Damian and the Doctor

Damian and the Doctor Symbiotic Mates 4

Gale Stanley

Published by Silver Publishing Publisher of Erotic Romance

ABOUT THE E-BOOK YOU HAVE PURCHASED: Your non-refundable purchase of this e-book allows you to only ONE LEGAL copy for your own personal reading on your own personal computer or device. You do not have resell or distribution rights without the prior written permission of both the publisher and the copyright owner of this book. This book cannot be copied in any format, sold, or otherwise transferred from your computer to another through upload to a file sharing peer to peer program, for free or for a fee, or as a prize in any contest. Such action is illegal and in violation of the South African Copyright Law. Distribution of this e-book, in whole or in part, online, offline, in print or in any way or any other method currently known or yet to be invented, is forbidden. If you do not want this book anymore, you must delete it from your computer. WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated and is punishable by imprisonment and a fine." Cover Artist: Reese Dante Editor: Lisa Manuel Damian and the Doctor © 2011 Gale Stanley ISBN # 9781920501693 Attention Readers: This book uses US English. All rights reserved. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental. The Licensed Art Material is being used for illustrative purposes only; any person depicted in the Licensed Art Material, is a model.

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Damian and the Doctor

Gale Stanley

CHAPTER ONE Doc woke, tried to stretch, and realized he couldn't move. Lying on the floor, bound at his wrists and ankles, the first pangs of anxiety clawed at his gut. Squirming to get some life back in his numb limbs, he stared up at the ceiling. Is it day or night? The absence of a window made him claustrophobic and the loss of freedom and movement made his wolf antsy. Frustration got the better of him and he banged his head against the hardwood floor like a kid throwing a tantrum. It didn't help. Right about now his Alpha would be throwing his own tantrum, cursing the vampires for taking his men and working on a plan to get them back. Make it soon, boss. He had to give the bloodsuckers credit for knowing isolation would be the worst possible torture for a Lycan. Wolves are pack animals, social creatures that need the company of their own kind. How long could he endure this sensory deprivation without going wacko? Every squeak or movement outside the room made his pulse quicken and his heart race. Stay cool, calm, and collected, Doc. Don't give the bloodsuckers the reaction they want. Cunning bastards, they knew every mind trick in the book. Well, he knew a few tricks of his own and maybe 1

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now was the time to play his hand. First, he needed to get out of the restraints. He tested their strength and relaxed a little when he discovered his ruse had worked. The vampires weren't as smart as they were cracked up to be. If they were, they would have realized he was holding his wrists slightly apart when they tied them; same thing with his ankles. His hands had been bound in front of his body, another mistake on their part. He gripped the rope with his teeth while he wriggled his hands out of the restraints. Freeing his feet was a piece of cake. His limbs tingled as dormant nerve endings woke up and he stretched to get the blood flowing. Ignoring the sensation of pins and needles, he got to his feet to check out his prison. He could see just fine in the dark, but there wasn't much to see in the small, empty room, just four walls and a locked exit. With an ear to the door, his enhanced hearing picked up breathing sounds on the other side: four vampire guards. He could smell them too. Coppery vampire stink drifted under the door and wafted through the room, offending his hypersensitive nostrils and tempting his wolf to sit up and howl. Stupid mutt! If the animal had used those senses when he really needed them, he wouldn't be in this fix. He'd been a damn, naive fool, letting the bastards catch him unawares. Damn it, I'm a doctor, not an enforcer. 2

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Never in a million years did he expect vamps to get past the Lycan guards at the perimeter of Arcadia City. It never would have happened if the Alpha and the pack enforcers had been on site, but they were at a big powwow with the Master Vampire. Smart son of a bitch, the leader of the vampire-hawks must have planned the damn meeting as a ruse all along. And the real pisser was the bloodsuckers had the advantage of two Lycan turncoats leading their coup. The birds held all the cards; he shouldn't blame himself, but he did. At least he'd done one thing right and slipped out of the ropes easily enough. Maybe too easily. It made him wonder if the bonds were left loose deliberately. Two of his captors were men he used to call friends. Maybe they still were. The pack Alpha had branded Hunter a traitor, and Tyler a stupid son of a bitch who'd disobeyed orders. Doc was too old and too smart to believe everything Rafe said, but the facts backed up the Alpha's story. On the other hand the Lycans had come back for one of their own, Ben, the Lycan falconer who'd been turned vamp. And with only five men, the rescue party had carried off a successful mission. A lucky break for Ben but a disaster for Doc, who'd become a hostage, a casualty of the ongoing feud between vampires and Lycans. Only a peace treaty older than dirt kept everybody in line, and now the buzzards had stepped over that line. Or 3

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maybe used their raptor wings to fly over it. Regardless, they were pitting Lycan against Lycan and it couldn't go on. It was time to retaliate; he just hoped he'd be around to help his pack. He was no hero but maybe he'd let his frustrated beast out to play and treat the vamps to a genuine Lycan showdown. Free of his restraints, now he could meet the enemy on his own terms. He wouldn't go down without a fight. He intended to revert to his wild side, let out the savage predator under his human skin and give the buzzards a run for their money. He was a big man, but he was a bigger wolf and the beast would make a formidable opponent. Preparing for the shift, he removed his boots, jeans, and shirt and set them aside. A human body possesses over six hundred muscles and they move in response to signals sent by the brain. Doc's eyes glazed as he fixed on an image of his wolf inside his head. Each one of his muscles stretched, contracted, or tightened, and every one of them hurt like hell as they rippled and quivered under his sweatsoaked flesh. In his younger days he might have screamed or cried with the pain, but stamina came with age. Used to the stages of transformation, he knew it would be over quickly. His curving spine forced him to his hands and 4

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knees. His palms, flattened on the wood floor, changed to pads and sprouted claws. The dark hairs on his body stood erect and thickened, black fur spread over his skin like waves on a beach. Popping bones sounded like so many knuckles cracking. His face contorted and his teeth ripped his gums as they lengthened. A long, rough tongue licked blood from black lips. Pressure at the base of his spine ended when a bushy tail erupted, wagging furiously. It felt damn good to be out of his human skin. Being the only doctor in the Arcadia Pack, he usually stayed in his human body so he could keep focused and be alert and available when needed, but now he realized how much he missed this side of himself. It had been too long since he'd let his wolf out. He was more than a doctor, he was a Lycan and he needed to nurture his wolf spirit. If he got out of here alive, he'd do just that. Panting softly, surrounded by his own musky, animal odor, he sat on his haunches to wait for the enemy. Soon enough, movement and hushed voices sounded outside the door. Vampire senses were almost as good as his and the bloodsuckers probably smelled his wolf. If they knew he'd shifted they would come prepared to subdue him. Let the vamps deal with the wild beast if they dared, he wouldn't go down without a good fight. The door opened and the beast confronted his 5

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captors: four vamps, all dressed in black, with varying shades of dark hair and eyes. Hackles rose as he crouched, ready to leap on the first man foolhardy enough to attack. The bloodsuckers spread out as they approached, clearly intending to divert his attention from one to the other. He was surrounded by hissing vampires, and they all wanted a piece of him. He got to his feet and tried to keep them all in view. Swinging his massive head from side to side, he growled at each vamp in turn. He snapped, startled by a sharp prick in his flank. Fuck! A dart protruded from his furry hide. Drugged. The buzzards didn't play fair. His left side started to go numb and he shook it off. It would take more than a tiny dart to bring him down. He stood, a bit wobbly, but he managed to stay on four feet, snarling and baring his canines. Too late, he spotted a club swinging toward him. It caught him in the ribs and, howling with pain, the wolf backed away from its attacker. The vampire's pale face creased in a satisfied smile as he followed. Silver orbs focused on the wolf as the vamp closed the distance between them, his club held high. Backed into a corner, Doc knew the game was over. The bat swung toward his head in slow motion, but just before it made contact with his skull, a hand reached out and snatched it. The vampire's smile disappeared, his pale cheeks 6

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darkening with rage. "Stay out of this!" He twisted his head to confront the vampire who'd dared to interfere. The smaller man was every bit as beautiful as the others until he turned his head and Doc caught sight of a hideous scar on the right side of his face. A hissing contest commenced as both vamps vied for control of the bat. The man with the scar won possession, and he flung the weapon across the room, narrowly missing one of his cohorts. He snarled at Doc's attacker. "Don't be stupid, you'll kill him." Silver-eyes spat at him. "I should kill you instead." "You can try." The two men circled each other warily until a third vamp called out in an attempt to end the argument. "Damian's right. The Master has plans for this one. We'll all take the heat if anything happens to him." For a few heartbeats, Silver-eyes didn't react; then he cursed under his breath and leaned in close to the scarred vamp. "Don't ever presume to tell me what to do again, or I will kill you." The scarred vamp put his hands up, as if in surrender, and backed off. Dazed by the drugs, the wolf watched, trying to make sense of what he heard. Suddenly he felt a noose around his neck and instinct made him jerk his head back. He tried to leap up at this new attack, but his shaky limbs 7

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collapsed under him. Refusing to give up as long as he had a breath in him, he skittered back on his belly. The more he struggled, the more the rope tightened and suddenly he couldn't breathe. Light-headed, but still awake, he snapped at his tormentors, but a sharp prick stung his back and he knew he couldn't stay conscious with two doses of drugs in his body. Game over. The room started to dim around him, and the vampire's words echoed in his head—the Master has plans for this one.

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CHAPTER TWO The Master Vampire leaned back against the counter and crossed his arms over his chest. "How is our falconer getting along?" Abbi abandoned her microscope and shifted around on her stool. His face was set in a mask of stone as he looked down his aquiline nose at her. She withered under the eagle-eyed gaze of her Master. Never mind that she was a respected hematologist and a one-woman research team, Christophe had a way of making her feel stupid and insignificant with one look. Squaring her shoulders, she stood and raised her chin. Christophe, at six foot six, still towered over her fivefoot-nine frame, but standing removed a bit of the intimidation factor. "He's adjusting," she responded, choosing her words carefully. Ben was doing as well as could be expected. Like the other Lycans, Hunter and Tyler, he found it difficult to accept that he and a vampire were connected by blood and needed each other to survive. Only the strong, reassuring presence of Talon, his vampire mate, kept him from losing his sanity. It was the same for the vampires, Peter and Aidan, Abbi's twin. They were all strong males who suddenly found they were symbiotic 9

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mates, dependent on someone else for their very survival. And for that someone to be a man from another species, one they'd always thought of as an enemy… Well, it was unthinkable. "And Talon?" Abbi winced. The Master was referring to the health of Talon's reproductive system and she didn't have good news for him. Infertility was a big problem among the Kindred, one the Master expected Abbi to cure. Lycan blood was supposed to fix everything. Well, things weren't that simple. Although Talon fed from Ben, and the rich Lycan blood had changed his cell structure and elevated the vampire's sperm count, Talon's seed hadn't taken root inside Abbi. Christophe wouldn't take the news well. The Master Vampire was still furious that Talon had taken it on himself to turn Ben, and then organize a rescue party to bring the Lycan falconer to the Colony, all without permission. The only reason he hadn't punished the symbionts was because the daring rescue fit into his plans. Not only did they bring Ben, but a Lycan doctor as well. The doctor was a real prize, a man who knew the ins and outs of Lycan physiology and anatomy. But Christophe's mood could change in an instant and if he wasn't happy, he might take his frustration out on the men—or Abbi. Christophe

hadn't

endorsed 10

her

method

of

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conception, so she was a prime target for his wrath. The Master thought she let her heart overrule her head, and maybe she had, but the men had enough problems and she refused to add jealousy to the mix. Contrary to their nature, the vampire males had become as possessive and territorial as the wolves. Talon had no interest in having sex with Abbi, and Ben had sulked when Christophe suggested it. She had assured the men a more impersonal approach would work just as well. Sperm could be placed in a female's reproductive tract by means other than sexual intercourse. Timing is critical for artificial insemination. The window of opportunity for fertilization is little more than twelve hours from the release of the ovum. Abbi had been tracking her basal body temperature for months. She'd run ultrasounds and ovulation tests, preparing for the day Talon would be ready to donate sperm. By a fortunate coincidence, her body was ready for insemination shortly after Talon and the others returned with Ben. Talon had already shared blood with the Lycan and his sperm count appeared optimal, so she went ahead and inseminated herself. Everything had been done right, but unfortunately it didn't work. Disappointed, she steeled herself to proceed with plan "B", which meant ingesting Lycan blood into her own body in the hope of fortifying her cells. 11

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Abbi took a deep breath and delivered the news. "The insemination procedure was unsuccessful, Sire." Christophe's eyes burned like the lit ends of two cigarettes. She rushed to assure him that she would take the next step. "I'm ready to go ahead and ingest Ben's blood and—" "No!" Christophe's hand came up and she cringed, waiting for contact, but he slammed it down on the countertop. Beakers and vials jumped. One shattered and vermilion stained the cold steel. Abbi stared open-mouthed. "But I thought—" "You confuse intellectual thought with emotional. I'll do the thinking this time. If you and the father both have Lycan blood flowing in your veins a child from your union will be more Lycan than Kindred. That's the last thing I want. We have another Lycan now, and perhaps another Kindred male will prove more fertile. You'll try again, and this time you'll proceed the way nature intended." Just as she had feared, Christophe intended to make the new hostage a participant in their experiments. Forcing someone to take a stranger as their lifelong mate was intolerable, but Christophe would stop at nothing to gain what he wanted. "I intend to have the hostage share blood with Ethan. When their counts are increased sufficiently you'll try again—the right way." 12

