Love Hurts

EYES OF DARKNESS BOOK 3: LOVE HURTS by

Christy Poff

WHISKEY CREEK PRESS www.whiskeycreekpress.com

Published by WHISKEY CREEK PRESS Whiskey Creek Press PO Box 51052 Casper, WY 82605-1052 www.whiskeycreekpresstorrid.com

Copyright  2005 by Karen Morris Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. ISBN 1-59374-466-8

Credits Cover Artist: William “Nick” Johns Editor: Chere Gruver Printed in the United States of America

Dedication My love goes out to my daughter, who helped with this from the beginning, to my son, who we miss and to Deb for her insight and suggestions. Thanks to Chere for her editing and Nick for the cover art.

Prologue Paris, France, 1409 Galen Beaumont hurried home to the huge manor house his family owned on the outskirts of Paris. The day before his wedding to Simone Jourdain, he had finished some last minute errands before the grand ball his mother insisted on hosting. The time drew near for him to dress for the occasion and his manservant waited patiently for him to finish his bath so he could help him. Galen hated affairs like this and truly did not look forward to the wedding and reception the next day, though he could not wait to marry Simone, a phenomenal beauty. “Monsieur Galen, your father wants to speak with you as soon as possible.” “Merci, Henri.” Galen knew what the elder Beaumont wanted to discuss and he smiled. At nineteen years of age, he would become the owner of a financial empire including a shipping company, banking, manufacturing and other industries—all because of his upcoming nuptials. The perfect thing about it all was the company ran itself, his father being extremely successful. Another aspect to his fortune pleased him more—his father planned to remain active in the family business, allowing Galen and Simone to get settled into their new lives. Galen knew how his father schemed and allowed the man his fun. 1

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At nineteen, Galen Beaumont had long been sought after in society circles. The gala balls during the season had many a Parisian mother pushing their daughters on him in hopes of their girls becoming Madame Beaumont. He’d met Simone the summer before, became instantly smitten with her. This pleased both families due to the financial windfall the marriage would bring, only Galen and Simone found one huge difference with this alliance aside from others of the day. They truly loved each other. **** After their marriage, they traveled the world making deals and acquisitions while Galen’s father ran the companies from his office at home. The empire became huge, all those involved extremely happy and well off. Galen loved Simone, their marriage and life together perfect, except for one thing. For years, they tried to have a family. He wanted an heir to inherit the family fortune. Every time Simone became pregnant, she would miscarry. The physical problem eluded the physicians and angered her. She wanted children—his children. “Galen,” she would apologize, “God does not wish me to have children.” Galen calmed her and quietly looked into legally taking on a ward. He found a young man named Etienne Marsden and after checking his background—he didn’t want any dead relatives appearing suddenly—he took Etienne on and began his education. Over twenty years, Galen and Etienne built the family fortune considerably while becoming, in their own ways, the corporate raiders of their time. No matter what they involved themselves in, it turned a profit. The thrill of the chase excited him but paled when it came to his wife. 2

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Simone became pregnant in 1429 at an age considered extremely old to be having her first baby. Galen worried but she calmed him and took to her bed for the duration. The pregnancy progressed normally and with it, the hopes of having their family—finally. “You are even more radiant than the day we met, m’lady,” he told her near the end of her term. “My husband always knows the right thing to say.” “I’ve always spoken my heart to you.” “I know. You’ve never lied to me.” “I haven’t,” he assured her. “I would have known, dearest Galen.” By sunset, Simone had died. With weeks to go, she went into premature labor and both she and their baby—the son she’d wanted to give him—had been lost to him. Their passing sent Galen into an emotional tailspin. He refused to let anyone attend her in order to prepare her for the funeral. When he finally passed out from sheer exhaustion, her maids took care of her, his manservant seeing to his Lord. Galen went through the motions as a priest read the services. His wife and son joined other members of the Beaumont family in the crypt located behind the altar of the family’s private chapel. Galen remained long after her entombment, unable to pull himself away. Etienne finally coaxed him into leaving the crypt and helped him to his room. He looked at the bed they had shared for twenty years and swore he would never set foot in the room again. His manservant set him up in the apartment across the hall and Galen remained true to his word. This happened in July but within a month’s time, Galen’s life went from bad to worse. 3

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While Etienne kept the businesses running and successful, Galen fell deeper into depression. He’d taken to the bottle and became reclusive, though his ward kept his benefactor’s situation quiet. A few weeks after Simone’s death, Galen left the manor with a bottle in hand. He stumbled into the gardens, falling onto one of the stone benches. He drank more, his head spinning. “Galen…” He looked around. He’d heard her voice, or had it been the result of his drunken stupor? “Simone, where are you?” he called. “Galen, come join me.” Galen looked around him, trying to find her. His fuzzy mind prayed it wasn’t a dream or part of the nightmare he’d plunged into with her death. “Galen…” “Where are you?” “Follow my voice. Come to me.” He looked around, again seeing no one. The light of the full moon blinding him, Galen closed his eyes to ease the pain. He opened them and saw a ghostly vision near the edge of the garden, the same place they loved to sneak away. “Simone?” The vision held her hands out to him, beckoning to him. He dropped the bottle and ran to her, falling into the arms of the woman he loved. “Simone, I thought I’d lost you forever.” “No, my love. We can be together eternally.” Her words made no sense between his stupor and seeing his wife. They kissed, Galen unaware of what went on around him. The cool breeze turned cold as clouds covered the 4

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moon, plunging them into an eerie darkness. Galen didn’t care. Their kiss deepened, Galen under a spell of some sort. He pulled back gazing into her eyes, hypnotized by her beauty. He pulled her close, burying his face in her hair. He didn’t feel anything, aside from the euphoria sweeping through him. All he knew was he had Simone in his arms. Heat scorched him but he didn’t worry. In a deep corner of his sanity, he realized something was horribly wrong. As much as he loved his wife, he knew this was wrong. He knew the stinging pain at the base of his neck was out of the ordinary but lust drove him as need took over. “Simone, I love you.” “I know, Galen. Sleep, my love.” **** Galen woke, unaware of where he’d spent the night. He moved his head, pain radiating through him. He had no memory of hitting his head but when he went to move his hand to check it, he discovered something even stranger. Why am I chained to a wall and where the hell am I? “You’ll call it hell—not once, but many times over the course of your lifetime.” “Who are you?” “Your mistress… Your maker…” “Maker? What does that mean?” “When I’m done, you’ll walk the earth for eternity.” “Where’s Simone? What have you done to her?” He screamed, his mind extremely clear now. “Your dead little wife remains in her crypt. You could say I borrowed her in order to lure you to my…” “Why? What do you want from me?” “I want you, Galen Beaumont.” “No. I want my wife.” 5

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“She’s dead. You will live on forever.” “I don’t want to. I want to be with my wife.” “Too late, Galen. You have no choice. You are mine.” “I am no one’s possession. Let me go.” “You don’t get it, do you? You are vampyr. I made you and now, I own you.” “No. I want Death… Simone…” She waved her hand in front of him, Galen quieted, though she knew he watched her. “I am Joelle, your mistress. You are mine to call whenever I want you.” Joelle had walked as undead for several centuries along with her sister, Danica, although she held her territory to London and was just as nasty. Joelle had slain her maker, then begun her search for the perfect eternal mate. She’d watched Galen Beaumont for years but his obsession with his wife prevented her from acquiring him as her child. Once Simone passed, Joelle determined to bring him over to the dark side. She’d bitten him once and planned on several more over the course of the phase of the full moon. It didn’t bother her if he fought her, it was too late. He would be vampyr and she’d have someone to go through eternity with. Joelle checked the time, then went to her captive. She removed the invisible gag and looked him over. Though she’d shackled him to the wall of the abandoned farmhouse at the lower end of the estate, she didn’t trust him to behave—at least, not yet. She cast her spell over him again and immediately, he craved her as he fought the shackles holding him, needing contact. Joelle smiled as she lapped his neck, Galen moaning. She felt her incisors lengthen as she brushed her body against his. 6

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“Please…” he begged as she bent to kiss him. His body wanted her. So what if it was her spell over him… She drew back from the kiss and traced his neck with her tongue. She felt his heartbeat, his blood flowing near the surface. She smelled his scent and languished in it as she clamped down on his skin, sinking her fangs into him. Joelle drank from him, taking his life into her as she feasted on his blood. She felt rejuvenated and alive, stopping herself before she went too far and drained him. She licked the wound, healing it. She easily slashed her wrist to open herself to her child. She put her wrist to his lips and, like a newborn babe, he latched onto her and drank. She loved the sensation of him sucking her blood and, after a bit, she broke his hold on her. “Lick my wrist, Galen, but do not drink anymore.” “Yes, mistress,” he said as he licked the wound so it would heal. Joelle put him back to sleep as she felt daybreak nearing. Though the cellar had no windows, her internal clock knew the deadly daylight loomed. “Till later, mon amour.” Proud of herself and her newest creation, Joelle crept into her darkened chamber and stretched out. Bringing Beaumont over opened up new opportunities—money, comfort, position. She slept the sleep of the dead and actually looked forward to sunset. **** Galen came out of his induced state violently. He fought his restraints, finding a new strength in his body. He heard sounds he normally wouldn’t have. He smelled the scent of a terrified field mouse and heard its tiny heartbeat thumping hard as if it knew something he didn’t. 7

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He licked his lips, his mouth dry. A stinging sensation caught his tongue and he realized his teeth had lengthened and sharpened. What the hell am I going through? The bitch mentioned vampyr, things which did not exist. Again, he tried pulling against the bonds holding him imprisoned. A small shard of light cut through the darkness. He winced, his eyes shocked at how bright it appeared. All of his senses heightened, he became angrier as he pondered the state of his sanity. Am I going mad? **** Sunset came and went. Joelle rose, dressed and left the farmhouse to see if anyone had missed her new pet. Shifting into a blackbird, she flitted towards the manor house. “Has anyone seen Monsieur Beaumont?” “Not since the other night.” “Poor thing,” the older woman said, “her passing has been too much for him.” “Le Manoir du Chance hasn’t been the same since her death.” “Has anyone gone looking for…” “Monsieur Marsden has but he’s also been busy taking care of business ventures.” Joelle inwardly smiled. The Lord of the Manor had not really been missed at all. She could keep him for a while and enjoy him. She’d have her fun while making sure her newest creation made the change and accepted her gift, dark as it may be. Flying back to the farmhouse, she found a high perch, then listened. She heard his cries as he experienced his new life. She flew up, then slowly let her body float to the floor, changing back to her human form. She pulled on a dressing gown, then went to visit her pet. **** 8

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Galen Beaumont, sober and unable to comprehend what had happened to him, prayed to God to save him. His soul needed any divine intervention God saw fit to send his way. “Forgive me my sins. Please, help me, God. I’ll do anything to repay whatever help you can give me. Please…” “God can no longer help you, my pet. He cares not for those who walk the night. We are the opposite of what Rome preaches.” “Noooooo…” His scream of agonized rage echoed in the tiny room and sounded like cannon fire. “Galen Beaumont, you…” “Liar!” he yelled, fighting the iron holding his hands to the wall. “When I get loose of these chains, I’ll kill you.” “You cannot kill me. I’m already dead.” “You bitch!” “Among other things. Call me what you want because you are like me. After tonight, you’ll make the transformation and you’ll join me when I hunt.” “No, I won’t!” “You have no choice.” Joelle had to put down his refusal. She hypnotized him once more, calming him. His fight taken, he glared at her as she came closer. “Go away, woman! I won’t… No…” Joelle laved his neck, his body betraying him. She sensed this betrayal of everything he believed in and smelled his arousal while he weakly tried to deny her. Galen’s body gave in to this creature—the monster. He felt himself swell and beg for her attention. He groaned when she released his cock and laved him. Never had he experienced such erotic feelings but she caused them. Simone, forgive me… 9

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“Stop it, please…” She continued her siege on his frailties, sending him to the edge and somehow holding him in a heightened limbo. She would not allow him relief. He couldn’t stop her from driving him crazy, unable to understand how she did. His body shook as she made her way to his lips to lightly kiss him. “Don’t,” he begged weakly as she feathered kisses along the untouched side of his neck to the point she sought. Galen lost what resolve he had when she took him to the edge again. As he felt his release, he felt her teeth bite down and his blood flow from his body. Galen Beaumont cried out as sheer ecstasy took over. His life drained from him and he went with it—he had no choice. The moment she offered herself to him, his fangs extended and he sank them into her breast, taking from her as she had from him. He fought her when she stopped him, wanting more. She made him lick the wound to heal it. He looked at her, the monster disguised as a beautiful woman who had taken his life from him. He hated her but his need for her overwhelmed him. Conflicting emotions coursed through him as his sanity tried to come to terms with it all. “What the hell have you done to me?” he asked. “You know, my pet.” “I can’t be dead. I’m breathing. I’m talking. I sucked your…” Galen stopped, the realization hitting him like a ton of stones. He screamed at her, fighting the shackles. “I swear to God, I will…” “You’ll do nothing. In your present state, you need me because I am your only friend. The others will hunt you down and kill you, once they find out what you’ve become. I can keep you safe.” 10

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Galen glared at her as she gazed into his eyes, mesmerizing him again. He knew he had to escape but what concerned him more was what came with the change she persisted in alluding to. She forced him to look at her while his body began to do things he couldn’t stop. She had him so under her control, he never felt the iron strap being placed across his neck or the other ones she stretched across his body and locked in place. Galen fell into a deep sleep, one of no dreams, only darkness. He slept the sleep of the dead. He slept the sleep of the vampyr.

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Chapter 1 San Francisco, California 1890 Madison Clarke Allcott stood at her husband’s graveside. She stared in disbelief as workmen lowered Geoffrey Allcott’s coffin into the ground. They had been married two days shy of a month and now she wore widow’s threads. The sound of dirt hitting the casket brought her back to the present. She thanked the men, then left, walking up the slight incline to where the Allcott’s groomsman waited for her. He helped her into the carriage, then took her home— the one place she didn’t want to be at the moment. The families had pulled together to host a luncheon at her house, of all places. All Madison wanted was to be left alone so she could grieve her husband’s untimely death. As the carriage traveled along the streets to her home in one of the city’s more affluent neighborhoods, Madison went back over the last several months of her time with Geoffrey Allcott, her husband. They had met at one of the many balls or cotillions held each year. Their purpose—to bring debutantes together with rich, wealthy, single men. She remembered being bored, not appreciating how she had been forced to attend these things with the sole purpose of finding herself a husband. She had little to no interest in finding a husband because she enjoyed her life as she lived it. Geoffrey found her though. 12

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They found they shared numerous common interests and she genuinely had feelings for him, though she didn’t know if she felt true love for him or what. She knew how Geoffrey felt about her and wondered if she would be able to return his feelings. Geoffrey Allcott lavished his complete attention on her. He showered her with gifts, including the house they lived in. She knew he loved her without question and he gave her the time she needed. One month of married life had brought out the feelings she knew she needed to feel and return. Before she had a chance to talk with him, he fell ill and immediately died. Twenty-eight days of married life—what have I done to deserve such a short time of happiness and now, two years of mourning his death? Why couldn’t she grieve in her own way? As soon as she got home, she slipped quietly to their room, locking herself in. Relieved no one had seen her arrival, she began removing the heavy black veil, followed by the oversized but stylish hat she’d worn in the hot summer heat. The minute the breeze touched her hot skin, she felt relief. How could she make it through the summer, much less two long years? She loved Geoffrey and she knew in her heart he wouldn’t want this—he’d want her to go on with her life and enjoy it as they had their marriage. Next came the dress, the bustle frustrating her. If it had not been for the unwanted guests in her house, she would have screamed. Maddie didn’t mind being in style but what her mother had forced her to wear to his funeral had been above and beyond. As soon as she was left in her camisole and petticoat, she felt better. Throwing herself across their bed, she buried her face in his pillow and cried, mourning his death and her late realization of how much she truly loved her husband. “Do you Madison Clarke…” 13

