TableofContents

TitlePage
Copyright
DearReader
ChapterOne
ChapterTwo
ChapterThree
ChapterFour
ChapterFive
ChapterSix
ChapterSeven
Thankyou
AbouttheAuthor

EMBRACETHENIGHT

THEBLOODROSENOVELLASERIES#5

CARISROANE

EMBRACETHENIGHT

ByCarisRoane

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

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

FormattingandcoverbyBellaMediaManagement.

DearReader,
WelcometothefifthinstallmentoftheBloodRoseSeries,EMBRACETHENIGHT.Inthisbook,

MastyrJudehungersforthePortTownsendbarowner,Hannah.Buthowcanhemakeamoveonawoman
thathegavepiggy-backridestowhenshewasalittlegirl?ThatHannahseemswilling,doesn’thelp
thingsatall!

He’signoredhisdeepestneedsforahundredyears…
MastyrVampireJudehaskepthisdistancefromallwomenbecausehelosthiswifeanddaughterto

anenemyattackahundredyearsago.Hewon’tgothroughthatkindoflossagain.Andhewon’t
jeopardizeanotherwoman’slifewhilethedeadlyInvictuswraith-pairsstillposeathreatintheNine
Realms.ButwhenHannahsaveshislifebycreatingunexpectedfirefromthepalmsofherhands,he
knowsthatsomething‘veryrealm’isgoingonwithherandhecannolongerignorehislong-suppressed
desireforthebeautifulowneroftheGoldRushbar.Whenhiscravingsforherbloodandherbodydrive
himtotakehertobedandtapintohervein,hisworldshiftsforever.ButcanHannahmaketheadjustment
toalifelivedonthefrontlinesofanongoingwar?Andifanythingshouldhappentoher,howcouldhe
everlivewithhimself?

Enjoy!

Forthelatestreleases,hottestpics,andcoolestcontests,besuretosignupformynewsletter!!!

http://www.carisroane.com/contact-2/

ComingSoon:Book#6,MalikandWillow’sstory:EMBRACETHEWILD!!!

BesuretocheckouttheBloodRoseTales–TRAPPED,HUNGER,andSEDUCED--shorterworks

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tales-box-set/

ChapterOne

HannahOsbornehadbecomeastupidcliché:Hotman,coldshower.
Sherefusedtoturnawayfromthecommunicationsmonitor,eventhoughMastyrJudehadjustarrived

andnowstoodbehindherinthedoorway.Allhisgorgeousnesshadbecomealottomanageinrecent
weeksandshewasworkinghardtorestrainherwaywardnesswherethepowerfulMastyrofKellcasse
wasconcerned.

She’daskedJudetosetupthenewcommunicationcenterinsideherbar,theGoldRush,sinceso

manyofhiskindspenthoursatherestablishment.

JudehadalwayscometotheGoldRush,buthisvisitshadincreasedbyalotoverthepastfew

months.Shewantedtotellhimnottocomearoundsomuchbecauseshecurrentlylustedaftertheman.
Amazingly,thewordswouldneverleaveherthroat.

“So,what’sthelatestontheloop?”Hisdeepvoicesentshiversdownherspine.
Hannahbelongedtoasmall,selectemailloopthatincludedonlywomen.Allthewomenwhoworked

theU.S.accesscitycenterswereontheloopaswellasthefourwomencurrentlybondedtomastyrsofthe
NineRealms.Hannahhadlearnedsomuchaboutthebloodrosephenomenonthatwassweepingthrough
eachrealmthatsheoftenwonderedwhenJude’sbloodrosewouldshowup.

Buteachtimeshehadthatthought,forsomereasonherfingerswouldcurluntilshemadetightlittle

fistswithbothhandsandherjawclenched.ShewantedthebestforJude,ofcourse,butanotherwoman
climbingalloverhimmadeherskingrowhotintheworstway.

Evennow,shehadtotakeamomenttocalmherself.So,yeah,inthepastfewmonths,she’dkindof

gottenoutofcontrolwheretheKellcassemastyrwasconcerned.

“Hannah,areyouignoringme?”
“No…thatis,whatwasyourquestion?”
“What’sthewordontheloop?”
Oh,that.“Everyone’stalkingaboutwhathappenedinKellcasse,onNorthIsland.”
“Youmeanthemassacre.”
“Yes.”Hannahhadn’twantedtousethatwordbecauseitmadeithorriblyreal.Twofamiliesoftrolls

hadbeenslaughteredbytheInvictus,whichinitselfwasn’tunusual,unfortunately.Butwhatremaineda
mysterywasthatitappearednotonememberofeitherfamilytriedtohide,runaway,orevenfightback.
Allrealm-folkfoughtwhentheterrifyingwraith-pairsattacked.“Hasyourforensicsteamcomeupwith
anythingyet?”

Heshookhishead.“Westilldon’thaveaclearansweraboutwhathappenedoutthere.Invictusgotto

them,ofcourse,butnooneknowswhytherewerenosignsofdefensivewounds.Andtrollsalwayshave
placestohide.”

ThelackofananswermadeHannah’sskincrawl,thoughshedidn’tknowwhy.Herpalmsstarted

tinglingaswell,somethingthathadbeenhappeningalotlately.Sherubbedthemtogether,tryingtogetrid
ofthesensation.Probablyjustnerves.“Ireallyhopeonedayyou’llbeabletobringtheancientfaedown
andendtheInvictusthreatonceandforall.”

“WitheverythingIholdsacred,Ido,too.”
ShealmostturnedtolookatJudebecausehe’dspokenhisheart.Butsheforcedherselftoremain

fixedonherInternettabs,movingbetweenheremailaccountandherfavoriterealm-basedemailloop,
thenback.ShekepttypingaresponsetotheTennesseecommunicationscenter,fearingifsheturnedtoface
Judeshe’dgetlostalloveragain.

Judeonlyhadtoshowupatherbarandherwholebodyheateduplikeshehadafever.Andfor

reasonsshebelievedhadmostlytodowiththesheerbreadthofhismassiveshoulders,heroverallrisein
bodytemperaturewouldn’tdissipateuntilthedamnmanlefthersight.

She’devenresortedtousingthebunkroomshowerandalotofcoldwatertocooldown.Andthat

waterwascold!Again,socliché.

She’dinstalledthelargebunkroomafewyearsagotohouseovernight,sun-sensitiverealm-folk.

Sometimes,membersofJude’sVampireGuardwouldcomeinforapintattheendofalongnightbattling
andstayforafewmorerounds.Assoonasthesunshowedthefirstraysofitsblisteringheat,theyheaded
tothebunkroomandatcertaintimesoftheyearthisfarnorththathourcameearly.

ButHannahwashappytooffersheltertoanyofthem,especiallytheGuardsmen,becausetheylaid

downtheirliveseverynightfortheirfellowrealm-folk.

“Areyouevergoingtoturnaroundandtalktome?Orareyoujustgoingtokeeptyping?”
Thesmartthingwouldbetokeeptyping.“Holdon.I’malmostdone.”
“Ithinkyou’reavoidingme.”
Duh.
Andmoreheatbecausethatvoiceofhis,dippingintothelowesttimbres,slidallthewaydownher

chestandabdomen,makingherfeelthingsshereallyshouldn’t.Perspirationpoppedonherforehead.

She’dknownJudesinceshewasachild,soitseemedstrangetohavefeelingsforsomeonewhohad

givenherpiggy-backrides.

Shepausedinhertypingtomassageherhandsoncemore.Theyweretinglingagain,whichalso

happenedanytimeJudeshowedup.Tinglinghands,flushedskin,sweating.Evenherheartfeltladenwhen
hewasnear.

Shehaditbad.
Ifeveryonceinawhileshesuspectedsomethingmorerealm-ishmightbeatworkwithherfairly

recentinterestintheMastyrofKellcasse,sheignoredthethought.Shewasone-hundred-percenthuman
andhadnointerestinhooking-upwithavampire.

So,shekepttyping.
Despiteherloveofrealm-folkgenerally,andthattheGoldRushhadbeenagatheringplacefortheir

kindforthreedecades,she’dneverseenherselfashavinganykindoffutureawayfromPortTownsend.
Shelovedherbar,hercliff-sidehome,herPugetSoundlifestyle.She’dneverevendatedarealmman,
justhumans,whichwasanotherreasonthathersuddenprofoundlustforJudehadcomeassucha
surprise.

Thewholethinghadstartedaboutfourmonthsago.She’dbeenre-stockingcleaningsupplieswhen

he’dcomeintothesmallspace.She’dintendedtogreethim,maybeevengivehimahugwhichshe
offeredtoalltheGuardsmenforthehardworktheyperformedeverynightoftheirlives.

Butassheturnedandmethissmokygrayeyes,somekindofswitchgotthrowndeepinsideher

femininesoul.He’dbeenalmostfamilytoherandjustlikethat,shewantedtoseehisbroadshoulders
withouthisshirton.Evenhernippleshadpuckeredwithsuddenprofoundinterest,somethinghe’dnoticed
becauseshe’dbeenwearingat-shirt.Hardtodisguisearousednipplesthroughasilkbraandathinlayer
ofcotton.

Hehadn’tsaidanythingforalongmoment,juststaredatherbreasts.He’dblinkedacoupleoftimes,

andthecloset,barelybigenoughforbothofthem,soonfilledwithaverypeppery-spicy,masculinescent
thatclippedheratthebackofherknees.

Shetotteredandwouldhavefallen,buthecaughtherarmandheldherup.“Youokay,Hannah?”
He’dsearchedhereyes,andshenoddedbutveryslowlylikeshewasmovingunderwater.

She’dmadeupsomeexcuseaboutnothavingeatenallday,buteversincethatclosetincident,she’d

beenlituplikeaNeonsign,despitethefactthatsheignoredhimasmuchasshecould.

OfcourseitwashardtopretendJudedidn’texistinaroomabouttwelve-feetsquaresinceJudewas

builtlikeatank.Musclesonmuscles.

Hisdeepvoice,resonatingwithanumberofdeliciouslayers,rolledoverher.“Sohowareyou,

Hannah?”

Justkeeptyping.
Herbreathingfaltered.“I’mfine.HeardyoucameinearlierwithacoupleofyourGuardsmenjustto

wrapupthenight.”

“Idid,butIsentthemoffabitago.WantedtohaveawordwithyoubeforeIleft.I’vegotabout

twentyminutestogetmyassbacktomyhouseincentralKellcasse.”

“Youcanalwaysstayinthebunkroom.”Shekeptherfingersmoving,buthercheeksflamed.Wouldhe

misinterpretthesuggestionasacome-on?

“Iknow,butI’mafastflyer.I’llmakeit.”
Judewasafasteverything,themostpowerfulvampireinhisrealm.
“What’sup?”Justtryingtokeepthingsfriendlyandeven.
“Ihaven’tseenyouinafewdays.Everythingokayinhere?”
“Thecenterishumming,asusual.Yourtechsdidabrilliantjobsettingeverythingup.Butyouknow

that.”Clack,clack,clack.

Thecommunicationsroomwasarecentadditiontothebackofherbar,partofaNineRealmsplanto

keepmessagesflowingoutsidetherealms.Theenemy,knownasMargettatheancientfae,hadwaysof
blockingrealm-to-realmcommunications.Centersinaccesspointcities,likePortTownsend,kept
informationmovingswiftandsureamongallninemastyrvampires.

Thistime,Judedrewcloseandoncemoreshestruggledtobreathe,hispepperyscenthittingherhard.

Hesmelledlikesomethingyou’drubonmeatandcookforalongtime.Allspicemaybe.

Shetookaslowdragthroughbothnostrils,andherbodyheatedupalittlemore.
Heleanedclose,ostensiblytolookatthemonitor,butsheknewhestruggledasshedid,feelingthings

hedidn’twanttofeeleither.Sheoftencaughthimstaringatherwithahungrylook,orcheckingherout
whenshemovedthrougharoom.

She’dbeennodifferent.
“Soyou’vebeenemailingbackandforthwithLebanon.”
“Yes,theywantedtoknowaboutNorthIsland,andofcourseI’vehadlittleinfo.ButIjustupdated

themwithwhatyoutoldme.”

“I’mlikingallthebackandforth.”
“Me,too.Imean,itmakestotalsense.”Whydidhehavetosmellsogood?
“Youareignoringme.”
Atthat,Hannahclicked‘send’,thenswiveledinherchairtofacehim.Hewassoclosethough,that

shehadtopushherchairsidewaysortheywouldhavecollided.“No,Ihaven’t.Really.Whywouldyou
saythat?”

Thoseeyes.
Hisgrayeyes,surroundedastheywerewiththicklashes,alwayshitherstomachlikeahardpunch

thesedays.Hehadthick,straightbrowsthatmadehimlookferociouswhenhefrowned.Hisnosehada
slighthawkishappearanceandhischeekboneslookedsculpted.Butitwashisthick,curly,blackhairthat
madehimlookwild,dangerousandunbelievablyhandsome.Howmanytimeshadshethoughtabout
removinghisGuardsmanclaspsothatshecouldspendahalfhourorsogettingherfingersalltangledup.

Hewasaman’smanatamuscularsix-five.Builtonmassivelines,hewaseye-candyofthemost

savory.SeveralofhergirlfriendshadorderedhertocallthemthemomentheshowedupattheGold
Rush.They’darrivetenminuteslater,aflockofseagullsdescendingonaseashorefeast.

Didhewanttwokids?Three?Maybeadozen?
Heflashedasetofbrilliantwhiteteethandherstomachsqueezedup.Onesmileandhecouldbring

downanentireroomfullofwomen.

Hisvoiceoncemorefilledtheroom.“WhydoIthinkyouwereignoringme?Becauseyoukepttyping

whenyouknewIwasstandinginthedoorway.OrdoIjustannoyyoulikeacrankyforestgremlinthese
days?OrmaybeIboreyou.”

Shecouldn’thelpbutchuckle.She’dneverseenaforestgremlin,butshe’dheardplentyofstoriesso

shecouldimaginewhathemeant.“Youcouldneverboreme.Yourlifeistoointerestingandwaytoo
dangeroustobeboring.Sowhatwouldyouliketoknow?Although,I’msureyourKellcassecenterhas
keptyouinformed?”

Hesmiled.“Yes,andyouwererighttorecommendLongenessforthejob.He’sdetail-orientedand

keepseverythingmoving.So,thankyouforthat.”

“Well,you’rewelcome.Ijusthadafeelinghe’dworkoutforyou.”Judehadbuiltacommunication

centerinKellcasseaboutthesametimehe’dsetupthiscenterinherbar.She’dknownLongenessandhis
wife,bothfae,foryearssincethey’dmadeherbarasecondhomeontheirdate-nights.

Judeglancedaround.Theroomdidn’thavewindows,oneoftherequirementsfortheaccesspoint

centers,thatwayavampireorafaewouldneverhavetoworryaboutlight-and-sunissues.“Iwantedto
giveyouaheadsupaswell.Wehadaroughencounteraboutanhourago.Reallystrange,though,because
wechasedawraith-pairoutovertheSound,ifyoucanbelievethat.”

“You’rekidding.”Hannahwassurprised.Thedeadlywraith-pairsrarelyifevercrossedtheaccess

pointlines.“Whatweretheydoingouthere?”

Judeshrugged.“HellifIknow.”ButsomethinginhisexpressionconcernedHannah.
Heeasedbackagainstthelong,steel-reinforcedcounter,crossinghisarmsoverhischest.Atleast

he’dlefthisway-too-sexyGuardsmancoatinthebarareaofthebuilding,butstilllookedamazinginhis
loosewoven,maroonshirt,snugbattleleathers,andhipbootsthathadseveralsmallintricatesilver
medallionsrunningupanddownthesideseams.Latelyshe’dfeltanimpulsetotouchthemedallions,one
moresignshewasout-of-controlwhenitcametotheman.

Judeshiftedhisgazeawayfromherandfrowned.Hedraggedairthroughhisnostrilsandhisjaw

groundacoupleoftimes.Sheknewsomethingwastroublinghim;he’dbeenuneasysincehe’dhelped
MastyrSethbattletheancientfaeafewmonthsago.

SheadmiredthehelloutofJude.Hecaredabouthismenandtookhisdutiesasmastyrofhisrealm

seriously.Noonelovedthebeautiful,forestedislandrealmofKellcassemorethanJude.Andhesaved
liveseverynightofhislifebybattlingwraith-pairs.

Shereachedoutandclaspedhimontheshoulder.“What’sgoingon?”
Hemethergazeandgrimaced,butnodded.
Hissmilereappearedasheturnedtolookather.“Youwantmetospillmyguts?”
Shetiltedherhead.Shewouldn’tstandforbullshit,notfromhimoranyone.“Yes,Iwanttoknow

why,foramomentthere,youlookedliketheworldwasabouttocrashdownonyourhead.”

~~~

Judestaredintoeyesthecolorofabeautifulsunset,thekindwhentheskygoesallvioletjustbeforeit

driftstogray.NoonehadeyeslikeHannahOsborne,notevensomeofthemoreexoticfaeinhisRealm.

SheranthePortTownsendRealmCommunicationCenterthatconnectedeveryearthaccesspointcity
withalltheothercities.Hannahbasicallymanagedthiscenterandkeptitworkinglikeawell-oiled
machinewithseveralemployeesrotatingshiftsduringthedayandnight.SomewereRealm,otherswere
humanswhoenjoyedthecompanyofrealm-folk,thelatterqualityoneofHannah’sprerequisitesforthe
jobwhenshedidtheinterviewing.

So,yeah,thecenterhummed.
Shewastall,almostsixfeet,andhelikedthatabouther.Thoughshewasveryfairandalmostdelicate

inherfeatures,shehadastrengthaboutherthatpleasedhimandwhichwasthemainreasonhe’dagreed
toletherbeinchargeofthecenter.

Sheworeherlightbrownhairlooseabouthershoulders.Ithadaslightcurlandgoldenhighlights.

Witharchedbrows,thicklashesandfulllips,shewasadamnbeautifulwoman.

He’dknownherforyearsandcouldevenrememberatimewhenasakidshesatonthebar,throwing

dartsatthedartboardclearacrosstheroom.Thismisuseofthedartshadbroughtherfatherinfromthe
backroom,hisfaceredwithrage.

‘Youcouldhurtsomeone,girl.’Healwayscalledhisdaughter‘girl’whenshewasintrouble.Hannah

hadgotteninbigtroubleandbecauseJudehadencouragedhertomisbehave,he’dgoneafterher.

Findinghersittingonthebackstepandcryinghereyesout,he’dslidanarmaroundheryoung,boney

shouldersuntilshehiccuppedthroughacoupleofsobsandfinallyletgoofhergirlishpain.He’dthen
givenherapiggy-backrideuntilshewaslaughingagain.

He’dalwayslikedherspirit.
Hestilldid.
ButheneededtokeepthinkingofHannahlikethat,youngandinnocent.However,itwasreallyhard

whenhershirthadjustenoughofa

-cuttorevealalineofcleavagehe’dbeenlustingafterforseveral

monthsnow.

Thewholemessedupsituationhadbeguninthatstupidsupplycloset.He’dgonetheretoaskher

somethingaboutoneoftheaccesscentersandhadsomehowgottenlostinherbeautifulbreaststhatgrew
puckeredthenandthere.Andfromthatpoint,hiscravingsforHannahhadallbuttakenover.

He’dtriedtokeephisdistance,buteverytimehepromisedhimselftoskipavisittotheGoldRush,

he’dheadthereanyway.

Somethinghaderuptedbetweentheminthatmoment,somethingnew,vital,anddamnsexual.
Andheabsolutelylovedthenewperfumeshe’dtakentowearing.Shesmelledlikerosesand

seashells,whichdidn’tmakealotofsense,butshedid,likeifhewalkedthrougharosegardenrightby
thewater’sedge,that’swhatshewouldsmelllike.Thetroublewas,whenhecaughtthescentofher
perfume,hisbodylitupandhewantednothingmorethantopickherupinhisarmsandflyhertohis
homeinKellcasse.Maybekeepherthereforadecade.

He’dhadseveral‘moments’withherinrecentweeks,whenhergazecaughtandheldorshe

accidentallybrushedupagainsthiminthebarandhecouldn’tseemtocatchhisbreath.

Healsoknewwhateverwasgoingonwasmutualtothepointthatlatelyhe’dstartedthinkingabout

actuallyaskingforadate.Heheldback,though.ShewaslittleHannah,theonecalled‘girl’,thehuman,
forGoddess’ssake.

Andhewasn’tintolong-termanything.He’dmadethatdecisionacenturyagowhenhiswifeand

daughterhaddied.Hedidn’teverwanttofeelthatkindpainagain,notuntiltheancientfaewasdeadand
thelastoftheInvictusburnedonafuneralpyre.

Butrightnow,shewantedhimtotalkaboutwhatwastroublinghim.
Hedebatedthematterinhisheadforafullminuteandtohercredit,shelethimbe,lethimlivewith

hisownthoughtsandsortthisoneout.

Finally,hedrewadeepbreathanddecidedtoopenup.“Inevertalkedmuch,toanyone,aboutwhat

happenedinWalvashorrwiththeshifterpacks.”

Herarchedbrowsrose,butshemadenocomment,whichoncemoreencouragedhimtocontinue.“I

sawtheancientfae.Shewassurroundedbyastrangepowerfulgoldenlight,butshesmelledevil,like
somethingrottingbehindadumpster.”

Hannahgruntedsoftly.Glancingather,hesawthatshe’dwrinkledhernose.“Wastheimagerytoo

strong?”heasked.

“Ifitwasaccurate,thenyoucouldn’thavesaiditbetter.Weallknowthatsmell.”
“Yeah,wedo.”Henoddedseveraltimes.“MastyrSethhasawomannow,hisbloodrose,andI’m

sureLoreleihassharedthingsonyourloop.”Hewavedahandtoencompasshercomputermonitor.“You
know,theonewithallyouwomen.”

“Yeah,alluswomen.”Shesmiled.Shehadlovelyteeth,white,perfectlystraight,nicelyshaped

incisors.Shit,heevenlikedthewoman’steeth.

HefrownedatHannahforamoment,searchingthosevioleteyesagain.She’dstruckupaserious

friendshipwithseveralofthewomenbondedtomastyrvampiresandtheemailloopseemedtobeblazing
oratleastsimmeringallthetime.

Heknewshe’dswitchedtabsthemomenthe’darrivedonthethresholdtotheroom.She’ddonethat

before,protectingeveryone’sprivacy,sohewasn’tsurprised.He’donceaskedheraboutit,teasingher,
butshe’dliftedherchin.“Whatwewomensayinconfidence,especiallyaboutyoumen,youdon’tneedto
know.It’sasacred,womanishthing.”

‘Awomanishthing’.Anotherreminderthatthechildhadgrownup.Andshereallywasn’tachild.She

wastwenty-eight,butagainsthistwo-hundred-yearsshewasconsiderablyyoungerinlife-experience.

HeforcedhisthoughtsbacktowhatitwashewantedtosaytoHannah.“Here’sthething.Margetta

plannedthisattackonWalvashorrRealm,reallyplannedit.AndwhenSethandIwenttorescueLorelei,I
sawtheancientfae’sarmyencampment.Thelevelofmilitaryorganizationastoundedmebecausewraith-
pairs,aren’tbydefinitions,soldiers.Theydon’tgrouptogetherandformjointgoals.”

Hannahnodded.“Whichmeans,Margettahassomehowtakenchargeofthewraith-pairsandcan

controlthem.”

“She’sbeingverydeliberateandI’mworriedforKellcasse,andconcernedthatMargettawillcome

afterusandwewon’tbeready.It’sbeenmonthsnowandeverything’sbeenquietinalltherealms.”

Evenashespokethewordsaloud,hewasn’tsurewhatwaspromptinghimtosharethiswithHannah.

Butbecauseofherassociationwiththecommunicationscenterandwiththeotherpowerfulwomen
bondedtoafewofhisfellowmastyrs,sheknewalotaboutthecurrentwarwithMargetta.“Theproblem
is,Idon’tknowwhatkindofstrategyshewoulddeviseagainstKellcasse,whathergoalwouldbe.With
Seth’sRealm,she’dintendedtoinvadeandconquertheshifterlands,thinkingthepacksvolatileand
unabletoworktogetherasaunit.Withafootholdinthenorthernpartoftherealmandthepacks
decimated,shewouldhaveheadedsouthandtakenovertherestofWalvashorr.”

“ButLoreleiandSethworkedtogethertochangethat.”
Judescowlednow,hisarmstighttohischest.“Yes,that’sexactlywhattheydid.”Loreleihadbecome

Seth’sbloodroseduringthetimeJudehadhelpedout.Stunnedathowthepackshadworkedtogetherto
destroysomanywraith-pairs,he’dfoughtinthebattleagainstMargettauntilshe’dcalledaretreat.

Hannahreachedoverandtouchedhisarm.“Hey,ifyoufrownanyharder,you’llbreakyourfacein

half.”

Helaughedandhisarmseasedapart.

Suddenly,asoftalarmsoundedwithintheroom.
Hannahslidherchairclosetothecentralcomputeroncemoreandstartedmovinghermouse,then

tappingonthekeyboard.Hereyeswentwide.“Jude,it’sfromLongeness.He’sbeentryingtoreachyou.”

He’dalreadyremovedhiscoat,whichhadboththecomattachedattheshoulderthatconnectedhimto

theKellcassecenterandhisphone.“Shit.Evenmyphone’sinmycoat.”

“It’sokay.I’vegotyourcenteronline.Youcanvideo-chatnow.”Sherosefromherchairandgestured

forhimtositdown.

JudewasgratefulthatwhenHannahoriginallyorderedofficefurniture,she’dplannedon

accommodatingtheVampireGuardsmen.Thethreechairsintheroomwereeachbuiltonbiglinesand
couldhandlehistwo-eightyandthensome.

Hesatdownandsawhiscenter’scomspecialist.Longenessrubbedthetipofhisrightfaeear,pulling

allthewaytotheelongatedpoint,asuresignofhisdistress.

Judeknewbetterthantoreact.Remainingcalmforhispeoplewasaconstantpartofhisstrategy.

“Apologies,Longeness.Myphonewaselsewhere.What’scookin’?”

“Mastyr,we’vehadwordthatanotherwraith-pairattackedtheaccesscheckpoint.Theguards

survivedbutonlybecausethepairwasintentongettingtotheSoundbeforedawn.”

Foralongmoment,Judecouldhardlythink.Anotherwraith-pairwasheadedtowardPortTownsend?

Theyrarely,ifever,crossedtheearthaccess-pointlines.

“Butthat’sthesecondwraith-pairtonight.TheyneverleaveKellcasse.”Hefeltuneasy.Hedidn’tsay

asmuchtoLongeness,buthisfirstthoughtwenttotheancientfae.Somethingwasonthewind.“Wasthere
anythingunusualaboutthispair?Wasavampirepartofthebondandifso,washeamastyr?”

“Vampire,yes.Buttomyknowledge,hewasn’tamastyr.”
Judescrubbedahandthroughhisthickhair,dislodgingtheclasp.“Well,thanktheGoddessforthat.”

Wraith-pairswithmastyrvampiresasamatewerenearlyimpossibletodefeatalone.“I’llheadoutinto
theSoundandmeetthesebastards.”

“DoyouwantmetosendGuardsmentobackyouup?”
“No.I’mgood.”He’dliketoseearegularwraith-pairmoveagainsthim.“AndLongeness,how’sthe

wife?”

“Complainingallthetimenow.”Hiswomanwasexpectingtwinsandonlyhadamonthtogo.
“Completelyunderstandable.Takehersomeflowerswhenyourshiftends.”
“Planto.I’mnotacompletegremlin’sass.”
“No,thatyou’renot.”
Hesignedoffandgrabbedtheclaspthatnowhungatthebackofhishead,tuggingitoutinstages.He

hadanimpossiblemaneofhair,keptlongaswastheGuardsman’stradition.Thanktheelflordsforthe
inventionofcrèmerinse.

Herosefromthechair,liftinghisarmstore-clasphishair,thenturnedtowardHannah.
Shelookedodd,though,pressingahandtoherthroat.Hergazetrackedthelinesofhisraisedarms

andhischest,graduallymovingoverhishipsanddownhisheavilymuscledthighs.

Thiswasoneofthosemomentswhenhewasgladheworkedoutasmuchashedid.Heknewwhathe

lookedlike,therawphysicalpowerheexudedbecauseofhissize.

Andtheroomsuddenlysmelledofrosesandseashells.
Hisbodyheatedupsomethingfierceinresponsebecauseofherperfume.Inanotherminute,ifthings

wentonthisway,thesnugfitofhisbattleleatherswouldn’tbehidinghisdesireforher.

Securingthewovenclaspatthebackofhishead,hemovedtowardher.Sheleanedagainstthe

doorjamb,herhandsathersides.“What’sgoingon,Hannah?Whythesuddeninterestinme?”

“It’snotsudden,”shewhispered,meetinghisgazeinthatsteadywayofhers.
“Youknowthiswouldneverwork.”Hedriftedhisfingersthroughherhair,stillnotunderstanding

whathadchangedthathenowwantedHannahasmuchashedid.

“Iknow.Youdon’tdolong-term.”
“Idon’t.Andyourbariseverythingtoyou.”
Shesmiledfaintly.“Idon’tdatevampiresanyway,youknowthat.Justhumans.”
Judesighed.“Gottago.I’vegotawraith-pairtotakedownanddawn’saboutfifteenminutesaway.”

~~~

Hannahdidn’twanttobesocompletelyhookedintoJuderightnow,butthewayhe’dtalkedto

Longenesshaddonesomethingtoher.Judewasn’tasimplemanbyanystretch.Shemighthavebeenable
toshoveherinterestinhimasideifheshowedindifferencetothosearoundhim.Instead,he’daskedabout
Longeness’sverypregnantwife.

Shealsoknewthatalongtimeago,overahundredyearsnow,Judehadbeenmarried.He’devenhad

adaughter,butbothhaddiedinanInvictusattack.Heremailloophadgivenheralotofinformationshe
wouldn’thavehadotherwise.Sheknewthey’dperishedinhispeachorchardonCastleIsland,nexttothe
housethecouplehadbuilttogether.Herthroatgrewtighteverytimeshethoughtabouthisloss.

ButJudehadneverremarriedandfromthattime,he’dkepthisrelationshipsonalove-em-and-leave-

embasis,yetonemorereasonsheneededtokeepherdistanceandignorewhathadbecomeafairly
relentlessdrivetowardhim.

Judemadeamovetoslippastherintothehall,butshecaughthisarm.“Jude?”
“Yeah?”
“Becareful.”
Hesmiled.“Ialwaysam.”
Wassheimaginingthings,orhadheleanedtowardherasiftokissher.
Andshewouldhavelethim.
Yep,shehaditbad.
Buthehuffedaquicksigh,andturnedupthehall,headingtowardthebar.Thedaytimecommunication

staffwouldarriveinaboutthreehours,andherstaffhadalreadycleanedupandgonehomeforthenight.

Shesignedoffontheloopandaddedanauto-respondertoheremailthatanyemergency

communicationcouldberoutedthroughhercellphone.Usually,Sandycameinatthishourtotakeover,
butshehadadentist’sappointmentsoHannahwouldbeoncalluntilaboutten.Butlikehellshewasn’t
goingtowalkdowntothenearbydockandwatchJudelaunchintotheair.Shewasworriednowbecause
somethingdidn’tfeelright.

Movingupthehalltowardthebar,shepressedahandtoherchest.Shewasmoreanxiousaboutthings

thansherealizedbecauserightnowherheartfeltsqueezedtight.Shehurriedpastthehorse-shoeshaped
barandacoupledozentablesandchairstowardtheentrance.Oncethere,shestaredthroughthelarge,
stainedglass,frontdoorbutcouldn’tbelievewhatshewasseeing.

Judehadn’treachedtheSoundatall,butfoughtawraith-pairnotfiftyfeetfromtheGoldRushnear

thedock.

Andthestrangestthingofallwasthatshesuddenlyfeltanoverwhelmingneedtohelphim.Yet,Jude

wasoneofthemostpowerfulmeninalloftheNineRealms,soinwhatpossiblesituationwouldheever
needherhelp?

ChapterTwo

FlashesofbluebattleenergyleftJude’spalmsinsteadypulsesastheInvictuspairansweredwith

theirredstrikes.

Hannahhadneverseenawraithbeforeorafull-onbattle.She’dvisitedKellcasseanumberoftimes,

buttheInvictus,thankGod,hadn’tshownup.

Herbodyfeltoddlyflushedasshewatched.Herskinwaswarmandherhandstingled,asthoughshe

wasgettingreadyforsomething,butforwhatshehadnoidea.Andstrangely,shefeltaninexplicable
connectiontoJudebecauseofthesesensations.

Slowly,sheopenedthedoor.Judefoughtboththewraithandthevampireatthesametime–abonded

wraith-pair–levitating,thenflyingbackandforthinquickslashestoavoidbeingstruck.Hehadsome
kindofblueshieldinfrontofhimaswell.Itmovedwithhimashewhippedthroughtheair.

ThevampireworebattleleatherslikeJude’sbutshortboots.Hisblackhairjerkedaroundinlank,

beadedstrands,andhehadaheavyscruffonhisface.Heheldadaggerinhislefthand,asifhopingforan
opening.

Thewraithwasawispy-lookingcreature,awoman,whoworewhatlookedlikeagownoffloating

redstripsofgauze-likefabric.Herlimbsappearedelongated,herlipsdark,thewhitesofhereyes
yellow.

ButitwastheshriekingthatdistressedHannahthemost,apiercingcrythatmadehercoverherears.

Thewraith’smatewasGuard-sizedbutstillnotasbigasJude,butthenfewGuardsmenshe’dmetcould
competewithhismass.

Thewraithsuddenlyflewstraightup,thenmetHannah’sgaze.Inaswiftstreakofmovement,she

headedstraightforHannahwithanintenseexpressionthatmadeHannahthinkthewraithhadcomefor
her.Whywouldthateverbetrue?

Dreadassaultedher.
Shedidn’thavetimetothinkortodoanything.
Andinthathorriblemoment,Hannahknewthatdeathhadfoundher.
Butjustasthewraithwouldhavereachedher,astreakofbluestruckthewraith’sback.Shearchedin

theair,shrieked,thenfellhardnotfivefeetfromHannah.Shewasdead,herbackobliterated.

Hannahputherhandtohermouth.Thesmellofburnedfleshnauseatedher.
Hannah’sgazemovedpastthewraithandbacktoJude.Andasiftimehadslowed,shewatchedin

horrorasJudefelltotheearthaswell,thefrontofhisshirtsmoking.Themated-vampire,thankGod,
falteredaswell,thenhitthepavementwithathud,rolledonceandfellunconscious.

SherantoJude,notcaringwhathappenedtoeitherthewraithorherbondedvampire-mate
Judelaytenfeetfromthedock,breathinghard,hisstomachslicedopen,bloodpouringfromthe

wound.Thesamerancidsmellofburnedfleshcausedhertoweaveonherfeet.

Hiseyeswereclosed,andhebreathedinsmallpants.
“Jude.”Shekneltbesidehim,wantingtotouchandcomforthimbutafraidanythingshedidrightnow

wouldcausehimpain.Sherubbedhisarm.“You’rehurt.”

“I’mfine.I’mhealingaswespeak,butthanktheGoddessyou’reokay.Thewraith?”Hetriedtolook

aroundbutshecouldtelleachmovementhurt.

Hannahtwistedtolookbehindher.“She’sdead.”
“Good.Ifhermateisn’tgoneaswell,hewillbesoon.”
Hannahglancedatthepronevampirewhohadonelegbentatastrangeangle.“He’sstillbreathing,

butnotmoving.”Sheknewthatonceeitherpartofawraith-pairdied,theremainingmateoftenfollowed,
especiallyifwoundedinbattleasthevampirehadbeen.

Judewinced.“Hannah,listen,I’mintroublehere.IneedyoutocallLongeness.Iwon’tbeableto

movebymyselfandthesun’scomingup.”

Tohereye,itwaspitchblackout,butshe’dbeenaroundboththelightsensitivefaeandvampires

fromthetimeshecouldrememberandknewthattheyhadinternalclocksthatcounteddowntherisingsun
tothesplit-second.Avampirecaughtinthelight,evenafaintandverydistantdawn,wouldendupburned
andblistered.She’dseentheresultsmorethanonceanditwasn’tpretty.

Shepulledherphonefromherpocketandglancedtowardthestreet.Familiarlightsflashedfroma

PortTownsendpolicecar.Thewraith’sshriekinghadprobablypromptedsomeofherneighborstomake
acomplaintandshecouldn’tblamethem.