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Ethan! A cold knot formed in Abbi's stomach. The thought of getting close to that man repulsed her and she knew he would not treat the Lycan well. The doctor would forever be tied to a heartless tyrant, a man without a conscious. Christophe's mind might be made up, but she had to at least try to dissuade him. "Respectfully, Sire. It's not a good idea. The other symbionts had affection for each other before they shared blood. Ethan and the Lycan have never met. They may hate each other on sight." Christophe's eyes narrowed. Lines formed between his elegant brows. "Will that affect the outcome of their physical connection?" "No, but—" "Then we'll proceed." "At least let them meet first and see if they're compatible." Christophe's face assumed an annoyed expression. "They already have, but unfortunately the wolf is uncooperative. He's refuses to shift to his human form." "He needs more time." "We're running out of time, but I have no doubt we'll get him to show himself. Isolation is already taking a toll and a little force will do the rest." Oh no! Ethan's heavy-handed tactics would ruin everything and she'd never get to pick the Lycan doctor's 13

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brain. "With all due respect, Sire, you're going about this all wrong. If the hostage is hurt or refuses to cooperate, we may lose our only chance to learn more about Lycan biology. Let me try to talk to him." Leaning in aggressively, Christophe raised a brow. "With all due respect," he sneered, you don't know what you're talking about." He waved a hand in dismissal. "Ethan has things well in hand. You just concentrate on the science." Abbi bit her lip as she watched Christophe's retreating back. He would never hold her in the same regard as the men. In the Master's eyes, she should be adding to the Kindred population, not studying it. Too bad. You're stuck with me. She was the only doctor, and the only one of the Kindred who'd had the initiative to research their infertility problems. Christophe's fix, turning more humans to vampires, had already diluted their bloodlines, but his priority appeared to be quantity, not quality. Abbi wanted both and Christophe's lack of confidence only made her more determined. She bent over the microscope again, this time, with a vengeance. Next, she pulled out all her recorded data, hoping she'd missed something that would save the doctor from becoming another symbiont. The scientist in her wanted to go full steam ahead, but on a personal level she 14

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empathized with the men, especially Aidan. Her twin might be over the moon for his mate, but he and Hunter had been to hell and back. They both claimed they'd do it all over again, but she knew they weren't one hundred percent happy with their situation. Being sequestered in her medical facility took its toll on all of them. Christophe had her pegged; she did let her heart rule, but she couldn't behave any other way. "Still at it? Take a break, Sis." Abbi looked up, startled; she hadn't even heard Aidan come in. Sighing, she rose from her stool, annoyed because she hadn't turned up anything new. A wave of dizziness overtook her and her knees buckled. Aidan caught her before she fell. He helped her to an exam table and she perched on the edge. She took one look at his stern face and knew he had a lecture on the tip of his tongue. "I'm fine. Really." "You don't look fine," her twin snapped at her. "In fact, you look like hell." Abbi squeezed her eyes shut and then opened them wide in a bid to keep focused. "I just need a little nap." Aidan's dark eyes flashed. "When was the last time you fed?" Abbi pursed her lips. "I uh…" Shit. When was the last time? 15

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"I thought so." Aidan loosened the collar of his shirt. "Take my blood." Pursing her lips, she shook her head from side to side. "You know I can't do that. Lycan blood flows through your veins. I won't be a good research subject if my blood isn't pure Kindred." "You won't be a good research subject if you die of starvation. Go to the Parrish and find a human donor." "I will." "Now!" He insisted. "I'd take you myself if I was allowed out of here." Her brother was right. What good would she be to anyone if she passed out?" "Promise me." Aidan stared her down. "Okay." She smiled weakly at him. "I promise." **** Doc curled up on the hardwood floor like an overgrown pup and scratched his ear with a paw. Exhaustion covered him like a beat up old blanket. Different from the normal exhaustion of physical exercise and hard work, this debilitating weariness brought on by drugs, boredom, and his hunger strike, fueled his 'I don't give a shit' attitude. 16

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He might have been here a day or a week, time had no meaning. He slept, he woke, and the silver-eyed vampire came and went, gawking, poking, prodding, and finally drugging him again. The monotonous routine lulled him to sleep as surely as the tranquilizers. In his lucid moments he speculated on why the vampires were so interested in him. Curiosity killed the cat, and it would do-in the wolf, too, if he wasn't careful. But with nothing to do but think, his mind wandered.

Being inside

his

wolf

skin

had

been

exhilarating—at first. Now it was frustrating. Four walls and a roof were meant for man, not beast. An animal needed the sky overhead and dirt under his paws. He considered shifting back to his human body but discarded the idea. Why give them what they wanted? An eyelid lifted and his ear twitched at the tread of approaching footsteps; then a dish slid toward him. He nosed the bowl away, yawned, and laid his muzzle on his paws. He'd refuse to eat even if the food was appetizing, which it wasn't. Without warning, a hand rested on his back. It startled him and a low growl rumbled up from his chest. The large, warm palm stroked him from neck to tail and sent an unexpected jolt of comfort through his body. Gently, the hand massaged the tendons at the back of his 17

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neck. Normally his wolf didn't like being touched, but the kneading was a pleasant diversion and he decided against biting the hand. Relaxing into the touch, he wriggled a little closer to the owner. An unpleasant and unwelcome presence entered the room like a dark cloud, and intruded on his passive tolerance. A voice sharp with sarcasm made his hackles rise. "Well, well, isn't this cozy. Damian, the dog whisperer." Doc lifted his muzzle and bared his teeth, and a low, menacing growl started in his chest and worked its way up. Hissing above the wolf's head, Ethan landed a sharp kick to his ribs. The wolf snapped his jaws, barely missing a booted foot. "Savage beast!" Ethan nudged Damian with his foot as if he were no better than the wolf. "And you want to make a fucking pet of it." "He was fine until you walked in. Leave him be." "The wolf is my responsibility. Get the fuck out." Damian stood, tilting his head so his long black hair covered his face. A sneer curled Ethan's lips at Damian's attempt to hide his scar. Doc closed his eyes. Bad blood between bloodsuckers wasn't his concern. Beyond caring, he ignored the vampires. The thud of a body shoved against a wall ended a brief scuffle, and Ethan's offensive odor 18

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settled over him. "Open your eyes and look at me, you dirty beast." Taloned fingers plucked at his eyelid, piercing it and lifting it open. You want my attention, you got it. Twisting his muzzle, the wolf snapped his jaws on Ethan's hand. "Aa-AA-aa!" The vampire screeched like a peacock, but Doc didn't relax his grip until he heard the whistle of an object swinging through the air. Too late, a wooden club caught him on the side of his head and he saw stars. The new arrival held a bat alongside his thigh and glared at Ethan, then Damian. "What's going on here?" His voice held authority and the two vampires went still. "Ethan?" "It's a fucking savage," Ethan muttered, holding his mangled hand to his chest. "He was kicking the wolf, Sire," Damian offered. "The animal was only defending itself." Disoriented and bleeding from his nose and mouth, Doc listened with interest. This must be their alpha, the one they called Master. Ethan snarled. "I was just beginning my training. An animal needs to know who its Master is." "That would be me," the older vampire snapped, turning away. "Damian?" 19

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"Ethan and I disagree on how to handle the hostage." "You think you can do better?" The Master sounded skeptical. "Sire." Ethan broke in. "Let me handle my own—" "That's enough! We've had no progress so far. I want to hear what Damian has to say." The wolf's ears perked up. So do I. "I think I can gain the animal's trust with compassion and reward. Maybe then it will shift and talk to me." Grrr! Brainwashing. Ethan snorted. "Ridiculous! I—" "I'll allow it. Damian you have a few days to bring the wolf to heel. If it doesn't shift, I'll reevaluate the situation." Damian let out a long, audible breath. "Thank you, Sire." "Whatever you wish, Sire," Ethan acquiesced. "Then let's leave Damian to his endeavors. It reeks of dog piss in here." The room turned quiet, Damian got down on the floor and sat cross-legged next to Doc. Wolf and vampire eyed each other for a long thirty seconds, then Damian reached out a tentative hand and used his sleeve to wipe the 20

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wolf's bloody muzzle. Doc's nostrils flared at the unwanted touches, but something held him back from biting this one. Evidently, the bloodsucker thinks we've come to some sort of nonverbal agreement, but he's fooling himself. I know what he's about. Playing the good cop to Ethan's bad, tempting the hostage with kindness, controlling his most basic needs. Mind tricks, all of it. Doc was too smart to become a victim of Stockholm syndrome and bond with his captor. "You'll be okay, boy. You've already stopped bleeding." Those damn calming fingers returned to his back and stroked softly. Despite his best efforts to ignore them, tremors rippled through him at the vampire's touch. Damn drugs, making him weak and vulnerable. He hardened his resolve. "Let it go, wolf. You can trust me." The man continued to stroke and murmur comforting words. You've got to be fucking kidding me. No one could be trusted in this viper's nest.

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CHAPTER THREE Abbi was glad she'd listened to Aidan. It was a gorgeous day and although she had to wear protective sunglasses to shield her sensitive eyes, it felt good to be outside in the warm sunshine. The gothic façade of the former church appeared much less imposing during the day. Even the stone gargoyles looked more comical than fearsome. The Parrish was literally the heart of the Colony. Square in the center of town, it functioned as a dance club, a meeting place, and housed Christophe's living quarters and office on the top floor. The building also housed the human blood donors, groupies who chose to live in the Colony and feed the vampires. Perishables, as Christophe ridiculed them. Abbi entered through the arched portal. The timber double doors swung shut behind her and the cool, dim interior swallowed her up. She pulled off her glasses and walked through the narthex and the nave to the large vaulted interior. Across the expanse, two men stood at the bar. The human caught Abbi's attention as soon as she spotted him. In fact, his scent had stolen her breath away before she even laid eyes on him. Ethan was holding a glass to the 22

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man's lips, urging him to drink. Wine most likely, laced with the aphrodisiacs that enhanced orgasms. The humans drank it voluntarily, even asked for it, but this man seemed reluctant and Ethan practically poured the liquid down his throat. The human was smaller and slimmer than the vampire and no match for him. Ethan slammed the empty glass on the bar and gripped the man's arm, dragging him toward the door that led to the private feeding rooms. Her good mood all but gone, she called out. "Ethan." The tall, powerful vampire kept a tight hold on his prey as he whirled to face Abbi. Planting a smile on her face, Abbi strode across the room. Ethan could be a cruel son of a bitch, taking on the role of ruthless Master and dominating the humans who fed him. Some liked it, but this one was hanging back and dragging his feet, apparently regretting his decision to feed the vampire. Ethan probably hadn't given him any choice and that was against all the rules. Maybe she couldn't do much to help the Lycan doctor, but she could rescue this human man from Ethan's clutches. "I'm in a hurry, Abbi. What do you want?" "So sorry." She smiled at the nervous human. "I need a favor. Really, I wouldn't ask if I wasn't so 23

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desperate." Ethan scowled at her. "Well, what is it?" "I'm immersed in my research and I haven't fed for a while." "So what do you want from me?" So considerate. He was no gentleman for sure. It didn't matter because she intended to use Christophe's name to gain his assistance. "The Master insisted I come straight here and feed before I continue working." She smiled sweetly. She could practically see Ethan's mind working. He didn't want to give up his meal, but he had no desire to incur Christophe's wrath either. He had the Master's favor now and he didn't want to lose it. "Christophe is concerned about me. He wants to insure you and I bring a healthy baby into the world. I know you want that as well." "Of course." Ethan snarled and pushed the human toward her. "Take him, then. Just be sure Christophe knows how cooperative I've been." "Oh, I will. Thank you, Ethan." Abbi took the human's arm and pulled him a little closer. Ethan curled his lip in a brittle smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Behave, Lane. Take good care of the mother of my future son." "I will, Ethan." "And Abbi…" 24

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"Yes?" "Don't drain him. I'll be wanting him later." Abbi frowned at Ethan's retreating back. For years, scientists argued about which traits were inherited: physical characteristics, IQ, health. Any baby that came from her and Ethan would be beautiful, intelligent, and healthy, but please God, don't let it have his temperament. It would take a village to raise a little Ethan. Sighing, she turned back to the human, who regarded her warily. "Are you okay with the change of plans?" A pink blush spread over his face under her frank scrutiny. He had the boyish good looks of a young Brad Pitt, the symmetrical features framed by light brown hair that turned darker at the ends, as if he'd dyed it and let it grow out. His eyes, the rich blue of a Siamese cat's, were level with hers, pleasing her to no end. Kindred men were tall and she didn't like feeling overpowered. The male seemed skittish and as much as he appealed to her, she would not take an unwilling donor. Of course, it could be an act. Some humans played hard to get just for the thrill of being treated a bit rough by a vampire. Role play and power exchange were popular, but too kinky for her taste. Regretfully, she decided to pass on this donor. "You're free to go." "I… uh," he stuttered. "I don't understand." 25

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"You look unsure and I don't feed from unwilling donors." "I'm sorry I gave you that impression. I'm happy to share my blood with you." He smiled at her. "I'm just surprised to hear Ethan will be a father." Me and my big mouth. She'd put her foot in it again. "It's not a sure thing by any stretch, and it's meant to be kept confidential." "I won't say anything. You can trust me. And to be even a small part of your union would be a great honor." "I don't know…" "Please." He begged so prettily. "Ethan will be angry if he thinks I didn't please you." Abbi shook her head, confused by the dynamics of their relationship. She was doing what she always did, overthinking everything. Their relationship didn't concern her. She needed blood, and this human had blood. Period. "All right then, but if you're looking for rough play, you won't get it from me." "I'm not looking for anything; I just want to give you what you need." He seemed anxious, maybe too anxious. Perhaps he thought there would be some reward if she and Ethan did produce offspring. Who knows, maybe Ethan will reward him. "Okay, follow me." She entered the area where the 26

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feeding rooms were located, his footsteps barely discernible behind her. The last door on the left was ajar, indicating it wasn't being used. She walked in and sat on the bed. When she looked up, he was still in the doorway watching her. "Well, come in, I won't bite." She smiled at him. "Unless you want me to." He smiled back, and she melted. Aside from the striking good looks, he had a sweet, trusting smile that belied his sensual mouth. He looked like a sleek, sexy cat as he settled on the bed next to her. His scent, musky with arousal, appealed to her. Either he wanted her or Ethan had given him a very large dose of something to ramp up his desire. Her nostrils flared at the delicious fragrance of his blood. He turned those trusting eyes on her and with one long look stole her breath away once more. Kindred men were beautiful, and there were many handsome humans here as well, but none of them had ever attracted her like this one. Her heart rate accelerated. A moment passed, then another; she couldn't take her eyes off him. He broke the silence first. "Tell me your name." "Abbi." "Abbi. Is that a nickname?" "Yes." How lovely. The donors never cared to know much about her. "My given name is Abbigale." 27

