TableofContents

TitlePage
Copyright
DearReader
ChapterOne
ChapterTwo
ChapterThree
ChapterFour
ChapterFive
ChapterSix
ChapterSeven
ChapterEight
ChapterNine
ChapterTen
ChapterEleven
AbouttheAuthor
AlsobyCarisRoane
ComingSoon!

EMBRACETHEMYSTERY

BloodRoseSeries#3

CarisRoane

EMBRACETHEMYSTERY

ByCarisRoane

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

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

FormattingandcoverbyBellaMediaManagement.

DearReader,
WelcometothethirdinstallmentoftheBloodRoseSeries,EMBRACETHEMYSTERY.Inthisbook,

MastyrQuinlanpursuestheartist,Batya,withonlyonethinginmindbutsoondiscoversthathisdesirefor
herisjustthebeginningofanearth-shatteringaffair…

Hedoesn’twantawomaninhislife…
QuinlanmustkeepGrochaireRealmsafefromtheenemyatallcosts.Asrulerofhisrealm,awoman

hasnopermanentplaceinhisday-to-dayexistence.ButwhenhislusttakeshimtoBatya’sbedroom,he
soondiscovershe’sdeepintoapowerfulexperiencethatthreatenstoblowhislifeapart.HewantsBatya
withafeverishdesirethatmakesnosenseinhislogical,warriorworld.Butwhenanancientfaeattacks
Batya’sgallery,helaunchesintoprotectormodeandsoonfindshimselfembroiled–body,soul,andfangs
–withawomanhe’donlymeanttobedacoupleoftimes.

Enjoy!

TolearnmoreaboutCarisRoaneandtosignupforhernewslettergoto

http://www.carisroane.com/

ChapterOne

Whatwouldthewoman,Batya,tastelike?
ThequestionhadmanylayersandburnedlikefireinQuinlan’svampiremind.
Heleanedagainstabrickbuildingandstaredupatawideplateglasswindowontheothersideofthe

street.HispursuitofBatyaColehadtakenhimawayfromGrochaireRealmwaytoooften,aswellashis
dutiesasmastyr.Hewasinchargeofamillionrealmsoulsandtookhisjobseriously.

Yet,herehewasbecausehecouldn’tseemtohelphimself.Batya’sbloodcalledtohim,likenowoman

he’deverknown.

Hisinstinctswarnedhimawayfromtheex-patriotwholivedabohemianartist’slifeinthesmallU.S.

townofLebanon,Tennessee.Butshe’dbeenonhisradarforweeksnowandhewantedherinhisbed.

Nothingmore.
Andliterallynothingless.
Oncehesethissightsonagoal,verylittlecouldmovehim.
He could picture her lying on her back, hands gripping the wrought-iron head-board of her bed, the

massofherwavy-blondhairspreadoutonherpillows.

He’dbeenthroughhergallery,herfreeclinic,herbedroom.Bastardthathewas,he’dbeenspyingon

her. A couple of times in the process, he’d wondered at his obsession, only to realize the nature of his
pursuitdidn’tmatter,onlythatheconqueredhisprey.

Hewantedtosinkhisfingersintoherhair,leancloseandsmellallacrossthelineofhercheek.He’d

gottennearenoughtoheronce,trappingherinacornerofhergallery,tocatchafragrancethatsmelled
wonderfullyrich,likeanexotictropicalflower.Hedidn’thaveanameforherscent,buthewantedhis
tongueonhertofindouteverynuanceofherdeepestflavor.

He’dbeenseducingherforthepasthourwithjusthistelepathyandofcoursehismatingvibration,a

serious realm-ability he’d developed over the past seven-hundred-plus-years of his life. He released
anothersetofwaves.

Howdoesthatfeel,Cha?
Heheardhermoan,asoftwhimperthroughthewindow.
Stopcallingmethat.
HistelepathywithBatyarangclearasabell,onemorereasonheknewthey’dbegoodtogether.He’d

be able to whisper her name through her mind while he kissed her and moved inside her, working his
magic.

Hismatingvibration,theonethatemanatedfromdeepwithinhisbody,flowedinastreamstraightup

andthroughthesecondstorybedroomwindow.Helovedhismastyrstatusinthesemomentsthathecould
dothingsmostothervampirescouldn’t.HecouldstandacrossthestreetandtouchBatyalowwithjusta
thoughtandavibratingstreamofenergythathadfoundthesweetestnestbetweenherlegs.

Headdedajoltandheardhercryout.Heextendedhishearingsohecouldsavoreverywhimper.
Youshouldleave,Quinlan.Stoptormentingme.
Another jolt and again, she cried out. He liked punishing her with pleasure. That’s for telling me to

leave.Forthefunofit,headdedanotherintensestream.

Shesighed,purred,andmoaned,oneaftertheother.Hehadhernow.He’dbringher,likehedidlast

time,buthewantedtogetcloser.Hewantedtowatchthistimeandhewantedherwatchinghim.Andthis
time,he’dletherseewhathehadtooffer.

Iwantin,Batya.Now.You’vekeptmeoutsidelongenough.He increased the force of the vibration

andshegroanedheavily.

Thisisabadidea,Quinlan.Shepantedwhileshepathedtohim.Youknowitis.
Idon’tcare.We’llbegoodtogether.

Helevitatedanddriftedacrossthestreet,movingclosetothewindow.Hesawherthroughahazeof

multicoloredsheerssothatsheappearedasthoughsurroundedbyripplesofgolden,blue-violetlight.He
couldn’tseeherclearly,butshewrithedonthebed,herhandsgrippingthewroughtironbarsjustashe’d
imagined.

Iseeyou.
Sherolledherheadinhisdirection.Youbastard.Ineverwantedthis.
Youdidn’thavetoletitgetthisfartonight.
Why did you come after me? You can have any woman in the Nine Realms you want and maybe a

couplebillionhereonearthaswell.

It’sallyourfault.Youshouldn’thavesmelledsogoodwhenIfirstcamehere,remember?Assoonas

he’dtouchedher,hersexhadbloomedandherexoticscenthadfilledhimwithpurpose.

Ican’thelphowIsmell.
And I can’t help how bad I want to bury myself between your legs. Besides, you refused me and I

alwaysfaceuptoachallenge.

*********

BatyacouldbarelyseeQuinlanbehindthelayeringofsheergold,blue,andhotpinkfabricthathungin

looseswathesoverherwindow,butshecaughthisscent,likesmokyapplewood,somethingburninghot
onabarbeque.Andhesmelledwonderful.

Shefelthim,too.
Oh,Goddidshefeelhim.
Hisvibrationmovedinsideherthewayotherthingscouldmove,inandout,butwithanaddedshimmer

ofsensationbothsidewaysandinaneroticswirlthathadherachingformore.

Andheknewit.
Forweeks,she’dtriedtoresist.
Then one night, about two weeks ago, he’d brought her slowly out of a dream state and had her so

workedupthatbythetimeshefinallycametoconsciousnesstheorgasmspilledoverherlikeasudden
waterfall.

And all he’d done was use his outrageous, built-in-Grochaire realm vibration that he’d somehow

turned into the seduction trick of the century. She tried not to think about just how many women he’d
beddedbyusingjustafewflicksofthatvibration.

Plenty,nodoubt.Hehadonehelluvareputation.Sensiblewomennevergotnearhim.
But here she was, about as close as she could get to an orgasm, only this time he wanted inside her

house.Andthedamnvampirewashonorableandwouldn’tcomeinunlessinvited,soitwasn’tlikeshe
couldcallfoul-playoranything.

Thevibrationinsideherbegantoslowdown,easingherbackfromthemostdeliciousedge.
Shemurmuredherfrustration,butstillheldontothewrought-ironasthoughherlifedependedonit.
She hated having to make this decision and wished he’d just bust through the window and take her,

goodandhard.

Instead,she’dhavetoaskforit.
Letmein,Cha.Letmegiveyoueverythingthistime.It’llbegood.
Shesettledherbreathingdown,tryingtofocusonwhysheneededtosendhimbacktoGrochaire.He

representedwhatshe’dbeentryingtoescapefordecadesnow.HebelongedtoGrochaire.Inmanyways,
hewastherealmheserved.OfallthemastyrsoftheNineRealms,she’dneverseenonemorecommitted
togoverninghislandthanQuinlan.

Butherhomewasherenow,inthecontinentalUnitedStates,andheresheplannedtostaytherestofher

long-livedlife.SowhatgoodwasittohaveQuinlananywherenearher?Nogoodatall.

It’salmostdawn,mastyr.Gohome.
Ihaveplentyoftimetofindshelterandstilltakecareofyou.Letmetakecareofyou.
She’dhadenoughexperiencewithmentoknowhe’dbeasgoodashisword,probablybetter,which

definedhercurrentpredicament.

Itwasherownfault.She’dbeenwithoutamanwaytoolong.Nowshewassohungry,she’devensleep

with Quinlan, a vampire known to use up women and cast them aside like candy wrappers. He had no
roominhisworld,hislife,hisheartforarelationship.Shedidn’tknowallthedetails,butthehorrific
event surrounding his parents’ deaths had set him on this course, so good luck to any woman trying to
overturnachildhoodtrauma.

Atlast,shereleasedherdeathgriponthewroughtironandsatup.He’dgivenhertimetothink,tolet

hersmartsworkforherrightnowinsteadofherhormones.

Unfortunately,shestillwantedthevampirebad.
Andhestillstreamedhisvibration,teasingherbetweenherlegs,butgentlynow,areminderofwhathe

coulddotoheriftheyweretogether,thathecouldsustainthesensationinadozenplacesatoncewhilehe
workedherphysicallywithanicelistofattributes.She’dheardtherumorsabouthim,whichdidn’thelp
either.

Youknowwe’lldothiseventually.Eveninherheadhisdeepvoicerumbled,anotherseductivelayer

thatweakenedherresolve.Quinlanhadoneofthedeepestvoicesshe’deverheard,arichbass.So,why
nottonight,Cha?

Shepickedupherbrushandpulledforwardaheavylengthofherthickhair.Bylong-establishedritual,

she started at the tips and began working out the tangles one by one. Brushing helped her to think, to
remember,tocoalescethoughtsandarguments,tosynthesizeopposingthreads.

Quinlan…bad.
GrochaireRealm…bad.
Herartist’slifeinLebanon…good.
She brushed and brushed, scowling and thinking, his vibration still an easy, seductive presence. For

reasons she couldn’t explain, she felt utterly threatened by Quinlan, that something about him could
destroythepreciouslifeshe’dbuiltforherselfoutsideofherbirthrealm.

SheknewwhoshewasinLebanon.
Grochaire and the Realm-world swallowed her up, using her combo troll-fae powers until she sank

undertheweightofit.

Shecouldnevergobacktothatlifeandyethereshewas,aboutreadytoopenherselfuptotheMastyr

ofGrochaireRealmhimself,thelegendaryQuinlanandhisgod-likephysique.

Her brush fell from her hands as she lifted her gaze back to the window, where she could see him

hovering,holdinghimselfinplacethroughlevitationalone,hisvibrationstillabeautifulsensation.

Hang-it-all,shewasgoingtolethimin.
But just as she slipped from bed and her long skirts fell into place to her ankles, a brilliant white-

yellowlightflashedbehindQuinlan.Hewhippedaround,thendroppedfromsightasshriekingsounded
outsideherbuilding,thekindthatcamefromInvictuswraith-pairs.

She heard him shout something, maybe the word, ‘run’. She wasn’t sure, but the high-pitched battle

screamsmeantonlyonething,Invictus.

Shecouldn’tbelievethattheInvictushadcometoLebanon.Fromwhatshe’dalwaysunderstood,the

deadly wraith-pairs didn’t have the ability to pass the realm access points and enter the U.S. She’d
alwaysthoughtherselfsafebecauseofit.

Inthestreet,aredwindstreamed.

*********

Quinlan stood on the sidewalk with his back to Batya’s art gallery, uncertain what the hell he was

looking at. He waited with lowered shoulders, his arms firing up his battle frequency so that he could
releasekillingenergyinstreamsthroughthepalmsofhishands.Heevenhadadaggerinhisleathersif
thisbattlegotup-close-and-personal.

Butwhatthehellwashelookingat?
Hecouldalmostmakeouttheshapeofawomanheldwithinabrightyellowglow,asightthatmadehis

vampire eyes ache. He smelled the female though, a dark rancid scent that he knew from a battle six
monthsagoinBergissonRealm.AnancientfaehadcursedtheareaanddammedupthewaterfallatSweet
Gorge.Together,theMastyrofBergissonandhisbloodrose,Samantha,hadcreatedanewparadisethere
andthefae’sstenchwasgone.

ButQuinlanwouldneverforgetthatsmellanditwasherenow,inLebanon.
However,itwouldappearshe’dshiftedherattentiontohim,ormaybetoBatya.Butwhatwouldthe

ancientfaewantwithanex-patriot,livingattheTennesseehumanearthaccesspoint,andrunningafree-
clinic for other disenfranchised realm-folk? Batya wasn’t exactly a threat to the Invictus, the deadly
wraith-pairsthatmanynowbelievedtheancientfaehadcreated.

Butwhateverthiswas,Batyawasnomatchforthepowerfulfae,whichwaswhyhe’dshoutedforher

torun.

From the shadows behind the golden glow, four figures emerged, levitating just a few feet above the

ground.

Invictuswraith-pairs.
Yetsomethingmore.
Bigger.
Deadlier.
TwofemalewraithseachbondedwithGuard-sizedvampires,asbigashim.Buttheyweren’tregular

vampires at all. Holy shit, each was a mastyr vampire. The Nine Realms had over two dozen mastyr
vampiresbeyondthose,likehim,whoruledeachrealm.Onlythemostpowerfulmastyrsbecamerulers,a
lawthathadbeenpartoftheNineRealmworldformillennia.

His nostrils flared. A bitter edge reached him, emanating from the Invictus, something cloying that

reekedoftheancientfaeandbothpairssmelledofit,likewetashes,asuresignthatthisnewversionof
theInvictuswashercreation.

Great.
ThebattlingvibrationofbothInvictuspairsswarmedtowardhimandinthismomentheknewhewas

dead.

He could have fought a dozen normal wraith-pairs, but not these two together. Maybe not even one

alone because the bond between wraith and mastyr vampire had created unimaginable power between
eachcouple.

HethoughtofBatyainherstudio.Whatwouldhappentoherifhecouldn’tstopthem?Hedidn’twant

tothinkaboutthat.

Awoman’svoicecalledout.“Thisisallwrong.He’snotsupposedtobehere.”Theancientfaedrifted

sideways,herfeaturesindistinct,herglowstillhurtingthebacksofhiscorneas.Heshadedahandover
hiseyes.

Andwhywasn’thesupposedtobehere?
Herwordsmeantonlyonething,thatshe’dcomeforBatya.
The thought of her in the hands of any of these monsters increased and focused his battle energy. He

liftedhishands.“Allright,motherfuckers,whichofyouwantstodiefirst?”

*********

Trembling, Batya made her way to the lower gallery floor and hid behind one of the pillars. She

couldn’tbelievewhatshewasseeingandherheartbeatsohardinherchestshethoughtitwouldexplode.

Asoft,femininevoicecalledtoherfrombehind.“Batya,what’sgoingon?”
Batyaturnedtowardthedoorwaythatledtothebackroomsandherassistant’sapartment.Loreleihad

beenhersolidright-armfortwoyearsnow,helpingherrunboththegalleryandthefree-clinic.“Idon’t
know,butIthinkMastyrQuinlan’sintrouble.”

Lorelei drew close. She stood just slightly shorter than Batya as she stared out at the strange golden

lightandthemassivewraith-pairsthatlookedreadytoeatQuinlanalive.

“He’llneverstandagainsther.”
“Againstwho?”Batyacouldvaguelymakeoutawoman’sshape.
“She’stheone,theancientfae.”
A serious shock ripped through Batya’s body. “Holy shit. You mean the one that caused all those

problemsinBergisson,atSweetGorge?”

Loreleinodded.“Iknowher.”
Batyafeltasthoughshe’dbeenkickedinthestomach.“Whatthehelldoyoumeanyouknowher?You

knowtheancientfae?”

Loreleisighedheavily.“Yes.Icanseeherplainly,too.Canyou?”
“No.Iseeafemalefigure.That’sall.”
“MastyrQuinlanwon’tsurvivethisattack.Shehastoomuchpower.”
Batya didn’t know what to do. She could sense Quinlan’s battle frequency gearing up, but she could

also feel the other vampires, that they were super-charged. She understood then that Quinlan showed
nothingbutbravado,thatheknewhewasgoingtodie.

“Weonlywantthewoman.”Theancientfae’svoicesoundedrough.
“You can’t have her.” Quinlan’s deep voice roared along the street, easily breaching the gallery

window.

“Ihavetodosomething.Hecan’tdie.Ican’tletthishappen.”
“But what can you do?” Lorelei asked. “We’re lost. All of us. No one can withstand the ancient fae.

Evennow,herpowerripplesovermyskin.”

Batya turned to Lorelei and saw that tears tracked her pale cheeks. She trembled head-to-foot. Fear

reeked from her as well, but not a sudden kind of panic, something that tasted metallic on the air like
she’dlivedwithitfordecades.

Shedidn’tknowverymuchaboutLorelei.She’dshownupacoupleofyearsagoandstayedtohelp,but

Batyadidn’taskquestions,oneofherrulesintheex-patcommunity.Shebelieveditwasimportantforall
ex-patriots,thoserealm-folkwhochosetoliveintheU.Sapartfromtheirbirth-realms,tofeellikethey
couldstartoverwithouthavingtheirhistoriesmadepublic.

Suddenly, the air outside the gallery lit up and streams of killing energy passed from Quinlan to the

hoveringwraith-pairs.Quinlanroseintotheairaswell,atleastthreefeetofftheground.

Helookedmagnificent,evenfrombehind,becauseheheldhisarmswideandflungimpossiblearrays

of battle energy at the enemy, something that would have destroyed a normal wraith-pair with the first
blow.

Yet the Invictus couples barely moved as they slowly advanced on him, pressing their joined energy

hardathiminbrilliantstreamsofalternatingredandbluelight.

Thegoldenauraoftheancientfaegrewbrighterasthebattleraged.Maybeshegainedenergyfromthe

sightofdestruction.

Probably.
Thewomanwasevil.
BatyaheardLorelei’ssoftsobs,butherowninclinationleanedawayfromsadnessorevenpityinthis

moment.She’dgrownupwiththedestructionthattheInvictuspairscouldinflict,whichwasoneofthe
reasonsshe’dleftGrochaireinthefirstplace.She’dhadenoughofthewar.

The other reason began to forge a heavy vibration through her body, the part of her that was

monumentallyandpowerfullyfae.Foramoment,sheevenwonderedifshecouldpullthisoff,because
she’dkeptherpowerdormantforthepastcentury.

Yetwithoneman’slifehangingbyacoupleofbluestreamsofenergy,shegatheredherpower.Quinlan

belongedtoher,nottothesevile,wraith-vampireInvictuspairsandhesureashelldidn’tbelongtoan
ancientfaewhoevenshecoulddetectsmelledlikerottinggarbage.

“Stayback,Lorelei.Butdon’tworry,thiswon’thurtyou.”
Batyamovedforwardandbeganaccessingoneofherpowers,arealmfrequencythatmanyfaeshared

thatmadeuseofenthrallmentinmanydifferentforms.Thecanvasesandeaselsallaroundherbeganto
vibrateandshakeasshegatheredherpower.Someofthemevenfelltothefloor.

DamntheInvictusanywayandifthisancientfaehadchargeofthem,damnheraswell.
Everythinghappenedatonce.
Both massive wraith-pairs charged Quinlan. A brief flash of red and blue light flew into the air on

impact,thenQuinlancrashedthroughthewindow.

“Theresheis,”theancientfaecalledout.“Gether.”
But without giving it too much thought, Batya sent her enthrallment power outward and wrapped her

gallery up inside a shield, like she’d just set a hard cement wall all around the perimeter of the entire
building.

Beyondtheshield,thewomanensconcedinthegoldenlightwrithed.“Whereisshe?Whathappened?

Wheredideverythinggo?Whatthehellisthis?”

“Mistresswedon’tknow.ButwehitMastyrQuinlanwitheverything.Whereverheis,he’sprobably

dead.”

“Doyouthinkthat’sanyconsolation?Idon’tgivearipefigabouthisass.Iwantedthewoman.”Her

voicevibratedwithrage.

Loreleijoinedher.“Whatdidyoudo,MistressBatya?”
Normally, Batya didn’t allow anyone to address her in the ancient realm way, but she let it pass for

nowsinceshehadabiggerproblem.Shehadonehalf-deadmastyrvampirelyingonabedofshattered
glass.

ShedroppedtoherkneesbesideQuinlan.Hehadburnsalloverhisbodyandmostofhisheavybattle

leathersandGuardsmancoatweregone.Hislong,thick,blackhairremainedintact,butshewasn’tsure
how.

“Willyouhelpme,Lorelei?Ineedtogethimtothehealingroom.”
“Ofcourse,butwillyourshieldhold?”
“Yes.”
Loreleiglancedtowardthebrokenwindow.“Buthowareyoumaintainingit?”
Batyamethergaze,staringatherhard.“Thesameway,Ithink,thatyouwereabletoseethatbitchout

there.”

AblushcrawledupLorelei’scheeks.BatyahadsuspectedforalongtimethatLoreleihadmanysecrets

andtonightshe’dputaspotlightonatleastoneofthem.

Loreleimerelynodded.“Fairenough.”
“Nowdoyou,ordoyounot,havelevitationpowershere?”Batya’sownabilitiesinthatarea,muchto

her dismay, left a lot to be desired. Many powerful fae could fly, but even with her three-hundred-plus
years,shestillcouldn’tliftherfeetofftheground.Butshecouldraiseotherthingsforshortbursts,like
near-deadvampires.

Loreleisighed.“Ido.”

“ThenyoutakeonesideofthisbigGuardsmanandI’lltaketheother.”
WhenBatyaslidherarmsbeneathQuinlan,hemoanedheavily.Shesensedthatanumberofhisbones

werebrokenandthatleftalone,he’ddie.

Shesentacalmingvibrationthroughhismindandsomehowthatdidthetrick.Hedroppedintoamuch-

neededcoma.

WhenLoreleiworkedherarmsbeneathQuinlanaswell,andsheopenedherlevitatingpower,someof

itzingedagainstBatya.

I’veneverfeltanythinglikethat.Whothehellareyou?
Lorelei’slipsquirked.Anex-pat,likeyou.That’sall.
Likehell.ButBatyasmiled.
“On three.” She counted down and together, two Grochaire ex-pats, levitated a near-dead mastyr

vampire,weighinginataheavilymuscledtwo-fortyandnotanounceless,andcarriedhimthroughthe
blown-apartgallerytotheinfirmaryoffthebackhallway.

Thehealingroomheldalargebedsothatfamilymemberscouldoftensleepbesidetheirlovedones,or

justbenearthemwhentheypassed.

Mostlyrealm-folksurvivedwhatevertraumaordiseasecameatthem,oneoftheperksofbeinglong-

lived.

YetBatyahadnoticedthatsometimesthespiritofherfellowrealminhabitantsgaveoutwhenahuman

spiritdidn’t.Thatwasoneofthemysteriesofherworld.

As she and Lorelei worked to get the blood-feeding-tube down Quinlan’s throat, she doubted he’d

succumbtoalossofwill,oranythingelselikethat.Onlytheselevelsofburnsandphysicaldestruction
couldtakeMastyrQuinlanout.

For the next several hours, she and Lorelei took turns donating blood to the feeding-tube apparatus.

Vampireswereexcellentself-healersandmorethananything,bloodwoulddothetrick.Sotogether,they
donatedandwatchedasminuteuponminutehisskinknittedtogetherandhisbrokenbonesstretchedout
andre-formedproperly.

She kept him out cold so that anytime his powerful conscious mind tried to rise back to the surface,

she’d send a reassuring vibration, from her healing frequency, straight to the center of his brain. He
seemedtoknowherandtoacknowledgeherpresence,becausehedidn’tfighther,buteachtimesettled
backintohisunconsciousstatetolethisbodydothework.

Lorelei brought her a tray of food of fresh fruit, an orange muffin, and a vanilla yogurt. Batya didn’t

speakassheate,butshedidinspecttheenthrallmentshieldshe’dcreated.Thepreternaturalwallheldand
wouldn’tbudgeunlessshemadeadecisiontoreleaseit.Shecouldalsoopenupsmallportionsinorder
toletpeoplecomeandgoifnecessary.

Though the wraith-pairs had left at dawn, an elven female, wearing protective sun-gear, stood guard

acrossthestreetwithinafaintenthrallmentshieldsothatthehumanscouldn’tseethem.Theancientfae
washavinghergallerywatched.

Bynightfall,havingbeenupfortwenty-fourhours,Loreleineededsomesleep.
Quinlanwaswellonhiswaytohealingandshe’dremovedtheblood-feedingtube.He’dbewakingup

inthenextfewhoursatwhichtimeshe’dgivehimasolidwrist-feed.

For now, however, with Quinlan’s skin mostly restored and sleeping as he was on his back, she

stretchedoutonthebed,pulledaseparateblanketoverherandturnedonhersidetolookathim.Withall
thelightsintheroomoff,shealteredhervisionandsawhiminasoftglow.

Hehadanincredibleprofile.Hisnosewasslightlycrookedlikeithadbeenbrokeninsomewayhe

couldn’trepairormaybehe’dbeenbornthatway,butshe’dalwaysthoughtithissexiestfeature.Hehad
thickblackbrows,andhishairlaytwistedandmattedbeneathhim.Shedidn’tenvyhimthatbrush-job.

Herhairwassimilarsosheknewexactlywhathefacedwhenhefinallyrecovered.

She tucked her hand beneath her cheek and sighed. Not a bad night-and-day’s work, saving a mastyr

vampirefromanancientfaeandtwouber-powerfulInvictuswraith-pairs.

Wasthisthefuturethen?Anarmyofwraith-pairsthatcoulddefeatevenapowerfulmastyrvampire?
Ifthisweretrue,thenwhatwouldhappentotheNineRealms?HowcouldGrochaireoranyoftheother

NorthAmericanrealmsstand?

Well,shecouldn’tsolvealltheworld’sproblems,atleastnottonight.
Shesmiledasshefellsoundasleep.

*********

Quinlanwokeupslowly,hismindclutteredwithimagesthathecouldn’tquitemakesenseof,likehuge

vampiresandwraiths,snowfields,andadeadlynetflyingthroughtheair.

But beneath the revolving spin of scattered sights and sounds, rode a sense that he should be up and

doingsomething.Hejustdidn’tknowwhat.

Hiseyestooktheirtimeopeningandtheyhurtinastrangeway,likehe’dbeenstaringatthesun,avery

badthingforavampire.

Herecalledseeingsomethinggoldandglowing,butwhat?
Someofhisbonesached,especiallyhisribs,andhecouldfeelthemreforming,whichmeanthe’dbeen

hurtrecently,buthow?Why?

A weight across his upper thighs and another across his chest stung a little where his skin hadn’t

completelyhealed.

Sohemusthavebeenburnedaswell.
Hereacheddowntoremovethefirstweightandfoundawoman’sarm.
Anarm.
Hesmiled.Thoughhewasn’tsurewhy,helikedthewoman’sarmoverhischestandhecouldlivewith

themoderatepainitcaused.

Hesighedandhisminddriftedbackintoobliviononcemore.
Sometimelater,heawokeagainwithanewweightpressedonhischest,somethingheavierthistime

andhisnosetickled.

Opening his eyes, which didn’t sting nearly as much as earlier, he lifted a hand to rub the tip of his

nose.Hefoundseveralstrandsofcoarsehaircurledjustsotomakehisskinitch.

Blondhair.Verythickandwavy.
Heknewthishair.Hewassureofit.
Ah,thewomanagain.
Shelayonhischest,thecauseofthatheavyweight.
Hisribsstillhurt,butnotthatmuch,notenoughtomakehimwanttowakethewomanupandtellherto

move.

Instead,hislipscurvedoncemore.Oddly,hefeltmorerelaxedthanhehadinalongtime,indecades,

maybeevencenturies.Hisstomachdidn’tevenhurt.

Weird,that.
He wanted to explore why his stomach wasn’t all cramped up with blood-hunger, but he drifted off

oncemore.

Whenhefinallywokeupforgood,thefirstthingherealizedwasthathewasinafullyarousedstate

andthewomanlaypartiallyontopofhim.

Heopenedhiseyesandfoundthatnoachesremainedinornearthesockets,buthisstomachwarned

himthathewaslowonfuelandnotthekindthatamealcouldprovide.

Heneededblood.
Thewomanwasstillonhim,onlythistimeshelaycompletelyoverhim,snoringgently.

Hecradledherwithonearm.Sheworeaskirtofsomekindandablouse.Abra.
Heworenothingandthesheetthathadoncecoveredhimhungaroundhisknees.
Shifting slightly, the woman snuggled closer, tilting her face into his neck. She found the skin at his

throatandslowlystartednibbling,thenshebegantosuck.

His cock loved what she was doing, but somehow the whole thing seemed wrong. If only his brain

wouldpulltogetherandworkproperly,thenhecouldfigurethisout,likewhoshewas,wherehewas.

Helookedupattheceilingandsawabeautifulpaintingofawomanwithwings,anangelperhaps,in

flight.Thecolorswerenavyandavioletorpurple.Hewasn’tsureaboutthenamesforthedifferenthues.

She seemed happy and somehow the painting made him feel at ease, which he supposed was the

purpose,ifsomeonewasinwhathecouldonlyinterpretasakindofhealingfacility.Glancingaround,he
recognizedfae-paraphernalia,somescentedcandles,ablood-feedingtube.

At that, he frowned. He needed to feed again, but given the severity of his injuries, the woman must

havealreadydonatedthroughthetube.

And just like that, the images coalesced. He recalled flying through Batya’s art gallery, having been

thrownthroughthewindow.Herememberedapaintingofasnowfield,andanotherinameadowlittered
withtheuniquecampingtentsthathistrollbrigadeusedinthemountains.Therewereotherimageslike
streamsandmaybeariver,ofatrailthroughafallforest,almostbrilliantorange,andburningormaybeit
wasjustthecolorsoffire.

Batya’spaintingsofcourse,rememberedinvividdetail.
Batya.Yes.
Heheldherinhisarms,thewomanwhosuckledhisnecksoftlyinherslumbers.Hesqueezedherand

hiscockmovedagainstherabdomen.

Hedriftedhisnose,ashe’dbeenwantingtoforweeks,alongthelineofhercheek.Hedraggedinair

andthereitwas,thescenthenowassociatedwithher,anerotic,floweryfragrance,likesomethingfound
inthetropics.

For a moment, he thought about moving his hips on a downward trajectory, until he could position

himselfbetweenherlegs.Heknewhersleep-stylealittle,sincethefirsttimehe’dbroughthertoecstasy,
she’dbarelybeenawake,justcomingoutofherslumbers.Verywickedofhim,butithadbeenworthit.

Ontheotherhand,hedidn’tfeelrightaboutinvadingherlikethis.Seductionwasonething,buttaking

advantageofavulnerablefemalewasnothisstyle,despitethatshesuckedhisneckandnowrolledher
hipsintohiswithmatchingneed.

Hegroanedthensqueezedherwaist,shakingherjustalittle.Heneededhertowakeup,tostopmoving

onhim.

Shecooedinherhalf-sleep.“Quinlan?”
“I’mhere.”
“Oh,thatvoiceofyours,asdeepastheocean,andyousmellsogood,likewood-smoke.”
“Iknowwhatyoumean.”
Sheswirledhertongueoverhisneck.
“Youneedtostopdoingthat.”
“Butyoutastesogood.”
“Openyoureyes.”
“Theyareopen.”
“No,they’renot.”
Shechuckledsoftly.“Yes,theyare.”
Hedrewbackjustenoughtolookather,wonderingifhewasmistaken,buthereyeswerefullyclosed.

Yep,stillhalf-slumberingandheknewhecouldtakeher.Waseverawomanmoreaccessibleatthispoint
inhersleepthanBatya?

“Wakeup.”Hespokeinasharptone,whichsnappedhereyesopen.
“Quinlan?Whatareyou--”Shebrokethequestionoffmid-sentenceandblinkedseveraltimes.“What

amIdoinghere?”

Hechuckledsoftly.“It’sokay.”
“Didyoupullmeontopofyou?Quinlan,isthatyoupressingintomybelly?”
“Theanswertoyourfirstquestionis,no,Ididnotpullyouontopofmelikethis.Iawokeinjustthis

position. Several times in fact, and each time you were sprawled over me, but this is your latest
arrangement.” He cleared his throat. “As for the second question, yes, that’s me pressing into your
abdomen.”

Shedidn’tmoveforaverylongmoment,thoughherlimbshadstiffenedslightly.Shejustkeptlooking

athim,andblinkingrapidly.Hecouldn’timagineherthoughtsandhehadnoideawhatshewouldaddress
first.

Butafaintsmilemadehimhopefulasshesaid,“Well,therumorsaboutyouareexactlyspoton,butI

won’tsaymoreaboutthat.”

Hesmiled.Heknewwhatshemeantanddamnhimforlovingthatshe’djustsaidit.Hiscocktwitched

appreciatively.

Shedrewbackalittleandsearchedhisface.“Howdoyoufeel?Anypain?You’dbeenfriedtoacrisp

andhadabunchofbrokenboneswhenwebroughtyouinhere.”

“I’mfine.Justalittlesorenesshereandthere,butI’llneedtofeedsoon.”
Atthat,sherelaxedagainsthimandofferedherwrist.“Goahead.Takewhatyouneed.”
Quinlanstaredatherforagoodlongmoment.He’dexpectedalotofthings,butnotBatyaofferingup

herarm.Heknewshewasgenerous:shehadafree-clinicandhadbroughtinsomekindofex-pattohelp
herout,awomanwholivedinanapartmentonherpremises.

Healsoknewhewasthelastmanwhodeservedthatkindofgenerosity.Hehadnoillusionsaboutwho

hewas.He’dspenthislifetryingtoatoneforhisfather’sdeath.

ButthatBatyawoulddonatesofreelywhenhe’dbeenharassingherforweeksaboutneedingtogetinto

herbed,crushedsomethinginsidehischest.

Hedidn’tpresshereitheraboutfindinganotherdoneuse.Torefuseherwristwouldhavebeentacky

afterallshe’ddoneforhim.

Whenshecurledherarmsothathecouldtakeherwristatagoodangle,andwithoutgivingittoomuch

thought,heloweredhisfangsandstrucktotheexact,practiceddepthandbegantosuckdownthesweetest
tastingblood,floweryanderotic,justashe’dimagined.

However,giventhatshestilllayontopofhim,hisotherproblemsuddenlygotworse.

*********

BatyarealizedhermistakewhenshewatchedQuinlan’seyesrollbackinhisheadwithhisfirstdrawat

herwrist.Aninvoluntaryflexofhishipsfollowedsothatshefelthiscockglideupherlowerabdomenin
onelongeroticstroke.

SweetGoddess,I’msorry,Batya,butyoudon’tknowwhatyoutastelike.Don’tworry.Justignore

myresponse.

But Batya couldn’t. He’d been working her up for weeks. He’d brought her to climax several times

withjusthisvibrationandhelookedsogoodcloseup,withhisgoldenskinandsexycrookednose,his
fulllipsplunderingherwrist.

Asimpleideacametohergiventheirsharedlevelofneed,sowithherfreehand,shecarefullydrew

herskirtsupsothatwhensheturnedbacktohim,shefelthimskin-to-skin,thebaseofhiscockpressing
againsthermound.

Heaven.

Whatareyoudoing?Hepathed.Hiseyeslookedfranticashewatchedher.
Justkeeptakingwhatyouneed.Sheheldhisgazeashesuckedandshepressedherselfagainsthim

andbegantorockintohim.

Hegroanedashesucked.Canyoucomelikethis,eventhoughI’mnotinsideyou?Hisdeepvoicein

herheadalmostbroughther.

Shenodded.Oh,yeah.Canyou?Shesearchedhisdarkeyes.
Fuck,yeah,especiallywithyourbloodflowingdownmythroat.
She reached around and grabbed his ass to keep the pressure anchored. He shifted just enough and

begantopushagainstheraswell,quickupwardjabs,holdinghergaze.

Comeforme,Cha.Comeforme.Hisvoice.SweetGoddess,thatrumblingbassvoice.
And before she knew it, he added his vibration which pushed her over the edge and she groaned as

ecstasypouredthroughher.Shecriedout,grindingagainsthiscock.Heleftherwristandheldherclose,
hiscockjerkingrepeatedlyashecame.Hegruntedheavilyashepushedhishipsintoheroverandover,
extendingthemoment.

“Yourvibrations,Quinlan.Theygetmeeverytime.”
“Yourresponsegetsme.”
Herbreathingslowed.Hisaswell.
“Shortbutsweet.”
Shesmiled.“Iloveyourvoice.”
Hedrewheragainsthim,cradlingheragain,rockingherjustalittle.
Thankyou,Batya.Thatwasadoublekindness.Ioweyouone.
Well,youtookcareofme,too,somaybewe’reeven.
Hechuckled.
Afteracoupleofminutes,sheleaneduponherelbowtobetterseehim.“Yourhair’samess.”
“Hey,Ialmostdied.”
“I’mnotmakingacommentonfashionortidiness,justremarkingthatyou’llhaveacoupleoftanglesto

clearuponceyoushower.Ihaveareallygoodcrèmerinse,though.You’rewelcometoit.”

Hereachedupandtouchedthemattedhairatthenapeofhisneck,thenwinced.“Youweren’tkidding.”
“Lookatitthisway,youdidn’tloseyourhairthoughhalfyourbodywasburnedbad.”
Hefrownedsuddenlyandlookedaround.“CanyouexplaintomewhyI’mstillalive,whyyou’restill

hereandnotdead?Howdidyousurvivetheattack?”

Shelookedanywherebutathim.She’dknownthismomentwouldcome,thatshe’dhavetotellhimthe

truthaboutherradicalfaepowers,butshedidn’twantto.Sheslidoffhim,pullingherskirtsaway.

“Whereareyougoing?Batya,what’sgoingon?”
Shekickedtheblanketoffherlegsandsatatanangleonthesideofthebed,mostlyawayfromhim.

Timetoconfess.“Whenyoucrashedthroughthewindow,Igatheredmypowerandsetupanenthrallment
shield.”

“Youdidwhat?”
Shewavedherrighthand.“Can’tyouseethat?Feelthat?”
Helookedaround,thensettledhisgazeonthewindowthatoverlookedthealley.Theblindsanddrapes

weredrawnforprivacy.

She watched him as his gaze scanned the window, the drapes, the wall. He closed his eyes for a

momentthenopenedthem.Isenseaveryfaintvibration,nothingmore.

“Good.I’mglad.Formeit’slikeanair-conditioningunitthat’sbeenrunningfullbore,allnight,right

nexttomyheadandIwishIcouldshutitoff.Buttheancientfaehasoneofherminionsstationedacross
thestreetfrommygallery,aboutwhereyouwerelastnight.She’saprettyelfwho’sbeenchain-smoking
forthepastseveralhours.

“She’swatchingyourhome?”
“She’swaitingformetolowermyshieldssoshecanbringinthebigboys.Youknowthosewraith-

pairsyoufoughttwonightsago?”

Hisbrowrose.“Twonightsago?SweetGoddess.I’vebeenoutthatlong?”
“Doyourememberthepain?”
“Notreally.”Heshookhisheadslowly.“Just,Idon’tknow,Iremembersomethingenteringmymind,a

kindofease.”

“Thatwasme.”
“NowonderIsleptandhealedsodamnfast.Ireallydooweyou,don’tI?”
“Kindof.Butdoyouthinktheancientfaewasreallyafterme?”
“Idorememberherwords.Shewasn’texpectingmetobethere,soifitwasn’tme,thenithadtobe

you.”

“Iguess.Ijustdon’tknowwhattodonext.Imeaniftheywereafterme,becauseofwhatIcando,and

theycouldtakeyoudownlikethat,wherewillIeverbesafe?

“Besides, I’ve built a life here, one that I love.” She lifted her chin and met his gaze straight on. “I

don’teverplanonlivinganywhereelse,either.”

Hecrossedhisarmsoverhischest.“Arealex-pat.”
“Absolutely,andproudofit.”
His gaze skated away from hers. He sounded almost reverent as he said, “I can’t imagine living

anywherebutinGrochaire.”

She felt a familiar twinge of guilt when she thought of the Nine Realms, especially in the face of

Quinlan’sdedicationtoherbirth-world.

“Soletmeunderstandsomething,Batya.You’vegotsufficientpowertosustainanenthrallmentshield

aroundyourentirebuilding,forwhatappearstobeanindefiniteamountoftime.”

“Prettymuch.”
Hereleasedasigh.“Ihadnoideayouhadthiskindofpower,butthenitexplainswhytheancientfae

wouldbeafteryou.”

“Isuppose.”
“I’llpayforthewindow,ofcourse.”
“It’snotnecessary.TheInvictusdidthisandthatshe-devilwhocreatedthem.”
Herubbedhisthumboverwhatwasnowacrevicebetweenhisthickblackbrows.
Evenupsethelookedsexyashellanditdidn’thelpthatthesheethe’djustpulleduphungbelowhis

navel.Shehadaperfectviewofaspectacularchest,tightabs,andheavypecsthatshewantedhermouth
on.

Hisgazeshiftedtowardherandhishanddroppedawayfromhisface.“What’swithallthescentnow

rollingatme?”

Shelookedupattheceiling.“Youknow,I’vebeenthinkingofchangingthatmural.”
“Well,itshouldn’tbeaproblemsinceyouchangedthesubjectasquickaslightning.”
Shelaughedandmethisgazeoncemore.“Youlookgoodtomerightnowandbeforethatgoestoyour

headit’sonlybecauseI’vecometorealizethatI’vebeenwithoutamanfortoolongandassoonaswe
getthissituationsortedout,I’mgoingtostartdatingagain.”

“Dateme.”
Shelaughed.“That’snotdating.That’ssex.”
“Thensexme.Useme.Icanhandleit.”
Shetiltedherhead.“IwantmoreandIknowyoucan’tdeliverwhatIwant.”
Hesatup,grabbedherarmandletsomeofhiswickedvibrationfloatoverherskin.Sheshivered,a

fullbodyshakethatmadehergasp.“Howdoyoudothat?”

He released her and sank back down on the bed, his hands clasped behind his head. He looked so

smug,soself-satisfied.“I’vehadlotsandlotsofpractice.Nowjustimagineallthatvibration,elsewhere,
inconjunctionwithotherthings.Iwouldn’tdismissapurelysexualrelationship,Batya,notonewithme.”
Hisdarkeyesglittered.

She stood up and let her skirts fall where they may. “I’ve been trying to avoid exactly this kind of

liaisonsinceyoufirststartedsniffingaroundhere.Butwedon’tneedtosettleanythingrightnow.Idon’t
knowaboutyou,butI’mstarved.”

“Youchangedthesubjectagain.”
“Yeah,I’mprettygoodatit.”
She didn’t wait for him to make another suggestive remark but headed toward the door. But before

movingintothehallshesaidhecoulduseLorelei’sshower,thatshe’dfindhimsomeclothes,andbring
himherspecialcrèmerinse.”

“Thankyou,Batya.Imeanit.Yousavedmylife.”
Herthroattightenedasshenodded.“Anytime,mastyr.Anytime.”
Asshemovedintothehall,shedrewadeepbreath.Theancientfaehadintrudedinherworldandright

nowshehadnoideahowlonghersiegewouldlast,orifherlifewouldeverreturntonormal.

ChapterTwo

Quinlanshowered,washingthemassofhishairtwicethenapplyingBatya’scrèmerinsesothathe’d

haveahalf-waydecentshotatgettingthesnarlsout.

Usingherblowdryer,hecursedashewatchedhislong,thickhairflyaround.Whycouldn’tavampire,

especially a Guardsman, have some kind of preternatural power to remove tangles and dry his hair
withoutelectricity?

“Wantsomecoffeewithyour‘shits’and‘damn-all-the-elf-lords-to-hell’?”
HemetBatya’sreflectioninthemirror,andsawamugextendedinhisdirection.
Heshutthedryeroff,turnedaround,andtookthecup.“GuessIwasn’tholdingbackmuch.”
Batyachuckled.“No,youweren’t.”
She had dimples, two of them. Not deep, but they were definitely there. He’d never really noticed

before,butontheotherhandmostofhisseductionworkhadtakenplaceatadistance.

Butrightnow,hesippedhiscoffeeandhadagood,longlook.Herlarge,hazeleyeshadtobeherbest

feature,althoughherstraightnoseandstrikingcheekbonestookapowerfulsecond-best.Herchinangled
toalovelyfaepoint.

Hergazeflickedoverhishair.“Turnaround.I’llworkthebacksection.”
Sinceshereachedpasthimandgrabbedthebrush,hedecidedtotakeherupontheoffer.Thathedidn’t

hesitateresonatedinhisbrainasaseriouswarningofsomekind,buthewasn’tsureinwhatway.

She picked up a thick section and started at the tips. He couldn’t even feel the tugs so he drank his

coffeeandreleasedasigh.

His thoughts turned, as they so often did, to Grochaire. “I need to get word to Rafe, my second-in-

command, to warn him about what he might be up against. But my telepathy isn’t working through your
shieldandmyphonegotblastedbyoneofthosewraith-pairs.”

“Youcantrymyphone,butIcan’tguaranteeyou’llgetthrough,notwiththeshieldIhaveinplace.Ican

reach my Lebanon people, but I doubt you’ll get through to any of the realms. And, sorry, but I’m not
lettingtheshielddown,notfornothing.Stayingalivehaspriorityhere.”

Hesmiledbecausehecouldn’thaveagreedwithhermore.
She brushed through another long length, hit a snag and started working it. He could see her in the

mirror,browfurrowed.He’dseenthatlookalready,morethanoncejustconversingwithher.Shehada
seriousnessaboutherthatheapprovedof,maybebecauseitmatchedhisown.

Hesippedsomemoreandwatchedher.Shewasabeautifulwomanandtall,maybejustundersixfeet.

Hewouldn’thavetoleantoofardowntokissher.Sheworeherhairloosewithclipsholdingitaway
fromherface.

Heknewherancestry,half-fae,half-troll,hergeneticshavingfallenonthefaeside.Realm-DNAdid

thatwhenthespeciesmixed.Theoffspringlandedonewayoranother,thesameifmorethantwolines
madeupthecode.Geneticsalwayspickedalane.

Butperhapsaboveall,Batyawasanartist.
“Haveyoueverdoneaself-portrait?”
Shepickedupanotherlonghunkofhishairandoncemorestartedatthetips,workingswiftly.“Idon’t

reallydofaces.I’vealwaysbeenintolandscapesandtheoccasionalstill-lifeiftheobjectsintrigueme
enough.”

“Doyougoout,snapphotosofwoodlands,thatkindofthing?”
“Sometimes.”Shestoppedbrushingandscratchedhercheekwithherthumb.“Butmoreoftenthannot

I’llgettheserichimagesinmyheadandthat’swhatI’llpaint.”

“Soundsfae.”
Shestartedbrushingagain,makingquickworkashecontinuedtosiphiscoffee.“Maybe.Probably.I

don’tthinkaboutit.Ijustpaintandletthespiritmoveme.”

Hesmiled.“Thespirit,huh?”
“It’sagoodearth-saying,don’tyouthink?”
“Isuppose.Soyoureallylikebeinghereonhumanearth.”
“Ido.Infact,Iloveit.Ididn’tknowwhathappinessorfreedomwasuntilImovedhere.”Shemethis

gaze in the mirror. “And I don’t plan on ever returning to the Nine Realms. The day that we made our
treatieswiththeUSturnedouttobethebestdayofmylife.”

“Yourunafreeclinic.Iknowthatmuch.Whatelse?”
Sheshrugged.“IhavemygalleryandIteachclassesonassimilationforex-pats,currency,lingo,that

kind of thing. Most stop saying ‘sweet Goddess’ by the end of the first year and use the more typical
‘OMG’.”

“Andyoureallydon’tmissGrochaire?Notevenalittle?”Hecouldn’timaginehowanyonecouldfeel

likethat.Grochairelivedinhisbones.

“No.”Stridenttone,toostrident.
“So,whathappenedthatsetyouagainstyourownworld?”
“I’mnotsetagainstGrochaire.”Sheranthebrushdownhishair,toptobottom,onesectionatatime.“I

thinkI’mdone.”

“What?Thatwasdamnfast.”
“You’ddonemostoftheworkalready.Youjustdon’thaveenoughpatience.”
One side of his mouth curved. “You got that right.” Turning toward her, mug still in hand, he added,

“Nowtellmewhathappened,subject-changer.WhydidyouleaveGrochaire?”

Loreleicalledoutthatthefoodwasready.
Batya smiled. “Good-timing because I think the inquest is over for now. Get dressed.” She waved a

handoverthetowelwrappedaroundhiswaist,thenlefttheroom.

“I’llbeaskingagain,”hecalledoutasshedisappeareddownthehall.
“Whatever.”
Hesethismugdownanddrewhishairback,securingitinthetraditionalGuardsman’swovenclasp.