HannahmadehercallandwhenLongenessanswered,shespokequietly.“Jude’sbeenhurtandthere’s

adeadwraithnearbyandavampireonhiswayoutaswell.Thepolicehaveshownup,whichisnever
good,andI’lldealwiththem,butIneedtogetJudeinsidebeforethesuncomesupandIdon’tknowwhat
todo.HisGuardsmenhavelongsincereturnedtoKellcasse.”

“Hannah,don’tworry.IcalledforFleetsupportassoonasIheardthatawraith-pairhadbreachedthe

accesspoint.Youshouldbeseeingthemanysecond.”Kellcassehadalargeboat-basedpolicingfleetthat
patrolledthehundredsofwaterwaysintherealmbutwhichalsoworkedtheaccesspointandoften
enteredSoundwaterswhenneeded.

“Oh,thankGod,andyes,Iseetheshipnow.They’removingatafastclip.”
Judegrippedherhand.“Howwedoin’?WhatdidLongenesssay?”
Hannahhadneverseenhimlooksopale.Shecouldfeelbythewayheheldherhandjusthowmuch

painheendured.“TheKellcasseCoastGuardishere.”

“ThanktheGoddess.”
Thesoundofbootsonthepavement,comingfromthedirectionofthestreet,forcedHannahtolifther

gaze.Alightshinedinherfaceandascowlingpolicemanstareddownather.“Well,thisisafinemess,
Hannah.We’vegotplentyofpeoplewhodon’tliketheirkindinourtown.Andnowthis,abloodyair
battle.You’renothelpingyourreputationbyshelteringtheseassholes.”

HannahhadgonetoschoolwiththisidiotwhonowshinedhislightatJude’shead.Sheletgoof

Jude’shandandrosetoherfeet.“Youknowwhat,Brett,”shesaid,keepinghervoicelow.“Ifyoudon’t
cuttheattitude,I’lltelleveryonewhatyoudidinyourpatrolcar.Remember?”

Hisforeheadpulledbackandhislipsformedathin,tightline,buthedidn’tsayanythingelse.He

shiftedhisgazeoutintotheSound.“WellIcanseethatMastyrJudehasacrewcomingin.Justmakesure
theygetridofthebodies.Idon’twanttohavetotakeanyofthisslimetomymorgue.”

Hedidn’twaitforhertorespondbutturnedonhisheelandstartedbarkingordersathispartnerand

roundingupthecivilians,sendingthemontheirway.

ShedroppeddownbesideJudeagain.Heworeahalf-smileandsaid,“Blackmail.Ilikeit.”
“That’sallhiskinddeserves.”
“Whatisityouholdoverhim?”Hehissedaftergettingthissentenceout.
“Hehasathingforthepros.Iwasheadedhomeonenight,andhe’dparkedonmystreet,gettingiton

inthebackseatwithaworkinggirl.ImaynotknowallthecityrulesbutI’mprettysurethatwasagainst
thelawonmorethanonelevel.”

Judestartedtolaugh,thengroaned.
Sheshiftedhergazetothedock.Theboatwasstillawaysoff,butcominginfast.“Yourcrewisabout

half-a-minuteaway.”

“Good.”
Sheglancedatthedyingvampireandrealizedthathe’dmoved.Sheliftedup,andsawthathishand,

witharedglowinthecenterofhispalm,wasaimedinherdirection.Oh,God,no!

Withoutthinking,shethrewherselfontopofJude.Atthesametime,shefeltawaveofheatflowing

throughherthatseemedtocomefromdeepwithinherownbody,buthadtohavecomefromJude.She
tingledalloverasthewavelefther.Sheheardthevampireshout,butshedidn’tfeelanypain.Hadhis
hand-blaststruckherinawaythatshecouldn’tfeelthedamage?

Shesatup,awarethatshe’djustcausedJudeamountainofpainbylandingonhim.Hecouldn’tseem

tocatchhisbreath,andhe’darchedhisneck.Maybethevampirehadhithislowerextremitieswithhis
blast.

ShecheckedJude,buthislegsandbootswerefine.Sothatwasgood.Glancingbackatthevampire,

shesawthathelookedreallystrangenowandwrithed,flippingbackandforth,moaning.Sherosetoher
shakyfeetandcrossedtohim.Whenshedrewnear,hiseyesrolledinhisheadandhisbodyfellstill.Half
hisclotheswereburnedoffandanywherehisskinshowed,shesawuglyblisters.Hewouldn’tbehurting
anyoneeveragain,butwhathadcausedtheburns?

WhenshereturnedtoJude,hiseyeswereclosedandhislipscompressed.
Sheheardordersshoutedfromasmalllaunchthathadtiedupatthepier.Fourtrollsleapedontothe

dockandstartedrunninginherdirection.

Trollshadnoproblemwithsunlightandwereperfectforrescuemissionsatdawnoratanytime

duringtheday.Fromthepatrolcraft,asecondboathitthewatershortlyafter,thenathird.

SheleanedclosetoJude.“Yourtroopshavearrived.”
Henodded,justenough,buthiseyeswerestillclosed.
“I’msorryIhurtyou.”
Atthat,heturnedtowardherandsquintedupather.Shecouldtellhewantedtoaskhersomething,but

suddenly,thetrollswerethere.Theymovedfastontheirfeet.

“Mastyr,we’reheretohelp.”
Judegruntedandtriedtomove,butshepressedonhisshoulderwithherhand.Sheknewhewouldn’t

likeshowingweaknessofanykind.

“Patience,Hercules,”shesaid,asthetrollsgotbusywithastretcher.“Evenhalf-godslikeyouneed

timetohealwhenthey’vegottenablastwoundstretchingallthewayacrosstheabdomen.Andyes,I
knowhowmuchyouhatebeinglaidoutlikethis.”

“Yougotthatright.”Thewordswerefollowedwithanotherpainedhiss,butshekeptherhandonhis

shoulder,offeringresistancethesecondhetriedtomove.

“Justconcentrateonhealingandletthesemendotheirwork.”
Whentheleadofficerdrewclose,Judeissuedhisordersthroughclenchedteeth.Hemadeitclearhe

wasstayingattheGoldRushthroughthedayandthathewantedthecoastguardtoremainonpatrolnear
theaccesspointuntilfurthernotice.“KeepLongenessandhiscrewinformedofyourmovements.”He
wincedashespoke.

Thecommander,wearingasternexpression,respondedtersely,“Yes,Mastyr.”Hethenturnedona

sharpheelandissuedordersaboutthedisposalofthewraith-pair,afterwarddirectingeightstrongtrolls
tomoveJudecarefullyontothestretcher.

Anditwouldtakealleight.Trollswereshorterinstaturethaneitherthevampireorfaespeciesand

then,ofcourse,Judewas…Jude.

Hedidn’tmakeasoundastheymovedhim,butbloodoozedfromhiswound,andhe’dclosedhiseyes

again,hislipsturningwhitefromthepressureoncemore.

Finallysituatedonthestretcher,thetrollsstartedmovinghimswiftlytowardthebar.Hannahhurried

tothefrontdoorandproppeditopen.

Judehadhisarmoverhiseyesasthetrollscarriedhiminsidethebuilding.Shewasshockedtosee

thattheskinonhischeeksandarmshadalreadystartedtoblister.

Sodawnwasrightonhisheels.
Astheysethimonthefloor,shehurriedtolowertheexternalsteelshuttersontheoutsideofthe

building.Oncedown,nolightwouldreachtheinteriorofthespace,sothatassoonastheywereinplace,
Judefinallyrelaxed.

He’dstartedtellingthetrollstojustleavehimthere,butHannahsteppedin.“He’llbebetteroffinthe

bunkroom.”

ThetrollswaitedforJudetonodhisacquiescence,thenpickedupthestretcheroncemore,moving

swiftlytowardtheroomsatthealleyendofthebuilding.Secondslater,Judelayproneonabroadlower
bunk.AllthebunkswerereinforcedwithsteeltobeartheusualGuardsmanweightandbecausethe
ceilingwasopentotheduct-work,she’dhadthebunksbuiltwithafivefootheadclearanceonthelower
bunk.

ThecommandersquattednexttohimandJudespokeinalowtone,thankinghimforhiscrew’squick

responseandfortakingcareofthewraith-pair.

Withinthenextfewminutes,thetrollunitleftbywayofthefrontdoor.Hannahfollowedafterthem,

askingtheleadtrollwhatprecautionswouldbetakentoprotectPortTownsendfromanotherattack.The
commanderassuredherthathewouldhavehisshippatrollingthestretchofwaterthatlinkedPort
TownsendwiththeKellcasseaccesspointthroughouttheday.

“We’llkeepincontactwiththeKellcasseCommunicationCenteratalltimes,butyou’renottoworry

aboutanyofthis.We’llkeeptabsontherealm-folkwhotraveltodaytoPortTownsend.”

Shethankedhimforeverything.Andaftertakingonelastlookatthestretchersnowhaulingawaythe

deadInvictuspair,shelockedthefrontdoorandreturnedbacktothebunkroom.

Pullingupalowstool,shejoinedJudeathisbedside.Helayverystill,eyesclosed.
Sheremainedquiet,waiting.Everyonceinawhile,she’dglanceathisabdomen,fascinatedtowatch

theskinknittingtogethersoswiftly.Heradiatedheatfromtheenergyhespenthealinghimself,butdespite
hiseffortsitseemedtoherthathegrewpalerbythesecond.

Eventually,hisabdomenfilledincompletelywithoutevenascarremainingtoshowthathe’dbeen

woundedinbattle.

Hebreathedadeepsighofrelief,thensatup,hisheadeasilyclearingthebottomoftheupperbunk.

WhenHannahhaddecidedonbunkstosavespace,she’dhadthemspeciallymadetoaccommodatethe
averagesizeoftheVampireGuard.

Heshiftedhislegsoverthesideofthebed.Breathingheavily,heleanedforward,hishandsclasped

looselybetweenhisknees.Shecouldseehewasstillsuffering.

“Doyouwantmetohelpyougetthisshirtoff?”
Heglancedather,buthiseyeswerepinchedandbloodshot.“Yes,I’dreallylikethat.Thesmell—”
“Iknow.”
Shemovedclose,bendingoverhimandliftinghisarmscarefullytoremovethetattered,wovenshirt.

Shethrewitinthedustbin.

She’dfinallygottenherwishandwasnowlookingatJudewithoutashirton,butshewastootroubled

toreallyenjoytheview.Shedidn’tunderstandwhyhewasn’tdoingbetter.

Healinghaddefinitelyuseduphisresources,butheshouldn’tbesopale.
Thensherememberedthatevenifhiswoundshaddisappeared,hestillsufferedfromthechronicpain

andcrampingfromtheblood-starvationthatallmastyrsendured.Fromwhatsheunderstoodfromthe
womenontheloop,ifthemastyrswenttoolongbetweenfeedingstheycoulddie.

Sheswallowedhard.She’dneverfedavampireanditwasoneofherrulesthatsheneverwould.
Shetriedadifferenttack.“WhatcanIdo,Jude?Wouldyoulikeasandwichorsomething?I’msureI

candigaroundinthekitchen.Wouldthathelp?”

Heopenedhiseyesandmethergaze,hisnostrilsflaring.Hesqueezedhiseyesshut.“Maybeabeer.”
Shefrowned.Wasshereallygoingtohavetodonate?“Icoulduseonemyself.I’llberightback.”

Couldbeerholdhimoff?Ofcourse,shecouldalwayscalloneofherfriendswhofrequentlydonatedto
Guardsmen,butagain,herfingersstartedcurlingupintouglylittleballs.

Thebarhadanumberofbrewsontap,butshethoughtacoupleofchilledbottlesfromthefridge

wouldanswerbetter.Shewentintothestoreroomwhereafewcaseswerekeptinalargerefrigerated
unit.ShepulledouttwoTamerlandBrownPorters,poppedthetops,andheadedbacktoJude.

Hiseyeswerestillclosed.Andasshedroppeddownbesidehimandputabeerinhishand,she’d

neverseenhisskinlooksowhite.

“Sorry,”hemurmured.“Havetokeepmyeyesclosedforafewmoreminutes.”
Shesworeshecouldfeelhispain,thatthoughhisabdomenwasperfectlyhealed,hisstomachwas

crampinghard.

Shelookedawayfromhim.Sheknewwhatneededtobedoneandshealsoknewhe’dneverask.But

shehadtheworstfeelingthatifshegaveitupforhim,she’dbeopeningadoorthatshecouldneverclose
again.

Ontheotherhand,Judehadjustsavedherlifeandhadtakenapainfulhitintheprocess.
Sittingbackdownonthestool,shetookalongswigofthebeer.“Jude,I’msogladyou’reokay.”
Asmiledflickeredatthesideofhismouth.“Me,too.”Hetippedthebottleanddrankseveral

swallowsinarow.“Lovethisporter.”

Whenhegrittedhisteethforaboutthetenthtime,clearlystrugglingthroughmorehardcramping

despitethebeer,sheresignedherselftowhatneededtobedone.

“Jude,canyouopenyoureyesnow?”
Heblinkedseveraltimes.“Myvisionisbetter.”Heturnedtowardher,butthewhitesofhiseyeswere

stillred,andhesquinted.“Youokay,Hannah?BecauseIcan’timaginewhatthiswaslikeforyou.I’m
usedtowraithsandbattling,butIneverwantedyoutohavetoseeit.”

Shethoughtthatthefactheaskedherhowshewas,whenhewasinsomuchpain,probablydefined

Jude’sfinestquality:Hewasalwaysthinkingofothersfirst.

Ifshehadn’talreadymadethedecision,hisconcernforherwouldhavepushedherovertheedge.
She’dseenhumansdonatebeforeattheGoldRush,thoughJudehadprohibitedneck-feedingatthe

bar.Butmanyvampirestookwhattheyneededfromthewrist,usuallyfromwilling,humanfemales.She
alsoknewthattherewasasexualcomponentthatcouldn’tbehelped.

Takingadeepbreath,sheheldoutherarmandsaid,“Iwanttodonate.”

~~~

JudestareddownatHannah’sverywhitewristandshudderedwithneed.Theblueveinsbeneatha

thinlayerofskincalledtohimlikenothinghe’dexperiencedinalongtime.Hismouthfilledwithsaliva,
andhisstomachcrampedalloveragain.

Still,hehesitated.
ThiswasHannah,essentiallyoneofhisemployeesaswellasafriend,andhedidn’twanthis

relationshipdisruptedbyablood-feeding.Buthehadn’tbeenhurtthisbadinalongtime.

He’dalmostboughtitwhenheturnedhisbattleenergytowardthewraithgoingafterHannah.And

whenhisattentionshifted,inthatsplit-second,thewraith’svampire-mateletloosewithapowerfulstrike
thathadcaughthiminthegutandopenedhimup.

ButitwasseeingHannahstandingthere,fullyawareshewasabouttodie,thatwastherealhorror.

Judewasprettysurehe’dlivewiththatterrifyingimageinhisheadforalongtime.

Andrightnow,hereallydidn’tlikethatshewasseeinghiminaweakened,hungrystate.Hehada

stableofdoneuseswhooffereduptheirbloodonadailybasis.He’dchosenthesewomenwithgreatcare
tomakecertainthatheneverdevelopedanattachmentorinadvertentlycreatedfeelingshecouldn’treturn
bytappingintoavein.Mostofthewomenweremarriedwithfamilies,sotheirloyaltieslayelsewhere.

Donatingalwayscarriedacertainlevelofsexualheat,andforthatreasonheneverdrankfromthe

throat,whichkeptthatheatatalow,acceptablelevel.Andheneverdrankfromthewomenhedated.He
heldtohiscommitmenttoremainunattacheduntiltheInvictusnolongerplaguedtheNineRealms.

ThetroublewaseverymoleculeinhisbodycravedHannah,fromherblood,toherlips,herbreasts,

herhips.Hewantedtoburyhiscockdeepbetweenherlegs,todowhathe’dbeenlustingafterformonths.

Andnowshewasofferingupherlife-forceforhistotake.
Abigpartofhimdidn’twantto.Hannahhadbecomeavulnerabilityforhimthispastyear,thoughhe

couldn’texactlyexplainwhy.Theencounterintheclosethadcrackedthedoorjustabit,butifhedrank
fromher,hesuspectedhe’dbethrowingthedoorwide.

Butheneededblooddesperately.Hehadn’tsaidanything,buthisstomachhadbeenspasmingforthe

lasthalfhoursothathecouldhardlybreathe.

Thedifficultbattle,comingatthetailendofalongnight,haduseduphisreserves,aswellasthe

energyrequiredtohealhimselfandjuststayalive.Hewasclosetoapointofnoreturnsohecouldn’t
reallyturndownherofferevenifhewantedto.Hecarriedtoomuchresponsibilityonhisshouldersto
riskhislifeonapointofdiscretion.

Butheknewinhisgutheshouldn’tbedoingthis.
Hemethergaze.“I’mgrateful,Hannah.AndIacceptyouroffer.I’llneverforgetthis.”Hewouldat

leasttrytorestrainhimself.

Shesmiledandnodded,encouraginghim.“Icanfeelthatyou’rereluctantandIknowwhy.Iknowyou

don’twanttodisruptourworkingrelationship.Butthisonetimewillbeokay.You’llsee.”

Hedidn’tsayanything,butherstatementhadthefeeloffamouslastwords.
Still,hefollowedsuit.“AndafterwardI’lldoeverythingIcantomakesurethingsstayonaneven

keel.”

Shedippedherchinoncemore,hergazefallingtohislips.
Hedrewadeepbreath,“Butyou’llneedtoliedownbesideme.Idon’thavethestrengthtodothis

sittingup.Okay?”

Shelookedalittlepanic-stricken,butshenodded.“Whateveryouneedisfinebyme.”Hercheeks

wereflushed,andherscentthathelovedfloatedintheairnow,rosesandtheseashore.

Helaybackdownonthebedandscootedtowardthewallasshestretchedoutbesidehim.
Hetookherleftwristgentlyinhisrighthand,whichpulledherbodyclosertohimsothatshe

snuggledintight.Anddamnhimforlovingit.

Hischintremblednow.Havingmadethedecision,thescentofherbloodreachedhim,andbecause

he’dbeenlustingafterher,hisgroinheatedup,areactionhewasn’tabletohelp.He’dbeenlongingfor
heranyway,buttakingherbloodsenthimintoover-drive.Hejusthopedsheunderstood,becausehe
couldn’texactlyhidehisarousal.

Hehadn’tevenbittenherarmandhewasalreadyhard.

Hannah,hepathed,reachingforhertelepathically.He’dcommunicatedthiswaywithherbefore,

manytimes,usuallywhenhewantedtoteaseheraboutsomething.Butthistime,heneededtobeableto
talktoherwhilehedrank.

Ihearyou,Jude.Herlipswerepartedandhereyesdilated.Herscenthadthickenedintheair.The

desirewasmutual.

You’veneverbeentappedbefore,right?
Sheshookherhead.Never.
Sothisisafirsttime.
Shenodded,hereyeswideningashergazesettledonherwrist.
Lookatmymouth,Hannah.Idon’twantyoutobeafraid.Iwantyoutoseethewholething.
Sheblinkedseveraltimes,hergazeshiftingtohislips.
Youmightwanttoadjustyourpositionjustalittle.Hepulledherwristuptohismouth,helpingher

tofeelhowtheanglecouldbecomeuncomfortableforher.Sheshiftedupwardssothathecouldfeelher
breastsagainsthisribs,whichdidnothelpatall.Shehadbeautiful,fullbreastsandshe’dcaughthim
havingagoodlonglookmorethanonce.Butfeelingtheminsuchanintimatesituationsupportedthe
alreadysolidbulgeinhisleathers.

Feedingwilltakeafewminutes.Ifyouwanttoleanintome,feelfree.Mywoundsarehealed.You

won’thurtme.

Okay.
Hewrappedhisarmaroundherwaisttosupporther.Youready?
Yes.
Heloweredhisfangs,andasoftgroanleftherthroat.Oh,sweetGoddess,shewasintothisasmuch

ashewas.Heunderstoodthenthathewasinamountainoftrouble.

He’ddesiredHannahformonths,nowhereshewas,pressedupagainsthisside,herscentwafting

throughhisbrain,teasinghim,workinghimup.

Andhe’dbefeedingfromher.

~~~

HannahsawJude’sfangsemergeandthesightofthemhadthestrangesteffectasdesirestreaked

throughherabdomenandgrabbedherdeepbetweenherlegs.Shedidn’tunderstandwhy,butitdidn’t
matter.AllthesemonthsofhungeringforJudeseemedtocoalesceashearchedhisneckslightly.Thenhis
fangssankinaquickstrikethatshebarelyfelt.Justasbloodpooled,hislipsformedasealandhebegan
tosuck.

Asherbloodleftherbody,thefullnessinherchestbegantoease.Although,hearingJudesuckleher

wristandwatchinghislipsmoveinasteadyrhythmstartedmakingherfeelthingsshe’dbeenrepressing
formonths.Shewantedhislipsonherbreastsdoingthesamething,thendownlowworkingherwiththe
sametuggingmotion.

Hannah,hepathed,dragginghergazefromhislipstohisbeautifulsmokygrayeyes.Theyweredark

withneed.Whatareyouthinkingabout?

I’mjustfeelingsomuch.
Icantell.Yourperfumeisgettingtome,likerosesandtheseashore.
Shesmiled.IsthatwhatIsmellliketoyou?
Muchmorethanthat.Icansmellyourdesire.
Shenodded.Can’thelpmyself.
I’mfeelingitaswell.There’salwaysasexualcomponenttofeedinglikethis.Butwithyou,sweet

Goddess—!

Movementbyherhipsdrewhergazetohiswell-definedarousalpushingagainsthispants.Thesnug

battleleathersheworeleftnothingtotheimagination,andrightnowshewantedwhathehadtogive.And
hewasabigman,ineveryway.

Hermindmovedswiftlytowhatitwouldbeliketounziphisleathersandhavealook,afeel,ataste.
Deepwithinherbody,sexualneedbegantopulselikenothingshe’dexperiencedinherentirelife,an

intensedesirethatdemandedrelease.

Doyoulikewhatyousee?Hisdeepresonantvoice,evenwithinhermind,sentnewwavespulsing

withinherabdomen.Sheslidhergazebacktohiseyes.Hehadadesperatelooknow,andshefeltthe
sameway.

Thisisn’teasy,shepathed.I’vewantedyouformonths.I’vetriednottoshowit.Dangerouswords.

Sheshouldpullitback,stopfeedingthisfire.

I’vewantedyouaswell.I’vecravedyou,Hannah.
Shewaslosingcontrolasshenodded.Itfeltverymutual,bothofuspretending.
Hesuckedhardernow,andhisbreathinghadgrownrough.Hannah,Iknowthisisn’tright,butI’d

giveanythingifyouwouldtouchme.Doyouthinkyoucoulddothat?

Yes,Ican.Iwanttosobad.
Evenwithinhermind,hesoundedasdesperateasshefelt,butthepositionwasawkward.Herother

handwascaughtbetweenherbodyandhis,soshebegantomaneuver,freeingherarm.Whenshehadher
shoulderplantedagainsthisside,shewasatagoodangle.Hehelpedbyholdingherwristhigher.

Sheslidherhanddownwardandthenextthingsheknew,sheconnectedthroughtheleatherwithwhat

washard.

ThegroanthatcameoutofJudewasheavyandprolonged.Herowndesireroselikeaheavy,ocean

wave,liftingherup,thencastingherontotheshore.Shewantedthis,shewantedhim,andshewantedit
now.

Shebeganmassaginghim,whileatthesametimearchingherhipsagainsthisthigh.God,sheneeded

somefriction.

I’minagony.Jude,I’vewantedyousobadly.Mybodyisonfire.Andyourbeautifulchest,your

pecs,yourabs–

Hannah,lookatme.
Feverishnowashesuckedonherwrist,ashedrankherblood,sheshiftedhergazebacktohiseyes.
Hisvoicepenetratedhermindoncemore.Hannah.
Sheheardthepleadingtoneinhisvoice,andsheknewsheshouldn’t,butshe’dbeenholdingbackfor

months.Theywerealone;allthedoorslockeduptight.

Hannah,Iwanttomakelovetoyou.
Herrational,sensiblereasonsforkeepingherdistancesomehowvanished.Thenshenodded,her

voicebetrayingher.“Yes.”

Hereleasedherwrist,swipingthewoundstohealthem.Hewasstillbreathinghardasheleanedup

onhiselbows.Shemovedontoherkneespositioningherselfathiswaist,thenworkedathisleathers.

Whenshestartedtounziphesaid,“Careful.Igocommando.”
Hannah’sfingerstrembled,butnotfromfear.She’dneverbeensoovercomeinherlife,herwhole

bodyachingtodothiswithJude.Sheslidherfingersbeneaththezippersothatasshepulledthetab
down,sheprotectedhiscock.

Itfeltsostrangetofeelhishardnessbeneathherfingerswhilesheunzipped.
ThiswasJude.

Shelookedbackathisface,athisswollenlipsandglazedeyes.Hisnostrilsflared.Hisclasphad

comeundoneandwithhismassivehairhangingaroundhisshouldersanddowntohiswaist,helooked
wildandferocious.

Shefeltdizzyandarousedbeyondanythingshe’deverimagined.Revertingherattentiontohiszipper,

shecarefullypeeledbackhispantsandfreedhisarousal.

Shetookamomenttojustlookathim,thenglidedherthumbandforefingerfromthetopofhiscrown

overhisridge,andallthewaytothebaseofhisstalk.Hegroaned.

Sheleaneddownandtooktheheadinhermouth,lovingthevelvetyfeelagainsthertongue.
Jude’shipsmovedinaslowfamiliarrhythm.Hisbreathinghadgrownevenmoreragged.“Hannah,

wait.”

Sheunderstoodandreleasedhim.Gettingbacktothetaskathand,shemovedtohisthighboots,the

onesshe’dbeenwantingtotouchformonthsnow.

Sheslidherfingersdownbothsides,touchingeachofthesilvermedallions.Theyborethestamped

imageoftheeagle,aprominentpredatorinthePacificNorthwest.Shefoundthezipperontheinsideand
peeledthebootoffhisrightlegthentheother.

Herheartpoundednowassheslowlyworkedhisleathersoff.Hereachedforheroften,grazingher

shoulder,hercheek,herhairwithhisfingers.Thewholetimeheremainedaroused,callingtoher.She
achedwithneed.Butshedidn’tgofast,knowingshewouldprobablyneverdothisagainwithJude.

Itwasaone-time-onlydeal.
Hisbeautifulscentfilledhernostrilsasshestareddownathiswarrior’sbody.Shedrewcloseand

withherhandtookajourneyuphisleftleg,histhigh,hisgroin,hisabdomen,hispecs.Thensheleaned
closeandcaughthischininhand.“Jude,willyouletmedosomethingforyou?”

Hisbrowsrose,questioning,buthenodded.
Shesmiled.“I’llberightback.”Shewasn’tsurewhathadpromptedhertodothis,butshemovedinto

thebathroom,ranthefaucetoverseveralwashcloths,wrappedthemupinatowel,thenreturnedtohis
bunk.

Settingthetowelnexttohim,shebeganbathinghimandhiswholebodyrelaxed.“Damn,thatfeels

goodandI’mnotevensurewhy.Whatmadeyouthinkofit?”

“Idon’tknow.”Shemadeapassoverhismuscularchest,savoringnotjusthisphysicalbodybutall

thathewas.“Ijusthadafeelingthiswouldbetherightthingtodo.And…well,it’smywayofthanking
youforsavingmylifeandforsacrificingforyourpeopleeverynightofyourlife.”

ChapterThree

JudewatchedHannahworkherwaydownhislegswiththedampterry-cloth.Eventhoughhewanted

herbeneathhim,herbodywrithingwitheachthrustofhiscock,hewouldn’thavemissedthisforthe
world.Itfeltsacredandbeautiful,moreHannahthansheknew.

Watchingherbatheevenhisfeet,easedsomethingdeepinsidehim.He’dbeenmakingwarforsolong

withoutawomanathissidethathe’dforgottenwhatitcouldbelike.

Whenshewasdone,shetookthetowelintothebathroomandbusiedherselfforamoment,probably

hangingouteachoftheclothstodryseparately.She’dgetafterthemenfornotkeepingthebathroomin
order.

Butwhenshereturned,hisheartalmoststopped.
Shehadnothingon.
Heroseuponhiselbowsassheapproachedthebedslowly,hernipplespeaked,thewaythey’dbeen

inthestockroomthatday.Hewantedtobesucklingher.

Hecouldfeelthatbathinghimhadarousedher,whichkepthimhardashellknowingthatsheenjoyed

touchinghim.Maybethishadbeenafantasyofhers.He’dhadplentyoffantasieshimselfsincethat
supply-roomday,andshe’djustfulfilledoneofthem.

Shestoppedatthefootofthebunk.Helookedherupanddownslowlyandshelethimlook.“When

youfinallyfallintobedafteranight’swork,doyouthinkofme,Hannah?Didyouonceimaginedoingthis
withmeinthebunkroom?”

Shemethisgaze,herlipspartedandswollen.“Notthebathingpart,butgropingyou,yes.Doesthat

shockyou?”

Hesmiled,andhishipsarched.“I’veimagineddoingthesamethingtoyou,usuallywhenIfirstwake

up.”

Asoftmoanleftherthroat,andforamomentsheclosedhereyesasthoughseeingnewimagesshe’d

wanttorememberlater.

“Oh,Jude,”shemurmured,assheopenedhereyes.Hergazefelltohiscockoncemore.“Andwould

youbetouchingyourselfwhenyouthoughtofme?”

“Uh-huh.”
Shemovedtostandnexttothebunk.“Showme.Iwanttowatch.”
Hesettledhislefthandonherwaistandwithhisrighttookholdofhiscock.Hestrokedslowly,his

hipsundulating,buthisgazewasfixedonher.

Hereyesfelltohalf-mastassheleaneddownandtookhiminhermouthagain.
“Oh,Hannah.SweetGoddess.”Hecouldcomelikethis,onehandonhiscock,herlipsonhishead,

andhishandnowdriftingtofondleherass.

“Spreadyourlegs.Letmefeelyou.”
Themomentsheresponded,heslidhishandevenlowerandgentlybegantouchingwhatwaswetand

smelledofrosesandtheocean.Hewantedhismouththere.

“Iwanttotasteyouwhileyou’resuckingme.Straddleme,Hannah.”
Jude,slidthroughhismind.Butshedidn’thesitate.
Sheclimbeduponthebed,facingawayfromhim.Andrightthen,hewasgladshe’dhadthebunks

builtwithalotofclearance.

Hecaughtherrightleg,easingittothefarside,sothatshefacedawayfromhim.Withherlegs

spread,herbeautifulscenthithimfullforceandhegrunted,anxioustotasteher.Hecaughtherhips,

bringingherdowntohim.

Atthesametimethathelaidhistongueoverherclitoris,shetookhiscockinhermouthoncemore.
Hearched.Thedualsensationofhistonguelickingwhatwaswetandswollenandhermouthsuckling

him,broughthisballsuptight.Hecouldcomesoeasily,buthecontrolledhimself,forcinghisbodyto
settledown.He’dimagineddoingthistoHannah,justashe’dsaid,buthe’dneverdreamedthathe’d
actuallygetthechance.

Whenhedrovehistonguedeepinsideherwell,sheliftedup,cryingout,“Jude,ohGod!”
Herealizedshewascloseandhewantedhertocome.Headdedasoftrealmvibrationthroughhis

tongue,whichsethertowrithing.Usinghishandstoholdherhipsinplace,heplungedinandoutvampire
fast.Sheshudderedthencriedoutrepeatedlyasshereleased.

Hekeptworkingher,savoringthepulsesdeepwithin,andthatshepanted,herhipsrockinginswift

jerksuntilthelastofherecstasyfaded.

Afteraminute,shefinallyeaseddown.“Jude,thatwasamazing.ButdidIactuallyfeelavibration?I

meanI’veheardthegossip.”

“Yes,youdid.”
Hesmiledashecaressedherbottom,kissingherallover.Thethoughtwentthroughhisheadthathe

couldstayinthisposition,lovingonher,foralongtime.

Shespokequietly.“So,howdoyouwantme?”
Here,forthenexttwelvemonths.
“Oh…”Thewordcameoutbreathless.“Soundslikeaplan.ButyouknowwhatIreallywantright

now?”

“Anything.I’lldoanything.”Andhemeantit.
“Yourcock,burieddeep.”
Herwordslaunchedhim.
Withagenerousdistancetotheupperbunk,hewasabletoriseup,half-levitatingtomakethemove.

Heheldherinthesameposition,comingupbehindhersothatshelandedonherhandsandknees.He
pushedherhairawayfromherneck.“Iwanttofeedfromyouhere,Hannah,fromthisvein.”Hestroked
herneck.“AndIwanttodoitwhileImakeyoucome.”

“Jude,Iwouldlovethat.”Herbodywrithedagainsthim.“Ididn’tknowdonatingwouldfeelasgood

asitdoes,assexual,butit’samazing.”

Hetookhiscockinhand,positioninghimselfatherentrance.“Doyoulikehowthisfeels?Mycock

righthere,readytopenetrate?”

“Yes.Oh,God,yes.”
Hesmiledashetookherhipsinhishandsandbegantopush.He’dimaginedthisaswell,butthe

realitywasathousandtimesbetterthanthefantasy,andthefantasyhadrocked.

Hedroveintoher,thenpulledback.Shemoanedandmadesoftshudderingsounds.“You’resobig.

Youfillme.”

Helovedthathecouldpleaseherlikethis.
Oncehewasfullyseatedandhadestablishedasteadyrhythm,heleanedoverherandmurmured

againsthercheek,“I’mgoingtobiteyouagain,Hannah.Wouldyoulikethat?ThenI’mgoingtoaddsome
vibrationrighthere.”Hegaveherasolidthrust.

