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Copyright ©2006 by Aline de Chevigny

First published in 2006, 2007

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Blood Red
Chronicles of the Cursed: Book 1
Aline de Chevigny
Aspen Mountain Press

Chronicles of the Cursed: Blood Red

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Page 1

Copyright © 2007 by Aline de Chevigny

This e-Book is a work of fiction. While references may be made to actual
places or events, the names, characters, incidents, and locations within are
from the author's imagination and are not a resemblance to actual living or
dead persons, businesses, or events. Any similarity is coincidental.

Aspen Mountain Press

PO Box 473543

Aurora CO 80047

www.aspenmountainpress.com

First published by Aspen Mountain Press, October 2007

www.aspenmountainpress.com

This e-Book is licensed to the original purchaser only. Duplication or
distribution via any means is illegal and a violation of International
Copyright Law, subject to criminal prosecution and upon conviction fines
and/or imprisonment. The e-Book cannot be legally loaned or given to others.
No part of this e-Book can be shared or reproduced without the express
permission of the publisher.

ISBN: (13) 978-1-60168-064-8

Printed in the United States of America

Editor: Sandra Hicks

Cover artist: Nikita Gordyn

Chapter One

Forever was longer than he'd thought it would be. When his Sire had proposed
the change, he'd made it sound enticing.'Our days will be filled with
adoration, our nights with loving and the power we'd possess, would make us
gods among men.' He'd said pulling him in with those hypnotic words.'And with
power comes wealth, my little man. You'll never want for anything ever again.'
Seducing words for a man who hadn't eaten in days.

He'd lied! Andreus Wolfsbane, had wanted nothing more than a pet. He soon
learned that Mikael De Wohlf was no one's pet.

The first hundred years had passed quickly. He'd expected nothing less when
one's nights were filled with the most exciting and enriching experiences he'd
ever known. Taking beautiful young maidens full of life and ravishing them
until they begged him for rest, then feeding off their milky white throats.
Always choosing to feed from the daughters of nobles—payback for the way
they'd shunned and mocked him before his change. Now they came to him
willingly, offering him what he could easily take by force. Pitiful creatures.
He'd hated them ... then.

Over the centuries he'd become more feared then Dracula himself, all because
he wasn't afraid to die. He'd learned to embrace death. Yet despite everything
he now had, the power, the fame, and the money. He still lacked one thing:
True Love.

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Five hundred years of searching, traveling the world over and finding
nothing, had left him jaded, cross and bored. Those emotions made him
dangerous and deadly. He hadn't earned the name Cerberus Gnosis, the
knowledgeable dog of Hell, by being nice.

Mikael De Wohlf was aware he scared people. He could see it in their eyes
when they were called into his presence. He'd killed his own sire, no vampire
in history had ever done that as viciously as he had. Now they weren't sure
what to make of him. Women still came to him willingly his blond hair and teal
colored eyes, inherited from his Russian father and Greek mother, got him all
the female attention he wished.

Any woman buther —the one he desired.

Annabella Micelli knew who he truly was. She was among the elite of the human
race with the knowledge of his kind, the knowledge of the undead. He knew his
past actions disgusted her. He saw it every time she looked into his eyes.
Clearly, she fought his advances because of his reputation as a vile ruthless
demon without a conscience No other reason made sense, of her actions. She
didn't approve of his tactics, or of the fact that he used his vast knowledge,
painfully gained throughout the centuries, to assure the downfall of his
enemies and their progeny at any cost. He desperately wished he hadn't given
her grandfather his word that he wouldn't use his mental gifts on her. To be
able to read her mind would simplify his life immeasurably.

Yet he couldn't bring himself to break his word or kill her like he had all
others who disapproved of him. She had a hold over him, over that thing that
had once been his heart. Her mere presence soothed him; her aura washed over
him like a calming breeze. Her smiles, though rare warmed his soul and made
him want—life, love and family. With her around, many escaped his anger and
their deaths. For that reason alone she willingly served as his secretary—nay,
his personal assistant.

Mikael smiled, his fangs gleaming as he remembered her defiant stance the day
he'd demanded she leave his office so he could deal with the traitor his own
way. Her angry refusal and narrowed eyes enflamed him, as she stood in his
way, blocking the path to his victim. Silently daring him to try and remove
her from the room. His desire for her body overwhelming his desire for blood
had been the only reason he agreed to allow the traitor to live—in exchange
for her services, of course.

Bella had glared at him, the strangest look filling her features at his
request. He knew then that he had her, that he could take her body if he
wished; she wouldn't refuse him. It was there in her face, but he wanted more.
He needed more. Mikael wanted her to come to him willingly. He wanted her to
desire him as much as he desired her, if not more. She made him feel alive,
like a man and not the beast he'd become over the years. He liked who he was
when she was near. He wanted her forever.

With a predatory grin, he extended his fangs, his personal mark of truth, so
she would know he spoke sincerely and offered her the position of being his
personal assistant. He offered her the responsibilities and authority of
managing his companies while he slept, the greatest honor that had ever been
bestowed upon a female by one of his kind.

Her surprised acceptance, pleased him more than he was willing to admit. But
damn the woman, she still refused his advances. “Soon my Bella,” he whispered,
“soon you'll be mine."