HeexperiencedasuddenandpowerfulneedtogetthehelloutofLebanon.

Hedidn’tlikebeingawayfromGrochaireforanylengthoftime.Allhisresponsibilitieswerethere,

hiscommitments,hisdevotion.Hewouldneverunderstandtheex-patmentalityofthoselikeBatyawho
turned their backs on the realm-world. And knowing the level of her power, that she could create an
enthrallment shield strong enough to keep an ancient fae and uber-powerful wraith-pairs from busting
through,meantthatshecouldhavebeenusefultotheirongoingwaragainsttheInvictus.

Still,therewasastorythereandhelikedenoughaboutBatyatowanttohearwhatshehadtosayto

justifyherdecisions.Generally,asclosed-mindedashewasaboutex-pats,hewrotethemoff.

ButBatyabrokethemold.Shewasn’tintoearth-baseddrugs,lookingforafixasmanyex-patswere.

She used her abilities for good and looked after the realm-community in Lebanon, she volunteered her
powers,andshehadathrivingbusiness.

ButwhatcouldhavedrivenheroutofGrochaire?

*********

Batyadidn’tgoimmediatelytotheoversizedkitchenanddiningareaofherdownstairsgalleryrooms.

Instead,shepausedabouttenfeetdownthehallandputahandtoherchest.

Sherealizedsuddenlythatshefeltoddlyfatiguedthisafternoonandmorethanonceherheartseemedto

laborinherchest.

Maybeshewasgettingsomeweirdversionofahumanvirus,somethingthathappenedoccasionallyin

hercommunity,thoughrarelyforher.Shehadasuperbconstitution,otherwise,andcamefromextremely

long-livedstock.Herfatherwasovertwo-thousand-yearsold,afamoustrollintheNineRealms,soshe
wasalittlesurprisedthatshewasn’tintopform.

Ofcourse,shehadn’texactlygottenalotofsleepoverthepasttwonightsandshe’ddonatedquiteabit

ofbloodtobringQuinlanbackfromthebrink.

At least she wouldn’t be taking her usual appointments. As soon as Quinlan had been out of danger,

she’dcontactedtheir

sisterclinicacrosstown.She’dtoldtheadministratorabouthersupposed‘burglary’,unwillingtoupset

her community until she better understood what needed to happen next. She could bring people in by
extendingherenthrallmentshield,sofoodwouldn’tbeanissue.

Lorelei, on the other hand, was strangely calm about all that was happening, which somehow didn’t

seemrighttoBatya,asthoughLoreleiknewsomethingshewasn’tsharing.

Butasherheartcontinuedtobeaterratically,shetriedtosortthingsout,todeterminewhatifanything

shecoulddoabouttheancientfaeandthedangershepresented.

Yet,assherubbedherchestinaslowcircle,sheknewanotherkindofdangerhadinvadedhergallery

anditstoodaboutsix-six,hadthebodyofagod,andsmelledsoincrediblethatthewholetimeshe’dbeen
brushingQuinlan’shair,she’dwantedtosinkherfaceinthemass,burrowthrough,thenbitethebackof
hisneck.

Hejustsmelledsodamngood,likewoodsmoke.Yes,thatwaswhathesmelledlike,theburningofa

richbonfire.

Sheknewtherumorsabouthisearlylife,thathe’dkilledhisfather.TheSidheCouncilhadexonerated

him all those centuries ago, but the story still circulated and gave her pause. Quinlan had a darkness
within,analmosttangiblequality,maybeasaresultofwhathe’ddone,shedidn’tknow.Shealsodidn’t
knowifshecouldtrusthim.

ThelevelofattractionshefeltforQuinlanmystifiedher.She’dknownhimsinceshecouldremember,

butsomethingmusthavechangedrecentlytohavebroughthimchasingherskirts.Andwhywasthesudden
attractionsomutual?

Butifshewashonestwithherself,she’dalwaysbeendrawntohimlikemostofthewomensheknew.

However,untilhe’dbegunthisridiculouspursuit,wantingtobedher,she’dalwayssupposedherinterest
inhimhaditssourceinhisobviousphysicalprowess.Themanwasbuilt,gorgeous,andcarriedakindof
deadlyairthatgottoher.Ifhebecamedetermined,shewouldn’tbeabletofighthimoff,athoughtthat
sentashiverdownherbackandtightenedthingsverydeep.

Now,however,thatshe’dbroughthimbackfromthedead,sharedabriefbutlovelyorgasmwithhim,

andactuallybrushedouthisreallymagnificenthair,shefeltmoreindangerfromhimthaneverbefore.He
hadthecapacitytostripsomethingvitalfromher,fromherlife,fromherself-purposeasatroll-faeandas
anex-pat.

Quinlanthreatenedherwayoflifeandhehadtogo,thesoonerthebetter.

*********

Histemperonfullthrottle,Quinlanenteredthediningroomandglancedaroundtherectangularspace.

Batyasatwithherbacktothefarwallatalongtabledeckedwithtenupholsteredchairsinadarkpurple
fabric.Shelookedsoserene,asshestaredbackathim,asthoughthejokeshe’dplayeddidn’texistatall.
The clothes he’d been given to wear put a thunder cloud over his head, and he let the full range of his
emotionfillhiseyesasheglaredather.

Shemethisgazeandquicklypressedherlipsintoatightline,nodoubtbitingtheinsideofhercheek.
Sheswallowedhardandwithfalseadmirationsaid,“Howwellthatshirtbecomesyou.Dothepants

fit?”Hergazedroppedtothecuffsthatlandedaboutsixinchesoffthefloor.“Oh,well,youaretall,butI
seethetieIleftyouisholdingthemup.”

The white silk shirt had been made for a man of ample proportions who had a preference for red

sequinspatternedinaseriesofredrosebuds.Oddly,thecutfitacrosstheshouldersbutfromtherethe
fabricballoonedouttoagrotesquesize.

LoreleifrownedatBatyaandcluckedhertongue.“Howcouldyoudothattohim?”Sheturnedhersoft

browneyesonQuinlan.“That’spartofaMardisGrascostume. I laid out a perfectly reasonable t-shirt
andIcangetitforyou,ifyouwant.”SheevenofferedBatyaadisapprovingshakeofherhead.

“No,”hesaid,feelingstubborn,eyeingBatyaoncemore.“Thiswilldonicely.”
Batyapathed,Sureyoudon’twanttheteebecausethatdeepvoiceofyourshasanedge.
I’llgiveyouanedge.
Batya sipped her coffee and met his gaze over the rim. Promises, promises. She gestured for him to

taketheseatattheheadofthetable.

Hegrowledsoftlyinwhathehopedsoundedmenacing.Lorelei’seyeswidenedbutBatyalaughed.He

experienced a sudden, strong desire to teach her that whoever she thought she was in this absurd little
worldofhersinLebanon,hewastheMastyrofGrochaireRealmandcouldtakeherapartifhewantedto.

Whenhesatdown,however,astrangeodormethisnose.Helookedaroundfirst,wonderingwhereit

was coming from, maybe something rotting in the basement, then realized that it came from a soupy-
lookingbowlofwhathadtobeanattemptatscrambledeggs.

SweetGoddess,wasthishismeal?
He met Batya’s gaze but she stared back as though not understanding, daring him, probably. “Lorelei

waskindenoughtocookforus.”

HeglancedatLorelei.Aflameofpinksuddenlycoveredhercheeks.Hetooktheladleandscoopedthe

eggsontohisplate.Seasoningsfloatedinthelumpy,waterymixture.Hisnosetwitched.

Usinghisfork,hetookabiteandonlywiththestrongesteffortstoppedfromspittingitout.
Batya’svoicepiercedhisheadasshepathed,Ishouldhavewarnedyou.Loreleiisn’tthebestcook,

butshetriesveryhard.

Okay.
Sheladledoutherowneggs,tookabiteandwasheditdownwithaswiftgulpofcoffee.Heshould

havebroughthismugwithhim.

Ifyouintendtoeatthis,I’llfollowyourlead.
It’llbeakindness.Loreleihasissues.
Gotit.
That’swhenhenoticedthatBatya’scolorwashigh,almostfeverish.Wassheill?
Areyouallright?
Hergazeshottohis.Whydoyouask?Sheevenfrownedslightly.
Yourcoloring.Youdon’tlooksogood.
I’mfine.
Alittletoohasty,Cha.
We’rebeingrudetoLorelei,conversinglikethisinfrontofher.Andbytheway,shemaybeagentle

spiritbutshe’sgotsomepowerIhaven’tyetfiguredout.

Heglancedattheex-pat,whoalsopushedhereggsaroundonherplate.
Lorelei lifted her gaze to his. “It’s okay. You can keep pathing with each other. I don’t mind and I’m

sorryabouttheseblastedeggs.HowaboutImakesometoast?”Sheroseasshespoke,grabbingupthe
bowlbeforeeitherofthemcouldprotest.“I’llcutupsomeapplesandcheeseaswell.Idon’tthinkIcan
screwthoseuptoobadly.”Hersmilefaltered.

“Thankyou,”hesaid.
When she left the room, his gaze followed her. Something wasn’t right about Lorelei, beyond her

‘issues’, but he couldn’t quite figure out what bugged him about the woman. She was tall like Batya,

almostthesameheight,maybeaninchshorter.

Shehadbeautifuldarkbrownhair,layeredpasthershoulders.Herbrowneyeshadalargefaelook,yet

shewasn’tfae,thoughQuinlanhadnoideahowheevenknewthat.

“Whatisit?”
“WhatspeciesisLorelei?”heaskedquietly.
Batyashrugged.“Ithinkshe’spartfae,butIneverasked.It’saruleintheex-patcommunityhere.You

canvolunteeralltheinformationyouwant,butnooneisgoingtointerrogateyouaboutwhyyou’rehere,
whereyou’vecomefrom,orwhatyoumighthavedonethatbroughtyoutotheStates.”

He grunted. He had issues with the existence of an ex-patriot community period, but he ignored his

disapprovalandstucktohiscurrentcuriosity.“Thethingis,Icanalwaystellarealm-folk’slineage.Like
withyou,Isensefaeandtroll,althoughsomewhereinyourDNAisasmallpieceofwitch.Igetthatbig-
time.”

“Witch.Youaresofunny,”shesaidsarcastically,shakingherhead.“I’mjustdyingoflaughter.”The

conceptof‘witch’belongedonlyinfables,althoughsomeofthemorepowerfulfaedidworkwithpotions
andspells.

ButtheresponsepleasedQuinlan.“JusttellmeI’mright.Faeandtroll.”
“You’reright,butthat’scommonknowledge.Everyoneknowswhomyfatheris.”
Hetappedhisfingersonthetableandshookhishead.“Icanalwaystell.It’soneofmypowers,Ican

identifythespeciesinanyone,butnotLorelei.”

Atthat,Batyaleanedbackinherchair.“Whatthehelldoesthatmean?”
“Idon’tknow,onlythatwhateverrealmspeciessheis,she’shidingitfromtherestoftheworld.Take

thatonestepfurtheranditmeansshealsohasthepowertohideit.So,whatexactlyhasshesharedwith
youaboutwhosheis?Anything?”

SheshiftedhergazetothechairthatLoreleihadjustvacated,thenfrowned.“Youknow,LoreleiandI

chatallthetime,butwe’venevertalkedaboutthepast,notspecifically,onlythatshesaidshegrewupin
themountains,butnotwhichmountains.”

“Andwehaveatleastfiverealmswithbigmountains.”
“Exactly,includingGrochaire,butyouandIwouldhaveknownher,oratleastofher,ifshe’dgrownup

inyourrealm.”

Henodded.“You’rerightaboutthat.”HesearchedBatya’seyes.“Andyouwerenevercurious?”
“Oh,Iwantedtoask.Remember,I’mparttrollsoit’softenhardtocontrolthegossip-lovingbenttomy

genetics,butitisoneofmyrules,soIstickbyit.”

He nodded slowly, trying to make her out. He still didn’t know what could have driven her out of

Grochaire.Shehadanexcellentfatheraswell,areveredtrollconsideredbymanytobeasage.Another
mystery.Butherespectedthatshestuckbyherrules.

“We have ex-pats from all Nine Realms here. Did you know that the three eastern tribes have even

worseproblemsthanGrochaire?”

“Yes,Iknow.”
“Youwoulddowelltotakesometimetotalktoourpeoplehere.”
“Youseemtohavebuiltacommunityaroundyourgallery.”
Sheshookherhead.“It’sthefree-clinic.Wehaveabigdrugproblemhere,homelessness,lotsofstuff

todealwith.WhichImustsayispartofmybeefwithyouandGrochaire”

“You’regoingtoblameourrealmfordrug-addiction?”
“No,Ididn’tmeanthat.Imeanthatweallaren’tlikeyou.Wealldon’tjustfitin.You’vehadyourrole

laidoutforyouinGrochaireandyouseemreallyhappyaboutitlikeitsuitsyouperfectly.”

“Itdoes.”
“Thenwhyareyouscowling?”

“BecauseIdislikewhatyourepresenthere.”
“Sothetruthcomesout.Yet,you’vebeenseducingme,sowhatdoesthatsayaboutyou?”
Hissmilequirked.“ThatIlikebeautifulwomen.”
Sherolledhereyes,notbuyingit,sohegrabbedherhand.“AndIlikeyou.Imaynotapproveofyour

lifechoices,butIapproveofyou,howyouconductyourself.”

Shebattedhereyelashes.“Howyouflatterme.”
Ratherthanputtinghimoff,herun-impressedresponsestruckachord,thatshewasn’ttheleastmoved

byhisrankintheNineRealms,orhispower,oranythingelse.Ifhewantedtowinher,he’dactuallyhave
tomakeaneffortandthatwasnewtohim.Besides,helovedachallenge,maybemorethananything,and
Batyahadchallengewrittenalloverher.

So,whatwouldimpressher?
He looked away from her and crossed his arms over his chest. He didn’t need an answer to that

question. Batya couldn’t be anything important in his life and finding a way to gain her respect and
approvalhadnomeaningforhim.Allhe’dwantedbeforetheattackwastotakehertobedafewtimes
andslakehislust.

Afterthat,hewouldhavemovedontohisnextconquest,butherehewassittingatatablenexttoher,

wearingamardis-grasshirtandsayingprovocativethingstoher.

WhenLoreleireturnedwithafreshpotofcoffee,mugs,andaheapingplatterofchunksofcheeseand

fruit,hebreathedasighofrelief.Shewhiskedawaytheirplatesofnow-congealingeggs,thenpouredout
morecoffee

“Sorry,butIburnedthetoast.”
Herepressedhislaughter.“Thiswilldonicelyandthankyou.”
Curiousalloveragain,hefocusedhisidentifyingabilityonher,evenaddingaslightvibration,buthe

gotnothinginresponse.Forasplit-secondLoreleipausedinpouringBatya’scoffee,asthoughsheknew
whathewasdoing,butcontinuedwithoutsomuchasaflickofherdoe-eyesinhisdirection.

Hestillhadnocluewhatshewas.
Justashebitintoasliceofredapple,astrange,veryrealm,sensationcreptoverhim,somethinghe’d

experiencedonlyafewtimesinhislife.Fatelingeredatthistable,hoveringovertheplatter,thecoffee,
andthreeunlikelypeople.Theyweremeanttobeheretonight,likethis,thethreeofthem.

Mentally,heutteredastringofcurses,oneaftertheother.
Thiswasn’tgood.

*********

BeforeBatyahadfinishedhalfhercoffee,shereceivedaphonecallfromthejack-of-alltradesservice

sheusedthathaddoneinitialclean-upandnowreturnedreadytoinstalltheplateglasswindowthathad
already been delivered. She excused herself and while keeping her enthrallment shield strong but
manipulatingonesection,shelettheminthebackdoor,somethingBatyacoulddoatwill.

Theywerethreepowerfulshifters,workingindemolition,clean-up,andrepairworkandseemedwell-

suitedtothework.

NonewereastallasQuinlanwhomadeashowofstandingatthedoorwaybetweenthehallandthe

diningroom,armsfoldedoverhischestinpartprobablytohidethesequins,andnoddingtothemenas
theypassedby.Heeyedthemclosely,hislipscompressedinahardline.

“Mastyr.”Eachofferedahalf-bowashemovedby.
Whenthelastworkerdisappearedintohergallery,sheglaredathim.“Wouldyoulightenup?”
Hisupperlipcurledasheturnedbackintothediningroom.
Sherolledhereyeswonderingjusthowsoonshecouldgetridofhimandgetonwithherlife.Reality,

however, seemed to indicate she’d be stuck with him for a while. For one thing, she couldn’t let her

enthrallmentshielddowncompletelywithoutinvitinganotherattackandforanother,iftheancientfaewas
really after her, then what was she going to do long-term? She couldn’t sustain her gallery or the free-
clinicwithashieldintactandshereallywasn’tsurejusthowlongshe’dbeabletosupportit.Shefelt
finenow,butwhataboutinanothertwenty-fourhoursorevenaweek?

Besides, she didn’t feel like herself. Even Quinlan had picked up on her complexion. She felt

overheatedinawaythatspokeof‘virus’,butshe’dalwaysbeensohealthy.

Astheshifterswentabouttheirbusiness,Batyatooksometimetoassessthedamagetoseveralofher

canvases.Oneofthem,amoremodernpiecemadeupofanislandoftreesandaflame-likewind,would
havetobetossed.Atleastthreewouldrequirerepairandmightevensellbetteramongthewealthierex-
pat customers because of the provenance of having been involved in a battle between Mastyr Quinlan,
twoextraordinarilypowerfulInvictuswraith-pairsandanancientfae.

Therest,especiallyaseriesoffouralongthebricknorthwall,wereuntouched.Sheglancedatthem

nowandfeltashivergothroughher,offateorsomekindoffae-recognitionunfamiliartoher.Thefirst
was called, The Leap, a picture of a lovely fae woman, looking a lot like Lorelei, who stood on a
precipice,thewindwhippingherhairwildly.Herexpressionofuncertaintyyetexcitementhadprompted
manygalleryconversations.

The second was a meadow with a river and a stream, the third a golden forest that rose high into a

mountainrange,andthelastapaintingshecalled,‘Snowfields’,depictingavaststretchofsnow,distant
lavenderhills,andthesunbarelycrestingthehorizon.Justlookingatallfourpaintingsbroughtsomething
fromherrealm-soulrisingtothesurfaceandtearsrushingtohereyes.

“Isawthese.”Quinlan’svoicerumblednexttoher.Shejumpedalittle,becauseshehadn’tknownhe

wasthere,butheputahandonhershoulderandmurmuredanapology.Hisgazeremainedfixed,however,
onthepaintings.

“Youmeanwhenyoufirstcameintothegalleryabouttwomonthsago?”
“No, I mean when both wraith-pairs attacked in unison with that final blow and sent me through the

window.Isawthesepaintingsinslow-motion,oneaftertheother.Thesefeellikesomekindofstoryto
me.”

Sheglancedupathim.“Iknowwhatyoumean.”
“Soyoudidn’twriteitasastory?”
She shook her head. “Not at all, and I didn’t paint them in this order, but this sequence just feels

inexplicablyrighttome.”

“Wasthisavisionthen?”
Sheshookherhead,lookingbackatthepaintings.“No,novision.Images,likeItoldyoubefore.I’ve

haddozensofoffers,mostlyforthemasaset.ButIwon’tsell.Ican’texplainitbuttheymeansomething
tome.”

“I’mtemptedtomakeyouanoffermyself.I’dputtheminmymountainhome.”Mostofthemastyrshad

morethanonehomeforsecurityreasons.

“Really?”Shepivotedtowardhimslightly.“Youareacompleteenigmatome.”
Hissmilecurvedononeside,somethingshe’dbeguntoassociatewithhim.“YouthinkthatbecauseI’m

aGuardsman,andIbattletheInvictusforaliving,thatIcouldn’tappreciatefineart?”

“Iguessthat’sabitofastereotype.”
“Yes,itis.”
“Huh.”Hewassodamnhandsomeandshelovedthathecouldmeethergazeandnotlookaway.She

knewshehadsomethingofadominatingpresenceandfrequentlythemenshemetcouldn’talwayslook
herintheeye.

Quinlanhadnosuchproblem,anotherreasonhewasadilemmaforher.
She was about to turn away, to shift her attention anywhere but at him, when a familiar and oh-so-

welcomevoiceranthelengthofhergallery.

“Whathappenedhere,mostbeloveddaughterofmine?”
“Papa,”shecalledout,whirling.
Davidostoodatthetopoftheroom,neartheentrancetothebackhall,hisarmswide,waitingforan

embrace. He was an ancient troll and had more power than Batya would ever understand that he could
havepassedthroughherenthrallmentshieldsoeasily.

Shecrossedthegalleryquickly,andthoughshestoodseveralinchestallerandhadtoleandowntohug

him,somehowshefeltlikethelittlegirlhe’dlovedandraisedallthosecenturiesago.

Hedidn’treleaseherbutlookedatherwithstrongaffectionglowinginhislightblueeyes.“Howismy

favoriteone,mymostbelovedofall?”

Shegiggled.Shemusthavelostatleastacenturyofherreal-agehearingthatcomment.“Papa,yousay

that to all of us.” Because he was over two thousand years old, Davido had several dozen children,
grand-children,andinnumerable‘greats’.Buthelovedhisoffspringmorethanlifeitselfanditshowed.

“My sweet love, I feel that way about all of you, so why shouldn’t I be able to say each is the most

beloved?AndhowcouldIfeelanythingless?”

“Itmakes no sense.”She grinned sohard, her cheeks hurt.She hadn’t seenhim since Bernice’s birth

ninemonthsago.“Andhowisyournewmost-favoritedaughter?”

“Beyondsplendid,growingintoherthirdlittlebabytrollridge.Buthowareyou,mydarlingdove?”
Sheroseupandquicklylookedaround.“Papa,howdidyougetpastmyenthrallmentshield?”
Hechuckled.“Iclosedmyeyes.”
Sheshookherheadathisdismissiveresponse.However,shenowfearedthattheancientfaecoulddo

thesame.“Ijustneedtoknowifwe’reatriskfromtheenemy.We’reholdingaverypowerfulwomanat
baywithmyshield.Ifyoucouldgetin,maybeshecouldaswell.”

“Trustme,daughter,youhavenothingtofear.Yourshieldwilldoitsjob.”
Assecretiveashewas,herarelyansweredquestionspertainingtoanyofhispowers.So,fromlong

experienceshechosetotrusthimandletthesubjectdrop.“Fine.Idon’tcarehowyougotin,butI’mso
gladyou’rehere.YouknowMastyrQuinlan,ofcourse.”Shegesturedwithasweepofherhandtoward
him.

Davidopretendedtoblockastronglightbyholdinguphishand.“IsthatQuinlan?Ithoughtitmightbea

bonfire.Whatthedeuceareyouwearing,mygoodman?”

“Whatyourdaughterprovidedforme.”
Batya didn’t know why it was that Quinlan’s voice always surprised her. Davido had an excellent

resonant voice, a nice baritone. But Quinlan’s timbre sank into the deepest registers, which in turn
affectedtheabilityofherkneestoholdherupright.

DavidoliftedhisbrowsandmetBatya’sgaze.“Indeed?Yougavehimthisshirt?”
Batya smiled. “As you know, Quinlan can be very provoking. He’d had his clothes burned off in the

battle,youknow.”Shethentoldhimabouttheattack.

“Ah. Vojalie is so wise. She’d been troubled for days, insisting that I come to you, that something

terriblewasafoot.AndnowwehaveQuinlanwearingaclown’scostume,workmenreplacingyourplate
glasswindow,andyouhavingcreatedaveryfineandexquisitelypowerfulenthrallmentshield.I’mmost
impressed,daughter.”

Batya wasn’t fooled by her father’s light tone since the three ridges of his forehead had become

compressed—asuresignthathedidn’tlikethecurrentsituationatall.

“Butcome,”headded.“I’dliketogoelsewheresothatyourworkmencanfinishtheirjob,Icanenjoy

acupoftea,andyoucantellmeingreaterdetailexactlywhathappened.”HeglancedatQuinlan.“Both
ofyou.Mytalentedwifeinsistedthateachrenditionofeventswouldbeimportant.”

“Ofcourse,”Quinlanreturned.

Davido sounded so serious that a new shiver went through Batya. Some part of her must have been

blockingallthathadtranspireduntilshecouldassimilatewhattherecentattackmightmeanforthefuture.

Sheknewonethingforcertain,shewasnotgoingtolikewhatherfatherhadtosay.

*********

Quinlan stunned Batya by telling her he would make the tea. One of his reasons was very selfish,

however,sincehecouldn’tbearthethoughtofLoreleipreparinganythingelse.Hefeltcertainshe’dadd
toomanybagsornotenough,orsomething.

Ofcoursetherealreasonwasmuchclosertohissenseofself-preservation.Hewantedtimetothink.
Ifhe’dbeenbotheredbeforebywhatseemedanimpossiblesituation,Davido’ssuddenpresence,urged

byhiswife,oneofthemostpowerfulfaeintheNineRealms,cementedtheideathattherecentattackand
continuedsurveillancehadhugerealmimplications.

Not that his thoughts had been much different, since the sheer size and power of the radical mastyr

vampirewraith-pairstoldhimthatanewthreathadenteredthewar.

But when visionary elements intruded, like Vojalie’s, brought here by one of the most enigmatic and

powerfultrollsinhisworld,Quinlan’shearthadturnedtostoneandstartedsinking.

SweetGoddess,whatwasgoingonhere?
Hetookhistimemakingthetea,thenfinallycarriedthetrayintothesittingroomadjacenttothedining

room.Batya,he’dcometodiscover,ownedtheentirebuilding.

Davido stood with her next to a large north-facing window that overlooked a small enclosed patio

garden. They were discussing weather control options and planting some specialty roses that would
bloomallwinterforher.

Davidowasarenownedgardener.
Hesetthetrayonthecoffeetable,thesoundservingasacalltoteasincebothturnedandheadedinhis

direction. Father and daughter kept talking while Batya took charge of the teapot and poured out three
cupsthroughastrainer.

As Batya and Davido sipped their tea, Quinlan told his side of things in as much detail as he could

recall.

Sinceheremainedstanding,hisaudiencelookedupathimwhilehespoke.
“Couldyouseeherface?”Davidoasked.
“No.JustapowerfulglowbutIcouldsmellher,likesomethingthathadbeenrottingforalongtime.I

rememberthesmellfromSweetGorge.”

“Soundslikeanherbalistofsomekind,”Davidoremarked.“Andthequalityofhersmellmightbean

effectshecreatedonpurpose,likeadramatist.Afterall,apleasantfragrancewouldn’tincitefear,would
it?”

“No.Butwhat’shergame?Whatdoesshewantwithyourdaughter?”
Davido’sbrowsrose,whichinturndeepenedthelinesbetweenhisthreeforeheadridges,typicaltroll

features.“Nothing.Shewasn’thereforBatya.Vojaliewasveryclearaboutthat.”

“You’remistaken,Davido,oryourwifeis.Icanremembertheancientfaestating,‘Hewasn’tsupposed

tobehere’,meaningme.”

“Thenwehaveamystery.”Davidosippedhistea.
“DidVojaliesayanythingelse,somedetailyoumighthaveforgotten?”
“No,thatwasit.Wait,therewasonemore,smallthing,butitdidn’texactlymakesense.Maybeitwill

tothetwoofyou.Shesaid,‘speaktothesiren’.Butwhatcouldthatmean?Werethepolicehere?”

“’The siren’? Are you sure?” The stone in Quinlan’s heart sank farther still because he thought he

understood,whichmeantthatBatyawasn’ttheobjectafterall.

“No,”Batyamurmured,shakingherhead.“No,no,no.”

“What’sgoingon,mychildren?”Helookedfromonetotheother.
Atthatmoment,Loreleiappearedinthedoorway,onlyshewasn’twalking,hersoftbrowneyeswere

nowalmostlavenderincolorbutdarker,herlimbshadlengthenedandthinned,andshenowworealong
flowingblackgownmadeupofgauzystripsoffabric.Shefloatedseveralinchesabovethefloor.“Your
wife meant me. I’m what the ancient fae wants. I’m what she’s after. I’ve hidden all these decades, but
she’sfinallyfoundme.Ijustdon’tknowhowandIdon’tknowwhattodo.”

“Lorelei.”Batya’slargehazeleyeswidened.“You’reawraith.Butthat’simpossible.”

ChapterThree

Batya knew she stared at a wraith, but she couldn’t believe her eyes, couldn’t believe that sweet

Loreleiwasawraith.Ontheotherhand,giventhatsomanywraithshadchosentobecomeInvictuspairs,
shewasn’tsurprisedthatthewomanhidthetruthofherDNA.

Yetnotallwraithswerebad.Sheknewthatalargeportionofthewraithpopulationhadlongagoeither

goneintohidingornowlivedonanislandcolonyoffoneoftheeasternrealms.

Whateverthetruthaboutthelocationofthewraithcommunity,Batyahadbeenlivingside-by-sidewith

oneallthistime.Unbelievable.

In her wraith form, Lorelei’s skin was the color of chalk, her lips a dark hue, the whites of her eyes

paleyellow,andheririsesviolet.Herlonghairfloatedaroundherasthoughmovingunderwater,almost
weightless.

Shedriftedslowlyintotheroom.
Batya’scuphadfrozenhalfwaybetweenhermouthandthesaucersheheldinherlefthand.Twoother

cupshungmidairaswell.

“Youreallyareawraith.”Batyastillcouldn’tbelievehereyes.
“Part of me is.” Lorelei frowned, a pained expression crossing her face. Then suddenly, the wraith

becameablur,transformingintoaleanwhitewolfthatleapedhighintheair,landingonthecoffeetable
tosnarlinBatya’sface.

Theteatrayandpotslidovertheedge,clatteringtothecarpetbelow.
Loreleihowled.
Batyadroppedherteacupandsaucerandcoveredherears,notbecausethesoundhurtbutbecausethe

emotion behind the plaintive cry pierced her heart. She felt Lorelei’s pain, an old wound fitting for a
wolf’showl.Batyaweptbecauseofthepain.

Shedidn’tknowwhattodo.Shesqueezedhereyesshutandshookherheadback-and-forth.Sheneeded

thesoundtostop.

Suddenly,itdid.
Sheopenedhereyes,andsawthecause.Herfatherhadembracedthewolf,fromtheside,softlyaround

theneckandspokeintoLorelei’sear.

Batyarecognizedthecadenceoftheoldlanguage.Davidohadusedittocalmhermorethanoncewhen

shewasachild.

WhenDavidodrewback,releasingthewolf,Loreleiwhirledthroughanothertransformation,resuming

her fae form. She sank down into a chair across from the table, her feet turned in like a child as she
shadedherfacewithherhands.

She’d finally unveiled her secret, but Batya still didn’t understand. “You can shift, but you’re a

wraith?”

Loreleinodded.
“Yetyou’realsofae.”
“Yes.Mymotherwas…is…faeandwraith.Icarryallthreestrains.”
“That’s not possible.” Quinlan, still standing, flared his nostrils. “No such thing exists in our world.

Youcan’texist.Thewraithgenecan’texistwithmorethanoneotherstrain.”

Loreleichuckledbitterly.“Andyet,Ido.Aproductofextensiveexperimentation.”
“Howoldareyou,child?”Davidoremainednearby.
“Ninety.”
“Andwhoisyourmother,thoughIbelieveIalreadyknow.”
Lorelei lifted her gaze to Davido. “Do you? I’ve always wondered if you or Vojalie or some of the

mastyrshadeverknownher.”

“Yes,Iknewherbutshedisappearedfromtherealmworldforseveralcenturies.Nowitwouldseem

shehasdecidedtomakeareappearance.Andforyoursake,I’veverysorrymydear.”

“Whoarewetalkingabout?”Batyaglancedfromonetotheother,butgotasickfeelinginherstomach

asthoughherbodyalreadyknewwhatherminddidnotwanttoaccept.

“Fuck.”Stillstanding,QuinlansethiscuponthetableandturnedhisbacktoLorelei.Heshovedhis

handsthroughhishair,dislodgingthewovenclasp.

Thesickfeelingworsened.BatyaturnedbacktoLoreleiandheldhergaze.“Who’syourmother?”
“Quinlanknows.Sodoesyourfather.Can’tyouguess?”Tearsnowrolleddownhercheeks.
Batyaoncemoreshookherheadoverandover.“Itcan’tbe.”
“HernameisMargetta,theancientfae,theonewhosmellsofalandfill,theonewhoenlistedMastyr

Ry,turninghimagainstBergissonRealm,whocausedallthatmiseryatSweetGorgesixmonthsago.”

Davido drew close once more, standing behind her. He petted her head with his short, thick fingers.

“Mydear,youareamongfriends.”

“AmI?Butforhowlong?AndwherewillIgonow?Iwassohappyhere.”SheglancedupatBatya,

tearsglisteningonherlonglashes.

Loreleithenstood,shookoutherhandsandstraightenedhershoulders.Drawinginadeepbreath,she

blewitoutslowly.“Notyourproblem.Iknowthat.IfIleave,Margettawillnotbotheranyofyouagain.
I’mtheoneshewants.I’llpackupnow.”

Batyarosetoherfeetaswell.“Well,effthat,Lorelei.You’renotleaving,sodon’teventhinkaboutit.

We’refamilyhere.”

Davido nodded, an approving light in his eye as he met Batya’s gaze. “Listen to my most beloved

daughter.Shespeaksthetruthfromherheart.Youhaveahomehere.”

LoreleiglancedfromhimtoBatya.Shenoddedseveraltimesbutkeptherlipspinchedtightlytogether.

“Thankyou.Idon’tknowwhattosay.”

Quinlan,whosehairnowhungabouthisshoulders,scowledatLorelei.“Helpustounderstandwhat’s

goingonhere.IsshebehindtheInvictus?”

“Sheandmyfather,yes.You’veprobablyheardhimcalledtheGreatMastyr,heisbothvampireand

shifter.”

“SweetGoddess.Thenyouarevampireaswell.Whydidn’tyoutellusthat?”
Sheshrugged.“BecauseI’madisappointmenttomyfather.Myvampiregeneticsaretheweakestpartof

whoIam.‘Negligible’isthewordheused.Ibelievethey’vebeensearchingfortherightmateforme,that
becauseI’malsopartwraith,I’dbeabletoformanincrediblypowerfulInvictuspair.”

“Thisisinsane.”
“Yes,itis.Papaconsidershimselftobeascientistbutmymothercarriestheambitioninthefamily,

thoughshe’shappytousemyfather’sabilities.MargettawantstoruletheNineRealms.Shehasdesired
nothingelseforthepastthousandyears.”

Batya’smindspun,questionafterquestionrollingthroughlikeleavessweptalongbyabriskwind.
Loreleimethergaze.“Maybe,ifItoldthisfromthebeginning.”
QuinlansatdownonthecouchandDavidomovedbehindLoreleitositinthechairnexttoher.Batya

picked up the teapot and tray, as well as the cup and saucer she’d dropped, putting them back on the
coffeetable.ShesatdownattheoppositeendofthecouchfromQuinlanasLoreleislowlyresumedher
seat.

Overthepasttwoyears,sinceLoreleihadservedintheclinic,Batyahadimaginedseveralscenarios

toexplainwhothewomanwas,evenapastthatinvolvedLoreleibeingaprofessional,high-endthiefin
oneoftheNineRealmsandthatshe’dmovedtoLebanontoescapecapture.

Never in her wildest imagination could she have pictured that the delicate woman opposite her,

teardropsbrimmingoncemoreinhereyes,wastheproductofgrossgeneticmanipulationandtheunionof

ashifter-vampireandafae-wraith.

“ExcusemeifIstareatyou.”
“Iunderstand.”Shesettledbackinherchair.“IsupposeforyoutounderstandhowIendeduphere,I

needtotellyouaboutGenevieve.”ShespokeofhertrollgovernessthatMargettahadkidnappedtoserve
Loreleioversixtyyearsago,forcingthewomantoschoolLoreleiuntilshewaseighteen.

Margettahaderred,however,becausethewomanhadbeenthesaltoftherealm-worldandhadimbued

Loreleiwiththevaluessheheldsoclosetoherheart,ofloveandpersonalliberty,ofrealm-service,of
kindnesstostrangers,allgoodthings.

AttheverymomentthatMargettahadcometotakeherdaughteroutofthemountainprisonandputher

toworkinthefamilybusinessofscientificevolutionandInvictuspaircreation,Genevievehadconcocted
aplantoescapewithLorelei.

AllhadgonewelluntilMargettaarrivedjustafewminutesearly,andGenevievehaddiedhelpingher

chargemakegoodherescape.“Ididn’tknowuntilIwaswellaway,hiddenbythedisguiseIcouldcreate,
thatshe’dsacrificedherlifeforme.”Sheshookherheadasthough,evenafteralltheseyears,shestill
couldn’tbelievewhathappened.

“Wheredidyougo?”Quinlanasked.
ShesmiledandglancedatDavido.“IlivedinMerhaineforalongtime,inVojalie’sshadow.Iwasa

trollservantinyourhomefortwelveyearsfrom1952until1964.Ithinkyoumighthaverecognizedme
whenyousawmeinthedoorway.”

“OfcourseIdid.YoucalledyourselfJenny.”
“Idid,aftertheonewhohadsavedmysoul,alteringmylifeforever.DidyouknowwhatIwas?”
Davidoshookhishead.“No.Onlythatyouwerespecial,butevenIcouldn’tfigureoutwhatyouwere.

Iwasintenselycurious,ofcourse,butVojalie-the-wisetoldmetomindmyownbusinessandtoletyou
be,thatyouneededtofindyourownwaythroughlife.”

“YourwifeisoneofthebestwomenI’veeverknown.”
“ExceptperhapsformybelovedBatya’smama,Iwouldhavetoagreewithyou.”
Davido smiled sweetly at Batya. Her mother had died in childbirth, a rare occurrence in the Nine

Realms.

ShiftinghisattentionbacktoLorelei,hesaid,“ThenMargettamusthavefoundyouthere.Inourhome.”
“Yes.Doyourememberthenightthatyoulostallthosecucumberstoaninexplicablefrost?”
“I do.” He leaned back in his chair, stunned. “And here is a mystery solved. Amazing. Eighty years

later,Ifinallyhavetheanswertothestrangephenomenonthatdestroyedonlythecucumbers.”

“IbattledMargettathenfled.Afterthat,Ineverlivedlongerthanayearorsoinanyonetownexcept

Lebanon. I don’t know what it is, how she can find me, but I must emit some kind of signature that
Margettaeventuallylocates,despiteallmydisguisesandshields.

“AfterthefirstyearpassedinLebanon,Ithoughtmaybetheearth-worldwouldbemysalvation.You

can’timaginehowhappyIwaswhenImarkedmysecondanniversary.”

“Oh,mypoorchild.Ifonlyyou’dapproachedmeorVojalie.Wecouldhavedonesomethingforyou.”
Shesmiledandextendedherhandtohim.“Knowingyoubothwasenough.”
“Jenny,”hemurmured.Hetookherhand,coveringitwithbothofhisown.
“It’sgoodtoseeyouagain,Davido.Truly.”
“WheredidyougoafterMerhaine?”
Shedetailedmuchofherwanderinglife,fromrealm-to-realm,whichmeantthatsheknewalotabout

allninerealms,morethanmostrealm-folkwouldeverknow.

“SonowI’mhere.”HergazeshiftedtoQuinlan.“I’msosorry,Mastyr,thatIbroughtMargettahereand

thatyousuffered.”

Hisbrowsdrewtogetherashestaredather.“Youarenotresponsiblefortheevileitherofyourparents

inflictsonthe world.Youare asmucha victimhereas Iwas oftherecent attack.Nowall weneedto
decideiswhatneedstohappennext.”

Lorelei slowly rose to her feet. “Please don’t worry about that. I know what to do, then you can get

backtobusinessasusual.”

Sheturnedasiftoleavetheroom,butDavidometBatya’sgazeandgesturedwithhiswideninghands.

Youcan’tlethergo.Thismuststopnow.

“Wait,”Batyasaid.“Wewon’tletyouleave.”
WhenLoreleigottothedoorway,sheturnedandblewthemallakiss,shiftingafterwardtoherwraith

formandspedaway,floatingswiftlythroughtheair.

Batya’sentirebeingstiffenedwithsudden,powerfulresolve.Shetightenedtheenthrallmentshieldas

sheneverhadbefore.

Atthesametime,shefollowedafterLoreleiandfoundherinherbedroompunchingattheshieldwith

energy blasts from her palms. “Let me out,” she shrieked, sounding more wraith-like than Batya would
haveeverthoughtpossible.

“I can’t let you go,” Batya said, moving into the room. She knew both Quinlan and her father had

followed her. She held the enthrallment shield with an iron grip, the value of a strong will in times of
preternaturalexchange.

Loreleifloatedintheair,herhairweavingmadlybackandforth,herlongblackgownfloatingaround

thinspindlywraith-legs.“Letmego,Batya.You’vedoneenough,givenenough.”

“No,Ihaven’t.You’remyfriend.Idon’tdesertmyfriends.Letmehelpyou.Weallwanttohelpand

wecan.There’sahelluvaalotofpowerinthisroomrightnow.”

ForthenextfewminutesLoreleipoundedhardonBatya’sshieldandacoupleoftimesBatyaflagged,

buteitherDavidoorQuinlanputhishandonhershoulderandrevivedher.

In the end, exhausted, Lorelei resumed her fae shape and slumped to sit down on the floor. She fell

apartatthatmomentandwept.

Batya would have gone to her, but Davido was before her. He gathered Lorelei up in his arms and

jerkedhischinatBatya.ShetookthehintandlefttheroomwithQuinlan.

Shemadeherwayslowlyupstairstoherstudioandcrossedtolookoutthewindow.Ontheotherside

of the street, Margetta’s spy leaned against the opposing brick wall, puffing away on a cigarette with a
pileofbuttsscatteredaroundherfeet.

Nighthadfallen.
SheglancedbackatQuinlan.“Didn’tyouusedtosmoke?”
“Whydoyouask?”
“Irememberyoualwayshadacigaretteinyourhand.Ourfrienddowntheresmokeslikecrazy.”
“Gaveitup.Mydoneusesdidn’tlikeitsotheygangeduponmeaboutit.”
Shelaughed,thentookintheabsurdshirtandwenttohercloset.Shepulledoutthelong-sleeved,black

ribbedteeshe’dchosenearlierfromthestockpilethefree-clinickeptonhand,andwhichsheknewwould
fithim,thentossedithisdirection.“Can’thaveyoubattlingwiththaton.”

Hesmiledandshruggedoutofhisshirt.
Ratherthanwatchhimdisrobeandenduretemptationalloveragain,Batyawentbacktothewindowto

stare down at the spy once more. She worked to assimilate all these new, extraordinary things, from
Lorelei’sstrangeDNA,toherimmensepower,andfinallytothehorrorofthewoman’sparentage.

“MonumentsshouldbebuiltinhonorofwomenlikeGenevieve.”
Quinlanjoinedherbythewindow.“Icouldn’tagreemore.”
“ShegaveupherlifeforLorelei.”
Quinlansighedheavily.
“Whatareyouthinking?”Shelookedupathim,hisscowlasdarkasshe’deverseenit.

“Thatmylifehasbeenverysmall.”
Shesnorted.“You’veservedGrochaireforhowmanycenturies,withoutquestion?No,yourlifehasn’t

beensmall,Quinlan,andyoulayitdowneverydamnnight.”

“Itdoesn’tfeelthatway,notwiththeInvictusstilloperatingineachoftherealms.Ishouldhavedone

more,foundawaytogetridofthemonceandforall.”

She thought he expected too much of himself and would have said so, but Davido arrived holding

Lorelei’shand.

“Lorelei thinks she knows where she can go next, a place she’s been trying to find for a long time,

whereMargettawon’tbeabletotouchher.Tellthem.”

“FerrendenPeace.IbelieveitliesontheborderbetweenGrochaireRealmandWalvashorr.”
Batyashookherhead.“Butthat’saplacefromchildhoodfables.Itdoesn’texist.Tellher,papa.”
Davidoshrugged.“Ihavereasontobelieveitmightandthatit’sbeenhiddenbehindanimpenetrable

wall of enthrallment, similar to your own, for a millennia. You can’t even see it on the maps, the
enthrallmentisthatgood.Justrememberthatmostmythshavesomebasisinfact,inhistory.”

Batya’s lips curved. “And did you once visit this fabled place, papa, in a previous millennia,

perhaps?”

“Shrewd,veryshrewd,daughter,butI’mnotsaying.”
EveryonetriedtofindoutDavido’strueage,buthe’dworkedhardtokeepitasecret.Batyathoughtit

possiblethatnotevenVojalieknewjusthowoldhewasorevenhalfofthethingshe’dexperiencedover
thecourseofhislonglife.

Quinlan,nowlookingmagnificentinthesnugteedespitethetoo-shortpants,drewclosetoBatyaand

touchedthebackofherarm.Shethoughtsheunderstood.Theybothfeltit,theneedtodothisthing.Yet
she knew he wished himself anywhere but here and she hated the thought of going back into the Nine
Realms.

Buthereshewaswithamastyrtouchinghersupportively,herfather’seyesexpectantandglowing,and

Loreleistrugglingtocontrolheremotions.

“Wecangetyouthere,”Batyasaid.
Hadshereallyspokenthewordsaloud,committingherselftothispath?Andwhatwoulditmeanthat

she’dbetravelingwithQuinlanforwhoknewhowlong?

Lorelei’seyesbrightened.“Youcan?”
“Wecan,”Quinlanadded,hisvoicerumblingaroundherstudio,takingcommandofthespace.“Ijust

wishwehadamap.”

Davidosnappedhisfingers.“I’llberightback.”Hemovedonquicktrollfeet,runningfromtheroom

anddownthestairs.Trollshadactive,expressivefeet.

Batya waited, her heart thudding in her chest. Was this to be her future, a journey with Quinlan, a

vampire she’d been trying to get rid of for two months? He still held the back of her arm, his thumb
rubbingupanddown,morecomfortingthanseductive,foronce.

Shemightevenhavethankedhimforhissupport,butDavido’sstepssoundedupthestairsoncemore

andheallbutranintotheroom.Hecarriedhissatchel,awornleathercasetowhichhewasprofoundly
attachedandwhichnoneofhischildrenhadbeenabletoreplacedespitemultipleattempts.

“I have the most beautiful and the most visionary of wives.” He lifted the side flap, pulling out an

oversized, yellowed map. “She said I’d need this. It’s very old and covers Grochaire and Walvashorr
Realms,justthetwo.Whatdoyouthinkofthat?”

“Vojaliehasalwaysamazedme.”

*********

QuinlanreleasedBatya’sarmandreachedfortheparchment-likepaper.“Idon’tthinkI’veeverseen

thisone.”

“Probably not. I had to search the storeroom of my library. It took me a full day before I found it,

Vojaliehavingbeenexceedinglyspecificaboutwhichonetobringwithme.”

Quinlan’s biceps flexed as he carefully unfolded the ancient document. He made his way to Batya’s

worktable,situatedmidwaybetweentheeastwallandthefootofherbed.

Glancingoverhisshoulderather,hewavedahandatthetable.“Isthesurfaceclean?Iknowyoudoa

lotofyourarthere.”

Batyafrownedathimslightly,thoughhewasn’tsurewhy.“Yes.Veryclean.”
“Whatisit?DidIoffendyoubyasking?”
Sheshookherhead.“No.It’sjustthat,I’veneverseenyoulikethisbefore.So…engaged.”
Hefelttorn.Hemighthaveaskedwhatshemeant,butthemapcarriedavibrationandhewantedtofind

outifhecouldactuallylocatethefabledFerrendenPeace.

He had several hundred maps of Grochaire, made throughout the ages. He’d followed many of them

throughhisrealmoverthecenturies,climbingdownhillsidesthatweren’tsupposedtobehereorthere.
He’dfoundanoldcoppermineandlaterhaditrefittedandmadesafe.

Ofcourse,otherdarkmemoriessurfaced,thatevenasachildhewouldleavehishousefordaysata

justtoescapehisfather’sbrutality.ButthehourshespentexploringGrochairehadhelpedmakehimthe
manhewastoday.

Helovedmapsandhelovedhisland.
HespreaditoutandaskedBatyaifshehadsomethingthatmightholddowneachofthecorners.
Shereturnedwithfourpewterdragons,makingquickworkofsecuringthemaptothetable.
Heleanedoverit,smoothinghishandsslowlyacrossGrochaireasthoughbringingforthhisphysical

memoryofthecontoursoftheland.Hebeganattheoceaninthewest,MarisSol,totheslopingplainin
thecenterandtheMountainsofAshurthatborderedtheaccesspointtoWalvashorrRealm.

AstrangevibrationmethispalmwhenhecoveredthenortheastareaofGrochaire,whichthenceased

whenhemovedtotheWalvashorrside.Herepeatedtheprocess.Hishearthammeredinhischestbecause
heknewthatasectionofGrochaire,hishomerealm,hadbeenkepthiddenfromhimhisentirelife.

“Whatisit?”Batyaasked.
But Lorelei responded. “The enthrallment is there, at the point where Mastyr Quinlan slows the

movementofhishand.Icanfeelit.”