“Youcandothat?”
“Yes.Ican.”

~~~

“Oh,Jude.”Shiverstraveledupanddownherbody.She’dbeenachingforthiskindofcontactfor

months.NowhereJudewasandthensome.

Shemighthaveimaginedhissizebeforeinherfrequentfantasies,buthe’dnotonlyexceeded

expectation,hejusttoldherhecouldaddvibrationdeepinsideher.

Sheclenchedhardatthethought.
ShewasonherhandsandkneesandJudewasthrusting,continuouslyhittingherjustright.Herlips

werepartedasshedraggedinairbetweenpants.Withonehand,hesmoothedawayherhairtoexposeher
throat.

Shefelthisbodyangleoverherbackandwithonearmpressedagainstherbreasts,hesupportedher.

Histonguesweptoverherneckrepeatedly.Hemadeahungrysoundwithhismouth,gutturalandcoarse,
moreanimal-likethanman,andshelovedit.

Whenhecausedherveintorise,onlysomethingavampirecoulddo,shepushedbackwithherhips.
I’mgoingtobiteyounow.
Yes.Please,yes.
Thestingwasbriefandthemomenthebegantosuckherbloodoncemore,awaveofpleasurehither

likenothingshe’dknown.Thepassioncamefromthedepthsofherbeingandflowedintohermind.She
soonfeltdruggedandeuphoricatthesametime.

Andstillhethrust,asteadypowerfuldrive,fullofmastery.Wasthisreallyhappening?
Hissuckingbecameagitated.
Whatisit?
I’msodamnclose,Hannah,butIwantyoutocomeagain.
Justslowthingsdownabit,okay?
Shefelthimtakeadeepbreath,andmoveintoherwithgentlerthrusts.Yes,that’sbetter.Andwhen

youcan,howaboutthatvibration?

Absolutely.
Buthesurprisedherwhensuddenlyshefeltavibrationnotbetweenherlegs,butatherneckwherehe

fedfromher.

Shiversoncemorechasedeachotherdownherneck,rampingupherneedandintensifyingthefeel-

goodbetweenherlegs.Ilovethatyourworldisfullofvibrations.Ijustneverthought…thiswould
happen…tome…oh,you’redoingitnow.MyGod.She’dbarelybeenabletogetthewordsout,
becausehe’djustaddedanintoxicatingvibrationthroughhiscock.Atthesametime,shefeltawonderful
warmththataddedyetanotherlayerofsensation.

Shemoanedheavily.“Jude,theheatandvibrationtogether.Iwon’tlastlong.”
Good,becauseI’mready.Iwanttofillyouup,Hannah.
Iwanttobefilled.
Whilestillsucklingathervein,hedrovewithpurposeful,deepthrustsandthevibrationkeptgetting

stronger.Shegulpedinair,pantinghard.Shefeltherorgasmhovering,butshewantedtoholdback,and
wasunwillingtoletgojustyetbecauseofalltheexquisitesensations.

Butwhenhebegantomovehishipsfast,curlingtheminquickthrusts,herbodytookover.Agreat

swellbeganinsideher,takingherbreathaway.PleasureunfurledasshepulledhardonJude’scock,
intensifyingherdesire.Theheatandthevibrationgrewstronger,amplifyingwhatshefelt,buildingtoa
pinnacle.

Suddenly,thereleaseflewfromher,andshecriedoutasawarm,headyflushengulfedherbody,

forcinghertowritheheavilyagainstJude.Herheartfeltlitonfire.Shemoaned,thenonceagaincriedout
overandoverattheintensityoftheorgasm.

Hannah,whatyou’redoingtome!
It’sunbelievable.Thesweet,grippingsensationkeptrolling,andjustwhenitpeakedandshethought

shewasthrough,Judebegantorelease,ignitingpleasurealloveragain.

Hiscock,stillvibrating,pistonedwithinher,andanotherorgasmswelled,streakingthroughher,

gaininginsizeandheat,thenoncemorefloodingherbodywithsomuchpureecstasyandsomany
sensationsthatthistimeshescreamed.Shecouldhardlycatchherbreathashecontinuedtodriveintoher,
asheshoutedintotheair,ashiscockreleasedhisseedinpulses.

Theorgasmswirledthroughher,forcingsmallcriesfromhermouthagainandagain,untilatlastshe

begantoeasebackfromthepinnacle.

ItwassometimebeforeshecametoanawarenessthatJudewasnolongermovingandthathe’d

releasedherneckandwasnowkissingheroverandoverabovehervein.Thankyou,Hannah.Thiswas
anamazingexperience.Iswear,I’veneverhadareleaselikethatbefore.

Hermindfeltmuddled.Shewantedtotellhimshehadn’teither,butthismadeherlaughsoftly

becausenothingaboutmakinglovewithhimwasexactlyinhercatalogofpriorexperiences.Nothing
couldcompare.

Ofcourse,nowherarmsshookfromstayinginonepositionsolong.Shechuckledagain.“Ineedtolie

down.”

Heloweredherslowlyandbecausehewasbig,heremainedconnectedtoherwhichshethought

absolutegenius.

“LetmeknowifIgettooheavy.”
“K.”Shedrewinadeepbreath.Shestillfeltdruggedoutandsleepyatthesametime.Shereally

neededtoheadtobedfortheday.

Sheclosedhereyes,reachingforJude’shand.Whenshefoundit,sheclaspedhisfingerstight.“Thank

you.”

Shefelthimsigh.Hewasasolidweightontopofher,eventhoughheheldhimselfuponhis

forearms.Hefeltsogood.He’dremainedhalf-aroused,whichmadeherwiggleacoupleoftimesjustto
feelhim.

Butasshelaythere,sweatbegantotrickledownherforehead.Shewasreallyperspiring,something

thatmadesensegivenwhatshe’djustbeenthroughandyetdidn’t.Infact,shefeltwarmallover,andshe
couldtellhertemperaturewasclimbinginaverybizarreway.

“Jude,something’swrong.Getoff.Please.I’msorry,butIthinkI’mintrouble.”
Judepulledoutofherthenmovedbackwards.Sheslidsidewaysfromthebunkthenheadedstraightto

thebathroomwhereshequicklystarteduptheshower,thoughleavingthetemponcold.

Sheheardhimfollowafterher,hisbarefeetpaddingonthetilefloor.
“Hannah,didIhurtyou?”
“No,ofcoursenot.Thisis…Idon’twhatthisis.I’mjustover-heatedinawaythatisreallyoff.”
Shesteppedintothecoolspray,andgroanedbecauseitfeltsogood.Shedippedherheadunderthe

water,savoringtheicyfeel.Buthowstrangethatsheactuallylikedthetemperature.Sheshouldhavebeen
jumpingandshoutingbecauseitwassocold.

Instead,heaven.
Yetherwholebodyseemedtobeonfire.Didhavingsexwithavampiredothistoahuman?Or

feedingavampiremaybe?

She’dhadplentyoffriendswho’dcrawledintobedwithvampires,evendonatedfromawillingvein.

Butshe’dneverhadonetellhershefeltlikeherbodyhadbecomealivinginferno.

Whenshefinallyfeltcoolenough,shesteppedfromtheshowerandwrappedherselfupinatowel.

Judehadremainedbythedoor.Andasnakedashewas,withjusthislongmaneofblackhair

surroundinghismuscularshouldersandarms,he’dneverlookedsexier.

Shealmostsuggestedasecondround,buthestaredatherwithanoddexpression,hisgrayeyeswide

andafrownbetweenhisbrows.“Hannah,what’sgoingon?Youlooklikeyou’resunburned,stemto
stern.”

Sheturnedandlookedatherselfinthemirroroverthesink.Hewasright.Shewasveryflushed.She

glanceddownatherlegsandtoes.Samething.

ShiftingtofaceJudeoncemore,sheshookherhead.“DoyouthinkImighthavesomekindofallergy

toyou,becauseIcan’texplainthisheatatall.Orisitsomethingthatoccasionallyhappenstoyour
donors?”

Heshookhishead,hisfrowndeepening.“Never.”Afteralongmoment,shegrewuncomfortablewith

thewayhekeptstaringather.Helookedworried.“Okay,what’sgoingon?”

“I’mnotsure.But,Idohaveaquestion.CanyoutellmehowyoufeltafterIfedfromyourwrist?”
Shespreadherhandswide.“Good.Imeanalotbetter,actually.I’dhadthiskindofweightonmy

chest.”Somethingaboutthatsoundedfamiliar,buthermindwouldn’tbringanythingintosharpfocus.
“Afterward,though,Iwasjustfine.”

~~~

Judestoodrootedtothefloor.He’dfinallyrealizedthatsomethingveryrealmwasgoingonwith

Hannah.

Hetookdeepbreathsbecausehewasafraidofwhatwascomingnextandhedidn’twanttolookatit,

notevenalittle.“IshouldheadbacktoKellcasse.”Acompletelyirrationalstatementgiventhatthesun
wasup.But,yeah,hewantedtorun.

Shechuckled.“Youcan’tgo.You’dbefriedtoapileofashes.”
Henodded.Shewasright,butshewasstillbrightred,beautifulashellwithhervioleteyesglittering

andherdamphairdrawnawayfromhighcheekbones.Butstillherskinwassuchanoddshade.“Iknow.”

“Jude,youlookdistressed.”
Heclosedhiseyes.Hedidn’twanttothinkaboutthisortoacknowledgeanyofitstruth.Heknewthis

particularphenomenonwasracingthroughtheNineRealms,perhapseveninresponsetoMargetta’s
aggressionagainsttheirworld,butitcouldn’thappentohim.Notnow.Notever.

Hecouldn’thaveapermanentwomaninhislife.He’dlosthiswifeanddaughterandthathadbeenit

forhim,hislastattemptatnormalcywhilehewasrulerofKellcasse.Hewastoomuchofatargetand
Naomi’sdeath,aswellasJoy’s,hadbeenadeliberateattackagainsthim.

Yes,hehadapowerfulreasonforremainingunattached.
Puttinghishandtohisstomach,hegroaned,notbecauseoftheusualcrampingbutbecauseitwas

gone,completelygone.Hewaspain-freeforthefirsttimesincehe’dgainedmastyrstatussolongago.

Andtohisknowledge,therewasonlyonereasonhecouldeverbefreeofthatkindofpain.
Heopenedhiseyes,meetingHannah’snow-worriedgaze.She’dtakenacoupleofstepscloser.“Jude,

what’sgoingon?”

“DidyoueverwonderwhyyouweresuddenlysointomeinthesamewayI’dbecomeobsessedwith

makingmorefrequenttripstotheGoldRush?”

Sheshrugged.“IguessIjustthoughtI’dawakenedtothis.”Shewavedahandtoencompasshisentire

body.Sheevensmiled.

Inanyothercircumstance,hewouldhavebeengratified,hismaleegostrokednicelybyherwords.

Hewouldhavesmiledaswell,maybeevenlaughed,andhedefinitelywouldhavehauledherbackinto

hisarms.

Butnotthistime.
Thingshadjustgottenwaytoocomplicated.
“Think,Hannah.Yousaidyourheartfeltweightyuntilyoufedme.Doesn’tthatsoundfamiliartoyou?

Iknowthatyou’reontheloopwithalltheotherbondedfemales.Surelythey’vetalkedaboutwhatit’s
likeforthem.”

Shelaughedandusedasecondtoweltopatherhairdry.“Butyou’retalkingnonsensenow.”
“AmI?”
“Ofcourse.Look,Ithinkyou’reoverreactingtowhathappenedbetweenusjustnow.”Shewavedin

thedirectionofthebunkroom.“Youknow,inthere.Anditwasamazing.”

Foramoment,helethimselfremember,andhistensioneasedalittle.“Itwasincredible.”
Shecockedherhead.“Waitaminute.Ijustsupposeditwasalwayslikethatforyou.”
Heshookhishead.“No.Thiswasdamnextraordinary.”
Atthat,shefrowned.“Youmeanthesex?”
“Especiallythesex.WhatdidyouthinkImeant?”
“Thefeeding,ofcourse.”
“That,too.”Hisgazefelltoherneckandaninternalvibrationverydeepwantedtorise,onethathe’d

keptsuppressedforahundredyears.Shit,thiscouldn’tbehappening,butallthesignswerethere.Yet,
Hannahwasn’ttakinghishints.

“Ineedtoaskyousomething.”
Hannahleanedherhipsagainstthesink,thesecondtowelbunchedinherhands.Shelookedtroubled,

andhergazeflittedtowardhimthenaway.“Sure.Whatever.”

“Whydidyouthrowyourselfonmelikeyoudid,earlier,intheparkinglot?Atthetime,Ididn’t

understandbecauseithurtlikehell.Sowhydidyou?”

“Youdon’tknowwhathappened?”Shesetthetowelonthesink,thentightenedtheonearoundher

body.

“Onlythatyouseemedtobeprotectingme,”Judesaid.“ButfromwhatIstilldon’tknow.Iwasflaton

mybackandIcouldn’tseeeverythingthatwasgoingon.”

Hereyeswidened.“Well,becausethatvampirewasaiminghishand-blastatyou.Iwaslookingback

atthedockandcaughtsightofthisredglowanditwascomingfromhispalm.Hewouldhavekilledyou
soIcoveredyou.”

“Shit,”hemurmured.
Shethenshookherhead.“ButJude,don’tyourememberwhathappenednext,becauseyousentthis

kindofwaveofheatpassingrightthroughmeanditburnedhimup.Hewashorriblyblisteredanddied
soonafter.Don’tyouremember?Didn’tyouseewhatyoudidtohim?”

Jude’sspiritssankonemorenotch.She’djustconfirmedeverythinginthosefewwords.Itwasalso

clearshedidn’tunderstandwhathadreallyhappened.“Idon’thavethatkindofpowertobringfireoutof
mybodyanddestroyothers,toburnothers.”

Sheputbothhandsonherhead.“I’msoconfused.Idon’tgetwhatyou’resaying.Howisthat

possible?Imeanmaybewhathappenedwasthatyourusualblastingpowergotactivatedsomehow.”

“Ifithadpassedthroughyou,you’dbedead.No,Hannah,Ihadnothingtodowithkillingthat

vampire.”Hecouldseeshewasinastateofshockassheslowlyloweredherarmstohersides.

“Ifyou’resuggestingthatIhadanythingtodowithit,Ithinkyou’recrazy.Irunabar,Idon’tkill

vampires.”

“ButyoudidandIthinkit’stiedupwiththeflushthat’sfinallyfadingfromyourskin.”

Shelookedawayfromhim,shakingherhead.“Noneofthismakessense.”
Judesaidnothingmore,butwaitedforhertocatchup.Hismindrolledinwardandswitchedlanes

completelyasherecalledbeinginWalvashorrwithMastyrSeth,andsodeeplyattractedtoLorelei,
Seth’semergingbloodrose.

Judehadheardthetales,aboutthelevelofpossessivenessamastyrwouldfeelforhiswomanandthe

drivehe’dhavetowardher,buthe’ddismissedagoodportionofthisasoutrightembellishment.

Until…andhecringedatthememory…untilhe’dfoundhimselfalonewithLoreleiforthefirsttime.

Itwasasthoughhe’dlosthismind.Hewentafterherandsomethingaboutherblood-rosestateresponded
tohismastyrstatusaswell.She’dallbutopenedherarmstohim.

ThemomenthadendedwithSethattackinghimandheandSethwouldhavebattledtothedeathif

Loreleihadn’tintervened.

AshestaredatHannah,heknewhe’djustgottenthrownintothedeependoncemore.Ifshewasa

bloodrose,oranemergingone,withuniqueincrediblepowers,andsheremainedunbondedforany
lengthoftime,everymastyrintheNineRealmswouldeventuallycomehuntingher.

He’dtakethechronicpainhesufferedasamastyrtoberidofthishorriblesituation.Hedidn’twanta

Goddessbe-damnedwomaninhislife,hehadn’taskedforabloodrose,andlikehellhewasgoingtoact
onit.

ButthiswasHannah.Andifhewasn’tcareful,amastyrvampireoflesserabilityandnocharacterat

all,couldseduceher.Thenshe’dbelockedintoalifeofpuretorture.

Whatthehellwashesupposedtodo?

~~~

Hannahcouldfeelthatforwhateverreason,Jude’sangerhadtakenover.Thoughwhyhewasmad,

shewasn’tsure.

Ofcourse,nothingmadesensetoherrightnow.Itwasalmostasthoughsheknewsomethinginthe

verycenterofherbrain,butshecouldn’tbringherselftolookatit.

Sheglanceddownathertoesoncemore,nowmorepinkthanred,sotheflushwasfading.
Butwhathadcausedalltheredness?
Hertinglinghandswerestillreallywarmandbuggingher.Sherubbedthemtogetheragain.
AndJudehadnopain.
Shementallydancedalittlemore.
Maybethiswassimple.She’dfedhimandsomethingaboutfeedinghimhadbeenalittledifferentthan

whathewasusedto.Thathadtobeit.Andasforherkillingavampire,well,he’dlostawholebagof
screwsonthatone.ShewasmorelikelytoshuttheGoldRushdownforeverthantoevenkillaflea.All
spiderswalkedoutofherbaralive.

Withhertowelstillsnug,sheturnedtowardthesinkandflippedonthecoldwater.Sheheldherhands

beneaththestreamandfeltsomerelieffromthetingling.Maybeitwastimetoseeadoctor.

Judedrewcloseandsettledagentlehandonhershoulder.“Hannah.”
Whydidhesoundsoresigned?Andtowhat?
Sheheldherhandsupforhimtosee.“Myhandswon’tcooldown,eventhoughthewaterisfreezing.I

shouldn’thavefedyou.ThisisbecauseIfedyou.IknewIshouldn’thave.I’mhuman,you’rerealmand
weshouldn’tengagelikethat.”

“Iknowthisishardforyou.”
Sheslammedthefaucetoff,wipingherhandsonthetowelstillwrappedaroundher,thenwhirled

towardhim.“Whatdoyoumean,thismustbehard?”

Buthisgrayeyeswerefilledwithsomuchcompassionthatshetookastepback,bumpingintothe

sink.“Stoplookingatmelikethat.”

“Hannah.”
“Andstopspeakingmynamewithsuchremorse.Idonatedhappily.You’remyfriend.Whywouldn’tI

havedoneso?”

“Thisisn’taboutyourhavingfedme.Andyourbodyisn’tflushedbecauseyouopenedavein.Don’t

yousee?”

Shestaredathim,butkeptshakingherhead.
“Hannah.”
“No.”Sheheldupbothhandsasthoughtowardhimoff.
Suddenly,thewhirlinginherbrainstoppedsothatshefinallyhadtostareatanenormouscentral

monoliththathadtwowordschiseledonit,allincaps:

BLOODROSE

“No,”shecriedout.
Sheknewwhatitmeant.She’dheardthewomentalkabouthowmuchtheirliveshadchangedandthat

wasthelastthingshewanted.

Judecaughtherinhisarmsandheldher.
“Idon’twantthis,Jude.I’mnotthatperson.Iloveyouasoneofmydearestfriends,butI’mhuman.

I’mhuman.”Sheclungtohismassiveshouldersandstartedsobbing.Itwasalltoomuch,herlustand
longingforhim,herrespectforhim,thesexthathadjustrockedherworld.“Idon’tunderstandhowI
couldbeabloodrose.”

“Abigailwashuman.”
HannahdrewbackandstaredupatJude,thoughshestillheldtightlytohimlikeananchorinheavy

seas.“Andnowshe’savampire.IsthatwhatI’llbecome?”

“Notnecessarily,atleast,Idon’tthinkso.SweetGoddess,Idon’tknow.ButIdothinkyou’re

becomingrealm.”

Sheheldoutherhandsandglancedfromonepalmtotheother.“Whatisthis,Jude?Whydomyhands

tingle?Whydoesmybodygrowsowarmandflushed?”Shedrewinalong,slowbreath.

ThensherememberedwhenJudehadbegunhisvibrationbetweenherlegsthatshe’dfeltallthis

warmthandshenowknewthatheathadcomefromher.Oh,God.

Butonemorehorriblethoughtintruded.“DidIreallykillthatvampire?”
Judenoddedslowly.
Thethoughtthatshehadtakenalife,evenonethatneededtobebroughtdown,causedhertotremble.
Judepulledhercloseoncemore.“I’msosorry,Hannah.”
Shelethimcomfortherforamoment,thenpulledoutofhisarms.“Youdon’tunderstand.Thisbaris

mylife.Iendedmylastlong-termrelationshipbecausemyexwantedmetogiveuptheGoldRush,tosell
it,justtobewithhim.”

“Iknow.Iremember.”
Sheplantedahandagainstherchest.“TheGoldRushiswhoIam.”
“Iknow.Byalltheelf-lords,Idoknowwhoyouare.Butwe’reintroublehere,Hannah.Pleasetell

meyouunderstand.Ididn’taskforthisandIdefinitelywouldneverhavewishedthisonyouinamillion
years,butwe’rehereandwe’reintrouble.”Hethenremindedherofwhateachofthebondedwomen
wouldhavealreadytoldher,thatshewouldbepursuedheavilybyothermastyrvampires.

Sheputahandtoherforehead.“Oh,God.Thiscan’tbehappening.AndI’msounfitforanythinglike

that.IthoughtIwasperformingagood-enoughservicehere,givingyoumenaplacetochillandevento
sleepover,nottomentionrunningthecommunicationscenter.Sowhywasn’tthatenoughthatsomehow

thepowersofyourworldhavedescendedonme?Ijustdon’tgetit.”

“Idon’tknow,either,butIdoknowsomeonewhocanhelp,whocangiveussomeanswers.”
Hannahbegantorelax.“Vojalie.”
Judenodded.“Tellyouwhat.Letmecontactherandseeifwecanmeetuptonight.”Heglanced

around.“Howaboutatyourhouseatfull-dark?”

Shecouldn’thelpthetearsthatrolleddownhercheeks.“Soundslikeaplan.”
ShewatchedJudemovebackintothebunkroom,pullouthislockerandslipintoapairofboxers.He

thensatdownonthesideofthebedandturnedinward,eyesclosed.Fromtheenergyshefeltradiating
fromhim,sheknewhe’dconnectedwitheitherVojalieorherhusband,Davido.Mostrealm-folkdidn’t
havethatkindofpowertoholdatelepathicconversationrealm-to-realm.Judedid,asdidalltheother
mastyrsoftheNineRealms,whichwasonereasonpower-levelsdefinedthemastyr-status.Themost
powerfulmastyrineachrealmruled.Simple.

WhenJudefinallyrelaxedandlookedupather,sheknewthecallhadended.
“What’stheword?”sheasked.
“BothVojalieandDavidowilljoinusatyourhouseatfull-dark.Soundgood?”
Hannahfinallybreathedasighofrelief.“Likethebestpossiblenews.”
Hestoodupandtookhergentlybytheshoulders.“Don’tworry.We’llfiguresomethingout.”
Hannahwasn’tquiteashopefulasJudeappearedtobe,butshenodded.“Ireallyneedmybed.How

aboutyou?”

“Yep.”Hekissedheronce,abriefwarmkiss,afterwhichsheputherclothesbackonandleftthe

bunkroom.Judeneededhissleepasmuchasshedid.

Shereturnedtothecommunicationcenterandmadearrangementstohaveoneofherworkers,Greg,

takeoveruntilSandyarrivedfromherdentalappointment.

WhenGreghadsettledin,Hannahwalkedupthehilltoherhome,aclimbthatsheusuallyenjoyedbut

whichfeltaboutamilelonggivenallthatshe’dbeenthrough.

Bythetimeshefellintobed,sleeproaredtowardherandsheembraceditwithopenarms.

~~~

Laterthatevening,afterHannahhadsharedwinewithherguests,sheinvitedVojalietojoinheronthe

roofdeckthatoverlookedtheSound.Inolderdays,thiswouldhavebeencalled‘thewidow’swalk’.
Whenthesunshined,Hannahoftencameheretolayoutandtrytopinkupherverywhite,Pacific
Northwestskin,usuallywithoutmuchsuccess.

VojaliehadalreadyadmiredtheviewandthankedherforthelovelyCabernetSauvignon.Shethen

askedHannahtogiveherabriefhistoryofthecurrentsituationwithJudeandwhatappearedtobea
strangerealmgiftthathadcometohersounexpectedly.

Hannahquietlyoutlinedthedetails,includinghowandwhenherinterestinJudehadsuddenly

exploded.Vojalieevensmiledatthesupplyclosetscenario.

Sheexplainedasbestshecouldabouthowsheseemedtohavesomekindofpowerthathadreleased

asawaveofheatandkilledavampire.

Vojalieliftedherbrowsthistime.
AfterHannahwasdone,Vojalieremainedlookingouttoseaforalongtime,herforearmsonthe

railing.Peaceradiatedfromthebeautifulfaewomanwhowasprobablythemostpowerfulofherkindin
theNineRealms.

Shewasn’tquiteastallasHannahandhadveryfaefeatureswithathinnoseandastrongpointed

chin.Sheworealavenderheadbandholdingbackherlong,darkbrownhair.Herequallydarkeyes

glimmeredwithamountainofcompassion.Thoughshe’dneverseenitbefore,sheknewthatVojalie’s
eyeswouldturnsilverwhensheenthralledsomeone,usuallywhileseekinginformation.

Shewasdefinitelythewomantoaskforhelpandcounsel.
Afteratime,Vojalieturnedtowardher.“First,youhavewhatisknownasafire-giftandit’s

extremelyrare.Ihaven’tseenitincenturies,infact,butyouhaveallthehallmarks.Iwouldimagineyou
findcoldwatersoothing.”

“Very.Butwhatdoesthismean?”
Vojalieshrugged.“It’snodoubtconnectedtoyourbeingabloodrose,butIhaveafeelingitspurpose

isspecificandwillbemadeknowntoyouwithinthenextfewdaysorweekseven.Althoughthefactthat
yousavedJude’slifeisahintallonitsown.”

“SoI’mafierybloodrose.”
Vojaliesmiled.“Youcouldsaythat.”Butherexpressionsoonbecameseriousasshecontinued,“All

nineoftherulingmastyrshavecarriedanenormousloadforcenturies.AndI’vebeenhopingforalong
timethatsomethingveryrealmwouldonedayarrivetorelievetheirsuffering.Ijustneverthoughtit
wouldbethebloodrosephenomenon.Ithasoccurredbeforeinourhistory,butinsuchdistanttimesthatI
actuallyhadtolookitupintheancientdocuments.Butthesemen…they’resodeserving.”

Hannahsighed.“Judeespecially.He’sdonesomuchforhisrealm,whichisonereasonI’masupset

asIam.Judeshouldhaveabloodroseinhislife,justnotme.AndyouknowIloverealm-folk.I’ve
essentiallygrownuparoundthem,andI’veknownJudesinceIwasachild.”

Hannahrubbedwhatsheknewtobeafrownbetweenherbrows.“WhatI’mtryingtosay,isthatthe

wayIfeelhaslittletodowithJudeandmoretodowithhowmuchI’dbegivingup.”

“Youfeelyou’dhavetogiveuptheGoldRush.”
“Andmyhome,myfriends,myentirewayoflife.I’mnotignorantofjusthowmucheachofthelives

ofthecurrentbondedbloodroseshaschanged.”

Vojaliecockedherhead,hereyesnarrowingslightly.“I’mwonderingthough,ifthereisn’tsomething

moregoingonhere.Isitpossibleyourfeelingsarecloakedwitheventsfromthepast?Badexperiences?”

HannahcouldseethatVojalie’seyeshadturnedsilver,asuresignofenthrallment,butitdidn’tbother

Hannahatall.Instead,shefoundherselftellingVojalieallaboutherex,MarkJackson,andhiscontrol
issue.“AndIknowJudelikesthingsthewayhelikesthem.”

“Wellthathedoes,asmostmendo.Butitalsosoundstomelikeyourexhadamuchdeeperissuethan

Judecouldpossiblyhave.Ibelieve,andyoumaketakeitforwhatit’sworth,thatyourMr.Jacksonwill
onedaybecomeanabuser,ifnotphysicallythenemotionally.Iimaginewhileyouweretogether,he
helpedyoutofeelverysmallaboutthechoicesyoumadeforyourlife.”

Vojaliehadsaiditexactlyright.“Asthoughhiswereimportantandmineweren’t.”
“Youwerewiserthanyouknewwhenyoupartedcompanywithhim.”
Toadegree,HannahalreadyknewthatVojaliewasright.Buthearinghersuspicionssupportedout

loudhelpedalot.

Vojalieasked,“So,howdoesJudefeelaboutwhat’shappened?”
“Actually,I’mnotsurewhichofusismoredistressed.”
Vojaliefrownedslightly.“Ibelievehemustbethinkingabouthiswifeanddaughter.Youknowabout

them,right?ThelovelyNaomiandtheirdaughter,Joy?”

Hannahnodded.
Vojalie’ssilvereyesappearedhauntedasshelookedintothepast.“Wewerealldevastatedwhenwe

heardthenews.Didyouknowthey’dbeenkilledinthesmall,peachorchardonJude’sproperty?On
CastleIsland?”

“Yes,butthat’sallIreallyknowandIneverprobedfordetails.”
“No,ofcoursenot.”Vojaliegaveherselfashake.“Now,Idon’tmeantomakeyouuncomfortable,but

thereareafewthingsImustknow.You’vemadelovewithJude,right?”

Maybeitwastheenthrallment,butHannahdidn’tfeelembarrassed,notevenalittle,asshenodded.

Thememoriescameslidingbackquicklyaboutwhatthey’ddoneinthebunkroom.Hercheeksgrewwarm
becausesheonlyhadtothinkaboutJudeandherwholebodyheatedup.

Vojalielaughed,abrightsoundlikebellschiming.“Youdon’tneedtosayanythingmore.Icanfeel

yourexperience.Itglowsfromyourentirebeing.”

Shedidn’tknowabout‘glow’,butshedefinitelyfeltallfiredupagain.
“Hannah,thisprobablywon’thelpatall,butyouarethewomanIwouldwishforJude,warmand

loving,veryunselfish.Butmyopinionsaside,whatdoyouneedfromme?”

Hannahspokefromherheart.“Canthisthingbeundone?DoIhavetobeabloodrose?”
“I’mafraidthatdieiscast.Yourissuenowwillbeallaboutthemastyrwithwhomyoubond.”
Hannahsortedthisthroughinhermind.“ButifIdon’tbondwithJudeoranyoneelse,Icankeepmy

lifeasitis.”

“Theoretically,butasyoumustalreadyknow,thebloodrosedriveisverypowerful.”
“Tellmeaboutit.”
Vojaliechuckledsoftly.“Butletmeaskyou,whenyou’vereflectedonyourlife,andtomeyouseem

likethekindofwomanwhowoulddothatoften,didanythinginparticularsurfacerepeatedlyasadesired
hopeordream?”

Hannahthoughtbacktothejournalingshe’ddoneovertheyears,evenafewofthealteredbooks

she’dmadepastinginallkindsofthingsintoseveraloldbooks.“Iguessiftherehadtobearecurring
themeitwouldbeadesiretomakeadifference.”

“Andwouldbeingabloodrosemakethekindofdifferenceyouenvision?”
“InJude’sworld,maybe.ButImeantPortTownsend,myworld,thehumanworld.NotKellcasse.”
“Butyourworld,theoneyouliveinanddelightinisatleasthalf-realm.Justbecausetheborders

haven’tchanged,thatdoesn’tmeanJude,hisGuardsmenandmanyotherrealm-folkcrossingtheaccess
pointtoPortTownsendhaven’talreadyalteredthedynamicinyourworld.”

“Isupposeyoucouldlookatitthatway.Ijustdon’twantthis.TheworstpartisI’mtoldthatother

mastyrswillcomeaftermeifIdon’tbondwithJude,andIknowthatthey’renotallaswonderfulashe
is.”

“Mydear,canyouhearwhatyoujustsaid?”
“Youmeanthe‘wonderful’part.”
“Yes,thatbit.”
“Butwhywouldn’tIfeelthatwayaboutJude?I’veknownhimallmylife,andItrustandrespecthim.

He’slikefamilytome.”

“Didyoufinditstrange,then,tomakelovewithhim?”
Thequestionwasdeeplypersonal,butagainHannahdidn’tmind.Asidefromthefactthat

enthrallmentwasinplay,shetrustedVojalie.

Still,thequestionforcedHannahtopauseandtothink.HaditbotheredhertohavesexwithJude?
Shefinallyshookherhead.“Iwasonlytroubledbecausehe’srealm,I’mhuman,andI’veneverseen

myselfgoinglong-termwitharealm-man.Butno,itwaseasytomakelovewithhim.Iwasn’teven
nervous.Thewholeexperiencewasamazingandchargedwith,I’mnotsurehowtosaythis,passion,I
suppose.”

“IcansensewhatyourtimewithJudemeanttoyou,butI’malsosensingthatyou’reunawareofthe

layersofyouraffectionforthemastyr.Soletmeaskyouthis:ifyou’dhadthiskindofsexualencounter
withahumanmale,whatwouldyoubethinkingrightnow?”

Hannahblinkedforamoment,herthoughtsbecomingperfectlyclear.“Iwouldstartseeinghim,I

suppose,thenseewhathappenednext,seeifwehadsomethingreal,ifwecouldblendourlives,ifit
couldwork.”

Vojalienoddedandsmiled.“Andthereyouhaveit.”
Hannahtiltedherhead.“Vojalie,itcan’tbethatsimple.Imeanhe’sJude,it’sthewholebloodrose

thing,it’sMargetta-the-freak.”

Atthat,Vojalielaughedoutright.“Ihaveeveryreasontobelieveshewouldhatebeingspokenoflike

that.”

VojaliethensettledherhandonHannah’sarm.“Trytoshiftoutofthehorroryou’refeelingand

approachthissituationasyouwouldifyouweredatingahuman.BewithJudeforatime.Thebondis
onlycompletedwhenyourmatingfrequenciesengageandlockintoplace,andnotamomentbefore.And
thathastobeadecisionofthewill;itcan’tbeforced.

“Ifafteratime,youfindyoucan’ttolerateeitherbeingwithhimorbeingabloodrose,wecan

addresstheissuetogether.Forinstance,wecoulddeviseanumberofsecuritymeasurestoprotectyou
fromunwantedmastyrattention.Howdoesthatsound?”

Hannahbreathedyetanothersighofrelief.She’dfeltsotrapped,unabletoseeanykindofalternative.

Butthesesimple,veryworkablesuggestionseasedher.Maybeshewasabloodrose,butitdidn’tmean
thatshehadtocommitbodyandsoultoanyoneunlessshewantedto.

AshergazedriftedoverthedarkstretchoftheStraitthatledallkindsofshipsandsmallercraftinto

PugetSound,shesuddenlyfeltasenseofimpendingloss.Kellcassewasabeautifulrealmfullofcanals,
waterways,andsmalllakesallsetinlushwoodland.