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Mikael enjoyed his comforts. It was all he had to soothe the sting of Bella's
constant rejections. His elegant Manse was the envy of all of Rome, with its
marble halls and breathtaking fountains. He took pride in his home and he knew
Bella was enamored with it. She was familiar with every passage, every room of
the structure but the one where he now sat. This room was sacrosanct. Only a
vampire could enter its protected walls. Once they'd entered they rarely left,
and he would never allow her to learn of its existence. Never, that is, until
she agreed to become his Queen.

Bella walked by the door on a daily basis, never knowing it existed. The
wards were placed specifically to keep all but those that had business in the
room from finding it. Unless a person, human or vamp, was introduced to the
room the magic would keep them away.

Mikael was the head of his clan. He and he alone meted out punishment to
those who broke their sacred laws. The sanctity of this room was reserved for
those vampires who threatened the unstable safety of their way of life. Here,
they came to receive their sentences. Here he met with the newly chosen to
explain the laws and what would happen to them if those laws were broken. Here
he met with his informants who kept him up to date on what the other four
houses were doing.

Daemor had been plotting to remove Wolf House from power for as long as
Mikael had held the Head of Clans seat. He knew that if the Vampire Nation
were to fall under Raven House's rule, they would all be hunted down and
killed one by one until they're kind were extinct. Mikael couldn't allow that,
and in turn had taken the precautions to send out spies. They needed to be
ready when Daemor finally made his move.

He gazed around at the walls draped in blood red silk. He'd had the silk hung
as extra protection in case of magical attack. The ingrained magical
properties of the silk, helped keep this room hidden from unwanted eyes. He
was quite pleased with its impact: the sight of the blood red walls put dread
in the eyes of the guilty when they entered his sacred domain. It reminded
them of the laws and hat would happen to them for breaking them.

Annabella was his obsession, his one weakness his enemies must never learn
about. His Bella had requested his presence today. That she had asked to see
him was a step closer to his ultimate goal. Unfortunately, before he could go
to her he had clan business to administer. “Nicolai, send the boy in."

"Jawohl, Vater."

"Speak English, Nicolai, you'll never learn if you don't practice."

"As you wish, Sire."

His order given, he turned his mind back to his dilemma. Yes, she'd finally
asked for him, but it had taken her two years to get over their
misunderstandings. He needed to gain her trust faster, to keep her safe. His
enemies wouldn't hesitate to take her out if they knew her importance to him.
Daemor wouldn't hesitate if ... no, when, he learned how precious she was to
him.

"Sire, Jerome, as you requested."

Mikael looked down at the trembling form kneeling on the floor and scowled in
disgust at the coward before him. This poor excuse for a vampire had broken
three of their sacred laws in one night, yet couldn't stand before him without
whimpering like a baby. “You've violated our most sacred laws. You put the

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entire Vampire Nation in danger with your selfish and rash actions. We. Do.
Not. Turn. Or. Feed. From. Children. Ever! We do not commit mass murder, for
any reason. We do not take women unwillingly, even if they are our fondest
desire. We obey man's laws and they respect ours! Yet without a second thought
you did all of that, then claim ignorance of those laws as your defense. What
do you have to say in your defense, boy? Speak!"

His raised voice made the boy shrink back even further, deepening his
contempt for the lad.

"I ... I ... Sire, I give you my word. I'll never do it again. The urges,
Sire, I couldn't resist them."

"You were weak!” He spat at Jerome's feet in disgust. The foolish childe
grasped at that excuse with both hands.

"Yes, yes. I was weak. I can't be held responsible."

Mikael's low rumbling laughter echoed throughout the room. “You've been with
this house for how long now Jerome?"

"Two years my Lord."

"And you were how old when you're Sire turned you?"

"Twenty-one, my Lord."

Rubbing his child thoughtfully, Mikael, sat forward. “Did Sebastien not
explain that you were not to leave the Manse without an escort until he ... or
I deemed you ready to rejoin society?” Mikael knew the answer to his question.
He was testing the boy to see if he could be redeemed. Honesty would grant him
a reprieve until his sore could be found and questioned to learn his thought
about the childe.

"No, my Lord. Blame him, Sebastien is responsible for not informing me of the
severity of the laws."

"You lie! This is Raven Clan, childe. We do not allow this sort of behavior
within our walls. My decision has been made. Turning a child is punishable by
death, Jerome, as is killing that child's entire family to cover your traces.
Our laws are in place to keep our kind safe from persecution. A century ago
these laws would not have been necessary, but in today's society they are. A
weak vampire exposes us all to the scrutiny of the humans. A weak vampire,
brings us to the attention of the vampire hunters who watch our every move and
jeopardizes our agreement with them. A weak vampire, Jerome...” Mikael smiled
as he extended his fangs. “...is a dead vampire."

"No ... my Lord ... a reprieve, I beg you."

Mikael's eyes glowed at the sorry sight before him. He knew humans with more
strength. A snarl curled his mouth as his fangs pierced his lower lip, drawing
blood for the ceremony he was about to perform. “With this blood, I sentence
you to death by solar at dawn. A death for which you will be ordered to fast.
No sense wasting precious blood on a dead vampire."

