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Chainsvision!

CHAPTER1

Chainedtoacavernwall,Adrienhungforwardfromhisshackles,armsshaking.Theshortlengthofthe
wrought-ironloopspreventedhimfromfallingtohisknees,butafterhoursoftorturehecouldn’tstandup
straightandhisshoulderjointswerelooseandscreaming.

Thetorturershadcomeandgone.
Through his pain, he heard his half brothers calling to him, shouting his name, forcing him to

concentrate.

He tried. But something else snagged him. The power that always hovered just at the edge of

consciousness,thepoweroftheAncestralsthatherejectedeverydayofhislife,whisperedtohim,She’s
here.

The vision came over him and his heart seized. He could feel the future in his bones as the images

pressed in on him, of a beautiful woman with soft highlights in her light brown hair, gold earrings
sparklinganddanglingpastherchin,awarmsmileonherlips.Sheworeadeepburgundyvelvetgown,
thecolorofblood,trimmedwithwhatlookedlikegoldcrystalsoverabodicethatrevealedadeeplineof
cleavage.Hershoulders,arms,andbackwerebare.Andhefeltsomethingforher,somethingthatcalled
tohisvampiresoul,somethingthatmadehimstrainagainsthismanacles.

Heneededtogettoher,tobewithher,tokeephersafe.
Thevisionrolled.
Let’sgo,shesaid.Sheextendedherhandtohim.Hetookit,thenjustashefeltthesoftnessofherpalm

andfingers,thevisionended,dissipatinglikedustinthewind.

Butnotthesensationsleftbehind,theneedhefelttobewithher,togettoher.Hestrainedharderinhis

chains,hurtinghimselfalloveragain.

Suddenly his stomach cramped and his body seized. He cried out in agony. He heard his brothers

shoutingathimbuthecouldn’trespond.

Thevisionofthewomanhadignitedhisblood-hunger.
Gettingjustenoughbloodwhilechaineduphadbeenanotherformoftorture.Heandhisimprisoned

brothers suffered the agonies of blood-hunger, the cramps, the saliva that thickened in his mouth, the
dreamsduringthedaylighthoursofpiercingavein.

Ifsomeactoffortunedidn’tbreakinhisdirectionsoon,blood-madnesswouldfollow.
“Adrien,talktous.Adrien.”
Herecognizedthevoice.Lucian,hisoldesthalfbrother,theonewhocarriedthesins-of-the-fatherin

hissoul.He’dbeentheonetobreakthemoutoftheirfather’scompound,leadingthemintoanewlifeof
sheddingyearsofintolerablepainandchannelingalltheirensuingrageintofiercefightingskills.They’d
becomepeacekeepersintheirworld.

“Adrien,comebacktous,brother.”Mariusthistime.
The pain ratcheted up, from both deep bruises and surface cuts. He’d been lashed with a whip then

beatenwithitsstickend.Hewasn’tsurewhichhurtworse.

“Adrien,answerus.”Lucianagain.
He tried to speak, but his throat felt washed with fire. In the middle of everything, he’d shouted his

painandhisrage.

Fortunately his blood-hunger began to dissipate, and he opened his eyes. Man-made dry-stone walls

separatedhimfromhistwobrothers,sothattheywerelinedupononesideofthecavernlikehorsesin
stalls.

“Adrien?”
“I’mhere.”Hisvoicewasbarelyawhisper.
But vampires had excellent hearing, so Lucian and Marius shouted their joy that he was still alive.

They’d been in this Himalayan hellhole for the past year, sent here by the Council of Ancestrals, now
ruled by Daniel Briggs, the monster who had chained them up personally, adding a touch of his
preternaturalpowertothemanaclessononeofthemcouldescape.

Luciancalledtohimagain.“Adrien,repeatthevows.”
Thevows.Yes,thevowshadheldthemtogetherallthesecenturies,fromthetimeoftheirescapefrom

themonster’sexperimentsonhisyoung.

Adrientriedtojoinin.Hislipsmoved,buthecouldn’tmakethesoundcomeout.
“Intimesofchaos,whatfeedsthewill?”Lucianshoutedthewords.
“Blood!” His brother’s voice resounded through the cavern, catching Adrien’s soul and easing his

pain.

“Whatfeedsusinthemidstofdestruction?”Lucianoncemore.
“Blood!”Mariuscried.
“Throughoutourlives,whatservesthebody?”
“Blood.”
“Blood,” Adrien whispered, trying to do his part, but a thousand whip marks all over his body still

trappedhisvoice.

Pain.Somuchpain.
His turn to recover today. They’d each been put under the whip once a week, beaten and sliced up

repeatedly.Sometimesthewomenwhoperformedthetorturebroughtclubsandbattlechainsjusttomix
thingsup.

“Adrien,doyouhearme?”Luciancalledoutstrongandloud.“Givetheresponse.We’rewaitingfor

you.”

Adrien blinked back the stinging sweat that dripped into one of the cuts on his cheek. His dark hair

hungindampclumpsinfrontofhim.Thehumidair,thetorture,andhissweatcreatedacloudofwetstink
and pain. Hanging as he was, his shoulders ached as though fire burned in each. He needed to draw
himselfback,buthecouldbarelymove.

“Adrien,”Luciancalledoutagain,hisvoicesharpandcommanding.“Givetheritualresponse.Now.”
“Blood,” Adrien said, the word like a soft scratch against wood, a mere hush in the dark vaulted

cavern.AmetallictastefilledAdrien’smouth.

Hespitonthefloorandtriedagain.“Blood.”Stillahoarsewhisper.“Blood.”Louder.“Blood.”
He repeated the word until his vocal cords decided to function again and now he shouted into the

jaggedstonewalls.

Hekeptshoutinguntilhisbrothersjoinedhim.“Blood,blood,blood.”
Hisstrengthreturnedslowlyuntilatlasthereachedbackandgrabbedtheheavylinksofblackwrought

iron.Hedrewhimselfupright,hiscutfeetbearinghisweightandcausinganewroundofagony.Butat

leasthisarmsweren’tthreateningtopopoutoftheirsockets.Hehookedhiselbowintheslackloopofthe
chainandlaidhisheaddownonhisarm,theonlywayhecouldsleep.

Yes,sleepwaswhatheneeded,butjustashemighthavedriftedoffhisthoughtssnaggedonDanieland

theCouncilheruled,whichhadallowedhimtosendAdrienandhisbrotherstothevampireprisoninthe
Himalayas.

OverthepasttwoyearsDanielhadrippedthevampireworldapart,removingauthorityfromthefive

smaller local courts and transferring it to the weak-willed, poorly governed Council of Ancestrals. He
was growing in wealth in a heinous, soulless manner, by dispossessing well-to-do vampires of their
fortunesandsellingoffextensivemineralrightstoahumannamedHarrisKiernan,atypicalmanofhis
species,fullofgreedandlittleelse.

AdrienwantedbothKiernanandDanieldeadsothattheycoulddonomoreharmagainstthevampire

world.ButmostlyhewantedDanieldead,hisbodyburned,bonesgroundtodust,andeverylastelement
salted.

He nodded against the chains, his body aching head-to-toe. So help him God, yes, he’d see Daniel

dead.

Andwithhisdeterminationshoreduponcemore,hefellasleep.

***

Asdarknessfell,andwithalanterninhand,LilyHavenmovedupthepaththatledtothesecretcavern
prison.

Shewalkedbehindoneofthejailers,afemalevampireofIndianorigin,herskinslightlypalerthanthat

ofherhumancounterparts.Thewomanflickedtheblackleatherhandleofawhip,asignofpreference,
ownership,usage.

Lily couldn’t believe she was here, that any of this was happening, that vampires existed and she

wouldsoonbeboundtoone.

Theblood-chainaroundLily’sneck,thetoolshe’dbeusingtotakecontrolofalargemalevampire,

vibratedalmostpainfully.

Shecouldfeelhimnow,andtheterriblepainheendured,theonewhosebloodhadbeenforgedintothe

metalthatnowhunginthinloopsaroundherneck.

Harris Kiernan had warned her what the female guards did to the prisoners, torturing the men to the

point of death, each of them once a week, something that had been going on since shortly after the
prisoners’arrivalayearago.He’dtoldhertoprepareherselfforaroughrideoneveryfront—thather
job here in India, to take charge of the vampire known as Adrien, would only be the beginning of a
difficulttrek.

Difficultdidn’tbegintodescribeherjourneyofthelasttwoyears.Ithadstartedwithanattackonher

neighborhood while she’d been visiting her sister in Oregon. A vicious group of vampires had gone
through her neighborhood on a rampage, killing, raping, and stealing, an event the US government still
called “an unparalleled gang-related attack.” That night she’d lost what was most precious to her: a
belovedhusband,adaughterJessie,justfive,andhersonJosh,whohadbeeneightatthetime.

She’dgrievedwithoutcessationuntiltwomonthsagowhenshe’dlearnedthathersonwasstillalive.

Josh,nowten,stilllived,whichiswhathadbroughtherhere.Kiernanhadheldhersoncaptivefortwo
years,thoughwellcaredfor,she’dbeenassured.AndallLilyhadtodotogethimbackwastakecharge
ofapowerfulvampireandusehimtofindwhatwascalledanextinctionweapon.ThenJoshwouldbe
returnedtoher.

***

Lily carried a damp washcloth in her free hand, intending to hold it to her nose given the terrible
conditionsinthecavern-turned-prison.Asshedrewneartheopening,shesawthatthedoorwaywaslined
withintricatelycarvedstoneblocks,asignthatshehadenteredasecretvampireworld.

Thefirsthintofthestenchinsidereachedherandshejerkedherwrist,bringingthewashclothtoher

face.

ThewomanglancedatLily.“Somesayitsmellslikeagarbagebinbehindarestaurant,onlyahundred

timesworse.Idon’tsmellit,ofcourse.I’vegotanoselikeahyena.”Thenshelaughed,whippedherhead
around,andmovedwithin.“Liketheprisonersinside,anyonecangetusedtothesmells.”

Lily remained for a moment near the entrance, breathing through her mouth as much she could, the

washclothpressedoverthebridgeofhernose.Finallysheliftedthelanternhighandfollowed,watching
asdirtgavewaytoafloormadeofstonepavers.

Crossingthethreshold,shesawthatthespacerosetoatleastfiftyfeetinheight,atypical-lookingcave

madeofjaggeddarkrock,althoughportionsofthewallsappearedtohavebeenworkedwithchiselsat
onetime.Maybetherewereevenpatternsbutgiventhedimlight,shecouldn’ttell.

Shehadn’tgottenmorethanfifteenfeetwhenawaveofdizzinesswashedoverherandshestopped.
Thedizzinessagain.Fromthetimeshe’dputthechainon,hersenseshadcomealiveinawayshe’d

neverexperiencedbefore,asthoughshecouldknowthingsifshejustfocused.

But this time the feeling of knowing became more and more specific until the space in front of her

shifted, moving fast all around the edges. A vision emerged as the women brought one of the prisoners
from his individual space, an open cell separated from other cells with walls of stacked stones. She
recognizedhimfromthedossiersshehadoneachvampire.HewastheonecalledAdrien,theoneshe’d
betakingwithher.

Hewasnaked,thestateallthemenwerekeptin,andhisdarkhair,notquiteblack,hunginlank,filthy

strandsalmosttohisshoulders.

Hestaredfrombeneathtightbrowsashewalkedforward,akindofsoftlightilluminatinghervision.

Thechainsbetweenhismanacledfeetdraggedagainstthestone,makingascrapingsoundshewouldn’t
soonforget.MaleguardsstoodnearbywithTasers,oneofthemosteffectiveweaponsagainstvampires.
Somethingaboutthevampiremetabolismmadethemsusceptibletoelectricity.

Adrien was tall, six-six according to the file on him, and much paler than the resident Indian

counterparts, clearly descended from European stock. Despite the length of his captivity, he was well
muscled,andinthisvisionhedidn’thaveasinglewoundorscaronhim.Hewasincrediblyhandsome,
his cheekbones strong, a shallow indentation in his chin, his lips full, his brows straight. She had seen
picturesofhim,butshehadn’tbeenexactlypreparedforthebreadthofhisshouldersortheflexingofhis
powerfulthighsashemoved.

She was drawn to him, something she didn’t want to be feeling at all given that he was what she

despisedmost:avampire.

Nowshesensedthetimesequence.Twohoursago.He’dbeentorturedonlytwohoursago.
ThevisioncontinuedastheguardsthreatenedtousetheTasersunlessAdriendidashewastold.He

obeyed,backinguptothewall.Theguardsslippedtheloosechainsfromeachmanacledwristoverhooks
onthewall.

Whenthewhippingbegan,Lilyclosedhereyes,butthevisiondidn’tcareandshowedhereverything

anyway,straightintoherhead,eachstrikeonAdrien’sflesh,eachcryfromhislips,bloodflowingfrom
woundafterwounduntilhisfleshpeeledawayfromhisbodyinahundreddifferentplaces.

Thewomentookturnsflayinghim,eyesglittering,nostrilsflaring,sweatflowingfromtheworkittook

towieldthewhipandmakethecutsasdeepaspossible.

NotuntilAdrienpassedoutdidthevisionbegintofade.
“Hey,human,youinsomekindatrance?”
Lilyblinkedandhereyesightreturned;hersenseofsmellaswell.Somehowinwatchingthevision,

she’dtakenthewashclothfromhernose.Shereturneditnowandonlywithtremendouseffortkeptfrom
vomiting.

“TakemetoAdrien,”shemumbledbehindtheterrycloth.
“You’reinluck.He’sstillhangingfromtheobediencehooks.”Thewomanlaughedoncemore.“These

prisonersneverlearn.”

Lilywasn’tfarfromAdriennow.Shecouldfeelhim,asthoughshealreadyknewhim,butthesensation

rankled.Adrien,andallhiskind,deservedtodisappearfromthefaceoftheearth,sowhyshouldshecare
abouthispain?Hewasavampire,liketheoneswhohaddestroyedherfamilyandherneighbors.

As she turned the corner of one of the high walls made of flat stones stacked neatly on top of one

another,thereAdrienwas,justlikeinthevision,cutupandbeaten.Butbecausetwohourshadpassed,he
waswellonhiswaytohealing.Liketherestofhiskind,hehadapowerfulabilitytorecoverfromthe
mostseverewoundswithinhours.

Herestedhisheadonthechains,butwithhiseyesclosed,heheldhimselfupright,feetplantedovera

footapart.

Shesetthelanternonthefloor.“Wheredoeshegoafterawhipping?”
“Backtohisstall,notmuchdifferentfromthis.Smaller.”
Withthedampclothstillpressedtoherface,Lilyglancedatthestonefloorathisfeet.Hestoodina

poolofdarkblood,hisblood,andwhatsheassumedwerelayersofdriedbloodbeneath.

Shetorehergazeawayandliftedherchin.Thechain-basedvisionswantedtoreturn,sweepingover

her,butshepressedthemback.Shehadseenenoughfornow.

“Leavethiscave,”shesaidtothewoman.
“What?”
“Youheardme.Iwanttobealonewiththeprisoner.”
Thewomanopenedandclosedhermouth,thenshrugged.Sheslappedherwhipagainstherhandand

mutteredsomethingabouthumanbitchesthatneededtobedraineddry.

Whenshewasgone,LilydrewclosetoAdrien,standingonlyfourfeetaway.Shecontinuedtobreathe

through her mouth and held the washcloth close. Even with half-healed cuts all over his body, he was
magnificent,likesomethingsculptedfrommarble.Hisbrows,however,werepulledintoatightknot.

Butasshestaredupathimthechainshummed,andsheknewadeepertruthaboutthevampire:Hewas

tryingtofigureoutnothowtoescape,buthowtomurdersomeone.Shefelthisdeterminationasthoughit
releasedinhissweat.

***

Adrien returned to consciousness, but he didn’t know why. He was only partially healed, and his body
throbbedwithpain.Usuallyhe’dsleepforhourstocompletehishealingprocessasquicklyaspossible.

Yetsomethinghadawakenedhim,butwhat?
Abovetheusualfilthofthecavern,hesmelledascentdifferentfromthevampireswhousuallytook

shifts—ahumansmell,onethatfilledhimwithrage.

Hedespisedtheworldofhumans,alwaystakingwhattheywantednomatterwhogothurt,orrobbed,

or dispossessed; the way they traded, for a few miserable dollars, the flesh of their kind into the

forbiddensex-slaveringsofhisworld,nevertobeseenagain.Andthewaytheyillegallypurchasedthe
mineralrightsofthecavesDanielBriggsstolefromhisfellowvampires.

Andnowahumanwashere,awoman,intheHimalayanprison.
Smallsparksflewthroughhismind,asthoughpartofhimregisteredwhatwashappeningthoughthe

otherpartstayedsunkindenial.Themusclesofhisarmsreacted,flexingindeeppullsthenrelaxingasif
displayinghisbiceps.Hisabsknottedupinthesameway.

Withhiseyesstillclosed,heliftedhishead,leaningforward,strainingagainsthismanacles,pullingat

thechainsthatboundhim.Strengthflowedintohisarms,andaprofoundneedsweptthroughhimtogetout
ofhisrestraints.Heneededtobefreetoprotecthisbrothersfromtheenemy,fromthehuman.

Hegroaned.
“What’sbrewing,Adrien?”Luciancalledtohim.
“The enemy is here.” His voice sounded raspy again. He opened his eyes, but he couldn’t see very

well.He’dtakenalotofblowstotheheadandfacethistime.

“Youmeanthehuman?Wecansmellher,too.”
Heblinkedseveraltimesandthereshewas,staringathimfromapairoflargehazeleyes.
Hebreathedinandyes,shewasveryhuman,astenchmoreheinoustohimthantheputridsmellsofthe

cavern.Shehadalanternnearherfeetbuthecouldseehereasilyasheadjustedhisvampirevision.

Themomentshecamefullyintoview,however,hestalledout.Hisragelefthim,flowingbackward,

andsomethingelserushedtowardthewoman,somethinghedidn’twanttofeel.Itwasher,thewomanin
hisvision.

Astrangecombinationofdesireandneedboiledwithinhim.Hefeltasthoughheknewheronsome

levelhecouldn’texplain.

Thentheangerreturned,atherkind,fortheirgreed.
“Whatdoyouwant?”hecalledout.
“Adrien, what the hell is going on?” Lucian’s voice, louder this time, more urgent, bounced off the

jaggedstoneceiling.

Adrien couldn’t respond, partly because he didn’t know what the hell was happening and partly

becausetimehadjustdrawntoahardstandstill.

Hisbrotherscalledtohim,buthecouldn’tquitehearthem.Hewatchedthewoman’slipsmove,soshe

musthavebeenspeakingaswell,buthisearshadshutdown.

Hesawherasthoughsunshinecascadedoverherlong,lightbrownhair.Whatwouldherhairlooklike

pulleduphighonherhead?Didsheownaburgundygowndottedwithgoldcrystals?Hewantedher.He
neededher.Buthecouldn’tbefeelingthisway,notaboutahuman.

Histhighmusclescontractedandhiskneesbent.Hetiltedhisheadbackandshoutedintotheheightsof

thecave,asoundthatroaredinhisears.Hisbrothersshoutedaswell,joininghim.

Whenhelookedbackatthewoman,she’dcoveredherearswithherhands,herfacetwistedinpain,

whichcausedhimacertainamountofpleasure.Sheshouldhurt,thisshort-livedmortal,arepresentative
ofaraceheabhorred.

Hestruggledharderagainstthechainsandmanacles,bruisingandcuttinghiswristsandanklesashe

triedtogettothewoman,wantinghertopay.

Shemovedtowardhim,tearsnowrunningdownhercheeks.Whywassheweeping?Hisarmsflailed

and the chains clanked as he reached toward her. Her expression looked windblown, and he knew he
neededtostopalltheshouting,buthecouldn’tquiethisvoice,notuntilherhandslandedonhischest.

Hisbackarchedandhecriedoutonelasttime.Hetookshortpuffsofairintohislungs,buthebeganto

calmdown.

Onlythen,withthetouchofherhandseasinghim,didherealizehewasinafullstateofarousal.
Whatthehellwasthishumandoingtohim?

***

Lily’sheartpoundedsohardthatshe’dgrowndeaffromthesoundoftherhythmicrushthroughherears.
HerfingersfeltthesplitofskinbeneathherhandsandevenwetnessfromAdrien’sopenwounds,butit
just didn’t matter. All that mattered was quieting the vampire so that her ears would stop feeling like
kniveswereslicingthemup.

He thrashed in his chains, hurting himself even more. His wrists and ankles now bled in long red

rivulets.Hiseyeshadaredhueandhe’dbaredhisfangs.Shecouldfeelhishatredofherasmuchfrom
thechainaroundherneckasthepoweremanatingfromhisbody.

Helookedlikeamadman,hisbodygyrating,hismusclesfromstemtosternflexingandripplingashe

triedtopullawayfromthewalltogettoher.

Andyethewasaroused,whichtoldhertheotherpartofthestory,thathehadapowerfuldrivetoward

herhedidn’twanttohave.Thishadallthemakingsofanightmare.

She ignored that his erection pressed against her stomach. He didn’t even seem to notice his sexual

state. Instead, his eyes bored into hers, and as she kept her hands flat against his chest, he finally grew
still,thoughhisnostrilsmovedlikebellowswitheachbreath.

Theothervampiresinthecaverngrewquietaswell,asthoughsensingAdrien’sgrowingcalm.The

threemenwerehalf-brothers,thoughsheknewlittleelseaboutthemexceptthattheyservedasatypeof
policingforcefortheirkind.

Asshestaredupathim,chillsracedoverhershouldersanddownherarms.Herchesttightenedasa

strange sensation gripped her deep in her stomach, something that emanated from the chain around her
neck.KiernanhadtoldheritwouldrecognizeAdriensincethespecialist—somethingcalledanAncestral
inthevampireworld—hadusedAdrien’sbloodtocreatethechain.

Sheopenedhermouthtotellhimabouthercurrentmissionandwhatsheneededhimtodo,butallshe

couldseemtofocusonwastheshadeofhiseyes,anexquisiteshadesomewherebetweenblueandgreen,
almostatealbutquieter,softenedwithfaintbrownflecks.

Sherealizedthatshecouldseereallywellinthedark,anotherresultoftheblood-chain.Essentially,

onceconnected,she’dbesiphoningmoreandmorepowerfromthechainandfromAdrienhimselfafter
she’dboundhimwiththematchingchain.Inthemeantime,shecouldalreadyfeelthechainatworkonher.
Thevisionalonehadtoldherthatmuch.

Shelookedathislips,fullandsensual.Hestrainedtowardher,leaningintoher.“You’remyenemy,”

hehissed.

“Andyetyoudesireme.”
“I want you on your back, human, then I’ll make you feel just how weak you are compared with my

kind.”

“You speak of my weakness, but I’m not the one hanging from massive chains in a prison. You are.

Howdidyougethere,vampire?Whatbroughtyoutothiscavern?”

“Treachery,”hemuttered.
“Ofcourse.Yourkindalwayshasanexcuse.Butatleastweseemtounderstandeachother,Ihateyour

kindandyoudespisemine.WeoughttoatleastbeonanequalfootingwhenItakechargeofyou.”

“Whatdoesthatmean?”
Shebackedawayslowly,andasherhandslefthischesthisgazefelltothechainatherneck.Hiseyes

narrowed.

“I’llbetakingyououtofhere.”
“You’vegotablood-chain.”
“Ido.”
“Andyou’vegotthematchingone?”
She nodded. “I was hired by a private individual to take you into my custody and make use of your

powers.”

Hescowled.“Danielwouldneverallowthatunlesshe’dsanctionedtherelease.”
“WhoexactlyisDaniel?”
Adrien snorted. “Daniel Briggs, the vampire in charge of everything right now, including this lovely

prison.”

“IreporttoHarrisKiernan,nooneelse.”
Thevampirehissed.“HeandDanielworktogether,alittlemarriedcouple.”
“I’vebeentoldtoexplainafewthingstoyou.First,you’llbeboundtomeandwe’llbeunabletoget

morethanafewfeetapartatanygiventime.Second,foreitherofustoremovethechainwillmeandeath
toboth.Finally,you’llhavetodoasIsay.Andjusttobeclear,I’mmoredeterminedthanyoucanimagine
toseemymissionthrough.I’vegotalotatstakeandIwillgetwhatI’vecomeherefor.Ordietrying.”
Sheloweredherchin.“Doyouunderstand?”

“You’resayingyou’reputtingyourlifeonthelineforyourmission.”
“That’sright.”
“Haveyouconsideredthatoncebound,Imightdecidetodothesame?ThatImightfindlivinginthis

stateaworthlessventure?”

“Yes,butitdoesn’tmatter.I’vemadethedecisiontobindmyselftoyouandifdeathfollows,sobeit.”
He nodded slowly. “All right, I believe you. So what’s your mission?” His eyes flared suddenly.

“Wait,Icansensesomethingfromyou,aboutyou.You’realocator,aren’tyou?”

“That’swhatI’vebeentold.That’swhyI’mhere.”
“Andifweformthisbond,you’llbeabletofindthings,isthatit?”
“Yes.”Shewatchedashestartedputtingthepiecestogether.
“Shit.You’reaftertheextinctionweapon.”
She drew in a deep breath, vaguely aware that she no longer held the washcloth, nor did it seem to

matter.“Iam.”

“Doyouunderstandtheramificationsofthisweapon?”
“Thatithasthepotentialtodestroytheentirevampirerace.”
The other vampires shouted suddenly for Adrien to refuse to go with Lily, but he called out, “The

humanhasalreadysaidthatKiernan—andthereforeDaniel—hasturnedmeovertoher.Ifhehashishand
inthis,wecanbesurehewon’tbefarbehindintryingtogettheweaponforhimself.Imaginethecontrol
hecouldexertoverourrace.Ihavetodothisthing.”Hemetandheldhergaze.

Lilysawthestrengthofhiminthatmoment,hisbasicintent—andthatthelastthinghe’deverdowas

turnovertheweapononcehehaditinhand.

Great.
Shedrewadeepbreathandsethershouldersoncemore.
Okay,oneproblematatime.
“I’mgladyou’rebeingreasonable.”Lilybeganbackingawayfromhim.“I’llgetyourbathready.”
Sheturned,pickedupthelantern,andheadedout,butthefarthershemovedawayfromhim,themore

thestenchreturnedlikeafurnace-blastofodor.Somewhere,she’ddroppedthewashcloth.

Shepickedupherfeetandrantherestoftheway.

Onceoutsidethecavern,nowfullydark,shejoggedbackdownthepath.Thevampirewhohadledher

toAdrienwaitedforherbyhertent.

Furiousalloveragainthatshewasevenhere,forcedbycircumstancesasheinousastheywereoutside

hercontrol,shedeliveredherorders,herwordsclipped.“Givehimanotherhourorsotoheal,thenget
himclean.Idon’tcareifyouhavetousepumiceoneveryinchofhisskin,justgethimclean.”

“I’ll see that he’s bathed.” The vampire turned and headed back into the main camp to round up her

forces.

When Lily went inside her tent, she quickly stripped off her clothes. She moved into her makeshift

campshower,wonderingifshe’deverfeelcleanagain.Asshesoapedup,sheshudderedathermemory
ofAdrien,thatshe’dfoundtheenemybeautiful,thatshe’ddesiredavampire.

Thethoughtfeltunholyasshescrubbedfromheadtofoot.
Shewouldorderherclothesburned,especiallysincetheyhadAdrien’sbloodonthem.Shewantedno

visceralmemoryofhertimehereifshecouldpossiblyhelpit.

Although the water was just barely warm, even after the staff added hot water to the tank, she stood

beneaththeshowerandshampooedherhair,scrubbedherskinraw,andonlyquitwhenshecouldn’tsmell
thecaveanylonger.

AfterwardshewrappedherselfupinathickrobeandreviewedthelatestemailfromKiernan.Herfirst

step was simple: bind Adrien with the matching chain, then take him back to his Paris apartment to get
preppedforthemission.Oncehewasready,shewastocontactKiernan,whowantedtoknoweverystep
ofherprogress.

Sighingheavily,sheopenedasmallcasetoherrightandremovedachainthatmatchedherown,made

upofthesamesmalldarkloops.Herchainvibratedassheslippedthesecondchainoverherhead.

In the box was something else, something to help her remember why she was binding herself to a

vampire.Shepickedupasmallpieceofcloth,takenfromJosh’sshirt,stainedwithhisblood.

Asshetowel-driedherhair,sheheardathumpingonthepathoutside.Adozenmenhurriedby,barely

shadowsinthedark.Twoofthemhauledahugestainless-steeltub,whichgotdumpedunceremoniously
notfarfromhertent.Thosemenracedbackupthepathinthedirectionofthecavern.

Sheheardshoutinginthedistance.
Whatthehellwasgoingon?
Shemovedtothetentdoorwayandheldherrobeclosed.Otherstaffarrivedandbeganfillingthetub,

some with cold water, some carrying buckets that steamed, but all those heads were also turned in the
directionofthecave.

Shelistenedhard.
AboutfifteensecondslatersheheardAdrien’svoice.Hewasshouting,thenroaring,thennothing,at

leastfromhim.

When the shouting of the guards didn’t abate, Lily got dressed in jeans and a T-shirt, and slid into a

cleanpairofloafers.

Shelefthertentandhurriedbackupthepath.Bythetimeshereachedthegroupattheopeningtothe

cave,sherealizedthattheguardswerefiringTasersintoAdrien,laughingashispronebodyjerkedinthe
dust.Hemoanedeachtimehewashit.

“Whatthehellareyoudoing?”shecalledout.“Ineedhim.”
Themen,allpaled-outvampireIndians,turnedtoher,eyesasviciousasthewomen’s.
“Hegaveustrouble,”thetallestmansaid,swattingataflynearhishead.HeglaredatLily.
Alie,ofcourse.ThemanaclesAdrienworeheldapreternaturalchargeandkepthimfromdoingmore

thanshuffling,justashehadinthecaveduringhervision.

Whensheglanceddownathim,hecranedhisnecktolookupather.
Meeting his hostile gaze, her own rage flared, not just at him, but at the collective nature of the

vampires around her, without decency of any kind. So typical, in her opinion, that they would torture a
prisonerlikethis,oneoftheirown.

“Takehimtothebath,”shesaidquietly.Shewantedoutofhereassoonaspossible,andtheonlyway

outwastogetthevampirecleanthenboundtoherwiththesecondchain.

IttooksixmentoliftthatmuchmuscleandhaulAdrienbackdownthepathtothelargemetaltub,now

fullofsteamingwater.

Once he was in the oversized bath, his knees pulled up to make him fit, she set them at the task of

scrubbingthegrimeoffhim.Fortunately,hepassedout.Sheorderedthewaterchangedtwomoretimes.

Whenatlasthewasclean,sheremovedthebondingchainfromherneckandcarefullyplaceditover

Adrien’shead,workingitpasthisthickhairthattouchedhisshoulders,untilitrestedagainstthebackof
hisneckanddippeddowninfronttohiscollarbone.

A vibration passed from her chain to his. Her heart beat hard in her chest, as though trying to break

free.Shetookdeepbreaths.Astrangetinglingmovedthroughherbody,fromherhead,flowinginwaves
downtoherfeetthenbackupasthechainmadetheconnectionshe’dbeentoldwouldhappen.

The connection solidified and she placed her hand on Adrien’s chest over the chain. She sensed so

manythingsabouthimallatthesametime:hisrage,hisphysicalagony,andhisdesiretokeephisworld
safe.

Shelookedupattheguard.“Getthesemanaclesoff.Now.”
Theguardsettowork,usingaspecialtooltopoundouttheboltsthatlockedthemanaclesinplace.

Oncebothsetsweregone,shesenttheguardaway.

Withtheblood-chaininplace,Adrienwouldn’tbeabletomovebutafewfeetawayfromher.
Oh,God,shewasnowboundtoavampire.
Butherreasons,yes,herreasonswereworthanythingthathappenedfromthispointforward.

CHAPTER2

Adrienhurtdeepintohisbody,asthoughtheelectricityfromtheTasershadtakentherecenttortureand
drivenitintohisbones.He’dfinallyleftthecavernforthefirsttimeinayear,andthoughhehadbeen
completelyincapacitatedwithmanaclesandchains,theguardshadstillfiredhalfadozenTasersathim
repeatedly.

Hisfellowvampires.
Theguardsweren’tevenhumans.
As his consciousness returned, he realized he sat in a tub of warm water that felt damn good on his

aching, whipped body. He couldn’t imagine what he smelled like. After that many months in a closed
environment,he’dlosttheabilitytosmellwhathadessentiallybecomeacesspool.

Hisneckhurt.Hisheadrestedonthethinmetallipofthetubbuthecouldn’tseemtodoanythingabout

it,probablybecauseofthesemi-paralysisthatstillkepthimimmobile.Damn,thoseTasershadhurt.

Hedrewinadeepbreathandrecognizedthehumanscentfromearlier,fromtheonedeterminedtoget

theextinctionweapon.

He shifted in her direction and stared at her from beneath hooded lids. She knelt beside the tub,

watchinghim.He’dbeenwithoutsexforayear,andwithoutadecentdraughtofblood.Thewomanwould
servehisneedsjustfine.

His nostrils flared as he smelled her sex and her blood, both scents beating at his body, firing his

appetites.

“Adrien,canyouhearme?”
Henoddedslowly.“Yes.”
“MynameisLily.LilyHaven.I’vealreadyputthebondingchainonyou.Canyoufeelit?”
Whenhedidn’tanswerrightaway,shepickeduphishandandpresseditagainsthisneck,andhefelt

thethinloopsaswellasavibrationbeneathhisfingers.“You’veboundme.”

“Ihave.”
Hisangerreturned:Eventhoughthewrought-ironmanaclesweregonehewasstillaprisoner,justa

differentkind.Andboundtoahuman.

Heglaredather,lettingherfeelhisanger.
Thistime,shetouchedthechainatherthroat.“Somuchrage.”
“Yes,attheveryleast,rage.”
“Ididn’twantthis.”Hervoicewaslittlemorethanawhisper.
“Butyou’llbewellpaidforyourtrouble.”
Atthat,shereleasedasigh.“Yes.Iwill.”
Hecontinuedtoholdhergaze,toletherfeelthathedidn’tintendtogoeasyonher,thatshewouldn’t

beenjoyinghertimewithhim,andthatifitcametoit,he’ddestroytheweaponbeforeheletherhaveit.

Her chin dipped several times in succession as though she understood his thoughts. Maybe she did,

because he could feel her easily through the chains as well—he knew that she feared him but was
determinedtodowhateverneededtobedonetofulfillhermission.

Andshewasalocator,rareineitherthevampireorthehumanworld.ButhowhadeitherKiernanor

Danielfoundher?He’dheardofthiskindofability,andthatitcouldonlyworkifpairedwithavampire
of sufficient power. Through the blood-chain, she’d be able to access his power, draw it into her, and
eventuallygaintheskillofconnectingwithanythingshewantedtofind.

Inthiscase,aweapontodestroyhiskind.
Thatangertowardthevampireworldradiatedfromherdidn’tsurprisehim.Theworldshadbegunto

clash,anditwasgettingharderandhardertokeepthevampireworldasecret.

And somehow she had run head-on into either Kiernan or Daniel, a deal had been struck probably

involvingasmallfortune,andnowshewashere.

Yetreallyangry,asthoughsomeinjusticehadbeendonetoher.Thatwasthesurprise:thatshewould

beusingKiernantogainafortune,yetbealmostasangryashewasbythearrangement.

Now,therewasamysterytosolve.
Becauseshewassophysicallyclose,however,amoreurgentproblemsurfacedashecaughttherich

scentofherblood.Hishungerreturnedandhegroaned.

Hefeltheremotionsabruptlyshifttoconcernforhim.“Howbadlyareyouhurt?”
“Nothurt.Ineedblood.”Heglaredather.Butthewomanoughttoknowwhatwasheadedherway,

andthathe’dhitherlikeafreighttrainrightnowifshedidn’tbackoff.

Sheleanedawayfromhimasthoughsensinghisthoughts.Hereyeswidened,andnowhesmelledhow

muchhefrightenedher.

The scent of fear beat at him and his fangs emerged. “You’d better move as far from me as you can

rightnow—oroffermeavein.Oneortheother,human.”

Sherosetoherfeetthenbackedupfarenoughthathefeltthetugofthechainathisneck,thewarning

thatbecausetheywerebound,theywerelimitedbydistanceaswell.

Hepressedhishandagainstthechainandglancedatthewoman.Shestoodtenfeetaway,nomore.
Heclosedhiseyes.
Bound,again.
Chain-bound.
He’dwornadifferentsetofchainsinhisyouth.He’dbeenboundtotheevilone,andcouldn’tleave

thehouseorthegroundssincedearoldDadhadbuiltanelectricfencetokeephissonsprisoner.

“Adrien.”
Heshiftedhisheadtowardheroncemore.
“I…thisisn’twhoIam.”
“Whatdoyoumean?”
Sheshiftedhergazeawayfromhim.“Nothing.Nevermind.Assoonasyou’reable,there’sashower

inmytent.It’llhelp.”

But a different kind of emotion vibrated through the chain at his neck, coming from her. He didn’t

understanditatfirst;thenarollofpainwentthroughhimandhefinallygotit:Thehumanwasincredibly
sad.Infact,shewasgrief-stricken.

Butthepartofhimthathadsufferedsnortedatherdespair.Letthehumanfeelherpain.
Whatwasshetohim?
Whatcouldsheeverbetohim,buttheenemy?

***

Lilyslidbotharmsoverherstomachasshestaredatthemassivevampireinthehugeyettoo-smallmetal
tub.Hewatchedherwithsuchapredatorystarethatchillskeptchasingoverherbody.

Shesensedsomanythingsfromhim—hisconfusion,hisanger,butmostlyhisblood-hunger—andright

nowshefeltliketheflytohisspider.

She’dneverbeenaroundamanlikehimbefore.Thesheersizeofhimwasenoughtomakeherwary.

Only he wasn’t just a man, but a vampire, a different race altogether, something she didn’t understand,
somethingshedidn’ttrust,somethingmuchmoreanimalthanhuman.

Andlethal.
Nor was it helping that the shared chain opened him up to her, revealing his aggressive intentions

toward her—his desire for her blood for one thing, and sex for another. His level of determination
becameanitchonherskin.

Rightthenshefelttheenergyofwhohewas:aballoffire,ofrage.Hehadpoweraswell.Formidable

power.KiernanhadtoldherthatAdrienhadthepotentialtobecomeanAncestral,somethingrareinthe
vampireworldandsomethingladenwithpreternaturalability.

And for the first time, she truly doubted that she’d ever be able to see her mission through. For one

thing,hisloyaltieslayelsewhere,withhisbrothersstillinprisonandwiththevampireworldgenerally,
sohecouldneverbeatrulyreliablepartner.Butgivenhissizeandphysicalstrength,thathewasatrained
fighterandthathehadtremendouspotentialamonghiskind,whatonearthmadeKiernanthinkshe’dbe
abletocontrolhimallthewaytotheend?

***

AdrienstoodbeneaththeshowerattachedtoLily’stent.Hehadn’tbeencleaninayearandhedidn’tcare
howmanytimesLily’screwhadtorefillthetank,he’dbedamnedbeforehetookonemorestepintothe
futurewithoutgettingeverymoleculeoffilthoffhim.

Hescrubbedhishairuntilhisscalpburned;hislegs,arms,andchestuntilhisskinfeltraw;hiscrotch

untilhefeltbruised.

Only then, stripped of the last of the cavern muck, did he step, naked as hell, from the shower into

Lily’stent.Hiscaptorsatatasmalldesk.

Sheglancedathimandgrewverystillasshelookedhimupanddown.Herlipsparted,hernostrils

flared.Andjustlikethat,asunexpectedasanythinghecouldhaveimagined,hesmelledhersex,awarm,
sweetflowofdesirethattightenedhisabs.Shewantsme.

Sheclearedherthroat,thengesturedtoastackoftowelsonasmalltabletohisright.“Helpyourself.”
She returned to review something on her desk, a small notepad. She rubbed her neck beneath her

bindingchain.Apparently,thefairlylightweightstringofsmallblackloopschafedherasitdidhim.

Good.Ifhehadtobebound,thenhewantedherannoyedandscratchingtogetfreeaswell.
His jaw quivered at the sight of her, all woman, a reminder yet again that he’d not been between a

woman’slegsintoodamnlong.

Helethisgazefallslowlydownherbody.Shestretched,herhandsbehindherback,whichpushedher

chest forward. Her breasts were large and firm. A nice handful. A better mouthful. Her narrow waist
flaredtowomanlyhips.

Herhairhunginsoftwavestothemiddleofherbackinalightbrown,layeredflowwithsubtlegold

streaks, hair obviously cared for in an expensive salon. Once again he noticed the beauty of her hazel
eyes.Shehadthickdarklashes,archedbrows,fulllips.

Sheturnedtowardhimandheletthetowelfallawayfromhisnowpartiallyerectcock.Sheneededto

knowwhatheintendedhertohave,thesoonerthebetter.

“WhatamIsupposedtodoaboutclothes?”heasked.
Hergazedroppedexactlywherehewantedit.Butshelookedaway,swirlingherhandinhisdirection.

“Atleastputatoweloverthat.”

“Youmightaswellgetusedtoit,Lily.”Shejumpedattheuseofhername.“Ihaven’tgottenlaidina

longtimeandit’sallIcanthinkaboutrightnow.That,andtappingyourvein.”

Sheshookherhead,colorclimbinghercheeks.“You’vegotthefreeuseofyourhand.”
Oh,thiswastooeasy.Hestaredatherhardashetookhiscockinhisfistandstartedstroking.“You’re

right,Ido.”

Shemadeadisgustedsound,leftherchair,andheadedtothefronttentflaps.
Hecalledout,“Wait,human—”
Butshe’dmovedtoofasttryingtogetawayfromhim.Shegotpulledbackwardbythechain’spower

andlandedonherass.Hecouldn’thelphimself:Helaughedlongandloud,anditfeltgood.

She stood up and swiped at her jeans. She turned to face him, her jaw grinding. “Would you please

coverup?”

Theslightnoteofdesperationinhervoicemadehimwonder.Heleveledhisgazeonherandasked,

“Yousureyouwantmetodothat?”

Shelookedhimupanddownoncemore,blinkingacoupleoftimes.
Shetookadeepbreath.“Thisisn’tgoingtobesimple,”shemuttered.Meetinghisgazeoncemore,she

said, “Yes, please cover up. I won’t deny I’m tempted, because ever since I saw you in the cave, the
chainshaven’treallystoppedvibrating,andI’vebeenexperiencingvisionsaswell.I’mfeelingtoomuch
here,butI’mnotfoolenoughtobelieveitmeansanything.Youknowhowyoulook,howwomenreactto
you.You’reaslabofmeat,nothingmore.”

Hatredboiledinhimthatshewouldspeaktohimthatway.Inhisworld,hewasadmiredandnotjust

becauseofhisappearance.Forhertoreducehimtosomethingfoundinaslaughterhouserepulsedhim.
Shehadnosoul,thiswoman,bentonusinghimforherownpurposes,probablytomakeafortunejustas
allcorrupthumansdidintheirworld.

He’dmetsomanylikeher.They’dcatchrumorsofthesecretvampireworldandheartalesofmakinga

fortunebysellingtheirfellowhumans—mostlywomen,butsomemenaswell—toverminlikeKiernan.
Those humans in Kiernan’s mold would serve as go-betweens, approaching Daniel or a dozen other
vampireswhoranillegalsex-slaveclubsthattradedinhumanflesh.Butitwasalwaysthehumanswho
broughttheircaptivestomarket,sellingthemlikecattle.

OfcoursebothDanielandKiernandidalotmorethanjusttradeinhumanflesh,especiallynowthat

DanielruledtheCouncilofAncestralsandcoulddoashepleased.Danielwouldforgedocumentsand
takecontrolofmineral-richcavernsownedbywealthyvampires.Thenhe’dsellthecavesofftoKiernan,
who in turn worked surreptitiously with many human government officials, each profiting as the food
chainwentonandon,everyoneinvolvedobligated,bytheheinousnatureofthetransactions,tocontinue
keepingthevampireworldasecret.

One day this house of cards would fall down, but probably not for a few years yet, maybe even

decades.

AllofitdisgustedAdrien,andnowhewasboundtoahumanwomanwhohadalsosoldhersoulfor

profit,somethingapparentlyshewaswillingtodiefor.

Lilynowhuntedfortheextinctionweapon,atDaniel’srequest,forgingatrackingbondwithAdrien.

Through the shared chain, as she siphoned his power, she’d be able to locate the weapon, at least in
theory.

Though rumors had abounded since the 1950s about the existence of the weapon, other rumors had

surfaced as well: that there had been several versions of the weapon, and that the remnants of those
weaponshadbeenhiddenawayinhundredsofcavernsallovertheglobe.

Huntingforaviableweaponwouldbetheoldneedle-in-a-haystackpursuit.
Hetookatowelandslowlywrappeditaroundhiswaist.
Lily returned to her chair but shifted it to face in his direction. She dipped her chin toward another,

largerchair.“Whydon’tyousitdownandwecantalkforafewminutes?Thingsneedtobesaid,plans
laidout.”Hefelttheweightofherwords,andatthesametimethechainsthatboundthemtogetherspoke
tohimofallthatsadnessagain.

Hetuckedthewhiteterryinatthewaist.
Hesatdowncarefullyinthelargecampchair,hopingitwouldhold.Hewasalotofvampiretotestso

littlecanvas.

“It’sgoodforuptothreehundredpounds,”shesaid.
He nodded, then settled in, stretching out his legs. Damn but it felt good to move, to be free of his

shackles,eventosit.Herubbedhiswrists.

“The first thing you need to know is that you’ve been released permanently from prison. No going

back. I was told it’s all legal and that your release will be publicized to your world over the next few
days,whichmeansthatyouwon’thavetoworryaboutanyonecomingafteryou.”

“I’mnotworriedaboutthat.”
“Why?Ithoughtthatwouldbeyourfirstconcern,thatyou’dlandbackinprisonbeforeweevengot

started.”

“Danielputusthere,andIdon’tintendtoletithappenagain.”
Shemethisgaze,herexpressiongrim.“Icanfeelthroughthechainthatyoumeanwhatyousay.”
Henodded.
Shepickedupthelistshe’dmadeandflippedtheedgesofthepaper.Shedrewinadeepbreaththen

stoodup.“Iwantyoutoknowthatwhileyou’reinmycare,Adrien,Iintendtobehumane.”

Hesnortedhislaughter.“Howkindofyou.ThenIshouldbeclearaswell:I’llneedblood,soon.And

sex.Ifyoucan’tprovideeither,you’llneedtobringsomeonein.Gotit?”

“Understood.”
“Hasitoccurredtoyou,human,thatImightnotwanttohelpyoufindthisweapon?”
Atthat,sheleveledherhazeleyesonhim.“I’vethoughtaboutthat,butIalreadyknowsomethingabout

youbecauseofthechains:You’lldowhateveryouneedtodotosurvive,togetbacktoyourbrothershere
inthecaverninordertofreethem.AmIright?”

Henodded.“Justshortofturningarace-killingweaponovertoDanieloranyoneelselikehim.Soyou

workforHarrisKiernan.”

“Iwouldn’tsaythatIworkforhim.”
“Butyouthinkhe’sastand-upguy,nodoubt.”
She leveled her gaze at Adrien. “I wouldn’t say that, either. I’ve never met him. We’ve handled

everythingthroughemailandthemuchrarerphonecall.That’sit.”

“Well,takeitfromme,he’sarealprick.”
Shestaredatnothinginparticular.“Yes,Iwouldsayheis.”
Hefeltitagain,avastamountofsadness—andsomehowKiernanwasconnectedtoit.Hewonderedif

she’dbeenasexslaveatonetime,butshedidn’tseemthetype,shedidn’tseemruinedinthatway.No,
whateverhadcausedhersomuchgriefwassomethingelse.

She lowered her chin slightly and drew in a deep breath. “Now I have a question for you. Kiernan

explained to me about how vampires can use a phenomenon that he called altered flight—sort of like

moving at a fantastic speed but in some kind of altered reality that allows you to pass through anything
solid.Isthatright?”

Henodded.
“Andjusthowgoodareyouatalteredflight?”
Heliftedasinglebrow.“HowgoodamI?”
“KiernansuggestedthatbecauseI’mhuman,wemighthavesometroublegettingfromoneplacetothe

next.”

Heeyedhernarrowlyagain.Thewomanhadguts,he’dgiveherthat.Humansdidn’tenteralteredflight

easily,notwithlesservampireslikehimself.AnyvampireofAncestralstatuscouldeasilytakeahuman
anywherearoundtheglobewithinminutes,sometimesseconds—theywerethatfast,thatpowerful.

But Adrien had resisted his Ancestral call for centuries, being outraged generally by that inbred,

narcissistic, compassionless, and incredibly ineffective group for as long as he could remember. He’d
rathereatdogshitthanbecomeanAncestral.

No,thiswouldbearoughrideforLily.Sheknewit,too,bythelookinhereye,likesomeonefacinga

tigerinthedark.

Hismindshiftedsidewaysforamoment.Shestoodatleastfive-ten,notabadheightagainsthisown

six-six.Herhazeleyesglintedinfear,butherlovelychinrosewithcourage.Hehadasuddendesireto
puthishandonherfaceandrubhisthumbalonghercheekbone.

Withthesethoughts,hischainvibratedsoftlyagainsthisneckandchest.Dammit,helikedthelookof

her,andasmuchashewantedtodespiseher,theblood-chaintoldhimadifferentstory.

He looked away from her, steeling his mind against any kind of thought that would make him

sympathetictowardher.

“So what I suggest is that we head to Paris, using altered flight. I understand you have an apartment

there.Orwillthatbetoomuchforyou?”

Hesnorted.“Hell,no,it’snottoomuchforme,butyou’reprobablynotgoingtolikeit.”
“Doesn’t matter. Let’s get going. You can get dressed and I’ll alert Kiernan that I have you in my

custody,thenwe’llseewhathewantsustodonext.”

Adrienstilled.HehatedthethoughtofleavingtheHimalayasandhisbrothers—butwhatchoicedidhe

have?

No,thispathwasset.Hecouldfeelinhisbonesthatheneededtotravelthiscourse.Hewouldjust

havetotrustthatsomehow,ashewentalong,he’dfigurethisout:howtosurvive,howtokeepLilyalive,
and above all, should they actually find the extinction weapon, how to keep Daniel or Kiernan from
gainingcontrolofit.Andsomewhereintherehe’dgetbacktoLucianandMarius.

Hedroppedthetowelandheldhishandouttoher.“Okay,Lily,let’sgetthehelloutofhere.”

***

Lilyglancedathisopenpalm,andherheartratejumpedupafewnotches.She’dalreadytouchedhim,but
this felt different—as though a door swung wide, daring her to step through. That strange sensation
reached her again, the one she’d felt in the cavern when she first saw Adrien, of a kind of strange
knowing,likeanechobouncingfromonejaggedstonewalltothenext.

Buthowcouldshereallyknowamanshe’djustmet?
Herchainvibratedoncemoreandashadhappenedfromthefirst,herdesireforhimspiked,something

she had a hard time squashing down. Of course, it didn’t help that he stood in front of her with his
extraordinarybodyonfulldisplay.She’dneverseenamanlikehimbefore.

“Takemyhand,Lily.Weneedtogo.”

Anotherdeepbreathandsheplacedherhandinhisbutretainedherdistance.
He shook his head. “No, this won’t work. You’ll have to come closer. Altered flight can be damn

dangerousforhumans.I’llneedtoprotectyouthewholeway.”

Her heart now thumped heavily in her chest. She didn’t want to get closer to this vampire, but she

didn’treallyhaveachoice.“Fine.”

Asshemovedtowardhim,hedrewherintohisarmssothatsheendedupbalancedontopofhisfeet,

herarmswrappedaroundhisneck.Basically,shewasplasteredagainsthisnakedbody.

Heslidhisarmsaroundherbackandwaistandheldhertight—butnothinghappened,atleastnotthe

alteredflightphenomenonKiernanhadtoldherabout.Instead,shefelthimtakeadeepbreathandrelease
itslowly.

Lilyhadn’tbeenthisclosetoamaninalongtime,notsinceherhusbanddiedtwoyearsago.She’d

forgottenhowitfelt,thesimplepleasureofthehardplanesofaman’schest,hisheaviermuscledthighs,
andofcourseshecouldn’tignorehiscock,whichshefeltfirmingupagainstherlowerabdomen.

Shewishedtherewassomeotherwayofdoingthisbecauseitfeltsogood,evendangerous.Thechains

had already begun exposing the depth of her need and of her desire for the vampire, but this level of
proximitywasn’thelpingatall.

After a moment, when he hadn’t started to fly, she asked in a mumble against his shoulder, “What’s

wrong?Didyouforgethowtodothis?Imean,Iknowyou’vebeenchainedupforanentireyear.”

Hesnorted.“Justtakingabreath.”
Hisvoicehadathreateningedge.Shecouldn’timagineexposingherthroatandhavinghimsinkinhis

fangs,buttheonlyotherchoicewasbringinginathirdparty.Andfromwhatsheknewaboutvampires,
sexusuallyaccompaniedthetakingofblood.

Thethoughtbothsickenedandexcitedher,especiallythethoughtofthisvampirethrowingheronher

backandtakingsomuchfromher.Butshe’dbefeedingthesamekindofbeastthathadkilledherfamilyif
sheservicedAdrien.

She felt trapped again by her situation. Yet what choice did she have if she ever hoped to get Josh

back?

Thoughtsofhersonshookhertohercorealloveragain,soshetoughenedup.Shewoulddowhatever

neededdoinginordertobringhimhomesafeandsoundoncemore.

SheshiftedinAdrien’sarmssothatshecouldlookupathim.Maybeshescowled,butshesaid,“I’m

preparedtogiveyouwhatyouneedoncewe’reinParis.Iknowit’spartofthedealbecauseofthechains,
butareyousureIhavetoholdontoyoulikethisrightnow?”

“Yes.I’llregulatemyspeed,butthisprobablywon’tbemuchfun.Ineedtomakeonepassthroughthe

cavern,thenI’lltakeyoutherestofthewaytoEurope.”

Shestartedtoargue—thelastplaceshewantedtobewasinsidethestenchofhisformerprison—but

hebeganthealteredflight,whichjoltedhersenses.

Couldsheeventalktohimduringaflight?
Thefirstthingsherealizedwasthatshe’dlefthertentbehind;thenthepath.Thenextmomentshewas

hurtlingtowardthewallofrockoutsidethecave.Shecriedoutandshuthereyes,clingingtohimharder,
butnothinghappened,onlyasoftsensationlikefeathersacrossherskinasAdrientookthemthroughthe
mountainside.

Themovementoftheflightslowedsoshepoppedhereyeswideandfoundherselfflyingveryslowly

through the cavern. What she saw, however, sickened her. Lucian and Marius hung from black chains,
eachinaseparatestall,eachstandinginhisfilth.

TheywereabletoseeAdrienandashepassedthroughthecavern,eachshouted,callingouthisname

andwavingtriumphantfistsintheair.

“I’ll get back here as soon as I can,” he shouted in return, though the movement of the altered flight

seemedtomufflespeakingvoices.

Onamorepositivenote,shecouldn’tsmellthecavern.
Adrien sped up the altered flight, and that’s when things went haywire. Dizziness and blackness

swallowedher,alongwithapaininherskullthatmadehershriek.She’dneverhurtsobadinherlife.

“Icantellyou’rehurtingbutwe’vegottogettoParis,thequickerthebetter.”Hisvoicehadastrange

resonancethroughthepoundinginherhead.

“Okay.”Evenherlipsvibratedwithpainassomethingwettraileddownherlipsandchin.
Sheclutchedathimnowandtriedtobreathe.Shefelthischestriseandfallrapidly,theexertionofthe

alteredflightmaybe.Shecouldfeelthathewasexpendingalotofenergy.

The passing seconds of the flight began to feel like an eternity. When at last he drew to a halt, she

collapsed on a woven rug of some kind, facedown. She lay prone, her head on fire. She wiped at her
nose,thinkingmaybeshe’dbeenweeping,buttheliquidhadathickerconsistencythantears.

Sheliftedherhead.Sheneededatissue.
Adrienlayonthefloornexttoher,hishandonherback.Hisgazefelltoherlowerface.“Yournoseis

bleeding.”

He pushed to his feet, left her for a moment, and just as he must have met the outer reaches of the

chain’stightholdonthem,sheheardwaterrunning.

Hereturnedafewsecondslaterwithadampwashclothinonehandandtissuesintheother.
Sherolledontoherback,wipedherlipsandchin,thenplacedthecoolwashclothoverhernose.The

apartmentwasdarkwithnolightson,butrightnowwithherheadaching,shewasgladofit.

Shetrackedhimashemovedtoawallofclosets,whichmeantshewasinhisbedroom.Hedressed

quicklyindarkjeansandatightblackT-shirt.

She worked herself to a sitting position. “That was incredibly painful,” she said. She clutched the

washclothwithonehandwhilesheblewhernoseusingthetissues.

Her stomach turned over several times and she worked hard not to throw up. She refolded the

washcloth,tryingtofindacleanspot.

Adriensatdowninanearbychairandputonapairofblacksocks.“Ifeltyoursufferingthroughthe

sharedchain.IgothereasfastasIcould.Shit.Butthisisn’tgood.”

“Travelisgoingtobeaproblem.Myheadhurtssobad.”
“Yep.”
“MaybeI’llgetusedtoit.Itwasokayatfirst,butwhenyouspedup,itgotworsereallyfast.Canwe

travelattheslowerspeed?”

“Sure, but we’d be hours getting anywhere that isn’t on the other side of Paris. Also, if anyone was

trackingusorwatchingforus,we’dbevulnerable.”

“Doyouexpectanattack?”
Adrienmethergazeassheheldthewashclothtohernose.“Ihaveenemies.Danieldoes,too.Wehave

fanatic-basedgroupsthat—iftheycatchwindthatwe’reaftertheextinctionweapon—willtrytostopus.
Didn’tKiernansayanythingaboutthem?”

“No.Hedidn’t.”Shelookedatthewashcloth.“Mynosehasstoppedbleeding.”
“Youwerescreaming.”
“I was? I don’t remember. I guess I was. I can’t begin to describe what the pain was like, sort of a

daggerthroughmyhead.”

“How’syourheadnow?”

“Gettingbetterfast.”
Hegrunted.
“What?”
“Ithoughtthechainswesharedwouldbepowerfulenoughtogetusthrough,that’sall.Theyfeltstrong

enough.IguessIwaswrongormaybejustwishful.”

Sherosetoherfeetandglancedaround.Shepivotedtowardhim,continuingtodabathernose.“What

areyounotsaying?”Shetouchedherchain.“Icanfeelyoursuddenindecisionaboutsomething.”

Heslidhisfeetintoheavyblackshoes,notquitebootsbutclose.“There’sanothertypeofblood-chain,

adouble,side-by-sidearrangement,thatcouldchangethingsforus,buthellifI’mwillingtogothatfar.”

“Youmaynothaveachoice.Isaywegetthechainsifitmeanswecantravelmoreeasily.”
Hisgazeshotbacktohers.“Whatthehelldoesthatmean,thatImaynothaveachoice?Sofarallthat’s

requiredofmeistohuntfortheweapon.Andrightnow,Idon’tgiveadamnifitcausesyouthismuch
pain.”

His sudden anger should have bothered her—after all, he was over two hundred pounds of heavily

muscledvampire,andhecouldbreakherinhalfwithhisbarehandsifhewantedto.“I’mnotgivingyou
anultimatum,”shesaid.“I’msuggestingthatinordertogetthisjobdone,weeachmayhavetodothings
neitherofuswantstodo.”

“We’realreadydoingthatbecauseIsureashelldon’twanttobeboundtoyoulikethis.”Hereached

down, put his hand on her arm, and leaned close. “Listen, Lily, I can get us both out of this. I know a
coupleofverypowerfulvampireswhoworkwithblood-chains.They’llknowwhattodo,togettheseoff
withouteitherofusdying.AndIcanmakeitworthyourwhile,whateverKiernanorDanielispayingyou.
I’mawealthyman.Wouldfivemilliondollarsgetthejobdone?”

She just looked at him and sudden images of burying her husband and daughter, of attending several

memorialsforhergoodfriendsandneighbors,rolledthroughhermindlikeadarkstorm.

Josh’ssmilingfacecamenext.Shefeltcoldasshesaid,“Haveyougotfiftymillion?”
Adrien’snostrilsflared.“No.”
Fiftywouldn’thavemadethesmallestdifference,either,butshedidn’ttellhimthat.Allshesaidwas,

“ThismissioniswhatIwant,whatIneedtodo.”

Hestoodupsuddenly.“Iguessthat’sarealfuckyou,isn’tit?”
Shelookedupathim,wayup.Thevampirewastall,especiallysinceshestillsatonthefloor.“Iguess

itis.”

“Ican’tbelieveyou’dturndownfivemillion.”Heglaredatherforalongmoment,thenhisexpression

filledwithdisgust.“Typicalhuman,outforwhatyoucanget,nevermindwhogetshurt.”

Shesnickered.“That’srich:whogetshurt.Andyouavampire.Butletmemakemyselfcleartoyou

onelasttime:Youcan’tevenbegintofathomwhatI’llbegiveninexchangefortheweapon,andit’llbe
wortheveryounceofsweatorknife-likeheadache,trustmeonthat.”

She didn’t blame him for his anger. Right now she was his enemy, she had control of him, and she

couldsayyesornotoanyofhisrequestsordemands.

Hestoodupandpacedthelengthoftheclosets,fuming.
Atleastthepaininherheadhadfinallydissipated,hernosehadstoppedbleeding,andshenolonger

feltdizzy.“WheredoIputthese?”Sheheldthewashclothandtissuesforhimtosee.

Hegesturedwithhishandtoadoortohisright,beyondalongdresser.“That’stheprivy.”
The bathroom wasn’t far at all, but once inside, the chains tugged at her. “Could you come a little

closer?Iwanttoshutthedoor.”

Though she couldn’t see him, he must have moved because the tension on the chain eased. She

discardedthetissuesandrinsedthewashclothout.

Sheglancedaroundandrealizedshewasstaringatblackmarble,onthewalls,thesink,themassive

shower, even the toilet. The fixtures were an antique silver. The elegance seemed juxtaposed with the
fiercevampirewhochallengedalmosteverywordshespoke.

Atthefarendwasaseconddoorthatprobablyledtoahallandtherestoftheapartment.
Asshefinishedupandwashedherhandsandevenrinsedherface,shemethergazeinthemirror.Josh

had her eyes, the same hazel color and roundish shape, which was the reason everyone said he looked
likeher.Butthetruthwas,hehadhisfather’smouthandnose,evenhisstrongjawline.

Josh.Herheartsankintoherstomachalloveragain.Joshalive.Herson.Shehadtogethimback.The

drivewasaspowerfulastheorbitoftheeartharoundthesun.

She released a sigh, needing to get on with things. The sooner she got her hands on the weapon, the

soonershe’dgethersonback.