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"Abbigale." He repeated it to himself. "It's beautiful." "And yours?" "Lane." Even his name charmed her. He smiled ruefully. "I'm sorry. You need blood. Take what you need." "Take your shirt off." He kept his eyes on hers as he started on his buttons. Every inch of skin revealed more bruises. Some were older, faded and yellow-green, but many were red and swollen. An involuntary gasp escaped her lips. "You like this? You want it?" He shrugged. "It's okay." "No." She traced a fresh discoloration and he winced. "It's not." Dear God, some of the wounds were parallel, as if he'd been whipped. Bite marks circled his nipples. "You don't have to be afraid of him." "I'm not." His reply was too quick. "Not really. He just gets a little carried away sometimes. Please don't say anything." "I won't." A surge of anger flowed through her. Of course he wouldn't admit to being afraid. Ethan would punish him if he found out. "Whatever you tell me here is between us. Why do you stay?" 28

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"I've been here a long time." "How is it I haven't seen you before?" "I'm usually with Ethan." He shrugged. "It's complicated." "Indeed." So Ethan kept him on a tight leash. It must be killing him to share. "Please, take my blood." A touch of pleading in his voice. He slid closer and the hunger rumbled through her. She needed the blood and she wanted him enough to put aside her doubts. Moving toward him, the scent of his blood grew stronger and her breath caught in her throat. Too late to stop now, a thrill of anticipation vibrated along every nerve ending; her lips curled back, revealing sharp, ivory fangs, and a whimper of need escaped her throat. She pressed him down, and followed his body to the mattress. Lane turned his head to the side, baring his throat to give her better access. God, I don't want to rush this, but he's so enticing. The smell of his desire fueled hers, triggering a hunger she hadn't felt in years. Unable to hold back any longer, she lowered her head, nuzzling his neck where his pulse beat in an erotic rhythm that called to her. She licked the spot, the taste of his sweat warm and salty, then pierced the flesh with her fangs. Sensation exploded in her mind as his taste exploded on her tongue and flowed 29

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through her veins. He rubbed against her like a cat while she drank. Fluid soaked her panties as her arousal grew. His soft, needy moans encouraged her to press her palm against the bulge in his jeans. He was hard and he started thrusting himself against her touch, straining for the contact she ached to give him. How long had it been since she held a man's penis in her hand? How long since she wanted to? She wanted to now. Fumbling one-handed with his zipper, she released his cock. Loving the feel of velvet over steel, she stroked him willingly. He purred at her caress, returning the favor by pulling the drawstring of her scrub pants and slipping a hand inside. His fingers slid over her moist folds and she moaned encouragement as she swallowed his blood. Feeding off his pleasure as well as his life fluid, she increased the suction at his throat, marveling at the taste of his blood and the touch of his hand. One long finger slipped inside her snug sheath, then another. A blistering heat flared in her core; one hunger had been sated, now she wanted to satisfy the other. Withdrawing her fangs, she licked his neck to close the wound, arching and rolling her hips, seeking an orgasm. "Please… Lane." She couldn't ask for what she wanted, but he knew, and he tormented her, plunging his fingers deeper and harder. His breath became ragged and his body tensed with an approaching release. 30

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Oh, no, he's going to come first— He pinched her clit, taking her over the edge with him. Her inner muscles gripped his fingers and she came hard as his wet heat exploded between them. Their mutual pleasure was unexpected and lovely and she lay still for a few minutes, enjoying it. Lane lay perfectly still, too, and she slid a hand over his chest to feel his heart pumping. Satisfied she hadn't taken too much, she relaxed. Suddenly he reached up, tangled his hand in her long black hair, and pulled her in for a kiss. His lips were pliant and tasted like ambrosia. Surprised, she kissed him back and the tip of his tongue slipped between her lips. She hadn't kissed anyone like this in years. Indulging herself, she explored his mouth. When he took her hand and placed it over his renewed arousal, his shiver of anticipation set her own body trembling. She groaned against his mouth, wanting to feel his hard length inside her. It had been so long. She might be vampire but she had needs like any woman, and she'd be perfectly within her rights to use this man to fill them. After all, that was why he was here, why all of them were here. They wanted the chills and thrills of hanging with the big, bad vampires, not to mention the ecstasy of an orgasm brought on by feeding and fucking a 31

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vamp. Still, this strong attraction unsettled her, and this man belonged to Ethan. With regret she ended the kiss. "I have to go, Lane," she whispered. "You were wonderful. Thank you." He looked up at her eagerly. "Will you tell Ethan I took good care of you?" She sighed regretfully. He hadn't wanted her at all; it was all about Ethan. "Of course." **** Doc's ears perked up and turned to catch the sound of approaching footsteps. His body tensed. Already Damian's tread was familiar to him, and he knew it wasn't the scarred vampire unlocking the door. The wolf lifted his muzzle to scent the air. Ethan! The vampire shut the door behind him and leaned back against it. "I see you're still content to shit on the floor and walk around with your tail between your legs." Doc's lips drew back to expose his teeth. He snapped his jaws as a reminder of what he'd once done and could do again. "You don't scare me, you mangy mongrel." The vampire slapped a wood bat against his palm and wrinkled his nose. "I don't know how Damian puts up with the stench." He walked a little closer and looked down at Doc. 32

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"But then he'd do just about anything to curry favor with the Master. With that face, no accomplishment will make him look good, but let him try. It can only benefit me. If he succeeds, then he saves me the trouble and you're still mine. If he fails, then I'll take over, and next time I will make you shift no matter what it takes." The hackles stood on Doc's back and he snarled. If I have to retreat to the animal kingdom permanently, I'll never shift for you, bloodsucker. Ethan laughed. "Believe me, I'm just as put out by our association as you are, but it's what the Master wants and I aim to please. This will cement my position in the Colony, so one way or another I'll have your blood." Blood! The wolf crouched, ready to spring. Evidently Ethan didn't trust the rope to hold and he took the warning seriously. He held the bat in front of him, backed away, and almost fell out the door. Doc licked himself smugly. There was a certain satisfaction in knowing you inspired fear in your enemy. But the vampire's words came back to haunt him. Why did they want his blood?

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CHAPTER FOUR Worrying wouldn't help, but Abbi paced from one end of the lab to the other, stressing over Christophe's orders. She needed to gather the men; the symbionts were entitled to know everything. It had been Hunter's idea to keep the doctor here, rather than let him go immediately. At the time it seemed like a good idea. The Lycan doctor knew their biology better than anyone and they all agreed his knowledge would add to Abbi's research. She'd been fairly confident that with three symbiotic couples already being studied, Christophe would not want to involve another vampire and the hostage would not be forced into symbiosis. Assumptions are always risky, but they'd weighed the pros and cons and made a choice. She couldn't go back and change things; she had to move forward. Number one on her priorities would be a talk with the Lycan doctor, to warn him what was to come, but the man refused to shift. Ethan hadn't gained his trust, but maybe she could. Christophe would be angry at her disobedience, but if she made headway, he'd get over it. It was worth a try. Grabbing her keys, she ran to the door and into Ethan. Seeing the smug expression on his face made her want to smack him. 34

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He looked down at her as if she were a lesser being. He was becoming a carbon copy of the Master. "Going somewhere, Abbi?" Suppressing her aversion, she tried to push past him. "That's none of your business." Arms outstretched, he put both hands on the doorframe, blocking her way, and flashed a smile that set her teeth on edge. "Pretty soon everything you do will be my business." "You're mad. Let me by." "Make no mistake, Abbigale. I intend to have a docile and obedient mate by my side." Abbi laughed. "You must be joking. You can't even train a dog." She recoiled at his murderous expression. His silver eyes darkened to glowing black coals, and glared at her. "Damian is taking a turn at playing animal tamer." His face melted into that maddening smirk. "Now I'll have more time to devote to you." Relief at Damian's involvement with the wolf was replaced with dread. Ethan was happiest when he had someone to torment and now he had his sights on her. "I'll obey my Master, but don't assume you'll be my mate. You're a sperm donor, nothing more." He squeezed her arm hard enough to leave fingerprints. "Oh, I'll be more, much more. Christophe has 35

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sanctioned our union and expects us to wed in a traditional ceremony. We'll make a lovely couple, don't you agree? And the dog will complete our little family." Abbi's breath burned in her throat. "It will never happen." "Oh, it will happen." He smiled maliciously. "And soon, I hope. I can't wait to start our new life together." His sarcastic tone belied the words. "Get out of my way, Ethan." Reaching out a hand, he traced her jaw with his fingers. "How about a little taste of married life first." The tip of his tongue came out to lick his lips. He didn't even like women; it was all about control. "You're disgusting." Abbi backed away, putting a counter between them. Ethan was a powerful vampire, older and stronger than her and she wasn't sure how long she could hold him off. Even now she felt his energy filling the room. She concentrated on her own power, rising to meet his. "Don't fight me, Abbi. You can't possibly win." His gaze focused on her as he stalked her across the room like a predator after its prey. He circled the counter and backed her against the wall, pressing the hard ridge of his erection against her stomach. Gripping her jaw with one hand, he fumbled with the drawstring of her scrub pants with the other. She brought a knee up and caught him in the groin. 36

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Ethan let out a cry and released her to grab his balls. Taking the opportunity, she tried to slip away, but he recovered quickly and grabbed her arm. Snarling, he smacked her across the face. "Leave her alone!" Startled, they both froze. Aidan advanced on Ethan, swinging, but Ethan blocked the punch easily. He confronted Aidan, sneering with contempt and ridicule. "The freak show comes to Dr. Frankenstein's rescue. This doesn't concern you. Back off." "Everything about my sister concerns me." "Get out of my lab," Abbi yelled at Ethan, then turned to her brother. "Please, Aidan, he's leaving." Ethan laughed coldly. "Yes, Aidan, hide behind your sister." He turned and snarled at Abbi. "This is not finished, my dear mate. You will learn to obey me." With a growl and a hiss, he walked out. "I'm so sorry," she said to her twin. "You have your own problems, I don't want you to worry about me." "You're my sister, of course I'm worried about you. We're in this together. I wish I'd gotten here sooner." Aidan regarded her, eyes blazing. "Am I mistaken, or did I hear the bastard call you his mate?" Abbi hugged herself and rocked back and forth. The last thing she wanted was to unload on Aidan but she was 37

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feeling so boxed-in, and she didn't see any possible way out. Her eyes misted with outrage and suddenly tears were pouring down her cheeks. Stunned, Aidan put an arm around her. "What's going on?" "Christophe wants him to father a child with me, but Ethan seems to expect more. I need to talk to Christophe." "Hunter and I are here for you. So are the others. Find out what Christophe wants and then we'll talk again. I think it's time to leave the Colony for good." Feeling empty of spirit, Abbi ached with the hopelessness of the situation. "This is my home. Where would I go? If you and the others escape, the Kindred and the Lycans won't give up until they find you. Maybe you can live as a fugitive, but I can't." Aidan remained silent. She didn't expect a response; what could he say? They were all trapped like flies in a web. **** The closed door to Christophe's office didn't stop Abbi; she turned the knob and walked in. The room was dim but she saw the Master Vampire sitting behind his massive carved desk. He looked up and smiled, as if he 38

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expected her. Of course, Ethan must have called and warned him. "Have a seat, Abbigale." She looked at the black leather club chair and then back at Christophe. "I'd rather stand," she said defiantly. "As you wish." "I just spoke to Ethan." She took a deep calming breath, before continuing. "Is it true you sanctioned a union between us?" He nodded once. "Yes." Knowing she fought a losing battle, she pressed on. "I'll agree to conception, but a formal marriage is out of the question. Of course, I would allow him to see the child, provided there is one, but I don't want any other contact with him. Please tell him it was a misunderstanding." "There's no misunderstanding." A cold knot formed in her stomach. "Please, Sire—" "There will be a formal union and a mating. Up until now, I've allowed the Lycans to reside together under your supervision, but you've become emotionally attached and it's affecting your judgment. Now we have four wolves here, and one of them is unstable. The situation could turn dangerous at any time. I think you need help, a strong male to partner with you and keep a tight rein on the wolves." "You can't be serious! Ethan hasn't gained the trust of the wolf, nor does he get along with the symbionts. He's 39

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the last person I would choose for such a sensitive undertaking." "It's not your choice to make." "Certainly I should be allowed to choose my own mate and I would not choose Ethan. He's cruel and abusive, especially in his treatment of the humans. He beats them. It's intolerable." "It's exactly what I need. You're a scientist, Abbigale, not a soldier. And I don't want you to be. You keep your head in the test tubes and worry about getting pregnant. If any one of your charges gets out of hand, Ethan will take care of it. He can smell a plot before it has a chance to take shape. He's been given complete autonomy at the lab, except for the science, which I will monitor. I want you and Ethan to present a united front to your symbionts, and to make sure everyone knows you are in full agreement with his decisions, we will have a Unification Ceremony in the Parrish. I'll leave those details to you and Ethan, but don't take too long. We haven't had a real union here in years. A celebration will go a long way to lift everyone's morale." Abbi's heart sank. A union with Ethan was no cause for celebration. **** 40

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Without a river to bath in or a pack member to help him out, Doc resorted to licking every part of himself he could reach: legs, paws, genitals. He heard the door open, and looked up. Damn. Damian, back again. Doesn't he have anything better to do than come in here and gape at me every five minutes? The bloodsucker seemed especially interested in Doc's long, thick penis, now extended from its sheath after the extensive tonguing he'd given it. Well, what do you expect, vampire, I can't exactly squeeze the Charmin, can I? The wolf went back to his wash-up; the vampire lingered for a few minutes then left the room. Good riddance. A wolf might thrive in a pack but he still needed his own space. Of course, a vampire wouldn't understand. Oh, no. Back again, this time with mop and bucket in hand. Silently, the vampire swabbed the floor as if cleaning the deck of a ship. Unbelievable. It's not going to work, bloodsucker.