"You can't—"

"Silence! My word, underling, is law. Nicolai, remove him from my sight
before I kill him myself. I have yet to feed this evening, after all."

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The look of pure terror that crossed the Jerome's face turned Mikael's
stomach. The childe lost all color in his face and tears sprang to his eyes.
His vow to never abase himself by feeding off a coward affirmed itself at the
sight. “Take him away."

"Jawohl."

Mikael stood; harsh as his sentence had been, this justice would keep the
others in line and prevent another “mistake."

Bella awaited him in his study. He'd learned that when kept waiting the most
adorable little pout appeared on her lips. Perhaps tonight he wouldn't fight
his urges to kiss it away. He closed his eyes and summoned an image of Bella
to his mind, her long black tresses trailing freely down her back. He adored
that she never tied it back; he loved watching it sweep across her bottom when
she walked. Next he pictured her eyes, the deep-sea blue color that darkened
to sapphires when she got angry.

He was determined to find out if they deepened even further when she was
aroused. His mental image of Bella shifted lower down her body and sharpened.
Annabella would beckon to him, her chest straining against the little black
dress he'd bought her, her long legs looking even longer in the stiletto heels
she wore. She was his perfect mate, the only female; vampire or human that
wasn't afraid of him and told him what she thought of him. Yet in this vision,
she wanted him.

The vision vanished as it always did, his force of will only strong enough to
conjure it for a few moments. He had a respect for Bella, he felt for no other
female. Her strength lured him to her, as much as her beauty. He wanted her,
but more he needed her to keep him ... human.

Yes! Tonight I'll see exactly where I stand with my beautiful Annabella.

Chapter Two

Annabella paced the confines of the room and closed her eyes, she was tired of
being ignored. When she'd first met Mikeal de Wohlf, he wouldn't leave her
alone for a second. She'd continuously had to fend him off. Then, nothing.
“The vile creature! I won't let him get away with this!"

Seating herself at his desk she picked up her pen and twirled it between her
fingers as she looked over the contract one last time to make certain it was
flawless. Pausing she ran a soft hand caressingly over the surface of the old
desk. She loved this antique monstrosity, solid oak with a mahogany finish.
Yet it had scratches and stains from years of hard use that gave it character.
It was beautiful, but not perfect, a little like its owner.

"You look comfortable sitting there."

Her irritation at being ignored by him for weeks overruled her common sense.
Turning to look at him, she snapped, “You're late!"

He stood leaning against the door frame watching her, looking completely at
ease with his world. “Yes, well, I had other business to attend to."

His smug smile riled her further.Why did such a monster have to be so damned
handsome? Annabella berated herself; she'd seen with her own eyes how he'd
been trying to change. She saw it in the clan histories he kept. The histories
she'd lovingly had the local house owned, bookseller bind, then personally

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stored safely away.

She had learned through those histories that Mikael created laws to protect
his people and humans alike, then single handedly enforced those same laws.
Never once did he show bias for one race of people or the other. She'd seen
him ruthlessly kill both a human for hunting his people and a vampire for
hunting a human in sport. He was fair, and quick in his punishments. One
couldn't ask for a better leader. Shaking herself out of her reveries she
looked at him. “This business you kept me waiting for. I hope it went well?"

"Very, mi Bella. Now, you wished to see me?"

She gasped when he pushed away from the wall and started walking toward
her.He doesn't walk, silly woman, he prowls! Her mouth dried up as she watched
him approach her.

His self-assured laugh snapped her out of the trance he was weaving over her.
Resisting him was getting more difficult by the day, but a necessity if she
wanted children and a semi normal life. For once she gave into his charm and
seductive words; she knew she'd be lost to him forever. “I have those
contracts I need you to sign."

Before she knew it, strong hands gently massaged her tense shoulders. She
hadn't even heard him move up behind her. Despite her best efforts she relaxed
into the touch, secretly wishing for more, knowing she shouldn't encourage him
in this fantasy he brought out in her.

"You work too hard, Bella."

His voice washed over her, caressing her like a lover's touch. “It's what you
pay me for, Mikael."

"You can be so stubborn.” He leaned down to whisper in her ear, causing a
shiver to race along her spine. “I can smell the desire on your skin. One
word, Annabella, and I'm yours. You need only voice the wish you hold so
tightly."

Her shoulders stiffened as she resisted the urge to give in to his
soft-spoken command. His rich laughter flowed around her, wrapping her in its
silky embrace. “Walk me through the fine points of this contract, while I
attempt to change your mind and help you to relax."

Annabella fought the desire his hands created along her skin. She leafed
through the pages of the contract and explained the details, desire racing
through her every time he whispered a question in her ear.He is heartless, she
reminded herself, trying to control the feelings he evoked in her.He cannot
give you what you truly desire her mind whispered.True, but Perhaps he can
give me what I truly need? she answered it.

"It all seems to be in order. You do impeccable work, mi Bella. Do you have a
pen?"

She reached out for the pen in front of her, a hot blush creeping up her
cheeks from his compliment, and passed it over her shoulder. The moment their
fingers touched, images surged unbidden through her mind. Images of Mikael
loving her, touching her, caressing her, flowed through her.Where had those
erotic thoughts come from?

"Thank you, Bella."