“I,aswell,”Davidoadded.
Theyalldrewclose,headsbentoverthetable,staringdownatthemap.Eachpressedfingersoverthe

areaabovetheaccesspoint.Batyagasped.“Thevibrationissostrong.”

“Yes,that’sFerrendenPeaceandIknowthatMargettawouldn’tbeabletoreachmethere.Iwouldbe

safe,foronce,behindthatlevelofenthrallment.”

Quinlan glanced at Lorelei, who now stood next to him. Her entire being radiated something he

couldn’t place at first, then finally realized that the woman felt hopeful, something she must not have
experiencedforaverylongtime.Forthatreasonalone,heknewhehadtoacceptthischallenge.Ifonlyhe
couldactuallyseethelocationonthemap.

Batyastoodoppositehim,herlongfingerscontinuingtodriftoverthehiddenspace.Heglancedupat

her.“Youhavesimilarenthrallmentpowers.Whatdoyousuggest?Isthereawaywecanbreakthrough
andlookattheterrainhere?”

Davidodrewclose.“IthinkIknowhowitmightbedone.”
Still leaning over the table, unwilling to move away from the map even a couple of inches, Quinlan

shiftedhisgazetotheleftandmetthetroll’sglowingeyes.“How?Tellme.Whateverisit,I’lldoit.”

“Good.” He even smiled. “I’ve always liked your spirit Quinlan. Always. Just thought you had too

broadaneyefortheladies.”

Quinlan’slipsquirked.
Atthesametime,hepickedupBatya’shandandlaiditoverQuinlan’s.“Thisistheway.Youtouched

mydaughter’sarmearlier,andIfeltherpowerincrease,notjustdoublingasmightbeexpected,butareal
flareofherfaeability.Didn’tyoufeelit,eitherofyou?”

Batyashookherhead.“Iwascomforted,butIdidn’tnoticeashiftinmypower.”
Davidofrowned,thethreeridgesofhisforeheadripplingslightly.“Odd.Well,perhapsitwasbecause

ofyourenthrallmentshield.”

“Isawtheshieldflareandbrightenwitharedhue,”Loreleioffered.
“That’s it,” Davido said, lifting a finger in emphasis. He shifted back-and-forth sideways on his feet

severaltimes,atrollishsignofhisexcitementoverwhatwashappening.

QuinlanmetBatya’sgazeandforasplit-second,becauseherhandtouchedhis,allhefeltwashisneed

for her, a surprising response in the middle of staring at a map and trying to uncover a millennia-old
mystery.Butdesirewaswhathefelt,ahungerforwhatcamefromherneckandwhathe’dbeenpursuing
forweeksnow.

Wastheremoretohispursuitofherthanheunderstood?
Herbreathinghitchedandherchestroseandfell.
Heblinked,forcinghisthoughtsandhisneedsaway.Hefocusedinsteadontheirjoinedhands.Taking

herfingersinalightclasp,heliftedthemabovethemap.

“Doyourenthrallmentthinghere.”
Shenodded.Hefeltherfocushardonthemapandontheirjoinedhands.Hesawthereddishhuelight

uptheshieldaroundtheproperty,justasLoreleihadsaid,butallhefeltfromBatyawasasofthumming
sensationagainsthisskinwheretheirhandsmet.

ButitwasLoreleiwhodirectedthem.“Shiftyourhandstotherightnomorethananinch.”Hemoved

theirjoinedhandsslightly.

“There,”Davidocriedout.“IcanseemoreofGrochaire.It’sworking.”
“Howdowesustainit,”Batyaasked,“sothatwecanallsee?”
DavidotappedthetopofQuinlan’shand.“IthinkyourdevotiontoGrochairemightjustdothetrick.

Use your other hand and caress the map, in the same way you’ve been doing, but while you do it have
Batyacoverthathandaswell.”

Quinlandidn’tquestionthetroll’ssuggestion.TheNineRealmshadthousandsofformsofmagic,one

ofthethingshelovedabouthisworld,oneofthemysteries,somethingthatchangedwitheachsucceeding
generation.

WhenBatyacoveredhislefthandwithherrightpalm,hefeltacoolvibrationtraveluphiswrist,all

thewayuphisarmtohisshoulder.Hefocusedonthemapandinslowcirclespressedhisfingersoverthe
newly created area. He could see the land unfolding before his eyes, the symbols for mountains, for
streams,forcaves,everything.Thenamesstunnedhim,however,becausetheycouldbefoundintheage-
oldchildren’stalesoftheNineRealms:theGreatRiverCavernsofPickerne,GemMeadow,theDead
ForestthatcontinuedthroughthePleachMountains,andtheSnowfieldsofRayne.Allonthismap.

Atthesametime,heworkedtheirjoinedhandseast,pushingtowardWalvashorrinsmallincrements,

untilatlastanentirelynewsectionofmapemerged,aborderedspacecalled,ofcourse,FerrendenPeace.

Davidooffered,“Vojaliesaidthatoncethelocationhasbeenrevealed,thatyoushouldcontactMastyr

Seth.”

QuinlanturnedtowardDavido.“ThenyouknewFerrendenPeacewouldberevealedinthisway?”His

tempershotupacoupleofnotchesasDavidoshrugged.“Anythingelse,oldman?Anythingelseyou’ve
gotinyoursatcheloranyotherwordsfromVojalie-the-wise?Anymoreinstructions?Shouldwecallon
theeasternmastyrsandinvolvethemaswell?”

“Noneedtogetsnippy,MastyrQuinlan.IdoasI’mbidandpartofthatmeansholdingbackuntilthe

momentisripe.”

Quinlanlosttherestofhispatience.Heliftedabrow,crossedhisarmsoverhischestandwaited.
“Oh,verywell.Hereiswhatmybelovedwifetoldme.I’msureshewouldn’tobject,especiallyifshe

knewherdearesthusbandwasbeingthreatenedbyapowerfulvampire.”

ThesetauntingwordsslidrightoverQuinlan’sthickskin.“Spill,troll,orI’mlikelytoturnyouupside

down.”

Atthat,Davido,ratherthanbeingoffended,laughedheartily.“Ihavenotbeentroll-turnedinadonkey’s

age.Ahwell,butIcanseeyournostrilsareflaringnow.”HeglancedatBatyaandLorelei.“Youmust
each pack several changes of clothing, sturdy footwear, and of course a toothbrush. Vojalie was not
certainhowlongthejourneywouldtake.”

Batya’sbrowsrose.“Theseareveryspecificinstructions.”
“She also said you weren’t to worry about warm clothing, that what you needed would be amply

providedalongtheway.”

“Warmclothing?”Atthat,Quinlanturnedtothemapagainandoncemorecaressedthenewsection.A

newrealityemerged,“SweetGoddess,willyoulookatthat.”

“What?”threevoicesintoned.
“Doyouseethissectionofthemountains?”
“Yes?”Threevoicesagain.
“Twohundredyearsago,Ibuiltastrongholdrighthere,rightattheedgeofthehiddensection.Some

partofmemusthaveknown.”

“Didyoufeelaconnectiontotheplace?”Batyaasked.
He met her gaze. “Only that I thought it rugged and magnificent.” He glanced down at the map once

more.“Holyshit.”

Again,threevoices,criedout.“What?”
HemetandheldBatya’sgaze.“Yourpaintings,theonesyouwon’tsell,Ithinkyoulaidouttheentire

journeyforus.”

*********

Batya’s flowered canvas satchel rested beside her right foot on the solid wood planks of her gallery

floor.ShestaredatallfourpaintingsandknewQuinlanhadcalleditright.Eachsubjectindicatedsome
aspect of the places they’d have to go through to get to Ferrenden Peace. Traveling through the air, a
meadow,aforest,andfinallydensesnowfields.

In the space of forty-eight hours, she’d gone from artist, gallery owner, and clinic healer to an

adventurertryingtosaveafellowrealm-womanfromenslavement,onajourneyshe’dpaintedyearsago.
Incredible.

Veryrealm.
LoreleidrewcloseandtookBatya’shand.“Areyousureyouwanttodothis?”
Shemetherfriend’sgaze,thensmiled.“Thisistherightpath.”
“Andyou’rehappyaboutit?”
Atthat,Batyalaughed,pivotingtowardLorelei.“Hell,no,butit’sstilltherightpath.”
Lorelei’seyesgrewbrightinthewaythatDavido’sdidquiteoften.StillholdingBatya’shand,shegave

her fingers a squeeze. “Then, thank you.” She swallowed hard and drew in a deep breath. “But there’s
somethingelseyoushouldknow.”

“Oh,sweetGoddess,there’smore?”
Quinlan,havingreachedthebottomofthestairsandstillbarefoot,calledout,“Areyoutwoready?”
“Almost.”Batyasteppedbacksothathecouldseethemboth.“Apparently,Loreleineedstoshareone

morebitofnewswithus.”

Quinlan’sbrowsgrewtogetherinatight,concernedfrown,afamiliarlookforhim.“Whatnow?”
Davido moved up beside Quinlan. “It’s probably about Margetta. Vojalie said we’d get one more

surprise.Tellus,child.”

“Mymotherwillbehereinafewminutesandshe’sbringingapowerfulwindwithher,aswellasa

fewchosenwraith-pairs.”

Batyaturnedtostareather.“Buthowdoyouknowthat?Avision?”
“It’s a mother-daughter thing, part of the reason she wants me under her control. I can, to a small

degree,predicthermovements.”

Quinlanhurriedtowardthem.“Thenwe’dbettergo.”
Davidojoinedthem,leaninguptokissBatyaonthecheek.“Farewell,daughter.Weparthere.Imust

returntoVojalie.Wehaveastrictagreementaboutthefirstyearofachild’slife.”

“Iknow.Iloveyou,papa.”
“AndIyou,mymostprecious,mostbelovedoffspring.”
“HugBerniceforme.”
“OfcourseIwill.”Hisgazemovedpasther.“ButIfearyourvisitorhasarrived.”
Batyaglancedattheplateglasswindowandsawthataredwindfloweddownthestreet.Margettahad

arrivedinaglowofgoldenlightaccompaniedbyaformidablearrayofwraith-pairs.Shehoveredbeyond
thewindowreadytoattacksurroundedbyathinenthrallmentshieldofherownmaking,whichwouldin
turnkeepherInvictusbrigadeinvisibletohumaneyes.Theoriginalmastyrvampirewraith-pairsflanked
her.

Shewouldhavemovedintoaction,butDavidogrippedherelbowgentlyandpathed,“GiveQuinlana

chance. There’s a mystery here with him that you must pursue and don’t be afraid of Grochaire. But
aboveall,rememberthebreadthofyourheritage,thatyouarebothtrollandfae.

Beforeshecouldsayanythingmore,herfathervanished.Herarelydidthat,whichsentashiverthrough

Batya.Davidohadsomuchpower,whichhekepthiddenfromeveryoneandrarelyused.Thathecould
getpasthershieldaswellastheancientfaestillstunnedher.Shemighthaveaskedforhisassistance,but
Davidohadcomeonlytosupporther.Sheknewhisrealmphilosophieswell,thateachmustfaceuptohis
ownchallenges.

Batyamustdealwiththeancientfae,nowalsoknowntobepartwraith.
Thenextsecond,thenewplateglassshatteredandthehighshriekingsoundofInvictuswraithspunched

through the air. At the same time a severe wind blew into the gallery, through her enthrallment shield,
gatheringupallthepaintingsandeaselsandcarryingthempastBatya,Quinlan,andLorelei.

Assheturnedinthedirectionofthewindow,thegoldenglowoflightsoftenedinincrementsandBatya

couldseeMargetta.Buttheonesheknewtobeevilturnedouttobeverybeautifulwithacomplexionas
smoothasglass,astraightnose,wide-seteyesandthefaintlypointedchinofthefae.

“Mother,”Loreleiwhisperedquietly.“No.”
Margetta shifted her violet eyes from Batya to Lorelei. Her gaze narrowed as though directing her

thoughts,butLoreleiliftedherchinandlookedaway.

Cockingherhead,MargettaturnedherattentionfullyonBatya,andnotjusthergazebuttheforceofher

willaswell.AmbitionruledMargettamorethananythingelse,towheresheplannedtodominatetheNine
Realmsatallcosts,includingthesubjugationofherdaughter.

ButlikehellBatyawouldgiveintoMargettawithoutafight.
On instinct, she drew the enthrallment away from the building perimeter and into a tight protective

shieldaroundthethreeofthem.“Quinlan,we’rereadytogo.”Shepickeduphersatchelandthrewher
armaroundhisneck.LoreleididthesameoverlappingBatya’sarm.Quinlangrippedbothwaists.

“Ihaveyouboth,”hesaid.“ButLorelei,wouldyoudobettertoshiftintoyourwraith-form?”
“No,I’matmyweakestasawraith,especiallyifIfly.”

“Okay,then.Let’sgo.”
Batya rarely flew with vampires, especially from the time she’d moved to Lebanon, so she wasn’t

exactly used to this kind of flight. But Quinlan had muscles on muscles and held both women securely
againsthisside,maneuveringthemswiftlyupthestairstoasidewindow.

Releasingthemforamoment,hejerkedthelargedoublesashoutofthemolding,thendoveintotheair.

HereturnedswiftlytopullBatyafromthebuilding,thenLorelei.

“Margetta!”Batyashouted.Thewoman’sgoldlightbloomedsuddenlyandherwindfrequencystruck

hard,pressingthembackagainstthebrickjusttothesideofthewindow.

BatyapathedtoQuinlan.We’vegottogetoutofhere.

*********

Quinlanclosedhiseyes.Hefocusedonhisessentialphysicalprowessandbattlingvibration.Gathering

his warrior strength, he shunted Margetta’s wind aside, but only for a few seconds. The wind returned
stronger than ever, despite the fact that he pressed back with all his might. She’d created a formidable
wind,somethinghe’dneverexperiencedbeforeanditfeltinexhaustible,thewayBatya’sshieldfelt,as
thoughtheancientfaecouldsustainthehurricaneindefinitely.

Batya,Ican’tholdagainsther.Canyouaddyourownabilities?Yourbattlefrequency?Mostrealm-

folkcarriedalltheknownfrequencies,tolesserorgreaterdegrees.

I’mnotsure.I’mnottrainedlikeyou.
HemetBatya’sgazeandsawherfear,theuntriednatureofherlatentabilities.Youcandothis.I’vefelt

yourpower.Justconnectyourbattlefrequencywithmine.It’sthere.Youknowitis.

Shestaredback,searchinghisgaze.Hispowershooknow,barelyholdingagainstMargetta.
Hisvoicerumbledoncemorethroughhermind.Youcandothis.
Hefeltherinvitationtosearchherpoweranddirectedhisfrequencytodivewithinher.
She groaned as though his invasion hurt and maybe it did. She’d never opened her battle-frequency

before.Butwhenhefoundit,andtappedin,hefeltarushofenergyflowoutofher.

Idon’tknowiftheshieldwillholdnow.
We’llsoonfindout.
Powerflowedthroughhimasneverbefore.Heletitengagehislevitationabilities,andlikearockethe

flewstraightup,throughthewind,anglingtoflyfasterthanevertowardGrochaire.

“Don’t let up,” He called to Batya. But she’d slumped against him, only half-conscious. Damn, he’d

hurther.Hecouldfeelitnow,thatshewasinpain.Butherbattle-frequencyflowedlikeaquick-running
river.

Onceattheaccesspoint,hecalledtotheGuardsmenonduty,butnothingreturned.Twosecondslater,

hesawwhy.Bothmenweredead,splitapart,bloodeverywhere.

Therewasnothingtodobutpresson,knowingashedidthatMargettawouldfollowafterthem.
Themomenthecrossedtheplane-bordertoGrochaire,heturnedinanortheasterlydirectionandadded

evenmorespeed.

HefeltBatya’sgrowingexhaustionyetatthesametime,hesensedLorelei’sexcitement,likeadogkept

inakennelandsuddenlyallowedsetfree.

“Grochaire,”shemurmured.Heheardaweinhervoice.
He felt the same way. Love for his homeland pulsed within him, maybe enhanced by the ferocity of

Batya’sbattlefrequency,hedidn’tknow.Buthelovedhisland,hisrealm,hisworld.

Can’tholdon,Batya’svoicesoundedfaint.
Ihaveyou.
Mysatchel.
Liftittomyhand.

Sheraisedherarmandwithjustalittleshuffling,hegrabbedthehandle,whilestillholdinghertight

againsthim.

I can’t sustain both frequencies, Quinlan. Which do you want me to keep going? Battle or

enthrallment?

Hethoughtforamoment,thendecideditwouldbettertohavetheincreasedflightspeedsohechoseto

letherdrophershield.TheywerefarenoughintoGrochairethatheknewtheirtrailwouldhavealready
growncoldtoMargetta.Itwouldbenosimplethingforhertofindthemnow.

WhenhetoldBatyathatshecouldreleaseherenthrallment,hefelthershieldfadethenvanish,buther

battlefrequencyremainedatfull-borewhichkepthispowersteady.

Theimmediatedangerwasnowoverandhefinallybreathedasighofrelief.
Hewasdamnproudofher.She’dcomebacktoGrochaire,aplaceshe’dneverwantedtoreturn,for

reasonsshehadyettotellhim.Heapprovedofhersacrifice,andherwillingnesstoshareherpowerto
getthemallsafelytohisstrongholdintheMountainsofAshur.

Thelasttimehe’dstayedathisheavilyfortifieddwellinghadbeenthreemonthsago.
Tonightandthroughthefollowingdaylighthours,he’dbeddownwithBatya,recouphisstrength.His

stomach had started cramping and he would need to feed. He wasn’t surprised. He’d been using up a
phenomenalamountofenergyduringthisflight.

Grochairewasoneofthelargerrealms,fivehundredmilesacrossthemiddle.Theflightwouldtake

sometime.

Anhourcameandwent,thenanother.
Finally,theAshurMountainsappearedinthedistanceandherosehigherandhigherintotheair,which

inturngrewfrigid.Loreleibegantoshake.

“Can’tbehelpedbutwe’llbethereinjustafewminutes.Hangon.”Fortunately,Batyahadpassedout.
Three minutes later, he flew over a thick fir forest and saw the rooftops of the town of Ashland that

boreatleastathousandrealmfamilies.Hisstrongholdwasonlytenmilesaway.

HeoftenbroughthisdoneusesinfromAshland,thoughhehopedthattonightBatyawouldbewillingto

service him. His body heated up at the thought of taking from her neck. He drew in a couple of deep
breathstosteadyhimself.“Notlongnow.”

Lorelei’steethchattered.
Hepathedtohisbrigadeleader,Henry.Incoming,youoldgoat.
Quinlan, you fuck of all fucks. You back? Where have you been? Rafe has been out of his mind

becausehecouldn’tcontactyou.Rafewashissecond-in-command,inchargeofhisGrochairebrigade
madeupofvampireGuardsmen.

I’llcontacthimsoonenough,butwe’vegotasituationandwe’llprobablyseesomeactioninthe

nexttwenty-fourhours,soputyourGuardonalert.He gave a brief explanation of events in Lebanon
withoutgoingintoissuesthatrelatedtoeitherLoreleiorBatya,onlythattheancientfaehadattackedthe
galleryandthatshe’dslaughteredtheGuardsmenattheaccesspoint.

Shit.
You said it. Now get the front gates open. I’m in flight with two powerful women. Have the

housekeeperlightupherenthrallmentshield.

Onthedouble.
Henrysignedoffandhadnodoubtalreadybegunissuingastringoforders.
The next moment, the stronghold came into view, a massive timber and iron structure set against the

mountainonawidejutoflandthatdroppedoffsteeplytoaforestbelow.Anarrowroadallowedvehicles
to drive to his gates, but he rarely had visitors. His stronghold served as an emergency refuge and a
privateretreat.HehadtwootherhomesinGrochairethatheusedonaregularbasis,oneinthelargest
cityofhisrealm,ChapeFawnHillsandtheotheratBrightSea,onthewesternsideofGrochaire.

The heavy, massive doors to his stronghold started to open as Quinlan made his descent. The thick,

blackwood,reinforcedwithiron,pushedpiled-upsnowoutoftheway.

He slowed down and entered the outer enclosed courtyard of his building. When he cleared the

opening,helevitatedabovethestonepavers,pausingmidairtoturnandwatchthegatesclosebehindhim.
Heknewhehadn’tbeenfollowed,butitneverhurttocatchavisual.Ifheneededtoescape,hewantedto
beinmotion.

Buttheywerealone,noonehadfollowedthem.
Headjustedhisvampirevisionashedroppedtothestonepaversofthecourtyard.
Atthesametimethathetoucheddown,thespacebegantofillwithhishighlytrainedandexperienced

troll brigade, who’d fought the Invictus wraith-pairs for decades now, making use of long spears in
additiontobattlefrequencystreams.TheyworethetypicalGuardsmenuniformoflong,leathersleeveless
coats, leather pants and boots, and woven shirts. A thick belt angled over the chest ended in something
new,sheathsfordaggers.

Astheentirebrigadeassembled,HenryflewintostandinfrontofQuinlan.
Lorelei stepped away from him and stretched out her arms and rolled her shoulders. Batya was still

unconscious,soheheldheragainsthim.

Henryfrowned,however,hisgazemovingfromonewomantothenext.HewasashandsomeasDavido

was ugly. All realm-folk ranged on the full spectrum of beauty and Henry was known to bed a lot of
womenwithverylittleeffort.Healsohadaheavydoseofcharisma,likeDavido,aspecialtyamongthe
morepowerfultrolls.

Slowly,QuinlanpulledoutofBatya’sbattlefrequency,butimmediatelyhisownenergyfadedandhe

hadtoworktokeepfromdroppingher.

Henry, understanding the dilemma, grabbed Batya. But the moment he made contact, something came

overQuinlan,afierceprotectivecompulsionsothathisvoicefilledthecourtyard.“Releaseherordie!”

SweetGoddess!Hadhejustyelledathisbrigadecommander?
Henryletgoofher,thethreeridgesofhisforeheadraisedintight,surprisedfolds.
“Leavehertome,”hesaidquietly.
“Understood.” But Henry’s eyes narrowed as he looked at Batya. Finally, he said, “Your Guard is

presentmastyr,foryourinspection.”

Heglancedaroundatthehighlytrainedbrigade,onehundredstrong.Henoddedhisapproval.Henry

hadoneofthemostdisciplinedbrigadesintheNineRealms.“Iwantanaround-the-clockwatchsetupfor
allareasofthestrongholdandGuardspostedoutsidetheladies’doors.Isthatclear?”

“Yes,mastyr.”Henrynoddedtohisunitleader,atalltroll,atnearlyfive-seven,bythenameofVincent.
AstrongshouthittheairasVincentorderedthebrigadetofallout.FourGuardsmenremainedinthe

courtyard, one to take up a post on a short flight of stairs to the left of the gates. He opened a viewing
windowandpeeredoutside.Theotherthreetookupopposingpositions.EachGuardsmanstoodwithfeet
farapart,spearswithpointsup,andonehandbehindhisback.

The remainder of the brigade filed out and despite the distance, Quinlan heard the echoing shouts as

various squads broke away to guard the more vulnerable points of the stronghold, any place with a
windowandanyoftheinnerdoorways.

Theonlysimplewayintothestrongholdwasbythefrontgates.
He nodded to his housekeeper who stood by the doorway, a formidable elven woman who wore her

long dark brown hair in four braids that hung down her back. She stood taller than Batya. “Anthea, we
haveguests.”

“Of course, Mastyr.” She bowed slightly. Some of the older realm-folk held to ancient traditions.

Antheawasveryold.

She cast her gaze first over Batya then Lorelei. Her eyes flared at the latter. “And you’re very

powerful.”

Loreleinodded.“IsupposeIam.”
QuinlanlookeddownatBatya,whoseeyeswereclosed.Hefeltherweaknessandhisneedtotakecare

of her deepened to an almost painful level. He didn’t quite understand why he’d felt desperate to get
Henry’shandsoffherorwhy,evennow,hissoleconcernwasseeingherrestored.

He’dhurtherbyinvadingherbattlefrequency.
Nowheneededtohealher.
To Anthea, he said, “I want soup brought to my chambers and bread. Some cheese and white wine.

She’llbewithmethroughthedaylighthours.”

IfAnthea’seyeswidenedoncemore,hedrewalongbreathignoringthetruththatforthefirsttimeever

awomanwouldsharehisstrongholdbed.

“Please take Lorelei to the best guest suite and give her whatever she needs. She’s under my

protection.”ToHenry,hesaid,“IwantyoutohaveoneofyourmenworktocontactMastyrSethandas
soonasyou’reabletomakecontact,tellhimIneedtotalktohim.Afterthat,getRafeontheline.We’ve
gotadisasterinthemaking.”

“Yes,Mastyr.”Henryinclinedhishead,andonswifttrollfeetdisappearedintothearchedstronghold

doorway.

HeslidanarmbeneathBatya’skneesandliftedherup,cradlingheragainsthischest.Antheapreceded

him,herarmhookedaroundLorelei’sastheelfspokeinlowtones,askingaboutherpreferencesforfood,
sleepingarrangements,bathingneeds,everything.Herwarm,confidingnaturehadalreadysetLoreleiat
ease.

With everything taken care of, Quinlan turned his full attention to Batya, who still hadn’t regained

consciousness.

ChapterFour

Batyareclinedagainstsoftpillowsinafairlyuprightposition,buthereyesremainedclosed.
Shecouldn’tseemtoopenthem.
Something in the center of her realm-ness hurt like she’d been battered for hours. One of her

frequenciescrampedandseized,theoneQuinlanhadaccessedearlier.Herbattlingfrequency.

Something delectable, however, reached her nose and her brows rose. Her eyes almost opened, but

anothersliceofpaingrippedherandshegasped,breathingthrough,tryingtogetpastthespasm.

“Youmusteat.”Thewordsrumbledoverher.
Quinlan.
Ashiverwentthroughherandadifferentfrequencybeganvibrating.
“Eat,”thevoicecommanded.
Shepartedherlipsandcreamysoupslidintohermouth.Shedreweverydropoffthespoon.Shetasted

potatoes,onion,celery,abitofhamandthefinestcream.“Oh-h-h-h.More.”

Abasschucklefloatedoverher.
Thespoontappedherlipsagain.Sheopenedandthesavorygoodnessslidoncemoreintohermouth.
Shekeptpartingherlips.Moresouparrived.
Heaven.
Andthemoresheate,thelessherfrequencyspasmed.
“Wine?”
“Yes,please.”
Acoolglasstouchedherlips.Shedrankcold,sweetwhitewine.
Moreheaven.
Abiteofbreadwiththebestbutterevercreated.
Soup,wine,bread.
Repeat.
Eventually,thepaininherfrequencyceasedaltogether.Sometimesagoodmealmadethemiracle.
EventuallyhereyesopenedandshemetQuinlan’sconcernedgaze,whilehisbrowspulledtogetherina

tightline.Sheliftedahandandpressedherfingerinthefurrowbetween.

Shefeltsomuchbetterexceptfortheheavinessinherchestthatinthelastfewdayskeptturningintoa

thuddingheart.Shesuspectedshe’dbegunhavingseriousfeelingsforthevampireatherbedside.

“Better?”
“Much.DidIpassout?”
“Yes.”
“Howlong?”
“Two,threehours.Nomore.”
“Thenyoustartedfeedingme.Wonderfulsoup,bytheway.”
“Antheahasanexcellentstaff.Shekeepsthehouseholdrunningandthebrigadewellfedandcontent.”
She glanced around. The room had massive proportions, the ceiling rising at least thirty feet. “Great

space.Isthisyourstronghold?”

Henodded.“Myrooms.”Hegesturedwithaflipofhiswrist.“Rightagainstthemountain.”
Herrealmvisionhadtakenoverandeverythinglookedlitasifinanearlyeveningglow.Shesawtwo

longandverynarrowwindows,notevenafootwidebutrisingfifteenfeetinheight.Arockyhillsidewas
rightthere,justafewfeetbeyondtheglass.Thewindowsweretoonarrowtoallowanyonetoenter.

Shecouldseestarsattheupperportion.“Doesn’tthesnowpackagainstthewindows?”
“No.Thisportionofthestructureoverhangsawarmspring.”
“Iseeaslightrisingmist.”

“Exactly.”
“Wellthat’sjustbrilliant.”
“Thankyou.”
Sheturnedtowardhim.“Doyoustayhereoften?”
“NotasmuchasI’dlike.”
Shewonderedhowmanywomenhadsharedthisroom.Butherfaenesskickedinandsheknewshewas

thefirst,theonly.

Dear,sweetGoddess…
Panicsetinandsheclosedhereyesoncemore,leaningagainstthepillows.Whatwasshedoinghere?
Sheforcedherselftobreathe.ShetriednottomaketoomuchofwhatwashappeningbutevenDavido

hadencouragedhertoembracetheunknown,whichinthiscasemeantQuinlan.

She’d never been good at relationships. She was too opinionated, too self-determined to be of much

use to a man. She wanted what she wanted and experience had taught her that most men needed their
womenmorecompliantthanshecouldeverbe.

“I’m feeling it, too.” Quinlan’s deep voice rolled over her, sending a shiver through her, striking her

matingfrequencywithjusttherightnote.Shewassodamnattractedtohim,evenhisvoice.

Butshehadtogetholdofherself,ofwhateverthiswas,sosheturnedherheadandmethisgazestraight

on.“Feelingwhat?”

Hescowledagainandtookherhand.Hisvibrationsranupherarmandshearchedherneck,gasping.

“Quinlan,sweetGoddess.”

Atthat,hesmiled.“Not,‘oh,myGod’?”
Shechuckled.“That,too.”Butheramusementslidawayasfastasithadcome.“I’mnotgoodatthis,

youneedtoknowthat.I’llwantmyownway.”

Henodded.“We’lllockhornsoverthenextfewdays.Thenwe’llpart.”
“Icouldn’tbearalifeinGrochaire.”
“Andthisismyhome,myheart.”
“Iknowthat.Iwatchedyouwhileyoulookedatthemap.Youslidyourhandovertheentirestretchof

Grochaire with the most loving caress. I don’t think I’d ever understood you so well before, or known
howmuchamastyrcouldlovehisrealm.”

“She’sbeeninmycarealongtime.Centuries.”
“Doyouthinkyoucouldeverhaveawife?”
“Idoubtitandnottomalignthemarriedstate,butI’veneverwantedthatkindofrelationship.”
“AndwhatamI?”Shewantedthingsoutintheopen.
Onesideofhismouthcurved.“Thebestseductionever.YouintriguemeandIlikeyou.”
She covered his hand with her own. “That’s a compliment coming from you. That much I do get. So

thankyou.”

“You’re welcome.” He searched her eyes. “And I want to apologize for how hard I hit your battle

frequency.”

“Ithurt.”
“Iknow.ItwasavirginbreachandforthatI’msorry.Awarriorusuallybreaksinhisorherfrequency

overaperiodofweekswithserioustrainingandcare.”

“Idon’tregretit,though.Wewouldn’thavemadeithere,otherwise,wouldwe?”
Heshookhishead,givingherhandasqueeze.“Icouldn’thavegottenawayfromthewindMargettahad

createdwithoutyourhelp.She’sincrediblypowerful.Shecouldhavekilledmeoutright.”

“ButthatmighthaveinjuredLoreleiandshewouldn’thaveriskedit.”
“No,shewouldn’thave,butshe’sverydetermined.”
Hewincedslightlyandherheartkickedinacouplemoreheavythuds.“Youneedtofeed,don’tyou?

Haveyoueaten?”

“Ihadsomesoup.”Hisgazehadgrownhungry,though,andnowslidoverherthroat.
Asoftvisionofwhatthenexthourwouldholdforherrolledthroughher.“I’dlikeabath,Quinlan.Do

youhaveonehere?”

“Ido.”
“Andwillyoubatheme?”

*********

Occasionally,Quinlancouldusehisbrain,whichhedidrightnow.“Yes,I’llbatheyou.”
Herosefrombesidethebed,hisstomachcrampingbuttherestofhimflexinginanticipation.Hewas

almostdizzyasheslippedintotheadjoiningbathroom,anotherlargespacewithanenormous,made-to-
order, black ceramic, claw-footed tub smack in the middle. The tub faced another stretch of rocky
hillside,patchesofsnow,thefeatheringoffurneedlesandadarkstarryskyabove.

Heranthewaterandlitseveralcandlepillars.
“Anytimeyou’reready,”hecalledoverhisshoulder.
“I’mready.”
Her voice, closer than he’d expected, startled him as he turned in her direction. She stood in the

doorwaycompletelynaked,herlong,thick,wavyhairhangingalmosttoherwaist.

Herose,hisgazefallingtoherlargebreastsandpeakedpinknipples.Dizzinessreturnedbecausehe

couldsmellhersexandshewasready.

Thiswouldn’tbesimple,notthisjoining,buthedidn’tcare,notrightnow.Hewouldbatheher,caress

her,savorher.

Shehadalargeclipinherhandandslowlydrewherhairup,twistingitaroundandaround.Ofcourse

hisgazestayedclosetotheswayingofherbreaststhatthesemovementscaused.Hismouthwatered.

With her hair clipped up on top, she finally moved forward to stand in front of him. He froze, not

becausehewasintimidatedbyher,orbyhavinghersoclose,butbecausehedidn’tknowwhattodofirst.
Hewantedtokissher,touchher,pullheragainsthim,playwithhernipplesandsuckonherneckallatthe
sametime.

ButBatyahadadifferentideaentirely.Shetookhishand,spreadherlegs,andplantedhispalmagainst

whatwasverywet.

Sheclosedhereyes,herlipspartedandshegroaned.“Ihavebeenwantingyoutotouchmesobadlyall

theseweeks.Yourvibrationwasonething,butyourflesh,anypartofyourbody,howI’velongedforyou,
neededyou.”

Hegroanedheavily,surroundingherwithhisfreearm.Pullingherclose,heslidafingerinsideher.At

thesametime,hecrashedhismouthdownonhersandkissedher,drivinghistonguedeep,thenplunging
inandout.

Quinlan,sweetGoddess.Quinlan.
Hecouldhavebroughtherrightthen,afewquickstrokesandajoltofhisvibration,buthedidn’twant

to.Hewantedtodrawthismomentout.He’dworkedherupforweeks,nowhewantedtosavorevery
moment.

Hereleasedher,rinsinghishandinthewater.“Bathfirst.”
Shenodded,herlipsstillopen,waiting.
Heheldherhandtosupportherasshesteppedintothetub.Shestretchedout,facingthewindow.Helet

thewaterrununtilherbreastsweretwofloatingislands.Thewatercouldhaverisenhigher,butagainhe
usedhisintelligenceandshutthetapoff.

Her pale skin looked exquisite against the black of the tub. He rarely chose a bath over a shower,

except when he’d been battling for days and needed to work some of the stiffness out of overused

muscles.

Again,nowomanhadeverreclinedintheoversizedvessel,asmallboatreally.
Bigenoughfortwo.
“IfI’mgoingtobatheyou,I’llneedbetteraccess.”
“Goodidea.Imightgetlostinthisship.”
Hesmiled.“Wewouldn’twantthat.”
Hestoodupandstrippedoffhisshirt,hisgazefixedonher,watchingher.Hereyesdilated,takingin

his arms, his pecs, his abs and lower, as he shrugged out of the absurdly short pants, held up by the
ridiculoustie.

“Perfect,”shewhispered,hergazeonhisfullyerectcock.“Nowcomejoinme.”
She moved back, away from the side, as he climbed in. What foresight he’d shown to have the

dimensionofthistubmadesobig.

Fromanearbybasket,seatedonanancient,darkpolishedstool,hetookawashclothandalargebarof

soap,importedfromtheU.S.,madeinFrance.Thereweremanyexcellentperkstotheopeningupofthe
NineRealmstotheiraccesspoints.

Hedippedtheclothinthewaterthensoapedup.“Whydon’tyouturnaround,letmescrubyourback.”
Batyashiftedinthewaterand,spreadinghislegs,hepulledhertowardhim,workingtheclothoverher

shouldersandback,herneck,herarms.

“Thatfeelssogood.”
“Thought it might.” He scrubbed in circles, working into the muscles and little by little, he felt the

tensiondrainfromher.

He soaped up again, and made his way up and down her arms slowly encircling her and leaning

forwardtowashherupperchestandgraduallydescendedtoglidetheclothovertheswellofherbreasts.

Sheleanedintohimnow,nestlinginthecurveofhisnecksothathehadthebestview.
Helettheclothfallintothewater,soapinguphishandsthistimeashemassagedherbreasts.Hehad

bighandsbutshewasbuilt,morethanhe’drealized.Hecaresseddownhertipsandmassagedthemboth,
tugginginrhythmicstrokes.Thesightandfeelofherbreastshardenedhimalloveragain.

Shewrithedagainsthim,pushingagainsthischest.
Quinlan,thatfeelssogood.Everythingyoudofeelssogood.
Loveyourvoiceinmyhead.
Slowly,asheworkedherbreastshestartedaddinghisvibration.Shegasped,thenmoaned.
Henuzzledherhairashemassagedher,lickingalineathertemple,flickinghistongue.Iwanttodo

thisbetweenyourlegs.

Shecriedoutandhegaveherajoltofvibration.
Then he took the vibration in a line down her stomach, lower and lower, like he had so many times

whilestandingacrossthestreetfromherloft.

She lifted a hand to caress the side of his face, her body turning slightly in the water, her breathing

harsher.

Hepluckedoneofhernipplesandtookthevibrationstraighttohersweetspot.
“Quinlan.You’rehere.Oh,doitplease.”
Heclosedhiseyes,flickinghistongueagainsthercheekanddriftingtowardherear.Hishandspulled

andpushedherbreastsandhisvibrationnowstrokedherdeepbetweenherlegs.

Doyouwanttocomelikethis?
Yes,butdon’tletitbethelast.
Sweetheart,we’rejustgettingstarted.
Herampedupthevibrationsandshecriedout.I’mcoming.SweetGoddess--
Hekepteverythingupuntilherhipsgrewquiet.Hedialeddownthevibrationandlethishandsreston

her breasts. He took careful breaths because he was closer than he wanted to be. He knew when he
wantedtocomeandithadtobeinsideherthisfirsttime.

Sheshiftedslightlytolookupathim.“Iwanttofeedyou,justalittlerightnow.Iknowyouneedblood.

I can sense your hunger. Take some at my wrist.” She met his gaze. “And you can feed me at the same
time.”

His cock jerked against her. He forced himself to breath and once more, showing intelligence, he

nodded.

*********

Batyaturnedinsidethetubsothatshewasonherknees.She’dseenthebuilt-uplipatthebackofthe

tubandknewexactlyhowthisshouldgo.

Sheextendedherarm.“NowriseupandbalanceyourselfontheledgebehindyoubecauseI’mreally

hungry.”

Hiseyeshadfallentohalf-mast.Hisbeautifulfulllipswereswollenandparted.Hisbreathingseemed

rough,whichmadehersmile.

Sheinchedcloserbetweenhisknees.Hiscockwasrightinfrontofherandstraightup,readyforwhat

shewantedtodo.

Plantingherlefthandonhiship,sheslidherotherpalmuphischesttakingamomenttoplaywithhis

thickpecs,tocaresshismuscles,tofeelthecurvesofhim.

Whenshereachedhischinshedriftedherfingersoverhislips.“Open.”
Hepartedhislipsandsheslidafingerinside.
“Nowsuck.”
Heobligedher.
“Andthat’swhatI’mgoingtodotoyou.”
Hiseyelidsfluttered.
Afteramoment,shewithdrewherfinger,butheldherwristclosetohisface.“Turnyourheadtothe

side,getagoodangle,andwhenyou’reready,biteme.”

Hiswholebodyshivered,likehewascoldbutsheknewitwasjustlatentenergyleakingoutofevery

musclebecausehehadtositthereandholdhimselftogether.

Heclosedhiseyesandlickedoverherwristseveraltimes.Hisnostrilsflared.
Shewatched,waitingforthemoment.She’dhadvampireloversovertheyearsandthispartalwaysgot

toher,straightintohercorewhereallthegoodthingshappened.

Hepulledbackhislipsandhisfangsemerged.Shewatchedashestruck.
Herbodyarchedwithintensepleasure.
Thenhestartedtosuck.
Asherbloodbegantoleaveherbody,morepleasurefollowed,differentthistime,invadingherchest,

intensifyingherlowerpleasure.

Yes, she’d had vampire lovers, but not a man like Quinlan, not such a big man, a powerful one, a

dominantcreature,suckingandlappingandmoaningashetookherblood.

Sheeasedtowardhimnowandlookedathiscock,atthethickstaffandbroadhead.
Sheleanednearandoncemoreswirledhertongue,easingovertheheadfirstthendrawinghimintoher

mouth,thesoftskin,thickenedandtoughenedwithdesire,fullofpurposeandstrength.

Shesucked,alongsavoringdrawofhermouth,hertongueripplingatthesametime.Shemovedher

headtotakeasmuchofhiminside,drawingbackwithsuction,thendescendingoncemore.

Sheaccessedherownvibrationthistimelettingitflowthroughhertongue.Shedidn’tsuckhard,just

enough,andletthefeatheryvibrationsfloatoverhim

Oh,fuck.Ididn’tknowyoucoulddothat.

Sheaddedalittlemore.
Fuck.Me.Thatfeelsincredible.
Hedrewharderatherwrist.
Shedidn’tdoanythingmorethanthat.Shejustwantedtoworkhimup,tolethimfeelthepleasure,but

shedidn’twanthimtocome,notyet.

Whenshefelthisagitationincrease,sheletgoofhiscockandleanedherheadagainsthisabdomen.
Hestoppeddrinkingatthesametime,butmoanedinshortgrunts.“Don’ttouchme.”
She’dtakenhimstraighttotheedge,justwhereshe’dwantedhim.Hedeservedtobethere,sufferinga

little,becausethat’swhathe’ddonetoherforweeks.

Shesmiled.
Whenhisbreathingseemedmorenormal,shedrewback,tookhishandsandpulledhimbackintothe

warmwater.

Hesliddownintothetubandshestretchedout,floatingonherstomach,herlegsbehindher.
Whenhewassettledwiththathalf-smileofhisonhislips,hestrokedherarmsandshoulders.
“Good?”sheinquired,almosttaunting.
“Youknowitwas.Nicevibration,bytheway.Neverhadawomandothatbefore.”
“Someonetaughtmethetrick.”
“Somebodysmart,Itakeit.”
“Toosmartforhisowndamngood.”
Hecaughtherarmsandpulledhertowardhim.
Shesnuggledagainsthischest,slidingherarmsaroundhiswaist.Heliftedherchinandassheleaned

backtolookupathim,hekissedher,asoftpluckingofherlipsatfirst,thendeeperuntilhepossessedher
mouthwithhistongue.

Butheusednovibration,atleastnotyet,hejustenteredher,searchinghermouth,thenplungingafew

times,makingtheage-oldpromiseofgoodthingstocome.

He kissed her for a long time, then paused, waiting, calming down perhaps, or maybe just savoring,

takinghistime.Aslowbuildcouldbeextremelyeroticattheend.

Heheldherchinthistimeandlookedintohereyes.“MyturntodoasIwantwithyou.”
“Uh-huh.”Likeshe’darguewithamanwhocouldbringhertoclimaxwithjustavibration.
Herinternalwellseizedwithanticipatedpleasureattheideathatsoonwhatshe’dtakenintohermouth

wouldbeinsideherbody.

Heshiftedsideways,tookherhand,andpulledherbacktowardtheperchhe’dsaton.“Putbothyour

handsthere,flat,andholdon.”

Her breath caught as she sloshed through the water, bringing her knees up while he got behind her.

“Nowleanovertheside.”

Shedidashetoldherandstretchedout,butshewasfullyexposed,herbottomintheair.
Thenhesplitherlegswide,pushingthemapart.Heleanedoverherandstartedatherwaistjustkissing

herandflickinghistongue.Butgraduallyhebeganmovinglowercoveringeachofherass-cheeks,licking
andkissing,lowerandlower,untilhespreadherdownlowwithhisfingers.

Herbreathsgrewquickandshallowasthedepthsofherbeganlongslowpullsonwhatneededtobe

there.

Headdedavibrationashereachedherlowerlipsandkissedher.
Shemoanedheavily.Heflickedallaroundherentrance,teasingherwithhistongueandoccasionally

suckingwithpullsofhislips.

ThenheFrench-kissedher,histonguevibratingsoftlyashepenetratedher.
Heslidhishandsaroundtothefrontofherhipsholdingherinplace,thentongue-fuckedherhardfrom

behind,pushinghisfaceintoherbody.

Quinlan,it’sneverbeenlikethis.
Hegruntedashepushed.Comeforme,Cha.Loud.Iwanttohearyoucome.
Shewassocloseagainandherhipsrespondedrollingintohimeachtimehepulledout.
Shefeltanewlevelofvibrationonherhipsfirst,emanatingfromhisfingertips.Thesensationpoured

throughherabdominalwall,andreachedthecenterofher.

Oh,SweetGoddess.Areyoureallygoingtodothis?
Yes.
Heconnectedthevibrations,onethatwentstraightthroughherbodytomeethispulsingtongue.Itwas

likeashockwavethatinvadedherwell,tighteningherbody.

Pleasureeruptedandshescreamedasshecame.
Hemovedfaster,drivinghistongueintoherharderstill,thevibrationsreachingacrescendothatkept

herownpleasurecomingandcoming,rising,fallingalittle,onlytoriseagainsothatherscreamsechoed
aroundtheroomrepeatedly.

Finally,ashestoppedthevibrations,shebegantoeasebackandwhatfollowedwasasweetlethargy

that made her hips fall against the side of the tub and her arms dangle over the edge. Her breasts were
nowsmashedagainsttheledgebutshedidn’tcare.

Quinlan rubbed a hand up and down her back and chuckled softly, a smug sound that she damn well

thoughthedeservedtomake.

“Thatwasamazing.Let’sdoitagainaboutathousandtimes.”
Oncemore,hislaughterflowedoverherbody.
Heleanedhishipsagainsther,hiscockahardmissile.
“Do you want to come like this?” she asked. Right now, she thought she’d do anything for him. He

couldtellherheintendedtotieherintoaknotandshe’dsayitwasagreatidea.

“No,”herespondedinstead.
Hegotoutofthetubanddriedoffthentookhistimepeelingherawayfromthesideofthetub.Shewas

stillinastateofpost-coitalheavenanddidn’tcarewhathedid.“Youcandropmeofftheflatendofthe
earthnowifyouwant.I’mreadytogo.”

Helaughedoncemore.Hemadeherstandonherfeet,butonlytodryheroff,thencarriedherintohis

bedroomandlaidheroutonathicklayerofsoftfurs,anotherpieceofheaven.

Shewatchedashelitafire,onepiledhighandlayeredwithwadsofnewspaper,alotofkindling,and

several small logs. It lit up quickly and burned hot, something the room could use, made of stone as it
was.

Whenhewascertainthescreencontainedtheblazeandthedamperworkedproperly,hecamebackto

bed.Heliftedheroncemore,shuntingthefursasideuntilsherestedonsilk.Hetooktheclipfromontop
ofherheadandpulledherhairaroundhershoulders.

“You’resobeautiful.Ithinkthat’spartoftheproblem,andwhyIwantyousomuch.Nowomanshould

besopretty.”

Hekissedherthen,likehehaddonebefore,asthoughhemeantsomethingbyit.Shewasn’tsurewhat,

almostasthoughhewantedtotakeasmuchashecouldbecausetheirtimetogetherhadanend-point.

Forthesamereason,then,sherespondedinkind,takinghertimewithhim,caressinghisfacebetween

kisses, savoring the shape of his lips, even kissing the sexy crooked line of his nose, his strong
cheekbones, and eyelids that often lay at half-mast because pleasure had taken him over. She slid her
handsintohisthick,longhair.

Hisdarkeyesglitteredashelookeddownather.Thefireblazedbeyondthebed,lightinguptheroom

infieryglow.He’dignitedherkindlingforweeksandnowsheblazedforhim,needinghimineveryway,
takingpleasureinstrokinghisarms,theswellofhisback,hisnarrowwaist,histightbuttocks.

Slowly,hemadehiswayinsideher,pushinghiscockinchbyinch,slidingeasilyintoherwetness,the

statehe’dputherin,drivinghercloseoncemoretothepinnacle.

Shelookedintohiseyesandfellintoallthathewas,hisstrength,hiscommand,hispower,hisdark

sensuality, all that was lethal and fierce about him. Her body weakened for him, submitting and
surroundinghim,holdinghimfastinsideher,savoring.

“Oh,Quinlan.”
Thathalf-smileemergedandherheartdrewintoatightknotofsomethingshereallydidn’twanttothink

about.

Damnhim.

*********

Quinlan’s arms quivered as he pushed inside Batya. He had her on her back, the place he’d been

wantingherforweeksnow.Hejustneverthoughtitwouldbebecauseofashifter-wraith,whowasalso
partfae-vampire,nowensconcedinhisguestroomfortherestofthenight.

Butrightnow,hedidn’tcarehowthishadcomeabout,onlythatherlipswerepartedandswollenand

he’dmadeherthatway.Heflexedhiships,whichbroughtherchestupandaslightgasprisingfromher
throat.

