseandfellinadeepbreath.Ineedtobewithyou,Lorelei.Tonight.Now.
Sheglanceddownattheirjoinedfingers.Isthiswhyyou’vebeenstucktomeforthepasthourof
celebration?
Yeah,itis.
Helookedalmostpained.Youhavetounderstand,Ihaven’thadawomaninmylifeforathousand
years.
Whenshefinallyunderstood,hereyeswidenedandmaybeunfortunatelyforSeth,theshifterinher
tookprecedenceoverthemoreorderlyfaepartofhergenetics.
Inaloudvoice,shecalledout,“Hey,fellowshifters,sorrytobeleavingthepartysosoon,butIneed
togetmymantobed.”
Theslowglideofthe‘o-o-o-o-hs’thatthisannouncementfostered,aswellasthegrinsandafewnot-
so-subtlehip-grindinggestures,madeSethturntoherandfrown.Really?
Butshewastoomuchpart-shifter,nottorespondwithanythingelse,except,WouldyouratherIwent
homewithoneofyourmen?Maybeoneofthealphas?
You’regonnastartwithme?Here?
Anywhere,anytime.
Shegotupcloseandslunganarmaroundhisneck.Hedidtheonlyappropriatethingandkissedher.
Anotherglidingsetof‘o-o-o-o-hs’washedoverherears.
Whenhedrewback,hiseyeswereathalf-mast.“Let’sgohome.”
Atthemerementionoftheword,shelostallhertauntingshifter-bravadoandnodded.“Yeah,let’sgo
home.”
*********
Sethhadneverbeenthishappyinhisentirelife.AsheflewLoreleisouthtowardDefianceFallsand
hishomeaboveShauckGorge,hisbodyfeltfloodedwithlove,withtriumph,andaboveallgratitude.
Neverinahundredyearscouldhehavepredictedalltheeventsofthepastfewdays,orperhapsmore
importantly,ofthepastmonthfromthetimethatLoreleihadappearedtohimathisbackdoor.She’dstolen
intohislife,oncommandfromQueenRosamunde,toserveashisbodyguard,andshe’dstayedtobecome
hisconfidant,hisbloodrose,andthewomanhelovedwithallhisheart.
Shewouldprobablyneverknowthechangesshe’dwroughtinhislife,takinghimfromasolitary
mastyr,whorarelysocialized,toashifterpackregisandpartofacommunitythatwouldprobablynever
leavehiminsolitudeagain.
Yethefeltunsettled,asthoughsomethingimportanthadn’tbeenresolvedbetweenhimselfand
Lorelei.Andtheonlyplacehecouldthinktodoit,wasinhishome,withhiswoman,inhisbed.He
neededhertofeelhimashetoldherallthatneededtobesaid,aloud,nothinghidden,orcloakedin
telepathy,butthewordsvibratingbetweenthem,theirbodiesonfire.
DefianceFallscameintoviewfirst.Thegreatriverthatcreatedthefalls,thenbrokeintothreedistinct
rivers,billowedwithmist,thesounddeafening,familiar,andwelcomingashepassedoverhead.
Ilovethatsound.Loreleispokereverently,anotherthinghevaluedabouther.Shehadan
appreciationforthelandaroundher.
Ido,too.Itfeelslikehome.
Afewsecondsmoreandhetoucheddownonhiswrap-aroundporch.Snowcreatedasoftround
appearancetohisflatrailing,asingletrackofsquirrelfootprintstheonlybreach.
Buthedidn’treleaseLoreleiuntilhehadherinsidehishousewiththefrontdoorshutandlocked.He
loweredtheday-blindsaswell,uncertainwhathourthey’dfinallyrisefromhisbed.
Bythetimehe’dsecuredalltheblindsinthehouse,heheardtheshowerrunninginhismasterbath,
whichofcoursemeantthatLoreleiwasnaked.
Shewasinhisshowerandshewasnaked,withhim,forhim,bondedtohim.
Hisfeetweremovingbeforehe’dwrappedupthelastofhisamazedthoughtsthatlovehadfoundhim
andhiswomanwasinhisshower.
“Joinme?”Herfemininevoice,whichalwayscarriedahappytone,reachedhimfromtheopen,
stone-tileddoorwaythatledtotheshower.
“Yes.”Heremovedthewovenclaspfromhishair,thenstrippedvampire-fast,evenworkinghisboots
offquickerthanheeverhadbefore.
Secondslater,hesteppedintothestone-chiseledshower.Loreleifacedhim,herheadbackasshe
rinsedshampoofromherhair.Therowofamethystsalongtherimofherleftearwinkedathim.
Hisheartwasfullofloveforher,hisbodyfullofneed,andhisblood-hungerragingoncemore
becauseofallthathadhappenedinthepastfewhours.Buthedidn’twanttohurrywhatneededtohappen
next.