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Her control slipped as her desire mounted. She'd never wanted a man this
desperately in her entire life. She didn't understand it. He was Cerberus
Gnosis, the vilest of the vampires. He wasn't even a man, so why did she
desire him so? He couldn't use his hypnotic suggestion on her. She was immune,
a gift of the Keeper status she'd inherited from her father when he had passed
away.

Six years of working closely with Mikael, being at his beck and call at all
hours of the night while running his companies by day, slowly eroded her
defenses. Years of trying to fight the insane attraction she felt for him only
to find her defenses crumbling after a few weeks without his presence around
her. Her father had tried to warn her about Mikael, he'd spent the last six
years of his life teaching her everything she'd need to keep herself safe
against Mikael's advances. Yet in the end, they both knew it would be her
choice to make.

Mikael's free hand slid from her shoulder up her neck with a soft loving
touch. His knuckles gently caressed her cheek, pulling a soft moan from her
lips. “One word, Bella, that's all it takes."

If her voice had been working she would have told him yes in an instant. But
she couldn't speak, she could only feel, and she wanted more. She leaned into
his touch, rubbing her cheek against his knuckles.

He growled and leaned in close to her ear. His hard muscled chest brushed up
against her back. “Say it, Bella, just say the word. Say Yes!” His hot breath
warmed her neck; his fangs lightly brushed her skin as he spoke.

"Yes.” she hissed on an exhaled breath, her body burning for more of his
touch.

Mikael howled in triumph. The sound caused goose bumps to break out over her
entire body. Heat spread between her legs in anticipation of what he would do
to her. Cold air suddenly touched her skin where he had just been. He'd
stepped away from her and retreated to the door of the study. Disappointment
overcame her as she realized his intentions. “No!"

"The sun rises, mi Bella. We will continue the dance this evening at sunset.
Be here in the study when I wake, and I will fulfill all your fantasies."

"And if I refuse to be your plaything, Mikael? You've been ignoring me for
weeks."

She shivered at the sound of his deep throaty laugh. “Then I will come to
you. You've given me your assent, Annabella; you cannot rescind the offer now.
You are mine forever. ‘Till tonight, beloved."

Annabella watched transfixed as he left the room, anger welling up inside
her. “How dare he play with me! He was aware of dawn approaching, I'm sure of
it.” Fury overrode her common sense. “I'll teach him to treat me like one of
his common Caitiffs!"

Stacking her papers in a pile, she shoved them into her briefcase. She
couldn't take anymore, Mikael was driving her insane with desire. “I may as
well go to the office and get some work done. No good,la bestia male can rot
for all I care at the moment.” Storming from the study she headed out the
front door.

Warm hands enveloped her from behind. Her hand fell away from the door handle
as a sharp cry of fear rose in her throat. “Shhh, mi Bella, I just wished to

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leave you with a parting gift. Seal our bargain with a kiss, if you will."

Warm lips traveled along her neck, and up behind her ear. She felt his teeth
gently nip her skin, never once drawing blood. The sensations overwhelmed her
and her body went limp in his arms. Her anger forgotten, she reveled in his
touch. “Damn you Mikael..."

Annabella cursed in frustration and turned in his arms, her mouth searching
for his. The desire to feel his lips against hers coursed through her like a
tidal wave. She felt the moment Mikael gave in to her demanding kiss; his body
shook with the effort of keeping his fangs retracted.

She pulled away from the kiss gasping for breath. Victory surged through her:
she'd made him lose control. Her father had explained this feeling to her.
He'd told her it was a once in a lifetime experience that would make all other
triumphs pale in comparison, but would be well worth the victory, if she chose
that path. She knew what would happen next, or what should happen if Mikael
was truthful about what he wished from her.

His fangs extended, he exposed her neck and leaned in to seal the bargain.
Warmth flooded through her as his fangs sank into her flesh. Desire, hot and
untamed, raged through her body. He took only a sip and then his tongue gently
licked the wounds closed, making her shiver with want for more.

In that instant, she knew he had her. She would be waiting for him at sunset
as he'd ordered. A soft sadness enveloped her for a moment. She had the man of
her dreams but at what cost?

Mikael stepped away, regret shining in his eyes. Regret for what, she vaguely
wondered as his body shifted and flowed into his Wolf form before he ran off,
leaving her alone by the front door.

She turned to leave his home and found sunlight shining straight into her
eyes. Dawn had risen. Turning, she stared down the hall where he'd just
vanished.

He had risked his life to be with her a moment more. Her heart soared, she'd
made the right choice.

Chapter Three

Mikael lay in his bedchamber, thoughts of the past assaulting his senses like
they always did when he succumbed to the disease. His first kill quickly
followed memories of the day he was sired. The day he got his revenge by
killing his Sire, for the lies and the betrayal. The day he sired his own
first Childe.

The day he met Nicolai's mother-here his thoughts slowed. That was a good
day. She was sweet, gentle and innocent, giving him his first taste of
kindness in centuries. He'd often wished he could slow the thoughts, stop them
from rushing by so quickly. To give him the chance to examine them closer, but
that wasn't how the curse worked. It led you were it thought you needed to go.