ButPortTownsendwasherworld,herlife.HowcouldsheeverleavetheGoldRushtomakealife

withJudeonCastleIsland?Thewholeprospectseemedimpossible.

~~~

JudehadbeentoHannah’shomeafewtimesbeforeandlikedthewayshe’dimproveditoverthe

years.Thehousewasessentiallyasmallcottagebuiltonthehillsidewithaviewtotheopenwatersof
whatheknewtobeAdmiraltyInlet.

She’dopenedupthewallsthatseparatedtheliving,diningandkitchentocreateonelargerspace.

Verynice.Andshe’ddecoratedwithwhite,lotsofblackanddarkgraysthenanoccasionalshotofpink.
Shehadapieceofcarveddriftwoodontheround,solidwooddiningtable,butotherthanthat,anda
coupleofpaintingsofwoodedbeaches,she’dchosenagainstatypicalmaritimelookandfeel.Norope-
boundtables,anchors,orseagullsinherplace.Notevenoneseashell.

Herplacewasmodernandcharming.
Evenso,hisguard-sizebodyseemedtotakeuptoomuchspace,andhethoughtitafittingwayto

describetheirpresentpredicament.Thisvastwavehadwashedthroughboththeirlives,leavingherwith
unwantedpowers,andbuildingwithinhimalustforherhardtocontainbecauseshewasabloodrose.

He’dbeenonehundredyearswithouttheinfluenceofawomaninhislife.Howcouldhepossibly

embraceonenow?Forgetthathe’dmadeadecisiontokeepawayfromlong-termrelationships.Justwhat
kindoflifecouldheevenofferHannah?

Hehadtwojobs.Heoversawtheday-to-dayrunningofhisrealm,stayingintouchduringhiswaking

daylighthourswithallthevariouscityandcommunityleaders.Andoncefulldarkarrived,hepatrolled
withhisVampireGuardsevennightsaweek.

AndHannahhadherbar.
Noneofthismadesensetohim.Itwouldbeonethingifhisbloodrosehadbeenarealm-woman,who

knewandunderstoodeverythingaboutKellcasse,hisrole,andwhohewasasavampire.ButHannah
ownedabarinPortTownsendandspenteverywakingminutethere.Evenonasimple,logicallevel,how
wouldthisevenwork?

WhenDavidomovedontotheporchandwavedforhimtofollow,Judejoinedhimwillingly.He’d

hopedtohaveachancetotalkprivatelywithDavidoandwasgratefulwhenHannahhadinvitedVojalie
totheroofdeck.

Leaningontheporchrailing,thetrollsmiledupathim,hisblueeyescrinklingandthethreerollsof

hisforeheadliftingslightly.“Soyouarethelatestmastyrtogetstruckbylightning,eh?”

Judelaughed.“Lightning.You’vedescribeditexactlyright.”Heleanedhisforearmsontherailingas

wellandshiftedhisgazeouttosea.HelikedDavido,oneoftheugliesttrollsintheNineRealms.Buthe
wasancient,wise,andhadtremendouscharisma.Ifhe’dbeenavampire,hewouldhavebeenfierce.But
histrollheight,atleastafootshorterthanJude’s,hadforcedhimtocarveoutadifferentkindoflifefor
himself,onethatheworewithgrace.

“Ididn’tknowuntilIfedfromHannah,whatwasreallygoingon.We’dhadamutualattractionfor

months,buteachofushadkeptthestopson.Thenawraith-pairshowedupatdawnoutsidetheGoldRush
andHannahsavedmylifebyburningthematedvampire.”

“SweetGoddess!Youdidn’tmentionthiswhenwepathedtogetherthismorning.Howdidsheburn

him?”

“She’sharnessedfireinawayI’veneverseenbefore.”
“Mywifewillbewell-pleasedtolearnofthis.Shesaidshewasfeverishuntilyoucalled.NowI

understandwhy.”

Judeshiftedslightlytofacehim.“Whatwouldyoudoinmyshoes?Imean,ifIleaveheralone,

anothermastyrisboundtocomeafterher.Andtheworstoneswon’thesitatetoabducther.”

Davidolefttherailing,pivotingtowardJude,asherubbedhisthumbinthevalleybetweenthetop

tworidgesofhisforehead.“Giveherahelluvalotofsecurity,andmaybestickcloseforthenextfew
days.Nothingissettleduntilyouforgeabondwithher.Iknowthisfeelssudden,butitseemstome,with
whatyou’vejusttoldme,thatyourrelationshipwithHannahhasbeenbuildingforalongtime.”

“Isupposeifyoulookatitthatway.”Thesoundoflaughterdrewhisattentioninsidethehouse.The

womenhaddescended,Vojalieelegantandremarkableinaflowinglavenderandgreencasualgownand
Hannahinherbluejeansandwhiteshirt.

Atleastshewassmiling,whichwasagoodsign.
Hecouldn’thelpturninginherdirectionlikeacompassneedledrawntotruenorth.Fromthetimehe

couldremember,he’dthoughtHannahbeautifulbeyondwords,especiallycloseup.Hereyeswereher
bestfeature,thenherfull,highcheek-bones,herstraightnose,herlips.Ormaybeitwasherexpression,
asthoughlitfromwithinwiththesheerjoyoflife.

“Trytothinkofit,”Davidosaidquietly,“asaproblemtoberesolved,orevenastringofsmall

problems,ratherthanamassivedisasterthatneedstobetornasunder.”

“Itfeelshuge.”
Davidolaughed.“Lovealwaysdoes.”
ButbeforeJudecouldcounterthiscompletelyinaccurateremarkabout‘love’,Davidomovedswiftly

inside.Hecrossedtohiswifeandtookherhand,kissingherfingers.Theoldtrollseemedtobeagreat
romanticatheart.

Juderemainedbythedoorway,watchingbutnotlistening.Hannahdidn’tknowhowwellshefitinto

hisworld,orhowcomfortableshewaswithrealm-folk.Butthenshe’dbeenraisedintheGoldRush,and
fromthefirstdaythattheU.S.hadopenedupofficialrelationswiththeNineRealms,herfatherhad
welcomedRealm-folkintohisbar.JudehadheldHannahwhenshewasbornandhadseenherthrough
everyphaseofherlife.

Butevenfromthefirst,she’dhadarealloveoflifethathe’drespondedto.Maybehe’deven

encouragedher,pushedhertogotocollegebackeast,totakeasummerandtourEurope,eventospenda
monthonasailingship.Hewassureinthattimeshe’dmeetasoullikeherownandreturntoPort
Townsendwithahusband.

Intheend,she’dcomebackengagedtoMarkJackson,acontrollingassholethathadmadeJudewant

topunchhislightsout.JudehadneverbeenhappierwhenHannahdumpedhissorryass.SelltheGold
Rush.Whatadouche!

Hannah’smotherhaddiedwaytooyoung,whenHannahwasonlyseven.Judehadspenttimewithher

then,asdidmanyoftherealm-folk,whosawherasorphaned,eventhoughherfatherwasaloving,
involvedparent.

Thefactthatshe’dendedupwithrealmabilitiesseemednatural,sinceKellcasse,bywayofits

people,hadbeensuchahugepartofherlifealltheseyears.

Buthowcouldtheypossiblymakealifetogether?Andmaybemoreimportantlyfortheimmediate

future:Howwashesupposedtokeepothermastyrvampiresawayfromher?

ChapterFour

WhenHannahbidVojalieandDavidogoodnightandwatchedthemvanish,sheputahandtoher

forehead.SheturnedtoJude.“It’sonethingtowatchyoufly,buttheyjustdisappeared.”

“Iknow,”hesaid,nodding.“Thatcouplehasahelluvalotofpower.”
“I’msogladtheycame.”
“It’sasoundideatohavesecurityforyou.Ishouldhavethoughtofitmyself,butIwastoocaughtup

inthesituationtoseeclearly.”Hethentoldherthatoneofhislieutenants,Paul,andanotherpowerful
Guardsman,wouldserveasherbodyguards,whetherhereinherhomeoratthebar,orwherevershe
neededthemtobe.TheyhadorderstocontactJudeatthefirstsignoftheapproachofanothermastyr
vampire,oranyothertrouble.

Hannahfelttremendouslyrelieved.Shemightevenbeabletorelaxalittle.“Thanksfortakingcareof

this.”

Hefrowned.“IonlywishIcouldstaywithyou,butIneedtobeoutwithmyVampireGuard.Westill

haveunansweredquestionsabouttherecentmassacreinthenorth,andI’llbeheadingouttherelater
tonighttoseeformyself.Nottomentionthetwowraith-pairsthatactuallycrossedtheSoundearlierat
dawn.Ineedtofigureoutwhat’sgoingon,andtheonlywayIcandothatisinKellcasse.”

“Youhavetogo,Jude.It’sforthebestoneveryfront.I’msureofthat.”
Hedrewcloseandtookbothherhandsinhis.“We’llfigurethisoutforyou,Hannah.Iwantyoutobe

ateaseandcomfortabledespitethechangesyou’regoingthrough.”

“Vojaliegavemesomehope.ShesaidI’dalwaysbeabloodrose,andwecouldfindwaystokeep

mesafefromencroachingmastyrvampires.”

“Absolutely.LikeIsaid,we’llkeepexploringoptionsandcreateasecuritydetailthatwillworkfor

you.”Jude’sfrowndeepened.He’dneverappearedsoupsetbefore.

“What’swrong?”Hannahfelthisunease.
Heshookhishead.“Ifeellikesomehowthisismyfault.Imean,I’dbeendoggingyourheels,anyway,

makingeveryexcuseIcouldtobeattheGoldRush.Andnowyou’reabloodrose.”

“Youcan’tblameyourself.Ifeltthesameway.Whateverthisis,fundamentallywebothfeltthesame

way.”

EvenasHannahsaidthewords,shefeltverystrange,likeshewasinthesupplyclosetalloveragain

andJudewastherewatchingher.Shetookadeepbreath,tryingtosettlethebutterfliesdown,butonce
moreherkneesfeltreallyweak.

Forher—andthiswasthehardestpartofall—shefeltsomuchforJude,longingtobewithhim,

cravinghim.

Hestillheldherhands,buthemovedcloser.“Ijustwantedtobenearyou.”Hethensmiled.“AndI’ll

neverforgetthatmoment,whichnowseemsabsurd.Imean,youhadabottleofammoniainonehandand
uglyyellowcleaningglovesintheother.Itwasn’texactlyaromanticplaceortime.Ithoughtwhatharm
couldtherebe?”

Atthat,Hannahchuckledsoftly.“No,notromanticatall.Theneverythingchanged.”
“Hannah,I’msosorry.IfIcouldundothatmoment,Iwould.I’dmeantabsolutelynothingbyit.”
“Iknow.Ibelieveyou.”
Whenmovementhitthecornerofhereye,sheyelpedastwovampireslandedonherporch.Judeeven

movedtopositionhimselfinfrontofherprotectively.Herelaxedimmediatelyafterward,ofcourse,when
hesawwhotheywere,thenheadedtothedoor.

Sherecognizedthembothaswell.PaulwasoneofJude’slieutenantsandtheotherwasoneofhis

teamleaders,Alex.HerheartwarmedatthethoughtthatJudehadsenttwoofhisbestmentoguardher.

Heglancedbackather.“Yourdetailhasarrived.”
Sheofferedeachabeer,buttheirrefusalwasfirm;theywereonduty.AfterJudetalkedthingsover

withhismen,PaulandAlextooktotheairtostayinflightaboveherhouse.

Judereturnedtoher.“Youwon’tbeseeingthem,Hannah.They’llbeintheair,patrollingyourhome

theentiretime.Ifanyoneapproaches,they’llholdthemforquestioning,thenthey’llcallme.I’llreturn
immediatelytodealwiththesituation.Okay?”

“Ofcourse.”
“Andwhenyou’rereadytoheadtotheGoldRush,oranywhereelse,justcontactLongeness,andhe’ll

leteitherPaulorAlexknow.”

ForthefirsttimesinceJudehadpushedhertoanawarenessofwhatshe’dbecome,shefinallybegan

totrustthatthingsmightjustbeokay.“Thatsoundsgood.AndthankyousomuchforbringingVojalieand
Davidoin.Iadorethemboth,andVojaliereallydidcalmmynerves.”

“Good,I’mglad.”Henoddedbriskly,movingbacktoher,buthisgazesuddenlycaughtandheldina

waythatstoleherbreath.

“Whatisit?”sheasked.
“I’mremembering.AndHannah,forwhatit’sworth,thetimeIspentwithyouinthebunkroomwas

oneofthefinestexperiencesofmylife.Iwantyoutoknowthat.”

Herchestroseandfellwitheachdeepbreathshetook.“Ifeelthesameway.”
Sheleanedtowardhimwithnoparticularintentioninmind,buthemusthavereadsomethingdeepin

hersoulbecausehequicklytookherinhisarmsandkissedher.

Hannahheldontohim,feelingsadandarousedallatthesametime.Thedividebetweenthemwasso

great,asbigastheentirebreadthoftheStrait.Despitethechangesshewasundergoing,shewashuman
andintentonlivingahumanlifeandJudewas,well,MastyrofKellcasseRealm.

Shegaveherselftothatkiss,however,feelingitcouldpossiblybethelasttimeshe’deverfeelhis

lipsonhersagainorhispowerfularmsholdinghertight.

Hepulledback,butbeforeshecouldsayanythingelse,hestrodetotheopendoorway,thenlaunched

intotheair.

~~~

JudeheadedtohishousesituatedonCastleIslandinthemiddleofKellcasseRealm.Theislandwas

renamedinthelastcenturytoreflectthehomehiswifehadbuiltforthem.Despitehissadnessoflosing
hisfamily,someofhisbestmemorieswereinsidethecastle.OfbeingwithNaomi,andofcourse,his
daughter,Joy,whohadbeenbornthere.Thecastlewasalwaysawelcomedestinationpoint.

Heflewcarefully,however,evenabitslowerasheheadedhome,hisgazepanningthehorizon

constantlyforsignoftheInvictus,oranythingelseoutoftheordinary.Hepassedoveranumberof
villages,manylitwithcandlesandoillamps,andafewwithelectricity.

Helovedthevarietyofcommunitiesinhisworld,thetrollswiththeirloveofdrinkinganddancing,

thehowlingshifterstowns,theindustry-orientedelvenpopulationandthemagical,warm-heartedfae.

Becauseofthediversepopulation,hehadstrictcodesofconductbetweenspeciestopreventracial

slursandprejudice,andasmallsquadofelvesandtrollswhokepttheforestgremlinsfrompilferingtheir
neighbors.Itwasashardtogetaforestgremlintoembracehonestlaborasitwasforarocktopickup
andmoveallbyitself.

Whenhereachedthelargestlakeofhisrealm,withCastleIslandatthesouthend,hisheartboth

warmedandached.He’dbuiltthishomewithNaomiwhenshewaswithchild.He’dletherhaveher
choiceofarchitectureanddidn’tblinktwicewhenshesaidshewantedacastle.‘Afterall,MastyrGerrod
hasaverylargeoneandthestructureIhaveenvisionedwillbequitesmallbycomparison.Butwewill
haveaboathouse.’

Acoupleofyearslater,hislittlegirl,Joy,withcurlyblondhair,hadrunupanddownthestairsofhis

homescaringtheshitoutofhimsincehewasafraidshe’dfallandtumbledownthosesamestairs.Thatis,
untilherealizedshe’dbeenhalf-levitatingthewholetime.She’dhadthatmuchpowerevenasachild.

Aftertheirdeaths,he’dneverbroughtawomanagainintothishouse.He’dneverwantedto.
Untilnow.
Andthatthoughtalsoscaredtheshitoutofhim.Heshouldn’tbewantingHannahanywherenearhis

homeorinhislife,forhersafetyalone.HewantedeveryInvictusinhisrealmdead,beforehemarried
again.

Butforthefirsttimesincehavingtakenthatvow,hislongingsroselikeasuddenflash-floodwithin

hischest.

Hetriednottothinkthethought,butthetruthwasthathe’dgivejustaboutanythingtohaveHannah

makingalifewithhiminhishome.

Ashetoucheddowninthestonecourtyard,heheardatrollsingingwhatheknewtobeabeer-

drinkingsong.NothinghadfeltasnormalashearingNathansing.Notlikingtheword‘butler’,he’d
assignedhimselfanewtitle:ExecutiveCastleCoordinator,orECC,andwasproudofit.

Judedidn’tcarewhathewascalled;helovedhavingNathankeepinghislifeworkingdayandnight.
Heopenedthelargewoodfrontdoorandpassedthrough.
“Isthatyou,Jude?”
“Itsureis.AmIsmellingcoffee?”
Hemovedpastalargelivingroombuiltwithacouplestorieshighceiling,insetwithwoodbeams.

Threetall,arched,diamond-panedwindowsranalongtheeastwall,flankedwithsun-blockingshutters.

Alongdiningroomcamenext,withtall,tapestriedchairs,andarunnercrochetedbyhisnannytwo-

hundredyearsago.Naomihadlovedtherunner,sohe’dkeptitontheheavy,darkwoodtableallthese
years.Averylargewindowmadeofthesamediamondpanesastheonesinthelivingroom,frameda
viewofthelake.Acrossthewater,adozenvillagesclimbedintothesurroundinghills.

Hisownvisionsaweverythinginaglowofgreenhillsandbluelake.
Itwasabeautifulvistathatonedayhe’dloveforHannahtosee.Maybeifhesharedwithhersomeof

thefavoritepartsofhisrealm,shemightbeinclined–

Buttherehestoppedhisthoughtscold.
Whatwashethinking?
Heneededtoguardagainstanysuchhopesorfantasies.Hannahlovedherbarandbelongedthere.

Andheneverwantedhertosacrificewhatmeantsomuchtoherjustbecauseshewasnowabloodrose.

AndheneededtostayfocusedontheInvictusandfindingawaytorunthelastonetoearth.
Hepassedthroughthehallthathousedstoreroomsontheleftandabutler’spantryontheright.Oncea

year,hebroughtinhislieutenantsandleadGuardsmen,servingthemafeasthecateredfromoneofthe
talented,localelvenrestaurants.

Onceinthekitchen,Nathanheldupatrayofintricatelydecoratedcupcakes.
Jude’sbrowsrose.“Don’ttellmethesearefrom—?”
“Yep.JustTwoSweetinMerhaine.Arrivedanhourago.Abigailsentthemover.Actually,Elena

did.”Hiseyesglazedoverforamoment.NathanhadathingforAbigail’sbusinesspartnerandspentas
manylongweekendsashecouldcourtingtheelvenbeauty.

“Well,thisisatreat.”
Nathanhadafewcrumbsclingingtothecornerofhismouth.Trollslovedsweets.
Judemovedtositatthelargeisland.Nathanpouredhimacupandslidaplateovertohim.The

cupcakewasdecoratedwiththefrontimageofhiscastle.Judesmiledashebitdown.

Needingtobringthekitchenuptodate,JudehadgivenNathanfullcontrolovertheremodel.The

resultswerestunning.Theentirelayoutwasmadeofwhitemarbleandstainlesssteelandmadefora
seriouscook,whichNathanwas.

Thekitchenhadanorthviewofthelakeanditsrollinghills.Severalvillagescouldbeseeninthe

distance,withcottagesandshopsclimbinginvariousplacesallthewaytothetop.Themostexpensive
dwellingssatontheridgelineandhadexcellentviewsofKellcasseinbothdirections.

Asmastyrhomeswent,thecastlewasfairlysmallwithanupperstoryofthreebedroomsandhisown

largesuite.Nathanlivedinadetachedguesthouse,theoneconnectedtoNaomi’sboathouseanddock.
Sailinghadbeenoneofhiswife’sfavoritepastimesandshe’dspentalotoftimeonthewaterwithJoy.

Well-groomedgardens,nowinearlysummer’sfullbloom,pressedupagainstallthestonewallsof

thecastleandmorethanonelattice-worktookpurpleclematisasfarasitwouldgo.Naomihadlaidout
thegardensherself.

SheandJoywereburiedwherethey’dbeenstruckdowninthemiddleofthesmallpeachorchardon

thewesternsideoftheproperty.

Judewentthereoftentositandthink.
He’doncethoughttobuildworkers’cottagesneartheorchard,butNathan,whohadbeenwithhim

fromayearbeforehismarriage,insistedonhiringoutsidehelpandservices.

Whenhe’dpurchasedtheisland,he’dbuiltastonebridgeforallthenon-flightlaborerstouseduring

construction.

Ashesippedhiscoffeeandtookhistimewiththecupcake,hestaredoutacrossthelake.
Healmostfeltatease,untilNathanstartedmovingslowlytowardthewindow,frowning.“Whatisit,

Nathan?”

Withalargepothe’djustcleanedstillinhand,Nathanpeeredoutthewindow.“Ordinarily,I’dsay

that’slakemist,butIswearI’veneverseenitlooklikethatbefore.It’smovinginastrangepattern.”

Judesethiscoffeedownandmovedinthedirectionofthedoorleadingtotheporch.Thissideofthe

islandfellaway,sothatthegardensbelowhadaterracedlook.Theporchitselfhealwaysreferredtoas
abalcony,eventhoughitwasonthegroundfloor.

Hemovedtothecenterofthestonebalustradeandstaredhard.Usinghisrealmcell-phone,he

contactedhisotherlieutenant,Reese.“DoyouhaveanyonenearCastleIsland?”

“YougotInvictussign?”
“No.I’vegotsomekindofweird-assmistonthelakemovingsteadilyinmydirection.Shouldhitin

abouttwominutes.”

“Risingfromthelake?”
“No,movingacrossitlikeathinstrangefog.Idon’tlikeit.”
“Whatdoyouneedmetodo?”
Judefeltsickinsidehisbodythecloserthemistdrew.“Iwantyoutokeepallyourforcesawayfrom

thismist.Itdoesn’tfeelrighttome.Bringasquadoverherebutdonotengage.Juststickcloseenoughto
keepyoureyeonthings.”

“Gotit.”
Themistwasmaybethirtyyardsawayandclosingfasterthanhe’dthought.
Nathan,potinhand,movedupnexttoJude.“Isitme,ordoesithaveasicklysweetsmell?”

“Itdoes.Somethinglikedeath.”
AndbeforeJudeunderstoodanything,Nathandroppedunconscioustothebalconyfloor,thepot

clatteringonthestone.

HemadeaquickdecisionandcontactedPaul.
“Yes,Mastyr.”
“IneedHannahatthecastle,thebackbalconyandIneedhernow.Thisisanemergency.There’s

somekindofmist.Butdon’t…gopast…”

Confusionhitfirst,thenhefelthimselffalling.

~~~

Hannahsatonthebenchattheendofherbed,lacinguphersoft,blackleatherworkshoeswhenPaul

aboutgaveheraheartattack.Hesuddenlyappearedontheporchoutsideherbedroomdoorandrapped
hardontheglass.

ThankGodshealreadyhadherjeansandtanktopon.Shewasalmostreadytoheaddownthehillto

theGoldRush,butthoughtthatonthewayshemightjustgivePaulalectureabouthownottogoabout
scaringhumans.

“Givemeasec,”shecalledout.
She’dgrabbedhercellphone,shovingitintoherpocket,thenstartedacrosstheroom.
Paulcalledtoher.“Hannah,it’sJude.He’sintrouble.HewantsyouatCastleIsland.Now.”
WhatsurprisedHannahthemostwasn’ttheannouncementoftrouble,butherinstincts.Shedidn’tthink

twice.Shesimplyyankedthedooropen,shutitquicklybehindher,thenopenedherarmstoPaul.He
pulledherhardagainsthisside,thenlaunchedintotheairandflewattopspeedtowardtherealmaccess
point,adjustingarmsandfeetwhiletraveling.

“Howlongwillittake?”
“I’mfast,butIcan’tdoitinunderthreeminutes.”
TheKellcassepointwasinthedirectionofWhidbeyIsland.ButbecausePaulwasrealm,atunnelin

themidstofcloudsappearedthatledallthewaydowntothewater.

AtourboatemergedcarryingavarietyofrealmfolkovertoPortTownsendforthenight,mostlytrolls

andafewshifters.Paulmovedfast,speedingoverthecentralcanalthatledintothemyriadwaterways
thatmadeuptheislandworldofKellcasse.

Shemighthaveenjoyedthetrip,buttheclosertheygottoJude’shome,shecouldfeelhimasthough

hewastrappedsomewhereandcouldn’tgetout.

“Paul,whatdidhesay?”
“Hesaiditwasanemergencyandthatheneededyouandthattherewassomekindofmist.”
“Mist?”
“That’swhathesaid.Thennothing.”
“Whatdoyoumean,‘nothing’?”
“Idon’tknow.Thecallended,butitfeltlikehelostconsciousness.”
“Gofaster.”
Hannah’spalmswerealreadytinglingandherskinhadstartedheatingup.ShewarnedPaulthatshe

hadafire-giftpoweremerging,usingVojalie’sdescription.Sinceshewaspressedupagainsthim,hewas
goingtofeelit.“IjusthopeIdon’tburnyou.”

“Don’tyouworryaboutthat.”
Anotherhillandanotherandanother.Morecanalsbelow,villages,boats,lotsofboatsandinthe

lanes,peopleonbicycles.

Itwassuchapicturesquerealm.
ThenthereweretheInvictus.
Oh,God.
OnemoreriseintotheairtoclearahillandKellcasse’slargecentrallakecameintoview,withlights

fromscatteredvillagesallaroundtheperimeterglowinginthewater.

Towardthenearer,southend,shesawwhathadtobeCastleIslandexceptthatitwasenvelopedina

mist.AndasPauldescendedshecouldsmellthatithadastrangesicklyodor.

“Dropmedownattheendofthebridgeanddon’tgonearthemist.Butyou’dbettergetsomeofyour

Guardsmenoverhere.”

“They’reontheway.”
Assoonashereleasedher,sheknewtheheatshewasreleasinghadgivenhimsomeblisters.Butshe

couldn’tworryaboutthat.

Paulcalledout.“He’sonthebalconyoffthekitchenatthebackofthehouse.”
Sheranintothemist,pastthestonearchofthecourtyard.Sheracedtowardthewooddoorandflung

itopen.

Shesawagoldenlightoutonthelakemovingcloser.
Margetta.
No,no,no.
LoreleihadtoldHannahallabouttheancientfaeandhergoldenlight.
Hannahranasfastasshecouldthroughthelivingroom,downthehall,andfoundthedoorontheright

thatledtothebalcony.

Thegoldenlightloomednow.
ShesawJudeandreachedhimjustasMargettaappearedthroughthemist,herhandextendedtoward

him.

Deathwasinthathand.
HannahletherpowerriseandasitdidshedirectedherpalmstowardMargettaandwatchedflames

leaveherarmsandhands,catchingMargettainthechest.

Theancientfae,alsopartwraith,shriekedinthehorriblewaytheInvictuswraithhadthenightbefore,

herpainobvious.Sheroseintheair,higherandhigherandthemistflowedwithher.

HannahmovedawayfromJudeandthetrollwho’dfallennearhim.
Shehadonegoalrightnow,nottomakethiseasyforthewomanwho’dcausedsomuchsufferingin

theNineRealmsandwhohadapparentlybeenaheartbeatawayfromkillingJude.

Sheliftedbothherarmsandthetinglinginherpalmsturnedtofireoncemore.Sheaimedatthemist,

wantingeverylastbitofitgone.

Margettaflewfasterbuteverywherethefiretouchedthemist,themistevaporated.
ShekeptitupuntilMargetta’sgoldenlightdisappearedandallthemistwasgone.
WhenHannahloweredherarms,herheartwasracingsofastthatshehadtostruggletocatchher

breath.Sheforcedherselftocalmdown,butalltheadrenalineshe’dreleasedatfindingJudecloseto
annihilation,hadlefthershaking.

Shepressedherbodyupagainstthebalustradeforsupport.
“Hannah?”
“Jude.”Shemovedbacktohim,suddenlyafraidMargettahadwoundedhim.
Hesatup,lookingdazed.“Youmadeit.”
“Justintime,thankGod.”
“WasitMargetta?”

“Yes,butshe’sgonenow,themistwithher.”
Hisgazeshiftedtothetroll.“Nathan,youokay?”
Hannahglancedbehindherandsawthatthetrollnowsatagainstthelowstonewall,buthiseyes

rolledinhishead.

“Idon’tthinkhecantalk,yet,buthedoesn’tlookinjuredoranything.”
MovementintheskyhadHannahreadytofireupagain,butsheimmediatelyrecognizedPaul,and

workedoncemoreatcalmingdown.PauldroppeddowntothebalconyclosetoNathan.

“Whathappenedhere?”Paulasked.
Judeshookhishead,stillsitting.“Themistcameonsofast,thenIjustfellandblackedout.It

happenedinaninstant.”HeturnedtoHannah.“Areyouokay?”

Hannahnodded.
PauldrewnexttoJude,frowningheavily.“Thishastoexplaintheattackinthenorth,howthose

familiesdied.Theancientfaemusthaveusedthismisttoimmobilizethem,thenkilledthem.”

“I’dhavetoagree.”
PaulextendedhishanddowntoJude,liftinghimtohisfeet.Judeshiftedonhisfeet,thenplanteda

handontherailingtokeephisbalance.“Byalltheelflords,I’mstilldamndizzy.”

Hannahmovedcloseandsettledherhandonhisarm,butitwasPaulwhospoke.“Mastyr,Hannah

defeatedMargetta.Sheevenwoundedher.”Hetouchedhisownwristsandhands,pattingthem,tryingto
explain.“Shereleasedfire,Mastyr.Fromhere,likethis.”Heswepthisarmsback-and-forthintheair.
“Fire.”

“SweetGoddess.”JudeturnedtowardHannahandtookhergentlybytheshoulders,lookingherover.

“You’reflushedagain.Didyoureallydothis?”

Shenodded.
“Areyousureyoudidn’tgethurt?You’reshaking.”
“No,nothurt.Adrenaline.”
“Right.”ThentoNathan,“Howyoudoin’?”
“F-i-ne.”thewordcameoutslurredashestruggledtohisfeet.Pickinguphispot,heshuffledinthe

directionofthebackdoor.Hannahcouldseethatthemisthadreallytakenthetrolldown,anotherreason
tobelievethatPaulwasright,thatMargettahadusedthemisttokillthetwotrollfamiliesonNorth
Island.

ToPaul,Judesaid,“I’llwantalltheteamleadershereassoonaspossible.Reeseshouldbehereby

now.Tellhimwhatyousawandhavehisteamguardthecastlefornow.Idoubttheancientfaewillcome
backtonightifshe’sbeenwounded,butIwanttobecareful.”

Paulgotonhiscomatonce,talkingtoLongenessattheKellcasseCommunicationCenter,and

deliveredJude’sorders.”

JudeslidhisarmaroundHannah’sshoulders,thenguidedhertowardthedoor.“Let’sgetyouinside.”
Hannahwashappytoleavethebalcony.“Goodidea.IjustwishIcouldstopshaking.”
“Youwill.Giveittime.”
Onceinside,HannahsawthatNathanwassittingonthewindowseatwithhispotinhislap.“Ithink

yourtrollcouldusesomerest.”

“Goodidea.”HecalledouttoNathan.“Whydon’tyouheadtotheboathouseandgetsomesleep.”

WhenPaulappeared,sayingthattheteamleaderswereheadedin,JudesweptahandinNathan’s
direction.“Paul,canyouseethathegetsbacktotheguesthouse?”

“Ofcourse.”
Paulmovedtothemuchshortertroll,andofferedafoot.

“Oh,hellyeah,”Nathanmurmured.Hesetthepotonthetable,thenhoppedon.WhenPaulhadatight

armaroundNathan’sshoulders,helevitatedslowlytothedoor,thenflewintotheair,crossingoverthe
balconyandheadingtowardtheboathouse.

Judeguidedhertothekitchenislandandhadhersitdown.“I’mgoingtofixsometea.Howdoesthat

sound?”

“Reallygood.Thanks.”
SheperchedonastoolasJudeopenedaboxandpulledoutacoupleofteabags.
“Canyoutellmeexactlywhathappened?”heasked.“Whatyousawandexperienced?”
Hannahunderstood.Judenowhadhisrealm-rulerhaton.Heneededtostartfiguringthisout,thento

takewhatprecautionshecouldonbehalfofhispeopleandhisVampireGuard.

Shesparednodetail.

~~~

WhenHannahfinishedherrecounting,Judefilledthetea-kettlewithwaterandsetitonthecooktopto

boil.Heofferedheracupcake,butsheshookherhead.

Judehadnever,notonceinhislong-livedlife,facedasituationinwhichtheenemyhademployed

somethingakintoanervegas.Nathanhadfallenquicklytotheeffectsofthesickly-sweetscent,andhe
hadn’tbeenfarbehind.

Hetriedtorecallwhathe’dexperienced,butitallseemedvagueandhestillfeltslightlydisoriented.
Sotheancientfaehadanewweaponinherarsenal.
Great.
HeagreedwithbothHannahandPaulthatMargettamusthavetriedouthermistfirstonthetroll

familiesatNorthIslandandnowhere,hopingnodoubttomakeaquickkill,thenmoveinonhisrealm.

Andtheonlyreasonshe’dfailedwasbecauseofHannah.
SweetGoddess.
Movingaboutthekitcheneasedhim.Heneededtobedoing.Hannahnowsatonthestoolattheisland,

herhandsclaspedtogetheronthemarble.Shenolongershook,butshehadgrownveryquiet.

“Youknowwhat’sfunny?”shesaidatlast.
Hebroughttwocupsdownfromtheshelfandplantedthemnexttothecooktop,addingateabagto

each.“What’sthat?”

“ThatoncePaultoldmeyouneededhelp,Ididn’tthinktwice.Icouldfeelyourdesperation.Howis

thatpossible?”

Heshookhishead,checkingtoseeifthewaterwasboilingyet.Notquite.“Ihonestlydon’tknow.”
“I’mguessingit’sconnectedtomybeingabloodrose.MaybeevenbecauseI’vedonated.”
Hemethergazeandthoughtherexpressionmightbeaccusing.Instead,shejustlookedconfused.
Andbeautiful.
Hedidn’tsayanything,butwaitedbesidetheteakettle,checkinguntilfinallythewaterstartedtoboil.

Hepouredthehotwaterslowlyoverbothteabags.

Bringingthecupswithhim,heroundedtheislandandsatonthestoolnexttoHannah.Theflushonher

skinhaddimmed,leavingherwithareallyhealthyglow.“So,howthehelldoIthankyouforthis,since
youjustsavedmylifeandNathan’s?”

She’dalreadystartedliftingthebagupanddownwhensheturnedtohim,ahalf-smileonherlips.

“There’snoneedforthanks.I’mjustsogratefulthatPaulgotmehereintime.”

He’dalmostboughtit.That’sthetapethatkeptrunningthroughhishead.
Shecarefullydrapedtheteabagoverthesideofthecupandstaredatherhands.“AndIreallycan’t

believethatIdidwhatIdid?Ihadfirecomingoutofmyhandsandmyarms.Atleastmypalmsareno
longertingling.”

“Bytheway,howlonghadyourhandsbeenbotheringyoulikethat?Icanrecallyoumentioningita

coupleoftimesoverthepastfewweeks.”

Shechuckledsoftly.“Can’tyouguesshowlong?”
“Sincethecloset?”
“Yeah.Sincethen.”
“Well,Isupposeitmakessense.”
Shetookasipofhertea.“Ishouldhaveknownsomethingwasgoingon,butIignoredit.IguessIjust

didn’twanttoseethattherewasanythingmoretomyinterestinyouthanjustthis.”Hergazeencompassed
hisbody.

Hesmiled.Onceagainshe’dofferedhimanego-boostingmoment.
Hesearchedherbeautifulvioleteyes.Hetriedtothinkbacktothemomenthe’dbecomeentrancedby

them,andrealizeditmighthavebeenwellbeforethesupply-closetincident.“Hannah,I’mjustnow
rememberingsomethingthathappenedaboutayearago,andwhichIthinkfirstsetmedownthispathwith
you.Doyourecallthetimethatacoupleofhumanmaleswereharassinganelvenwomanaboutherbody,
askingherterriblequestions?”

“Oh,Irememberthat,anditwaswelloverayearago.Idon’tthinkI’veeverbeensoangry.”
“Youthrewthemout.Well,youdidn’t,butHectordid,onyourorders.”Hectorwasherwell-muscled

bouncerwhoperformedhisdutiesextremelywell.

Hannahscowled.“Boththoseidiotsweredrunk,buttheyhadnorighttoaskaboutherpointedears

andhersexuality.Itwascompletelydegrading.”

“Yes,itwas.Butyoustoodupformypeopleandthat’swhenthingsstartedtoshiftforme.Isawyou

asmorethanthelittlegirlI’dknown.Ifinallysawthatyou’dbecomeawoman.”

Heheldhergazeandallhiscooling-downdesireforher,suddenlyheateduponcemore.
“Jude,”shewhispered.Hercheeksturnedarosycoloroncemore,butthistimenotbecauseofher

fierypowerbutbecausehesatnexttoher.

Hedrewinadeepbreath.Thiswasn’tthetimetobesexingherup.Hehadmenflyingin.“How’sthe

tea?”

Shenodded.“Good.Ilikethecinnamonflavor.”
Hedrankfromhismug.“Hmm,needssomething.”Helefthisstoolandheadedbackintothekitchen,

“Wanthoneywiththat?BecauseIdo.”

Hehadn’trealizedwhathe’dsaiduntilsuddenlyherperfume,ascentthathenowunderstoodwaspart

ofherbloodrose-ness,permeatedtheair.”Heturnedtoherandsawthatthoughshe’dbroughtthecupto
herlips,shewasn’tdrinking.

‘Honey’conjuredupallkindsofthingsandshe’dapparentlystartedconjuring.
Heclosedhiseyes,drinkinginthesmellofherwithheavydragsthroughhisnostrils.Shetastedlike

thataswell,liketheseashoreandroses,andhewantedmoreofthatflavorinhismouth.

Ah,hell.
Helefthisteaonthesinkandmovedinbehindher.Hestrokedherarmsupanddown,thenleaned

closeandnuzzledherneck.Iwantyourhoney.Willyougivemeyourhoneyagain?

Hefeltashiverpassthroughherandsheslowlyturnedherheadsothatherlipswerenowinches

away.

Whenherlipsparted,heclosedthedistanceandkissedher.Andnotasimplekiss,butdeepand

probing.

Sheresponded,moaningsoftly.Ikeepthinkingaboutthebunkroom.
Me,too.Hedrovehistongueinandout.Iwanttodothattoyouagain.
I’dloveitifyoudid.
Hedrewbackandlookedintohereyes.“Itwillcomplicateeverything.Imean,thefirsttime,inthe

bunkroom,wewerebothcaughtup.Butifwesleeptogethernow,afterwebothknowwhat’sgoingon,I
don’tthinkitwillbesimple.”

Shecaressedhisface.“Rightnow,nothingissimple,butthemomentthatPaulcamein,tellingmethat

youneededme,IguessIknewthenthatwhateverthisis,whatitwillbecome,can’tbedenied.Ifeelso
muchforyouandnotjustsexually.ThewayIfeltcomingherewasasthoughsomepartofmehadalready
plantedrootsinKellcasse.ButpleaserememberthatI’vebuiltalifeinPortTownsend,andImeanto
keepthatlife.”

“Hannah,Iwouldneverwantyoutodoanythingelse.Iknowwhatthebarmeanstoyou,eventhe

communicationcenter.AndIwouldhatetohavewhat’shappeningheretakeyouawayfromwhatismost
importanttoyou.”

Shekissedhim,once,warmly,thenheldhisgaze.“AndIdounderstandyourcommitmenttoridding

theworldoftheInvictus.I’mwithyouone-hundredpercent.Pleaseknowthat.IvaluemorethanIcan
everexpresswhatyouandyourGuardsmendo.”Shenoddedbrisklyseveraltimesinarow.

Hisheartwasonfire.Hepulledherswiftlyfromthestool,gatheredherupinhisarmsandkissedher

again.Fromdeepwithinhisbody,hefelthismatingvibrationthrumtolife,wantingtoconnectwith
Hannah,wantingtomakeherhisforever.

Shedrewback,hereyesglisteningwithdesire.“WhatisitthatI’mfeeling?”
Hetoldher.
Hereyeswentwide.“Really?Yourmatingvibration?Butthat’srare,isn’tit?”
“Itisforme.”Hedrewhercloseagainandjustheldher.Heknewtheywouldmakeloveagainsoon

andhewantedtobewithher,tobeconnectedtoherinthatway,sobadly,heached.

“I’veturnedthissituationoverandoverinmyheadandIknowit’saskingalot,butHannahIreally

thinkweshouldstickclosetogether,atleastforthenextfewdays.”

“That’smythoughtaswell.IfMargettaattackedyouagainandIcouldn’tgettoyou—”Shebrokeoff,

clearlyunwillingtosaytherest.

Henodded.“Sowe’reagreed?”
“Absolutely.”
Hestayedwithherlikethatforseveralminutes,justholdingher,rubbinghishandalongherwaistand

upherback,lettingherfeelhisgratitude.