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CHAPTER FIVE Ethan didn't return, but Damian visited often, and the wolf continued to ignore him. Other than offering up an occasional snarl or baring his teeth, Doc feigned sleep whenever the vampire approached. He'd be damned if he'd let a vampire, any vampire, take his blood for some dark, ulterior purpose. The door creaked open and Doc's muzzle came off the floor. Damian, back again, a canine pin brush in his hand. What next? Would the idiot try to teach him to fetch? The vampire stood silent, his fingers combing the hair over his scar. Is the vampire that damaged by a mark on his face? Or does the real hurt go deeper? Damian's behavior intrigued him. He and Ethan were a study in contrasts. Or were they? Maybe Damian is a better actor than I give him credit for. It would be a foolish mistake to think otherwise. Doc's head went back on his paws and he shut his eyes to block out the hurt on Damian's face. **** Damian wanted to shake some sense into the wolf; nothing else had worked. He'd gone so far as to bring in a 42

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blanket and clean the room, putting up with the ridicule and derision of Ethan and the others. The wolf had watched him mopping up the floor like a chambermaid, but evidently it wasn't swayed by the prospect of having a clean room. What will sway you? He studied the beast as if the answer were written on its furry hide. He despaired of ever gaining the animal's trust, but a grudging admiration for the dog grew in him at every visit. The wolf had an unwavering strength of will, but so did he. If only he had more time, he knew the wolf would break, but Christophe was becoming impatient and on the verge of giving control back to Ethan. He couldn't let that happen. Ethan would torture and abuse the animal and if the dog continued to refuse food, it might starve to death. Damian had one more day to gain the animal's confidence. He'd been close once. He'd actually felt the wolf warming to him, but that was before Ethan hit him and ruined everything. Thanks to Ethan, he was back at square one. Refusing to give up, he intended to use every minute he had left to show the wolf not all vampires were brutes and bullies like Ethan. He sat next to the wolf and put his hand on the rope around the animal's neck. Fear made his hands shake but he managed to untie the knot. Now if the animal decided to attack, he wouldn't be able to run out of its reach. The wolf 43

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remained still and, encouraged, Damian ran the brush over its back. Two accusing, amber eyes opened and the wolf bared its teeth. Damian's heart raced; his hand stopped in midair and then lowered to his lap. What was he thinking? This animal could tear his throat out. When had taming the dog become so important to him, and more to the point, why? A small part of him wanted to best Ethan, another part wanted to gain Christophe's respect, but it was more than that. If truth be told, he enjoyed the time he spent with the animal. Utterly alone, he craved companionship and a dog could be a loyal friend, one who didn't care what you looked like. With great effort he reminded himself this was no ordinary dog; there was a man under all the fur. A man? Could that be the problem? He'd been going about this all wrong, trying to win over the wolf and not the man. His methods had been just as bad as Ethan's, maybe worse. Getting in the wolf's space, touching him without permission, treating him like the animal he wasn't. Damian pictured himself in his hawk form, all feathers, wings, and talons, but still possessing his human intelligence. How would he like it if a stranger put jesses on his legs and tethered him to a perch? Somehow he had to make the Lycan understand he'd never meant to humiliate him. 44

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Crouching by the animal's side, he refrained from touching him, but the wolf let out a low growl. "I'm sorry. You have no reason to believe me, but I owe you an apology and it'll make me feel better to get it out." The wolf watched every move as Damian sat cross-legged next to him. Guilt made it difficult to speak, but he cleared his throat and forced out the words. "Ethan is a sociopath; I'm sure you figured that out for yourself. He and I are nothing alike, but you don't know me, not really, and you have no more reason to trust me than you do him. And especially not after the way I've been treating you." The wolf's ears perked forward as if he were listening. Encouraged, Damian continued talking in a low voice. "I can shift into a hawk… and when I do, I'm beautiful and perfect. My greatest joy is soaring up above the clouds where I can be alone. It's magical. Sometimes I think I want to hide behind my feathers forever." A twinge of embarrassment passed through him and he smiled almost apologetically. "I don't know what I would do if someone put me in a cage. I try to imagine how you must feel, having everything you love taken away, and I just can't." Sad puppy dog eyes looked up at him. "I don't why I ever thought a pat on the head or a clean blanket would make things right. The only right thing would be to let you go." 45

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The wolf let out a short, high bark and edged closer, rubbing against his leg. Amber eyes lit up and a bushy tail wagged. Damian sighed heavily. "I wish I could, but I can't. There are too many guards watching you." He'd become used to the wolf's musky animal smell. It wasn't unpleasant and he leaned in closer. Wolf fur tickled his nose and he couldn't help rubbing his face along the animal's back and up its neck. His mouth close to the wolf's ear, he whispered soothing words. The animal's ear twitched, whether from his breath or the actual words, he had no idea, but there was no other response. "You can trust me. Maybe I can't do much to help you, but I won't hurt you." The wolf lifted his massive head and hot breath fanned Damian's face. His eyes flickered with silent accusation and he bared his canines. Apprehension stiffened the vampire's spine but he didn't move. Suddenly, a long, rough tongue darted out and licked Damian's scar, then retreated. Shocked, Damian covered the scar with his hand. It had been a long time since anyone other than himself had touched his face. Gold wolf eyes probed his, studying him. Damian waited, quivering on the inside under the animal's galvanizing stare. Finally, the wolf nodded, almost as if he'd made up his mind about something. Stretching out his 46

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front limbs, his chest low to the floor, his rump went high, tail wagging. Then his rear went down and his head came up. The wolf sat on his haunches, the amber eyes gone strangely blank, gazing across the room, seemingly at nothing. The canine body started vibrating, then contorting. Damian watched transfixed as the black fur receded and the body changed shape. The muzzle retracted and the last elements of the wolf disappeared in front of his fascinated eyes. Transformation complete, a man sat before him. And what a man he was, big and masculine. Not that his looks mattered. All that mattered was that Damian had done what he set out to do—gain the Lycan's trust. He wanted to whoop with joy. Then a pang of loss hit him out of the blue. He'd come to think of the wolf as his companion. The man would be no such thing. Damian and the doctor stared, each taking the other's measure. The Lycan had a fine looking face, strong and rugged; even the stubbled jaw was sexy. Slanted gold eyes framed by a shaggy chestnut mane searched his face, making him all too conscious of his own looks. Why should a dog be blessed with such a pleasing countenance, while Damian had to live his life disfigured? Damian tilted his head, letting his long black locks cover the right side of his face. His adversary played with a 47

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sexy soul patch under his lip, his expression revealing nothing. What is he thinking? Perhaps the man wasn't as tolerant of defects as the dog. Damian waited for a sign of disgust. Go ahead, wolf, and laugh at my hideous, scarred face. You wouldn't be the first. What did he care about the opinion of a Lycan dog when he'd put up with far worse from his peers? His people never let him forget what he looked like. Even the humans couldn't hide their disappointment when they first laid eyes on him. Vampires were supposed to be beautiful. The humans expected someone of extraordinary beauty to take their blood and bring them to ecstasy. The perishables thought they were better than him. None of them dared laugh outright for fear of making him angry enough to drain them, but they were so predictable. Either they turned away in disgust or gazed at him with pity. The Lycan seemed curious more than anything. It disconcerted Damian, and he stared back without a word. Staring was not a hardship; the wolf's human body was easy on the eyes. He was big, not as tall as Christophe but heavier, and when he filled out again he'd be well-built. Long legs covered with fine, dark hair would be strong and powerful. The Lycan's broad back was exposed and Damian felt an urge to trace its contours like he did when it was hidden under wolf fur. Completing the pretty picture 48

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was a mouthwatering cock, impressive even in its semiflaccid state. Damian's own cock filled just looking at the man. Under his curtain of hair, his face grew warm with embarrassment as well as arousal. He was acting like a randy boy, and over a wolf! What was the wolf thinking? And more importantly, why should he care? The Lycan scooted a bit closer and his fingers combed through the long black strands, brushing Damian's hair behind an ear. Damian froze, stunned. No look of revulsion crossed the man's face as he traced the disfigurement with his thumb. Damian sucked in a breath. He wanted to bat the man's hand away but he couldn't move. His heart thumping against his ribs, his mouth dry with anticipation, he leaned into the gentle touch. All too soon, the Lycan dropped his hand. "How did you get this?" Of course, the first words out of the Lycan's mouth had to be about his scar. Curiosity, nothing more. What did he expect? Certainly not attraction. Damian ran his own fingertips lightly over the scar that ridged his cheek. It was an old story but not one he wanted to revisit. "We're not here to talk about my scar." "What are we here to talk about?"

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**** Damian had taken a big step by removing the rope from Doc's neck, but it was the vampire's words more than anything else that convinced him to shift. They had the ring of truth and the look in Damian's eyes spoke volumes. This vampire was weaker than the others and might be Doc's only hope for escape. Damian seemed pleased with himself. His success with Doc's wolf lit up his face. Except for the long scar that ran from the corner of the man's right eye to his mouth, he was eye candy for sure. He'd be interested in the rest, but right now it was the scar that took all his attention. Well, hell, he was a doctor and looking at that scar for days on end, lots of questions had been running through his mind. Vampire wounds healed quickly and as far as he knew, didn't scar, yet this man had what appeared to be a keloid. They usually resulted from an overly aggressive healing process, resulting in skin cells that don't know when to stop. Fascinating. The vampire appeared embarrassed by his facial deformity. He certainly had no reason to be self-conscious about his appearance. Aside from the scar, he was beautiful. The rest of his skin was smooth and pale as marble. Tall and lanky, Damian wore his hair longer than 50

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the others and his habit of tilting his head to hide his face was endearing but unnecessary. Doc wanted to grab his hand and tell him he didn't need to hide behind his hair. Good looks didn't make the man, they were only window dressing. He bit his tongue. What did he care? Vampire angst was not his specialty and Damian wouldn't be interested in hearing what a wolf thought anyway. We're just savages to the Kindred, no better than any creature that roamed the woodlands. "I'm Damian." The words interrupted his thoughts and surprised him. Doc's brow furrowed. Tread carefully. "I know your name." "Then you have me at a disadvantage." The faint smile held a touch of sadness. Damn, the bloodsucker had a way of getting under his fur. "Doc." The vampire's face creased into a real smile. "What's your real name?" He has the prettiest lips… "Everyone calls me Doc." "Good enough." "When can I see my people?" The smile faded. "I imagine they want to see you too, but you need to eat, get cleaned up. Let our doctor look 51

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at you." "I am a doctor." "Physician heal thyself, is that how it is?" Doc shrugged. "Look, just tell me why I'm here." "I don't know why you're here. You really need to talk to Abbi. Our doctor." "Alright, then. Let's go." The vampire looked surprised. "There are guards outside the door. We can't just walk out of here." "Then bring her here, and the others. You said I could trust you. Or was that a lie?" "I don't lie. I'll do whatever I can to arrange a meeting."

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CHAPTER SIX Doc hadn't expected Damian to come through, but true to his word, he'd brought the Kindred's doctor to see him. That was the good news. On the con side, Doc's meeting with Abbi had been short and not as productive as he'd hoped. Only the doctor came to see him, no one else, and he hadn't learned much. The brief description she'd offered of her research didn't impress him. She believed Lycan blood was the be-all and end-all to the Kindred's fertility problems. There was no real proof, just a lot of flawed logic, and some nonsense about symbiosis. Lycans and vampires mating? Bullshit! A fucking story to get medical information out of him, vital statistics that could be used against his own people. Maybe the others had been brainwashed, but he wasn't falling for it. After they'd talked, she had him moved to another room on the same floor. An improvement, this one had a bed and a bathroom, but the change in living quarters and some decent food had been the only real gains and he'd made a big concession to get them. He'd traded the rope around his neck for a collar that would prevent him from shifting. Abbi assured him it was the only way the Master Vampire would allow him to see the other Lycans. He knew the real reason for the collar 53

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was an imminent visit from Ethan. It pleased him no end to know the motherfucker was afraid of the big bad wolf. Collar or no, he'd handle the vampire. What choice did he have, really? They could overpower him and drug him easily enough and he'd be right back where he started. He needed to see the others and this seemed the only way. Now he feared he'd given up too much for too little. Still, he had to admit having a bathroom again was a real luxury. His wolf didn't give a shit about being clean, but his human side preferred the comforts of civilization. For the time being he'd enjoy what he had. Tugging at the drawstring of his sweatpants, Doc let them slide down his long legs and kicked them aside. Instead of a curtain, a glass block wall divided the shower from the rest of the facilities. He stepped around it and adjusted the water temperature until steam filled the small room, just the way he liked it. The soap had a pine fragrance that reminded him how much he missed the outdoors. Brooding about his situation wouldn't help, so he tried to block thoughts of the forest and Arcadia, concentrating instead on the pounding spray and the comforting heat, but his wistful mood lingered. Sighing, he reached for the shampoo, pleased it had 54

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a different scent. Unfortunately the spicy tang reminded him of the vampire. He envisioned Damian's scarred face in front of him, the vapor misting around his pale skin, his long black hair plastered to his face, hiding the mark that seemed to bother him so much. How would those silky strands feel sliding through his fingers as he lathered the vampire's hair? Washed his back, his ass… Doc's cock rose to half-mast. A little attention from his soap-slippery hand had it slapping against his belly and begging for more. He slid one hand along the crease of his ass. Touching his puckered hole was pleasant, but it was someone else's entrance he wanted to breach. A top all the way, he longed to have Damian's body beneath his, wanted to fuck the vampire senseless. Where the hell was this coming from? He had no idea, but thinking about it made his balls draw up and he cupped them, rolling the furred sac and pretending the vampire's hands were massaging his flesh. If a vampire turns you on, you've been alone too long, Doc. So he wanted a vampire, what was the big deal? It was only sex. Relationships weren't his forte, never had been. His whole life had been a series of one night flings and serial couplings, wild sex with no real emotion behind it. He'd never been tempted to look for anything more because his number one priority had always been work. 55