Whenherphonerang,shedrewitfromthepocketofherjeansthenopenedthedoorbutwasstartledto

findAdrienstandingthere.Heleanedagainstthedoorjamb,andshewassurprisedalloveragainbyhow
bighewas.Shealsoknewthathisvampiregeneticsgavehimgreatphysicalstrength,incrediblestrength.
Hereallycouldbreakherinhalfifhewantedto.

Thephonerangagain,butallshecoulddowaslookatAdrien.
Hisbrowspulledtogetherashestaredbackather.“Aren’tyougoingtoanswerthat?”
ShenoddedandtouchedthesurfaceofheriPhone.“Yes,Mr.Kiernan.”
“Doyouhavehiminhand?”Kiernan’svoicehadaslightrasp,whichalwaysmadeherwanttoclear

herthroat.Maybehewasasmoker.

She glanced up at Adrien again. Did she have him in hand? Was that even possible? “I have the

vampirewithme,yes.”

“Good,becauseIhavebadnews.”
Herheartdropped.WasJoshokay?
“We’vehadreportsthatanelementinDaniel’sworldhasgottenwindofourplansandtheydon’tlike

it.YouneedtotellAdrientoexpectassassins.Fanatics.He’llunderstand.Nowworkwiththevampireto
get your tracker skills functioning as best you can, then have him seek out the latest rumors about the
weaponandgetonit.”

Before Lily could ask even a single question, like how exactly her mysterious tracking ability was

supposedtowork,Kiernanhungup.

She met Adrien’s gaze and was ready to repeat the conversation, but he pushed away from the door

frameandliftedahandtosilenceher.“Iheardhim.Damnfanatics.AndKiernancaneatshitanddie,as
farasI’mconcerned.Howyoucouldeveralignyourselfwithalowlifelikethat,well,fuck.”

Lilywantedtotellhimthatitwasn’tbychoice,butshedidn’tseethepointoftryingtoarguehercase

with him. Still, given that he was a vampire, a vampire, it chapped her hide to see his disapproval of
anythingshedid.

Shehuffedasigh.“Hesaidyou’dunderstand,sowhoexactlyarethesefanatics?”
Adrien narrowed his eyes at her. “You do know that you’re being used by two of the worst men in

either species and that there’s a good chance you’re going to die because of it? What do you think of
that?”

Lilyshruggedandheldhisgaze.“ThenI’lldie.”
Heshookhishead.“Youdon’tcareifyoudie?”
“Oh,Icare.Believeme,IdocareandIintendtostayalive.ButthisiswhatI’vechosentodo.”
“Isitreallyworththemoney?”

“Myreasonsfordoinganythingarenoneofyourgoddamnbusiness.”Sheliftedherchin,lettingallher

hostilitytowardhiskindflowthroughher.Shewantedhimtofeelheroppositiontohisvampireworld
whetherKiernanwasanevilhumanornot,orwhethershewasdoingDaniel’sbiddingornot.

Hetookasteptowardherandleanedclosetoherface.“Well,giventhatIintendtostayalive,too,I

needtoknowwhat’sgoingoninthatweakhumanskullofyours.Itmightevenbetoyouradvantageto
workwithme.”

Foralongmoment,probablybecausethechainvibratedheavilyagainstherneck,Lilyfeltapowerful

urgetotellAdrieneverything,aboutJosh,abouttheattackonherfamily,aboutbeingstrong-armedwith
Josh as the motivator, but she couldn’t. Even if she trusted Adrien, and she was far from doing that,
Kiernan’srulesweresimple:NoonewastoknowaboutJosh,orshecouldkissthisdeal,herlife,andher
son’slifegood-bye.

Sofortwomonthsshe’dlivedinthisnightmareoffearandhope,ofaresurrectedsonwho’dbeengone

two long years. But he was in the hands of a man who had no qualms about using him as ransom for a
missionthatwouldtakeherdeepintotheworldofthevampire,thelastplaceshewantedtobe.

“Rightnow,”shesaid,herchinlevel,“you’reonaneed-to-knowbasis.Sounlessthere’sanythingelse,

Isuggestyoutellmeaboutthesefanaticsandgivemesomeideawhereweshouldgotostartourhuntfor
theweapon.”

Hegrabbedherwristandshookhishead.“Soonyou’lltellmewhatthehellisgoingonhere,because

something’snotright.MaybeithassomethingtodowithKiernan,maybeitdoesn’t.Butmyinstinctsare
screamingatmethatwe’reindangeronmorethanonefront.Asforthefanatics,there’smorethanone
group.Eachisfullofreligiouszealotsintentonkeepingthevampireworldhiddenfromthehumanworld
—somethingIactuallybelieveinaswell.”

“Whyaren’tyoupartofoneofthosegroups,then?”
“Becausetheydon’thesitatetokillinnocentpeopleiftheystandintheway.”Helaughedharshly.“The

stunnedexpressiononyourfacetellsmeexactlywhatyouthinkofme.You’reactuallysurprisedthatI’d
holdapositionlikethat,againstkillinginnocents.”

“Yes,I’msurprised.”
“Why?Youdon’tevenknowme.”
“Iknowenough.”Sheletherhatredfillherwords.“You’reavampire.Idon’tneedtoknowanything

else.”

Shewatchedhiseyesdarken,hismouthturndown,hisnostrilsflare.Thistimeshefelthisopinionof

her,hisloathingofherkind.

Hesteppedcloseandbreathedinhardthroughhisnose.“I’vealwayshatedthestenchsoprevalentin

humankind. It has a cloying, grasping quality, a desire for money above everything—the same reason
you’veboundmewithachainaroundmyneck.”

“I think we understand each other pretty well now, don’t you? So let’s just get on with finding the

weapon.”

Adrienthrusthisfingersintohishairandturnedinacircle.Shefelthisrageandhisfrustrationasthe

chainallbutthumpedagainstherneck.

Heturnedonherandforalongmomentashestoodoverher,shefelthisdesiretostrikeherdown,to

slam her into the floor. Although her heart rate had skyrocketed once more, she straightened her spine.
“Killingmewon’tdoyouanygoodbecauseyou’lldieaswell.”

He took deep breaths and finally calmed down. “This is Daniel’s doing and you’re just the fucking

messenger,Iknowthat.ButIhateyouropinionofmykind.”Heclenchedhisfists.“AndIhatethatthe
bastardfinallyfoundawaytoforcemetodohisbidding.”

“Danielhasaskedyoutogoaftertheweaponbefore?”
Adrienshookhishead.“No.Heknewbetterthantoask.”
“Iseewhatitis.Throughme,hehascontrolofyounow.”
“Yes,andit’saboutasperfectaplanashecouldhaveconstructed.Ican’tgoafterhimbecauseIcan’t

risk you dying—I’ll die. And it’s also true the other way around, especially since you’re extremely
vulnerableinourworld,nothardtokillatall.”Heglancedaround.“Ineedtocheckmysecuritysystem
andthenIneedtogetarmed.”

Hemovedpasther.“Comewithme.”Heheadedtotheendofthehall.
Shehurriedafterhimknowingthatifshedidn’t,thechainwouldtighten.
Whenheenteredthelivingroom,shesawhimglancetohisright,towardthefrontdoor.“Fuck.”
“What?”
“Mysecuritysystemhasbeencompromised.”
Lily glanced at the panel by the door and saw that not one light was on. “You mean it’s off? Right

now?”

“Yep. Stay with me. My weapons are over here.” He headed across the room behind a long dark

leathercouch,inthedirectionofapartiallyopeneddoor.

LilythoughtshesawsomethingmoveinsidetheroomjustasAdrienhurriedinside.Sheheardashout

andaloudthump.Bythetimeshereachedthedoorway,Adrienwasstrugglingwithanothermanonthe
floor,amanwhoworesomekindoflong,hoodedblackrobe,somethingamonkmightwear.

Shesawabladeflash.Thechainsbegantotugather,pullingherforward,butsheheldherground.
“Lily,”Adriencalledtoher,butnotfromthefloor.
Atfirstshedidn’tunderstand.
“Lily,overherebythefireplace.”
Slowly, she shifted her gaze. There Adrien stood, another Adrien, straining in the direction of the

mantelbutunabletomove.

TwoAdriens.
“Ineedmyweapons,”heshouted.“Stepintotheroom,towardme.Helpme.ForGod’ssakehelpme

orwe’llbothdie.”

ShockheldLilyimmobile.
ThereweretwoAdriens.
Two.
Howthehellwasthatpossible,inthisworldoranyworld?Kiernanhadn’ttoldheraboutthis.
“Lily!”heshouted.
The desperation in his voice broke the spell and she darted forward, positioning herself midway

betweenthebattlingpaironthefloorandthesecondAdrienstrugglingtowardthefireplace.

Thechainreleasedhimandheimmediatelyjerkedforwardtothepaintingoverthefireplace,pulledit

away from the wall, then punched in a code to what proved to be a safe. But grunting sounds from the
floorshiftedhergazetohisotherselfonthefloor.

Thedaggerflashedoncemoreinthedimlightfromanearbywindow.
TheassailantrolledAdrienontohisbackandpressedadaggertohisneck.Adrienbattledtokeepthe

sharppointfrombreakingskin.

Sheglancedinthedirectionofthefireplace.ThesecondAdrienwithdrewachain,weightedatboth

ends,fromthesafe.

Heblurredbacktotheassailantand,frombehind,caughthimaroundtheneck,tighteningashepulled.

The prone version of Adrien now grabbed the wrist holding the dagger, keeping the assailant’s hand

immobileasthechaindiditswork.

Lilyheldherfingerstoherlipsandwatchedaslifeleftthestranger,allthreebodieslockedinbattle.
Adrienheldbothpartsofhimselfstillashefocusedonfinishingthejob.
Theroomwashorriblyquietexceptforthefaintrustleofclothingastheassailantstruggledtogetfree,

afishflailinginanet.

Afterwhatseemedlikeaneternity,hegrewlimp,butstillAdrienheldthechainaroundhisneck,taking

the kill to its limit, making certain of death. After what seemed like an hour, he let the body fall to the
floor.

Adrien re-formed, the two beings drawing together in a swift, almost invisible rush of movement,

reshapingtotheselfproneonthefloor.Anothershocktohersystem.

Hesatup,sweatpouringfromhim,drippingoffhisforehead,soakinghisshirt,thedeadvampireathis

feet.

Itwasallsohorrible.
He sat there for a long moment, his arms braced around his knees, his gaze fixed straight ahead, the

battlechaindanglingfromhislefthand.Sherememberedseeinghimintwoplacesandtriedtounderstand
thedualparts,howtheymighthavefunctioned.

Shestareddownatthecorpseonthefloor.“He’sdead.”Suchastupidthingtosay.
Adrien nodded, his gaze falling to the body as well, a frown between his brows. His lips sagged at

eachcorner.

“Idon’texactlyknowhowtoprocessthatthereweretwoofyouandthatyoujustkilledaman.Infront

ofme.”

Hisgazeshotbacktohers.“YoumeanthatIjustsavedyourlife.”
“Andyourown.Thisismonstrous,Adrien.”
Hisgazehardened.“Youcallthismonstrous?Yourraceissoarrogant.”
“Arrogant?Wedon’tmoveinpacksanddestroyentireneighborhoodsofinnocentfamilies.”
“No,youbuildarmiesanddestroynations.”
Sheputahandtoherchest.“Idon’tbuildarmies.”
Heglaredather.“AndIdon’tmoveinpacks.MybrothersandIpolicethosefuckingpackswhenever

wecan.Igiveupmylifeeverygoddamnnighthuntingthemdownandslaughteringthoseofmykindthat
threatenthesecrecyofourworld.OrIdiduntilDanielgainedcontroloftheCouncilandthrewallthree
ofusinprison.”

Lily stared at him. She knew so little of his world that it shocked her to hear him speak of policing

roguevampires.Shewantedtothinkshemighthavemisjudgedthings,butthetipsofhisfangsshowedand
sheshuddered.

Hegainedhisfeet,sweatdrippingdownhisface.Heoncemorewipedhissleeveoverhisforehead.

“Shit.”

Hemovedpasther,crossingtohisdesk.HeunpluggedhisiPhonefromthepowersource,tappedita

few times, and said simply, “I’ve had a security breach and I need cleanup.” He didn’t even state an
address.

He pressed another button and slid the phone into the pocket of his jeans. “They’ll be here in a few

seconds,flyingin.Justbeprepared.”

Oninstinct,Lilymovedinhisdirection.Maybebecausehefelthersuddenanxiety,hedrewcloseas

wellbutmaintainedaslight,carefulseparation.

Asplitsecondlatertwoyoungmenarrivedcarryingastretcherbetweenthem.
“Thatwasfast,”shemurmured.

“Yeah.Phoneshavehelped.Wehaveamuchquickerresponsetimenow.”
OneofthemglancedatAdrien.“We’regettingthesecuritysystemfixed.”
“Thankyou.Whatthefuckhappened?”
“Ourwholesystemcrashedabouthalfanhourago.”
“Youwerehacked.”
“Lookslike.”
AdrienscowledasheglancedatLily.Shewasprettysureshecouldreadhismindonthisone.
“Youwereright,”shesaid.
“Thenyou’dbettergetreadytofighthardforthefortuneyou’reafter.Thisnightmarehasjuststarted.”
OneoftheyoungmenturnedtoAdrien.“Doesthismeanthatyouandyourbrothersarefree?Imean,

didDanielreleaseallofyou?”

“No,notyet.”
“I’m glad you’re out. We’ve had a lot of problems with rogues, and some of the seedier clubs have

gottenoutofcontrol.Yourpresencehasbeenmissed.”

Adriennoddedbutsaidnothingmore.
Offering one last bow in Adrien’s direction, the two men, with the corpse on the stretcher between

them,glancedateachother,thenmovedswiftlyintoalteredflightanddisappearedfromtheapartment.

Adrienswipedathisforehead.“I’vegottashoweragain.Sorry.Thenweprobablyshouldmakesome

plans.”

Lilyheldherarmsfoldedtightlyoverherchest.Shetrembled,butshedidn’twantAdrientoseeher

this upset. She needed to toughen up if she hoped to see Josh again—and yet a man, even if he was a
vampire,hadjustdiedinfrontofher.

Withtheshortfightingchaindanglingfromhishand,Adriencrossedinfrontofherandheadedinhis

longstrideoutoftheoffice.Shemovedfasttokeepup.

Oncemorehecrossedthetopofthelivingroom.Hepausedtoglanceatthesecuritypanelbythedoor.

Lilysawthatthelightswerenowon,whichapparentlysatisfiedAdrienbecausehemovedswiftlyback
downthelongdarkhall.Hedippedintohisbedroom,thenreturnedwithwhatlookedlikeanothershirt
andjeans.Heopenedwhatprovedtobe,justasLilyhadsuspected,theseconddoortotheblackmarble
bathroom.

Whenhewentinside,Lilystoppedatthethreshold.Thedimensionsoftheroom,thoughlarge,didn’t

exceedthecapacityofthesharedchains,soshesaid,“I’llberightoutside.”

He nodded, his expression still grim. When he started to unbutton his jeans, she quickly closed the

door.Shereallydidn’tneedtocatchanotherglimpseofallhismaleness.

Shesanktothecarpetnexttothedoor,drewherkneesuptoherchest,andslungherarmsaroundher

legs.

Tearsburnedhereyes.
Thiswasalltoomuch.
She’dneverseenamankilledbeforeandifshehadn’thadthepresenceofmindtomovewhenAdrien

neededhertomove,well,she’dbedeadandKiernanwouldprobablydisposeofJoshasanassetthathad
lostitsvalue.

Shetookdeepbreathsandarchedhernecktostareupatthetallceiling,atleastwhatshecouldseeof

it.Hereyeshadadjustedbutthehallwasverydark.Adistantglowfromthelivingroom’sfrontwindow
provided the only illumination. The Paris apartment, while beautiful, had odd angles and fairly small
windows.

Kiernanhadtoldherthatonceshesharedtheblood-chainwithAdrien,shewouldstartsiphoninghis

naturalvampirepowers.Shemightseebetterinthedark,hearbetter,andhaveasenseofhisemotions,
possiblyevengainincreasedphysicalstrength.She’dalsobeabletobringhertrackingabilityonline;if
she focused on the weapon, over the next few days she would develop the ability to see its location
anywhereonearthjustbythinkingaboutit.

Shetrieditoutnow,thinkingabouttheextinctionweapon,butnothinghappened,notreally,exceptfor

asmallsensethatshewasreachingoutforsomethingbysendingtendril-likethoughtsoutsideherself.She
focusedoncemore,concentratinghard,butagainfeltjuststrangelittletendrilswithoutmucheffect.

She was queasy at the thought that she was this connected to one of the walking undead. Except

vampiresweren’texactlytheundead;thatwasjustpartofherworld’smythology.Thesevampireslived
inallsizesofcaverns,moreatribalculturethananythingelse.Theyshunnedcentralizedorganization,but
it appeared the vampire Daniel was working hard to establish himself as a dictator. And wouldn’t a
weaponliketheoneshesoughtbeexactlywhatahopefuldespotneededtoconsolidatehispower?

And every time Adrien spoke Daniel’s name, rage boiled from him, a dark, deep hatred for the man

who,byallappearances,intendedtoenslavehisworld.ShecouldhardlyblameAdrienforthat.

Everythingwasinalmostpitchblackness—whichreflectedexactlyhowshefeltrightnow.Shefeltthe

pressureofthedarkaroundher,theproverbialrock-and-a-hard-place.

Probablymorethananything,sheneededtocometotermswithAdrien.Hewassoangry.Everybreath

hetookvibratedwithrage.Ofcoursehehadreason,sincehe’dbeenchainedupandtorturedforayear,
andhis brothers werestill there. Yetshe sensed there wassomething else eatingat him, something that
wentverydeepandprobablyhadtodowithDaniel.

AndAdrienwasfourhundredyearsoldandDanielfivetimesthat,figuresthatstillboggledhermind.

Thevampireworldwaslong-lived.Adrienhadhadcenturiestostokethefiresofhishatredforamanlike
Daniel.

CHAPTER3

Adrien loved his Paris shower. He’d had the head mounted high to compensate for his height, and the
strongwaterpressurereallystrippedthedirtaway—orinthiscasethesweat.Heleanedbackandletthe
warmwaterflowoverhishair,hisforehead,nose,andchin.

Beautiful.
Othersensationsstruck.
He’dkilledyetanotherfellowvampire.
Hewastiredofkillinghisownkind,butheandhisbrothershadbeenservinghisworldforcenturies

doingjustthat.Whenvampiresfollowedthewrongpathandhurtothervampiresorhumans,hesteppedin,
asbothLucianandMariusdid,andothersthey’dtrainedthroughthedecades.

Theprobleminhisculturewassimple:Hiskindvaluedindividuallibertyaboveeverything,whichleft

thewholesocietyvulnerabletodespotslikeDaniel.Self-directionwassoprizedamonghisspeciesthat
fewstrong,supportablelawshadbeeninstitutedtoprotectgoodcitizensfromthosewhopracticedevil.

Therewereevenheresiesabroadthathadsopervertedtheessentiallawoftheirworldthatthosewho

killedhumanswerenowbeingelevatedinrankincertainsecretsocieties,offeredmedalsandprizedcave
dwellingsfortakinghumanlife.

As he rinsed the battle-sweat off his body, he turned his mind to the here-and-now. He was in Paris

afterhavingbeenimprisonedforayear.HisthoughtsturnedquicklytoLucianandMarius.Hehadtoget
themout,butifhemadetheattempt,andLilygothurtordied,he’dbedead.

Onefinalrinseandheshutthewateroff.Hecouldhavestayedinalotlonger;thefilthhe’dlivedwith

wasstilltoosharpinhismemory.Butoneassassinmightbefollowedbyanotherorseveral.Atleasthis
securitysystemwasbackonfullforce.

Hetoweledoffinbriskmovements.
So who sent the assassin? A number of sects existed throughout his world, each led by a different

spiritual guide. But the largest group of fanatics followed an Ancestral called Silas, a vampire of
tremendous ambition, perhaps even close to Daniel’s level. Silas shared something in common with
Daniel:Hedidn’thesitatetokillanyoneifitmeantfurtheringhisambitions.

So,yes,hewouldguessSilashadinitiatedthisattack.
Hesteppedintoacleanpairofjeansandslidablackteeoverhishead.Hewastuggingonthesleeves

attheshoulders,adjustingthem,whenastomachcrampgrippedhimhard.

Oh,shit.Hedidn’treallywanttodothis,butnowhehadnochoice.
“Lily,”hecalledout.“I’mgoingtoneedblood,dammit!”

***

AsAdrienappearedinthedoorway,Lilysawthathewastrembling,allthewayfromhisshoulderstothe
tipsofhisfingers.She’dbeenwarnedbyKiernanoftheeffectsofblooddeprivationonthevampire,and

heretheywereinplainview.

Anothertremor.
Somethingwaswrong.
Thunderrolledoverthecityandsuddenlyaspatteringofrainhitthewindows.
Hewincedsuddenlyandbentoveratthewaist.Throughthechains,shesensedhisstomachknottingas

thoughinpain.“What’swrong?”sheasked,butshealreadyknew.Oh,dearGod,howwasshesupposed
todowhatsoobviouslyneededdoing?

Heroseup,breathinghard.“Time’scome,Lily.Ineedbloodandifyoucan’tdeliverit,I’vegottotake

careofbusinessrightnow.I’vegottogetsomeone.Theykeptusblood-starved.”

ThunderrumbledoverheadagainandaflashoflightningbrightenedthecloudyOctobersky.
Heloweredhischinandheldhergazeinahardgrip,hisnostrilsflaring.“I’mtalkingsexhereaswell.

I’vegonetoolongwithoutbothandit’salmostimpossibleinasituationlikethistotakebloodbuthold
backtheother.Doyouunderstand?”

Hetookacoupleofstepstowardher,andshetooktwostepsback.Herheartpoundedinherchest.His

gazefelltoherthroat;fangsappeared.

Thewallofclosetshitherback.TheEiffelTowerwinkedthroughtherainnowhittingthewindows.

Shetriedtotellhimno,butthewordswouldn’tleavehermouth.

“Whatwillitbe?I’llcallsomeone,butyou’llhavetowatch.”
“Ihatethis.”
“Ditto.”
Hetremblednowandhiscolorlookedreallybad.Hiseyeshadawildlook.
Shealmosttoldhimtousehisphonerightnow,tocalladonor,butshecouldn’t.She’ddesiredhim

fromthefirst,maybeevenfromthefirsttimeshe’dseenaphotoofhim.Andshewassolonely,sogrief-
stricken,thatsomesickpartedofherwantedthisandwanteditnow.

Hemusthavetakenherhesitationasayes,ormaybehecouldn’thelphimself,butthenextmomenthe

movedsofastshehardlysawhim.Shecriedoutashecaughtheraroundthewaist.Hismouthcovered
hersashistonguepenetratedherdeep.Shecouldfeelhimhardagainstherbelly.

Wasshereallydoingthis?Reallylettingavampiretakeherbloodandherbody?
She hated him, hated his kind for taking her family from her, and hated herself for wanting him right

now.

Heliftedherinhisarmsandcarriedhertothebed.Hewasshakinghead-to-foot,andthechainstold

herjusthowoutofcontrolhewas.Helaidheroutonherback.“Icanstillcallsomeone,butIdon’twant
to.Iwantyou,Lily,andIwantyounow.”Hisarms,plantedoneithersideofher,trembled.

Butinthatmoment,maybebecauseeveninhisoverwroughtstatehe’dgivenherachoice,awaveof

desirecrashedoverher,somethingthathadbeenbuildingsinceshe’dfirstseenhiminthecavern,inthe
visionbeforehe’dbeentortured,lookinglikeaproudstallion,facinguptothepaintocome.

Herbreastsachedandshefeltsoswollenandneedybetweenherlegsthatsheletoutaharshcry.“I’m

here,”sheallbutshouted.

Lightningflashedfromthesmallwindowsoneithersideofthebedandthunderrolledashelandedon

topofher.Shehadabriefglimpseoffangsasanotherflashlittheroom.

Sheturned,exposingherneck,andheusedahandtopinherheadsothatshecouldn’tmove.Hestruck

quickly,puncturinghervein,abriefsliceofpainthatdisappearedthemomenthebegantosuckinquick,
heavy,starvedpulls.

She could feel his desperation but the more he took, the more her body grew lax, melting into the

down-filledsilk.Shewantedherclothesoffsinceherbodyhadlitonfire,burningdeep.

Shehadn’thadsexinallthistime,notsinceherfamilydisappearedfromherlife.Andsexwasallthat

shewantedrightnow,thereliefofit,thephysicalpounding.

Fiercesex,evenwithavampire.

***

Adrien took fire down his throat. He rarely drank from humans, but on the rare occasion he did, it had
neverbeenlikethis—asthougheachdropcarriedthesourceofalllife.

Hewantedmore,somuchmore.Hewantedtodrinkherdowntonight,tomorrownight,andeverynight

afterthat.Hewantedtheflavorofherbloodonhistonguewhenhewokeupintheeveningandthelast
thingintheearly-morninghourswhenhewenttobed.

Hisblood-starvationhadmadehismindacauldronofdisjointedthoughts,ofprofoundneed.
He heard her cries and moans and didn’t care if he was hurting her. The hungry shifts of her legs

rubbedhiscock,strokinghim,helpinghimtoknowthatallheneededwouldsoonfollow.

He ached into his groin, a gathering of twelve months of frustration and despair. He knew that what

wasabouttohappen,especiallywithhisblood-needsatisfied,mightjustshakethefoundationoftheearth.

At last, he slowed his drinking and began to secrete the potion that would heal the fang-wounds in

minutes. The same potion also carried a chemical that speeded up red cell production to replenish the
supply.He’dbetakingmorefromthishumaninthecominghours,theleasthedeservedonbehalfofhis
kindforthewreckageherkindspewedoverhisworld.

Ashedrewback,hesawherintheglowofhisvision.Herpupilsweredilatedandherlipsdarkand

swollen. Good. She was sexed up and ready, because what was about to come wouldn’t be a gentle
coupling.

“Ihateyouforwhatyouare,”sheshouted.Herhandwhippedtowardhisface,readytostrike,butwith

hisusualspeedhecaughtherhandbeforesheconnected.

Heleaneddownandputhislipsonhermouththendrewback.“Canyoutasteyourblood?”
Hertonguemadeanappearance.Shewincedatthetaste,butherbodyundulatedwithmoreneed.
Heliftedup,holdinghergaze,andstrippedoffhisshirt.
Shelookedupathischestandcriedout,thenherhandsclawedhim,hernailsdraggingoverhisskin,

scrapinglongstrips.Sheleanedupandtookanippleinhermouth,suckinghard.

Hegroanedandwithonehandtookoffhisjeans,arealtestofhisskillashehoveredaboveher,and

lethersuckandbitehim.

Herarmswrappedaroundhisnecktoholdhersteady.Hestartedworkingherclothesoffher,peeling

awayherpantsandhershirtasshekickedoffhershoes.

Ashefellontopofher,heplunderedhermouth.Hernailsfoundhisbackthistimeandeachscrape

hardenedhimonedegreemore.Hegruntedhisapproval,thrustinghistongueheavilyintohermouth.

Hepushedherlegsapartwithhisknees.Shecriedoutagainsthismouthashiscockfoundherentrance

andhebegantopush.

Thehumanwastight,butsheshovedherhipsagainsthim,forcinghimindeeper.
Heneededtocalmthefuckdown.
Herhandsrovedhisbody,rubbingupanddownhisbiceps,whichflexedbeneathhertouch.
“You’resowet.”Andtight.MyGodshewastight.Shehadn’tbeenusedinalongtime.Hehopedto

hell he wasn’t hurting her, but nothing in the chains told him she was feeling any pain as her body
undulatedbeneathhimandagainsthim.

Hebegantopushintoherinshortthrusts.Hisballsweresoready.
“Doit,Adrien.Icanfeelthatyou’rereadyandI’mready.Doit.”

He gave a cry and thrust into her hard, pulled back and thrust again. His hips took over, and every

strokewaslikealightningstrikeofpleasurealonghiscock.

Heheardhercryingoutandcouldfeelhertightorgasmpullingonhimasthereleasecame,whathe’d

been aching for during his captivity, to be inside a woman and feeling all her flesh as his cock jerked
insideherandhisbeautifulcomefilledher.

Hebarelyheardhercriesofecstasyasheshoutedhispleasure.Buthecouldfeelthatshewascoming

again,herhipsmatchinghisthrusts.

Eventhoughhe’dcome,hecouldstayhardforagoodlongtime,andgiventhelengthofhiscelibacyhe

was pretty sure he could release again, so he kept working her body. He leaned down and kissed her,
whichsomehowlitherupandshearchedoncemore.Hedrovehardandfast,bringingheryetagainso
thatshescreamedinecstasy.

TherainstillbeatonthewindowsandasanotherflashoflightningandrollofthundershookhisParis

apartment,shecame,cryingout,asoundthatmatchedhisshoutsandgroansashereleasedintoheragain.

***

“Getoffme,”Lilysaid,hervoicehoarse.Howmanytimeshadshescreamedwhilehe’dbroughther,but
nowshewantedhimoffherandoutofher.

Adrienpulledoutandflippedoveronhisback,throwinganarmoverhisforehead.
Sheturnedonherside,awayfromhimasafewtearsleakedfromhereyes,tearsofdismayandrage

thatshe’denjoyedgivingupherbloodtoavampire,thatshe’dtakenpleasurefromhisbodyrepeatedly.

Shehatedherselfforhavingbeenweakwithhim—butmostlysheblamedthechainsbecausefromthe

first her attraction to him had worked on her, building her to the point that the moment he came at her
needyandtrembling,she’dlostherwilltorefusehim.

Sheshouldhaveinsistedonadonor.He’devensuggesteditandyetshe’dremainedmute,unabletotell

himtogetsomeoneelse.Herlackofwillpowerdisgustedher.Shewasn’tapersontogiveinsoeasilyto
lustandyetshehad,almostasthoughthechainshadstolenherabilitytochooseanythingbuthim.

The tears tickled over the bridge of her nose. She swiped at her face, still breathing hard from the

sheergymnasticqualityofthejoining.

Shefeltthebedtipandshiftandglancedoverhershoulder.
Adrienhadshiftedtositontheedgeofthebedandnowhadhisphoneinhand.
Shestaredathisback,hervisionwarmingupbecauseofthechains,despitethelackoflightinginthe

room. He had bloody streaks where she’d scored him and the sight made her smile grimly, a small
satisfactionthatshe’dhurthim,ifonlyalittle,whilehe’dplowedintoher.

ShewatchedAdrien’sshouldersriseandfall.He’dtakenadeepbreath.“Ineedtoaskyousomething.

Have you tried to use your tracking ability yet? Now that we’re chain-bound, that ability should start
comingtolife.”

Oh,that.“Itrieditearlier.Ihavetosaynothingmuchhappened.”Sheexplainedaboutthesensationof

tendrilsleavingher.

“I’vehearditdescribedthatway.Well,justkeeptryingatdifferenttimes.I’msureit’llimproveaswe

goalong.”Hewassilentforamoment,thensaid,“I’mgoingtomakeaphonecalltoamannamedRumy,
afriend,agoodfriend,thoughhe’swellconnectedtoourunderworld.HeownsaplacecalledTheErotic
Passage in the Como system, Italy, on the lake by the same name. I think it’s the right place to start. If
anyoneknowsanything,it’llbeRumy.”Hewassilent,hisheadbentasthoughstaringathisphone.“Isthat
okaywithyou?”

“You’reaskingmypermission?”

He turned to look at her. She was surprised by how much better he looked. Her blood really had

helped.“Neitherofusishappyaboutoursituation.Igetthat.ButIwanttogetalongwithyou.We’llneed
toworktogether.”

“You’rerightandyes,pleasecallthisRumyperson.”
Henoddedanddrewthephoneinfrontofhim,thenafteramomenttohisear.
“IneedtotalktoRumy.Tellhimit’sAdrien.”Shecouldn’thearwhattheotherpersonsaid,butshe

couldfeelAdrien’ssuddenangerthroughthesharedchain.“GethimonthedamnphoneorI’llcomeover
thereandtwistyourheadoffthatscrawnyneckofyours.”Anotherpause,then,“That’sbetter.Thankyou.”

Silenceashewaited.
RumyandTheEroticPassage.Whatanameforaclub,butthenwhatelseshouldshehaveexpected

fromaworldofbloodsuckers.

Afteramoment,sheheardAdrientalkingquietlytotheonehecalledRumy.Therewassomelaughter,

chatting,queriesabouthealth,abouttheprison,afewjibes,theusualmasculinenonsense.

Lily’s thoughts turned to Josh, and she lifted the chain to her lips. Josh, her firstborn, the last of her

family. Was he truly alive? How many times had she wondered if Kiernan had somehow fabricated the
phonecall,usingthememoryofhersontomanipulateherintotakingonthismission?

Butshecouldn’thavemistakenherson’svoice.Shewouldhaveknownitanywhere.He’dcalledout,

“Mom?Isthatyou?Mom!”He’dwailedafterthat.

Sheclappedherhandsoverherears,tryingnottohearthatsound,apitiful,bellowingwail.Shehadto

gettohim.Hadtofindhim.

She heard Adrien sigh. Her desperate thoughts about Josh disappeared, and her present reality

returned.

Adrien rose from the bed, flinging his phone onto the comforter. “You need to get cleaned up and

dressed.”Hewalkedtothebathroom,butthechaintugged,soshesatup,leaningtowardhim.Damnthis
chainforitsshortleash.

Hereachedinsidetheroomandthenextmomentheflungawashclothather,whichsheputbetween

herlegs.

Sofarsexwasjustasmessywithavampireaswithahumanmale,athoughtthatdidnothingtoease

hertemper.

“Youfinishedglaringatme?”hesnapped.
“Sure,fornow.”Sheliftedherchin.“What’stheplan?DoesRumyknowwheretheweaponis?”
“No, but he suggested we check out a local Paris dive first.” He moved past the foot of the bed,

snatchedherclothesoffthefloor,andflungtheseatheraswell.

“Whatareyousopissedabout?”Sheputonherbraandshirt,thenscootedtotheendofthebed,her

jeansnowinherlap.

“Can’tIbeangry,likeyou’reangryrightnow?OrdoyousupposeIcan’ttellthatyou’remad?”
“I think you just had sex and took some of my blood, so I don’t know what you have to complain

about.”

“You enjoyed this.” He gestured with a slice of his hand toward the bed. “Your voice is still raspy

fromallthemoaningandscreaming.”

As she slid off the opposite side of the bed from where he stood, she turned to face him. “And I

supposeyouthinkIshouldbegratefultoyouforgivingmeahalfwaydecentride.”

“Halfwaydecent?”
Sheliftedonebrowthenshrugged.Shedidn’tknowwhyshewaspokingthebear,buthedidn’thaveto

looksodamnsmug.

Shemovedinthedirectionofthebathroomonlytohavethechaingiveatugbecausehestoodtoofar

away.Shedidn’tturntowardhimasshesaid,“Willyoupleasecutmesomeslack?Literally.”

“No.”
She stood bare-assed and humiliated, her jeans in her hands. The proximity that the chains required

wouldn’tevenallowheradecentexit.Liftingherchin,shepivotedinhisdirectionandwaitedforhimto
movesothatshecould.

His eyes glittered in the dark, although her vision once more warmed up the space, an effect of the

chains,andhestoodinfull,nakedreliefwatchingherkeenly.“First,Idon’tlikethisanymorethanyoudo
andIsupposeIdon’toweyouthis,butIwasraisedtohavesomemanners,soheregoes:Thankyoufor
givingupyourlifebloodtome.Youmayhavejustsavedmylife,andIhavenodoubtyoukeptmefroma
bout of painful blood-madness. Thank you.” His nostrils still flared and his jaw ground his molars a
coupleoftimes.

Lilyfoughtbackthewordsbecauseshereallydidn’twanttosaythem,buttheyslippedpastherlips

anyway.“You’rewelcome.”

“Fine. Now here’s the slack you wanted.” The moment he stepped in her direction, she turned and

movedswiftlyintothehall,thenintothebathroom.

CHAPTER4

HalfanhourlaterAdrien’stemperhadeasedalittleasheflewLilyslowlyinthedirectionoftheParis
clubcalledLaNuit,orTheNight.Hewasstillangrythathe’dbeenforcedtousehiscaptorforhisblood-
and-sexneeds,andevenmoresobecauseshewashuman.Butthechainshadmadethewholeaftermath
worsebecausehe’dfeltherhumiliation,whichthentriggeredasenseofguiltaboutthewholedamnthing.

AsforLaNuit,theclubhadabadreputation.
Hundreds of vampires around the world owned profitable businesses, open at night to serve the

clubbing clientele and to give those vampires disposed to either having fun at a night scene, or tasting
humans,theopportunitytodoso.

Parishadafewclubs,runningthegamutfromchictoseedy.Andtherewasatleastonesexclubheand

hisbrothershadraided,freeinganumberofhumanslaveseachtime.

A variety of enthrallment skills kept the vampire clubs below the radar. Adrien often marveled that

moreincidencesofvampireworldexposuredidn’toccurgivenhowmuchinteractionthereactuallywas
betweenthespecies.

Adrienhadnevercaredmuchforthehuman-orientedclubs,sincehepreferredhiskind,buttherewere

manyvampireswho’dacquiredatasteforhumanbloodandsoughtitregularly.

And he had to admit that after Lily’s blood, he understood why. He still didn’t get it totally, though.

He’dtastedhumansbefore,onceasanexperimentbutmoreoftenthannotwhenhewasstuckoutinthe
world,policingsomeextremistgroup,andcouldn’tgetbacktohiskindfordaysonend.Soyeah,he’d
tastedhumanblood,butbetweenhisprejudiceagainstthegreedyhumanraceandtheusuallyweaknature
oftheblood,he’dneveroncebeentemptedtogoback.

Now all he could think about was sinking his fangs into Lily’s neck again, or into other more exotic

regions,andtakingheroncemore.Desirerippledthroughhim,butheclampeditdown.Thedamnchains
wouldexposehimifhekeptitup.

He’d been furious with Lily after the blooding, but only because the whole experience had left him

cravingmore.

And the bonding chains weren’t helping, because each hour he stayed bound to her, he grew more

sensitive to what she was feeling at any given moment. Sure, she felt a mountain of rage against the
vampireworld,butlacedthroughherfuryranribbonsofpuredesire,somethingthathappenedjustabout
everytimeshelookedathim.

Hewasn’texactlysurprised.Heknewwhathelookedlikeandhepumpedirontokeephimselffit,so

he understood her interest in the same way that her toned body, narrow waist, and full breasts kept his
cockinastateofinappropriatemovement.

AsheflewherslowlyinthedirectionofLaNuit,therefore,hefocusedonwhathemightfindatthe

club.HepackedaGlockbeneathhisleathercoat,alongwithacoupleoffightingchainsandadagger.He
was sufficiently armed, but his greater concern was for Lily, keeping her alive if things went south,

remainingfreeenoughtomovegiventheshortfunctioninglengthoftheblood-chains.

HesetupadisguisingcloakashedroppedtoearthinadarkenedsidestreetandsetLilytowalkingas

soonashetoucheddown.Hesaidinalowvoice,“Movementhelpsgivetheimpressionwe’vebeenhere
asthedisguisedissipates.”

“Ifigured.”
Well,shedidn’tlackforintelligence.He’dgiveherthat.
“Youfeelqueasyoranything?”heasked,becausehedidn’tsenseanythingfromher.
“Myheadhurtsalittle,butotherwiseI’mfine.”
“Good.Andremember,ifthisgetsugly—”
“I’vegotit,Adrien.I’mtofindaplacetohide,preferablybeneathatableorsomething.Butdoyou

reallythinkwe’llfacefanaticsatthisplace?”

The club he took Lily to catered to the darker elements of the city. Rumors of drugs and rival gangs

madeitthelastplacehe’dusuallytakeawoman,evenahuman.

Hissizehelped.AsheledLilyintotheclub,thecrowdpartedforhim.Hewentstraighttothebarand

spoketothebartenderinFrench,askingtospeakwithRumy’sfriendHardesty.

ThebartenderjerkedhisheadtoAdrien’sleft.Acrosstheroom,Adriensawabouncer,similarinsize

toAdrien.TakingLily’shand,hewendedhiswaythroughthesmokyroomandamongaboutadozentall
roundtablesuntilhestoodchest-to-chestwithavampirehe’dnevermetbefore.

“IneedtoseeHardesty.Rumysentme.”
The bouncer glared, but extended his fist to the door he protected. He rapped three times with his

knuckles,neveroncetakinghiseyeoffAdrien.

“Entrez.”
Thebounceropenedthedoorandletthemintoanothersmokyroom.Lilycoughedandwavedherhand

throughtheair.

Whenthedoorclosed,atallthinmansatdowninachairnearthefireplacebutsaidnothing.
“RumysaidIshouldseeyou,thatyoumighthaveinformation.AreyouHardesty?”
Aslightinclinationofthehead.Thevampiretookadragonacigarettethenreleasedathinstreamof

smoke. “What is the famous Adrien doing in my club? This is the kind of establishment you’re usually
famousforshuttingdown.”HisaccentwasBritish.

“Ihavenocomplaintwithyou,oranyclubthatkeepsourworldsafe.You’venevercrossedthatline.”
“Youandyourbrotherscontinuetoperformthistirelessservice,butaren’tyouwearyofbattlingforces

biggerthanyourselves?DanielownstheCouncilnow,andI’vealwayshadthefeelinghe’sbeenintenton
openingupourworldtohumaninteractionforalongtime.”

“Danielwillonlydowhathebelieveswillbenefithim.Rightnow,Idon’tthinkhe’spreparedtogo

thatfar.”

Hardesty glanced past Adrien. “You have a woman with you. A human. That’s singular. Let me see

her.”

“Sheisofnoconcerntoyou.”
ButHardesty’sgazefelltothechainatAdrien’sneck.Thoughhehadittuckedinsidehisshirtsothat

only a small portion showed, Hardesty laughed. “What has happened to you that you got bound to a
human? Never mind. I see the whole thing unfolding in front of me because last I heard you and your
brotherswerehangingfromHimalayanchains.LucianandMariusstillthere?”

Adriengroundhisbackteethtogether.Hedidn’tlikeortrustHardesty,andhesureashelldidn’twant

togetintoachatabouthisrecentimprisonment.“Ineedinformation.”

Hardestyrose,pullinginalongdragashedidso.Hemovedtothesideofthechairaswell,farther

intotheroom,hisgazefixedonLily.

Adrien felt a growl form at the back of his throat. His breathing grew ragged. For a skinny bastard,

Hardestywasbeingdamnaggressive.

Hardestyliftedbothhands.“Easedown,vampire.Ionlywanttohavealook.Iguessthechainsreally

dowork,becauseIknowhowmuchyoudespisehumans.”

AdriensteppedbackbesideLilyandslidhisarmaroundherwaist.Theemotionsthatpummeledhim

rightnow,bothhisownandLily’s,madeittoughtoconcentrate.Maybebecauseherbloodwasinsidehim
ormaybebecausehe’dtakenhertobed—butwhateverthecase,hehatedthewayHardestylookedher
over.

He felt her hand on his arm, gliding up and down. She turned into him; that much he registered.

“Adrien,what’sgoingonwithyou?”Heheardhervoice,buthecouldn’tmakesenseofwhatshe’dsaid.
Hefelthisfangsonhislowerlips.Whatthehellwashappeningtohim?

Shegotinfrontofhimandplacedherhandsonhischest.“Hey!Canyouhearme?”
Hemethergaze,staringintoherlargehazeleyes.Hemighthaveblinkedafewtimes;hewasn’tsure.

“Lily?”

“Youkindagotlostthereforaminute.What’swiththefangs?Pull’emin,wouldyou?You’rekinda

freakingmeouthere.”

Adrien kept looking at her, partly because she calmed him, partly because he didn’t want to look

anywhere else. He focused on breathing. He had to do better than this or these primal, uncontrollable
feelingswouldputthembothindanger.

“Icangetridofthosechains,ifyouwant.”
LilyturnedinHardesty’sdirection,butAdrienslippedhisarmsaroundher,drawinghercloserstill.

Sheseemedtounderstandbecauseshedidn’tprotest.“What’sinvolved?”sheasked.

“Abouthalfamilliondollars.Yougotthatkindofmoney?”
Lilynodded.
Shedid?Adrien’sholdonherrelaxed.
Hardestysmiled.“Anytimeyoubringmethemoney,Icanbreakthebondonthechains.”
AdrienfeltreliefswellthroughLilysoprofoundthatitlefthimdizzy.“Iwantnothingmorethanthat,”

shesaid.“Butfornow,AdrienandIhavetosticktogether.”

At that, Hardesty paced in front of his chair, still smoking. He looked like the kind of vampire who

neverputacigarettedown.

“Soyou’reaftersomethingelse,then.Rumyonlysendsmevampiresintrouble,butitwillcostyou,

whateveritisthatyouneedfromme.”

“Weneedinformationabouttheextinctionweapon.”
Atthat,Hardestygrewverystill,includingtheever-movingcigarette.Onlyhisgazeshifted,fromone

to the next then back to finally land on Adrien. “You want to know the whereabouts of the rumored
weapon? You? Doesn’t make sense.” He started pacing, smoking, and continuing to talk, “Unless of
courseyou’reunderduress.Thatcanbetheonlyreason.Daniel?”

Adriensaidnothing.AsdidLily.
“Iwouldn’tgiveupmyreasons,either.Sowhat’sinitforme?”
“Howmuchdoyouwant?”Lilyasked.
“Morethanyoucangive.”
“I’vegotalot.”
“Haveyougothalfabillion?”
“What?”

Adrientensedup.Somethingwasn’trighthere.OncemorehepulledLilyupagainsthim,butthistime

kept his right hand free to retrieve his Glock. “What are you talking about, Hardesty? How the hell is
anyonegivingyouhalfabillion?”

Hardesty laughed. “Wishful thinking. I’d love half a billion. I’d retire to an island somewhere. The

weatherherehasbeendreadfulthisfall.SomuchraininParis.”

“Sodoyouknowanythingabouttheextinctionweaponornot?Rumyseemedtothinkyoumightknow

something.”

“What I know is pitifully small, about experiments done here, in at least one of the French cavern

systems,inthenorthIthink,afewdecadesago.Anaccidentleftabouthalfadozenscientistsdeadsothe
Councilshutdownthewholeoperation,thepapersburned,theequipmentdestroyed.”

“Whatkindofaccident?”Lilyasked.
Hardesty shrugged. “I’ve never gotten any details. But there is one thing I’ve wanted to say to you,

Adrien,foralongtime.Myanimositytowardyouisn’tpersonal,butIhaveresentedthepolicingwork
youandyourbrothersdo.”

Adrien glanced around the room and made several swift calculations: no windows, one door at the

back,possibleshieldingtopreventalteredflightthroughthewalls.

“What’sgoingon?”
“ThathalfabillionImentioned?OwnershipinanArizonacasino,somethingnewwe’redoinginthe

States,butitwillinvolvesomespecialists,human,ifyoucatchmydrift.Mypartnerswillbegladforthis
night’swork,andI’mgoingtohavetosendRumyathank-youcardforaccidentallysendingyoutome.”

Hecouldn’tquitereadLily’semotionalstate,butsheturnedintohimandhalfsobbed,halfcriedoutas

sheslidherhandbeneathhiscoat.

The door behind Adrien opened. He turned and saw the original bouncer enter with another big

vampire.Hewatchedastheyreachedfortheirweapons.Simultaneously,heslidhishanddownhisthigh
andwithdrewadagger.IfLilyhadn’tdecidedtogethysterical,hecouldhavereachedforhisGlock.

Hetookherwithhimashebackedupagainstthewall.Whenhesawaknifeandtwoguns,hespunLily

aroundsothathisbodywouldhaveachancetoprotectheroncethegunfirestarted.

Everythinghappenedsofast.
Heheardtheshots,oneaftertheother,atleastthirteenroundsinquicksuccession.Heexpectedtofeel

thebulletsslamintohisback.Instead,hefeltLilypushingathischest.Atleastshe’dstoppedscreaming.

Turningaround,however,hecouldn’tfigureoutwhathadhappened.Hesawthatboththebouncersand

Hardestyweredown.Twoofthemstillmoaned.Thenewestvampirelaystillwithhiseyeswideopen,
pupilsdilated,bloodcomingoutofhismouth.

HeglanceddownatLily,whonowsawwhatherealizedwasherhandiwork.“Wait,youdidthis?”
“Yeah,Ijusthadthisfeelingandwentwithit.ButIthinkyou’dbettergetusoutofhere.Now.”
Shockheldhimimmobileforabouttwomoreseconds.Hetestedhisabilitytopassthroughthedoor,or

anyotherwall,buthecouldn’t.Hereacheddownandpulledthedeadvampireawayfromthedoor.

HeshovedLilythroughthenfollowedafter.
Theclubwassmallandhehadtogetoutsideandintotheairquickly,beforereinforcementsarrived.
Heturnedtowardthebackhalland,pullingLilyagainsthim,flewtowardthebackdoor.Oncethere,he

kickeditwideandwithoutlookingbackflewintothenightsky,makingahardright,thenspiralinghigh.

Lilyhuggedhimhard.Sheshook,andhisspeedcausedherpain,hecouldfeelit.
OncetheyhadpassedabovetheEiffelTowerandwerenearlybacktohisapartment,hesloweddown.

HeheardLilymoaning.Damnalteredflight.Damnweakhuman.

Hepassedthroughhisbuilding,backintothehallwayoutsidethebathroom.

Assoonashetoucheddown,shedroppedtheGlock,rantothetoilet,andthrewup.
Hetookoffhiscoatandsawthebulletholes.She’dmadeSwisscheeseofsomereallyfine,expensive

leather.Hehadtoadmit,she’dbeensmartaboutthebusinessbecauseshe’dcaughtallthreevampiresby
completesurprise.He’ddroppedhisdaggerthemomenthe’dturnedtoprotectherwithhisbody.

Withoutthinking,hestartedtoheadtohisofficetoreloadtheGlock,butthechainsnaggedhimandLily

criedout,“Hey.Ican’tmoveyet.”

“Sorry,”hecalledback.
Hereturnedtositdownonthecarpetoutsidethehall,settingthegunbesidehim.Hepulledhisknees

upandrestedhiselbowsontopbutendedupwithhisheadinhishands.

Hisworld,hisgoddamndisorganizedworld.Lilyhadsavedthembothtonightwithhersmartshooting

andquick thinking. Withthat much firepoweraimed at him, he’dprobably be dead,she’d be dead, and
thatwouldhavebeentheendofthestory.

Lilyappearednexttohim,wipingherface.
Helookedupather.“How’sthehead?”
She nodded. “More like a cantaloupe split into two parts instead of merely exploded. I guess that’s

better.”

Hestaredatherwonderingwhothehellshewas.“Yousavedourassesbackthere.Ioweyouone.”
Shemethisgaze.“Iwishwe’dgottenmoreinformationthanwhatHardestydelivered.”
“Youstillintendtogoforwardwiththis,evenafteralmostgettingkilled?”
Shemethisgaze,herlipsclampedtogetherforalongmoment,beforeresponding.“Sure,whynot?”
“You said something back there that doesn’t make a lot of sense. Hardesty asked how much you had

andyousaidalot.”

Shedidn’tlookathimassheresponded,“Kiernanhasalot,buthewouldn’tpayhalfabillion.”
Adrientookholdofherwrist.“Youhavemoney,don’tyou?”
“Ihavesome.”
Henarrowedhiseyesather.“Then,why?”
“Noneofyourgoddamnbusiness,vampire.”
Adrien frowned at her. He could tell she was lying about something, but what? Then again when it

cametohumansandgreed,lyingwaspartofthebargain.

“Ineedmyclothes,”shesaid.“Mysoap,shampoo.Icantellthislittlejourneyofoursisgoingtoget

messierbythesecond.AnychanceIcangetsomeofmystuffbroughtherefromIndia?”

Hestoodupandpulledhiscelloutofhispocket.HemadeaphonecallthenglancedatLily.“Fromthe

campsite?”

Shenodded.“Everything.”Then,“Please.”
Afterhegavehisinstructions,hesaid,“You’llhaveyourthingsinabouthalfanhour.Inthemeantime

—”

“Food,”shesaid.“IcanseehowthisisgoingtounfoldforusandI’mstarved.Howaboutyou?Oh,

wait,youalreadyhadyourmeal.”Hersarcasmdripped.

Hereturnedherglarebuthedidn’trisetothebait.Hesearchedhergazebecausehecouldn’tbelieve

she’djustbeeninashoot-outbutseemedsocalm.

Hetouchedthechainathisneckandfrownedather.Whathesensedwassomethinglikeaprofound

determinationtoseehermissionthrough,nomatterwhat.Forthissplitsecond,despitehisgeneraldislike
ofhumans,healmostrespectedher.

Maybehedidn’tunderstandhermotivations,maybeshehadsomeseriousdebtstopay,hedidn’tknow,

but she’d shown cool under pressure, she’d gotten them both out of an impossible situation alive, and

insteadoffallingapart,shepressedon,askingonlyforfood.

Heledthewaytothekitchen.Someofhisstaffhadbeenbywhilethey’dtakentheirjaunttoLaNuit.

Hehadcheese,fruit,andbreadinthefridge,sohepulledthemoutandsetthemonthecounter.

Lilytookupabarstoolandstartedtoeat.
Shedidn’tsayanything,shedidn’tlookathim,shejustscowledatsomethingunseenandchompedon

slicesofapple.

***

Lilyateinsilence.Shefeltnoparticularneedtomakesmalltalkwithavampire.Anyway,shedoubted
Adrienwouldwanttotalkandshesureashelldidn’tfeellikeit.

She’dalmostdiedtonightbutfeltstrangelydisconnectedfromthatfactexceptforonething,ofcourse:

herson.

The moment those two vampires had come into the room, guns in hand, she knew exactly what she

meanttodoandhadpositionedherhandonAdrien’sGlock,allthewhilefeigningafull-blownfreak-out.

She’d been right that her squeals and sobs would distract the men, including Adrien, long enough to

fire a few shots. Adrien turning her into the wall had been the perfect maneuver since she could fire
throughhiscoatwithoutalertingeitheroftheassailants.

She glanced at him now. He cut a slab of cheese, laid it on a slice of French bread, and shoved the

wholethinginhismouth.Shewasstillsurprisedtoseeavampireeatingregularfood.Hisgazeskated
pasther,intothelivingroom.Heappearedtobethinkinghard,maybeabouttheirnextmove.

“Waitaminute,whydidyouturnyourbacktotheroom?”
Heglancedather,browslifted.“Toshieldyou.Itwasaninstinctiveresponse,butuseless.Giventhe

natureoftheblood-chains,ifI’ddied,youwouldhaveaswell.”

“Soyoudidn’tturnbecauseIhadyourgun?”
Heshookhishead.“Ididn’tknowyou’dtakenit.”
“Huh.”Shebitoffanotherpieceofappleandpoppeditinhermouth.
Joshlikedapplesandhatedpears,couldn’tstandthegrainyfeeloftheminhismouth.Twoyearshad

passed. What had he eaten in that time? What had he been doing? Had he been cared for well enough?
KiernanhadsaidthatJoshhadacaregiver,ahumanwoman,soapparentlyhe’dwantedJoshinonepiece,
butwhy?Ofallthechildrenintheirneighborhoodwhohadbeenkilledthatnight,whyhadhersonbeen
spared,andprovidedwithacaregiver?

Thiswasthebigquestionshe’dbeenunabletoanswer.ShewasalmostpositivethattakingJoshhadn’t

beenrandom.Shefeltthepurposefulnessofitineverycellofherbody.

Adrien reached forward and grabbed her wrist. “What are you thinking about? Right now? You feel

sadtome.”

Shereleasedaheavysighandpulledherarmawayfromhim.“Thatmysonlikedapples.”
“I’msorrythatyourfamilydied.”
Sheglancedupathim,chewingslowly.“Itdoesn’tchangethatvampireskilledthem.”
“No.Itdoesn’t.”
“Whyareyoustaringatme?”
“I’mtryingtounderstandyou,that’sall.”
Sheshruggedandcutachunkofcheese,slidingitontohertonguefromthebackofherknife.“What’s

theplanfromhere?I’mnotsureI’dtrustRumyagain,ifIwereyou.”

“Hewouldn’thaveknownwhatHardestywasupto,butacasinoinArizona?”
“Yourworldseemshell-bentonexposingitselftomyworld.Anditsuredoesn’tseemtolikeyouvery

much.”

“No,notmuch,atleastnotthepartsintentonillegalandreprehensibletransactions.”
Shesnorted.
“Oh,that’sright.We’revampires,sotherecan’tbeanythingdecentaboutmyworld.”
“Prettymuch.”
“Whatdoyoubasethaton?”
“Oh,let’ssee.YourpalDaniel,who’sbeensellingoffpropertythatbelongstoyourkind,Hardestyisa

realpeach,andyou’vealreadysaidthatRumyknowseveryslimyelementtobefoundbetweenItalyand
Shanghai and all the way to New York. I have yet to meet a vampire I could admire. Then there’s you,
happily demanding my blood like it belongs to you, but that’s a quality I’ve come to expect from your
kind:Take,thenmaybeaskquestionslater.”

Hecutanotherslabofcheese,planteditonmoresourdough,andshoveditinhismouth.Afterchewing

andswallowinghesaid,“Youscreamedafewtimes,ifIremember,andyouweren’texactlyinpain.”

Sheofferedahalfsmileasshesaid,“Justlikeamantomakeabigdealabouthiscockwhenhehasn’t

gotmuchelsetooffer.”

Heroundedthebarandbeforesheknewwhathemeanttodo,he’dhauledheroffherseatandpulled

heragainsthim.Shetriedtopushoutofhisarms,buthewastoodamnstrong.Hestartedsuckingonher
neckandgrindinghishipsintoher.

Damnthevampire!
Thechainvibratedheavilyagainstherthroat.Shecouldfeelhisdesirelikeflamesagainstherskin,and

hislustignitedherown.Butshestruggledagainstallthesensations—ofherincomprehensibledesirefor
him,herlust,herneed,whichseemedtobemultiplyingaseachhourmetthenext.

Whenhekissedher,shebithislowerlip,drawingblood.
Hedrewback,buthiseyeshaddarkenedandinsteadofreleasingher,hesettledinonherneckagain,

sucklingandplucking,lickingalonghervein.

Atsomepointherhandsstoppedpushingathimandinsteadherfingerskneadedthefleshofhisarms,

tuggingathisbicepsthatflexedathertouch.Heplasteredhimselfagainsther,hishipsundulatingslowly.
Herbreathinggrewshallowandhereyesclosed;maybetheyrolledbackinherhead.

Whenhekissedherthistime,shelethim,despitethebloodonhislips.
Histonguedovedeepasherockedhispelvisagainsthers,thehardlengthofhiscockrollingoverher

flesh,workingherintoafrenzy.Hermoansfilledtheair.

Shehatedhim,butshewantedhimdesperately.
Shewasabouttosuggesttheyreturntothebedroomwhenhelethergo.Shefellback,almostmakingit

ontothestool,butbecauseherlimbshadloosenedsheslidoffandfelltothefloor,landingonherbutt.

Shesatthere,lookingupathim.
Heliftedaharsheyebrow.“Andsometimes,human,acockistheonlythingawomanwants.”
Heroundedthebar.Assherosetoherfeet,shewatchedhimslapanotherslabofcheeseonyetanother

sliceofbreadandstuffthewholethinginhisbigfatmouth.

Damnvampire.

***

Adrienwasheduptheplates,packedupthefruit,cheese,andbread,allwhileLilysatonherstooland
glaredathim.

Heignoredher.Hehopedhe’dmadehispointthatforallhercomplaintsabouthiskind, she wanted

him.

Thetroublewas,heranhotforheraswell,hotterthanmadeanylogicalsensedespitetheblood-chains

theyshared.Ifsheglared,herespondedinkind,becausethelastthinghewantedwastodesirehiscaptor.

Thechains,essentially,hadbecomeanightmareofsensation.Hefeltwornout,andthehourwasjusta

fewminutespastmidnight.Andtheystillhadworktodo.

Hisbrotherscametomind,hisdrivingneedtobustthemoutofthatHimalayanhellhole.Buthow?Ifhe

failedtoproducetheextinctionweapon,Danielwouldhavethemkilled,hewassureofit.

Evenifhecouldfindthedamnthing,though,howcouldheeverturnamachinelikethatovertoDaniel,

thevampirewithoutaconscience,theonewhowouldsellhissoulforjustonemorebrickofgold?

Hisphonerang.
Hereachedintohispocket,pulleditout,andcheckedthescreen.Rumy.
Hethoughtforamoment,thenanswered,sayingnothing.
“Adrien,youthere?”
“Rumy.”Hedidn’tsayanythingmorethanthat.Heneededtoheartheman’svoice,hearhisinflection

todeterminetheleveloftheman’sguilt.HadRumyhelpedoutatLaNuit?

HemetLily’sgaze.Theglarehadturnedintoasuspiciousscowl,aperfectreflectionofhowhefelt.
Rumyclearedhisthroat.“Hardestyjustcalled.He’sstillalive.I’vesentafewvisitorstohisbarfor

whathejustpulledonyou,Iwantyoutoknowthat.He’llbeshutdownforweeks.”

“Okay.”
“Hisbouncer’sdead.Thatmightbepaymentenoughfortheincident.”
“I’mweepinginmybeer,Rumy,bigsaltytears.”
Rumylaughed.“JustwantedyoutoknowIhadnohandinthis.”
“Ididn’tthinkso.Youvalueyourskintoomuchtomakeanenemyofme.”
“Don’tIknowit.So,didHardestygiveupanythingusable?”
“He mentioned a connection to one of the northern cavern systems, here in France. Know anything

aboutit?”

“No,notreally.Youthinkingaboutgoingupthere?”
“Maybe.Notsure.”Oneofhisfavoritetribeslivedinthenorthernmostsystem,calledTrevayne,buthe

didn’tliketheideaofintroducingahumanintotheirworld.Themoreprivatecavetribes,usuallylocated
atadistancefromhumancities,livedquiettribalexistenceswithdeep,layeredshieldstokeephumansat
bay, and essentially never allowed humans inside. They held more traditional values and often had a
numberofchildrenintheirmidst,babestheyprotectedwithavengeance.

Ifitweren’tforthechains,he’dheadnorthrightnow,withouttakingLilyalong,toseewhathecould

digupabouttheextinctionweapon.ThevampireswholivedatTrevaynehadinhabitedthatsystemalong
time and probably knew every inch of the tunnels. If experiments had been done, any attempts made,
secretlyorotherwise,toconcoctakillingmachine,someonewouldknowaboutit.Theremightevenbe
evidence,oraleadtoanotherlocation.

“I’vebeenaskingaround,”Rumysaid,“ascasuallyasIcan,abouttheweapon.Ifyoudoheadupthere,

youneedtoseeSebastien.Youknowhim,right?”

“Ido.He’sagoodman.”
“Wordis,hewasontheCouncilofAncestralsfiftyyearsagowhentheyshutthewholethingdown.