Heonlyreleasedherwhenthefirstofhismenarrivedonthebalcony.“Andmymenarehere.”
Shepulledhercellfromthepocketofherjeans.“AndI’dbettercontacttheGoldRush.”

~~~

HannahcalledthebarandspoketoAmelia,herrightarm,lettingherknowshewouldn’tbeinforthe

night.IfAmeliasoundedastonished,whywouldn’tshebe?Hannahnevertookanightoff,orrarely,and
eventhenjustforacoupleofhours.

SheexplainedthatshewashelpingtheMastyrofKellcasseathisCastleIslandhome–difficulties

withhiscommunicationcenter–andthatsheneededtostickclosetohimfornow.Notquitethetruth,but
shedidn’tliketheideaoftellinganyofherstaffthatshecouldnowshootfirefromherhands.

Despitethat,Ameliadrovewaytoclosetothetruthwhensheteased,“Geez,Hannah,soundslike

you’reabloodrose.”

Hannahswallowedhard,thencoveredwith,“Asif.”Shehadnointerestinbroadcastingherown

personaldifficultiesrightnow.

Ameliagiggled.“Well,enjoyyourtimewiththemastyr,butifIwereyou,I’dasktoseehisbedroom.”

ShethenlaughedagainandHannahendedtheconversationwithherownforcedlaughter,askingtobe
transferredtothecommunicationcenter.

AfteraskingSandytocallinacoupleofpeopletofillinforHannah’sslots,shecouldfinallybeat

ease.Thiswasn’texactlyhowshe’dexpectedhernighttogo.

Whensheslidherphonebackintoherpocket,movementonthebalconydrewhereyesoncemore.
TheGuardsmen,whoservedasteamleadershadstartedarriving.
Hannahrealizedshekneweveryoneofthembynameanditpleasedherwheneachgreetedherlikean

oldfriend.Yetsomehowitdidn’tsurpriseherthatJudenevermovedmorethananarm’slengthaway
fromher.

Whenthelastarrived,andPauldrewuptherearasheherdedeveryoneintothelivingroom,Jude

heldback.Onceoutofearshot,heturnedtoHannah.“Didyouhavetotouchatleasthalfofthem?”

Hannahhadneverbeensosurprised.“Iliketouching.AndIonlyheldbackwiththehugsbecauseI

couldfeelyoubristlingbesideme.”

“DamnrightIwasbristling.”
ButHannahonlylaughedandkissedhimonthemouth.“It’snicetoknowI’mnottheonlyone

sufferinghere.”

“That’snotexactlythereactionIwaslookingfor.Idon’tlikeyoutouchingothermen.”
Shewantedtochuckleagain,butshecouldseethathewasserious.Andwhateverweirdrealm

creatureshewasbecoming,shecouldtellthattokeeplaughingwouldn’tjustwoundhispridebutwould
makehimdistrusther.

Sherecalledallthechatterontheloopaboutthisoneaspectofbeingabloodrose,thatthemenwho

bondedwiththeirwomen,becameratherferociousintheirterritorialmarkingrites.

Somethinginsideherwentweakjustthinkingaboutit.Shedrewcloseandgrabbedhiswovenshirt

withbothfists,pullinghimdowntoher.Butshewouldn’tlethimkissher.Instead,shewhispered,“Any
wayyoucanmarkme,vampire,sothatothermenwillstayaway?”

Shewasn’tsureexactlywhatkindofresponseshe’dbeenlookingfor,buthesuddenlypickedherup

inhisarmsandflewheroutside,ontothebalcony,toaportionofthewallthatwouldhidethemfrom
anyoneinside.

Hepressedherupagainstthestoneandgroundhishipsintoher.Shefelthisarousalandherlegslost

functionalloveragain.

Hespokehoarselyintoherear.“I’mgoingtomarkyouagainandagain,doyouhearme?I’mgoingto

fillyouupsothatnomale,humanorrealm,willdaretotouchyou.Doesthatansweryourquestion?”

Hekissedherhard,sothatherentirebodyjustaboutmeltedintothestonebehindher.WhatJude

coulddotoherwithjustafewwords,thewonderfulmassofhismuscularframe,andhiswarm,moist
lips.

ShehadthateternalsensationagainofwantingtostaywithJudejustlikethis,nevermoving,just

beingwithhimandfeelinghim,andhavingdesiremovelikefirethroughherveins,forever.

Finally,hedrewback,breathinghard.Heheldhergaze.“Partofmewantstoapologize,buttohell

withthat.We’reinthis,andyouneedtoknoweverything,especiallywhatit’slikeforme.”

Shegrabbedhisshirtagain.“Jude,let’smakeapactrightnownottoapologizeforanythingthat

relatestothisbloodrosemadness,okay?IknowI’llwanttoaswell,butIthinkit’lljustmakethings
moredifficult.”

Henodded.“Agreed.”Slowly,heshiftedhishipsawayfromher,butstayedclose.“AndIneedto

calmdown.”

Atthat,shesmiledagain.“What?Youdon’twanttofaceyourmenlikethis?”
Shereachedlowandranherhandtheentirelengthofhisarousal.
Hearchedandhissed.“Oh,SweetGoddess,Hannah.”
Sheplantedherhandsonhisfaceandkissedhimwithmoreaffectionthanpassion.“Doyouknow

howmanytimesIimaginedkissingyoujustlikethat?”Shecouldn’thelpbutsmile.

“No.Howmany?”
“Aboutathousand.”
“Isthatall?”Histurntosmile.
“Okay,I’mgoinginside.Ineedtofreshenupalittle,butI’lljoinyouforthemeeting.”
“Good.Iwantyouthere.”
Shedidn’ttrytoprolongthemoment.Instead,shelocatedthedownstairsbathroomandsplashed

wateronherface.Shestayedput,givingherselfalittlealonetimetocollectherself.

Tenminuteslater,sheheardJude’sdeepvoicecomingfromthefrontlivingroomandheadedinhis

direction.Shecaughtthedécoralongtheway,aswellasthestyleofthearchitectureandknew
instinctivelythatawoman’shandhadbeeninvolved.

Probablyhiswife’s,thewomanhe’dlostallthosedecadesago.
Assheenteredthelivingroom,shestayedneartheentrancetothediningroom.Seeingadozen

heavilymuscledGuardsmeninoneroomwasanoverwhelmingexperience.Eachrangedinheightfrom
six-threetosix-sixandworewhatsheconsideredtobetheirsupremelysexyblackleather-baseduniform.

Iftheceilinghadn’tbeenashighasitwas,theroomwouldhavefeltclaustrophobic.
Juderelayedallthatheknewaboutthemist,thesickly-sweetscent,theeffectsonhimandalsoon

Nathan,andhisbeliefthatMargettahadusedthemisttokillthetrollfamiliesinthenorth.

Whathedidn’tknowwaswhetherherwraith-pairswereimmuneornot.Andiftheywere,theentire

realmfacedacrisisofenormousproportions.

“Buthowcanwefindanyofthisout?”Paulasked.
“Ihatetosaythis,butonlyexperiencewillgiveustheinformationweneed.There’sjustnoother

way.Wedon’tknowwhereMargettalivestotrytospyonher.”

Hannahaddedherthoughts.“IgetthesensethatMargettaisjusttryingoutwhatmightbeanewability

forher.IfJudeandImakeourselvesvisiblethroughouttherestofthenight,andtheGuardsmenwere
spreadouthuntingformist-sign,wecouldbeanywhereatamoment’snotice.”

Alleyesturnedtowardher,andshefeltawarmthspreadoverhercheeks.Foramoment,shewished

she’dkepthermouthshut.

ButPaulsaid,“That’sactuallyaverygoodidea.Bettertohavesomecontrolbyhunting,ratherthanto

waitforanotherslaughter.”

Judemethergazeandshefelthimpressagainsthermindtelepathically.Hannah,Idon’twantyouin

thelineoffire.

ButJude,IalreadyamandPaul’sright.Bettertohavesomecontrolinthesituation.
Judenodded,thenaddressedhismen.“Asyoucanimagine,I’mconcernedforHannah’ssafety.”
“Everyonehereis,”oneoftheGuardsmenspokeup.
“Here,here,”wentaroundthemen.
Sheknewthesemenandwhichoneshadwivesandfamiliesandwhateachlaiddowneverynightto

battletheenemy.“Ifeelthesamewayaboutallofyou.Ihopeyouknowthat.”

Anothersaid,“Wedo,Hannah.That’swhyyoufindacoupleofuspassedoutinyourbunkroomevery

nightatdawn.”

Laughtereruptedthistimeandshejoinedthem.
ButwhenhergazelandedoncemoreonJude,shesawalookinhiseye,ofdeepappreciation,that

piercedherheart.Shefelttwothingsatonce:Thehugedividethatseparatedthembecausethefocusof
eachoftheirliveswassodifferentandherever-presentaffectionforhim.

Shehadtolookaway,torememberthatshe’dmadeapromisenevertoallowwhatwasimportantto

hertobesetasidefortheneedsofaman.MaybeJudewasn’tMarkJackson,herex.Andyes,Markwasa
realdickfordemandingthatshesellthebartobasicallyproveshelovedhim.Butthesituationhadthe
samedifficultresonance–whatshe’dhavetogiveupandwhatJudewouldn’t.

Soshecalmedherselfdown,wantingdesperatelytokeepherperspectiveasthehoursandpossibly

daysworeon.

Judebroughtthesubjectbacktothepoint.“Here’sthewaythisneedstogo.IwanteveryGuardsman

onpatrol.AndPaul,bringineveryoneonleave.You’retogivethisbasicinformationtoeachofthemen,
aboutthemist,aboutHannah,butthatweneedtodrawMargettaout.Oneofmyfearsisthatshe’lluse
someofourpeopleagaintotryouthermist-makingabilityandmoreinnocentrealm-folkwilldie.So,
let’skeepasharpeyeoutforthemist.Heavypatrollingeverywhere.”Whichcoveredalotofmiles.But
Jude’sVampireGuardwasthree-hundredstrongsonoonebalkedattheorder.

“AndReese,Iknowtheshiftersaren’tfullyready,butlet’sputthemontheground.I’mthinkingabout

thatscent,itwassweetbutinawaythatsmelleddecayed.Maybeashifterwillhaveabetterchanceat
locatingthenextintrusion.”

“Ithinkthat’sagreatidea.They’rechompingatthebittoseesomeaction.”
“Thentonightwouldbeagoodplacetostart.GoaheadandcontactRayle.I’llleaveyouinchargeof

thatpartoftheoperation.Justgetthemoutthere.”Raylewasthealphaandhadcommandofhismen.

Reesetookoff.
Theyalsodiscussedwhetherornottoalertthegeneralpopulationtothemistproblem.Thecentral

issuebecameclear,thattoletallofKellcasseknowaboutthekillingmistcouldcausewide-spreadpanic.
Andifthathappened,JudewouldendupwithmoreproblemsthanhislimitedGuardsmanforcecould
possiblymanage.

AndnevermindaboutthebadpressJudewouldreceiveintheKellcasseChronicle.He’dbe

crucifiedinprint.Onewayortheother,thiswasshapinguptobeaPRnightmareifheandhisGuard
didn’tfigureouthowtodealwiththekillingmist.

Hannahmadeherowncontributions,herobservationsofthemist,ofMargetta,howtheancientfae

seemedabletopullthemistwithher,andthatHannah’sfiredispelledit.

Intheend,itwasagreedthateachoftheteamleaderswouldalerttheirmenaboutthemistandthe

necessityofavoidingit,buttoreportanysigntoLongenessandhisstaffattheKellcasseCommunication
Center.LongenesshadtheabilitytoreachtheGuardsmenallatthesametimewhenneeded.

AstheGuardsmendispersed,leavingbythefrontdoorthistime,Hannahhurriedwiththemforthe

simplereasonthatshelovedtoseevampiresinflight,especiallythesuper-fitGuardsmen.

Judestoodclosetoher,onearmaroundherwaist.
Asthelastoneleft,heturnedtoherandsaidquietly,“Idon’tlikeyoulookingatothermen,either.”
“Iwasn’teyeingthemas‘men’.IwaswatchingyourGuardsmenfly.It’sanimpressivesight.”
Hegrowledsoftlyandnuzzledherneck,nippingherthroat.Shegasped,sincethepossessivegesture

litherup.

Butshepushedawayfromhim.“Don’tstartthatorwe’llneverleavethisplace.”
Juderemainedwherehewasbutshecouldseethathewasusingeveryounceofhisenergytoretain

control.

“Fine,”hesaidatlast.“Thenlet’sfly.”

ChapterFive

JuderealizedthattakingHannahintotheairhadonesolidadvantage:Herbodywaspressedup

againsthisandhecouldkeepherthere.Sheslunganarmaroundhisneckforbalance,addingtothe
closeness.Andforoneofthefewtimesinhislife,hecursedtheleatherGuardsmancoatheworebecause
itpreventedhimfromfeelingtheswellofherbreastsagainsthisside.

Ifallwentwell,he’dhaveherbackatCastleIslandinafewhours,safeandsound.
Thenhe’dhaveherinhisbed.
Whatareyouthinkingabout,Jude,becausetheairhasthiswonderfulspicy,pepperyscent.
Hechuckled.Nothingmuch.You.Mybed.
Shesighed.Howlonguntildawn?
Toolong.
Butastheyclearedthehillstotheeastandcontinuedonaslowpathinthatdirection,hedecidedhe’d

bettergetwithit.Hetouchedthecomathisshoulderandcontactedhiscommunicationcenter.“Howwe
doin’,Longeness?”

“I’vebeencollectingdatafromthetimethatPaulgavemeyourorders.Sofar,mystaffsaysninety-

fivepercentofyourVampireGuardisintheair.Andwiththeexceptionofone,whosewifeisinlabor,
theremainderwillbeairbornewithinthenexthalfhour.”

“Excellent.Anyreportsofmist?”
“Nothingyet.”
“Iwanttohearabouteventhesmallesthintoftrouble.Areyoumonitoringthecivicforces?”Each

countyhadapolicingforcethatworkedwithincountylinesandLongenesscouldlistenforreportsofmist
fromtheircentersaswell.Inanemergency,Judecouldcommandallthecountyteams.

“Yes,Mastyr.”
“Good.Again,letmeknowifanythingevenslightlyoff-centershowsup,nomatterwhichpartofthe

realm.”

“Understood.”
JudesignedoffandflewHannahinaneasterlydirection.Shewasveryquiet,yethefeltherintensity.

“Areyoucomfortable?”

“Yes,thankyou.Butpleasedon’tworryaboutme.Idon’tneedsmalltalk,notatatimelikethis.”
“Youmusthavereadmymind.”
“Well,”shesaid,“Ihaveknownyoualongtime,thateveninsocialsituationsyou’renotgivento

triviaanduselesschatter.”

“Iguessyoudoknowme.”Hewassmilingashepassedoveravillagebuiltupalongbothsidesofa

canal.Heheardtrolllaughter,ababycryinginthedistance,adogbarking.

Asheflewaboveanearbywoodland,hedroppedlowertotheearthandsawthreeshiftersracingat

topspeed,goingalmostasfastashecouldflythroughthetrailsbelow.Reesehaddoneagoodjobgetting
theminthefield.

Hefelthimselfrelaxjustalittle.Hehadeverypartofhisrealmcoveredrightnow;vampiresflying

back-and-forth,lookingforInvictusormistsign,shiftersontheground.

HeflewHannahoverhisland,talkingtoherquietly,namingthevillagesandtowns,thecreeks,

canals,streamsandlakes.

WhenhereachedKelltahBridge,hehoveredaboveitforamomentsothatshecouldtakeitin.
“Whatabeautifulbridge.”Sheleanedforwardtogetabetterview,holdinghisnecktightly.

“Thebridgeconnectstwodistinctcommunities.”
“AndIthinkthisisoneofyourlargercanals.”
“Itis.”Afteramoment,heputthembackinmotion,passingoveranothermileorsoofrollinghills

andwoodland.Again,hesawasquadoffourshifters,inwolfform,racingalongoneoftheridgelines.

“They’rebeautifulwhenthey’rerunning.Elegant.”
Hewouldneverhavedescribedaroughshifteraselegantineitherwolforrealmform,butseeing

themthroughHannah’seyesheknewwhatshemeant.“Shifterspridethemselvesevenmorethan
Guardsmendoontheirathleticconditioning.”

Anothervillageandwaterway,archedwiththreebridges.Anotherwoodland.
WhenHannahstiffened,thengasped,heimmediatelydrewthemtoahalt,hoveringintheair.“Whatis

it,Hannah?Doyouseemist?”

“Oh,God,I’msosorry.No,nothinglikethat.”
Judelookedaroundcarefully,searchingformistdespiteherassuranceotherwise.“Okay,sowhat

caughtyourattention?Hadtobesomething.”

“Jude,again,Iapologize.It’sjustthatIsuddenlyrealizedthatIcanseereallywellandit’snighttime.”
Heworkedtosettlehisheartdownandtonotyellatherbecausehecouldsenseherremorse.
Heputtheminflightagain.“That’spartofyourpowerbase,toseewellatnight.”
“Imightnotbehappyaboutthebloodrosethingandthisfire-powerIhave,butI’mlovingbeingable

toseeeverythingasthoughthewoodsareglowing.”

Heturnednorth,wantinghertoseeoneoftheirprettiestvillageswithapredominantlyhard-working

elvenpopulation.Manywereexpertstone-masonsanditshowed.

Hetoldherwhathewasdoingandwasn’tsurprisedthatwhenthevillagecameintoview,shemade

manycooingsoundsofappreciation.“ItlookslikeavillageinBritain.Isweareverywindowhasa
windowboxjammedwithflowersandtrailingvines.Andlookattheflowerbasketshangingfromthe
lampposts.”

“Ithoughtyou’dlikeit.”
Ashedrewclosetothecenterofthevillage,sheasked,“What’sgoingonthere?Lookatallthelights

strungeverywhere.Isitawedding?Oh,myGoditis!Arealelvenwedding.Woulditberudetodraw
closeenoughtoseetheirarmsjoinedwithavine?”

Boththeelvenandfaecommunitiesmadeuseofvinesduringtheceremonies,wrappedaroundboth

husbandandwife’sforearms,tosymbolizetheirbond.

Heflewasneartothesquareashedared,notwantinganyonetoseethem,thenhungintheshadows

forHannahtogetagoodlook.Hewouldn’tdisrupttheceremonyforanything.

Switchingtotelepathy,hepathed,Canyouseetheirarms?
Ican.It’ssobeautifulandlook,she’sverypregnant.
It’satraditionamongmanyoftheelven,thefaeaswell,andasignofprosperity,forthewomanto

bewithchildonthedayofhernuptials.

Well,Ithinkit’slovely.Evenmagical.
Butshestiffenedoncemoreinhisarms.Atfirsthedidn’tknowwhyuntilshesaid,Jude,I’m

frightened.IcansensethatMargettaisnearby.She’sveryclose.

You’resure?Herosesteadilyintotheair,higherandhigherandgotLongenessonthecom.Justashe

wasabouttotalktohim,Judesawalineofmistonthenearbycanalthatsentachillthroughhisheart.
“Longeness,Ihavemist-sign.IneedasmanyGuardsmenaspossiblesurroundingtheelventownof
Chelana.Tellthemtoavoidthetowncenter.There’saweddinginprogress.”

“Gotit.Ihavefourwithinafiveminutearrivaltimeandanother…let’ssee,seven,noeightattheten

minutemark.”

“Thanks,justsendthemtome.”
ToHannah,hesaidquietly,“Back-up’sontheway.”
“Okay.”Herarmtightenedaroundhisneck.
Hefeltherdistressandslowedhisflight,movingsteadilyinthedirectionofthemist.“Hannah,how

didyouknowshewasthere?”

“It’sweird,butIfeltherpresence.Icanstillfeelit.”
“Hastobeyourfire-gift.”
Thenextmoment,mistappearedattherailingofthenearbycanal.Itbeganpouringoverthepaversof

theroadandmovingswiftlytowardthesquare.

“Jude,whatarewegoingtodo?”
“Idon’tknow.IfIapproachthemist,I’llpassout.”
Themomentthemistreachedtenfeetfromthenearestrealm-folk,nomatterthespecies,eachsimply

slumpedtotheground.Theprocesslookedlikedominosfalling.

Judehadneverfeltsohelplesstointervene,andhereallyhatedthatfeeling.

~~~

Hannahknewthatshecouldmakeadifference,becauseshe’dalreadyconfrontedMargettaonce.But

shedidn’tseethewomananywhere,andshewasafraidtostartworkingherfire-giftwithoutatleast
knowingthewoman’slocation.“Risehigherintheair,Jude.Ineedtolookdownonthecrowd.MyGod,
howfastthemisttakesthemover.It’slikewatchingafloodandbeingunabletohelpanyone.”

ThemomentJudehadliftedthemanotherfiftyyardsintheairsothatshehadabird’seyeviewofthe

square,shegroaned.“IcanseeMargettanow.She’srightnexttothebride.”Themistreachedthelovely
red-hairedwomaninwhitelace,andshedroppedalongwithherattachedgroomontothepaversat
Margetta’sfeet.Thebridefellonherside,herfreearmsurroundingherswollenbellyprotectively.

Thecrowdhadgrownveryquietasmoreandmorepeoplefellunconscious.Thoseoppositethe

fallen,staredinmuteconfusionasthemistrolledtowardthemandaslightmurmurofconcernwentup
untilthemistreachedthem.

Bythetimeanotherminutehadpassed,theentiresquarehadfallensilent,atleasttwo-hundred

vulnerablerealm-folkawaitingslaughter.

Margettaliftedhergazeupwardandcalledout,“Cometome,Hannah.Weneedtoreachan

understanding.”

Judespokeintohiscom.“Longeness,lettheincomingGuardsmenknowthatMargettaisinthe

Chelanatownsquare.Makesuretheyremainattwo-hundred-yardsdistant.Lookslikewe’llbe
negotiating.Butkeepthemflying.I’llwantthetroopshereincasetheInvictusshowupreadytodo
Margetta’sbidding.Sofar,nooneelseisheretosupporttheancientfae.”

“Understood,Mastyr.”
SomethingflashedinMargetta’shandasshekneltbesidethebride.“Flymecloser,Jude.Oh,God,

Margettaisholdingadaggertothebride’sthroat.Doyouseeit?”

“Yes,Ido.”
“WhyisMargettadoingthis?”
“Testingthefield.Shewantstoknowhowpowerfulyouareaswellasthelimitationofhermist.The

onlygoodnewsisthatitlookstomeasthoughhermistalsoaffectsherownarmyofwraith-pairs,
otherwisethey’dbepresentrightnow,awaitingherorders.”

“Justgetmeascloseasyoucanwithoutbeingaffectedbythemist.”

“Cometome,Hannah,orthebridedies.”Margettapulledthewoman’supperbodyontoherlap,

exposingherpalethroat.Thebride’scrownoflavenderflowersslidoffherveilandontoherhusband’s
arm.

Margettamadeasurfacecut,sothatasmallrivuletofbloodsliddownthesideofthewoman’sneck.
Hannahgasped.“Ihavetogotoher.”
“No,Hannah.”
SheturnedtolookatJude.Justkeepyourtelepathicfrequencyopen.We’lltalkthewholetime.ButI

can’tletherdieandneithercanyou.We’llhavetowingit,butIknowwecanfiguresomethingout.I
alsoknowthatIcan’thavethiswoman’sdeathonmyconscience.

Jude’snostrilsflaredandhepressedhislipstighttogether.Iunderstand.
Hesetherdownoutsidethecircleofmistthatlaylikeasoftveiloverthepronerealm-folk.
Thatsmellishorrible.Shesteppedoffhisboot.Justtalktome.
Judebackedupswiftly,positioninghimselfthirtyfeetaway,outofrangeofthemist,buthestayedon

theground.Themistappearstohavestrictlimitations,butIcanstillsmellitevenfromthisposition.

Hannahdidn’tglanceinhisdirection,butsteppedcarefullyoverseveralpeople,workingnottocrush

handsorlimbs.

AssheapproachedMargetta,shethoughtyetagainthateventhoughthewomanpersonifiedevil,she

wasbeautifulwithevenfeatures,astraightnose,andvioleteyesnotunlikeherown.

Margetta’seyes,however,turnedsilverinthatmoment,whichHannahknewmeantshewasattempting

toemployherenthrallmentskills.

Inresponse,thefireelementofHannah’sstrangeemergingpowerbegantoburnhot.Herskingrew

flushed,andsheliftedherchin.ShereleasedasuddenburstofthathotenergydirectlyatMargetta’smind.
Theancientfaewinced,buthereyesreturnedtonormal.

“So,you’vegotsomepower.”ShelookedHannahupanddown.“Yet,Idon’tunderstandwhatyou

are.”

Hannah’sgazeslidtothebloodstilltricklingfromtheelvenbride’sthroatandtotheshinysilver

bladeinMargetta’shand.

MeetingMargetta’sgazeoncemore,sheresponded,“Ihavenoidea,either.NordoesVojalie,except

thatI’mmeanttocreatebalanceintheNineRealms.”

“Balance?”Margettalaughed.“Don’tbestupid.Nowhereishowthisisgoingtogo.You’vegota

verysimplechoice:Eithercomewithmerightnow,orthebrideandeveryoneinthislovelycommunity
squaredies.Whatshallitbe?”Sherolledthebladeatthewoman’sneck,creatingasecondsurfaceslice,
butwithastrongerflowthistime.

Jude,didyouhearMargetta?
Idid.You’renottoleavewithher.Shehasonlyoneintention;shewillkillyou.
Iknow.Theproblemis,Iknowthebride.Ididn’trecognizeherbecauseweweresofaraway,buta

yearagosheandherboyfriendcameintotheGoldRushandannouncedtheirengagement.Shestarted
totremble.Canyoutellmesomething?

Anything.
Howfastcanyoureallyfly?
Whatareyouthinking?
Hannahworkedtokeepherheartsteady.OnlythatwhenI’mairborneandhighenough,I’llblast

her,butthatmeansI’llprobablyfallandsomeonewillneedtocatchme.Soundokaytoyou?

Hannah,youcoulddie.Youdon’tknowallthepowershehas.AndwhatifIcan’treachyouintime?
ThenI’lldiedoingsomethingworthwhile.She’dmadeuphermindthatthelastthingshecouldever

allowwasthiswomantodieonthehappiestdayofherlife.

Shesteppedforwardandheldherarmsouttotheancientfae.“I’llgowithyou.”
Thewomansmiledandmovedthebridetorestonthepavers.Bloodstillflowedfromherneck.
MargettaleapedtowardHannahinaswiftupwardflight,fasterthanHannahthoughtshecouldmove.

Inasplitsecond,shecaughtHannahbeneathherarmsandliftedherintothenightsky.Shewasmoving
incrediblyfast,everhigher.Thesicklysweetsmellcameofftheancientfae’sskinsothatitwasall
Hannahcoulddonottothrowup.

Shewatchedtheworldgrowsmallerandknewthetimehadcome.Shereacheddeepwithinherself

andfoundthevibratingsourceofherfireandbeganinslowstagestobuildituntilMargettawaspressing
herhandstighttoHannah’sribs.

“Youreallywouldn’tbethatstupidtoriskyourlifewhenwe’realmostatfivethousandfeet.Because

ifyouburnmeagain,I’llhavetodropyou.Sillygirl.”Sheincreasedthepressure.

Hannahhadalreadymadeuphermindanddidn’thesitate.Sheletthefire-giftwithinherexplode

outward.

Margettascreamedasshereleasedher,ascreamthatturnedintoawitch’scackle.“It’salongway

down,mydear.Idon’tsupposeyoucanfly,canyou?”

Theforceoftheseparation,aswellasHannah’sgrowingpower,heldherinabriefspurtof

levitation.“Gotohellandbytheway,you’renotallthat!”Shethendrewonherpoweroncemoreand
sentfirefromherpalmsandarmsthatblastedtheancientfae,thrustingherbackwardatleastfortyfeet.

Margettaflewshriekingtowardthenortheast,aballoffire.HannahknewMargettawouldsurvive.

Shehadnoillusionsaboutthat.Onlysomethingmoreprofoundthanblisteredskinwouldtaketheancient
faeout.

Butthebitchwouldneedtimetorecover.
However,nowshewasamileaboveKellcasse,andherlevitationbegantoslip.Shetriedto

recaptureit,butfailed,andshebegantofall,gatheringspeedwaytoofast.

Hannahtiltedbackwardsothatshehadonoddviewofaveryprettynightskyaboveher.Jude,I’m

earthbound.Catchmeifyoucan.

ShehopedtohellthatJudewassomewhereclose,butifnot,thenshewassatisfiedthatshe’ddone

whatwasrightandherconsciencewasclear.She’dgottenMargettaawayfromalovelybrideandgroom
andalltheguestsandhadhurtherenoughtoeliminateherasathreatfortherestofthenight.

Sheheldherselfinacradledposition,hopingagainsthopethatJudewouldseeherandcatchher.

~~~

WhenMargettahadpluckedHannahfromthesquareandliftedherstraightintotheair,Judehad

reactedinstinctively,racingtowardthespotwhereshe’dbeen.

ThoughmostofthemisthadretreatedwithMargetta’sflight,someremainedandhe’dhadahardtime

remainingconscious.

ButHannah’svoiceinhisheadforcedhimtolookup.Whenhesawherplummetingtowardtheearth,

hegothisassingear,forgedhiswayoutoftheremainingmist,thenshotforwardbarelythreefeetabove
theterrainhopinglikehellhecouldintercepther.

Hewasbarelygoingtomakeitandtriedtogainasmuchaltitudeaspossible.Unfortunately,hewas

onlytwentyfeetabovethegroundwhenhecaughtHannahinhisarms,herownforce-of-falldrivinghim
hardintoseveraltoughcabbages.

Ithurt.
Helayverystill,afraidtodiscoverhisbackhadbeenbrokenorthatjustcatchingHannahhad

somehowinjuredher.Hetookabreaththenanother.

“AmIalive?”HearingHannah’svoicecausedhimtoheaveadeepsighofrelief.
“Yes,youare,thanktheGoddess.Areyouinjured?”
“Idon’tthinkso,butareyou?ImeanIwastravelingfastandyouhadnoroomtogive.”
“I’mprettystrong,ifbruised.”
Hannahstruggledtorightherself,thengainedherfeet.
Judestaredupatthestarsforamoment.HewatchedasseveralofhisGuardsmenbegantogatherin

theair,lookingdownathim.

Heachedinafewplaces,especiallywheretherowofcabbageshadbrokenhisfall.Heliftedhis

head.Notbad.Thenhisshoulders.Ouch.

Hannahextendedherhandtohim.Itwassooddthatshewouldoffertohelphimup,heandhistwo-

eightyframe.Hetookherhand,butinsteadofstandingup,hepulledherontohislapanddidalimb-by-
limbsearchtomakesureshereallywasallright.

“I’mokay.Iam.Youcaughtme.”
Sherestedherarmsonhisshouldersuntilhewassatisfiedthatshewasuninjured.Heslidhisarms

aroundherwaistandkissedheronce.“ThanktheGoddess.IsawastreakofflamessoItakeityoulet
loosewithyourfire-power.”

“Iwarmeditup,thenIletherhaveit.Idon’tthinkshethoughtIwouldriskfalling.Ofcourse,I’d

ratherbedeadthanheldcaptivebyher.Besides,IknewIhadaprettygoodshotatyoucatchingme.”

“ExceptlikeanidiotIracedintothemistwhenshetookoffwithyouandgotdraggedintoaserious

boutofconfusion.”

“Youdidnot!Whatarookiemoveandwhatwereyouthinking?”
“Reactingisthewordyou’relookingfor.Itriedtolaunchafteryouboth,butthatdamnmistisfast-

workingandpowerful.Fortunately,shetookmostofthemistwithher,butitstilltookmeaminuteto
recover.”

Hislieutenant,Paul,drewclose,hoveringafewfeetaway.“Mastyr,everythingokayoverhere?”
“We’regood.What’sgoingoninthesquare?Anysignthebitchhasreturned?”
“None,butIwasn’tfarwhenIsawHannahandMargettaexplodeintoablazeoflight.I’veneverseen

anythinglikeit.”

“Isthatwhatwedid?”Hannahasked,lookingupatPaul.
“Itlituptheentirecountrysideandshewasstillburningwhenshetookoff.Idon’tthinkwe’llseeher

fortherestofthenight.Butwe’llstayonpatrol.”

Jude,stillholdingHannahinhisarms,rosetohisfeet.Sheslidherarmaroundhisneck.Canwe

reallygohomeforthenight?I’maboutdonein.

Me,too.
ToPaul,hesaid,“ContactLongenessandletallourtroops,shiftersincluded,knowwhat’sgoingon.

ButIwanteveryonepatrollinguntildawn.AsfortheweddingatChelana,Iwantamedicalteamover
theretomakesureeveryoneisallright.You’lltakecareofthingsforme?”

“Absolutely.ButwhatdoItelltheweddingpartyandtheirguests?HowmuchinfodoIshare?”
Judehadbeendebatingthisfromthefirst,justhowmuchtolethispeopleknow.Heunderstoodfull-

welltherewouldlikelybeamediabacklashagainsthimbecauseofwhathadhappenedheretonight.And
itwouldmakesplashyheadlines:‘BrideFacesDeathonHerSpecialDay’.

Hemadehisdecision.“I’llbringinFridaandherteamofPRspecialistsandletthemdecidewhatto

do.Inthemeantime,justleteveryoneknowthathelpisontheway.”

HegotLongenessbackonthecomandorderedhimtosendhisPRteamovertoChelana.“Iwon’tbe

abletoansweranyquestionstonight,butIwilltomorrow.Inthemeantime,havethemtrytokeepthe
KellcasseChroniclefromgoingoverboardinitswriteup.”

“Done.Butjustsoyouknow,IalertedFridathemomentyoumentionedMargettawasatawedding.”
“Thankyoufortheforesight.Ioweyouoneforthinkingahead.”
“You’rewelcome,Mastyr.”
Withthat,Judelaunchedintotheair,holdingHannahtightoncemore.Shetremblednow,not

surprisingly.

“Yousmelllikecabbages,Jude.You’llhavetohaveyourcoatandleatherscleanedafterthis.”
Hesmiledthatofallthethingsshecouldhavesaidtohim,eventhatshecouldhaverailedathim

aboutdraggingherintothismessandriskingherlife,shetalkedaboutgettingcabbagestainsoffhis
leathers.

Henuzzledherneck,evenwhileflying.“Andyousmelllikefirewithjustahintofrosesandthe

seashoreunderneath.”

Shelaughedbuthuggedhimtighterstill.
HeflewherbacktoCastleIsland,cradlingherinhisarms.Sheshook,butheunderstoodthecause.

Battlecoulddothattoanyone,nottomentionamile-longflightstraightdown.

Dawnwashoursawayyet,butherefusedtoputHannahinjeopardyonemoretime.He’dtakeher

backtotheCastleandspendtherestofthenightwithherthere.Hopefully,thedayaswell.She’dbeen
throughalotandneededherrest.

Whileinflight,hecontactedReese,requestingasquadtopatroltheCastleLakejustincaseMargetta

madeaway-too-speedyrecovery.Hedoubtedshe’dbebacktonight,buthewasn’ttakinganychances.

Oncedaylightcame,Margettaaspredominantlyfae,wouldneedtoseekshelteraswell,sohefelt

fairlyconfidentthathewouldn’thavetoworryaboutherkillingmistuntilthefollowingnight.

Jude,thoughIdon’tliketomentionit,IsurehopeyourfridgeisstockedbecauseI’mstarving.
Me,too.Anddon’tworry.Nathanalwayskeepstheshelvespacked.I’msurewe’llfindsomething

tosatisfy.

Herhandfoundhischestandsherubbedinagentlemotion.Oh,I’mabsolutelycertainwewill.
Hedidn’teventrytomisunderstandher,butputonalittlemorespeed.Ameal.Ashower.And

Hannahinhisbed.

Hefeltlightheadedashedescendedontothebackbalcony,landingeasilyjustoutsidethedoor.When

hesetheronherfeetandledheracrossthethreshold,hecouldseethatherbodywasstillflushedfrom
battlingwithherfire-gift.

Onceinside,sheturnedtowardhim.“Jude,Iknowthismaynotseemlikeabigthing,butisthereany

wayIcangetsomeofmythingsoverhere?Ineedmybrush,achangeofclothes,otherstuff.”

“Don’tworryaboutitforasecond.”HeusedhiscellthistimetocontactLongeness,thenhandeditto

her,saying,“Youaskforeverythingyouwant.Ihavealargestaffwhocangetwhateveryouneedwithin
thehour.”

Shetookthephonewithahearty‘thankyou’,thendriftedintothehallwaytomakeherrequest.
PartofJudewantedonlyonething,tohustleHannahupstairstohisbedroom,feedfromherveinand

makelovetoher.Butwhathewantedrightnowdidn’tmatter.Hannahwasstarvedandhe’dmakesure
shehadagoodmealbeforehedidanythingelse.

Heheadedforthefridge,andpullingitopen,foundatureenoffreshbeefandnoodlesoup.His

stomachgrowled,makinghimawarethatthelastthinghe’deatenhoursago,wasacupcake.

HetoastedsomeFrenchbread,pouredouttwoglassesofsweetGermanwineandbythetimeHannah

returned,hewasladlingouttwobowls.

“Thatsmellswonderful.”
Hegesturedtothetablebythebaywindows.“Haveaseat.”
“Thankyouforthis.”Sheheldahandtoherstomachasshesatdowninoneofthechairssothatshe

couldlookoutside.“Howclosetodawnarewe?”

“Afewhoursyet.”Hedidn’tevenhavetothink.Hehadaninternalclock,asallsun-sensitiverealm-

folkdid.Hecouldhavestatedthetimetotheminute,ifhe’dwantedto.

Hebroughteverythingoverinquicktrips,thensatdownbesideher.Shepickedupherspoon,dipped,

sippedandmoaned.Helovedthatsound,nomatterwhenshemadeit.“Jude,thisisfreakingamazing.I’ve
nevercaredforsoupmuch,butIthinkI’minheaven.”

“NathanstudiedinParisforayear.”
“Seriously?”
“Hemadequitethestir.Ithinkhebecameaminorcelebrityforatime.Butdamnhecancook.”
“Hesurecan.Thebreadisperfect.Allofthis.Thankyou.”
Hemetandheldhergazeforamoment.“Youdidgreattonight.”
Shedrewinaquickbreath.“I’veneverbeensoscared.”Shesankherspoonagainandthistime

maneuveredathicknoodleintohermouth,thoughherfingersshook.Adrenaline,Shepathed.

Iknow.Beenthere.
Despitethefactthathenormallydidn’tcareforsmalltalk,hedecidedtodoitanywayforHannah’s

sake.Heknewhowharditwastocomedownafterabattle.Hegesturedtothelakeandnamedthe
variousvillagesinthedistancethatrimmedtheshoreline.Asecondglassofwinehelped,andshefinally
stoppedshaking.

Sheevensmiled.
“What?”
“Iwastoldbyaverywisewoman,toaskyouanimportantquestion.”
“Andwhoisthiswoman?DoIknowher?”
“Amelia,mymanager.”
Hechokedonhiswine.Thenswallowedandwipedthecornersofhismouth.“Amelia,thewise?The

onewithpurplestripesinherhairwhohasdatedatleastadozenbikersandoneex-con?”

“Justbecauseshehasathingforbadboysdoesn’tmakeherunwise.ButI’llletyoujudgeforyourself

thewisdomofheradvice.ShetoldmethatIshouldaskyoutoshowmeyourbedroom.”

Jude’snostrilsflared,andhisheartexpandedabouttwiceitssize.Atthesametime,hisleathers

shrunk.“Itakeitback.Ameliaisbrilliant.”

Hedidn’tactonwhathefelt,however,eventhoughallhewantedtodowashaulherintohisarmsand

getonwiththings.

Instead,hesatwithheratthetablestrivingforpatience,especiallygiventhatanotherkindofhunger

hadrisen;heneededtofeed.ButHannahneededherthingsbeforetheyretired.

MovementoutonthelakeshowedthathisGuardsmanwerealreadyonpatrol.
Aftersufficienttimehadpassed,heroseashespokeandstartedgatheringupthedishes.Herinsed

andleftthingsinthesink.Hewasn’tabouttodoafullclean-upwhenHannahwasthere,waiting.

Sheroseaswell,andatthesametime,hisphonerang.Aftershuttingoffthewateranddryinghis

handsonatowel,heanswered.“Yes,Longeness.”

“MaryisatthefrontdoortothecastlewithHannah’sbelongings.”
“Thanks.Thetimingisperfect.Muchappreciated.You’reoffinafew?”
“Tenminutes.”
“Sayhellotoyourwife.”

“Andtakecareofourgirl.”LongenessandhiswifehadoftengonetotheGoldRush,untilshe’d

discoveredshewaspregnantwithtwins.They’dstuckclosetoKellcassesince.

“Iwill.”EveryonelovedHannah.
HeputhisphoneawayandwavedHannahtowardthefrontdoor.“Yourthingshavearrived.”
“Thatwasthephonecall?”
“Yep.Standingorders.Iwanttoknowwho’scomingtomyhousebeforeIopenthatdoor.”
“Makestotalsense.”
AvampirenamedMarybroughtarollingflightbagfullofHannah’sclothes.Shewasbeautiful,with

straightblackhairandlargeblueeyes,andhadoftenspenttimeattheGoldRush.She’dbeenmarriedtoa
Guardsmanyearsago,buthe’dfallentoanInvictusattack.

Afterthetwowomenexchangedafewlaughingcommentsaboutdiggingaroundinotherpeople’s

closets,Marywishedthemablessednight.Judeofferedthesamefarewell,andamomentlater,shetook
offintothenight.

HewatchingHannahstaringafterMary,clearlyamazedatthewayvampirescouldtravelsoeasilyin

levitatedflight.

Judetookthesuitcaseinhand,thenguidedHannahtothestonestaircaseattheleft.
“Thisreallyisacastle,isn’tit?”
“Itis.Itwasmywife’sdreamandthoughImighthavechosensomethingdifferentformyself,allI

caredaboutwasmakingherhappy.”

HeheardHannahcatchherbreath.“Oh,Jude.Sheshouldhavelived.Yourdaughter,too.I’mso

sorry.”

“Icouldn’tagreemorebutitwasalongtimeago.”
Shestoppedhimjustatthebottomofthestairs,tuggingontheinsideofhiselbow.“Icanfeelyour

sadness,though.I’vealwaysfeltit,andifIcoulderaseit,nothingwouldmakemehappier.”

Judestareddownather,hardlyknowinghowtorespond.Heknewshe’dspokenfromherheartand

maybethat’swhattroubledhim.Hannahwassuchagood,worthywoman.“Youhaveaverytenderheart,
Hannah.Imean,Iknowyou’vecaredformymenandevenformewithallthatyoudoforusinyourbar.
ButIdon’tthinkuntilthismoment,Ieverrealizedthateverythingyoudocomesfromthattenderness.”

Shelookedtakenaback.“Thankyou.I’llalwaysrememberthatyou’vesaidthattome.”Shethentook

hishandandstartedupthestairs.

Judefeltgut-shotinawayhecouldn’texplain.Hedidn’tevenknowwhyhe’dtoldheraboutNaomi’s

loveofthishouse,buthewassoateasewithHannah.Ofcoursehealwayshadbeen.He’djustnever
thoughtitwouldleadtothis,toHannahinhishome,leadinghimupstairs,tohisbedroom.

SweetGoddess.
Hisheartached,notjustbecausehemissedhiswifeandalwayswould,butbecauseHannahwas…

well,exactlywhoshewasandhelovedherforthat,morethanhe’deverunderstoodbefore.

Hetriednottothinkaboutit,however,nordidhehavetomakeanydecisionsrightnow,butthe

transformationofhisrelationshipwithHannahseemedtobemovingatlightspeed.Buttowhatpossible
endwhenHannahwantedtosustainherlifeinPortTownsendmorethananythingelseintheworldandhe
ruledanentirerealm?