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She barely remembered the huge church ceremony uniting her in marriage to Geoffrey Marvin Allcott at Saint Mary’s Cathedral. She had yet to truly believe she was getting married, especially after not wanting to because she valued her independence—something the women’s movement was fighting for. Maddie looked at her wedding portrait. Geoffrey stood facing her, holding her hands while she gazed into his eyes. God, he had beautiful eyes. She brushed tears from her eyes staring at the picture. She wore a gown of white China silk with yards of French lace. For a June wedding, she remembered how she’d dreaded the high collar, the overly full bouffant sleeves gathered into cuffs hugging her forearms and ending at her knuckles. The tight waist, thanks to a corset, made her look tiny and accentuated the fullness of her breasts, while the full skirt flared from it. Handmade burgundy colored rosettes adorned the bodice and skirt as crystals reflected the light and sparkled. Myriads of pearls stitched into the design topped off the look. A simple sheer veiling sat pinned to the top of her hair, loosely piled on top of her head. It fell the length of the dress trailing behind her. She loved it and despite the hot summer weather, she’d actually been pleased with it and thrilled to wear it. She remembered clutching her bouquet of antique white roses. Ribbons streamed from where the florist tied the blooms together. Who caught it? It bothered her that she could not recall. They’d been very happy. She’d been welcomed into San Francisco society by virtue of marrying one of the state’s wealthiest bankers. He took her to Paris for their honeymoon 14

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and they had only been home a day or two when he fell ill. She tried to remember the night it happened, her life a blur. His mother had hosted a Welcome Home party to celebrate their return. Last minute wedding gifts waited for them, along with a feast literally fit for European royalty. After dinner, she watched Geoffrey, in his element while he worked the room. He spoke with several men, shaking hands with one while sending the other away—obviously disappointed. At the time, it made no impression, the previous months finally overwhelming her. Maddie glanced at the closet where all the expensive Parisian fashions hung. He’d bought her several gowns with all the accessories each one needed. Geoffrey had been very good to her, his love for her genuine. Now he was gone and Madison found she was on her own once more while not wanting to be. She wanted her husband, a desire which would remain unfulfilled. “Madison, are you in there? Open this door!” “Go away, Mother.” “How dare you act like this? You have…” Maddie opened the door, her mother pushing her way in. “Get dressed!” she demanded, horrified at her daughter’s total disregard for decency. “No,” Maddie said flatly. “You have a house full of people who…” “I didn’t invite them. You two did. I didn’t want this.” “Madison, where are your manners?” “They died with Geoffrey.” “I realize you’ve suffered a horrendous loss but it does not give you the right to be rude.” “Mother, I am a woman who, in the space of a month, married a man I loved very much, only to lose him forever. Right now, I do not have any inclination to be mannerly and 15

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polite. I want everyone out of my house so I can grieve in peace.” “Young lady, I will take this and let it go because of what’s happened but I will not allow this kind of behavior again.” “Mother, as I keep trying to remind you, Geoffrey gave me this house. It is mine and you are my guest as I became a guest in your home once I married. I’d appreciate it if you would send everyone home, then clean up and leave.” “What?” “This was your idea, not mine. You put my house back to rights. I don’t think my staff should have to clean up after your party.” “Party?” “Yes, party. It’s ghoulish having a huge affair after a funeral. I heard the falsely shed tears.” “You have to keep up appearances.” “I don’t care anymore. I’ll be shunned no matter what because I’m a young widow with no husband to take care of me. I’ll be considered a threat to others and the only ones who’ll pay attention to me are the wolves who want my money.” “You have no idea what you’re saying.” “Oh, but I do and I want everyone out of my house. As I said before, I want it back the way it was before Geoffrey died.” “You will regret speaking to me this way.” “No, I won’t. If you had not forced me to go husband hunting, I wouldn’t be here facing life without my husband. Don’t get me wrong. I love Geoffrey but those parties are nothing better than a sale of society daughters to wealthy prospects. It’s a shame Patricia Hall’s only chance at marriage 16

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was the one her parents arranged with the Halls. Poor thing’s so homely, she’d never get a man to marry her on her own.” “What? Her parents made the right decision.” “Her husband doesn’t love her. He has a girlfriend and even told her his intentions of doing so.” “You don’t know anything about them.” “Patricia told me herself. How can we do this to those we are supposed to love?” “Like I said, I’ll excuse this due to your duress. I’ll come back when you can be more civil.” “Mother, don’t bother. Ever since Dad died, we’ve been at odds. Walk away and don’t come back.” Maddie’s head felt her mother’s rage as she slapped her. “How dare you? The day will come when you need me and I won’t…” “I won’t, Mother. Now leave.” Madison turned to look out the window. She’d taken charge of her life and found the peace she’d been searching for. Geoffrey had allowed her to grow away from her mother’s controlling influence and she’d taken the first step toward her freedom. “Madison, are you all right?” Maddie turned, grabbing her dressing gown and hastily putting it on. “Mrs. Allcott, I hope my mother hasn’t upset you.” “Geoffrey informed me about her. She told you this luncheon was my idea, didn’t she? It was hers. She’s trying to retain her so-called standing in the social register. She only saw it through your marriage to my son.” “I love Geoffrey. You have to believe me.” “I do, love. Geoffrey knew it, too. You made him a very happy man.” “I tried…” 17

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“Madison, darling, you are a very wealthy woman. You had my son’s undying love and you are his sole heir.” “What?” “The day before your wedding, Geoffrey wrote his will leaving you everything. He set it up with the family solicitor to guide you with the business decisions. He left you so much and I, for one, could not be happier.” “It doesn’t mean a thing without Geoffrey here. I never wanted his worldly possessions. I want him.” “He knew that and trusted you to remember your feelings while you protect his legacy.” Clarisse Allcott hugged Madison while she sobbed, overwhelmed by how much she wanted Geoffrey back. “My dear, if you need anything and I can help, call me.” “Thank you, it means a lot. God, I wish you had been my mother.” “In a way, I am,” Clarisse said, smiling while the two women bonded. Maddie loved Clarisse and found her mother-in-law to be strong-willed but flexible. Where would I be without her? Clarisse kissed her, then left her alone as she wished. Maddie… Maddie looked around her. The room empty after Clarisse left, she stood by herself. Maddie… “Geoffrey?” A breeze blew the curtains, a chill running through her. Maddie, be careful. **** Maddie woke with a start. “Miss Madison, are you all right?” “What happened?” “You fainted, ma’am.” 18

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“I…” “Calm down, ma’am. You don’t want to sit up too fast. Mrs. Allcott says everything’s overwhelmed you. She sent me up with tea.” “Where is she?” “She left a little while ago after she made sure you were all right.” Maddie took a sip of the tea Patsy offered her and thanked her. “What time is it?” “After nine. She told us to let you sleep and made sure your mother left after she cleaned up.” “My God, I have to…” “No, ma’am. She said she’d stop by tomorrow to check on you.” Lightheaded, she let herself fall back against the pillows. She fell back to sleep but woke hours later. She opened her eyes but didn’t feel right. It looked like the misty fog from the bay had filled her room but she knew Patsy had made sure the windows were closed. It had become her nightly ritual. Maddie gazed around the room, frozen and unable to move anything but her eyes. In front of her, she saw a vision and gasped. Geoffrey? Maddie, my love… How? I need to warn you. Warn me? Why? You’re in danger. From who? Wingate. Who? Jonathan Wingate. 19

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Why? He murdered me. You have to be careful, my love. But… I can’t rest until he pays but I don’t want him anywhere near you. I love you too much. Geoffrey, I love you, too. I’m sorry I… I know, my love. I always knew. His vision started to fade. Geoffrey, no. Don’t leave me. I can’t stay. Please, my dearest wife, please be careful. But who should I trust? Galen Beaumont. If you need him, he’ll know and will be there for you. Where does he live? Somewhere in the city. He’ll come to you. Please, Maddie, be careful. His image disappeared into the mist, which vanished too. “Geoffrey!” Madison screamed her husband’s name as she bolted up. Shivering, she looked around their room but saw nothing out of the ordinary. “Miss Madison,” Patsy cried as she rushed in to check on her mistress. Quickly, she lit a candle. A creature of habit, she preferred candles over electricity, though she found the switch to light up the bedroom. Madison sat with her knees to her chest, sobbing. “I saw him.” “Saw who?” “Geoffrey.” “You couldn’t have. You had a bad dream.” “But I saw him,” Maddie tried to convince Patsy. Patsy held Maddie, rocking her as she would one of her children. Born in Ireland, Patsy O’Hara had a good deal of maternal tendencies, having been born into a large family, 20

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then having six children of her own. Adding Maddie was something she did out of love. “Calm down, child. Too much has gone on in your young life and the last few weeks. Your mind is overloaded.” “I saw him, I swear.” Patsy held her until she fell back to sleep. She stayed with her until Clarisse Allcott stopped by. By the time Clarisse left her, Maddie agreed she’d had a nightmare. Ghosts and apparitions did not exist. She felt better but in the back of her mind, she vowed to heed the warning. She would be wary of Mister Jonathan Wingate and be very protective of the Allcott legacy. She told Patsy to go home to her family, assuring her she’d be fine. Once she had the house to herself, she called Baldwin, their groomsman and had him ready her carriage. “Are you sure, Mrs. Allcott?” “Yes, I am,” she said, smiling. Maddie went to her closet and pulled out one of the outfits Geoffrey had bought her in Paris. To hell with mourning black… Geoffrey had given her a complete wardrobe of beautiful gowns and she refused to let them go out of style. She felt it would be a disservice to the man she loved and who loved her. The gown she chose was in a lightweight burgundy velour and purple taffeta. It had crystal accents and thin gold trimming along every edge. Being July, she chose to carry the fur accented velour cape in case she needed it. Though it was in the middle of summer, the city usually enjoyed cool evenings, thanks to the breezes coming off the bay. She left the feathered hat in its box and loosely piled her hair up on her head, then added a simple pair of earrings. 21

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Downstairs, she met Baldwin. He helped her into the carriage and they left. As she rode in silence, she thought of her life. Something told her that her life would change—how it did would be interesting. **** Jonathan Wingate had left the Allcott celebration angry. He wanted Allcott’s assets and had offered him a very good deal. “Take the deal, Geoffrey. You’ll make enough from this to take that pretty little piece of fluff around the world several times.” “You know I don’t do business that way.” “Why not?” “I’ve worked hard to hold onto my father’s legacy as he held onto his father’s before him. I have an agreement with Mister Beaumont and do not want to enter into anymore at this time.” “You’re a fool, Allcott. Think of the money.” “I have what I want. I’m not greedy like others I know.” “You bastard. You’ll be sorry.” “No, I won’t,” Allcott told him. “Oh, by the way, my wife is not a piece of fluff and if I ever hear you say it again, I’ll kill you.” “You don’t have the guts.” “Try me.” Wingate went over the conversation again and again as he walked out of the house. He snuck back into a shed behind the carriage house looking for a way to convince Allcott to change his mind. He found some cyanide, a poison the gardener used for mice. He scooped some of the powder out of its container and into his handkerchief, then slipped back into the party. He found Allcott’s champagne glass and dropped a few flakes of cyanide into it, then snuck out the way he’d come in. 22

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Walking away, the sound of screaming told him all he needed to know. Now, for the piece of fluff…

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Chapter 2 Galen Beaumont woke late in the afternoon near sunset. A night owl, he usually rose around the same time each day, conducting his business affairs at night when his competitors, or victims—depending on the deal—relaxed. He found a relaxed setting worked in his favor and better deals and contacts could be made at the many parties around the city. He had made an incredibly lucrative deal with Geoffrey Allcott to partner up on two projects. One would expand the new cable car system while the other would build an opera house near the center of the city. He missed the grand opera houses in Italy and wanted to bring the opera to San Francisco. One problem came up within moments of their agreement. Geoffrey Allcott suddenly took ill and collapsed, dead by the time his new wife got to his side. Galen wondered if she would honor their gentlemen’s agreement or if it was a dead issue. He would give her a suitable time to grieve before he approached her. It hit him she may not be able to go on with their agreement—what if Geoffrey Allcott had not left her everything? Damn it! He dressed in a pinstripe suit and grabbed his hat and walking stick as he left his house for his evening constitutional. His walk took him through a nearby park, then through Laurel Hill Cemetery. He took comfort here, envious of the dead. God, how I wish… 24

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He neared the upper half of the gardens and stopped. Ahead of him stood a black carriage hitched to a midnight black horse. Strange, no one visited this place after sundown but him. Who chose to invade this world of spirits? Galen stood near a tree out of sight. Far be it for him to disturb this stranger. He spied a woman standing over a fresh gravesite. The only recent widow he knew of was Geoffrey Allcott’s. What the hell is Allcott’s widow doing here at this time of night? He watched her drop to her knees, knowing something was not right at all. After a few minutes, he skirted the area in order to join her but not surprise her. The cemetery definitely would not be a good place to start a new friendship or partnership in business but it seemed she left him no choice. He worried about the woman’s safety. **** Madison knelt at the foot of her husband’s grave. She stared at the cross marking it until the headstone could be set in place—something about the carving… “Geoffrey,” she cried. “Why?” She broke down, allowing her tears to flow once more. “Please, help me. I know you warned me about Wingate but I need your guidance.” She laid her head on her hand, lost in what she had seen earlier. A part of her agreed with Clarisse and Patsy—she’d had an extremely bad nightmare brought on by overwhelming emotion. But all of it was overshadowed by the fact he said he couldn’t rest until his murderer was caught and paid for the crime. “Geoffrey, what do you want me to do?” she sobbed. Her mind raced. She knew coming to his grave had been a mistake, especially at this time of night. What the hell was I thinking? The realization of her folly scared her. 25

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Madison stood up and turned into a strange man. Where he came from she didn’t know. Her scream shattered the stillness of the night. **** Galen gently shook Geoffrey Allcott’s widow to bring her back to reality. “Shh, Mrs. Allcott, I won’t hurt you.” “Let go of me.” “Are you all right?” She stepped back, looking at the stranger. He smiled, though his dark eyes gave her absolutely no idea what he was thinking. “Who are you?” she asked him, unable to take her eyes off his handsome features. His brown eyes looked at her with kindness and understanding while betraying nothing. His suit, classic in style, told her he had it made in Europe. She could not get past his looks, or the heat which briefly passed between them when she walked into him. “My apologies,” he said, bowing. “Galen Beaumont, at your service.” “How do you know me?” “I had business dealings with your husband. My condolences, madam.” “Thank you. You said business?” “We had a gentlemen’s agreement as of several days ago.” “You saw him?” “At your Welcome Home party.” “You were there the night he died?” “Yes, madam. His untimely death happened after he left me in an attempt to find you. I could see he was very much in love with you.” She looked at him in the moonlight, the sun gone and leaving them in the eeriness of the cemetery after dark. She 26

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shivered a little feeling a chill even though it was a beautiful summer evening. A quick flash of memory, she vaguely remembered him. “You shook hands with Geoffrey right before he had an argument with another man.” “Jonathan Wingate.” She started at the mention of Wingate’s name. Her mind raced more while trying to make sure of that night and the vision earlier in the evening. Her hand went to her temple, her head pounding. She swayed a little but Galen caught her. “Mrs. Allcott, are you…” Maddie fainted in Galen’s arms. He caught her lifting her up and carrying her to her carriage. “You…” he called to the groomsman as he gently placed Madison inside the carriage. “See to your mistress. She may need a doctor.” “Yes, sir,” Baldwin said. As he sped off, the sound of hooves and the carriage’s wheels echoed in the silence. Galen watched it disappear. He fought hard not to follow them because if he did, he’d ruin everything if he expected to continue dealing with Geoffrey Allcott’s widow. He took a deep breath, calming his instincts. He’d felt the heat between them, one he hadn’t felt for centuries. Simone… He’d also felt her life—her heartbeat, her blood as it coursed through her body. He needed to feed and soon. The nearness of her drove his senses to a frenzied state, one he could not afford—not now and not with her. He could make no mistakes and needed to keep his mind straight. Galen continued his walk and returned home. Dropping his clothes in his bedroom, he opened the window and, as the breeze caressed his heated skin, he let his body shift into a black hawk. A bird of prey had been what he’d chosen to 27