Unfortunately,that’sallI’vegotforyourightnow.ButifIcatchwindofanything,I’llletyouknow.Isit
trueyou’vegotawomanwithyou,ahuman,atracker,andyou’reblood-chain-bound?”

“Noone’sbusiness.”
“Understood.Butthere’sonemorething.Youmighthavetroublewithourfanaticelement.Acoupleof

myspiestellmethoserumorsaremakingtheroundsaswell—thatthere’sahitoutonyou.”

Noshit.
Adriendidn’tseeanypointintellingRumyabouttheassassinwhohadalreadyvisitedhisapartment.

Besides,thelessrealinformationoutthere,abouthimoraboutLily,thebetter.

“Unlessthere’sanythingelse…”Heletthewordshang.
“Takecareofthatsofthideofyours,vampire.”
Adrienchuckledasheendedthecall,returninghisphonetohispantspocket.
“Softhide?”Lilyasked.
Heglancedather.“Wait,didyouheartheentirephonecall?”
“Sure.Hewastalkingloudenough.”
“No.Hewasn’t.Notforhumanears.”Absently,hetouchedthechainathisneck.“How’syourvision?”
Sheglancedaround.“Huh.TherearenolightsonbutIcanseeeverything,likethere’sasoftglowin

the room. Well, Kiernan warned me that I might siphon some of your powers. I guess your hearing and
beingabletoseeinthedarkarecomingalongnicelyforme.”

“Youwantthechainsoff?Hardestyisn’ttheonlyonewhocandoit.”
“Youmentionedthatbefore,butthetruthisasmuchasI’dlovetoberidofthisunwelcomeconnection

to you, I want to fulfill my mission more. To get the extinction weapon, then to get the hell out of your
world.”

He felt it again, something she held back, something big. “What’s going on, Lily? What aren’t you

tellingme?”

Sheshiftedhergazebacktohim,moreglaring.“Noneofyourgoddamnbusiness,vampire.Need-to-

know,remember?”

Hesettledhisforearmsonthebarandslidforwardinherdirection,gettingupinherface.“Youever

goingtotrustme?”

Hereyeswidened.“Hell,no.You’reavampire.Yougoingtotrustme?”
Hesnortedanddrewback.“Notinamillionyears.”
“I’ll be dead in about sixty, so it would never really be an issue for you, even if we were stuck for

life.”

“No,Iguessnot.”Heleanedback.Hefeltatremorgothroughhim,andhisstomachcramped,sohe

turnedawayfromthebar.

Shit,he’dbeneedingbloodagainsoon.Thestarvationleveldemandedthatherefillseveraltimesin

the coming hours. Once his body had gotten a taste, and knew a supply was near, the cravings would
demandreplenishmentoften,especiallygivencurrentstresslevels.

Hedrewairinthroughhisnoseandshuddered.Hecouldsmellherbloodnow,maybebecauseofthe

chains they shared, maybe because he’d taken a hit so recently. And she could donate again. Her
complexionhadwarmedup.

Hesippedhiswineandstaredatherovertherimoftheglass.
“What’sgoingon?”
“I’llneedbloodagainsoon.”
“What?Butyoujusthadsome.”
“It’saresultofstarvationandnothingIcanhelp.”
Sheputahandtoherthroat,hergazeshiftingaround,almostfrantic.“ButIjustgaveyousomeblood.

You’llendupdepletingmysupply,probablykillingme.”

“Thatwon’thappen.”Shouldhetellherthetruth,whathe’dalreadydonetoher,thathiskindhadthe

abilitytopromptspeedybloodreproductionbyreleasingchemicalsintohisdonor’svein?

“You’renottheonegivingitup.Howdoyouknow?”

Hejustlookedather.
Shesoughthisgaze,scowling.“You’reabletobuildupmysupply,aren’tyou?”
Hewaitedforamoment,thennodded.
Shesnorted.“I’myourbloodcow,isthatit?”
“Iftheveinfits,human.”
“Notgonnahappenasecondtimetonight.”
“Fine.I’llgetadonoroverhere.”
“Lookslikeyou’dbetter.”
Hemadehisphonecall.
Whilehewaitedforthedonortoarrive,Lilysatonherstoolstaringstraightahead.Herjawmoveda

fewtimes,butshesaidnothing.

Hefeltthetensioninherlikeaslowcrawloverthesurfaceofhisskin,andbeneaththattensionher

desireforhim.Hestayedputaswell,waitingfortheknockonhisfrontdoor,thechainalmostathump
againsthisneck.

Whenthedonorarrived,Adrienheadedtowardthedoortoletherin,forgettingagaintheshortleashhe

wason.

When he reached the middle of the living room, he halted mid-stride as the chain pulled on him. He

didn’tlookbackatLily;hewastooaggravatedbythewholesituation.

Heheardherslideoffthestool,thenthesoundofhershoesonthehardwoodfloor.Hecrossedtothe

doorandlookedthroughthepeephole.Heextendedhissenses,seekinganythinginthehallthatmightbe
outoftheordinary,buthesawonlyawomanhe’dusedadozentimesinthepast.

Maybeheshouldn’thavecalledthisparticularfemale,butLilyhadcausedragetofloodhishead.
He opened the door and the vampire-donor, a professional by the name of Night Candy with a high

price tag, entered his house, levitated into the air, and threw herself around him so that his face was
buriedbetweenherlargeandsuddenlyverybarebreasts.

“Adrien,mylove.HowI’vemissedyou.Icouldn’tbelieveitwhenIgotyourcall.Howlonghaveyou

beenoutofjail?”

Severalthingshappenedatonce.
Hisblood-hungerrosetoamaddeninglevel.
Hiscockresponded.
HestartedtothrowNightCandyonherback,butmovementintheairstoppedhim.
AshriekingsoundedfromtwofemalevoicesatoncesinceLilyhadlandedonNightCandy’sback.
Andfromalltheunexpectedmovement,Adrienfellonhisass.
He stared up as mad midair whirling ensued, Lily hissing in a strangely vampire way, Night Candy

grabbingatherarmswhilescreamingandspinning.

AdrienfearedthatthehumanwouldgethurtonceNightCandygotseriousaboutthecatfight.Onehard

vampireslamagainstawallandLilywouldbedead.

JustasNightCandythrewherarmswideandstartedtolaunchbackward,Adrienwhippedintotheair,

grabbedLily,andpulledheroffthewoman.

Hehoveredabovethefloor,holdingLilyinatightgripassheflailed,armsandlegsthrashingwildly.

“I’llstrangleher.Letmego,Adrien.I’llkillherfortouchingyoulikethat!”

BynowNightCandystoodbythedoor,shakingassheputhertopbackon.Herredwigwasaskewso

thatherfakehaircoveredoneeye.“Whatgives,Adrien?Oh,myGod,she’sboundtoyou.Whatthehell
didyoucallmeforwhenyou’vebasicallygotyourownpermanentdonor?”

Lily had started to settle down, though she released a hiss now and then. “Sorry, Candy, my sweet.

Sendmethebill,doubletheusualfee,butyou’dbetterleave.She’swindingupagain.”

Night Candy smirked. “’Cuz you called me ‘my sweet.’” She laughed as she blew him a kiss. “Au

revoir,mysweet.”

Assoonasthedoorclosed,AdriencrossedtheroomwithLilynowhangingfromhisarms,stillfacing

awayfromhim,andpantinghard.Heresetthealarmthenturnedtoleanhisbackagainstthedoor.

Thiswasnotwhathe’dexpected.He’dthoughttopunishLilyalittle;insteadhe’dsetoffsomekindof

crisisthatinvolvedLilytakingonmoreofavampirepersonathanhewouldhaveeverpredicted.

She’dactedlikeajealousgirlfriend,readytofightanywomanwhodaredtogetnearherman.Very

vampire.

Andthewholedamnthingturnedhim.Helookeddownatthebackofherheadandknewexactlywhat

hewasgoingtodo.“You’dbettergetreadyforme,human.”

CHAPTER5

Lily sat on the floor, her body on fire. Heat coursed through her veins, and her temple throbbed. She
couldn’tblink.Shecouldonlysitandstareatnothing,herbodyacauldron,herveinthumpinginherneck
asthough,despiteeveryhumanprotesthermindthrewather,nothingmatteredrightnow,notonedamn
thing,exceptfeedingAdrien,inanywayheneededtobefed.

Hegrabbedherbeneathherarmsandjerkedhertoherfeet,thenwhirledhertofacehim.Hestarted

rippingherclothesoff.

She grunted and helped, tearing at his shirt and sinking her teeth into his shoulder as he worked his

pantsdown.

Oncetheywerebothsufficientlyundressed,hepushedherupagainstthewall,shovedherlegswide,

thenpenetratedher.Shetookhimin,ashungryashewas,needinghimdeep,needingthesex,andneeding
itnow.

Hethrusttoseathimselfandoncehefitinsideher,shebaredherneck.Helickedtheskinoverhervein

inlong,wetsensualswipes.Shedidn’tthinkshecouldachemorethanshedidrightnow.

“Doit.”
Hegroundhishipsagainstherandshegroaned.
Hisfangsstruck,andhedrankherdownwhilehethrustintoher,movinghishipsfasterandfasterashe

suckedonherneck.Hisspeed,vampire-fast,causedhertocryout.Shethrewherarmsaroundhisneck
and held on as ecstasy grabbed her and took her on a ride, her body writhing against his, pleasure
sweepingthroughandtakingherintothestratosphere.

Shehatedhim,whohewas,butsheneededhim,neededthis,becauseshewasboundtohim,because

shefeltthedepthofhisstarvationandneed,andshewantedtobetheonetosatisfyhim.

Thoughtherationalpartofherbraintoldherthismadenosense,thisgivingofherblood,thisallowing

his body to possess her, she couldn’t blame the chains alone for what she was experiencing, the bald
natureofherneed,thedepthofherdesire.Fromthefirst,evenbeforeshe’dputthechainonhim,she’d
experiencedaprofoundattractiontotheman.

Heslowedhismovements,andthat’swhenshefeltthathetrembledfromheadtofootanddrankfrom

herunsteadily.Hewasstillhard.Hehadn’tcome.

Yourblood.Lily,yourblood.MyGod.
Hadsheheardhim?Wasthathisvoice,hiswords,inherhead?
Adrien?sherespondedwithhermind,wonderingifshewasjusthearingthings.
Hisbodystilledcompletelyandhedrewawayfromher,hislipsred-rimmed,hisbrowsdrawnintoa

tightfrown.

Hemethergaze,hishipsquietthoughheremainedinsideher.
Whatdidyousay?Hismindtohers.Didyousaymyname?
Shehadn’tbeenmistakenthen.Ispokeyournamebecauseyoucalledtome.Yousaid,‘Yourblood.

Lily,yourblood.’Iheardyou.Aloud,shesaid,“Iheardallofthat.SayitoutloudsothatIknowwe’re
talkingaboutthesamething,thatI’mnotjustimaginingthis.”

“Frommymindtoyours,Isaid,‘Lily,yourblood,MyGod.’”
“Yes,youdid.”
“Youshouldn’tbeabletodothistelepathically.”
“It’stheblood-chain.Ithastobe.”
He nodded. His gaze fell to her mouth and she forgot her animosity. She just wanted him, wanted

Adrien.

“Kissme,”shewhispered.
He leaned down to her and touched his lips to hers, tenderly, the way a man would normally kiss a

womanifhelikedher.

Hebegantosurgeintoheroncemore,butthistimehekissedherwhilehethrustanditfeltlikeheaven,

likemorethanshehadeverexpecteditcouldbewithhim.

Shedidn’tunderstandwhatwashappeningtoher,whyshewasfeelingsomuchforAdrienwhomshe

didn’tknow,whyherarmssnakedaroundhim,feelingthemusclesofhisback,herhandsrisinguntilshe
droveherfingersintohishair.

Histremblingsettleddownandpowerreturnedtohisthighsandhisarms.Hesurroundedher,holding

hercloser,bendinghiskneestoangleupandintoher.Iwantyoutocomeforme.Hisvoiceinherhead
broughtadeepgroanfromherthroat.

Adrien,yes,sheresponded.
Hiships pistoned fasterand she fellinto the quick rhythm,her body tighteningdeep within, her skin

tinglingoverherchestandarms.Soclose.

Fasterhemoved.Comeforme.Comeforme.
Herbodyspasmedasecstasypouredthrough,takingthefireinherveinsandspreadingitoverevery

inchofher.

Adrien,now,doitnow,releasenowandI’llcomeagain.
He groaned heavily against her mouth and his entire body shoved against her, his hips moving fast

again,soveryfast.Shestrappedherarmsaroundhisneck,holdingonfortheride.

Hemovedquickerthanahumanandherbodyrespondedclenchinghard.Thenmorepleasurestreaked

throughherandshecouldfeelorsensehisownpleasurerising,sosherodeitasheshoutedintotheair,
pumpinghard.

Theexperiencereachedintoherchest,expandingherlungs.Shecouldhardlybreatheassomuchfeel-

goodpassedthroughher,wavesoflushsensation,ofecstasypeaking,falling,andpeakingagain,overand
over.Andhekeptpoundingher.

I’llcomeagainifyoukeepthisup.
Oh,God,sowillI.
Vampirescoulddothat?TherewassomuchKiernanhadn’ttoldher.
Once more she exploded deep inside, screaming her pleasure, gasping for breath, savoring each

pummelingofhishipsagainsthers.Heshoutedwithher,drivinghiscockdeep.

Atlasthebegantoslow.Herheartpoundedinherchest,andherfacefeltflushedwithpassion.
Hedrewback,sweatgleamingonhisforehead,hislipsswollenandpartedashedrewindeepbreaths

aswell.“It’sneverbeenlikethis.”

“Thechains,”shewhispered,unabletocatchherbreath.
“Idon’tknow.”Hesearchedhereyes.
She stared back wondering about him, who he was, why she could do this with him and not be

repulsed,whyshefeltsomuchsoquickly.Thechainathernecklayoddlystillonherskin.

Slowly,hedrewhishipsback,slidingoutofher,theircombinedfluidsdrippingdowntheinsidesof

herthighs.Hepickeduphisshirtandplanteditbetweenherlegs.

“Thankyou.”
Henodded,frowning.Shecouldfeelhisuneasiness,almostawariness,certainlyhisdistrust.Herown

doubtsintruded.

Sheshadedherfacewithherhand.
Adrienwasavampire.Sheneededtorememberthat,toremindherselfthatverylittleabouthercurrent

predicamentcouldevercarryoverintoherreallife,theoneshewouldresumewithhersonassoonas
shegotherselfoutofthismess,assoonasshehadtheextinctionweaponinhand,assoonasshecould
hiresomeonetogetridofthesechains.

AndthelastthingsheshouldeverdowasstarttocareforAdrien.Damnsex,anyway,becauseitwas

soeasytogetconnectedwithamanthroughsex.Sheknewthesciencebehindit.Andthechainwasn’t
helping.

“You’re humiliated?” he asked. “Because you had sex with me a second time, you’re ashamed?” He

madeadisgustedsoundatthebackofhisthroat.

Shelookedupathim.Sheopenedhermouthtocorrecthim,toreassurehimthatitwasn’tshame.But

whatwasit,then,ifnotshame?

Apurehatredanddistrustofhiskind?
Ortheknowledgethatshecouldnevermakealifeforherselfinthisworld,sowhatwasthepoint?
Maybeitwasalittlebitofeverything.
Shehadtokeepherdistance,sowhatdiditmatterwhethersheregrettedthemomentbecauseofshame

or because she couldn’t risk trusting him. They were different species, and his kind had destroyed her
family.

“OfcourseI’mashamed.”
Hepickeduphispantsandpunchedafootthrougheachleg,glaringatherinturns.
Shedrewadeepbreathandfoundherclothesorwhatwasleftofthem.Sheslippedonhershirtjustto

becoveredalittle.

“Backtothebedroom,”hesaid,soundingweary.
“I’mnottired.”
“Iwasn’tsuggestingsleep.Wehaveworktodo,butyouneedtogetcleanedup,andyourclothesand

thingsfromIndiaareintherenow.”

Shefollowedbehindhim,whichsuitedhersinceherpantsweren’tfittowearanymore.He’dripped

themdownthebackallthewaytothecrotch.

Onceinthebedroom,sheunpackedachangeofclothes.Becausehebarredthewaytothebathroom,

shemovedtostandinfrontofhim,refusingtomakeeyecontact.

“I’mnotevil,Lily,whateveryoumaythink.”
Sheglancedupathim,hermouthreadytoagreewithhimtosaysheknewatleastthatmuch,butwhat

wasthepoint?Sheneededtokeepherfocus,torememberthatJoshwaitedforher,hadbeenwaitingfor
twoyears.MyGod,wouldhersonevenknowheranymore?

“Please,Adrien.Wejustneedtogetthroughthis,thequickerthebetter.”
He stepped aside and she went into the bathroom. She took a quick shower, hoping by the time she

openedthedoorAdrienwouldhavesomeideawheretheyshouldgonext.

***

“Weneedtogoseeamaninthenorth?”

Adriensatontheflooroutsidethebathroom,stillinhisjeansandnothingelse.HestaredupatLily

having forgotten how pretty she was, with her large haunted hazel eyes staring down at him. His chest
squeezedup,makingithardtobreathe.

“Avampire?”sheasked.
“Actually, he’s a half-breed, and an Ancestral, rare in our world, but it happens.” Just like Adrien

actually.Hismotherwashuman,butthevampiregeneticsweredominantinhisfather’slineandthoughhe
didn’thaveAncestralstatus,andneverwantedit,hehadthepotential.

“Half-breeds?Asinhumanandvampire?”
Herosetohisfeetandnarrowedhiseyes.“Sure.Hasbeenthroughouthistory.Wheredoyouthinkall

yourlorecamefrom?Andmenofwealth?Alotofthemarehalf-breeds.”

“Butfarlesspowerfulthanapurevampire.”
“Notnecessarily.”
“Thatdoesn’tmakesense.We’dknowaboutthem.Therewouldbereportsthroughouttheentirehistory

oftheworld.”

“Thinkaboutit,Lily.Mostoftheworldstilllivesdeepinsuperstition,butimaginejustafewcenturies

agowhenwitcheswereburnedatthestake.Doyouhonestlythinkalong-livedhumanwouldevermake
his parentage known? He’d never have survived. The human population not so long ago wasn’t mobile
likeitisnow.Nowheretohide.”

“Thenyou’veprotectedyourhalf-breeds.”
“Youcouldsaythat.”
“Whyareyousmiling?”
He sought about for a reason not to tell her about his parentage. On the other hand, it would be

enjoyabletoseeherreaction.“Youwantthetruth?”

“Yes.Ofcourse.”
He’dgiveherthatmuch.Shestooduptothings.“I’mahalf-breed.Mymotherwashuman.Shewasa

goodwoman.”

Hermouthfellagape.“You’rekidding.”
“Whichpart?ThatIhaveafewhumangeneskickingaroundinme?”
“Thatandhowisitifyou’reparthuman,youhateussomuch?”
“Becausewe’reheadedonacollisioncoursewithyourworld.It’sinevitableandhumannaturetends

toexploit,tograb,todestroyanentirepopulationtogetatitswealth.”

“Butvampiresaremorepowerful,physicallyandyouhavesomanyotherabilitiesthatwedon’t.”
Hechuckled,buteventohisownearsitwasn’tapleasantsound.“Lookatthenumbers,Lily.Wehave

underamillioninourentirepopulation,spreadoutovertheglobe,andnocentralgovernmenttospeakof.
You’resevenbillionandgrowing.Whataretheoddsofsurvivalforus?”

Shegrewveryquietandverystill.Thechainwasstrangelysilentagainsthisneck.
He’dgivenheralottothinkabout.
“Adrien,whathappenedtoyourmother?”
“ShediedwhenIwasveryyoung.Murdered.”
“Oh,God,I’msosorry.”
Hefeltherswellofempathybutshookhishead.“Itwasaverylongtimeago.Remember,I’mlong-

lived.”

“Four centuries then.” She frowned, and he could almost feel her thinking it all through. “Was she

trafficked?”

“No.Imean,that’sanewwordthesedays.Shewaskidnapped,stolenfromherlifeinParis,whichis

onereasonIhaveaplacehere.”

“I’msorry,”shesaid.
“Thereareworsethings.”
“Idon’tthinkso.”
Heshrugged.“Maybenot.”Theinformationwasfourhundredyearsoldyetsomehow,withLilyasking

thequestions,suddenlyhewasalittleboyandhismotherwasputinalongwoodenboxandloweredinto
theground.

Thiswasnotexactlyusefulgivenhiscurrentsituation.Hegavehimselfashake.“Allright,I’mgoing

toshowernow,thenwe’llheadnorth,atasnail’spaceforyoursake.”

“Okay,that’sfine.”
He stepped aside and she dropped to the floor to wait, having already grown accustomed to their

routinebecauseofthechains.

Heshoweredquickly,driedoff,thenpassedbyhertoreturntohisbedroom.Whenhefeltthechains

tug,hecalledtoher,butshewasalreadymovingandhischaingrewslack.

Hepulledapairofblackfightingleathersoffahanger,onewithplentyofweaponssheathssohecould

getbetterarmed.Onegunandadaggerwasn’tgoingtocutit.

The pants were specially designed with slots for battle chains and several daggers. He wore a snug

black tee, tucked in, another harness for his Glock, and a black leather jacket, free of holes. Travel at
nightinblackwastheonlywaytogo.“Haveyougotanydarkclothesyoucanwear?”

Shemovedtothebedandsearchedinhersatchel.Shechangedoutofherclothes,allinblack,now

wearingaturtleneck,jeans,andloafers.Shepluckedathershirtandturnedtomeethisgaze.“Wealmost
looklikeacoupleofninjas.”

Hesmiled.Hedidn’twanttobuthecouldn’thelpit.“Sorry,Lily,butthelastthingyoulooklikeisa

ninja.”Herhairflowedoverhershoulders.Shewassobeautiful,withsuddenunexpectedlaughterinher
eyes.

Heclearedhisthroatandinclinedhisheadtothedoor.Hespokeinasharpvoice.“Ineedtogetsome

more weapons, ammo for the Glock in case you decide to use it again, then we’ll leave here.” He
narrowedhisgazeandasked,“Whatdoesyourlocatingabilitytellyourightnow?”

Lilyfocusedontheweapon,andasbefore,hecouldsenseherreachingout.Thetendrilsofhertracking

skillheadedinseveraldirectionsatonce,butwereunabletoconnecttoanendpoint.Hefeltthelevelof
herconcentrationandsawthelinesoftensionaroundhereyes,butnothinghappened.

Glancingathim,sheshookherhead.“I’msorry.Icanfeeltheabilitythere;Iknowitexists.Butit’sas

thoughIjustdon’thaveenoughpowertopropelthesearchforward,ifthatmakessense.”

“It’snewtoyou.I’msureintimeit’llcome.Fornowwe’lljustkeepfollowingourleads.”
Asshesetherjawoncemore,hebrushedpasther,leadingthewaybacktotheofficeandhisarmory.

***

LilyburiedherfaceinAdrien’sshoulder.Shestilldidn’tunderstandhowtheprocessworked,howshe,
as a human, could pass through anything solid. Though she kept her eyes closed, she could feel the
differencebetweenairandamassofanykind,butitfeltmorelikethedifferencebetweendryairandfog,
thesolidpartsasoftclingingtotheskin.

Adrienflewslowlyforhersake,andthoughherheadpounded,nosharpstabbingpainsthreatenedto

split her brain apart. Even the nausea at such a slow speed remained a faint queasiness. Still, she took
deepbreathsandtriedtorelax.

TheymusthaveleftParisbehind,becauseforseveralminutesshe’dfeltonlythetextureofair.Though

retaininghertightholdonAdrien,andherleftfootbalancedonhisrightboot,shesethergazeacrosshis
broadchesttoseewhattheypassedby.

Notmuchsinceitwasthemiddleofthenight,butasshelookedupthroughanowthinlayerofclouds

shecaughttheoccasionalstar,morewispsofclouds,morestars.

Atonepointsherelaxedagainsthimandhishandshiftedonherwaist,circlingherevenmorefully.

Shefelthisneedtokeephersecureandmaybethat’swhysheletloosewithasighandpermittedherhead
toactuallyrestonhisshoulder.

Inthismoment,therealityofhersituationstunnedher:thatsheflewinastateofmassthatcouldpass

throughothermasses,thatavampirebuiltlikeatankheldherinhisarms,thatshewatchedcloudsand
starspasslikeitwasanyothernighttimeouting.

We’realmostthere.Andnowhisrumblingvoiceinherhead.Hehadaninterestingvoice,verydeep

andresonant.Herhusband’svoicehadbeenlikethat.Shemissedhimsomuch,thecomfortofhisarms
aroundher,makinglove,evenarguingwithhimabouthowtoraisetheirchildren.

Nowshewasalone,tryingtosavehersonifshepossiblycould,tryingnottogetkilledintheprocess.
Don’tbesad,Lily…
Whatdidyousay?Soheknewshewassadanddidn’twanthertobe.
Nothing.Moregrufflythistime,eveninherhead.Ididn’tmeantosayanything.
Fine.
Fine.
She felt the descent and as she looked down, her acquired vampire vision warmed up the country

setting below: a small French town, a nearby river, trees, lots of trees, farm country in broad stretches
surroundingthetown.

Adrien shifted direction, and as buildings raced toward her she closed her eyes. She felt them pass

through a few buildings. Finally his boots hit a solid spot and the warmth of the air told her she was
indoors.

We’reinahomeattheedgeoftown.Oh,myGod.
Shesteppedoffhisfootandopenedhereyes.
Thehousehadbeenransacked,papersstrewneverywhere,furnitureoverturned.Adrienmovedtoward

adoorwaytotheleft,andshefollowedbehindquickly.

Oncemore,hespokestraightintoherhead.Someonegotherebeforeus.
Nokidding.
Fornow,stickwithtelepathy.
Isortoffigured.
Good.Atleastyoudon’tlackforbrains.Then,Oh,God,no.Hepickeduphispace.
Shesawthebodylyinginatwistedmass.
TheAncestral?sheasked.
No.Hisservant,though,ahalf-breedwho’sbeenwithhimalongtime.
She stayed on Adrien’s heels as he put his feet in motion again. She ignored the body on the floor,

holdingherbreathasshemovedby.Surelydeathhadanodor,andshedidn’twanttosmellanyofit.

Onehallwayledtoanotherroom,anotherhall,anarrowstaircase,arealrabbitwarren.
Lilystuckclose,resistingtheurgetoholdontothebottomofhiscoat.Herbackitchedwiththethought

thatsomeonecouldattackherfrombehind.Shefeltjumpyandasherchainvibrated,andshereachedout
tosensewhathewasfeeling,sheknewAdrienfeltthesameway.

Whenshesteppedintowhathadtobeanattic,sheheardthesoundofmovementontherooftopabove,

someonewalkingorslidingontiles.Thenathumpandaharshcry.

Adriencaughtherarmandmethergaze,hisjawtight.Wehavetogoupthere.Whenweflewin,no

onewasontheroof,butIthinkSebastienistherenowandhe’sintrouble.

Shenodded.Let’sgo.Shesteppedontohisfootandslungherarmsaroundhisneck.
Holdontight.
Yougotit.
Shefelthimdipdownandheardthefaintestslidingsoundandknewhe’djustarmedhimself.Thenext

secondheshotintotheair,passingthroughtheroofatawideanglesothattheywentaboutthirtyfeetinto
theairofftotheside.

Fourmenontheroof.WhenIland,rollawayfrommyrightfoot,butcatchholdofthetiles.Youcan

dothis.

Lily’sheartbeatwentintooverdriveasheflewdownoncemoreandlanded.Sherolledandcaughtat

the tiles, but slipped, tried to catch, slipped some more but finally held fast. Her arms and hands were
scrapedup.Shethoughtshe’dbebruised—thenshefeltit,vampirehealingbecauseofthechains.Butthe
tugofthechainstoldhershehadtogetclosertoAdrien,especiallysincehebattledthreehooded,robed
figures.

Fanatics.
She looked up and watched as another man, the Ancestral in striped pajamas and a dark silk robe,

stoodattheedgeoftheroof.

SheturnedandcrawledinAdrien’sdirectionbecausetheblood-chainstilltuggedhard.
Adrienwhippedintotheair,movingclosertoherandfasterthantheothervampires.Shewatchedhim

usehisbattlechainfirst,whippingittohisrightandcatchingtheforearmandthereforethedaggerofone
oftheattackers.Hejerkedhard,whichflippedthemanintheairandbroughthimdownonhisback.He
gruntedbutstayedthere.

TheothertworushedAdrien.Shecouldn’tmakeoutallhismovesbecausehewassofast,butbythe

timetheyreachedhim,hehadadaggerineachhand.Thenshesawit,howheseparatedandbecametwo
different men. The act alone gave him an advantage, since the remaining attackers paused, probably
stunnedbythemaneuver,whichgaveAdrientheopportunitytomovewithswiftjabsandquickerretreats.

Theattackerstookupmoredefensivepositions,workingthetwoAdriensfartherapart.
OncemoreLilyfeltthetugonthechainsandbeganworkingherwaybackuptheroof,scramblingeach

time,scrapingupherhandsalloveragain,butshedidn’tcare.

Adrienhadtosurvive,andshehadtodoeverythingshecouldtohelp.
TheAncestralremainedatadistanceasAdrienbattledtheothermen.Sheglancedinhisdirection.He

appearedtobeconcentratinghard,hisarmsheldwide—andthatwaswhenshenoticedhowthenightair
seemedwavyandstrangeallovertheroofandseveralfeetabove.

ThewavesemanatedfromtheAncestral.Sherealizedshewaswatchingthecreationofthesinglemost

importantelementvampiresusedtokeepthemselveshidden,thedisguisingabilityoftheAncestrals.

Aworldofpower,ofviolentfactions,offanaticsandAncestrals,andofcertaingiftedvampireswho

couldsplitintotwoequalparts.

Acrysoundedintheair.TheAdrientotherightwithdrewhisbladefromhisattacker’sthroat.Only

one enemy remained and Lily wasn’t surprised when Adrien re-formed his body and, with unearthly
speed, all but whirled around the final attacker. The man started to levitate and almost gained a quick
takeoffspeed,butAdrienlaunchedabovehim,thechainstugginghard,cuthisneck,andthevampirefell
backtotheroof.Hewouldhaveslidoff,butAdrienflewagain,caughthim,andfinishedwhatthesemen
hadstarted.

Lily rose up and gained her footing more easily than she thought she would. She glanced down and

realizedherfeetwereonlypartiallytouchingthetiles:moresiphonedpower.Shewalked,ormoved,or
halfflewinAdrien’sdirection.

Hebreathedhard,handsonknees.Hemethergaze.Sorryyouhadtoseethis.
Shelookeddownatthedeadvampire,bloodpouringfromhisneck.
“I’llgetacleanupcrew.”TheAncestralhadhisphoneout.ItstruckLilyasfunnythatthesecreatures,

whocouldcreatedisguisingwavesoutofnothing,whocouldsplitintotwopartsanddobattle,woulduse
humantechnologytocallforcleanup.

“You’resmiling?”
LilyglancedatAdrien.“Ican’tbelieveyouevenneedphones,witheverythingelseyoucando.”She

putherhandtohercheekandshookherhead.“Imightbefeelingalittlehystericalrightnow.”

“They’llbecomingfromthesouth,abouttwominutesout.”TheAncestral,wholookedtobenomore

than thirty, wore his hair corporate-short. He had large brown eyes, visible in Lily’s continually
improvingsight.

Hemethergaze,tookinthechain,anddippedhischinonce.
AdrienintroducedhertoSebastien,andbythetimeshe’dexchangedbizarrepleasantriesontheroofof

hishome,adisposalcrewhadarrived.

Sebastienextendedanarm,agracefulgestureinthedirectionofthehomebeneathhisfeet.“Shallwe?”
AdrienquicklytookLily’shand.“Whichroom?”
“They’d just started into my study when I escaped to the roof. I believe that chamber might still be

intact.”

Sebastiendisappearedfirst,sinkingthroughthemassofthebuilding.Withhisfreehand,Adrienwiped

sweat off his forehead. He called to the foreman of the crew, thanked him for his hard work, then the
vibrationbegan.Lily’slastviewoftheroofinvolvedwatchingoneofthedisposalcrew,ahugepackon
hisback,startpower-sprayingthebloodaway.

Maybeforthatreason,orbecauseshe’djustwitnessedmorekillings,orduetotheactionofmoving

through another solid mass, the moment Lily’s feet touched the soft carpet of Sebastien’s study she
dropped to her knees. She worked hard not to hurl all over what she could see was a finely woven
Persiancarpet.

Shefeltahandonthebackofherhead.Wavesofenergypulsedthroughher,andthenauseapassed.

Herheaddidn’tevenhurt.ShesatbackonherheelsandlookedupatSebastien.“Thankyou.Idon’tknow
whatyoudid,butIfeelmuchbetter.”

“Good.Itakeityou’refindingourmeansoftraveldifficulttotake.”
“Nearlyimpossible,unlessI’mfullypreparedandwetakeitreallyslow.”
Hesteppedawayfromhersuddenly.Infact,hecrossedtotheoppositesideoftheroom,butshewasn’t

certainwhy.

Whensherosetoherfeet,however,sheturnedtofindAdrieninastate.Hewasgrowlingagain,his

headlow,hisfangsbared.Hisfleckedtealeyeshadwhatwasnowbecomingafamiliarwildappearance.

Instinctively,Lilyreachedupandputherhandonhisface.Isthisbecausehetouchedme?
Adrienturnedintoherhand,kissedherpalm,thenhauledherintohisarms.Histhoughtscameatherin

a fragmented jumble: Kill Sebastien. Don’t. Lily, my God. Hurting. Fangs. Must stop. Lily. What’s
happening?Icouldtakehernow.Anentirestringofexpletivesfollowed.

Panicked,Lilythrewherarmsaroundhisneck.I’mhere,shesaid.
Lily?
I’mhere.

I’msorry.
Whatdoyouneed?
Hecan’ttouchyouagain.
Hewon’t.Hedidn’tunderstand.I’msurehegetsitnow.
Shefelthimtakeadeepbreath,thenanother.Becauseshewaspressedupagainsthim,shealsofelthis

arousalandwasstunnedalloveragain.Wasitpossibleshe’dneedtogiveitupforAdrien,again,ina
stranger’sstudy?

Shewasn’tsureshehadachoice.Tellyourfriendtoleavetheroom.
No.I’llgetthroughthis.Ican’tkeepgivingintothisterribleneedIhaveforyou.
He trembled as he pulled away from her, but they were alone. Sebastien had left the room anyway,

whichhelped.

AtfirstLilyopenedhermouthtoyellatAdrien,butwhatshesensedthroughthechainstoppedher.The

vampirewashumiliatedbywhathadjusthappened.

Hemovedtoalargedesk,plantedhishandsonthetop,andworkedathisbreathing.Shestaredathim,

uncertainwhattodo.Herchainbegantovibrateheavilyagainstherneckaspowerfulemotionsworkedin
Adrien.Humiliation,yes,butsomethingmore,somethingthatfueledhisrage.

Heshookfromheadtotoeandwithoutwarning,heliftedhisheadandscreamedintotheair.
Lilyjumpedbackseveralpacesatfirst,thenmovedbacktohim.Sheputahandonhisarm,wantingto

calmhim,buthejerkedaway.Hepacedtheroominacircleandshouted.Moreprofanityfollowed,reams
ofit.

“Adrien,what’swrong?Talktome.MaybeIcanhelpwiththis,whatever’sgoingonwithyou.”
“Youwanttohelp?You,ahuman.Andwhatareyougoingtohelpwith?CanyouchangemyDNAor

thatthis damn chain has my cock inan uproar? Or that when I catch evena whiff of you I want to bite
downhardonyourthroatandneverletgo?”

Shetookastepaway,onehandslidingupherneck.Herbreathcameinheavinggulps.She’dhadsex

withhimtwiceandbothexperienceshadoverwhelmedher,madehercravemore.Becauseofthechain,
shecouldfeelhisneed,thathemeantwhathesaid.

Shestaredathim,unwillingtoadmitjusthowmuchsherespondedtothecallinhiseyes,tothesize

andbeautyofhim,ortohisprimitivenature.Andshehatedherselfforit,fordesiringhimlikethis,the
feelingthatnottohavehimwouldsomehowdestroyherlife,evenhersoul.

Shesawthatheworkedtocontrolhimself.
Soshedidthesame.“We’llgetpastthis,Adrien,bothofus.We’llgettheweaponandsomehowget

thechainsoff,thesoonerthebetter,thenwe’llbothbefreeoftheseinexplicablecravings.”

Hemethergazebutshookhishead.“Didyouhavetobesobeautiful?”
Lily grew very still. Tension filled the air. Silence as well. Maybe she breathed, she wasn’t sure.

Adrienheldhergaze,hiseyesdarkwithlongingandneed,nowglitteringinthesoftdarkoftheroom.

Sheheardmovementnearthedoorwayandwasn’tsurprisedwhenSebastienappeared.“Rumycalled

justbeforethefanaticsshowedup,demandinginformationabouttheextinctionweapon.Iwouldn’thave
survivedtheattackwithoutRumy’swarning,butI’velostagoodfriendtonight.”

“I’msorry,”Adriensaid.
Sebastien nodded, his expression grim. “I’ve made a couple of phone calls. I think you should head

north,totheTrevaynesystem.Alfonseisexpectingyou.Itoldhimtotakeyoutothevault.”

LilyfeltAdriengrowingcalmerbythesecond.PerhapsthatwaswhytheAncestralhadrejoinedthem,

tochangethesubjectandtogiveAdriensomethingelsetofocuson.

CHAPTER6

AdrienkepthisgazefixedonSebastien,hischesttight.Ithelpedalotthathe’dshiftedhisattentionaway
fromLily.Hedrewanotherdeepbreath.“Whatvault?”

“TheoneonlythreeotherAncestralsknowabout,Alfonsebeingoneofthem.”
LilyturnedtofaceSebastienaswell.“What’sinthevault?Istheweaponthere?”Adriencouldsense

hersuddenexcitement.

Sebastienshookhishead.“No,buttherearedocumentsaboutexperimentsperformedhereinFrance.I

readthemfortyyearsago.Theywereofascientificnatureandmighthaveincludeddesignplans,I’mnot
sure.I’maskingthatyousecurethemandtakethemtoGabriel.He’llknowwhattodowiththem.”Asa
respectedAncestral,Gabrielknewalotoftrustworthyvampires.Ifanyonewouldknowwhattodowith
thesedocuments,hewould.

Heglancedfromonetotheother.“You’reinthistogetherandyou’reindeep.You’rebothpretending

that what’s happening here is simple, with the chains and with each other, but it’s not. Adrien, you and
yourbrothershaveservedasoneofourfewpolicingforces,andyou’vedoneagreatjob.Butoursociety,
ifwe’retosurvive,needsmorethanthat,fromyouespecially.YouhavetremendousAncestralpower,I
cansenseitinyou.Andyou’vealwaysspokenloudlyabouttheneedforanimprovedcourtsystem.We
musthavethatifwe’retoholdmaniacslikeDanielatbay.Andnowthathe’smakingapowergrabby
usingyoubothtogettheweapon,it’sevenmoreimportantthatyoutapintoyourAncestrallegacy.”

“ButwhenI’vespokenofthis,mostoftheAncestralsinsistthatDanielisananomalyamongvampires,

that we shouldn’t build an entire system around one freak. And if we can locate the weapon at all, it’s
unclearwhatwe’lldowithit.We’llhandlethatwhenthetimecomes.”

Sebastien nodded. “But Daniel’s not the only one vying for control, is he? Who do you think was

behindtheattackhere?”

“IknowthatSilasleadsthisgroup.”
Sebastiennodded.“Thelongblackhoodedrobeshavebecomehissignature.”
“Yes,theyhave.”
LilyturnedtoglanceatAdrienoverhershoulder.“Silasagain.What’shismaindeal?”
“Hekeepsdozensofouryoungmalevampiresworkedupabouthumanintrusionsintoourworld,while

heprofitsfromsellinghumandrugstovampiredealersinjustabouteverysystemonearth.He’soneofmy
leastfavoritethings,acompletehypocrite.”

“ButItakeithewantsmorethanjusttheprofitfromsellingdrugs.”
“LikeDaniel,he’saftercontrol.”
LilyshiftedhergazebacktoSebastien.“Doyouagree?”
Sebastien stepped back into the room. “Absolutely.” He sat down in a winged chair near tall

bookshelves and settled his gaze on Adrien. “Just think about what I’ve said. If you embraced your
Ancestralcalling,you’dbeabletomakeadifference,Iknowit.”Heliftedahand.“Iwon’targuewith

you, not tonight. But please consider the possibility that there’s something else here.” He glanced from
AdrientoLilyandback.“FatehasbroughtyoutoLilyandshetoyou.”

“Idon’tbelieveinfate.”Adrienflaredhisnostrils,slinginghishandsbehindhisback.
“Whetheryoubelieveitornot,I’mgoingtotellyouatruthrightnowthatIthinkyouwon’twantto

hear.”HegesturedtothechainatAdrien’sneck.“Theseblood-chainsthatyou’vegothaveverylittleto
dowithyourdrivetowardLily.”

“You’rewrongaboutthat.”
Sebastienshookhishead.“MywifeandIdonnedblood-chainsonce,hopingtoimproveourmarriage.

Alltheydidwasincreasethehostilitywefeltforeachother.Ialmostdiedgettingridofthechainsbut
wouldhavepreferreddeathtokeepingthem.”

“Thatcan’tbetrue.”
“Areyoucallingmealiar?”Buthesmiled,ifwearily.
Adrienbackeddown.“No.Youalwaysspeakthetruth.”
LilymetAdrien’sgaze.“Butthiscan’tbetrue.Icouldn’tpossiblybeexperiencingthesekindsofthings

onmyown.”ShewhirledbacktoSebastien.“Youmustbemistaken.”

“Sorry, the chains don’t lie or mislead.” He rose from his chair. “And now, I have a good friend to

bury.IsuggestyouheadnorthbeforeSilasfindsoutaboutthevault.”

For a long moment, Adrien couldn’t move. His gaze was glued to Lily as he tried to process what

Sebastienhadjusttoldhim.Whatdidhisprofounddrivetowardthehumanmean,then?

Intheend,hemadeachoicetoignoreSebastien’srevelations,atleastforthepresent.Besides,soon

enoughhe’dcometotheendofthisline,thenheandLilycouldgotheirseparateways.

“You’reright,weshouldgetgoing.AndSebastien,I’msorrywecan’tstaytohelpoutwiththis.”
“Mypeoplearecoming.I’mnotalone.TrytogatherthesupportyouneedandthinkaboutwhatItold

you.Youhaveanextraordinarylineage.IfIhadhalfyourpowerandevenaquarterofyournaturalability,
Adrien—myGod,whatIcouldhaveaccomplishedonbehalfofourworld.”

Adrienmetandheldhisgaze,willinghimtounderstandhisthoughts.Thatthelatentpowerhekeptin

check,thoseso-callednaturalabilitieshepossessed,belongedinhellandnowhereelse.

HeheldhisarmouttoLily.Accustomedtothedrill,shesteppedintohimandslidanarmaroundhis

neck.Thiskindofproximitybecauseofthewaytheyhadtotravelwasn’thelpinghisprofounddesirefor
her,butitwasstillthebestwayoftravelingwithalteredflight.

Themomentsheplantedherfootontopofhis,heinclinedhisheadtoSebastienandputthembothin

motion,glidingupwardandpassingeasilythroughthehouseandintothenightair.

He’dhalfexpectedLilytospeaktohimwhiletraveling,tocontacthimtelepathicallyanddiscusswhat

Sebastienhadsaid.Insteadsheremainedsilent.

If what Sebastien had shared was accurate, then Adrien had to face a hard fact about his desire for

Lily:He’dneverexperiencedsuchapowerfulreactiontoawoman,anywoman,intheentirecourseof
hisfourcenturies.

Butwhatdiditmean?He’dknowndozensofwomenoverthedecades,andhadlovedtwoorthreeof

them,buthe’dneverfeltadesireforadeepercommitment.Heheldbackofcourse,justashisbrothers
did,sincetheyeachfearedandmistrustedtheirparentage.Yetwhenhereviewedhisloves,theyseemed
mildincomparisonwithhisreactionstoLily.Evenbeforeshe’dcomeintothecave,he’dthought,She’s
here.She’smine.Andthatwaswellbeforehe’dworntheblood-chain.

Areweinanydanger,beingairbornelikethis?
Finally, she spoke to his mind, addressing a subject he could respond to, but she wouldn’t like the

answer.Becausewe’retravelinglikeslugs,yeah,we’reindanger.Hopefully,though,anyonewatching

foruswouldbecheckingthesouthernroutesoutofParis.

InthedirectionofLakeComoandTheEroticPassage?
Yep. Rumy’s business is known to be a hotbed of information, any kind you could possibly want.

Mostoftheclub’sworkerswouldhaveheardsomethingabouttheweaponovertheyears.

Doyouthinkanythinginthevaultwillbeofvalue?
Only one way to find out, but I need to prepare you for something else, Lily. No human has been

allowedtovisittheTrevaynesysteminalongtime.Idon’tknowifKiernantoldyouthis,butalarge
numberofourcavernsystemsdon’tallowhumansinside.Mostinteractionswithyourkindhaveended
badlyforthevampireworld.

You’resayingIwon’tbewelcomed.
Only an Ancestral like Sebastien could have given us access like this, so I’m asking that you be

respectfuldespitehowyoufeelaboutmykind.

OfcourseIwill.I’mnotabarbarian.
No,thatyou’renot.IapologizeifIoffendedyou.
Apologyaccepted.

***

Lilydidn’tblameAdrienfornottrustingher.Ifshe’dbeeninhisshoesshewouldhavedoneandsaidthe
samekindsofthings.Afteratleastanhouroftravel,andashedroppeddowntoearth,sheglancedaround
andsawabarrenriseofhillsamidafertilearea,exceptthattheairlookedasithadontopofSebastien’s
roof,likeitmovedinwaves.

Anotherdisguise.
A stream flowed nearby and a chill filled the air. She wondered where the caves were and why

vampireswouldstillchoosetoliveincaveswhenmany,likeAdrien,hadapartmentsandhomes.

Shewatchedthestream,thetreesontheoppositeside.Thewindflowedalongthewaterway.
Adrienhadgrownverystillbuthefinallysaid,“Wehavepermissiontogoinside.”
Shehadnoideawhathemeant,butwhensheshiftedtowardthebarrenland,asightlikenothingshe

couldpossiblyhaveexpectedmethereyes.Aseveral-stories-tallentrance,madeofstoneblocks,framed
amassivecaveentranceonaneventallergrass-coveredhill.Whathadappearedbarrentoherhumaneye
wasactuallytheentrancetotheTrevaynesystem.

Thebeautyoftheentrancestunnedher,andforalongmomentshecouldn’tmakeherfeetmove.The

stonehaddozensofmagnificentcarvings,somethingthatprobablyspokeofthehistoryofthesystemas
wellasthevampireswho’dlivedherethroughouttheages.Butacrossthetopofmassivecolumnslayan
enormouscurvedstone,settleddeepintothehillandalsocarved.

Shefeltherjawhaddropped,andthereitstayed.ThecavernintheHimalayashadbeenanuncivilized

hellhole, a perfect representation, from Lily’s limited point of view, of vampire society, violent and
unclean.

Buthere,risingtosuchanincredibleheight,carvedwithgreatbeauty,wassomethingelsealtogether.

Thestones,massedtogetheranddecorated,meantcivilization.

“Notwhatyouexpected?”Adrien’swordsheldasharp,sarcasticedge.
“Sorry.Notevenalittle.”
He led her up a series of steps, but each forward movement bit at her conscience. Humans weren’t

allowed in this place and for good reason: Her kind usually meant death and destruction, and here she
waslookingfortheonethingthatwoulddestroythefewhundredvampiresundoubtedlylivinghere.

But as she moved deeper into the entrance, her eyes widened. She thought a five-star hotel couldn’t

havebeenanygrander.Theseveral-storythemecontinued,thesculptedwallsrisingtoamassivedomed
ceilingwithmoreintricatecarvings.Agranitemosaicofahugeoaktreedecoratedtheentireeight-foot
walltoherleft.Dozensofwhitelinen-coveredroundtablesandtall-upholsteredchairstookupthemain
bodyoftheroom.

Straightahead,avampirestoodatattention,meetingneitheroftheirgazes.
Totheright,alonghotel-likedesk,thoughunmanned,flankedthewall.Fromthesamedirection,atall,

lean vampire with large eyes and his dark hair cut businessman-short moved in her direction, his lips
pinchedtightlytogether.

“Wellmet,Adrien.”
“Andyou,Alfonse.MayIpresentLilyHaven.”
Alfonse turned his piercing gaze on Lily. He didn’t smile and she didn’t offer her hand. “We don’t

usuallyreceivehumanshere,madame.Butyouprobablyalreadyknowthat.”

“Ido.”
He then shifted his attention to Adrien. “Sebastien gave specific instructions that I’m to take you

directlytothevault.Ourpeoplehaveretired,atmyrequest.I’mnothappyaboutthis,onanylevel,but
Sebastienindicatedthatadifficultsituationhasarisenandhetrustsyou.Idoaswell,butifyoucouldsee
toyourbusinessthenleave,I’dofferanyfavorinreturnthatIcould.”

BribingAdrientogetridofthem?
“Youknowabouttheimprisonmentofmeandmybrothers.”
Alfonseshookhishead,andhisfrowndeepened.“We’reunsettledbytheseeventsandbyrumorsthat

Danielhasbeenstrippingsomeofourmostpowerfulleadersoftheirbusinesses,sellingthemtohumans.”

“IwishIcouldtellyoudifferently.”
“Doesn’tDanielunderstandthatifourwealthdeparts,sodoestheabilitytofeedthoseineachsystem?

We’llbeforcedoutintotheopen.Thatcan’tbehisplan.”

Adrien’svoicegrewquieter.“I’veneverunderstoodhismind.”
Alfonse clapped him on the shoulder. “Of course not. No one can understand the thinking of a

madman.”HeglancedatLily.“I’llshowyoutothevault.”

Awoman’svoicesoundedtoLily’sright.“Now,isthatanywaytotreatgueststhatSebastienhassent

tous,mydear?Iinsisttheyreceiverefreshment,andifyoucontinuetostandtherelikeastatueandscowl
atourhumanvisitor,shewillnodoubtmakeareportthatwilldononeofusanygood.”

Lily found herself swept away by the woman, who took her arm, introduced herself as Giselle, and

drew her back down the way she’d come. She felt the tug on her chain, which quickly relaxed since
Adrienmovedtocatchup.

“Giselle,wecan’tstayforyourhospitality,”Adriensaid.“Timeiscritical.”
“So I understand, but you haven’t seen how my grandson has grown. You’ve been a favorite of his

sincebirthandhe’smissedyou.”

Lily’sastonishmentgrew.Grandson?Whichmeantchildren.Sotherewerevampirechildrenhere.
HergazetookinthewallsasGiselleledherawayfromtheentrance.Theyappearedtobedecorated

withsomekindofelegantpolishedquartz,andwentonandon,foratleastaneighthofamile,withmany
offshootsofmorehalls,ortunnels,morecarvingsandmorecrystals,morebeautyandcivilization.

Thiswasn’tacavernsystem,thiswasapalace.
Afteraseriesofdescendingsteps,takingthemdeeperintotheearth,thehallopenedupintoanother

vastundergroundcavern,alsocarvedandgleamingwithasoftlightfromseveraloillamps.Hervision
adjusted,sothatoncemoreshesawthespaceinasoftglow.Shealsofelttheflowofwarmair,freshair.
“Youhaveelectricity.”

“Some,andascarefullyhiddenaspossible.”
Lilyturnedinacircle.“Thisisamagnificentroom.”
“And Alfonse works hard in his business so that we, and all the families living in our system, can

maintainthenecessaryrepairs.We’reconstantlybattlingtheeffectsofwater,andofcoursethemomenta
stalagmiteappears,I’mcallinginaworkcrew.”Shelaughedasshespoke.

Giselle had long black hair with a straight line of bangs. Her skin was very pale. Her clothes were

casualenough,butshelookedstunninginapairofblacktailoredpantsandasoft,clingingpurpletop.She
worethicksilverbandsonherwristandamatchingpiecearoundherneck.

SheledLilytoanelevatedlivingareaonwhichweregroupedredvelvetsofasandchairs.Beneaththe

furniturelayanenormouscarpet.

“Please,sitdown.MyhusbandisglaringatmebutIinsistedoninvitingyoutoourprivatequarters.”

Shehadwinewaitingandgoblets.

Whensheoffered,Lilyacceptedbecausetodoanythingelseseemedwrong.ButGisellehadknocked

heroff-stride.She’dhadoneopinionofvampires,andlittleaboutAdrien’spowerfulpresenceandtemper
hadalteredthat.

Yetherewasawomanwho,inanyothersetting,mighthavebecomeLily’sfriend.
LilytookasipandfoundtheCabernetflavoralmostperfect.Adrienmovedtostandnearthechairin

whichGisellesat.Heheldhisgoblettightinhisfist,hisbrowsdrawntogetherashewatchedher.She
sensedhisuneasiness,butcouldn’tfigureoutthecauseofit.

Thenshefeltit,akindofenergyemanatingfromGiselle.Sheshiftedhergazetothewoman,whosat

withonelegtuckedbeneathher.Then,leaningforwardasshesearchedLily’seyes,shefinallymurmured,
“SebastientoldmeyousharedthebondingchainswithAdrien,andIcanseethatyoudo,Icanfeelthe
bonds between you and they’re powerful. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever felt anything like this before.
Whendidyouputthemon?”

SomepartofLilydidn’twanttoanswerthequestion,butshefeltcompelledtospeakanyway.“Earlier.

JustaftersunsetwhenIbroughtAdrienoutoftheprison.”

“I see.” More of Giselle’s power flowed toward Lily in soft entrancing waves. “And why did you

bringhimout?”

Again,Lilywantedtoholdback,butthewordsflowedoutofherasshespokeabouthermission,that

shehadtogettheextinctionweapon.SheeventoldGiselleaboutKiernanandDaniel—everything,except
Josh.

“Icansensethatyou’reatracker,thatyouhavethelocatingability.Iwantyoutoextendyourpowersto

oursystemrightnowandfocusontheweapon.Whatdoyousee?”

Lilydidasshewastold,closinghereyes.Shereachedoutwithhermindandfocusedontheweapon.

She felt the familiar tendrils flow from her once more, but much stronger this time and extending in all
directions.Butasbeforenothinghappened—asthoughshesimplydidn’thaveenoughpowertogetthejob
done.

Opening her eyes, she said, “I can feel this ability at work in me, but I can’t seem to locate the

weapon.”

GiselleglancedatAdrien.“Perhapsthereisn’tenoughpoweryetforthattohappen.”Shiftinghergaze

backtoLily,sheasked.“Didyouagreetoyourmissionbecauseofmoney?”

Sheshookherhead.Panicsetin.Bynow,sheknewthatGisellehadsomekindofpoweroverher,but

shecouldn’trevealthewholetruth.Shecouldn’t.Tremblingsetin.“Not…money.”

“Thenwhat?Whydoyoudothisthing?AreyouafraidofDaniel?”
“Yes, that he’ll kill me. Kiernan as well.” She bit back the rest of the truth, but she broke out in a

sweat.

“Andwhatelse?”
The woman’s voice cajoled and coaxed Lily, the powerful vampire waves beating at her mind,

compellingher.

LilyglancedupatAdrien.Helpme.Ican’ttellher.Please.Makeherstop.
ButAdrien’sgazewashardasheresponded,mind-to-mind,Wehavearighttoknowwhyyou’reset

ondestroyingourkind.

Ican’ttellyouoranyone.
ButAdrienpressedher.You’reaftertheweapon,acquiringitonbehalfofonegreedyhumanandone

maniacalvampire.Wemustknowwhat’sgoingon.

Please,Adrien.I’mbeggingyou.Ican’tgivethereason.Toomuchisatstake.
“Lily,”Gisellecalledout,morewavespoundingonherthistime.
Lilyturnedslowlyinherdirection,underthestrangespellalloveragain.“Tellmewhyyoumustfind

theweapon,ifnotformoney?”

Lily’stremblingincreased.Herlipsformedthewords.Shewouldtrytosaythem,butherheartforced

them back. Sweat poured from her now, streaming down her face, her back. She shook hard, resisting
Giselle’spower.

She couldn’t betray her son. One of the terms of her arrangement was that she keep the terms

confidential.Ifsherevealedthetruth,KiernanwouldkillJosh.

Suddenlyanewpowerflowedtowardher,butthistimepossessingandstrengtheningherastheblood-

chainvibratedheavily.ThoughGisellecontinuedtopummelher,LilynowsiphonedAdrien’spower.She
couldresistGiselle.

“Enough,”Alfonsesaid.“Giselle,stop.”
GiselleceasedsuddenlyandLilyweavedinherseat,butcaughtholdofthearmofthechairwithher

freehandtosteadyherself.ThatAdrien’spowerstillflowedthroughhermadeherfeeldizzy.Shemethis
gazeoncemore.Thankyou.

Shesethergobletdownonthetablenexttoherthenwipedthesleeveofhershirtoverherface.She

leanedforwardandputherheadinherhands.

Shedidn’tunderstandwhyAdrienhadsteppedintosupporther.Shelookedupathimoncemore.Why

didyoudoit?Ithinkshecouldhavebrokenme.

Idisagreedwiththeeffortonprinciple.ButIwishyouwouldtellus,oratleasttellme.
Ican’t.
Helookedasthoughhewantedtosaymore,butayoungvoicecalledout,“UncleAdrien.Ithoughtthat

wasyou.”

“Ah,mygrandson,”Gisellemurmured,prideinhervoice.
ButwhathappenednextstunnedLily:ThewarmsmilethatbrokeoverAdrien’sfacetransformedhim

completelyasheturnedtoholdouthisarmstoaboyofmaybesixorseven.

The lad half leaped, half flew into Adrien’s arms. He swung him in a circle, hugging him, even

levitating and whirling faster so that the child laughed, the sound bouncing around the domed, carved
ceilingofthelargecavern.

Becauseofthechain,shesensedAdrien’slovefortheboy.Evenwithoutthechain,though,shecould

seetheaffectiononhisface.

Allthatlove.Fromavampire.FromAdrien.
ThedizzinessLilyhadexperiencedearlierreturned,butforacompletelydifferentreason.
TheboyputhisarmsaroundAdrien’sneck.“I’vemissedyou.Weallhave.”

“I’vebeenawayforayear,butnowI’mback.”
“Thealarmsounded,”theboysaid,hiseyeswide.“Allmyfriendshadtogointotheirhiddenhomes,

didyouknowthat?”

AdrienglancedatAlfonse.“No,Ididn’t.”
TheboyglancedatLily,thenhiseyeswidenedfurther.“You’reahuman.”
Lilynodded.“Iam.”
Hefrowned.“Butyou’rejustagirl.Whywouldthealarmssoundbecauseafemalehumancameinto

Trevayne?”HeglancedfromAdrientoLilythentohisgrandparents.

Gisellerosefromherseatandtookchargeofhim.“Come,Jean-Luc.Youshouldhavebeeninbedan

hourago.”TheboystaredoverhisshoulderatLilyashewalkedaway,halfdraggedbyhisgrandmother
whopromisedmoreinformationaboutthehumanoncehewasinbed.

Jean-LucwavedandsmiledatLily,thetipsofhisfangsshowing.
Lily waved in return, knowing that what had happened in the past few minutes had overturned her

world.

Adrien spoke quietly to Alfonse, which gave her a moment to gather her thoughts once more and to

look at the vampire who had killed others of his kind in front of her, whose dark nature both made her
afraidandexcitedher,andwhohadjustshownaveryhumanresponsetoavampirechild.

She looked away from Adrien, feeling more confused than ever about this world she’d just entered.

She’dhadastrongopinionaboutvampires,whichkeptbeingconfirmedoverandoveragain.Butother
situations,likethisone,hadarisentoobliterateatleastsomeofthosepreconceptions.

Theonethingsheknewforcertain,however,wasthatAdriencouldn’thavefakedhisobviouslovefor

Jean-Luc.Butevenbeyondthis,hehadinterferedwithGiselle’senthrallmentskills,allowingLilytokeep
secrettheonepieceofinformationthatcouldkeephersonalive.

Adriencalledtoher,“Come,Lily.Alfonseisgoingtotakeustothevaultnow.”
She rose, nodding, but as she met his gaze, the shift in her emotions traveled through the chain’s

constant stream of communication between them. Desire for Adrien, ever-present anyway, sharpened
suddenly.

Henarrowedhisgaze.Whatisit?
She shook her head and felt another wave of heat rise up her cheeks. Damn the chains. She could

hardlykeephershiftinemotionssecretfromAdrien.Nothing.Let’sgotothevault.

Whenheopenedhisarm,sheshiveredasshesteppedontohisfootandslunganarmaroundhisneck.
Hisgazenarrowed.Thisisn’tnothing.Icanfeelyourdesire.
Butsheplacedherfreehandonhischest.Please,Adrien,don’tpushme.I’mbarelyholdingmyself

together.

She half expected him to say something sarcastic. Instead, he murmured against her cheek. “No

worries,Lily.Let’sseewhatthevaultsays,thenwe’llheadbacktoParistogetsomesleep.Icanfeel
yourfatigue,andyou’vebeenthroughhelltonight.Webothhave.”

Hissuddenconcerndidn’thelpherresponsetohim.Herheartswelled,tighteningherchest.
ThenAlfonse suddenly passedthrough the stonewall to her leftand Adrien putthem in motion. Her

stomachturnedoncemoresinceAdrienhadtogofasterthanusualinordertokeepup.

Lilyhadthoughtthetripwouldbeshort,butAdrieninformedherthatsomeofthecavernsystemswere

overahundredmileslong.ShewasawaresuddenlyofjusthowlittleKiernanhadreallytoldherabout
thisworld.

Though her head ached, and her stomach boiled, she asked, How many vampires live in this one

system?Shethoughtafewhundredmaybe.

Overtwenty-fivethousand.
Lily held on tight, afraid that this new, inconceivable piece of information had also just changed her

perceptionofthevampireworld.Butshewantedtoknowmore.Andhowmanychildren?

Notmany,becausewe’relong-lived.Onlythreehundred.
Threehundredvampirechildren,allofthemlovedinthesamewaythathumanslovedtheirchildren.

But a new truth dawned, one closer to Adrien—that some vampire children weren’t loved, but had
enduredhellgrowingup.SheknewinherbonesthatAdrienhadsufferedterriblyinhischildhood.

She fell silent after that, struggling against the pain beating within her head, and the nausea that

threatenedher.

FinallyAdrienbegantoslow,andashepassedthroughonelasttunnelthatendedinalargecavern,the

paineased.Withherfeetatlastonsolidground,sheclungtoAdrien.Hedidn’tlethergobutcontinuedto
supportherwithhisarmaroundherwaistuntilthenauseasubsided.

Atlastsheopenedhereyes.
“I’m sorry, Lily,” Alfonse said. “Adrien tried to tell me to slow down, but I couldn’t, not without

givingawayourlocation.”