~~~

Hannahtookalong,coolshower,gratefulthatshehadherthingswithher.Maryhadbeenthorough,

evenaddingafewthingsshehadn’tputonthelist,liketwomorepairsofshoesandsocks.She’d
deliveredtherequestednightgownaswell,justnottheoneHannahhadaskedfor.

Shehadatleastadozennightgownsrangingfromlongflanneltothelavendersilkyonenowhanging

onthebackofJude’sbathroomdoor.

Maryhadchosenaveryskimpynegligee,madeofsheerlavenderfabrictrimmedwithlace.She’d

neverevenwornitbefore,buthadbeensavingitupforsomethingspecial.

AndnowJudewouldseeit.
Whenshehadherhairwashed,shefinallylefttheverylarge,Jude-sizedshowerwithmassagingjets

andavarietyofheadsaimedatallangles.Sheblewherhairdry,lovingthetextureafterhavingused
Jude’scrèmerinse.

She’dhavetofindoutwherehegotitbecauseitwasfabulous.Withallhishair,ofcourse,he’dneed

toworkhardtokeepitundercontrol.

Onceherhairwasdry,sheslippedintothenightie.
Butasshelookedatherselfinthemirror,withoutasinglelightburning,herskinhadawarmglow

thathadneverbeentherebefore.Evenherfeaturesseemedstrongersomehow,thoughnotinabadway.

Closinghereyes,sheopeneduptowhatresidedinsidehernow,totheheatalwaysclosetothe

surface,tohertinglingpalms,andtotheabilitytofightoffthemostpowerfulfaeintheNineRealms.

Shefeltthevibrationofitandbegantoexplore.TheNineRealmswasaworldofvibrations,

somethingshe’dalwaysknownbutnowexperienced.Judehadusedphysicalvibrationswhenthey’d
madeloveinthebunkroomandjustthinkingaboutthemagainloosenedthetendonsatthebacksofher
knees.Healsohadabattlevibrationandmaybethat’swhatthisresonanceofheatwaswithinherbodyas
well,atoolofwar.

Sheopenedhereyes,butstilldidn’tseereflectedawarriorlikeJudeandhisVampireGuard.She

wasjustaregularsortofpersonwhoownedabarinoneofthebestplacesintheU.S.

Andshewasabloodrose.
Shetookanothermomenttosortthroughhernewinnerlifeandfoundthevibrationattachedtothe

otherpartofwhoshewasintherealmworld.Closinghereyesoncemore,shetookamomenttoexamine
thebloodrosevibrationandfeltmorethananythingthatithadanurturingquality,whichmadesensesince
itwasdesignedbythehiddenmysteriesofthisworldtofeedamastyrvampire.Shestillcouldn’tbelieve
thatherbloodcouldrelieveJudeforeverofhischronicbloodstarvation.

Assheconnectedwiththisfrequency,itledherstraighttoJudewhoshehadheardearliermoving

aroundinhisbedroom.Openinguptohim,shecouldfeelthelevelofhishungerinthesamewayshe’d
beenstarvedwhenshesatdowntohaveherbeefandnoodlesoup.Judeneededherblood.Badly.

Shecouldalsotellthathe’dheldbacklettingherknowofhishunger,somethingshevaluedsomuch

abouthim.Heseemedtoalwaysbethinkingofothers.

Theerrantthoughtranthroughherhead:SojusthowfarhaveIalreadyfalleninlovewithJude?
Ashiverranthroughheratthethoughtofdonatingagain,ofgivingupthemostimportantelementof

herbody,thethingthatnourishedeverylivingcell.ShewouldgivethisuptoJude,anddoithappily
becauseJudewas…well,Jude.

She’dneverthoughtinamillionyearsthatshe’dhaveasexualrelationshipwithhim,buthereshe

was,justafewfeetawayfromhisbedroom.

Sheopenedthedoorslowlytocatchaglimpseofhimbeforehesawher.Havingalreadyshoweredin

anotherroom,hesatontheendofthebedinnothingbutalightbluetowel,hisheadbentoverashe
carefullyworkedabrushthroughhisdamphair.

Thebedroomalsohadstonewallsliketheoutsideofthecastle,heavilymortared,verymasculineand

beautiful.ThisroomfitJudeextremelywell.Butshealsosawthefemininehandofthedesignersincethe
roomwasdecoratedinshadesofbluewithfloraldrapesreminiscentofatleastacenturypast.

Anothertall,arched,diamond-panedwindowfilledtheentirenorthwall,givinganalmostcathedral-

likeimpression.Theceiling,withadozenexposeddarkbeams,slantedatanangleatleasteightfeet
abovethetopsoftheheavywoodbedposts.

ShefeltoverwhelmedbecausewithinthewallsofthischamberlayJude’shistory,themarriagetohis

Naomi,thebirthofhisdaughter,Joy,whomhe’dcherished,andthelifethecouplehadbeenintheprocess
ofcreatingforthemselves.

“Ifeelhonoredtobehere.”Shespokequietly,hervoicealmosthushed,asshemovedintotheroom.
Judeliftedhishead,craninghisnecktoseeher.Hedidn’tsayanythingrightaway,buthisgazeslowly

wentdownherbody,dwellingforamomentonthesheerfabricoverherbreaststhentakinghistimeto
havealonglookatherlegs.Hisspicy,pepperyscentrolledthroughtheair,whichdrewhertowardhim.

Hewassogorgeouswithhisblackcurlyhair,anexotic,animal-likemanearoundhisshouldersand

downhisback.

Stayput,shepathed.Ijustwanttotakeamoment.
Henoddedslowly,settinghisbrushonthebednexttohim.
Howfarthey’dcome,shethought,injustacoupleofdays,fromhereffortstoignorehiminthe

doorwayoftheGoldRushCommunicationCentertothismoment,seeinghimseated,wearingonlya
towelontheendofhisbed.

Sheknewhe’dneverbroughtanotherwomanhere,notinallthesedecades.Onemorereasonwhyher

timewithhimrightnowfeltimportant,evensacred.Shestillhadtheconvictionthatitwastemporary,so
shewantedtomakethemostofeverymoment.

“Soyoufeelhonored?”heasked,hisgrayeyesquestioning.
Shenodded,movingclosetohimnow.Thebedwasbuiltuphighsothathislonglegswereataneasy

angletothefloor.Sheputherhandsonhiskneesandslowlypushedthemapart,movingbetween.The
lightbluetowelsplitatthesametime,soshedecidedtohurryitalong,pullingeachsidetofallonthebed
nexttohimandexposinghim.

Hewasinabeautiful,arousedstate,thesizeandstrengthofhiscockaperfectrepresentationofwho

hewas.Sheleanedherhipsintohimsothatshecouldfeelhimagainstherbodywhileshetookhislong,
thickhairinbothhands,entwiningherfingers.“Ithoughtalotaboutdoingthis,aboutgettingsotangledup
thatIcouldnevergetfree.”

Hishandsslidbeneaththenegligee,landingonherwaist,kneadinggently.“AndI’vepicturedyou

hereinmybedroom.”

“Iwantedtobehere.”Thethoughtflittedthroughhermindthatthesecircumstances,thatshewasa

bloodroseandcarriedwithinherananti-mistweapon,mighthavebeentheonlywayshecouldhave
landedherewithJude.Wasitamiracleorsomekindoracurse?

Rightnow,though,shedidn’tcare.Shewashere.Judewashere.Nothingmoreneededtobesaid.
Hedippedhisheadtohercleavageandranhistonguethelength.Sheshivered,tuggingonhishair,

leaningclosetosmellhisspicyscent.

Sherealizedshe’dalwayslovedthewayhe’dsmelled.Onlynow,itwasallmixedupwithhis

malenessandherneedforhim.Heliftedupandkissedher,surroundingherwithhisarms,pullingher
close.

Deepeningthekiss,heplungedhistongueinside,whichtookherbreathaway.Hiscockmovedagainst

herabdomenatthesametime,huntingtobeinsideher.Hishipsarchedandshefeltthelengthofhimglide
upherstomachthenbackdown.

Hewasjustsomuchmantosavor,touch,caress.Shecarefullyunwrappedherfingersandslidher

handsbeneathhisstill-damphair.Hismusclesrippledbeneathhertouchasshetraveleddownthecenter

ofhisback,leaningoverhisshouldertoreachhiswaist.

Thenherhandsjourneyednorthagain,feelingthewidthofhisbackallthewaytohismassive

shoulders.

Pushinghishairdownhisback,shefondledhisleftshoulder,rubbingherfingersalongthedipsand

swells,followingwithhertongueandherlips,lickingandkissing.

Shelovedthatherespondedbynuzzlingherneckandpullinghercloser,pressinghishipsintoher

againandagain.

“Jude,mayIdosomethingtoyou?”
Hedrewback,smilingather.Itamazedherthatamanwhocouldlooksoferociousjustbyfrowning,

couldappearincrediblytenderwithjustasmile.“Anythingyouwant,Hannah.AndIdomeananything.”

“Good.”Hercheekswarmed,becausethiswasallsonewandshewasdemandingthings.“Whydon’t

youpeelbackthecomforterallthewaytothefloor,thenstretchoutonyourstomach.”

“Mystomach?”Hislipstwisted.“Yousurethat’swhatyouwant?”Heletherfeelhimagain,ashe

curledhiships.

“Iwon’tdenythatyoutemptme,butI’dliketoindulgeinanotherofmyfantasies.”
Hegroanedsoftly,leanedcloseandnippedherthroat,thenmovedaroundthefootofthebedtostrip

awaytheunnecessarybedding.

Whenhewasfacedown,spreadeagle,shesighedwithgreatcontentment.Shedrewnearhisfeet,

strokinghisthickcalfmuscles,thenclimbinguponherkneesbetweenhislegs.Shetookturnswitheach
leg,kissingandlicking,steadilymovingupuntilshecouldstrokehissackandhisbuttocksatthesame
time,thenaddedmorekissingandlicking.Hisoccasionalgroansandtheflexofhishipstoldhershewas
ontherighttrack.

Judehadmuscleseverywheresothatevenhisbuttocksweretight,worthyoftongueworship.She

spentseveralminutesfondlingandlickingalloverhisbottom.

Shepartedhisalmostwaist-longhair,andworkedherwayuphisback,massagingattimes,fondling,

kissingandlicking.ShewantedtorememberJudestretchedoutlikethis,lettingherenjoyhisbody,foras
longasshelived.Especially,sinceshehadnoconfidencethattheyreallycouldbuildalifetogether.
Theirlivesweretoodisparate.

Shestretchedoutontopofhim,herlegsonhis,hertoesreachingalittlelowerthanmid-calf.“Spread

outyourarms.”

Heobeyedquicklyandshedidthesame,sothatherarmswereontopofhis.Shedrewinadeep

breath,wonderingwhythisfeltsogood.

“Whatmadeyouthinkofthis?”heasked.
Hannahchuckled.“Ilovehowyoulook.EvenbeforeIdevelopedaseriousdesireforyou,Iusedto

watchyouplaydartsjusttoenjoyhowyoumoved.Andonce,whenyouwerealittledrunk,youpicked
Paulup,whoisabigman,andspunhimonyourshoulders.Youhavesuchathleticgrace.AndnowI’m
feelingallthatmusclebeneathmybody.Itjustmakesmehappy,likeI’mbalancedontopofaraft,heading
outtosea.”

Histurntolaugh.“Araft,huh?”
“Sure,whynot.”Shewasn’tcertainifshe’deverbeensocontentinherlifeasshewasnow.“ButI

haveaquestionforyou,Jude.What’syourpleasure?Whatwouldyoulikefromme?Didyouhavecertain
fantasiesthatplayedoverandoverinyourhead,Imeanbesidestheonesyoumentionedwhenwewere
togetherlast?”

ChapterSix

Judedecidedhe’ddiedandgonetoheaven.Forawomantoaskwhathispleasurewas,pleasedhim

notjustsexuallybutdeepwithinhismasculinesoul.

Ofcourse,thelastthinghe’dexpectedwasforHannahtospreadoutontopofhim,andhesortof

thoughtthe‘raft’thingfit.Helovedtheideaofmovingthroughheavyseastogether,joinedlikethis.

Mostly,helovedthatshetooksomuchpleasureinhisbody.HeworkedoutandhebattledtheInvictus

almostnightly,soyeah,hewasfit.Butexperiencingherappreciationmadethehoursheputinallthemore
worthwhile.

Asforhisfantasies,she’dalreadyfulfilledonejustbywalkingintohisbedroomandwearingavery

shortnightie,whichwassheerenoughthathecouldseeherbreastsandherbeadednipples.

Shestillworethenightie.Soyeah,therewasatleastonethinghewantedtodotoherwhileshehadit

on.

“Iwantyouonyourback.”
Sheslidoffhimquickly,maybeasanxiousashewastomovethingsalong.Whenshewaslying

besidehim,hetookhistimeandcaressedherface,thenkissedher,lovingthatherhandcaughthisarm
andshedughernailsinalittle.

Heslidhishandlowertofirststrokeherthroatwhereheintendedtobiteherlater,thenlowerto

caressherbreast.“Ilovethis,”hemurmured,runninghishandoverthesheerfabric.

“I’mglad,butyou’llhavetothankMary.Iaskedforanightgown,thinkingaboutoneofmylong

comfortableflannelsandthiswaswhatshepacked.”

Hechuckled.“Marydeservesaraise.”
Hannahsmiledherlovelysmile.“Yeah,shedoes.”
Hekissedheragain,thenshiftedtolookdownather.SweetGoddess,shewasbeautifulandher

violeteyesglowed.Theairhadbecomeperfumedwithherroses-and-seashorescent.

Hemovedlowerandkissedherthroatlickingseveraltimes,teasingherveinthendescendingtoher

cleavagewherehesetupshop.HelovedHannah’sbreastsandashekissedher,hepathed,Thiswasa
fantasy,takingtimewithyoulikethis,exploring.

“Itfeelssogood.”
Heshiftedjustalittle,andthroughtheverythinfabric,heflickedhernipplewithhistongueuntilit

puckeredforhim,thenhesettledinforasuck.

Workingherbreast,heforceditintoamoundsothathecoulddevour,takingasmuchashecouldinto

hismouth,strokingandsucklingatthesametime.ThatHannahmadecooingandmoaningsounds,caused
hishipstoflex.Hewantedtotakecareofherineverywaypossiblerightnow,topleasureher,totakeher
tothepinnacle,repeatedly.

Hedecidedtostartrightnow.Pivotingslightly,hemovedhisbodyofftothesideofhers.Usinghis

freehand,hemassagedherbetweenherlegs,feelingherwetness,whichagainhadhiscockbeggingfor
mercy.

Buthewantedtotakehistime.
Whilehecontinuedtosuckleherbreast,hepathed,Spreadyourlegsforme.
Shemoanedagainandherhipsdippedintothemattressassheletherlegsfallwide.“Jude.Oh,God

Jude.You’rebarelytouchingmeandI’msoclose.”

Hewantedtohelpthatalongrightaway,andsentagentlevibrationthroughhisfingers.
Shecriedout,herbodyarching.“Jude!”

Heeasedtwofingersinside,movingslowly,butheincreasedthevibration,lovingthathecoulddo

thisforher.Herhipsreactedbyrockinginasteadymotion,andherhandsdoveintohishair.Hesuckled
herfastersothatshecriedoutrepeatedly.

Hemovedhishandinquickthrusts,drivinginandoutofherwell.
Shepantednow,herbodyinastateofbeautifultension.
I’mgoingtotakeyouoverthetopnow.
“Yes,”shebreathed.“Please.”
Heincreasedboththevibrationandthespeedofeachthrustofhisfingers,andjustlikethat,shecried

outlongandloud,herwellpulsing,herbreathslikepuffs,herbodywrithing.Jude…sowonderful…
canhardlybreathe…anditkeepscoming.

Hesustainedallthathewasdoing,savoringherhandspushingandpluckingathisheadalmostatthe

sametime,untilatlastsheeasedbackdown.

Helethisfingersrestinsideherandhereleasedherbreast.Hernippleswereinstiffpeaksnow,and

hekissedeachone,lovingthatshe’dorgasmedandthathe’ddonethatforher.

Hismotivationofcoursecouldneverbepuresinceeachclimaxwouldflavorherblood,andhe

wantedtotasteherpleasureeachtimehesuckedhervein.Hiscocktwitchedatthethought.

Whenheremovedhisfingers,hestretchedoutbesideherandkissedher,nibblingonherlowerlip,

andworkinghermouthoncemorewithhistongue.Helovedmakinglovetoher.

Afteramoment,shesaid,“DoyouknowwhatI’dlovetodo?”
“What?”Hestrokedhercheekwithhisthumb,thenkissedheragainonthelips.
“IwanttofeastonyouJude,andIwanttofeelyourvibrationinmymouth.”
Hiswholebodyarchedhardatthethought,andhegroanedwiththethoughtofhermouthonhiscock.
Shesmiled,leaninguptokisshim.“Itakethatasa‘yes’?”
“Unh-huh,”wasallhecouldmanage.
Shetookhertimethough,andmadehimsuffer,becausewhenshesatuponherknees,sheliftedthe

lacehemofthenightieandslowlydrewitupandoverherhead.Hiseyesfeasted,thenhishands,because
hecouldn’tkeepfromtouchingher.Hewassoreadythathealmostpushedherontoherbackandclimbed
betweenherlegs.

Butshecaughthisrightshoulderandheldhimback.“Iwanttodothisfirst.”Hervioleteyesglittered.
Henodded,incapableofspeech.
Ashespreadhislegs,shemovedherkneesbetweenthenlaydownsothatpartofherlegsdangledoff

thebed.Herhandsworkedhisthighsasshedippedandnibbledhissac.

Hishipsarchedwhenshemovedtothebaseofhisstalk.Hegrippedthesheetinbothhands,hiships

nowpulsingasshekissed,nipped,andsuckedherwayuphiscock.

Theanticipationofherwarm,wetmouth,hadhiscockjerkingwithneed.Sheliftedupandrimmed

hiscrownfirstwithhertongue,whichsentagroanpasthislipsagain.

Shedidn’tsuckrightaway,insteadshepluckedathimwithherlips,thenswepthertongueoverhim.

Sheevengothimwetthenblewonhimuntilhewasmadwithdesire.

Whenshefinallytookhiminhermouthfullyandbegantosuck,aseriesofheavygruntslefthismouth.

“Hannah,that’samazing.Ilovethatyou’redoingthistome.”

Butafteramoment,somethingchangedthatincreasedtheheavenlysensation.Hefeltwarmer.Wasshe

addingherfire-gift?“Areyoudoingthat?”

Shepathed,Imaynothaveyourabilitywithvibration,butIthoughtyoumightenjoyalittleheat.

Doyou?

Hereleasedaheaviergroaninresponse.Hislipspartedandhisbreathinggrewragged.

CanIfeelyourvibrationnow?
Heobligedher,releasingagentlerversionforhermouth.
That’sfantastic,Shepathed.
Butashersuckinggrewwarmandmorerapid,coupledwiththevibrationthathadhiscockinan

uproar,hegrabbedhershouldersandcriedout,“Stop.”

Shechuckledassheshiftedposition,plantingherhandsoneithersideofhiswaist.“Howdidyoulike

theheat?”

“Unh,”cameoutasanothereloquentexpression.
“NowletmetellyouwhatIneed.”
Shewrappedahandgentlyaroundhishardcock.“This…betweenmylegs…now.”

~~~

Hannahhadn’texpectedJudetomoveasfastashedid,buthewashalf-levitatingasheroseupand

flippedherontohisback.

Shelandedwithathudthatmadeherlaugh.Hekissedher,histonguedrivingdeepasshespreadher

legsforhim.Hemaneuveredhiships,usinghishandtopositionhiscockatherentrance.Thevampire
wassonotmessingaround.

Themomentshefelthim,shecriedout,eventhoughhewasstillkissingher.Hedidn’tstop,either,

whenhebegantopush.Instead,hetookhertonguebetweenhislipsandsuckled,asensationthathadher
cryingoutalloveragain.Whenheaddedavibration,sheoncemorewhimpered.

Jude,whatyoudotome.
Hebegantopushinside,slowlyatfirstthenfaster,addinganothervibrationdownlow.Hannahfeltas

thoughshe’dmovedintosomekindofalternateuniverse,driftingalong,notquiteherself,yetexperiencing
everysensationsharperthanbefore.

Shereacheddeepwithinandfoundthefrequencyconnectedtoherfire-gift.Shebeganslowlywithin

herwellandwarmedeverythingup.

Oh,SweetGoddess,Hannah.Youdon’tknowwhatthatfeelslike.Hethrustdeeperinresponse.
Shecouldfeelecstasybuildingbetweenthemlikeavibratinginfernoofsensation.Shealsoknewthat

hismatingfrequencyhadcometolifeaswell,somethingthattouchedherabdomen,reachinginsidefora
matchingvibration.

Thenshefeltit,herownmatingvibration,onemoreindicationshewasbecomingrealm.
Hannah,doyoufeelthat?
Yes,it’samazing.Touchmewithyourmatingfrequency.Please.Iwantit.
First,Ineedtobiteyou.
Shecriedoutandshiftedherheadtotheside.Whilehecontinuedtothrustintoherwell,heswepther

hairawayfromherthroat,thenlickedherinlongsweepsuntilherveinrose.

Hemadechuffingsoundsdeepinhisthroat,areminderthathewasvampireandnothuman,something

she’dgrowntolovesomuch.

Asheangledhishead,shefocusedallherattentiononthebite.Whenitcame,ajoltofpleasuredove

straightthroughherwellandshealmostclimaxed.

Butshewantedtoholdback.Therewouldbeamomentwhentheycouldcometogetherandshare

ecstasyasone,andthat’swhatshewanted,almostasthoughitwaslifetoherandnothingless.

Whenheformedasealwithhislipsandbegantodrink,heslowedhishipswhichhelpedhertocalm

down.Shecaughtthenapeofhisneckandfondledhim.Withherfreehandsheoncemore,andwith
tremendouspleasure,slidbeneathhishairandexploredtheriseandfallofhisshoulders,hisarms,his

back,hisbuttocks.

Hegroanednowashedrankherdown,ashetookherlifeforcewithin.Hisbodygrewwarmertothe

touchaswell,andhismusclesseemedtoexpand,botharesultofherbloodandtheexpressionofherfire-
gift.

Whenhereleasedastrongervibrationthroughhiscock,shebegantopant,bothholdingherreleaseat

bay,yetbiddingittocomeforwardatthesametime.

Hishipsbeganlong,deepthrustsandherbreathinggrewmoreerratic,shallowandintense.
Finally,heletgoofherneckandroseuponhisforearmstolookather.“We’regoingtocome

together,Hannah,youandme.”

Shenodded.
Andatthatmoment,hismatingvibrationbegantostrokeherown,sothatherentirebodyfeltengaged

intheact.ShecouldalmostfeelJude’spleasureashedrovehiscockinandout.

Hebegantomovefasterandwhispered,“I’mready.”
Shenoddedoncemore,andasheincreasedhisspeedandthevibrationdeepwithin,ecstasycameas

anenormouswave.Itcaughtherupwithanintensestreakofpleasurethatkeptpulsing,thensoaringup
throughherabdomen,upandup,sothatshewascryingout.Whenitallhitherheart,theorgasmexploded
wideopen,breachingtheveilbetweentherealmworldandtheheavenssothatsomepartofher
consciousnessshotthroughthenightskies.

ButJude’sroarofecstasybroughtherbacktohisgrayeyesandjustlikethatshecouldfeelhis

pleasure,howhisseedignitedathousandsensationsandsenthimintoaprofoundrelease.

Heroaredagainandagainandbeforeitwasalldone,shefeltherbodyrespondoncemore,untilshe

wasshoutingagainsthisroarsandpleasureflewovereverysensitivenerve.Hismatingvibration
tightenedaroundherssothatecstasyflowedthrougheverypartofherbody.

Ittookatleastafullminutebeforeeachofthesensationsbegantopass,beforeherbodywouldsettle

down,beforeJude’scriesandgruntsstartedtoeaseback,beforehecouldreleasehisholdonhermating
vibration.

Allretreatedinstagesuntilshelaysweating,hot,andmoresatisfiedthanshe’deverfeltpossible.
“You’reflushed.Areyouokay?”
“I’mstillfloatingaroundJupiter,Ithink.You?”
“Ihaveabuzzfromthatrelease.Hannah,it’sneverbeenlikethis.”
“Forme,either.”
Alltalkingceasedandeventuallyherbreathingevenedout,aswellashis.
Helayontopofherforalongtime,supportinghimselfonhisforearms,yetstillconnected.Helaid

gentlekissesnowandthenonherthroat,hercheeks,evenhershoulders.Whenshestartedtodoze,he
liftedherfromthebedandcarriedherintotheshower.Heheldherashewashedherbodyincoolwater
sinceshewasstillwarmfromthereleaseofherfire-gift.

“Thatcoldwaterisheaven.”
“Thoughtitmightbe.You’reallpinkedupagain.”
Hesoapedhergentlybetweenherlegsandkissedher.
Hemusthavefeltheroverallfatigueandweakness,becausewhenhershowerwasdone,hetoweled

heroffthencarriedherbacktobedwherehetuckedherin.

Asshedriftedofftosleep,sheheardtheshowerheadscrankuponcemore.

~~~

Latethatafternoon,Judewokeuptoanemptybed,buthecaughtthesmellofbaconfryingwhichsort

ofmadeupforit.Crispbacon,oneofhisabsolutefavoritearomas.That,andcoffee.

HealsoheardlaughterandknewthatNathanwasprobablytellingHannahstoriesabouthim,nodoubt

revealingadrunkenepisodeortwo.HehopedhisExecutiveCastleCoordinatorwaskeepingitclean.

Heslippedintoadarkblue,silkrobeonlybecausehewasn’tsurehowHannahwouldfeelifshe

camebacktotheroomandhadtofaceallhisnakednessfirstthingatnight.Maybeshewouldn’thave
minded,buthedidn’twanttochanceit.

Hesearchedforandfoundhisbrushacrosstheroombyhisdresser,nodoubthavingbecome

dislodgedthenightbeforewhenhe’dgottenridofthecomforter.Hesatdownontheendofthebedand
beganstrippinghishairoftangles,usuallyalongprocess.

AknockonthedoorandNathanenteredwiththeKellcasseChronicleunderonearmandlooking

worried,butbearingacupofcoffee.

AsJudetookthemug,heasked,“What’sgoingon?”
Nathanhandedhimthepaper.“Seeforyourself.ButIthinkwemightneedsomebiggunstonightto

helpusoutofthisone.”

Hesetdownhisbrushandlaidthenewspapernexttohimsothathecouldseetheentirefrontpage.

“Shit.Whotookthepicture?”

TheshotwasfromChelanaandthegroomwasholdinghisbride,stillunconscious.Thephotographer

hadzoomedintoshowthetwocutsonherneckwithwoundstillseepingandthegroom’swhiteshirt
coveredinblood.

Theheadlinedidn’thelp.‘NearMassacreatChelanawhiletheMastyrPlaysinLove-nestwith

HumanBar-Maid.’Hannahmusthavehatedreadingthat.

Therewasapictureofthemkissinginthekitchen.Damnlong-rangephotolenses.
“Holyfuck.”
“Yeah,thatwasmyreaction.”
HemetNathan’sgaze.“HasHannahseenthis?”
“Ofcourse.Hercheeksturnedred,buthercommentwastothepointandransomethinglike‘Thisis

sofuckingunfair’.”

“Shesaid‘fucking’?”
“Actually,shedid.Itwasawesome.”
“Okay,thanks.TellherI’llbedowninabouthalfanhour.Ifanyonecalls,just–”
“Oh,we’vehadcallstoday,mostlyfromthepressandacoupleleavingyourbasichatemessages.I

suggestedtheycallbacklaterandthatyouwerecurrentlyinmeetings.”

“Welldone.”Hesippedhiscoffee,glancingatNathanagain.“YoutakingcareofHannah?”
“Ipreparedheraspinachomelet,andshesaiditwastodiefor.Shedidn’trefuseoneofAbigail’s

cupcakeseither.Orthebacon.Notbeinglight-sensitive,she’snowoutonthebalcony,takingadvantageof
thelastraysoftheday.”

Hegroanedinwardly.Nodoubtsomeonewastakingpicturesofhereverymove.“Staywithherand

remindherthattherewillprobablybephotographersacrossthelakesnappingaway.”

“Ialreadytoldher,butshesaidshedidn’tcare.She’sprettysteamed.Ilikeher.”
WhenNathanleft,Judescannedthearticleanditwaswhathe’dcometoexpectfromtheChronicle.

TherewasalotofshitabouthowJudehadletKellcassedownyetagainandhowthemysteriousmistat
thewedding–alsophotographed–leftathousandunansweredquestions.Thenewspaperhadalsomade
useofareallybaddouble-entendreinoneoftheirphotocaptions.‘WasMastyrJudestillUPtothejob?’
Andofcourse,thatwastheexactphrasebelowthepictureofthekiss.Bastards.