Sex had always been a thrill, but right now he stood on the peak of a tall mountain ready to fly. His

chestfeltbuoyantandyes,herwrist-bloodhadhelped,butthiswasmoreaboutconquestandhelovedit.
He’dconqueredallherreservations,despitethecircumstances,andnowhetookhisprizewithanother
deepthrust.

Shewrithedinresponse,pleasureevidentoneverytwistofherlovelyfaceandeverymoanfromher

long,palethroat.

Hedrovesteadilynow,loweringhimselftobalanceonhisforearms,herfingersclutchingathisbiceps

inawaythatmadehisballstighten.Pleasureaccompaniedeverystroke,especiallytheoneswhereher
hipspushedbackinresponse.

Quinlan.
Helovedherfemininevoiceinhismind.
Herheadrolledbackandforthoverthepillowsandherbreathinggrewlabored.Buteachrollrevealed

thesidesofherneckwheremoregoodnesslay.He’dtakenherwristtwice,butnotherthroatandthere
wasnothingsosweet,soeroticasneck-blood.

His body started to hum with increased desire, but he had to hold back so he slowed things down,

whichleftherpanting.Finally,hestoppedandleanedclosetolickupthesideofherneck.

“Yes,sweetGoddess,yes,”shewhispered.“I’vebeenwantingthisfromthetimeyoutrappedmeinthe

gallery.”

“Samehere.”
He tilted his head, then released his fangs. Saliva dripped. He struck quickly creating two punctures

thenretractedhisfangsandbegantodrink.

He had Batya in the most vulnerable position possible, his mouth sucking down her blood, his cock

burieddeep.Hisbodyshookwithpleasureandjustforher,hestartedupthevibrationsshelikedsomuch,
pullinghiscockslowlytowardherentrancethenpushingbackin.

Herbodyconvulsedandaseriesofachysighsleftherthroat.
Somuchpleasure,Quinlan.Icoulddielikethis.
He wanted to respond, but couldn’t. His body had locked onto its target and as he drank down her

blood,anddroveintoher,hishipstookover.

Yet somewhere in the center of his being, he felt his mating frequency join with the pure sexual

vibrationhe’ddevelopedsolongago,andafireburnedthroughhim.

Hepoundednow,suckinghardatherneck,hismatingfrequencyseekingentrance.

Letmein.
Yourvoicesoundshoarse,eveninsidemyhead.
Cha,letmein.SweetGoddess,Iwantinsideyourfrequency.
Iwantto,butisthiswise?
Hedidn’tcare.Hekeptpushingandhisballsweresotight.Still,hewantedallofher.
Letmein.
Hefelthergiveway,soherushedinsideandthatpushedhimovertheedge.Hereleasedherneckand

roseupshoutingashisbodyrockedandpleasurestreakedthroughhim.

Butitwasthefrequencyjoiningthatkeptsendingthrillsuphiscock,hisabdomen,hischest,andthat

kepthimshoutingandcoming,releasingallthathehadintoher.

Somewhere he felt her body writhing and heard her crying out then screaming as she came. His

vibrationswereaheavypulsethroughhimandatthesametimethroughherbody.

Heeasedbackbuthewasn’tdone.Hecontinuedtothrustintoher,strokingher,feelingher.
“Lookatme.”
Sheopenedhereyes.Shelookedalmostpanic-stricken.
Quinlan,myGod.
“I’mgoingtomakeyouclimaxagain.”
Herneckarchedandhepumpedherharder,hisbodywindinguponcemore.
“Faster,”shecalledout.
He didn’t hold back, but pumped into her with his warrior strength, his vibrations at full bore, his

matingfrequencyinsideherown,possessingher,conqueringheryetagain.

“Oh,God.”Shearchedherneckandscreamed,clutchingathisbiceps,diggingherfingernailsinandit

feltsogood.

Pleasurerushedthroughhiscockoncemoreandhisshoutsliftedtotheraftersofhisstrongholdallover

again, the cry of dominance, of command, of having his woman beneath him, whose blood eased him,
whosebloodtookawaythecramping.

Instages,hishipssettleddown.Herhandssweptoverhisarms,hisshoulders,hisback,thewayhis

handhadmovedoverthemapearlier,akindofclaimingofherown,herland,herterritory,hisbody.

Andrightnowhewasexactlythat,withoutreservation.
Herestedontopofher,hisheadjoininghersonthepillow.Sheslidherarmsaroundhimandheldhim

fast.Shebreathedhard,catchingherbreath.Hedidaswell.

Heremainedjoinedtoher,hiscockinsideandbothfrequenciesbathinginwhatheperceivedwasthe

warmnestofallthatshewasasfaeandtrollintheirworldofvibrations.

*********

Batya lay beneath the wonderful weight of Quinlan’s vampire, Guard-sized body. She’d never really

madelovebefore,orhadsexbefore,that’swhatshedecided.

Quinlanhaddoneexactlywhathe’dbeenpromisingforthepastseveralweeks.He’dgivenhertheride

ofherlife.

Andshewantedmore,thegreedyfae-trollthatshewas.Oh,SweetGoddess,hadhejustruinedherfor

othermen?Howcouldsexeverbethesameforher?Andthewayhe’dbrokendownhermatingfrequency
shield—she’dcomehardwiththatone.Hisvibrationhadstreamedthroughinawaythatsentpleasureall
thewaytoherfingersandtoherfeet,rushingbackandforthinheavywavesupherbodythenbackdown.
And the whole time ecstasy had been a thrill inside her where he’d plunged in and out with vampire
speed.

Ah,well,he’ddefinitelyruinedher,butithadbeensoworthit.
Yetasmallignoblepartofherneededrevenge.Ifhe’druinedher,thenatsomepointonthisjourneyto

FerrendenPeace,sheintendedtodowhatevershecouldfromhervastarrayoffae-trollnesstoservehim
withhisownsauceandtotakehimdown.

Themerethoughtofit,ofbringingQuinlantoheel,lightenedherheart,somuchso,thatwithherarms

wrapped around the big bastard from Grochaire, with his cock tucked inside her, she fell contentedly
asleep.

Sheslepthard,herdreamsbarelythere,justfaintdistantimagesheldbackbyapleasantmist.
Shesleptandslept.Whenshefinallyawoke,shehadasoftlinenclothpressedbetweenherlegsanda

warmfurtuckedupsnugagainstherbarebody.Obliquenorthernlightlitthespace,whichtoldheranew
dayhadbrokenormorelikely,wasabouttoend.She’dnodoubtsleptthedayaway.

ButwherewasQuinlan?
Hey,shepathedsoftly,reachingforhim.
I’mwith my strongholdbrigade. Bathe ifyou like, ring foryour first meal.Anthea is an excellent

cook.

Doyouneedme?
No,notyet,butsoon.Takecareofyourneedsfirst.We’llbetravelingatfulldark.
Got it. Thanks. She closed down immediately because she had felt the tension in his voice, even a

senseofurgency.

She saw that her flowered satchel sat just inside the door and a funny sense of relief struck her. A

womanalwaysneededherthingscloseby.

She showered and dressed in jeans, a tank and a long-sleeved sweater, socks and running shoes. By

nowshefelturgentaswell.KnowingMargetta’slevelofpower,shewouldhavedivinedsomethingabout
whereherdaughtermeanttogo,thatshe’denlistedQuinlantohelpher,andjustwhatkindofforceshe’d
needtodestroytheenemy.

ShefoundLoreleiandAntheainthekitchen,onadjacentstoolsatalargeislandofblackmarble.Each

satinthesamepositionwithelbowsonthemarble,handscradlingcoffeemugs.

“Oh,coffee.No,don’tgetup.Icanseethecupsandyouhaveeverythingready.”
Shehelpedherself,fillingaheavyredmugthreequartersfull,thenaddingtwoteaspoonsofsugarand

enoughcreamtocreatetheexactshadeofcaramelthatshepreferred.Shetookasipandherlipsparted.
“Anthea,thisisthebest.”

Thehousekeepergrinned.“Nothingbetterthancoffeeafteranightofgymnastics.”
EvenLoreleismiled.
Inordinarycircumstances,Batyamighthavebeenembarrassedbecauseitseemedherlovemakingwith

Quinlanhadbeenalittleloud.Butthoughtsofwhathadtranspired,oftheblood-giving-and-taking,ofhis
vibration,ofbreakingthroughhermatingfrequency,ofhavinghisbeautifulgirthinsideherthenattheend,
hisweightonher,flowedthroughhermindlikeanever-endingstream.

Sheshivered.
“Areyouallright?”
BatyashiftedhergazetoAnthea.Somethingnaggedather,butshewasn’tsurewhatitwas.“He’spretty

amazing.”

“Yes, he is.” Anthea took another sip. “I’ve served in many homes over the years as housekeeper.

Mastyr Quinlan is very demanding, but he’s just, and he always has an eye to everyone’s comfort. No,
that’snottherightword,becausesometimeswe’reuncomfortable.Hehasaneyetoourwell-being.Yes,
that’smorewhatIwanttosayabouthim.”

“Well-being.” Batya brought her mug to her lips and turned to lean against the island, slightly away

from Anthea and Lorelei. From the beginning, this time with Quinlan had been full of mystery. She
narrowed her eyes. “He started coming around a few weeks ago, intent as men like him often are, on
gettingmeintobed.Ialwaysknewhisreputation.Butlookwhereitled.”

She pivoted, resting her hip against the marble. Meeting Lorelei’s gaze, she continued, “One night,

Margetta shows up and nearly kills him, but if he hadn’t been there, hadn’t been doing what men have
alwaysdone,you’dbeenslavednowandmyguessisI’dbedead.”

“Ithinkyou’reright.”Loreleituckedherdarkbrownhairbehindherear.“IoweQuinlanandyouso

verymuch.”

“Hashebeenhere,earlierImean?”
“Onlytoeat,”Antheasaid.“He’sinhislibrarywiththemaphebroughtfromLebanon.Henry’swith

him. They had conference calls with both Rafe, his second-in-command of the Grochaire vampire
brigade,andMastyrSethofWalvashorr.”Shesethermugdownandslidoffherstool.“ButIhavestrict
orderstofeedyouabigmealandIwill,ifyou’rehungry.”

Batyahadfedavampirelastnight.Sheplantedahandoverherstomach.“I’mstarved.”

ChapterFive

Quinlan stared at the upper central portion of the map, at what he and Batya together had uncovered

betweenGrochaireandWalvashorrRealms.

Heshookhishead.“Idon’tseeanyotherway.We’regoingtohavetofindthePickerneCavernsifwe

wanttomakeittoGemMeadowalive,anyofus.”

Henry kept touching the region that actually said, ‘Ferrenden Peace’, and the long section before the

areacalledtheDeadForest—anothermystery.“Ican’tbelieveI’mlookingattherealdeal,butIcanfeel
the place right here. The vibrations are powerful.” He let his hand rest over the words. “This wasn’t
supposedtoexist.Ireadthesetalesasachild,ofaqueenwhosecludedherselftokeepherpeoplesafe.
Doyouthinkshe’srealaswell?”

Quinlanshrugged.“HellifIknow.Butatthispoint,anythingseemspossible.”
Oncemore,heranhislefthandoverthewesternportionofthemapthatencompassedhisrealm.The

conceptofastraightupbattlehadalwaysappealedtohim,offightingforthehealthofapeople,forthe
rights of the individual, for justice. He fought the Invictus wraith-pairs because they destroyed the
innocent, often drinking them to death and casting them aside. The poor made excellent targets living
unprotectedastheydidinthosetractsoflandwheretheInvictushuntedonaregularbasis.

Buthecouldcountononehandthetimeshe’dfunctionedaspreyratherthanpredatorandhedidn’tlike

thefeelingonebit.Margettasoughttobringherdaughterunderhercontrolandhisjobmeantstayingone
step ahead of her, not getting caught by her extremely powerful vampire-wraith Invictus pairs, and
somehowgettinghersafelytoFerrendenPeace.

Forthatreasonalone,hefeltaprofoundurgetomove,totakethewomenunderhisarm,andflythem

straight over the newly uncovered Pleach Range to safety. But both the map and Batya’s paintings had
illuminatedthewayandhewasrealm-enoughtoknowwhentosubmittothewhimsoftheGoddessand
whentopushback.

Earlier,he’dmadecontactwithRafeandrelayedallthathadhappened.Fortunately,Rafehadseenno

signsofwhathenowdescribedasthemastyrvampirewraith-pairsthathadattackedQuinlaninLebanon.
Withanyluck,thosepairswouldstayonLorelei’strailandawayfromtheregularGrochairepopulation.

RafehadtakencareofthedeadGuardsmenattheaccesspointandhadsetupasmallforceoftwentyin

theirstead.He’dofferedtosupportQuinlanonthetrektoFerrendenPeace,buthismastyrinstinctstold
himthathisGrochaireGuardneededtokeepgoingout,astheynormallydid,tobattletheInvictus,town-
by-town.

Whenhe’dfinallyreachedSeth,whoservedastheMastyrofWalvashorrRealm,he’dlistenedwithout

offeringeithercommentorquestion.Intheend,he’daffirmedexactlywhatQuinlanknewinhisguttobe
true.“Thiswholesituationhasseriousrealmundercurrents.AndIamatyourservice.”

Sethdidn’texpressamazementatthediscoveryofFerrendenPeaceeither,orthattheancientfaehad

managedtocreateanewbrandofsuper-powerfulwraith-pairs,makinguseoflessermastyrvampire,or
eventhattheancientfaenowhadaname.Ofcourse,Sethhadalwaysbeenstoicbynature.

However, he agreed readily to track Quinlan’s journey from the western reaches of Walvashorr, to

hopefullymeetupwithhiminFerrendenPeacejustincaseMargettashouldfindherwaythereaswell.

WithhisownrealmsecureinRafe’shands,andSethreadytomovetowardthelandoffablesaswell,

Quinlanhadonlyoneissuetosettle,namely,wheretobegin.

According to the map, the Great River Caverns of Pickerne led to Gem Meadow. However, Quinlan

hadnoideahowtogettothem.Withhisfinger,hetracedthesymbolsforthecaves.Hepeeredcloser.A
smudgelaytotheleft.Herubbed,butnothingcameoff.

Heusedthemagnifieroncemoreandsawthatwhathe’dperceivedasasmudgewasactuallytheshape

ofashallowbowl.“Whatdoyoumakeofthis?”

Henrytookthemagnifierandbentoveraswell.Heextendedtheglass,thendrewitclose.
Risingup abruptly, hesnapped his fingersand the three ridgesof his trollforehead rose and rippled

slightly.“Iknowwherethisis,mastyr,andit’snotfarfromhere.

“Whatisitexactly?”
Henry shook his head. Some of his blond curls had escaped the woven clasp that all the Guardsmen

woreandforamomenthelookedabitlikeEthan.HehadabroadsmileliketheMastyrofBergissonas
well.TheladiesenjoyedHenry,nomatterthespecies.Henry,likeDavido,excelledincharisma.

Heturnedhisrighthandpalmup.“I’mnotsure.It’sreallytoosmalltobecalledameadoworanything

likethat.Besides,inthesummerit’sdrylikeitcan’tcollectwatertogrowthingsthoughit’sadepression
intheearth.”

“Isthegroundbadthere,unfitforgrowingthings?”
“Maybesaltdeposits.I’mreallynotsure,notbeingintohorticulture.”
Quinlangrinned.Henryhadbeenhiswingmanondozensoftripstothenearbytown.“No,thatyou’re

not.”

Henry’s smile dimmed bit-by-bit until he tapped the magnifier against the map a couple of times.

“We’reinsomeseriousshitrightnow,aren’twe?”

“Realmshit,likenothingI’veeverexperienced.”
Henryscannedthemaponcemore.“Wait,I’vejustrealizedsomething.”Heplacedhishandonthemap

atalocationsomethirtymilesfromthestronghold.“Thissectiondoesn’tcontainthesamevibrationandif
my calculations are correct, I know this meadow well. A river and a stream converge there. Mastyr,
we’ve all been there. We’ve run maneuvers in Gem Meadow, we just never had a name for the place
before.”

Quinlan rested his hand on the map over the indicated area. “Damn, I think you’re right. And it has

severalpermanentopenairtents,doesn’tit?”

“Withprotectivesunpanels,yes.”
“Okay,goodtoknow.”
“Andwecan’tjustflythere?”
Heconsideredthisoptionforagoodlongminute.“Myinstinctstellmethatthecavernsarethewayto

go.Ifnothingelse,wewon’tbevulnerableintheopenair.”

“You have to go with your instincts.” Henry shook his head. “This Lorelei, she’s something very

different,isn’tshe?”

“Yes,sheis,butshe’salsoawomaninneedofprotectionwhichisallthatreallymatters.Therest,the

danger,Margetta’spower,well,fuckitall.”

Henry’sspiritlightenedoncemore.“Yourbravadoisoutdoneonlybyyourbullshit.Butyeah,fuckit

all.Thebrigadewe’vebuiltcantakeafewInvictuswraith-pairs,liketheonesyoudescribed.We’lljust
need to be cunning and as you know, we trolls excel at that. We’ve had to in order to survive you
vampiresandshifters.”

*********

Batya stood in the hall, near the doorway to Quinlan’s library. She’d heard most of the conversation

andfromtheshadowshadwatchedthemanwhohadmadelovetoherlastnight.

Anorth-facingskylighthighintheroofline,setatanangletokeeptruesunlightoutoftheroom,keptthe

spacefrombeingoppressive.Herfaevisionwarmeduptheareafurthersothatshehadaperfectviewof
theMastyrofGrochaire.

Butfromthemomentshesawhimagain,herhearthadstartedthrumminginherchest,almostpounding

withreneweddesire.Inallherlife,she’dneverdesiredamansofiercely,asthoughnothinghadmeaning
exceptbeingnearhim.

Ifanything,herindependentspirithadkeptheroneortwostepsremovedfromevergettingseriously

involvedwithanyman,eventhoughshe’dhadacoupleofdecade-longrelationshipsovertheyears.But
shealwaysgrewdissatisfiedwiththedemands.Andshecouldn’tevenbegintoimaginehowdemanding
Quinlanwouldbewithanyonehesettledonas‘hiswoman’,Goddesshelpher.

Yet here she was, staying in the shadows for no other reason than by doing so she could just look at

him.

Hewasalreadyhalf-dressedforbattle.Heworealong-sleevedwovenshirtandwhatsheknewtobe

his snug battle leathers. His thick leather boots ranged past his knees and were turned down at the top,
drawinghereyetohisheavilymuscledthighs.Slimsilverstudsraninalinedowntheouterseamofthe
boots,glintingintheautumnhalf-light.

With his hair pulled back in the woven clasp, the hard line of his cheekbones gave his features a

dramaticturn,andcreatedasharpangleofdarkandlight.Hehadlargeroundeyes,thicklashesandheavy
straightblackbrows,apurelymasculinecollectionoffeaturesthatbroughttheairrushingoutofherchest.
AddthecrookedlineofhisnoseandshewishedthatHenrywasn’tintheroom.

Butifhissheerphysicalbeautywasn’tenoughtotearatherfeminineheart,whathe’djustsaidabout

LoreleiandhisdeterminationtogethersafelytoFerrendenPeace,spokethetruthofhischaractermore
thananythingelsehecouldhavesaidordone.

Desire burst over her like a sudden thunderstorm, and her heart slammed around in her chest almost

wildly.HowhadQuinlandonethistoherinjustafewshortweeks,ormaybejustovernightbecausehe’d
filledherwithhisseedandpiercedherpersonalfrequency,takingherhard,bringinghertothebrilliant
flashofecstasyoverandover.

Thedamnvampirewasmagnificent.
Hisbrowsdrewtogetherasheturnedinherdirection.“Batya?”
Shesteppedforward,leavingtheshadowsreluctantly.
Onesideofhislipscurved.“Wereyouspyingonus?”
Thenhisnostrilsflaredandhismouthopenedashedraggedinabiggulpofair.Sheknewhe’dcaught

her scent as well as the level of her sudden desire. He looked at Henry. “Would you excuse us for a
minute?”

“Yes,mastyr.”
Henrymovedonhisswifttrollfeet,grinningashepassedbyBatya.Heevenofferedherasaluteoftwo

fingers,thenhurriedfromtheroom.Maybehesensedwhatwascomingandthatheshouldn’tbepresent
forwhatwouldhappennext.

ButifBatyawasinanydoubtthatshewasn’taloneinherexperience,Quinlancoveredthedistanceina

fewlongstridesandgatheredherupinhisarms.Heheldhertightagainsthimashekissedherandnot
evenhissnugleatherscouldconcealwhatherappearanceintheroomhaddonetohim.

His tongue drove deep and moved swiftly in and out. She suckled his tongue, struggling to catch her

breath.What’shappening?

The hell if I know, but damn I want you and when your scent poured over me I thought I’d come

apart,runyoudown,flattenyouonthefloor.SweetGoddessIdidn’tthinkI’dfeelthiswayjustseeing
youagain.

Finally he drew back, but he kissed her eyelids, her nose, her chin. His hand pressed against her

buttocksashegroundintoher,lettingherfeelhim.“Whathaveyoudonetome,Batya?Iwassupposedto
betheseducerhere.”

“It’snotme,”shecried,pullingoutofhisarms.“Thisisallyourfault.YouhadtocometoLebanon.”
Distance helped, even if it was only eighteen inches or so. Her heart labored in her chest and she

struggled to breathe. That weird heaviness was back. “Are you in need of blood? We have a battle
coming.I’vebeenfeelingitsinceIwokeup,likeaweightinsideme.”

“Soonenough.”Hesearchedherface.“ButIdon’tneedblood,notyet.Butyou’lldonateagain?”
Herewasahardtruth,justhowmuchshewantedtoopenaveinforhim.“Aslongaswe’redoingthis

together,absolutely.Youdon’thavetothinktwiceaboutit.Iknowhowharditisforallthemastyrs,the
tolltheblood-starvationtakesoneachofyou.”

“Itdoes.You’vehelpedmorethananyotherwomansofar,Iwantyoutoknowthat.Thecrampingisn’t

nearlysobad.”Hishalf-smileappeared.“You’vegotrichblood.”

“I’mglad.I’mgladIcoulddoatleastthatbecauseIdon’tknowhowmuchgoodI’llbeinthecoming

days.”

Hecaughtherchinwithhisfingersandforcedhertomeethisgaze.“Hey,withoutyouIcouldn’thave

gottenthethreeofushere.Youdon’tgiveyourselfenoughcredit.”

“ButI’mnotafighter,Quinlan.”
“Yetwewouldn’thavesurvivedwithoutyou.I’mconvincedofthat.Battleisn’teverything.”
“You’reright.Iknowyouare.”Sheglancedatthetable.“SowhatplacewasHenrytalkingabout?”
Hedrewclose,andwithonehandonherwaist,heleanedforwardandtappedthespotonthemapboth

menhadbeenstudyingearlier.“Itlookslikeasmudge,butit’sashallowdipinthelandandapparently,
it’sthegatewaytoGemMeadowandtherestofthepassagetoFerrendenPeace.”

Sheglancedathim.“You’reserious.”
“It’stheonlyway.”
“Areyousayingwecan’tjustflyoverthemountains?”
Heglancedoverhisshoulder.“AskLorelei.”
Batyaturnedinthedirectionofthedoorandsureenough,Loreleistoodthere,herexpressionsolemn,

concerned.

Batyaasked,“Isthistrue?”
“I’mafraiditis.”Shejoinedthemnearthetable.“Therearen’tthatmanyplacestohideinanyofthe

realmsandMastyrQuinlan’sstrongholdiswellknown.Margettawilleventuallymakeherwayhereand
ifwetookoffoverthemountains,she’dcatchus.Theonlywayistofollowthejourneythatyoualready
laidoutforusinyourpaintings.Myguessisthatacertainlevelofenthrallmentstillcoversmostofthis
regionandwillmakeMargetta’ssearchforusdifficult.Notimpossible,butachallengeevenforher.”

Batyatappedthemapnearthesmudge.“There’sastrongvibrationhere.”SheglancedupatQuinlan.

“Doyouknowwhatthisis?”

Atthat,Loreleipeeredclose.“Ithinkit’sasinkholeleadingtoanundergroundriver.”
Quinlanleanedonthetablewithbothhands,staringatthesmudge.“Thatwouldmakesenseonevery

possiblefront.Thenthisiswherewestart.Righthere.”

“Sowhatdowedo?”Batyaopenedherhandswide.“Dowejustgooverthereandstomparoundfora

fewminutes?Maybewaittillthewholethingcollapses?”

“Maybe.”
Quinlanhadalookinhiseye,adangeroussparkthatappealedtosomethinginsideBatyashe’dnever

reallyknownexisted.Helikedtheideathattheunknownwaitedforthem,thatwhateverlayoutsidehis
fortresscarriedadeadlyedge.

Shelookedawayfromhim,hergazesettlingonnothinginparticular.Butinwardly,shewonderedabout

herself. Who was this person who had become Lorelei’s champion and who had slept with a Mastyr
Vampire?Shealmostdidn’trecognizeherself.

Andyet,shedid.Somepartofher,lostperhapsinherindependentpursuitoutsideofGrochaireRealm,

had started coming alive maybe from the first time Quinlan had appeared outside her Lebanon studio-
bedroomandtouchedherwithhisrealmvibration.

ShiftinghergazebacktoQuinlan,shesaid,“Let’sdothisthing.”
Helifteduprightfromthetableandturnedtofaceher,searchinghereyes.Hedidthatalot,something

hedidwitheveryone,asortoftest,takingaperson’smeasure.“Allright,then.”HeglancedatLorelei
thenbacktoBatya.“Iwantyoubothtopacksomewinter-gear.Ihaveastoreroomfullofeverysizeof
boots and coats. Nothing too serious since it’s only October. We won’t have any minus-degree weather
andsupposedlythemeadowwillbeinthecomfortablesixties.Butwe’llbecamping.”

“Camping?”BatyaandLoreleispokeatthesametime.
Withhernosewrinkled,BatyaturnedtoLoreleiandfoundthatasimilarexpressionofdistastecurled

Lorelei’slips.

“Nowwhowouldhavethought,”Quinlaninterjected,“thatcampingwouldbeworsethanfallingdown

asinkhole.”

Batyajustlookedathim.
“It won’t be as bad as you think. If we make enough noise, the wolves will stay at least fifteen feet

awayfromtheteepees.”

“Teepees?”Again,Lorelei’svoicejoinedBatya’s.
“Notexactlyteepees.Morelikeopenairtents.”Quinlanshookhishead,buthelaughed.“Justbeready

intwentyminutes.”

ButHenryappearedinthedoorway,hisactivetrollfeetbouncingback-and-forth.“Mastyr,we’vegot

incomingETAtwelveminutesoutofthesouthwest.IthinkMargettafoundus.”

“Shit.”QuinlantookBatya’selbowandpropelledhertowardthedoor.“Makethatfiveminutestoget

yourgeartogether.Nowrun.”

BatyatookoffwithLoreleionherheelsasQuinlanshoutedordersforthebrigadeandthesupportunits

togettothecourtyardonthedouble.

She’dnevermovedsofastasshegatheredupapairofboots,labeledbysize,thanktheGoddess,anda

coatwithahood.Loreleipartedfromher,headingtowardherguestsuite.Batyaracedtoherbedroomand
grabbedherpackedsatchel.Everythingsheneededwasinthere.

Withthat,sheglancedatthehuge,fur-ladenbed,thefireplace,thearchedopeningtotheoversizedtub.

Wouldsheeverbebackhere?

*********

Quinlanheldbothwomeninhisarmsashelevitatedstraightupintotheairtothetopthefirtrees,then

flewnorthandslightlywestasfastashecould.Thedepressionintheearth,surroundedbymeadowand
moretreeswasn’tfar,tenmiles,nomore.He’dreachthelocationinlessthanaminute.

The brigade’s medical and provisions support units came next, with ten powerful trolls who carried

campequipmentaswellasthewomen’ssatchels.Thetrollbrigade,ahundredstrong,broughtuptherear
andwouldengageMargettaandherforceifnecessary.

BothBatyaandLoreleiremainedquietandalert,bodiestense.Hewouldhaveexpectednothingless,

sensingineachwomanastrongsurvivalinstinct.

He felt the air change as the sinkhole appeared. A grassy smell invaded the fir-tree scent and on

instinct,heheadedtotheverycenterofwhatwas,justasHenryhadsaid,arocky,barrenstretchoflandat
thelowestpointofthedepression.Hetoucheddown.

Loreleireleasedhisneckquickly,lettinggoofhimtostandontheground,asdidBatya.
“Here.”Loreleipointedtoapatchofgrayishdirt.“Thisistheentrance,probablyashaftofsomekind.

Icanfeelit.”Sheliftedeyesthatglowed—shiftereyes.

Quinlanhadtheselapses,forgettingwhatshewasforbriefstretches.Henodded.“Good.Whatelsedo

yousense?Canyoubreakthrough?”

Sheroseupandsighedheavily.“Theearthwillhavetodothisforus.Wecan’tviolateher.”
“What do you mean?” Batya moved up next to Quinlan, her hand grazing his, a touch that jumped-

startedacoupleofextraheart-beats.

“This area of the earth is alive and has a will of its own. I can hear a river below. The sound is

growingstronger.”

“Thentheearthisthinning,choosingmaybe.”
“Ithinkso.”
The women might be listening to the earth, but Quinlan had one ear to the sky and something wasn’t

right. He stretched his hearing as far as he could. That’s when he heard the sounds of battle, of trolls
screamingtheirwar-chants,ofenergyreleased,ofsteelweaponsengaging,andofwraith-shrieking.

EverythingintheNineRealmsseemedtobechanging,includingthenatureofbattleandwar.
Henry,canyoupathwithme?
Yes,butI’mkindabusy.We’vegotthirteenInvictuspairs,oneangryshe-bitchofanancient-faeand

atleastoneofthoseuber-wraith-mastyrvampirepairsyoumentioned.I’vegotthreemendown.

Doyouneedme?
Quinlansmiled,becauseheheardHenrysnort.
This is war. Get those women into the earth. Margetta means business. Hold on. Yeah, fuck you,

wraith.

Quinlanheardtheshriekofadyingwraithandhesmiled.
Onemorebitesthedust.
Good.
Wecanholdtheselightweights,mastyr.Justkeepthislineopenandletmeknowwhat’shappening,

whenweneedtomaketracksinyourdirection.

Loreleisaystheearthisthinning.
Good.That’sagoodsign.Butstickclose.Iftheearthopensup,Loreleimightbeinforahardfall.
Quinlan turned to look at Lorelei and Batya and found them both on hands and knees, pawing at the

earth.ThenLoreleistretchedout,asublimeexpressiononherface.

BatyalookedupatQuinlan.“She’scommuning.”
Lorelei’s eyes opened. “We’ll have thirty seconds to get the entire brigade through before the earth

closesupagain.Youshouldbringthetrollsherenow.”

QuinlannoddedthenrelayedthemessagetoHenry.
We’reonourway.
Inthedistance,Quinlanheardasharpwhistleandthesoundsofbattleceased.“They’recoming.”
Justasheturnedbacktothewomenhewatchedthembothfallintoahole.Neitherofthemcouldflyso

he dove in after them. He caught Batya’s arm and pulled her to him, but her flailing movements, purely
instinctive,didn’tallowhimtocontinuehisdescent.

“Lorelei,shift,”heshouted.
Inmidair,thewomansuddenlytransformedintoherwraith-selfandendeduphangingonlythreeinches

aboveamassivejaggedrock.

Quinlan breathed a sigh of relief, dropping down to set Batya on the floor of the massive cavern. A

momentlater,trollsfell,flew,ortumbledthroughtheearth’sdoorway,oneaftertheother,fasterthanhe’d
everseenthemmove.Thesupportcrewcamefirst,withalltheirequipment,thentheGuardsmen.

Themenwereexceptionallywell-trained.
“Theyonlyhavesecondsbeforetheearthcloses,”Loreleicriedout.“Hurry!Faster!”
Shebeganfloatinghigher,whileavoidingthestreamofwarriors.Ahundredtroopswerealotforthe

smallspace.

Quinlanglancedaround.Theentirebrigadewasthere,exceptone.
Heflewstraightup,Loreleinotfaraway.
“Henry,”heshouted,astheearthbegantosolidifyoncemore.“Henry!Henry!”
He felt along the jagged shelf of earth, but no aperture remained. Lorelei once more pressed herself

againsttheearth,pettingtherocks,chantingsoftly.“Wehaveonemore.Please,motherrealm.Dothisfor
me.”

QuinlanheardHenryshoutingandbeatingonthelowestpointofthesinkhole.
“Pleasemother-realm.Onemoretroll.Please.”
Suddenlytheearthsplit,Henrypoppedthrough,andthestoneclosedupbehindhim.
Quinlanshotafterhim,becauseHenrywasspinninghard.SomethingwetkeptstrikingQuinlanandjust

as Henry would have landed in the rushing water of the river, Quinlan caught him, then carried him to
shore.

Thetrollbledfromhismouthandfromaseverecutoverhisshoulder.Hehadburnsonmostofhisface

andneck.Hiseyesrolledinhishead.

Quinlan called for medical assistance. He stayed close by as one of the trolls, trained in emergency

quick-fixes,openeduphismed-kitandwenttowork.

Kneeling,hestaredatHenryandwilledhimtolive.“Don’tgiveup.”
Buttherewasnoresponse.
Henry,youbastard,ifyoudienow,IswearI’llchaseyouintohellandbeattheshitoutofyou.
HesawHenry’slipscurve,thenhiswholebodywentstillandthemedicdrewback,bothhandsinthe

air.“Idon’tknowwhathappened.”

Hefeltahandonhisshoulderandlookedup.BatyaeaseddownbesideQuinlan.“MayI?”sheasked.
He nodded, in shock. He could feel that Henry was right at the brink of death and that the medic

couldn’thelphim.

Batyatookhishandinhers,closedhereyesandthatwaswhenhefelthermostessentialfaeness,and

realizedthatshewasahealer.“Heneedsblood.Now.”Shestrippedoffhercoatandrolledupthesleeve
ofhershirt.

Quinlanstiffenedsuddenly,andaredhuecoveredhisvision.Hisbrainedwinkedinandoutasthough

caught in some kind of electrical failure, firing and misfiring. “Like hell you will.” His deep voice
reverberated around the massive cavern and a wind rushed through, blowing against Batya forcing her
backward,awayfromHenry.

“Quinlan,he’lldieotherwise.”
“Notyourblood,Batya.Yourbloodbelongstome.”
Batyaliftedbothhandsandthenhefeltherwindasshepushedback.“Wemustsaveyourfriend.”She

movedtowardhimandgrabbedhisfacewithbothhands,staringfiercelyintohiseyes.“Quinlan,come
backtome.”

“I’lldonate.”
Thewords,utteredbyLorelei,broughtsuddenorderbacktoQuinlan’smind.Heturnedandsawthat

thewraith,backtoherfaeform,haddroppedbesidetheunconscioustroll.Themedichadalreadyhooked
upthenecessarytubing,butwaitedforQuinlan’sapproval.Intherealmworld,allspeciescouldshare
blood.Henodded.

AndthemomentQuinlansawLorelei’sbloodflowingintoHenry,hesatdown.Batyamovedsothatshe

couldputherhandonHenry’shead,closinghereyes,andevenfromseveralfeetaway,Quinlanfelther
healingpowerflowintothetrollwarrior.

Hebreathedhard,hatingthatshewastouchinganothermanthendespisinghimselfforevenhavingthe

thought.

Hepulleduphisknees,anglinghisforearmstorestoverthetopofthem,thendroppedhisforeheadinto

hishands.Whatthehellhadjusthappened?

Afewminuteslater,Batya’shandwasoncemoreonhisshoulder.“He’sgoingtolive,Quinlan.Seefor

yourself.”

HeliftedhisgazetoHenryandwatchedashischestroseandfellandhiscolortookonamorenormal

hue.“Iwouldhavelethimdie.SweetGoddess,Iwouldhavelethimdie.”

“Idon’tbelievethat,notforasecond.Butwhathappened?I’veneverheardyourvoicelikethatbefore

andyoucreatedawindlikeMargetta’s.”

Shedrewclose,thenloweredherselftothegroundtositnexttohim.Quinlan,what’sgoingon?
Hecouldn’tlookatherasheshookhishead.“Idon’tknow.Idon’tgetit.”Hemethergaze.“Whatthe

hellisthis,Batya?Whatkindofsickgameareyouplayingwithme?”

Sheleanedherheadbackasthoughhe’dstruckher.“I’mnotplayingagame.Whywouldyousaythat?”
“BecauseI’vefeltyourpowerandIthinkyou’reusingittounderminewhoIam,totrytobreakdown

mycommitmenttoGrochaire.Youwanttodestroyme.”

*********

BatyastaredatQuinlanunabletobelievethesewordshadjustcomeoutofhismouth.“Youcan’tbe

serious.”

“Why,not?Youdon’tapproveofGrochaire.You’vesaidyourselfthatyou’llneverliveinmyrealm

again.Whynotdestroymeatthesametime?”

Batyaglancedaround.Thetrollbrigadehadbegunre-formingatadistance,takeninhandbyseveral

teamleaders.Atthesametime,HenrycontinuedtoreceiveahealthydoseofLorelei’sblood.

“You’re mistaken. I just needed something different, something Grochaire Realm or any of the other

realmscouldn’tgiveme.AndIhaveapurposeinLebanon.Alotofrealm-folkcan’tbepartofthingsin
the Nine Realms right now. Many of them fear the Invictus to the point of paranoia, so they live in the
UnitedStates.Thatdoesn’tmeanwehateGrochaire,notevenalittle.”

He seemed to settle down, but he appeared distressed. She suspected he didn’t like feeling out of

control and that for a long moment, that’s exactly what he’d been, making it impossible for her to give
whatshecouldhavesoeasilydonatedtoHenry.

ButifLoreleihadn’tintervened,BatyaalsoknewshecouldhavereachedQuinlan,helpedhimtotone

down his caveman instincts. She also knew that his refusal to allow her to donate had more to do with
theirlovemakinglastnightthanheunderstood.

“Ican’tbelieveIpreventedyoufromhelpingHenry.”Onceagain,heshadedhisfacewithhishands.
“Quinlan,lookatme.”
He scowled, but he lifted his face to her. “You know damn well that if Lorelei hadn’t offered, you

wouldhaverelented.”

Hegrippedherhand.“No,”hesaid,shakinghishead.“Youdon’tunderstand.Iwouldn’thave.There’s

somethinginsidemenowthatwon’tallowanothermantotouchyouortotakefromyou.”

TheferocityofhisgazetoreatsomethinginsideBatya,somethingthatrecognizedandreallylikedwhat

Quinlanwassaying.

Herfingersmovedagainsthispalm,asensualstroke.AndIdon’twantanyotherwomantohaveeven

adropofwhatyoucangive.Shestrokedhishandagain,runningafingerdowntothetipofhismiddle
finger.

Sheheardasoftgrowlatthebackofhisthroat,rumblingdeep,somethingonlyashifteroravampire

coulddo.Thesound,fullofvibration,wentstraightthroughher,forcingeveryounceofherattentionon
him.NoonebutQuinlanexisted.

Withherfreehand,shetouchedherthroat,rubbingherthumbupanddownhervein.
Hisgazetrackedthemovementandhisnostrilsflared.I’msmellingexoticflowers,heapsofit.Doyou

know that your blood tastes like that as well, like I’m drinking nectar from flowers that grow in the
tropics?Hisgazeslidpasther,hisbrowslowonhisforeheadashewatchedeveryone.

Hepressedherhandharder.I’mtakingyoutonight.Doyouunderstand?Whenwe’rebeddeddown,

I’mtakingyou.

Shenodded.
Good.
Heroseandofferedahandtoher,liftinghereasilytoherfeet.HecrossedtoHenry,nowsittingup,

thoughhestilllookedpale.ButhisgazewasfixedonLorelei.“That’ssomebloodyou’vegotthere.”

Loreleinodded.“Doyoufeelbetter,Henry?”
“Youbroughtmebackfromthebrink.Thankyou,mistress.”
“Allright,youtrollbastard.Iseeyou’lllivetofightanotherday.”
“Iwill,indeed.”Hejumpedtohisfeet.“Thewomanhasrestoredme.Infact,Ifeelbetterthannew.”

Heglancedaround.“Thisisonebigmotherfuckerofacavern.Whichwaytothemeadow?”

Quinlanpointedinthedirectiontheriverflowed,amazedthatinaveryrealmway,heconnectedwith

theseunknownpartsofGrochaire.“Aboutfifteenmilesnorth.AccordingtothelegendsaboutthePickerne
Caverns,there’sawell-worn,ancientpaththattracksalongthissideoftheriver.Ithinkweshouldwalk,
conserveourstrengthforlaterbattleornecessaryflights.”

Henryglancedaround.“Iagree.Whatdoyouthink?Fiftyinfront?Therestbehindandthewomenand

supportteamsinthemiddle,spearsattheready?”HeglancedupatQuinlan.“Willthatdo,mastyr?”

“Youreadmymind.”
Heturnedandissuedasharpwhistle,deliveredthesplit-forceorder,thenwavedhismenforward.The

firsthalfofthetrollbrigademovedbyatabriskclip,andoneoftheteamleaderssetupachant.Batya
wastallerthanallofthem,butsomethingabouttheirstrong,soldierlymanner,andnaturaltrollcharisma,
madethemaformidableforce.

AtQuinlan’sdirection,sheandLoreleifellintolinejustinfrontofthemedicunit.
Henry,sheknew,wouldbringuptherear,foreveronguard.

*********

QuinlanfollowedbehindBatya,watchingherlong,thickhairswayasshewalked.Shehadastrong,

elegantstrideandkeptupwiththetroopslikeshe’dbeenmadeforcamplife.Bothwomenseemedoddly
fitforthisjourney,anotherthoughtthatkepthiminastateofturmoil.

HewishedBatyawasaweak-spiritedpersonsohecoulddespiseher,ormaybejustplainstupidsohe

wouldn’t respect her as much as he did. As it was, her character forced him continually into a state of
frustrationbecause,damnit,helikedher.

Alot.
And his thoughts kept drifting into the future, decades ahead of this moment in time. He had

grandchildren clustered around him, a lot of them, or maybe they were great-grandchildren and he was
PapaQuinlantoallofthem.

Theimagemadehimgag.Whatthefuckwaswrongwithhim?
Batyaturnedbackandgrinned.“StubyourtoeagainbecauseI’msurehearingalotofcursingbehind

me.”

Hegrimaced.“Youjustturnaroundandwatchwhereyou’regoing.”
Shechuckledandshookherhead,thencaughtupwithLorelei.Thewomenchattedmoreoftenthannot.

They’d been friends for two years. Each kept looking around at the river, the vaulted ceiling of the
massive cave system, realm-made stacks of rocks indicating that at some point in time their ancient
forebearshadalsobeenhere.

He marveled as well that he marched through the Great River Caverns of Pickerne, a fabled

undergroundriversystemthathaduntilnowbelongedonlytostoriestoldtochildren.

The river and cave took many twists and turns. Though the ceiling sometimes crept lower, it never

narrowedtoanimpassablepoint,notonce.

Afterbeingonthemarchforseveralhours,ablackexpanseatthehorizonbegantogrowandeventually

filledwithstars.

Batyadroppedbacktojoinhim,walkingbesidehim.“We’vereachedthemeadow,haven’twe?”
“Lookslikeit.”
“Thisiswonderful.”Shetookhishandandgaveitasqueeze.“We’vejustmadeitthroughthesecond

legofthejourney.ButhowsurearewethatMargettawon’tfindus?”

“It’sunlikelyeventhoughGemMeadowwasneverpartoftheenthralledsection.Henryandhistroops

have run maneuvers here many times, which is why there are several permanent tent structures. But
Margetta will have no idea where we went and covering hundreds of square miles, even for her, and
especiallythroughmountainousterrain,willbeextremelydifficult.However,Henrywillkeepscoutsin
theskytherestofthenightandthroughtheday.We’reingoodhands.”

Afewmorestepsandhewalkedoutofthecavernforgood.Hebreathedinthegrass-scentedairand

watchedasthebrigadeimmediatelybegansettingupcamp.

“Therearethreelargetents.”Hewavedhishandinthedirectionofeach.“Onedownrivertotheleft

and two higher up the feeder stream.” Turning to Lorelei, he asked, “Which one would you like? You
shouldhavefirstchoice.”

Hergazeshiftedtoeachoneinturn,thenchosetheonehighestuponthestream,thefarthestpointeast.
Batyatouchedhisarm.“Henryhasthemap.Ithinkhe’ssettingupatableinthemiddletent.”
“Yes,heis.”
“Wow,”Batyamurmured.
“What?”
“Well,I’m amazed atthe order andindustry of your brigade.Some of yourmen are already bringing

backkindlingandlogsfromthenearbyforest.”

“Firesareimportantinanywoodlandsetting,forcookingandforsecurity.”
Shewatchedseveraltakeadifferenttrack.“Wherearetheyoffto?”
“We’llbediningonvenisontonight.You’llsee.”
Twotrolls,ladenwithpacks,approachedQuinlan.“Mastyr,we’vebeentoldtosetyouupdownriver,

nearwherethestreamjoinstheriver.”

“Yes,thatwilldo.”
Thetrollsheadedtowardtheopen-airtent.
“Wait,whataretheycarrying?”
“Acoupleoffurs,somepadding.Pillows.”
Batyadrewcloseandaskedquietly.“WillLorelei’stentbeasnicelyappointed?”
Henodded.
“Andyouarrangedallthisforourcomfort?”
“Ofcourse.”
Lorelei offered her hand. “I want to thank you, mastyr, for all you’ve done for me. You’ve been

incrediblykind.”

But before he could take her hand, Batya stepped between Lorelei and Quinlan. She stared at the

profferedfingersuntilLoreleiwithdrewthesimple,ifveryhumangesture.

Loreleichuckled.“Batya,you’remuchmorethanyouknowyouarerightnow.Haveacare.”Shethen

wheeledinthedirectionofhertent.Whenshe’dwalkedtenfeetaway,shecalledoutoverhershoulder.
“Seeyouatdinner.”

Quinlan stepped around Batya and saw the look of astonishment on her lovely features. She blinked

severaltimesbeforeliftinghergazetoQuinlan.“DidyouseewhatIjustdid?”

“Notquiteassimpleasyouthought,isit,thisthingbetweenus.”
“ButwhydidIdothat?Imean,IreallytrustLorelei.Thatwasjustrude.I’vegottoapologizetoher.”

Sheturnedasiftomoveaway,buthecaughtherelbow.

“ShealreadyknowsandrightnowIneedyou.”
Hergazeshotbacktohisandherhandwenttoherthroat.“Yourstomachiscramping,isn’tit?Icanfeel

itnow.”Sheglancedpasthim,downriver.“TheGuardshavefinishedwiththetent.Wecanbeprivatein
there.”

ChapterSix

Batya walked beside Quinlan, surprised yet not, that he took hold of her hand. Whatever this was

betweenthem,seemedcompletelymutualandjustasincomprehensible.

Earlier, he had blocked her from offering a vein to save Henry’s life and just now, she would have

clawedLoreleitopiecesifshe’dtouchedQuinlan.

Neitherspoke.
Sherememberedherfather’swordabout‘embracingthemystery’,butshesworeifhewerehereright

nowandsaidthesamethingtoher,she’dpunchhislightsout.Shefeltcontrolledbythingswaybeyond
herunderstandingandQuinlanalsoresentedthissimilarexperienceinvadinghisworld.

“You’vegrownveryquiet.”Hesqueezedherhand.“Notagoodthing.”
“I’mnotaquietperson,amI?”
“No,notevenalittle.”Hesmiled.“Youhaveawonderfullaugh,almostboisterousandyouvoiceyour

opinionsfreely.”

“I guess I do. Oh, this is very nice inside. There’s even a platform for the bed. It’s not very wide,

though,isit?Oneofusislikelytopushtheotherofftheside.”

“I’lljusthavetopreparemyselfforahardlanding.”
“Hey,I’mnotthatbad.”Butshelaughed.
“The first night, when I was recovering from mortal wounds, mind you, I woke up with you draped

overmychestandmythigh.Icouldhardlybreathe.”

Her heart seized at the memories, not just of waking up with him when he’d finally healed, but of

havingseenhimflythroughtheplateglasswindow,ofthedepthsofhisburns,andthatsheknewhewould
havediedwithoutherhelp.“I’dapologizebutI’mjusttoogratefulyousurvived.”

Shesatdownonthesideofthebedandheldoutherwrist.“I’dofferadifferentvein,Quin,butIdoubt

we’dbeableleavethetentafterthat.”

Whenhedidn’trespond,shefrowned.“What?”
“Youcalledme,‘Quin’.”
“Idid?Oh,IguessIdid.Youdon’tlikeit?”
Atthat,hedroppeddowntositbesideher,somethingthatcausedthewood-frametocreak.Hewasa

lotofvampiretoholdupanythingonfourpostsofwoodandafewone-by-fours.

“That’s the problem, I guess, the thing I’ve been grappling with. I like a lot of the stuff you do and I

evenlikeyoucallingmeQuin.Youkeepsurprisingme.”

“Ditto.”Butshesighedheavily.Shemethisgaze,thoselargedarkeyesofhisnowreflectingherown

concern. “Does any of this mean anything? I just feel so confused by my behavior and yours. I feel
desperatelyoutofcontrol.”