“Understood.It’sokay.IwishIcouldsayI’mgettingusedtoalteredflight,butit’srugged.”

CHAPTER7

AdrienletLilygo,butdidn’twantto.Somethinghadchangedbetweenthem,thoughhecouldn’tsaywhat
exactly. Lily’s emotions came at him, her sudden strengthened desire for him that only fueled his own
incomprehensible and powerful need for her. But more than that, he could feel her bewilderment, her
confusionprobablybecauseofwhatshe’djustwitnessed,givenherlowopinionofvampires.

He didn’t know exactly why he’d intervened, preventing Giselle from reaching into Lily’s mind and

extractingthetruthfromher,therealreasonwhyshewasonthismission.Butsomepartofhimwanted
her to trust him enough to tell him, wanted her to feel good enough about his character that she could
revealthetruththatfrightenedher.

“Isthisthevault?”LilyjoinedAlfonsebyastonepillarinthecenterofthespace.Stalagmitesandtheir

companionstalactitesmarredthearea,asuresignthatnoonehadbeenhereinalongtimetodocleanup
andrepairs.

Alfonseputonehandonthestoneandwiththeothershadedhiseyes.Adriensensedhisconcernabout

thecontents—thatheevendebatedturninganythingovertoAdrien.

He straightened his shoulders suddenly and met Adrien’s gaze. “Except for Sebastien’s orders, I

wouldn’tdothis,notforyou,notforanyone.”

“Iunderstand.”
Alfonse drew in a deep breath. “Adrien, you’ve got to find a safe place to hide Lily. Giselle and I

debated saying anything to you, but the underground rumors are that Silas has seen Lily in a vision
destroyingthevampirerace,oratleastthat’swhathe’stellingeveryone.Whichmeansthathisfollowers
willbeafterher,tokillher.”

“Doyouactuallybelievewhat’sbeingsaid?”
“The fanatics believe Silas, just as they believe these documents are a threat to our way of life. But

Sebastien and I and many others have greater faith in our ability to survive Daniel’s current plan to
acquiretheweapon,whichiswhywe’reentrustingyouwiththedocuments.”

“Whydotheseevenexist?”Lilyasked.“Whyweren’ttheydestroyed?”
Alfonseshiftedinherdirection,hisgazefallingtoAdrien’shand,theonearoundherwaist,theonethat

heldherandsupportedher.“Iftheweapontrulydoesexist,there’sagoodchancemorethanthissetof
designsisoutthereaswell,maybeevenmorethanoneweapon.Weneedasmuchinformationontheside
ofgoodastheothersidemighthave.”Heloweredhischin,oncemoreholdingAdrien’sgaze.“Weget
thattheendpointforyouinvolvesDaniel,thathe’sbehindyourhavingbeenhauledintoLily’smission,
thathe’smadeuseofyourabilitiestocreateatrackingpair.

“Butwealsobelieveanopportunityexistsaswell,somethingyou’llbeabletodotochangethecourse

of our history once you reach the end of this mission.” Suddenly he switched to telepathy: And Adrien,
Sebastien is right about your connection to Lily. Something astounding is happening between you. I
know how you hate humans, but even I’ve felt it—certainly Giselle has—that Lily has something

extraordinary to give you, if you’ll open yourself up to her. But you can’t hold back. It might even
become a matter of life and death for you to establish a deeper connection with this human, deeper
thanyou’veeverhadwithanyone.

Adrien grew very still. The last thing he’d expected was Alfonse encouraging him to explore a true

bonding with Lily, the kind that for Alfonse had led to marriage to Giselle. He shook his head. What
you’resuggestingcan’tbe.YouknowwhatIam.

Atthat,Alfonse’slipsquirked.Yes,Iknowwhatyouare.Butdoyou?
Lily glanced up at Adrien. “Is there something I should know?” she asked, looking from one to the

other.

“No,”Adriensaid.
Alfonsestruckthepillarwithasinglesidewaysmotionofhisfist,whichdepressedastonelever.In

turn,anotherpartofthebroadbaseofthepillarslidopen.

Alfonsesquattedandpulledoutablackmetalbox.Hesetitonthefloorthensliditacrossaflatstretch

ofgroundthatAdrienrealizedcomprisedpaversofsomekind,veryold.EventhisdeepintotheTrevayne
system,thoughperhapsmillenniaago,vampireshadworkedthecavern.

AdrienreleasedLilythendroppedtohisknees.Heopenedthelid.Insidewereadozendocumentsor

so. He flipped through them and found several engineering schematics, but unlike anything he’d seen
before,asthoughdesignedwithsomekindofcode.

HeglancedupatAlfonse.“Haveyoulookedatthesebefore?”
“No. I never wanted to. I agreed to house them here, at Sebastien’s request, over fifty years ago. I

askedhimwhyhedidn’tjustdestroythembuthesaidhefearedthatonedayourworldwouldhaveneed
ofthem.Iguessthatday’scome.Justtellmethatyou’lldorightbythem.”

“YouknowIwill.”
Adrienglancedateachdocument,writteninFrenchbutalsotranslatedintoEnglish.Whenhefinished

scanningone,he’dhandittoLily,whodroppedtositbesidehimonthestonefloor.

As she read them, he felt her excitement as she sought the weapon’s location. But as his stack grew

smaller, and nothing emerged except scientific notations, experiments, and the like, that excited jolt
diminisheduntilshereadthelastoneandexaminedthefinalschematic.

“Therearereferencestoatleasttwodozencountrieswhereexperimentswereheld,”Lilysaid,“but

nothingelse,nothingofrealuse.”

“Butworkingfromalistoftwenty-fourcountriesinsteadoftwohundrednarrowsthefield.”Alphonse

closedthemetalboxandputitbackinthevault.Anotherfistonstoneandtheapparatussealedupagain.

Adriengatheredupalldocumentsintoasingletightstack,tuckedthemintohiswaistband,thenzipped

uphisjackettokeepthempressedagainsthischest.

Lily had grown very quiet. He felt her disappointment that the discovery hadn’t yielded immediately

usabledetails.Healsosensedherfatigueandthatherheadstillached.

HeshookhandswithAlfonseoncemoreandwasabouttodepartwhenAlfonsesaid,“Takeofftothe

north.Ifyou’vebeenfollowed,they’llbewaitingtothesouth.You’vegotacoupleofhoursuntildawn,so
youhavetimetotakeadifferentrouteback.I’dheadwesttothecoast,ifIwereyou,andnotreturnto
Parisuntilyoucanenterfromtheeast.”

“That’ssoundadvice.”HeheldhisarmouttoLily.Shesteppedontohisfoot,butasheslidhisarm

aroundherwaistanddrewherclose,sheslumpedagainsthim.Shewashuman,unusedtoalteredflight
travel,andthehourswereallwrongforherusualsleeppatterns.Inherworldshewouldhavebeeninbed
alongtimebeforenow.

Heneededtogetherhome,backtoParis,backinhisbed.

But the thought of having her there, beside him, her warm body and soft curves, sent sudden desire

streakingthroughhimalloveragain.Hetookacoupleofdeepbreaths.

Adrien, I can feel your desire. Will you need blood again? Even telepathically her words sounded

exhausted.

Justignorethat.Let’sgetyouhome.Ready?
Yes.Just…pleasetrynottogotoofast.
Iwon’t.
HenoddedtoAlfonsethenshiftedtoalteredflight.
As he took off and passed through solid rock, aiming in a skyward direction, she asked, What

differencedoesitmakewhichwaywego?Whygoallthewaytothecoast?

Coupleofreasons.Thiskindofslowtravelleavesbehindatrail.Iffanaticsaretryingtolocateus,

thentheyprobablywouldhavefoundthetrailtoSebastien’sbynow.

WhichmeansthetrailwouldalsohaveledtotheTrevaynecavernsystem.
Yes.
Whennothingmorereturnedtohim,herealizedLilyhadfallenasleep.Justaswell.Hesustainedhis

slowspeedheadingwesttothecoastofFrance.

***

Lily awoke as Adrien dropped them into his bedroom. She was surprised she’d slept but grateful even
thoughherheadthrobbed.

ShereleasedAdrien,andtookamomenttosteadyherselfbeforecrossingtothewindow.Shecould

seetheEiffelTower,litupandmistythroughtherain.Shewasexhaustedandconfusedaboutallthathad
happened, especially with Adrien. She put her hands on the cold glass, trailing her fingers down the
rivulets.

Adrienhadcaughttheboyupinhisarms,asignofaffection,yethewasavampire.Andthesystemhad

three hundred more children, which meant families, something so human in design that she still had
difficultyprocessingthisnewreality.

She felt Adrien behind her, very still and waiting. The chain at her neck didn’t even vibrate, but lay

inert.Sheneededtosleep,butsleepingthroughtheflighthadkeyedherup.

“How’s your head?” His deep resonant voice soothed her, but why should anything about Adrien

sootheher?

“Muchbetter.”Sheglancedoverhershoulder,needingtosaymore.Hetookhiscoatoff,layingitover

thebenchatthefootofthebed,andsetthedocumentsonthedresser.“Thanks.I’mnotevennauseated.”

“Good.AndIknowyouneedyoursleep.DawnwillarrivesoonandI’llneedtorestaswell.ButI’ll

sleeponthefloorifyouwant.”

Atthatsheturnedtofacehim.“Whyareyoubeingsokindtome?”
Hescowled.“AmIbeingkind?AmI,inyouropinion,evencapableofthat?”
Sheputtwofingersagainstherforeheadandrubbed.“I’vealwaysbelievedthatyouknowsomeoneby

whattheydo,notbytheirpast,theirfamily,or,inthiscase,theirspecies.WhenIlearnedthatvampires
had killed my family, I had believed that you were all made like sharks, restless killing machines that
devouredanythingintheirpath.You’veprovensomuchtomethisnightandIoweyouanapology.”

Hesteppedclosertoherandtookherarmgentlyinhis.Butasshelookedupathim,shesawthedeep

frownbetweenhisbrows,somethingthatseemedasmuchapartofhimastheshadeofhisdarkhairorhis
fleckedtealeyes.“Lily,Iwanttoapologizeforwhathappenedbefore,here,whenItookbloodfromyou.
Iwasn’tmyselfandI’msorry.”

She shook her head. “I don’t regret what you did but I haven’t been able to make sense of why I

enjoyeditsomuch.Ifeelveryconfusedbyallofthis,especiallybywhatSebastiensaidearlieraboutthe
chainsnotlying.”

Hesteppedcloserandthechainatherneckbegananewvibrationasdesireforhimroseinacrisp,

sharpwave.Wasitpossiblethiswasmorethanjustaresultoftheblood-chain?

Hisdesirereturnedaswell,flowinginwavesoverherbody,whichlitherupevenmoredespiteher

fatigue.

“WhataboutwhatSebastiensaid?”
“Abouthowthebindingwithhiswifemadethingsworsebetweenthem.”
“And this hasn’t been intolerable for you? You haven’t hated this experience, hated being with a

vampire?”

“IdidatfirstandI’vedespisedthesituation,beingforcedtogether,butyoualreadyknowthepleasureI

experienced,thatI…”Shecouldn’tfinishthethought;shewastooembarrassed.

Butherdesireforhimkeptbuildingandthechainalmostshooknow.Shefelthisneedandknewthat,

asbefore,hehungeredforherblood.

“Doyouneedtofeed?”Pleasesayyes.
Hethumbedhercheek.“It’snotcritical,notlikebefore.Butrightnow,I’dgivejustaboutanythingto

have another taste, in every way, including your blood.” He slid his hand down her neck and over her
breast,caressingher.

“Adrien,”shewhispered.Herneedhadbecomeanachethatechoedthroughherbones,herblood.
Sheshivered.Whateverfatigueshefeltmeltedaway,sothatwhenheleanedintoherandslantedhis

lipsoverhers,asoftwarblingsoundedinherthroat.

Herhandsfoundhisarms.Shestrokedslowlyupward,feelingthesizeandstrengthofhismuscles,to

shapeherhandsoverhispowerfulshoulders.Adrienhadawonderfulmouth,sensual,moistlips.

Hecursed,drewback,andremovedhisGlockandharness.Hisshirtwentnext,whichmeantherhands

gotbusyagainasshesmoothedherfingersoverhisthick,fleshypecs.Hismusclesflexedandrelaxed,
whichcausedhertospasmlow.

Wasshedoingthis?Havingaconsensualexperience,notjustfeedingAdrienoutofhisdesperation,but

agreeingtomakelovewithhim?Whatdiditmean?

Confusiononcemoreswirledthroughhermind.
Yet whatever bewilderment her head experienced, her body knew exactly what it wanted—to feel

Adrien,totouchhim.She’dneverbeenwithsuchaphysicallyimposingmanbefore.

Histongueplayedinhermouth,teasingeveryrecess,thrusting,teasingalittlemore,showingherwith

eachflickandpushwhathecoulddotootherpartsofherbody.

Flames leaped at her now, teasing her deep within, heating her up, tightening one part, releasing

another,buildingthetension,seekingtherelease.

Shepulledbackandstrippedoffhershirt,thenherbra.Shewouldhavegottenridofherpantsatthe

sametime,buthemovedcloserandputapalmbetweenherbreasts.Thoughshewantedtotouchhim,she
stoppedandlethimlookather,tostrokeherbreastswithhishandsandhisfingers,topinchhernipples,
thentoleandownandswirlhistongueovereachtip.

“Sitdownontheedgeofthebed.”
Hishoarsevoicetookouttheremainingstrengthinherlegsandshedidwhathewanted.Hepushedher

thighsapartand,droppingdowntolandonhisknees,hegotabetterangleandsuckledherbreasts,taking
turns.

Shearchedintohismouthandhetookasmuchofeachbreastinashecould,suckling,licking,biting

untilshemoanedheavily.Shedoveherfingersintohishairandusedpressureonhisheadtoforcehimto
takemore.Heputahandonherbackandpushedatthesametimeaswell.Forseveralminutes,asucking
soundfilledtheroom.

Herbodycontracteddeepwithin,almostspasmingattheeroticfeelofhismouthashenursedonher.
Withoutwarning,hestoppedandpushedherontoherback.Heworkedherpantsoff,strugglingwith

hershoesforafewseconds.Shesensedhismountingdesire,andasheremovedherthongshespreadher
legswide.

You’rebare,driftedintohermind.
Iam.
Withoutleavinghisknees,hegrowled,slidhisarmsbeneathherthighs,andstartedtofeastonherlow.

Heusedhistonguetoseparatethefoldsofherbodyandteasetheouterrecessofhersex.Hegruntedand
drovehistongueinsideher,doingwhathe’dsaidhewantedtodo,totasteeverypartofher.

Heusedhismouthandhistongue,devouringherhard.Histonguemovedswiftlyinandout,fasterand

faster.She’dneverexperiencedthiskindofhard,drivingspeed,notwithatongue.

Herbodyseizedandshecriedout.Shewasclose.
Hewentfaster,grippingherhipswithhisfingers,squeezinganddrivinguntilecstasytightenedwithin

andreleasedinadrivingflowofsensationthatsenthercriesuptotheceiling.

Hesustainedthatincrediblespeedandsensationuntilthelastofherwhimpersfilledtheroomandher

kneesgrewlax.

Kissingherinnerthighs,hewassuddenlyinhermind.Didthatpleaseyou,Lily?
Shelookeddownathisslow-movinghead.Speakingtohertelepathically,hedidn’thavetostopthe

kisses.Yes,sheresponded.Adrien,thatwasamazing.

With his lips, he plucked on the inside of her leg, then using his right hand he massaged beneath her

thigh, rubbing and smoothing her skin, kneading her muscles, and working his way to the center of her
body.Hebeganlickingherlowagain,onlythistimeheusedtwofingerstopenetrateher,stimulatingthe
outerpartofherwithhistonguewhilehebegantoslowlytemptheroncemore,thrustinghisfingersinto
her.

Shewasalmosttoosensitive,butasheworkedher,pleasuremountedoncemore.Thetipofhistongue

teasedherclitoris,whilehisfingersworkedherfasterandfaster.

Doesthispleaseyou,Lily?
You’llmakemecomeagain.
There’ssomethingIwanttodo.
Oh,God,Anything,Adrien.
I just need to warn you. I want to take blood from your vein, here, down low. You should be

prepared.

Forsomereason,shehadn’tconsideredjusthowmanyplacesonherbodycouldgiveupthebloodhe

sought.Ashiverranthroughher,increasingthepleasureofhisflickingtongueanddrivingfingers.

MayI?
Andtherewasonlyoneanswer.Doit.
He shifted slightly, balancing his free arm across her hips and moving to the skin to the side of her

mons.Hebegantolickinlongsweepsofhistongue.Allthewhilehekepthisfingerspulsinginsideher.

Deep within her body, she felt her vein respond, vibrating and swelling, as though part of what he

coulddowascalltoherblood.Maybehecould.

Hebreathedheavily,araspysoundashisfingersthrustintoher.Pleasurebegantobuildoncemore.

Herabdomenroseandfellasherveinrespondedtohim.

Ready?
Yes.
Aquickstingoffangs,awithdrawal,andshefeltherbloodrushfromherbody.Anewsuckingsound

followed as well as a pervasive sensation of pleasure in her lower abdomen like nothing she’d known
before.Flamesoncemorelickedather,thistimeovereverypartofher.

As she listened to him suck, as she heard the wetness of her body with each drive of his fingers, as

pleasurerose,herbackarchedandshecriedout.Almostthere.

Icanfeelyoutightinyourchannel.Comeforme,Lily.
Something about his voice in her head brought her, only this time the sensation of ecstasy ripped

throughsothatshescreamednow,herbodygrippinghisfingers,contractingandreleasing,sensationsof
fireandpleasuredrivingthroughher,spreadingacrossherabdomen,unequaledsensations.

Astheclimaxeased,andherhipsgrewquiet,sheheardhimgruntingashesuckeddownherblood.
Hismovementsgrewgentle,almostsippingatherandfinallyheswipedhistongueoverhervein.She

feltacoolnessenterherbloodstream.Wasthattherebuildingserum?

Yes, something our genetics created to ensure a continuous supply of blood because we feed one

another.

Itfeelswonderful.Shewasgratefulfortelepathy.Shebreathedraggedlythroughhermouthandwasn’t

sureshecouldspeakevenifshewantedto.

Adrienroseupandremovedhisshoesthencarefullypeeledawayhispantsfromamassiveerection.

Shelifteduponherelbowstowatch.She’dalwayslikedlookingataman’sbody,athowdifferentitwas
fromhers,howaman’scockwasdesignedtofitinsideher.

Notsurprisingly,hermouthwatered.“Iwantatastebeforeyouenterme.”
He groaned heavily as he lay down beside her on the bed. She shifted to arrange herself, her hand

glidingoverhishipandcaressinghisbuttocks.

Heputhishandatthebackofherhead,averycontrollingsignalthatweakenedheralloveragain.He

fed her his cock, one thick inch at a time. Her hands played with his ass and as he pushed inside her
mouth, his buttocks flexed. She groaned as she licked her tongue over the crown, as she sucked and
draggedherteethlightly.

Hespedup,thrustingintohermouth,stillholdingherhead.Shetookhimdeep,asdeepasshecould,

and let him do what he wanted. Her hands grew hungry sliding up and over his back then down his
buttocks,histhighs,rubbingandfeelingthestrengthofhismuscles.

Doyouwanttocomelikethis?
Shelookedupathim,stillsavoringhim.Hemethergazeandcontinuedtothrustintohermouth.She

suckedandlickedandjuststaredintohiseyes.Howtheyglitteredinthedark,heavywithpassion.

“No,”hemurmured,pullingoutofhermouth.
Shesmiledasshesatup.“Youhavemybloodonyourlips.”

***

“YourbloodtasteslikenothingI’veeverknownbefore.”

Adrienrosefromthebed,thenleaneddownandpickedLilyupinhisarms.He’ddoneallthiswhile

shelayonthecomforter;nowhewantedherinhisbedwhilehetookhertherestoftheway.

Holdingherinhisarms,heflippedthecomforterandsheetbackthensettledherinthecenterofthebed

sothathecouldenterherthewayhewantedto,face-to-face,hishipsmovingintohers.

“Iwanttowatchyoucome,tokissyouwhileIbringyouagain.”
“Uh-huh.”Shenoddedasshespreadherlegsforhimoncemoreandheldoutherarmstohim.

Thegestureswereofawomanwithexperience,awomanwhohadbeenmarriedandwaswelcoming

herman.Hefeltmovedthoughheshouldn’thavebeenandherecalledoncemorewhatSebastienhadsaid
aboutthechains—andwhatAlfonsehadtoldhim,thatsomethingextraordinarywashappeningbetween
himandthehuman.

Heplantedhiskneesbetweenherthighs.Herhipsrockedashepositionedhiscockagainstwhatwas

sheddinghersweet-tastingfluids.

Hisjawtrembledatthememory.Somanyrememberedsensationspouredoverhim,ofwhathistongue

hadfeltlikemovingdeepinsideher,howmuchhelovedherfoldsandsecrethiddenplace,thesoftnessof
herbareskin,thesenseofherveinrisingforhim,reachingforhim,thefeelofhisfangspiercingherand
releasingherblood,thenthebloodhittinghistongue.

HegroanedatthememoryashepushedinsideLilywithhiscockarigidpole,asherolledhishipsand

felttheansweringundulationsofherbody,asshepushedherpalmsuphisarms,thendugherfingersinto
hisbicepsandmoaned.

Herheadrockedbackandforth.
Pleasure.Somuchpleasure.
Hedippedlowandbegantokissherasherheadmoved.Hecaughthercheek,herchin.Hewantedher

totastewhathetasted.

Once seated within her, his cock thrusting steadily now and building, he crashed his mouth down on

hers.

Sherewardedhimwithasuddencry,anarchingofherbody,andhernailsrakingdownthelengthof

thisback.Shesuckledthetonguethathadpleasuredherandhisballstightened.

These past twelve hours with Lily were almost worth his year in that hellhole. He couldn’t have

plannedthiskindofall-consumingrewardforhisstruggles.

Hedrewbackjustenoughtolookdownatherashedroveintoher.He’dneverbeenwithawoman

like this, repeatedly in the space of several hours, looking at her, into her eyes, wanting to watch her
come,tofeelherpleasurethroughthesharedchain.

He sped up, and that was something he could give her that a human couldn’t. He had speed and

strength.Hehitastridethathadherlipsparted,herlungsdragginginair.Shelookedalmostpanicked,
almost in pain, her brow slightly furrowed as he drove her toward another powerful climax. Only this
time, he would come with her, giving her all that he had to give as a man, his power enhanced by the
sharingofherblood.

“Adrien.Soclose.”Hervoicewasbarelyabreathofair.
Henodded,takingintheflushonhercheeks,thedelicatesheenofperspirationonherupperlip,how

hereyesweredilated.Thefragranceofhersexflowedupward,makinghimharder.

Hethrustheavilyintohernow,deeprollsofhishipsagainsther,drivinghertothecliff’sedge,pushing

herhard.

Shemadeasoundbetweenagruntandamewl.
As she began to cry out, he felt her tighten, and sensing her low in that way, on the cusp of orgasm,

triggeredhisrelease.Hespedupandcame,pleasurerippingthroughhim,alongallthesensitivenerves.

Heheardherscreaming,sawherwide-openmouth.“Lookatme,”heshouted.
Hergazelatchedontohisandshecriedoutoncemoreaspleasurefloweduphisabdomen,climbing

higherandhigher,hisskinonfire,hischestexpanding.Heshoutedseveraltimesbutkeptpushingintoher.

Shegrippedhisarms.You’llcomeasecondtime,won’tyou?Icanfeelit.
Henodded.Yes.God,yes.
Hepumpedhardnowandfaster.Shewrithedbeneathhimashisballsfireduponcemoreandanother

shotofpleasure,moreintensethistime,rushedthroughhiscock.Atthesametime,hefelthergriphim
lowasshecameagain,tuggingonhim,cryingout,thrashingbeneathhim.

Onlyasshestarteddownfromtheheightsdidhisbodybegintosettleoverhers.Instageshisthrusts

slowed,andherhipsgrewquietuntilatlast,panting,helayontopofher,hisbodyrisingandfallingas
shestruggledtobreatheaswell.

Onehandofhersslidtothebackofhisneckandplayedwithhishair,theotherbecametangledwith

hislefthand,theirfingersentwined.

Youweresobeautifulwhenyoucame.
Adrien.Whatisthisbetweenus?Idon’tunderstand.
Pleasure.
Understatement.
Yes.Hesmiled.
Hedidn’twanttoleaveherbody.Hefeltaneedtosaysomethingmoretoher,butnothingelsecameto

mind.

***

Lilylayslackagainstthecomforter,sated.ShepulledAdrien’spalmtohermouth.Sheclosedhereyes
andkissedhisdampskin,thenlicked.Hetastedlikeheaven,likesomethingshecoulddevouroverand
overandstillwantmore,aflavorverymasculine,yetmore,maybevampire.

He stayed inside her, which suited her right now. She had missed this so much, the closeness, the

poundingmotion,theweightofaman.

Herhusbandhadbeensix-twoandworkedout,butAdrienhadsomuchmusclethathisweightfeltlike

theearthcoveringherandprotectingher.

Forthissplitmomentintimeshefeltsafe,likeeverythingwouldbeallright,thatallwouldbewell.

Sheknewitwouldn’tlast,butshebreatheditinandsavoredthetasteofhimasshecontinuedtolickand
kisshispalm.

Shesniffedhisfingers.“Yousmelllikeherbs,likesomethingI’dputinasouptogiveitastrongedge.

AndI’minheaven.”

He kissed her cheek gently. “Me, too. Thank you for all of this, Lily, especially your blood. You’ve

savedmyliferepeatedlythisnight,andIoweyou.”

Shefinallyshiftedherheadonthepillowsoshecouldlookathim.Tearswelled.“Ihaveyouboundin

chains, Adrien. You can’t be grateful to me or owe me. You’re probably going to die because of this.
KiernanandDanielwon’tletyouliveoncethey’vegottentheirhandsontheweapon.”

“I’mnotgoingtodie.Youshouldknowthisaboutme.Ihaveastrongwilltolive.”
“Iknow.Icansenseitinyou.”Shecaressedhischeek.“Ihaven’ttoldyoueverything.”
“Ihopeyou’llbeableto.”
HerthoughtsturnedtoherfamilyandtoJosh,thehopethathetrulywasstillalive.Maybeitwasher

fatigueorthesimplerealityofhersituation,butthepainofherlosssuddenlyoverwhelmedher.

Tears streamed down her face and with Adrien still buried inside her, she wrapped her arms tightly

aroundhisneck,wept,andcriedout.Thesoundscamefromsodeepinsidehertheydidn’tseemtocome
fromheratall.

Adrienheldherfastinreturn.Helethercryandgroanandshoutandweepsomemore.
Theonlythinghedidwasoccasionallythumbtearsawayfromhercheeks.
“Lily,”hemurmuredsoftlynowandthen.“Somuchpain.”
His tenderness, so completely unexpected because of her opinion of his kind, kept the tears coming.

ShewantedtotellhimthetruthaboutJosh,butthewordswouldn’tcome.Kiernan’sorderswereclear:
NoonemustknowaboutJosh.

“Imissmyfamilysomuch.”
Heliftedhertoasittingposition,heldherclose,androckedherinhisarms.
“Iamashamedofmykindrightnow.Yourfamilyshouldstillbealive.”
Shenoddedagainsthimasshecontinuedtoweep.

***

Adrienpettedherhead,rubbedherneck.Sounnecessary,thesedeaths.

Heunderstoodearth-basedaccidentslikeanunexpectedoceanwavethattookdownashiporaboltof

lightning or an earthquake that closed up a living cavern. But acts of evil, designed by men whether
vampires or humans, that took the lives of the innocent were among the most abhorred in his world, in
boththeirworlds.

He continued to rock her until she ceased crying, until her hips began to move against his, until she

liftedupandsuddenlyhermouthwasonhisandhertongueteasedhimtofirmnessoncemore.

Heloweredhercarefullyontoherbackyetagain,needingthedeepconnection,androlledhishipsto

giveherpleasure.Hersoftwomanlyscentfloatedaroundhimandmadehisjawtremble.Hepushedand
feltherdepthspullonhim.Shemoanedandheunderstoodhermoans,herneed,thathergriefhadturned
andbecomeacryforconnectionandlifeandrelease.

Forhope.
He drove into her and kissed her. He plunged his tongue deep and felt her suckle just as her depths

suckledhiscockandworkedhimtoafrenzyalloveragain.

He didn’t understand what was happening, either. What was between them was something that, if

Sebastienwasright,hadlittletodowiththechains,whichonlyenhancedwhatalreadyexisted.

Wasthisthepotential,then,betweenLilyandhim?Aprofounddepthofunderstanding,ofpassionand

desire,ofneed?Becausethat’swhatpummeledhimashemadelovetoLily,ashedroveintoheragain:
that he needed this woman, this human, who siphoned his power and behaved at times like a vampire,
whorespondedtohisbodyasthoughshe’dalwaysbeenwithhim,whoweptatthelossofherfamily.

He’dneverknownahuman,notlikethis,notawomanlikeLily.Hefeltthesincerityofhergrief,that

whatshe’dlosthadbeenmoreimportanttoherthanherownlife.

Whichmadehimwonderalloveragainthewhyofherpresentmission:WhatwasKiernangivingher,

orholdingoverherhead,thatsheriskedherownlifetogoafteravampireextinctionweapon?

He no longer believed that she did so for monetary gain, but something else had her hooked into the

mission and his instinct told him she didn’t trust him enough yet to share that information with him.
Whatever her reasons, he still had to figure out a way to get his brothers out of prison before Daniel
finishedthemoff.

Hetookhertotheedgeofecstasyoncemoreandbroughtheragain,releasingintoher,savoringevery

moment.

CHAPTER8

Halfanhourlater,aftercleaningup,Lilylaybesidethevampire,herheartnowcalm,herchesteasedof
theusualconstriction,herbodyempty,hermindaswell.Shedozedoffandonrestlessly,worriedabout
Josh,abouttheextinctionweapon,andabouthergrowing,powerfulfeelingsforAdrien.

Shewouldfallasleepthenawaken,uneasysensationsrefusingtolethersleep.
When she woke and tried to pull away, thinking she needed to get moving, needed to find her son,

Adrienwouldgrunthisdisapprovalandholdherclose,keepinghernexttohim.Sherelentedeachtime,
relaxingagainsttheheatofhisbody.Theriseandfallofhischestsoothedherandshesleptsomemore.

Dawncameandwent.
Sheremainedcocoonedinbedwithhimaseachhourpassed.Morethanonceshefeltapressingneed

togetup,tostartanewlist,tomakeanewplantofindtheweaponandtofindJosh,butoverandover,he
pulledheragainsthimuntilfinallyshefellintothedeepvoidofsleep,thewarmthofhisskinsoothingher
againstthecoldrainthatstillhitthewindows.

Later,muchlater,thefaintstormylightofdaydisappeared,givingwaytodarkgrayeveningandfinally

the black of another rainy Paris night. This time when she awoke, her eyes remained open and she no
longerfeltthedrawoflethargy.

Shefeltrested,anunusualstate.Almostcalm.Almostnormal.
Thistime,whenshepulledaway,Adrienshiftedtolookather.Shesatbackonherknees,awareofher

nakednessyetsomehowverycomfortablewithhim.Still,sheknewmen,andthesightofherbarebreasts
wouldinviteadifferentkindofinteraction,soshepulledthesheetuptoherneck,tuckingitaroundher.

She touched the chain at her neck. The soft vibrations comforted her now. He stared at her, his

expressionalmostsolemn,nosmile,justsomethingclosetodetermination.

Sheleaneddownandkissedhim.“Thankyou,”shesaid,“forsomuchcompassion,forholdingme,for

lettingmecry,forhelpingmetosleep.ThoughIburiedmyhusbandanddaughtertwoyearsago,myson’s
bodywasneverfound.I’vestruggledsince,withallofit,hatingyourkind.”

“Iknow.”
She nodded several times then glanced in the direction of the window. “I tried to wake up earlier.

Severaltimes.”

“Thatwasmyfault.IneededsleepandIwantedyoubesideme,forthecomfortofit.”
Sheshookherhead.“Itwasn’tentirelyyourfault.Ineededtherestaswell,soIacquiescedeachtime.”
Then he smiled, another faint curving up of his lips. “Several times? I remember pulling you back

once.”

Atthatshesmiled.“Halfadozen,atleast.”
“Iwasdamntired,then,becauseIdon’trememberanyofthose.Justtheone.”
“You’ve been through hell,” she said. She could feel the pinch between her brows as memories

returned,ofbeingintheHimalayancaveandseeinghimhanginginchains.Herjawgrewtight.

Heleanedforward,shiftingonhiselbow.Shethoughtmaybehemeanttokissherinreturn.Instead,he

saidinastrongvoice,“There’sawaytochangetheexperienceoftravelforyou,andAlfonsealludedto
it.There’sadouble-chainIcouldtakeonthatwouldmakemypowergreater,butI’munwillingtogothat
far.”Heseemedsosolemnashecontinued,“Iknowtravelingishardonyouandputsusbothatgreater
risk,butIneedyoutounderstandthatacceptingamorepowerfulchainwilldosomethingtomethatI’ve
rejected for as long as I can remember. Unlike this chain, which could be removed, the double-chain
can’t.Ijustneedyoutounderstandthatitisn’tassimpleasthesingle-chainswebothwear.”Heliftedhis
blood-chain.

She met his gaze and felt his distress, even his hostility. “What exactly would accepting the double-

chainmeanforyouthatyou’verejectedsolong?”

Heshiftedhisgazeawayfromher,scowlingandsilent.Afteramoment,andstillnotlookingather,he

said,“I’dbetakingthefirststeptoachievingAncestralstatus.”

“Andthatwouldincreaseyourpower?”
“Morethanyoucanimagine.Thegiftisrare,butmybrothersandIallhavethatcapacity.It’sjustthat

ourfatherwasamonsterandnoneofuswantstobelikehim.”

“Thenyoucan’tdoit.”
He still leaned up on his elbow, his fingers playing over her arm, his thick, dark hair rumpled from

sleep.Shemarveledatthetenderfeelingsthisclosenessarousedinher—likeshewantedtosmoothaway
thefurrowbetweenhisbrows.

“SeveraloftheCouncilofAncestralshavebeenbeggingformetostepupforthelasttwocenturies,to

embracemypower.”

“YouseemtodespisetheCouncil.”
He blinked a couple of times before adding, “I can’t believe how easy it is to talk to you.” He still

rubbedherarm,anditfeltgood.

“Iknow,”shesaid.
Hesmiledsuddenly,areal,fullcurvingofhislips.“MyGod,I’malmosthappy.Itmustbeyou.”
Shelaughed.Oh,myGod,shelaughed.Whenwasthelasttimethathadhappened?
Herheartblossomed,asensationthatswelledandswelled.
Atamomentlikethis,shecouldalmostforgetwhathewas.
And yet looking at him, his beauty, the strength of him, his tenderness with her, a spattering of

goosefleshrippleddownherbackandsides.Shestartedtopullaway,buthereachedup,caughtherlips
withhis,andkissedher,soofcourseshestayedput.

Whenhedrewback,headded,“Don’tgetaheadofthis,Lily.Trynottothinktoofarintothefuture.

You’llgocrazyandIneedyoucloserightnow.Whatwe’redoingrightnow,thisisgood.”

Maybe he’d read the expressions on her face or maybe he’d sensed her feelings through the shared

chains,butwhateveritwas,hiswordscalmedherdown.“Right,”shewhispered.Andhewasright.This
hadtobeaone-step-at-a-timeprocess.

“Iwasseriousbefore.Youcan’tbecomeanAncestraljusttomaketravelingeasieronme.Itwouldbe

sowrong.Oncewe’redone,andwegetthesechainsoff,thenyoucanpickupyourlifeagain.”

Shedrewadeepbreath,tryingwithallherhearttoactuallybelievethewordsshe’djustspoken.

***

WhileLilyshowered,Adriensatoutsidethebathroomdoor,hisphoneinhand.He’dorderedfoodfrom
hisfavoriterestaurantandnowhisstomachrumbled.

He’dspokenwiththeowner,afineParisian,ahumanactually,whohadcomplainedthatAdrienhad

forsakenhim.Hewasremindedthathe’dhadalifeonceuponatime,beforehisworldhadgoneallto
hell.Hewasalsoremindedthatthereweresomehumanshedidvalue.

NowhehadLily.
Andfreedom.
Sortof.
Hecouldn’tbelievehewasoutofthatprison.DespitethechainsandhisbondagetoLily,atleasthe

wasn’thangingfromwrought-ironchainssofattheycouldhavedraggedelephants.

Hesethisphoneonthefloorandrubbedhiswrists.
Hewashealedupnowbutthememorywasstillthere,asthoughtheweightofthemanacleslivedinhis

mind.Hethoughtofhisbrothersanditfilledhimwithpain.

Hetouchedthechainathisneck.Yeshewasbound,butthiswasstillmuchbetterthanthecavern.He

sworetohimselfthathewouldsucceedinhismissionwithLilysohecoulddefeatDanielandfreethem
fromthehelltheywereenduring.

“Youokay?”Lilycalledout.
“Fine.”Hisheadlolledbackandthumpedthedoor.
He closed his eyes and breathed, bringing his focus back to the present. The chains kept them in

constantcommunicationsothatevennowheknewshewasworried.Nodoubtifshetunedintothechains,
she’dsensehisownsadnessandloss.

“Iordereddinner,”hecalledback.
“Thankyou,”camemuffledthroughthedoor.
Hereacheddownandturnedhisphoneoverandover.Smartphonesweregood,andhekepthiscloseat

hand.Always.

HisthoughtsturnedagaintorisingtoAncestrallevel.
Godhelphim,hewoulddoeverythinginhispowertokeepfromtakingthatstep.Hejusthadtofigure

thisout.SinceLilycouldsiphonhispower,thenitwaspossiblehecouldworkwithher,strengthenher,
buildherupsothatshecouldsurvivethenextfewdaysuntiltheygotholdoftheextinctionweaponand
thesituationwasresolved.

Asforalteredflight,whichwashisprimaryconcern,hewouldhavetomoveherslowly.Itwouldtake

themconsiderablylongertogetfromplacetoplace,buthereallyhadnootherchoicegivenherprevious
reactions.

However,therewasoneseriousproblem:Whileflying,heandLilywouldbeeasilyvisibletoother

vampires.Insuchalargeworld,itwouldn’tnormallybeaproblem,butheknewinhisguthewasbeing
tracked—notinanelectronicsense,butthroughopportunisticsurveillance.NeedingtoseekoutRumy,for
instance, who knew every underworld bastard who existed, made it likely that his adversaries would
stakeoutTheEroticPassage.

Gabriel,hislongtimementor,hadalsosuggestedhepumpclubpatronsforinformationbecauseitwas

arealgatheringplaceforthedregsofvampiresociety.Someonewasboundtoknowsomethingaboutthe
weapon.

Of course the nature of the club—and the many times Adrien had taken advantage of any number of

womenthere—sethiscockinanuproaragain.

Once more he leaned his head back, this time without banging on the door, and took several deep

breaths.

Hefeltcertainhe’dmeetupwithafewassholesthatneededoffing,andhe’dtakecareofbusiness.But

how the hell was he supposed to protect Lily? If she was incapacitated by the flight, or if several
assailantsattackedoncethey’darrived,hedidn’tknowwhathewoulddo.

Butthenhe’dbeenbattlingalongtime,forcenturies,keepinganuneasypeaceallaroundtheworld,so

heknewafewtricks.

Hesupposedthatwouldhavetobeenough.
Lily.
MyGod.
Lily.
Whensheemergedfromthenowsteam-filledbathroom,hiscockstoodatfullattention.Herosetohis

feetandgaveheracurtnod,atwhichshefrowned.Hepushedthedoorwideandsaid.“Ineedashower.”

Wrappedupinatowel,shegavehimspace,steppingbackasheallbutshovedhiswayin.Shebarely

hadtimetostepoutsidewhenheclosedthedoorperhapsmoreforcefullythanheshouldhave.Heheard
herslidedownthedoorandsitoutsidetowait,justashe’dwaited.

“I’llmakeitquick,”hecalledout.“Dinnerwillbehereinafewminutes.”
“Okay.But,hey,didIdosomething?Youlookedmad.”
He glanced down at his still-firm cock and rolled his eyes. “I’m in a hungry state,” he responded,

willinghertounderstand.Whensheremainedquiet,headded,“Andnotforfood.”

“Oh.”Thenheheardherchuckle.
Hesmiled.Dammit,helikedher.
Heshavedquicklythenshoweredasfastashecouldsothatwithinahandfulofminuteshewasbackin

thebedroomwithher,bothofthemgettingdressed.Thistimehedonnedhisbattleleathers,whichcould
houseseveraldaggersandtwodifferentlengthsoffightingchains.

Lilyputonjeansandashirtandnowtowel-driedherhair.Sheworenomakeup,andherlargeeyes

trackedhismovementsashesliddaggersdownthesheathssewnintotheleather,fiveinall.Inbottleneck
pockets,theshinyblacktabsofthechainslockedintoblackclaspsthatgavewaywithatug.Theshort
battle chains could take a man’s head off with enough strength. It was messy work, but sometimes
necessary.Thelongerchainscouldwraparoundandincapacitateanopponent,whileadaggerfinishedthe
job.

Whenhe’ddonnedablacktank,heturnedtoher.“Youneedtoprepareyourself,Lily.Iknowinmygut

thisisgoingtogetmessy.Onceweleavethesafetyofthisapartment,therewillbeothers.”Hespokefor
a moment about how long he’d been fighting and that he was used to killing. “And I’m sorry for what
you’llbegoingthroughaswepresson.”

By now, she’d folded her arms over her chest and held her lips in a tight line. She nodded several

times. “I understand, Adrien. I do. After everything that’s happened, I know this night won’t be child’s
play.Butthanksforwarningme.Iappreciateit.”

He stared at her for a long moment, once more taking her measure. Though he could sense what she

was feeling, it helped even more to see the look in her eye. Though she was afraid, she also had a
boatloadofcourage.

He heard the soft buzzing of the front door. On instinct, he held a hand up to her, very flat, a strong

warning,thenwavedhertowardhim.

Whenshedrewclose,hepickedupthedocumentsfromTrevaynethentookherhand,walkingwithher

inthedirectionofthelivingroom.Hedidn’theadtothedoorbutbeelinedtotheoffice.“Ineedtocheck
thesecuritymonitor,”hesaidinahushedvoice.“AndIwanttogettheseintothesafebeforeweleave.”

Hetookcareofthedocumentsfirst,thenwentstraightforhiscomputer.Hedidn’tlikethathehadto

releaseLily’shand,buthepulledupthesecuritysystemandsawafamiliardeliveryboy,rockingtohis
music,ashereadjustedhisearbudswithhisfreehand,holdingalargetake-outbagintheother.

Adriengrabbedsomeeurosandmadeforthedoor,Lilycloseonhisheels.

Heopenedthedoorcarefullyandlookedbeyondtheboy,butthehallwasempty.Hetradedthemoney

forthefoodandexchangedsmiles.

When Adrien shut and locked the door, he breathed a sigh of relief. Lily took the bag from him and

cooed.“Iamsohungry,youhavenoidea.”

Sincesheturnedaroundandheadedbacktothekitchenanddiningroom,hefollowedquickly.Assoon

ashecaughtawhiffofJean-Paul’sfamousroastchicken,hegroaned.

Lilylookedoverhershoulder.“Iknow,right?Oh,God,let’seat.”

***

LilyhadfinishedthechickendinnerAdrienhadbroughtinfromalocalrestaurantandnowmadesome
notesonapadandpapershe’dtakenfromoneofthekitchendrawers.“Sowe’reheadedtoTheErotic
Passage.WhereexactlyisitinItaly?Como,right?”

“LakeComo,inthenorth.”
“It’sbeautifulthere,lovelyhills,evenmountainousinplaces.Lotsofwealth.”
“AndoneextensivevampirecavernsystemdedicatedjusttoRumy’sclub.”
“Anentiresystem?AsbigasTrevayne?”
Adrienchuckled.“No,butbigenough.”
“AnddoyouthinkRumycanhelp?”
“Rumy knows everything. He’s one of the hubs of our world. He’s connected to our extensive

underground,andI’mnottalkingaboutourcaves.”

“Youmeanillegalstuff?”
“Yesandmuchworseaswell.He’songoodtermswitheveryterroristcellinourworld.”
“You’rekidding.”
“That’sthenatureofRumy’sbusiness,thathedealswithpowerfulcriminalsofallkinds.He’sknown

forkeepingsecretsbutifyouneedinformation,andifhecangetitwithoutactingagainstoneofhisother
clients,thenhe’lldeliver.Givenhisclientele,though,thistripofourswon’tbeapicnic.”

“Doesyourkinddealindrugs?”
“Mostlyhuman,importedfromyourworld.”
“Ican’tfaultyouthere,Adrien.That’swell-deservedcensure.Wehaveaterribledrugprobleminthe

humanworld.”

Adrienfrownedsuddenly,placedhishandsflatonthetable,andlookedslowlyaround.
“Whatisit?”
Hemethergaze.“No,don’tbeafraid.It’sjustthatI’mrememberingsomething,fromdecadesago.”He

turnedtowardthefireplaceandfrowned.

Lilyfollowedthelineofhissightandnoticedanantiqueclock.
Also,forthefirsttime,probablybecauseshewasrestedandhadafullstomach,sheactuallylooked

aroundatAdrien’sapartment.Theroomwasastrongcombinationofmodernfurnituremixedwithafew
antiques.ThedarkleathercouchfitAdrienwell.

“Theclockmustbeveryold,”shesaid.
“NotwhenIpurchasedit.”
Andthereitwasagain,hislong-livedstate.Butashergazeshiftedbacktotheclockthenoncemoreto

Adrien, she felt her chain vibrate softly. Suddenly images rushed at her, swirling at the edges as a new
visionsurfaced.AndthistimeshewasprettysurethevisionwouldinvolveAdrien.

Withinthevision,thefurniturewasdifferentandsowasAdrien,buttherehestoodinthisveryroom,

near the fireplace, dressed in formal white silk breeches, white stockings, and a fitted black coat. He

turnedandlookedinherdirection,butshecouldtellthatthoughhesensedsomething,hecouldn’tseeher.

Adrien stood up from the table. “What is that? What are you doing?” He even looked toward the

fireplace.“Itwasyou,”hesaid.“Ifeltsomething,averylongtimeago,inthisroom,maybetwocenturies
ago.Iwasnearthefireplaceandyouwouldhavebeenrightwhereyouarenow.Ifeltyourpresence.My
God,Lily,itwasyou.Isensedyourpresenceallthewayfromthepast,yetyouwerelookingatmejust
now.”

Sheroseaswell.“Yesandyoulookedamazinginwhitebreechesandablackcoat.Theroomwasfull

ofimportantpeople,too.”

Hestaredatherasthoughamazed.“Icarriedthatfeelingaroundwithmefordays,thatIwassupposed

todosomethingbutcouldn’tplaceit.NowIknowwhy,becausehereyouare.Lily,doyouknowwhatthis
iscalled?Youhaverevisitingvisions.You’reinthepresentandyouseethepast,peoplefromthepast.”

“I had one in the cavern just before I saw you hanging in chains. The vision was of you two hours

before,whentheyfirsttorturedyou.”

“Yousawthat?”
Sheworkedtokeepthememoriesatbay.“Yes.Allofit.Itwashorrible.”
He shook his head. “This world of ours must be a nightmare for you, something that won’t end, that

keepsdelivering.”

“But good things, too,” she said quickly. “Like making love with you. That was unexpected and

wonderful.”

Hischestroseandfell.Hisgazehadlockedontoherssothatthelastofthepresentvisionfaded.
Alookcameoverhisfacethatpushedtheairfromherlungs.Hisscentfollowed,suffusingtheairwith

strongherbsandwhatshe’dcometoknowasAdrien.Thechainssetupavibrationagainstherskin.

Oncemore,shefelthisdesireforher.Hersroseaswell,alongwiththestrangeneedherbodyfeltto

offeravein.Couldherlifegetanystranger?

Sheglanceddownatherlist.Herlist-makingwasoneofthethingsinherlifethathadkepthersane

overthepasttwoyears.Thislist,though,hadmoretodowithfindingakillingmachine:gotoTheErotic
Passageformoreinformation,askAdrienmoreabouthisbrothers.

She’dleftoffthemostimportantthing,theonethingshecouldn’twrite:Josh.Findhim,savehim,make

anewlifewithhim.

“Weshouldgo,”shesaid,rubbingherfingerbackandforthoverthenotepad.
“Lily,”hesaidsoftly,roundingthetablesothathestoodnexttoher.“Ididn’tmeantoupsetyou.My

needforyouisfierceandIknowyoucanfeelitthroughourconnection.Iblamethesedamnchains,which
isonemorereasonIwanttoavoidaddinganewlayerofpower.Ican’timaginewhatwouldhappenwith
anevenstrongerbond.”

Shenodded,butshefeltdumbstruckalloveragainbyhisproximity.Herkneesfeltweak.Hergazefell

tohislips.Heleanedinandassheclosedhereyes,hislipstouchedhers,amoistpressurethatdidn’thelp
herknee-situationatall.

The kiss lingered and her heart began to set up its own demanding racket. Her hand slipped up and

around his neck, beneath the long weight of his hair, then she was just in his arms, wrapped up in the
cocoonofhisphenomenalstrength.

He could crush her and yet she knew him already, knew that he’d never hurt her. He was kind to

childrenandrespectedwomen.Shecouldn’tbelievehowmuchshe’dgrowntotrusthimintwenty-four
hours.

Weshouldgo.Hermindreachedtohis,buthisarmstightenedaroundher.
Hedeepenedthekiss.Herbodyweakenedfurtherassheleanedintohim.Shepartedherlips,needing

air,whichofcoursepromptedhistonguetodipinside.

Shemoanedagainsthismouth.
Yes,weshouldgo,hesaidmindtomind.
Buttherewassomethingsoperfectaboutbeingwrappedupinhisarmsthatsheforgotthehourandher

desperation. She sank into the thrill of his mouth, his lips, his powerful arms that flexed and released
againsther.

Sheshuddered.Hisscent,nowsurroundingherthickly,mademushofherthoughts.Hecouldtakeherif

hewantedto.Shehadnowillbuthisrightnow.

Despitetheintensityofthemoment,hebegantopullback,easinguponhisembrace,kissingherwith

onlyhislips,thenwithdrawingthatsweetpressuretoleanhisforeheadagainsthers.“Iwishtohellwe
hadmoretimebecauseI’mfeelingurgentalloveragain.”

“Me,too,andveryforgetfulwhenyoutouchme.”Shedrewbackandmethisgaze,struckagainbyhow

beautiful his flecked teal eyes were, the shimmering depths that weren’t quite human, but more, much
more.

Vampire.
Shelookedaway.Sheneededtorememberwhathewas,thatshewasn’tlikehim,thatonceshehad

Joshbackagain,she’dberebuildingalifewithherson,alifethatcouldn’tincludeAdrien.

Releasinghim,sherippedthelistfromthenotepadandsliditintothepocketofherjeanswhereher

fingertipstouchedheriPhone.“Ifyou’reready,let’sgo.”

Henodded.Heranahanddowneachsideofhisbattleleathers,checkinghisweaponsagain,nodoubt,

aswellashisphone.

Heslidonearmaroundherwaist,holdingheragainsthim.“I’msorrythatthisprocesshurts.”
“It doesn’t matter, Adrien.” She took a deep breath. With any luck they’d find the information they

neededatTheEroticPassageandshe’dbeonestepclosertoJosh.“I’mready.”

Theflightbeganandasbeforeasuddennauseatookherover,butshefoughtitback.Andasbefore,her

headbegantopound,butbecausehekeptthespeedslow,shecouldmanagethepain.

Soonhe’dflownthemawayfromthecitylightsofParisuntiltheblacknessofthecountrysidebelow

tookover,withonlytheoccasionalvillagelights.SheclosedhereyesandleanedagainstAdrien’schest
ashetookthemsouthtowardItaly.

Astheywentfartherthecloudsbegantothinsothatwhenshecheckedhersurroundingsoncemore,she

couldseestars.Shesmiled.Yep,muchbettertotakeitslow.

We’ll be moving through the Alps soon, he said from his mind to hers. Just wanted you to be

prepared.

Howclearthewordssoundedinherhead.Thanksforthewarning,shereturned.
When blackness engulfed her she knew she was passing through rock—that and the strange clinging

sensationofsolidmatter.

TheflightwentoverItalynowandthesameoccasionallightsofvillagesortowns.
Another two minutes passed and his mind once more sounded within hers. Almost there. We’re over

thelakenow.Theclubisontheeasternshore.

She looked down; sure enough, she saw a black expanse of water. He descended toward the lake,

travelinginasoutheasterlydirection.

Inthisposition,hisheadclearedherseasily.Butmovementdrewherattentionandsheshiftedslightly

to gain a better view. She saw that several distant figures, all robed with hoods, approached out of the
northwest,somethingAdrienwouldn’tbeabletosee.Fanatics.

Adrien,therearefourmencominginfromthenorthwest,wearingrobesandhoods.

Shit.Ihavetospeedup.
Doit.
She shifted to look away from the intruders so that she could see the light from the club. But the

vibrationgrewuntilinstinctivelyshelookedup.

Another attacker sped toward them from above and before she had time to warn Adrien, the fifth

vampireslammedintoAdrien’sshoulder,knockingheroutofhisarms.Thenextthingsheknewshewas
fallingtowardtheblacknessbelow.

Shehadenoughsensetotakeadeepbreathjustbeforesheplungedintothecoldlake.Downshewent,

herbodyinstantlyshockedandnumbfromthefrigidwater.

Herfirstinstinctwastopullforthesurface,butthechainvibratedinawayshe’dneverfeltbefore,a

powerfulwarning.

ShefelttheconnectiontoAdrien,andchosetorelyonhisbattleinstincts,onallthatshewasinthis

newworld.Thoughanxioustoreachthesurface,sheforcedherbodytoremainhiddenbelow.

Sheadjustedhervision,siphoningthefamiliarpowerfromAdrien.Shecouldseeasthoughasoftlight

clearedapaththroughthewaterandthenight.

WhileAdrienbattledfourofthevampires,thefifthzigzaggedoverthewatershuntingforher,probably

waitingforhertosurface.Shehadalwayshadtroublefloatingandrightnowwasgratefulforit.

Thatherpursuercouldn’tseeherremindedherthatshecouldsiphonAdrien’spower.Herewasoneof

the differences then—that she could remain hidden while a real vampire couldn’t see her through the
water.

Slowlyshereleasedtheairnowtrappedinherlungs.
As Adrien battled, first one then a second vampire fell into the lake. She could make out Adrien’s

quick movements as he blended his flight skills with his battling ability. Like before, he split into two
parts,almostdirectlyaboveherbecauseoftheirperpetualproximityissue.

Butherlungshadbeguntohurtandthevampirehuntingherwasgettingcloser.Maybeshe’dreleased

toomanyairbubblesatonce.

Hervisiongrewgrayattheedges.Thevampirehoverednearbynow.Ifshesurfacedshewasdead.But

shewasrunningoutofair.

Adrien,hermindcried.Hurry.
Slowly,blacknessengulfedher.

CHAPTER9

Adrienheardherlastdesperatetelepathiccry.Hehadonemoreintheairandhesawthefifthvampire
divesuddenlyintothewater.

Thevampirehebattledhadlosthisreligiousgarbandnowfoughthimwithdaggerandchain,battling

asfiercelyasheandhisbrothersbattled.Adrienhadafewcuts,nothingtooserious.Buthehadtogetto
Lily.Ifshedied,theybothwouldbecauseofthechains.

Heallowedhissecondselftoappearweaker,listingtowardthewater.
The vampire took the bait and followed. With his first self, Adrien caught him from behind in the

kidneyswithhisdagger.Themanscreamedandplungedintothewater.

“Lily!”heshouted.
Thevampirewho’ddivedearliernowsurfaced,jeering.“She’sdead.”HeliftedLily’spalehandand

shookit.

Adriencouldsensethatshewasclosetodeath,butnotyetgone.Thesuddenragehefeltwassoraw

thatbeforeheunderstoodwhathewasdoing,bothpartsofhimmovedatlight-speedtowardthevampire
whonowopenedhiseyeswide.Hetriedtodipbelowthesurface,asthoughthatwoulddoanygood.

His rage had opened his vision. He could see Lily floating now as well as the panicked, thrashing

movementsofthegloatingvampireashetriedtoescape.Adrienpiercedthewater,dovestraightforthe
bastard,caughthimwithoneselfwhilehissplit-selfcuthisthroat.

Heturnedinthewater,grabbedLilyinallfourofhishands,andtookherstraightintotheair.Hemeant

togethertotheclub,butashespunina180hesawadozenmorehoodedfiguresclosingin.

HeheldLilyclosetohisprimaryself’schest,re-formed,thenflewawayfromthelake,fasterthanhe

everhadbefore,fasterthananyofthesebastardscouldmove.

He reached one of his private cavern homes, this time in South Africa, within twenty seconds of

pullingLilyfromthewater.Hestretchedheroutonthestonefloorofhislivingroomandbeganpumping
thewaterfromherlungs,thengavehermouth-to-mouth.

The moment she coughed and spewed all that liquid, her food followed. She cried out, grabbed her

head,undoubtedlyinpainfromthespeedoftherecentflight,andwithonearchofherbackpassedout.

Hesatbackonhisheels,knowingthathislifehadjustchanged…forever.
Lilyhadalmostdied.
AndhisstubbornnessaboutnotembracinghisAncestralpowerhadalmostgottenherkilled.
Well,thathadtochange.
HemadeplanswithhishousekeeperaboutcaringforLily.
ThenhecalledGabriel.
ThreehourslaterAdriensatinachairbyhisbed,whereLilynowslept.Afireroaredinthenearby

hearth.HesatinjeansandaT-shirt,hisleathersandtankdryingout.Hishousekeeperandoneofherstaff
hadtakencareofLily,changingher,washingthelakewateroffher,forcingahealingherbalteadownher

throat.

Theteacontainedashort-termsleepingpotionaswellsothatLilyfellintoadeepsleepandnolonger

thrashedandcriedoutforAdrien,orforherfamily;forJosh,forJessie,orforherhusband,Robert.

Nowshewasquiet,thoughverypale.
He’dsenttwoofhismorepowerfulmaleservantstotheHimalayastocheckonLucianandMarius,to

lethisbrothersknowthatassoonashecould,he’dcomeforthemandarrangetheirescape.Somehow.He
alsosentthemtoLily’sManhattanapartmenttobringmoreofherbelongingsbacktoSouthAfrica.

He’ddoneallhecouldforhispresentsituation,butthehardesttruthaboutLily’snear-drowning,and

whatheneededtodoaboutit,hithimsquareinthechest.

Fromthetimeshe’dputthechainonhimandhe’dflownherbacktoParisatfullspeed,hurtingherthe

entireway,he’dbeenavoidingwhatheneededtodo.

Nowhesawnorealwayout.
LilyhadbasicallydrownedinLakeComotonight,andallbecauseofhishatredforhisparentageand

his fear that if he embraced greater power, like his father possessed, he’d become like him: without
conscience,arisktohisfriends,eventohishalfbrothers,certainlytohisworld.

If there was some way he could predict where and how the fanatics might attack, he could manage

where he took Lily and how fast they traveled. But from the events of the past twenty-four hours, he
understoodtheymeanttostophimfromgettingtheweaponatallcosts.

Hecouldn’tletthathappen.SilasandhisfanaticswerenomoretobetrustedthanDaniel.
But the truth was, the source of the attack didn’t matter—only that Lily’s vulnerability and his

stubbornnesshadbroughthertothepointofdeath.Nowshehadonemorehorrorshe’dhavetorecover
from,ofdrowningwhileunderattackbygoddamnfanaticalvampires.

Some kind of change needed to come to his world. Maybe Sebastien was right, maybe there was

something he could do, especially with so many loose factions out there, ineffective courts, and not
enoughlawsonthebookstoprotecttheinnocent.ThegoverningCouncil,priortoDaniel’stakeover,had
failedtimeaftertimetodowhatneededtobedone.Soherehewas,sittinginagoddamnchairinoneof
hisfavoritecaves,ontheedgeofdespairbecausehe’dbeenpushedtothispointthroughnofuckingfault
ofhisown.

Heleanedforwardandshovedahandthroughhishair.SweetBuddhaChrist,andallthevampiregods

thrownintogether,hedidn’twanttodothisthing.

Hescoffedmentally,thenofferedadeepdisgustedgruntintotheair.Heknewaboutpain.He’dbeenon

close terms with cuts, bruises, and suffering from the time he could remember. His father had been a
sadisticbruteandhadtakenthefleshoffhisbonesahundredtimeswithhiswhipsandrazor-sharpknives.

DearoldDad.
Hissirehadbeenasociopathwhotorturedhischildren.Worstofall,thoughprocreationwasrarein

their long-lived world, his father had been one of the few extraordinary vampires able to sire as many
offspringasheliked.Andhissiblingshadallsufferedashehad.

Allofthem.
Yes,hispainwentdeep,hisdisgustevendeeperforthegoverningCouncilwhohadacceptedDaniel’s

bribesandlaindownforhim,oneandall.

WhenLilybegantostir,eventostretchherarmsoverherhead,herosefromhischairandmovedto

thedoorway.Hishousekeeper,whooversawallofhishomes,satinacomfortablechairintheopposite
alcove,readingtheVampireQuarterly.

Sheliftedhergaze,thenherbrows.“How’sshedoing?”
“Startingtowakeup.Isthesoupready?”

Shenoddedandunfoldedherlegsfromthechair.Settingthejournalaside,sheheadedtothekitchen.
WhenheturnedtolookatLilyfromthedoorway,hereyeswereopen.Herfingersmoveduneasilyover

theedgesofthesheetandblanketthatcoveredher.“WhereamI?”sheasked.

“SouthAfrica,agoodfivethousandmilesfromItaly.Nolakesaround.”Hetriedtosmile,butthepanic

inhereyesassheputahandtoherthroatsethislipsoncemoreinatightline.

Hereturnedtohischair,pullingitclosetothebed.Hereachedforherhandandhelditinhis.Shehad

longfingersandbeautifulnails.Heliftedherfingerstohislips.Aswellofemotiontightenedhisjaw.

“Youdrowned,”hesaid.Somethingsneedtobefacedhead-on.
Shenodded,tightbobsofherchin.“Whenwillthishorrorstop?”shemurmured,notmeetinghisgaze.
Heleanedforwardandrestedhisforearmsonthebed,foldingherhandintobothofhis.“Hey,you’re

alive.Rightnow,that’sallthatmatters.”

Sheletgoofaquicksigh,noddingoncemore.
“Thinkaboutwhyyou’redoingthis.”
Hergazeslidtohisandshefrowned.“Whydoyousaythat?”
“Because I’ve decided, knowing all that I sense about your character, that you’re not doing this for

money,areyou?”