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Still was. Maybe he'd been wrong to put aside his personal life for a career, but he'd never felt like he was missing anything. He was horny and he wanted more than his own hand getting him off. Fucking a vampire was a big no-no, but using his imagination couldn't hurt. He tried to picture what the vampire's black slacks hid. The impressive bulge at Damian's crotch hinted at a length and breadth that would rival his own. His mouth watered as a flash of memory brought back his one taste of vampire flesh—a lick at Damian's scar—and a tangy flavor exploded on his tongue. A flame raced up his spine and his hand moved faster. His body spasmed, his knees buckled. A low growl rumbled up from his chest and he came hard, spraying himself and the tile. His cum disappeared down the drain with the water as he leaned back against the tiles to catch his breath. Fuck! He'd just experienced the most intense orgasm he'd had in years and he still wanted more, needed more. Unnatural though it might be, he seemed to be smitten with vampire cock. His mouth quirked with wry humor. Doc, you've gone to the dark side. Well hell, the vamps were all around him, and they were exceedingly attractive, with an erotic sensuality that would heat 56

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anyone's blood, but his focus was on Damian, and he figured it was because he had spent the most time with him. It didn't hurt that despite being a predator—a vampire and a hawk—Damian possessed an endearing vulnerability, a soft side Doc would not have believed a vampire capable of owning. He liked that quality in a lover. Added to that, the scar gave Damian a dangerous edge, thrilling and arousing. A totally disarming combination and one Doc found hard to resist. He didn't have much choice. Damian was off limits, in every way. He turned off the spray and grabbed a towel hanging from a hook in the tile. Slinging it around his hips, he turned to the door and froze. Someone was in the bedroom. A mortal would have thought the dark room empty, so close did the vampire hug the shadows, but Doc was no human man; his senses were as finely tuned as a baby grand. The swish of changing air currents alerted him to the vamp's movements. The slight thickening of the shadows in which he hid revealed his location. Every one of his Lycan instincts went on high alert because it was Ethan and the bloodsucker brought trouble with him. The vampire had a menacing aura that sucked the air from a room. Doc stood in the threshold, between bathroom and bedroom, waiting. A few tense seconds passed before 57

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Ethan walked to the center of the room and took an arrogant stance. "You've been a very bad dog, Lycan. I'm not at all happy with you." Doc crossed his arms over his chest and adopted a wide legged stance as he stared the vampire down. "And I don't give a shit." Ethan ignored him. "I've given your punishment serious thought and I've come up with a humane solution, one you'll find enjoyable. A blow-job. Make it the best damn blow-job you've ever given and maybe I'll let you have an orgasm while I feed from you." Doc shook his head in amazement. "You really are something." "I'm glad you think so. Now come over here and get on your knees. Or do you prefer the bed?" Doc growled. "I prefer to stay right where I am. And you do the same." Ethan took a step closer. "It's time we get to know each other a little better." "Take another step and it will be your last one." "Playing hard to get, I like that." "I'm not playing, you bloody leech. Just stay where you are." "That would make feeding difficult. And I do intend to take your blood." 58

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"Over my dead body." The vamp flashed a malicious smile. "I hope that won't be necessary." He moved smoothly, gliding toward Doc until only a few feet separated them. "I expect you to do as I say. You'll find I'm not as easily manipulated as Damian." Doc's hands clenched at his sides. He thought of his wolf, pictured it in his mind. Claws extended from his fingers and pierced his palms. Pressure compacted his internal organs. His bones popped. Suddenly he started choking. The room went dim and in the distance he heard the vampire laughing. When he came back to himself, he was sitting on the floor, his back against the bed, and the vamp was looking down at him, laughing. Fuck! He knew the damn collar would come back to bite him in the ass. "Oh, this is going to be even more fun than I anticipated." The vampire flashed a scornful smile. "But I'll play fair. Since you can't shift, I won't either. Not fully anyway." He held up a hand and sharp, sickle-shaped talons extended from his fingers. "We can do this the easy way or the hard way. Give me what I want and there's no problem. Put up a fight and I'll use my advantage." "Fuck you!" "That will come later, but first I want to taste your 59

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blood." Ethan took a swipe at him, but Doc sucked in a sharp breath and avoided the hooked bird claws. Shit! The asshole had come damn near gutting him. Ethan didn't give him time to dwell on the close call. He lunged again. Fury added to Doc's strength, still considerable even in human form, and he managed to circle the vamp and get him in a headlock. His advantage didn't last long. Ethan broke his hold easily. The vampire's sneering face infuriated him. He and Ethan stared at each other warily, neither giving an inch. **** Damian stood at the Parrish bar, trying to decide if he was hungry enough to take the blonde woman to a feeding room. He would have preferred a man, but due to the dearth of human donors, he didn't have much choice. While he vacillated, another vampire made a move on the curvaceous female and the decision was taken from him. He shrugged it off; he didn't want her anyway. What did he want? His life was full, if not happy. Immortality, strength, the ability to shift and fly— extraordinary gifts, all of them. And sex, so closely related to the act of feeding, was usually physically satisfying. Sometimes he felt a void that the others of his kind didn't 60

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seem to share. But then, they weren't looked upon with disgust or pity. He wanted to be wanted. Was that so much to ask? Was he greedy to want more? The little time he'd spent with the wolf made him realize just how lonely he'd been. He'd enjoyed their time together and he wanted more. How pathetic was that? But maybe the humans had it right, and a dog was man's best friend. A loyal companion who didn't care what a man looked like. With the wolf he could relax, be himself, let his guard down. Doc, as a man, was a whole different story. There were no thoughts of companionship when that chiseled face and hard muscled chest were in front of him. Not to mention the impressive erection that tented the front of the man's sweat pants. The Lycan had masculine beauty and a raw charisma that he found hard to resist. He wanted more than friendship. Maybe it was just wishful thinking but Doc, the man, seemed to return his interest. The wolf eyed him like prey, and he liked it. Knowing you were wanted was a heady feeling and not one he often experienced. His mind replayed every moment he spent with the Lycan. He relived every touch, every word, feeling emotions he'd never experienced before. How could this be happening? He'd never actually met a Lycan before, but all his life he'd been 61

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taught to revile them. Wasn't that exactly what people always did to him, prejudge him by what they saw on the outside? He didn't want to make that mistake; he wanted to know the man, inside and out. Sex between them would be an

explosive

coupling—and

one

he

would

never

experience. The wolf was off limits. He'd been given the task of taming the beast, but Christophe had warned him there would be grave consequences if he went further. He wished he knew exactly what the Master had in store for the doctor. He suspected it had something to do with the other Lycans, but he wasn't privy to Christophe's plans. Abbi wouldn't say much, probably under the Master's orders. His appetite gone, he headed back to the medical building to check on the wolf. It wasn't really necessary, not any more. The Lycan had a clean room and decent food. Damian had gotten him to shift and his part of the job was over. Christophe had informed him that starting tomorrow his services would no longer be needed; he could go back to his normal routine. But seeing Doc had become his normal routine. He tried to convince the Master Vampire it was too soon; the Lycan might get antsy without a familiar face around. Christophe had responded that it was time for the wolf to learn his place and get used to his new master—Ethan. That had been the plan all along. 62

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Damian might be in Christophe's good graces right now, but he wouldn't stay there long if he started arguing with the Master. Well, it wasn't tomorrow yet. There was still tonight. Tonight the wolf was still his and he intended to have one last visit.

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CHAPTER SEVEN Damian heard scuffling inside Doc's room and his heart slammed against his chest. The two guards at the door blocked his way. "Ethan gave us strict orders not to disturb him." Damian spoke in a carefully controlled voice. "I'm here on the Master's orders." His tone must have conveyed authority, because they stepped aside. He threw open the door and saw his worst nightmare replaying in front of his eyes. Ethan had Doc backed into a corner. His fangs were bared and his hawk's talons were fully extended. The vampire raised a hand and in the blink of an eye, a bloody furrow tracked Doc's face, from the corner of his right eye to his mouth. Stunned, Damian put a palm to his own cheek. Everything came back in a flash of memory, so painful it took his breath away. The horror hit him full force, and intent on finally getting vengeance, he gave up all control to the fury building inside him and leaped at Ethan. The two vampires went down, Damian on top. Doc shoved him aside and straddled Ethan. Holding the vampire's hands above his head with one hand, he pummeled him with the other, smashing his fist into 64

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Ethan's face over and over again. The sound of cracking bone and crushed cartilage was music to Damian's ears. Ethan had stopped fighting back and his beautiful face looked like mush. Finally, the Lycan pulled a punch and glared down at the man under him. "Had enough?" Ethan made an ugly, gurgling sound. Blood sprayed on Doc as the vampire exhaled through his broken nose and split lips. Doc growled at him. "Don't ever turn your back on me, you son of a bitch. I swear I'll kill you." He pulled the vampire up by his shirt and literally threw him out the door, slamming it shut behind him. Then he stared at the closed door as if waiting for Ethan to come flying back in. He didn't turn until the sound of retreating footsteps could be heard. Damian snatched up the towel that had fallen from Doc's hips, walked over, and dabbed at the blood on his face. Doc smiled, took the towel, and gave Damian a celebratory high five with his other hand. "You did good." Damian shrugged. "We did good. You all right?" "Yeah, thanks to you." "Your face…" Doc's lips twisted in a cynical smile. "Will you still love me if it leaves a scar?" Damian gaped, unable to hide his shock. Was the 65

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dog was making fun of him? Well, what had he expected? He hissed at the Lycan and turned away. **** What in God's name made him say that? It just popped out, a stupid joke, but he berated himself for being a clumsy fool. Knowing how sensitive Damian was about his face, he should have kept his mouth shut. With one stupid remark, he'd lost an important ally and worse, hurt Damian's feelings. Damian might be playing him, but Doc didn't think so. The vampire hadn't betrayed him yet, and Doc's animal instincts told him he could trust this bloodsucker. Besides, he'd seen something in Damian he could use to his advantage. The vampire looked at him with lust in his eyes. Seducing him might pave the way for escape… "Wait." Damian turned back to him and Doc smiled apologetically. "Sorry, it was a bad joke. I didn't mean anything by it." **** An apology from a Lycan, and a Lycan hostage at 66

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that—it surprised the hell out of Damian, left him speechless. Did he mean it? Doc's face showed not a trace of guile. The man's hangdog expression said it all: he really did feel bad. Damian cursed himself for being an oversensitive fool. He moved closer and the air around them grew thick with raw emotion. He could let the moment pass as one not to be taken seriously, or he could make the most of it. He chose to reach out and take a chance. He traced the cut on Doc's face with a finger, brought it back to his lips, and licked it clean. The taste of Doc's blood exploded on his tongue. Doc went very still. For a moment Damian feared he had made a huge mistake. Then their eyes locked and Doc's smoldering gaze set him on fire. Understanding passed between them. They had crossed an invisible line and changed the rules of the game. Damian remained still. He'd come this far; now it was up to the Lycan. Doc's arms, solid and strong, encircled him. Damian relaxed into the cushioning embrace, his lips going right to the tuft of hair under Doc's bottom lip and sucking. Doc let out a moan, tangled his fingers in Damian's hair, and claimed his mouth. Shattered by the intensity, Damian eagerly returned the Lycan's kiss. A deep, achingly sweet exploration ensued, tongues dancing, dueling, and finally 67

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retreating so their owners could catch a breath. They met again, and this time the kiss was rough and passionate. Doc's tongue caressed a fang and the sharp point drew a few drops of blood. Damian sucked at the wound, groaning and gripping Doc's arms hard enough to leave fingerprints. Doc pulled back, panting softly. Their eyes locked for a long moment. The spicy, copper flavor lingered and Damian lusted for more. Wrapped in the other man's powerful aura, Damian found it hard to control his need, but he would take nothing unless Doc offered it freely. **** The intoxicating scent of arousal and animal pheromones hung over the room, making Doc drunk with desire. He fought to keep his head, knowing the friendship between himself and the vampire had taken on a new life and become something other. He had to be sure he knew what he was doing and was not just caught up in animal lust. After all, what did he really know about Damian? The man never talked about his past. Understandable, neither did he. Men like them lived long lives. A lot happened in those years, some good, some bad, some best 68

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left forgotten. Still, the past shaped a man, made him who he was, and Doc wanted to know the real Damian. Could he be trusted to help him escape or would he go to the Master and put Doc in more danger? His gut told him Damian was okay, and he could usually trust his intuition, but this time if he followed his heart and Damian betrayed him, he'd be in a world of trouble. He didn't want to forge any kind of relationship with a stranger, especially one who he'd always thought of as an enemy. They both needed to come clean and maybe then they could work together. "My name is Lovel," he said. He saw Damian rolling it around in his head. "Love with an L. Does it have a romantic meaning?" Doc cringed. "Little wolf." He noted a touch of humorous sympathy in the vampire's eyes. "You can see why I prefer to be called Doc." Damian's eyes raked Doc's body provocatively, lingering on his rapidly growing erection. "A man with a body like yours has nothing to prove." He licked his bottom lip, making Doc's prick stand a bit taller. "My mother had a litter of three, and I was the runt. Believe me, I had to prove myself every day until I grew into my manhood." "Two more like you?" Damian looked incredulous. "Do they live in Arcadia City?" 69