Judewasusedtoit,though.ButrightnowhehopedHannahhadathickskinbecausethefall-outhad

justbegunandwouldgetalotworsebeforeitgotbetter.

Settinghismugonthedresser,hewentbacktode-tanglinghishair.Heponderedthedifficultiesof

managingthemistsituationaswellasthevolatilepressthatwouldn’thesitatetoarousepublicopinion
againsthimsolongasthearticlessoldmorenewspapers.

Evenafterhe’dfinishedwithhishair,hegrabbedhiscoffeeagainandmovedtositontheendofthe

bed,holdinghismugforalongtime.HefinallycalledthePRteamleader,Frida,andhadabrief
discussionwithherabouttactics.Theycouldeasilyheadoffthenegativecampaign,butFridasaidthe
problemwouldbebesthandledwithashowofincreasedGuardforce,andthatjustaddingtheShifter
Brigadewouldn’tbeenough,especiallysincetheywereuntriedinthefield.Couldhebringinforcesfrom
anotherrealm?

Hegaveitalotofthought,andthoughhereallydidn’tliketheideaofhavinganothermastyraround

becauseofHannah,hebelievedFridawasabsolutelyright.Thepaperswouldstirupalotofhysteria,but
troopsonthegroundwouldgoalongwaytoeasingthemindsofmostKellcassians.

HecalledMalik,MastyrofAshleafRealm,whoseterrain,thoughdenserwithfewercanalsand

waterways,mostresembledJude’swoodlandandforestlandscape.

“Malik,Ineedyourhelp.”
“Thoughtthatmightbewhyyoucalled.Theaccesspointcommunicationcentershavealready

broadcastedthePRdisasterinyourrealm.Sowhatthehellisgoingonandwhat’swiththismist,
anyway?”

Judegavehimtherundown,addingthattheweddinghadbeenintheChelanatownsquare,avery

publicplace,andphotographershadtakenpicturesofmuchofthenightmare.WhenMargettachosethe
publiclocation,therehadbeennowaytocontaininformationaboutthecurrentthreat.“Mostly,Ineeda
presenceinKellcasse,forthesakeofhelpingmypeopletofeelsafe,andI’maskingifyou’llcomeand
bringpartofyourAshleafVampireGuardwithyou.”

“OfcourseIwill.Ashleafisveryquietatthemoment,anditsoundslikeMargettahashersightsset

onyourrealm.”

“Great.Thankyou.Goaheadandmoveyourmenintothebunkroomsatmytrainingcenter.Buthell,

I’dreallylikeaface-to-face,evenforjustafewminutes.Ifyoucouldcometothecastlegrounds,saythe
peachorchard,thencontactmetelepathically,Icouldmeetyouthere.”

Malikchuckled.“Itakeittherumorsaretrue,thatHannahisabloodrose?”
GossiptraveledfastthroughtheNineRealms.“Sheis.There’snoquestionaboutit.”Heputahandto

hisstomach,stunnedalloveragainthathehadnopainanymore.

HetoldMalikaboutheressentialfire-giftthatVojaliehadsaidwasveryrareintherealm-world.
Malikwhistled,thenasked,“What’sitlike?Thebloodrosething,Imean?”
Theremainingmastyrsnolongeraskedwhethertheirtimewouldcome,butwhen.Judeheardthe

anxietyinMalik’svoice.Noneofthebondedmastyrsheknewhadbeenpreparedforthearrivalofa
bloodrose,andeachhadfacedachallengeinbringingawomanintohislife.

SomuchhadhappenedinthelasttwodaysthatJudehadbarelyhadtimetoprocessmuchofanything,

andhereallywasn’tsurewhattosaytoMalik.“It’sextraordinarytohavetheblood-starvationresolved,I
willsaythat.ButI’veneverbeensoconfused.Ihadmygoalslaidout,andyouknowmysituation,but
noweverythingisasunsettledashell.Butit’salsotruethatyou’llhaveadrivetowardHannahbecauseI
haven’tbondedwithheryet.”

“Hence,ameet-upinthepeachorchard.”
“Exactly.”
He’dconfidedinMalikmorethanoncewhichwasonereasonheoftencalledonhimforhelp.Heand

Sethwerehisclosestmates.Malikhadknownhiswifeandhadbeengodfathertohisdaughter.He’dtaken
theirdeathshardandlikeJudehadbasicallychosentoremainunattachedwhiletheInvictusandnowtheir
creator,Margetta,heldsway.

“Justletmeknowwhenyou’vearrivedandaboutwhencanyouheadoverhere?”
“Givemeanhour.WhenI’monmyway,I’llcontactLongenessandlethimknow.”
“Soundsgood.”
HemadehislastcalltotheleaderoftheKellcasseCivicCoalition,askingforameetingwiththe

twentydistrictleadersofhisrealmsothathecouldfilltheminwithaccurateinformation.Healsothought
itwouldbeagoodthingtotalkaboutHannahandwhatshe’dalreadydonefortherealm.

Whenhe’ddressedinmoreformalrealm-wear–blackslacksandadarkbluesilkshirt–hewentin

searchofHannah.Full-darkwouldn’tarriveforsometimeinthenorthernrealm.Becausethesteelshades
werestilldownthroughouthishouse,hecontactedHannahtelepathically.

I’llberightin.Justcatchingthesunset.
Assoonassheopenedthebalconydoorandsteppedacrossthethreshold,hisheartgaveway.So

muchfeelingsurfacedthatforamomenthecouldn’tmoveandhedefinitelycouldn’tspeak.

ButhisexpressionmusthavecaughtHannahoffguardbecauseassheclosedthedoor,sheasked.

“What’swrong?”

Hehadtoshowher.
Hecrossedtheroominafewbriskstrides,hauledherintohisarmsandkissedher.

~~~

Hannahhadneverbeenmoresurprisedthanbythiskiss.Judehadlookedreallyupsetforagoodlong

momentwhenshe’dopenedthedoorfromthebalcony.Nowshewasinhisarms,herheartbeatinghardin
herchest.She’dwonderedwhatitwouldbeliketoseehimagainaftersuchextraordinarylovemaking
earlierthatmorning.

Nowsheknew.
Sheslidherarmsaroundhisneckandrespondedinkind,strokinghisbackbeneathhisclasped

Guardsmanhair,nibblingathislips,savoringwhenhedrovehistongueagainsthers.

Shehadn’texpectedtobecaughtupinanembracefirstthing,butshelovedit.
HerhearthadwarmedtoJudeoverthepasttwodays.She’dlongedforhimbefore,andlovedhim

verymuchasagoodfriend,butrightnow,oh,God,shewasprettysureshewasfallinginlovewithhim,
alltheway,hard.

Whenhedrewback,helookedasconfusedaseverashepushedherhairawayfromherface.“I

hadn’tmeanttodothat,butthemomentIsawyou,itseemedliketheonlythingIcoulddo.”

“I’veneverhadamoreperfectgreeting,andImeanthat.”
Hekissedheragain,andifNathanhadn’tbeenroamingthelowerrooms,straighteningupforthe

meetings,shefeltcertaintheywouldhavebeenheadedforaquickie.

Shealmostsuggestedtheyretireoncemoretohisbedroom,butNathancameinandsaidthattheCivic

Coalitionleadershadjuststartedtoarrive.“I’mmakinglotsofcoffee.You’dbettergoinandstartlaying
feathers.You’vegotacoupletrollshop-steppingwithsteamcomingouttheirears.Thesamequestion
keepsgettingasked:‘Whyweren’ttheytold’?”

“Gotit.”
DespiteNathan’spresence,Judekissedheragain,thoughthistime,hedidn’tlinger.
Onherown,shereturnedtothebalcony,enjoyingthesunasitmadeitswayslowlyintothewest.In

earlysummer,thisfarnorth,ittookawhileforfulldarktoarrive.Shepulledherphonefromherjeans

andcalledtheGoldRush.Ameliashutthedoortoherofficeagainstwhatsoundedlikeariotous,happy
hourcrowdsoshecouldtalk.

Hannahfeltthesmallestpangthatshewasn’tthere.SheknewsomanypeopleinPortTownsendand

hadasmanyhumanregularsasrealm.Morethanoneromancehadblossomed,whichremindedherthat
thebridewho’dbeenassaultedbyMargettahadannouncedherengagementattheGoldRush.

“Soundslikethegangisallthere.”
“Yes,andthattrollisbackwhogetsstinkingdrunkthendancesonthebar.”
“Youcan’tblamehim.Theyusetheirfeetforexpression.”
“It’sasafetyhazard,”Ameliagrowled.Despiteheroverallfreespiritedness,shehadherrulesand

didn’tlikeanyoneoverrunningthem.

HannahrealizedjusthowmuchshelovedthekindsofproblemsshehadatherbarcomparedtoJude’s

regularnightmare.Herheartfeltcrushedsuddenlywiththeknowledgeabouthowmuchherlifehad
changed.Shewantedtogobackbadly,tothewaythingswerebeforethewraith-pairattackedJude
outsideherbar.

DrawingherthoughtsbacktotheGoldRush,shesaid,“Well,haveHectorkeepaneyeonhim.”Her

bouncercouldeasilyholdthetrollintheairwithonehandifheneededto.HewasaGuardsman-sized
shifterwho’dfallenoutwithhispackandnowlivedinPortTownsendyearround.Hannahhadhelped
himgetaspecialU.S.visabecauseheworkedforher.

Shetrustedrealm-folk,butlikehumans,sometimesalcoholcouldmakethembehavelikeidiots.And

Hector,blesshim,tookcareofbusinesseverynight.

“He’salreadyonit.”
Hannahthenexplainedwhathadbeenhappening.Ameliawhistledacoupleoftimesthensaidshe’d

knownafewthingsalreadybecauseoneofthefaehadbroughtinacopyoftheKellcasseChronicle.
“Yourasslooksstellarinthatphoto,bytheway,andallyourfriendsaregoingtobesojealouswhenthey
seethatyou’rewrappedupinMastyrJude’sarms.”

Ashiverwentthroughherfrompuredesirethatkeptexplodinginherchestforthevampire.Playingit

safe,shesaid,“He’sagoodmanandwe’recaughtinsomethingwe’reeachtryingtofigureout.It’s…
veryrealm.”Shehadn’tgoneintodetailaboutherfire-gift.Shecouldn’tquitebringthewordstoherlips.

Ameliawassilentforamoment,thensaid,“Hannah,canIofferyouapieceofadvice?”
“Sure.”Sinceherwildgirlfriendandmanagertendedtospeakwaytoomuchtruthwhenshesether

mindtoit,Hannahwasn’tallthatanxioustohearherthoughts.

“Well,I’vebeenwantingtosaythistoyouforalongtime,buthereitis:Youletthatasshole,Mark

Jackson,ruinyouforothermen.IfitlookslikeMastyrJude,despitehisexaltedstationasrulerof
Kellcasse,wantstodateyou,thenyoushouldlethim.You’vekeptyourselfallbottledup.Markwasa
controlfreakandJudeisn’t.Despitethefactthathelikeshiswayinmostthings,healwayshasaneyeto
whatothersneed,andIknowthatwouldincludeyou.AndtheChroniclecanjustsuckit.”

Hannahhadstoppedbreathing.AllheroldfeelingsofresentmentandevenfearaboutwhatMarkhad

donetoherandhisconstantinfringementonherfreedom,madehertenseup.Atthesametime,sheknew
Ameliawasright.She’dletMark’sbadbehavioraffectherlifeandherchoiceswaytoomuch.

CouldshehavealifewithJude?ButhowwouldthatworkifshekeptrunningherbarinPort

TownsendwhileJudefoughttheInvictusinKellcasse?Ofcourse,theydidhaveoneobviousthingin
common:Theybothworkedatnight.

Therewasthat.
“I’llthinkaboutwhatyou’vesaid,butIneedyoutoknowthatIwon’tbebacktonight,andI’mnot

surewhenthissituationwillgetresolved.”

“I’vegoteverythingundercontrol.WecantalkeachafternoonandifIneedtopickuptheslackon

ordering,Icandothataswell.”

“Iknowyoucan.Andthanks,Amelia.IknewIcouldrelyonyou.”
Whenshehungup,shecalledLongenessandaskedhimtocoordinatewithSandy,whosupervisedthe

communicationscenterinherbar.Longeness,intrueform,saidhe’dalreadymadearrangementsfor
SandytobringonanotherpersontoreplacewhatSandycalled‘Hannah’shovering’.

Hannahlaughed.“Okay,soI’malittlehandson.”
Longenesslaughed.“You’reperfect.Don’teverchange,andpleaseignoretheChronicle.”
“Iplanto.They’rejusttryingtosellpapersandincitetensionssotheycansellevenmorepapers.”
“Yougotthatright.”
“Andhow’syourwife?”
Sheheardasighthatsoundedveryaffectionate.“She’sbeenhavingalotofearlylabor.Herdoctor

thinksourboyswillbehereeitherthisweekornext.”

Thethoughtofbabies,readytobeborn,madeherheartsqueezeupreallytight,andshehadthat

horriblethoughtagain,HowmanybabiesdidJudewant?

Whenhadshebecomesofemale?
“Ihopeyouinvitemetothebaby-naming.”
“Weabsolutelywill.Youknowthat.”
Sheletherheartsettledownthenbidhimgood-bye.
Thesunhadfinallydroppedwellbelowthehorizon,andthestarswerecomingout.Shelefther

sunningchairandmovedbackintothekitchen-living-area-combo,whereNathanwaspreparingatrayof
dolma.Shejerkedherheadinthedirectionofthelivingroom.“How’sitgoinginthere?”

“Well,hegotthetrollsdownfromhop-steppingtojustslidingtheirfeetbackandforth.”
“That’sabigimprovement.”
“He’llbringthemround,especiallywithpartoftheAshleafVampireGuardheadedinsoon.Abigger

presencewillhelpeasealotoffears.Coffee?”

“Yes,thankyou.”
“I’llgetyouafreshcup.”
ShehadnothingtodonowbutwaituntilJudefinishedupwithhismeeting.Shemovedtothewindow

seatandsatdownontheupholsteredbench,onekneeonthecushion,theotherlegdanglingovertheside.

Nathanbroughtherthecoffee,andshesettledintothinkandreflect,hergazecastoverthelake.There

wasnoprettierview.Herimprovedrealmvisionsawmorecolorthanever,eventhoughitwasnighttime.
Thelakeappeareddarkblueandthehillsweremadeupofavarietyofgreensreflectingtheshadesofthe
varioustreesandshrubs.Inaddition,therewerealotofrhododendronsstillflowering,whichcoloredup
thelandscapewithspraysofwhite,purpleandpink.

Butwhatcharmedherthemostwereallthevillageswithlightsglowinginwindowsanddoorways,

onstreets,andpatios.Notallrealm-folkhadexcellentnight-vision.

Asshesipped,shefeltherbloodroseabilitysuddenlyvibrate,averysoftsensation,butshecouldn’t

quiteunderstandthereason,unlessofcourseJudeneededtofeed.Shehadn’treallydiscussedwithhim
howoftenhewouldneedtotapintohervein.Theverythoughtofhisfangsbitinghernecksentasurgeof
desireflowingthroughher,andoncemoreherbloodrose-nessresponded.Aflushdriftedoverherskinas
well.

Itwouldseemwhatshewasasabloodrosealsotranslatedtoherfire-gift.
Withoutgivingitmuchthought,shesethercoffeecupdownandleftthewindowseat.Sheheadedout

tothebalcony,crossingtothefarwesternside,whichhadalongflightofstairsbrokenbytwolandings.

Butwhenshemadeherwaydownthestonesteps,herheartsuddenlyfeltladenagain.MaybeJude

reallydidneedtofeed.

Awalkmighteaseher.Atleastthat’swhatherrationalmindthought.Butherbodyseemedtohavea

verydedicatedpurposethathadnotyettranslatedtoherbrain.

Sheturnedabruptlyinasouthwesterlydirection.She’dneverseentheplacewhereJude’swifeand

daughterwereburied,thoughsheknewitwasintheorchard.Butherthoughtsweren’tonJude’sgrief-
strickenpast,butonsomethingelseshedidn’tunderstand.Shefeltreallywarmagain,andtheveinather
throatthrobbed.

Thensherealizedthatsomeonewasalreadyintheorchard.
Again,herfeetseemedtoknowexactlywheretogoandbeforelongshesawaGuardsmanfrom

behind,wearingthetraditionalcoat,hislongdarkhaircaughtinaclaspatthebackofhisneck.Something
aboutthesetofhisshouldersandhisbowedheadspoketoherofakindofdespairevenJudedidn’t
possess.Herheart,alwaysreadytojumpwithgreattendernesstoanyoneinpain,startedreachingtoward
him.

Hisshouldersstraightenedsuddenly,andhelookedaround.
Sheaimedhertelepathyathim.I’mhere.Now,whyhadshespokenthosewordsexactly?
Whenheturnedinherdirection,sherecognizedMastyrMalikofAshleafRealm.Ofcoursesheknew

him.HewasoneofJude’sclosestfriends.HeandMastyrSethofWalvashorrsatatthetopofthelist.

“Malik,”shesaid,surprisingherselfthatshe’daddressedhimsoinformally.
“Hannah?SweetGoddess,stayback.”Heevenheldupahand.
Butherfeetwouldn’tletherdoanythingelsebutmoveinhisdirection.“Icanfeelyourblood

starvation.Letmetakecareofyou?”

Herheartpoundednowinherthroat,andbythetimeshewasteenfeetaway,shecravedMalik,

neededhim,feltasthoughshe’ddieifhedidn’tcometoher.

Butheheldouthispalmandasoftbluelightmethergaze,forcinghertostop,preventingherfrom

reachinghimnomatterhowhardshetried.

“Hannah,pleasestaywereyouare.Oh,SweetGoddess,Icansmellyourblood.”Helookedasthough

hewasinpain.

Shehadtobreachthedistancesomehow,togivehimwhatheneeded.Itwasimperativefortheentire

realmthatsheservehimwithherbloodandherbody.

Ifhewouldn’tcometoher,shewantedhimtoseeher,soshestrippedoffherblouse.
“Hannah,don’t!”

~~~

JudeheldthedoorfortheCivicleaders.He’dachievedwhathe’dwanted,theircooperationand

understandinginatoughsituation.Andhe’dbeenrightaboutonething;havingMalikandpartofhis
Guardalreadyonthewayhadeasedtensionslikenothingelsecouldhave.

He’dalsogiventhemveryspecificdescriptionsofwhatthemistlookedlikeandtohavetheircounty

teamspatrollingeachvillageforanysignofmistandtoalerttheKellcasseCommunicationCenterno
matterhowinsignificantthemist-signmightseem.Healsoknewtherewouldbemanyfalsereports,but
hisGuardsmenflewfastandtheshifterbrigadecouldmovelikethewind,sohe’dbeabletoputeyeson
anysightingassoonasMargettamadeanotherattempt.

Butwhenheshutthedoor,Malikbustedthroughhistelepathy.Getouttotheorchard!Ican’thold

Hannahoffmuchlonger!

Holyfuck!WhatwasHannahdoingoutthere?Hethenrealizedhehadn’twarnedher.He’dbeentoo

caughtupinkissingherthathe’dforgottentoletherknowMalikwascomingandtostayaway.

Juderantothesidedoor,pulleditopen,thenflewasfastashecouldintotheorchard.Abluebattle

lightguidedhimstraightin,andhewasshockedtofindthatMalik,sweatingprofuselywitheffort,was
holdingHannahoffwithalowlevelofhisbattlefrequency.

TakingholdofHannah’sarmsfrombehind,heshouted,“Malik,getthehelloutofhere.Headtomy

trainingcenter.Fuck,Ishouldhavesentyouthereinthefirstplace.”

Malikdidn’twaitbutlaunchedintotheairanddisappeared.
HeturnedHannahinhisarmsandsawtheflushcoveringherbareneckandchest,andtheveinpulsing

atherthroat.“Jude,helpme.Please.”Shewasbreathinghard,struggling.

Shewrappedherarmsaroundhisneckandkissedhim.Fuckme,Jude.Feedfromme.Shewas

completelyarousedanddesperate,herbreastsexposed,hernipplespeaked.Hegroanedbecausehecould
smellherblood,thatshe’dcreatedafreshsupply.Hecouldalsofeelheragonybecauseshe’dbeenso
caughtupinherblood-rose-drivetowardMalik.

I’lltakecareofyou.Hequicklyunbuttonedandunzippedherjeans.Hehadtoreleasehertogether

shoesandpantsoff.

Hecaughtherbetweenherlegswithhispalmandshegroanedashemassagedher.Buthisownneed,

withthesmellofherbloodinhisnostrils,rampedupandhedidhisownunzipping.

Oncehehadhisslacksbelowhisass,hebackedheruptoatreebutkeptonearmbehindherto

cushionher.Heliftedherhipswithhisfreehandandshequicklywrappedherlegsaroundhiswaist.
Whenheguidedhisalreadystiffcocktoherentranceandbegantopushinside,shegroanedheavily.

He’dneverbeensoout-of-control,soheatedupinhislifeashebegantopumpsteadily.
Hannahwaspanting,herwellgrippinghimandpullingonhim,herneedasprofoundashisown.
Thesmellofherblood,lacedwiththesweetscentofrosesandtherichscentoftheseashore,hadhim

nuzzlingherneck,lickinguphervein.

“Jude,drinkfromme.Myheartisfull,readyforyou.”
HecouldfeelthathersupplyhadalmostdoubledandallbecauseofMalik.
SomedarkpartofhisbrainfilledwithragetowardMalikthathe’dbeensoclosetoHannah,another

mastyrreadytotakehisfill.

Hepumpedfasteranddeeper,needingHannahtofeelhimandtoknowshebelongedtohimandtono

otherman.Hismatingfrequencyshotforwardaswellandpenetratedherbody,seekingherfrequency.
Findingit,hewrappedherup.

Takeme,Jude.Helpme.Takeme.Herdesperationfueledhim.
Heangledhisheadandstruckhervein,hittingtherightdepth.Hethenformedasealaroundthe

woundswithhismouthandbegantosuck.You’remine,Hannah.Youdon’tbelongtoanyoneelse.You’re
nevertofeedanyoneelse,shareyourbody,oryourmatingfrequency.

Shepantedasshegrippedhisshirt,tearingatit,forcingthebuttonstopopuntilshecouldpushthe

fabricawayanddighernailsintohisshoulders.I’myours,Jude.Idon’twantanyoneelse.I’myours,
makemeyours.

Hedrankdeeplyforseveralminutes,holdinghisorgasmoff.Waitingwasdamnhard,buthewantedto

finishhisfeedingbeforehebroughthertoaclimax.

Shewhimpered,asthoughinagony,butshepantedthroughoutanddidn’turgehim.
Whenhe’dhadhisfillandherhearthadreturnedtonormal,hedrewbacktolookintopassion-filled,

violeteyes.Hebracedonearmonthetreeaboveherheadandasherlegsgrippedhiswaist,hebeganthe
pushtotheend.

Hethrustwithdeepcurlsofhishipssothathecouldhitherjustright.Sheheldhisgazeandhecould

senseherpassionrisinghigherandhigheruntilshewasgaspingforbreath.“Jude,I’mready.”

Headdedavibrationtohiscock,whichmadehergasp,thenspeededuphisthrusts.Hermouth

openedandhequicklycoveredherlipswithhishand.Youcanscreamagainstmypalm.

Sheletloose,andherbodywrithedagainsthisashepumpedintoher.Herorgasmputafiredeepin

hissac,andthenextmoment,hisreleaseexplodedthroughhiscock,alightningstreakofpleasureso
profoundthathecouldn’tcontaintheroar.Hannahwashiswoman.Hewasmarkingher.Shebelonged
onlytohim.

HekeptroaringandHannahscreamedandcriedoutagainsthispalmasecstasytookhimintothe

worldbeyond.

Afteralongmoment,hisbodysettleddownandHannahnolongerpanted.
Butallwasnotwellwithher.Hecouldfeelitinhisbones.
Whenhereleasedhermatingfrequency,sheutteredanunhappy,“ThankGodforthat.”
Hedidn’tknowwhatexactlywaswronguntilshelookedupathimwithtearsinhereyes.“Jude,I

don’twantthistobemylife.Imean,Ilovehavingsexwithyou,butthisisalltoomuch.Iwasdriven
towardMalikthewayI’vebeendriventowardyou.Thisisn’tright,itisn’tfairanditisn’twhatIwant.”

Shepushedathisshoulders.
“Holdonforjustaminute.”Hetookoffhistornshirtandasheeasedoutofher,hepressedhisshirt

betweenherlegs.“I’msorry,Hannah.IaskedMaliktocometotheorchardthinkingyou’dbewellaway
fromhim.ButIforgottotellyouhewascoming.Itdidn’toccurtomethatyou’dsensehispresenceand
seekhimout.ThisismyfaultandI’msorry.”

Hershouldersdrooped.“Ithinkyoumissedmypoint.Jude,Iabsolutelyhatenothavingcontrolofmy

ownlife,myowndestiny.AndIwanttogohome.Now.”

ChapterSeven

HannahflewwithJudebackinthedirectionofPortTownsend.HenowworehisGuarduniformand

frownedheavily.Hewasn’tahappycamper,butrightnowshedidn’tcare.

Afterchangingherclothesandpackingupherthings,she’daskedthathereturnhertotheGoldRush

sothatshecouldgetbacktoherlife.Shewasdonewiththishorrible,sicksituation.He’djusthaveto
figureoutsomewayofdealingwithMargettaandhermistbyhimself.Asforothermastyrvampires,Jude
hadbettergethisshittogetherandfigureouthowheandhismencouldkeephersafe.

Shewasdone.
Shehadherarmaroundhisneck,butwishedshedidn’thavetobesoclosetohim.
TherecentexperiencewhenshelostcompletecontrolofherwillinfacingMalikhadthrownallher

feel-goodupintotheair.She’dspokenexactlyrightwhenshe’dsaidshehatednothavingcontrolofher
owndestiny.Butdrivenasshe’dbeentowardMalik,madeherdistrusteverythingabouthercurrent
experiencewithJude.Howtruewereanyofheremotionsrightnow,orhis?Iftheycompletedtheblood-
rosebond,wouldtheysuddenlydiscoverthey’dbeentrickedintoalong-termrelationshipthatneitherof
themreallywanted?

Ifsheunderstoodtheprocess,basedonwhatthewomenontheloopsaid,oncethatbondwas

completeditwouldbepermanent.Andrightnowtheonlyadvantageshecouldseeinhavingtheirmating
vibrationslockintoplace,wasendingforeverherdesireforothermastyrvampiresortheirdrivetoward
her.

Bigfuckingdeal.
Sheknewshewasn’tentirelyrational,butshewasenragedbywhathadhappened.She’dfinally

awakenedtotherealitythatifshecontinueddownthispath,she’dbondwithJudejustoutofadesperate
needtokeepothermastyrsawayfromher.

Allheroptionsappearedtobegone.
Hannah,wecanfigurethisoutforyou.Idon’tcareabouthowthisaffectsme,orhavingmyblood-

needsmet.ButIdocarethatyoufeelasthoughyou’vebeenstrippedofyourchoices.WhatcanIdoto
makethisright?

Isthatyourphoneringing?sheasked.
Yes,butI’mnotgoingtoanswerit.Heslowedhisspeeddown.TalktomeHannah.Please.You’re

importanttomeonsomanylevels.You’remyfriendandIcareaboutyou.Iknowyoudidn’taskfor
this,but…

You’rethinkingaboutMargetta.
Hannah,weneedyourightnow.Atleastuntilwegetthemistthingfiguredout.I’veputsomeofmy

bestfaeontheproblem,andVojaliesaidshewouldcontacttheSidheCounciltoseeifaspellmightbe
concoctedtocounterthemist’seffects.Thisdifficultsituationisjusttemporary,butweneedtostick
together.

Hiswordshadacalmingeffectandshestartedtorelax.Sheknewshewasoverreacting,butthe

eventsofthepasttwodayshadstartedtakingatoll,andshedidn’tknowjusthowmuchmoreshecould
take.ShelikedMastyrMalikandknewhimwellbecauseJudehadbroughthimtotheGoldRushatleasta
dozentimesoverthepastcoupleofyears.Andshewascompletelyembarrassedbyherconductand
distressedthatshe’dcausedMaliktofeelaninappropriatedrivetowardher.

Ifhehadn’tkeptherawaywithalowsettingofhisbattlefrequency,shewouldhaveclimbedallover

himandbeggedhimtofeed.

Anddootherthings.
Hercheeksgrewhotanduncomfortableasshethoughtaboutit.
AsJudedrewclosetotheaccesspoint,theguardswavedthemthrough.Thetunnelofmistthatmade

uptheconnectingpointbetweenworldsappearedandJudeflewthemstraightin.

Butastheyemergedfromthemisttunnel,andPortTownsendcameintoview,Hannahgaveacry.A

terribleblackplumeofsmokerosenearthedocks.“Jude,hurry.Ihavetheworstfeeling.”

Bythetimethey’dcrossedhalfthedistanceovertheSound,Hannahfeltherheartsinkintoher

stomach.“TheGoldRushisonfire.”

Oncetheywerefiftyyardsaway,HannahaskedJudetoremainintheairsoshecouldseewhatwas

goingon.Shefishedherphonefromherpocketandrealizedshe’dturnedtheringeroffandnowhada
dozenmessagesfromAmeliaandSandy,nodoubttellingheraboutthefire.

Shecouldn’tbelievewhatwashappening.Theblazeengulfedtheentirebuilding.Thoughtwofire

truckssprayedmassiveamountsofwateronthesite,thebuildingwastoofargoneforanythingtobe
salvaged.

Herthroatfeltlikesheworeanoose.
Buttherewasonethingsheneededtoknow.
ShecalledAmelia.Thetough-as-nailswomanwhonevercriedcouldbarelycontrolheremotionsas

shespoke.“Hannah,I’msosorry.Idon’tknowwhathappened.Thesmokealarmswentoffthenthe
automaticsprinklers.Everyonewasracingtogetoutsidenotsomuchbecauseofthefire,butbecauseof
thesprinklers.Noonegothurt,thankGod,butthefirespreadsofast.”

“Dideveryonegetout?”
“Ithinkso.”Shetookamomenttoblowhernose.“Allthestaff,forsure.AndIranthroughtheentire

building,checkingbathroomstalls,thesupplyclosets,thebunkroom,everywherethatIcouldthinkof.By
then,thefirejustkeptgettingstrongereventhoughthewaterwaspouringallovereverything.Hannah,
evenifthefirehadn’tdestroyedmostofyourstuff,thewaterhasdonesomuchdamage.I’msick.I’mjust
sosick.

“TheFireMarshallisprettysureitwasarson.Byhisguess,someonepouredaccelerantallaround

theoutsideofthebuilding.Hecan’taccountforasudden,engulfingblazeotherwise.Buttherewillbean
investigation.Heevenaskedifyouhadenemies.”

Didshehaveenemies?Justonemajorpiece-of-workthatmovedwithabeautifulgoldenlightand

createdmistfromherlimbs.Itdidn’ttakeageniustofigureoutwhowasbehindthisblatantattackonher.
ButwhatdidMargettahopetogainbyburningdowntheGoldRush?Itwasjustabar.Ahumanbar.

AnditwasreallyimportanttoHannah.
Maybethatwasthepoint.Margettahadhitherwhereithurt.
“Whereareyou?”Hannahasked,searchingthecrowdbelow.Needlesstosay,peoplehadcomefrom

allovertowitnesswhatformostwouldprobablybeaonceinalifetimeevent.“I’mintheairwith
MastyrJude.Waveifyoucan.”

“Okay,I’mwaving.”
Thepolicecarsatthescenehadtapedoffalongsectionaroundthebuildingtokeepthepeopleback,

soittookafewsecondstofinallyseeAmeliaflippingherarmbackandforth.Somehowiteasedherto
seehermanagerwaving.“Iseeyou.I’lljoinyouinaminute.”