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become shortly after Joelle taught him he could. His hawk to her raven had been a deadly combination. He flew out and into the moonlit night with two things on his mind—feeding his hunger and Madison Allcott. Soaring over the city, he flew toward the waterfront, where he knew he’d have a lot to choose from. Prostitutes worked the area looking for sailors, especially those from recently docked ships when they went ashore. The Star of Persia had entered port earlier in the day giving Galen a good opportunity to feed before he went to check on Madison. Galen glided to a spot behind some hedges in a small park near the wharf. The park was full of drunken sailors and the women who would liberate their money from them by night’s end. Galen shifted and crouched, waiting in the shadows. His first targets approached, their eyes locking. Galen sent a telepathic message to the couple luring them into the darkness. When Galen flew off, he was satisfied and the sailor and his lady of the night were deep in the thralls of passion, none the wiser as to what Galen had done to them. He smiled to himself as he soared over the city, once more en route to check on Madison. He had to make sure she was all right after what had happened earlier at Laurell Hill Cemetery. Perching on a branch outside her window, he waited. She would more than likely be turning in soon considering her emotional state when the groomsman took her home. He didn’t have long to wait. The door to the master suite opened. An older woman— a servant, obviously very close to Madison Allcott—helped her walk in, then change into nightclothes. A few moments later, the woman made sure she had been put to bed, then blew out the candle at her bedside. “Patsy?” 28

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“Yes?” “Thank you. I don’t know what…” “You’ve been under a great deal of stress. It was bound to happen sooner or later.” “You’ll keep this between us?” “Of course. Now, sleep.” Madison closed her eyes before the woman left her for the evening. Galen lit on the window sill, then glided to the floor. He made sure Patsy had left her and shifted from the bird of prey to his more recognizable form. Once done, he stood at the side of her bed and gazed at her—a phenomenal beauty. His heart skipped a beat when he realized Madison’s beauty surpassed his beloved Simone’s. This sent a shock through him as he felt the taste of betrayal. For centuries, he’d adored her, refusing to look at another woman the way he looked at his wife. For centuries, he remained true to her memory. Then came Madison… He reached out to her, his fingertip moving an errant strand of hair from her face. Heat coursed through him the likes of which he had not felt since before Simone’s death. In his long life, he had given up ever feeling like that again. After all, he was vampyr and one of the undead. What did Madison Allcott have? Why had she been able to turn his immortal existence upside-down? Had he actually found someone to share his life with and if he had, would she accept him for what he was? Questions assaulted his mind as heat lay siege to his body. He pulled his hand away, feeling loss. Emptiness set into his soul, worse than at his wife’s death. He gently touched Madison again and felt the same sensations. Somehow, he had to find a way to convince her to willingly join him, because if she didn’t, Galen Beaumont would turn to the light rather than endure that kind of shattering loss again. 29

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Galen heard footsteps as someone began to come up the stairs. Quickly, he changed to the black hawk and flew out to the branch he first perched on. He watched as Patsy opened the door, then crossed the room to Madison’s bedside. Satisfied Madison was all right, Patsy left. Galen flew off, then returned. He reentered her room and changed—his physical need overwhelming him. He smoothed her hair to the sides of her face and lightly traced the line of her cheek with one of his long graceful fingers. The heat coursing through him felt like the fires in London years before. He felt as if he couldn’t extinguish the flames and at this point, he didn’t want to. His cock throbbed in need of release as he made his way to the neckline of her gown. Her breasts rose and fell gently as she slept. Her nipples peaked at his touch and he smiled. Madison Allcott would be the answer to his long search for someone to love. She stirred and he stepped back. Changing to a hawk, Galen flew off. The evening’s events shocked him. Flying gave him the freedom to try and sort things out. An hour before dawn, he returned home, then cleaned up before daybreak overtook him. He made a few notes of things he needed to look into, then entered the master suite of the old house he lived in. Several layers of thick draperies covered the windows, which were shuttered on the outside in order to keep his daily enemy away. He stretched out in his bed, a creature of comfort, and let the dawning day take him. Immediately, he slept—dead for all intents and purposes while alive in Death’s grip. **** Madison woke the next morning feeling better. She’d done something extremely irresponsible and stupid, lucky to 30

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come home in one piece. Patsy had taken care of her after Baldwin brought her home and into the house. She asked for Baldwin to come see her. “Ma’am, you wanted to see me?” “Yes, I wanted to thank you for bringing me home in one piece.” “You’re welcome, ma’am. Are you feeling better, Mrs. Allcott?” “A little,” she answered just before he left her. Baldwin left her alone to her thoughts. She stood and went to the library. Geoffrey used it as his office and she wondered if he’d left anything she might be able to use in order to safeguard the Allcott financial empire. She sat at his desk and looked at each and every piece of paper, all undisturbed since his death, hoping to find one clue—any clue to help her. She had almost given up hope when she found a ledger. She opened it and discovered her husband had kept a journal. Maddie skimmed through the more recent entries. Tears came to her eyes as she read his last entries. Returned today from a phenomenal honeymoon. Madison has made my life enjoyable and worth living. At least my final days will be with a woman I love more than my own life. I only hope I can teach her how to handle the Allcott legacy. Tonight, I hope to make the Beaumont deal come to reality. If I die unexpectedly, Galen Beaumont is the one I trust to help Madison through it all. He’s a good man and not out to hurt someone for personal gain. At least, he’ll be able to keep the likes of Jonathan Wingate away from her. Madison gasped, then read more, unable to pull herself away. 31

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How can I tell Madison I won’t see year’s end? The pain is worse and my head feels like it will explode. Julian gave me a mixture to get me through tonight and I will see him in the morning. She heard a commotion from the front of the house and closed the journal, putting it in a desk drawer to her right. “Madison?” a voice called. “Madison, where are you?” “In here, Clarisse.” “What are you doing in here? You should be resting and…” “What was Geoffrey dying of?” “What?” “You heard me. What was my husband dying of?” “How did you find out?” “Never mind that. Tell me, Clarisse.” Clarisse Allcott paled hearing the emphatic tone of her daughter-in-law’s voice. She walked to the window, withdrawing a handkerchief from her small reticule. “Geoffrey was found to have a rare blood disease.” “When?” “Six months ago.” “Why didn’t he say something? Why wasn’t I told?” “He didn’t want you to worry and treat him like he was sick. It held its course while you were away and it evidently had not been bothering him.” “You’re wrong. He went to the party feeling sick and with a massive headache. He should have been in bed instead…” “This is why he didn’t tell you. He didn’t want you fussing over him and treating him like…” “…A sick man. My God, Clarisse, how much time did he have?’ “A few months, maybe a year.” 32

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“So I take it his death was attributed to the disease?” “Yes, why?” “And if he was murdered?” “Murdered? Where did that foolishness come from? Your nightmare?” “Clarisse, do I honestly look that frail or stupid to you?” “No, and that’s not why he swore me to secrecy. He wanted to give you everything—this house, the European honeymoon, the clothes…” “Why? Did he think I loved his money and material things more than I loved him?” “No, Maddie. He was trying to cram a lifetime into the short time he had left. He gave you in the short period you had together the things his father gave me in twenty years of marriage.” “But I could have helped him.” “You did. You made him happier than I have ever seen him. You gave him the chance to live and enjoy life.” Madison sat back in his leather chair, deep in thought. “How many others know?” “Geoffrey, of course…me, his doctor and now you,” Clarisse answered. “Maddie, he did it because he loved you so much, he couldn’t bear putting you through his hell and he did it to protect your financial future.” “He said he wanted to teach me the…” “He did. My son trusted you without question. I would not have agreed to his will if he hadn’t. Believe me, you became his main concern and without your knowledge about his illness, he died a happy man. For that, I thank you, Maddie.” Madison went to Clarisse and held her as she wept. Her mother-in-law’s openness impressed her. “Clarisse, do you trust me to do what’s right?” 33

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“Yes.” “Do you trust me to go to the people Geoffrey trusted?” “Yes, why?” “Because I need to meet with Mister Galen Beaumont. Geoffrey suspected Jonathan Wingate of underhandedness. I remember the night of the party Mister Wingate was not a happy man after he spoke with my husband.” “What do you intend to do? Wingate is a very powerful man.” “What can you tell me about Galen Beaumont?” “He’s European by birth, very shrewd in business while being very fair. Why?” “Geoffrey evidently trusted him. They came to an agreement at the party.” “Geoffrey was very astute when it came to working with others. If he did not care to go into a venture with someone, he didn’t.” “Then he entered into one with Beaumont but not one with Wingate.” “I would imagine—why?” “I don’t know yet. God, I’m not sure I know anything anymore.” “It seems to me you’re getting an idea of what you need to do and learn. You’re asking smart questions and now, you need to learn who you can trust and who you shouldn’t.” “I know. I’m surprised they haven’t been kicking in my door on this.” “They will soon enough. They’ll give you time to grieve, then…” “Wonderful.” “My advice to you—find someone to help you. Preferably someone Geoffrey may have trusted…” “He mentioned Galen Beaumont on several occasions.” 34

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“He’s an odd one but if my son felt he could work with him, that’s good enough for me.” “I sure hope so, Clarisse.”

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Chapter 3 Galen woke at dusk feeling a disturbance in the air. He cautiously peered around his room, darkened by his precautions. While any normal human eye would not be able to see anything, Galen’s acute eyesight did. Thanks to his keen night vision, he saw the intruder and had an idea of what he might be up against—or so he thought. A mist appeared surrounding him and holding him in place on the bed. As he watched, the room filled with a fog— not as heavy as it would be outside, but a fog nonetheless. “Whoever you are, the stage show is unnecessary.” He watched a ghostly image take shape in front of him. Not many things shocked Galen but this did. “What the hell…” “I know what you are, Beaumont and I can’t say I’m pleased to be turning to a vampyr but I need your help.” “What’s going on, Allcott?” Galen had felt this power once before in his long life. It surprised him that he had not felt it earlier at the cemetery the previous night. “You must protect Madison.” “She’s in danger? Why?” Galen asked, betraying his feelings for her. “I see you’ve fallen for her. I appreciate what you did for her last night. She shouldn’t have been there.” “Why was she? I heard her asking you why?” 36

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“I tried warning her against Wingate. He’s the one who murdered me.” “Murdered?” “Because you and I had agreed on the deals we made and he couldn’t even get near me. I wouldn’t deal with the man. He’s pure evil, Beaumont, and I don’t want him exerting any undue influence over my wife.” “Why come to me?” “You can keep her safe with your unique talents and guide her when she needs it. I left her the suggestion to come to you if she needs help.” “You can let me up. I don’t have the power to harm you,” Galen said, speaking the truth. Caught between the living and the living dead, an unrested soul or—in Allcott’s case—spirit, held a greater amount of paranormal power than a vampire did. Strange the way it worked out as Galen had only met up with this kind of force once and he couldn’t fight it either time. “Only after you swear you’ll help her.” “Not a problem. You and I had a deal and I hoped she would go through with your wishes. I had planned to see her when things settled for her.” “You can’t wait that long. Wingate’s getting ready to move in.” “Damn. You know I am not one to pressure.” “I don’t care how you do it—just do it.” Galen slowly rose, grabbed his robe and approached the ghostly specter of Geoffrey Allcott. Tying the sash as he walked, Galen took a deep breath. “You know I have feelings for your wife. I want her and intend to have her.” “I don’t have much to say about it. I doubt she wants to spend the rest of her natural life with a misty spirit. Once you 37

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prove Wingate’s guilt in my death, I’ll be able to rest and I will have no more say in what happens. As I said earlier, I don’t like coming to a vampyr for help, but you are the only one she can turn to and who I trust.” “I’ll take that as a compliment.” Allcott’s spirit nodded. “If I should need your help, Allcott…” “I can only assist you once, maybe twice more. Once my spirit rests, I’m out of your lives for good.” “As long as we understand each other.” “Beaumont, if she does fall in love with you willingly and without you enthralling her to do so, I wish you the best. Be good to her, my friend.” “I will, Allcott.” Galen watched the mist and fog disappear from his room. He considered their discussion and appreciated it. Knowing where he and the situation stood with Allcott’s spirit filled him with relief. “No, Geoffrey, I won’t enthrall her. Joelle’s enthrallment is what got me to where I am now. No, your wife will come to me of her own free will and she will become my wife.” “Just don’t hurt her,” an invisible voice reminded him. “I don’t intend to.” “If you do though…” “Allcott, don’t threaten to haunt me. Five hundred years has your idle threat bested. Once Wingate is found guilty of your murder, you’ll rest and be unable to bother me. So drop the…” “Fine, Beaumont. Just make sure she’s happy.” Galen nodded, then watched the remains of Geoffrey Allcott’s ghost disappear.

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**** Jonathan Wingate looked in the mirror as he fixed his ascot and made sure his suit coat hung just right. His manservant brushed lint from the woolen fabric, then stepped back. Pleased with himself, he grabbed his hat and walking stick, then left his house. A footman made sure he got into his carriage and the groomsman took off after the footman joined him on the bench. He looked at the passing real estate plotting how he might he able to procure more to add to his holdings. Wingate never looked at anything without seeing monetary gain. Quickly, he changed strategy and went over how he would approach the Widow Allcott. Positive she had no business sense, he smiled. Easy pickings… Once they arrived at his destination, he stepped to the sidewalk and gazed at the house. Smiling again, he smartly stepped through the gates and up to the front door. He lifted the brass knocker and let it drop, then waited. An older woman came to the door. “Yes, sir?” “Jonathan Wingate to see Mrs. Allcott.” “One moment, sir,” she said, closing the door. “How rude. Hrmph, I marry this despicable little twit and the staff goes right off,” he muttered to himself. Wingate looked around him. In fact, I’ll sell this place to raze it. What do I need with it, when she’ll be living where I choose? The door opening caught his attention. “Sir, Mrs. Allcott is resting and not receiving guests. She requested your card and will be in touch when she chooses to receive callers.” “Is your mistress ill?” “Sir, I am not at liberty to say.” 39

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“Very well. Give her a message with my card. Tell her to contact me as soon as possible because it is in her best interests.” “Yes, sir,” she said as he placed his card on the small tray she held. He turned and walked back to his carriage. “You’ll pay for this, wench,” he muttered. **** “How dare he call at this time of night?” Madison asked. “He said to give you a message.” “What?” “Contact him as soon as possible while adding it would be in your best interest.” “Call Baldwin for me. I need him to take a message to…” “You’re not going to see this man?” Patsy exclaimed. “No, I want to meet with Mister Beaumont.” “Why him? He’s an odd one.” “That may be true but Geoffrey trusted him. If I am to keep all this and Geoffrey’s hard-earned legacy intact, then I need this man on my side. Clarisse told me he’s odd but…” “He’s a night owl when it comes to his business affairs. No one has ever seen him during daylight hours.” “And he’s already come to my rescue once.” “But…” “Go get Baldwin, please.” Patsy did as Madison asked, though with some reservations. While she had the library to herself, Madison wrote a note to Galen Beaumont. Mister Beaumont, I understand we have some unfinished business. Please come to see me at your earliest convenience so we may discuss it. MCA 40

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Making sure the ink had dried, she folded the piece of paper and slipped it into an envelope then, in her flowing hand, she wrote G. Beaumont. Baldwin entered the room, Madison handing him the envelope. “I want you to find Mister Beaumont and deliver this to his hand.” “Yes, ma’am,” Baldwin said, then left. Madison sat back and looked at the business card resting on the tray. She didn’t like the feeling she was getting about Mister Jonathan Wingate. Patsy came in with a decanter and a snifter. She poured some brandy into the beautiful glass and handed it to Maddie. “Take Mister Wingate’s card and burn it.” “Are you sure…” “Why do you always ask me that?” Madison snapped. “I’m sorry, ma’am. I…” “Please, do as I ask and burn the card. I’m sure I’ll wind up with a few more before this is over.” “Yes, ma’am,” she said as she picked the card up and left Madison to her thoughts. She closed the door behind her. Madison looked at the papers on the desk learning more about her husband and his business acumen. As far as she could tell, she now controlled a shipping company, several financial institutions, plus interests in several other businesses. Her mind tried to encompass all she read and, after an hour, she put everything in another desk drawer and out of sight of any inquiring eyes. She pulled out his journal and read more of it. She smiled when she discovered she’d made the right decision in inviting Galen Beaumont to a meeting at his earliest convenience. Madison could only hope he would be amenable to it. 41