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"Down boy. Don't get any ideas. They're overseas. Yorkshire the last I heard." "Just curious. You're more than enough for any man. Uh… I mean… I like your name. Any objections if I use it?" Doc winced. "Only when no one else is around." He paused uncertainly. "And only if you tell me how you got this." He traced Damian's scar with his finger. "Was it Ethan? I can see there's bad blood between you." A long silence followed. Open mouth, insert foot. Nice job, Doc. You just fucked up any chance of learning more about Damian. **** It all came back in a tidal wave of emotions, everything Damian had tried so hard to bury over the years. "It was another lifetime. I loved him. I thought he loved me. Maybe he did in his own way." Damian lapsed into silence, lost in his thoughts. Lovel waited, not pushing him. "We grew up together, boys on the verge of becoming men. Of course, we thought we were already men." Damian smiled wryly. "We were always together, it was only natural we'd experiment. He was the first one to fuck me. I returned the favor, but I preferred being a 70

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bottom. He preferred topping me, so it worked well for us. He was possessive. I didn't care, I didn't want anyone else. I was besotted with him." Damian grew quiet again. Lovel put a hand on his arm. "You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to." "It's okay, I want to tell you. We were together for years. Neither one of us wanted anyone else, but the sex started getting rougher and rougher. He had a side that got really ugly sometimes. He liked to tie me down, hit me with his belt. I tried to talk to him about it—over and over again. He'd apologize and tell me he just got carried away, but the next time it would be more of the same. If I screamed and fought back, he'd hit me harder. He got off on it, but I didn't, and finally I knew I had no choice. I had to end things, but it was tough. I still cared about him and we'd been close for a long time. So I started making up excuses not to see him." He cleared his throat and looked down at his hands. "Pretty pathetic, huh?" "No. It wasn't. When you love someone, it's hard to give up on them. You do whatever you can to make it work. I don't think Ethan is capable of loving anyone." "Yeah, I know that now, but back then I thought it was all my fault because I couldn't give him what he wanted." He let out a sigh. "I saw less and less of Ethan and he accused me of having someone else. He was wrong, but 71

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he didn't believe me when I told him so. Our people aren't normally possessive, but Ethan was different. He didn't like anyone getting the best of him, in any way. If anyone was going to end the relationship, it had to be him, and he started stalking me. One night he asked me to meet him in a feeding room, just to talk. I shouldn't have gone, but I thought I owed it to him." Remembering it so vividly caused the words to wedge in his throat. There'd been an argument, accusations. Emotions ran high, and at first, he'd kept his mouth shut, not wanting to add fuel to the flames. But nothing is more frustrating than being accused of something you didn't do, and soon he was screaming back and the fight escalated. "He grabbed me and shoved me down on the bed. I panicked and started punching and kicking wildly, trying to break loose, but before I knew what happened, he had me handcuffed to the headboard and he was ripping my clothes off. I begged and pleaded for him to stop but he wouldn't listen. His hands were wrapped around my neck, squeezing until I couldn't breathe." The fear felt fresh and raw, and Damian's heart thumped against his ribcage. "Ethan fucked me, fucked me so hard I was on the verge of passing out. Then I caught a glimpse of extended talons… There was pain and blood—a lot of blood—running down my face, till I could taste it. 72

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Ethan looking down at me, sneering, his face all twisted. 'Now you're marked, and no one will ever want you again.'" Panic took over and Damian became lost in the horrific memory. Lovel squeezed his hand and he looked up gratefully.

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CHAPTER EIGHT Doc's heart twisted at the haunted look in Damian's eyes. I should have killed the son of a bitch when I had the chance. If they ever had a showdown again, he wouldn't let Ethan walk away. "I'm sorry you had to go through that. None of it was your fault." "I just can't put it behind me. It's the damn scar, a constant reminder of what happened." "Why didn't it heal, Damian?" "He slashed me with his talons. A wound from anyone else would have healed, but a born Kindred can leave a mark on another. It's forbidden, but Christophe chose to overlook it. 'Boys will be boys,' he said. After that, we kept our distance." Fucking bastard! "Ethan forced himself on you; that's rape in my book. Being a kid is no excuse. Your Master should have taken him in hand and taught him how to play nice. Instead he let him grow into a cruel bastard who can't be trusted." Doc gently touched his scar. "He won't hurt you again, not if I can help it. We can play dirty, too. Two against one." Damian managed a shy smile, the one that made Doc's heart ache. Then he tilted his head, hiding the right 74

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side of his face. Suddenly furious, Doc twisted his hand in the long strands of hair and yanked them away. Startled, the vampire gasped. "I'm sorry. I know my face isn't appealing." Doc snarled. "Your face appeals to me just fine." He tightened his hold on the vampire's hair. "It's your hair that's getting on my nerves. If you don't stop using it to hide your scar, I'll yank it out by the roots." Then he kissed him. When they broke for air, Damian cupped his jaw and grinned uncertainly. "I'll promise not to do it again if you'll keep kissing me like that." Shameless, Doc grinned back. "I think we've gone beyond kisses. Unless you want to wrap those hot lips around my cock." He leered at the vampire in what he hoped was a seductive look. Damian suppressed a laugh. At least he didn't get angry and storm out. "Go ahead, laugh. I know I'm not the sexiest guy in the world." Damian's eyes ate him up. "You're the sexiest guy in my world." "Can I take that as a yes?" **** Instead of answering, Damian shed his clothes and joined Doc on the bed, crawling between his legs. Lovel's 75

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eyes raked him from head to toe, focusing on his stiff cock. It had been a long time since anyone looked at him like that. It made him feel wanted and sexy and alive. He let his long fingers trail along one muscular calf. The dark hairs stood erect under his touch and the Lycan's cock twitched. Sliding his palms up the man's thighs elicited a needy moan. Encouraged, Damian bent his head and tongued the weeping slit at the tip of the Lycan's stiff cock. Lovel groaned pitifully and lifted his hips. "Fuck!" Fuck indeed. Damian couldn't stop himself. He bathed the shaft with his tongue, then moved lower to give the man's balls the attention they deserved. Licking and sucking his fill, he took care not to pierce Lovel's delicate skin with his fangs. "Hmm, so good," Damian hummed, before diving lower and rimming his hole. Lovel roared, more like a lion than a wolf. Damian found himself tossed about like a sack of potatoes and he landed flat on his back with Lovel leaning over him, his face fierce with desire and need. "You've been asking for this. Don't deny it." The Lycan growled. Damian reached between them and gripped his own raging hard on. "That would be rather pointless, don't you think?" The inevitable was about to happen—finally—and 76

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he didn't want to stop it, even if he could. He drew his knees up and planted his feet flat on the mattress. "You want me, take me." "Oh, I want you all right." Lovel gripped his own cock and used his thumb to spread precum over the engorged, purple head. Transfixed, Damian watched each move, wondering if the man's long, thick prick would fit inside him. Then a finger, slick with precum, breached his hole, and he forgot to think. "More," he groaned. The doctor gave him what he wanted, adding a second, then a third digit, stretching him. He hissed his frustration when the Lycan withdrew. Lovel leaned over him, stared into his eyes for a brief second, then licked Damian's scar. Damian sucked in a breath, gripped the Lycan's shaggy mane, and pulled him in for a blistering kiss. Passion, need, desire—this man ignited every emotion. He'd never wanted anyone more. He felt the tip of Lovel's cock press against his hole, then push past the tight ring of muscle. He thrust his hips up, wanting the Lycan buried deep inside. "Oh, fuck," he groaned against the warm, full lips pressed against his. His Lycan lover moving inside him felt so damn good. Every thrust stroked his gland and drove him higher. Lovel wrapped his hand around Damian's hard length and started pumping him in sync with their rhythm. 77

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Hot and wild, Damian wrapped his legs around Lovel's hips and drew him closer, kissing his lips, his jaw, then panting against his neck. His lover pounded into him harder, and Damian felt his balls draw up close to his body. He tried to hold off his orgasm but his climax was boiling up like an erupting volcano and would not be stopped. He shuddered and screamed out his release, thick, white cum spurting between them and sending Lovel over the edge. The orgasm seemed to go on forever, Lovel kissing him while they rode through it. Finally his body stilled, and growling, Lovel rolled them onto their sides. They lay face to face and wrapped in each other's arms, the quiet after the storm. Lovel opened his eyes and saw Damian staring at him. "What is it?" Damian gently touched his cheek. "It's healing already." He hated himself for wishing it wouldn't. Lovel hugged him a little closer and licked his swollen lips. "If somehow I could make it scar, I would." "I believe you would." Damian sighed and started to get up, but found himself yanked back against a hard body. "I want to cuddle you." The Lycan wrapped himself around the vampire. "Take advantage of it, I'm not much of a cuddler." Damian chuckled. "Hmm, I could get used to this." 78

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"You have no idea how gorgeous you are." Lovel murmured against his mouth. "As long as you think so…" Their mutual attraction had been there from day one, unexplainable and involuntary, leading up to this. It made no sense but it felt right. The Lycan turned his world upside down and inside out. His canines lengthened and his gums ached. They were so good together, but he wanted more, he wanted blood but he doubted Lovel would be a willing donor. **** Doc rubbed circles on Damian's back and wondered what the hell just happened. Somehow, his idea of seducing his captor had backfired. Maybe he was the one who'd gotten seduced. For sure, there was no pretense in the lovemaking. He'd enjoyed every minute of it and wanted to do it again and again. He knew Damian wanted something too—his blood. He had reservations about giving it, but he already knew he wouldn't heed them. Any fears he harbored

about

feeding

a

vampire

were

gone,

overshadowed by the desire to give his lover what he needed, undeniable proof that he was beautiful and desirable in Doc's eyes. Damian would never bite him if he wasn't willing, 79

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and he was fairly certain the vampire wouldn't ask for what he wanted. It was up to Doc to let him know he was okay with it. He tangled his fingers in Damian's hair and pulled him in for another scorching kiss. Curling his tongue around a smooth, ivory fang, he pushed against the sharp tip. A tiny pinprick, and then he tasted his own blood. Damian moaned against his mouth and sucked at his tongue. Each tug on his tongue had him wishing for a corresponding one on his dick. The sensation made Doc dizzy with sexual hunger. When the tiny hole closed, Damian whimpered and Doc felt the loss as keenly as the vampire did. He tilted his head in invitation. Damian's hyperdilated pupils gave him the appearance of having black eyes. His lips drew back, exposing those long, dangerous fangs, and his nostrils flared. This was a Damian he hadn't seen before, a magnificent predator. Damian's stubbled jaw scraped his neck, sending shivers through his body. He licked a spot over Doc's pulsing carotid artery, and then a bright flash of pain pierced him like a lance. A few seconds of agony gave way to pure pleasure. Half of his blood throbbed in a mad race to feed his lover, while the other half pulsed to his cock and forced an explosion of wet heat between them. The aftermath of his intense climax left him lightheaded and 80

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lethargic. His eyelids fluttered closed. **** When Damian sank his fangs into the soft flesh of his lover's neck, the Lycan's essence, his spirit and vitality, exploded through his veins like white lightening. The wolf's blood ignited a flame inside him that spread like wildfire. Vivid images popped in and out of his consciousness, things only the wolf could have seen. Lovel's release triggered his own; he'd never felt more alive in his life. The flow of blood slowed and Damian forced himself to stop sucking. Lovel hung limp in his arms, a pale ghost of himself. Dear God, what had he done? Lovel had given himself freely and he'd taken too much. He ripped open a vein in his wrist with a fang and offered his blood to Lovel. At first the Lycan pushed his arm away and turned his head, but he was too weak to put up much resistance. Damian held his wrist to his lover's lips and after the first few drops, Lovel gripped Damian's arm and started sucking greedily.

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CHAPTER NINE What now? Abbi followed the vampire to Christophe's office. The man had come with a summons, but he had no idea what the Master wanted. Of course not; Christophe would not have confided in a messenger boy. When they reached the door to the Master's inner sanctum, the vampire disappeared, leaving her to her own devices. She knocked and Christophe himself let her in. She was surprised to see Ethan already there, and even more surprised when he turned around. Ethan's swollen face was a rainbow of reds, purples, and blues. No wonder he was hiding out in Christophe's office. His ego would never let him be seen in such a condition. Wanting to laugh but knowing it would be a huge mistake, she arranged her features into a compassionate expression and adopted a concerned attitude. "What happened?" It was Christophe who answered. "There was a fight." Suddenly Abbi felt real concern. "A fight with who?" "The Lycan was reluctant to part with his blood and he attacked Ethan. Evidently Damian got involved. Now do 82

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you see how dangerous these animals really are?" If there was a fight, Ethan had started it, but she wouldn't learn the truth here. "Are they okay?" "Your concern should be for Ethan, not the animal. I called you here to examine his injury. Do it." "Of course." Ethan sat in one of Christophe's leather chairs and Abbi took a closer look. The bleeding had stopped but Ethan's face was swollen and tender to the touch. He had bruising under both eyes and difficulty breathing. Manipulating his nose, she detected a fracture, but nothing that wouldn't heal. He looked worse than he was. "You'll live." "Is that your expert opinion?" Ethan grunted. "There's a fracture, but you'll heal quickly as long as there are no further injures. "Well then, I guess I'll have to wait a few days before I settle the score with the Lycan." Abbi looked at Christophe. "We'll never gain the man's cooperation this way." "Abbi is right." The Master walked around to face Ethan head on. "Let it go. I have other plans for the Lycan." "He doesn't need his nose to give blood." "I think we can utilize his other talents as well. He's a doctor and he knows Lycan physiology. We can take advantage of that. I suggest you take a few days to rest. 83

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We'll manage without you," Christophe assured Ethan. "As for blood—" "Abbi will take care of that." Abbi turned to Ethan, surprised. Their kind didn't normally feed from each other, preferring to get what they needed from the humans." Despite his disfigured face, he managed a scowl. "I don't want your blood. Just bring Lane to my quarters. He can take care of my needs." Abbi's heart gave an unexpected twist. "You mean to keep him with you?" "Jealous?" Ethan's derisive grin was intolerable. "Don't worry, you'll be sharing my quarters soon enough. I know you have a soft spot for my pet. Perhaps I'll have Lane move in with us. Would you like that?" Determined not to fight in Christophe's office, Abbi turned away without answering. "Then it's settled," Christophe said decisively. "Abbi will arrange for your feeding and get a head start on the plans for your Unification Ceremony." He addressed Abbi. "You will, of course, keep me informed of the details." "Of course, Sire." When I get around to it. She headed for the door, and almost made it. "One more thing." Christophe's voice stopped her in 84