Next to the first time, he saw Nicolai, so small, innocent and pure. Even as
a child, the boy never fussed. Flashing to holding him in his arms, as he
rocked him to sleep, raising him and watching him grow into a man any parent
would be proud to call their own. Never in another thousand years could he
find someone as loyal as his Nicolai. Because of Nicolai, his opinion of
humans rose several notches and led to the new laws the entire Vampire nation

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followed.

Next came the day he met Annabella's great-great grandfather. Never had he
met a more stubborn, yet loyal man. He'd saved Mikael's life and Mikael had
bestowed on him the title of Keeper as reward, a title passed down through the
ages from generation to generation, to the first born of the line. A gift, a
magical bond that linked them together, which could only be broken through
death of one or the other, once the vows were said before the Antediluvian
priest. He remembered how Annabella's father had threatened to kill him when
the man realized that she would be next in line as Keeper, if he didn't treat
his daughter with the respect she deserved.

Mikael's lips turned up at the corners with his next memory: seeing the young
hellion for the first time at sixteen and becoming instantly smitten. He'd
waited five hundred and fifty-eight years for someone who could invoke any
feeling within him. He knew instantly that he'd found the one. And, she was
bound to him by an age-old pledge that was breakable only by death. A pledge
that went deeper because of the bond, he now knew they shared. Not even
Nicolai's mother had stirred feelings this deep within him. For that he would
wait for her, as long as it took.

He remembered the impatience that took hold of him when she didn't come to
him immediately. No woman had ever been able to resist him for so long in the
past. It had taken much longer than he'd expected to win her. The thrill of
victory and satisfaction he'd felt when she breathlessly gave in to him ...
mind, body and spirit. And now at last, she was finally his!

As he'd started toward his rooms he'd realized the bargain hadn't been
sealed. His decision to risk the sun's rays to seal their bargain had not been
made lightly, but it had been worth every second of the pain he'd felt when
the rays briefly touched his exposed skin. He'd taken her threat to refuse him
seriously. Bella never lied.

Dusk refused to approach this day. The regret that he'd been forced to leave
his Bella until sunset still burned raw within him. Once they'd mated, he
could bestow upon her the honor of staying by his side while he slept. Then
perhaps once he'd gotten her with child, he would offer her immortality, offer
to share their lives together forever ... and marriage. He wished his Bella
bound to him for eternity. Annabella was raised in the old ways, she would
never agree to children without marriage, of that he was more than certain.

Children.

That was the one secret he'd never divulged to any of her ancestors. Not many
vampires could father children, and none with another vampire. But with a
willing human, if she were the one, the other half of his soul it was
possible. If she were to pledge to his clan, then she could carry his child.

It was rare, but it could happen, like it had four hundred years ago. Grisele
hadn't survived the childbirth, but their son had. Their son had grown strong
and asked to be sired.

Nicolai did not know the truth of his heritage. Mikael felt it would be safer
for him as a child if no-one knew the truth of his parentage. He'd told his
house, nothing more than, he did it for Grisele. Nicolai knew his mother had
died in childbirth, and that Mikael had taken him in because of his affection
for the woman and she'd wished it, but Mikael knew he suspected. Why else
would he call him Vater?

Time trickled by slowly. His mind wandered from memory to memory, always to

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return to her, to the kiss they'd shared. He still tasted her distinctive
flavor on his tongue. Anger at his handicap flooded through him as sleep
claimed his mind with a dream of their bodies melded together in ecstasy.
* * * *

Annabella caught herself brushing her fingers across her lips. She'd been
doing that all day, and the need to be near him coursing through her was
driving her insane. It refused to be quieted, and she didn't understand why.

Picking up the contract he'd signed just that morning brought a soft blush of
remembrance to her cheeks. Signore Martinelli's polite cough reminded her that
she wasn't alone in the room. From the look on his face he'd clearly seen and
understood the blush, which only caused it to deepen.

"Signorina Micelli, when will I have the honor of meetingSignore De Wohlf ?"

Annabella smiled. Her revenge against Mikael for making her wait had been
handed to her on a silver platter. “He is returning this verynotte . I could
arrange a meeting then?"

"Si, per favore!"

Annabella stood and held out her hand to the man. “I will make the
arrangements and call you with the time.Buona Sera, Signore Martinelli ."

"Buona Sera, Signorina. Perhaps we could have dinner before the meeting, just
you and I?” He kissed the back of her hand suggestively, his eyes never
leaving her face.

Annabella blushed at the heat in his eyes. A vision of Mikael's face, fangs
extended in rage, appeared before her. “Signore, I thank you for the kind
offer, but it is not possible. Company policy forbids personal relationships
with clients. I'm afraidSignore De Wohlf would not approve, and I could lose
my position."

"Ah, I see. Pity, I would have enjoyed the opportunity. Perhaps in the
future?"

"Perhaps,Signore . Anything is possible."

She walked him out and returned to finish processing the paperwork. Soon she
would need to call Mikael and inform him about the meeting she'd scheduled
that evening, which she realized would postpone their own ... night.

Restlessness swept over her. She kept glancing out the window urging the sun
to quicken its descent. A look at her calendar showed she had no more
appointments that day. The desire to see him too strong to fight, she packed
up her briefcase and left the office. She could finish her paperwork just as
easily at the Manse as she could in her office.