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**** Galen returned from his walk to find a horse waiting for its rider. He looked a little past the stallion to a tall black man wearing a very stylish dark suit. Galen guessed his age to be in his mid-thirties but when he turned to face him, he found the man to be familiar to him. “How is your mistress?” “Much better. She sent me here with this and told me to hand deliver it to you,” he said as he handed Galen the envelope. “Are you to wait for an answer?” “No, sir.” “Thank you then. Please pass my regards to Mrs. Allcott.” “Yes, sir,” Baldwin answered, bowing. Tall, Galen guessed he stood around six foot or better. A quiet man, he had a deep voice which probably belayed the fact he was a man one did not cross, Madison Allcott lucky to have him. Galen watched him mount the horse and ride off. He entered his home, locking the door behind him. He headed for his study, then poured a glass of wine, the only drink other than his normal drink he enjoyed. The joys of elegant gourmet dining had been taken away from him years before and it had taken years for his body to come around to accepting wine without the agonizing pain. No matter what, he determined he’d enjoy at least one thing of his lost humanity. He sat in his favorite chair and put the wine glass to the side on a small table. He held the envelope up to the light and saw her handwriting. He traced her lines and froze. Heat flared up from the paper to his fingertips. “Damn!” he said. He slid the note from its cover and read it, again feeling the heat coming from her elegant handwriting to his hands. What the hell is between us? Yes, he’d told Allcott’s ghost of his 42

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intentions but never had he felt anything this strong before in his long existence. The grandfather’s clock chimed nine, telling him it was too late to call on her this evening. He wrote a quick note to her. My dear Mrs. Allcott, I would be privileged if you would allow me to pay you a visit this evening after seven. Please give your answer to my messenger. Forever your servant, Galen Beaumont “Steven.” “Yes, Galen.” “Tomorrow morning, I’d like you to take this to Mrs. Allcott and wait for her answer.” “Yes, sir.” Steven Marsden took the note and quietly left the room. For centuries, a Marsden had cared for Galen’s interests while he slept. Each generation knew of his cursed life and all of them swore a blood oath to protect and defend him. In return, he took care of them and their families. Galen went through his mail, then decided to do some investigating. He went up to his suite of rooms and removed his clothes. Then he willed his body to shift into a black hawk before he soared from the house. First, Galen headed to the small park to feed, needing sustenance in order to keep himself in check when he came near Madison Allcott. He had to be in control until it became obvious what their relationship might progress to. Feeding now would keep him until after their meeting the next evening. Once he sated his needy appetite, he flew to the estate of Jonathan Wingate. From information Steven gathered earlier 43

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in the day, he learned Wingate had a dinner party at a house in Nob Hill and would probably be gone for several hours. Finding a first floor window open, he alighted on a chair. He surveyed the room—Wingate’s office—then crossed it to the desk on the opposite side. Listening for footsteps, Galen heard nothing and quickly shifted back. Naked, he stood behind the desk and carefully went through Wingate’s papers. He found where the man wanted to buy, the area near Madison’s home his top priority. Galen fumed because this was the same area where he swore to the property owners that he would not try to develop. He understood family and generations passing to the next since most of the people he talked with were of multiple generation families. After learning more about his rival and his ruthlessness, he shifted back to a hawk and left, soaring high over the city of San Francisco. He didn’t like what he had learned, especially Wingate’s plans for the Allcott fortune. Madison needed to know about Wingate’s lame plan to marry her and take control of her assets. Galen had seen the results of this plan before and they usually turned bloody. His next stop took him to the tree branch outside Madison’s window. He needed to reassure himself how she fared. Concern for her overwhelmed him. Quietly, he sat and waited, listening. A mouse looked for food unaware of a cat watching from a short distance away. Someone walked a dog, then crossed the street after a horsedrawn carriage passed. One of the good things he received as a part of Joelle’s gift, his hearing took in everything—good and bad. He could hear conversations—one in particular caught his attention. He singled it out and concentrated on it as it came from a small café around the corner. Thanks to the stillness of the evening, Galen got an unexpected bonus. 44

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“I don’t care if you want to sell me the property or not. You cannot afford to say no to me.” “I don’t want to sell to you, Wingate. This property has been in my family since we came to California.” “Your petty wants do not interest me. You’re holding up my project with your hold-to-family tradition.” “None of us will sell to you. Mister Allcott understood.” “Allcott’s dead. You have to deal with me now.” “I don’t intend to and if I ever decide to do anything of this nature, I’ll be seeing Galen Beaumont.” “We’ll see about that.” Galen smiled. Wingate was beginning to make mistakes. All he had to do was capitalize on the information and turn Wingate against himself. A sound from inside Madison’s house brought him back to her. He looked in the window seeing Madison walk into the room. She looked tired, which concerned him. No matter how much was thrown at her, Galen could see she would meet it head-on at her physical and emotional expense. He would keep an eye on her health, a task which wouldn’t be too hard, considering his feelings for her. Unaware he was watching, she undressed and changed into a nightgown. Seeing her like this, her natural beauty radiant, caused him to want to shift his shape and plunge his cock into her. Madison stood by the light on a table across the room, the outline of her body evident from the way the light hit her. Inwardly, he groaned. With thoughts like these coupled with the reassurance she was all right, Galen flew off. Soon…

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Chapter 4 Madison sat in the parlor working on some needlework when a handsome man entered the room following Patsy. “Mrs. Allcott, Steven Marsden at your service. I have a reply to your message to Mister Beaumont. He would like to call on you after seven or seven thirty this evening, if the time is agreeable with you.” “You may tell him it is and thank you.” “Yes, ma’am,” he said, nodding. He left her, meeting Clarisse Allcott on his way out. Madison put her cross-stitch aside to greet her mother-in-law. “Was that Steven Marsden?” “Yes.” “You’ve contacted Galen Beaumont, haven’t you?” “Yes. After reading Geoffrey’s papers, it seemed the smartest and most logical thing to do. I’ve heard from Baldwin about Wingate trying to buy up property Geoffrey refused to touch. The man has to be stopped.” “You are amazing.” “Not really. I can’t let Geoffrey down. The sooner Wingate is out of the picture, the sooner I will be able to get on with my life.” “Any other woman in your position would have turned all of it over to the solicitors.” “I’m not any other woman. Maybe before I found out about Geoffrey’s illness, I might have done just that but after all he gave me, I couldn’t dishonor him or his memory. He 46

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wanted to teach me the business and I owe it to him to continue his plans. I couldn’t let you down either.” Clarisse smiled. “Come, let me take you to lunch.” **** Galen woke and slipped from his bed. He smiled, thinking about how much his life had changed over the centuries. When Joelle made him, he slept in the darkest room in the darkest part of her manor house. He spent weeks there, hiding from the outside world and the deadly sun. Joelle forced him to clean up and he found she could show him a life he’d never dreamed of. Instead of a coffin as legends had people believing, he slept in comfort. All he had to do was insure total darkness during daylight hours. Besides, Madison was too much of a lady to force into a box every night… Over the years, he’d moved from place to place to keep inquiries at bay and always chose a comfortable, upscale home. He might not feel the comfort of it all while he slept, but after he woke, it became a different story. Stretching, he woke the remaining parts of his body and went to his dressing table. Glancing in the mirror, he smiled. Another advantage to the gift had been no longer needing to shave. He had a trimmed moustache and goatee, his hair cut slightly longer and pulled back. He would never keep a barber in business. He washed, then dressed in a dark suit with a lightweight formal shirt. Even though he could not sense the changes in weather, he had to look the part to stave off suspicion. He checked the stick pin’s position in his cravat, then took his pocket watch from his vest pocket. He had time to take his evening walk, only tonight, he’d end it at Madison’s. It would either give him a good excuse to leave, if need be, or the walk home would allow him time to think or calm himself. 47

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Clearing his mind, he went downstairs. Steven met him with his Derby, gloves and walking stick. “She is expecting you.” “Good,” Galen said as he slid his gloves into the inside pocket of his coat. “Will you need your carriage?” “No, it seems a nice enough evening. It’ll probably be best if I walk.” “If you are sure…” “Thank you, Steven. I’ll be fine,” Galen assured him, though he wasn’t sure who he was attempting to convince. **** Madison dressed in a white silk and chiffon gown, the designer’s masterpiece, or so they had been told when Geoffrey chose it. It had a lavender chiffon overskirt edged in lace, highlighted with sequins and tiny gemstones. Her shoulders bared, lavender chiffon flourishes sat below them on her upper arms. She added an amethyst necklace and earring set Geoffrey had purchased for her in London. Ringlets of hair ran along the length of her neck and created a simple yet elegant look. Patsy entered the room and gasped. “You’re not wearing your…” “Patsy, Geoffrey would not have wanted me to wallow in grief. He bought me an entire trousseau and this was one of his favorites.” “But what about etiquette?” “Patsy, if you don’t stop questioning me, so help me…” “I’m sorry, but there are the proprieties…” “And if Clarisse can accept this, then so can you.” “Yes, ma’am. Will there be anything else?” “No, in fact—why don’t you take the night off? Go see your family.” 48

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“But if you’re having a guest?” “For a business meeting. I’m sure everything will be fine. Now, go and enjoy the evening.” She watched Patsy leave and it struck her as strange why the woman was not more thrilled to see her family. Normally, she would have been racing for the door. Once she heard the front door close, Madison sighed. She endured the woman’s presence but she could not wait for her to leave. She went back trying to remember how Patsy had acted before Geoffrey’s death. Never had the woman questioned anything she was told to do and anything Madison did. Now, she did everything. Why? Hearing the door bell, she checked the clock. “Right on time, I see,” she mused. Making sure of her appearance, she went to the door, took a deep breath and opened it. “Mister Beaumont.” “Mrs. Allcott, good evening.” “Come in,” she said, stepping aside so he could enter. She took his Derby and walking stick, then laid them on the table in the center of the huge entry. “Please,” she said, motioning to the parlor. “After you.” Galen followed her, then sat on the couch near the fireplace. Madison took the wing chair off to the side. “You have a lovely home. It’s even more so without all the people like the time I attended your party.” “Thank you, Mister…” “Galen, please.” “Then you must call me Madison.” Galen nodded, inwardly thrilled. He quickly checked off two things from his need to do list. As a rule, vampyrs could not enter someone’s home uninvited. He had been invited by 49

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Geoffrey to the party they hosted, which gave him access to her home. Her more recent invitation made the point stronger. He could come and go as he pleased, a huge relief. Calling her by her given name warmed him. He loved the change from formal to more familiar and personal with her. He felt his body’s approval, stilling his emotions to calm himself. “I understand you had a gentlemen’s agreement with my husband on two proposals,” she said, getting straight to the point and down to business. “Yes, madam.” “I’d like to go ahead with them both.” “Wonderful,” he enthused. They spent the next hour going over what Geoffrey and Galen had agreed to, Galen pleased with the results. “I’ll send Steven over with the paperwork for your signature. If you have any questions, he’ll be able to answer them for you without prejudice.” “That will be fine. I need your advice on another matter.” “Which is?” “I have an employee I am losing trust in. Since my husband’s death, she’s taken to questioning everything I say or do.” “And you would like me to do what?” “I’m not sure.” “I can have someone follow her.” “She mustn’t know.” “Trust me, she’ll never know anything.” “Thank you. I appreciate your understanding.” Galen nodded letting his mind enter her thoughts. He saw the real reason for her request and it concerned him. “Do you suspect her of…”

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“No… Yes… I don’t really know. She questions my decisions, my comings and goings. She even questioned my gown.” “A beautiful one. You look radiant. What was her illadvised concern?” “I’m not wearing widow’s threads.” “Barbaric custom. Men are not subjected to the tradition and neither should a beautiful woman like you.” “Thank you. Your opinion of me is important if we’re to work together successfully.” “You give me too much…” “No, I would hate to have you think badly of me in any way.” “I don’t think I ever could. Never, I’m positive,” he assured her, smiling. If only she knew… Galen slipped into her mind again to plant the suggestion of reassurance. He wanted her mind at ease about him. He wanted to court her slowly because he desired her to love him willingly, not from being forced. He would never do to Madison what Joelle had done to him. And I did promise Geoffrey… “Galen?” “What? Oh, my apologies. I had a memory of someone I once loved come to me. You remind me of my wife, Simone.” “I didn’t know you were married.” “A long time ago. She died trying to give birth to our first child.” “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to…” He put his hand up to stop her. “Thank you, but how could you know? I keep my private life extremely private and only tell those I trust.” Galen’s words hit her as if someone had beaten her over the head. 51

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“How many people do you trust?” she gulped. “Maybe three or four including you because I feel it is no one’s business unless our paths are meant to cross numerous times. I expect to have a long, prosperous relationship with you.” “Galen, I don’t know what to say.” The clock chimed eleven. “I should be going,” he said, taking his cue. “Thank you for a pleasant evening. I hope you’ll come by again.” “You can be sure I will.” Madison walked him to the door. She handed him his Derby and walking stick, their eyes locking. Galen held her spellbound, needing her. “I am going to kiss you goodnight, Madison. Other things will happen but when I bring you out of it, you’ll remember nothing of what I am about to do. Do you understand?” “Yes, Galen.” Galen pulled her close, his hands framing her face. He kissed her deeply, tasting her and getting to know her better. He drew back, Madison’s gaze hazy. Galen kissed her neck, feeling her pulse throbbing as her heart beat at a fast rate. He felt his fangs descend as she drove his body crazy with desire. “Forgive me, my love,” he said as he sank his teeth into her skin. He drank from her but only enough for him to be capable of keeping contact with her. No matter where they might be or how far the distance between them, Galen would always have a path to her. For now, he wanted and needed to keep her safe and this was the only way he could for the present. Taking enough to mark Madison Allcott as his and set their connection, he sealed the wound and gazed at her. His 52

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cock swelled as he trailed his fingertip down her neck to her cleavage. Her breathing quickened as he sensed her body’s needs. Not yet, ma petite, but soon. He kissed her again as he cupped her breast and teased her nipple through the soft fabric of her gown. “Madison, it’s been a pleasure,” he said, bringing her out of the trance. “Yes, it has been,” she agreed. “I’m sorry. Suddenly, I’m very tired.” “Do you need me to help you upstairs?” he asked, worried. Did I take too much? “No, I’ll be fine, thank you,” she said. She opened the door, the cool night air hitting her. “Till we meet again,” he told her as he kissed her hand. “I hope so.” Galen left and she closed the door, leaning against it and relishing the heat of his faint kiss on her hand. Her body wanted his more than she could ever imagine. She shook her head, refusing to betray her husband. It’s all right, Maddie, I understand… She looked around but saw no one, though she thought she had heard Geoffrey’s voice. She made her way upstairs to their room and closed the door, locking it. Madison undressed, slipping into one of the fancy lace nightgowns from Paris. She felt sensations course through her, feeling sexy as if someone was intimately touching her. Her breasts ached, her nipples firm and sensitive. Thrills went through her as the thin material of the gown brushed over them. What the… Sleep, ma petite. You need to rest. Madison obeyed her thoughts, slipping into bed. She fell off to sleep immediately, her mind at ease. Sleep well, ma petite. My love to you… 53

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**** Galen walked in his front door and went straight to his suite of rooms. Stripping out of his clothes, he changed to a black hawk and flew out into the night. A few minutes later, he sat perched on the tree limb outside Madison’s window. He planned to remain there, guarding her until the approach of dawn. He made a mental note to get Steven to find someone, a shifter preferably, to follow Patsy. Something about her troubled him and he wanted to have the situation settled before he battled Wingate. He knew their fight loomed on the horizon. Galen needed to be on his game or he’d lose the one person important to him. After tasting her sweet essence, he knew he had to have her. It would take several bites to bring her over but he would take his time. The first bite given earlier initiated the ability for them to talk to each other mind-to-mind. Right now, he needed to know where she was and if she was safe or needed him. The rest would come in time. Near dawn, Galen flew off and returned home. On his way, he headed to a small corner of the city where he met with one lady. He had been keeping her for years to satisfy his needs and now he needed release. Forgive me, ma petite, I do not mean to stray but… **** Jonathan Wingate enjoyed a nightcap of one of the finest brandies he could buy. Nothing but the best for the next financial king of San Francisco business. He sat in his favorite chair—an imported piece of furniture from an English cabinetmaker—and took a sip, savoring its sweet taste. “Mister Wingate, someone to see you.” “Who, Jeeves?” he asked with some annoyance. 54

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“She would only give her name as Patsy and said you would know her.” “Send her in.” “Yes, sir,” his English butler said. Wingate crossed his leg over the other and waited. “Mister Wingate, I’m so sorry to bother you at this time of night but…” “Get on with it, Patsy. What have you found out and it had better be good.” “She refuses to honor the dead.” “Why is that important to me?” “She wore a dressy gown from Paris tonight.” “So?” “She had company.” “Who?” he asked impatiently. “Galen Beaumont.” Wingate saw red as his rage boiled over. “Get out!” he screamed. The tone of his voice terrified Madison Allcott’s housekeeper. She ran from the room before he became violent. Wingate threw the snifter at the hearth. Shards of glass flew everywhere but he didn’t care. He paced, angry at the world. His mind raced as he tried to make sense of what she had told him. “Beaumont, you’re a dead man!”