StillholdingJude’sneck,sheshovedherphonebackintoherpocket.

~~~

Judefeltsomethingimportantslippingawayfromhimsofastthathisbrainscrambled.Ithadbeen

suchalongtimesincehe’dbeenthisclosetoawomanthathe’dhonestlyforgottenhowtofunction,how
tothinkintermsofher,howtoreact.

Despitethefactthatinhisgutheknewhewasdoingthewrongthing,hediditanywayandpulled

Hannahclose.“Ican’tletyougo.Youhavetostaywithme.Atleastfornow.”

Shepulledherarmfromaroundhisneck.“Ineedtobewithmypeople.Theirliveshavebeenturned

upsidedown.Myentirestaff.Andbytheway,Ameliasaidtherewasnoreasonforthefireandthatthe
captainsaiditwasprobablyarson.Ofcoursewebothknowwho’sbehindthis.ButwhatIdon’tgetis
whyMargettagivesarat’sassabouttheGoldRush,unlessshe’sjustavindictivebitchbesidesbeinga
flamingpsychopath.AndifIhadn’thadthesprinklersinorder,everyoneinsidewouldhavedied.You
havetoletmego.”

Hereyeswerewildandshestartedpushingagainsthim.Shehadnorealphysicalabilitytoescapehis

hold,butshepushedanyway.“Hannah,don’tdothis.”

“Letmego,Jude,please.Cutmesomeslack.Ijustlostmybar.”
“We’llreplaceit,Hannah,Ipromiseyou.Weknowwho’satfaulthere,whichisonemorereasonto

sticktogetherrightnow.Margettaisapsychobutshe’salsodeliberateinwhatshedoes.Shehadareason
fordoingthis.”

“Putmedownnow!”
Judefeltdesperate.Hedidn’tknowhowtoreachHannah,thoughhesureashelldidn’tblameherfor

fighting.

Hesawsomethingflashatthecornerofhiseye.Turningtolook,hesawnothing,buthealmostlost

holdofHannah,whostartedslippingdownhisbody.Hecaughtherquickly.

Sheyelledathim.“Whatareyoudoing?YouknowIcan’tfly.Youhavetolowermetotheparking

lot.”

“IthoughtIsawsomething.”
“Youdid:Mylifeburnedtotheground.”
Whenheheardthecatchinhervoice,herealizedthattearswererollingdownhercheeks.
Butanotherflashdistractedhim.Yet,oncemorewhenheturnedtolook,nothingwasthere.Whatthe

hellwasgoingon?

“Whyareyoushiftingaroundinthatweirdway?”
“Becausesomethingrealmishereandit’snotgood.”
“Justletmego.”
Heheardthesadnessandtheresignationinhervoice.Hehatedthathislifehadintrudedonhersin

suchawaythatshe’dlostsomuch.

“Fine,butletmecomewithyou.”
Hedescendedslowly,droppingdownbetweenarowofcars.Butassoonashereleasedher,she

sprintedaway.Hefollowedswiftlyafter,butjustlikethatthreewraith-pairsappearedinfrontofhim,
cuttinghimoff.

“Hannah!”heshouted,knowingfull-wellthattheburningoftheGoldRushwasjustaployandthat

shewasindanger.Butshedidn’trespond.

TheInvictusbeganreleasingredstreaksofbattleenergy,sothathehadnowaytogettoHannah

exceptthroughthem.Heraisedhisblueenergyshield,whichwhenstruckbythewraith-pairs’energy,
deflectedandstartedbouncingoffcars,makingafireworksshowoutoftheparkinglot.

Heswitchedtobattlemodeandfocusedonlyontheworkthatneededtobedoneinfrontofhim.Ifhe

workedfast,maybehecouldreachHannahbeforeanythinghappenedtoher.

Hegearedupandsentenergyburstsinquicksuccessionthatstruckthewraithsandtheirmates.Two

pairfellproneimmediately.

Hewasn’tamastyrfornothing.
ButtheremainingInvictuspairfoughton,morecunningthanthetwothathadfallen.Thensuddenlya

goldenlightappearedandinaflashthatalmostblindedhim,allthreepairweresweptacrosstheSound
towardtheaccesspoint.

Inthatmoment,heknewhewastoolate.
“Hannah!”heshouted.
Heroseintotheair,searchingforher,butdidn’tseeheranywhere.“Hannah!”
Thegoldlightreturned.“Shecan’thearyou,Jude.She’salreadyhalfwayacrossKellcassebynow.I

foundalesserMastyrlookingforanicehook-up,whohappilytaggedalongandtookHannahintoyour
realm.He’llbepleasedabouttheboostinpowerwhenhebondswithyourwoman.It’sjusttoobadyou
couldn’tcontrolher.”

Andjustlikethat,thegoldlightwinkedoutandMargettawasgone.
AstrongoceanbreezeofftheStraitblewacrossJude’sback.Herosehighintheaironcemore,

higherandhigher,andawayfromthecrowdsthathadgatheredtowatchhimbattletheInvictus.

Nowhewasjustalone,levitatingabovethelastflickersoftheburningbarandthesoundofthewater

stillbeingsprayedoverthecollapsedbuilding.

HemadehiswaybackacrosstheSoundinthedirectionoftheaccesspoint.Whenhearrived,he

foundtheaccesspointguardsdead,theirthroatscut,andshowingnosignsofhavingfoughtback.

Margettahadbroughthermistandkilledagain.
HereachedforMaliktelepathically,andamomentlater,Malikopenedhismind.Jude.Everything

okay?

We’vegotadisaster.Hethengavehimabriefupdate.IhavetofindHannah.
I’llletLongenessknowwhat’sgoingon.
Goodplacetostart,butI’vegottothink.
JudeslowedhisflightasheshutthecommunicationwithLongenessdown,knowinghewasinastate

ofshock.Thatoldexpressionrosewithinhismindthathe’djusthadtherugpulledoutfromunderhim.

Heneededtofindhisfootingandheneededitfast.HepathedMalikthistime.Meetmeonthe

balconyatCastleIsland.

I’mtwominutesout.
Takingthefirststephelpedtocenterhisbrain.Hewasn’tsurewhathewasgoingtodoyet,buttalking

thingsoverwithafellowmastyroftenbroughtclarity.

Hepickeduphisspeedandflewfasterthanheeverhadbefore,risinghighintotheairtoavoidtrees

orhillsoranyofhisGuardsmenoutonpatrol.

Afewminuteslater,hetoucheddownonthestonepaversofhiscastlehouse.
Malikwasthere,hisexpressionintent,eyeswild.“Ican’tbelievethishappened.”
Judeshookhishead.“Iknow.I’dexpectedanothermistattack,butnotMargetta,arson,andtheGold

Rush.”

Malikfrowned.“It’snotlikeyoutoletsomethinglikethistakeyoubysurprise.Whathappened?”
Judeshovedhishandthroughhishair,dislodgingthewovenclasp.“Hannahwasreallydistressed,

demandingtobetakenhomeafterwhathappenedhere.”Hewavedinthedirectionofthepeachorchard.
“Shedidn’tevenwantmearound.Icouldn’tmakesenseofwhatIneededtosaytoher.Itallturnedintoa
fight,andIwascompletelydistractedwhenMargetta,throughthesebriefflashesoflight,broughtinthree
wraith-pairs.”Hegrittedhisteeth.OneoftheworstthingsaGuardsmancouldeverdowasgetdistracted.

NowHannahwasintheclutchesofamadwoman.

Judeleanedovertherailing,thewovenclaspinhishands.“AndthefuckifIknowwhattodo.”
MalikputhishandonJude’sshoulder.“Yourmenandmineareouthuntingforhernow.Ifshe’s

anywhereintherealm,we’llfindher.Bepatient.”

Patient.SweetGoddess,hisheartwasbangingaroundinhischestsohardthathisribshurt.He

couldn’tbearthethoughtofHannahsufferingbecauseofMargetta’sinsanity.

Hetookseveraldeepbreaths,forcinghishearttocalmdownsothathecouldthinkstraight.Hannah

wasasurvivorandquickonherfeet.Shewouldfindawaytostayaliveifshecould.Andshehadpower,
morethansheknew.Hehadtotrustinthat,andtrustinherabilitytomanageherselfuntilhecouldfind
her.

Attheveryleast,hecouldtrytocontacthertelepathically,thoughhehadnowayofknowingif

Margettacouldintercepttheirmind-to-mindconversation.Hedecidedtotaketheleapanyway.Bestcase
scenario,Hannahmightbeabletotellhimwhereshewas.

Hannah,hesentthroughtheairwaves.Hannah?Canyouhearme?
Jude,thankGod.Idon’tknowwhattodo.
Juderecalledthatamastyrhadtakenher.Hasthatvampirehurtyou?
What?
Themastyrthatabductedyou.DidyouhaveadrivetowardhimlikeyoudidwithMalik?
Yes,butthenIthoughtofyouanditgavemethestrengthtobringforwardmyfire-power.I

scorchedhimsohe’sleavingmealonefornow.

Judecouldn’thelpit.Hesmiled.Proudofyou.
Jude,youneedtostayawayfromme.Margetta’shereandshe’swaitingforyou.It’satrap.Abig

one.Shedoesn’tknowit,butIcanseethatshehasahundredwraith-pairshiddenbehindsomekindof
cloak.Pleasedon’tcomeafterme.It’syoushewantsdead.

Judestooduprightandbeganpullinghishairback,securingtheclasponcemore.Heturnedtomeet

Malik’sintense,browneyes,thenrelayedwhatHannahhadjusttoldhim.

“Canyoufindoutwheresheis?”Malikasked.
“Iwill.Butnoneofourguardsmenortheshifterswillbeabletofindthem.Margettahasapowerful

shieldinplace.”

“SweetGoddess.”
“Justgivemeamoment.”Juderecalledwhatithadbeenliketofindhiswifeanddaughtermurdered

inthepeachorchard.Inthatsplit-second,hislifehadalteredcompletely.

Thesamethingwashappeningtohimrightnow,thatalltheeventsofthepasttwodayshadoverturned

hisdesiresandlifecompletely.Hejusthadn’tseenit.

Hismindfinallypulledtogetherasherealizedthatthepassionthathaderuptedsoswiftlybetween

Hannahandhimselfwasn’tbecauseshewasabloodrose.He’dbeeninlovewithherformonths,
possiblyevenyears.

Duringallthattime,she’dfilledaholeinhislifelongbeforehe’dtakenherintohisbed.She’dbeen

hisfriendandhiscoworker,andacoupletimeswhenhe’dbeendrunk,she’dputhimtobedinthe
bunkroom.He’dtoldherthenthathelovedher.Herememberedthatmuch,despitehisbeer-blastedmind,
buthe’dpretendedlaterthatthewordshadn’tbeensaid.

Hisheartbegantowarmwithlong-suppressedfeelings.He’dheldtohiscommitmentnottobecome

involvedwithanotherwomanuntiltheInvictusweregroundintotheearth.Howironicthatinthiscase,if
he’dobeyedhisheartandbondedwithHannah,shewouldn’tbeinMargetta’sclutches.Theirunitywould
haveprotectedthemboth.Hewouldn’thavebeendistractedandtheycouldhavefacedthefireattheGold
Rushtogether.

Instead,herfearofbeingcontrolledandhisresistancetolovingherhadbroughtjustenoughofa

dividethatMargettahadbeenabletowalkrightinandabducther.

Hischestgrewtight.Hiseyesburned.Whatwouldhedoifanythinghappenedtoher?Hedidn’tthink

hecouldbearlosingasecondwife.

Assoonasthatexactphrasewentthroughhismind,heknewhe’dbeenfoolinghimselfaboutHannah

becausehealreadythoughtofherashiswomanand,yes,hiswife.Andhe’dfeltthatwayforalongtime.

Andofcourseitwasjustlikeher,theselflesspersonheknewhertobe,totellhimnottocometoher

aidandthathe’dbewalkingintoatrap.Hannahhadoneofthemostgenerousspiritshe’deverknown.
Shewasawomanoffireandofgreatpowerbecauseofthatspirit.Hercurrentgiftmerelyreflectedwho
shewasinherlife.

HemetMalik’sgazeoncemore.“I’mgoingtofindoutwheresheis,andifIhaveto,I’lltakeher

placeinMargetta’slittledrama.”

Malikstaredathimforalong,hardmoment,thenstraightenedhisshouldersasthoughpreparingfor

battle.Dowhatyouneedtodo.I’vegotyourback.

Judelovedthebrotherhoodofhisfellowmastyrs.
Noddingonce,Judeturnedinward.Hannah,I’mcomingforyouifIhavetohuntthroughthisrealm

day-and-night.Andyoudon’tgetasayinthat.ButI’dratherfindyourightnowwhenI’mpoweredby
thebloodyousharedwithme,thanstruggleforhourstogetyourlocation.IhaveMalikwithmeand
we’llbringallourforcestobearonMargetta’sarmy.Remember,I’vebeenbattlingMargettaandher
kindoftwohundredyears,sopleasetellmewhereyouare.

~~~
HannahstoodatthefootofthebeautifulstonebridgeJudehadshownherthenightbeforewhenhe’d

flownherthroughhisrealm.Shouldshejusttellhimwhereshewas?

ThemastyrwhohadabductedherfromPortTownsend,layburnedandshiveringatherfeet.The

momenthe’dtoucheddownreadytodrinkfromher,she’dmadeherdecisionandletloosewithaswathe
offlamesthatfriedhim.Shecouldn’thavedoneitsoonerorshewouldhavefallentoherdeath.

Margetta,whostoodtenfeetaway,hadmerelylaughed,uninterestedinthesufferingHannahhadjust

causedoneofherminions.

However,whenshe’dtriedtouseherfire-poweronMargetta,she’dfailed.
Atfirstshedidn’tunderstandwhy,butafterafewminutes,shecouldfeelapowerfulstreamofenergy

aimedatHannah,onethatkeptMargettasafe.Theancientfaehadfoundawaytoprotectherself.

SheknewshewasbaitinatrapmeantforJude.Shealsounderstoodthathisdeathwouldbea

powerfulcoupforMargetta,awaytoincitefearwithinthecitizensofKellcasseandmakeiteasierfor
hertotakeovertherealm.

ButHannahdebated,notwantingJudetobehurtorkilled.Sheknewhim,though,andthatwhathe’d

saidwastrue.Hewouldneverstophuntingforher.Sohowmuchbetterifhearrivedattheheightofhis
strengthinsteadofworndownbyhoursofsearchinghisrealmforher?

HannahalsoknewthatsheandJudehadpowertogether,butdidtheyhaveenoughtoescapea

battlegroundlikethisonewithatleastahundredwraith-pairsintheairandontheground,allhiddenby
Margetta?

Glancingattheancientfae,HannahsawthekillingmistdriftingfromMargetta’slowerlimbs,readyto

releaseasneeded.

Andinthatmoment,shemadeherdecision,andcontactedJude.Allright.I’monboard.Butyouneed

toknowthatMargetta’sreadytomistthewholearea.Icanseeitformingonher.AndJude,Ican’tuse
myfire-giftagainsther.She’sblockingmesomehow.

Iunderstand.ButIstillinsistoncoming.AndI’mnotalone.Again,Malikishereandthatis

somethingMargettamaynotknow,thatanothermastyrisintherealmtohelpdirectboththeVampire
GuardandtheShifterBrigade.We’reworkingtogetherandIbelievewecandothis.Canyoutrustme?

Hannahdidn’twanttodie.That’swhatsheknew.Shealsodidn’twanthertimewithJudetoend.

Anotherabsolutetruth.

Whenshe’dfoundherselfwhiskedawayintheairbyavampirewithalmostasmuchspeedasJude,

she’dsunktothebottomoftheholeshe’dfalleninto.Shehadextraordinarygiftsthatshewantednopart
of,aneroticrelationshipwithJudethatthreatenedherwayoflifeinPortTownsend,andabarthathad
justburnedtotheground.

AndnowshestoodatthepointofdeathwithMargettaholdingametaphoricalswordtoherneck.
Yet,inallofthiswhatshewantedthemostwasforJudetosurviveatallcosts.Hewaswhat

mattered.Notherbar,orherfearofheremerginggifts,orheranxietythatshemightlosecontrolofher
life.

Inthatmoment,she’dfinallyrisenaboveallherfears.
Takingadeepbreath,andprayingshewasmakingtherightdecision,shepathed,Doyouremember

thatplacethatyoupointedoutlastnight,thebeautifulwidecanalwiththestonebridgeandunique
finialsalongbothrailings?Thebridgethatjoinstwodifferentcommunities?

Yes,ofcourse.KelltahBridge.
That’sit.Ijustcouldn’tthinkofthename.Well,I’mstandingatthefootofthebridgeonthe

easternside.Margettaismaybetenorsofeetawayfromme.

I’monmyway.
Hannahcouldn’thelpthetearsthattrackeddownhercheeks.Shetremblednow,notforherselfbutfor

Jude.ShegazedinanarcskywardoverallthewraithsandtheirmateswaitingforMargetta’scommand.
ButhowwereJudeandhisforcessupposedtocombataninvisibleenemyespeciallyifMargettareleased
hermist?

Margettacalledtoher.“YoushouldreachouttoJudeandbringhimhere.Hewouldcomeifyousaid

theword.”

Apparently,thebitchcouldn’treadalltelepathicconversations,ormaybeshejusthadtobetunedin.
Margettasmiled.“Bytheway,Ienjoyedyourlittleshowinthepeachorchard.Mademehungryfor

mydearGustav.Ialmostcalledoffthewholeoperationbutchosetoignoremylusts.Ifyou’dhadenough
self-control,Hannah,youwouldn’tbehererightnow.StupidmistakeleavingJude’sside.ButIfigured,
you,beinghuman,wouldfaltersoonerthanlater.”

Hannahkepthergazefixedanywherebutontheancientfae.Sheremainedstoic,althoughitdidn’t

helphernervesthatshestoodoveraburnedup,but-healing-swiftlymastyrvampire,whooccasionally
growledupather.Atleastonceshe’dfriedhim,herbloodrosedrivetowardhismastyrstatushad
droppedtoalmostnothing.

Judewouldarrivesoon,butthenwhat?
Shedreadedthemoment,yetcouldn’twaittoseehimagain.
Wordmusthavespreadthatthemisthadarrivedinthetwovillages.Thewholeareafeltlikeaghost

townandHannahsuspectedtheoccupantshadslippedawayintothesurroundingwoodlands,hiddenin
caves,oranywhereelsetheycouldhide.

Atleastthepopulouswasrelativelysafe.
ButitwasaneeriescenewithjustMargetta,thetoastedvampirestilllyingproneandmoaning

occasionally,andofcoursethehiddenarmy.Veryeerie.

Judearrivedflyinginfromthesouth.Ashedrewclosehelookedasmagnificentasever,his

Guardsmancoatflappingbehindhim,thesilvermedallionsdowneachsideofhisthighbootswinking
fromthelamppostlightallalongthebridge.

“Ah,andherecomesyourlover.”
Margettahadsaiditexactlyright.
Herlover.Themansheloved.Theoneshebelongedto.
Judehadtriedtowarnhertostickclosewhenheheldherintheairabovetheburningwreckageof

herbar.Butthesightofwhatshelovedsinkingtoamassivepileofwet,unpleasantasheshadmessed
withherhead,maybejustasMargettaknewitwould.

She’dessentiallylosthermind.
Nowshewashere.
Whilehoveringintheairafewfeetabovetheground,JudeapproachedMargetta.Whenhewas

almostwithintouchingdistance,hesaid,“I’lltakeherplace.Justlethergo.Iknowit’smeyouwant.”

ButMargettalaughedathim,snappedherfingers,andseveralwraith-pairsdescendedonhim,binding

himwithropes.Theydraggedhimontothebridgeandtiedhimtoalamppost.

Jude,whatarewegoingtodo?
Hannah,there’ssomethingIneedyoutoknow.
Shewastoofarawayfromhim.ShewhippedtowardMargetta.“Pleaseletmesaygood-bye.Please.”
“Howtouching,andI’llgrantyouthiswish,becauseyou’regoingtodiewithyourmastyrtonight.”
Anothersnapofherfingersandwraith-pairsflewlowandgrabbedHannahbeneathherarms.Shefelt

thecharredvampirereachforherfootbutmissasshebecameairborne.

Thenextmoment,shewasnexttoJude.Shetookhisfaceinherhandsandpressedherselfupagainst

him.IloveyouandI’msorry.Thisismyfault.

Hedrewbackslightly.Hey,noone’stoblame.Thisiswar,andwecan’talwayspredictwhat

happensnext.You’vedonebeautifullyinahorrendoussituation.I’msoproudofyou.

Shenodded,buttearsrandownhercheeks.Shewouldhavekissedhimagain,butthewraith-pair

boundheraswell,securingthemtogether.

Iloveyou,Hannah.I’velovedyouforyears.I’vejustbeenlyingtomyself.AllthosetimesIcame

intoyourbarjusttoaccompanymymenforsomeR&R,butinrealityIcouldn’twaitforthemoment
I’dspendevenahandfulofminuteschattingwithyou.Iwatchedyouallthetime.

YouknowIfeltthesameway.
Hannah,I’msosorryforallofthis.IfI’dunderstoodthatmygrowingaffectionanddesireforyou

wouldinciteyourblood-roseandfire-gifts,IwouldhavestayedawayfromPortTownsend.Ididn’t
wantthisforyou,andtheGoddessknowsthesightofyourbarburningtothegroundhasmademe
questioneverythingI’vedone,everydecisionI’vemade.

Hannahlistenedandherthroatgreweventighter.Margettahadtransformedintothewraiththatshe

was,beingbothfaeandwraith.Sheflewback-and-forthoverthebridgeinherredgauzydressandbegan
rantingatJude,expoundingonhergreatplansfortheNineRealms,howonedayallwouldbowbefore
hermagnificence.

Hannahignoredher.Instead,sheforcedherselftofacethetruthaboutherfeelingsforJude.
Shelovedhim.
Shelovedhimwithallherheart.
Andnowherownwillfulnesshadlandedhimhere,boundtoher,andsoontobeexecuted.
WithMargettaclearlyenjoyingthesoundofherownvoice,andappealingtoherarmyofwraith-pairs

atthesametime,Hannahpathed,Iloveyou,too,Jude.Ithinkit’sbeenforeverformeaswell,much
longerthanjustthepastfewmonthsthatfollowedtheawakeninginthesupplycloset.

Heheldhergaze.Youcouldhavebeenscrubbingthefloorbehindthebarwhenthathappened,and

Iwouldstillconsideritoneofthebestmomentsofmylife.

Jude.Hertelepathicvoicewaslittlemorethanawhisper.I’vebeenafoolthroughthisprocess.I

keptholdingontomyfreedombecauseofadifficultpastexperience.Butyoualwayskeptmyfreedom
atthetopofyourlist.Now,Ihavenofreedomatall.

Shefelthimreachingtowardherwithhishandandshestruggledinthebindingstomeethimhalfway.

Whenherfingerstouchedhis,itwasmagicalloveragain.

Avibrationshecouldonlycall‘love’sweptthroughher,cleansingherofpastsufferingandfreeing

hertoopenherheartfullytoJude.

MistbegandriftingstrongeroutofMargettaassheflew.
Itwouldn’tbelongnow.JudewouldsoonbeunconsciousandMargettawouldkillthemboth.
Jude’svoicepiercedherhead.Hannah,bondwithme.Nomatterwhathappens,Idon’twant

anythingelsebuttofeelclosetoyourightnow.

Sheleanedherheadagainsthis.Allherdoubtsweregone.Iwanttomorethananythinginthe

world.

~~~

AsMargettawaxedonabouthermagnificence,Judewasrighttherewithnohesitation.Hesenthis

matingfrequencybarrelingthroughherchestandpushinginsidehers.Shemoaned,herheadfallingback.
Jude,thatfeelsextraordinary.

Hefoundherownmatingvibrationpulsinginsoftreceptivewaves.Hesurroundedherdeepinside

herbody-and-spiritcombined,wrappingherupinhisloveandlettingherfeelwitheveryounceof
strengthhowmuchhelovedher.

WhydidIhesitate?hesaid.Thisisincrediblybeautiful.
Asthefrequenciesbegantopulseinrhythmtogether,JudegavehimselfcompletelyandfeltHannahdo

thesameinreturn.

Thebondsuddenlylockedinplace.Hannahcriedout,thoughJudenotedhershoutdidn’tstop

Margetta.Instead,thearmyHannahhadseennowbecameperfectlycleartoJude.HefeltHannah’spower
becomehis,whichwassomethinghehadn’texpected.

Hannah,yourfire-giftisinmenow,andIcanseethroughMargetta’sshield.Icanseeherarmy.
Icanfeelitaswellandthatwe’reone.It’samazing.AndIcanfeelwhatyou’refeeling,andhow

theropesarediggingintoyourwrists.But,Jude,whatareyouthinking?

ThatImightbeabletowithstandMargetta’smistandmakeuseofyourfire-gift.Icanfeeltheheat

downbothmyarmsandmypalmsaretingling.

Iknowthatfeelingwell.
Headded,Icanalsofeelthatsheisblockingyourgiftbutshehasnosuchprotectionagainstme.
Sowehaveashot.
Ithinkwedo,butletmecontactMalikfirst,andgivehimaheads-up.
I’llwaitforyourorders.
Judealmostsmiled,buthedidn’twanttoalertthewitchstillflyingbackandforth,whowasall

workedupintoafrenzyasshewentonandonaboutherplansforrulingtheNineRealms.

Malik?Judepathed.
I’mrighthere.Ihavebothvillagessurrounded,butataconsiderabledistance.Areyousure

Margetta’sarmyisinplace?

Judeliftedhisgaze,scanningthenightskyandthearmynowvisibletohim.Hestrovetosendthe

imagestoMalik,whichwassomethinghewasn’tsurehecoulddo.Buthetriedanyway.Doesanyofthat
comethrough?

Hell,yeah,itdoes!But,howareyoudoingthis?
It’sbecauseofHannah.We’vebonded,andinaboutthirtysecondswe’regoingtobreakoutof

theseropes,andI’mgoingtoattacktheancientfae.She’llprobablyreleasetherestofhermist,butI
canfeelwithinmyselfthatI’msharingHannah’sabilitiesandoneofthemisherveryhuman
resistancetothekillingmist.Atthesametime,bothherforcesandourswon’tbeimmune,soitwillbe
anevenplayingfield.Justbeready.

Gotit.
Alertthetroops,andwhenyouseemegoafterMargetta,sheshouldlosepowerandtheshield

shoulddropandherarmybecomevisible,thenit’salluptoyou.Takeoutasmanywraith-pairsasyou
can.

Withfuckingpleasure.
HereturnedhisattentiontoHannah.Youreadytobreakout?
Absolutely.
Thenlet’sdoit.
Heaccessedthefire-giftandfeltsuddenheatjumpfromhisskinandstarttoworkontheropes.Ten

secondslater,hewasfree.Withoutwaiting,helaunchedatMargetta,catchingherintheairanddragging
herintothecanalbelow.

Shebecameawild,fightingthing,butheheldontoheraslongashecould,releasingthefireeven

belowthesurface,attheplaceswhereheheldher.

Shescreamed,thendraggedinalung-fullofwater.
Thenextmoment,shesimplydisappeared.Gone.
Judesurfacedfast,risingintotheairashebreachedthecanal,headingbacktoHannah.Shehad

flamesshootingfromherpalms,spreadingtheminanarctoholdbackfivewraith-pairsdeterminedtoget
toher.

Judecameatthemfrombehind,addinghisownfireandscorchedthem,oneaftertheother,untilthey

werescreamingandthrowingthemselvesintothecanal.

HetookhisplacenexttoHannah,holdingherclose,becauserightnowhisGuardsmanandShifter

BrigadeaswellasMalik’sforcesconvergedandbeganbattlingwraith-pairs.

Thenightskyhadneverbeenfullofsomanyblueandredflashes.
“Jude,look,offtothenortheast.”
Heglancedinthedirectionofherraisedarmandwatchedasonebyonewraith-pairsstarted

vanishingmid-fight.

“She’ssavingasmanyasshecan.Shouldwegoafterher?”
Heshookhishead.“Thelevelofherpowerisstillunknown,whichmeansIhavenointentionof

puttingyouinharm’sway.Rightnow,you’remypriority.”

~~~

Hannah’sheartbeatsohardinherchestthatshehadadifficulttimecatchingherbreath.She’dgone

fromjustenjoyingherday-to-day,andallherfriendsandcustomerswhocametoherbar,towatchingtwo
armiesbattlingonthegroundandinthesky.

Morethanonewraith-pairtriedtoreachJude,butshiftersandvampiresalikeheadedthemoff.
Alotofdeathfollowed,butthatcouldn’tbehelped.
Thiswaswar.

AndtothedegreethatshewasabloodroseandnowbondedtoapowerfulMastyrVampire,thiswas

herwaraswell.Yetsomehowitfit,asthoughallherexperienceattheGoldRush,growingupthereand
havingafatherwhoembracedtheNineRealms,hadpreparedherforexactlythisday,orrathernight.

Shenolongersawtheworldsasseparate,butmovingfluidlybackandforth,somethingthatwould

increaseasthedecadesmovedalong.TheyweredifferentspeciesyetsharedenoughDNAtobuildlives
togetherandtocreatefamilies.

Asthelastofthedistantwraith-pairsvanishedbecauseofMargetta’scontinued,thoughhidden

presence,andoneofMalik’sGuardsmendefeatedthesoleremainingwraith-paironthebridge,Hannah
couldfinallybreathe.

Judehadalreadycalledinformedicalteams.ThepolicyintheNineRealmshadchangedsince

SamanthahadbecomebondedtoMastyrEthanofBergissonRealm.Shehadthepowertodissolvethe
hatedbondbetweenwraithandrealm-mate.Anysurvivingwraith-pairswouldbeturnedovertoEthanfor
long-termrehabilitation.

WhenMalikdroppeddowntojointhem,Hannahtensedupimmediately,concernedthatshewould

havethesameoverpoweringdesiretowardhimthatshe’dexperiencedbefore.

Butnothinghappened.Onlyasuddenvibrationdeepwithinthatspokeofthebondshesharedwith

Jude,nowinviolable,permanent,andpowerful.

Andthequestionshe’dbeenaskingformonths,asinhowmanybabiesJudewanted,didn’tseemso

absurdanymore.Itmadesense,andanewkindofdesirerosewithinherfilledwithpurposeandlove.
ShewantedtohaveafamilywithJude.That’showfararoundtheglobeshe’dtraveledintwobriefnights.

Jude,maybesensingthedirectionofherthoughts,huggedhertighteraboutthewaist.I’mfeeling

somethingbeautifulfromyourightnow,andit’smakingmewanttotakeyoutobed.

Sheleanedupandkissedhim,thenstaredintodarkgrayeyes.Andthat’sexactlywhereIwanttobe

withyou.

HeturnedtoMalik.“IwanttogetHannahhome.Willyouseetoourtroops?”
MalikclaspedJudeontheshoulder.Hannahthoughthelookedincrediblysadashesmiled.“Of

courseIwill.”

Shewatchedasforalongmoment,thetworealmleadersstayedinthatposition,staringateachother

untilJudenoddedslowly.Shewasn’tsureifJudehadcommunicatedtelepathicallywithMalikornot,but
shedoubtedthemomentneededwords.Theywerebrothers-in-arms,who’dbeenfightingthesamebattle
foraverylongtime.

Malikturnedtoher.“Good-night,Hannah.I’llbeseeingyousoon,I’msure.”
“Ofcourse.You’realwayswelcomeattheGoldRush.”Realitydescendedabruptly,butwhathad

beensodevastatingafewhoursago,nowseemedsoftenedbyhercommitmenttoJude.“Although,you
mightwanttowaituntilit’srebuilt.”

“Whichitwillberightaway,”Judeadded,meetingHannah’sgaze.“I’llgetmybesttrollandelven

contractorsonit.”

Hannahoftenusedrealmworkersandcontractorsforherbarandherhome.Theydidawonderfuljob

everytime.

WhenJudemovedhishandfromaroundherwaist,sheunderstoodthesignalandpositionedherselfon

hisbootedfoot.Sheslidherarmaroundhisneck,andhepulledhertightagainsthisside.Afterbidding
Malikfarewell,Judetookoff,liftingherintotheair.

AndHannahsmiled.

~~~

JudecouldfeeltheshiftinHannahasthoughitwaswrittenineverybreathshebreathed.Thebond

allowedhimtofeelwhatshewasfeeling,andforthelastfewminutesonthebridge,he’dfelthermating
vibrationbegintohumonadifferentfrequencythanbefore.Anditfeltfulloflifeandintent.

AsheflewtowardCastleIsland,hefeltasthoughheheldalloflifeinhisarms,somethingrichand

bountiful,akindofnecessaryexcessmeanttofeedthesoul.

Hedrewindeepbreaths.Hewasallmeninthismoment,bothrealandarepresentationofwhatit

meanttobemale,tohaveawomaninhisarms,andtofeelherneedtogivetheuniverserebirth.

Whenhearrived,NathangreetedthembothwithanxiousgripsofhandsandthanksgivingthatMargetta

hadseenadefeatatKelltahBridge.

“Howdoyoualreadyknow?”
“It’salloverRealm-You-Tube.Sometrollkid,whowillprobablybeflayedbyhisparentslater,used

hiscellphonetofilmthebattle.Butit’sagoodthing,trustme.I’vebeenonthephoneforthepastforty-
fiveminuteswithCouncilLeaders.TherearecelebrationsallovertheRealmtonight,andtomorrowyou
andHannahwillbothbehailedasheroes.Sowhereareyougoingtocelebrate?”

Judejustlookedathim,andsincehestillhadhisarmtightaroundherwaist,Nathannodded.Thenhe

grinned.“Ihaveasurprisewaitingforyouinthebedroom.Inthemeantime,Ihearthatallthebarsin
Kelltahwillbeopentherestofthenightandevenintothedayforsomeofussunlight-friendlyrealm-
folk.”Heshruggedintoablackleatherjacketandsmoothedthesidesofhishairback.“Myride’shere.”

Hewinkedandturnedinthedirectionofthefrontdoor.
“Elena?”Judeasked.
“Yep.Abigailgaveherafewdaysoff.”
“Iguesswewon’tbeseeingmuchofyou.”
Nathan,halfwaytothefrontdoor,calledback,“Andsomethingtellsmethat’sthewayyou’dwantit

rightnow.Plentyofprovisionsinthefridge.Seeyainthreedays.”

Judelaughed.
“SowhatdoyouthinkNathanleftforus,inthebedroom,Imean?”Hannahasked.
“Idon’tknow,butI’msureitwilltasteincredible.”
Turnedout,heleftaplatteroffruit,whippedcream,andchampagne.Maybealittlecliché,butit

worked.

Hannahinsistedonremovinghisboots,touchingeachsilvermedallionasshedidso.Hewasn’tsure

whyshelikedthem,soheasked.

Shesighed.“Don’taskmewhy,butthey’resexyashell.Ormaybeit’stheleather,ormaybeyou.

Actually,Ithinkit’sthewholepackage.”

Akissalmostledtorollingaroundonthefloorthenandthere,butJudewantedmore.Thiswouldbe

theirfirsttimeasabondedcouple,andhewantedtodoitright.

Besides–andthiswasnosmallthing–heneededashower.
HeleftHannahtoenjoyhisnumerousshowerheadswhilehetraipsedofftooneoftheguestroom

showers.Hefeltalmostdizzyasheenteredthefirstbedroom,whichwastheonethathadbeenJoy’s
room.Andsomethingthatfeltveryfaecameoverhim.Hesawthreechildrenonthefloor,twoboyswith
dark,curlyhairandthethirdagirlwithstraightbrownhairandvioleteyes.TheywereplayingaU.S.
boardgamecalledMonopoly.

Theyallturnedandlookedathim.
“Hi,Dad,”thegirlcalledout.
Hedriftedsidewaysandfellagainstthedoorjamb.
Thevisionlastedonlyafewsecondsmore,butinthattime,theworldflippedonitsaxisandtears

startedtowellinhiseyes.Heblinkedhard,thenclosedthemfirmlybecausehewasstilldizzy.

Butwhenheopenedhiseyes,anothervisioncameofNaomiandJoy,standingwherethechildrenhad

beenplaying.Wewishyouwell,Jude.OurlovingbestwhileyoufinishyouryearswithHannahand
yournewfamily.Theybothblewkisses,whichwassomethingthey’dalwaysdonewhenhe’dheadout
toworkforthenight.

Whenthesecondvisionended,hebeggedtheGoddess,“Nomore.Myheartwillfail.”
HeheardfeetrunningdownthecorridorandturnedtofindHannahracingtowardhim,wrappedupin

atowel.

“Jude,whatisit?Ifeltsuchgriefandjoypouringfromyou.Whathappened?What’sthematter?”
Andthiswaswhyhelovedherasmuchashedid.Shewaswithhim,hadalwaysbeenwithhim,and

alwayswouldbe.

Hecaughtherupinhisarmsandheldherfast.“Iloveyou,Hannah.Youhavemyheart.Youaremy

heart.”

Shedrewbackandmethisgaze,noddingherunderstandingseveraltimes.Afteramoment,shepulled

outofhisarmsandtookhishand.“Comejoinmeinyourshower.Idon’tknowwhatjusthappened,but
youneedtobewithmerightnow.Weneedtobetogether.”

Becausehecouldstillfeelthepastandfuturestilllingeringinthebedroomthathadoncebelongedto

hisdaughter,heagreedandwalkedherbacktohisbedroom.

Later,aftershoweringwithHannah,Judestoodatthefootofthebedandworkedcarefullyatpopping

thechampagnecork.Hannaharrangedthecomfortertocreateamakeshifttableonthebedfortheplatter
offruitandwhipcream.

Theloudpop,madeHannahlaugh.
Withhisheartfull,hepouredouttwoglasses,thendrewclose.Handingherone,hesaid,“Toabond

I’llalwaystreasure.”

Andshereplied,“ToabondthathasalreadyblessedmemorethanIcansay.”
Shefedhimfruitcoveredinwhippedcream,andhereturnedthefavor,sharingkissesinbetween,

touches,gentlefondling,andaslowbuild.

Withthefruitconsumedandtheglassesempty,Judesettheplatterasideandtossedthecomforteron

thefloor.HestretchedoutbesideHannahandkissedher,along,lingeringkissthatbecamemoreashe
pressedhistongueagainstherlips.Shepartedforhim,sighingasheslidhistongueinsideherwaiting
mouth.

Hismatingvibration,nowattachedtohersinthemysteriousrealmway,hummedandstrokedherat

thesametime.Shecooedherpleasure.Thatfeelssogoodwithinme,Jude.Ihadnoideaitwouldbe
likethis.AndIcanfeelwhatyou’refeeling.

Samehere.Iloveyou,Hannah.
Iloveyou,too.
Hemovedontoherandshespreadherlegsforhimsothatwhatwasalreadyhardfoundherentrance

andpushedinside.Herhipsrockedasheglidedalongherwetpathway,feelingherwelltugonhim,while
hemovedhistongueslowlyinandoutofhermouth.

~~~

HannahlovedtheweightofJudeontopofher,themuscularframethatshe’dbeenlustingafterforso

long.Hewasinsidehernow,drivingsteadily,workingherdeep.She’dlongedforthisconnectionwithout
understandingthewhyofit.

Andnowthatshe’denduredthedifficultiesofthepasttwonightswithhim,shefeltdeeplychangedin

awaythathadshiftedherlifeforever.

Shewrappedbotharmsaroundhisneckandheldhimtight,wantinghimtofeelwitheveryundulation

ofherbodythatshelovedhim,thatshealwayswould.

ThebondingonKelltahBridgehadbegunaprocessthatmakinglovewithhimnowcompleted.
Withherhands,shestrokedhisshouldersthenthefulllengthofhispowerfularms.Shesavoredhis

strength,valuingthatwhathadbeengiventohimwasusednightlytosavehispeople.

Shedrewbackandmethisgrayeyes.“You’vechangedeverythinginthebestwaypossible.Youare

myfire.”

Hemoanedandkissedherhard,hishipscurlingdeeperintoher,movingfaster.Shesweptwithhimto

thepointofecstasy,andwiththebloodrosebondandthevibrationsthattheybothreleased,beforelong
shewascryingout.Atthesametime,Juderoared,thatgutturalanimalsoundthatsweptthroughherbody,
tellingherthatshebelongedtohim,onlytohim.

Muchlater,afterhe’dmadelovetoherrepeatedly,pleasuringherbodyineverypossibleway,and

afterhe’dfedfromherasecondtime,hefellasleepinherarms.

ButforHannah,sleepdidn’tcomerightaway.Instead,shegentlyrubbedthebackofhisneckbeneath

themassofhishair,astearsstreameddownthesidesofherfaceintoherpillow.ShehadlosttheGold
Rush,ifonlyforthemoment,butgainedatreasureofinfinitevalue.

SheknewJudewouldrebuildherbar,butthistimesheintendedtoturnmoreoftheresponsibility

overtohermanager,who’dbeenbeggingforthelastcoupleofyearstoplayabiggerroleanyway.

Timetoletgo.
Timetoembracethefuture.
“You’remyfire,Jude,”shewhisperedagainstthesoftsoundsofhisbreathing.“You’remyfire.”

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GuardiansofAscensionSeries

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DawnofAscensionSeries

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