Slipping into the Manse, she went directly to the study, where she set up for
the meeting with Signore Martinelli. Once finished, she sat at the window seat
and watched the sun's progress behind the trees.

Her mind wandered as she saw the yellow orb slowly sink toward the horizon.
She knew almost every inch of this Manse. Her father had brought her here
often to familiarize herself with the maze-like corridors in preparation of
her future role as Keeper, just like his father had done for him. She'd been
in every room here—well, every room but two. She'd never entered Nicolai or
Mikael's personal sanctuaries.

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A feeling of defiance washed over her. She wanted to see where Mikael slept,
to be there when he rose and not waiting like he'd ordered. She refused to be
treated like a servant, not with what was at stake. The memory of his
lust-filled order made up her mind. She stole out of the study and threaded
her way through the quiet halls, past the years of accumulated antique swords
and armor to his bedchamber door.

Doubt assailed her when she reached his door. Should she do this? Her feet
refused to move forward until her heart accepted the truth. She ran her hand
lovingly over the door like she'd done a million times before. In the past,
she had turned away at this point, too afraid to go through with her desires.
Too afraid to give up the only thing she'd desired more than him.

But not today.

Steeling herself, she grasped the handle and turned. It swung open without a
sound and the light from the hallway revealed a sitting room leading into the
bedchamber beyond. She stepped into the room and looked around. The
furnishings were all tasteful and looked to be padded for extra comfort.
Closing the door behind her, she forced her feet to continue their journey
through the room.

She paused in the bedchamber's open doorway. Her breath caught in her throat
at the sight before her. He lay on his bed unmoving and naked, the red silk
sheets barely covering his body. He was beautiful to look at and she wanted to
touch him. She felt his call then, soft and weak in sleep. She could fight it,
that soft call urging her to come to him. He'd left that option open to her
and she appreciated him for it.

That knowledge alone moved her forward. Walking to the bed, she sat on its
edge, her fingers gently brushing the hair from his face.

A fleeting thought rushed through her mind.How long till the sun sets? But
she ignored it.

His scent wrapped around her, luring her forward. She leaned down to gently
caress his lip with her own. The moment their lips touched, his eyes snapped
open. Teal colored eyed shone into hers, spelling her into place.

Night had fallen while she made her way through his room. She had nowhere to
run.

Chapter Four

Mikael thought he was still in the dream state. Bella would never dare be so
bold as to enter his private sanctum.Would she?

He lifted his arms to grab her and flipped her into his bed beneath him. A
predatory grin lit his features and his fangs extended. This was no dream. She
was here willingly in his bed.

She reached up and traced a finger down his incisor, causing a shiver of need
to course through him. Not a trace of fear showed on her beautiful face; such
strength made him burn for her even more.

"This isn't where you were told to await me, Bella."

"I am no one's slave to be ordered about, Mikael. If you want me, you take me

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on my terms. Not yours."

"Such impudence from my little Keeper.” He stroked his hand over her chest,
worshiping her body with his caresses. “I find your defiance both alluring and
attractive."

"That's good to know, Mikael, sinceSignore Martinelli has requested another
meeting with you. I told him you'd be free to see him this evening. Shall I
call him with the time?"

Her mischievous smile brought a frown to his face and Mikael growled
menacingly. “Damn you, woman, you were quite aware this evening was ours! How
dare you..."

His eyes narrowed as a thought floated up to the surface of his mind. “He
propositioned you!” Possessiveness took over. “He will pay for trying to take
what is mine."

Her hand on his face and the soft words she cooed into his ear snapped him
out of his rage. “It's your fault he propositioned me. I was lost in the
memory of your kiss, and forgot I wasn't alone. I may have inadvertently given
him the wrong signals."

"It will never happen again, my pet. After this evening you will bear my mark
for all to see.” He kept his words low and menacing, a warning to her of what
would happen if another ever tried to take her from him.

He expected defiance, anger at being branded his. What he saw in her face was
a fire that matched his own, a desire to make him hers, kindling in him a need
to mate, to get her with child and make their union permanent.

He'd call for the clan's Antediluvian to bless their union, then he'd wed her
in a sacred vampiric ceremony of bonding. None would gainsay him once she
carried his seed and bore his mark.

Bella kissed him, her lips eager and insistent. Mikael deepened the kiss, his
hand running up her thigh to her hip, bringing with it her sundress. His other
hand cupped her face, his fingers tangling in her hair possessively. “Il Mio.
Dikos Mou. Illaxma. Mein. La Mienne. Toda la Mina. Mijn. Mine!” It was every
language he knew. “Are we understood?"

"Perfectly."

Her calm answer teased a smile from his lips. He knew she disliked being
referred to as his personal property, but he couldn't resist the taunt—it
brought out a fire in her eyes. A fire that promised passion. “Good! Now call
Martinelli and tell him to be here in ten minutes. I'll go freshen up for the
meeting."

He left her fuming behind him. He loved the power he now had over her.
Annabella was a headstrong, independent woman. He would conquer her, body and
soul, on his own terms; nothing else would quench the yearning.
* * * *

Annabella watched him prowl into his bathroom.The arrogant bastard! That was
twice he'd done that to her.

Reaching over to the phone she dialed Signore Martinelli's number and gave
him Mikael's instruction. The man wasn't happy being ordered about, but he'd
waited weeks for this meeting, so he agreed.