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Chapter 5 When Galen woke at dusk, Steven Marsden was waiting for him. For him to be nearby when Galen woke from his sleep of the dead, it had to be very important. “Steven, what is it? What’s wrong?” “I sent Lawrence out to follow Mrs. Allcott’s housekeeper. He shifted into his housecat form and watched her as she spent the day at the Allcott house, except when she went for food.” “You didn’t come here to tell me this.” “No, sir. Lawrence met Michael and learned something of vital importance.” “Michael is watching Wingate.” “Yes, sir. He saw the housekeeper enter, then run out of the Wingate mansion last night.” “What?” Galen jumped from his bed, threw on a robe and waited for Marsden to go on. “Michael flitted near the window of the room where they met and she told him about Mrs. Allcott’s behavior in not honoring the dead and about her company. Galen, Wingate knows of last night’s meeting and he’s furious.” Galen went to his desk and quickly wrote Madison a note. “Take this to Madison and wait for a reply.” “Yes, sir. Galen?” “What?” 56

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“Is she the one?” “Yes.” Steven left Galen, taking the note with him. Galen paced, worry overwhelming him. Jonathan Wingate, ruthless in every aspect of the word, would assume they agreed to go through with the deals made previously at the Allcott party. Correct in this, he’d fly off the handle and make a move before Galen had prepared for it. Thoughts of Wingate threatening or hurting Madison overwhelmed him. “Geoffrey Allcott, if your spirit hears me, I may not be able to keep my word. If Wingate threatens her, I’ll do whatever I have to in order to keep her safe. Do you hear me?” Do what is necessary. She needs you and I can no longer help. The words echoed in Galen’s mind as he paced. He dressed in order to keep his mind busy. Galen went downstairs to the living room. From a decanter sitting on a dry sink, he poured a glass of wine and downed it, then poured another. The wine soothed him and he began to think constructive thoughts. Finally, he remembered their connection. Madison, are you all right? Yes. Good. Galen? Yes. How is this happening? We’re so far apart. It’s a gift, ma petite. Why do you call me that? It’s a term of endearment in my native France. But, why? You are special to me. Have you called anyone else this name? 57

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No, ma petite. Only you. Good. Do I sense jealousy? I don’t know. There is someone at the door. Galen cut their ties, though he lingered in her mind just enough to make sure she was safe. He felt her relax and knew Steven Marsden had arrived. Galen calmed, though his senses remained on an edgy awareness of everything going on around them. The brass knocker on the front door dropped, bringing Galen to the present. He put down his wine glass and took a deep breath in order to gain control of his emotions. He opened the door, his mind racing. “What can I do for you, Wingate?” “I don’t know what deal you made with Allcott or his trampy bit of fluff but it can’t proceed,” Wingate stated as he barged into Galen’s home. Why do vampyrs need an invitation but this abomination can do what he wants? Galen’s rage rose close to the surface. “Wingate, no one barges into my home without my invitation. No one refers to any woman as a trampy bit of fluff and any business deals we may have are between us. Now, if you don’t mind, you can leave the same way you came in. Good evening.” “You can’t get rid of me that easily. I’ll ruin you.” “Many have tried.” “And?” “They died.” Wingate looked at him unsure what to believe. He glared at Galen and froze where he stood. Galen’s eyes had turned crimson with rage, his expression intimidating. “Leave, Wingate…NOW!” 58

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Wingate backed up, then ran. Galen laughed but knew his enemy would return wanting war and Galen would be prepared. He worried about Madison. Was she strong enough? **** “Mister Steven Marsden to see you.” “Thank you, Patsy. That will be all for this evening. You can take the rest of the evening off.” “I must protest. Have I done something to offend you?” “No, I wish to be alone with the house to myself.” “I can wait until your caller leaves.” “Patsy, I will not have you questioning me in front of my guests. This time, you have gone too far. You are dismissed.” “What? Why?” “I am tired of the way you have chosen to conduct yourself with me since my husband’s death.” “I’ve been looking out for your best interests.” “You no longer need to concern yourself. I’ll be fine without your constant meddling.” “You’ll regret this.” “Patsy, I regret allowing you to go on this long. Please, leave.” Patsy turned on her heel, stomping from the room. Steven put his finger up to quiet Madison, then quietly slipped from the room. Madison entered the entry hall and waited. Moments later, she witnessed Marsden escorting the fired housekeeper to the door and out to the sidewalk. He reentered the house, handing her a set of keys. “Thank you.” “You’re welcome,” he said, smiling. “Why did Galen send you?” “I have a message for you that requires an answer,” he said, handing her Galen’s note. 59

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My dearest Madison, Beware of your housekeeper. We’ve learned she is or could be in league with Wingate. If you’d like, I can find a replacement for her who will be loyal to you without question. Your loyal servant, GB While Madison read it, she felt heat rise from his handwriting to her fingertips and through her body. She felt him call to her, Madison longing to see him once more. Ma petite, are you all right? His words in her mind only served to heighten her desire for him. She didn’t understand her feelings for him but she felt a close attachment to him and she wanted him to be an integral part of her life. So do I, ma petite. How do you do that? How can I? We have a connection that ties us together. She looked at his note, figuring it was wishful thinking. This is not your imagination, ma petite. Shaky, she took some of her lilac scented notepaper and wrote a quick reply to his note. My dearest Galen, Please find a trustworthy housekeeper for me. Patsy is no longer in my employ. Your Mister Marsden became quite invaluable with his assistance. Please call on me at your earliest convenience. Fondly, MCA She slipped the note into an envelope after making sure the ink had dried. She turned to Marsden who stood by the window. 60

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“Please take this to Galen and thank you again for what you did earlier.” “My pleasure. I hope you have a good evening.” Steven left her alone, the sound of the door closing echoing through the silent house. She walked back into the parlor and extinguished the gas lit sconces near the fireplace and several smaller boudoir lamps while leaving one lamp on. She went back to the wing chair, sitting down. The thought of Patsy’s betrayal ate at her but she realized dismissing her had been inevitable. Relieved, she had yet to be sure if she could have done it without Marsden’s help. Thank you, Galen. You’re welcome, ma petite. She smiled. She didn’t understand their bond but she took comfort in it. Madison noticed her physical reaction to his words in her mind. She ached for him—his touch, his protection and comfort. Her breath caught, her nipples firm buds needing attention. She felt heat between her legs as her body called to his. Please, Galen… **** Galen heard her pleas and tried to restrain his desire to go to her. He read her note and groaned to himself. “Steven, I want you to find a new housekeeper for Madison. She must be…” “I understand, Galen. I planned to talk to Sophie.” “Perfect choice,” Galen agreed. Sophie would be perfect and discreet. Under his protection and carrying her own secrets, she would do anything he asked of her without question. “How were you of assistance to Madison?” “Patsy didn’t like her dismissal. She took a little longer than I felt comfortable with, so I followed her. I took a set of 61

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keys to the Allcott house from her, then escorted her to the sidewalk.” “Thank you, my friend.” Marsden left him for the evening, Galen alone with their thoughts. Please, Galen… As much as he tried, he could not stop himself. A short time later, he stood on Madison’s doorstep. He knocked on the door, then waited. She opened the door, her smile welcoming him. Once inside, he closed the heavy oaken door, then mentally locked it to make sure they would not be disturbed. “Galen, you came…” “Oui, ma petite.” “I prayed you would.” “I sense you’re upset. Is it about the situation with Patsy?” “Among other things.” “Tell me,” he said, guiding her to the dimly lit parlor. The heat of their touches surged though both of them, their need for each other overwhelming. “What is happening between us? Since the night when you saved me from myself at Laurell Hill, I have needed you. I crave your touch. You’re in my thoughts, my dreams. I think of you and my body begs for you. It’s…” “And you feel you’re betraying your husband?” “Yes and no.” “Explain this to me.” “Yes, I am betraying him because he loved me for myself. He lavished me with all this, left me financially secure and…” “You didn’t love him?” “I came to realize I loved him very much but he never did to me what you do. Galen, I…” 62

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“You have haunted me since the night in the cemetery. I literally stopped living after my wife’s death. Then I found you—a lost soul—and you took me over.” “Galen, this is wrong. I’m supposed to be in mourning.” “We’ll keep it to ourselves.” “How? I feel like I’m in a fish bowl. People are watching me. Patsy…” “…Is gone and can no longer spy for Wingate. I’ve hired a housekeeper for you and she is loyal to me and now you. If she reports to anyone other than you, it’ll be me and only for your safety.” “But someone will see you coming and going,” she reminded him. “I can’t believe we’re having this discussion. Am I that…” “Never, ma petite. I am a firm believer in life mates and soul mates. I loved Simone but she did not bring out in me what you do. It’s been a long time since any woman has aroused me the way you do.” Madison blushed. “Do not be embarrassed, ma petite. Never with me.” “But…” Galen pulled her close, his lips meeting hers. He felt her body against his as she melted in his arms. “Galen, I…” Galen kissed her, gently at first but centuries of near abstinence took over as his tongue explored her mouth. His cock begged to be free of his trousers so he could bury himself within her wet heat. Madison’s arms went around him pulling him closer, afraid she’d lose him or worse. She feared waking up and finding it had all been an erotic dream. “No dream, ma petite. This is real. I want you, Maddie.” “Galen, I don’t know what to do.” 63

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“Did you make love with your husband?” “Never like this. No, Galen, I’m not a virgin but I’m so naïve.” “Shh, it’s all right.” “But what if I can’t please you?” “Never worry about that. You could never disappoint me. Besides, it seems I can cause you to enjoy pleasures you never did before.” “Yes, Galen. Don’t get me wrong. Geoffrey was a wonderful lover but he was very gentle with me.” “Is that what you want from me?” Galen asked. He had to know. “No, Galen. I want you to teach me everything. I want to experience the feelings you bring alive in me more and more. I want to be with you as much as I can.” Galen lifted her into his arms and carried her upstairs to her room. He put her down and gazed into her eyes. “Are you sure, Maddie?” “Yes, Galen. I feel like I’m on fire. I need you to…” Galen’s mouth covered hers, his kiss deepening as his tongue danced with hers. She put her hands on his shoulders and he groaned. Her body hot, aroused and needy, Galen knew he’d found the one woman he desired to spend eternity with. Madison slipped his coat and vest from his shoulders, followed by his suspenders which hung at his waist. His cravat came next and she tried to unbutton his shirt. Her fingers clumsily fought the shirt buttons. “Rip it, ma petite.” “But…” “Do it, it doesn’t matter.” She pulled the shirt apart, baring his chest to her. She couldn’t believe how gorgeous Galen was underneath all the 64

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layers of clothing. She gasped when he held her against him. She didn’t notice her skirt fall to the floor after he released it from her waist. Madison drew back to undo her blouse but he stopped her. “Allow me,” he said as he deftly removed it. She stood before him in silk and lace camibloomers. He groaned as the silk hugged her heated body. He could see her nipples, hard against the silk and the way the fabric clung to her at her hips and between her legs. His cock swelled, needing to be inside her. “Maddie…” She reached for his pants and removed them, gasping at the sight of his engorged manhood. “Galen…” “Don’t worry, ma petite,” he soothed, reading the concern in her thoughts. “You’ll take me without a problem.” She smiled. He stepped out of the rest of his clothes, his body calling to her. He slowly removed the silk between them. Their heat combined with that in the room and the temperature rose as he moved his gaze along the length of her body. “Galen…” “I know,” he said as he took her to bed. He kissed her deeply while his fingers traced the curves of her body. Galen could see tiny flames dancing in the wake of his touch. Her breasts ached as he played with her nipples. He bent to suckle one while teasing the other. Her body met his as desire and need overwhelmed them both. Galen sensed this as he entered her thoughts, becoming one with her. He felt her hesitation settle back as she allowed her body to trust his. “I will never willingly hurt you and if I do, I will spend eternity ruing the event and making it up to you. I want you, 65

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ma petite, now and always—however we can have each other.” He suckled her other nipple as his hand rested on her stomach. He thought he sensed another presence but could not be sure. Galen continued his lazy seduction while her body cried out for more. His hand slid down her body to the soft hair of her mons, then further, parting her nether lips to tease her waiting clit. Her body pressed against his hand, the heat phenomenal. He eased his long graceful finger into her pussy, then added a second. He teased her as he helped her discover a level of emotions she never had with her husband. Galen smiled, then kissed her as he finger fucked her. Madison cried out, calling his name. Galen moved his body between her legs, pressing the head of his cock to her core. “Look at me, ma petite,” he commanded as he thrust into her. He thrust into her again, Madison wanting more. Galen’s desperation took over as he drove her. Her body clenched around his cock, enveloping it in her sweet pussy. Her legs wrapped around his because she wanted—no, needed—him close. Blood lust took over when he felt his fangs extend, needing to feed from her so she could take from him. He kissed her and, as his cock erupted inside her, his teeth sank into her breast. He fed from her as the earth trembled. Their orgasm created a shock that literally shook San Francisco with its power. “Galen, please…” He sealed the wounds, licking his lips before looking at her. She did not see him open a gash on his neck before he gently kissed her shoulder. She feathered kisses along his neck, finding the bloody wound. Madison instinctively licked 66

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the wound then, with a little pressure from Galen on her neck, she pressed her lips to it. “Bois, ma petite. Take what I give to you freely.” Galen felt her take from him hungrily like a baby at its mother’s breast. His teeth crept back out of sight before he broke their contact. He feathered kisses along her face, then licked her lips to remove the evidence of her feeding. Physically, her body knew and—he prayed—would accept the blood transfer of his aged life. Mentally and emotionally, he needed to ease her into this, though he had a feeling she would take to it. The problem was the second presence he detected earlier which now had become stronger after she fed. What the… Shit! What, my love? I don’t know how to tell you this, ma petite, but you’re… What? Enceinte…avec enfant… I… “What?” she asked him, staring at him with astonishment in her eyes. “How can you know such a thing?” “It’s a gift. I can sense it.” “Forgive me, mon cher, but I could swear you just told me I’m pregnant.” “I did.” Madison looked away from him. Galen’s heart slammed against his chest then literally sank. “Please, cherie, talk to me.” “You’ve just made love to another man’s pregnant widow.” “Yes, and I will not apologize for it. I wanted you and I still do. Je t’aime, ma petite. I have since the night at…” “You don’t understand. I cannot ask you to take this on.”