Henoddedslowlyandwithouttakinghisgazefromhers,hepickedupherwristandbeganstrokingthe

veinsveryslowlywithhisthumb.“Theworstpartofthatmomentformewasthatitmademehotashell.I
knewyou’dclaimedmeearlier,butrightthenyou’dprovedit.I’mthelandyouwant.”

She glanced down at his thumb, which had set up an erotic vibration at her wrist. Such a small

movement,yetsheshiftedwhereshesat,needyforhimalloveragain.

Liftinghergazeoncemoretohis,shedrewabreathslowly.“ButIjustreacted,that’swhatbothersme,

like something new lives inside all that I am and keeps driving me toward you. I’ve never been in this
placebeforeanditmaddensme.”

Heliftedherwristtohislipsandkissedwherethevibrationshadbeentouchingher.Hiseyesclosed.

Does this madden you? He kissed her skin over and over, his sensual lips warm, soft and moist,
increasingherdesire.

Youknowitdoes.

Heopenedhiseyesandmethergaze,hisdarkbrown,almostblackeyespiercingherashedrewback

hislips.Hergazefelltothesharppointsofhisfangs,glisteningwithpurpose.Sheblinkedseveraltimes
andforthelifeofhershe’dforgottenhowtobreathe.

Heturnedherwristgently,thenangledhisfangs.Hemoanedsoftly.Yourmouthisopen,beggingfor

me.

Thendon’tleaveagirlhanging.Givemesomethingofyourstosuck.
Hegrowledsoftly,thenliftedhisfreehandandrimmedherlipswithhisthumb.Shegaveasoftcryas

hepenetratedhermouthandstruckherwristwithhisfangsatthesamemoment.

She suckled his thumb as he removed his fangs and attached his lips to her wrist. He groaned as he

drewinherlife’sblood.

Desireflowedoverherinheavywaves,upthroughherabdomenandintoherchest,grippingherheart.

Howheavilyherheartthuddedashesuckedgreedily,pullingintohisbodywhatshewillinglygave.

ButitwasthelevelofherdesirethatconfoundedBatya.She’dalwayswantedQuinlan.Whatrealm-

womaninherrightmindhadn’tlustedafterhisextraordinaryphysique,hissexiness,hisalmosttroll-like
charisma,andthatsomethingverydarkofhisthatspokeofdominanceinthenight?

Idon’twanttogiveintoyou.
Hemethergazeoncemoreandhisdarkeyesflashedinthenon-existentlightofthetent.Butherfae-

visionheldhiminaglow.Hesuckedharderandthrusthisthumbdeeperintohermouth.Then what do
youwantfromme,Cha?Whyareyouhere,inthistent,feedingmeandsuckingonme?

Shepulledharderonhisthumb,hersuckingsoundsalmostviciousintheenclosedspace.I want you

moving over me and thrusting into me hard, but I don’t want to surrender all that I am to you or to
anyone.

Hereleasedherwristsuddenly,andinflurryofmovement,vampirefast,hethrewherontothebedand

landedontopofher,pushingherthighsapartwithhisknees.

Hepinnedherarmsoverherhead.“You’reafooltosaythingslikethattome.YouknowwhatIam,the

reputationIhave.ItakewhatIwantwherewomenareconcerned.”Andyouwillsurrender.

Hekissedheronce,invadinghermouthwithhistongue,lettingherfeelhisdesire.Butjustasshewas

readytostripnaked,andlethimdowhathewanted,heflewbackwardtostareatherhardfromtheopen
flapoftheteepee,thendisappearedintothenight.

Batyalaytremblingwithacombinationoffearanddesire.
SheunderstoodsomethingaboutherselfasshecontinuedtostareatthespaceQuinlanhadjustvacated:

she’d always had the upper hand in every relationship she’d been in, that the men she’d chosen were,
withoutquestion,menshecouldsubdueoratleastresist.

But Quinlan, sweet Goddess, who could ever command him and what would it be like to truly

surrendertohim,tobecommandedbyhim,tobetoldwhattodofromonemomenttothenext?

Sheshivered,desirecascadingoverherinheavywaves.Shedidn’tunderstandwhysheneededhimso

desperately,whyshecravedhim,whyshewantedhimtocomebackandtearherclothesoff.

Thoughhe’djusttakenagoodportionofherblood,stillherheartlaboredasthoughshewantedtogive

him more. Why? What was it about Quinlan that had turned her into such a shivering, lust-laden, heart-
poundingfemale?

*********

Quinlanstoodjustoutsidetheopen-airtent,histhighsquiveringlikeastallionneedingtorun,orbetter

yet, to mount something fast. He worked on his breathing, taking one damn breath in, releasing it, then
pullinganotherlaboreddrawintohisovertaxedlungs.Hewasn’tsurehiscockhadeverbeensohard.

SweetGoddesswhatthehellwasgoingonbetweenhimandBatya?He’dneverbeenlikethisbefore.

He’dwantedtostripherdownandplungeinsideofher.Thescentofhersexstillpermeatedtheair,that

rich exotic tropical fragrance that assaulted his senses and caused his nostrils to flare then retract,
workinglikebellows.

She’dbecomelifeandsextohim,settingafireinhisveins.
Themomenthefelthehadhimselfundercontrol,she’dlookedathimandbeggedforsomethingofhis

tosuck.Hewantedhiscockinhermouth,buthisthumbhadworkedalmostaswellandhe’dbeenrock-
hardforher.

Heachedinhisgroin,asensationthatlituphisabdomenandchest.Evenhispecsflexedandun-flexed

wantingherlargebreastsagainsthim,wantingtheminhismouth.Hewantedtofeastoneverypartofher
bodyforhours,tosuck,tongue,nibble,bite,anddrinkfromherrepeatedly.Hefeltinsatiable.

Yes,that’showhefelt,asthoughnomatterhowmanytimeshedrankfromthiswell,he’dcomeback

thirstingformore.

Andallthewhile,hedespisedBatyaforhavingthiskindofpoweroverhim,thatthoughhe’dordered

hisfeettomoveatleastadozentimessinceleavingthetent,heremainedrightwherehewas.

AshoutoftriumphfromtheforestdrewhisattentionawayfromBatyaasseveraltrolls,spearswaving

intheair,hauledadeercarcassbetweenthem.

Thespellbroken,Quinlancouldfinallymoveandheheadedinthedirectionofthemaincamp,around

whichmostofthebrigadehadpitchedtheirtents.Awaitingspithadbeenerected,apotinwhichbeans,
onions and savory herbs cooked. The troll in charge of camp meals, as well as his minions, had the
venisonhoisteduponanothertripodofpolesandwenttowork,skinningandcarvingupthefleshforthe
brigade’smeal.

Forty feet past the food-prep area, a steady stream of trolls hauled deadfall in and out of the nearby

forest,feedingagrowingbonfire.

Aclearingkeptthemeadowsafeandcampchairshadstartedappearingalongwithdrums.
Hehadn’tbeenonmaneuverswiththetrollbrigadeforsometime,butformermemoriesalwaysmade

himsmile.Themasculinebondamongtrollsspoketosomethinginsidehim,ofwhathelovedbestabout
realm-life, something apparently Batya didn’t see or hadn’t yet experienced. If she had, how could she
haveeverabandonedGrochaireinfavoroffree-clinicworkinLebanon?

Asmallclusteroftrollshadalreadystarteduptheirmusic,withtwoguitars,severaldrumsandeven

onelyre.Thesoundwasmagical.

HefeltBatyamoveupbesidehim.Sheeventookhishandandhelditinalightclasp,thoughreleasing

afrustratedsigh.

I’mbeingapain,heconfessed.
Me,too.I’msorry.
Heturnedtoherandspokequietly.“We’llpart,Batya,Ipromiseyouthatmuch,thenwecanleaveall

thisnonsensebehind.”

Shenoddedbuthesawtearsbriminhereyes.“I’veneverfeltsoconfusedbefore,sooverwhelmed.”
“Me,neither.”Hereleasedherhand,thendrewitaroundhisarm,settingthembothinmotiontoward

themusicians.“Haveyoueverheardbonfiremusicbefore,likethisImean?”

“No. It’s wonderful.” She glanced around. “Is it the meadow, with the mountain on one side and the

forestontheother,becausethesoundsechobackandforth.”

“Theacousticsaregreathere,thatmuchistrue.ButIreallythinkit’smorethemusicians.”
Sheheldhisarmtight.Hefeltherapologylikeavibrationagainsthisskin,whichonlyservedtoignite

hisguilt.He’dstartedthiswholedamnfiascobypursuingherinthefirstplaceandallbecauseathisfirst
attempt,whenhe’dcaughtherinthecornerofhergallerythatfirstnight,she’dtoldhimto‘shoveit’.

Nowomanhadevertoldhimtogetlostbefore.Anditwasn’thispridethatmadehimcomeback,but

ratherthosewordshadlituphisanimalpassion,alatentcaveman-likeneedtopossess,thatkepthimboth
sexedupandintentonhavingthiswomanrepeatedly.

Hewantedherandtheslow,sweetscentofhersexdriftedoverhim,alertinghisbodythatshewasripe

forhimaswell.

Butwherecouldanyofthisend?

*********

BatyasatbesideQuinlanbecausetobeanywhereelsegavehertheshakes.Sheneededtobenearhim,

a primal instinct that worked in her like a virus. She ate the savory beans and venison like she hadn’t
eaten for a week. Recent events had probably heightened her appetite, the stress of disappearing into a
sinkhole,thenhikingthroughanundergroundriverandcampingoutdoors.AlthoughkeepingQuinlanfed
alsorequirednourishment.

How’syourblood-starvation?Anycramps?
From the corner of her eyes, she watched him shift a hand to his stomach, then frown. I almost feel

normal,whichisreallyweird.Ican’trememberfeelingthiswayinalongtime.

Sheshiftedtowardhim.Soyoufeeldifferent?Becauseofmyblood?
Heshrugged.Maybe.Notsure.ButIdofeelbetter.
That’sagoodthing,right?
Awarylightpassedthroughhiseyes,ofdoubtandmaybeastreakoffear,thoughshewasn’tsurethe

causeofit.Whateverwasbotheringhim,hesaidnothingmoresosheletitgo.

The music never abated, though the musicians changed hands several times. Drums seemed an

importantcomponenttothebrigade,andtherhythmshiftedconstantly.

Akegofbeermadeanappearance.Quinlanlefthersittingonacampchair,slightlyremovedfromthe

groupofmen.Loreleihadretiredearlytohertent,beddingdownfortheremainderofthenightandwhat
wouldbecomeagoodportionofthenextday.NodoubtMargettawouldhuntthroughthenight,thentake
herInvictuswraith-pairshomefortheday,sowithanyluck,they’dhaveastretchofpeacebeforehaving
tomovethroughtheDeadForest.

She shivered slightly at the thought of the next leg of the journey. The name, ‘Dead Forest’, would

normallyhavebeenenoughtomakeherchangecourse,buttherealmpartofherknewthatinordertoget
to Ferrenden Peace, they had to go through the Dead Forest. All the reasons might not be known, but
eventuallythey’ddiscoverthepurposeforthechosenroute.

Quinlanwouldhavenochoicebuttoremaininthetentduringthedaylighthours,butinOctober,thisfar

north, night came fairly early. Her own faeness also had a strong aversion to sunlight, but she could
manage short periods of time without harm. Not so for her vampire boyfriend. He’d be toast within an
hourofdirectsunlight.

Hebroughtbackatincupforher,handingittohercarefullytokeepfromsloshing.Shetookasipanda

flavorofherbs,honey,andsomethingshecouldn’tquiteidentify,rolledoverhertongue.“Verynice.”

He’dfinishedoneoffatkeg-sideandsatdownbesideherwithacupofhisowninhand.Asthedrums

filled the night air, she asked him about his life. “Tell me something most realm-folk don’t know about
you.”

Heleanedforward,hisforearmsonhisbattleleathers.“WhenIwasyoung,Itrackedeveryvale,gorge,

and mountain-peak of this realm. I walked the rugged three-hundred-mile long coastline, repeatedly,
searching out ocean caverns, seal beaches, and tide pools. I was crazy for learning every inch of
Grochaire,long before Iknew I hadmastyr-potential in me. That’sone reason Ihave an extensive map
collection.”

“Iwatchedyoutouchingthemap.”Shesippedherbeer,watchinghimovertheturnedrimofthecup.
Hislipsquirked.“Possessively,nodoubt.”
“More like love and affection, I think. It’s given me a different view of you, who you are in that

decadentcoreofyours.”

Heglancedather.“Decadent?”
“Oh,yes,you’reatleastthat.”
Hesighedheavilyashewipedthesidesofhismouth.Helookedserioussuddenly.“Thereissomething

Iwantyoutoknow,especiallysincewe’vebeenthrowntogetherlikethis.”Heglancedather.“Youknow
thoserumorsaboutme,aboutkillingmyfather?”

Shenoddedslowly,holdingherbreath.
“Well, they’re true.” In a quiet voice, he told her about the years of his father’s drunken abuse, the

enthrallment around their home that had kept his mother a prisoner, and finally her death, which had
promptedhimtobeathisfathersenseless.He’ddiednotfromthebruises,however,butfromchokingon
hisownvomit.

Hefellsilent,staringatthecupinhishands.Hesaidnothingmore,perhapsjustremembering.Shefelt

the heaviness in his soul and knew that these events had defined his life, set his future. How would he
evertrulytrustanintimaterelationship?

Batyaknewhowhardithadbeenforhimtotalkaboutwhatmusthavebeenoneofthemosthorrifying

momentsinhislife,especiallybecausehe’dbeensoyoung,justateenager.

“Butyouwereinnocent,Quinlan.Hediedbecausehewasadrunk.”
Heshrugged.“Itellmyselfthat,ofcourse,butitdoesn’tchangewhathappenedorthatIstillimaginea

dozendifferentscenariosinwhichIpreventedmymother’sdeathandsomehowgotmyfatherintorehab.
Ofcourse,theconceptofrehabdidn’texistthatmanycenturiesago.Still.”Heturnedhiscupinhishand
overandover.

“Everyonedeservesbetterthantobecontrolledandhurt.Everyone.I’dtellyounottofeelguilty,but

thatwouldbeasuselessasitwouldbeinsensitive.Ican’timaginewhatitmustbeliketocarrythatwith
you.”

Hemethergaze.“Thankyouforthat.”Heclearedhisthroatandstraightenedhisshoulders.“Andnow,

it’syourturn.YounevertoldmewhyyouabandonedGrochaire.”

“Ididn’t,didI?”
“Nope.”
Batyaknewthetimehadcome,butshehatedspeakingaboutthetriggeringeventthathadforcedherto

leave Grochaire. Yet, Quinlan had a right to know, not just because he’d opened himself up to her but
because he ruled Grochaire. “I was working in the north, late one night, closing up just before dawn. I
wassotiredandreadyformybed,butjustbeforeIopenedthedoor,twoInvictuspairslaunchedanattack
onapassingcar.Theypulledanelvenfamilyout,themother,father,threechildren,theyoungestababy.

“Igotoutmyphoneandcalledforhelp,butbythetimeyourwarriorsarrived,whichwasn’tmorethan

ten minutes, the family was dead. I can’t explain what happened to me, but some kind of switch got
flippedinmyhead,ormaybemyheart,andIleft.Ijustcouldn’ttakeitanymore.”

“Wasthatnearthewastelands?”
She nodded. “I’d been trying to set up a free-clinic there. But people kept disappearing or bodies

wouldbefoundmangledanddrained.Butthechildren,Quinlan.”

“Iknow.”
He reached for her hand and gave her fingers a squeeze. “I’m sorry, Cha. I would have spared you

that.”

“Iknow.AndIdon’tblameyou.Idon’tblameanyone.Ijustneededtoleavethehorrorbehind.So,I

movedtoTennessee.”

“Andyouopenedupyourclinicandyourgallery.”
“Idid.”
When he released her hand, she fell silent and for a few minutes, he did as well, maybe letting the

memoriesdissipate.Thedrumsandmusiccontinuedtofilltheair.

Hesippedhisbeerandglancedather.“SinceItoldyoutwothings,Ithinkitonlyfairthatyoudothe

same.” His lips curved. “So, tell me something no one else knows about Batya, about the daughter of
Davido.”

Shethoughtbacktoherearlierrevelationaboutthemenshe’dbeenwith.Shefeltbadlikeshe’dturned

overarockinherlifeandfoundabunchofbugscrawlingbeneath.

Shemethisgaze.“Allright,heregoes.I’mnotproudofthefactthatI’vealwaysbeenwithmenthatI

couldcontrol.Atthesametime,youscaretheshitofmefortheexactoppositereason.”

He shifted in his chair, and his eyes flashed in the night. A shiver went through her and suddenly his

matingvibrationwasjustthere,onherthighsandforcingtheairfromherlungs.

Tellmetostop,andIwill.Hisdeepvoicerumbledinherhead.
But she didn’t. Her heart hammered louder than the drums and suddenly she knew exactly where she

wanted this to go. I want to know what it’s like just once. She said nothing more, offered no further
explanation.

He rose up from his chair, took her cup and said he’d be right back. He handed the cups over to the

cook and bid Henry good-night. A boisterous, suggestive chant rose into the air along with a lot of
laughter.

Hesmiledashereturnedtoher,somethingthattoldherhewasamanwithaplan.
Hetookherhand,liftinghertoherfeet,thenledhertoaportionwellbeyondtheirtent.Sheunderstood.

Thefartherdownstreamtheymoved,thelesslikelythey’dbeseen,notatthisdistance.

“Ineedabath.”Shewatchedhimstrip,hervisionadjusting.Hisbootscameofffirstasheunzipped.

Hisshirtcamenext,followedbyhisbattleleathers.

And her heart pounded for more than one reason as he stepped into the waters. He was absurdly

beautiful.

“It’swarmerthanIthoughtit’dbe.”Heglancedupstream.“Theremustbeahotspringonsomeofthat

highground.”

Thewatertemptedher.Hetemptedher.Andthedrumscalledtosomethingveryrealm-likeinhersoul,

afatefulsensationofbelongingwithQuinlan,belongingtohim.

Justtobesafe,shesetupanenthrallmentshieldaroundthemboth.
“Nice,”hesaid.“AndIcanseeitbetteroutintheopen,likeeverythingaroundusisslightlyblurred.”

Hefoundadeepspotandfloated,kneesup,armssweepingbackward.

Shetookoffhershoes,herjeansandshirt,thenunhookedherbra.Sheheardhimgrowlasshestepped

outofherthong.Sheeasedintothestream,takingcarenottoslipontherocks.Hewasright.Thewater
tempmadeiteasytoslideintotheslowmovingstream,stretchandswim,ifjustashortdistance.Itfelt
wonderfulandforthecraziestmoment,shewantedtostayrightthereforever,inthestreamwithQuinlan,
bathingandswimming,soon-to-makelove.

Sherolledinthewater,andfloatedonherback,notcaringthatherhairgotsoaked.Shepaddledgently

againstthecurrenttokeepherselfinonespot.Thedrumsweremuffledwithherearsbelowthestream’s
surface.

Staringupatthestarsandatthecrescentmoon,sheletthestressofthepasttwonightsdriftaway.She

gave herself to the beauty of the moment, to the music and the pulse of the drums, to the starlight and
moonlight,andtothesoftfeelofQuinlan’svibrationsashetouchedherthroughthewater.

Shesmiled.Thatfeelsnice.
You’rebeautiful—apaleislandofdelectablefleshonadarkslateofwater.MayIcometoyou?
Thedominantmanrequestedpermission?
Shesmiledevenmore.Yes.Please.
Ihaveacondition.
Anything.Shecouldn’tbelieveshe’dsaidthat.‘Anything’.Withoutthinking,withoutprotestingevena

little,she’dagreetoanything.

Hechuckledsoftly.Hewascloserthansherealized.
Sheliftedherheadandfoundhimjustafewfeetaway,movingtowardher,thewaterlineafewinches

belowhisnavel,pecsglisteningintheglowofherfaenightvision.He’dremovedhisclaspandhislong
thickhairhungaroundhisshoulders.

Maybebecauseheknewshewatchedhim,heliftedhisarms,flexing,ashepushedhishairbehindhis

back.Hischestrippledaswellashisarms.Helookedincredible.You’llneedtoagreetothiscondition.

Shenodded,thewaterlappingathershoulders.Tellme.
You’llhavetodoeverythingIsay,whenIsayit.Hedrewcloseandheldhergazetighttohis.Doyou

agree?

Batyastaredintodarkeyesthatglitteredwithdesire.Hissmoky,applewoodscentfloatedaroundher,

causinghernostrilstoflareandhermouthtowater.Shenoddedslowly,sinkingherfeettothebottomof
thestreamandrisingtomeethim.Thesoftcaressofhisseductivevibrationspreadoverherabdomen.

Shedidn’ttouchhim,though.Instead,shewaitedforhimtospeak,tocommand,todowhateverthehell

hewantedwithher.Hadshereallyagreedtothis?What,then,wouldthevampirerequireofher?

*********

Quinlan didn’t recognize the sensation at first, the one that travelled through him head-to-foot and

strengthened his muscles. Eventually, he hit on the name for it. She’d called it right, speaking of
dominance.Hewantedtoruleherandhisbodylovedtheidea.

He also knew what he wanted from Batya, a kind of surrender she’d never given to any man before.

She’dalreadyturnedoverherwilltohim,andtosomeextent,hersafety.

Buttherewasmorehere,somethinghewantedtosubdueandshewouldn’tlikeitatfirst,hewassure

ofthat.Hetookherhandandledherfromthestream,pickingupalltheirclothesashewent.Onceinside
thetent,hedroppedthelotbytheflap.Eventhoughshesustainedtheenthrallmentshield,heloweredthe
flapsothatnobodywanderingbywouldbeabletoseeherifhershieldwavered.

Shewasforhiseyes,nooneelse.
Thestaffhadmadeuphisbedandlaidouttowels.Hepickedoneupanddriedheroff,strokingherfull

breasts,narrowwaist,androundedhips.Heturnedherandtookhistimewithherbottomandbetweenher
legs, parting them with his hands, rubbing the towel back and forth slowly and on purpose until she
moaned.

Shewasasensualwomanandhelovedit,thatsherespondedtoallkindsoftouchandstimulation.That

he’dmadehercomewithhisvibrationalonehadkepthimonthehunt,madehimhungerforherknowing
thattherewasmore.

Rightnow,hewasabouttofindouthowmuchmore.
Hepulledthefursbackandtoldhertoliedownonherstomachbuttospreadherlegswide.
Shecrawledoverthestiffmattress.
“Iwantyouspreadeagle.”Hepushedthepillowsoutoftheway.
Thebed was small.Sleeping might beproblematic, but he lovedhow her palebody filled the space

overtheblacksilksheets.Henryhadgreatstaffanditshowed.

Hewatchedherbreathing,thequicknervousriseandfallofherback,andhisthighstensed,hiscock

growinghard.Helikedherinthisstate,theconfidentwomanlaidout,vulnerable,athismercy.

He stretched out behind her, planting his hands on either side of her hips. What man didn’t love the

sightofwoman’sshapelyassandBatya’swasaboutperfect.

Hekissedher,softslowkissesmovingfromonesidetotheother,thendragginghiswettongueoverher

skin, lapping at times. Even her skin tasted of her tropical flower scent. He got lost in the sensation,
nippingather,thenbitinghardsothatshecriedout.Herpelvisrolledandshemoaned,butheheldher

down.

Justfeelme,feelwhatI’mdoing,butdon’tmove.
Her breathing grew ragged, even rough. He watched her fingers clutch, then release the sheet

repeatedly.Buthewouldn’tletherhipsriseandfall.

Heshiftedbackwards,inchinghismouthlower,tothesoftfleshofherinnerthighs,workinghiswayto

thecenter,lapping,nipping,sucking.Heliftedherhipsandputapillowunderthemtoraisethemupto
reachherbetter.HewantedtodomoreFrenchkissingbetweenherthighs.

Once he got the right position, he used his hands to massage her bottom as he kissed her the way he

wantedto,swirlinghistongueinandout,suckingattimes,pluckingatherlowerlips,alwaysmassaging.

Herbreathinghadturnedtoasoftpant.Quinlan,Ineedtomove.
Stayput.Hepressedherhipsdown.
Shecriedoutinfrustration,buthecontinuedlappingather,savoringthetasteofherthatflowedover

histongue,herscentrich,hiscockhard.

He opened up his vibration, focusing solely on his tongue. He plunged inside and let the vibrations

flow.Shetensed,butshewasrightontheedge.Headdedmorevibrationandthrustfaster.Sheletouta
longcryandhecouldfeelbyherinnerpulsesthatshewascoming.Butheheldherflatashepunchedhis
tongueinsideher,thrustinghard,sendingwaveafterwaveofvibrationintoherandthroughher.

Afteragoodlongminuteofwrithingandcryingout,herbodyfinallyfelllax.Oh,sweetGoddess,that

wasamazing,andwhatyoucandowithavibrationandyourtongue—

Heslappedherbottom.NotalkingunlessIgiveyoupermission.
Shemoanedandherfingersoncemoresqueezedthesheets.
“Iwantyouonyourhandsandknees.”

*********

Batyastruggledtoriseupbecausetheorgasmhadsenthertothemoonandshe’dstillnotquitecome

backtoearth.WhatQuinlancoulddotoherwithhistongueandjustalittlevibration.

Nowhewantedheronherhandsandknees.
Shefinallyfoundherbalanceandlookedbackathim,thethick,dampmassofherhairfallingoverher

rightshoulder.

Hisfingersstillplayedwithherassandshelovedit.Shelovedhisfingersonher,histongue,hislips,

evenhisteethwhenhenippedher.

Hepositionedhiscockbehindherandbegantopushinside,holdingontoherhips,easingintoher.She

watchedhiseyescloseashepenetratedherdepths.

Shewassowetforhimandhewassobig.Hepulledbackalmostthefulllengthofherexcepthistip,

thenshovedbackinsidelettingherfeelhisthickstalktheentiredistance.

Shecouldfeelhisbodyrevvingupandshegaspedknowingwhatwouldcome.Thevibrationthrough

hiscockcameasasofttinglethenarumblingasshepushedbackagainsthim.

“Bestill.”Heslappedherassagain.
Thesensationstartledher.Thestingremained,combiningwiththevibrationandthethrustofhiscock,

tocreatesomethingnew,somethingelectric,somethingshewantedmoreof.

Shepushedbackagain.
Oncemoreheslappedher,thenleanedoverherandbitdownonthebackofherneck,hardandnotwith

hisfangs.Youwillobeyme,Batya.

She didn’t understand what was happening to her, or why a strange vibration started up in her own

body.Shecouldhardlybreathe.

That’s it. I’m feeling it now, your mating vibration is accepting me. He rolled his hips, thrusting.

Damnthatfeelsgood.

Batyacouldn’thelpherselfasshepurposefullyshovedherhipsbackhard.
Nomoving.
He bit down harder on her neck and reached around to pinch a nipple. He pumped in quick thrusts,

grindinghisteethintoherneckandpinchingherbreastatthesametime.

Shecriedout,wantingtotellhimtostopbecauseithurt,yetnotwantinghimtostop.
Shegrewverystillafterwhichheeaseduponthebiteandthepinch,butincreasedthevibrationdeep

inside.Shemoaned.

Herubbedherbreastsnowandlickedthebackofherneck,suckinginturns.Hehadbig,fleshyhands

andhistouchsentathrillthroughher.Headdedvibrationtohisfingertipsandmovedinslowcirclesas
hethrustinandout.

Movinghislipstothesideofherneck,hebegantolickoverhervein.Shegroaned,needinghimtosink

hisfangs,todrinkfromher.

Doit.
Heeasedbackandstoppedthesensualthrustinsideher.
She’dmadeamistake.She’dcommandedhimandeverythingstopped.
Herbodyachedsodeepinsideformovementandvibrationthatshegaveagroan.I’msorrymastyr.
Sayitagain,butlookatme.
She shifted once more to look back at him. His expression was hard, commanding and her breathing

hitchedalloveragain.Helookeddangerous,lethal,likehecouldtearherapartwithathought.

Herwholebodyquivered.I’msorry,mastyr.Ihumblybegyourpardon.
He wrapped the long, thick length of her hair around his forearm, and pulled so that she felt caught.

Oncemore,desirerushedthroughher,ofbeingpinnedbyQuinlan,heldfast,unabletoescape.

Muchbetter.
Holding her gaze, he thrust into her again and once more let the vibrations flow through her breasts

throughhisfingersandbetweenherlegs.

She moaned heavily, her own vibration seeking his and swirling over him. But he didn’t seem to

complain about that. If anything, his realm vibration moved with hers, a kind of dance that echoed the
heavypoundingofthedrums.

Sherealizedthattheirjoinedvibrationshadsynchedwiththedrums,anothereroticlayerthathadher

wellsqueezingandreleasedhisstalk.

I’mgoingtotakeyourblood,Cha,andyou’regoingtogiveitupforme.I’mgoingtodrinkuntil

I’vehadmyfill.

Yes,mastyr.She’dlearnedherlesson.
Hereleasedherhairtoslidehisarmaroundherwaist.Heheldhertightagainsthiminordertokeep

theupperpartofherstillwhilehecontinuedtopushinandoutofherwithhiscock.Shecouldhavecome
butsheheldback,knowingthattheslidetoecstasywasamerethoughtaway.Shewantedtowait.She
wantedthedrumsatthebrigadecirclerisingtoacrescendo,shewantedQuinlansuckinghardatherneck
and his hips moving vampire fast. She wanted his vibration filling every inch of her body, then she’d
release.

She’dneverallowedamantotakeherinthispositionbefore,notonce.Nowhereshewaslettingthe

bighulkofawarriorvampirerideherhard,commandher,andsoonhe’ddrink,taking,ashesaid,hisfill.

Atthesametime,andwithgreatpractice,hisfangsslicedintohervein,thenhebegantosuck.Hesent

anothervibrationthroughhislipsonhernecksothatchillsraineddownhersideandoverherbreasts.He
pumpedhishipshard.

Mine,cha.Hisdeepvoicerumblingthroughherhead,hisbodydrapingoverhers,hismouthsucking

downherlife-force,hishipsworkingherhard—allbroughthermatingfrequencyforwardinawayithad
neverbeenbefore.

Hehadallofher,somethingnomanhadevertakenbefore.
Anditfeltsodamngood.
Hismovementsbecamebrisk,evenrough.Shewantedtomove.
Letmemove,please,mastyr.
You’veaskednicely.Movewithmenow.
Shepushedagainsthim,herhipsrocking.Thedrumsinthedistancefedtherhythm.Ecstasybuiltasa

wave pulsed through her, then another and another, catching her up as Quinlan thrust hard into her, fast
now,thebeatofthedrumsquickening,hisvibrationatfull-bore.Hewassohardandherbodygripped
him. She cried out as pleasure streaked through her well, her abdomen, and rushed upward, filling her
chest,herheart.

Suddenlyhereleasedherneck,risingupbehindher,grabbingherhipshardashethrustquickerstill,

thenshoutedintotheopenair.Herscreamsjoinedhimastherhythmofthedrumspulsed,finallystopping
justasherowncrieseaseddownandQuinlan’shipspushedinslower,finalthrusts.

Herarmscrumpledandshehalf-fell,half-triedtoeaseherselfdownontothebed,herfacepushedinto

themattress,butshedidn’tcare.Shefeltsodamngood.

Quinlanfollowedherandbecausehewassobig,hemanagedtoremaininsideher,hishandscatching

herhipssothathelayontopofher.Hespreadhisarmsoutontopofhers,breathinghard.

In the distance, a new drum rhythm began and the lyre played the prettiest melody. Batya couldn’t

imagineanythingmoreperfect.

She’dforgottenthedifferenceintherealm-worldandforamoment,averybriefmoment,shethought

shecouldlivehereforever.

ChapterSeven

SomethingfeltverywrongtoQuinlan,buthecouldn’tquiteputhisfingeronwhatrubbedhisinstincts

the wrong way. With his blood needs satisfied for a brief period and so many feel-good chemicals
trippingthroughhisveins,heshouldhavebeenatease.

Instead,asherosealmostgroggilyfromontopofBatya,hesecuredtheoverheadprotectivesun-shield

withanaggingsenseofsomethingcriticalleftundone.HebroughtBatyaahandtowelforcleaningand
glancedaround.

Finally, he slipped his leathers back on, as well as his boots, then stepped outside. He walked the

entireperimeterofthetent.

Thebrigade’smusichadendedatlastandmostofthemenheadedtowardtheirtents.
Hisvampirevibration,peculiartohisspecies,sentawarningstraightuphisspineandashotofpain

intohishead.

Heturnedtotheeast.Thehorizon,eventhroughadenseforest,showedgray.Dawnwascoming.
Ifhestayedoutheremuchlonger,thepainwouldintensify,buthehadtohaveonelastlookaround.His

bodyseemedtoknowexactlywhereBatyawasandnotjustbecauseshelayonthetentbed.Apowerful
callwithinhisgut,demandingheprotectthiswoman,seemedfixedonherliketheneedleofacompass
alwaysaimingtruenorth.

Hewonderedifitwasherfaeness,orthatshe’dcomefromDavido’spowerfultrollstock.Hedidn’t

know.Butshehadacallonhimthatbothenergizedandirritatedhim.

He tried to imagine the moment, after they succeeded in delivering Lorelei to the Ferrenden Peace,

whenhesaidhisfarewellstothewoman.Buttheideaofpartingseemedimpossible,whichalsogratedon
hisbachelorproclivities.Whatwasitaboutthiswomanthatcalledtohimasthoughshewasthemoon
andhethetides,thathe’dalwaysrespondtoher,alwaysturninherdirection,alwayssayyes?

Whenthesunbrokethroughtheforestskyline,hisheadthrobbedandhisshoulderblistered,hefinally

lefthisvigil,unsatisfiedathavingfailedtodrawevenoneconclusion,andreenteredthetent,securingthe
flapbehindhim.

Helituphisvision,seekingoutatearinanypartofthedensecanvas,andatlastsatisfied,hedrew

closetothesideofthebed.

Batyalayashe’dlefther,onherstomach,naked,herarmsandlegsspread.Shewasalreadyasleep,

herbackrisingandfalling.Hegotridofhisbootsthenhispants,buttookalongmomenttostaredownat
her.

He’d loved commanding her, savored how her fae vibrations had flowed over and around his, how

she’dtakentohisslapsandbites,hisdominationofherbody,theintensityofherresponse.

Hiscockrespondedappropriately,despitehowmuchhe’dalreadyleftofhimselfinsideher.Hetook

hisshaftinhishand.Hefondledwhathadbeenpocketedbetweenherlegs,herstrongnestthathadpulled
onhim.Heletthememoryplayoutinhismindandsomewhereinallofthat,hisvibrationbegantohum.

That’s when he realized he was still joined to her, vibration to vibration. She awoke and turned her

headinhisdirection.Hergazefelltohiscockandhishandrubbingupanddown.

“Iwasn’tenough?”Butshesmiled.
Hislipscurved.“I’mjustremembering.”
She stretched and slowly rolled onto her back, her arms over head, her large breasts rocking as she

turned.Hisgazedriftedthelengthofher.

Shelookedaround.“It’sdawn.”
Henoddedandtookhistimestretchingoutbesideher.“We’llbestuckinhereallday.”
“Andwewon’thavetothinktwiceabouttheshe-deviloutthere.”
Heshookhishead,hisfiststillbusyasheleanedoverherbodyanddrewanippleintohismouth.

Shemadeanencouragingsound,usingastringofm’s.
Thenhewastorn.Shouldheleavehiscocksohecouldtouchherbreasts,orkeepfondlingwhatwas

hardandreadyoncemore.

HerbreastswonoutandforthenextseveralminuteshegaveallhisattentiontobothbreastsuntilBatya

waswrithingandbeggingformore.

Hemadelovetoheragain,takinghertotheheights,fallingbacktoearth.Hedozedandshesprawled.
Once,hetookahardslaptohisfaceasthewomanturnedinhersleep,sohewokeherupandpunished

herwithhismouthbetweenherlegsforagoodlongtime.

Whenatlasthewokeup,withthesunwaninginthewest,helayonhisside,spooningBatya,hisarm

wrappedtightlyoverherchest.

Andinthatsoftmomentbeforecomingfullyawake,hefelthervibrationlayingoverhis.They’dnever

completelyseparated,notinallthistime,somethinghe’dneverdonewithanotherwoman.Ever.

Butbecausehewasn’tfullyawake,hedidsomethingunexpected.Helefttheentwinedvibrationsalone,

sinkingintothemandexploringallalongtheircurvedridges.

HesentaheaviervibrationalongthejoinedfrequenciesandBatyamoaned,grindingherhipsagainst

him.

“That’snice,”drawledfromherlips.“Doitagain.”
Buthedidn’tbecausehecamefullyawakeasshoutsfromthecamp,ofadesperatenature,broughthim

sittingboltupright.

Atthesametime,hedisconnectedfromBatyaanditwasasuddenpainfulmomentthathadhercrying

outaswell.

“Sorry,butsomething’sgoingon.”
Hejumpedfrombedanddressedfast.Batyawasn’tfarbehindhim.
Theproblemwashecouldn’tleavethetent,notyet.Thesunhadn’tsetbehindthehorizon.
But Batya pulled her enthrallment shield close around her as she slipped beneath the flap. “I’ll see

what’sgoingon.”

Shereturnedshortly.“Henry’scoming.I’mgoingtobatheinthestream—aminuteonly.”
Hefeltthestrengthofhershield,thatshe’dwrappedherselfinaforceaspowerfulaswhathadkept

Margettaoutthenightbefore,sohenodded.

Justashesecuredthebeltoverhisshoulder,bucklingitinplaceathislefthip,Henrybeggedentrance.
“Come.”
QuinlancouldfeelthescowlonhisownforeheadandhadhisfearsconfirmedatthesightofHenry’s

threeridgesdrawntightlytogether,alookofdismayinhiseyes.“Welostascoutandtheotherhascome
in bloodied and half-dead. I’ve sent the healers on the trail to the northeast, carrying him out. Invictus
wraith-pairs attacked them at the ten-mile western-most outpost. The survivor said there were twenty
pairs,thatoneoftheboundfaebraggedthatMargettahadbroughtahundredwithher,thatshe’dcatchus
intheDeadForest,ifnotinthemeadow.”

Quinlanglancedskywardthenfoldedbacktheupperflap.Hesquintedagainstthefadinglight.Hehad

justahandfulofminutesbeforehecouldsafelyleavethetent.He’dhavetostaybehindwithBatya,buthe
trustedherenthrallmentshieldwouldgetthemtosafety.

GlancingbackatHenry,hefrownedalloveragain.“How’sLorelei?”
“Good and she has all my men doing her bidding. One of them had just brought a bouquet of late-

bloomingwildrosestoher,whenthescoutreturned.We’veriggedaharnessthattwotrollswearandshe
sitsbetweenthemastheyfly.We’llcarryheratthefrontwithseveralGuardsmeninthelead.”

“Icanalwaysrelyonyou.”
“Hell,yeah,youcan.”
Batyareturned,naked,unbeknownsttoHenry.Quinlancouldeasilyseethroughherenthrallmentshield

now,maybebecauseoftheirrecentconnection.Whenshestartedtodress,eventhoughshewasinvisible
toHenry,hesteppedbetweenhisbrigadecommanderandallherfemalebeauty.

“Where’sBatya?”
Henryglancedaround,hisgazeskatingpasther.“She’sbathing,cloakedwithenthrallment.”
“Oh,okay.That’sright.ShemadeitpossibleforthethreeofyoutoescapefromLebanon.”
“Yes,shedid.”
“She’sspecial,Quinlan.Ican’tputmyfingeronit,butshe’sgotsomething”
“Iwouldagreewithyou.”
“No,Imeanshe’sgotsomething.Maybeit’sherpoweroralayertoherfaenessthathasn’trevealed

itself,butsomething’sthere,hiddenmaybeevenfromher.”

HefeltBatyagoverystillbehindhim.
SeveralmoreshoutsfromthedirectionofthecampsetHenryhurryingbackoutside,buthecalledover

hisshoulder,“We’llbereadytoflyinthree.”

“I’vegotacouplemoreafterthatinside.Setyourmenonthetrailatwill.”
“Yes,mastyr.”
Once,hewasgone,Batyalosthershieldandnow,finishedpackinghersatchel.“Whatdoyouthinkhe

meant,aboutmehavinganotherlayerofpower?”Sheglancedupattheopensky.Athinstreamofclouds
overheadcaughtthelastpink-violetandquitedeadlyraysofthesun.

“Ihavenoidea.”
“Doyousenseanythinglikethat?”
Hestaredintoherhazeleyes,searching.“Isensesomanythings,butI’mnotsurewhatHenrymeant.

Didyouknowourrealmvibrationsremainedjoinedallthroughthenight?”

Herarchedbrowsrose.“No.Areyouserious?ButIswear…Wait,youmustberightbecauseIfeltthe

disengagementjustafewminutesago,andithurt.Ican’tbelieveIwasn’taware.Itallfeltsonatural.”

“Itdid.”
Hedrewbacktheoverheadflap,theskynowmovingtograyanddarker.Eachsecondthatpassedfelt

likeaneternity.

HeheardHenry’ssharpcall-to-the-air.Theflappingofahundredlongcoatsasthebrigadetookflight,

soundedlikegeeserisingsuddenlyfromapond.

Heglancedup.“Twomoreminutesbutwe’llneedyourenthrallmentshield.”
“Absolutely.”

*********

Batya felt Margetta’s presence and before a split-second had passed, she surrounded herself and

Quinlaninatightenthrallmentshield.She’shere.

Icanfeelher,too.
What’stheplan?
Straightupintotheair.
Gotit.
Heslidanarmaroundherwaistandbecausehewassostrong,shedidn’tbotherwithplantingafooton

hisboot.Shesimplywrappedherarmaroundhisneckandleanedintohim.Yousmelllikewood-smoke.

Hechuckled.Let’sgo.
Sheclosedhereyes,butextendedhersensesoutward,herrealmvibrationthatmappedthelocationof

Margettaandherforces.Atthesametime,shekeptherenthrallmentshieldtight.

Theswiftriseintotheair,thedownwardpressureonherheadwhileherbodyliftedhigherandhigher,

teasedherstomachintoaknotofexcitement.She’dalwaysenjoyedflightandwisheditwasoneofher
gifts.

Butthis,atleast,wassecondbest,flyingataterrificspeed,straightup,inQuinlan’sarms.
“Iseethem.”Margetta’svoicerolledthroughtheenthrallmentshield,butQuinlankeptrising.Theair

grewcolderandcolder.TheshrieksfromtheInvictuspairsfollowedthem.

Batya held on, knowing something was on his mind and sensing that to communicate at all, even

telepathically,couldsomehowjeopardizetheirlocation.

Justasthetipofhernosestartedtofreeze,hearcednortheast,levelingoutfirst,thenbeginningaslow

descent.

Sheopenedhereyes,startledtoseethatthey’denteredalowerlayerofclouds.Butthemistbrokeand

becauseshefacedforward,shesawthestrangestsight,alineofgreenforest,brokenabruptlybyalineof
brightgoldentreesthatwentonformiles.

At first, she didn’t understand what she was looking at, but the closer he brought them to the

phenomenon,thedemarcationpointbeganmakingsense.

Wecantalknow.
Ifeltitaswell,thatMargettawouldhavelocateduswiththetelepathyrightthen.
Exactly.
Quinlan,we’relookingatthepointatwhichtheDeadForestbegins,aren’twe?
Yes,andI’vealreadypathedHenry.They’reonlyafewhundredyardsaway.
Icanseethemnow.Lorelei’sinthefront.Isanyofthisgoingtowork?
Sweet Goddess, I hope so, but Batya, they’ll be on our trail. Can you place a shield around the

entirebrigade?

Batya swallowed hard. It was one thing to protect Quinlan or even her building in Lebanon because

she’dbeentherealongtime,buthewasaskingifshecouldwrapashieldaroundamovingbrigadethat
didn’t have either a solid front or an end point. I don’t know. I honestly don’t know. I’ve never really
usedthesemusclesbefore.

Yourenthrallmentrockedatthegallery.I’mstillamazed.
Butthat’sthepoint.Shethenexplainedherconcernsaboutthenatureofamovingbrigadeasopposed

toabrickbuilding.

Hisflyingslowedasheeaseddowntowardthebrigade,flyingabovethem.Allright.We’lltakeitone

stepatatime.Let’sgeteveryoneintotheDeadForestandseewhatyoucando.I’llletHenryknow.

Soundslikeaplan.
BatyaessentiallyletherfeethangintheairasQuinlanflewherthefinaldistancepastthelineofliving

forest.

Butthemomenthecrossedthatborder,herheadbegantoringinthestrangestway,asthoughathousand

vibrationscrisscrossedtheDeadForest.

Quinlandroppeddowntoashallowclearingahundredyardsin,markedbyadozenbroadtreestumps.

Batyarealizedsuddenlythattheforestwasanythingbutdead.

Hesetheronherfeet,butthephysicalbatteringoftheforest’svibrationsdroppedhertoherkneesand

broughtherhandstoherears.

“Batya,what’swrong?Talktome.”ShefeltQuinlan’shandonhershoulderthenhisarmashelifted

hertoherfeet,butshecoulddolittlemorethanclingtohim.Don’tyouhearthat?Feelthat?

Sorry,I’monlygettingasoftsighingsound,windthroughthetrees,nothingmore.
“Idon’tknowwhat’swrong.Ithinkit’stheDeadForest.”Throughthehazeofherintensereactionsto

theunknownvibrations,shesawthebrigadetouchdowninahalf-circlearoundQuinlan.

Henrymovedforward,hisspearupright.“Mastyr,Margettawillbehereinthreeminutes.Ourscouts

havesightedherforce.They’reonourbacktrail.”

ShefeltQuinlangrowverystill,thekindofstillnessthatonlyavampirecoulddoandifhehadn’tbeen

holdingherupright,shewouldhavethoughthe’ddisappeared.Shejustdidn’tknowwhattodoaboutthe

vibrationsbatteringherorhowlongshecouldendurethem.

*********

Quinlanhadfacedalotofenemiesinhisday,butnothingliketheoneheadedintheirdirection.
HeheldashiveringwomaninhisarmsthathesensedhadsomekindofconnectiontotheDeadForest,

but who also held the only viable form of protection against Margetta. He needed her to deploy her
enthrallmentshieldandtodoitnow,orthey’dallbedeadandLoreleicapturedbyherbrutalparent.

Hisancestorshadlong-agodevelopedastillnesstechnique,averyun-deadquality.Ifhe’dbeenalone,

he would have appeared as a statue to those powerful enough to see him, but invisible to most. He
couldn’timaginewhatBatyafelt.Hewasn’tevensureshecouldfeelhimrightnow.

Butstillnessgavethemindopportunitytoprocessfaster,thinkclearerandwithgreaterflexibilitythan

anactivevampirebody.

Sodespitehisimpulsetodosomething,anything,hedrewhisbreathingtojustshortofahalt,andlet

his brain work. Batya, Margetta, Lorelei. The three women’s names flowed through his head over and
over.

Batya.
Margetta.
Lorelei.
Loreleithewraith-shifter,oneofthemostpowerfulrealm-beingshe’deverencountered.Batyawitha

layerofpowerevenHenryhintedresidedwithinherrealm-soul.Margetta,evil,manipulative,intenton
herprizeatallcosts.

Batya.
Margetta.
Lorelei.
Theideasprangintohishead,fully-formed,andhecalledouttoLorelei.“Ineedyouhere.Comehere.

Now.”

Insteadofjumpingdownfromherperchslungbetweentwotrollwarriors,sheshiftedsuddenlyintoher

wraithform,asthoughunderstanding.Shefloatedinfrontofhim,hereyesglowing.

ShefrownedatBatya.“Theforesthasenthralledher.”
“Iknow.Putyourhandonherback.Iknowyoucandothis,Lorelei,butyoumustblockthevibrations

sothatshecansettlehershieldaroundus.Doyouunderstand?”

The worried look in the woman’s eye, told him she didn’t believe herself capable, but she reached

forwardwiththelong,oddlyshapedfingersofthewraithandtouchedBatya.

Thefaebody,holdingtightlytohim,archedonce.Thenaheavysighpouredfromherlungsandthroat.

“Oh,thankGod.”

“YoumeanIdidit?”Lorelei’scheeksdarkenedwithsurprisingcolor.
“Yes,youbroketheforest’sholdonher.”
Batyadrewback,blinkingseveraltimesinarow.ShestaredatQuinlan.“Idon’tknowwhatthatwas.”
Henryintruded.“Margettaishalf-a-minuteout.”
QuinlantookBatya’sshouldersandsearchedhereyes.Cha,we’reintroublehereandIneedyoutodo

theimpossiblerightnow.

Shenodded.Theshield.
Asquickasyoucan.Youcandothis.Iknowyoucan.
Iseeher.Batyasuddenlysquaredhershoulders.Hefelttheenthrallmentshieldemergelikeawaveof

warmwaterflowingthicklyallaroundhim,thenpasthim.

Stillkeepingcontactwithher,heturnedslightlytowatchastheshieldmovedlikealivingthingpast

trollaftertroll.