Sheshookherhead.“Notevenalittle.”
Hewatchedhereyesfillwithtears.
“Iwishyou’dtellme.”Thereitwasagain,thatprofoundneedhefelttohavehertrusthim.
“Ican’t.”Sheshookherheadbackandforth,hergazelookingpanickedagain.
Heeasedbackonpressuringher.“It’sokay.ButIhopeatsomepointyoucantrustmeenoughtotell

me.”

Sheglancedaroundtheroom.“Thisisreallynice.”Thenhergazedriftedtotheceilingandhereyes

widened.“Oh,myGod.”

Adrien looked up as well. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” This part of the cavern was on a long ridge of

granitethathe’dhadtunneledoutintovariouslivingquarters.Vampirecraftsmenhadthenchiseledand
polishedtheceilingofhisapartmentintoavarietyofpatterns.“Thisdesigniscalled‘TheBrook.’”

Shewrinkledhernose.“I’mnotseeingit.Isupposethere’ssortofaflowofwater.”
Hechuckled.“No,thedesignwasnamedafterthecreator,EdgarBrook.”
“Oh,Isee.Well,IbelieveMr.Brookmustbeagenius.”
“Hewas.Hediedaboutthreehundredyearsago.”
Sheshiftedhergazetohimoncemore.“Areyousayingthatthiscave,inthisstate,hasbeenaroundthat

long?”

Helikedthatthecolorwasreturningtoherface.“Yes,thatlong.”
Thehousekeeperarrivedwithatraybearingasmalltureenofsoup.
Lilymoaned.“Thatsmellslikeheaven.”
“We’reindebtedtotheageofelectricity,”sheexplained.“Andtohydroponics.Wehaveacresofthe

bestvegetablesintheworldgrowingdeepinthissystem.”

Lilypushedherselftoasittingposition,andthehousekeepercarefullyplacedthetrayoverherlap.She

said she hoped Lily enjoyed the soup then left the room. Adrien listened to the sound of her soft-soled
shoesdisappearingdownthehall.

Lilyworeawhitecottonnightgownwithsmallpleatsacrossthebodice,whichmadeherlookyouthful,

evenfragile.Herhairwascleanandshesweptitbackwithonehandtorestoverhershoulder.Asshe
liftedherspoonanddipped,Adriendidn’tknowwhattomakeofthiswomanorhersuddenappearancein
hislife.

Shedidn’tlookathimassheate.Thetripofherspoonfromlips,tobowl,tobrothandback,becamea

slow,steadyprogression.

Hewaiteduntilshehadfinishedthelastbite,thenrangthebell.Thehousekeeperreturnedtotakethe

tray.

AdrienknewthetimehadcometotellLilywhatneededtohappennext,butshewasalreadyslidingout

ofbed.“Weneedtogettothatclub.Whattimeisit?Wait,Ididn’tsleepthroughthenight,didI?”

Heglancedattheclock.“No.Wehaveseveralhourstilldawn,butLily,we’renotgoingthere,atleast

notyet.”

She sat on the edge of the bed, and her brows rose. “Why not? I mean, I’ve recovered. I feel fine. I

really do.” The whiteness of her complexion belied her true condition. Hell if he didn’t admire her all
overagain.

“Gabrielwillbehereshortlywithanewsetofchains,adoubleset.Hesaiditwouldn’ttakelongto

getthisthingdone.”

“Idon’tunderstand.”
Absently,Adrientouchedthechainathisneck.
Her eyes widened. She reached out and grabbed his wrist, hard. “No,” she cried. “No. We decided

we’renotdoingthat.”

“You’re not doing anything. And all I’m doing is becoming something I should have become when I

firstflewyoutoParis.”

Sheglaredathiminresponse.
“Don’tlookatmethatway.Lily,youdrowned.Don’tyouunderstand?YouwerealmostgonewhenI

pulledyououtofthelake.OncewewereairborneImighthavetriedtoflyyouslowly,butanother,larger
group of assassins was on us. I can’t risk your life again. I can’t because if you die, then I’ll die and
Danielwillkillmybrothers.Ihavetokeepyoualive,justtostayalivemyself.”

“ButIknowhowmuchyoudon’twanttodothisthing.Icanfeelthatit’salmostunbearabletoyou.”
“Mymind’smadeup.”
Shegrabbedhimharderandleanedforward.“No.Iwon’tallowit.”
“At this point, you don’t get a say. Or do you want to be dead? And frankly, you are too much of a

liabilityformenottoaddanewpowerleveltomyarsenal.”

Adrienfeltlikeastrongwindblewoverhisface.Hedidn’trecognizethesensationrightaway,buthe

wasstunned.He’donlyknownLilyalittleovertwonights,andshesatheregrippinghisarm,standingin
hiscorner,battlingforhim.Whatmadeitmoreintensewasknowingthathiskindhadtakenthelivesof
herfamily,changingandruiningherlifeforever.Yetshecaredabouthimenough,aftersoshortatime,to
wanthimtoholdhiscourse.

Maybe that’s what settled everything in his mind: As much as he detested what he was about to do,

savingLily’slifewasworthit.Shehadn’tdeservedtohaveherfamilyrippedapart,ortobesomehow
forced onto this mission of hers. And she sure as hell didn’t deserve to die because of fanatics that
apparentlywantedthembothdeadnomatterwhat.

Hecoveredherhandwithhisoncemorethenleanedinandkissedher.
Shedrewback,surprised.“Whatwasthatfor?”
“Thank you,” he said, with emphasis. “You’re a true friend and I’ll never forget that. In all my long

centuries,Icancountonjustthesetwohandsthepeopleinmylifewhowouldhavestoodupformeas
youjusthave.Itmeansalot.”Hedrewinadeepbreath,thensaid,“Now,here’showthisisgoingdown.”

***

An hour later Lily was dressed in appropriate sex-club attire: a shimmery, low-cut blue halter, a short
blackleatherskirt,andlongsexyboots.

Sheteasedupherhairandaddedmoreeyemakeupthansheusuallywore,hopingtocreateadifferent

appearancesothatshewouldn’tbeeasilyrecognized.

Gabrielhadarrivedwiththemorepowerfulbondingchains.Apparently,nomorewasinvolvedthan

forAdrientoputonhischainandlettheprocessworkthroughhim.She’dreapthebenefits,too,interms
oftakingonmorevampireabilities.

EventhoughAdrienstoodjustontheothersideofthewall,shefelthisuneaseabouttakingthisstep.

From all that she understood, his father had been evil and powerful. Whether he still lived, she didn’t
know,butthelastthingAdrienwantedwastobelikehim.“Lily,we’rereadywhenyouare.”

Theroomhadafull-lengthmirrorsothatshecouldgetagoodhardlookatherreflection.Herheeled

bootsfinishedoffthelookbetterthananythingelsecouldhave,andazingofpleasurewentthroughher
knowingthatAdrienwouldprobablylikethislookonher.

He’d told her to wear anything she wanted. She’d considered another pair of jeans, but this was the

betterchoice.

“Lily?What’sgoingon?”
Sherolledhereyes.He’dprobablysensedhersuddenexcitement.Thosechainsagain.
Shemovedtowardthedoorwayand,aftertakingadeepbreath,crossedthethreshold.
Adrienturnedtowardher,hismouthagapeashisgazedriftedslowlydownherbody,restedforaneye-

popping moment on the stilettos of her boots, then retraced the journey to her face. “Holy shit,” he
murmured.

Sheshrugged.“IthoughtI’dblendinatRumy’s.”
Henodded.“Yes,youwill.”
Hemovedtowardher,dazed,andtookherarm.Shefelthisdesireforherlikeahot,sizzlingwavethat

washedoverherandlefthertinglingheadtotoe.“Youlookreallynice,Lily,butthenyoualwaysdo.”

Sheshiftedtolookupathim.Heworeblackleatheragain,moreweaponsnodoubt,readyforanything.

“Thank you. So do you.” The chain at her neck vibrated heavily, and if Adrien’s friend Gabriel hadn’t
beenstandingafewfeetawayshewouldhavethrownherarmsaroundAdrien’sneckandkissedhim.

ShewonderedsuddenlywhatwouldhappenbetweenthemonceAdrienworethenewdouble-chain.
Henoddedoncemore,searchinghereyes.“Youokay?”
“Overwhelmed.”
“Iknowwhatyoumean.”
SheturnedherattentiontoGabriel.Adrienmadetheintroduction.
Gabrielhadshortspikedblackhairandwarmgrayeyes.HewasnearlyastallasAdrienandworea

tailoredshirtandslacksaswellasafinesilktie.

“Nice to meet you.” Her gaze fell to the cloth-covered board Gabriel held in his hands and to the

double-chain clamped in place on top of the cloth. Then she felt the vibration of the chain even at a
distance.“Sothisisit.”

“Yes, it is.” Gabriel turned slightly in Adrien’s direction. “You just put them on. The chains do the

work.”

LilysensedasuddenrushofangerfromAdrien,andshecaughthisarm.“It’snottoolatetostopthis.

I’mwillingtotaketherisk.”

Atthat,hemethergazeoncemore,butthefleckedtealofhiseyesdarkened.“I’veputthisofffartoo

long.AndmaybeifIhadn’t,IcouldhavestoppedDanielbeforehegotthisfar.”

Withthat,Adrienclosedthedistancebetweenhimselfandthechains,pulledthedouble-loopedsilver

setoutoftheclamps,andwithoutskippingabeatsliditoverhishead.

Atthesametime,hejerkedthesingle-loopblood-chainoffhisneckandthrewitonthefloor.
Lilyblinked.
Asecondpassed,thentwo.
Anewvibrationenteredherchainandawaveofdizzinesshithard.Sheweavedonherfeetandeven

heldherarmsawayfromhersidestobalanceherself.

Thenherheadbegantohurtalloveragain.

***

AdriensawthatthenewchainhadputLilyoff-balanceandhewantedtogotoher,tosteadyher,buthe
couldn’t move. The natural power, Ancestral power, that he’d felt from as early as he could remember
flowedthroughhiminasuccessionofalmostpainfulwaves.

Power.
Themostcorruptinginfluenceinthevampireworld.
Thethingthathadmadehisfatheramonster.
AndnowitfilledeverycellofAdrien’sbody.
Wouldhebecomecorruptlikehisfather?
Hismusclescontractedpainfully,released,contractedagain,hisarms,hislegs,chest,andback.Sweet

BuddhaChristhehurt.Hesanktohiskneesandheldhishead.

Thewavesstruckhardagain,causingthedouble-chaintovibrate.
Hedidn’twantthis.He’dneverwantedthislevelofpowerbecausetherewasnothinghefearedmore

thanbecomingliketheonewho’dsiredhim.

Themoreheresisted,thegreaterthepain,yethecouldn’tletgo,couldn’tembracewhathe’dalways

hatedsomuch.

Hegroanedandrockedonhisknees,hisheadstillinhishands,hiseyessqueezedshut.
Hefeltapressureonhisarms,acooltouchthatbegantoeaseanewkindofsoothingwavethrough

him.Hismusclesstoppedseizingandthethrobbinginhisheadcalmed.Thenewwavesofpowerbegan
toflow.

Helethishandsfallawayfromhisfaceandopenedhiseyes.
Lilystaredbackathim.Ididn’tknowwhatelsetodo,shesaid.ButIrememberedthatinthecavern,

whenIfirstmetyou,mytouchcalmedyoudown.Remember?

Henodded.Lilywassobeautifulandsopure—pureofheart,ofsoul,ofconscience.Hesawanaura

aroundher,asilvershiningglow.Heblinkedseveraltimesbuttheglowremained.

“Areyouallright?”sheasked.
Hetouchedhercheek.Shehadsoftskinandacreamycomplexion,muchprettierthanavampire’susual

porcelainlook,healthier,morealive.

“Adrien?”
Henodded.“I’mokaynow.Youwererighttotouchme.Forwhateverreason,contactwithyouhelps.”
“It’sthebondofthechains.”
“Maybe.Probably.Whothehellknows.”Herosetohisfeet,liftingherwithhim,buthewassurprised

howmuchlightershefelt.Apparentlyevenhisphysicalstrengthhadbeenenhanced.

HeturnedtoGabriel.“Thanksforhelpingout.”
“Anytime.Youknowthat.”
“Yeah,Ido.”HeturnedandclappedGabeontheshoulder.
“You’regoingtofeelstrangeforawhile.”

“Icantell.”
“Andyourspeedwillincreaseduringalteredflight,sowatchthosetakeoffsandlandings.”Hesmiled

crookedly.“Imeanit.Becareful.”

“Iwill.Andthankyoufordoingthis.”
Gabrielnodded.
Adrien shifted toward Lily. “You’re anxious to get going.” He touched the chain, the double loops

feelingstrangebeneathhisfingers.“Icansenseyouevenmoreclearlythanbefore,thelevelofconcern,
almostdesperationthatyoufeel.”Henarrowedhisgazeather.“Almostasthoughyoubelieveyourlife
dependsongettingthatweapon.That’showyoufeel,isn’tit?”

Butthesensationthatreturnedtohiminarippleofemotionsfeltmorelikedeceptionthanconcern.He

grabbedherarm.“Whenareyougoingtotellmethetruth?”

Butthatstubbornchinofhersrose.“Never.”
“Never’salongtime,”hemurmured.
“Yes,itis.”
“Fine.”Hereleasedherarm,thenaddressedanotherissue.“You’realocator,weknowthat.Andso

far,you’vehadlittlesuccessgettingafixontheweapon.Butwiththischangeofmine,I’mhopingthat
you’llbeabletodobetter.Canyougiveitatry?”

Lily’shazeleyeswidened.“Absolutely.”Sheclosedhereyesandtouchedthechainatherneck.
Hefelthereffort,eventhathisincreasedpowerwasassistingher,butafteramomentsheopenedher

eyesandshookherhead.“Thetendrilsweremoreactive,butseemedtobereachingoutineverypossible
direction.”

“That would make sense,” Gabriel said. “I know that when the Council shut down the scientific

experiments all those years ago, many of the documents and more than one of the actual weapons were
hiddeninabunchofcavernsystems.”

“Thenweneedmoreinformation.”
Lilynodded.“So,it’sontoTheEroticPassage.”
Adrienslidanarmaroundherwaistandpulledhertightagainsthim.Asshehadbeendoing,sheput

herleftfootonthetopofhisrightboot.

Sheslunganarmaroundhisneckandforalongfewsecondsdesireforherrose,asitalwaysdidwhen

hegotthisclosetoher.Onlythistime,giventhathispowerlevelhadbeenbumpedup,awaveofneed
pouredoverhimlikeabrushfire.

He trembled—not just because of what he felt, but because his desire ignited hers. This terrible

attractionbetweenthem,whichshouldn’thaveexisted,roaredtolife.

Witheveryounceofstrengthhepossessed,however,heturnedawayfromhisneed,dippedhischinat

Gabriel,andtookoffinastreakofalteredflightthatstunnedhim,straightupthroughthecavern,upand
up.

Lily’sarmaroundhisnecktightened.
Areyouinpain?Shit,I’msorry.I’mgoingtoofast.
Hestartedtoslowdown,aprocesshefoundincrediblydifficultsincehe’dlaunchedthemwellthrough

thecavernsystemandintothenightsky.

I’m fine. Her arm relaxed. Adrien, there’s no pain at all. Don’t slow down. You don’t need to. You

wererightaboutthis;morepowerhaschangedtheexperienceforme.Ihavenopain.

Herocketedthroughtheair,headingnorthbacktoItaly.ButashepassedovertheMediterranean,then

the Italian landscape, before he knew it he found himself well over the Alps, having overshot his
destination.

That’sneverhappenedbefore.
What?
I’mhavingalittledifficultygaugingdistance.
Well,justrememberwhatGabrielsaidaboutlandings.
Right.
Hespunaround,headedsouthoncemore,thenpromptlyovershotLakeComobyaboutfiftymiles.And

hekeptovershooting.Againandagain.

Eventually,hemadeenoughadjustmentstofinallyreachthelake,butitstilltookthreelandingattempts

beforehefinallybroughtLilytoRumy’sprivatesideentrance.

Thebouncerknewhimwellanddidn’tevenglanceatLilyasheopenedthedoorforthem.Adrienhad

broughtlotsofwomentotheclubovertheyears,andLily,inherhalter,shortskirt,anddamnsexyboots,
fitrightin.

Ofcoursehe’ddonnedanewsetofbattleleathersandwasarmedtotheteeth.Healsoworeablack

teemadeofsoftcotton,whichseemedtomakeLilyhappysinceshekepttouchinghim,ormaybeitwas
thechains,orthesex.Hell,hedidn’tknow.Didn’tcare,onlythatshestuckclose,becausethat’swherehe
wantedher,whichbeggedanewquestion:Howhadhecometocaresomuchinjustafewhours?

HeheardLilygasp.
Hestoppedandturnedtowardher.“What?What’swrong?”
Butshewasstaringatthecarvingsonthewall.“Thesearecouplesdoingit,inabouteveryposition

imaginable.Oh,thatoneisreallyinventive.”Shetiltedherheadsideways.

Instead of following the direction of her gaze, he looked away from the wall. He didn’t need a

reminderofwhathereallywantedtobedoingrightnow.“IguessIshouldhavewarnedyou.”

“Ishouldhaveknown.Imean,comeon,TheEroticPassage?”Shelaughed.
Hetookherarmandgentlyputherbackinmotion.
“Areallthewallscarvedlikethis?”
“No.Somehavebiggeretchings.”
“Wellthat’snotgoingtohelpanything,isit?”
“Tellmeaboutit.”Hersweetfemininescentrolledaroundhimnow,andifthatwasn’tbadenoughthe

newdouble-chaintoldhimtherestofthestory.Hecouldsensethelevelofherdesireanditmatchedhis.
Hetookdeepbreathsandstarteddoingsumsinhishead.

Afewyardsmoreandthetunnelbranched.
Hemadearightandafteranothertenyards,hecametoRumy’soffice.Heglancedupatthesecurity

camera,redlightwinking.Herappedonthearched,woodendoor.Blackwrought-ironhingesandaring-
pullabovethelatchfittheclub’soverallfeel,verydominance-based.

Amasculinevoice,muffledbytheheavywoodofthedoor,calledout,“Adrien,getyourfuckingassin

here.”

HesmiledandleaneddowntoLily.“Rumy’shome.”
“Oh,goody.”
Atthat,hechuckledoncemore,depressedthelatch,andpushed.
Unfortunately,hemetthreeautomaticweaponspointedstraightathim,allheldbymeninblackrobes;

morefuckingfanatics.

Rumystoodtothesideofhisguestsofferingashrugandarollofhiseyes.Heworetheusualextra-

snugblackT-shirtthatemphasizedthatheworkedout.Hewasshort,maybefive-five,hisblackcurlyhair
oiled and glistening in the dim light. He wore a silver belt and tailored Italian slacks, leather tasseled
shoes,histypicalstyle.

Withawrysmile,heshruggedagain.“Sorry,Adrien.There’sabountyonyourheadandtheprizeisa

portionintheRioCrystalCasino.Icouldn’tturnitdown.”HisgazeshiftedtoLily.“Ofcoursethebounty
includesyourwomanhere.YoumustbeLilyHaven.Heardalotaboutyou.”

Adrien’shandnaturallydroppedtoLily’swaist,especiallysinceherbodyhadstiffened.Holdingher

close,hesaid,“Iguesssomebodywantsusbad.”

Rumy glanced at his armed guests. “And don’t try any of your altered flight shit. I’ve been assured

theseboysknowhowtousetheirweaponsandyou’llbefullofholesbeforeyoupunchpastevenoneof
thesewalls.”Thepointsofhisfangsshowedashespoke,whichalmostgavehimalisp.He’dtakenso
muchDouble-Vinrecentyearsthathecouldneverfullyretracthisfangs.Hehadpermanentcalluseson
hislipsfromdailyuse.Nothinglikeablack-marketvampireViagratochangethingsup.

Hisoperationssuitehadbeencarvedoutofgraniteinanintricatemazeofrooms,eachwithacurved

polishedceiling,marredonlybydiscreetblacktubescarryingelectricalandair-conditioning.Thisfront
roomhadacoupleoflargeblackleatherchairsnearthefrontdoorandawidewoodendeskopposite.All
threearmed,hoodedmen,aswellasRumy,stoodinfrontofthedesk.

Oneofthebackroomsoftheofficesuiteincludedacentralcommandforhisextensivesecuritystaff.
Newquestion:WherewereRumy’smen?
Adrienhadthebeginningsofaplan,buthewantedLily’sinput,sohesentatelepathicstream.Lily,he

doesn’t know that I have an increase in power and my gut tells me I could fly us both out of here,
withoutinjury,butwestillneedinformationandthisisthebestplace.

Whatdoyousuggest?
Thatweridethistraintothenextstop.Canyouhandleit?
Hell,yeah.Takethemallon.
HeheldRumy’sgaze.“Asyoucanimagine,I’mnotcrazyabouttheideaofturningmywomanoverto

yourfriends.Gotanyotherideas?IhaveafortuneI’dhappilyspendtochangethisscenario.Caretomake
atrade?”

Oneofthefanaticsstartedtoprotest,butRumyhelduphishand.“Nottoworry,myfanaticfriend.My

coursewassetthemomentyousteppedintomyofficebearingyourguns.”

Inwardly, Adrien began to smile. Rumy, for all his shortness of stature and absurdly callused lips,

didn’tallowanyonetobringfirearmsintohisclub,notwithoutrepercussionsatsomepoint.Thefanatics
withtheirreligiousbentcouldn’tpossiblyunderstandtherulesofanunderground.

ToAdrien,Rumyofferedasubtlejerkofhisheadtowardthearchwayatthebackcornerofhisoffice,

whichledtothesecuritycenter.

Adrienunderstoodthesignal.Rumy’smenwaitedinplacefortheirbosstogivetheword.
Good.
As he assessed the hooded men, he didn’t know which he despised more, his father and the weak-

willedCouncilofAncestralsthathenowowned,orthesefanatics,whointhenameofspiritualitykilled
theinnocent.

Spitgatheredinhismouth.
ButthefaintpressureofLily’shandonhisarmremindedhimwhyhewashere,thathewasn’talone,

andthatthesemenwerehopefullyjustabumpintheroadtogetwheretheyneededtogo.

Funnyhowjusthertouchreinedinhisall-over-the-mapemotionsanddrives.
He covered her hand with his and gave a squeeze. He felt her try to reach him telepathically, but he

blockedher,astrangeeventallonitsown.Heneededtofigurethisout,though,anddoitquickly.The
middlebastardwassweatingandhadhisfingertooclosetothegoddamntrigger.

“Again,don’teventhinkaboutalteredflight,”Rumysaid.“You’renotfastenough.”

Rumywasgivinghimahintabouthowhewantedthistogodown.
HeopeneduphismindtoLilyandsaid,IneedyoutostayrightwhereyouareandignorewhatI’m

abouttodo.Gotit?

Yep.
“Iwouldn’tthinkofalteredflight,”Adriensaid.
Thenhedid.
Hemovedfast—alittletoofast,shootingpastthefirstgunman.Headjusted,grippedhisgun,tookthe

next, and just as the third asshole would have fired, he took him out of the room, carrying him straight
overthewateranddroppedhimintoLakeComo.

Whenheflewbackintotheroom,Rumy’ssecuritystaffhadthetworemainingassassinsonthefloor.

Oneofthemwasusingthebuttofhisguntopoundthevampiresinturn,overandover,althoughpurposely
avoidingthehead.

Themenscreamedandballedthemselvesup.
HereturnedtoLily’ssideandtriedtotakeherinhisarms,knowingsheshouldn’tbewatchingthis,but

shepushedhimaway.“Makethemstop,Adrien.”

Atfirsthethoughtshewasdistressedbywhatshewasseeing,butthechainstoldadifferentstoryand

hefeltherdetermination.

“Weneedtoknowwhattheyknow,”shesaid.“Maybetheyhaveinformationabouttheweapon.”
Atthesewords,bothAdrienandRumyyelledattheguardtostophurtingtherobedreptiles,buthegot

onelasthitinbeforehesteppedback.

Rumyglaredatthemenonthefloor.“NothingIhateworsethanfanatics.Idon’tevendespisearatin

my organization as much as these assholes who use religion to persecute those who can’t protect
themselves.Fuckingbastards.”

Adrienchuckled.“Rumy,IknewtherewassomethingaboutyouIliked.”
“Aw,cantheflattery.Justtellmehowthefuckyoudidthatalteredflightshit.Usually,youglideoutof

here.Thistimeyouvanished.Whoa.Holdthefuckingphone.”Helookedhimover,hisgazelandingon
thechainatAdrien’sneck.“You’vebumpedupyourpowerlevelwithadoubleblood-chain,andthere’s
only one way you can do that. Well damn my ass, you finally made the leap. You’re on the Ancestral
path.” He glanced at the chain Lily wore. “And you’re all bound up with a human and now you’ve got
morepower.Alotofit,too.”Forhalfasecond,panichitRumy’seye.

Adrienheldupahand.“Nottoworry.Ihavenotakeoverplansforyouoryourbusiness.Trustme,I’m

notthatman.”

“Good.That’sgood.”Hepluckedatacoupleofcurlsabovehisearsthenpattedthemflat.
Theassassinshadgrownquiet,whichmeantbothhaddippedintovampire-healingmodeandwouldbe

backatfullstrengthinacoupleofhours.

Adrienthoughtaboutkillingthem,andinanyothercircumstancesthat’sjustwhathewouldhavedone.

He and his brothers dealt swiftly with fanatics who murdered the innocent. So long as there was
irrefutable evidence of the crime, they held a brief trial, took off the head, and burned the bastards to
ashesjusttomakesuretheycouldn’tcomebacktodomoredamage.

Theirleader,Silas,knewwhatAdrienandhisbrothersdidtofanaticsproventokilltheinnocent,who

laid waste to some of the outlying cavern systems when average vampires refused to agree to Silas’s
decrees. The man and his followers were spiritual tyrants, and Adrien and his brothers had sworn to
battlethemtothedeath,ifneedbe.

Rumysatdownonthesideofhisdesk,onelegswingingfree.“Itakeitthetripnorthdidn’thelpmuch

forwhatyou’relookin’for.”

“Notmuch,whichiswhywe’rehere.”
“Ikindoffigured.”
Lilyventured,“So,whatexactlydoyouknowabouttheextinctionweapon?”
Ahushfellovertheroom.Allthevampiresstilled,whichmadethespacearoomfullofstatuesforat

leasttenlongseconds.

When the breathing resumed, Rumy shook his head. “I haven’t got a clue. I mean, there’s not been a

peep about the weapon in decades, not since the nineteen fifties when everybody and their uncle was
doingexperimentsinhiddencavesallovertheworld.Jesus-Buddha-and-Confuciusallwrappedupina
fishnet,Ihateeventhinkingaboutsomethingsopowerfulthatitcouldwipeusoffthefaceoftheearth.”

He huffed a sigh, his gaze fixed to Lily. “I don’t know what Adrien here has told you, but our kind

doesn’thavebignumbers—lessthanamillionagainstyourvirus-likebillions.

“Our people are spread out over every country in the world. Most of us never procreate. We’re so

damnlong-livedthatourgeneticsdecidedearlyonwe’dbetternotbeafertilerace.Sowhyareyouafter
theextinctionweaponanyway?”RumystaredhardatLily.

Adriennoddedtoherandwatchedhertakeadeepbreath.
“I’vebeencontractedtogettheweapon…foraprice.”
Asingleoilybrowrose.“That’salanguageIcanunderstand.Soyou’llturnitoverandgetpaidfor

yourtroubles.”

Lilynodded.Adrienwatchedherclosely.Thenewchainhadenhancedwhatpassedbetweenthembut

inthiscasewhathefeltfromherremainedthesame,justapowerfullevelofdetermination.

OneofthevampiresonthefloormovedandAdrienfelthisquicksuddendistress.Heshiftedhisgaze

fromLily,thenshovedattheman’sarmwiththetoeofhisboot.“Whatdoyouknow?Anddon’ttellme
nothing,orI’llletRumy’sguardsstartpoundingonyouagain.”

Hiseyeslitupsuddenly,theferventlightofthedevoted.“Thehuman,Lily,isdestinedtodestroyall

vampire-kind.Youmustlistentome.Thegreatone,MasterSilas,whosevisionsalwaysprovetrue,has
seen her coming, has been able to predict where she would be with tremendous accuracy, like this
moment. He said this would happen. And I’ve heard you say you’re looking for the extinction weapon.
Don’tlistentoher.Shemeansharmtoourrace.Sheintendstodestroyusall.”

RumyglancedatLily.“Doyouintendtodestroyourrace?”
Lilyshookherhead.“No.I’monlyherefortheweapon.”
Rumyturnedbacktothefanaticandbroughtthebuttdownhardonhishead.“Asshole.”

CHAPTER10

Lilydidn’tknowwhichwasworse,thatshe’dactuallyheardtheman’sskullcrackorthatshejustdidn’t
care. Of course, it was hard to be compassionate toward a person who wanted her in the ground, or
maybeburnedatthestake.Still,itbotheredherthatshewasn’tmoreupset.

Shemightevenhavevoicedthethought,justtogetitoutintheopenandhavealook,butatthatmoment

thepartofherbornfromthechainaroundherneckactivatedherrevisitingpower.

Bynowshehadsomecommandoveritandknewshehadachoicewhethertoallowthevisiontocome

ornot.

“What’sgoingon,Lily?”
SheglancedatAdrien,butswitchedtotelepathy.Avision,butI’mnotsurewhattodo.Idon’twantto

wasteourtimewithsomethingfromthepast.Sheglancedatthetwofanaticsonthefloor,thenhergaze
flittedtoRumyandhisbodyguards.

Adriennarrowedhisgaze.A lot has happened over the years in this room, and you just heard the

fanaticsaythatyou’vebeenseenherebySilas.Ithinkyoushouldgiveitashot.

Thoughtsaboutherson,alwaysroamingtheedgesofhermindanyway,flowedtotheforefront.She’d

doanythingtogetJoshback,includingallowingavisioninaplacelikethis,withtwobeat-upvampires
onthefloorandmoreweaponsthanshe’dseeninthewholecourseofherlife.

She opened herself up and the edges of the room began to spin, only faster this time than before,

somethingsheattributedtoAdrien’snewsetofchainsandincreasedpower.

Sheheldherarmswideandthesceneemerged,likewatchingamovie,ofavampireinafineblack

suit,apurewhitesilkshirt,andagoldtie.

ThemantoweredoverRumy,thewayAdrientoweredoverothermen.Hishairwasdarkandslicked

back and he had a tightly trimmed black goatee. He was achingly handsome and something about him
seemedfamiliar,eventhoughshewassureshe’dneverseenhimbefore.

In the vision, the vampire leaned down close to Rumy’s cheek. “So, little man, have you found the

rightwomanformeyet?I’vegrownimpatient.Youknowmyneeds.”

Rumyshookinhisfineleathershoes.“I…IhavealeadfromNairobi.Perfectdarkskin,whiteteeth,

andthinsharpfangs.”

“Tellmeofherbreasts.”
“Idon’tknowanythingyet,justthatshe’sabeauty.”
Heheldhishandopen,palmup.“ButyouknowwhatIlike:veryfull,voluptuous,morethanmyhand

ormymouthcanhold.Don’tfailme,Rumy,ormyappetitesmayextendtothisclubandI’lltakethe
wholethingoverbeforeyoucanevenblink.”

Lily felt Rumy’s fear, then her own. This man, so elegant, so beautiful even in profile, defined

malevolence—something so evil that his dark presence, even in a revisiting vision, had the power to
reachher,tofrightenher.

At that moment he leaned back, closed his eyes, and turned slowly toward her. When he opened his

eyes, he looked right at her, stepping in her direction until he was only a few feet away. The vampire
couldseeher—allthewayfromthepast,hecouldseeher.

Hemetandheldhergaze,thenlookedherupanddown.ShetrembledandcouldfeelthatAdrienhad

slippedhisarmaroundherwaist,thatheheldherclosetohissideinthepresent,butshecouldn’ttearher
gazeawayfromwhatsheknewtobeamonsterfromthepast.

His eyes were a strange yet beautiful color, almost a teal like Adrien’s, but lighter and flecked with

hintsofgreenandgold.

Hisnostrilsflared.“Ismellahumanfemale.Yes,definitelyhuman.Buttellme,lovelyone,whyare

youhereatTheEroticPassage?”

Shefeltverystrange,thewayshehadfeltwithGiselle.Sheunderstoodthenthatevenfromthepastthe

vampirehadenoughpowertoenthrallher.“I’mherelookingfortheextinctionweapon.”

“Howintriguing.”Themansmiled,showinglarge,eventeeth.“Whatisyourname,lovelyone?”
“Lily.LilyHaven.”
“Whereareyoufrom?”
“Arizona,nearPhoenix.DeerValley.ButIhaveaplaceinManhattanaswell.”
Hissmilebroadened.“Soyou’reawomanofwealth?”
“Somewealth,yes.”
Shebegantoweaveonherfeet,backandforth,rockingharderandharder.Hernamecametoherfrom

agreatdistance,andsuddenlythevisiondisappearedandAdrienwasshoutingatherandshakingher.

Shefeltherselffallingbackward,fallingandfalling,yetsheneverhitthefloor.
Sometimelater,sheopenedhereyes,expectingtobeonthefloor.Instead,Adrienheldherinhisarms,

hisbrowfurrowed.

Assheblinked,herbrainfinallyrighteditself.“HowlongwasIout?”
“Justacoupleofminutes.Areyouallright?Whathappened?”
“Amanspoketome.”
Adrien’sbrowsrose.“Fromarevisitingvision?Amanspoketoyoufrominsideavision?”Heseemed

incredulous.

Lilynodded.
“Whatdidhelooklike?”
Lilydescribedhim.“Hescaredme,Adrien.”
“Andhiseyesweresimilartomine,butlighter?”
“Yes,goldishflecks.”
Adrienturnedaroundanddroppedintothelargeleatherchairbythedoor.“Fuck.”Hisscowlformeda

deepfurrowbetweenhisbrows.

Lilyhadasinkingsensationinhergut.“Whowashe?”
Hemethergaze.“Youprobablyalreadyknow.”
ButitwasRumywhoenlightenedher.“Iguessyou’rescrewed,becauseyoujustmetourequivalentof

the Prince of Darkness, Daniel the A-hole. He gives vampires a bad name, and that was long before I
openedTheEroticPassage,longbeforeanunderworld,longbeforeanythingofimportance,really.Some
sayhebuilttheblackmarkethimself,thathekeepsasmanyroguevampiresdruggedoutandinserviceto
himashecan,andhehasmoresex-slaveracketsgoingthanhillshaveants.”

“Daniel,”Adrienmurmuredinalowvoice.Heshadedhiseyeswithhishand.
“Okay,”Lilysaid,movingcarefullythroughwhatfeltlikeanemotionalminefield.“I’vejustmetthe

evilone.”

Hegrabbedthechainathisneckandshookit,hisrageflowinginwaves.Danielisthemostpowerful

vampire on the planet, and has been living at this power level for over two thousand years, maybe
longer.ButDaniel—Histhoughtsceasedlikeawallfallingdownbetweenthem,asthoughthememories
weretoopainfultocontinue.

Hetookadeepbreath.“Theseproblemswithourworldwon’tbesolvedinadayoraweek.Maybe

noteveninamillennium.Whatdisturbsmerightnowisthatyoutoldhimyournameandwhereyoulive.”

“Yes,Idid.Hehadcontrolofmeinthatmoment,thewayGiselledidearlier.Ican’tevenfathomthat

levelofpower—thathecouldspeaktomeandreachmefromthepast.”

Shestaggeredonherfeet,andAdriensuddenlyroseupandcaughtherasshelisted.“Oh,God,Adrien,

pleasedon’ttellmethatinthismomentDanieldiscoveredwhoIamandbecauseofithehuntedforme
untilhefoundmeandtwoyearsagodestroyedmyfamily.Please,don’ttellmeit’strue.Pleasedon’ttell
methatIwasthecauseofmyfamily’sdestruction?”

Hedrewherhardagainsthim,holdinghertightinhisarms.Sheburiedherfaceinhisshoulder.She

didn’tneedhimtoanswerthesequestions;shefeltthemtobetrue.SomehowDanielhadreachedintothe
futureandseenthisday,usingittoexploither.

Hetiltedhishead,andcompassionfilledhiseyes.Hedrewherintoanembrace,holdingherfast.She

forcedairinandoutofherlungs,andchokedbackthetearsthatwantedtoescape.

Lily,whathappenedtoyourfamilyisn’tyourfault,becauseyoucan’tprotectagainstcrazy.It’snot

possible.Doyouhearme?

Lilynoddedagainsthisshoulder.Onthedeepestlevel,sheknewhewasright.She’dthoughtthesame

thingeverytimesomemadmanwentonakillingspree.Allthedetailswouldcomeoutinthenews,and
everyonewouldtrytofigureouthowtopreventitfromhappeningagain.

Butwhenpeoplewereoutoftheirminds,theywerestillgoingtoruntheredlight.
I’msosorry,Lily.
AndDanielisinsane,isn’the?
Theworstkindofinsanity.
Asthesecondspassed,however,somethingnewenteredhermind,herthinking,akindofcoldhatred

thatfoundinDanielasinglepertinentobject.

ShedrewbackfromAdrienslowly,crossingherhandoverhischesttoflowdownhisoppositearm

untilshehadhishandinatightgrip,rightpalmtorightpalm.

He seemed to know, to understand her meaning and her intention. They’d each been wounded by

Daniel,ashadtheentirevampireworld.“Heneedstobetakenfromthefaceoftheearth.”

Adriennodded.“Yes,hedoes.”
“I’llhelpyou.Iswearit,Adrien,byallthatIholddear,IswearthatI’llhelpyou.”
Rumycalledout,“I’mgladyoutwolovebirdshavegotteneverythingsettledbetweenyou,butwhatdo

youwantmetodowiththeseassholes?”Heinclinedhisheadtowardthefloor.

Adrienwavedahandintheirdirection.“Getridofthem.”
Rumy’s security uttered several approving grunts, grabbed up the fanatics, and vanished with them

throughthewalls.

“Good riddance.” Rumy clapped his hand and took a deep breath. “Ah, that’s much better. The air

smellsfreshernow,cleanersomehow.”

ShemetRumy’sgaze.“So,doyouknowanyoneherewhomightknowwhereweshouldlookforthe

weapon?Asyoucansee,we’vegotashitfestgoingon.”

AtthatRumygrinned,thetipsofhisfangsslidingoverhislowerlip.“Ilikeyou.”ToAdrien,“She’sa

keeper.” Back to Lily. “Since I’ve basically told you all I know, which is why I sent you to that prick

Hardesty, your best bet would be to ask Eve. She knows even more than I do about the underworld. If
anyonehasinformationthatIdon’t,Evewill.”

“Sowheredowefindher?Issheworkingtonight?”
“She’s here every night.” Rumy slid off the desk, which he then rounded to flip open a laptop. He

startedtappingkeys.“She’llprobablybeinhertheaterrightnow,butI’llcheckforyou.”Hecontinued
tappingthekeysandafteramomentastrange,rhythmicslappingsoundricochetedthroughtheroom.

“Nice.She’sflog-fuckingoneofhersubs,bigmotherfucker,too.Listentotherhythm.Sheknowshow

touseafloggerlikenootherdomIknow.”

Lilyfelttheairintheroomchange.
She glanced around. All the men had become fixated on the sound and the deep moans that

accompaniedtheslaps.Therewassomethingelse,somethinginthebackground,softandlow.Notmusic
exactly,butclose.

Tohersurprise,sheturnedhereartowardthescreenandwithapowerthatonlymadesensebecause

ofthesharedblood-chain,shestretchedherhearing.

Thebackgroundsoundprovedtobeawomanchantingsoftly,butthewordsseemedtobeinadifferent

language.

“Whatisshesaying?”
Allthemenglancedather,predatoryshiftsofattention,andshesuddenlybecameacutelyawarehow

shortherskirtwas,howmuchlegsherevealed,andtheexactheightofherboot-heels.

Yep,sexchargedtheair,ablatantrawsensationthatpluckedatherbodyinseveralplacesatonce.
Adriendrewclose,turningtofaceherandstandingslightlyinfrontofher,toshieldherfromtheother

men.“Eveisadomandshe’srecitingAncestralchantsthataffectamalevampire’sdesire.”

“Weneedtotalktohernow.”
Hesearchedhereyescarefully.“Idon’tknowyouverywell,Lily,butEve’stheatercanbehardtotake

ifyouaren’tprepared.”

“Idon’tcareaboutthat,”Lilysaid.“Itcan’tpossiblybeworsethananythingelsewe’vebeenthrough

sofar.”

“You’vegotapoint.”HeturnedbacktoRumy.“IsshestillusingTheRubyCave?”
AtthatRumysmiled,acrookedtilttohisscarred-uplipsthatlookedlasciviousandcuteatthesame

time.“Yep.”

Adrienthankedhimforhishelp.
Rumycalledout,“I’llkeepmyeartotheground.IfIhearanythingyouneedtoknow,I’llgiveyoua

holler.”

Adriennodded,turningbackwhenhereachedthedoorway.“You’vebeenagoodfriendtome.”
“You’reallright,Adrien.You’realwayswelcomehere,youandyourbrothers.”
Hethankedhimagain,thentookLilybythehand.
Onceinthecoolhallway,sheasked,“Whatdidtheydotothosemen?”
“Iwon’tpullanypuncheshere,Lily.Theykilledthem.”
“Noprisontime?”
“That’spartoftheproblem.Wedon’thavededicatedprisonsandnorealjusticesystem.”
“Whataboutthatcavernwhereyouwereheld?”
Adrien snorted. “That’s not a prison, just one of several locations Daniel uses to inflict pain, or

couldn’tyoutell?”

“HowwouldIevenknowwhat’strueornottrueaboutyourworld?”
“Anothergoodpoint.”

Heledherbackthewaythey’dcome,crossingtotheotherbranchofthetunnel,whichleddeeperinto

theComosystem.

Thetunnelwidenedandintersectedwithabroadavenue-likehallway,richlyappointedwithcrystalsin

patternsoverthewallsandanopalescentgleamtothefloor.

Anumberofsoundsassaultedheratonce.Firstwasalowlevelofmusicthathadastrongbassbeat,

very rhythmic, like Eve’s floggers, very sexual. She had to keep reminding herself that this was
essentiallyasexclub.

Adrienledherdownthebroadhall,whichopenedupintoamassivecavern,definitelythebiggestone

she’dseensofar.

MuchtoLily’ssurprisethemusicwaslive,performedbyabandofmusicianscomposedofbeautiful

meninelegantleatheroutfits,studded,exposingmusculararmsandchests.

Shewatchedthemforamoment,andnoticedthattheaudiencelistenedwhileseatedatsmallintimate

tables,candlelightcastingasoftglowthroughoutthespace.

She opened her mind to his. Everything is so tasteful. I thought—But she broke off the rest of it.

Maybehewasgettingtiredofalltheslursshecastonhiskind.

Adrien smiled, however, something he didn’t do much, as he glanced down at her. You thought it

wouldbeonebigorgy?Hestillhadholdofherhand.

Shecouldn’thelpbutchuckle.Yes,that’sexactlywhatIthought.Imean,theflogger—
Rumyhasdozensofspecialists.Herunsatightship,everythingbyappointment,eachtheaterwith

doorsthatclose.Hishandwasonherwaistandshefeltthesuddentensioninhimasheguidedhertoyet
anotherhall.“Thisstaircasetakesustoanewlevelofthecavernsystem.”Shedescendedwhatprovedto
beaboutahundredstepsthatcircleddownanddown.

Oncethemusicgrewfaint,hesaidquietly,“Theclubextendsseveralmilesdeepintothesurrounding

hills.Manyoftheworkershavehomeshere,includingEve.Rumyhasnumerousguestsuitesandevenhas
a villa somewhere deep in the earth and hidden. I’ve never even been there. Again, everything is very
private. I’m going to use altered flight to get us to The Ruby Cave where Eve presents her Dominance
Theater.Justwantedyoutobeprepared.”

“Forwhat?YournewversionofalteredflightorEve’sact?”
Helaughed.“Both.”
Amomentlatertheflightbegan.
Lilyhadexpectedtoarriveinaroomwitharedtheme,sinceAdrienhadcalleditTheRubyCave.But

shehadn’texpectedtheentiretheater,exceptforablackonyxceiling,tobearichscarlet.Althoughruby
wastherightword,asthoughthewallshadbeencoveredinthepreciousgem.

What’sthismadeof?sheasked,mindtomind,hergazefixedtotheglitteringwalls.
Butnothingreturnedtoher.
Adrien’slackofresponsesharpenedherattention.Pivotingtowardhim,shesawthathestaredhardat

thesceneonthestagebelow,ofatallwoman,herblondhairinalongponytailthathungpastherbuttocks,
slowlyrubbingwithonehandthethighsandbacksideofalarge,powerful,andverynakedmanchained
facedownonatable.

Thetheaterwasunusualinitslayout.Thosenearestthestagesatinasmallcluster,butalmosteveryone

elsestoodinloosepairsandgroupsthroughouttheangledroom.

Lilyfelthercheeksheatup.Theairhere,asintheofficeearlier,waschargedwithsex.Theman’sface

wasturnedtowardtheaudience.Hiseyeswereclosed,hisfacesqueezedupasthoughhewasinpain.But
sheknewitwasmuchmorethanthat.

The soft chanting once more filled the air as Eve lifted her flogger and once more began a rhythmic

beatingoftheman’sback,thighs,andass.Shekeptupherindistinguishable,singsongwords.

Lilythoughtthewoman’svoicemesmerizing.
Thenextmoment,however,Adrientuggedonherhandandpulledheroutoftheroomthewaythey’d

come.

Thehallwascool,andforthatshewasgrateful.Shetookadeepbreathandwasabouttoexpressher

gratitude that Adrien had brought her back out here when she realized something was wrong. He was
turnedawayfromher,onehandonthesmoothwallofmorepolishedgranite,thistimeinflecksofbrown
andblack,thecandlesconcesinbronze.

Her chain vibrated strongly once more and she opened to Adrien, to what he was feeling and

experiencing.

Whatreturnedtoherwasalevelofarousalthatastonishedher.
Hewasclose.Thatwaswhyheleanedagainstthewall,hisforeheadpressedtohiswrist.
Bondage?Chains?Flogging?
Andyetwhatflewthroughhermindwasafantasyofseeinghimchaineduplikethat,heldimmobile

andworkedover.Shetouchedthechainsonherneck.Wasthishisfantasyorhers?

Herbreathinghitchedasshefeltthedepthofhisneed.Maybeshedidn’tunderstandwhyEve’stheater

hadaffectedhimlikethis,takinghimtotheedgesofast,butthescentheexuded,somasculineandfullof
eroticherbs,hadgivenheranewidea.

“Adrien,”shesaidsoftly.Shelaidahandonhisbackandhearchedathertouchthengroaned.“Take

me.Now.”

***

AdrienfeltLily’shandlikeahotcoalagainsthisback.Hehadn’texpectedtobecomearousedlikethis.
Hedidn’tevenunderstandwhathadtriggeredtheintensityofsensationthistime.He’dseendominance
showsbefore,butnotwithLilysoclose,notwiththechainsvibratingagainsthisneckandchest,notwith
hisincreasedpower.

Withinsecondshe’dbecomefullyaroused,andthoughhetriedtocalmhimselfdown,hecouldn’t.
Of course he was in a near-constant state of arousal around Lily as it was, but her clubbing clothes

didn’t help. How many times had his gaze taken in her naked back, half hidden by the waterfall of her
exquisitehair.He’dwantedhislipsonherbackandlower,overherass,thenlowerstill,partingherlegs
frombehind,Godhelphim.

Nowshewasofferingherself,andhedidn’tdeserveherrightnow.Shamerippedthroughhimatthe

sourceofhisdesire—thathewantedLilybindinghimandtakinghim,maybeevenhurtinghimlikehe’d
beenhurtrepeatedlythroughouthislife.

Her hand floated up and down his back and her scent thickened through the air. He could sense her

desireaswellandsmellit,soheknewhewasn’taloneinhisneed.

I’dliketohaveyouchainedonthattable.
Oh,God,hadshereallyjustpressedthoseeroticwordsintohismind?Lily,thisisn’tright.
Fuckwhat’sright,camestraightbackathim.Ineedyou.AndIdon’tcarethewhyofit.Adrien,fuck

menow.I’machingforyouandI’mallyours.

Heturnedintoheranddraggedherroughlyintohisarms,slantingakissoverherlips.
Canwedothishere?Inthehallway?
Holy fuck, even her voice in his head did something to him. The vibration of the chain seemed to

enhancehisabilitytofeelwhatshefelt.Hecouldtellthatherneedhadsharpenedtomatchhis.

Whathadsheaskedhim?Couldtheydothishere?

Rumyhadseveralrulesaboutthewhereofanencounter.Hallwayswereforbidden,butAdrienknew

hiswayaroundthislabyrinthofaclub.Thecavernhadthreesignificantlayers,milesoftunnels,andat
leastadozensecretniches,allofwhichhe’dusedatonetimeoranother.

Ihavetoflyyoutoaprivateplace.Yousureyouwanttodothis?
God,yes.
Shepantedagainsthimashesettheminmotion.Thoughhewantedtokissherwhileheflew,thenew

levelofhispowerdemandedthathebecarefulrightnow.

Heonlyovershotthelocationonce,buthefinallymadeit,landingonthelastscrapoftilelaidoutat

theendpointofthesystem.Hetookaquickglancearound.Thespacewasasheremembered:acrevicein
themountain,stillundevelopedandveryprivate.

Theproblemwithcaves,though,washowwellnoisetraveled.“Nosounds,”hesaid.
Gotit.Justdome,Adrien.Oh,myGod,yourneedisflowingovermeinwaves.Itmustbethechains

butitfeelssodamngood.

Your scent. You don’t know what you smell like to me, all female and ready. I could come just

breathingalongyourneck.

Withonehandsupportingheraroundherwaist,heunbuttonedandunzippedhisleathers,shovingthem

downhishipsandthighs.Shepulledhershortskirtup,blessingthepolishedwallsbehindherbecausehe
neededleveragerightnow.

Heliftedherleg,tuckedhiships,andthrust,easilypushingpastherthong.
Sheslunganarmaroundhisneckandheldon.Shegothermouthclosetohisear.“Adrien,fuckme.”
Thewords,herscent,thefeelofherwetnessthatallowedhimtoglideashethrusthard,senthimintoa

frenzy.Herarmbecameavisearoundhisneck.Hecouldfeelshewascloseandwhenherbodyjerked
and she pressed her open mouth to his cheek, her breath came out in a harsh agonized whisper of “Oh,
God,oh,God,oh,God.”

Asshecame,herwellwasafistaroundhiscock.Animageflashedthroughhismind,maybeakindof

knowing,hewasn’tsure,buthesawhimselfchainedtoatable,hermouthsurroundinghiscock.

Thatheadyimagewasallittook.Hecamehard,seeinghimselfchainedup,thrustingintohermouth—

herpussy—hermouth,thefuturevisionandthepresentsensationstradingplacesatlight-speedsothathe
feltasthoughhereleaseddownherthroatwhileatthesametimehespenthimselfinsideher.

He was breathing hard as the last pleasurable pulse jerked through his cock. He felt her gasping for

breathaswell.

But as he came back to himself, she kissed his cheek then dipped lower to his mouth. That was

exquisite,shesaidwithinhismindashertonguecircledhislips.

Gratitude flowed through him as he kissed her in return, dipping his tongue inside. Thank you. Lily,

you’reoneofthemostgenerouswomenI’veeverknown.Youdidn’thavetodothis,butI’msogladyou
did.YouhaveeveryreasontohatemeforwhatIam.Instead,you’veofferedyourselftomerepeatedly.

To his surprise, she chuckled and with her hands encircled the back of his neck, tugging at him

playfully.“Icouldsaythesamethingtoyou.I’veneverfeltsoneedybefore.Iguessit’sthechains.”

“NotjustbecauseI’mpretty?”Thewordssoundedstupidtohisears,buthefeltsuchapowerfulwell

ofemotionflowingtowardherthatnothingelsewoulddo.

Butshesmiledandwithonehandpettedhischeek.“You’redamngorgeousandyouknowit.Worse,I

likeyou.Iadmireyou.Thatgoesalongwaytomakingmethiswillingtogiveintoallthesesensations.
ButIhavetoadmit,itdidn’thelptoseethatmanenjoyingwhatwashappeningtohim.”

Hisheartskippedabeat.“Youweren’tdisgusted?”Heneededtoknowtheanswer.
Shesearchedhiseyesandsqueezedthebackofhisneck.“Truth?Ithoughtitwashotashellbecauseof

howhefelt.Andhowyoufeltwatchinghim.Ithinkthatturnedmeonmorethananything.”

Healmostfeltcompelledtotellherofhisfantasyofthetableandthechains,hermouthandhiscock.

Butsomethingheldhimback,thatsickfeelingthatthewholethingwaswrappedupwiththeshitofhis
past.

“Andnow,mygoodvampire,Ihavealittleproblem.Ididn’tthinkwe’dbedoingthisorIwouldhave

comeprepared,butyoucanimaginemypresentdifficulty.”Sherolledherhipsagainsthis.

Hethumbedhercheekandkissedher.Hedippeddownandtuggedathispants,draggingthemuphis

thighsone-handedashestayedconnectedtoher.Hereachedintohisbackpocketandpulledoutseveral
foldedtissues.Heshowedherthenreachedbetweenthemandwipedhiscockashewithdrewfromher.
Hethenpressedthetissuesagainstheropening.Hedidn’tremovehishand,though.Hepressednowand
againandfeltthetissuesgrowdamper.Heknewthedrill,especiallysincehe’dleftalotofhimselfinside
her.

Shereleasedasigh.“Thankyou.Ijustdidn’tthink.Hey,doesyourkindusecondomsmuch?”
Hesmiledandshookhishead.“Notmuch.Diseasedoesn’taffectusandasRumyexplained,children

arerare.”

“Right.”
Afteramoment,heremovedthetissues.“How’sthatfeel?”
“Good.”Sheadjustedherthongthenherskirt.
Hethenpulleduphispantsandslidtheused-uptissuesintohispocket.
“I’mlikingyourbattleleathersmoreandmore,”shesaid.“You’reamanwho’sreadyforanything.”
“Hell,yeah.”Butforamoment,hewascaughtbythelightinhereyes,thewarmth,thehumannessthat

he’dcometovalue,hergrace,herwillingnesstotakecareofhim,andthatshewasn’tembarrassedbythe
messthatsexcouldmake.

Butthenshe’dbeenmarriedandshe’dgivenbirth.Awomanwithchildrenwasusedtoalotofthings.
Onimpulse,heleanedinandkissedher,wrappinghisarmsaroundherfully,willinghertounderstand

thathevaluedher,allthatshewasinthismoment,allthatshe’ddoneforhim,thesharingofherbodyand
herblood,thesacrificeofbindingherselftohim.

She held him tightly in response and he felt her intensity, almost her desperation. “Oh, Adrien,” she

whisperedagainsthisneck.“What’shappeninghere,betweenus?”

“I don’t know.” His heart was swelling with emotions that didn’t make sense, not with a human, not

withsomeonehe’dmetalittleoveradayago.

Afteralongmoment,hedrewback.“Eve’sperformanceisprobablyover.Youready?”
Shenodded.“Yes.Let’sgetonwiththis.”

CHAPTER11

Evewasagreatbeautywithlargebreaststhatoverflowedatightblackleatherbustier.Herheightputher
atAmazonstatus.Inherstilettos,shehadatleasttwoinchesonAdrien.

Lily’sgazeendedupatcollarbonelevel,whichmeantshehadagoodviewofthesweatbeadedinthe

valleyofthewoman’scleavage.

Sheworeleatherwristguardsstuddedwithruby-redcrystals,aboutadozensilverrings,abarelythere

thong,andwhatshecouldonlydescribeaswesternleatherchapssothatalotofherinnerthighandouter
buttocksshowed.

Shewipedahandoverherforehead.“Adrien,mylove,whenareyougoingtorelentandletmeputyou

onmytable?I’mverygoodatthis.Icantakeyoutotheedgeaboutadozentimesandthenletyouflyin
suchawaythatyou’llshoutforacentury.”

A strange knife-like sensation pierced Lily’s sternum and started cutting her up. Instead of pain,

however, all she felt were streamers of blood-red rage flowing through her chest and into her muscles,
evendownherarmsuntilherhandswereballedintofists.

AdrienglancedatLilyandslidhisarm,asheoftendid,aroundherwaist.Onlythistime,hepulledher

inapowerfuljerkagainsthisbodysothatshestilled.“We’rechain-bound,Eve.Youcanseethat,sostop
withthisshitrightnow.It’sbeenaroughnight.”

Eveturnedice-bluecateyesonLily.Shedidn’tsmile,justgavealong,slowlookupanddown.
“Doesthekittyplay?”sheasked,hervoicesoft,low,seductive.
Lily’snostrilsflared.
AsmallsmilecurvedEve’slips.ThenshesidesteppedtowardAdrien,sidlingclose.
Thatdidit.Withlightningspeed,LilyslippedinfrontofAdrien,plantedherhandsontheAmazon’s

arms,andshovedher.

But the woman was a vampire, worked out, and it was like pushing against a granite wall. “Leave

Adrienalone.”Hervoiceechoedupanddownthecorridor.

Eve’s eyelids dropped. She dragged a hiss of air between pursed lips that was more sensual than

hostile.“Thekittyhasclaws.Melike.Icoulddoyouboth,haveyoubothchainedtomytable.”

When Eve reached for Adrien’s arm, Lily blocked her hand, slapping it away. Eve tried again and

again,halfheartedly,chucklingeachtime.

Thiswasn’tworkingandthefemalevampirewastoodamnstrongsoLilybeganpushingbackwardat

Adrien.Thatherbuttocksconnectedwithhisarousalsentfurywashingthroughherveins.Shewhirledin
hisarms.“Whatthehell?”

Buthiseyesfelltohalf-mast.It’syou,Lily,takingonavampire,keepingherawayfromme.I’mhot

foryou.Evehasalwaysleftmecold,anddamn,ifyouandIhadn’tjustfuckedI’dtakeyourightnow.

She dialed down her rage and planted a hand on his soft tee. “You’d better be telling me the truth,

becauseI’vegotalavaflowofrageinmyveinsrightnow.”

“Iknow.”HeheldherarmsandtoEvesaid,“Stopthenonsense.You’vegotmywomanreadytogo

volcano.Canyougivetheactarest?YouknowI’mnevergoingtosleepwithyouandI’lldefinitelynever
laymyselfoutonyourtable.”

Eveglancedfromonetotheother.“Butyoumightletherdoit.”
“Imight,”hesaid.“Now,wherecanwetalkthatdoesn’thaveatableorabedoraclosetfullofyour

gadgets?I’mseriousandifyoudon’tobligeme,I’lltellRumyyou’vebeenhittingonmeagain.”Rumy
hadmadeitclearthatAdrienandhisbrotherswereoff-limitstoEve.

At that, Eve straightened her shoulders. “Fine.” She whirled around and shifted to altered flight,

disappearingthroughtheoppositewall.

LilywasflyingwithAdrienbeforesheknewhe’dstartedthemafterEve.Butitonlytookacoupleof

mind-and-eye-jarring seconds to catch up, even to get used to passing through walls of stone, through
furnitureandgroupsofpeople,mostlywithoutflinching.

ShekepthereyeontheredglittereffectthatflowedbehindEveassheflew,herponytailswayingfrom

sidetoside.Thecolorsuitedherandseemedtosparkle.Howisshedoingthat?Ordoallvampireshave
akindofsignaturewhentheyfly?

It’sallforshow,somethingEveconcocted.
Idon’tlikeherverymuch.
She’snotsobad.You’llsee.Again,it’sallforshow.
Adrienbegantoslowandtheshimmeringredglitterbunchedupsuddenlythendisappeared.
Passingthroughonelastwall,LilylandedwithAdrieninwhatlookedlikeanicelyfurnishedhome.
“Ialwayswonderedhowyoulived,”Adriensaid.“Andthankyouforbringingushere.”
“Aw,hell,ifI’mnotgoingtogetanyaction,I’dratherbecomfortable.Givemetwosecstocleanup

andchange.ThenI’lltellyouwhatIknow.”Thewomanseemedalmostnormalasshedisappeareddown
asidehall.

Lily’sheartlurched.Maybeshe’dfinallygettheinformationsheneeded.
Thesoundofwaterrunning,orratherflowinginsheets,drewherattention.Assheturnedaround,her

browsrose:Shewaslookingatawaterfallnotthirtyfeetaway.Shewendedapaththroughsomeelegant
modernblackleatherfurniture,pastalongrectangulardiningtable,toanelegantcreationofrock,water,
andlighting.

Shewonderedwherethepumpwas,thenlookinguprealizedshewasseeingtherealdeal,awaterfall

insidethecavesystem.

Vampiresandcaves.Whynotwaterfalls?Itallmadesense,andeverywhereshewentinthisstrange

newworld,shesawthatthecaves,thesculptedwallsandfloors,thetunnelsthroughhardrock,hadall
been around for a long time. Behind the flow of water, she could see that granite had been carved and
polishedsothatitappearedasthoughlightglitteredthroughtheflowofwater.

WhensheheardEvecalloutofferingherguestswine,whichAdrienaccepted,shereturnedtohim.A

servantappeared,amuchshorterwomaninacrispwhite,tunic-likeapronoveramaroongown,andtook
Adrien’srequestfortwoCabernetSauvignons.

Aftertakingthefirstsip,Adriensuggestedtheysitdowninthechairsoppositethecouch.Lilysankinto

the soft leather and gave herself to savoring the wine and trying to let go of some of her tension about
whereshewas,thatshekepthavingsomereallyoutrageoussexwithavampire,andthatasex-clubdom
wasnowchangingintheotherroom.

Sheeasedbackandclosedhereyes,amentallistpoppingintoherhead:Category,TheEroticPassage,

itemone,getinformationfromEveabouttheweapon;itemtwo,getJoshback.

As always happened when she thought about her son, her stomach tightened, but she forced back the

tension and sipped her wine. She had to relax through this process, through these soul-shattering
experiencesthatkeptturningherworldupsidedown.Themorerelaxedshewas,thebetterherdecisions
wouldbe—butmucheasiersaidthandone.

“Youokay?”
She opened her eyes and shifted to meet Adrien’s beautiful flecked teal gaze. She nodded. “I’m

surviving.”

Hislipsquirked.“Sometimesthat’sallthatmatters.”Heliftedhisglasstoher.“Forwhatyou’vebeen

through,you’redoinggreat.”

Hisvoicesoothedher;thatwaswhatsheunderstood,thedeepresonance,thekindness.Maybeitwas

thatqualitythatsurprisedhermostofall,justhowkindAdrienwas.

Guiltpiercedhersuddenly,aboutwhyshewashere,thatshewasusingAdrien,andthatshewouldgo

toanylengthstogethersonback.“Idon’twanttohurtyou,”shewhispered.“Buthowcanthisendwell,
anyofit?”