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“I want to. Madison, you have been a part of my life since then. We just made love—an amazing experience. I’ll take you any way I can. I will gladly raise his child as my own.” “Did you say you love me?” “Oui.” Overwhelmed, she closed her eyes. Suddenly, she felt exhausted and wanted to sleep. Galen pulled her close. “Madison, ma petite. Je t’aime. Sleep, my love.” “Je t’aime, mon cher.” Galen’s cock swelled, begging to return to the heat of her welcoming body. He pulled her closer, his shaft throbbing against her stomach. He groaned when her hand slipped to hold him. “Ma petite…” “Please, don’t leave me.” “I’ll be here until I know you’re asleep. I have early appointments this morning to attend to.” “Oh? What?” “I must speak with Sophie before she begins work later today.” “But shouldn’t I…” “You need to rest since you may be in a delicate condition.” “I’m not going to argue.” “Bon. I can be very stubborn and usually get my way.” “And what do you want right now, Galen?” “You, ma petite. I want you for eternity.” “I want you, too.” Galen smiled, kissing her as she massaged her breast. “Galen?” “Oui?” “Is it wrong to be able to tell you I love you when I had yet to tell Geoffrey?” 68

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“Non, ma petite. Believe me, I’m sure Geoffrey wants what’s best for you.” “I love you, Galen. Would you…” “Yes, Maddie,” he answered. Galen kissed her, his hand slipping between her legs and finding her ready for him. He pulled her on top of him, impaling her on his waiting cock. She pushed her body up, sitting on him while they moved together in sensual harmony. Galen watched the movement of her breasts, feeling himself filling her more. His hands on her hips, he held her tight as he exploded into her. Madison cried out, her hands holding his tight to her body. “Galen… Galen…” Galen growled his desire as he pulled her to him. Again, his fangs descended and he sank them into her, feeding from her. She gasped when his teeth entered her but as he drank from her, her body shook and begged for him. Galen rolled her to her back after he sealed the newest bite. “Sleep, my love, I’ll be back tonight.” She curled into him. He gazed at her, her skin pale. He knew he should not have done it the second time but blood lust ruled him, stealing his control. At least, he knew she would sleep well into the day. Near dawn, he dressed. Before leaving her, he wrote her a note telling her he would see her later in the day. He left it on the pillow next to her, kissed her, then left. On his way home, he blocked his thoughts from Madison while he tried to figure out what to do. He had no clue what her transformation would do to the baby she may be carrying. He tried to remember if any of his kind had brought over a 69

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pregnant mate and what had happened but he kept coming up blank. What the hell have I done? You didn’t know. Galen stopped, wondering who had spoken to him. He saw no one and continued walking. He arrived home, entered the house and froze. A mist materialized into a specter in front of him. “Allcott?” “You didn’t know. Neither did I when I asked you to…” “But if she makes it through the change, the baby might not.” “There is one instance I’ve heard about. You’ve no idea what you learn when you are in limbo.” “I think I do. What do you know?” “I’ve heard of one whose babies made the change with her successfully. They came through it with extraordinary powers and within a week, grew from infants to adult womanhood. It seems whatever is in your blood is powerful enough to do this.” “Where are the babies now?” “Both died in the 1400’s. Both tried to make their lovers crazy with jealously in order to keep them in line. Instead, they killed them. One sister walked in London, her name Danica. The other sister took on Paris. Her name was…” “Joelle,” Galen whispered. He turned away. The circle had been completed. It was no longer broken… “You know her?” “I killed her. She created me after my wife’s death when I was despondent and very vulnerable. She came to me in the image of Simone, changed me, then treated me as if I were her pet. She made two others—both younger men—then used them to make me jealous. I walked out on her and, in order to prove her feelings for me, she killed them both.” 70

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“How?” “Since she made them, as creator—she could give them death. She drank from them until she’d taken it all, then she left them to the sun. I woke late in the day and she gloated about what she had done—for me. She said she needed me and apologized, begging for my forgiveness.” “And?” “In the preceding weeks, I bought the property her manor house sat on. I needed somewhere to be able to hide if I couldn’t stay at my own estate. I angered her when I informed her of what had been done. She flew at me in a raging fit wanting to kill me. I killed her in self-defense instead. That happened over five hundred years ago.” “So if this Joelle and her sister—if they could survive the change—wouldn’t my child be able to?” “I don’t know,” Galen admitted.

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Chapter 6 Over the next several days, Jonathan Wingate began to make his move against Madison and Galen using extremely different tactics on both of them. He showed up at Madison’s the day after Sophie began working for her. Thanks to Galen’s reasoning, Sophie took a room upstairs where the servant’s quarters had been located when the house was first built. Sophie started work immediately, even though her new employer had been asleep when she arrived. Galen made sure Madison wouldn’t be disturbed because she needed her rest. In the morning, and using the set of keys Marsden liberated from Patsy before her departure, Sophie let herself in. She began her duties by cleaning and straightening the first floor. She found a couple things she suspected had been left by her predecessor. She put them aside to show them to her new mistress and let either her or Galen Beaumont decide what to do about them. Near one o’clock, the knocker dropped on the front door. Sophie went to answer it, the first major test of her new position. “Yes, sir?” she asked after opening the door. “I want to see Mrs. Allcott.” “I’m sorry but she is not receiving visitors this afternoon. She’s resting…” 72

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“Why? What’s wrong with her?” the man demanded as he pushed his way into the house. “Madison,” he yelled. “Madison, we need to talk.” “Sir, I’m sorry but she left word she did not want to be disturbed.” “Who are you? Where’s the housekeeper?” “I am the housekeeper and you need to lower your voice, then leave.” “Go get your mistress. Now!” the man demanded. “No, sir. She left instructions—strict instructions,” Sophie evenly stated while not raising her voice. “Madison!” “Sir…” “Do you know who I am?” “No, sir,” she lied. “He’s Jonathan Wingate.” “Sorry, mum. He…” “It’s all right, Sophie. I’ll handle this.” “Yes, mum.” Sophie left them but remained nearby in case Madison needed her. She listened to Wingate yell at her mistress. Her blood boiled, hating this man. She clenched her fists to control her temper. Only if needed… **** Madison woke from her deep sleep to the sound of someone bellowing her name. She quickly threw on a gown and dressing gown, then stopped. Wait a minute, I’m not running to this man’s beckoning call. She heard the conversation filtering upstairs as clearly as if it occurred right next to her. When had her hearing become so acute? She guessed the strange feminine voice belonged to Sophie. Thank God for Galen’s insight. 73

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Outside her room, the movement of the clouds and the tree branches swaying with the breeze let the bright sunlight in. She quickly covered her eyes, the brightness blinding and painful. “Madison!” She came back to the present and tightened her sash at her waist. She left the bedroom and started down the steps. “Do you know who I am?” “No, sir,” the girl answered. “He’s Jonathan Wingate.” “Sorry, mum. He...” the girl said, Madison detecting a British accent. “It’s all right, Sophie. I’ll handle this.” “Yes, mum,” she said, leaving them though Madison suspected she listened to them from nearby. “I don’t recall inviting you to my home.” “Madison, you look ghastly.” “Why do you think I didn’t want to be disturbed? I’ve been feeling puny and have been trying to regain my strength. Geoffrey’s passing…” “…Pushed you straight to Beaumont.” “I beg your pardon. How dare you blacken my husband’s memory with slanderous accusations like this?” “You don’t honor him at all. I’ve heard all about your harlot’s garb.” “If it’s any of your business—and it’s not—Geoffrey bought them for me when we honeymooned in Europe. It would dishonor him to store away the wardrobe and never wear it. Geoffrey had excellent tastes and I want people to know about him and celebrate his life, not grieve his passing.” “What kind of nonsense is this?” “As it doesn’t affect you, why do you care and will you please stop screaming at me? I’m right here, for God’s sake.” 74

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Wingate quickly calmed and changed his tone with her. “Madison, you know I’ve always cared about you. I worry about your health. You’ve been so fragile lately.” “I’m fine, so you needn’t concern yourself.” “But you are acting strange and having unsupervised visits from Beaumont.” “Unsupervised? You talk as if I’m sixteen years old. If that’s the case, what do you call this?” It took several minutes for Wingate to answer her, Madison amused. “Well?” “He’s not good for you. There are things being said about him.” “There are things being said about you, too, and most are uncomplimentary.” “My life is not at issue here. Please…” “Please, I want you to leave. My business with Galen Beaumont is none of your concern. All you need know is this—I will not and have no intention of ever entering into any dealings with you.” “I want to marry you,” he blurted out. “You want to marry my money. I asked you to leave. Now, I’m telling you to go or I will swear out a complaint against you.” “You don’t want to do that. You do anything to me or against my wishes, and I’ll ruin Beaumont.” “Get out, Jonathan, and don’t come back.” “Remember my warning. Beaumont’s history.” He slammed the door on his way out, the house shaking. “Sophie?” Madison called. “Yes, mum?” “Can you…” she began as she slumped onto the steps, no longer able to stand. 75

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“Are you all right?” Sophie asked as she joined her and helped her to sit up. “Help me upstairs, please.” “Yes, mum.” **** Jonathan Wingate called one of the local private detectives. The man had connections to Pinkerton and Wingate knew if anyone could get information on Galen Beaumont, it would be Joseph Cunningham. He lived up to every word of Pinkerton’s nefarious reputation for getting facts, no matter what and no one dared asked him how he did it. “I want anything you can get on him.” “At what cost?” “I don’t care if you make it up. I want him ruined.” “Yes, sir. When?” “As soon as possible. He’s standing between me and success on several fronts.” “Yes, sir.” **** Steven Marsden walked from an office in the city to a small café. He looked across the street to witness a curious meeting between Jonathan Wingate and Joseph Cunningham, private detective or whatever he chose to call himself. The hairs on the nape of his neck stood up because he knew who they were discussing. He checked his watch noting several hours had to pass before Galen’s rising. Marsden watched the men until Wingate left before he sat down at a table and made some notes. Cunningham joined him. “Don’t you work for Galen Beaumont?” “I do,” Steven answered. “What can you tell me about the man?” “Nothing.” 76

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“What do you mean?” “I won’t tell you anything about Mister Beaumont.” “Won’t, or can’t?” “I won’t and I can’t because I have ethics and morals. Loyalty is one of the things I believe in and value.” Cunningham muttered something under his breath and left. Marsden smiled. **** Sophie watched her mistress, making sure she rested. Galen had given her specific instructions in order to help Madison when he couldn’t be with her. He told her Madison was pregnant and needed to be watched closely. He had no clue what might happen because they had no information on Joelle and Danica’s births, the only ones of their kind they knew about. Galen had given her a list of symptoms to look for and how to help Madison deal with them. Madison stirred, Sophie at her side. “How do you feel, mum?” “Can you lower your voice? You don’t need to yell.” “Sorry, mum. Can I get you anything?” “No,” Madison said, hiding her eyes from the bright afternoon sun. Sophie quietly drew the drapes to darken the room for her. So far, Madison Allcott had more acute hearing and more sensitive eyesight. Sophie checked the clock, her work cut out for her over the next few hours. She straightened her mistress’ covers noticing the pale skin tones and dark circles around Madison’s eyes. The change is coming faster… “Sophie?” “Yes, mum?” “Thank you.” “I’m sorry he disturbed you. Are you feeling better?” 77

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“It must be the pregnancy taking my strength.” “You held up extremely well.” “It was a fight but I refused to give that man anything to hold over me later.” “Please, do not overtax yourself. Mister Beaumont would be quite upset with me if anything happened to you.” Madison smiled. “Have you found your room? Everything you need?” “Yes, mum. I have one question.” “What, Sophie?” “I have a cat. She’s old and keeps to herself. She stays in my quarters and I promise she won’t bother you.” “I love cats but I don’t have time to care for one and with the baby…” “Those are old wives’ tales. Cats don’t bother wee ones.” “As long as you keep her out of trouble, it’ll be all right. In fact, bring her to meet me. I’d like to get to know her.” “Thank you, mum.” Madison tried to sit up but fell back, lightheaded. Sophie offered her a glass of wine which helped to ease her distress. Another one of Galen’s instructions, he wanted her to be able to have one human enjoyment in her non-human future. “Before I forget, mum, Mister Beaumont asked me to tell you he’d be here later in the evening.” “Thank you. I think I’ll sleep until about five, if you'll wake me then?” “Yes, mum.” **** Madison liked Sophie. She watched her leave, then settled back against her pillow. She tried to calm her body, aroused by the mere mention of Galen Beaumont’s name. Galen? Oui, ma petite? Are you all right? 78

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I need to see you. I’ll be there as soon as I can. She closed her eyes, then started as she listened to things she normally never heard. Children played in a nearby park. Birds sang while dogs barked a short distance away. Never had she had the ability to hear all the sounds of life in the city of San Francisco. The horse-drawn trolleys, a policeman’s whistle, a steam fire engine pumping water to a house fire— all the sounds overwhelmed her. Madison closed her eyes and tried to sleep. Galen, something odd is happening to me. I’ll try to help you through it when I get there. Calm yourself and try to block everything out. I can’t. Everything’s so loud. What’s happening to me? As suddenly as the sounds assailed her ears, they eased. She fell off to sleep. You will sleep, ma petite, until you wish to get up and dress for my visit. The sounds will be kept at bay until I am able to teach you how to handle them. Do you understand, ma petite? Yes, Galen. Bon, now rest. Madison fell into a deep restful sleep, dreaming of Galen. She saw him in the past—in a time years before. Things appeared as if they took place in the distant past but seeing him in her mind took her elsewhere. She saw Galen in his glorious sexual splendor. Heat coursed through her, her body reacting to his touch. Her nipples hardened, her breasts aching to be touched by only Galen. Beads of sweat danced between her legs as if he’d entered her—torturously slow. She whispered his name, the sensations intense.

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Madison clawed at her gown, ripping it apart and needing to be free of it. Her body felt like she lay in the center of the fires of hell, a fire only Galen could control. Galen… Maddie… Please, come to me, I need you to… Soon, ma petite. Bientôt, cherie… I feel like I’m on fire! I know how you feel. I can feel it with you. Sleep a little while longer. Madison fell back into a deeper sleep in part due to Galen’s suggestion while the gift began to alter her physical needs and habits. **** “Galen Beaumont has to have something in his past or his present to be used against him.” “My preliminary investigation turned up nothing.” Jonathan Wingate paced back and forth mulling over his predicament. “Keep looking,” he ordered Cunningham. “I want answers.” “Yes, sir,” Cunningham said before he left. He considered his visit with Madison Allcott earlier. She stood up to him though she appeared sickly pale, her eyes having dark circles beneath them. If she became even more fragile, he’d be able to walk into her life and profess to find doctors to cure her of whatever malady ailed her. She’d be indebted to him. His main obstacle to this plan remained Galen Beaumont. Why the woman defended him bothered Wingate to no end. If they allied, he didn’t stand a chance. Galen Beaumont had to be disposed of—permanently. “Your newspaper, Mister Wingate.” 80

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“Put it on the table and leave me.” “Yes, sir.” “Wingate picked up the front section of the paper and glanced over the local news. Nothing stood out until he looked at the last page and the police briefs. TWO FOUND DEAD AT WATERFRONT PARK A sailor and a hooker were found dead in a small park near the waterfront. The park is one of several frequented by sailors on leave from recently docked vessels and the women they choose to spend their time with. The sailor and the lady—a known prostitute—were found under a tree near the darker end of the small tract. Both bodies appeared to have suffered from severe blood loss after the apparent attack. While police have ruled out robbery as the reason, they are attributing the attack to another sailor trying to square a previous bad meeting or an argument over the lady of the evening. The official investigation has been wrapped up—case closed. Wingate’s mind ran away with him. If he could convince Allcott’s trampy piece of fluff that Galen Beaumont was behind the attacks, then he would have leverage. For some reason, old legends came to mind. He thought of Madison’s appearance—pale, sickly, fatigued. Where was Galen? The man only appeared at night, never during the day. Cunningham could not get anything on his background, aside from what was known about his time in San Francisco. Then there was the panic overtaking England with the gruesome unsolved murders of prostitutes in London… Wingate smiled. If he could convince Madison of her lover’s true lifestyle, he’d take care of both of them while gaining not only Allcott’s fortune, but Beaumont’s as well. 81

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Wingate sat down and began to lay out his plans. Life began to look up for him. **** Galen woke. As soon as he made it downstairs, he met with Marsden, who told him of Wingate’s meeting with the Pinkerton associate, and his own conversation with the private detective a few minutes afterward. “Who’s watching Wingate?” “Michael.” “Make sure it is a tight surveillance. We can’t afford any mistakes. I have yet to figure out what his game is.” “We know he wants Mrs. Allcott’s money and assets. Do you think he’d try to ruin you in order to get to her?” “Yes. He’s already sworn he’d ruin me.” “The question then is how?” “I don’t know, unless he tried to paint a true picture of my life.” “How would he know?” Marsden asked. “He can manufacture any scenario he wants to. People are already on edge because of the Whitechapel murders. Let’s face it—they still haven’t caught Jack the Ripper, so he can portray me as my true self or a grisly murderer.” Marsden smiled. He admired Galen’s dry sense of humor and the way he could whimsically get his point across. “What do you plan to do?” “I don’t know, my friend. Right now, I need to get to Madison. She’s going through the change faster than I did and I’m worried because of the baby.” “How can I help?” “Stay near in case we need you.”