Hemovedintotheshowerslowly.Hewantedtotakeherinhisarms,butmorethanthat,hewantedto
getclean.
Therewereenoughjetsforhimtoslidebeneathoneandgethisownhairwet.Standingadjacenttoher
nowashewashedhishair,hewatchedher.Shetookabarofsoapinherhandsandafterworkingupa
lather,rubbedbothbreasts,hergazefixedonhim,agleaminhereye.Theruffsofwhitefurappearedon
herwristsandlikeacollararoundherthroat,streamingwaterandsoapaswell.
Hisbodyrespondedandhergazefelltohisstiffeningcock,soshebecamemorevigorous,working
hernipples.Herinsedthelastoftheshampoofromhishairthensoapedhimselfupaswell,finallyusing
onehandtofondlehimself.
Hemetandheldhergazeandshegotthatlookinhereye,theonethatwasmoreshifterthanfae.
Hervoiceheldalowtimbreasshesaid,“ThatEphyxsurehasapowerfulsetofshouldersonhim.”
Hecaughtherarmsinhishands,thenspunheraround,movingherawayfromthesprayofwaterand
pushingherface-firstagainstthestonetiles.Ifhe’dbeeninanydoubtofwhatshewasreallyafter,thefact
thatsheshovedherbottomintohisgroinconfirmedhissuspicionthatshelovedworkinghimup.Shethen
jostledhim,sothathesteppedbackjustenoughtoallowhertobendover,herforearmsplantedagainst
thewall.
Theshifterinherwantedhimtotakeherinthisposition,toasserthisdominance,andhewaswilling.
Heleanedoverandshovedherlongwethairoverherrightshoulder.
Atthesametime,hetookhiscockinhishandandpressedagainstherentrance,thenstartedtopush.
Hewhisperedagainstherleftear,histongueflickingtheamethysts.“YoudaretotalkaboutEphyxto
me?”
Shemoanedashepushed.“Whyshouldn’tI?He’sabigman,apowerfulshifter,agreatwarrior.He
couldtakecareofhiswoman.”
Heroaredathertaunts,thenfellonher,openinghismouthwideandbitingthebackofherneckhard,
throughthethinruffoffur,butholdingbackhisfangs.Shegroanedheavilyandherentirebodyspasmedas
aheavyvibrationrolleddownherspine,somethinghefeltalldownhischestandgroin.
Hebegantothrustinsideher.You’remine,Lorelei,myprimefemale,mybondedbloodrose,noone
else’s.Doyouhearme?
Heplungedhardandfeltherrespondassheshovedherhipsbackathimwitheachthrust.
“Ibelongtoyou,Seth,justyou.I’myours.”Shegroanedlongandloud.
Hismatingvibrationcametolife,reachingforher,flowingthroughher,searchingforhers.Her
answeringmatingcallmethisinasuddentangleofintensesensationthatforcedhishipstogofaster.
Hereleasedherneck,buthisfangsemergedinsuddenneed.Shecriedout,“Doit.Oh,Seth,biteme.
Bitemehard.”
Hestruckswiftly,breachinghervein,andafterretractinghisfangs,hebegantodrinkinheavygulps.
Herbloodtastedofwineandappleblossoms.Hismouthtingledashesucked,thenswallowedherlife-
force.
Whenherbloodhithisstomach,hisbodylitonfire,poweringupmorethaneverbefore.Hismating
frequency,nowpulsingwithhersinperfectunion,alsosentavibrationthroughhisgroinandalongthe
lengthofhiscock.
“Oh,God,Seth,whatareyoudoingtome?”
I’mfuckingyou,Lorelei,makingyoumine,drinkingyoudown,andlettingyoufeelthestrengthof
mycockburieddeepinsideyou.
*********
Loreleigaspedforair,asherbodymovedinrhythmwithSeth,ashetookherblood,asheworkedher
wellwiththevibratinglengthofhiscock.Pleasurebuiltinpowerfulincrements,oneaftertheother,
drivinghertowardecstasy.
Iloveyou,Lorelei.
Hisresonantwordsdeepinsideherheadenflamedherheartanddrovehertothepinnacle.She’d
neverfeltsofullinherlife,hersoulconnectedwithherbody.Shesavoredeachdriveofhiscockwithin,
eachsuckofhislips,eachswallowofhisthroat.
Shefeltsomethinghappeningbetweenthem,greaterthaneventhebloodrosebondingthathadtaken
placeearlier.Oneofhisarmscoveredherbreasts,whilehisotherarmheldherhipsinplacesothathe
stayedconnected.
Doyoufeelthat,Seth?Thisthingbuildingbetweenus?
Yes,dearGoddess,yes.Hishipsmovedfasterandshecriedout.
Almostthere.
You’resotight,Lorelei,holdingmeasyouare.