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With her call completed, Annabella decided to get back a little of her own.
It was time to teach Mikael that it wasn't nice to play with a person's
emotions. Entering the bathroom, she unbuttoned her dress and let it fall to
the floor before stepping into the shower.

The man-made waterfall she'd only heard about was breathtaking.Wonder if I
can get Mikael to build one of those in my bathroom?

Standing still, appreciating the perfectly sculpted sight before her, she
watched Mikael tense and waited for him to acknowledge her presence. She
learned long ago that one never surprised a vampire; it could be dangerous to
one's health.

"What took you so long, Bella?"

Without a word she ran her hands over his back, reveling in the feel of his
muscles jumping under her touch.

"Ah, Bella!"

Her hands roamed over his shoulder to his chest. Her body pressed up against
his back as she caressed his nipples, then his stomach, roaming ever lower,
touching every inch of him and loving every second of it.

Mikael let out a moan of need and desire that brought a vindictive smile to
her lips. Now he knew how he'd made her feel these past few days. “You started
something Mikael, you'd better finish it. Or I swear you'll never have another
chance."

Mikael turned and took her in his arms. “I intended to finish tonight,mi
Bella. Unfortunately you scheduled a meeting with Martinelli for me. Now I
must honor the word you gave him."

"You're heartless."

"Si, miBella, my heart stopped beating long ago. This you've known your whole
life."

She wanted to scream. Why was he being so cold, so detached? “Mikael if you
weren't interested in me, why did you pursue me? To see if I was attainable?
Why did you waste twelve years trying to seduce me?"

"My sweet Bella, when willSignore Martinelli be here?"

"Soon."

Pulling her under the waterfall he kissed her. Her body melted into his arms.
She wanted him to never let her go. “The moment my business with Martinelli is
concluded, Bella, I'm all yours,” he whispered. “Is thataccettare ?” He nipped
at her skin along her shoulder blade waiting for her assent.

She sighed, content. “Accettare."

"No more surprises, Annabella. Or I will ravage you whether we have guests or
not. I cannot control my desires much longer. I have not fed yet this evening,
after all, and your blood smells of sweet berries; it is quite tempting."

His words sent a rare thrill through her. He desired her.But for how long?

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She stiffened in his arms. Mikael must have sensed her worry for his hands
gently caressed her body.

"Forever and a day."

His words warmed her, cementing her decision. “LetSignore Martinelli wait,
the way you make me wait for you. Tell him that you had unexpected business
that needed to be resolved."

His deep chuckle excited her, and made her body tremble with desire. When
Mikael started to slowly feed from her breast, the desire spiraled to
uncontrollable lust. “Mikael please..."

He let her go so abruptly that she wasn't sure what happened. She was left
standing alone under the cascading water, ready to scream out in fury that
he'd done it to her again. She turned off the water spray and grabbed a towel.
Mikael had played with her emotions for the last time.

Strong arms suddenly wrapped themselves around her waist and pulled her back
against a hard muscular chest. Mikael tore the towel away from her body and
ran his hands over her breasts possessively. “I needed to speak with Nicolai.
I asked him to informSignore Martinelli that I won't be making our meeting
this evening, as something of more critical importance needs my personal
attention, that I will need to reschedule for tomorrow, and that I offer him
my most sincere apologies for the inconvenience, as the matter could not be
helped."

Annabella relaxed under his soothing touch. She felt his soft chuckle vibrate
through her body but couldn't summon the energy to worry.

"Time to act out those luscious fantasies and desires that have been plaguing
your dreams, my pet? Time to make this union official, I believe."

Annabella suddenly found herself in mid-flight, aimed toward the bed. Before
she'd even landed Mikael was already above her, his lips devouring hers in a
hungry kiss of desire. The heat from his touch lit her body on fire, igniting
the coals deep in her core. He kneed her legs apart and settled himself
between them. “Are you readymi Bella?"

"Dio, Mikael, by the gods, yes."

His fangs extended the moment she gave her assent. She reached a hand out to
trace her finger down the curve of his incisor and he shivered in need. His
low-throated growl excited her, making her feel bold and daring. Her hands
caressed their way down his chest relishing in the freedom he gave her to be
herself. Mikael lost any hold on control and sank his fangs into her neck,
while thrusting deep inside of her.

The combined erotic sensations brought waves of pleasure so intense that
Annabella cried out in ecstasy. She'd never felt anything like this. A soul
deep pleasure encompassed her so totally she never wanted it to stop. Wrapping
her legs around his waist, she held on tight, whispering soft enticements,
urging him to never stop. The only replies she received to her pleas were
deeper thrusts and hot, wet kisses that left her faint and fulfilled.

His lips kissed down her throat to her breast, releasing the orgasm that had
been building within her. She was no virgin by any means, but she'd never felt
such a powerful release. Mikael was still going strong, but he slowed and
watched her reaction with affection.

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Annabella beamed at him in contentment, her arms reaching up for him, a faint
desire blooming in the back of her mind. With a sudden move she executed a
maneuver from all those self-defense courses he'd made her take and landed on
top of him, allowing her to take control of the situation and ride him to her
heart's delight.