“Lily,what’sgoingon?Tellme.”Hetiltedhisheadandfrowned.
She wanted to tell him about Josh, she really did, but how wise would that be? She’d agreed to the

termsofthemission.WasherneedtotellAdrienthetruthworthputtingherson’slifeondanger?

Shetouchedthechainatherneck.Ontheotherhand,thiswasn’tanormalsituationandthebondshe

shared with Adrien had already told her so much, had made her care for him. She almost opened her
mouthtospeak—butatthatmomentaverydifferentEvereturnedtothelivingroom.

She was barefoot, she’d lost the makeup, and her long blond hair, only partially dry, hung about her

shoulders.“Ihopeyouenjoyedthewine.”ShemetLily’sgazeandalltheflirtationwasgone.“Ihavean
importbusiness,andofcourseItalyisexactlytherightplaceforit.Sohowareyoulikingourworld?”
Shesatdownonthecouch,spreadingherarmsalongthebackofthecushions.

LilyglancedbrieflyatAdrienthenbacktoEve.“It’snotwhatIexpected,notonanylevel.”Thoughts

of Adrien catching the vampire child up in his arms in the Trevayne system raced through her mind,
stealingherbreathawayalloveragain.

“We’re not all bad,” Eve said. “Or at least, not all the time, and for the sake of my friendship with

AdrienIapologizeformyearliermisdeeds.”

Oh,great.NowEvewasprovinghercharacteraswell,whichmadethewholesituationonebignerve

itch.Goodvampires.Badones.Aworldlackingasystemofjustice.Aworldoftheindividual.Sheliked
toomuchofwhatshesaw.

“Apologyaccepted.”
Evenodded,offeringahalfsmile.“SoonceIshowered,IhadalittlechatwithRumyandhetellsme

that the shared chains have brought on a revisiting power—that you actually saw Daniel in Rumy’s
office.”

“That’strue.Idid.”
EvenarrowedhergazeatLily.“Daniel’sonegood-lookingbastard,isn’the?”
Lilynodded.“Andverycharismatic.It’snowonderhe’scausedallsortsofproblems.Healsoseemed

familiartome,thoughIknowI’dneverseenhimbefore.”

EveglancedatAdrienandsmiled.WhenhergazereturnedtoLilyshestillworeasmile.“Hemight

seemfamiliarbecausehe’sfatheredanynumberofchildren,allsons.”

“Really?ButIthoughttheywererare?”
“In our world, you mean, yes, children are rare, but Daniel has great power and he doesn’t mind

playingaroundwithscience.Nodoubtyou’vealreadyseenoneofhissonsinpassing.”

Lilyshuddered.

Adrienclearedhisthroat.“AndasfascinatingasDaniel’sprogenymightbe,Eve,howaboutyoutell

uswhatweneedtoknow.ItakeitRumyalreadytoldyouwhatwe’reafter.”

“Yes.”Shewrinkleduphernose.“Buttheextinctionweapon?Whatanightmare.”
“Thenyouknowsomethingaboutit?”Lilysearchedherface,herheartrateclimbing.
“OfcourseIdo.AndfromtheinformationI’vereceivedoverthepastseveraldecades,aweaponlike

thiscouldbeusedtotakeoutanentirecavernsystematonce.”

Adrienleanedforward,hisarmsonhisthighs,hishandsclaspedtightlytogether.“Howthehelldoyou

knowthis?”

Eve chuckled. “Because, darling Adrien, I sleep with a lot of men who tend to become talkative at

certaintimesandIhaveavarietyofskillsthatcankeepthemtalking.”

ShecalledforaglassofSilverPatrón.Whenthetumblerarrived,shetookalongdrink,savoring.She

leanedintothecouchagainandreleasedadeepsigh.“God,Ilovetequila,oneofthehumanrace’sfinest
achievements.”Shechuckledsoftly.“Youbothlooksotense.”

“Eve—”Adrienchided.“Moredetails.”
“Fine.Sohereitis:Inthenineteenfifties,justlikeinthehumanworld,scientistsinourmajorParis

university went mad with experimenting, especially with sound waves and bats, which have super-
sensitivehearing,justlikevampires.

“Atcertaindecibels,thebatsdied,andsodidanumberofscientists.”ShethenspokeofwhatLilyhad

heard before—the Council of Ancestrals ending all experiments. “The Paris laboratory was destroyed,
filledinwithrubble,butwordhasitthattheactualdataandweapon,andthekeytooperatingit,were
hiddenaway,probablybehindpowerfulAncestraldisguises.I’vealsoheardthatthesamethinghappened
withotherlabs,otherweapons,sotheremightbemorethanone.

“ButofeverythingthatIrecall,theplaceI’dsuggesttostartisthegroupofcrystalcavesinMexico.I

knowthatasignificant,secret,andhighlyillegalresearchfacilitywaslocatedthereandoperatedagainst
Council law, over the next decade well into the sixties, until a tragedy occurred, namely that a large
numberofscientistswerekilled.”

Lilysettledherelbowonthearmofherchairandletherheadrestinherpalmforamoment.Herheart

now thumped in her chest. The moment Eve had said “Mexico,” Lily felt the location click with her
trackingability.

Adrienreachedahandtowardherandtouchedherarm.“You’refeelingit,aren’tyou?”
She nodded. “Mexico will give us some answers.” Then she looked down at her halter, skirt, and

boots.“ButIneedtogetchangedbeforeweheadout.”

***

AdrienflewLilybacktohisParisapartment,theunofficialhuboftheiroperations,andwatchedherlose
hershortskirt.Thoughherjeansweremuchmorepractical,theleatherskirtrevealedalotofskinsohe
had mixed feelings about the switch-up. When a pair of blue running shoes replaced her boots, he
repressedasigh.Whatwasitaboutheeledbootsonawomanthatgotamangoing?

Herbodyhadbecomelikeairtohiminthisshorttimeofbeingbound,butashewatchedherbrushout

herhair,heseriouslystartedquestioningifwhathefeltwasjustaboutthechains.

HisexperiencewithLilyhadbegunass-backward,andyetwhathefelttowardher,thetenderness,the

compulsion to stick close and protect her, the off-the-charts need to get her beneath him, seemed
completelydisproportionatetothetimespentoreventothebondsofthechains.

Sowhatthehellwasgoingonhere?
It didn’t help that the chains vibrated almost constantly, metal against skin, informing him of Lily’s

emotionsatalltimes,ifnotherthoughts.Butthosehecouldguessat.

Thesituationfreakedheroutandwhywouldn’tit?Shit,ifhe’dbeeninhershoes,he’dbegoingnuts

right now. Vampires and a world she hadn’t known existed until a couple of months ago? He’d always
been acutely aware of the human world, something all vampires avoided except in matters of business,
likeEve’swine-importcompany.

When Lily turned to face him, rubbing her earlobe where a single flash of amethyst could be seen

throughherthumbandforefinger,hisheartlurched.

Hewassodamnattractedtoher,plainandsimple,asthougheverygeneinhisbodyreachedforher.It

hadbeenthiswayfromthemomenthe’dlaideyesonherintheHimalayancavern.Andhehadn’tworna
bindingchainthen,yethe’dstruggledtogettoher,overcomebyahurricaneofneednotjusttogetheron
herback,buttoholdherclosebyhisside,toprotecther,tobewithher.

He felt the same way now as she gave a tug on the hem of her purple tank top. “I like that the new

chains give us a greater reach. What would you say it is? Twenty feet? Thirty?” She frowned slightly.
“What’sthematter?You’rekindof,Idon’tknow,allovertheplace.”

He shook his head and forced himself to breathe. He even liked the tenor of her voice. She had a

certainresonancethatspoketohim,thatspokeofadeepsenseofconfidenceshehadinherselfeveninthe
faceofhercurrentnightmare.

“I’m proud of you,” he said, without thinking, his feet in motion as well. “You’re one of the most

courageouspeopleIknow.”

He could feel her confusion, her surprise, and beneath those emotions, a texture of having been

pleased.Hetookherinhisarms.“Whateverhappens,Lily,fromthispointforward,Iwantyoutoknow
thatIvaluewhoyouare.”

“Youdo?”sheasked,frowning.
“Ido.”
Shesearchedhiseyesanddrewinaraggedbreath.“Thankyou.”Herlargehazeleyeswerebright.“I

don’tknowwhattosay.”

Sheneededthemomenttopass,that’swhatthechainstoldhim.Soheletitgo.“It’sokay.Weneedto

focusonMexico.Canyouaccessyourtrackingability?Nowthatwehavealead,I’dliketoknowifmy
Ancestralpowercanhelpwiththat.”

“Goodidea.”Sheblinkedacoupleoftimesthenmethisgaze.“Thatwassostrange.Ithoughtabout

MexicoandsuddenlythoseweirdsearchingtendrilszoomedthereandIsawacavernofwhitecrystals.
Therewerealsothreetunnels,andIhadthesensethattheweaponwasdownoneofthem.”

“Wasthiseasiernow,becauseofthenewchain?”
“Absolutely.Nightandday,likealteredflight.”
He held her gaze, realizing that they’d become the very thing Daniel had been working toward: a

trackingpairthatcouldlocatewhateverneededtobefound.Whichmeantthatthoughhecouldcelebrate
havingaccomplishedsomethingwithLily,essentiallyhewasstilldoingDaniel’sbidding.

“Whatdoyouknowaboutthecrystalcaves?”sheasked.
“Asystemofgreatbeauty,filledwithwhitecrystalsofallsizes,somemassive,someverysmall,anda

full range between. Mostly abandoned these days after one of the tunnel systems collapsed and killed
nearlyathousandinhabitants.ButgivenwhatEvetoldus,maybetherewasanotherreasonthesystemwas
shutdown.”

“Becauseoftheextinctionweapon.”
Henodded.
Lilydrewinadeepbreath,andhergazeskatedawayfromhis.“Doyouthinkwe’llhavecompany?”

“Yeah,Ido,soletmeaskyouthis:Areyousureyouwanttocontinue?”
“Yes.”Hefeltherdespairandwishedheknewthetruth.
Sheglanceddownathisleathersandtothenewweaponhenowworeinalargesheathattachedtohis

belt.“That’sthebiggestbladeyet.Morethanadagger,Itakeit.”

Henodded.
“Anyparticularreasonforit?”
“Instinct.”
Herlipscurvedjustso.“Icangetbehindthat.”
He smiled as well. “We’re for Mexico then. We’ll fly straight through but I’ll slow it up at the end,

oncewe’reinsidethesystem,tohavealook.I’llonlystopifIthinkit’ssafe.”

“Good.Thatsoundsgood.”
When he opened his arms, she stepped into him. He closed the circle, the chains vibrating heavily

againsthisneck.Thenewdouble-chainenhancedeverything,includinghisreactionstoher.Proximitysent
a thrill straight down his chest, all the way down to make his cock twitch and his balls tighten. More
raggedbreathing.Thesmallesttouchandhewasreadyforher.

He oriented himself, focusing on his internal directional awareness. He pivoted in an easterly

direction, toward the night, always east, always flying away from the sun just in case. Paris to Mexico
would have been shorter heading west, but what was a few seconds to keep the larger portion of night
closeathandwhileheflew.

Somelessonswerelearnedearlyandlearnedhard.
Droppingoutofaalteredflightinsunlightjusthurt.
Besides,hisnewpowermadethejourneyassmoothasglass.Passingthroughanythingsolidliketrees

ormountains,evenwater,waslikeswipingahandthroughfog.

AshenearedMexico,hebegantoslow.
Thecaverndrewhimlikeabeacon,hisflighttrue,thealteredflightadream.
Passing through the outer shell of solid rock, he slowed even more. Once he arrived in the cave’s

massive central cavern, at least two hundred feet into the earth, he flew in a slow circle, but the space
appeared to be deserted. Unfortunately, while still moving in the altered state, he wouldn’t be able to
extendhissensestodetermineifothervampiresorhumanswerepresent.

He’dhavetostopforthat.Butnotjustyet.
Partsoftheoriginalcavern,fullofsculpturedmassesofcrystals,hadbeenleftintact,buttheresthad

beenchiseledawayoverthemillenniatocreateavastpolishedfloor,walls,andatallintricatelycarved
ceiling.Adrienhadonlybeenhereacoupleoftimesoverthecourseofhislife.Hedidn’tlikethisplace
—toocold,almostunfriendlyinatmosphere.

Hetookhistimeandenteredthethreelargeshaftsthatledofffromdifferentpointsofthecompass,but

thetunnelsappearedtobeemptyaswell.

HetookLilybacktothecenteroftheoriginalcavernfloor,keepinghisarmaroundherinatighthold.

Timetofindoutwhatwaswhat.

But the moment he brought the altered flight to a close, he felt the presence of another vampire, an

Ancestral,accompaniedbythesoundsofbootedfeetrunningintheirdirectionfromallthreetunnels.

“We’re outta here,” he said. Gripping Lily hard around her waist, he started to fly, but he couldn’t

sustainalteredflight.Somethinghadholdofhimandhefellforward,rollingsothatLilylandedontopof
him.Hisheadstruckacrystal;hismindspun.

“Whathappened?”sheasked.“What’sgoingon?”
“Ijustgothitbysomethingonlyafewvampirescando;avampireofpowerstoppedmyalteredflight.

Shit,Idon’teventhinkDanielcandothat.”

“Ididn’tknowthatwaspossible.”Lilyclutchedhisarm.
Hesatup,helpinghertodothesame,thenliftedhertoherfeet.
Fanatics,allinblackrobes,surgedintothespaceuntilatleastthirtymalevampiressurroundedthem.
Strolling in and wearing a long silk black robe, embroidered in silver thread down the front, the

Ancestralappeared.

Silas.
Thegreatone.
Tallandlean,hehadthick,fieryredhair,smoothedintoaloopatthebackofhishead.Hislightblue

eyesglowedwithafanatic’sfervor.

What Adrien had never quite known, however, was whether Silas truly believed what he taught or

whether he used his teachings to control those around him, to keep reaching for greater ambitions
involvingmorecontrol.

Probablyalittleofboth.
“Wellmet,Adrien,”hesaid,hisvoicestrongandsteady,adeepbaritoneinthecavern.
“Silas.I’venotseenyouinayear,notsincethatshamofasentencingthatputmeandmybrothersin

prison.”

The Ancestral’s lips curved and his shoulders lowered slowly. “That was a lovely day. I’d been

waitingalongtimetoseethethreeofyoulockedup.Gabrielwasunderstandablyupset.Youspitatme,
asIrecall.”

“Comeclose.I’llspitagain.”HecouldfeelLilygrowtensebesidehim,buttherewasnohelpforit.

Theywereintroublenow.“Ihavetoadmit,Ineverthoughtyou’dalignyourselfwithDaniel.”

“I saw the opportunity to break the Council’s control over our world and I took it. We’ve needed a

changeforalongtime,andDanielofferedsomethingIcouldn’tresist.”

“Youmean,hemadeitpossibleforyouandyourboystotakeoverallthetemples,tostartdemanding

thatourworlddoyourbidding.Howmanytemplesareunderyourcommandnow?”

Silas’ssmileblossomed.“Eightypercent.Iwouldsuggestyougetusedtothingsbeingdifferent,butI

havenointentionoflettingyouleavethiscavealive.ThiswasDaniel’sgifttomeforaligningwithhim
against the Council. Then he and I both got what we wanted: Daniel has the Council and I have every
templepriest,fromheretoParistoMumbaitoBeijing,undermycommand.We’llhaveorder,Adrien.”

“Butyoudoknowthatit’sDanielwhohassentLilyandme,asablood-chainedtrackingpair,afterthe

extinctionweapon.”

“Yes,ofcourse.I’veseenitinseveralvisions,includingDaniel’spartaswellashishumanservant,

Kiernan.”

“Hewon’tremainunopposedtowhatyou’redoing,iffornootherreasonthanthatyou’llgaintoomuch

power.Danielwillturnagainstyou.”

Silasshrugged.“MyagreementwithDanielonlywentsofarassupportintakingovertheCouncil.Of

course,ifI’dforeseenthatthesigningofyourincarcerationpapersgaveDanielthispoweroveryou,to
bindyoutoahumanthroughtheblood-chainandforceyoutohuntfortheonethingthatcouldgivehim
absolutecontrol,Imighthaverefused.Yourealizeofcoursethatifyoufailanddie,he’llusebothLucian
andMariustothesameend.”

“Thatthoughthascrossedmymind.Heseemsdeterminedtogettheweapon.”
“AndI’mdeterminedthatheshouldn’t.”
“Andifyougotholdoftheweaponinstead?”
Silas’sgrimexpressionsoftenedandakindofecstasyenteredhisblueeyes,aglitterthattoldAdrien

allheneededtoknow.“Astothat,”Silassaid,“Iwouldatleasthaverighteousnessonmyside.”

Adrien’sjawhardened.“YouarenodifferentfromDaniel.Youcanclaimtheworthinessofyourcause,

butIseewhatyouare—asdoesanysensiblevampireinourworld.”

“I never could persuade you differently, but at least after this night, you won’t be able to incite the

rabbleagainstmeandmyfollowerseveragain.”

AdrienfelttheweightofSilas’smillennia,anoppressivesensationthathe’ddespisedfromthetimehe

could remember. Daniel had a similar feel to his bones. And now Adrien was headed down that path
irrevocablyaswell,becomingoneofararegroupofpowerfulvampiresinhisworld,anAncestral.

Sweatbrokeoutonhisforehead.Wouldhebecomelikehisownfatherandfindthelevelofhispower

sointoxicatingthathehadtoruletheworldinsteadofserve?

Withoutwarning,SilasturnedhispowertowardLily,focusingallhisattentiononher.Andbecauseof

thebondingchains,AdriencouldfeelLily’sresponse,asuddenimpulsetogotoSilas.

Adrien placed his arm in front of her, a physical act that preceded a mental one, as he drove his

thoughtsintohersandcreatedashieldoverhermind.

Healmosthadme,Lily’sappalledtelepathicvoicereturnedtohim.
I know. Ancestrals have tremendous power, especially ones like Silas who are very old. Trying to

controlyouisamassiveperversionofhispower.

Silasshiftedhisgazeslowly,methodicallytoAdrien.“Soyou’vefinallytakenyourfirstinfantstepin

ourdirection.Interesting.Isupposethishumanpromptedthemove,amIright?”

“Callitself-preservation.”
SilasnarrowedhisgazeatAdrien.“Youcareabouther.You’vebeenwithherjustacoupleofnights

andyoucare,verydeeply.”

“Doesn’tmatter.Youcan’thaveher,Silas.Nottoday.Notever.”
“I’vehadseveralvisionsthatthisone—”HegesturedwithanelegantwaveofhishandtowardLily,

the sleeve of his gown flapping “—destroys our race. I think it an appropriate exchange: one million
vampiresoulsforonehuman,don’tyou?”

“I think the moment we start trading lives one for another, no matter the number, that’s the day we

deservetodisappearfromthefaceoftheearth.”

Hecluckedhistongue.“Fourhundredyearsoldandstillsonaive.Haveitasyouwill.”Hebeganto

backupslowly.Ashedidhisminions,bearingchainsanddaggers,advancedonthem.

Adrien turned in a circle, holding Lily against him. How the hell was he supposed to fight thirty

vampires?

Heknewthemeninfrontofhimlackedbattleexperiencebythewaytheymoved,thewaytheyheld

theirbladesandbattlechains.Severalbegantospinthelongsix-footchains,hopingtocatcheitherhimor
Lilyabouttheneckandendthingsquickly.Thelongchainsalsohadrazor-sharppointsatthetips,asmany
assixatoneend,whichcoulddoatremendousamountofdamage.

HespokeintoLily’smind.In order to keep you safe, I have to get a wall behind us. I’m going to

swing you up onto my back. Wrap your arms around my neck, your legs around my waist, and pin
yourselftomelikeamonkey.

Amonkey?Howinelegant,sheresponded.Butshemadehimsmile.
Ready?
Doit.
Usinghisleftarm,hereachedforherleftarm,dipped,andwithaswift,smoothjerkflippedherinto

theair,turningheratthesametime,untilshesliddownhisback.Shelockedherarmsaroundhisneck,
herlegsaroundhiships.Withtwoofhisownchainsspinningandwithspeedjustshortofalteredflight,

hemovedbackward,pastthenearestfanatics.Heheardthecriesofthosemenwhogotcutbyhiswhirring
chains.

Lily’s arms and legs clung to him like a vise. He dropped his chains and drew two blades. “Slide

downmybackandmakeyourselfsmall.Ihavesomedeviantstooff.”

Hefeltherdroptothesmoothcrystalfloorathisfeet.Hemovedwithlightningspeed,sothatthose

whoreachedhimfirsthadlittlechanceagainsthistrainedreflexes.Hecaughtthefirstofthelongchains,
abovethewhirlingpoints,gaveajerkandbroughttheassailanttohim.Hedrovehisdaggerintotheback
ofhisnecksofastthatasheletthemango,thelastwordthevampiremutteredwas,“What?”

Beforethefirstmanhitthecrystalfloor,Adriensankthebladeinandoutofthethroatoftheclosest

vampiretohisleft,thenhisright,grabbedanotherchain,jerked,sankanotherbladeintoyetanotherneck.
Thefanaticsfell,grabbingattheirthroatsandmoaning.

But the bastards kept coming, stepping over the dying bodies so that Adrien was forced to inch

backward,closerandclosertoLily.Asfastashekilled,twomorelaunchedathim.Heshuntedonebody
aside,thenanother.

His speed made the kills a simple matter, but at some point, either he’d be overwhelmed by sheer

numbers,orsomeonewouldgetbehindhimandslayLily.

CHAPTER12

ThethumpofLily’sheartbeatdrownedoutthesoundsofthemoansallaroundher,onesmallmercy.She
metthegazeofthenearestfallenvampire,bloodoozingfromhismouthasheblinked.Hiseyesseemedto
clearforamomentashemethergazeandsaid,“Sorry.Notmyfault.”Thenhewasgone.

Nothisfault?He’dcomeheretokillherbutitwasn’thisfault?
Lilyknewshehadmaybethirtysecondslefttolive.Adrienfoughtcleanlyandefficiently,butwherethe

wallcurvedtoeachsideofher,severalfanaticsweremovinginclose,stealinginbehindAdrien.

Shehadtodosomething,butwhat?
On instinct, she put her hand over her chain, and despite the desperate nature of the moment, her

revisitingpowercalledtoher.Sheletitcome,theedgesofthehorror-filledroombeginningtoswirlso
thatanentirelydifferentimageofthesamespaceopened.

Shefeltthetimesequence:onehourearlier.Shesawthesamevampiressittingineasygroupsaround

thecrystalfloor,chatting,someplayingcards,rollingdice,afriendlyscene,infact,notfanaticalatall.

ThenSilasenteredthevaultedcavernfromthemiddletunnelandwithstrange,stiffmovements,oneby

one,themenrosetotheirfeetandstoodatattention.Buttherewasnothingnormalaboutwhattheywere
doingastheypackeduptheirdiceandcardsanddonnedtherobesthatSilaspassedouttothem.

TheirlethargyhelpedLilytounderstandthatthesevampiresweren’tactingontheirown.
Notmyfaultranginherhead.
Thenshegotitandeverythingmadesense.
Adrien,shesaidforcefully,mindtomind.Silasenthralledthesevampires,allofthem.I’vejustseen

itinarevisitingvision.Theydidn’tknowthey’dcomeheretofight.

Fuck,camebacktoher.
Bloodnowpooledintoomanyplacesoverthebeautifulcrystalfloor.Adrienwasabouttosliceopen

anotherthroatwhenhestoppedsuddenlyandheldhisarmswide.Thevampiresclosesttohimlaunched
thenseemedtoberepelledawayfromhimattheexactsamemoment.

Eventhevampiressneakinginfromtherightstoppedmovingandlookedaround,horrifiedatthefallen

nearAdrien.

“MyGod,what’sgoingonhere?”oneofthemsaid.
“You’vebeentricked.”LilywavedahandinSilas’sdirection,“Bythatman.”
Shewatchedthevampiresstruggle,shaketheirheads,takeasteptowardherasSilastriedtoregain

controlofthem.

ButAdrienbattledonlySilasrightnow,hisbodyrigid,allhisattentionfocusedontheAncestral.
Lily felt the need to support him, so she rose up from the floor, moved in behind Adrien, and

surrounded him with her arms. The chains began to shake against her body this time, responding to
Adrien’sconcentration.ShecouldfeelhimbattlingSilasforcontrolofthemen.

Sherelaxedandletherthoughtsflowwithhis,bindinghermindtohis.Themomentshedid,shefelt

theboostinpower—buttheexperiencehurther,thatrushofenergylikemoltenlavathroughhermind.She
wantedtopullawaybecauseofthepain,butsheknewAdrienneededher.

Sheheldfast.Thoughshecouldseelittleofthecavern,shesensedthatthevampiresbegantofallback

thenflyoutofthecavernusingalteredflight.

Themomentbrokesuddenly,thepaininhermindflashingbrightthenwinkingout.Adrienrelaxedand

shereleasedhim.HehadwonthebattlewithSilas.

Ofthelivinganduninjured,onlySilasremained;therestofthevampireshadescaped.Theonesonthe

floorweredeadordying.

“Itwouldseemyou’vewonthecontest,fornow,butonlybecauseofthesupportofthewoman.”His

lightbluegazeshiftedtoLily.Shefelthimtrytopullherin,butoncemoreAdrien’smindslippedinto
hersandblockedhim.

Silas shrugged, and in a blink of an eye he was gone again. But just as fast Adrien moved to stand

besideher,twobladesdrawn,hisfleckedtealeyesfierceandalmostglowing.

“Youthinkhe’sstillhere?”Lilysettledahandonhisarm.
“Justwanttobesure.”
Lily,however,couldfeelthattheAncestralwasgoneforgood,soshewasn’tsurprisedwhenAdrien,

breathinghard,slidhisarmaroundherandwalkedhertothecurvedwall,pullingherdowntositbeside
him.“Somanyunnecessarydeaths.HowIhatethatman,thathewouldhidebehindreligionandcausethis
disaster.”Hisgazemovedslowlyovertheslain,nowinanarcinfrontofthem.

Lilyavoidedlookingatthenumberofdead,butturnedtowardAdrientofocus,ifforjustthismoment,

onhim.Hissweathadametallicsmell,yetunderneathwasthatrichscentthatsheloved.“Thankyoufor
savingmylife.Again.”

Heshiftedtolookather,leaninghisheadagainstthesmooth,polishedcrystalwall.“I’llsaythesame

thingbecausethatboostofpowermadeitpossibleformetodefeatSilas.Ihonestlydon’tknowhowlong
Icouldhaveheldhimoff,thenyouweresuddenlythere,andinmymindaswell.”Heputhishandonher
knee. “But I felt your pain when you helped me. I’d do anything if you didn’t have to feel that kind of
pain.”

Lilystaredintohiseyes,startledyetagainbywhohewas,hiscompassionforher.Hejustwasn’twhat

she’dexpectedfromavampire.Shedrewinaraggedbreath.“Hey.We’rebothhererightnow.Thatwasa
smallpricetopay.”

Henodded.“Itakeityourrevisitingpowercameonlineagain?”
“He’denthralledallofthem.”Shetoldhimwhatoneofthevampireshadsaidjustbeforehedied,as

well as his sudden awareness of where he was, what he’d done. “The men weren’t fanatics, Adrien.
They’dbeenplayingcardsandrollingdice.Ithinkthey’dbeenledhereunderfalsepretenses.”

“That makes sense. I knew most of them weren’t fighters, but until right now I thought they were

devotedtoSilas,tohisreligiouscause.”

Her gaze flitted around the floor, which caused her to turn into Adrien once more. “This was a

tragedy,”shewhispered.

“Yes,itwas.”
“Howcanamanprofessreligionofanykindthencreateandencouragethiskindofslaughter?”
“Idon’tknow.”Hepulledhisphonefromhisbattleleathersandmadeacallsimilartotheonehe’d

madeinParisafterkillingtheassassin.

Afewmomentslateratleastadozenvampiresarrivedbearingstretchers.Twocorpsesatatime,the

bodiesweretakenaway.

MuchtoLily’srelief,Adrienremainedwherehewas,sittingbesideher.Thecleanupcrewhadgiven

himatowel,andhekeptwipingsweatoffhisface,neck,andarms.

Withthelastofthedebrisandstainsdealtwith,thecrewleft.Theemptinessofthecavern,thesterile

qualityoftheair,surprisedLily,asthoughnothinghadeverhappenedthere.

Adrienhadgrownverystill,butshesensedsomethingfromhimthatcausedthechainaroundherneck

tovibratesoftly.Shefelthisdeeprespectforthemenwhohaddiedheretoday,evenakindoflovefor
themassomeonewhohadspenthislifeservingashissociety’sprotector.Andmaybeunderthatrespect
wasgrief.

Shelookedupathim,surprisedalloveragainbyhisdepths,byhiskindnessdespitehiswarmaking,by

hiscareful respect forothers, though hecould have easily bulldozedhis way inany situation and taken
whathewanted,withallthestrengthandpowerhecarriedinhisbones.

Sheinchedcloserandloopedherhandbeneathhisbarebicep,stilldampfrombattle-sweat,andgave

asqueeze.

Asheturnedtolookather,hisheadnolongeragainstthewall,sheofferedasmalldipofherchin,

wantinghimtoknowthatsheunderstood.Hesmiledandleaneddowntoplaceakissonherlips.

Thankyou,camefromhismindtohers.
Herheartsqueezeduptight.
Thiswasnotsimplebetweenthem,notonanylevel.
Was it just the blood-chains that had brought up such a powerful level of understanding, or was it

Adrien?Wouldsheeverknowthedifference?

The questions were unanswerable, so she turned her attention to the cavern and her mission. She

opened up her tracker senses and focused on the extinction weapon, on what she’d been told about the
Parisexperimentsonbats,onthesensitivehearingofvampiresgenerally.

Thetendrilsofherpower,maderealbecauseofAdrien,traveledswiftlyawayfromher,deepintothe

cavernsystem,milesfromwhereshenowsat.

“Whatisit,Lily?Mychainisvibratingheavily.”
“I’mgettingacallfromthebranchontheright.”Shegesturedtothefarendofthevaultedchamber.
“Howfar?”
Sheshookherhead.“Miles.Whateverrelatestotheextinctionweaponisalongwayaway.”
Adrien rose to his feet, then extended his hand to her. She took it, and because of his increased

Ancestralstrength,whenhepulledsheflewupwardacoupleoffeetthenfloppedintohim.

Helaughed,gaveheraquicksqueeze.“Sorry’boutthat.Stilllearning.”
Smilingasshesliddownhisbody,shealmostkissedhim,butstoppedherself.Whatwasshethinking?

That she’d have a long-term relationship with a vampire, with someone no doubt slated for death by
Daniel once he got his hands on the weapon? She had to start being sensible where Adrien was
concerned.

Heledhertothetunnelontheright,butgivenhersenseofwheretheywereheadedshesuggestedthey

usealteredflightandcommunicatetelepathically.

“I’mallforshavingtimeoffthismission.I’lljustpauseateachbranchandyoucantellmewhichway

togo.”

“Done.”Howsimplethisallseemed.
Sheturnedintohimandheslidhisarmaroundherwaist.Butinsteadofpullingheragainsthim,chest

tochest,heheldhertohissidesothatshewasfacingforward.

Herfeetdangledashestartedthealteredflight.
Oncehestartedtofly,themilesdissipatedquickly.Ateachjuncture,shemadeherdecisionsquickly

becausesheknewtherouteasthoughithadbeenimprintedonherDNA.Ofcourse,itwasjustthechains,

and the power she siphoned from Adrien, but she never wavered as she communicated each shift in
coursetelepathically.

We’regettingclose.Icanfeelitnow.
Thetunnelhadnarrowedbadlyandfinallyreachedwhatlookedlikeadeadend,awallofjaggedrock.

Adrienbroughtthemtoacompletehalt,ajarringmovementthatrockedheragainsthimacoupleoftimes.
Shestaredatthewallthatwasn’tawall,sensingthatsomethingcriticallaybeyond.

“I’veseenthisbefore,”hesaid.“AnAncestralhasinfusedthiswallofrockwithanearlyimpenetrable

disguise.Nowonderthishasneverbeenfoundbefore.”

“Youmeanadisguiseliketheonesusedtopreventhumansfromfindingyourworld?”
Henodded,puttinghishandonthewall.“Yes,feelthevibration.Canyousensethepower?”
She reached out and even before her fingers connected with the stone, she felt the disguising field.

“Someonewithgreatpowercreatedthis.”

Hemovedhishandoverthestone.“AnAncestral.Icanalmostgetareadingonwhothevampirewas,

butnotquite.”Hedrewhishandback.“Isupposeitreallydoesn’tmatter.Justtellme,isthistheplace?”

“Yes,”Lilysaid“Absolutely.”
Andyet,hehesitated.
“What’swrong?”Lilyasked.
Heshookhishead.“Idon’tknow.Somethingdoesn’tfeelright.”
Butshechuckledsoftly.“Whateverisbeyondthesewallscan’tbeworsethanwhatwejustleftbehind,

canit?”Sheshudderedslightlyatthememoryofsomuchblood.

“Idon’tknow,”hesaid.“Maybe.Yousureyouwanttodothis?”
“Yes.Pleasetakeusthrough.”
Henoddedandswallowedhard.“Okay.Let’sseewhatwe’vegotontheothersideofthiswall.”
Thealteredflighttookonlyasplitsecond,asAdrientookherthroughthedenserock,settingheronher

feetinyetanothervastinternalcavern.

Whatshesaw,however,forcedhertogrowverystill.“Oh,myGod.”
“Shit,”Adriensaid,hisvoiceamerewhisper.
Scattered around what looked like an old-fashioned laboratory were long-decayed corpses, mere

skeletonsnow,allcrumpledpilesofbonesstillcoveredinclothing,oftenwithfingerspressedtoskulls
as though the people here had died in exactly the position they fell, all in terrible pain, holding their
heads.

Theair,however,wasfresh,asmostofthecavesshe’dbeeninwere.
Sheglancedaround.“Howmanydoyouthinkthereare?”Shemovedslightlytotheright,tolookdown

anotherrowoftablesandcupboards.Sureenough,severalmorepeoplelaycurledup,handstoheads.

Adrientookholdofherhandanddrewherclose.“Lookslikeaboutfifty.Atleast.”
“Doyouthinkthiswastheresultoftheweaponwe’relookingfor?”
“Maybe.Hell,bythelooksofit,probably.Istillcan’tbelievesomethinglikethisexists.”
At that moment her revisiting power came alive, but with it a terrible sense of foreboding. For an

instantshedebatedpullingback.SheletgoofAdrien’shand,butturnedintohimandreachedforhim.

Becausehenodoubtsensedherfear,heslidhisarmaroundherwaistandpulledherclose.“I’vegot

you.Anothervision?”

Sheinclinedherhead.“Thisisgonnabebad.”
As the revisiting vision came alive, time moved, a deep funneling motion accompanied by shifting

wavesthatbegantoswirlaroundtheedgesofthecavern,creatinganalmosttornado-likeimpressionat
bothsidesofhervision.

A past view of the current environment emerged, as individuals swarmed through the facility, many

running as though something was happening. Each scurried, gathering up papers, turning off equipment.
Allworecrispwhitelabcoats.Very1950s.

When a sound began to pulse within the room, there was a moment when everyone paused to look

around,eyeswide.Thesoundcontinuedtoreleaseinasteadyrhythm.

Shefeltthesuddenhorrorofthegroup.
“Thisshouldn’tbehappening?”someonecalledout.“Whofireduptheweapon?”
Then,“Run!”
Atthefarend,severalofthescientistsheadedintothetunnel,whichwaslocatedoppositewhereshe

andAdriennowstood.Theywererunningandcallingbackforotherstoleaveaswell.

Afewescaped,butthepulsingsoundgrewlouderandsuddenlysoshrillthatevenLily’searsbeganto

hurt.Amplifiedbythesharedchains,herhearingsharpened,sothatasthesoundescalatedintohigherand
higherfrequencies,shebegantotremble.

Suddenly everyone dropped to the floor, holding their hands over their ears and screaming, blood

pouringfrommouths,nostrils,andears.

Justassuddenly,thescreamingstopped.
Andthevisionended.
Lily looked down, and she knew the people she’d seen were the present-day skeletons. The places

wherethey’ddiedwerethesame,handstoskulls,thebloodhavinglongsincedriedupanddisintegrated.

SuddenlyshefeltthepresenceofothersinthespaceandgrippedAdrienharder.
Three vampires arrived at the mouth of the opposing tunnel, Daniel and two others, equally tall and

powerfulinbuild,likeAdrien.

Danielworeanotherfinesuitbutwithascarlettiethistime.Hishair,slickedbackandoiled,aswell

ashisgoatee,lookedexactlythesameasthepreviousvision.Onlythiswasn’tavision.

“So,wemeetagain,LilyHaven.”Thenhesmiled,anexpressionbothcharismaticandseductive.He

evenbowedasthoughcarryingforwardforeffecttheaffectationsofearliercenturies.

She drew closer to Adrien. It was one thing to have heard tales about the monster or even to have

spoken with him in a revisiting vision. But right now, in this moment, the serpent slithered through the
room.

***

AdrienstaredatDaniel,nowstandingontheoppositesideoftheroom.Themonsterwhonowruledthe
Council and who held Adrien’s brothers in the Himalayan prison stood flanked by his two oldest sons,
QuillandLev.Daniel,ofallvampires,didn’tdeservetohaveevenonechild,nevermindtheseveralhe
hadsired.

Allmalevampires,broughtintotheworldandraisedduringthefirstyearsoflifebyhumanmothers.
He’dhurtallhischildren.
Andkilledofftheirmothers.
AdrienstaredatDaniel,andhistwolackeys,thesightofhimclampingaroundAdrien’sheartlikea

vise.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”

DaniellookedatAdrien,stillsmiling.“Protectingmyinvestment,ofcourse.”Heglancedaroundthe

room.“Inevercouldfindthisplace.Allthosedecadesofsearching,butthisoneremainedhiddentome.
Naturally,I’dheardrumors.Afterall,itwasmyfriendCharleswhohadrunthislaboratoryillegallyforat
leastadecadeaftertheCouncilhadshuteverythingdown.Toobadhediedwhenhedid.Otherrumors
saidhe’dbuiltaweaponandhiddenit.”

“You’vebeenfollowingus.”
“I’ve kept tabs.” He levitated and started moving slowly, above the corpses but between tables and

cupboardsinadistantrow.Hisminionstrailedhim,matchinghisflow.DreadseizedAdrien’sheart,an
oldfamiliarsensationfromchildhood.HowmuchpainwouldDanielinflictthistime?

Hecouldn’tbreathe.Lily’shand,normallycomforting,feltlikefireonhisback.
Hervoicepiercedhischaoticthoughts.Danielismoretoyouthanjustanevilinyourworld,isn’t

he?Icanfeelthroughthechainsthatyoufearhimlikenooneelsewe’veencountered.Whoisheto
you,Adrien?Whoishe?

He turned to Lily but he couldn’t tell her, he couldn’t speak the words. “Stay close. No matter what

happens,stayclosetome.Doyouunderstand?”

Herhazeleyeslookedhugeasshestaredbackathim,noddingonceveryslowly.Hehurtyoubefore,

didn’the?Icanfeelitnow.Alongtimeago.Centuriesago.

Yes,Adrienrespondedslowly,rememberedpainflashingthroughhisbody.Hehurtallofus,meand

mybrothers,eventhetwowithhimrightnow.Hehurtusall.

She blinked once. He watched her mind open to the truth, the one he hated to speak. “Oh, my God.

Adrien,he’syourfather,isn’the?Danielisyourfather?”

Adrien nodded. “The one who sired me, yes. Lucian helped us escape but others found us and

protectedus,Gabrielamongthem.ButDanielismyfather.Icarryhisgenes,andI’mnevertobetrusted.”
He grabbed her arm and squeezed. He stared hard into her face. “Do you hear me, Lily? Never to be
trusted.”

Againshenodded,inthatwaythatseemedtoalmostdrawtimetoastandstill.
Danielstillglidedslowly,milkinghisapproach,oneofthefewwhocouldsustainalteredflightinsuch

aperfect,slow-driftingmanner.Allpartofhisperformance,toremindAdrienhowpowerfulhewas.

At the top of the row and now hovering fifteen feet away from Adrien, he turned and surveyed the

room, his gaze raking across the various counters and tables, the skeletons on the floor, silence in the
spacesuddenlydeafening.

Lilyoncemoreenteredhisheadbutveryquietly,asthoughafraidDanielcouldhearhertelepathy.He’s

lookingfortheweapon.

Ofcourseheis.Adrien’sgazeneverleftDaniel.Heknewhowfastthebastardcouldmove.
But Daniel’s gaze, after making a careful sweep of the large, vaulted space, finally landed on Lily.

“Theweaponisn’there,isit?”

Adrienshiftedsothathecouldlookather.Shefrowned,andhefeltherfocushertrackingabilitieson

theweapononcemore.Hefeltthetruthassheshookherhead.“No,itwasremoved.Thisistheremnant,
thislaboratoryandthesecorpses.”

Daniel began to move slowly once more, but this time Adrien saw that his father had focused his

energyonLily.“Icreatedthis,”hesaid,nowtenfeetaway.HeswepthishandtoencompassAdrienand
Lily. “I created this bond because I knew that with her tracking ability and your power, you’d form a
formidable tracking pair, something I couldn’t do on my own, something I tried a hundred times to
achieve.EverytrackerItriedtobindmyselftodiedimmediately.Mypowerwastooimmenseforthem.
When I discovered Lily, one of the strongest trackers I’d found, I couldn’t risk losing her like all the
others,soIbroughtinanothervampirewhosepowerisn’tasgreatasmine.NowIexpectresults,Lily.
Kiernan must have told you that, must have told you carefully everything that was at stake, all that
preciousfleshandblood.”

“Hedid.”
“Lily, what’s he talking about?” Adrien felt dizzy suddenly, sick deep in his gut, as though his body

knewexactlywhatDanielhadusedtoforceLilyonthisjourney.HeswallowedhardasDanielclosedthe
lastfewfeettostandayardawayfromthem.

Heheardherbreathhitchinherthroat,butshesaidnothing.
“Soyoukeptyourwordandyoudidn’ttellhim?”Danielchuckledandsmiled,thatbroad,charismatic,

beckoningsmileofhis.

“Itoldhimnothing.IfollowedKiernan’sinstructions.”
AdrienfeltpanicrisinginLily,awaveofsensationthatvibratedthedouble-chainathisneck.
DanielshiftedhisgazetoAdrien.“Andyoudidn’ttellherwhoIwas.Whataninterestingpairyouare.

Well,Iwon’tgiveupLily’slittlesecret,either;Kiernanwouldn’tlikeit.”

HiscoldlighttealeyesshiftedtoLily.
Adrienfelthertremblingnow,fearwashingthroughher,thenrage,thenfear,thenragehotagain,her

skinflushingandburningAdrien.Heheldherpressedagainsthisside,therelativepositionthattendedto
keepthembothsafenow.

Butwhatwouldhappennext,hecouldn’tguess,exceptforonegreattruth:Painwouldfollow.When

Danielenteredaroom,painalwaysfollowed.

Trynottolistentohim.AdrienneededLilytobeasstrongaspossiblerightnow.Hecouldsensewhat

wascomingandheneededherwithhim,awareandfocused.

“Youhaven’texactlyfulfilledyourpromisetofindtheweapon,Lily,andI’mverydisappointed.But

use your power right now, the tracking ability you have, and focus on the weapon. Tell me where you
senseitcomingfrom.Doitnow!”

Lilyjerkedattheselastwordsandtheforcebehindthem.Sheobeyedandturnedslightlytofacethefar

wall,wherethetunnelhadallowedafewofthescientiststoescape.Adrienfelthersiphonhispowerand
heletitflowasshereachedoutovertheearth.“Idon’tknow,”shesaid.“Thetendrilsgotoahundred
placesatonce,nothingspecific.I’vesincelearnedthattherewasmorethanoneweaponandthatmanyof
theseparatepartswerehiddenawayinovertwentycavernsystems.”

“Yes,aplottoconfuseevenatracker.TheCouncilatthattimedidn’tlackforintelligence.”Daniel’s

gaze shifted away from Lily as he once more surveyed the laboratory. “So there’s nothing here, just
evidencethattheweaponworksandhowitworks,howitkills—veryeffectively,Isee.”

Hegrewverystill,thekindofstillnessthatbroadenedthepaininAdrien’sgut.
DanielturnedtowardAdrien,hisgazefierceandcontrolling.Hesmiled.“Atleastyou’vetakenastep

tobecominganAncestrallikeme,likeyourbrothershere.”Heturnedhisshouldersfirstonewaythenthe
other,slightmovementsthatindicatedQuillandLev.

Adrien felt their Ancestral status. As Daniel’s devoted followers, they would have taken on the

Ancestralmantlelongago.Andyet,becauseofhisnewpower,hecouldfeeltheirinherentweakness,that
neitherwouldbecomeasstrongasDaniel.HadDanielcreatedthemtobelessthanhim?Orwasitjustthe
resultofgenetics,theluckofthedraw?

Daniel’seyestookonafieryfervor.“Youhavesuchpotentialifyouwouldjustopenyourselfuptothe

truepossibilitiesofyournature,thatpartofyoudeeplyvampire.Iwaswrongtohavecreatedyoufroma
humanfemalebecauseyou’vebeenpolluted,youandyouryoungerbrothers.Yetstrangely,thepotentialin
you astounds me. You could almost be as powerful as me, if you’d just try.” He took a step closer,
lowering his chin, holding Adrien’s gaze in his tight grip. “That’s why I’d treated you so harshly in the
past,youandyourbrothers.Itwastostrengthenyouandprepareyouforyourinheritance,whatI’vegiven
youbecauseofwhoIamasanAncestral.”

“I’ll never do that,” Adrien returned, also lowering his chin, battling Daniel’s hypnotic abilities. “I

tookonthechaintokeepLilysafesoshecouldflywithouthurting.Therest,thepotentialyouvalueso

highly,revoltsme.Ihavenointentionofopeningmyselfuptothekindofpowerthathasdevouredyou.”

Daniellaughed.“You’resonaive,somuchlikeGabriel.Icanseehishandprintonyourlife.Butwho

rulestheCouncilnowandislikelytoruleforcenturies,ifnotmillennia,tocome?Answermethat?”

Adrienremainedsilent.
“My son, you always lacked something indefinable, a certain finesse, or courage, perhaps, or

confidence.Iwasneverquitesurewhatdefectitwasthatkeptyoufrombeingarealman.You’reweak,
notinpower,butinthoseattributesthatdefineaman,awillingnesstosethiseyeonanobjectandtakeit
merelybecausehewantsit.Withoutthatdrive,amanisnothingbutawhimperingshell,achildweeping
athismother’skneebecauselifeistoohard.PoorAdrien.You’llalwaysbenothing,alittlemaggotofa
vampire.”

Thetaunts piled up,one after theother, so familiar, aclanging bell froma torturous childhood, until

Adrien’sbrainseized,rightinthemiddlewhereasharppainsplithishemispheresinhalf.Hebreathed
hardthroughhisnose.Heblinkedandtriedtopullhisthoughtsbackintosomekindoforder,butcouldn’t.

HewishedlikehellthathecouldbelieveDanielwasusingsomekindofthrallonhim,buthewasn’t.

No, what he felt, this kind of numbing pain and disorientation, always happened because at the core of
Adrien’sbeing,whenheconfrontedDaniel,wasrage,aknifeofragethatseveredhissoulandhismind
intotwodysfunctionalparts.Hecouldn’tevenspeak.Allhecouldfeelwasaprofoundneedtoslaythe
mannowhoveringinhisfineItalianshoesafewinchesabovetheground.

Hewantedtostrike,buthedidn’thavethepowerandDanielknewit.
“Well,whatanassholeyouare.”
Thewordscamefrombesidehim,fromLily,theweakhuman,theonethatDanielcouldcrushwitha

thought.

Adriendidn’tknowwhattodobecausesuddenly,asDanielshiftedhisgazetoLily,turningallthatevil

on her, Adrien knew he would do her harm, and that he’d enjoy doing it because Lily now meant
somethingtoAdrien.

His sudden concern for Lily had at least one good effect: His rage dissipated enough to allow his

thoughtstocomebacktohim,forhisbraintore-formandstartfunctioningagain.

HewatchedDanielsweephishandinakillingarctowardLily.Heknewthegestureandwhatitmeant,

andjusthowmuchpainDanielwoulddeliverinthatoneblow,paintotheedgeofdeath.Ormaybewith
Lily,inthisonestrike,itwouldtakehertheentiredistanceandshewouldbedead.

AfewhoursagoAdriencouldhavedonenothingaboutit,buthewasnolongerjustavampire;hehad

thebeginningsofhisAncestral-basedpowerthatwouldonedaymakehimasstrongasthemaninfrontof
him. He swept in front of the blow and took it hard across his face, chest, and left arm, so that he fell
pronetotheflooratDaniel’sfeet,hisskin,alloverhisbody,burnedfromthesheerpreternaturalpower
themanwielded.Hewasbruisedaswellfromtheforcebehindtheblow.

Butheknewhisfather,thatonestrikewouldn’tbeenoughtosatisfyhisrageatLily’sslur.Adrienrose

upswiftlyasDanielstruckagain,thisoneworse,andthisblowwouldhavereducedLilytoash.Once
more,hefelltothefloor,dizzy,battered,andburned.

As Adrien recovered, his head spinning, he looked up at Daniel and watched as his father stared at

Lily,hiseyeswildwithhismania,preparingforathirdstrike.

ButsomethinginsideAdrienrebelled.HetappedintohisgrowingAncestralpowerandanewkindof

energyfloodedhisbodysothatwhentheblowfell,Adrienflewupandintoit,meetingallofDaniel’s
powerwithanansweringpowerofhisown,areleaseofburningenergythatcausedDanielandhissons
toflybackward.

Danielreturnedswiftly,hisgold-fleckedtealeyesglowingwithafiercelightasoncemorehecaught

Adrien’sgaze,hisintentiontocowAdrienagain,tofoldhiminhalfmentally,tobreakhiswilloncemore.

ButsomethinghadshifteddeepinsideAdrien.ThistimeDanielcouldn’tgetin,couldn’ttapintothe

deepwoundshe’dinflictedthroughoutAdrien’schildhood,couldn’tmakehimtrembleinfear.

Adrien’s need to help his brothers survive, his fierce intention to keep the extinction weapon out of

Daniel’shands,andhismountingdrivetokeepLilysafe,builtacementfoundationbeneathhisbattling
abilities.Powerflowedlikeithadneverflowedbefore,asAdrienstooduptohisfatherforthefirsttime
inhislife.

Sweatdrippedfromhisforeheadandchest.Theenergyheexertedcoupledwiththepainofthewounds

taxedhisstrength.HestaredhardatDanielandlethimfeelhowmuchhedespisedhisfather,hatedhim
for the vampire he was, for the pain he’d inflicted on him and his brothers from the time he could
remember,butmostlyforthedeathsofallthreehumanmothers.

Yes,hehatedDaniel.
Andhewantedhimdead.
Withthatdesire,heopenedupanotherfractionofhisAncestralpowerandletitflow.Ajoltofenergy

fellonDanielandhejerkedbackwardasthoughpunchedintheface.Ashotofsurprisepassedthrough
hislighttealeyes,thenpleasureashebattledback.“That’sit,Adrien,keepreachingforyourpower.It’s
intoxicating, isn’t it? There’s more, so much more. The fullness of your Ancestral power will be like
nothingyou’veeverknown.”

Adrien reached for his power, deep within his mind and his soul. He saw the open door and a

beckoningofbrightlightandheat.Hesawhoweasyitwouldbetojusttakeitallin,drawingthepower
throughhisbody,buthecouldn’tfornootherreasonthandoingitwouldbewhatDanielwanted.Beyond
that,wouldwalkingthroughthatdoorturnhimintoamonster?

Hehadtodosomething,however.Hecouldn’tstandagainstDanielforever.Heknewhislimitations.
Lily,I’mgettingusoutofhere.Beready.
Iam.Dowhatyouneedtodo.Icansenseyourintentionsfromonesecondtothenext.
He’llstrikeandI’llfall.Latchontomybacklikebefore.
Doit.
AsAdriendrewbackhispower,Danielcompletedthethirdblow.JustasitstruckAdrienandasLily

latched onto his back, he took her simultaneously out of the cavern, engaging in altered flight, straight
throughtheopposingwallofrock.Hewasright.Danieldidn’thaveSilas’sabilitytostophimfromflight.

Therepeatedblows,however,haddonesomethingtoAdrien,andhesawspotsinfrontofhiseyes.But

heflewfastandhardasLilyclungtohim,herarmsandlegswrappedtightaroundhim.

Yet as he flew, the wounds he’d sustained caused more spots to float before his eyes. His

disorientationincreased.

Adrien,you’reheadingdeepintotheearth.Canyoushiftcourse?Adrien?
WasLilyspeakingtohim?Wherewashe?Ineedtostop.
Buthecouldn’tdothat.Ifhestoppedinthemiddleofrockthey’dbothdieandhedidn’thaveasense

ofwherehewas.Ican’tseeorthink.Lily,Ican’tdothis,can’tgetusoutofhere.

Hefeltpressureonhisneck.Yesyoucan.Morepressure.Justkeepmovingandrelax.You’redoing

fine.Moresmallbitsofpressure.ThenherealizedLilywaskissinghisneck.

Forsomereasonthatmadehimsmile.Hismindclearedatleastenoughtoallowhimtofeeltheheatof

whatheknewwastheearth’smagma.

Heturned,headingbacktowardthesurface.
Muchbetter.Imustbesiphoningmoreandmoreofyourpowerbecausetraveliseasieronmenow.

Herthoughtsreachedintohismindandeasedhim.Adrien,isitpossibletogetamagmaburn?Imight

haveblistersonmyass.Whatwereyouthinking,vampire?

Adriensmiledalittlemoreandhespedup.Flyingthroughthelastoftherock,hetookthemintotheair

towardthestars.Hecouldfinallybreathe.

Oh,thankGod.
Youokay?
Fine.Justablisteredbutt.Howaboutyou?DearoldDadgaveyouabeating,oneofmanyinthe

courseofyourlife,Itakeit.

Hedidn’tlikethatyoucalledhimanasshole.Hewouldhavekilledyou.
Hefeltherdrawinalongdeepbreath.Shehuggedhimhard.IthinkImightoweyouone.Again.She

fellsilent,thenafteramomentsaid,I’dbedeadrightnow,wouldn’tI?

Yep.
Whataprick,butdamnifyouaren’ttravelingfast.Youtookonanewpieceofpower,didn’tyou?
Hadto.
Whereareweheaded?
Rumy’s.We’llbesafethere.
Hewantedtosaymore,butthespotsbegantoreturn.DanielcouldnevergetdeepinsideTheErotic

Passage.

We’realmosttothelake.Holdon.I’mnotfeelingonehundredpercentyet.
I’mgood.
HeslippedaroundtoRumy’sprivateentranceandslowed.Hisbrainwasstillshiftingaboutsohehad

toattempthislandingtwice.Eventhen,heendeduponhishandsandknees.

Lilyslippedoffhisbackasthedooropened.
He looked up and Rumy smiled. “On your hands and knees, I see. Looks like Lily’s got you trained.

Gladsomeonefinallydid.”

AsAdrienstoodup,hisbrainrefusedtofunctionandhelistedtotheleft.Hewouldhavegonestraight

overthelowbalustradeandintothelake,butLilycaughthisarmandpulledhimback.

“Hey,”shesaid.“Whereyougoing?”Then,“Rumy,Ineedsomehelphere.ThatbastardDanieltriedto

fryhiminMexico.”

RumycalledoutandthenextthingAdrienknew,hewasbeingliftedupbyseveralpairsofhands.This

timetheblackspotsgrewtothesizeofpotatoes,andthatwasthelastheknew.

CHAPTER13

LilysatatAdrien’sbedside.

Helookedreallybad.Hisfacewasbothseriouslyburnedaswellasblackandblue.Becauseshe’d

removedhisshirtandleatherstobathehimwhilehehealedhimself,shesawhowalmosthalfhisbody
hadeitherseriousredweltsormassivebruisingfromDaniel’spreternaturalbludgeoning.

HelayonhisbackonabedinoneofRumy’sguestsuites.Thecurly-hairedowneroftheexpansive

nightclubhadimmediatelyprovidedshelter,justasAdrienhadsaidhewould.

NowLilywasalonewithAdrien,sittingathisbedside,touchinghim,wishinghewouldhealfaster,

wantinghimtowakeuptotalktoheryetknowingheneededrestmorethananything.

Earlier,whenAdrienwassettledinbed,she’dtalkedthingsoverwithRumy,needingtobereassured

that Daniel wouldn’t be able to reach them here. But Rumy was adamant that his security surpassed
everythingelseoutthereandthateventheüber-powerfulDanielBriggscouldn’tgetthroughthelayersof
disguisingshieldshehadinplacethroughouthiscavernsystem.

ShealsogotamessagetoGabrielaboutAdrien’sconditionsincebynowsheunderstoodthathewas

like family to Adrien. Gabriel had eventually called her and set up events for the following evening.
Apparently, the Ancestrals were having their annual Gala at the Black Caverns Beijing Resort, a place
known as a high-end playground for rich vampires and rumored to have extensive human sex-slave
trafficking. Adrien, having advanced to Ancestral level, would now be allowed to attend the gala with
Lilyashisguest.

Lily at first refused since they needed to keep searching for the weapon, and not waste their time

attending a black-tie affair. But Gabriel then informed her that the Beijing system had numerous
associations with the extinction weapon. With Lily’s tracking ability, if the weapon, or some part of it,
wasthere,she’dprobablysenseitimmediately.Soshe’dagreedtosetuptheeventonbehalfofherself
andAdrien.

When she told Rumy what the plans were, he offered to arrange to have evening wear secured from

theirrespectiveParisandManhattanhomesanddeliveredtotheguestsuite.

SotherewasnothingtodonowbuttogetAdrienhealedup,tosleepthroughthedayifhecould,thento

attendthegalathatnightatnineo’clockParistime.

For now, however, she stayed by Adrien’s bed for a long time, just tending to him. When he moved

restlessly,dealingwithhispain,shewouldtouchhimandhewouldcalmdown.Shewatchedthebruises
growlighter,theweltsdiminish,theburnsfade.Therestlessepisodesgrewfewerandfartherbetween.

Still she waited in the chair, turning everything over and over in her mind: the weapon, her son, the

stressofthehunt,allthetimepressures,theattacks,andofcourseAdrien,andallthetendernessshefelt
towardhim.

AndthentheterribletruththatAdrienwasDaniel’sson.
MyGod,whatAdrienmusthaveendured.

Adriensleptwithhiseyessqueezedshutasthoughevenunconscioushelivedwithacertainlevelof

tension.Andwhywouldn’the?

Danielwashisfatherandhadprobablydoneterriblethingstohimforwhoknewhowlong.
Adrienmoanedand,afteralongmoment,openedhiseyes.Herolledhisheadtolookather.Hetriedto

situpbutfloppedbackdownonthepillow.“Lily.”

Sheleanedoverhim.“We’resafeatRumy’s.Justconcentrateonhealingyourself.”
Hiseyeswereclosedashenodded.Heturnedawayfromhertorestonhisrightside,thesheetsliding

down to his waist, exposing his back. She put her hand lightly on a healed portion of his shoulder and
rubbedgently.Adriensighedandseemedtorelax,ifjustalittle.

She loved how he looked but would feel much better when the redness and bruises went away for

good.

Butasshelooked,shesawathin,silverlinethatranfromthetopofhisback,fourinchesfromthebase

of his neck, straight down his spine. The line continued, so she pushed the sheet away and saw that it
endedalmostathistailbone.

Shedidn’tunderstandwhatshewasseeing.Vampiresalwayshealed…unless…thewoundoccurred

repeatedly.ThiswasonethingKiernanhadtoldher.

Herfingerstrembledabovethescar.Theedgesoftheroombegantospin.
“No,”shewhispered.Shedidn’twantthevisiontocome.Shedidn’twanttoseeanythingthatrelated

tothelongsilverline.Andsolongasherfingershovered,thevisionremainedjustoutofreach.

Shedidn’twanttosee.
Andyetinsomeinexplicableway,shefeltobligatedtoknowthetruth,tounderstandwhatDanielhad

donetohisboys.

Shesummonedhercourage,tookadeepbreath,andpressedherfingersagainstthescar.Oncemore,

theedgesoftheroomspun,goingfasterandfasteruntilthevisionopenedandshesawAdrienasachild,
chainedfacedowntoatable,trembling.

Danielheldathin,sharpbladeinhishand.“Thiswillmakeyouaman.Themorepainyoucantolerate,

thestrongeryouwillbe.MyfathertaughtmeandnowI’mteachingyou.”

Hesetthebladefourinchesfromthebaseoftheboy’sneckandbegantocut,adeepcutthatflayedthe

skin,splittingitintotwopartsthatfoldedbackasheprogresseddownthespine.

Lily heard Adrien’s screams, watched his legs thumping, his arms thrashing though bound, his body

heldflatbyoneofDaniel’shandsashecontinuedtocut,downanddown.

She couldn’t bear watching another second. She moved her hand away from Adrien and the vision

ceased,dissolvingintothinair.Sheswipedathernowwetface,thensatbackinherchairandweptas
quietly as she could. She wept for Adrien and for herself, for Josh and for all her neighbors who had
perished,forLucianandMariusboundbychainsinprison,forsomuchpainandsuffering.

Whenhertearsslowedandfinallystopped,whenshe’dblownhernoseandnolongerfeltasthough

herheartwerebeingrippedfromherchest,shemarveledatthevampirerecoveringinfrontofher.

He’d survived a horrendous childhood, enduring unimaginable pain and suffering, and had become

exactlywhatDanielhadpredicted,arealman, at least by her own definition. A vampire, yes, but one
who understood loyalty and service, who cared more about others than for his own safety, who could
havefallenintorageandbitternessafterleavinghischildhoodbehindbutinsteadservedhisworldwith
relentlessdedication.AndhewasthemanwhohadswungJean-Lucinacircle,givingevidencethathe
knewhowtolovedespitethedeprivationsofhisyouth.

HerheartswelledatthememoryofbeingwithAdrienattheTrevaynesystem,atallthememoriesof

Adrien.

Anothertruthsurfaced:InthisshortbutveryintensetimewithAdrien,she’dgrowntorespecthimand

tocaredeeplyabouthim.Shemightevenbefallinginlovewithhim.

Butasshestaredathisback,herthoughtstookahardturnassherecalledAdrien’sreactiontotheman

inTheRubyCave,chainedtothetable,theoneEvehadusedherfloggersandchantson.Evehadtoldher
she should put Adrien on the table, that he could benefit from it. Was this why? Did Eve know what
Adrien had endured at Daniel’s hands when he was just a boy, what it would mean for Adrien to be
chainedtoatable?

Herheartratepickedupasnewthoughtstrippedthroughhermind,onesensualimageaftertheother,of

havingAdrienchainedandunderhercontrolthewayEvehadsuggested,whatitcouldmeantohimbut
uncertainwhatitwouldmeanforher.