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her tracks. "Check on the wolf and send Damian to me. His actions cannot go unpunished." "Sire, I beg to disagree." She refused to stand by and allow anyone else to suffer because of Ethan. "Damian was only following your orders." Christophe raised one elegant brow. "How so?" "Your instructions were perfectly clear. Allow no one to feed from the Lycan until you said otherwise." Ethan snorted. "Obviously that excluded me. Stay out of business that doesn't concern you." She ignored him and kept her eyes on the Master. "Damian took you at your word, Sire. I hardly think that warrants punishment." Once again she'd overstepped her bounds, but she absolutely could not hold her tongue. If Ethan expected to muzzle her, he had a surprise in store. Christophe considered her words. "Perhaps you're right. Tell Damian to continue monitoring the Lycan for now." **** Damian bolted up at the loud gasp behind him. Abbi's horrified expression greeted him. "What have you done?" Guiltily, he wrapped a hand around his still 85

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bleeding wrist. Behind him, Lovel smacked his lips as he licked Damian's blood from them. Abbi came closer and inspected the Lycan's neck, sighing when she found the telltale fang marks. She traced them with a forefinger. "You let him do this?" Lovel looked up at her and shrugged. "It just happened." "And then I realized I took too much and had to give him some of mine," Damian added. "Nobody has to know. Lovel… er, I mean Doc, won't say anything." He looked at the Lycan, hoping he wasn't angry about the slip. "Right?" Lovel winked at him. "You have my word." "It's not that simple." Abbi sounded genuinely shaken and didn't even notice his blunder. Damian got a sinking feeling in his stomach. He took Lovel's hand. "What aren't you telling us?" Abbi sat on bed and put her head in her hands. "I'll have to run blood tests but I suspect your blood and Doc's will show the same changes I've seen in Hunter and Aidan, Peter and Tyler, and Ben and Talon." Doc snorted derisively. "Symbiosis?" Abbi ignored his tone. "Exactly. The sharing of blood between vampire and Lycan causes mutations in the cells, blood, and body. The modification is a throwback." 86

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"A what?" Damian muttered, brows drawing together. He had no idea what Abbi was talking about. Lovel answered for her. "A reversion to a former ancestral characteristic. Isn't that right, Abbi?" "Yes." Her voice trembled a little. "Cells change and reproduce, then…" "Then?" Lovel prodded her. "Then the modified organisms become dependent on each other. Hunter and Aidan, the others… They're obligate symbionts." Lovel turned to Damian. "It's all bullshit. You have nothing to worry about." Abbi sucked in a breath. "It's all true and you'll see the proof soon enough in your own body if I'm right." Damian stared at him, ice forming in his stomach. "Doc?" "According to Abbi, I can't live without you. Literally. And vice versa. Symbiosis is a close, long-term relationship between different biological species. If it's obligate, that means they depend on each other for survival." He studied Abbi's face carefully. "You really believe this, don't you?" "I'm sorry." "This

is

what

you've

done

to

my

men?

Experimented on them like lab rats? Ruined their lives?" 87

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"No. I would never do anything like that. I was studying our infertility problems. When Hunter volunteered his blood we had no idea this would happen. He came to us because his body was changing, and because his Alpha betrayed him." "Betrayed him? How?" "It's his story to tell." Abbi's eyes followed Damian as he stood and moved toward the door. "Wait." "I need some space." "I know it's a shock. It was to all the men, but you have to accept the fact of your connection to a Lycan." She turned to Doc. "And yours to a vampire. Christophe will have to be told. We can't hide this. And you will have to live together." **** Lane knocked on Ethan's door three times before he heard a muffled voice utter something that almost sounded like 'come in'. He opened the door and saw Ethan standing at the window. The vampire turned and Lane couldn't hold in a startled gasp. His face was swollen and discolored, almost unrecognizable. Ethan snarled and Lane forced his expression into a blank mask. 88

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"Don't stand there like an idiot. Get undressed." "What happened?" Lane couldn't help asking. "That's not your business. All you have to worry about is providing me with blood, and whatever else I need." Lane toed off his shoes. Then he crossed his arms, grabbed the hem of his shirt, and pulled it over his head, tossing it aside. Ethan paced back and forth, watching his every move. The vampire stilled, his eyes focused on Lane's fingers fumbling with the button of his fly. Lane unzipped and shoved his jeans and briefs over his hips. His cock, already stiff and leaking, jutted out from its nest of golden-brown curls. He looked away, embarrassed that his need was so obvious. The vampire approached, gripped his jaw, and twisted his head roughly. "Look at me. Or does my face disgust you?" Lane's eyes went wide and he let out a little gasp. "No! Never." Ethan didn't bother to hide his amusement, as he reached down and stroked Lane's shaft. "Good, because I'd hate to have to punish you. This is the way I want you. Hard and hot for me." Lane couldn't help rocking his hips into the vampire's hand. Ethan laughed. "Tell me what you want and maybe you'll get it." 89

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"I want you, Ethan. I want you to fuck me." He groaned when Ethan stroked a little harder. "Please. Please, fuck me." "Did you beg so prettily for Abbi?" The vampire sneered. "No, only you, Ethan." "Good boy." Ethan took a step back. "And do you know why that is, Lane?" "No, Ethan," he whispered. "It's because I understand you, Lane, better than any female, better than yourself. I know what you need, what you really want, and I give it to you. Isn't that right?" "Yes. Thank you, Ethan." "Now you'll give me what I want. Undress me." Lane's hands shook as he unbuttoned the vampire's shirt. Ethan's smooth chest and coffee-colored nipples never failed to excite him. Being with Abbi had been nice, but being with Ethan was explosive. He looked in the vampire's eyes for permission. At a slight nod, he bent his head and sucked one tight nub into his mouth. Long fingers tangled in his hair, then pulled his head up. "Now the pants." Ethan's voice was husky. Lane got to his knees, pulling the vampire's slacks with him. A firm hand on his head kept him there. "Suck me." 90

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Lane licked from the base of Ethan's cock to the tip. He lingered at the underside of the cockhead and swirled his tongue around it the way Ethan liked. Encouraged by the groans above him, he took the head in his mouth and wrapped his hand around the base of the shaft. Pumping with his hand, he slid his mouth up and down the vampire's length. Ethan held his head firmly and thrust into his mouth until Lane felt him in the back of his throat. Ethan grunted and fucked his mouth hard, until his release exploded and warm, salty cum poured down Lane's throat. When Ethan's spasms quieted, he jerked Lane to his feet and shoved him against the bed. Lane fell back and Ethan quickly rolled him over onto his stomach. "You have a beautiful ass and it will look even prettier with my marks striping it." Ethan caressed his cheeks. "Don't move." Lane heard him opening a closet, and then the vampire was tying his wrists to the bedposts with nylon rope. It wasn't the first time, but knowing what was coming almost made it worse. Lane panicked for a few seconds and struggled against the restraints, earning himself a hard slap on the ass. The smack of a belt followed Ethan's hand, and Lane couldn't help screaming. The next blow tore across his back. Each stroke sent a trail of heat racing over his flesh. Biting his lips, he tried not to cry, but his back was on fire. 91

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"Cry, Lane. I want to hear you scream." Ethan hit him harder, and his body jerked, stretching his arms in the restraints. Lane tensed with every blow, his muscles clenching in anticipation of orgasmic heaven, his breathing harsh and labored. The pain became a fire devouring him with its heat. Tears flowed over his cheeks as Ethan's belt sent jolts of mind-bending arousal through his body. "Oh, God, Ethan. Please—" "Don't you dare come until I say you can." Ethan panted in quick, angry gasps. Lane was getting close. Trembling, he held back, waiting for the promised orgasm. Finally, Ethan stopped and he felt the vampire's heavy body over his. "Mine," Ethan growled as he gripped Lane's hips and the head of his stiff shaft prodded Lane's ass. He breached the tight opening with one hard thrust and Lane groaned with the pain. The vampire pulled out and slammed back in, fucking him brutally. Reaching around Lane, Ethan wrapped his hand around his cock. A few quick strokes brought on Lane's climax. Ethan shuddered and followed with his own release. Ethan lay next to him and whispered in Lane's ear, "You'll be staying with me and my mate. Do like that, pet?" The vampire traced the stripes on his back, making him 92

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shiver. "Yes." God help him, he did like it. He stroked Lane's hair. "You'll feed both of us, but just remember who you really belong to." "You," he whispered. "I belong to you, Ethan." "Good boy."

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CHAPTER TEN Six pairs of compassionate eyes watched Abbi prepare for her wedding: Aidan and Hunter, Peter and Tyler, Talon and Ben. "You look beautiful." Aidan came up behind her and caught her eyes in the mirror. She smiled ruefully. All the color had drained from her face and her straight brows looked like slashes of black ink against the pallor of her skin. She ran a brush through long ebony hair that had lost its luster, and the dark circles under her eyes emphasized her flat and passionless expression. She had never looked so defeated in her life. Her twin put his arms around her and tried to smile. She stared at their reflections in the looking glass, the juxtaposition of their faces so like theater masks—comedy and tragedy. "You don't have to do this," he whispered in her ear. She sighed heavily. "We've been through this before." "We can leave, all of us. We'll—" "And how far do you think we'd get? I thought I was in control of our destinies, but I was wrong. We're all prisoners here." God, she was pathetic—weak and 94

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cowardly. "But if Christophe believes I'm aligned with him and Ethan, he may allow me some latitude and I can use it to help you and the others." Who was she trying to convince, Aidan or herself? She turned from the mirror and forced a smile. "It's time. I need to go." The men were sequestered and not permitted to attend the Unification Ceremony. It was just as well. It would only serve to make them angrier. She kissed each one in turn and left the laboratory. **** The vampires who'd been invited to the Ceremony, born Kindred and turned human, were already inside the Parrish. The donor humans stood outside watching Abbi and the Master Vampire as they waited by the arched entrance. Christophe, dashing in black leather slacks and a white silk shirt, hid his anger behind an arrogant mask. He scanned her figure and nodded approvingly, speaking loudly for the sake of the crowd. "You look beautiful, my dear." Did he really think so? He'd chosen her outfit but it was all for show. The burgundy, medieval-style gown set off her long black hair, worn loose and flowing, and the V 95

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neckline flattered her small breasts. Made from thick, luxurious satin and embellished with black embroidery and appliqués on the neckline, belt, and sleeves, the gown hung heavy on her slim frame. The long, draping sleeves, with puffed ruching at the top, were suitable for the handfasting ceremony. All window dressing. Inside she felt weak and ugly. Christophe's steely glare pinned her; his voice sank to a hiss. "I never should have listened to you and left Damian in charge of the Lycan. Did you really think your plan would put a halt to the ceremony?" "I had no—" He shot her a look that said keep your mouth shut. "Your band of mutants and misfits is growing too large for you to handle. I want Ethan in charge more than ever." "He'll antagonize the men, interfere with my research—" "Ah, yes, the research. You're to curtail all work on the conception project." Abbi tried not to show her shock at this new revelation. "Why?" "Conception is now secondary to my purpose." He looked around to make sure no one could hear them. "How close are you to a blood substitute?" "Not close at all," she admitted, heart pounding. 96

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"Then devote all your time and resources to creating a blood product for our men." "And the Lycans?" "Our men come first. I want to be able to separate them so I can begin training the Lycans." "Training?" Abbi whispered. "Yes. I believe we've been going about this backwards. I want the pregnant she-wolf. She's carrying Hunter's child, a child who has some Kindred blood in its veins. The Lycan woman is a known breeder, and there's a good chance she can conceive with Aidan in the future. The Lycans will capture her for us; after all, they did an outstanding job taking the falconer and the doctor." "This is monstrous. They'll never agree to do it." "You're

wrong.

Separating

them

from

their

symbiotic mates will be a good incentive to gain their cooperation. Find the blood substitute, Abbigale. Drop everything else. Of course, you will say nothing of this to anyone, certainly not the men." "Of course." Abbi responded in a dead voice. There would be nothing to tell. It would never happen. She would make sure the creation of a blood substitute would be a miserable failure. Separating the men would kill them, if not physically, then mentally. They'd been through enough. "When is this going to start?" Christophe tapped his 97

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foot impatiently. "Look happy, my dear. I think your union will please the Old Ones and they will look favorably on our plans, maybe even bless you and Ethan with a true Kindred baby." Abbi pasted on a false smile. This fiasco would make no one happy, least of all the Old Ones. Ancestor worship ruled their lives. The Old Ones may have crossed over, but their existence on another plane continued to influence the fortunes of the living. They were revered as Gods. So far they hadn't seen fit to increase the fertility of the Kindred; it seemed unlikely they would start now with her and Ethan. The heavy, wooden double doors stood open, and finally the sound of organ music signaled their entrance. Christophe bowed, then waved her forward, following close behind. He took her right arm and they matched their steps, proceeding through the narthex and the nave to the altar, and the end of her life as she knew it. A myriad of candles lit the interior and the sweet, cloying smell of red and black roses stuck in the back of her throat like the stench of death. All in attendance turned their faces to watch her and her Sire. She saw Ethan waiting at the altar, an elegant monster in black leather: boots, pants, and sleeveless vest. His insolent, self-satisfied expression completed his outfit. 98

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At last she reached the end of the road. She and Ethan faced each other, Christophe between them. Christophe smiled at each in turn. "We're gathered here today to witness the joining of two lives, two people who have chosen to make a commitment and seal it with blood. Let their union bring honor to the memories and sacrifices of the deceased." What a farce! Abbi wanted to scream to the rafters that she had no choice in any of this, but she stayed silent and steeled herself for what lay ahead. The Master Vampire extended a talon and opened a vein in Abbi's right wrist, then did the same to Ethan. They let the blood run until it slowed. Then Ethan, his lip curled with disgust, held his arm out. Abbi placed her arm against his, and they twined their fingers together. Christophe intoned the words of the joining. "As in the most ancient of rites, you give the essence of self. Let your drops of blood, both given and received, strengthen the bond between you. As the blood of your bodies joins and becomes one, so do your lives and spirits merge." The Master then draped an old braided cord over their joined hands. "Woven into this cord, imbued into its very fibers, is the blood of the Old Ones. He wound the cord around their arms until they were joined to the elbow, and then he tied the two ends. 99

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"With the fashioning of this knot, I bind your arms. May this cord also bind your lives and be the symbol of eternity. May your union endure through this life and all others. The Old Ones are witness, along with those of us present now, to your bonding in blood." "Ethan?" Christophe then asked. Ethan's eyes glittered like a hawk watching a mouse. "Abbigale, I commit myself to our bond and I pledge to keep it alive forever." Each enunciated word was a nail in her coffin. Christophe turned to her. "Abbigale?" She forced a breath and lifted her chin. If she had a choice, she wouldn't be here, but she was Kindred and duty called. "Ethan, I commit myself to our bond and I pledge to keep it alive forever." "Two are now one." Christophe turned, smiling widely, to the assembled guests. "I present to you Ethan and Abbigale, forever bound, mates for all eternity." A cheer went up from the crowd and Abbi bit her lip to keep the tears at bay.