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**** Sophie surveyed her quarters then opened one of the windows a little to allow herself an easy entrance and exit if she needed one. Once she shifted to an orange tabby, she always appreciated having easy access to wherever she lived. She looked at her pin watch and saw she had an hour of free time before she would try to rouse her mistress. As a housecat, she ran downstairs and took in her new surroundings from a feline point of view. Making sure she had several good places to hide if needed, she found the back door still ajar as she’d left it and headed outside. To her left, she saw the carriage house where a tall, black man groomed one of the horses. To her right, she found a tool shed. She made her way to it, then inside. Sniffing the air, she found what she searched for. She would be able to tell Mister Beaumont she had discovered where the cause of Geoffrey Allcott’s death had probably been secured. Quickly, she sped out of the shed and headed to the back door. Someone—the groomsman probably—had pulled it closed. She found the tree she needed and climbed it to one of the upper limbs near her window. She slipped inside, waited a moment to relax, then shifted back to her human form. Sophie dressed, then went to check on her mistress. She peeked in and found her mistress had been extremely restless. The chiming of the hall clock told her to try to wake her, though Sophie felt sure Madison would decide to remain in bed until Mister Beaumont arrived. “Mum? Miss Madison? It’s five in the afternoon. You asked me to wake you,” she said softly, remembering Madison’s acute hearing. “Thank you. I’ll be down in a bit.” “Yes, mum, if you need anything, call me.” 83

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“Thank you, Sophie.” Sophie left her, then went downstairs to the kitchen where she fixed a quick snack. She had a great deal to speak to Mister Galen about and would need the inner strength.

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Chapter 7 Galen knocked at the back door to Madison’s house. When he first arrived, he immediately sought to speak with Baldwin. “Have you noticed anything strange going on around here?” “That Mister Wingate was here earlier this afternoon. Mrs. Allcott must have thrown him out because he left angry.” “Did you hear anything?” “Just his yelling at Miss Madison.” “I see. I’d like you to keep on your toes because I need you to keep an eye on Mrs. Allcott when I am not here.” “Yes, sir.” “Thank you,” Galen said before he extended his hand to the other man. Baldwin shook his hand enabling Galen to send him a more in-depth suggestion about what he wanted Baldwin to do. Galen left him and went to the back door. He knocked lightly, then waited. Sophie opened the door and invited him in. “Mister Beaumont, sir.” “Sophie. Everything all right here?” he asked as he took the glass of wine she offered. One of his instructions had been to keep a stock of his wine in the house at all times. Sophie smiled as she handed him a glass of Chateau Beaumont. 85

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“Mister Wingate called earlier. He came in angry, woke Miss Madison, yelled at her, then informed her he wanted to marry her. He said you were no good for her and he planned to ruin you, especially if she gave him any trouble.” “And she said?” “She defended you and threw him out, though I believe he intends to make her behave by threatening your life.” Galen thought for a moment. “I heard he slammed out of the house.” “Yes, sir. After he left, Miss Madison called for me. I no sooner joined her, than she fell to the steps. She thinks it’s her pregnancy. I helped her upstairs to her bed and she took a glass of wine. She fell off to sleep—a very restless one. I woke her at five like she asked but she hasn’t come down like she planned.” “Damn it, I didn’t count on this.” “On what, sir?” “Her transformation and the pregnancy.” “Will she…” “I need to wait until the full moon, which is a few days away, but then only if she’s ready. Unfortunately, I might have to complete it quickly because of the baby or because of Wingate. I’ll need you more over the next few days while I’m…” “Yes, sir.” “Are you settled in?” “Yes, sir. I have more information. You told me to search for anything that could have made Mister Allcott’s death look like it was a normal drop dead type of death.” “And?” “There’s a container of cyanide in the shed. Some of it was removed because I smelled traces of it in the floorboards.” “Cyanide?” 86

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“Yes, sir. It’s colorless and odorless to human senses but I found a white powder on the floor where the container sits. In mass, it’s easily detected. If it was used on Mister Allcott, he would have appeared to have died of a massive heart seizure.” “I see and Wingate had the time, motive and opportunity to do it.” “Yes, sir.” “Very good, Sophie, I’m proud of you.” “Thank you, Mister Beaumont.” “Does Madison mind your cat?” “She said no.” “Good. Go get a good night’s sleep. I’ll see to Madison.” “Yes, sir.” **** Maddie heard Sophie trying to wake her. She had every intention of getting out of bed and dressing to be ready for Galen’s visit but she could not do it. Her body felt weighted like some strange force held her down and refused to release her. She fell back to sleep, subconsciously knowing Galen would understand and wake her. Her mind eased thinking of Galen Beaumont—his love, compassion, drive, his physical hold on her body in more ways than she could count. Madison’s body reacted to her thoughts while she dreamed. She saw herself lying in a huge meadow after sundown, the moon casting its light down on her. Naked, the evening dew moistened her skin sending tiny chills through her. Her body arched, waiting for the touch of the only man who could ever send her into a heated frenzy by a mere touch or the sound of his voice. She sensed his presence nearby, her hand extending and beckoning to him. Galen… Ma petite? 87

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Please, I need you. I’m here, my love. Madison smiled, Galen taking her hand and kissing it. Heat coursed through them. Galen… He knelt beside her, bending to kiss her. He lavished more kisses along her neck before stopping at her breasts. His tongue lazily traced tiny paths over them before nipping the firm bud of her nipple. Her breath catching, she pushed up to meet him, needing him. “Galen,” she cried out. Madison’s hands clenched the sheets as her body responded to her erotic dream. Her body sensitive to the lightweight gown and covers over her, she fought them. She kicked the sheeting back and pulled at her gown. She ripped it from her overheated body, writhing in need of Galen’s contact. Never had a dream been so real to her. Her breasts ached to be held while her nipples hardened. Her body convulsed from the orgasm it had been driven to. Her breathing became labored. “Galen, please,” she cried again. “Ma petite, you are a wonder,” he told her, feathering more kisses along her body. “Galen, I’m on fire.” “Not yet, my love.” His voice cut through the haze of her dream. She saw his face and reached for him. This time, it was no dream. “Galen?” “This is how I love to see my woman. You are gorgeous, Madison.” “Galen, are you truly real?” she asked in disbelief, unsure if he was actually with her, or part of her magnificent dream. 88

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“Oui, ma petite.” “But the moonlit meadow?” “Your dream became reality, only you never left here.” “But, how? You… God, I must be going crazy.” “You are not, Maddie. A lot has been happening to you. You’ve suffered loss, joy, the baby, Wingate…” “He came by this afternoon.” “Tell me later. I don’t want his name mentioned while I make love to you.” “That sounds so perfect.” “It is. When you’re ready for me like you are now, I want you to concentrate on my heated shaft inside the heat of your body.” While he spoke, he slowly pushed his cock into her pussy. She moaned as she felt her body envelop him. She melted in his arms, the fire in her body intensifying. She gazed into his eyes, swearing she saw red—not angry red, but the red of Hell’s fires. “Keep looking. See me, Maddie. See five hundred years of my life.” Madison obeyed him, seeing his entire life. She took comfort in what she saw, understanding Galen Beaumont more and, even though a little shred of her sanity told her something was very wrong, she embraced it. He broke the contact, willing her to face him with her reaction to what she’d seen of his truth. “Madison, look at me and tell me what you feel but you must be brutally honest.” “You showed me your life—Simone, her death, what the other one did to you. How could she have been so cruel?” “She wanted a mate. I was vulnerable. She…” “No, how could she leave you by yourself to go through…” 89

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“What are you saying?” he asked, her words shocking him. “If you decide to do the same to me, please don’t leave me.” “Maddie, do you know what you are saying?” he asked her as he slid from bed and stood up, needing some space between them. “I am a vampyr. Do you know what that means? I am one of the undead—a monster. I am over five hundred years old and suck blood in order to survive.” “Galen, I realize I should be terrified of you, of what you are all about but only you have made me feel like this. I want to be with you, no matter what it takes. I feel sick when you’re away from me. Heat races through me when I hear your voice in my mind or when someone speaks your name. Galen Beaumont, I love you and I want us to be together.” Galen went back to her and pulled her tight against his body. “Maddie…” “You’re the only one who has ever called me that—at least that I can remember.” “Maddie, I want you with me. I have since our first meeting. You make me whole in a way no other woman ever has, even my wife. I’ve searched a long time to find you and I am terrified I’ll lose you to sanity, or outside forces that will try everything they can to keep us apart…” “Then do it. Make me like you.” “I need to tell you something else first. The ability for us to speak to each other’s minds came from the first bite. I did it to keep track of you in case something happened to you. No matter what, I had to know where you were and if you were all right. Now, you can hear things better and your eyes are light sensitive.” “The second bite?” she asked matter-of-factly. 90

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“And third. You drove me out of control. I worried I might have taken too much. Maddie, I’m sorry. I should have warned you.” “Shh…” “Why don’t you hate me? Why aren’t you terrified of me?” “Because I’ve seen the good in you. You could have done whatever it is you do to survive the first time you saw me but you made sure Baldwin brought me home. You stayed away until I invited you to meet with me. You’ve been amazing with me.” “I love you, Maddie.” “Then finish what you’ve started. I want to be your…” Galen’s mouth covered hers, his tongue dancing with hers. “Madison, I want to fuck you senseless, to own you, to possess your mind in every way.” “Then do it.” Galen shoved his swollen cock into her pussy. Never had Galen known such incredibly powerful emotions as he did now. He marveled at her subtly rounded breasts as they moved freely with his thrusting. As he neared release, his fangs descended. “Madison…” She moved her head, exposing her neck to him in invitation. “I take thee, Madison, to be my wife in every way. Your body and soul are mine as I become yours.” Galen pounded his cock into her, biting her at the height of his release. He drank from her, this time, nearly taking every drop of blood from her body. She gazed at him, her eyes hazy as she teetered between life and death. Slashing his chest, he pulled her to him, holding her against him. 91

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“Feed, ma petite. Drink my life into yours as I have from you.” Madison did not need any help as she latched onto the open wound and drank from him. He laid her back against her pillows and while she fed, he thrust into her again, impaling her on his cock. Galen fucked her as she fed, the release overpowering them both. She broke away screaming his name. “By God, woman, I hope you’re sure about this because it’s way too late to turn back.” “Galen, you’re bleeding!” she exclaimed. “Seal it, ma petite,” he growled as he pulled her lips to his chest. Her tongue laved along the wound, sealing it as if it had never been opened. Galen cried out, the sensations causing his body to convulse. He pulled her closer until it passed. “Galen,” she screamed. “C’est rien, ma petite.” “What happens next?” “You have to accept this. So far, you’ve gone through three—this is four…” “How many more?” “One more.” “When?” “In a few days. You had the second and third at the same time because blood lust got the better of me. You’re also very pregnant. You have to adjust to all you’ve been through or I could lose you.” “How? I thought…” “You won’t but you could go insane. I couldn’t bear to have that happen to you. I’ve seen insanity in the undead. I’d take us both to the sun before I let you live like that.” “Will you be with me?” “Yes, but we have to go to my estate.” 92

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“Why?” “Your house is not set up to protect you. Mine is.” “What happens next?” “Your incisors will break through. Your senses will feel like they are out of control. Your body will begin to change physically in order to accept your new way of life. I won’t lie to you. It will be very painful.” “I saw it when you…” “I’m sorry. I…” She put her fingertips to his lips. “Don’t my love. Never be sorry.” He groaned as he hugged her. I’ve found perfection. So have I. “Let’s get you to my place.…” “What about Sophie?” “She’s aware you may be gone a few days.” Madison pulled him to her. “Light my body on fire again.” **** Several hours later, his carriage pulled through the gates to his estate on the outskirts of the city. Madison gazed at Galen the entire trip, her eyes full of loving trust. Galen could not believe the recent turn of events in their lives. He had expected a fight from her but instead, Madison embraced his life and wanted him more. Relieved she’d quickly agreed to going back to his home, he knew he would be able to control this part of her change easily. His mansion—a small castle by some standards—was better prepared for this and he needed her somewhere with absolutely no interruptions. “We’re here, ma petite.” “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize…” 93

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“Sweetheart, you’re going to have to concentrate on other things, though I truly do not mind your total devotion.” “Galen, what happens next?” she asked, tracing circles on the back of his hand. “We get you inside and out of those restricting clothes. Once you begin to experience the gift overtaking your body, you won’t want anything touching your overly sensitive skin.” “What about you?” “We’ll see,” he said with a devilish grin. “Maddie, the change from life to death can be a very heated experience. I’ve bitten and fed from you at your sexual peak. You’ve done the same.” “I need to know something. Do I have to feed from others? I don’t know if…” “Ma petite, I will always take care of your needs. I do not want your sweet lips sucking blood from anyone but me.” “Good,” she said. They walked into the huge house and she gasped at its beauty. “Just because I am undead doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy the darkness of our world in comfort.” “It’s beautiful. I’ve never seen such a huge room.” Galen watched her eyes light up when she started looking around. She went into the living room, stood in the center of it and gasped. “What, ma petite?” “The first floor of my home would fit in here.” “This is your home, Madison.” She stopped, gazing at him. “Did you just say what I think you said?” “Right now, ma petite, we are married in every way possible except name.” Madison ran to him and threw herself into his arms. 94

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“Galen, I love you.” “Madison Beaumont—it has a beautiful sound to it,” he agreed as he spun her around. He kissed her, holding her tight against him. He felt her body’s response to his, losing himself in her. “Maddie…” “Galen, I need to talk to you before I lose myself.” “What?” “Can we ally our financial assets together while keeping them separate until we can marry legally or whatever?” “What do you want to do?” “I want to create a company to include Allcott holdings with Beaumont holdings. They remain separate entities under one name. It’s a legal maneuvering I saw in a paper Geoffrey had. If anything happens and we go our separate ways, then we each have our own fortunes intact.” “Do you plan to leave me, Maddie?” “No, especially now, but I was thinking of a way to protect ourselves from Wingate’s treachery. If he does hurt one of us, the other will have control of the assets.” “Very good. I’ll have Steven draw up the papers.” “When will he be here?” “After sunup. I’ll leave him a detailed memorandum and we can sign them tomorrow night.” “Good, who else is here?” “No one, why?” Madison smiled, then stepped back. Seductively, she stripped out of her clothes. Naked, she turned to face him. Galen gasped. “Qu’est-ce, mon cher?” “Have you looked at your body lately?” “No, why?” “Come with me.” 95

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He led her to the full length mirror in the front entry. She gasped. Her skin had a radiance to it she’d never seen before. Her breasts had become fuller but sexier in a subtle way. Her stomach had a slight roundness to it and her hips were fuller. “Galen?” “I wish I could keep you eternally pregnant—at least, at this point. You’re gorgeous.” “I don’t understand. It’s only been a week, maybe two.” “Your body chemistry is faster now. It’s part of the change.” “Galen, I…” He pulled her close to him, needing to calm her. “Do I have to fuck you here and now to distract you?” he whispered in her ear. “Do something. Something’s happening.” “What?” “I feel like I’m going to explode.” “How?” “My bones hurt. My head…” Galen carried her back into the living room where he laid her on the soft bear rug in front of the fireplace. “Tell me everything you’re feeling.” “I feel every hair on the rug. I feel your breath. I hear— my God, it’s louder!” she yelled as she grabbed her ears. He pulled her against him as her body convulsed. She clung to him as the first waves of her physical transformation crashed over her. She slipped her hand inside his jacket looking to be closer to him. He took his jacket off, putting it around her but she threw it off. She undid his vest, sliding it off him. Frustration took over because she had to fight his shirt. She looked at him, 96

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her eyes begging for help seconds before they turned red. His breath caught as he recognized the look in her eyes. “Rip it off, ma petite.” Within seconds, she’d literally shredded his shirt into tattered rags. As it had not happened with him, her fingernails had changed into finely honed edges, sharp like knives. Madison latched onto him, her breasts against his chest. He quickly removed the remainder of his clothes, then wrapped himself around her as she violently shook. Memories flashed into his mind of the night he changed and his fight against the iron shackles holding him to a stone wall. He guarded these from her, making it as easy as he could for her. Tremors wracked her body, refusing to let go of her. Galen kissed her but, as another convulsion overtook her, she sank her nails into his back. Tiny knives sliced into him but he held her closer, reliving the pain of five centuries before. Ma petite… Suddenly, she turned in his arms, facing him. Her breathing raced and he could hear her enraptured blood lusting for him. He looked into her eyes, fiery with passion as she straddled his lap and impaled her overheated body onto his engorged shaft. She moved up and down on him, driving him insane. He took her nipple and suckled it, needing her. “Galen…” “Ride me, ma petite, s’il vous plait.” “Oui, mon cher! Oui!” she screamed. Together, they rode the cresting waves of a monumental climax. Thunder clapped overhead as Galen swore he felt the earth move. Lightning flashed, a direct result of the charge their joining sent through the air. Madison went with it but before she could pull back, she sank her teeth into his neck, feeding from him. 97

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“Maddie,” he yelled as he exploded into her, his cock held tight within her body. He broke her contact and she looked at him, her eyes shiny black pinpoints looking like polished onyx. She had a childlike look and Galen fell in love with her all over again. “Cher, je t’aime.” “Are you all right?” Madison wept, sobs wracking her body. He held her, comforting her. “Maddie, I’m so very sorry. I should never have…” “No, Galen. I told you never to apologize.” “It’s going to get worse before it’s all over.” “I know. I saw your memories.” “Now you know why I needed to wait several days before the final transfer.” She noticed his bloody shoulder and leaned down to seal it. “Did I hurt you?” “Non, ma petite.” She looked into his eyes, her hand on the side of his face. “Galen Beaumont, I marry thee, your blood for mine, mine for yours. I beg you to let me love you and be a part of your life. Everything I have in this world is yours if you’ll allow me this tiny part of your life and love.” “My God, Maddie, you have my heart and soul. It is I who beg to be a part of your life. Please let me care for you and protect you. I have searched centuries for you. I marry thee, Madison Beaumont.” Galen kissed her. He gently laid her back, sliding his cock into her waiting pussy. Torturously slow, he thrust in and out of her. She rose to meet him, her lips brushing his naked chest before she nipped at his nipples. She traced the lines of his 98

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body with her long fingernails, this time barely touching him, though he felt them. “Maddie, I love you. I want you for eternity. If I lose you, I swear I’ll go into the sun so we can be together in eternal rest.” “Galen, I swear the same. I never want to be without you.” “Dawn’s coming soon,” he said quietly, withdrawing from her divine heat. He stood, then helped her to stand before him before he picked her up and carried her upstairs. “You’ll be safe here today.” “Where will you be?” “Across the hall.” “Galen, no. I need to be with you.” “I don’t want to scare you. When I sleep, as you will eventually, I sleep the sleep of the dead. It can be very unnerving.” “I don’t care. I don’t want to be alone. Not now. Please, Galen, I’m begging you,” she pleaded, her hot breath against his neck. “You know I can’t refuse you.”