Shestoodupfromthechair,hergazestillfixedonAdrien’sperfectbackandthethinsilverlinethat

toldthetaleofhislife.SheowedAdrienalot,evenherlife.Shewantedtorepayhim,atleastinaway
thatmadesensetoher.Yes,thisshecoulddoforhim,especiallysinceeverythinginherhearttoldherit
wasexactlywhatheneeded.

Her chain vibrated heavily now and she left the room, closing the door behind her, grateful that

Adrien’sdouble-chaingavehertheextradistance.Shewithdrewherphonefromthepocketofherjeans
andcalledEveandtoldherwhatshewantedtodo.

Tohersurprise,Evewasn’tflippantwithher,nordidshemakeasexyjoke.Instead,shepraisedLily

forhavingthecouragetodowhatneededtobedone.

There would be plenty of time before the gala to explore a journey into the darker side of sexual

experience.Evemadeseveralsuggestionsonhowtogoaboutit.

After making the arrangements, Lily showered, slipped into a cotton nightgown, and stretched out

besideAdrien.Hisbody,tenseuntilshepressedherselfupclosetohim,relaxedintoher.

“Lily?”hemurmured,hisvoicethickwithsleep.
“I’mhere.”
“Good.Youneedyourrest.”
Atearescapedhereye.Whydidhehavetosaythat,tobethinkingaboutwhatsheneededwhenhewas

stillrawfromhiswoundsandstillpurplefromsomanybruises?

ThetendernessthatsheknewtobeattheheartofAdrien’ssoulconfirmedthatshewasdoingtheright

thingtotakehimtoEve’sapartmentinRome,tochainhimdownonthedominancetable,andmaybelay
someofhisghoststorest.

Theheatfromhisbodycoveredherinadrowsywarmth,averywelcomesensation.Shehadsomuch

tothinkabout,butthenight’sadventurehadtakenatoll.Beforesheknewit,shejoinedhiminadreamless
abyss.

***

Adrienawoketodarkness,hisbackreallywarm,hischestcool.

Ah,Lilywascurledupbehindhim.
He reached for her, found her arm then her hip. She snuggled tighter, murmuring something

unintelligibleagainsthisshoulder.

In the dark, he took a deep breath. She knew the truth about him now, the terrible truth about his

geneticsandhisparentage,somethinghecouldneverundo.Whatwouldshethinkofhimnow?Probably
theworst,andhewouldn’tblameher.

Hereleasedaheavysigh,butdespitehisdistress,hefellasleepagain.
Whenheawokelater,hewasalone,althoughheheardtheshowerrunning.

HerecognizedoneofRumy’sguestsuites,thisoneveryprivate,inthelowestleveloftheComocave

system,extremelysecure.Rumyhadgiventhemshelter.

HecouldalwaysrelyonRumy.
Hestretchedhishearingbeyondthewallsofthesuitebutcouldhearnothing.Ofcourse,someofthe

guest suites were miles away from the club and it was probably still daytime, the hour when all good
vampiresslept.

Hesatupwonderingwhatthehelltodonext.ThiswholethinghadtobegettingtoLily.That’swhenhe

heardthesoftestmuffledsoundsthroughthenoiseoftheshower.Heextendedhishearingandrealizedshe
wascrying.

Thelasttimeshe’dwept,he’dbeenmakinglovetoherandhergriefhadoverwhelmedher.Wasshe

thinkingaboutherlostfamily?Probably.Ormaybejustthehellhiskindwasstillputtingherthrough.

Hefloppedbackdownonthebedandclaspedhishandsbehindhishead.Hehatedtohearawoman

cry,buthealsoknewthattearswerearelease.Hewishedhecouldhelp,makeitbetter,makethiswhole
damninfuriating,impossiblesituationjustgoaway.

Buthecouldn’t.HewasasstuckasLilyandnoclosertogettingbacktohisbrothers,toreleasingthem

fromprison,thanhewastofindingtheextinctionweapon.

He reviewed all that had happened in the crystal cave with Silas and his enthralled killers. Those

unfortunatemenhadprobablythoughtthey’dbeenhiredtodosomegeneralcavemaintenance,checkfor
damp,removestalagmitesinlivingareas,relocateyoungcoloniesofbatstohuman-basedcaves.

Instead,Silashadusedthemasaweapon.
Here was one more prime example of the abuse that Ancestrals imposed on regular vampires, using

basicenthrallmentskillsthathadcosthowmanymentheirlives.Vampirelawwasbasicandineffective:
Ifyouheldtheknife,youwereguilty.NevermindthatanAncestralcouldexertmind-controloverlesser
vampiresandusethemtocommitmurder.

Onemorereasonhedespisedthathe’daddedthemorepowerfulbondingchainandtakenthefirststep

towardjoiningtheranksoftheAncestrals.ButatleasthisbrushwithDanielhadtoldhimhe’dmadethe
rightchoice:BothheandLilywouldbedeadrightnowifhehadn’taddedthedouble-chain.

Heliftedhisarmandflexed.Thebruises,welts,andburnsweregone,notevenatwingeofpain,one

moresignofhisincreasedpower,sinceevenhisself-healingabilitieshadimproved.

His thoughts turned to the extinction weapon. One thing he knew for sure right now was that Daniel

intendedtogetholdofthatweaponanywayhecould.Ifhehadtocreateothertrackingpairsbymaking
useofLucianandMarius,thenhewoulddothat.IfAdriendidn’tdeliverordidn’tjoinhimlikeQuilland
Lev had, then Daniel would probably kill Adrien, as simple as that, which of course meant that Lily
wouldperishaswell.

Hedidn’twantherto.Hewantedhertolive.
Healsowantedhertotrusthim,butshestillkepthersecret.Notthatheblamedher.Ifhe’dbeeninher

shoes,havinglostherfamilytoavampireattack,wouldhehavetrustedavampire?

Hesnorted.Notevenalittle.Infact,ifhumanshadkilledhisfamily,thoseheloved,hewasprettysure

hewouldhavegoneonakillingrampageofhisownandneverlookedback.

ButhereLilywas,boundtohim,sleepingwithhim,donatingherblood,savinghisliferepeatedly,and

notjustforthesecretshekept.He’dcometoknowherinthesepasttwo,nowthreenights.Hevaluedwho
shewas,whotheblood-chainstoldhimshewas,howmuchshe’dlovedthefamilyshe’dlost,howshe’d
sleptclosetohimlastnight,stayedwithhim,comfortedhim.Noonecouldfakethatkindofcharacterand
ifhedidn’tknowbetter,he’dalmostsayhelovedher,whichofcourseseemedimpossible.

Hewasn’tavampirewhocouldeverreallylove,notwithDanielashissire.Alwaysattheedgeofhis

consciousnesswastheknowledgethathecouldbecomelikeDaniel,asvile,asself-focused,ascruel.He
struggledagainstthatdarknesseverydayofhislife.

Buttherewastheotherpartofhim,bornofhismotherwho’ddied.Hehadmemoriesofherwhenhe

wasyoung,ofhersingingandholdinghim,teachinghim,and,yes,ofweepingasLilyweptnow.

Hismotherhadbeenagoodwoman,afinehumanwoman,andDanielhadkilledher.
SometimesAdriencouldbarelybreathefortheragehefeltagainstDaniel,forthedeathsnotchedinto

hisbelt.

Heclosedhiseyesandforcedhimselftotakedeepbreaths,topressdownallthatrage,thathatred.
He left the bed, slid into his battle leathers, and moved into the expansive living room. He’d never

beeninthissuitebefore,butRumydideverythingright;finewoodandleatherfurnitureandbluecrystals
thatformedawave-likepatternaboveastonefireplace.Asmallerwaterfalltotheleft,similartoEve’s,
filledthespacewithwelcomehumidity.

HisthoughtsturnedoncemoretoLilyandhewonderedyetagainwhatsecretshekeptfromhim.

***

Leavingtheshower,Lilydriedoffandblewhernose.Mourningherhusbandanddaughterfromtimeto
time was as necessary as breathing and had been for the past two years. Her separation from Josh and
livingwithherfearsaboutwhatmighthavehappenedtohimoverthelasttwoyearsbroughtonasimilar
roundofgrieving.

Washetrulyalive?
Hadhebeenhurt?
Wouldheevenknowherorbeabletoforgiveherfornotprotectinghim?
Andshouldallthingsworkout,shouldsheactuallyfindtheextinctionweaponandgethimback,would

heblameherfornothavingfoundhimsooner?

Twomoretearsrolleddownhercheeks.
Sheswipedatthemandforcedherselftobreathedeep,totakehealingairintoherlungs,totrytomove

on.

Kiernanhadtoldherthathe’dhadacaregiverinchargeofJoshallthistime,ahumanwoman.Lilyhad

askedwhoshewasandhadevenquestionedKiernanaboutherqualifications,butKiernanjustlaughedat
herandsaid,“Sufficeittosayshe’sinmyemploypermanently.Icouldevensayshelovesthekid.”

Thesewereheronlyconsolations,thatJoshmighthavebeenwelllookedafter.
Sheforcedherselftoreininheremotions,atleastfornow.ShefocusedinsteadonAdrienandthenight

ahead.

She’dheardhimleavethebedandgetdressed,theresultsoffinelytunedvampirehearing,soitwas

timetogetmovingandtoletAdrienknowaboutthetwobigeventssoontocome.

Butjustasshewouldhaverisenfromthefloor,averydifferentkindofthoughtstreakedtothesurface

ofhermind.CanIcommunicatewithJosh?

Leaning against the side of the white porcelain bathtub, she suddenly sat up straighter. She’d been

siphoningpowerfromAdrienfromthetimeshe’dputonherchain,andnowherpowerwasevenstronger
becauseAdrienhadreachedthefirstlevelofAncestralstatus.Thoughitwasalongshot,sheclosedher
eyesandtookinaslowdeepbreath.Sherelaxedhershouldersandlethermindgoloose.Shefocusedon
onlyonething:herson.

The strangest sensation intruded, like movement, like she wanted to float in what must be a

northeasterlydirection,maybetowardRussia,asoncemorehertrackingabilitysurfaced.Shestayedas
relaxed as she could and sent her thoughts in that direction so that pretty soon she could feel a flow of

thoughtmovingatlight-speeduntilitencountered…Josh.

Stunned, she held herself, her mind, her thoughts completely still. Was she imagining this or was it

real?

Shewantedtoscreamwithexcitement,butsheneededotherthingsfirst.Shetouchedtheobject,which

feltwarmtoherthoughts.Yes,shefelthersonandhewasverymuchalive.

Alive.Joshreallywasalive!
Takinganotherdeepbreath,sheformedonewordandreachedintohismind.Josh.
Akindofmovementreturned,butcloudyandillformed,achild’smind.
I’mhere,Josh.Icansenseyourpresence.Motherishere.
ShefeltthewarmthofhismindrelaxinmuchthesamewaythatAdrienhadrelaxedbesideherwhile

heslept.Mom?

Shetremblednow.Yes,I’mhere.Areyouokay?Tellmeyou’reallright!
I’mfine.Claireishere.She’stakencareofme.Mom,Imissyou.
I miss you, too. So much it hurts. She couldn’t believe the amount of energy she was expending to

sustain the conversation. Listen, honey, I’m doing everything I can to get back to you, but there are
somethingsthathavetobedonefirst.

Iknow.Mr.Kiernantoldus.
Good.That’sgood. Pain swelled inside her head. She couldn’t hold this much longer. That’s what I

needtoknow.Shefeltthepowerfade.I’lldoeverythingIcantobringusbacktogether.Ihavetogo.
Thepowerbegantofade.I’llfindyou,Josh.Iloveyou.

Okay…Mom?…
Thennothing.Hertelepathyreturnedtoher,however,inanalmostrubber-bandsnapofpain.Sheput

herhandtoherhead,wincing.Butshedidn’tcarethatshehurt.She’dtalkedwithherson.Joshreallywas
aliveandawomannamedClairehadtakencareofhim.AtleastKiernanhadn’tliedaboutthat.

Shedidn’tknowwhatshefeltforalong,longmoment.Notreliefexactly,thoughthatwasthere.Then

shefeltit:joy.Joshwasalive.She’dkeptthatthoughtintheforefrontofhermindfromthetimeKiernan
hadfirstcontactedher,butshe’dneverquitebelievedit.Nowshecould.Hersonwasalive.She’dfelt
him,talkedwithhim.

Hersonwasalive.
Sherealizedshewassmiling.Shewassittingonthebathroomfloorandsmiling.Hersonwasalive.

Alive.

Andtherewasonepersonshewantedbadlytosharethatnewswith.
ThedooropenedandAdrien,dressedinonlyhisblackleatherpants,steppedintotheroom.“Icould

feelyouspeakingtosomeonetelepathically.What’sgoingon?”

Herheartbegantorace.ShewantedtotellAdriensobadly.
“Ifeelyourdistressandyourexcitement.Tellme.”
Slowly,sherosetoherfeet.“Pleasedon’task.Iwanttotellyoubutit’saconditionofmypartinthe

huntfortheextinctionweapon.IfIrevealthissecret,Idon’tknowwhatwillhappen.”

Adrienstaredatherandnodded.
Sheslippedbackintotelepathy.You’redisappointedthatIwon’ttellyou,thatIwon’ttrustyou.
Hissmilewascrooked.It’sunreasonable,butyes,Iam.Iwantyourtrustmorethananything.
IdotrustyouandIwishIcouldtellyou.You’vebecomesoimportanttome.I…
She’dalmostsaidthemostimpossiblewordsofall,thatshelovedhim.Sheemittedakindofgagging

sound,thenturnedinacircleasthoughshecouldrunfromthethought.“What’swrongwithme?These
damnchains.Ifeelwhatyou’refeelingandnow—”

“Iknow.”Hishandswereonheroncemore,herbacktohim,butsherelaxedandlethimtouchher.
“Thenightmarethatwouldn’tend,”shesaid.
Hedidn’tsayanythingbutsurroundedherinawarmembrace.Hewassokind,soloving.Hewasa

vampire—andyethewassomuchmorethanthat.Shewhirledinhisarmsandhuggedhimhard,herhead
restingagainsthisshoulder.

Afteramoment,hedrewadeepbreath.“IsupposeIshouldcallRumy,askiftherewasanyactivity

afterwereturned.”

Shepulledawaytolookupathimthentoldhimtheplan,firstthatshehadasurpriseforhimthenthe

gala.

“Asurprise?Whatkindofsurprise?”
Aftersheansweredorchosenottoanswerallhisquestions,shesuggesteddinnerfirst,afterwhichshe

wouldtakehimsomeplaceunexpected.

***

By the time Adrien had finished grilling a pair of steaks, he knew something was up. His chains now
hummedagainsthisneckandchestandhecouldfeelLily’sexcitement.

Ashecutabiteofribeye,heasked,“What’sgoingoninthatheadofyours?”
Shemethisgaze.“Justdecidedtotaketheadviceofafriend.”
Hemighthavearguedoratleastmadeanattempttoplytheinformationoutofher,butanewscentrose

above the aroma of his meal, which made him pause mid-bite and stare hard at Lily. She wasn’t just
excited,shewasexcited.Hersweetfemininescentfloatedinstreamersofsensationandherdesirefueled
his.

He shifted in his seat. They’d have some time before the gala and Lily had even gotten their clothes

here,whichmeantthey’dhaveacoupleofhoursormoretobetogether.

Hebroughthisforktohislips,paused,thenshovedanotherbiteofsteakin.Hechewed,maybeabit

harder than he should have, but the thought of taking Lily back to bed had become a quick fluttering of
eroticimagesthroughhismind.

Healsofeltafamiliartinglingnearhisheartthattoldhimhe’dneedbloodsoon.ButLilywaswilling

and by the scent of her, she’d be more than happy to donate. Over the decades, he’d served the blood
needsofmanyarousedfemalevampiressoheknewwhatitwasforthedonor,howstimulatingtheslice
ofthefangsandtheensuingsucklingcouldbe.

He couldn’t believe how far they’d come down this road. He thought of her as belonging to him, a

regulardonornow,hislover,evenagoodfriend.Yes,hethoughtofherashisfriend,someonehecould
countoninthewayhecouldcountonhisbrothers.Wasitjustthebondingeffectsofthechainsorwas
theremorehere,muchmorethanhehadeverthoughtordreamedpossible?

Hestoleaglanceatherasshespearedabiteofsteak.Shehadthicklashes,abeautifulcomplexion,a

lovelyhuman.

Whenshemethisgaze,sheasked,“What?”
Heleanedintoherandkissedheronthemouththensearchedherface.“WouldyoubelievemeifIsaid

I’vefalleninlovewithyou?”

Herbreathhitched.“Idon’tknow.We’reunderthespellofthechains,right?”
Heshrugged.“Doyourememberwhenyoufirstcametomeinthecave,beforeyouboundmewiththe

chain?Ifeltsomethingeventhen,adrivetowardyouthatIstillcan’texplain.”Hefeltadeeptenderness
emanatingfromher,almostthrobbinginsoftwaves.

“Me,too.Almostfromthefirst.”

Hekissedheragain,onlythistimeheletthekisslinger.
Whenhedrewback,shetookadeepbreathandsworeshetrembled.“Keepeating,”shecommanded.

“You’regoingtoneedyourstrength.”

Becauseofthechains,hesensedthedeepsexualnatureofherintentiontowardhim,whichcausedhim

tolistinhisseat.Butheobeyedherandfocusedallhisattentionondowninghisfood.

Whenatlasthesettledhisforkandknifeonhisplateandshe’deatenthelastofhermeal,sheturnedto

him and slid her hand along his thigh. “I’ve had something prepared for you, Adrien, and I hope you’ll
likeit.Also,IcanfeelthatyouneedmybloodandI’mreadytogiveitupforyouagain.”

Sinceshefollowedupthisboldstatementbykissinghim,hisneedforherspiked.Heslidoffhisstool

andshecamewithhim,aflowofmovementthatfeltjustrightasshelandedinhisarms.Hekissedher
again,thistimepiercinghermouthwithhistongue,whichmadeherwhimperandherhipspressagainst
his.

Heswiveledhishipsjustenoughtoletherfeelthathewasreadyforher,whichdrewherhandgliding

downhisbackandpressinghisbuttocksasshearchedherhipsintohim.Heneededtotakehertobedand
wasabouttosuggestthebedroomwhenshepulledback,herhazeleyesglitteringwithpassion.

Sheliftedherchinjustalittle.Adare?“IaskedEveifwecoulduseherRomeapartmentforacouple

ofhoursandshesaidyes.Iwanttotakeyouthere.Willyoucomewithme?”Herscentenvelopedhim.

Adrien’sheartrateclimbed.He’dneverbeentoEve’sapartmentthoughshe’dinvitedhimhundredsof

timesoverthepasttwocenturies,fromthetimeshe’dboughtandrefurbishedit.

She’devendescribedindetailsomeofthespecialtyequipmentshe’dinstalledinoneoftherooms.
Heswallowedhard.“Youdon’twanttojuststayhere?”
“I have something specific in mind, Adrien. Will you let me have my way right now? It will mean

you’llhavetotrustme.”

“What’sgoingon?”
Hefeltbothreluctantandready.Maybeitwastheeagernessinherfaceortheglitterinhereyes,or

thatrightnowshehadahandoneachofhisbuttcheeksandwascaressinghim,butlikeanymaninhis
rightmind,hesaid,“Let’sgo.”

SincetheywerealreadyinItaly,theflighttookabouteightseconds.
Whentheyarrived,dozensofcandleshadbeenlitandnotasingleelectricbulbburned.
Hereleasedherandturnedinacircle.Lilyhadalreadymovedawayfromhim,followingwhatturned

outtobeapathofsmallvotivesonthefloor.Hisheartbegantopound.

Evewasallaboutdominance.
SowhathadLilyarranged?
Andwhyhere?
Lilywalkeddownalonghall,wheremorecandlesshowedtheway.Attheendofthehallwasasetof

doubledoors,slightlyajar.Whensheslippedinside,hewouldhavefollowed,butshestoppedhimwitha
handonhischest.“Givemeasec.There’ssomethingIneedtodofirst.”

Henodded,mouthdry.
Whenthedoorclosed,heputhisheadonthesmoothcarvedwood.Hisheartwasnowbangingaround

inhischest.Ifitbeatanyfaster,itwouldcomeloosefromitsmoorings.

He’dneverbeenharder.
Hescratchedsoftlyonthedoorandwhispered,“Lily.Whatareyoudoingtome?”
Hedidn’texpectananswer,butonecame,straightintohishead.Doyoutrustme?
Yes.Sweatbeadedonhisbrow.Andstrangely,thatwasthetruth.Hetrustedthiswoman,thishuman.
Youhaveachoice,Adrien.Ifyoucomein,youmustdoasIsay,doyouunderstand?Ifyouchoose

nottocomein,we’llgobacktoRumy’sguestapartmentandyoucanfuckmybrainsout,buthere,you
areminetocommand.Doyouunderstand?

Yes.
Nowchoose.
Hewantedtoaskwhatshewaswearing,buthesuspectedEvehadlefthersomethingspecialtoputon.
Hewaited,tryingtothink,tryingtoorderhisthoughts.Healreadysensedwhatitwasshewantedto

do.

MayIseeyoufirstbeforeIdecide,becauseifyou’vegonedownacertainpath,I’mnotsureIcan

takeit.

I’llletyouseemyhand.
The door opened slightly and her hand appeared. The wrist was wrapped in silver-studded leather.

Hangingfromeachstudwereseveralthinchains,eachofwhichdrapedtoencompassherfingers.Ifshe
usedherhandonhim,hewouldfeelthechains.

Shewouldhurthim,yetnothurthim.
Hecouldfeelhisheartpulsingbehindhiseyes.
Adrien,doyoutrustme?
Aftertwodeepbreaths,hesent,I’myours.
Good.
Hepushedthedooropenthenstilled.
Shestoodacrosstheroom,nexttoEve’stable,anancientwoodenthingpolishedtoagleamthroughthe

years.

Shewasavisioninleatherandworeafeatheredheaddressthatwasalsoahalfmask.Hecouldseethe

glitterofhereyes.Herlipsweredarkred,bloodred.

Sheworeacostumeofblackleatherstrapsthatcoveredonlystripsofherskinaroundherbreastsand

downherthighs,thenbroadenedtoencompassherkneesandendedinloopsofleatherbeneathherfeet.
Sheworestilettosthatputherjustshyofhisheight.Herbreastsandherbarepeachwereondisplay.

If he’d been hard before, now he was in pain. She’d taken sex into the realm of dark fantasy and it

workedforhim.

Oh,God,howitworkedforhim.Andheknewitwasn’tjustaboutLilyandhercostumeorsex,but

abouthislifeandwhathadbeendonetohimwhenhewasyoung.

Sheturnedherbacktohimandplantedahandonalongtable,thenbentoverjustenoughsothathe

couldseethebarenessofherbottom.Shewasfullyexposedandswollen.

Whensheturnedback,shemovedtotheendofthethickwoodtable.
Sheputherpalmflatonthetable,thechainsmakingasoftclinkingsound.“Takeyourclothesoffand

getuphere.Onyourback.”

Whenhisvisionclearedofallhislust,hesawthatheavychainsandmanaclesdangledoffthesidesof

the table; two more chains lay taut across the top and bottom. In addition, he sensed the preternatural
qualityofthechains,thatsomethingveryvampirewouldbindhiminplace,likethemanaclesDanielused
intheHimalayanprison.

He’d already made his choice. He wanted this. Hell, he’d been wanting it far longer than he could

admitevennow.Buthisheartpoundedinhischest.

He stripped off his clothes then climbed up on the table and laid himself flat. He stared up at the

mirror-coveredceilingandsawhimselflyingthere,naked,andveryerect.Hekeptlookingathimself,his
tighteyes,theveinthumpinginhisthroat,hiscockstraightupandreadyforsomethingthatscaredtheshit
outofhim.

Lilyworkedquietlyandwentfromoneankletotheother,settingtheheavymanacleswithpinsonlyshe

couldremove.Hislegswerenowspreadfarapart.

Whenshegottohiswrists,herealizedtheairwasthickwithherfemininescent.Hefinallylookedat

herandsawthathernippleswerepeakedandthatsweatlayinasheenoverherskin.Herbarelabiawere
swollenwithneed.Whateverhefelt,herdesirematchedhis.

Icanfeelyourneed,Adrien.You’veworkedmeupaswell.
Iwanttosuckyourbreastsandtheneatyou.Blatantwords.
Allinduecourse.Rightnow,you’reminetodowithasIplease.
Whenthelastpinfellintoplace,Adrienpulledonthechains.That’swhenthepanicsetin.Hefeltthe

familiarpower,theonethattoldhimhewasnowaprisoner,trapped.

Hecouldn’tbreathe.
“Letmego,”hesaid.
ButLilyleanedoverhim.“No.Can’tdothat,Adrien.Youagreed.Youcanbegmeahundredtimes,a

thousandtimes.Notgonnahappen.Youhavetotrustme.”

“I’mseriousLily.Thisisn’tgoingtowork.Ican’tdothis.Thesemanacleshavepower.”
“Iknow.Irequestedthem,otherwiseyoucouldbreakfree.”
Hetookadeepbreath.
Sheglanceddownathiserectionandchuckled.“Andsomethingtellsmeyou’regonnabejustfine.”
Hehatedthistruth:thatwhilehecouldprotest,hiscocklovedwhatwashappening.Hishipsarched

andhisballsweretwonestsoffirereadytoexplode.

Sheclimbedontothetable.Hewasabouttoprotestonelasttime,butshestraddledoneofhisthighs,

onherknees,andherhandbeganaslowdescentofherbody,fromthenavel,kneadingherskin,allthe
waydowntoherlabia.Sheclosedhereyesandfondledherself,archingherneck.“Thesebondingchains
are extraordinary. I can feel you shift from your fear to your desire. Do you like what I’m doing to
myself?”

Hismouthwatered.Hiseyesmovedfromhererectnipplestoherfingersmassagingherclitorisand

back.Usingherfreehand,shebegantoplaywithanipple.Heneededtogettoher,totouchwhatshewas
touching.

Hejerkedthemanaclesathiswrists,tryingtopullaway.Hewantedpartsofherinhismouth,hiscock

buriedinsideher,hisbodythrusting.

Lily.MyGod,Lily.
I’veneverbeensoclose.Hervoicesoundedrichandfullofdesire.
Letmeseeyourfingergoinsideyou.
Shearchedherhipsforwardandmethisgaze.Sheheldherlowerlipsapartwiththehandthatborethe

chains, and with her free hand she slid a finger slowly down her clitoris, letting him watch, until she
piercedherownbody.

Hegroaned,wantinghisfistaroundhiscock.“Ineedyou.”Shit,hisvoicehaddroppedanoctave.
Shewithdrewherfingerandslowlyreachedforhislips.“Openyourmouth,Adrien.Doit.”
Heobeyed,pantingnow,thechainsonthetablejanglingbecausehisbodycouldn’tkeepstill,hiships

slammedupanddowntryingtoreachher.Hisarmsflexedandreleased,pullingonthemanacles.

She slid her wet finger inside his mouth and the flavor of her, ripe with excited female and her

femininescent,madehimcrazy.Hehadtogettoherbutcouldn’t.

Hesuckedhardonherfinger,histongueswirlingoverher.Hecouldn’tgetenough.
Sheremovedherfinger,thenshiftedsuddenlysothatshekneltbesidehim.
Hefrozeasshebentherlipsinthedirectionofhiscock.Hecriedout,“Doit.”

Damnbutheneededtocome.
He looked up at the mirror and saw the straps of her costume giving way to her buttocks, now two

whitemoundsthathewantedhishandson,hismouth,histongue,histeeth.

Thenhefelthertongueontheheadofhiscock,agentleswipe,thenanother.
Hisbackarched.Ifshejusttookhimandsuckedhecouldrelease.
You’retorturingme.
Shechuckled.I’menjoyingyou.
Shedrewbackandlookedathim.“Letmeknowhowthisfeels.”Heglanceddownathiscock,and

watchedherhand,drapedwithchains,closearoundhisthickstalk.

Hefrozeagain,fearing,hoping.
Shebeganslowly,upanddown.Sheleanedoverandtonguedhimatthesametimesothatthechains

grewslick.Itwasbothuncomfortableandhotashell,thoughhedidn’tunderstandwhy.

Chainshadboundhimfromthetimehecouldremember.
Nowshestrokedhimwithahandfulofchains.Shekeptmoisteningthechainsanddidn’tmovetoofast

orputtoomuchpressureon.

I can feel your pleasure, Adrien. I can sense how much you’re savoring what I’m doing to you. I

lovehavingcommandofyoulikethis,takingchargeofyourfleshanddoingwhateverthehellIwant.

Shepumpedfasternowandithurtbutitfeltsogood.
Shesustainedthepaceandhecouldfeelhimselfreadytorelease,thenallthepressurewasjustgone.
Heshoutedhisfrustration.
“Notyet,”shesaidsoftly.
Hegroaned.
Sheturnedtostraddlehiswaistthistime.Sheusedthesamechain-ladenhandtorubdeepbetweenher

legs,togatherhermoisture.Sheputthesamehandoverhismouth.“Lickthechains.”

Heobeyedherwithoutquestion.Herarousalwasathick,perfumedcloudallaroundhim.Thechains

werelooseagainstherpalm,sohedrewthempasthislipsandsuckedonthem,takingtheflavorofher
downhisthroat.

Hiscockthrobbedwherethechainshadrolledoverhisskin.Heachedforherandsomethingmore,

somethingsodeepinsidehissoulthathehadasenseallhisrageatwhathadbeendonetohimwasabout
tobereleased.

Hesuckedharderonthechains.Sheleanedcloseanddriftedabreastnearherhandandhissucking

lips.Whensheremovedherfingersandslidherbreastcloser,hetookallthathecouldinhismouthand
suckedhard,muffledcriesemanatingfromhisthroat.Hecouldn’tgetenough.

Herhandsstrokedupbothofhisarmsatonce,herfingernailsdiggingintohisbiceps.Herbodyrolled

whilehesuckledhernipple.Herlashesrestedonhercheeks;apinchofpleasurehadformedbetweenher
brows.

Yousmelllikeheaven,camefromhermindtohis.
Iwanttofuckyou.
I’dlikethat.Hereyesopenedandherbreastcameawayfrombetweenhislips.Shemethisgaze.But

you’retrappedandcan’t.Youcan’tdoanythingrightnow.

Thewordsburnedlikefirethroughhismindandhissoul.Shehadspokentherealityofhischildhood

aswellasthepastyear.

She slid down just enough so that his rigid cock touched her ass. He couldn’t quite define the

sensationsthatsplithimwide.Rageandlustmaybe.Hewantedher.

Whatisit,Adrien?Doyouwantsomething?Needsomething?Whatcoulditbe?

Oh,God,sheliftedupherhips.Hecouldseeherclitoristhroughherspreadlegsandnowhecouldsee

hiscock.Hestruggledagainstthechainsashewatchedherlowerherbodyontohim.Hethrusthiships
upward,forgingawarmwetpilgrimageintoherdepths.

Hisneckarched,hiseyesrolledbackinhishead.
Shebegantomoveupanddown,slowlyatfirstthenfaster.Hervoiceoncemorepenetratedhismind:

What are you going to do about it, Adrien? I have you now and you can’t touch me, you can’t do
anythingexceptfeelthispleasure.

Buthewasn’tthatchildanymore,andhewasn’tjustavampire.
HewasanAncestral.
Hehadthepowernowtocreatethekindsofmanaclesthatnowimprisonedhim.Understandingflashed

throughhim.

Heknewwhathecoulddo.
Didsheknowwhatheintended?
Somehowhedidn’tgiveafuck.HesummonedhisAncestralpower,drawingenergyintohislegsand

arms,wristsandankles.Thetablebegantoshake.

Shedidn’tseemtocare.Sheplantedahandonhisshouldersandmovedfaster.
What are you going to do about it, Adrien? Are you still afraid? Still chained to this table? Still

trapped?

Thewordsrippedthroughhismind.
Powersurged.
Thechainsexplodedoffhisbody.
Hecaughtheratherwaistandkeptheranchoredtohim.Hespunhermidairsothathelandedontopof

her,holdinghimselfbackjustenoughsothathedidn’tcrushherasheforcedherontothetablebeneath
him.

He took control, shoving himself into her as he ripped the feathered mask off her head. Through the

chains,hesensedthedepthofherpleasure,nothingbutheadypassionatesensation.

She panted in heavy chuffs as he drove into her, pummeling hard. She moaned and cried out as she

wrappedherlegsaroundhiships,herarmsaroundhisneck.Hethrusthardandfast.

Thereleasecamelikeanexplosion,notjustfromhisballsbutsomewheredeepinhisbody,rushing

throughandstreakingalonghiscocksothathearchedandshouted.

Fuck,lefthismouthrepeatedly,loud,brutal,harsh.
“Oh,God,Adrien,somuchpleasure.”
Helookeddownatherashethrust,feelinghimselfmovinginandoutofherbody,watchingherhead

thrashbackandforth,hereyessqueezedshut,theorgasmfinishingitsrideuntilfinallyshelayslackand
hishipsgrewquiet.

Hereyeswerestillshutashelookeddownather,thenpastherheadtothebrokenshackleshanging

open on the old wood. He’d done this. He’d ended something here tonight, some deep wound that had
festeredforfourcenturies.Powerflowedthroughhiminwaves,theextraordinaryabilityofanAncestral
beingbornhere,inthisplacethatbeganasonethingandendedasanother.

He’djustopenedupanewlayerofhisAncestralpower—maybenothisentirepotential,butenoughto

challengethesufferingofhisyouth.

“Lily,”hewhispered.“Thankyouforthis.”
Shenoddedbuthereyesremainedclosed.
Ashelayontopofher,satiated,havingoverpoweredhiscaptor,somethingdeepinsideAdrienshifted,

movedaround,expanded,andchanged.

Otherchainsthathadheldhimcaptiveinthepast,werebrokeninthismoment,obliteratedforever.

CHAPTER14

Lilywasmiredinpleasure.Shecouldthinkofitinnootherway.HerbodylaytrappedbeneathAdrien’s,
apuddleofsensation,ofsatisfaction,ofcontentment.

There had been a frightening moment when the chains had come apart and he’d flipped her. She’d

wonderedifshewouldsurvivewhatwasabouttohappen.

But as soon as she landed, and she felt that he’d somehow protected her landing, she knew she was

completelysafewithhim.She’dbarelyregisteredtheimpactexceptforaslightlossofbreath.Otherthan
that,thefiercepoundinghegaveherhadbeenjusttherightnote.

She’dscreamed,orsherememberedscreaming.Pleasurehadflowedlikeanoceanfindinganewdip

oflandtofill.Asenseofwell-beingeasedthroughherveins,relaxingeverymuscle.

Deeperstillwasastrangekindofreleaseshehadn’texpected,asthoughshe’dwalkedfromthedesert,

alongdesertoftwoyears,andsuddenlystumbledongreenplants,seaair,andatonofwelcomehumidity.
Thisstrange,dominance-basedexperiencehadreleasedsomethingandshe’dbetallherfuturehappiness
thatAdrienhadgonethroughsomethingsimilar.

“Lily,didIhurtyou?”Heliftedupslightlyandmethergaze.Shewasfinallyabletoopenhereyes.

“PleasetellmeIdidn’t.”

Shestrokedhischeekwithherthumb.“No,notevenalittle.Youprotectedme.Infact,Iwanttodothis

again and again. There were things I didn’t get to do that I want to experience while you’re bound in
chains.”

Heleaneddownandkissedher.“Likewhat?”
“Iwanttofinishyouoffwithmymouthforone.”
Shefelthimshudderanddeepinsideher,hiscocktwitched.Nice.
“Iwanttohavemyhipspressedupclosetoyourface.”
“I’dtongueyou.”
“I’dcountonthat.”Shereachedupandkissedhim.“ButdoyouknowwhatIreallywanttodo?”
He shook his head. His hips swiveled, and she could feel that he was growing hard again. She

respondedbygivingherpelvisaquickupwardjerk.Hegroaned.“Whatdoyoureallywanttodo?”he
asked.

“Iwanttoexploreeverypartofyourbody,especiallythemusclesofyourarms,yourthighs,yourass.I

wanttousemylips,mytongue,mybreasts,myfingersandsavorallthatyouare.”

Hebegantomoveintoheroncemore.Shemovedwithhim.Shekepttalkingabouthisbody,hischest,

pecs,andabs,howshewouldsuckonhimanduseherhandatthesametime.Shetalkedaboutbitinghis
feettheneachbuttcheekinturn.Shekeptitupuntilhewaspoundingoncemore,hardandfast,andshe
wasshoutingintohisface,“Fuckme,Adrien.Fuckme.”

Withherfleshmadetenderbythefirstorgasm,thesecondwaslikeaskyrocketshootingthroughher

body.Sheclungtohimandscreamedandsavoredthepleasurethatstreakedalongeverysensitivenerve

andthatkeptstreakingaslongasheslammedintoher.

Hishipscontinuedtopoundherandthenshefeltit,likeatinglingthroughherabdomenthatendedat

theveinofherneck.

Shetouchedhisfaceandeasedbackhisupperlip.
Hisfangsglistened.
“Lily.”Hisdeepvoicefilledtheair.
Sherolledherhead.
Hestruckquickly,aflashofpainthatdisappearedinafunnelofsuckingpleasureashebegantodrink

fromher.Herbackarchedasdesirefloodedherbody.Whatwasitaboutthegivingofherlifebloodthat
heightenedtheecstasyrisingoncemore?

He groaned as he drank, his hips thrusting into her heavily again, his hands holding her shoulders to

keepherseatedagainsthismouth.

Thewellofhertookstrongpullsonwhatwassobeautifullyhard,andthespasmingstartedallover

again.Morecriesandmoanslefthermouth.

Whenhisreleasecame,sherodeyetanotherwaveofecstasytothepointthatshegrewhoarseandher

armsachedfromholdingontohimsohard.

When the last of the pleasure drifted away, she struggled to catch her breath. Her body leaked

perspiration.Shewipedastreamfromhisforeheadaswellandsaid,“Canyouflyusstraightbacktothe
showerinRumy’ssuite?Justlikethis?”

Hechuckled.“Inaminute,whenIcanbreatheagain.”
She laughed and hugged him. She sighed and this time took air deep into her lungs, a place she was

sureherbodyhadn’treceivedairinalong,longtime.

***

An hour later, Adrien stood by the mantel of the fireplace in Rumy’s guest suite, staring at nothing in
particular,soberedbywhathadhappenedatEve’sapartment.

Hefeltdifferent,yetmorehimselfthanhe’deverbeen.
He wore his Brioni tux, ready for the gala, but what would he find there in Beijing? Daniel would

attend.HenevermissedasocialeventofthismagnitudeinwhichatleastahundredAncestralswouldbe
presentaswellastheCouncil.

AndnowAdrienhadtherighttoattendbecausehe’dembracedhisgeneticsandhisfuture.
Daniel’s machinations had forced the issue, of course. If Daniel hadn’t taken over the Council, if he

hadn’tsomehowforcedLily’shandtocreateablood-chainbondwithAdrien,ifDanielhadn’twantedthe
extinctionweaponasthoughhislifedependedonit,Adrienwouldn’thavegonedownthispath.

He’d still be a regular fighting vampire, working on behalf of the his world to keep peace and to

sustainsecrecy.

NowhewasontheAncestraltrackandhecouldneverreturntotheoldways.
Hestaredathisrubycufflinks,frowning.Helikedhisnewlevelofpower,andwhatheexperienced

wasjustthebeginning.

Everythingfeltnewanddifferenttohim,asthoughevenhisvisionhadchanged.
“Adrien,I’mready.”
He pushed away from the stone mantelpiece and turned, but what met his sight wasn’t Lily, but the

visionofherthathe’dhadnotsolongago,beforehe’devenmether,thewomanintheburgundygown
withgoldcrystalsembroideredalongthedeepVcutofthebodice.Thegownfitsnuglytoherwaistand
hips,flaringaroundhershoesjustenoughtoallowforwalking.Otherwiseitfitherlikeasecondskin.

“Youlookbeautiful.”Hestartedmovinginherdirection,drawntoher,thechainsrestingbeneathhis

shirtvibratingsoftlywhenhewasthisclose,andyes,feelingthismuch.

Hetookbothherhandsinhisandkissedthebacksofherfingers.Sheworelipgloss,whichmeanthe

neededtoletherkeepiton,sohedippedlowandkisseddownherexquisitelineofcleavage.Maybehe
would never have chosen this path for himself, but sharing the blood-chains with Lily had become a
surprisinglytenderandmovingexperience.

The soft moan that left her lips, combined with the rush of her sweet, feminine scent, helped him to

knowthatshewasasengagedashe.

When he lifted his head, tearing himself away from her soft breasts, he drew her carefully into his

arms.“Isthislove?”heasked.

Sheshookherheadandshrugged.“Idon’tknow,butit’sdamnclose.”Hereyesglistened.
“Awtohellwithit.”Hekissedherfullonthelips,ruiningtheglossshe’dappliedsocarefully.

***

Lily slung her arm around Adrien’s neck and kissed him back. From the moment she’d seen him by the
fireplace, her desire for him, her need for him, had risen all over again. That he looked magnificent in
blackandwhitedidn’thelpmattersatall.

Butitwasmorethanjusthisappearance,whichalwaystendedtoweakenherkneesanyway.Hehada

differentair,adifferentfeelingabouthim,somethingthechainshelpedhertofeel,ofcourse,butevenhis
posturewasdifferent,alittlestraighter,hischinhigher.

Sheunderstoodthatfeelingbecauseshesharedit—akindofbrazenconfidencebornfromovercoming

afewthings,likebeingabletodominateavampireonasextable,ortrackingaweaponthroughmilesof
extendedcaves,orevenbeingabletosiphonAdrien’spowerandfinallycommunicatewithherson.

Yes,sheunderstoodwhatAdrienwasfeelingextremelywellbecauseonthecoattailswasthatelusive

thingcalledhope.Maybenow,afteraccomplishingsomuchtogether,theycouldsucceedatwhatneeded
doing,atfindingtheweaponandrescuingJoshbecauseofit,sothatLilycouldatlastbringhimhome.

Asshedrewback,shewonderedifsheshouldtellAdrienaboutherson.Hadn’theearnedtherightto

know the truth despite Kiernan’s warning to keep it a secret? Didn’t her hard-won relationship with
Adriendemandthetruth?

Shewantedtotellhim.Desperately.
Sheplantedahandonhischest.
“Whatisit?”Hisbrowfurrowed,afamiliarlookforhim.
Shemadethedecisionandthedamwithinherbroke.“Adrien,mysonisn’tdead.He’salive.Kiernan

has him. He’s had him for two years, since the attack on my neighborhood. He’s kept him all this time,
withoutmyknowledge,whenIthoughtJoshwasdead,sothatwhenDanielwantedtousehimtogettome,
to create this”—she touched the chain at her neck—“he’d have the tool he needed, the only thing that
wouldhaveeverpersuadedmedownthisroadwithyou.”

Adrienblinkedacoupleoftimes.Hisheadjerkedasheprocessedwhatshe’djusttoldhim.Hislips

parted;hemightevenhavemurmuredsomething.Hefinallysaid,“Iimaginedsomanythings,thissecret
thatyou’dkeptfromme,butnotthis.Oh,dearGod.”Hesteppedsideways,releasingher.Heseemedto
havetroublebreathing.Hepressedafisttohisforehead.

She needed to tell him everything. “I’ve been through hell since I learned he was alive. And I can’t

imaginewhatmysonhasgonethrough.Icontactedhimearlier,beforeRome.Imadetelepathiccontact.
He’salive.Itrulydidn’tknowforsureuntiljustthenthathereallyisalive.ImeanKiernanletmetalkto
himonce,butthesemenhavesuchresourcesattheircommandIthoughtmaybehe’dfakedthewholething.

ButIspoketoJoshthisevening.Hehasacaregiver,awomannamedClaire.Ahuman.”

She seemed to run out of words and speaking them aloud somehow made it worse, the truth of what

she’d been through, what her son had suffered. A strange strangled sound came out of her throat. But
Adrien caught her and drew her into his arms. Her eyes burned but she couldn’t cry. The horror of her
son’ssituationandofherownheldherinmuteparalysis.

ButAdrien’sarmssoothedherandhelpeddissipateallthatrisinghorrorandemotion.“It’sokay,it’s

okay.It’llbeallright.We’llgethim,we’llfindhim.Somehowwe’llbringyoursonhome.”

“How?”
Andthentherealquestionsurfaced,theoneshe’dbeenignoringfromalmostthebeginning,pretending

shedidn’tcarebecauseshehatedallvampires:howcouldsheandAdrieneverturnovertheextinction
weapontoDaniel?HowcouldsheevertradeJosh’slife,thoughpreciousbeyondwords,foraweapon
that would be given to a monster who wouldn’t think twice about obliterating entire cavern systems of
vampiresonawhimifitsuitedhim?

Hepulledbackfromherbuthetookholdofherarms,staringhardather.“Lily,listentome.We’lltake

this,aswehavefromthestart,onestepatatime.NowthatIknowwhat’sreallygoingonhere,whathas
motivatedeverystepofyourjourney,itchangesthegame.”

“There’snowayout.”Herwordscameouthushed.
“There’s always a way out. We just can’t see it yet, and right now we have a gala to get to. Maybe

something will surface in Beijing that we can use. Have you tried tracking the weapon by focusing on
China?”

Sheshookherhead.“MythoughtshaveallbeenaboutJosh.”
“Ofcoursetheyhave.”Heshookhishead.“Yoursonisalive.Howoldishe?”
“Ten.Hewaseightwhenhewastaken.Twoyearsago.Oh,God.”
He nodded several times in a row. “All right. Beijing. We need to go there now, get things rolling

again.”

LilyforcedherselftobreatheoncemoreandturnedhertrackingabilitytoChina.Shethoughtofnothing

else but the weapon and Beijing. Adrien rubbed her arms slowly and she closed her eyes. His power
flowedthroughher,thetremendouspowershesiphonedfromhimcontinuously.

Thepullbeganlikeagentletugonherbodytoaplaceshecouldonlydefineasverydark,butquickly

becameagripofneed:ShehadtogettoChina.Adrien,whatisthenameoftheBeijingresort?

TheBlackCavern.
Ihaveafixonit,andthepulloftheweaponisstrong,reallystrong.Hertrackingabilityroaredto

lifeasitneverhadbefore,shefeltthelocationrushingtowardher.

Good.
She drew in a sharp breath as another sensation arrived. The weapon is there. I can feel it. The

weaponisinBeijing.Butthiswasfollowedbyanotherpullasshecriedout.“Oh,myGod,Joshisthere
aswell.Icanfeelhim.JoshisattheBlackCaverns.”

“Hashebeenthereallalong?”
Lilyshookherhead.“No.WhenIusedtelepathyearlier,itjustdidn’tfeelasfarasChina.Doesthat

makesense?”

“Yes,itdoes.Wellthen,we’dbettergo.”
Shenodded.Hepulledhertightagainsthimandtheflightbegan.Theentiredistance,Lily’sheartached

as she thought about her son, yet she feared that the whole situation couldn’t possibly lead to a happy
outcome.

She wondered, too, why Kiernan would have brought Josh to Beijing—or maybe it was Daniel’s

doing.Didheknowsomethingthatshedidn’t,abouttheBlackCavernsandtheextinctionweapon?Didhe
know,forinstance,thatbothsheandAdrien,asabondedtrackingteamwouldbethere,atthisparticular
gala?

AdarksensationmovedthroughherasAdrienbroughtherclosertoBeijing.Danielwouldwanttohurt

thembothbecauseofwhathadhappenedinMexico.Shefeltnaivesuddenly,thatherpreviousandvery
brief spurt of confidence hadn’t taken into account that once Daniel had tested Adrien in Mexico, he’d
nowturnuptheheat.AndwhatbetterwaytoremindherofthepactshehadwithKiernanthantobring
JoshtotheBlackCaverns.

ButshestrovetocalmherselfasAdrienflewthemeast.Sheneededherwitsabouther,toholdDaniel

at bay, if possible, while she sought the weapon, maybe even to get to Josh and take him away before
Danielcouldstopher.

Theflightlastedlessthanaminute,ahugechangefromherfirstnightwithAdrien.
Hetookthemtothefaredgeofwhatturnedouttobealandingfieldforthosejustnowflyingin.
Adrien chose a spot and brought them down gently, using the experience of four centuries to avoid

othercouples.

Lilyheldhisarmtightasshewalkedbesidehimthroughagrandbutverydarkhotelentrance,adozen

chandeliersilluminatingwhatturnedouttobewallsofglimmeringobsidiandetailedwithwhitecrystals
insmall,scattereddiamond-patterndesigns.

ShereachedoutforJosh,andmaybeitwashermother’sheartormaybehertrackingability,butshe

knewexactlywherehewas,eventhoughatleasttwomilesofrockseparatedherfromherson.I know
whereJoshis.

We’llgettohim,Lily,assoonaswecan.Butfirsttheweapon.I’vebeenthinkingmaybewecould

destroyitbeforeDanielgottoit.

Ifonlywecould.
Toomanyifsandmaybesinthisequation.
ShewantedtoreachouttoJoshtelepathically,tolethimknowshewasnearby,butshefearedalerting

Daniel.WhatifhecoulddiscernhertelepathiccommunicationswithJosh?Shejustdidn’twanttotakethe
chance.

Onestepatatime.
With such a large gathering of Ancestrals, even the air felt different, humming with power as she

descendedawide,carvedstaircaseintotheBeijingresort.

Movingdownalargehall,sheusedhertrackingabilityandfocusedontheweapon.Whatcamebackto

herwasamassivemachinenotfarfromwhereJoshwasbeingheld,andthepullfromthismachinewas
enormous.

Theextinctionweapon.
Shetrulyhadfoundtheweapon,oratleastonesignificantversionofit.
ShesharedthenewswithAdrien,whostiffened.
Anotherfrighteningthoughtintruded.DoyouthinkDanielalreadyknowswhereitis?
Adrienshiftedtomeethergaze,shakinghishead.Isincerelydoubtit,buthemayhavehadreasonto

guessitmightbehere.

You’reprobablyright.Ifheknewwhereitwas,hewouldn’thavegonetothismuchtrouble.
When she entered the banquet room, she climbed three steps, grateful because of her heels to have

Adrien’s support. The tables were laid out on a raised portion of stone and carpeted with thick, plush
burgundy-and-blackcarpet.

AtthefarendwasadaisbesidewhichDaniel,histwosubservientsons,andotherelegantlygarbed

Ancestralschattedtogether.

She had to admit, though, that of all the male Ancestrals present, Daniel exceeded them all in basic

charisma.Hehadachampagneglassinhandandsmiled,alwayshissmile.Heworeafinelytailoredtux,
likeAdrien’s,hisblackhairoiledandcombedstraightback.

“Heseemstoenjoyhisrole,”shewhisperedtoAdrien.
“Thathedoes.”
Daniel stood smiling, his gaze roving the guests, of whom there had to be at least three hundred

present. Since there were only about five hundred Ancestrals in the vampire culture, the number here
tonightwassignificant.

Everyracewaspresent,sothatitwouldseemthevampireworldtrulydidsharebasichumangenetics.

Butsomewhereacoupleofgeneshadtakenahardturnthathadtodowiththeabilitytogrowandrelease
fangs, increase bodily strength, and develop a severe reaction to sunlight. The rest, even Daniel’s
behavior,wasveryhuman.Inheropinion,hewasacontentedpsychopathwhohadsomehowmaneuvered
hiswayintoapositionofpower,reveledinhisrule,andintendedtodowhateverheneededtokeepit,
includingacquiring,andprobablyusing,aweaponthatcouldwipeouthisspecies.

As she glanced around, and saw that many vampires were staring at her, she sensed a kind of group

curiosity and amazement, especially since the chain she wore drew a lot of attention. Adrien’s chains
werelessevident,hiddenastheywerebeneathhisshirt.Butassheletherowngazewander,shenoticed
thatalotofwomenpresentworechainssimilartohers,thoughenhancedwithotherjewelry.Therewere
evenwomenwithmultiplechains.

Fromanearbygroup,Gabrieljoinedthem.Shegreetedhimwithakissoneachcheek,somethingthe

Ancestralstendedtodo.Heseemedgratefulthatshewasthere,butespeciallyAdrien,whomheclapped
ontheshoulderacoupleoftimes.“Rumyhaskeptmeinformed,”hesaidquietly.

Adrien merely nodded, then patted Lily’s hand. She still clutched his arm, her heart pounding in her

chest,thoughtsbouncingrapidlyfromJosh,totheweapon,toDanielandbackagain,overandover.

Gabrieldrewasmall,silk-wrappedpacketfromtheinnerpocketofhiscoat.HeofferedittoLily.“I

broughtyouagift.”

Shemethisgaze.“Youdid?”She’dneverbeenmoresurprised.
“Withallthatyou’vebeenthrough,Ithoughtyouneededthis,asmallgesture.No,don’topenitnow.”
Lily felt the air around her waver slightly. At first, she thought she was having another revisiting

vision,butthebluesilkofthepresent,coolbeneathherfingers,hadbeguntovibrate.

Shelookeddownatitfrowning,thenbacktoGabriel.
Thewave-likefeeloftheairsuddenlymadesense,especiallywhenGabriel’svoicepiercedthecenter

of her brain. I’ve created a brief disguise and we have only a few seconds to speak, but by now you
knowwhatyou’reholding;thecompanionchaintoAdrien’s.Lily,itwouldbepermanentbutitwould
geometrically increase his power for every ability he possesses. Keep that in mind. You’ll have a
choicetomakesoon.FollowyourinstinctsandtrustinAdrien’sgoodnessaboveallthings.

Theairwarmedup,thedisguisedissipated,andGabrielturnedtogreetsomeoneelse.Sheslippedthe

giftintohervelvetpurse,herheartpoundingoncemore.

Adrienhadalsoturnedaway,perhapsbecauseofGabriel’sdisguisingskill,andshenolongerheldhis

arm.Shetookdeepbreathsandletthemomentunfold.

Shehadwithhernowthecompaniondouble-chaintoAdrien’s,onethatwouldbindhertohimforever.

Shecouldneverescapehimorthisworld.

Butshecouldincreasehispower.
Josh,theweapon,Daniel,escape.

Double-chain,noescape.Ever.
Her gaze moved to Adrien, who turned and introduced her to a handsome couple, but she couldn’t

registertheirnames.Herearsfeltfulloffog.

SheshookhandsandAdrienpassedheraglassofchampagne.Shesmiledandnodded.
Double-chains.
ShelookedupatAdrien,seeinghiminhiselement,asamanofconfidenceandeaseamongvampires,

nowhispeersbecauseofhisrisetoAncestralstatus.Hewasalreadyfourhundredyearsoldandwould
livetobemuch,mucholder.

WhathadGabrielbeenthinkingtohavegivenherthecompaniondouble-chain?
Shehadachoicetomake.
ButherdecisionhadlongsincebeenmadethemomentshegavebirthtoJosh.Hewasherpriority.Her

mother’sheartdemandedit.Shewoulddoanythingtomakesurehelived.

Hergazedriftedtothedais.Danielwatchedherfromovertherimofhisglass.Hewasfortyfeetaway,

atleast,yetshefeltasthoughhestoodnexttoher.

Theairbegantospin.
Anotherrevisitingvision.
She wasn’t surprised to see Daniel in the same space, but the tables were gone and he stood with

anothervampire.Silas.

Fromthepast,Silasfrowned.“Andyouthinktheweaponishere,intheBlackCaverns?”
“Therearemorerumorsaboutthisplacethananyothersiteontheplanet.”
“Whatdoyouwantfromme?”
Danielsnorted.“Tohelpmefindthedamnthing.”
“Watchyourblasphemy.”Silastweakedthecuffofhisrobe.
AsmilespreadoverDaniel’sface.“Andyou,myfriend,shouldwatchyourhypocrisy.”
“ButyouknowifIfindit,Iwon’tletyouhaveit.”
“AndyetyoujustmightsinceIcanmakeitworthyourwhile.YouknowIcan.”
Silasgrewverystilland,afterafewseconds,noddedslowly.
ButatthatmomentDanielturnedtowardLilyfromwithinthevisionandmethergazedead-on.“Hello,

Lily.” He looked around. “What is this? Ah, the annual gala.” He peered past her. “Here, at the Black
Caverns.I’llbeseeingyouthen.Itakethisasagoodsign.Youhavetwochildren,right?”

Lilynodded.
Daniellaughed,wavedhisarm,andthevisionvanished.
Whentheroomcamebackintoview,sherealizedtwothings:thatAdrienhadhisarmaroundherand

wasaskingherifshewasallright,andthatDanielhadraisedhisglasstoherfromacrossthemazeof
Ancestrals.

Areyouallright?
Lily couldn’t answer the telepathic question. Though Daniel had shifted his attention to a beautiful

Africanfemalevampirewhoclungtohim,ahanddrapedhighoverhisshoulder,shestillstaredathim.

Themonsterwhohadinflictedunimaginablepainonhischildren.
Thevampirewhoownedsex-slaveclubsspecializinginhumanfemales.
The ruler determined, at all costs, to get his hands on the extinction weapon in order to control

everything.

Andclosertohome,themanwhohadseenintothefuture,duringherrevisitingvisions,discoveredher

identityandorchestratedtheslaughterofherhusbandanddaughterandthekidnappingofherson.

Lily,what’swrong?Icanfeelthatyou’redistressed,butnotlikebefore.What’sgoingon?

Sheturnedtohim,awarethattheotherAncestralcouplelookedconcernedaswell.Butshecouldn’t

worryaboutthemrightnow,oranyoneelse,onlytheterribletruthofhercurrentsituationandtheevents
shewouldsoonsetintomotion.

She blinked once then twice, and in the space of those few seconds, her life and purpose shifted

entirely.SheturnedtoAdrien,meetinghisgaze.I’vecometoadecision.Ican’t,Iwon’tdothisanymore.
I won’t be used to hunt for the extinction weapon and I sure as hell won’t turn the location over to
Daniel,notnow,notever.I’lldiefirst.

Adrien’sarmtightenedaroundherwaist.ButLily,DanielwillkillJosh.
Alumpformedinherthroatandhereyesfilledwithtears.I’llfindhim,SolongasIliveandbreathe,

I’lltraveltotheendsoftheearthtogethimback.NowthatIhaveatelepathiclinkwithhim,somehow
I’llfindhimandsavehim.ButI’llnolongerbeenslavedtoDaniel,whowouldusetheweapontokill
somany.

CHAPTER15

Adrienfellbackintohisoldself.Thatwastheonlywayhecoulddescribewhathappenedtohimoncehe
understoodthelevelofLily’sdeterminationtoendthehuntfortheweaponandfindhersononherown.

Butwhyshouldshehavetodothat?Whywassheevenhere?Howcouldhisworldhavedevolvedso

badlythatavampirelikeDanielwouldhavecontroloveranyhuman’slife?

Thentheotherhalfoftheequationsurfacedaswell:DanielstillhadcontroloverLucianandMarius.If

Lilyrefusedtogofarther,wouldDanielkillAdrien’shalfbrothersinretaliation?

Whenhethoughtofhisbrothers,hisheartseized.Afterthisnight,wouldheeverseethemagain?He

shookhishead.Afterthisnight,wouldheevenbealive?

Adrienshiftedslightlytostarehardathisfather.AssoonasDanielmethisgaze,Adrientelepathed,

You’renotgettingtheweapon.Nottonight.Notever.NotsolongasIhavebreath.

Danielofferedahalfsmile.Thenyou’reafool,myson.
Theairallaroundtheroombegantoflowinstrangevisiblewaves.AsAdrienglancedaround,itwas

as though the room fell into stasis: glasses raised to lips but unmoving, gestures halted midair, bodies
frozeningalaposes.

HeblinkedandshiftedtolookdownatLily.
Sheturnedtowardhim.What’shappening?
Adrienreleasedalongbreath.Daniel.Ichallengedhim,toldhimhewasn’tgettingtheweapon.
Thenwe’reinforit.
IneedyoutoknowthatIagreewithyouwholeheartedly.Thisistherightthingtodo.
Shenodded,butpainflashedthroughherhazeleyesandhischainsvibratedheavily.Heknewshewas

terrifiedatseveringthelinktoherson,buthealsofeltherdeterminationtogethimback.Andthiswasa
placetobegin,tostanduptothemonsterwhereverthatmightlead.

HewatchedDaniellevitateabovethesilent,immobilecrowdofAncestrals,floatinginhispowerful

way.

Whenhearrived,hestoodinfrontofthembothbutaddressedAdrien.“Youdon’tpossessatenthofmy

power,whichmeansyou’regoingtoputyourwomanherethroughaworldofhurtbeforethenightisout.
Areyoureadyforthat?”

“Wecan’tletyouhavetheweapon.”Lily’svoicesoundedstrongandsure.
Danielshiftedhisgazetoher.“Soyoufoundit.”
She said nothing. When he tried to enthrall her, Adrien again blocked him with a thought, which

broughtDaniel’sgazebacktoAdrieninaquickflash.

Danielsnorted.“ToobadLilydidn’ttakeonadouble-chain.Thenthismightevenbeachallenge.”He

liftedhisrightarmandsnappedhisfingers.

Thewavylinesdissipatedandmovementandchatterbeganagainabruptly,asthoughnothinghadever

happened.

AdrientriedtoputLilyintoflight,buthecouldn’tmove;Daniel’spowernowsurroundedhim.Atthe

same time, from all four corners of the room, Daniel’s hired thugs—dressed in black—poured onto the
raised stone platform, streaming through the guests who started to cry out, some in protest, some in
surpriseandfear.

Before Adrien could do anything, manacles, radiating with Daniel’s power, appeared in his father’s

hands.AsplitsecondlaterAdrienworethemandnowhewasparalyzed,justashehadbeenasaboy,
unabletomove.

Buthewasnolongerachild.HerecalledthepowerfulmanaclesthatLilyhadusedonhimwhilein

Rome,soAdriensummonedthatsamepower.HecouldfeelaneffectandashisgazeshiftedtoDaniel,
again,hewatchedadartofsurprisepassthroughthemonster’seyes.

SoonenoughDaniel’sconfidencereturnedasheexertedhisenergytowardthemanacles.
Adrienfeltthemclampdownhard.Thistimenothinghecoulddomovedthem.Hisonlyconsolation

was that sweat beaded on Daniel’s forehead so Adrien knew the amount of effort he expended to
strengthentheAncestralpowerhe’dinfusedthewroughtironwith.

Satisfied,Danielturnedonhisheelwhileorderinghismentobringthemtothedais.
Adeephalfcirclehadformed,creatingalargespaceinfrontofthedaiswhereDanielleftAdrienand

Lily.

As gasps filled the room, Daniel levitated slowly, the showman that he was, to hold himself above

everyone, his men spreading out to either side of him, battle chains hanging down with the threatening
bladesslackatthebottom.

HemovedforwardjustafewfeetsothatAdriencouldseehim.
Daniel waved an arm to encompass his captives. “I fear, my most beloved compatriots, that I have

discovered a sinister plot in our midst coming from my son Adrien. As many of you know, he recently
achievedAncestralstatus,somethingIhadhopedtocelebratethiseveningwithallofyou.Instead,whatI
havelearnedisthatAdrienhasboundhimselftothishumaninordertoformtheoutlawedtrackingbond,
and has been searching for the extinction weapon for the past three nights. He even embraced his
Ancestralstatusinordertogainenoughpowertoaccomplishhisgoal.”