Margetta, this time in her wraith form, flew swiftly, darting in the direction of the edge of Batya’s

wave.Ifshecaughttheedge,she’dbeinsidetheshield.Quinlanwasnofoolandhe’dwagedwarinthe
NineRealmsagainstahostofenemies.HeknewMargetta’spower.She’ddestroythemall.

HeshiftedtolookatBatyawhotrackedMargettaaswell.
Batya’seyesparkedwithsomethingherecognizedandQuinlansmiled.Shegaveasuddencry,herface

twisted with a warrior’s grimace, and with a sharp outpouring of her power she closed the shield and
lockedMargettaout.

The result was a wraith-shriek like nothing Quinlan had heard before as Margetta, having lost the

advantage,screamedherfrustration.Shepacedabovethem,flyinginquickjerksovertheshallowspace
ofdryland,andhefeltherbattlefrequencylightup.

“Holyshit,let’sgetthefuckoutofhere.Henry,keepyourmentight.Batya,holdthatshield.”
Loreleishiftedbackintoherfaeformandhertrollsrushedforwardtocatchherupinthesling.Inturn,

QuinlanslidhisarmaroundBatya’swaistandheldheragainsthim.Heturned,headingupthepaththat
ledthroughtheDeadForesttotheirnextdestination,prayingtotheGoddessthatBatya’sshield,untriedin
amovingsetting,wouldhold.

Quin, hold me tight even as I twist around in your arms. I have to see the brigade to sustain the

shield.TellHenrytokeepthemenclosetogether.

Done.
He ignored the impulse to rush up the path but instead flew at a pace to track with Henry and the

brigade.Batyapivotedhardinordertofacebackwardsoshecouldseethelastofthetrolls.

They’removingclose.That’sperfect.Ifyourscoutsfallback,Ican’tprotectthem.
Henryunderstands.Justholditsteady.CanIgofaster?
AslongasHenry’sbrigadestaysclose,speedisfine.
She sounded so damn confident, despite the fact that she trembled, and he loved that about her. But

battleenergyshowedupinmanyformsandtheshakeshadcometohimmorethanonceaswell.

Therewassomething,however,heneededtoknow.HowimportantisLoreleitothisequationright

now?Couldyouholdtheshieldwithouther?

Yes,becauseshebroketheforest’sholdonme.DoyouseeMargetta?
She’saheadofusaboutthirtyyards,butmuchhigherintheair.
Idon’tseeherforce.
Ibelieveyourshieldhascreatedenoughconfusionthattheydon’tknowwheretogo.
Whyisn’tshebackwiththem?
Ithinkshe’swaitingforachancefortheshieldtoweakenenoughthatshecangrabLorelei,orshe

mayhavesomeotherplan.

Whatdoyoumean?
He ground his teeth. Remember the map? We’ve got a series of switchbacks coming in about two

minutesaswestartclimbingthroughthePleachMountains.

Iwon’tbeabletoseethebrigade.
Quinlanfrowned.Whatifweflewoverthemountains,inastraightline?You’dbeabovetheforest.
Myinstinctstellmethevibrationswouldprobablyreturn,butwecouldtryanyway.
Let’satleastgiveitashot.
HepathedtoHenryandafewsecondslater,theentirebrigadestartedrising.
Butthemomenttheyclearedthetreetops,hefeltBatyatense.Ican’tdoit.
Hedroppedback,thebrigadewithhim.HefeltBatyarelaxagainsthim.
Theforeststartedscreamingagain.IknewI’dlosetheabilitytoconcentrate.
Quinlanglancedbehindhim.WhataboutusingLoreleiatthesametimetodotheblockinglikeshe

didearlier?

I’vethoughtaboutthat.Butwhathappensifshecan’tsustainit,andwe’vegottensofaroffthepath

wecan’tgetbacktosafety?We’dbeoutintheopen,vulnerable,andMargettawouldtakeusdown,
youknowshewould.

LetmetpathtoLoreleiandseewhatshesays.
Goodidea.
HeswitchedpathingfrequenciesandsoughtLorelei’sbutshetoldhimshejustdidn’tknow.
Takingthevariablesintoaccount,heknewhecouldn’triskthebrigade,notifLoreleiwasn’tsure.
ReturningtoBatya’sfrequency,herelatedtheconversation.
Then,weshouldsticktothepaththroughtheDeadForest.Weatleastknowwe’resafehere.
Hesethisgazeupthetrail.We’lljusthavetofigureouthowtodotheswitchbacks.
Hey,I’mnotgettingheavy,amI?
Hesnorted.Asif.
Shelaughed.Yeah,yeah,vampiresarestrong.
Well,weare,andI’mnotyourregularoldvampire,either.
Hefeltherlipssuddenlyonhisneck,rightinthemiddleofaflightthroughtheDeadForest.No,that

you’re not. Something enormous burst in his chest, like a firework exploding and sending sparks
everywhere.SweetGoddess,afewwordsandsheturnedhisworldupsidedown.

He’dbeencontentbeforeBatya.Noweverythingseemedtobechanging,morphingasfastasLorelei

couldswitchfromshifter,towraith,tofae.

Backtotheproblem,hepathed,buteveninhisheadandprobablyhers,hisvoicesoundedhoarse.
He turned his attention to the witch flying in front of them. Margetta. Power-on-power. He moved

swiftlyasBatyasustainedherenthrallmentpower,holdinghisbrigadetogether,keepingLoreleisafefor
thepresent.

Screamseruptedfrom behindhim,toward thebackof theranks. What was that, he pathed. Can you

see?

I don’t know, but I have the worst feeling. A light flashed back there. Quin, I see smoke. Another

roundofscreamserupted.

SweetGoddess,Margetta’screwhasfoundawaytolaunchsomekindoffirebombthroughtheDead

Forest,acrossthepathatrandom.Iknowtheycan’tseethroughtheshield,sothey’reguessingwhere
yourbrigadeisat,butthey’rehittingtargetsbecauseofit.Whatarewesupposedtodo?

LetmecontactHenry.
Hedrewinadeepbreath,andswitchedpathinglanesagainashecontinuedtospeedupthetrailjusta

fewfeetofftheground.Henry,what’sgoingon?

Theshe-witchhashadherwraith-pairssendingbattlefrequencyblaststhroughtheforest,thetrees

ignite,andfireshootsacrossthepath.ByalltheElfLords,we’velostatleastfiveofourforce.

The enthrallment shield only disguised their position, but couldn’t protect them from the fire blazing

acrossthepath.

Shit.Hehadtochangethingsnowsohemadeaquickdecision.Henry,we’regoingtospeedthisparty

up.Yougame?

Hell-yeah.
Letyourtroopsknow.
Done.
Quinlandidn’twaitforHenry,hejustlaunched,doubling,triplinghisspeed.Thedeadwouldbeleft

behind.Therewasnothinghecoulddoaboutthat.Butchanginguptheflightwouldhelp.

Batyapathed.Don’tworry,thebrigadeiscatchingup.
Henryknowswhattodo.
He loved his world, his troops, his Guardsmen, all his brigades. Losing even one of his men was a

terriblelossandthethoughtofthoseleftbehindjustplainhurt.

Buthewouldn’tthinkaboutthatnow.
Hejusthadtogetthewomentothesnowfields,crossthem,anddeliverLoreleitoFerrendenPeace.

Butwhatwashesupposedtodoaboutthepowerful,mastyrvampirewraith-pairs?

Theredidn’tseemtobeanansweranywayhecutit.

*********

Batya’s stomach turned as another flash burst through the forest in the distance and a third round of

screamseruptedfromthetroopsintheback,despitethatthecolumnnowmovedatanincrediblerate.Her
shieldheld,butcouldn’tpreventtherandomfiresthatMargetta’sforcelaunchedthroughtheforest.

Menweredyingandtherewasnothingshecoulddo.
ShefeltQuinlan’sdeterminationinthetautstateofhismusclesasheheldontoherandwiththespeed

hemoved.

Switchbackscomingup.How’stheshield?
We’reokay.Facingbackwardhelps.
Lorelei’seyeswereclosedassheheldontothesidesoftheslingandthetrollsinchargeofherstrove

tokeepabarethreefeetbehindQuinlan.

The snowfields were the next stage of the journey. While still watching the brigade, she focused her

sensesforward,onwhatlayahead.Alltheseexperiencesweresonewtoherthatshefeltdisorientedand
uncertain.She’dkeptmostofherfaepowersinalatentstate,exceptherhealinggifts.

TheonethatmovedwithinhernowhadtodowiththepaththatQuinlancarriedherover.Shewasn’t

evencertainwhatkindoffaepowershepossessedasshesearchedwellaheadofQuinlan’sposition.She
letthesnowfieldstakeshapeinhermindandshesawthem,vision-like,asclearlyasthemomentshe’d
seentheimageforthepaintingthefirsttime,beforeshe’deverlaidabrush-to-canvas.

The mystery of it astonished her, that despite her desire to keep her faeness in severe check, it had

emergedanywayandhadlaidouttheroutebywhich,hope-to-Goddess,Loreleimightbesavedfromher
evilmother.Instinctively,BatyaknewthatifMargettaevergotholdofLorelei,theancientfaewouldgain
acriticaladvantageovertheNineRealms.

Asshecontinuedtosearchintothefuture,whatcamefromwithinherwasanewkindofvibration.The

NineRealmswasaworldofvibrationsandfrequencies,allkinds,mating,battling,healingandsomany
more.Butthisonedidn’tyethaveaname.

Whatareyoudoingnow?
Quinlan’s voice in her head comforted her and gave her a surprising kind of peace. At least, his

increasedspeedhadstoppedthescreamsfromthebackofthetroopline.

Shetestedtheenthrallmentshield.Thoughitheld,Margettastillsensedenoughabouttheirpositionto

beabletoorchestratethestreamsofenergythatignitedtheflashfires.

Whileholdingherenthrallmentsteady,sheturnedinQuinlan’sarms.Something’sgoingonupahead.
The trail’s incline rose sharply. They’d reached the mountain and would soon begin a series of

switchbacks.

Canyouholdyourenthrallment?
Thefunnythingwas,nowsheknewshecould.
Yes.Butthetrollpartofmeseemstothinkthingsaregoingtogetmessy.

ChapterEight

Quinlanstucktothepath,hisgazesearchingeveryshimmerandtwitchofthegolden-leafedtrees.He

didn’t know what to expect and even he could see that Batya’s enthrallment shield held, but he had his
battlefrequencyonfullboresearchingfortheenemy.

Heslowedasthefirstswitchbackcameintoview,arealhairpincurve,andassteepastherockybanks

were,thegoldentreesswayedintheconstantbreeze.

On he sped, Batya a warmth in his arms as he levitated and flew three feet above the ground, chin

lowered

It’sbeautifulhere.Hervoiceinhisheadeasedhim.
Ithinkit’smorethanjustaforest.
Ido,too.Butwhat?
QuinlanfeltBatya’sconsternation,asoftvibrationthroughhisskin.Therewasanothermystery,thathe

could feel her emotions, that she seemed to be communicating with him all the time, just not always
verbally.

Rightnow,sheseemedreallyintentonunderstandinghersurroundings,whichwasnotabadthing.
Hebrokehistelepathiclinktoher,thencontactedHenry.Howwedoin’backthere?
Wehaven’tbeenhitinseveralminutesandI’mnotseeingtheenemy.Speedhelps,butit’llberough

goingupthismountain.

Iknow.Andwe’refifteenmilesout.
Anyorders?
QuinlangrimacedattheundercurrentinHenry’swords.Thewholebrigadecouldcomeunderattackat

anymoment,andalltheycoulddowaskeepflyingasfastastheycouldtowardtheSnowfieldsofRayne.

Howodd,though,thathecouldsensethesnowfieldsnow,theimageofBatya’spaintingetchedinhis

mindlikeabeacon.

Themilesworeon,oneaftertheother,throughthemountains.Hewouldneedbloodsoontosustainthis

pace,tokeepthebrigademoving.

Andjustlikethat,herwordswereinhishead.Needatapwhilewefly?
Didyoujustreadmymind?
She didn’t speak for a long moment. Instead, she grew very quiet, almost vampire still which also

freakedhimout.

Finally,hervoicerangthroughhismind.Quinlan,I’mnotsurehowIknowwhatIknowbutIfeltyour

hungerlikeabellringingwithinmyhead,ormaybemychest.

Ifhehadn’tbeeninmotion,hewouldhavescratchedhisheadoverthisone.Idon’tgetit.Howdidyou

know?Whydoyouhaveabell?Isitafaething?Ormaybeatrollgift?

Ihaven’tgotaclueexceptthatthingsarechangingwithinmeandIamexperiencingthisvibration

that looks forward, not into the future, not like a vision, but as though I can see or feel well up the
trail.

Sowhatdoyouseeaheadofus?
Shedidn’tspeak,instead,sheturnedintohim,slidherleftarmmoretightlyaroundhisneck,drawing

herselfhigherupwithinthecradleofhisarm,andliftedherwristtohismouth.Feedfirst.

Quinlanwasn’tstupid,sohedidn’targue.Besides,hisfangshadalreadyemergedandusinghisfree

handtoholdherwriststeady,hestruckthenoncemoretookherbloodintohismouth.

Theflavor,fullofherscent,almostmadehimtripmidair.Butheadjusted,makingaswiftcorrection,

andtookinwhattastedpower-ladennow.Maybethenewvibrationshe’djustmentionedhadchangedthe
qualityofherblood,butwhateveritwas,helovedit.

Ashedrank,hefeltnothingbutgratitudethat,whilebeingpursued,she’dtakecareofhisbloodneeds.

Whenhefinished,hereleasedherwrist,thenreadjustedhisholdonher.Thankyou.
You’rewelcome.There’sonlyoneproblemnow.Ifeltitacoupleofminutesago,butIthoughtI’d

waituntilyouweredonefeeding.

Whatisit?
Somethingbig.Notfarnow.I’mfeelingdizzy.
DidItaketoomuchblood?Hecouldn’thave.He’djustbarelytoppedoff,takingonlywhatheneeded

tosustainhispowerlevels.

No,that’snotit.Ithink…No,I’msureit’sMargetta.She’snotfarnow.She’swaitingforus.
AsQuinlanroundedthenextbend,thedizzinessBatyahadcomplainedabouthithimsuddenlyandhis

battle frequency kicked into high gear. He pathed to Henry, letting him know something was up, then
slowedhisspeed.Thetrailcurved.

We’recominguponanopenstretch,ashallowvalley.Icanseeitinmymind’seye.
She’swaitingthere?
Batyatookadeepbreath.Ibelievesheis.Hefelthertrembleinhisarms.
Thedizzinessbecameoppressiveasheroundedawidebendinthetrail.Themountaingavewaytoa

meadow,anglingofftothenortheast.

Thegrassylandhadpatchesofsnowbutseemedtobeasmallvalleyinthemiddleoftherange.
Thetrail climbed asmall hill, thendropped down to abeautiful expanse thatbegan to glow brighter

andbrighter.

He felt Margetta now and the distant spread of gold, glowing light, the same one that had been at

Batya’s gallery, almost blinded his vampire vision. Beyond the glow, he could see a large force of
Invictuswraith-pairshoveringintheair,waiting.

Cansheseeusthroughtheshield?
Idon’tthinkso.
AndhowdidshefindthispartoftheDeadForest?
IthinkweclearedtheentireDeadForestfromtheenthrallmentonthemaps.
HowfardoyouthinkwearefromFerrendenPeace?
Anotherhundredmilesacrossthesnowfields.
Oh,Quinlan,howarewegoingtocoversomanymiles?
Don’tworryaboutthatrightnow.Thisistheonlybattleweneedtofight.
Shewassilentforamoment,thenpathed,You’reright.Ofcourse.
Even though Batya’s enthrallment shield held, Margetta blocked the path in a huge radius of light, at

leastsixtyfeetup,pastthetree-topline,andtwicethatwidth,whichspannedthenarrowmeadow.

Heslowedtoastop,pathingtoHenryatthesametime,thendroppedtotheground.
Batyareleasedhimtostandonherown.“Whatdowedo?”
Hedidn’thavetimetoanswer,sinceLoreleiletoutapiercingscream.
Turning in her direction, Quinlan saw Lorelei floating in the air, higher and higher and completely

againstherwill.HeleftBatya,flyingupintotheairtocatchLoreleibeforeshedisappearedthroughthe
upperedgesofBatya’senthrallmentshield.

He could feel Margetta’s hold on her. Still in her fae form, Lorelei wrapped her arms tightly around

him,butQuinlancouldbarelyholdhispositionintheairwithher.Theancientfaeincreasedherpower
overLorelei.ThefrequencyvibratedheavilysothatheshookwhileholdingLorelei.

“Don’tletmego,Quinlan,please.Killmefirst.Ican’tfallintoherhands.AlloftheNineRealmswill

beindangerifshegetsherhandsonmybloodandmypower.”

“I’vegotyou.”
“Butwe’restillrising.”
“Justholdon.”

Heneededtofigurethisout,butthesituationwasunfamiliartohim.Ifthishadbeenaregularbattle,

he’d be issuing orders left and right to Henry and his brigade. He would have already set up a battle
shieldthatwouldhaveprotectedthewomenfromassaultandcapture.

But how was he supposed to battle a fae of incalculable power, who could operate an unknown

frequencythroughBatya’senthrallmentshield?Theonlythinghehadgoingforhimwasthatapparently
therewerelimitstoMargetta’spowerbecauserightnow,QuinlankeptLoreleiinasafepositionwithin
theshield.Hejustdidn’tknowhowlongthiswouldlastorifthedamnwomanhadsomethingelseupher
sleeve.

*********

Batya trembled, but not from fear. A terrible jealousy pierced her body and mind so that she could

hardlymove.ShestaredupatQuinlan,holdingLoreleiinhisarms,andinwardlyscreamedathimtolet
hergo.Partofherknewhehadtodothis,hadtoholdherbecauseitwastheonlywaytokeepheroutof
Margetta’shands.Buttheotherpartofherdemandedactionnow.Ifshehadflightcapability,shewould
have levitated straight up into the air, ripped Lorelei out of Quinlan’s arms, and beat her to a pulp for
daringtotouchhim.

At the same time, thank the Goddess, her battle frequency had assessed the situation and given her

enoughself-controltothink.

Quinlanneededhelp,asinnow.
She’dhelpedhimbeforeandnotjustwiththeenthrallmentshield,orherblood,orherhealingpower,

butwithherbattlingfrequency.

ShecalledtoHenrywhoflewstraighttoher.“Canyougetmeupthere?IneedtosupportQuinlan.”
“You got it.” He called two of his strongest trolls and the next thing she knew, the men caught her

beneathherarmsandflewhertoQuinlan.

Assoonasshereachedhimsheplantedahandonhisshoulderandletherbattlepowerstrikehome.
Instantly,hebegantodescendstillkeepingLoreleitightinhisarms.
Just as he reached the ground however, Batya felt Margetta’s power flood the space. Batya flew

backward and would have fallen hard except that the trolls, extremely well-trained, went after her and
scoopedherupsettingheronherfeettogiveherasoftlanding.

Oncemore,QuinlanbattledhighintheairagainstMargetta’sholdjustafewfeetfromtheenthrallment

shield.WhateverpowerMargettautilized,wouldsoontakeLoreleioutofthesafety-zone.

Severalfireseruptedagainintheforestallaroundthembutthewidthofthemeadowkeptthebrigade

safe,atleastfornow.

Batyadidn’tknowwhattodo.ShestaredupatLorelei,whohadstartedshouting,maybeatMargetta,

shecouldn’ttell.

SheturnedinMargetta’sdirection.Shecouldseethebeautifulancientfae,herfacetwistedwitheffort,

herarmsoutstretched,herenergyaimedatherdaughterandQuinlan.

Thepasttwodaysoncemoreshotthroughhermind,thatQuinlan’sdesirehadbroughthimtoLebanon,

tohergallery.Surely,sexcouldn’thavebeentheonlyforce.Surelytherehadtobemoretothisequation,
somethingveryrealm,andno,shedidn’twanttoexploreit.Shewantedtostaydetachedfromthislife,but
right now she didn’t have that option, not if she was to help save Lorelei, and whatever other
ramificationshercapturemighthaveontheNineRealms.

Shewasthereforegoingtohavetodothemostdifficultthingofall,andshereallydidn’twantto.
Henryhadalludedtoitearlier,somenewkindofpowerthatshepossessed.
She focused inward, on her various frequencies, especially on her faeness. She picked up her most

powerfulvibrationsthatrelatedtoherfaeancestry,butnothingcametoherasdifferent,special,oreven
particularlypowerful.

Quinlaninchedtowardthetopofhershield,barelythreefeetawaynow.
Batya’shearthammeredinchest.
Oncemore,sheexploredwhatlayinsideher,thevisionarypower,sotypicalofthefae,butwhichhad

translated to her paintings, her healing power, her battle frequency, but nothing surged even a little to
showhertheway.

Herfather’swordscametomind,hispartingthoughtsaboutexploringherattractiontoQuinlanaswell

asherheritage.

Henry flew high in the air, along with a force of four powerful trolls. They created a kind of flotilla

aboveQuinlanandLorelei,trappingthembeneaththeupperlayeroftheshield.

They’d stopped the upward rise, at least for a moment. But once again, Margetta’s power rolled

through,passingbeyondtheshieldintheformofagreatwind,andthetrollsblewtowardthesouth,like
dryfallleaves.

Nothingseemedtobeworking.
She closed her eyes, setting her attention on her heritage, the entire breadth of it, all the years that

Davidohadraisedher,caredforher,givenherhistrollwisdom.

Davidohadbeenarockinherlife,trollthathewas,sodifferentfromherfaeness.
Yetshewasparttroll.
Her eyes popped wide. She might be essentially and genetically fae, but every species passed along

recessivequalitieshereandthere,likebrightrocksforcingastreamtoflowaroundthem.

Sheturnedinsideoncemore,onlythistime,sheplantedherthoughtsonDavido,onthemysteriesthat

hadsurroundedthisstrangetimewithQuinlan,onthearrivalofMargettawhohadbeenstunnedtofind
Quinlaninthegallery.

Quinlanwasthetrueanomalyinthissituation.MargettawouldhaveknowntoexpectBatyaatherown

gallery,butsomehow,inallherpreparations,shehadn’tpredictedQuinlan’spresence.

Her mind began to work in a way that resembled her father, with a kind of instinctive troll-like

precisionthatflowedfromonethoughttothenexteasily.Herfaenesswasallswirls,magic,andlight,but
thismorerationalpartofheremergedwithakindofnumericalprecision.

Sheletthefrequencyflow,ofinstinctsandcalculation.
She stared up at Quinlan and stretched her vision to see him more clearly. He was only a foot away

fromthetopoftheshield.SweatpoureddownhisfaceandLoreleiwept.

Quinlan,shepathedtohim.
Gotanyideas?
One.Youhavethepowertodothis.
NotthatI’venoticed.

*********

QuinlanfeltsomethingnewemanatingfromBatya,somethingunexpected.Atfirst,hedidn’trecognize

whatitwas,thenherealizedherwordscarriedthefeelofherfather,ofDavido.

HekeptuphispressureonholdingLoreleiawayfromBatya’sshield,nowinchesaway,butatthesame

timehefocusedonBatya,onthenewvibrationflowingintohim.WhatshouldIdo?

Idon’tknow,Quinlan,exceptthatit’simportantrightnowthatyouthinkcreatively,outside-the-box.
Healmostlaughed.He’dneverbeenacreativetype.Helikedmapswhereeverythingwaslaidoutfor

him. He made war, organized scouting forays, ruled a realm. He even managed the politicking of the
various town and city mayors fairly well. But what he didn’t do was conjure up new and intriguing
methodsofdoinganything.

Sowhatcouldhepossiblycontributetothissituationotherthanhisbrutestrength,whichhadfailedhim

atBatya’sgalleryandwhichwasfailinghimnow?

He cursed beneath his breath, but Batya’s trollish stream flowed stronger now, as though gaining

substanceaseachsecondpassed.Quinlan,thinkopposites.Ifyourstrengthcan’tbeatMargetta,maybe
somethingelsecan,somethingyou’vekepthiddenfromyourselfinthesamewayIdidn’tknowIhad
myfather’sinstincts.

QuinlanopenedhimselfuptoBatya’sfrequency.Tellmemore.
There’samysteryhere.HowcanMargettareachLoreleithroughmyenthrallmentshield?Exceptfor

thewindshecanemploy,whydoesn’tshejustattackyou?MaybeLoreleineedstobeadifferentkind
offocus.

Hehadnoideawhatshemeant,butheheardLoreleigaspingforair.Withonlyhalfafootseparating

themfromthetopshield,hewassqueezingthelifeoutofthewomanhewastryingtoprotect.

“Sorry, Lorelei.” He eased up on his hold and for some reason, Margetta lost her grip and he and

Loreleidroppedthreefeetintheair.

ButthemomenthebeganfightingMargetta’sholdonLorelei,helosthisadvantageandstartedrising

towardtheshieldoncemore.

Batya’svoiceoncemoreenteredhismind.Tellmewhathappened.
Quinlandidn’thesitate,butrelayedthesequenceofevents.
ThefocusmustinvolveLoreleisomehow.
Anewstrategyemergedlikelightningandheknewwhattodo,maybebecauseBatyastreamedhernew

energytowardhim,ormaybehe’dfinallyhadanewthought.Batya,trainallyourattentiononLorelei
andI’lldothesame.Usethisnewtrollnessonher.

Yougotit.
Herquickaffirmativeresponsestunnedhimbecauseitwasveryun-Batya-like.
WhenhefeltherattentionshifttoLorelei,almostatthesamemoment,Margetta’sholdbegantorelease.

Andassoonasheletgoofhisphysicalbattlingofthesituation,andevenloosenedhisgriponLorelei,
thedescentbegan.

“What’shappening?”Lorelei’sdoeeyeshadastartledappearance.
“Changeofstrategy,anddamntheelf-lords,butitseemstobeworking.”
Loreleiglancedup.“Itis.We’refifteenfeetawayfromtheshieldnow,atleast.ThanktheGoddess.”
He’dbeenawarriorlongenoughtounderstandthathecouldn’tletuprightnow,thathehadtokeephis

attentiononLoreleiherselfandnotdriftbackintofightingmodeagain.Apparently,inthatstate,Margetta
couldeasilyoverpowerhim,butnotifhewassimplylookingatLoreleiandhelpinghertofloatbackto
earth.

Themoment,shetouchedbackdown,Margetta’spowerbrokecompletely.
BatyaslidherarmaroundLorelei’swaist.“Wehaveyou.”
QuinlanreleasedLoreleiaswell.
Henryflewinclose.“She’suptosomethingnew.Doyoufeelthat?”
“Oh,God,”Batyamurmured.“She’srevvingupherbattlefrequency.”
Henryglancedaround.“She’llfryusall.”
QuinlanmetBatya’swideeyes.Anymoreideas,Cha?
Sheshookherhead.“Haven’tgotaclue.”
QuinlanwasabouttoaskHenryforhistakeonthings,butLoreleiturnedtoBatya.“Lettheforestspeak

to you. I’ve been thinking about the effect the forest had on you and I have a feeling it was trying to
communicate.Haven’tyoufeltitaswell,thattheDeadForestisn’treallydeadatall?”

*********

Batyaturninthedirectionoftheancientfae.Sheonlyhadsecondstochangewhatwasabouttohappen.
Glancingupatthesky,sheletgoofherfearsthenglancedatQuinlan.“Getmeupthere.”

“You’vegotit.”
“ButbringLoreleiaswell.”
HegatheredupBatyainhisrightarmandLoreleiinhisleft,thenheadedskywardattopspeed.
Batyaclosedhereyesagainstthesuddenrushofwind,butassoonasQuinlanbreachedthetopsofthe

trees, the maddening cacophony began, like a thousand voices all at once, shouting over each other, all
tryingtotalktoher.

Asshehadearlier,though,shesetasideherfaenessandbroughtforwardDavido’sdaughter,andthe

trollpartsofherthatmightjustbeabletomakesenseofthesituation.

Shegaveherselfthesameadviceshe’dgivenQuinlan.Shestoppedtryingtofightagainstthesoundand

instead let it flow through her, a steady stream that soon softened and became an incredible internal
melody.

HervisionalteredatthesametimeandassheglancedaroundshesawtheDeadForestwithneweyes,

asavastseaofiridescentleaves,glimmeringinbluesandgreen,yellowsandpurples.“It’ssobeautiful.”

Loreleiwhispered.“She’shere,justbeyondyourshield.”
BatyaturnedtofaceMargettaassherosehighintheairalso.Herlipsdrewbackinasnarlandher

voicesoundedrough.“IfIcan’thaveher,noonecan.”

Sheextendedbotharmsandherpowerblastedtowardthem.
Batyahadonlyasplitsecond,sofromdeepwithin,thatpartthatcommunedwiththeDeadForest,she

beggedtheextraordinaryentityforhelp.

Just as Margetta’s power reached them in a searing edge of fire, from beneath Batya’s feet an

answering cool wave, of enormous power, rose up from the Dead Forest and swept in Margetta’s
direction.

Theprofoundwavegatheredtheancientfaeup,aswellasherforceofInvictuswraith-pairs,andswept

themallaway.Withinseconds,theywerenothingmorethanaspeckinthesky.Anothersplit-second,and
theyweregone.

Quinlandroppedthemalmostimmediatelybacktoearthandstartedissuingorderstosendoutpatrols

tofindoutwheretheancientfaeandhertroopshadgone.ButBatyalaidahandonhisarm.“Letmeseeif
Icanfindout.”

Quinlanraisedhisarm.“Hold!”Thentheentirebrigadestoppedallactivity.
Sheclosedhereyesandwithdrewtheenthrallmentshield.Sheopeneduphertrollsensorsandfocused

onthechatterofthetreesaroundher.

The vibration from the Dead Forest became a long string of sensations, but eventually shaped

themselvesintowordsthatmadesensetoBatya.Shetranslatedfortheforest.“Theeviloneshavebeen
sent hundreds of miles from here, over the western realm ocean, Maris Sol. It will take them hours to
reachland.We’resafetoproceedtoFerrendenPeace.”

Acheerwentupfromthetrollbrigade,fromLoreleiandfromQuinlan.
Aportionofthebrigadewentdownthebacktrailtogathertheremainsofthosetrollswhohaddiedin

thefireattacks.TherestresumedthetreknortheasttowardtheSnowfieldsofRayne,andFerrendenPeace
beyond.

*********

QuinlanheldBatyaagainsthim,herheadrestingonhisshoulder.Shelaylimpinhisarms,asleepwhile

hemovedthembothmileaftermile,throughtheincreasinglyfrigidnightair.

Herpeacefulslumbersgavehimalotoftimetothink.Withhervibrationsstowed,hewasmorehimself

thanhe’dbeenoverthepastseveraldays.

Yet he felt restless and uneasy, not because he thought Margetta might suddenly reappear around the

nextswitchback,butbecausehefeltchanged.

He’dfinallyrealizedsomethingcritical,thoughhehadn’tyetmentionedittoBatya,buthisstomachno

longercrampedasithadforcenturies.Thestateofchronicbloodstarvationforeverymastyrvampire,
hadbeenhispainfulcompanionfromthetimethathe’darrivedatmastyrstatus.LikeEthanandmostof
themastyrs,hekeptastableofdoneusestotakecareofhisbloodneeds.He’dneededconstantdonations,
sometimesmorethanonceanightwhenbattlingtheInvictus,

Andinallthosedecades,yearafteryear,witharegularchangingofhisdoneusesasonecenturymoved

intothenext,he’dneverbeenwithoutthecrampinginhisstomach.

Untilnow.
Batya’sbloodhadsatisfiedhim,nourishedhim,anderadicatedwhathadbeenhorriblypainfulformost

ofhisadultlife.

Tohisknowledge,thisextraordinaryexperiencehadonlyhappenedtotwoothermastyrvampiresinall

theNineRealms,MastyrGerrodofMerhaineRealmandEthanofBergisson.

SweetGoddess,ifeverythingheunderstoodwascorrect,thenBatyawasabloodrose,hisbloodrose.
Whichatleastexplainedwhyhe’dbeenunabletostayawayfromher.
Onsomelevel,hemusthaveknown.Ethanhadtalkedabouthisexperienceatlength,abouthiserratic

behavior,hiscravingforhiswoman,hisneedtoprotectSamanthaasthoughhisownlifedependedonher
survival.QuinlanhadalsobeendrawntoSamanthatothepointthatheandEthanhadessentiallyfought
overherintheBergissonGuildhall.

ButifBatyawashisbloodrose,thenwhyhadn’theunderstooditsooner?Ormaybehehad,buthejust

hadn’tbeenabletofacethetruthuntilnow.

SweetGoddess,abloodrose.Andhisstomachdidn’thurt.
Butwhatthehellwashesupposedtodowithher?Hedidn’texactlyrespectherlifechoicessinceshe

livedasanex-patandhadnodesiretoreturntoGrochaireRealm.Inhisview,realm-folkshouldhavea
commitmenttotheirhomelandaboveeverythingelse,includingfamilyandpersonalhappiness.

He’dlivedbythesevalues,sooppositetowhatBatyahelddear.Althoughhedidgivehercreditfor

seeingtothewell-beingofrealm-folkinLebanon.Shewasn’taselfishperson,justbadlymisguided.

Butwhatwashesupposedtodowithher?
Hehadnoroominhislifeforarelationshipwithawoman,anywoman,evenifsheprovedtobehis

bloodrose.MaybehecouldvisitheroccasionallyinLebanon,maybeshe’dbewillingtobecomeoneof
hisdoneuses.Yes,thatmadesense.

Withthatmuchsettled,hepulledhercloser.Theairhadgrownfreezingcold,butheproducedalotof

heatwhichhehopedkeptherbodytempatareasonablelevel.

Whenheroundedawidebendinthemountainrange,suddenlyavistaopenedupbeforehim,something

he’donlyreadaboutinancientfables,theSnowfieldsofRayne.

Batya,wakeup.Youhavetoseethis.
Hmmm?
Sheliftedherheadanddrewinasoftgasp.“Oh,myGod.”
Heslowedhisspeedandonebyonethetrollbrigade,withLorelei,spreadoutinasinglelinetoeither

sideofhim.

Asoft,exquisitelayerofsnow,asfarastheeyecouldsee,rolledoutbeforehim,unbrokenbytreesor

shrubs.Thenamemadeperfectsense.Intheglowofhisnightvision,thesnowsparkledbeneathablack,
star-studdedsky.Butitwasn’tjustthespectacularvisualsight,buttheessentialpowerthatemanatedfrom
thefield.

“Doyoufeelit,mastyr?”Henrylevitatedbesidehim,headerect,eyesnarrowed.
“Yes,aflowofpowerlikenothingI’vefeltbefore.”
“Whatdoyouthinkthesourceis?”
Quinlanshookhishead.“Ihavenoidea.”

“Okay,sowhichwaytoFerrendenPeace?”
Without even having to think about it, as though the map lived in him now, he pivoted slightly facing

northeast.“Thatway.”

“CanyoureachMastyrSeth?IfMargettafindsusagain,itwouldhelptohavereinforcements.”
“Goodquestion.”HedroppedtothesnowandsetBatyadown,waitingforhertofindherfooting.
Her booted feet sunk just a few inches through a delicate crust with soft powder below. She leaned

downandranherhandsoverthesurface.Sheevenchuckled,likeshewasamusedanddelightedatthe
sametime.

Whatdoyoufeel,Cha?Heneededtoknow.Batya,likeLorelei,hadanunusualconnectiontotheland.

Maybethesnowfieldwouldspeaktoheraswell.

She rose up and met his gaze. I’m just savoring this soft vibration of energy. It’s lovely, even

beautiful.Untouched.

Hefeltitaswell,thatrealm-folkhadnotwalkedinthislandforalongtime.
He withdrew his cell from the pocket of his leathers and found he had enough bars. Dialing, he was

relievedwhenSethpickedupimmediately.

“I’vebeenwaitingforyourcall,Quinlan.Doyouhavethewoman?”
“Yes. The ancient fae gave us quite a bit of trouble and we’ve lost some warriors from my troll

brigade.”

“Very sorry to hear it.” Seth spoke in a soft, clipped, careful manner. Of all the mastyrs, Seth held

himself in tight control. He was extremely disciplined and though lean as hell, he had as much muscle
massasQuinlan.Thevampireworkedoutwithapassionanditshowed.

Healsohadanorganizedmindthatfunctionedlikeacomputer,alwaysanalyzing.Andhehadoneofthe

largestdoneusesstablesinalltheNineRealmsandfedtwiceaday,rainorshine.Healsohadsecrets.
Somesaidhekilledhisbrotherinarageoverathousandyearsago.Ofcourse,fewstilllivedwhocould
corroboratethestoryonewayortheother.Maybehissenseofdisciplinecamefromkeepingavolatile
temperincheck.

Whateverthecase,QuinlantrustedSethwithhislife.Hegavehimarundownofallthathadhappened

and that he now stood on the edge of the snowfields. “By my calculations, we’re fifty miles from
FerrendenPeace.Doyouhaveyourmapwithyou?Haveyouseentheenthrallmentoverthisregionroll
back?”

“Ihave.Stunning.Impressive.IhavehalfmyGuardwithmeandwekeepadvancinginanorthwesterly

direction, according to your instructions. We’ve hit an exquisite light display in the sky, similar to the
earth’snorthernlights.Doyouseeanythinglikethatfromyourvantagepoint?”

“No,butIsuspectithassomethingtodowiththepowerthisfieldradiates.IwishIunderstoodmore

aboutourmyths.I’llbettheanswerstothesephenomenashowupinouroraltraditions.”

“You’reprobablyright.So,what’syourplan?”
“To keep moving in the direction imprinted in my mind until we meet up. Just keep an eye on your

map.”

“Willdo.”
Whenhereturnedhiscelltohispocket,hesawBatyashiver.Withoutgivingitamoment’sthought,he

pulledherintohisarmsthencalledforhersatchel.Assoonasshewasbundledupinawarmcoat,he
orderedthebrigadetomoveon.

Heroseintotheair,thebrigadewithhim,andstartedacrossthevastSnowfieldofRayne.

*********

Withherheadcoveredinawarm,furryhood,BatyasavoredtheviewasQuinlanflewhermileafter

mileacrossthesnowfields.Thevibrationssoothedherandmadehersmile,evenasthelandslopedever

downwardandthesnowbegantoshowmorerocksandshrubs.

Sherealizedshe’dneverbeensohappyinherentirelife,athoughtthatstartledherbecauseitmadeno

sense.Afterall,she’djustbeenthroughaseriesofharrowingexperiences,includingcommuningwiththe
Dead Forest and watching Margetta and her force get blown clear across Grochaire Realm, over five
hundred miles and then some. Yet, she felt content as though she belonged here, in Quinlan’s arms,
speedingaboveawhiteexpansethatglitteredlikediamonds,towardanunknowndestination.

Howwasthisevenpossible,firstthatshewashereandsecondly,thatshewascontent?
She’d always preferred her independent, self-ordained path to anything so full of realm meaning and

purpose.Yethereshewasflyingtowardaplacefromherworld’smythscalled,FerrendenPeace,aland
supposedlyruledbyabenevolentandveryancientvirginqueen.

Shewonderedsuddenlyifthatwasexactlywhattheywouldfindoncetheyarrived,astrangekingdom

ruledbyawoman,alsoknowntobeanancientfaecalledRosamunde.

After another hour in the air, Quinlan drew his phone carefully from his pocket, a movement Batya

sensed.Hecouldeasilyupsettheirtrajectoryatthisspeedwithajerkofhiswrist.

He’d already called Mastyr Seth twice before, each time checking to make sure that the enthrallment

keptrollingbacksothatSethandhisGuardsmenwouldarriveatnearlythesametimetheydid.

Quinlanslidhisphonebackintohispantspocket.We’regettingclose,Cha.Sethhashismapinfront

ofhim.HesaysthemaprevealstheborderofFerrendenPeace.Healsosaidthatanotherplacename
hasappeared,theKingdomofPeace.

Nokidding.Thenshefeltit,awaveofsensationthatbroughtherbreathupshort.Igetit.Shelaughed.
Whatisit?Headjustedheragaininthecircleofhisrightarm,stillholdinghertight.
FerrendenPeaceandKingdomofPeace.Ithinkourlanguagechangedthenameovertheyears.
Quinlansmiledaswell.Youmayberight.
And I’m experiencing a new vibration, something euphoric and I think it’s coming from the town

itself.Youshouldslowdownnow.We’relessthanamileaway.

Iseeit.Awallofsomekind.Mistmaybe.
Right,butthetownbeyondislovely,thestreetsrisingtothecrestofahill,thecastleontop.Sweet

Goddess,thisisafairytale.

AllIseeisthewall.Hesloweddownandafteranotherquartermile,cametoastop,droppingtostand

onacobbledstreetlinedwithtreesandgrass.“Isthistheentrance?”

Shedidn’trespondatfirst.Somanysensationsstruckheratonce,ofaweandofgreatcontentment,and

ofsomethinglikecominghome.

Finally, she answered his question. “Yes, we’ve arrived. The gates are right in front of us, not thirty

yardsaway.” She steppedout of thecircle of his armsand advanced forward,Quinlan moving to walk
besideher.

“Guards,” she called out to the two men posted at either side of the massive, black spiral gate. She

sensedthepowerofthewroughtiron,thatthegateinonesensewaspurelyornamental.Themistwould
holdintrudersout.NoonesimplyflewoverthegateintoFerrendenPeace.Admittancemustbegranted.

“Yes,Mistress.HowmayIhelpyouthisfineOctoberday?”Shesmiledbecausehesoundedlikeher

father.Davidooftenusedexpressionsjustlikethat.TheGuardsmenworeauniformsimilartoQuinlan,
exceptwithablackleatherberetangledovertheirheads.

“Werequestentrance.IamBatya,siredbyDavido,TheGreatOne,andthisisMastyrQuinlan,rulerof

GrochaireRealm.”

Atherwords,themistrolledawayfromthegateandasoftexclamationroseupfromthebrigaderanks

becausenowthekingdomwasvisibletoeveryone.

“Youarewelcometoenter,MistressBatya.Indeed,youareexpected.QueenRosamundegivesyouand

yourentourage,fullaccesstoourtown.”

Her first instinct was to explain that Quinlan and his Troll Brigade were hardly her entourage, but

Quinlangaveherarmasqueeze,thenthankedtheGuardsman.

Thegateopenedwide.
Oncetheentireforcewasinsidethecitygates,sheglancedbackandwatchedasthemistandgateboth

closedbackup.

QuinlanexplainedthatMastyrSethwouldbearrivingsoon.
TheGuardsmannodded.“Wearefullyinformed.Thequeenhasforeseenyourvisitandallisprepared.

MastyrSethwilljoinyouatthecastleinduecourse.Inthemeantime,acceptthequeen’shospitality.The
MistressoftheHallisheretosettleallofyouinproperchambersforthenight.”

Atallfae,inflight,introducedherselfasGizelda,hereaseintheairgivingBatyaapangofenvy.She

explainedthatshehadmadearrangementstohome-hosttheentirebrigadeandthattheladiesandQuinlan
wouldbestayingatthecastle.“Ifthatpleasesyou,MastyrQuinlan.”

“Verymuchso,thankyou.”
“Thenfollowmethroughthetownandwhenwearenearlyatthecastle,I’lldirectthebrigadeintothe

handsofmyassistant,Myra.”

OnceQuinlanhadtheminflight,followingtheelegantGizeldaupthemainstreet,Batyashookherhead

over and over. Many of the realm-folk waved to them as they passed by. Flower baskets hung from
beautiful black light standards, set at twenty feet intervals. Blue shutters hung beside most of the
windows.

At an intersection, a cheering group of troll females, many with low-cut tops, waved and screamed.

Thecheersbecamearoarasthebrigademovedby.

BatyaturnedslightlyinQuinlan’sarmstowatchaseachGuardsmansmiledandpuffedouthischesta

littlemore,spearsintheair.Henrysalutedthewomen,whichcausedanotherswiftburstofshouting.

“We’re definitely expected,” she said quietly. “Those women are dressed to kill and I don’t think

they’reworkinggirls.”

Becauseshewaslookingbehindher,shemetLorelei’sgazeandherfriendsmiled,tearsinhereyes.

Batyahadbeensocaughtupinherownexperiencethatshehadn’trealizedwhatcomingherewouldmean
forthewomanMargettahadbeenpursuingfordecades.

“You’refree,”shecalledbacktoher.
Loreleiinclinedherhead.“Freeatlast.”

ChapterNine

Quinlanstoodbythewindowintheroomassignedtohim.SomesmartfaeforesighthadassignedBatya

theadjoiningbedchamber.Sheshoweredwhilehetowel-driedhislonghair.

The queen had already provided a meal, so they’d eaten, but Gizelda had made it clear Rosamunde

wouldn’tbereceivinganyoneuntilthenextevening,whichwasjustaswell.

He felt like he’d been battling and marching for a week and a vibration up both arms told him he

neededtofeedsoon.He’dspentalotofenergyflyingBatyatoFerrendenPeace,knowntothelocalsas
theKingdomofPeace.

Hestillcouldn’tbelievehewashere.
FerrendenPeace
But dawn wasn’t too far off. He could feel that vibration as well, the warning tingle up his spine,

tellingallvampirestoseekshelter.Hesometimeswonderedhowhisancestorssurvivedwithoutmodern
buildingmaterials.

Caves,probably.
Herecalledoneofhisdoneusesreadingsomekindofnovelrecently,aromance,wherethevampires

livedincavesanddidsomecrazystuffwithchains.

Nocavernsinhisworld,justavarietyofrealm-folkneedinghisprotectionagainsttheenemy.
Heheardtherevelers.Thelongwindowfacedthemainthoroughfare,andevenatthatdistancehecould

heartheshoutingandlaughter.Henryandhismenneededthistimetoletthingsgo.They’dbemourning
thelossoftheirfellowwarriorswhenthenexteveningbroke.Henryalreadyhadabriefmemorialservice
planned for the fallen. Later, when the brigade returned to Grochaire, proper remembrance services
wouldbetakencareofbythefamilies.

Fornow,gettingdrunkandwell-laidwouldgoalongwaytohealingthewarriors.
“You’resurethinkinghard.I’veheardyousighatleastadozentimes.”
HeturnedtofindBatyabacklitbythelightfromherbedroom,whichhadthehappyeffectofshowing

the outline of her womanly figure through the thin fabric of the nightgown she wore. Ferrenden Peace’s
weather,nowthatthey’dleftthesnowbehind,wasrelativelymildandthecastlecomfortable.

Thequeenhadprovidedthemwithclothing.Heworeasimple,butverysoft,darkbluevelvetrobe.
He set the towel on the stone window sill, then crossed to Batya. She’d dried her long hair and it

smelledsweetlikeberriesashepulledherintohisarms.

Shepushedunderneathhisrobeuntilherarmsflowedaroundhisback.
You’rehungry.
Yes,Ineedsustenance,butrightnowIneedyoumore.
Shehuggedhim,thenloweredherhandstocaressandfondlehisass.Hiscockloveditandstiffened

forher.

She kissed his neck, her lips plucking at his skin, up and up, over his jaw-line to finally land on his

mouth.

Hecrasheddownonher,kissingherhard,holdinghertightlytohim.Sheslidonehandoverhiswaist

thenhiship.Hegaveherjustenoughroomtoreachhim,herfingersslidingaroundhisstalk,anewkindof
caress.

Hedrewbackandlookedintoherlarge,hazeleyes.Shewassobeautiful,especiallyinthesoftglow

hisvampirevisionyieldedrightnow.Emotionswelledinhischest,somethingunfamiliar,yetpowerful.
Hefeltstrangelylikeheneededtosaysomethingimportanttoher,maybeeventothankherforbeingso
strongoverthepastfewdays.

Instead,hekissedheragainandletallthatfeelingsweepthroughhim.Herbodyresponded,trembling.
After a moment, he picked her up and carried her to the bed. Holding her in one arm, he pulled the

coversbackthenlaidheroutonthesheets.Herthick,blondhairfannedoutonthepillows,justashe’d
alwaysimagineditwould.

Hisgazedriftedtoherlargebreastsandthethreesimplebowsthatheldthegauzygowntogether.He

stretchedoutbesideherandthroughthefabricfondledherbreasts,teasingeachtipintoaswollenfirm
bud.

Hedippeddownandtookherrightbreastinhismouth,suckingatherthroughthefabric.Shemoanedas

shestrokedhishead,hischeek,andplayedwithhislipswhileheworkedhernipple.

“Ittakessolittle,”shewhispered.“It’sneverbeenlikethis,Quin,notwithanyman.Youtakemetothe

edgeinlightningspeed.”

Unwilling to stop savoring her breast, he pathed, I love nursing on you. He lifted his gaze while he

suckled,tomeetherwidehazeleyes,nowdarkwithpassion.

Thescentofhersex,richwithhertropical-flowerfragrance,hardenedhimevenmore.Hearchedhis

hipsintoher,pressinghiscockagainstherthigh.

She pushed away his robe, her fingers kneading his shoulders and arms, then finding his pecs and

rubbingoverhisnipples.Hermoansgrewlouder.

He released her nipple as well, and helped her out of the gown then resumed savoring her breasts,

fondling the size of her, the wonderful weight of each, enjoying her moans and coos and the way she
workedthemusclesofhisarms.