She looked down into his teal blue eyes and knew she was lost. She'd never be
satisfied with any other. Any chance she had to have children vanished from
her mind without regret. Mikael was her future; she understood that now, and
she wouldn't change a thing.

His fangs sank deep into her breast and she felt his muscles tense. He was
near the end, and he'd been holding back, waiting for her to finish with him.
The pleasure coursing through her while he fed brought her to the edge of her
second orgasm, and feeling Mikael explode inside of her pushed her over that
edge. They climaxed together, clinging to one another in bliss, then fell back
onto the bed in exhaustion.

"Tomorrow, mi Bella, I will call for the clan Antediluvian, and have him
bless our union."

"Mikael, does this mean you'll want me forever? Make me immortal?"

He gathered her close, his tongue gently closing the wounds he'd opened
during their mating. “No, pet. Bella, I've known you since you were a child. I
know how dearly you want children, and—"

"I don't care about that any more, Mikael.” Realizing that her words were
true, she felt a weight lift from her shoulders.

He stopped her flow of words with a soft kiss to her lips. “I have a secret
to share with you. I and a select few like me have the ability to sire
children upon our soul mates. The woman must be willing, and mortal for the
seed to take root. If you were willing, I would ask you to be the mother of my
child, or perhaps even my children. Then and only then would I offer you the
cloak of immortality, to join me at my side forever as my queen. Would you
willingly accept my request?"

Annabella stared up at him, her mind a chaos of questions and confusion. He
could have children! He wished for her to be his queen and the mother of his
children! He believed she was his one, his immortal mate! Her heart raced with
indecision, torn, yet not sure why.

"Sleep on it, my pet. It is a lot of information to absorb in so short a
time."

The love in his eyes and the understanding in his tone made the choice for
her. She'd been willing to forgo her greatest desire to be with him, and now
he gave that desire back to her with open arms. She'd be a fool to turn him
down. “Yes."

"Are you certain,mi Bella? I do not wish you to—"

"Oh be quiet, you fool. I love you, Mikael. I'd have you with or without
children of our own. But don't you dare expect me to leave your side while you
sleep during the day!"

Mikael laughed in delight. “I wouldn't dream of it,mi Bella. I wouldn't dream
of it."
The End

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Aline de Chevigny has several project underway with Aspen Mountain Press. Stay
turned for the next inThe Chronicles of the Cursed: The Ravenson Project as
well as her current releaseLuck of the Irish, and upcomingDel Fantasma: Black
Dragon.

Keep informed of current and upcoming releases at Aspen Mountain Press by
visiting our Internet site at www.AspenMountainPress.com or by joining one of
our reader groups at:

[e-mail] (an announcement only group) or our more
active group [e-mail]

Now for an excerpt fromLuck of the Irish.

Excerpt:

"I asked how everything was today. Your waiter, Pietro, was called away on an
emergency. My name is Connor and I'll be taking over this section for him."

"Lucky me.” She realized from his grin that she'd said those words out
loud.Kill me now.

"I was thinking lucky me.” The silky softness of his voice drew her eyes back
to his unnaturally handsome face in surprise. “Glad I'm not the only one that
feels that way."

Her blush burned hotter at the compliment. “I ... I...” Taking a deep breath
Dina forced calmness to flow through her. “Thank you."

She wanted to crawl into the deepest, darkest hole she could find when he
laughed again.Thank you? I said thank you? The man pays me the nicest
compliment I've ever gotten and I say thank you? I am pathetic. One day I'll
learn how to deal with handsome men without looking like a mental patient. No
wonder I'm still single.

"You needed something Miss..."

Dina relaxed at his gentle reminder. The devilish glint in his eyes put her
even further at ease. He was most likely used to women acting like idiots
around him and had perfected the calm reassurance he radiated. “Please, before
I make and even bigger fool of myself, call me Dina. I still want to look
around to see whom you're talking to when you call me ‘Miss.’”

Connor nodded and flashed another sexy grin. “How may I be of assistance to
you today, Dina?"

You could take me in those big, strong arms of yours and ravage me, you sexy
man.Lightly shaking her head to get the sensual thoughts out of it, Dina
looked down at her now cold bowl of soup, her eyes lighting on the four leaf
clover she'd placed on her napkin. “Oh right, I found the most peculiar thing
floating in my soup. A clover and I wondered—"

"A clover?"

She hadn't expected him to look so confused when she mentioned her surprising
find. As it was St. Patrick's Day she assumed he'd tell her it was a festive
garnish. Instead, the look that crossed his face left her wondering if he

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needed to sit down. “Connor? Are you feeling alright? Maybe you should sit
down."

"Thank you, I think I will."

Signaling one of the servers over, he softly whispered something before
having a seat across from her. “Did the clover have three leaves or four?"

Dina picked up the clover as she answered. “Four."

Something about the seriousness in his eyes told her he'd need to examine the
clover himself. Reaching across the table, her body tingled in anticipation.
The moment their fingers touched the entire room spun around them. When the
spinning stopped, all she saw was the most beautiful green eyes she'd ever
seen staring deep down into her soul.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Luck of the Irishis now available at
www.AspenMountainPress.com

Visit www.aspenmountainpress.com for information on additional titles by this
and other authors.

This eBook copyrighted. See the first page of this book for full copyright
information.

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