Thecrowdhissedatthesewords.
Daniel’sperformancewentonandonashedetailedeachstepoftheirjourney,moreproofthathe’d

beenfollowingthemfromthebeginning.Adrienfeltthehardstaresofhispeers.

Many,likeGabriel,knewwhatDanielwasupto,butagreatmajoritybelieved,orchose to believe,

Daniel’slies.

Lily’svoiceenteredAdrien’smind.Theybelievehim,buthowcanthey?
Formany,thisisaboutsurvival.FromthemomentDanieltookovertheCouncilofAncestrals,he’s

beenharassingandblackmailingtheweakest.Idon’tblamethem.AndLily,I’msosorry.

Shemighthavesaidsomethinginresponse,butAdrienhadfixedhismindontheimmediatefuture,on

tryingtofigureawayoutofthismess.Hedidn’twanttodie,andheespeciallydidn’twantLilytoperish
—orherson.

Butwhatcouldhedo?IfDanielincarceratedhimagain,thatwouldbeonething,buthisfather’sdark

sidereignedinthismoment,andAdrienhadthesensethatDanielintendedtomakeanexampleofhim,
maybeforLucianandMarius’sbenefit.

The next moment Daniel’s voice rang out stronger than before. “Justice must be served tonight, both

swift and sure. I hereby pronounce judgment on my son and the woman to whom he so unwisely bound
himself, the human who led him onto this wayward path of destruction. I, Daniel, despite my love for
Adrien,mustorderanexecution,thisverynight,forboththesetraitorstoourkind.”

DanielturnedandmetAdrien’sgaze.Anunholylighthadenteredthemonster’seye,somethingAdrien

hadneverseenbefore.Forthefirsttimeinhislife,AdrienknewhewoulddieatDaniel’shand.Every
timebefore,hesensedthathisfatherhadintendedonlytoinflictasmuchsufferingashecould,butnot
now,notthistime.

“Whatdoyousay,myfellowAncestrals?Dothesetraitorsdeservetodie?”
ShoutingfilledthebanquetroomaswellasscatteredcallsthatAdrienandLilyshouldbetakentothe

Pit.

“ThePit,thePit,”becameahorrendouschantwithintheobsidiancavern.
Adrien?Lily’svoicepiercedhismind,asoftqueryagainsttheharshcallsfortheirdeaths.
Heturnedtolookather,fullsuddenlyofallthathefeltforher,hisrespectandadmiration,histrustin

her,hisbeliefinheressentialgoodness,herrightnessofcharacter.Andinthismoment,heunderstoodthat
helovedher,somethinghe’dneverbeforetrulybelievedhimselfcapable.

Iloveyou,camefromhismind.
She blinked, and her eyes filled with tears. I love you, too. A soft smile, full of affection followed,

then,Withallmyheart,Adrien;withallmyheart.

Daniel’svoice,louderthanalltheshoutingcombined,echoedthroughthecavern,“TothePit!”

***

Lilyfeltdisconnectedfromherbody,asthoughthepathshewalkedrightnowledstraightintohell.Her
heartbeatlikeamalletagainstadrum,sohardthatthethumpingresoundedpainfullyinherears.

Worse,shecouldfeelJoshnowandknewthatwitheverystepshetook,shedrewclosertohim,which

meantDanielalreadyhadhimattheplaceofexecution.

HowconvenientthatthePitshouldbelocatedintheBlackCaverns.
She wanted to reach out to her son telepathically, but to do what, to tell him that they were vastly

outnumberedbyamobbentontheirexecution?

Shetookanotherbreath.
ThepaththatapparentlyledtothePithadadownwardslopenowandAncestralspouredintothespace

fromeverydirection,allcomingstraightfromthebanquettowatchtheexecution.

Wasthisreallyhappening?
Shestillcarriedherpurse,theonethatcontainedthedouble-chainthatGabrielhadgivenher.Ifsheput

itonnow,woulditdoanygood?Andifshedid,andsomehowshesurvived,she’dbeboundtoavampire
forever.She’dneverbeabletoleaveAdrien,she’dneverhavethechoice.

Shedrewthesilkpackageoutofherpurse,lettingthepursesliptothefloorfromherhands.Asshe

walked,sheopenedthesmallpacketandpulledthedouble-chainout.

Immediatelyshefeltavibrationflowthroughherbody.
Lily,whatisthat?
Sheopenedherpalmandshowedhim.Adrienpressedhislipstogetherandshookhishead.Won’tdoa

damnbitofgoodandifwe’reabletosurvive,I’dhatethatyouwereboundtomelikethis.You’dnever
beabletoleavemyworld.Don’teventhinkaboutit.

Shesighedandnodded,thenwrappedthechainaroundandaroundherwrist,wearingitlikeabracelet.

Thevibrationremained,butshesensednoparticularbondwasbeingforged.

Still,shethumbedthechainwithheropposinghand,wonderingiftherewassomepossiblewayoutof

thismess,somethingshehadn’tseeneitheraboutDanielorthesituation,orevenherownabilities.

Thoughherheartstillthumpedinherears,shefocusedherattentiononhersurroundings,onthenature

ofthePitintowhichshewasdescending,ontheloveshehadforAdrien.

Shefelthisragenowrisingwithinhim,thatfamiliarterribleirethathaddefinedhimfromthemoment

shehadfirstplacedthebindingchainaroundhisneck.

Yes,ragehaddefinedAdrien,ragebirthedinhischildhoodandcontinuingashewatchedhissociety’s

inequitiesunfold.

Sheknewthattonighthadbecomeforhimtheculminationofhislifeexperiences.Hewasamanwho

battledtokeephisworldinorderwhilehisfather,alwaysbesieginggoodvampiresandhumansonthe
oppositesideofjustice,keptthesecretworldinastateofchaos.

The tunnel opened up into a huge cavern, an arena-like space, all black as the name of the resort

promised,thewallsinpolishedobsidianwithintricatediamondetchingsinanarrayofpatterns.Softlight
fromdozensofsconceslitthespaceinadimglow.

Lookingup,shesawthateventheceilinghadbeenworkedwell,thistimeinadomeofpolishedrock

thatoverlookedtherowsandrowsofseats,allinacircleabovetheplaceofexecutionbelow.

Fromotherhallways,Ancestralspouredintothearenafillinguptheseats.Lilydrewinasharpbreath

realizingthatthey’dcometowatchherdie.Historically,crowdsoftenwatchedpublicexecutions,butin
moremoderntimes,inherhumanworld,justice-ordereddeathsoccurredbehindcloseddoors.

Shewasn’tusedtothisonanylevel,includingthehorrifyingspectatoraspectoftheevent.
Adrien’svoicepiercedhermind.I’mdisgustedaswell.
Shemovedforwardandgrabbedhismanacledhand.Hesqueezedherfingersinresponse.
But that was the last contact she had. Quill emerged from a nearby tunnel, which caused Adrien to

stiffen,dropherhand,andturninhisdirection.

“Happy,brother?”Adrienspat.
Quillsmiled.“Morethanyou’lleverknow.I’vewantedyoudeadforalongtime,punishedforyour

disrespect toward our father. Now let’s go.” He snapped his finger in Lily’s direction. “And bring the
woman.”

The guards hefted Adrien, picking him up beneath his arms, pulling him off-balance so that he fell

forward.Theydraggedhimtowardasetofstairsthatleddownwardtotheplaceofexecution,hisbody
thumpingdownthestairstheentiredistance.

She cried out, “Stop it. What are you doing? He’s done nothing wrong. Daniel did this. It’s always

beenDaniel.”

Butthecrowdaboveshoutedherdownthistime,callingheraliarandatraitor.Ofcoursetheclosest

seatsweretakenbyDaniel’smen,sothatwasnosurprise.

She moved quickly down the same set of stairs that led to the base of the Pit. But that’s when

everythingshutdownforherbecausestandingopposite,pasttwotablesmadeofslabsofblackgranite,
Joshstoodstaringather,manacledathiswristsaswell,adarkheavychainloopedbetweenthem.

Danielwaitedbesidehim,hisarmrestingoverthebackofJosh’syoungshoulders.
AndDanielsmiled.
Shestoppedinhertracks,staringatthechildshehadn’tseenintwoyears.“Josh,”shewhispered.
Athrashingbegandeepwithinhersoul,aneedtogettohim,toholdhim,toprotecthim,tobeghimto

forgiveherforbeingunabletohelphim.

Butlookingintohiseyes,hisexpressionnowoldbeyondhisyears,allsuchmaternalthoughtsceased.

Shegrewverystillasshemethisgaze.Instead,sheopenedherselftohersiphonedabilitytosensewhat
otherswerefeelinganddirectedthatpowertowardherson.

Thefirstthingshefeltwasthedepthofhisfear,whichhe’dbeenlivingwithfortwoyears,fearofhis

situation,oftheguardsaroundhim,ofthearmrestingacrosshisshoulders.Somuchfear,whichprompted
anotherresurgenceofhermother-guiltandasecondinternalflailing.

Butagain,theserenityinJosh’seyesstoppedwhatwasuselessinthissituation.
Whatshefeltnext,however,wasadeterminationsosimilartowhatAdrienexuded,herheartfinally

begantosettle.

“Iloveyou,”shecalledout.
He didn’t speak, but nodded slowly and never lost eye contact. So restrained, so grown-up, long

beforeheshouldhavebeen,alltheheinoussignsthathe’dbeenthroughaseveretrauma.

Josh was taller now at ten and came to Daniel’s shoulder. His hair was slicked back and his

cheekboneslookedsharp,asifhehadn’tbeenfedaswellasheshouldhave,ormaybehe’dbeenunable
toeat.HeworeablackT-shirtandblackjeans,andhewasbarefoot.Evenfromhereshecouldseethat
hisfeetwerefilthy.Butachildwithoutshoeswasachildwhocouldn’trunaway.

Maybemorethananyotherthingthesightofhisfeetdidherin.Somethinginsideherbegantoscream.

Shearchedherneckandletthesoundpouroutofher.Shescreameduntilherlungsachedandhervocal
cordscouldtakenomore.

Whenshestopped,shewasstaringupatthetalldomedceilingatleastfivestoriesup.
Andthecrowdwasfinallysilent.
WhenshelookedbackatJosh,itwasDanielwhocaughthereye.Hisgazehadafoggyappearanceand

hislipswereslack.Nodoubthewaseuphoricbecauseshe’djustgivenhimexactlywhathecravedthe
most:thesufferingofothers,thepainofothers.

When she glanced at Josh again, his eyes were tight and he mouthed something. It took her several

secondsbeforesheunderstoodhewassaying,simply,Mom.Shenoddedandusinghertelepathysaid,I’m
okaynow.Iloveyou,Josh.I’msosorry.I’msosorry.

Hedidn’tsayanythinginresponse,butheldhislipstogethertightly,twowhitelines.
Sohereshewas,LilyHavenofDeerValley,Arizona,andofManhattan,soontobeexecuted,standing

halfwaybetweenherkidnappedsonandthemansheloved,withnowayout.

***

ThesoundsofLilyscreamingheranguishatthesightofhersonhadquietedAdrien,hadbroughthimout
ofhisrageandintothepresentmoment.Hissensessharpenedastheemotionsofthenowsilentspectators
hummedthroughhisveins.

Theguardsgrabbedhimoncemore.Thoughheresisted,hewasquicklyoverpowered,pickedup,and

thrown onto a hard slab of granite, one of two altar-like tables in the Pit. More chains were wrapped
aroundhim,securinghim,chainsthatheldDaniel’spowerfulsignatureandkepthimimmobile.

Hestaredupatthetall,curvedblackceiling,hismindrollingbackwardtobeingachild.Howmany

timeshadhebeeninthisposition,chainedtoatableandsubjectedtoknifecuts,deliveredclose-upso
thatDanielcouldwatchhimsuffer?Howmanytimes?Ahundred?Athousand?

AndhowmuchLily’sscreamshadfedthebeastthatlivedinsideDaniel,theonethatneededthepainof

otherstothriveandtobesatisfied.

Hedidn’twanthisfathertowinsoAdrienlayverystill,gatheringhisthoughts.Hehadtofigurethis

out. He’d gained Ancestral status. Surely there was some way to access his power and overcome the
chains.

TheguardsmovedLilyinthedirectionofthesecondtable.Surprisingly,motherandsondidn’tspeak,

butthenwhatcouldbesaid?He’dwatchedJosh’sreactiontohismother’sscreams,heevenremembered
whatthatwaslike.Howyounghehadbeenwhenhisownmotherhadscreamedherpain,heranguish.

Buthewouldn’tbringthosememoriestothistable.
Thistablebelongedtonowandnottothepast.Thistablewasaboutcreatinganewsetofmemories.

Heglancedathisfather,whosmiled.Ofcourse.
Joinme,Adrien.Daniel’svoicepiercedhismind.Andallthiswillend.Iwillevensparethehuman’s

lifeandherson’s.JustsayyouwillservemeandIwillendthissuffering.

Forasplitsecondheconsideredagreeingtoit,iffornootherreasonthantospareLilyandJosh,but

reasonreturned.

HealsoknewthatDanielwouldn’tkeephisword.He’dneverletLilyandJoshgo.
Adrienrespondedwithasingleword:Never.
Howunfortunate,buthaveitasyouwill.

***

Lilystoodbesidethegraniteslab,aguardoneachsideofher,asshewaitedtobechainedtoherplaceof
execution.Shedidn’tlookatJoshagain.Howcouldshewithoutfallingintoanotherroundofscreaming
anguish.

Quill’s voice, loud and strong, sounded through the arena as he stated again the reason for the

execution,theillegalhuntfortheextinctionweapon.

Thecrowdrespondedwithshoutsandcondemnation.
Hereyesbegantoburn.Oncemoreshelookedupatthegleamingblackdomeoftheceiling.Shehad

heardthatinaspiritualsenseobsidianmeant“truth.”

What was the truth of this situation? Why was she here? What had gotten her here? Why was she

trappedinawaythatpreventedherfromhelpingeitherhersonorthemansheloved?

Fromthetimeofherhusband’sanddaughter’sdeaths,griefhaddominatedherlife,apainsodeepthat

foralongtime,untilshe’dbeencontactedwithnewsthatJoshwasalive,she’dfeltnothingbutanumbing
painwithoutend.Shehadlivedthatpainandithadriddenherhard,formonthsturnedtoyears.

MeetingAdrienhadbeenlikesettingalitmatchtoagasoline-soakedbonfireofsexualandemotional

need.Herrelationshipwithhimhadsimplyexplodeduntilnowthatbonfireburnedinherheart.

Shelovedhim,anewlovebornoutofthisimpossiblesituation.
Griefwasstillwithherandsheknew,inherheartofhearts,thatshewouldgrieveforthoseshe’dlost

untilshedrewherlastbreath.

Butthechainshadbirthedsomethingnewinher.She’dcomealiveinthecourseofthepastfewnights,

aliveinwaysneverbeforeimagined,burstingwithstrengthandpassion,andtheawarenessthatshewas
boundtoavampireinawaythatgaveherunexpectedpowersandtheabilitytoliveinasecretvampire
world.

In a sudden revelation, she understood the lesson of the chains, of her bondage to Adrien, of what

they’dbecomeoverthepastthreenights:Theirrealpowercamefromworkingtogether,backandforth,
functioningasateam.

Butinwhatwaycouldsheworkwithhimnow?
Sheglanceddownatthedouble-chainwrappedaroundherwristandbegantoloosenandunfurlituntil

ithunginalongloopfromherhand.Timeseemedtoslow.Thedouble-chain,oncesheputiton,would
mean a final commitment to Adrien, to being with him forever, inseparable. There would be no way to
removethischain,toleaveAdrienbehind,andshe’dneverbeabletoreturntothehumanworldinany
normalsense.

Yetasshestaredatthechainandheardthecrowdasthroughafogcallingforherdeath,sheknewthis

waswhereshewantedtobe,withAdrien,nothingheldback.Fromherright,shesawamanacleliftedin
herdirectionastheguardpreparedtobindherandsecurehertothegranitetable.

Inaswiftmovesheflippedthedouble-chainoverherheadandfeltitfallaroundherneck,astheguard

seizedherwristandsecuredherwiththeheavywroughtiron.

Immediatelythechainbegantovibrate.Powerswirledaroundher.
“Lily,whathaveyoudone?”
ShemetAdrien’sgazeandsmiled.WhatIshouldhavedonethemomentGabrielgavemethechain.
Butyou’llbeboundtomepermanently.
Shesmiled.Idon’twanttobeanywhereelse.
InthatmomentsheopenedherhearttoAdrienassheneverhadbefore.Sheletallhergriefgoasshe

focused her thoughts on him, letting her love flow in his direction, letting him know that she loved him
morethanlifeitself.

Allthisshesentthroughthechainsthatboundthem.

***

AdrienshiftedasbesthecouldsothathecouldseeLily,towatchherasthedouble-chaincametolife
betweenthem,asealingoftheirfatestogether,nowandforever.

Butmostlyhefeltherlove,hereyesglowingwithemotion,withallthatshefeltforhim.Itmeantmore

tohimthanwordscouldeverexpressthatshewouldhavedonnedachainthatboundhertohim.Evenif
thiswastobethelastmomentofhislife,andhers,thatshehaddonethisthingfilledhisheartwithjoy.

“Iloveyou,”shecalledtohim.“AndIalwayswill.”
“Iloveyou,too.”
“Silence,”Danielshouted.
Adrienfelttheweightofthechainsonhisbody,chainshehadknowneversincehecouldremember,

maybe even since birth. Yes, he’d been born in chains and lived chained up, whether mentally or more
recentlychainedinacavernandtorturedwithwhipsandclubs.

Now he felt the chains again, so heavy that they pressed into his soul and mired him in the moment,

sankhimdeep.Hecouldn’tbelievehewashereagain,knowingnotonlythathewoulddiesoon,butthat
the woman he had come to love over the past several days would also die—along with the boy she’d
givenbirthtotenyearsago,herbelovedson,theremnantofherfamily.

Adrienturnedtolookathissire,atthemanwhohadspawnedhim,whohadgivenhimlife,standingin

hisarrogancebesidetheboy.

Daniellookedback,hiseyesglittering,hisdesiretoinflictpainrisingoncemore.
Adrienknewthatlookwell.
Painalwaysfollowed.
Heclosedhiseyes,unwillingtoletDanielfeedoffhissufferingandpain.Instead,hefocusedonLily

andherlove,andonthechainsvibratingpowerfullyathisneck.Heopenedhimselftoexperiencingwhat
she felt right now. What came to him was her love, that she found him worthy and noble, that in this
moment nothing else mattered. He felt her strength as well, that despite the horror of the Pit she could
reachouttohim,willinghimtoknowthatshelovedhim,thoughshewouldsoondie.

Thatlove,whichshegavesoeasily,whichwasjustwhoshewas,begantomovethroughhissoullike

ahealingriver.

For the first time in his life, he let his rage go, all that horrible anger that had lived in him like a

festeringwound.

Heallowedotherfeelingsin,thebetterones,theoneshe’dlearnedfromthosevampireswholivedin

close-knit communities, like Alfonse and Giselle, and more recently from Lily, about love, about
forgiveness,aboutopeninghishearttoanotherpersonandtrustingthatgoodthingswouldfollow.

Rage was all he had ever really known, a profound rage born at his birth and built with the fuel of

everyevildeedDanielhadcommittedagainsthimandagainsthisbrothers.

Yes,heletthatgo,allofit,letitdrainoutofhisbodylikethepoisonitwas.Hesawitsinkingdeeper

anddeeperintothegranitealtarhewaschainedto,deeperanddeeper.Heletlovewashthroughhim,a
cleansingforcethatbuiltanewstrengthinhisbody,firedhismusclesasitcleansedhismindandsoul.

The part of him that was now an Ancestral vampire responded, adding a new layer of power and

intention. Light shone in his mind, another purifying force that wiped the slate clean, that took all his
hatred,allhisanger,andtransformeditinto…purpose.

Thatwaswhathefelt,anintense,searingpurpose.
Andhispurposeinthismomentwassimple:tosavetheonehelovedandtheonesheloved.
Powerflowedintohismuscles,newpower,Ancestralpower.Buttherewassomethingmore,andthis

wasLily’sgifttohimastheaddedpowerofherdouble-chainrippedthroughhim.Thebaseofthegranite
tablebegantovibrate—thenthewholestructurestartedtoriseintotheair.

“Whatthehellisthis?”Danielcriedout.“Youthere!Guards!Securethattable.”
GuardssurroundedAdrien,handsonthetable,forcingitbacktothestonefloor.
“Let the executions commence,” Daniel shouted. “And begin with Adrien, the one who betrayed me

repeatedly,hisownfleshandblood.”

Adriensmiledbecausenowheunderstoodthathisfatherfearedhim,fearedwhathecoulddotohim,

what he was becoming. He would never have ordered Adrien’s death first, not when he could have
inflictedmoresufferingbykillingLilyorevenJoshfirst.

Father,hetelepathed,pushingintoDaniel’shead.Shallwefindoutwhatyou’vereallycreatedinme?
DidhehearshriekinginDaniel’smind?
“Usethebladeandtakehishead!Now!”
Adrienopenedhiseyesandembracedallthathislifewas,includingallthatDanielhadgivenhimas

hisfather.

Adriensawthesharpedgesofthebladerisehighabovehishead,theexecutioner’shandsteady,the

manreadytoobeyDaniel.

Butasthebladefell,Adrienliftedhisfingers,focusedhispower,thenreleased.Astreamofenergy

flowed down his shoulder, through his arm, and outward in a powerful thrust from his hand. The blade
flew from the executioner’s grasp, sweeping in a high arc that took it out of the Pit and beyond the
surroundingseats.

Criesfromthespectatorsfloodedthearena.
Hefocusedthesamepowerwithinhisbody:hischest,arms,andlegs.Heflexedhismusclesandone

byonethewrought-ironlinkssnappedandthemanaclesonhiswristsandlegsfellaway.Heheardthe
whirring of a long battle chain ready to strike. A guard came at him swiftly, the chain spinning. He
reachedinandpluckedthechainawayfromtheguard.Atalmostthesamesecond,heflippedthechain
towardtwootherguards.Thechainwrappedaroundbothnecksandboundthem.

Theremainingguardsbackedup.
AdrienmovedinDaniel’sdirection,buthecalledout,“Killthewomanandchild!Onpainofdeath,do

asIsay!”HethrewJoshinthedirectionoftheguards.Hiswordscarriedenthrallmentpower,andonce
moretheguards,nowglassy-eyed,movedtoobey.

Adrienhadadecisiontomake.HecouldgoafterDanielrightnowandslayhim,removingthescourge

ofhislifefromhisworldforalltime.ButifhedidbothLilyandJoshwoulddie.

OrhecouldsaveLilyandherson.
Buthecouldn’tdoboth.
Therewasnorealchoicetomake.InthesamewayLilyhadrefusedtoturntheweaponovertoDaniel,

AdrienrefusedtofollowDanielandtakehisvengeance.

As Daniel switched to altered flight and vanished, Quill and Lev following in his wake, the blades

descendedonLilyandJosh.

Adrien split into his two selves and with the greater power and speed of his Ancestral status, he

destroyedtheguardsinquicksuccession,flingingthekillingbladesaway,breakingbones,snappingnecks
untilhewasaloneinthePitwiththewomanhelovedandherson.Here-formedquickly.

TheassemblyofAncestralsbrokeintoanuproarofshouting,atleastthosewhoeitherbelievedAdrien

andLilyguiltyorservedDaniel.ButAdrienalsoheardalotofcheeringashebrokeLily’smanacles.

HeknewthatevenashereleasedLily’schains,someoftheguardswouldreturntodotheirduty.He

hadtogetoutofthePitandgetawaynow.

HetookJoshinonearmandLilyinthenext.
Withthebarestthought,hesetthemflyingwithhisgreatestspeedever,tohismostsecureresidencein

SouthAfrica.

Withinseconds,hestoodinthelivingroom,hisastonishedhousekeeperstaringathimasheheldJosh

andLilyinatightembrace,motherandsonweeping,thesonfinallyenfoldedwithinhismother’sarms.

CHAPTER16

Lily led her son to the couch in the living room, then sat down and took him into her arms once more.
Adrien moved into the hallway and she heard him on the phone talking to Gabriel and making
arrangementstoaddtothesecurityoftheSouthAfricansystem.

Shecouldbeateasenow,atleastwheretheirsafetywasconcerned,sosheturnedallherattentionto

herson.

Shetriednottoweep,buthertearsescapedanyway,andshefeltJosh’semotionsgivewayatthesame

time.ForthenexthoursheletherselfgrieveandletJoshdothesame,untilfinallytheywerebothspent.

Sheremindedherselfthatthiswouldbealongroad,especiallyforJosh,soshereinedinheremotions

andfocusedonhim,onwhatshefeltcomingfromhim,onwhathewasfeeling.

Therewasakindofblankness,almostanemptiness,asthoughtheyearsofseparationhadrobbedhim

ofpartofhispersonality,ofwhohewas.Andwhywouldn’ttheyhave?

At last he drew back and looked at her, his large hazel eyes a mirror of her own, but his nose and

strongjawlinelikehisfather’s.“Youweregonesolong,Mom.Ididn’tthinkI’deverseeyouagain.”

“Two years, sweetheart. But during most of that time, I didn’t know what happened to you. I didn’t

evenknowyouwerealive.”

“Youweren’tthere,thenighttheycame.”
“Iwasvisitingmysister,youraunt,inOregonwhenithappened.Doyouremember?Canyoutellme?”

Shewasn’tsureifthequestionsandtimingwereevenappropriate,butshehadtoask,hadtoknowwhat
herememberedsothatshecouldhelphim.

Henodded.“Thevampirescame.Iheardscreaming.”
“Frominsidethehouse?”
“Andfromotherhouses.ThenextthingIknew,thevampireswereinmyroom.Oneofthemsaid,‘Is

this the one?’ The other nodded. They took me away. When I asked about Dad and Jessie, Mr. Kiernan
saidtheyweredead.Hesaidyouwerealive,though,andthatoneday,ifIwasverygood,I’dgettosee
youagain.Itriedtobegood.Idid.IguessIwasgoodenoughbecausehereyouare.”

“Oh,Josh.”Shedrewinanotherdeepandmuch-neededbreath.“Didyoucry?”
“Yes,”hesaidslowly.“Alotatfirst.Idon’tcrymuchanymore,excepttonight,withyou.”
Heseemedsoseriousandmaybeathousandyearsoldashelookedather.“Didyoucry,Mom?”
Tearsfilledhereyes.“Yes.Often.Everynightformonthsandmonths.Oh,Josh,Ican’tbelieveyou’re

hereandI’mtryingnottocryalloveragain.”

Heputhishandonhershoulder.“I’mhere,Mom.AndI’mnotgoingaway.I’mhere.”
Oh, God, her son was comforting her when she should be comforting him. She turned more fully

towardhim,sothatshecouldpullherboybackintoherarms.Sheheldhimforalong,longtime,histhin
armsholdingheraswell.

When Adrien appeared in the doorway, his expression solemn, she shifted to telepathy. Will Daniel

comeforus?Arewesafehere?Shehadhersonbackanddidn’twanttolosehimagain.

Danieldoesn’tmatternow.Hemaycomeafterusandifwehaveto,we’llgointohidingasseveral

oftheAncestralshavedone.ButLily,Ipromiseyou,I’lldowhateverIneedtodotoprotectyouboth.

Josh’sgazeshiftedtolookatAdrienaswell.“Isthisyourhome?”
Adriennodded.“Andyoursandyourmother’saslongasyouneed.”
Josh looked back at Lily. “I had someone with me, Mom, someone who took care of me. I think she

mightbeintrouble,too.”

Lilysmiledandsqueezedhisshoulder.“Tellus.”
“HernameisClaire.Mr.Kiernancalledhermycaregiverandshehelpedmealot.Welivedinasmall

houseatthebackofMr.Kiernan’sproperty.Ijusthopeshegotawayokay.”

“Whatdoyoumean?”
“She said she was going after a vampire named Lucian. She told me to be brave, then she left the

house.Iheardthedogsgoafterher,butIthinkshegotaway.ShesaidshewasgoingallthewaytoIndia
tofindthisvampire.”

Lily stared at Adrien once more. Adrien opened his hands and shook his head. I have no idea what

thismeans.

JoshputhisfingeronLily’ssingle-chainbeneaththedoubleone.“Clairehadachainlikethis.Shewas

wearingitwhensheleft.”

“Youmeanitlookedjustlikethisone?”LilyhelditupandJoshpeeredclosely,examiningit.
“Justlikeit.ShesaidshegotitfromMr.Kiernan’ssafe.”
Lily’sbrowsrose.“Thenshemustbeonecleveryoungwoman.”
“Sheis,”Joshsaid,smiling.“She’salotlikeyou,Mom.You’dlikeher.”
“Oh,Ihavenodoubtofthat.Shetookcareofyou.Forthat,Iowehereverything.”
HeglancedatAdrien.“Doyouthinkyoucouldhelpher?Isawwhatyoudidwhentheytriedtokill

you.Clairetoldmealotofthingsaboutvampiresbecauseshesaidshe’sbeenaroundthemforyears.You
havealotofpower.Couldyouhelpher?”

Adrien nodded. “I think I know where’s she’s headed. You see, Lucian, the one she’s after, is my

brother.”

Josh’seyesbrightened.“Heis?Thenyoucanhelpher.”
“I’lldowhatIcan.IhavepowerfulfriendswhocangotoIndiaandwatchforher.”
Joshreleasedadeepbreath.“Thatwouldbegreat.I’mreallyworried.”
“Icanseethat.”
Lily understood then that her son had formed a critical bond with Claire, another mother–son

relationship. She gave his shoulder another squeeze. “We’ll both do what we can to see that she’s
watchedover,tofindoutwhathappenedtoher.”

Tearsfilledhiseyes.“Good.”Hepressedhisfingerstohiseyelids.“Shetookcareofme.”
“Iknow.”
Lilyhadtoworkalloveragainnottobecomeenragedbyallthesecircumstancesthathadbroughtso

muchpainintoherson’slife.Butoncemore,shetookheremotionsinhand.Shecouldgiveventtoher
feelingsaboutthesituationlater.Rightnow,however,Joshneededherjusttobehismother,tobethere
forhim,tomakehimherpriorityforaslongasneeded.

She remained quiet, therefore, and let him deal with what he was feeling, in whatever way was

necessary.Thatheweptagain,thistimeprobablyforhavinglostClaire,didn’tsurpriseher.

After at least another hour, with Josh leaning against her shoulder, he said, “I can’t believe you’re

here.”

“Ican’t,either,butsomehowwemadeit,andnowyou’rehere,too.”
Joshsatup,pullingawayfromherashelookedaround.“Whatisthisplace?Thismustbeoneofthe

cavernsystemsthatClairetoldmeabout.Itis,isn’tit?”HeshiftedtowardAdrien.

“Yes,inSouthAfrica.”
Joshnodded.“I’dliketoknowmoreaboutyourworld.”Howoldhesounded,butthenhe’dliveda

lifetimeandifanyoneunderstoodwhatthatwaslikeitwasAdrien.

LilywatchedasAdrienpulledupanottomanandsatdowninfrontofherson,answeringquestionafter

question,anythingJoshwantedtoknow,leavingverylittleout.JoshoftenreferredtoClaireandallthat
she’ddoneforhimandtoldhimduringhistimeatKiernan’shome.

Onedayshe’dwanttothankthewomanforwhatshe’ddoneforJosh,becauseitseemedtoLilythat

single-handedlyClairehadsavedherson.

When Josh’s questions finally stopped, at least for now, Adrien had his housekeeper prepare a light

mealofoneofherfinesoupsandhomemadebreads.

Lilyateaswell,asdidAdriensinceitseemedtothemboththatotherwiseJoshwouldn’thaveeaten.

Thehousekeeperhadpreparedhimaroom,andwhenJosh’seyelidsgrewheavyandhewasweavingin
hisseatatthediningtable,Lilyfinallyagreeditwastimeforbed.

Butshehatedtolethimgo.Nowthatshehadhimback,shedidn’twanthimoutofhersight.Shetucked

himinandsatinthechairnexttohisbeduntilhewassoundasleep.Shewouldhavestayedthereaswell,
butsheneededtobewithAdrienaswell,totalkeverythingoverwithhimandplantheirnextsteps.

We won’t be far, just down at the end of the hall. Adrien cupped her face with his palm. This

compoundiswellhiddenandfortifiedforsecurity.Weneedtoplanwheretogonext,andheneedsto
sleepafterallhe’sbeenthrough.

LilyshiftedherattentiontoAdrien.Thenewdouble-chainintensifiedwhatshesensedfromhim.She

felthisloveandhisappreciationforherasJosh’smother.Shealsofelthisprofoundgratitudethatshe’d
donnedthesecondchain.

Shesmiledathim.IunderstandthatandIwillcomply.Butjustafewminutesmore?
Ofcourse.

***

Adrien’s heart had never been so full, not in his entire life, not in four centuries of hard living—and a
womanhaddonethis.

Threedaysagohe’dbeenchainedtoacavernwall;nowhewasfree,powerfulenoughtostandupto

Danielandtoprotecthisfamily,andhehadawomaninhislifewhohelovedwithallhisheart.

Inawaytheboyhadbroughthertohim,andforthatreasonalonehewouldcoverJoshwithashieldof

hisprotectionsothatnoonewouldevergettohimagain.

Thoughhe’dstartedawartonightagainstDaniel,hemightnotbetheonetofinishit.Hisfirstpriority

hadtobeLilyandJoshandheknewthatDanielwouldcomeafterallofthemwithavengeance.Daniel
hadbeendeniedakillandhe’dbeenhumiliatedinfrontofanassemblyofAncestrals.Aboveallthings,
he’dwantAdriendead.

WhilewaitingforLily,AdrienmadehiscalltoGabriel.Together,theydecidedonahidingplacedeep

intheAmazon,inacavernsystemhiddenbehindmultiplelayersofAncestraldisguisingskills.Gabriel
and some of his closest Ancestral allies had unequaled disguising skills and they’d successfully hidden
awayanumberofDaniel’senemies,keepingthemsafeuntilthevampireworldcouldfigureouthowto
unseatthemostpowerfuldespotevertotakeholdoftheCouncilofAncestrals.

Lily. He called her name. She turned toward him a little, but her body still faced Josh’s bed. Her

fingerswerepressedtoherlips.Hereyesglistenedwithtears.

Telepathically,hereassuredherthattheyweretogethernowandwouldstaythatway,whichbroughta

deepsighflowingoutofherandhershouldersfinallyloosenedandlowered.

Onlythen,whenshewassureJoshwouldbesafe,didshemovetowardhim.Heopenedhisarmsand

she stepped inside the circle of his embrace as he held her fast. “I swear,” he whispered, “that I will
protectyouandyourson,aboveallthings,evenabovethevengeanceIwanttobringdownontheheadof
myfather.Iowethistoyou,onbehalfofmypeople,todothisforyou.”

Thechainsvibratedheavily.ItwasasthoughawavecrashedthroughLily,andshebegantosob.He

carriedherfromherson’sroomtohisbedroom,nowtheirbedroom.

Hesatdownonthesideofthebedandheldherinhisarmsforalong,longtime,andlethercryitall

out,theyearsofseparation,theyearsofbelievingJoshwasdead,andthehorrorofhavinggonethrougha
near-executionwithhersonasawitness.

Hefeltherpainbecauseofthechainsandbecauseheknewwhatsufferingwas.Asshewept,healso

feltherbegintoheal,andinherhealinghewashealedaswell.

***

LilyrestedherheadagainstAdrien’sshoulder.Shefingeredthelapelofhisfinelytailoredtux.Shefelt
emptiedofemotion,yetfull,sofull.

Shereleasedasighthenanother,heavyexhalationsofallthatshefelt,thereliefthatshewassafeand

thatJoshwasunderAdrien’sroof,hiddeninacaveprotectedbyAncestrals.

Safe.ShewassafeandsowasJosh.
AndthoughAdrienhelddeepconcernsforhisbrothers,sheandJoshwerehispriority.
“What about Lucian and Marius?” She rubbed the fabric between her thumb and forefinger over and

over.

“Daniel won’t kill them. Their deaths right now couldn’t serve him at all. He needs them to form

trackingpairs.”

Lilyfrowned.“SoDanielcan’tuseQuillandLev?”
“No,neitherofthemhasthatability.”
Sheshiftedtolookupathim,herheadcradledinthenookofhiselbow,hishandrubbingherbarearm.

“Butyou’reworriedaboutLucianandMarius.”

“Yes.Andno.BeforeImetyou,I’dthoughtoflittleelsethanhelpingtokeepmybrotherssafe.Atthe

sametimeIfeltpowerless.Thenyouarrivedandchangedeverything.Youcreatedthisenormousmiracle
inmylifeandnowI’mtryingtothinkaboutLucianandMariusinthoseterms—thatmaybesomethingwill
comeintoeachoftheirlivestochangetheirfuturesaswell.”

She shifted to stroke his cheek with her fingers. “Like Claire? Do you think she intends to form a

bondingpairwithLucian?”

Adrien nodded. “I believe so. Why else would she have told Josh the things she did. She must have

learnedaboutLucian’schainandschemedtostealit.I’llalertGabrielsothathecankeepaneyeoutfor
Claire.HopefullythatwillgiveJoshsomepeaceaswell.”

“WhatifDanieliswaitingforheranddecidestouseherlikeheusedme?Maybeyoushouldtryto

intervene?”

Heleaneddownandkissedher.“Ican’tanswerforwhatisabouttohappentoLucianorClaire,andI

wishIcouldgotohim,butyou’remyresponsibilitynow,bothyouandJosh.”

She wanted to protest, her guilt rising, but he kissed her again and a soft smile curved his lips. “No

guilt,Lily.Idon’tknowexactlywhyeventsunfoldedastheydid,whyyouwerebroughtintomylife,but

you’rehere.LucianandMariusaremen,verypowerfulvampires,andwhatItrustinthemostrightnowis
thateachwillfigurethingsout,howtosurvive.

“But there’s something more. Gabriel is working behind closed doors with other Ancestrals, and

intendstocreateacounterforceagainstDaniel.HewantstoretaketheCouncil,andintimehewill.SoI
will trust in that, in those vampires of Ancestral status, like Gabriel, and those aligned with him, to do
whatneedstobedone.”

“Butyoushouldbewiththem.”Morethananythinginlifeshedidn’twanttobeahindrance.
He shook his head. “If Daniel knew he could find me, he’d turn his attention toward me. The

Ancestralswanthisattentionfixedonmybrothersandonstillhuntingfortheextinctionweapon.Theycan
trackhimbetter.”

“DidyougiveGabrielthelocationoftheweaponattheBlackCavernsystem?”
Henodded.“They’vebeenthereanddestroyedit.”
“Butit’snotover.”
He shook his head. “There were several groups experimenting at the time. Gabriel and many of the

Ancestrals believe there was more than one weapon, and some of them in pieces, hidden in different
systems.”

“That would explain why, when I thought about the weapon, I’d get so many readings, all over the

globe at the same time. But Adrien, shouldn’t you and I be looking for them, perhaps now more than
ever?”

Hecaughtherhandandkissedherfingers.“Inonesense,yes.ButGabrielandIbothbelieve,asdo

many of the Ancestrals, that Josh should be our focus. I know that won’t make sense, but Josh, a mere
child,didn’tdeservetobecomeembroiledinwhatisessentiallyavampireproblem.Hedidn’tdeserveto
losehismother,orhisfamily.IfIgowithyoubothnow,wecanatonetoyouandJoshtosomedegreefor
whatwastakenfromyoubecauseofmyfather.Please,don’tprotest.Thedecisionhasbeenmade.We’re
goingtotheRainForestCaverns.”

Lilyfelthisdeterminationandknewhewouldn’tbemoved,whichalsogaveheratremendoussenseof

relief.Sherestedinwhatappearedtobeagroupdecisiontolether,andhertrackingability,disappear
intothejunglesofSouthAmerica.

Withherbiggestconcernslaidtorest,shelookedintoAdrien’sbeautifulfleckedtealeyesandfinally

begantorelax.Joshwasnowsafe,thefuturesettled,andshecouldfocusonthemiraclethathadbecome
theman,thevampire,cradlingherinhisarms.

Shepushedherfingersintohishair,shovingthebeautifulstrandsawayfromhisequallybeautifulface.

Lovefloodedherheart,anintenselove,surprisingandmiraculous,becauseofthechainsthatboundherto
Adrien.Tearsfilledhereyesalloveragain.

“Don’tcry.”
Shechuckledsoftly.“Thesearejusttearsofprofoundjoyandgratitude.Ididn’tthinkweweregoingto

makeit.”

“Butwedid,didn’twe?”
“Incredibly,yes.WithJosh.”
Henodded.“Withyourson.”Hedippeddownandkissedher,thistimealingeringkiss.“Oh,Lily,”he

murmured.Andheliftedhertoherfeet,tookherinhisarms,andkissedheragain.

Thefeelofhislipsremovedthelastofherworries.
ShewaswithAdrien,inhisSouthAfricanhome,andhewasgoingtomakelovetoher.
He searched the recesses of her mouth and drew her tightly against him, all her velvet and crystals

pressedagainsthisfineblackBrioni.

Thephysicalstrengthofhimwaswhatshefelt,thelatentpowerinhismuscledphysique,thewayhis

bicepsrippledbeneathherhands,histhighsflexedagainstherlegs.

Hedrewbackthendippedtokissherneck,aseriesofplucksagainsthervein,areminderofwhoand

whathewas.

Shefelthisblood-needrise,atremorthatpassedthroughhimandsentastrongvibrationthroughher

double-chain.

“Yes,”shewhispered,“Ineedthataswell.Ineedyoutotakefromme.Tonight,you’vegivenmeso

much.You’vegivenmeeverything.”

Helickedherneckrepeatedlysothatherbreathsgrewlightandshallow,longingforhim.
“Iwanttodosomethingwithyou,Lily.SomethingI’veneverdonebefore,butthisnewlevelofpower

tellsmeIcan.”

Hermindflowedbackandforth,loosewithdesire.Throughthechainsshecouldsensehisdesireas

well,likeadullwonderfulache.“Anything,Adrien.MyGod,anything.”

Hekeptpluckingatherneck.Chillsrippleddownherchestandarms,evenherback.“Mmmm,”she

murmuredsoftly.“Whatdoyouwanttodo?”

“Ithinkit’sbetterifIjustshowedyou.”
Heshiftedherbacktothebedandsetherdownontheedge.Herfingertipsgrippedthesidesofthesilk

comforter.Shetremblednowashekneltonthecarpet.Hetookherburgundyskirtsinhand,pushingthem
upherbarethighs,higherandhigher.

“Liftyourhips,”hewhispered.
Sheobeyedandheshovedallthatfabricupbehindher,thenspreadherlegs.Sheworeablacklace

thong,thebarestscrapoffabric.

“Lieback.”Hisdeepvoiceworkedlikeahypnoticdrugandsheeaseddownonthebed,herdressa

lumpunderherback—butitreallydidn’tmatterbecausehewaskissingherlow,andusinghisfingerto
play with the lace, which gave her two sensations at once. He rimmed the edge of her thong with his
tonguesothatthefabrictuggedonherwhilehisfingersplayedandhistonguespreadalayerofoh-so-
welcomemoistureoverherskin.

“Unh,”camefrombetweenherlips,asoftmoan.Sheshudderedwhenhegrippedthesidesofherthong

andtorethefabricapart.

“Oh,God,”shesaid,awhisperagainsttheair.
His tongue covered her in long wet swipes, sideways over her bare mons then moving lower and

lower,teasingherlabia,allswollennowwithtinglingdesire.

Butwhenhebegantoworkherbetweenherlowerlips,herbodyarchedandadeepmoanfellfromher

throat.

Lily.
Telepathy.Beautiful.Iloveyourvoiceinmyhead.
I’mgoingtodothatthingnow.Beready.
Shemighthavegroaned,shewasn’tsure.I’mready.Sheclosedhereyesandwaited.Heneverstopped

takingcareofherverylowbutafteramomentafamiliarvibrationbegan,thekindthathappenedwhenhe
battledintwoplacesatonce.

ThethoughtofAdrienbecomingtwoentitiesatthesametimeforcedanotherlongmoanfrombetween

herlips.Hesuckedonherlowasthevibrationintensified.

Shefeltastrangemovementallaround,morevibration,andherchainsangagainstherskin.
Openyoureyes.
ThoughshefeltAdrienlickingherlow,nowhewasalso,atthesametime,staringdownintoherface,

strokinghercheek.

Shegasped.“Youseparated.”
Idid.Areyouenjoyingthis?
Shenodded.
Good.
Areyouabletospeak?
Heshookhishead,thenleanedcloseandkissedher.
Lilythoughtshemighthavejustdiedandgonetoheaven.MoreofAdrien,thatwaswhatshethoughtas

heworkedherlowandkissedhermouthattheexactsametime.

TwoAdriens.
The love she felt for him expanded as she slid her arms around his neck and embraced him. He

deepenedthekiss,searchingtherecessesofhermouth,buttofeeltwotonguesatoncecausedashiverto
chaseupanddownherbodyinexhilaratingwaves.

Herhipsrespondedtotheflickofhistonguelowandshegroanedagainsthismouthatthesametime.

She slid her fingers into his thick hair, caressing as he kissed her. Using the same hand, she drifted her
fingers down his back, then shifted to the second Adrien, stroking his face and feeling where his soft
tongueplayedalongherlabia.

Ilikethatyou’retouchingmytongue.Adrien’svoiceinhermind,aswellastwobodiesshecould

savorandenjoy,strengthenedherrisingneed.

Adrien,Idon’tknowhowmuchmoreofthisIcantake.Hislipsshiftedtosuckherfinger,thenbackto

herclitoris,flickinghistonguequicklyuntilsherockedagainsthisface.Atthesametime,hekissedher
withswifteroticplungesofhistonguethatlefthergasping.

Being tended to in both places at once brought pleasure rising sharply, and she cried out against his

mouth.Lower,hespedupsothatonesensationpileduponanother,histongueinhermouth,flicksdown
low,thefeelofonebodybeneathherrighthand,andasecondsetofshouldersbeneaththeother.

Shewrithedbeneathhim,hungering,reachingformore,rushingtowardecstasy.
Lily,hewhisperedwithinhermind.Iloveyousomuch.Ilovefeelingyoubeneathmelikethis.One

setofhandscaressedherbreasts,herarms,hershoulders.Theothersqueezedherhipsandstrokedher
thighs.Somuchincrediblesensation.

A string of cries left her throat. Adrien, I’m coming. Other words might have traveled along the

telepathiclinkbutshewasn’tsuresinceshewassocaughtupinallthatshewasexperiencing.Pleasure
explodedashistonguepummeledhermouth,astwosetsofhandstraveledherbody,astheotherAdrien
kept pleasure spiraling through her low. He sucked and flicked until she trembled, ecstasy rolling in
waves,oneaftertheother.

Atlast,panting,herbodybegantosettledown.Whenshefinallylayquiet,heleanedbackoncemore

andsmiled.Good?

Perfect.
Henodded.Iloveyousomuch.
Iloveyou,too.
Downlow,thesecondAdrienkissedherrepeatedlyjustaboveherclitoris,thenthefirstAdrienkissed

hermouthagain.

I’mgoingtore-formnow.
Shewatchedashedriftedbacktohimself,wavylinesintheairlikeablur,andatthesametimerose

fromthecarpet.Heleanedoverher,hishandsplantedonthebed,oneithersideofher.“Howwasthat?”

“Oh, my God. Adrien, to feel you kiss me while you brought me between my legs. Heaven.” She

rubbedhisneck.

“More?”
“Alotmore.Ineedyou.”
He nodded and began to undress. But he took his time as he held her gaze. She leaned up on her

elbows,herlegsdanglingoverthesideofthebed,hertoesjusttouchingthecarpet.

Andnowhewastakinghisjacketoff,foldingitupandlayingitacrossthebenchatthefootofthebed.

He unhooked a pair of ruby cuff links. He set these on the nightstand. They rocked back and forth, two
smallspotsofred,bloodred.

Herheartbeatharder,hergazedrawntohimasheworkedathisshirt.Heopenedthefront,easedthe

soft white fabric down his back, and let it fall to the floor. The vampire had a magnificent body, thick,
builtpecs,shouldersthatwentonforever,muscledarms.

Andhewashers.
Shetouchedthedouble-chainatherneckandherheartswelled,knowingthatthismanbelongedtoher

nowandforever.

Hetookoffhisshoesthenslippedhispantsoff,aswellasblacksilkboxers.
Andtherehewas.Shefeltheatedupanddizzy.Herheartracednowanditwasn’tjusthisbody,itwas

allofhim,whohewas,histendernesswithher,hisconcernforJosh,hiscommitmenttokeepingthemsafe
from Daniel. He overwhelmed her with his character, his presence, and yes, with that body standing in
frontofher,hiscockfirmandready.

Buttheearliertremorrolledthroughhimandshefelthisneedforherblood.Shemovedtotheedgeof

thebed,herlegspartedwide.Shetiltedherhead,presentingherneck.

He groaned and fell on his knees. She felt his hands on her waist through the velvet. The chains

vibratedcontinuouslynowsothatshefeltconnectedtoallthathefelt.

He moved swiftly, making a quick strike with his fangs, then sealing his lips over the wound as he

startedtosuckdownherblood.

The sensation sent chills down her abdomen all the way to her sex, firing her need for him to plant

himselfbetweenherlegs.

Heheldhercloseashecontinuedtodrinkherdown.Shefelthisblood-hungerbegintoease,andwhen

itdissipatedatlast,hereleasedherneck.

Heroseupfromthefloor,extendedhishandtoher,anddrewhertoherfeet.Shethoughthewouldtake

hergownoff.Instead,hepulledherintohisarmsandkissedheragain,plunginghistongueintohermouth.

Shewhimperedbeneaththevastsensationsthatpummeledher,ofhiswarmskinbeneathherfingers,

thethicknessofhismuscles,thepressureofhishardcockagainsthergown.Herhandsgrewrestlessand
greedy.Sheslidthemupanddownhisback,reachedinfrontandstrokedhisabs.

Hegaveherjustenoughroomandshedriftedherhandlow.Shecriedoutasshetouchedthetipofhis

cockandfounditwet.

“Ineedtogetinsideyou,”hesaid.
“Iwantthat,too.You’vegivenmesomuchpleasure.Nowit’syourturn.”
Henodded,holdinghercloseashereachedbackandpulledthecomforteroffthebed.

***

Adrien didn’t quite comprehend all that he experienced right now. The sheet was ready to receive the
treasure in his arms, but for just a moment, as he held Lily with one arm, her legs dangling, he was
unwilling to let her go. He warmed up his vision so that he could really see her hazel eyes, her head
leaningbackjustso.Withhisfreehandhecuppedherchinthenkissedher.

Love,desire,passionallswirledtogether,whippingupatornadoinhismind,roundandround,driving

intohischest,whirlingaroundhisheartandpullingathim.Hissoulstrainedtowardher.

Oh, Adrien, I can feel what you’re feeling. It’s so beautiful, like watching the wind blow clouds

acrosstheskyatamaddeningpace.Adrien.MyAdrien.

Lily,mydarling.
Yes,thatwaswhathefelt,thatinthesefewnightstogether,shehadbecomehisdarling.
He settled her on the bed once more, then stretched out on top of her. The part of him that was now

Ancestral felt the power he held over her, and with his knee he pushed her legs apart maybe more
forcefullythanhenormallywouldhave.

Butherwhimperstoldhimwhatheneededtoknow,howmuchshewantedhim.
Hepositionedhimselfatheropening,andassheslidherhandsuphischesthebegantothrust,pushing

his way inside her beautiful wetness. His hands found her waist and he squeezed as he thrust, which
causedherbodytoundulateinasensualrollofpleasure.

He loved this part of sex, building toward a strong orgasm, watching his woman writhe and feel so

much.Herfemininescentworkedinhisbrainaswell,hardeninghimthatonedegreefirmersothatshe
groanedthistime.

Iwon’tlastlong.Youfeeltoowonderful.
I’mcloseagainaswell,shereturned.
Hemovedfaster,pushinghard,lettinghisnewpower,Ancestralpower,leachintoeverymuscleofhis

body.Hesensedherpleasuremounting.

Hethrusthardnowandshebegantogroan,herhandscaressinghisbuttocks.Shecriedoutrepeatedly,

muffledsoundsagainsthisthroat.Atthesametimehecouldfeelhertugginglow,andmaybeitwasthat
movement, that he knew she was coming, that brought him, or maybe the nails digging into his ass.
Whateveritwas,hecamehard,thesensationoflovehefeltforLilytriplingthepleasure.

The moment of ecstasy rolled as he thrust, as Lily continued to moan, her hips pushing against his,

graspingforeachlastbitofecstasy.

Whenatlastherbodysettleddown,hisbodyatalmostthesametime,hewatchedhersmile,herlidsat

half-mast,herhandsrovinghimstill,caressinghisshouldersandarms,hisbackandwaist.

“Unbelievable,”shesaid.“Thatwasincrediblyerotic,sopleasurable.”Shemethisgaze.“Thankyou

forthat,Adrien.Thankyou.”

Heleaneddownandkissedher.“Webothneededthis.”Hekissedheragain.
“Mmmm,”shemurmured.

***

With Adrien still on top of her, Lily held him close, her arms around his neck. She sighed deeply. She
didn’twanttolethimgo.Shehadneverexpectedallofthis,somuchmanandsomuchlove.

And of course she’d never done a threesome, never would. But that was her experience with him

tonight,atwosomethatwasathreesome.Yes,moremanthanshehadeverthoughttohave.

Atthesametime,thebeautyoflove,intense,extraordinary,wondrouslove,flowedthroughher.
Love.
Sweetlove.
Irreplaceablelove.
ShethoughtbacktothemomentofwashingAdriencleaninthatmakeshifttubinIndia,andputtingthe

binding chain on him for the first time. How long ago that seemed; an entire lifetime ago. Now he was
here,lyinginherarms,beautiful,powerful,renewed.

Shestrokedhisbackwithherhandsandplayedwithhishairwithherfingers.Shesighedandsmiled,

smiledandsighed.

“Iloveyou,Lily.”
She sighed again and smiled a little more. “Who would have thought when we left the Himalayan

cavernsystem,boundtoeachotherbythefirstsetofchains,thatwewouldhaveendeduphere?”

Hedriftedhishandoverhersideandcaressedherbreast.Hekissedherandwithherheartsofull,she

kissedhimback,willinghimtofeelallthatshewasfeeling.

Hedrewback,lookingdownather.I’veneverbeensohappyinmylife.
Hiswordssoothedherandexpandedtheloveinherheart.
I’msogladthatImakeyouhappy.

***

Adrienhardlyrecognizedthesensationinhisbody,buthefinallydefineditasanunqualifiedease.The
heavymusclesofhisfightingbodywerelax,hislipspartedinsteadofstretchedtautinahardangryline,
andhisbreathingslowandeven.

But mostly, it was love that he experienced, a flow of affection and adoration for Lily that moved

throughhisbloodandoverhisbodyinsteadywarmwaves,asthoughwashingawayallthathadbeenugly
inhispreviouslife.

He was made new, born of the chains that had bound him, the physical ones and the more invasive

chainsthathadkepthismindlockedintohishatredforhisfather.

Allthatwasgone,madenewbylove,Lily’sloveforhimandthelovehefeltforher,thehealingofhis

heartthathe’dneverknownbefore,notinhislongfourcenturiesofliving.

Hethoughtoftheboy,ofJosh,whohadessentiallybroughtLilytohim.Forthathewouldspendhislife

doingallthathecouldforJosh,whatevertheboyneeded,andwhateverLilyneededforherson.Thiswas
thesolemndepthofhiscommitment.

Heliftedupandsaidthesethingstoher,whichbroughtanewroundoftearsstreamingfromhereyes,

flowingtothesidesofherfaceandintoherhair.

Butshesmiledandhekissedher.
Hemadelovetoheragainandagain,
Heusedhissplittingskillsandworkedherupinadozendifferentpositionsuntilheworeheroutwith

hermuffledcriesagainstdifferentpartsofhisbody.

Asdawnbroke,shefellasleepinhisarmsandhewatchedherslumber,unwillingtoendthisfirsttime

withherashistruewoman,astheonehewouldspendhislifewith.Hedidn’tknowhowlonghewould
havewithher:Thedouble-chainwouldincreaseherhumanlifebutnotaslongashis.Despitethisreality,
hewouldsavoreverymoment.Ratherthanthinktoomuchaboutthefuturehewouldtreasurethepresent
andthetremendousgiftthathadbeendeliveredtohisfeet.

He released a deep sigh, one that came from so far down in his body he actually quivered. The

sensationbroughtherpartiallyawake.

“Happy?”sheasked,aslightfoggysoundtohervoice.
Shecouldn’tevenopenhereyes,andbeforehecouldsayanythingshedriftedoffoncemore.
Washehappy?Morethanshewouldeverknow.
Thevisioncametohim,arollofsensationfirst,thenclarity,aperfectimageofLilyandJosh,butin

thefuture,thoughhowfarforwardhecouldn’ttell.Joshwasaman,fullygrown,human-perfect.Hehelda
woman’shandandshewasavampire.

Lily,foreversiphoninghispower,hadn’tagedatall.Shebeamedhersmile,allhergoodnessradiating

overhersonandhisfiancée.

Adrien’sheartpoundedbecausehewasinthevisionaswell,hisarmswrappedaroundLilymuchas

theywerenow,andLily’sstomachwasveryswollenwithchild,hischild.

Thevisionfaded.
“What’sthematter?”sheasked.He’dawakenedheragain.Ofcourseshewouldsensethatsomething

waswrong.

“Nothing.”
“You’reshaking.”
Sheturnedinhisarmstofacehim,andthereshewasintheglowofhisvampirevision,hisLily,the

womanwhomeanttheworldtohim.Hesmoothedherhairawayfromherfaceandkissedher.“Iloveyou
somuch.”

Herfingerswenttothechainaroundherneck.Hisvibratedheavily.Nodoubthersdidaswell.“Me,

too.”

“Doyouwantmorechildren?”heasked,suddenlyafraidoftheanswerbecauseofallthatshe’dbeen

through.

“Ididn’tthinkitwasanoption,ornotmuchofone.”
“Butifyoucouldhaveyourheart’sdesire,wouldyoubearanotherchild?”
Her lips curved. “If we are speaking only of what we wish and not what we expect, then yes, of

course,especiallyifIcouldhaveyourchild.”

“Whymychild?”Hecouldfeelhowfarhisbrowsrose.
Thistimeshelaughedandsmoothedherfingersoverhisbrow.“BecauseIloveyou,Adrien,morethan

wordscanexpress,andbecauseyoudeservetobeafather,tohavethatjoyinyourlife.”

Thatwasallheneededtohear.Hekissedherhard,towhichsherespondedbywhimperingandeasing

herarmsaroundhisneck.

“Weshouldpractice,then,”hesaid.“Alot.Justincaseitcouldhelpourgeneticskickinandwecan

makeababytogether.”

“I’dlovenothingmore.”
Despitehisearlierconvictionthatsheneededherrest,AdrienrolledLilyontoherbackandmadelove

toheragain,butshedidn’tseemtomindasshecooedagainsthislips.

Hedidn’ttellheraboutthevision.Thoseimagesweremeantjustforhim,inthesamewayhisinitial

visionofherinaburgundygownhadbeenthestartofallthisgoodnesswaybackinthecavern.

Howlongagothatseemed,eventhoughonlyafewnightshadpassed.Butthatwasnowhisformerlife,

alifethathadendedwhenLilyarrived,whenshecametohimbearingherbondingchainsandsetthem
bothdownthisimpossible,miraculous,andultimatelylove-filledjourney.

Don’tmissLucian’sstory!

CHAINSOFDARKNESS

ByCarisRoane

ComingApril2014fromSt.Martin’sPaperbacks

AlsobyCarisRoane

ASCENSION

BURNINGSKIES

WINGSOFFIRE

BORNOFASHES

OBSIDIANFLAME

GATESOFRAPTURE

PRAIS EFORTHE

UARDIANS OF

S CENS IONS ERIES BY

ARIS

OANE…

“Caris Roane powers into the paranormal romance genre with a sexy, cool, edgy romantic fantasy that
gleams like the dark wings and lethal allure of her Guardians of Ascension vampires. Prepare to be
enthralled!”

—NewYorkTimesbestsellingauthorLaraAdrian

“Roane’s world-building is complex and intriguing, and in addition to her compelling protagonists, she
servesupaslewofsecondarycharactersbeggingtobeexploredfurther.TheGuardiansofAscensionisa
serieswithepicpotential!”

—RomanticTimes(4½stars)

“AsuperurbanromanticfantasyinwhichtheaudiencewillbelieveinthevampiresandtheAscension…
fast-paced…thrilling.”

—AlternativeWorlds

“A great story with a really different take on vampires. This is one book that is sure to be a hit with
readerswholoveparanormals.FansofJ.R.Ward’sBlackDaggerBrotherhoodseriesaresuretolovethis
one,too.”

—RedRosesforAuthorsBlog

“Ascension is like wandering in a field of a creative and colorful dream. There are many interesting,
formidable,terrifying,beautiful,anduniqueimages.Theysurroundandenvelopyouinastoryasoldas
time.”

—BarnesandNoble’sHearttoHeartRomanceBlog

“Incrediblycreative,Ascension takes readers to another level as you learn about two earths, vampires,
ancientwarriors,andanewtwistonlove.IfeltlikeIwasonaroller-coasterride,climbinguntilIhitthe
very top only to come crashing down at lightning speed. Once you pick this book up, clear off your
calendarbecauseyouwon’tbeabletoputitdown.BestbookIhavereadallyear.”

—

SingleTitles.com

ABOUTTHEAUTHOR

Caris Roane has authored over fifty published Regency romance novels and novellas under the
pseudonymValerieKing.In2005,theRomanticTimeshonoredherwithaCareerAchievementawardfor
herRegencywork.

CarislivesinPhoenixwithhertwocats,oneofwhichisnamedSebastian,afterafavoritevampire.

Whenshegetsathird,he’llbecalledJean-Claude.VisitCarisat

www.carisroane.com

Thisisaworkoffiction.Allofthecharacters,organizations,andeventsportrayedinthisnovelareeitherproductsoftheauthor’simagination
orareusedfictitiously.

BORNINCHAINS

Copyright©2013byCarisRoane.

Allrightsreserved.

ForinformationaddressSt.Martin’sPress,175FifthAvenue,NewYork,NY10010.

www.stmartins.com

eISBN:9781466829732

St.Martin’sPaperbacksedition/October2013

St.Martin’sPaperbacksarepublishedbySt.Martin’sPress,175FifthAvenue,NewYork,NY10010.

Document Outline

Title Page
Copyright Notice
Dedication
Acknowledgments
Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Ad
Also by Caris Roane
Praise for the Guardians of Ascension series
About the Author
Copyright

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