Heflexedhisbicepsforheroverandoverwhichkeptherhipsrisingandfalling.
Driftingahandoverherabdomen,helovedhersoftgaspsandthewayherbodyjerkedathistouch,as

thoughhisfingertipsburnedher.

Lowerhecrept.Onlythistimehemassagedabovehermoundandacrossherpelvis.Shebreathedin

deepgulps.Takingmoreofherbreastinhismouth,hesuckedharder.

Hercoosturnedtocriesashesmoothedahandoverhermound.Spreadforme.
Batyaresponded,easingherlegsapart.Hislipstrembledoverherbreastashisfingerssliddownward

andfoundhowwetshewas.Hegroanedheavilyasheplayedwithhersoftfolds,justtofeelherandto
enjoyher.

Shemoanedagain,herhipsrisingandfalling,pushingintohishand.Heslidtwofingersinsideandhis

cockjerked,wantingtobeexactlywherehisfingerswere.Heslidinandout,sucklinghernipplewiththe
samerhythmthatheusedbetweenherlegs.

Herbackarched,herbodyrolled.
“I’minagony.”Hervoicesoundedhoarse.
Hemoanedashemovedhisfingersfasterandfaster.Hefeltherbodytense,onehanddiggingintohis

neck,andtheotherintohisshoulder.

A series of cries left her throat, then she shouted. He sustained the drive of his fingers as her body

writhed and she cried out over and over. He felt her coming with strong spasms. He experienced her
pleasureaswell,likeasecondskin.

Whenherbodyeasedbackonthebed,andherbreathingsettleddown,hewithdrewhisfingers,wiping

themontherobehe’dtakenoffher.

“Thatwaswonderful.”
Heroseupontohiselbowtolookather,atherflushedcheeksandswollenlips.Hekissedher.“We’ve

juststarted.”

Shenodded,thenasoftsmilespreadoverherlips.“Iknow.It’soneofthethingsIlikebestaboutyou.”
Hesmiledaswellandagainhischestfilledwithanunrecognizableemotion,somethingthatthreatened

tobustthroughhisribcage.

“Whatisit?”Sherestedahandbetweenhispecs.“Youlooklikeyouwanttosaysomething.”
Heshookhishead.“No.I’mjust,Idon’tknow,gratefultobealive,maybe.Hell,Ishouldhavedied

severaltimesoutthere.”

Shehuffedasigh.“Iknow.Ifeelthesameway.”
Hewonderedifheshouldtellherthathesuspectedshewasabloodrose.Butsomehowthemoment

didn’t seem right, mostly because he knew she wouldn’t be happy about that on any level, so he let it
slide.

*********

Batya let her gaze feast on Quinlan, on his dark, almost black eyes, his powerful cheekbones that

looked chiseled from granite, his thick, straight, black brows that made him appear so serious and
determined all the time, and the super sexy crooked line of his nose. Somehow, that imperfection made
himperfect,almosttoobeautifultolookat.

Yet,shecouldn’tlookaway.Shetracedthelineofhischeekwiththetipofherfinger,thenfollowed

each of his features, memorizing them perhaps because soon their strange adventure would come to an
end.

She drifted her fingertip down his neck, then lower to smooth a hand over his thick pecs. He had an

elegantbody,avampirewarrior’sbody,strongandfit,lethalinitsabilitytoslaytheenemy.Sheknew
there resided within his soul a sense of unworthiness, which she now understood. He’d grown up in a
brutal home that had ended with the deaths of both parents on the same night. And he’d never truly
forgivenhimselfforwhathappened,thathe’dbeenunabletosavehismotherandthathisviolentoutburst
againsthisfatherhadledtohisdeath.

Butitseemedagreatironythatthoughhefeltthisway,undeservingoflove,hewasperhapsthemost

deservingmansheknew.

Shewantedhimtoknow,butdoubtedwordswouldmakeadifferencesoshecoaxedhimontohisback

and,stretchedoutontopofhim,andbegantokisshim.Shetookhertime,usingslow,lingeringkissesone
aftertheother,alloverhisfaceandhisneck,lickingoverhisveinswhichcausedhimtowritheandmoan.

She scooted a little lower so that she could track the line of his collar bone with her tongue, then

descended to worship his beautiful, thick pecs one at time. She used her hands, her tongue, her lips,
kissingattimes,thennippingathim,tofinallytakeanippleinhermouthandsucklehim.

Hiscockwasahardridgeagainstherabdomenandhishipsflexedtogrindagainsther.Heheldherin

placewithhisfleshyhandscaressingherbottom.Everythingaboutthemomentfeltsorightandsogood.

Sheworkedherwaydownhisabs,usingherhandsandtongueagain,toridetheswellsanddipsofhis

stomach,thendescendedtolickherwaydownthelineofhairthatranintohistrimmedpubes.

Shetookhimintohermouth,suckinglightlybecauseshedidn’twanthimtocome,notyet.Shewanted

tobuildhimuptothemomentsothatheroaredwhilepoundingintoher.

Butshealsofeltthatturnaboutwasfairplay,sosheopeneduphermatingvibrationandwhilesheheld

himinhermouth,sheletthevibrationfloatdownhiscock.Twocoulddefinitelyplayatthatgame.

She didn’t think she’d ever forget the heavy, guttural groan that left his mouth and brought his upper

torsorisingoffthebed.

Releasinghimimmediately,shesatupandstaredathim.“DidIhurtyou?”Butshesmiled.
Heshookhishead.“I’vejust…Itwas…Oh,SweetGoddess,doitagain.”
“Areyoutellingmethatnowomanhaseverdonethisbefore?”
Heshookhishead,hisdarkeyeswide.“Notevenalittle.ImeanI’vefeltafewvibrationsbefore,but

honeyyou’vegotsomethingnooneelsecando.”

Batyafeltabsurdlyself-satisfied.“Thenliebackdownandletmetryitoncemore.”
He panted and moaned as she drew him again into her mouth. She took her time and let the moment

build,finallyreleasingthesamevibrationsothatitfloweddownhiscock.

Hedidn’tliftoffthebed,buthisbackarchedandhegroanedlikeabearinpain.Itwasanawesome

sound.

Shedidn’tdarekeepitup,however,orhe’dcometoosoon.
Soshereleasedhimgently,andusingherpalm,shemadeapathbackuphisabdomenandmethisgaze.

Shekissedhisnose.“Ilovethiscurve.”

“It’salwaysbuggedme.”
“It’smonumentallysexy.”
He laughed, then teased her left nipple with the crook of his finger. “I love being here like this with

you.Iknewwe’dbegoodtogether,butitfeelslikemorethanthat.”

“Ithinkwebondedoverthetraumaofthelasttwodays.”
Hesmiledagain,thenleanedupandkissedher,rollingherontoherback.Shethoughthe’dattackher

breastsagain,becauseshewasstackedandsheknewhelikedthewayshelooked.

Instead,hekneltbesideherandlethisgazeroveherbody,headtofoot,everyinch,maybememorizing

herthewayshe’ddoneearlier.

She didn’t say anything but waited and somehow she wasn’t surprised when, using his left hand, he

begancaressingherface,slidinghisfingersdownherneckandincareful,gentleswipes,back-and-forth,
hemappedher.He’ddonesomethingsimilarwiththemapofGrochaire,rememberingwherehe’dbeen,
andsavoringwhathe’dcometolove.

Hemovedovereachshoulder,hisgazefollowingthelineofhishandsashetouchedher,andpettedher

insoftswipes.Hecontinuedoverherbreasts,herstomach,herwaist,herhipsandmound,thendownher
legsallthewaytoheranklesandfeet.Heleftnopartofheruntouched.

Whenhe’ddonethefront,heturnedheroverandbeganfromthesolesofherfeet,andworkedupward.
Histouchwasfirm,warmandgentle,morelikewhohewasdeepinhisheartthanwhohebelieved

himselftobe.

Shespreadherarmsstraightoutsothathecouldreacheverypartofher.Bythetimehewasdone,she

feltknownasshe’dneverbeenknownbefore.

Sherolledontoherbackoncemoreandlookedupathim.Heseemedawestruckashestaredintoher

eyes.“Whatisit?”

Heshookhishead.“Idon’tknow.Youconfusethehelloutofme.”
Shenodded.“Iknowwhatyoumean.Ireallydo.Butthere’sonethingIknowforsure.”Sheslowly

sweptherhairawayfromtherightsideofherneck.

“What’sthat?”Buthisgazesettledonherthroat.
“Takewhatbelongstoyou,Quin.Takeitnow.”

*********

Quinlan was fully erect and now his heart pounded. He hadn’t realized how much he needed to feed

untilshe’dexposedherthroat.Hisvisionfocusedonherneck,narrowingandsharpening,untilhesawher
beatingpulse.

“Myheartfeelsweightedwithwhatyouneed.”
Again,hewonderedifheshouldspeaktoheraboutbeingabloodrose,butchoseagainstit.
He moved between her parted legs, and using his hand, he positioned himself at her opening. He

wantedtocomelikethis,fillingherupwhilehetookherlife’sbloodintohismouth.

Her moisture flowed over the tip of his cock as he pressed into her. She gripped his shoulders with

bothhands.“Oh,Quinlan.Thatfeelswonderful.”Herhandsrubbedupanddownhisarmsandoverhis
back.Shetookpleasureinhisbodyandthatpleasedthehelloutofhim.

Heheldhergaze,willinghertolookathimwhilehepushedinsideandjoinedhisbodytohersinthe

age-oldunionthatmademanandwomanonebeing.

Shewrappedherlonglegsaroundhisassandhearchedhiships,lettingherfeelallthathewasand

savoringhowtightlysheheldhiminsideherbody.

Herlipspartedassheworkedtodrawbreath.Heleanedoverherthrusting,thenkissedher.Sherolled

herheadsothathecouldseeherneck.Helickedinalonglinefromthebaseofherthroatalmosttoher
ear.

Hefeltherpulse,theheavybeatingofherheartandhesmelledherbloodnow,anothersignthatshe

wasmorethansheunderstoodherselftobe.Helookeddownatherbreasts,risingandfallingasherbody
movedandwrithedunderhim.

Hisfangsdescended,growinglongerassalivaflowed,anticipatingthefeast.
Hepausedinhismovementsandgathereduphishair,twistingit,thenshovingitbehindhisback.He

didn’twantanythingtointerferewiththismoment.

“Doit,Quinlan.”Herbodytightenedaroundhiscockashedrewnearherthroat.
Hebitdownonce,lethisfangsretract,thensettledinforthebestsuckofhislife.
He couldn’t explain why this moment was different from before, but it was, maybe because of all

they’dbeenthrough.Heworkedhishipsatthesametime,movinginandoutofherslowly,lettingherfeel
himwhilehedrankdownherelixirthattastedofheadytropicalflowers.

Powerflowedintohimatthesametime,sodifferentfromhisregulardoneuses,thatwhichhe’dbeen

needingfromthetimeheattainedmastyrstatus.Asthebloodreachedhisstomachandbegantofeedhim
andnourishhisbody,hismusclesstrengthened.Akindofeuphoriaworkedinhimatthesametime,telling
himthatheneededtodothisagainandagain,therestofhislong-livedlife.

Buthewouldn’tthinkaboutthat.Instead,hesavoredthetasteofher.Somethinghe’dwantedfromthe

beginning.

Shecriedout,enjoyingtheexperienceasmuchashe.
Batya,I…Healmosttoldherlovedher.
I know, it’s too much isn’t it? This much pleasure? Sweet Goddess, Quinlan, your cock is

unbelievableandchillskeepracingupanddownmybody.

I’mgoingtoaddtothat.
Shegasped.Shemusthaveguessed.
Ashecontinuedtosuck,andtorollhiships,helethismatingfrequencyrelease,justasmallvibration

atfirst.

Batya groaned. “Oh, Quinlan. Heaven. Just heaven. And you smell of wood-smoke.” Her voice was

hushedwithpassion.

Hereachedapointwhenhe’dhadhisfill,andnowhecouldtakeBatyathedistance.Onlythistimehe

wantedtorockherworldwiththevibrations.

Hereleasedherneckandwatchedherheadthrashbackandforthoverthepillow.
He drew the vibration very carefully into his groin. The sensation almost made him come, but he

wantedtodothisforher,tohavethevibrationtakeoverherinnerwell.

Hefocusedhardandbegantoreleasethevibration.
Whenshefirstfeltit,shearchedherback,whichtippedherpelvisandcreatedatightholdonhimthat

almostbroughthimovertheedgeagain.

Hetookaseriesofstrongbreathsandheldon.
“Quinlan,howthehellareyoudoingthat?Oh,MyGod.”
Hemovedslowly,focusingonherface.Heleaneddownandkissedher,smalltouchesofhislipstoher

chin,tothefaintdimplesinhercheeks,tohereyebrows.Focusingonherfeatureshelped.

Herhandsoncemoregrippedhisshoulders,thenfondledhismusclesasshesqueezedhisarms.Every

touchwasabeautifulfireonhisskin,ignitinghisdesireforher.

Heincreasedthevibration,whichpartedherlipsasacryemergedfromherthroat.
He thrust faster now and added more vibration. He watched the ecstasy building on her face. Her

fingernails sank into his shoulders and he loved it, loved that she was caught up in the experience,
savoringhisbody,hiscock,hisvibrationwhichonlyhecouldgiveher.

He became one with the vibration as pleasure built. Heat flowed through him, the power from her

bloodanchoringhismusclesintremendousstrength.Cha,lookatme.

Shestruggledtofocusonhim,herbreathinginharshgasps.Iseeyou.
Doyouwantitfaster?
She offered three small jerks of her chin, almost trembling. “Yes. Please. Faster. Vampire fast. And

Quin,yourvibration.”Hesawtearsleakfromhereyes.

Thenheunderstood.Hisvibrationhadspreadthroughhisbodyandthroughhers.Henowmingledwith

hermatingfrequencywhichlitafireinhischest.

Hethrustfasterandfaster,holdinghergaze,watchingthetearsfall,knowingthatthiswouldexplode

betweenthem.

“I’mcoming.”
Herwords,hervoice,theraptexpressiononherface,tightenedhisballsandhebegantorelease,to

firehisessenceintoherinhard,tremendouslypleasurablebursts.

He flung his head back and roared as ecstasy gripped him, flooding his body with fire, as her well

tuggedonhiminrapidsuccession,asherbodythrashedbeneathhis,ashercriesleftherthroatuntilshe
screamedwithpleasure.

Heslowed,thenfeltanotherroundrisingwithinhim.Again,Cha.
“Oh, God, Quin.” She opened her mouth and screamed once more, the vibrations flowing back and

forth, streaking through every part of him and enhancing the pleasure as his cock delivered the goods.
Anotherroarlefthim,thevampirepartofhimthatlovedbattlinganddominance.

Hesustainedthedrive,savoringeveryounceofpleasureuntilhiswoman,hisbloodrose,laybeneath

him,breathinghardandfinallycomingdownfromtheheights.

Hisvibrationeasedupandhiscockrelaxed,buthisbodystillexperiencedwavesofecstasyasthough

hisbloodkeptreleasingpleasureonpleasure.

Batyatwitchedandlaughed.“It’sthemostincredibleaftershock.”
“Likesmallerversionsofthebigshow.”
“Uh-huh.”Sheworkedhardtocatchherbreath.
He followed suit, then settled his forearms beside her. Once more, his chest filled with that strange,

inexplicable sensation and words rushed into his mouth, words he didn’t recognize, so he swallowed
them.

She pushed at damp tendrils beside his cheeks. “That was beyond extraordinary. You were right; we

aregoodtogether.”

“IknowIsaiditatthetime,butIneverdreameditwouldbelikethis.”
“Likewhat?”
“LikeifwekeptgoingwecouldsolvealltheproblemsoftheNineRealms,justthetwoofus.”
She smiled, her two faint dimples making an appearance. She had a beautiful smile so he kissed her

again.“Thankyou.”

Shenodded.“Ditto.”
After cleaning up, Quinlan cradled Batya in his arms until she fell asleep. He remained awake even

afterdawncrestedtheland.HisthoughtshadturnedtohisjourneywithBatya,tryingtounderstandwhat
wasreallyhappeningbetweenthem.

Justashiseyelidsgrewheavy,thestrange,impossiblethoughtpiercedhismind:Couldhehavealife

withher?

*********

Late that afternoon, Batya dressed for her audience with the queen in her throne room. Quinlan had

alreadyleft,needingtoconferwithSethwhohadarrivedwithacontingentoftheWalvashorrGuard.

Havingshowered,BatyadonnedthewovengownthatGizeldahadprovidedforher.FerrendenPeace

heldtoancientprotocolsandthoughQuinlancouldbepresentedinhisGuarduniform,shehadtoweara
longgownmadeoftraditionalrealmfabrics,thesamematerialthatmadeuptheGuarduniformshirts.

ManyaspectsoftheNineRealmshadremainedinpreviouscenturies,onemorereasonwhysheliked

themodernworldofTennessee.

Once dressed, she regarded her reflection in the mirror. She’d braided a portion of her hair and

wrappeditinacircleontopofherhead,alsoanancienttraditionforunmarriedwomen.She’dalready
noticedthatmanyofthewomeninthemainstreetworesomekindofhead-dress,whetherascarforahat,
indicatingtheyweremarried.

Sheaddedthesilverlinkedbeltthatgaveshapetothegownandhungataprettyangleoverherhips,

theattached,decorativechaindangling,nodoubtonpurpose,tothejunctureofherthighs.

Sheshookherheadandlaughed.Shethoughtshelookedreadyforacostumepartymorethananything

else, but these were the rules of the castle. The queen had given her shelter, and dressing in old-realm
costumeofferedinreturnasmallmeasureofgratitude.

Gizeldahadgivenherinstructionsastothelocationofthemainreceivinghall,soBatyamadeherway

therewithsomeconfidence.Twotrollguardsstoodtoeithersideofanarchedstonedoorway.Theguard
on the right informed her that Mastyr Seth was within but that Mastyr Quinlan had gone down to Main
Streettoseehisbrigadecommander.

She’dmetSethdecadesearlierwhenhehadvisitedherfather.Shehadthoughthimanoverlyserious

type,notgiventohavingfun,orenjoyinglife.

Butwhensheenteredtheroom,somethingshiftedforhersosuddenlythatshegasped,eventhoughshe

didn’texactlyknowwhy.

Hestoodontheothersideofthemassive,vaultedchamber,athumbhookedoverthecross-beltofhis

Guarduniform,hisfreehandholdingamap.Hisbrowsweredrawntogetherashestudiedwhatlooked
likeanancientrealm-document.

Buthe’dneverlookedsoattractive.Hewastall.Allthemastyrswere.
Heturnedtomeethergaze,butdidn’tsmile.Ifanything,hisbrowsformedanevenharderridgeashe

staredather.Hisnostrilsflaredandhegroaned.

Themapflutteredtothefloor.
Butshewasfeelingitaswell,aneedtogotohim,tofeedhimasshe’dfedQuinlanlastnightandfor

thepastseveraldays.

Heworehisbrownwavyhairheldbackbythewovenclasp.Hischeekbonesstoodoutlikethesharp

edgesofastatue,leadingtoastrongangledchin.Hisgreeneyeshadthelookofahawkashestaredat
her,apredatorreadytopounce.

Thetroublewas,shewantedhimtopounce.
Her heart pounded heavily in her chest once more, as it had from the time that Quinlan had started

comingaroundandbuggingher.

“Cometome.”Hisdeepvoicepulledhertowardhim.
Batya knew this was wrong, on some level she knew she betrayed Quinlan, even though neither had

spokenwordsofcommitment.Still,sheshouldn’tbelongingformastyrSethlikethis.

Sherubbedherthroat.Herveinpoundedforthevampire.
Justafewfeetmore.
He pulled her into his arms and she bent her neck. “Take what you need.” The same words she’d

spokentoQuinlan.

Shefeltsalivadriponherneck.He’dstrikesoonanditwouldfeelwonderful.Sheneededhimtofeed,

asthoughsomehowherownlifedependedonfeedingthismastyrvampire.

In that moment, she finally understood all that had happened over the past several weeks and more

importantly,exactlywhatshewas.

Abloodrose.
Oh,SweetGoddess,no.
“Whatthefuckisgoingonhere!”Quinlan’svoicerumbledthroughtheloftychamber.
MastyrSethreleasedher,settingherofftothesideandbehindherasthoughprotectingher.
Uh-oh.
Quinlanlaunched,butSethdidtoo.Thenextthingsheknew,thevampiresgrappledmidair,twoofthe

toughest mastyrs in the Nine Realms. A fist caught Quinlan on his chin, jerking his head and his body
backwardtowardthefloor,buthe’dbeenawarrioralongtimeandrightedhimself.

Flyingattop-speed,heplowedintoSethwithahardshouldertohisabdomen.Hismomentumsentboth

ofthemhurtlingtowardthetallarchedcathedralwindowthatoverlookedthetown’ssouthernaspect.

“Oh,SweetGoddess,no!”shescreamed,stretchingoutahand,buttodowhat?
Atexactlythesamemoment,shefeltarushofenergysweeppastherandbothmenendeduphangingin

theair,frozeninplace.Seth’sheadwasflungback,hisbodyalmostparalleltothefloor,Quinlanabove
him,twisted,hisfaceredwithrage,butstillasdeath.

“Imustsay,thiswasn’tthewelcomeI’dexpected.”
Batyaturnedslowlyandmetthegazeofoneofthemostbeautifulwomenshe’deverseeninherlife.

“You’reQueenRosamunde.”

“Iam.”Awrysmiletwistedherlips.Shehadexquisitedarkvioleteyes,unusualevenamongrealm-

folk, and she stood at least an inch taller than Batya. She wore her red-violet hair in several braids
loopedandtwistedelegantlyontopofherhead.

“Andyoudidthis?”Batyaasked,turningbacktopointatthemen,stillunabletocreditthatthequeen,

oranyone,hadthatkindofpower.

“Comechatwithmeforafewminutes.OnceIremovethestasis,thefocusofmyeffortswillhavetobe

onthem.”Sheclimbedthreestonestepstoherthrone,turned,thensatdown.“So,howlonghaveyoubeen
abloodrose,MistressBatya?”

The question startled Batya because on some level she supposed that the queen, living behind an

enthrallmentveil,wouldn’tbeawareofwhatwashappeningintheNineRealms.

“Soyouknowaboutthebloodrosephenomenon?”
She nodded. “I do. I might have kept Ferrenden peace from the rest of the world, but I have several

spies and have always remained current on everything happening beyond our borders.” She smiled. “I
believethebloodrosemarksthebeginningofanewera.So,howlonghaveyouknownwhatyouwere?”

Shemovedtowardthethrone.“IthinkI’veknownforalongtime,butIcouldn’tbelieveit.”Sheputher

handtoherchest.Whenhadherheartstartedfeelingsoweigheddownwithblood?

She remembered now. The day Quinlan had trapped her in the corner of her gallery and kissed her

neck,lickingabovethevein.That’swhenthewholethinghadstarted.

“Tell me everything.” The words were spoken in the same way Vojalie spoke to any realm-folk she

meanttoenthrall.RosamundeclearlyhadthesamegiftbecauseBatyabegantotalk.Shetoldthequeen
abouthergalleryandLorelei,aboutMargettaandtheattack,Quinlan’sburnsandhealing,thentheirentire
journeytoFerrendenPeace.

Rosamundefrownedslightly,bitingatherlipsashergazedriftedtothetwovampireshanginginthe

delicatebalancebetweentimeandspace.

Batya looked at them as well, but the experience proved difficult since she once more felt an

overwhelmingneedtoofferupaveintoeach.

Steadyingherself,sheturnedbacktothequeen.“MayIaskafewquestionsofmyown?”

Rosamunde shifted her gaze to Batya and smiled. She had the delicate features of the fae and softly

pointed chin. Her ears were beautifully peaked and curled, well-studded with diamonds and gold. “Let
metellyouaboutFerrendenPeacefirstandaboutmyself.Thenifyouhavequestions,youmayaskthem.”

“Thatwouldbewonderful.”
“First,Ihavebeendreamingaboutyoufortwomonthsnow,whichIbelieveisaboutthetimeMastyr

Quinlansoughtyouout.”

“Yes,itis.”
“Ah,thatexplainssomuch.Yousee,yourpresencehereisfulfillinganepochprophesiedcenturiesago.

We’ve been waiting for your arrival and for Lorelei’s for some time, and I for one am grateful that the
enthrallmenthasfinallyrolledawayfromthisarea.IhavemissedcommunionwiththeNineRealms,and
withWalvashorr.”

Batyalistenedenrapt,butsuddenlyallshecouldfeelwasthepowerfuldepthofthequeen’sloneliness,

thatshe’dbeeninapositionofsolitudeforlongerthanBatyacouldevenimagine.

Rosamunde offered a brief history of Ferrenden Peace, that the fables mostly were true though much

moreelaboratethanreality,thatshe’druledforaverylongtime,andthatherkingdomwasentirelyself-
sufficientand,likethenamesake,peaceful.

Shethenturnedthesubjectslightlyandspokeofthetimeoverathousandyearsago,beforethecreation

oftheterribleInvictuswraith-pairs,whenwraithswereanaturalandwelcomedpartofrealmlife,when
peacereignedthroughoutalltherealms.

Giventheerasshecovered,Batyasaid,“Thenyoumustknowmyfather.”
“Davido?Yes,ofcourse.”Shesmiled,hervioleteyesfullofaffection.
“Butyouhaven’tspokenwithhim.”
Sheshookherhead.“Notinalltheseyears.”
“Willthatchangenow?”
“Inthecomingera,yes,butnotrightawayandnowIthinkit’stimetobringthemenbacktoearth.”
Rosamunde waved a hand, which sent another powerful vibration streaking through the air. Batya

turnedandwatchedasbothmen,ratherthancontinuingforwardthroughthewindow,droppedahardfour
feettothestonefloor,althoughQuinlanlandedontopofSeth.

Hequicklypulledaway,almostflyingbackward.“Whatthefuck?”
He turned and saw Batya first, then the queen. “I beg your pardon. But what happened? Ah, hell we

wouldhavegonethroughthatwindow.”

ChapterTen

QuinlanstoodhalfwaybetweenSethandBatya,glancingbacktohisfellowmastyrthenturningtolook

atBatya.Hismemoryreturnedinasuddenflash,ofSethpreparingtobitedownonher,totakeherblood,
andhisformerragereturned,aflowofheatandangersosharp,sosudden,thathewasturningonceagain
inSeth’sdirection,whenBatyasuddenlyappearedrightinfrontofhim.

Shetookholdofthefrontofhiscoat,grippingthesoftleatherinherhandsandstaringupathim.Her

gazekepthimfrozeninplace,thoughfurystillboiledinhisveins.Sheleanedupandkissedhim,nota
simpletouchofherlipsonhis,butafull,warmkissthathadhimpiercinghermouthwithhistongueand
enfoldingherinhisarms.

You’renottofeedhim.
Iknow.
Hedrewback.“Thenwhywereyougoingto?”
“BecauseIdidn’tknowwhatIwasthen.I’dhiddenthattruthfrommyself.DidyouknowIwasablood

rose?”

Hesighedheavily.“IfigureditoutwhileIflewyouoverthesnowfieldsandyousleptinmyarms,why

IpursuedyoulikeIdid,whyIcouldn’tkeepawayfromyou,whyIdesireyousomuch.ButIcouldn’ttell
you.Iwaswaitingfortherighttime.”

Shenodded.“Icanappreciatethat.”Buttearstouchedhereyes.“Thennoneofthisisreal?We’rejust

caughtinsomekindofstrangerealmphenomenon?”

Heshookhisheadslowly.“Idon’tknow.Idon’tknowwhatanyofthisis.”
Thequeenintruded.“AreyoudonetryingtokilltheMastyrofWalvashorr?”
HeturnedtowardSeth,awarethathisirehaddiminished,thennodded.
Oncemore,thequeenspoke.“Andyou,MastyrSeth.Areyoucalmenoughtospeakwithme?”
“Yes,myqueen.”
“Good. Then will all of you approach because I have commands to give you from our kingdom’s

prophecies.”

QuinlanfeltdisorientedasheslidhisarmaroundBatya’swaistthenmovedwithhertostandbefore

QueenRosamunde.Sethjoinedhimonhisleftandforthathewasgrateful.Ifthevampirehadpositioned
himselfnexttoBatya,thebattlewouldhavestartedalloveragain.

“Mastyr Quinlan, your troll brigade must remain behind for two weeks to enjoy a period of revelry

withourmaidens.”SheshiftedtomeetSeth’sgaze.“Yourforceaswell,MastyrSeth.”

Quinlanfrowned.“MayIaskwhy?”
ButBatyawhispered.“ThetownneedsaninfusionofwhatonlytheseGuardsmencangive.”
“Yourbloodrosehasspokencorrectly.Weneednewseedinourpopulation,soletyourtroopsknow

thattheymaygivefreely,withoutneedofprotection.”

Quinlancouldn’thelpbutsmile.Howmanytimes,overthedecades,hadhebeenrequiredtonegotiate

parents-rights issues because of accidental pregnancy. “Are you saying this would be without
repercussionshouldchildrenbebornofthisarrangement?”

“Youhavemyword.”
Hecouldn’thelpbutglanceatSeth.IfEthanhadbeennexttohim,hewouldhaveexchangedawink

withhim.ButSethwascutfromadifferentsortofcloth.“Withallduereverence,myqueen,Iwantyour
commandinwriting.”

Queen Rosamunde lifted a hand. “You shall have it, of course. These modern times require written

contracts. And you, mastyr Seth, may remain as well or return to Walvashorr. The prophecies were not
specific to you except that you would arrive to support the Mastyr of Grochaire. I have no specific
commandforyou.”

“Verygood,myQueen.”
SheshiftedtomeetQuinlan’sgaze.“AsforyouandBatya,youarebothcommandedtoleavewithinthe

hour.Youmustreturntoyourworldstocontinueyourgoodworkasyouseefit,butImustwarnyouthat
trouble awaits you and that you must find a way to compromise and to work together if you are to
survive.”

“YourefertoMargetta?”
Sheglancedupwardasthoughmentallyreviewingearliernotes-to-self.Finally,shereturnedhergaze

toQuinlan.“I’mnotsure,butpleasetakecaretotendtooneanotherdiligently.”

QuinlanmetBatya’sgaze.Whenshenoddedtohim,hespokeforthemofboth.“Wewill.”
Batyatookasmallstepforward.“AndwhatofLorelei?”
“ShewillremainhereandIwillteachherhowtowithstandhermother’svariouspowers.”
“Youcandothat?”
Rosamundeliftedabrow.“Iwillignorethatyou’vequestionedmyabilities.”
“I’m sorry,” Batya added hastily. “But from the time that Margetta made an appearance, I became

convincedthatshewasthemostpowerfulwomaninallninerealms.”

Rosamunde drew a deep breath. “I can see that you’re a good friend to Lorelei and though what I’ll

teachherwon’tbeabsolute,itwillbemoreprotectionthanshe’severknown.Thenshewillbeginher
own journey.” Her gaze skated in Seth’s direction for a brief moment, then back to Batya and Quinlan.
“ThatisallIhavetosay.”

“I’ll want to speak to my brigade.” Quinlan wouldn’t leave without addressing his troops. “And my

menwillhavetheirdeadtoremember.”

“Ofcourse.AndyouwillfindHenryattheTroll’sDelight.”Shesmiled.“Theshuttersareaverypretty

pink.Youcan’tmissit.”

*********

BatyahuggedLoreleiandwishedherwell.Thefae-shifter-wraith,partvampire,hadalreadyspenttime

inRosamunde’scompany,knewofthequeen’scommands,andremainedquietlyinhersuite,alsobythe
queen’sorders.Loreleididn’tseemtobemindingatall.

“Ifeelhopefulforthefirsttimesindecades.”
Batya tried to comprehend what Lorelei’s life had been like. Her own appeared so mild and

uninterestingcomparedtoalifelivedontherun.BatyahadbeenhoundedbyMargettaforthreedaysand
itwasalreadywearingonhernerves.WhathadalifetimeofpursuitbeenlikeforLorelei?

“Comevisitthegallerywhenyoucan.”
“Of course I will, but what will you do if Margetta and those wraith-pairs come after you and

Quinlan?”

“Shewon’thaveareasonnow.”
“Mymotherisvindictive.Remember,shewantedmedeadratherthanletmelivemyownlife.”
Batyatriednottothinkaboutthat,aboutwhatcouldhappennowthatLoreleilivedbehindthesafetyof

FerrendenPeace’sveilofmistandsheandQuinlanwouldsoonreturntotheirrespectiveworlds.

“We’llbeallright.Don’tworryaboutus.”
Loreleismiled.“Iwon’t.Youguysareamazing.Just,bepatientwithhim,Batya.Ithinkhemightbea

keeper.”

“I’lltry.Ijustneverexpectedallofthis,oranyofitreally.”Shedidn’texplainaboutherbloodrose

status.Shehardlyknewwhattodowiththeinformationherself,nonethelesstrytoexplainittosomeone
else.

Loreleihuggedhergood-byeandBatyareturnedtoherroomtochangeoutofthegownandtoremove

herbraids.Shereallywasn’tusedtotheformallook.

Justasshefinishedpackinghersatchel,Quinlanreturnedtotheroomssmiling.
“What?”
Heshookhishead,handsplantedonhiships.“Nothing.”
“Okay,nowyouhavetotellme.”
“IjustsawHenryandhehadanarmaroundtwowomenandmorelove-bitesthanI’dseeninmaybemy

wholelife,righthere.”Heskatedtwofingersuphisneck.

“Somethingtellsmesomeofthewomenaroundherehavebeenlove-starvedforalongtime.”
Acheeringsoundedfromthewindow.Batyacrossedandglanceddown.Inthedistance,shesawthe

trollbrigadeandwhatwasprobablySeth’sforcecelebrating.Whendrumsstartedup,andlightswenton
alloverthetown,shewasprettysurethisoccasionwouldbecelebratedintworealmsandonekingdom
foralongtimetocome.

Quinlanjoinedherbythewindow,slidinghisarmsaroundherfrombehind,holdinghertight.“Wish

wedidn’thavetoleave.”Henuzzledherneck.“I’dlovearepeatperformanceoflastnight.”

Thethoughtofallthatthey’ddonetogether,especiallythethrillingclimaxwithhisvibrationsflooding

herbody,madeherbodygrowweakassheleanedintohim.Hekissedherneckseveraltimesthensucked
onthevein.Shebloomedbeneathhistouch,hiswords,hislips.

“Wehavetogo.Thequeensaidwedid.ButwhenwegettoLebanon,youcansharemybed.”
“We’dbreakthatbed.”
Shehadtoworktocatchherbreath.“Weprobablywould.”
“Wecouldgotomystronghold.”
She turned in his arms and he kissed her hard, his tongue pummeling her mouth in the best way. We

shoulddothat,atleastoncemorebeforeyoutakemebacktotheStates.

Okay.
Shepushedhimawayandshookherhead.“Really,we’dbetterstop.Thequeensaidweneededtoget

going.”

“You’reright.”

*********

WithBatyaheldtightagainsthimwithonearm,andhersatchelheldinhisfreehand,Quinlantookoff,

rising high above the city. He didn’t want to delay their return by traveling through the town. No doubt
Henryandhiscohortswerealreadylostinsong,dance,andthecompanyofwomensothatnothingcould
begainedbysayingasecondgood-bye.

Onceattheentrancetothecity,theGuardsrolledbackboththegateandthemist.Heflewthroughand

beganthelongascentthatwouldleadthemtothesnowfieldsandbacktoGrochaireRealm.

He’dmadehisapologiestoSethandhadtakenafewminutestosharehisbloodroseexperiencewith

him.GiventhecurrenttrendmakingitswaythroughthemastyrsoftheNineRealms,Sethwoulddowell
tobeforewarned.

SethhadinturnexpressedhisownremorseforhavingtakenadvantageofBatyabutwasbemusedthat

she’dcometohimsoreadily.

Quinlan released a sigh. “We’re not bonded. Right now, she would feel driven to serve any mastyr

vampire.”Fromwhatheunderstood,thebondingprocesshadmanyavenues,sometimesoccurringovera
period of time, at others with a strong decision of the will, and even Gerrod had said that his bonding
withAbigailhadtakenplaceduringcaptivityandhadinvolvedasharingofeachother’sblood.

Sethhadfrowned.“EverythingI’veheardfromyouorfromEthanandGerrodsoundsnightmarish.Ilost

controlwithBatya.That’sunforgiveable.”

Quinlantriedtoencouragehim,butuntilSethexperiencedabloodroseforhimself,hewouldn’treally

beabletorelate.

He’dlefthimwiththepromisetocallsooninordertodiscussthefutureoftheNineRealms.
AsQuinlanflew,hetriednottothinkaboutthehardtruththatonceheleftBatyainLebanon,she’dbe

fairgame.HerecalledwhathisownattractiontoSamanthahadbeenlikejustsixmonthsagobeforeEthan
had completed the bond with her. He and Ethan had done serious damage to the Guildhall when they’d
foughtoverher.AndnowwithSeth,he’dbeenonthereceivingendofthathellishrealitywhenhefound
hisfellowmastyrreadytosinkhisfangs.

Heshuddered.
What’swrong?
Just thinking about walking into the throne room and finding you in Seth’s arms. Sure enough, he

shudderedagainonlythistimerageerupted.Whydidyoudoit?

Shestiffenedinhisarms.WhydidIdoit?YoumeanwhydidIgotohim?
Bynow,theyflewoverthesnowfields,buthetooklittlepleasureinthesoftvibrationofenergythat

workedthroughtheland.Instead,hegroundhisteeth.Youheardme.Whythehelldidyougotohim?Did
ourtimetogethermeansolittletoyouthatyoucouldn’trestrainyourself?

She fell silent, but not necessarily in a bad way. He was pretty sure she was thinking hard about the

situation,aqualitytheysharedincommon.

Idon’tknowwhy,shepathedatlast.OneminuteIwasstandingbythedoorway,andthenextIwas

crossing to him like he had me enthralled, which wasn’t possible. I’m sure it’s the whole blood rose
thing,butQuin,I’mpissedashellaboutthis.Idon’twanttobeaGoddamnbloodrose.

AndIdon’twanttobeamastyrvampire.
Butyoucan’thelpbeingamastyrvampire.Youwerebornthatway.Youmusthaveknownearlyon

thatyou’drisetomastyrstatus.

Idid,butwhat’sthedifference?Clearly,youwerealwaysmeanttobeabloodrose.
Well,Ididn’texactlyknowthatI’donedayhavethislovelyjobdescriptionofsatisfyingyourblood

needs.SweetGoddess!

Hehuffedanimpatientsigh.Sowhatifyou’reabloodrose?Suckitup.
Well,fuckyouverymuch.Andexactlywhatdoyouthinkwillhappenifoneofthosewraith-pairs,

youknowtheonesthatMargettacreatedwithmastyrvampires,decidestocomeaftermeinLebanon?
WhatamIsupposedtodothen?

Well,youcancallme,ofcourse.
Butwhatgoodwillthatdo?AsIrecall,itwasmyenthrallmentshieldthatsavedyourass.
HehadastrongdesiresuddenlytodropBatyaandhersatcheldownonthesnowfieldandsuggestshe

findherownridebacktoTennessee.Breathinghardthroughhisnostrils,hepathed,ThenIguessyou’d
bettergetreallygoodatcreatingthosespecialshieldsofyours.

Fine.
Fine.
Hedidn’tlikethatshe’draisedsomesolidpoints,especiallysincehedidn’thavetheanswers,soher

silenceworkedforhim.Italsogavehimtimetothink.

Two questions rose to the surface. Exactly what was she supposed to do as a blood rose? And how

washe,oranyofhisGrochaireGuardsmen,supposedtobattletheseuber-wraith-pairs?

Wanting an answer to that, he had Batya hold her satchel for a moment while he phoned Rafe. His

second-in-command assured him that Grochaire was fairly quiet and no reports of the kinds of wraith-
pairsQuinlandescribedtohimhadmadeanappearance.

Reassured,hetoldRafehe’dbebackinGrochaireinacoupleofhoursandwouldtalktohimthen.
Takingthesatchelback,heheadedwest,usingadifferentroutebackinordertoavoidtheDeadForest.

HethoughtitpossibleMargettamighthaveleftscoutsonthebacktrailwaitingtostrike.

Anhourlater,ofcoveringmileaftermile,Batyapathed,Sorry,Quin.I’mabitedgyandIdidn’tneed

tospeaktoyouthatway.

I’msorry,too.Wedefinitelyneedtotalkaboutwhathappenedandaboutthefuture,andhammerout

somedetails.

IjustwantyoutoknowthatI’dbehappy,attheveryleast,tobecomeyourdoneuse.Iknowit’smade

adifferenceforyou.

Iappreciatethat.Oh,damn,hischestswelledupagainwithallthatstrange,bizarresensation,likehe

hadacloudinhisribcagethatkeptexpanding.

Hecarefullykissedthetopofherheadasheflewwest,hopingtohellthathewouldn’tencounterthe

wickedwitchbeforegettingBatyatosafety.

*********

ThetripacrossthesnowfieldshadgivenBatyaplentyoftimetothink.SherecalledwhatRosamunde

had said, and that she and Quinlan needed to work together. Quarreling had only served to reveal the
problemstheyfaced,butnothingmore.

Andwhatwasshesupposedtodowithherbloodrosestatus?
Quinlanhadaskedanimportantquestion:Hadtheirtimetogethermeantsolittletoher?
Ofcoursenot.Ifanything,thenatureoftheirrelationshipoverwhelmedherwithitsdepthandthesheer

excitementofbeingwithhimwaslikenothingshe’deverknownbefore.

Her thoughts turned to Lebanon and the life she’d built for herself there. She loved the ex-pat

community.Shecouldnevergiveupherhealingworkthere.Thelocalrealm-folkdependedonherand
herservicemadeherhappy.

She shared this quality with Quinlan. His devotion to Grochaire, which had been his life’s work as

well as his life’s sacrifice, matched her own love of her community. Her efforts might have been on a
muchsmallerscale,butthedesiretoserveequaledQuinlan’s,soatleastinthatway,sheunderstoodhim,
shegothim.

Butexactlyhowtheyweresupposedtomakeallofthisworkescapedher.
We’re not far from the border between the snowfields and Grochaire. I can feel the vibrations

thinning.

Shecouldaswell,butthethoughtofreenteringtheiroldlivescausedherhearttolurch.Yes,sheloved

herlife,butshedidn’texactlywanttoleaveQuinlanbehindandshedefinitelydidn’twantanothermastyr
vampirechasingafterher.

Yep,theyhadalotofissuestoresolve.
Anoddvibrationwentthroughherasthesnowdisappearedandgrasslandsarrived.Aforestoffirtrees

camenext.Theywerestillhighintheeasternmountainrange.AtleastnowthatMargettawasn’taround,
theycouldtakeadirectrouteupandover.

Butalmostassoonasthatthoughtwentthroughherhead,twothingshappenedatonce.Shesensedthat

Margettawasnearandsomethingflashedneartheedgeoftheforest,notabrightlight,somethingduller.

ShestartedtoaskQuinlanifhe’dseentheflashaswell,butsomethingstruckherandthrewheroutof

Quinlan’sarmsandintotheair.Shetumbled,bouncingagainstQuinlanthenaway,thenback.

She didn’t understand what was happening until she started falling to earth and nothing Quinlan did

couldstoptheirdescent.Atthelastsecond,hepulledherontopofhimashelandedwithathudonthe
hard,grass-coveredground.

“Shit.Oh,shit.”
Shepushedoffofhimbutgotonlysofarasrollingonherback.Whenshelookedup,shesawthedark

nightskythroughajuteweb,somethinglacedwithfiercepreternaturalpowerandthetraphadafamiliar
scentofrottinggarbage.

“Shecaughtus.”

“Shedid.”Hisdeepvoicerumbledandsheheardhisdespair.
Margettaappearedsurroundedbyamuchsmallerentouragethanbefore.Shehadn’tbroughtalongher

regularforceofInvictuswraith-pairs,justthetwopowerfulcoupleswhoeachradiatedastrongdesireto
slaytheenemy.

ShescootedclosertoQuinlanandheslidanarmaroundher,holdingheragainsthim.
“Nowisn’tthatsweet.Loverstotheend.”Margettahoveredjustafewfeetaway.Sheliftedhergaze

toward the east, in the direction of the snowfields and Ferrenden Peace. “I can’t see beyond the mist
barrier.Ican’tmovebeyonditeither.ButIknowmydaughteristhereaswellasthatdamnwomanwho
callsherselfaqueen.”

MargettashiftedhergazebacktoQuinlan.“Sotellme,hasshefinallytakenamanintoherbed?The

GreatMastyrandIcallherthevirginqueen.”Shelaughed,abrittlesoundthatshatteredthesilenceofthe
cool mountain air. “She’s my nemesis, but one day there will be a reckoning. One day.” She blinked
severaltimesthenturnedherattentionbacktohertrap.

Shestillboreagoldenglow,whichBatyathoughtmustbeashieldofsomekind.
“So,MastyrQuinlan,hereyouare,exactlywhereIwantyou.There’snothingeitherofyoucandoto

breakthespellIhaveoverthenet.You’retrappedandbothofyouwilldiehere.Icouldsendasinglefire
ballinyourdirectionrightnowandconsumeyouboth,butthat’snotgoodenoughforwhatyou’vecost
me,andallbecauseyoucouldn’tresistalittlefaetail.”

Batya’sturntoblink.WasitpossibleMargettadidn’tknowthatshewasabloodrose?
“Whatisyourintention?”Batyaasked.“Ifyoudon’tintendtofryus,thenwhat?”
Margetta’s gaze settled on Batya and she felt the ancient fae’s power in a painful vibration over her

skin.“Thatyoubothendurehorrificdeaths,ofcourse.MastyrQuinlan’swillbebriefbutexcruciatingand
willoccurwithinthefirsthourafterdawn.”

“No,”Batyawhispered.
“Oh,yes.Butyours,mydear,forhavingsavedhimandforhavinghelpedgetLoreleitoFerrenden,will

befarworse.I’veleftinstructionstohaveashelterbuiltforyouaroundthenet.You’llbestuckinthis
cagewithyourlover’srottingcorpse.You’lldieslowlyandpainfullyfromstarvationwithonlythebones
ofyourbelovedforcompany.”

Shesmiled,glancingfromonetotheotheragain.“Ibelievemyworkhereisdone.”
Assheturnedawayfromthem,Batyacouldn’trestrainherself.“Gotohell.”
The ancient fae whirled and within a heartbeat hovered above the netting. Her beautiful features

twisted into an expression of fury as she began to shriek, sounding more wraith than fae. Louder her
shriekingsoundeduntilBatya’searsthrummedwithpain.Batya’sbackarchedandasthedecibelsrose,
hervisionfadeduntilfinallysheblackedout.

*********

Quinlanawokeslowly,firsttothesmellofmeatcookingoveranoutdoorflameandthentothefactthat

his right arm had fallen asleep. He was very weak and had a hard time pulling his arm out from under
Batyawhowasstillunconscious.

Margettahadcausedthembothtopassout.
Buthowmuchtimehadpassed?
Thirtyfeetaway,oneofthemastyrvampirewraith-pairslayonfursinthemountaingrasses,nakedand

coupling, grunting like animals. The other talked in quiet tones, tending the fire and roasting what must
havebeenamountaingoatovertheflame.Thewomanturnedaspit,thenreachedinabucketandpoured
somethingsavoryovertheflesh.Astrangelyhomeyanderoticscenecombined.

He slowly flexed his arm, not wanting to draw attention to the vampires. Sometime during his

unconsciousness,they’derectedaday-shelterwithasun-blockingcanvas.Clearly,Margettahadleftthem

heretoguardtheprisonersuntiltheybothperished.

Batya stirred beside him and moaned, the sound loud enough to draw the attention of the mastyr

supervisingthegoat.Herosefromhiscampchairandmadehiswayovertothenetanddroppeddownon
hishaunchesnearBatya.

“She’spretty.”HereachedthroughandfondledBatya’sbreasts.“Andbuilt.Nice.Toobadyouwon’t

bearoundtoenjoyher,butonceyou’regone,maybeI’llreleaseherforafewhoursjustforfun.”

Athistouch,Batyaawokecompletely,andpushedhishandsaway,scootingclosertoQuinlan.
Thelast of Quinlan’sconfusion left asrage flooded his body.He launched acrossBatya to reach the

bastard,butthemastyrjuststeppedbackasthenetdiditswork.Fireburnedoverhisskinandhefellto
thegroundnexttoBatya.

Helaytrembling,oldfeelingsreturningofthepowerlessnesshe’dfeltasachild,watchinghisfather,in

hisdrunkenrages,poundingonhismother,beatinghersenseless.

“MastyrQuinlan,letmegiveyouatasteofwhatyourwomanwillgetwhenyoudie.I’lltakeheroutof

thisnetforextendedperiodsandfuckhertillshescreams,butitwon’tbeagentlescream,becauseIlike
tousekniveswhenIworkawoman.Soeatthat,youfuckingbastard.”