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CHAPTER ELEVEN Damian had not been invited to the Unification Ceremony. Far from disappointed, he felt only relief. He had no desire to witness the travesty in the Parrish. His place was with Lovel now. He smiled to himself. Knowing how much the Lycan hated his given name, he'd taken to calling him Lover instead. He never wanted to say or do anything to hurt him. Sharing blood and sex, they had created an unbreakable bond, but they cared deeply for each other as well. Their connection was far more real and meaningful than the joining between Abbi and Ethan. Christophe had been furious when Abbi told him he and Lovel had shared blood. The Master's original plan had called for Ethan to feed from the Lycan. When Christophe learned that Damian had beaten him to it, he threatened to separate the two men. Only Abbi's intervention prevented Christophe from going through with what was essentially a death sentence. She had reminded Christophe that the Lycan was still valuable to them as a doctor; he could provide information about Lycan anatomy and biology that the others couldn't. Eventually, the Master would interrogate Lovel, but their hope was to finally meet with the others and escape before that happened. 101

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"A penny for your thoughts." The mattress dipped as Lovel climbed into bed with him. Damian rolled to his side and threw an arm over the Lycan's chest. "They're not worth even a halfpenny." "Then you must be thinking about Ethan." He pressed a kiss to Damian's forehead. "Can I take your mind off the bastard for a little while?" "You can try." Damian offered the Lycan his most seductive smile and hooked a leg over his, drawing him closer. "Hmm, nice," Lovel hummed. His fingers grazed over Damian's hip. Damian bit back a moan as Lovel's lips met his. Gripping his nape, he held the Lycan firm and sucked on the warm tongue that invaded his mouth. Lovel's big, warm hands were all over him. The Lycan's scent, musky and masculine, ramped up his arousal. Lovel rolled him to his back and settled his considerable weight on top of him, rocking his hips against Damian and driving him crazy with the feel of skin against skin. Pinned to the mattress, his passion rose and he kissed Lovel with wild abandon, shocked by his own eagerness for more. Their cocks rubbed together and Damian hissed, thrusting up against Lovel and trying to get as much friction between them as he could. 102

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"God, you're gorgeous," Lovel murmured against Damian's mouth. "The most beautiful man I've ever seen." The words touched Damian. Lovel was constantly reassuring him and maybe one day he'd believe him. No one had ever done that for him before. His eyes watered and he struggled to hold back the tears, afraid he'd humiliate himself. Lovel looked down at him and kissed along his jaw and up the path of his scar. "Beautiful inside and out. You're everything I've ever wanted in a lover—caring, passionate, strong, yet vulnerable. I haven't felt like this in years." Damian had never felt like this before. His feelings went so much deeper than they had with Ethan. That had been a boyhood crush. This was… love? This time he couldn't stop a few tears from overflowing. Lovel licked them away. **** "What's wrong?" Doc might be on top, but he felt an enormous weight on his shoulders. He'd never been good around tears and he didn't know what to say. It didn't bother him that Damian was a vampire. All he saw was the man and he knew Damian viewed him the same way. And 103

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he didn't even notice the scar anymore, but the vampire had been badly hurt, and it would take more than reassuring words to convince him how desirable he was. Maybe if they hadn't been forced together by circumstances, Damian would believe Doc really wanted him, but it was what it was, and he couldn't change the way they met. Damian blinked and swiped at his tears with the heel of his hand. "Sorry, I'm really not a sappy idiot." "I never thought you were." Doc smiled in what he hoped was a comforting way. "I'm not sorry we need to share blood and live together. What about you?" Damian wrapped his arms around him and hugged him close. "There's nothing I want more. I thought you knew that." Damian caressed his cheek. "I'm overwhelmed. I never thought I'd trust again, let alone have this intimacy with someone. I don't deserve it." Doc frowned. "What are you talking about?" "Keeping you here against your will, taking your blood… I never would have done it if I'd known it would bind you to me indefinitely. I'm so sorry." Doc went still. "I don't blame you for any of this. You're just as much a victim as I am, stuck with a wolf for a life partner. I'm sure it's not a life you would have chosen for yourself." His heart overflowed with emotion he couldn't begin to explain in words. He hoped Damian 104

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would settle for a kiss instead. Their lips met and warmth suffused him. When they finally broke for air, their eyes locked and he saw more than lust in Damian's gaze. It seemed he was waiting for something. Doc hesitated and Damian searched his face expectantly. Finally, he blurted out, "Want to fuck you." The vampire looked disappointed, but he whispered back, "I know. Want you to." Thank God! He was so fucking hot, he might go off before he actually got inside his lover. He moved back on his knees, his cock literally aching to be sheathed, but he couldn't resist a long, lingering gaze at the body sprawled in front of him, all beautiful ivory flesh over lean muscle and a mouth-watering, rock hard dick to top it off. Bending his head, he nuzzled the black curls at its root. Then his tongue traced a pulsing vein up the shaft for the bead of precum at the tip. Damian about jumped out of his skin. His hips bucked and he made the sweetest little whimpering sounds. Doc held his hips steady and zeroed in for another taste. It was only meant to be a sample, but the grip on his head tightened and it was no hardship to keep sucking. After a minute or two, a quick yank on his hair stopped him. "I need more. Fuck me." Doc grinned at him. "Getting a little pushy, aren't you?" 105

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Damian pulled up his knees and planted his feet on the mattress. "Are you going to fuck me or not?" "You better believe I am, sweetheart." He hesitated and looked around. "Lube?" Damian shook his head. "Au natural, then." A long finger, slick with spit and precum, forced its way past resistant muscles; then he slipped in a second finger. Damian hissed softly. Doc stilled. "You okay?" "Fuck yes!" He pushed back on Doc's fingers. "More." "I aim to please." Doc removed his fingers and guided the head of his cock home. "Fuck, you are so tight. So hot." Damian threw his head back and started rocking his hips. They found a rhythm and moved together like they'd been doing this for years. Doc wrapped his fingers around Damian's cock, inordinately pleased to see the vampire's erection grow even bigger and leak more copiously with each stroke. "Ah, fuck. I'm gonna come." The vampire's balls drew up and his body went tense. Wet heat erupted between them, and Doc groaned appreciatively. He loved the feeling of making his man come; it took him higher and he filled Damian with his own release. 106

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**** Gripping Lovel's hair, Damian held his head firmly in place. His tongue teased Lovel's lips, urging them open, then invading and exploring. Damian licked a trail along his jugular, ending at the sweet spot where he wanted to sink his fangs. Lovel moaned in surrender and Damian pierced his flesh. The rich Lycan blood flowed down his throat, as hot and exciting as the finest whiskey, and he gulped it down eagerly. Lovel's deep groan of pleasure vibrated through his body and straight to his groin, making him frantic for more. More blood, more sex, and Lovel's long, thick shaft sliding inside him. He wanted it all. Most of all he craved the connection, a bond he felt growing stronger every time they were together. Sated, Damian licked the mark on Lovel's neck and tilted his head to give his lover access to his own throat. Lovel's lengthening canines had been a welcome surprise to him, if not to their owner. But now, Lovel's eager expression spoke volumes. The wolf was getting used to his new vampire traits. Damian couldn't be happier; the act of feeding his lover gave him more pleasure than feeding himself. 107

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**** Damian woke in his lover's arms, a safe haven where he'd be perfectly content to stay forever. Maybe he hadn't chosen this life, but he welcomed it. If only Lovel felt the same. The Lycan opened one eye and caught him staring. "What?" "Are you really content to be here?" "No." Damian's heart twisted. He swallowed hard and bit back tears. "I'm not talking about us. You know that." He couldn't hide the disappointment in his voice. "No. I don't." Lovel pulled Damian to his chest. "Can I get used to this bizarre existence? I don't know. Do I have any choice? No." Defeated, Damian struggled to turn away. Lovel held him in an iron grip. "Listen to me, dammit!" Damian's eyes went wide. "I told you I'd always be honest with you, and I meant it. I don't want to live in the Colony, but right now I 108

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don't have any choice. Doesn't mean I don't love you." Damian swore his heart stopped beating. "You love me?" A smile tugged at one corner of Doc's mouth. "Didn't I just tell you I'll never lie to you?" "Say it again." "Love you." "Love you, too." He embraced his wolf, and they shared a passionate kiss. Maybe there was hope for them after all. "Show me." Damian tried out his most seductive grin. Lovel's lips twitched with amusement. "Do I have to prove myself again?" "Yes. Sorry, Lover. I'm a person who needs constant reassurance." "I see I have my work cut out for me. I think I'll need some of that vampire voodoo juice you birds brew." Damian laughed and reached under the blanket. The Lycan gasped when the vampire grasped his stiff shaft and squeezed. "You don't need it." "Right!" Lovel arched into Damian's touch. "You're the only enhancement I need—or want." His breath quickened and his eyes brimmed with tenderness as well as passion. Damian saw something else in the Lycan's eyes, 109

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something he had been longing for—love. But he wanted the words, needed to hear them aloud again and again. Amber eyes glowed with intensity, and his wolf whispered, "Love you." If this was symbiosis, he was all for it.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Born and raised in the City of Brotherly Love, Gale cut her teeth on True Story magazines and Mickey Spillane paperbacks. These were swiped from her mother and read undercover by flashlight. Her weird choices in reading material—whatever she could get her hands on—inspired a love of romance and the desire to write her own stories. Life took a detour and she raised a family while working as a surveyor and a CAD manager. Now she has the best job in the world, one she can do in her pj's. Her books may be smokin' hot, but at the heart of each story is a romance and each one is written with love. Gale loves to hear from her readers. Email: [email protected] Webpage: http://galestanley.net/ Blog: http://galestanley.blogspot.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/gale.stanley.author Twitter: http://twitter.com/galestanley

ALSO BY GALE STANLEY: Available from Silver Publishing: Silent Knights Sleepless Knights Once a Knight (print) Love Bytes One Night in Bangkok THE GENTLEMEN'S CLUB Point of Beginning Some Like it Rough The Gentlemen's Club Volume One (print) SYMBIOTIC MATES Hunter and the Hawk Peter and the Wolf Talon and the Falconer Damian and the Doctor Kade and the Captives (Oct 15) Symbiotic Mates Volume One (print) Available at Siren-BookStrand: BLACK WOLF GORGE Call of the Wilds Mating Call Captive

REVIEWS FOR HUNTER AND THE HAWK SAY: … action packed and creatively written. I like the idea of the two races and the twist Ms. Stanley adds to the story by providing reproductive issues they have to all have to surmount to survive. One thing I have found with Ms. Stanley's work is that she always instills a great deal of heart and soul in her characters. They are lovable Alphas that are easy for the reader to fall in love with. Hunter and Aiden are no exception. —TwoLipsReviews * Typically portrayed as parasites, I enjoyed the twist in Gale Stanley's version of the vampire mythos, and the symbiotic relationship formed between Aidan and Hunter. The concept of the two men being bound, not only by the blood they shared, but by the physiological imperative to continue to share their blood was a nice change from the predicable. —Top 2 Bottom Reviews Reviews for POINT OF BEGINNING say: "Point of Beginning is a fun romp that hit all my romance buttons. …sparks fly as these two dance around their attraction finally succumbing to their passions in a fantasy induced night arranged by the owner of The Gentlemen's Club." —Dark Diva Reviews * "Looking for the perfect combo to spice up an ordinary day? Well Alex and Jack are here to fulfill all of your cravings. I love their chemistry, and their affection as much as their desire is what really makes this story come alive, and I cannot wait to read more!" —Coffee Time Romance *

"Ms. Stanley delivers a wonderful tale to enjoy on a sunny afternoon and I, for one, am anxious to see what else happens in the Gentlemen's Club. I look forward to exploring more from this author's backlist and can't wait to see what other gems she has in store for us in the future." —Love Romances and More * "I'm a fan of Gale Stanley's work. Her characters are always very believable. You become invested in their lives and want to see them get their happy ending. She also leaves the conflict unresolved until the end, which has you constantly guessing what will happen next. If you're looking for a good hearted romance with hard-headed characters, this is the story for you." —Whipped Cream Reviews * "Gale Stanley wrote a beautiful story of a man on the throes of discovering his sexuality and gathering the courage to know himself and his wants. Ms Stanley sure knows how to write great tension between the characters, making me read on with bated breath and anticipation. We know that Jack and Alex would get together somehow, but we don't know how, and each scene built on each man's longing and yearning until I was ready to burst. And when they come together—ooh la la—be ready to combust." —The Romance Reviews