Yourvibrationisflowingalongmychannel,andthroughmyabdomentotouchmyheart.Iloveyou,
Seth.
Iloveyou,tooandI’mclose.
Shefelthishipscurlashislipsleftherthroat.Heroseupbehindherandthrustfaster.
Heshoutedinthatwayofhis,asoundLoreleilovedhimtomakeandwhichbroughtecstasystreaming
throughherbody.Sheclenchedhardaspleasuredrocketedthroughher.ShefeltfullofSeth,fulloflove,
fullofsomuchpleasure.
Shescreamedashecontinuedtothrust.
Thenshefelthistonguelickingherleftearwheretheamethyststudsrosetothefaepoint.Hiships
stillworkedherbody,easiernow,butSethwasstillrockhard.Heflickedherearwickedly.
Yougameforanotherride?
Shesmiledagainstthetile,breathinghard,savoringthefeelofhispowerfulwarriorbodystill
pummelingher,workingheruponcemore.ThatAlophi!Hehasmassivearms.
Sethdidexactlywhatshewantedhimtodoasagainhebitdownhardonthebackofherneck,shifter-
style.Thebite,inturn,createdadirectlinetoherlowerabdomenandpleasuregrippedherfiercely.She
chuffedashedroveintoherinpowerfulthrusts.
You’reabadgirlandneedtobepunished.
Doyourworst.Shereachedbehindherandcaughtthebackofhisneckashecontinuedtopresshis
teethintoherskin,markingher,lettingherfeelthathehadcommandofher.
Pleasurebuiltoncemoreandwhenecstasyrolled,sharperthistime,shescreamedasheoncemore
shoutedhisrelease.
Hetookhertobedafterward,butspentthefirstfewhoursofdaylightsavoringherbody,takingherin
adozendifferentpositions,generoustoafault,andalwaysrespondingtohertauntswithexactlytheright
levelofpossessivenessthathershifternessloved.
Whenatlastshefellasleep,shewasn’tsuresheeverwantedtoleaveSeth’sbed.
*********
FulldarkhadarrivedandSethdrewLoreleioutontohisfrontporchthatoverlookedthegorgebelow
andtheriverrunningbetweenitssnowybanks.Neitherworeclothes,buthe’dwrappedthembothupin
thecomforter.Hekissedherneckandshesigheddeeply.“Thisisthemostmagnificentview.”
“Andit’sasbeautifulinthesummerasitisnow.Thewildlifeisamazing.”
“Icanhardlywaitfortheseasonstopass.”
Andthereitwas,themostwonderfultruthofhisnewlifewithhisbloodrose.Whenafewmonths
rolledby,withLoreleiinhishome,she’dgettoseetheShauckMountainsduringthelushsummerseason
whenthefawnshadgrownandbirdschatteredmadlythroughthetrees.Shewouldbewithhim.Solong
astheybothlived,hewouldn’tbealoneandshewouldneverbeon-the-runagain.
BothhisVampireGuardandhisShifterBrigadewereonpatrol.Hedidn’tusuallygivehimselfanight
off,butheneededthistimewithLorelei,todeepenhisbondwithher,andintheend,justtospendtime
withherandtogettoknowher.
He’dintroducedhertohishousekeeper,who’dlearnedofhismatingfromthegossipytrollsthatlived
intheShauckMountainsside-by-sidewiththeshiftercommunity.She’dbroughtaspicecake,homemade
elderberrywine,athickpotatosoup,moreofherfreshsourdoughbreadandfresh-churnedbutter.Asalad
ofgardengreensandanoliveoildressinghadcompletedwhatfeltlikeamarriagedinnerforhimselfand
Lorelei.
Hishousekeeperhadn’tstayedlongandafterthey’ddined,he’dmadelovetoherinhisbed,teasing
herearashelickedalongtherowofamethysts,delightingintheshifterruffsshesproutedassoonashe
startedkissingher,andfinallysavoringthejoiningoncemoreofhisbodytohers.
Nowheheldherinhisarms,onhisporch,enjoyingthenight.
“Iloveyou,Lorelei,morethanIcouldeversay,everexpress,notinathousandlifetimes.”
Sheturnedinhisarms,andhewrappedherupmoresecurelywiththecomforter.Sheheldhisface
withherhandsandkissedhimrepeatedly.“Iloveyou,too.”
Hekissedherinreturn,andmaybetheirmating-riddledscentfloodedtheairabovethegorge,drifting
totheoppositemountainridge,becauseinthedistancewolveshowled,callingtothenight.
Hewouldrememberthismomentaslongashelived,thetimewhenhissolitudeendedforever.
Loreleiwaswithhim,anintense,passionateshifterwomanwhogothim,whofilledouteveryuneven
edgeofhislife,andwhohadtaughthimthatatlonglasthewasn’talone.
TheEnd
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