Thevampirewalkedawaylaughing.
QuinlanturnedhisbacktothefireandstaredatBatya.Shelayshivering,sohedrewherintohisarms,

theonlyrealcomforthecouldgiveher.Whendawnarrivedintwoorthreehours,she’dbeleftaliveto
enduretortureforwhoknewhowlong.

Hewoulddiesoon,buthe’dbeleavingBatyabehindtoendurethewhimsofasadistwhointendedto

carveherupwhileherapedher.

Hiswholelife,allthesecenturies,he’dbeenbattlingevil,butwhatgoodwasthatifhecouldn’tsave

theonesclosesttohim,theonesheloved?

And there it was, his deepest truth, the one he’d shunned the entire time he’d pursued Batya, that he

lovedher,thathe’dfallenhardmaybefromthefirsttimehe’dcaughtthattropicalflowerscentofhers.

As she shivered again and he pulled her closer still, he thought about all that had happened over the

pastseveralweeksandhedrewoneconclusion.Hedidn’tcarewhathadbroughtthemtogether,onlythat
heheldherinhisarmsandhelovedher.

Helovedher.
She’dgoneagainstthegrain,riskingrealm-censureanddisapproval,butshe’dlivedherownlife,gone

herowncourse,andperformedanadmirableserviceatthesametime.Heknewfromhisownexperience
thatrealm-folkneededcompassion,somethinghegavefreelyinhisdutiesasMastyrofGrochaire.

ButsodidBatya.Inthatway,theymatchedeachotherpoint-by-point.
Andhelovedher.
Helovedher.
Butjustasthisrevelationwashedoverhiminasublimewaveofsensation,heglancedatthenetthat

held them captive. How the hell could they escape this prison? The sun would rise in a few hours and
he’dfry.

*********

Batyatrembled,butnotfromcoldasshewassureQuinlanthought,butfromaragesopureshecould

hardlythink.

Howdarethatpieceofshitvampirefondleherbreasts.
Yes,rageruledherrightnow,butnotanewrage,somethingveryoldthathadlivedinherformostof

herlife,fromthedayshe’dseenthatInvictuspairkillawholefamilyofelves.

Thoseimages had burnedin her soulall her long-lived life,eventually driving herto live outside of

Grochaire,tocreateabetterlifeinTennessee.

Yet here she was, drawn back into the fray by the strange ability she possessed to serve a mastyr

vampirewithherblood.Evennow,evenwithdeathonherheels,herheartlaboredbecauseshesensed
Quinlan’sneed.

Shewishedsomuchthatshewasn’tabloodrose,butshecouldn’thelpthat.
Another chill swept through her that had nothing to do with how cold it was in this mountain forest

meadow.Rage,yes,butsomethingmore.

She focused within herself and recognized that her battle frequency had come alive, the one that

Quinlanhadtappedinto,givinghimenoughpowertoescapeLebanonwithawomanundereacharm.

Quinlan.He’dsurprisedherateveryturn.She’dthoughtsolittleofhim,thatexceptforhisdedication

toservingGrochaire,hewaslittlemorethaneye-candy.

Now, as he held her and rubbed her back, all his actions of the past several days had served her or

Loreleiorhisbrigade.Hewasoneofthemostgenerousmenshe’deverknown.

Herchestconstrictedandtearsrushedtohereyes.Shedidn’twanthertimewithQuinlantoend.She’d

workedsohardtoseparateherselffromGrochaire,yetintheend,shehadfalleninlovewiththeruler
himself.

Sheblinked,awarethatshe’djustusedthe‘L’word.
SweetGoddess,shelovedQuinlan,withherwholeheart,witheveryinchofherbodyandeverytremor

ofhersoul.

Shelovedhim.
Slidingherarmsaroundhim,shehatedthethoughtthatinafewhoursthesunwouldriseandshe’dlose

himforever.

She couldn’t let this happen. He couldn’t die now. They’d barely gotten to know each other. “I love

you, Quin. I just didn’t know it, but I think maybe I fell hard when you walked in wearing that red-
sequinedMardisGrasshirt.”

Hechuckled,hishandstillmassagingherback.“Iloveyou,too.Ineverthoughtthiswouldhappenfor

me.Ididn’tdeserveit.”

She drew back and looked into his eyes, caressing his face. “You idiot, no man deserves love more

thanyou.I’veseenthetruthofwhoyouare,thateveryactionofyoursisbuiltonservingyourpeople.I
justdidn’tgetituntilyoutookcareofbothLoreleiandmyself.Youcouldhaveleftusanywherealongthe
way.”

Helookedshocked.“No,Icouldn’thave.Don’teventhinkit.”
Her heart melted. “There, you see? You’ve just made my point.” She kissed him and set up an

enthrallmentshield.Thelastthingshe’dletthosefuckingwraith-pairsseewastheaffectionshefeltfor
Quinlan.

*********

Quinlan pulled her close and once again that powerful sensation filled his chest, but this time he

recognizedthesource—hisloveforBatyahadtakenhimover.

He loved her. He let this truth flow through him, swell his chest, his heart, his mind until his mating

vibrationcamealiveandreachedforher.

Sheopenedherfrequencyinreturnandhelethisloveflowintoher.Shemoanedsoftly,rollingontop

ofhim,andkissinghim.Yourvibrationisn’tlikebefore.

Iwantyoutofeelmylove,Batya,thatthisisn’tasmallthingforme.
Youfillmeup,Quin.I’veneverbeensohappy,evencaughtinthisnet,I’veneverknownsuchjoy.
Shedrewbackandlookeddownathim,herlovelyhazeleyestear-drenched,yetshesmiled.“Ilove

yousomuch.”

Henoddedandwipedthetearsfromhercheeks.

Anewforceroseinsidehim.Heletgoofthepast,ofhisfeelingsofunworthiness,barelyrecognizedin

his own life, and he opened himself to this woman, to love, to believing himself worthy of this kind of
happiness.

One thought rose above all else, that Batya couldn’t die. He couldn’t let her perish in this super-

chargednet.Shehadtolive.

Lovingherhadbecomethebiggestsurpriseofhislife,butnowthathe’dacknowledgedthistremendous

truth,hecouldn’tjustlieherewaitingforthesuntoclaimhimandhedefinitelycouldn’tleteitherofthose
bastardsuseherbody.

Butthemorefamiliarwaysofbattlingwouldn’twork.Heneedednewthoughtsinthissituation,anew

approach.

“Quinlan,whatisit?”
“I’mtryingtothinkoutsidethebox,getoutsidemyhead.Therehastobesomethingwecando.”
“Idon’twantyoutodie,Quin.Youneedtolive,forthesakeoftheNineRealms.”
Aprofoundsensationoflovesweptthroughhimoncemoreandheknewwhathewantedtodo,what

neededtobedone.

“Bondwith me, Batya,right now. There’sa reason, as strangeand bizarre asthis whole journey has

been,whywe’vecometogether.Bondwithme.Now.”

Shesmiled.“Iwanttomorethananything,buthowdowedothis?Ithoughtitrequiredtime.”
“ThelasttimeIspokewithVojalie,shedidsaytimewouldcreatethebond,butadecisionbetweenus

coulddoitaswell.AndevenGerrodandAbigailbondedbysharingblood.Ourlandisinaconstantstate
offlux,includingthemagicalelements.Andrightnow,I’mthinkingwelloutsidemyusualgridofaction
andIbelievewecandoit.”Heputahandtohischest.“That’swhatIfeelhere,rightnow.”

Hereyessearchedhis.“Youthinkwehaveachance,don’tyou?”
Hesmiled.“Ifweworktogether,justasRosamundesaid.”
Shenodded.“I’min.”
He opened up to her, letting every one of his frequencies reach for her, his mating frequency, his

battlingvibrations,andthatplacewherehekeptwhathetreasuredmost,thesoftwavesofhisdevotionto
GrochaireandnowhisloveforBatya.Allflowed.

Shearched,takingitin.Inresponse,hefoundawaitingnestinsideherofallthatshewasinherfaeness

andpower.

Hervibrationsreturnedtohim,throbbingwavesofdesire,andofherlovefortheex-patcommunityin

Lebanon,ofherartistry,andevenhernewlydiscoveredbattlingfrequency.Allswirledinsidehim.

Lookatme.
Sheopenedhereyes.You’resobeautifulinsideme,Quin.
Henodded.Andyou’relikeabanquetIcouldfeastonforcenturies.
Ijoinmyselftoyou,Quinlan,nowandforever.Hefeltherdecisionasthoughshe’djustopenedadoor

andwalkedthrough.

He followed after her. And I bind myself to you, Batya of Lebanon, the woman I love with all my

heart,whoIgivemyselftowithoutreservation.AllthatIam,nowbelongstoyou.

Staringintohereyes,hefeltagreatmiraclehappen.
“Doyoufeelthat?Ourvibrationsareswirlingaroundeachother,overandover.”
“Growingcloserandtighter.”
Shenodded.“Icanfeelthebondforming.”
“Likeropesbraidingtogethertobecomeevenstronger.”
“Yes,exactlylikethat.”
The moment the bond solidified, a flash of light exploded outward, a surge of power that felt like a

bombgoingoff.

Batyareachedoutherhand.“Wouldyoulookatwhatwe’vedone?Weblewthenetapart.”
Quinlanglancedinthedirectionoftheroaringfire.“Buttheycan’tseeitbecauseoftheenthrallment

shield.”

“Exactly.”
“Whydoyouthinktheyhaven’tnoticedwe’vedisappeared?”
“Arrogance. They have no fear we can escape, so they’re not paying attention.” He shifted his gaze

backtoher.“Howaboutwejoinforcesandtaketheseassholesdown.”

“Hell,yeah.”
Quinlanlovedthelookinhiswoman’seye.Nofear,justadeterminationtodowhatneededtobedone.

ChapterEleven

AsBatyarosetoherfeet,shecouldn’tbelievesheandQuinlanhadaccomplishedtheimpossible,that

they’dbrokenfreeofMargetta’ssuper-chargednet.

Theycouldalsojustflyoutofthemeadow,overtheforest,anddownthemountainsidetocivilization.

Butthatwouldleavetwosuper-poweredwraith-pairsfreetoexactwhatevervengeancetheywantedon
thefirstrealm-folktheyencountered.

Quinlanroseaswell.
Batyacouldn’tbelievehowdifferentshefeltinherownskin,asthougheverythinghadchanged.The

bondbetweenthemfeltlikeasteelcable.

Hedrewcloseandpulledherintohisarms.She’dneverbeenhappierorfeltmorefulfilled,asthough

lifeboileddowntothismoment,toadeepconnection,andeverythingelsetooksecondplace.

“Youcanfly,”hesaid.
Batyapulledback.“Whatdoyoumean?”
“Youcanflynow.Isenseitinyou,inthesamewaythatI’mmovingalongyourbattlefrequencyandI

canfeelthelevelofyourpowerandwhatyoucanbringtoanengagement.Batya,youcanfly.”

Shesawthehardwarrior’slightinhiseye,somethingshe’dalwaysseeninhim.Sheglanceddownat

herfeet,asthoughexpectingthemtoriseontheirown.

Hetookherarminagentleclasp.Glancingbackupathim,shesawthathesmiled.“Goahead.Giveit

atry.I’llsteadyyou.”

But in that moment, she felt it as well, an innate ability that had always been there. She thought the

thoughtandslowlybegantorise,verycontrolled,levitatingasthoughshe’dbeenflyingsincechildhood.I
musthavegainedsomethingofyourknowledgeinthebondingbecausethisfeelsverynaturaltome.

Youlooklikeanatural.
Herosebesideherandtheywerebothnowfivefeetoffthegroundandherenthrallmentshieldheld.

Shetwirledinacirclemidairandfeltcompletelycompetent.Unbelievable.

Sheturnedtofacehim.Sohowdoyouwantthistoplay?
Heglancedoveratthecampsitewhereallfourcaptorssatwithplatesonkneeseatinggoatandbeans.
I want you to stay focused on your battle frequency. Let it run wide open and just go with your

instincts.Whentheycomeforus,takethewraithsandI’llengagethevampires.Howdoesthatsound?

Fantastic.
Ready?
ThequestionsurprisedBatyainitssimplicity.Theanswerwassimpleryet.“Yes.”
“Thengoaheadandreleaseyourenthrallmentshield.Afterthat,Ithoughtwe’dflystraightup.”
Batyalettheshieldmeltaway.“Nowwhat?”
Herwords,however,broughttheircaptorsturningtolookatthem.“Whatthefuck?”thenearestmastyr

calledout,risingtohisfeet,hisplateslidingoffhiskneestotheground.

Thetwovampiresshotintotheair.Quinlantookoffaswell,andwithoutthinking,Batyafollowedhim.

Herinstinctiveresponsesurprisedherasshewaitedforhermindtocatchupwithherbody.

Shedidn’twastetime,however,inover-thinkingwhatwasgoingon.Herwide-openbattlefrequency

hadputasmileonherfaceandherlimbstrembledwithadrenalineasshetrackedwithQuinlan.

The first mastyr reached them along with his shrieking wraith lover. Batya didn’t give it a second

thought as she lifted her hand, and let what proved to be a stunning ball of fire explode in the wraith’s
direction.Thewraithstreakedtowardanearbystream,hergauze-basedgowninflames.

Batyaheadedafterherandknewexactlywhatshewoulddo.Thewraithdoveintothewaterandcame

up screaming in pain. She held her palm toward the wraith. “Now sit on the bank or I’ll hit you with
anotherone.”

The wraith, her dripping, burned gown, hanging on her strange, lean body, stood up in the shallow

water.Shemovedtothebankandsatdown,shakingfromheadtofoot.

Batya drew close and extended her healing frequency to the woman. The wraith’s eyes rolled with

agony.She’dprobablypassoutinacoupleofminutes,asblisteredasherskinwas.Batyadecidedtohelp
heralongandplantedherhandonthewoman’sforehead,sinkingherintopainlesssleep.

Wraith,comingupbehindyou.Quinlan’swordsrangsharpinherhead,butevenifhehadn’twarned

her,Batyasensedtheenemy.Sheboltedtotherightthenshotintotheair,whirlingatthelastmoment.The
wraith’sstreamofkillingenergywentwideofthemark.

Batyaaimedherpalmattheenemyandletanotherballoffirereleasefromherheavilyvibratingarm.
Thewraithtriedtomoveoutoftheway,butBatyawavedherhandandcontrolledthetrajectory.Afew

secondsmoreandthestrikehithome,causingthesecondwraithtoperformlikethefirst,headingstraight
tothestream.

Batyarepeatedthedrilluntilbothwraithslayside-by-side,sunkintooblivion,atleastforthepresent.
SheflewstraightuptoaparallelpositionintheairwithQuinlan.Hefoughtbothmastyrsatthesame

time,sothatlightning-likeenergyflowedinstreaksofredandblue,backandforth.

EachofthemenhadbeenwoundedandshefelthowhardQuinlanfoughttoequalthesemen.Ifshe’d

killedthewraiths,thebattlewouldalreadybeoverbecausethesharedInvictuspowerfalteredwhenone
partnerdied.Butthewraith-pairbondstillfedthemastyrsbecausetheirmateslived.

Killingthewraithsoutrighthadn’tenteredBatya’shead.She’dbroughtallthatshewasintothisbattle,

which meant she was a healer first. She also knew that Samantha, serving as Ethan’s blood rose, had
developed the power to dissolve Invictus bonds. One or all of the Invictus could be saved, given
extensiverehabilitation.

Shestayedatadistance,andfocusedonconnectingwithQuinlan’sbattlefrequency.Whenshetapped

in,sheletherpowerflowtohim.

ThechangeinQuinlaneruptedlikeavolcano.Thewidthofhisstrikesbroadenedandthevampireon

therightshoutedhissuddenpain,tumblingthroughtheairtolandhardontheearth.Hedidn’tmove.

Theremainingvampirewheeled,headingtowardthenearesttree-line.

*********

Quinlanfollowedinhiswake.Heneededtoreachhimbeforethevampiredisappearedintotheforest

andhe’dneverfindhim.Hedoubledhisspeedandjustbeforehereachedthetrees,Quinlanletloosewith
apowerfulstreamofenergyandcaughtthebastardinthekidneys.

Thevampirearchedhisbackasheshoutedinpain,tumblingtowardtheearth.Likehiscounterpart,he

hithardandfellunconscious,exactlythewayQuinlanwantedhim.

Assoonashe’dmadesurethatbothInvictuspairswereoutforagoodlongwhile,heheadedslowlyin

Batya’sdirection,risingoncemorebackintotheair.

HedrewhiscellfromhispantspocketandcalledRafe.“Howabouthelpingmeoutwithsomething.”
“Nameit,mastyr.”
Batyaflewtowardhimandheopenedhisarm.Whenshedrewclose,hepulledhertightagainsthim,

thewaythey’dspentmostofthisjourneytogether.

“Just get your ass to my GPS location. I’m in the Ashur Mountains, just below the snowline.” He

glancedaround.“You’llfindmeaboutthirtymileseastofSaddlebackVale.”

“Youbeenhitinthehead?There’snosuchplace.”
He smiled, thinking about how all the maps would reveal more of both Grochaire and Walvashorr

Realmsthanmostrealm-folkhadeverseenbefore.

“Trustme,Rafe.Findamapandhavealook.”Hethendetailedtheneedforaportableprison.
“I’vebeenstationedalongtheeasternborderwithtwentyofyourbestmenandI’vejustpickedupyou

signal.Seeyouinaboutthirtyminutes.”

*********

TheGrochaireGuarddetailarrivedwithinahalfhourandduringthattime,neitherofthewraith-pairs

reachedconsciousness.ForthatBatyawasgrateful.Quinlanmighthavehelpedopenherbattlefrequency,
butthispartofhernatureworkedinoppositiontoherhealinggiftsandshewouldbeveryhappytoleave
thispartofthejourneybehindher.

AsshewatchedthelastoftheGuardheadintothewest,withbothwraith-pairschainedintwoseparate

steelcages,sheglancedaroundthemeadow.Thefirehadbeenextinguishedandthetentcartedawayas
well. The campsite looked pristine. Quinlan had even sent Margetta’s net to be studied by one of the
shifter-scientistswhoexcelledinbreakingdownthecomponentsofpreternaturalphenomena.

Stillincredulousthatshecouldfly,shelevitatedintotheairjusttotryitoutoncemore.Thejourney

hadgivenhersomuch,includingtheabilitytofly,aconceptthathadmanylayersandbroughtasmileto
herlips.

“You’reenjoyingtheideaofflight.”
“Iam.Istillcan’tbelieveit.”
“Youlookgoodintheair.”
Quinlanrosetomatchherpositionthentookherinhisarmsandkissedher.Shedrewbacksuddenly

andlookedaround,buttheyremainedstationary.“Foramoment,Iforgotaboutflightandgotlostinthe
kiss.IthoughtforsureI’dfalloutoftheskyorwebothwould.Doyoudothisoften?”

He chuckled. “No, and I probably won’t make a habit of it, especially not with you. Way too

dangerous.”

“Mythoughtsexactly.”Heseemedsochangedasshestaredintohisdarkeyes.Anewman.Someofthe

darknessthathadclungtohimhaddriftedaway.

“Doyouhaveanyobjectiontoreturningtomystronghold?Spendingthenextfewnightswithme?”
Foramoment,shecouldhardlyspeak,butfinallymanaged,“Iwantnothingmore.”
“Good.IthoughtabouttakingyoutomybeachhouseortomymainresidencenearBuckner,butIwant

youtomyselfforjustalittlewhilelongerandIalsowanttoseeyoulyingontopofallthosefursagain.”

AshivertravelledthroughBatya,head-to-toe.ShewouldgettobewithQuinlanagain,tosharehisbed.

Butitwouldbedifferentthistime.

Hislipscurvedinareallysmugsmile.Icansmellyoursex,mylove.Theideaappealstoyou.
Andyouhavethatsmokyscent,too.
Wantmetoflyyou?
Letmeflypartoftheway.WhenIgettired,I’llgladlyacceptyourarm.Andonemorething,Iknow

youneedtofeed.Wantasnackfirst?

I’mtempted,butwe’reonlyanhouraway,maybeless.I’llwait.
Theimagesthatrushedthroughhermindcrippledherabilitytosustainthelevitationandshecollapsed

againsthim.Itakeitwejustsharedthesamevisual.

Can’twait.Cha,letmeflyyou.Justlikethis.Letmeholdyouagainstme,justasIdidallthewayto

FerrendenPeace.

Shesigheddeeplyaslovefilledupherheart.Leaningherheadagainsthisshoulder,shepathed,Let’s

go.

*********

I’llwanttogetyoursatchelfirst,thenmakeaphonecall.
WithBatyaheldclose,Quinlansearchedthegroundforseveralhundredyards.Thesatchelhadbeen

knockedfromhishandwhenthenetcaughtthem.Finallylocatingthefloweredbag,hetoucheddownto
retrieveit.

At the same time, he pulled his phone from the pocket of his battle leathers, called ahead to his

housekeeper, and informed her about the brigade’s two-week absence. He asked her to create a simple
mealforthem,thenpromptlygaveherthenextthreenightsoff.Hecouldn’timagineleavingthestronghold
onemomentsoonerthanthatandhedefinitelywantedsomealonetimewithhisbondedbloodrose.

WithBatyatuckedclosedtohisside,hepickeduphersatchelandrosehighintheair.Heneededto

feed,buthe’dwaitbecausehewantedthecompleteexperiencerightnow.Healsoneededtogettohis
strongholdbecauseitwasclosertodawnthanhe’drealized.Healreadyfeltthefirstwarningtwingesup
anddownhisback.

Heflewoverthemountains,lettinghisheatkeepBatyawarmasshesnuggledagainsthim.Shedidn’t

sayanything,nordidhe.Wordsseemedunnecessary.

Thejourneybacktohisstrongholdbecameatimeofreflectionandamazementonsomanylevels.He

nowviewedhislifeashavingtakenplaceintwoparts,beforehe’dbegunhispursuitofBatya,andnow
after.

Fromthetimethathe’dburiedhismotherandkilledhisfather,he’dtrulyneverbelievedthisdaywould

come,thathe’dhaveawomaninhislife,thathe’dfeelinanywaycapableofprotectingherbecauseof
allthewayshe’dfailedtoprotecthismother.

Andthehardertruthwasthathecouldn’talwaysprotectBatya,notsolongasterribleevilforces,like

Margetta and her kind, existed in the Nine Realms. Life held no real guarantees except for the two
inescapablerealities:changeanddeath.

Well,changehadcomeandthistimechangerockedhisworld.
AndhewouldspendhislifemakingsurethatBatyaknewhowmuchshemeanttohim,bloodroseor

not.

Bythetimehereachedhisfortressofwoodandiron,andenteredthefortifiedcourtyard,alineofgray

onthehorizonhadhisspineaching.

Once past the massive, arched wood door, however, he breathed a sigh of relief. Nothing sounded

betterthanthelockclickingintoplace.

“Thatwasclose,”Batyasaid,stretchingoutherarmsandlegs.“You’reshaking.”
“Well,we’reherenow.Youmustbehungry.”
“Onlyforonething.”
Hegrowledashedrewherintohisarms.Hekissedherforalongmoment,buthesensedsomethingin

her,notahesitationexactlybutsomething.Hepulledback.“Whatisit?”

Shehadablushonhercheeks.“Quin,there’ssomethingI’dliketodowithyou,thatI’veneverdone

withanymanbeforeandreallycouldn’tbecauseonlyavampirecoulddothis,but…”

Helikedthesoundofthatbecauseshe’djustreferencedhisfangs,andhelovedthatshewasjustalittle

bit embarrassed. He leaned close and whispered into her ear. “You want me to bite you someplace
special?”

Hefelthershiver.“Iwantyoutobitemeeverywhere.”
Hecouldn’tthinkforamoment.Thethoughtofobligingherhadhardenedhimalmostpainfully.“Oh,

Cha.”Hestayedclosetoherear,rimminghistonguealongthecurvesthathadalovelyfaepeakontop.

Shepurredasheslidalongthefoldsthenfinallydippedinside.Heplungedinandout.
So,youwantmetonibbleonyourankles,whereelse?
Thebackofmyknees.
Hegroanedagain.
And…Oncemorehecouldtellshewasshyaboutmakingtherequest.
Whereelse,Cha?

Mybreasts.Allovermybreasts.
Thethoughtofslakinghisvampirethirstonherlarge,beautifulbreastsjustaboutrobbedhimofbreath.

Shehadalotofterritorytocover.

Shedrewback.Hereyeshadadazedlook.“Iwantabathfirst.”
Henodded.“I’llmeetyouinthebedroom.I’lljustfetchsomefoodfromthekitchen.”
ShegrabbedthefrontofhisGuardsmancoatandpulledhimclose,kissinghimhardonthelips.“Good

idea.”

Sheturnedandwalkedinthedirectionofhismastersuite,thenwithagiggleroseintotheairandflew

downthehall.

Hesmiledasheheadedintheotherdirection.

*********

Batyafilledtheboat-liketub,thenclimbedinforagoodlongsoak.Quinlanreturnedwithabeautiful

branch of grapes and small, crust-less sandwiches cut into small heart-shapes. “Well aren’t these
precious.”

Quinlanrolledhiseyes.“I’mgoingtokillmyhousekeeper.She’stauntingmebecauseofyou.Shemust

haveknownI’dbringyoubackhere.”

“Smartwoman.”
“Butthewhitewineisgood.”
“Thebest.”
She took the small glass, leaned back and sipped. She watched his gaze drift down the length of her

body. His eyes took on a hooded look and his smoky, applewood scent got tangled up in the warm air
aboveher.Shewasprettysureshe’ddiedandgonetoheaven.

Foodneededtobethepriority,however,soshefocusedonthemealandthewineandencouragedhim

todothesame.

Whenhe’dfinishedeating,hehoppedintheshower.Shefinallyeasedfromthetub,toweledoffthen

usedhisblowdryertogetsomeofthedampnessoutofherhair.

Sheslidbeneaththefurstowaitforhim,herbodythrummingwithlifeanddesire,andshewonderedif

theirrecentcouplingswouldmakeavampire-fae-trollbaby.Shethenrealizedwithastartthatforthefirst
timeinherlife,theideaofhavingachildactuallyappealedtoher.Amazingwhatchangestherightman
couldmakeinthelifeofanindependentwoman.

Whenheappearedinthedoorway,shesighed.
“You are freakingly good-looking, Quin.” He’d pulled his hair back in a clasp but that was the only

thinghewore.

Hepausedandplantedhishandsonhiships.“Well,you’renotarrangedquiteasI’dhoped.”
Shegiggled,threwthecoversbackandhoppedoutofbed.“It’scoldinthisroom.”
“Notforlong.”
Sheknewwhathewanted.
Sherearrangedthecoversthenstretchedherselfoutontopofthefurs.
“Muchbetter.ExactlythewayIwantedtoseeyou.”
Hemovedwithallthestrengthofhisvampiregenetics,musclesflexingandquivering,untilhestood

besidethebedandlookeddownather.Hisgazetookherinoncemore,asithadwhileshe’dbathed.

Sheheldherarmsouttohimandhecametoher,stretchingoutontopofher.
Shecaressedhisface.“Ican’tbelievewe’rehere.”
“Iknow.”Helookedsoserioussuddenly.
“Iwasafraidwewouldn’tmakeitbackalive,butyougotusthere.”
“Wegotusthere.”

Shesmiled.“Iguesswedid.Isthisreallyhappening?”
He leaned down and kissed her, a full, moist kiss that melted her hips and legs. She parted for him,

feelinghisrigidstalkasheglidedlower.Hewasheavyonherinthebestway.

Hekissedherforalongtime,strokingherarmswithhishands,grindingagainsther,buthedidn’ttryto

enterher.

Easinghistongueoutofhermouth,helickedherlips.Shewasreadyformore,whenshefeltashiftin

hisvibrationandsuddenlyhisfangsstruck,stingingjustherlowerlip.

Shecriedout,butheretractedhisfangsandbegantosuckandthepleasureflowed.
Herbreathsmingledwithhis.Shefelthischinquiverandhiscocktwitchashedrankfromher.
Hedrewbackslightly,staringdownathermouth,hiseyelidsathalf-mast.“Iloveseeingbloodonyour

lips.SweetGoddess.”Heflexedhishipsandhiscockpressedagainsther.

Shetouchedhisfacewithherhand.“Doyouwantinsidenow?”
Heshookhishead.“No.I’vejustgottenstarted.”
Toprovehisintention,henuzzledherneckthenherear.Asecondlater,afangpiercedthesoftfleshof

herearlobeaboveherpiercedearring.Hetookthelobeinhismouthanddrewfromherwhathadtohave
beenthesmallestrivuletofbloodpossible.

Oh,Cha,evenafewdropsislikeheaventome.
Her hips rolled on the bed. She shifted around trying to find a way to capture his cock between her

thighs,buthekeptjustoutofreach.

Heletgoofherearandmethergaze.“No,youdon’t.YoumadeyourrequestandIintendtodeliver.”
Anothershiverwentstraightthroughher.
Hislipsandtonguemadeaslowprogressiondownherneck,overhercollarbone,thenlower.

*********

Even Batya’s skin tasted like her tropical-flower scent, something rich, heady, more than he’d ever

dreamedof.

He marveled that his stomach no longer hurt, not even a little. How had this extraordinary thing

happened—a woman in his bed at long last, covered in furs, and writhing to the feel of his lips, his
tongue,hisfangs.

Hewatchedherbeneathhoodedeyesandeveryarchofherbackorrockofherhips,broughtanother

moanfromhim.Hermatingfrequencyplayedoverhisskinandevenflowedoverhiscocksothathewas
asclosetocomingasever,butsomehowmanagedtoholdback.

Hewantedtopumphisseedinsideher,nowhereelse,atleastnotrightnow.Maybeshewasripeand

readytobearachild,maybethatfactorwasinplayaswell.Hejustdidn’tknow.

Buthewantedherfullofhischild.Thatmuchmadeperfectsensetohimnow.Hewantedtoparadeher

infrontofasmanyothermenaspossible,toshowthemwhathecoulddotohiswoman,toproveallthat
hewasinatraditionasoldastime.

He suckled her first, taking turns and delighting in how she’d flex each breast when he nursed on a

nipple, forcing more of her into his mouth. He took more, until his own body called a halt. How many
timeshadhealmostcome?

Buthemovedtothesideforwhatheneededtodonext,theonethingshe’daskedofhim.
Herhandfoundhisarmandshesqueezedhisbicep,soofcourseheflexedforher,thenturnedtomeet

hergaze.

Hereyeswerefulloflove.That’swhathesaw,andwhatcametohiminawaveofpowerfulemotion.

Hefelthislifemeetfullcircleinthismoment,ofhavingknownloveintheearlyyearsofhislife,thenlost
itforcenturies,onlytohavethebloodrosephenomenonbringhimhomeagain.

He leaned over and kissed her. “Thank you, Batya. Thank you.” He wanted to say more, but simply

didn’thavethewords.

Butshenodded,caressinghisface.
Hisgazedrifted,asitoftendid,backtoherfullbreasts.
“GivemewhatIneed,”shewhispered.
Hedidn’trequireanotherinvitation,butsettledhislipsovertheupperswellofherbreast,struck,then

suckedoncemore.

Atthesametime,hefondledtheotherbreast,teasingthetipintoatightbud,strokingthelowfullness

andweight.Yourbreastsaresobeautiful.

They’reyours,Quin.Onlyyours.Allyours.
Quinlan took his time, and worked over every inch of her breasts, biting and sipping, and with each

strike,hertremblingincreased.Hecouldfeelherpleasurewhichfueledhisown.

She healed fast, but when he knew she’d reached her limit, he rose up and stared down at least two

dozen puncture wounds, all healing quickly. Her nipples were hard beads and her labored breathing
causedherbreaststoriseandfall.

Hepositionedhimselfagainbetweenherlegs,hiscockahardandreadymissile.Ashepushedinside

her,glidingeasilyalongthewetpulsingchannel,shegroaned.

Hadsexeverbeenbetter?
No.Hethrustthreetimes,justtofeelherwellandtoseathimselfdeepinside.
Then he let the real magic begin as he supported himself on his forearms, stared into her eyes, and

openeduphismatingvibration.

*********

Batyalaypoisedontheedgeagain,ecstasyhoveringjustabreathaway.ShestaredintoQuinlan’seyes,

themanwho’dteasedhermercilesslyanddeliveredathousandtimesoverwhathe’dpromisedallthose
weeksago.

He’drepeatedlysaid,‘we’dbegoodtogether,Cha’.
And they were good together, more than she could believe. How far they’d come. How much they’d

achieved,openingupmostoftheenthralledlandsaroundFerrendenPeace.

But here she was trembling from the exquisite pain and pleasure of his bites, of his suckling and

fondling,readytohavehimtakehertotheheightsoncemore,whilelookingintohisdarkeyes.

Howshelovedhim.Howmuchshetreasuredallthathewas,especiallyknowingwhathe’denduredas

achildandhowhe’dtriedtodefendhismother,almostlosinghisyounglifeintheprocess.

Nowshewasherecaressinghisfaceashedroveintoher,hisvibrationflowingthroughherwelland

intoherabdomensothatshecouldhardlybreathe.

Shedidn’twantthismomenttoend.Shewantedtostaylikethiswithhimforever.
Heturnedhisheadslightlytoplantakissonthepalmofherhand.Letmedrinkfromyou,Cha.
Yes,please,yes.
Hesmiledashemethergaze.“Iloveyousomuch.”
Shenodded,thenshowedhimthedepthofherlovebysimplyturningherheadandexposingherneck.

Hejerkedinsideher,whichcausedhertotighten.

Hegrimaced,leaningawayfromherandclosinghiseyes.Thatfelttoogood.
Iknow.Sheremainedverystilltolethimrecover.Sheknewhimbynow,thathewantedtodrinkfrom

herandifpossible,comeatthesametime.

Helickedaslowlineupherthroat,yetkeptmovingintoherfromlongpractice.
Shewaited,trembling,eyesclosed.Hisvibrationfloodedher,whilehishardcockdroveintoher.
Hestruck.
Shecriedoutandherbodyseized,justonthebrinkoforgasm,yetholdingsteady.

Hebegantoswallowdownherbloodandshewrappedherarmsaroundhisshoulders,amazedbyhis

strengthandhisstamina.

Shebreathedhardandgroanedasthepleasurebuilt,risingfast.Hegruntedashedrank.
Hecurledoverherandwhileheswallowedheressence,shefelthimstarttorelease,whichpushedher

overtheedge.

Somanysensationsarrivedatonce,thatshehowledattheceiling,hismouthstillfixedtoherneck,her

blood still leaving her body, his cock jerking inside her while he thrust faster and faster. He grunted
againstherneck,hisvibrationatfullbore.

A second orgasm barreled down, carrying her away on a streaking comet of passion. She tumbled

throughtimeandspace,notknowingwhereshewouldland.

Stars flew before her eyes as her body spasmed within and as her heart filled with so much joy she

couldnolongerbreathe,orthink,ordoanything.

Whenatlastshereturnedtoherself,Quinlanlayontopofher,breathinghard,aheavybountifulweight,

somethingshewouldknowoverandoveragainforyears,decades,andhopefullycenturiestocome.

Hewasthemanforher,themysteryherfatherhadtoldhertoembrace,andhowgratefulshewasthat

despiteherstubbornnessandherindependence,she’dengagedwhenshewouldmuchratherhavestayed
behindinLebanon.

“Wheredidyougo?”Hemumbledagainsthershoulder.“Yougotsoquiet.”
“IthinkIvisitedanothergalaxyjustforfun.Thatwasamazing,Quinlan.”
Heliftedupoffherandchuckled.“Whatdoyoumean?”
“Theamazingpart?”
“No.Igetthat.”Hethumbedhercheek.Hewasstillinsideher,hisgirthmakingiteasytostayputat

leastforawhile.“Thegalaxypart.”

Shereachedbackandundidtheclasp,freeinghishair.“I’mafraidifItellyouthetruth,you’llpreen

toomuch.”

“Whatareyousaying?”Heactuallyfrownedlikehedidn’tgetit.
Sheshookherhead.“IthinkIlostconsciousness.”
Hislipsparted.“You’reserious.”
“Isawstars.”
“SweetGoddess.Areyouokay?”
“Oh,Quinlan.”Awaveofaffectionflowedthroughher.“ThisiswhyIloveyousomuch.Youdidn’t

boastaboutfuckingmetillIpassedout,youaskedifIwasokay.”Shecurledtowardhiminordertoplant
akissonhislips.

Whichofcourseheatedthingsupalloveragain,andbecausetheirvibrationswerestillentwined,and

hewasstillinsideher,hemadelovetoheragainandagain.

*********

Quinlan stood while Mastyrs Gerrod, Ethan, and Seth sat at the round table in his stronghold dining

room. The ladies had left so that Vojalie could feed Bernice and Davido had accompanied them. Ethan
hadtakenchargeofthemastyr-basedwraith-pairsandSamanthahadeffectivelybrokentheirbonds,but
nooneyetknewwhetheranyofthefourrealm-folkcouldberehabilitated.Onlytimewouldtell.

Quinlanhadbeenrightaboutonething,hisbondwithBatyahadendedSeth’sdrivetowardher,inthe

samewaythathe’dshownnointerestatallinSamanthaaftershe’dbondedwithEthan.

Gerrod, the most conservative of all the mastyrs turned in his chair toward Quinlan. “I still cannot

believethatyouofallmastyrsareproposingearth,access-pointbases.You’vebeenthemostvocalabout
holdingtoourtraditions,keepingourworldsseparate.”

“Iwon’tsaythatI’mnotconcerned,butIcan’tpredictthefutureandtheonethingIbelieveweneedis

a means of communication, one realm to another, apart from our world. How many times has Margetta
shutdownourcommunication?Toomanytimes,makingitimpossibleforustowarneachotherorevento
askforGuardsupport.”

“He’sgotapoint,”Ethansaid.Heworehislongbrown-blondcurlsinabraid,somethingSamanthahad

doneforhim.Thehandsomebastardcouldwearthelook,he’dgivehimthatmuch.“Weallcouldhave
used a fallback method of reaching each other in the past and who knows what Margetta and the Great
Mastyrwillhaveinstoreforusinthefuture.”

“Yes, I think you’ve spoken the dilemma exactly right.” Seth frowned. Of all the mastyrs present,

Quinlan knew Seth the least, only that he ruled Walvashorr with precision and care, making use of his
profound,analyticalmind.Healsohadaquietvoicethatcarriedalethaledge.“Iforoneaminfavorof
theidea.”

HewonderedifsomewhereSethhadabloodrosewaitingforhim.
Maybe.Probably.
HefeltBatyareachforhimalonghistelepathicvibrationandturningslightly,hepathed,Hey.
Hey,yourself,mylove.He’dhadthreeblissfuldaysandnightswithBatyaandduringthattimehislove

forherhaddeepenedtoaplacehe’dneverthoughtpossible.

AndwhatcanIdoforyou?
Um,that’saloadedquestion.I’mthinkingfangs.
He smiled and turned away from the table. And I’d love to oblige you by sharing in explicit detail

whatI’ddowithmyfangs,butI’mwiththreemastyrswhowillknowexactlywhatI’muptoifIstart
in.

Hewassurehecouldhearherchuckling.Vojaliewantstospeaktous.Justyouandme,foramoment.

Canyoucometousyet?Wehavecoffeereadyforeveryoneinthelounge.

He glanced back at the table, intending to ask the other men what they thought, but both Gerrod and

Ethanhadcrossedtheirarmsovertheirchestsandnowgrinnedathim.Ethanthenpretendedtocracka
whipinQuinlan’sdirection.

Buthejustdidn’tgiveagoodGoddamn.Heshrugged.“Batyasaystheyhavecoffeereadyforus.What

doyousaytogivingmyearth-accessbasesashot?”

Gerrodnodded.“Ithinkwe’reallagreed.”Heroseashespokeandtheothertwomastyrsjoinedhim.
ToBatya,hepathed,We’reonourway.Loveyou,Cha.
Ditto,Quin.
He closed the conversation down and moved up next to Seth as together they followed Gerrod and

Ethanfromtheroom.

“Sowhat’sitlike?”Sethaskedquietly,holdingQuinlanbackwithaslightpressureonhisarm.“This

wholebloodrosething.”

ThereweresomanythingsQuinlancouldhavesaid,butfinallyhejustshookhishead.“Youwouldn’t

believemeifItoldyou.Butiffatecontrivestosendsuchawomanyourway,justembracethemoment,
thepassionofit,andletgo.”

Hisfrowndeepened.“Letgo?”
“Yeah.It’saconceptyou’llhavetogetusedto.”

*********

Batya wept. Vojalie, perhaps the most powerful fae in all the Nine Realms, had just given them the

news.

“You’re sure?” Quinlan asked. He stood beside his library table, the one that had held the combined

mapofGrochaireandWalvashorrnotevenaweekago.“We’regoingtohaveadaughter?”

Vojaliespreadherhandswide.ShewasoneofthemostbeautifulfaewomenBatyahadeverknown,

oneofthekindestsouls,andrightnowhadgiventhemthebestpossiblenews.

But the woman’s gaze was fixed on Quinlan. “I have dreamed of your mother repeatedly in the past

severalweeks.Idon’thavegreatrapportwiththespiritworld.Ibelievelifeisfortheliving.Butinthese
dreamsshespokeofViola.Doyouknowwhomshemeant?”

Quinlannodded.“Mygrandmother.ShewaskilledbytheInvictusalongtimeago.”
BatyashiftedslightlytoseeQuinlan’sexpressionbetter.Helookedlikehe’dtakenablowtothechest,

asensationshefeltwithinthebondedstateoftheirmatingvibrations.

Sheslippedherhandinhis.Hemethergaze,searchinghereyes,thensqueezedherhandinresponse.

“Whatareyouthinking?”sheasked.

“Thatthere’ssomethingmorehere,somethingI’mtryinghardtorememberaboutViola.Motheralways

thoughtshe’dbeentargetedbytheInvictus.Shehadsomanystoriesofnear-escapes.”

Batyaputherhandonherlowerabdomen.“IthinkIknow.IthinkMargettatriedtoendthelinewell

beforeeitheryouoryourmotherarrived.Shedidn’twantyoubornormaybeshedidn’twantthischild
born.”

“Thatwouldonlymakesenseifmymotherhadbeentargetedaswell,butshewasn’t.Shewas—”He

couldn’tfinishthethoughtbecauseanotherhardtruthaboutlifesurfaced.

Quin,whatisit?Tellme.Tellus.
HeglancedfromhertoVojalie.“Sometimeslifeissohardit’salmostunbearable.ButI’vejustrealized

thattheonlywayIwouldeverhavebeenborn,andnowthischildwithus,isifmyfatherhadn’tbeena
brutal,controllingbastard.

“Hekeptmymotherunderlockandkey.He’dboughtillegalprotectivespellsfromafae,whoalsoput

anenthrallmentshieldaroundourhouse.I’dalwaysbelieveditwastokeepherinside,butnowIdon’t
know.Whatifhe’dknownonsomerealm-levelthatherlifewasinjeopardy?”

Vojalieshookherhead.“Sometimesthegreatparadoxesofourlivesarethehardesttobear.Butyou

canstilldespisewhathedidtoher.”

“Ithinkmymotherunderstoodthegifthegaveher,evenwhilehurtingheratthesametime.Shealways

forgavehimandIdon’tmeanakindofdocilerelenting,butsheforgavehim.”

“Hekepthersafethen.”Vojaliefrownedslightly.“Agreatparadox,indeed,becauselookatthegifthe

createdinyou,thatyouwouldgrowuptoserveGrochaireasnoothermastyreverwouldhave.

“You’ve done well, Quinlan, beyond what your terrible background should have allowed you to do,

bettereventhanyouwilleverbelieveyou’vedone.”

“Iagree,”Batyasaid,squeezinghishandfirmly.
Quinlanturnedtoher.“Thisisalottotakein,butfromthetimethatwebonded,I’vefeltasenseof

closure,ofliferightingitselfinastrange,miraculousway.IhavenodoubtthatbecauseofMargettaand
theGreatMastyr,theNineRealmsareinforit.Butrightnow,inthismoment,withababywe’vemade
together,Icanbegratefulthatyou’vecometome,thatyourpresenceinmylifehaschangedme,andthatI
canknowlove.Beyondthat,we’lltakelifeasitcomes.”

She knew how hard these words were for Quinlan to speak, so she spoke her own hard words. “I

secludedmyselfbecauseIsawtoomuchofdeath.IneverthoughtIcouldcomebacktoGrochaire,tohave
alifehere,butyoumadethatpossible.”

Shewouldcontinuetorunthefree-clinicinLebanon,especiallynowthatQuinlanhadanewplanto

openupaGrochairebaseinTennessee.He’dalreadyappliedtothestategovernmentforpermissionand
hadmeetingslinedupwiththeGovernoronthefollowingweektohammeroutregulationsandprotocols.

ButherbondwithQuinlanhadbroughtherfullcircleaswellsothatshewouldcreateanewfreeclinic

inthepoorestsectionofGrochaireRealm.She’dwantedtofordecades,butherfearoftheInvictushad
sentherfleeingherbirth-realminstead.

Now that the enemy’s intentions were better understood, Quinlan and the mastyrs here tonight were

buildingbetterdefenses.Herrealm-clinic,foronething,wouldhavetwoGuardsmenondutyallthrough
the night, when the Invictus were most active. During the day, a squad of Guard-trained shifters would
takeover.

AsQuinlancontinuedtoholdherhandandgazeintohereyes,sheturnedherthoughtstowardhimand

thenewlifewithinher.

“IthinkweshouldcallherViola.”Thenamejustfeltright.
Quinlanslidhisarmaroundherwaistandpulledherclose.“Ithinkmymotherwouldhavelikedthat.”
Vojalienodded.Shethenraisedherarmshighandspokeastringofblessingsforthechildwhoselife

hadjustbegun.

BatyaheldQuinlan’sgazeasVojalie’svoiceroseandfellinthepoeticcadenceoftheancientwords.

She willed him to understand her love and knew she’d succeeded when a smile curved his lips and an
affectionateexpressionlithiseyes.

Iloveyou,too,hepathed.
Animageroseinhermind,ofayounggirlflyingakiteonawindyeveningdownalongslopinghill.

Shehaddarkeyesandhairasblackasnight.Thecolorsarrived,ofthegreengrassesonthehill,thegirl’s
red dress, and the purple kite, splashing over the image, bringing the beauty of the scene to life. This
wouldbehernextpainting,theoneshewouldexecutelongbeforeherdaughtercameintotheworld.

Buttheinscribedbrassplateatthebottom,thelettersinalovelyscript,stunnedherthemost,Viola,

QueenofFerrendenPeace.

ShealmostsaidsomethingtoQuinlanandVojalie,butamysteriousinstinctstoppedher,thattodoso

would jeopardize not just her child, but Rosamunde as well. She remained silent. And when she drew
withinoncemore,thesameimageremained,butthebrassplatehaddisappeared.Herdaughter’sfuture
washersalonetoknow.

Whatanincredibleturninthejourneyofherlife,thatshewouldstandoppositeoneoftherealmrulers,

boundtohimashisbloodrose,nowpregnantwithafuturequeen.

Herfatherhadtoldhertoembracethemystery.
Andsoshehad.

TheEnd

AboutCarisRoane

AsofNovember,2013,andwiththepublicationofEMBRACETHEMYSTERY,USATodayBestselling

AuthorCarisRoanehaspublishedfourteenparanormalnovelsandnovellasandonecontemporary

romance.WritingasValerieKing,shehaspublishedfiftyRegencyworks.In2005,RomanticTimesgave

heraCareerAchievementawardinRegencyRomance.AsCarisRoane,shecurrentlywritesparanormal

romanceforSt.Martin’sPressandisalsoself-publishingseveralseriessetindifferentparanormal

worlds.

TolearnmoreaboutCarisRoane/ValerieKing,andtoseehercurrentreleases,pleasevisitherwebsite:

www.carisroane.com

TITLESBYCARISROANE

THEGUARDIANSOFASCENSIONSERIES

THEBLOODROSESERIES

EmbracetheMystery

THEAMULETSERIES

WickedNight

DarkNight

TheAmuletSeries:WickedNightandDarkNight

DAWNOFASCENSIONSERIES

BrinkofEternity

TheDarkening

CONTEMPORARY

ASeductiveProposition

MENINCHAINSSERIES

BorninChains

COMINGSOON!

EMBRACETHEPASSION,MastyrSeth’sstory!

AndfindoutwhathappenstoLorelei!

TogetupdatesonallCarisRoanereleases,besuretosignupforhernewsletter/mailinglistfromthe

HomePageofwww.carisroane.com

Finally,ifyouenjoyedthisstory,pleasetakeacoupleofminutestoleaveareviewatyourfavoriteonline

retailer!Andyoudon’thavetobeabloggertodothis,justareaderwholovesbooks!Thesereviews

helptremendouslytogetthewordoutforyourfavoriteauthors!

TableofContents

TableofContents
TitlePage
Copyright
DearReader
ChapterOne
ChapterTwo
ChapterThree
ChapterFour
ChapterFive
ChapterSix
ChapterSeven
ChapterEight
ChapterNine
ChapterTen
ChapterEleven
AbouttheAuthor
AlsobyCarisRoane
ComingSoon!

Document Outline

Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright
Dear Reader
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
About the Author
Also by Caris Roane
Coming Soon!

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