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Chapter 8 Over the next several days, Galen watched Madison closely. It appeared one of the side effects of the changes in her body affected the pregnancy. Her stomach had grown, leading him to believe the baby was developing at a faster rate. “You’ve become more beautiful each day, ma petite.” “I have a good reason.” Galen pulled her tight against him, holding her. “Have I told you how much I love you?” “Not in the last few minutes,” she said with a devilish glint in her eyes. Galen pulled her into a deeply passionate kiss. “I love you, Madame Beaumont. You are my life.” “I love you, too, Monsieur Beaumont.” “How do you feel, ma petite?” “Better than the first night. You’ve taught me how to shut out the unwanted sounds and how to be careful of bright light. I’m slowly becoming accustomed to my teeth descending and I think I’m getting better at not slicing my husband’s gorgeous body. It’s still a little strange getting used to living at night but you’re with me, so I don’t miss daylight.” “What do you plan to say to your mother-in-law?” “I don’t know. I haven’t thought about her since the other day.” “Sophie told her you were away for a few days to recover from everything of late.” “I’ll have to talk to her.” 100

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“Remember when you do to be careful what you tell her.” “I love Clarisse, but I would never endanger your life in order to remain close to her.” “You’ll have to tell her about our agreement.” “Not really, she pushed Geoffrey into his decision to give me everything. She’ll understand.” “You’re sure?” “Yes, my love,” she answered, remembering the documents Steven Marsden had drawn up for her. She recalled every word of the document. In forming Allcott-Beaumont, Limited, it is hereby agreed that both Madison Clark Allcott and Galen Edward Beaumont have entered into this corporation as equal partners. The above named assets will remain with each party until a marriage between both parties takes place. In the event of dissolution, both parties will leave the above named corporation with what they came into this agreement with and fifty percent of any gains. Once they signed it, Marsden took one copy to his office, one to Madison’s house and he left the last copy with Galen. Marsden left, returning later. When he joined them, he handed Madison her mail. One envelope caught her attention. She read it, then handed it to Galen. You are cordially invited to a wine tasting event at Wingate Wineries. “Galen?” “I received one, also.” “What should we do? I don’t like him.” “We’ll see what he has to say.” 101

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“But to deliberately open ourselves up to him and his evil machinations…” “Shh, Madison, it’s a Wine Guild event. Most of the vintners from around this part of California will be attending.” “But am I ready to go out in public? What if I…” “It’s my job to see you do not. I’ll make sure you’ll be all right.” “Then I have to go home. The dress I’d like to wear is in the closet.” “I’ll send word to Sophie and have her bring it to you. I don’t want Wingate having even the slightest chance of contacting you.” “I like that.” “What?” “When you are overprotective.” “Ma petite, it took me five centuries to find you. I’m not going to risk losing you.” Madison glanced around them to make sure they were alone. She gazed at him as she let the dressing gown slide from her shoulders down the length of her body to the floor. He groaned at the sight of her naked radiance. He caught her, pulling her tight against him, her body made for his. His lips covered hers, his tongue delving into her mouth and dancing with hers. His hand cupped her breast, his fingertips pricking the sensitive bud. She moaned as she pulled his shirt from his trousers. She loved the loose shirts he wore, Galen was always handsome. His chest naked to her, she laved his nipple while making sure her teeth remained hidden. She didn’t want to scrape him by accident. “Have you fed, mon cher?” “Before you woke. I made sure you remained asleep while I left.” 102

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“Ah, when will you take me with you?” “Later. For now, I need you protected because you are way too vulnerable. I want to take care of your needs.” “Galen, do you realize what you do to me?” “I have an idea, but tell me.” “I’ll show you instead,” she said as she led him to the table in the center of the entry where they had been talking. She moved the mail off to one side, then laid her body across it. Her back to him, she spread her legs apart to give him a view of his effect on her. “Mon dieu, c’est magnifique.” “Merci,” she said, “s’il vous plait?” Galen went to her, his hands on her ass. He lightly traced the curves of her body sending chills rippling through her. She gripped the edges of the table, needing purchase and pleasing him. She gasped when he slid three fingers into her drenched pussy. She pushed her nether lips to his hand pressing her clit against his thumb. The more he teased her, the more she drenched his hand with her honeyed treasure. Galen whisked his pants off without breaking his contact with her naked body. She whimpered when he removed his fingers and traced her pussy with them. “Galen, I…” Galen drove his engorged cock into her weeping core. Sliding in and out of her, his inner beast rose and begged his sanity to take her. He wanted to be easy with her but her body called to him. He thrust deeply into her, then leaned over her. He snaked his arms underneath her, his hands on her shoulders holding her so she could not escape him. He continued to torture her, her reactions driving him insane. “Galen, please,” she begged. 103

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“Tell me what you want, wife, and don’t be ladylike.” “Fuck me, Galen, as hard as you can. I know you’re holding back but please don’t.” He noticed her hands clenching the table edges, her nails digging into the wood. Galen did as she commanded, pounding her body with raw, natural power. Her hands went around his hips, her nails digging into his ass. He lifted her body against him then, with one arm moving to her swollen belly, his other arm crossed over her breasts. Maddie cried out, begging him to go on. Galen pulled out, then quickly turned her to face him. He impaled her on his cock, then laid her back against the heavy oak table. “Please, Galen, feed me,” she begged, her eyes red with fire. “Not yet.” Galen filled her, exploding into her as she cried out. He held her hands over her head, in part, to keep her deadly nails away from him while loving the sight of his wife restrained by his body. “Galen, please…” “I can’t while you’re coming at the height of climax. You need time yet to…” “Galen, I need you!” “I need you, too,” he yelled as the last remnants of their orgasm washed over them. He gazed at her, her eyes no longer balls of fire but black like onyx. He knew she was ready. “Feed, ma petite,” he commanded as he leaned closer. She groaned, her teeth descending. Instinctively, she found the spot she wanted and bit down, sinking her teeth into the vampyr she loved. She drank his essence, seeing deep into his soul and needing him. 104

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Madison had become better at knowing when to pull back. She released him and sealed the wounds. Galen looked at her, their eyes locked in sexually-driven euphoria. His mouth covered hers as he kissed her, tasting his blood on her lips. Against his better judgment, something he lost sight of when it came to Madison, he drove his swollen cock into her dripping hot pussy again. Her legs wrapped around his, pulling him closer. He kissed her neck, then whispered in her ear. “I’m going to fuck you senseless, ma petite, and you will learn when extreme pain turns to the ultimate pleasure.” Speechless, Madison nodded. She wanted her vampyr unleashed, needing him in every way. She knew her body had been made for Galen Beaumont and him alone. Galen kissed her deeply as his cock pounded into her, hammering their bond to make them one. He saw into her soul, seeing how she took him, needing the sensations coursing through her that only he could overwhelm her with. The sheer force of their bond caused the earth to tremble, love and desire overpowering them. “Galen, mon dieu, je t’aime.” **** Jonathan Wingate agreed to host the Wine Guild’s monthly meeting and wine tasting event once he realized how he could use it to achieve one of his goals, if not more. He went to see his manager telling him how he wanted the main room at the winery set up. Once the older Italian winemaker left to begin getting Wingate’s reception together, he called to his right-hand man, Mauricio. Mauricio had been in jail in Sicily and escaped to America, making his way to the southeastern United States. Wingate had been in Savannah on business when they met, strange circumstances to say the least. Whether for better or 105

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worse, Mauricio chose to pick Wingate’s pocket, only Wingate caught him. The flustered petty thief would make a deal with the devil in order to remain out of jail and off a boat back to Italy. In exchange for his life of freedom, Mauricio would do whatever Wingate ordered. The thief told himself it couldn’t be all that bad but he had no clue about his virtual life sentence. “Here is a list of items I want you to see to personally. You know the room I’m thinking of.” “Si, Signore Wingate.” “Spare no expense.” Mauricio nodded and ran off. Wingate smiled knowing his instructions would be followed to the letter. Blackmail and the knowledge to carry it out were his two greatest tools. Wingate surveyed the huge room he planned to host the reception in. Two would attend but no one would see their departures. For once, this drafty old place would finally be useful to him. He left the winery and headed into San Francisco to see if he could buy up some more property in the area of Allcott House. By doing it this way, Madison Allcott would have to sell him the property before he swallowed her up. Of course, what did it matter? He’d do it anyway. If Wingate wanted something—or someone—he got it, come hell or high water. “Yes, this will be a night no one will forget for a very long, long time.” **** Sophie entered the master suite at Galen’s estate. Over her arm, she carried the dress her mistress had sent for. “How do you feel, mum?” “Better, Sophie. Thank you.” “I brought the gown you requested. I’ll just hang it over here.” 106

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“Thank you, Sophie. I really appreciate this.” “Anything for you, Miss Madison.” “Is everything all right at the house?” “Yes and no, mum.” “Tell me what’s going on.” “Everything runs fine, the staff is wonderful to work with…” “But…” “Once a day, Mister Wingate stops by demanding to see you. He swears he’s going to marry you.” “What? I can’t marry him!” “He thinks you have no brains and you’re acting stupidly. He is telling anyone who will listen he wants you to be his wife and make things easier on you.” “Only one man can do that,” Madison said, looking for Galen. “Yes, mum,” Sophie agreed, knowing exactly what she meant. Galen joined them and Madison had Sophie repeat what she had said about Wingate’s visits. “Sophie, take this note to Mrs. Clarisse Allcott.” “Maddie, what are you doing?” Galen asked, worried. “I’m asking Clarisse to stop by as soon as she can so I can tell her in person what is happening. She needs to know the truth from me.” “Ask her to come by tomorrow night at seven. We’ll be up by then and she won’t make the mistake of stopping by during daylight hours.” Madison looked at Galen, horrified by her mistake. “Galen, I’m sorry. I didn’t think.” “Maddie, you have a great deal to adjust to. I’m here to help you get used to your new life.” “But…” 107

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“Shh, my love,” he comforted her. Heat coursed between them, Madison calming. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll be getting back to Allcott House.” “Sophie, thank you again for bringing the gown.” “I brought the matching accessories to go with it.” “Sophie, you are a gem.” “Thank you, mum.” Sophie left them. As soon as she was outside and out of sight of prying eyes, she slipped from her clothes, put them in a safe place and shifted to an orange tabby. She ran home, climbed the tree and entered her room through the window. She shifted back and, after washing up, crept into bed and fell asleep. **** Distraught from her near fatal mistake, Madison paced. Galen needed her calm, her body still out of sorts from the gift. “Maddie, come, let me show you something,” he said, extending his hand to her. She took it, relaxing a little. He led her up to the tower in the rear of the mansion. She gasped at the view of the valley under the half moon. “This is amazing.” “Second in comparison to you,” he complimented while pulling her close. Looking out over his holdings, Galen felt her calm even more. “Galen, it’s so beautiful.” “One day, you'll be able to share it with me from the air.” “The air? What do you mean?” “Watch.” Galen stripped from his clothes and before her startled eyes, shifted into a black hawk. Once he finished, he launched 108

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himself into the night. The freedom of flight overtook him as he soared over the vineyards. He heard the beating of a deer’s heart in the distance. His body reacted to the close proximity of survival. Finding the stag grazing near a pond, he circled it and sent out a suggestion to it to remain where it stood, giving him time to alight and change once more. Moments later, he flew back to where Madison waited for him. She stared at him as he shifted to the man she loved. “How do you do that?” “I’ll teach you once you’ve totally made the transformation.” Her eyes lit up with wonder, Galen pleased. “Does it hurt?” “Not once you get accustomed to it. It’s one of the reasons why you’re going through what you are right now. You are experiencing major physical changes to your bone structure, which allows the shifting to take place.” “Unbelievable.” “Think about what you’d like to become and when the time comes, I’ll take my lovely wife and we’ll soar together.” She stared at him. “Did you say wife?” “Yes.” “It sounds so good.” “I have another surprise for you.” “What?” “Before I tell you, I need to do one important thing.” “What?” she asked. Galen pulled her to him. He grabbed the neckline of her gown and ripped her clothes from her. Dropping to his knee, he gazed at her, beautifully naked. 109

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“Madison Allcott, will you marry me legally to make our union complete in all ways? You have my heart and soul, now I want you to have my name.” “Yes, Galen, I will,” she answered. She surprised him when she pressed his head to her stomach, still a small swelling with the child she carried. The scent of her arousal sent him over the edge. He groaned as he parted her legs to taste her. “Ma petite…” “Galen, would you prepare your bride for her wedding?” “Oui, cherie, it will be my pleasure,” he said as he stood, then he carried her to a chaise lounge on the opposite side of the room. “I want you to lie still while I tend your beautiful body. Remember, what I do to you now will remain through eternity.” “Galen, I do believe my life is in your hands. I want you to do this.” He traced kisses along the length of her body, then his lips covered hers. Their tongues danced as he passionately kissed her. “Don’t move, ma petite.” “Oui, mon cher.” Galen returned with a small straight edge, a bowl of warm water and several other things she couldn’t see. She watched intently as Galen shaved her personal areas. Once he’d finished with her mons, he shaved her nether lips, her pussy clean shaved. He took lavender scented oil and massaged her skin. “I want nothing in my way when I love you, ma petite.” Galen knew he was driving her insane with desire and hunger for him. Her body writhed, Madison wanting to touch him. She trembled from the sensations he stirred in her. “Galen, please…” 110

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“This will have to hold you until after the ceremony.” “I don’t know if I can’t want for you till then.” “Then let’s hurry,” he advised as he helped her to stand. He gazed at her and admired her full breasts, her firm waiting nipples, her rounded belly and her naked pussy. “My dear Maddie, you will be, by far, the most beautiful vampyr walking this earth.” “My Galen is way too kind.” “I speak the truth, because I swear I will never lie to you.” He pulled her tight against him, needing her body touching his as she fit with him. Madison kissed him but couldn’t hold back her emotions. Her tongue dove into his mouth as she placed his hands on her breasts. His thumbs brushed over her firm buds, causing her to catch her breath. “Galen Beaumont, I cannot live without you,” she cried out. She heard him groan his answer, heat racing through her. He pulled back, gazing at her. “We must prepare for our wedding,” he gasped. “Whatever you wish,” she gasped, holding onto his waist. Galen’s hold tightened as he held her close. His cock throbbed against her belly, begging for entry into her hot, velvety body. He fought between control and ravaging his lover’s body. “Madison, what have you done to me?” **** Galen pulled an off-white gown from the closet on the opposite side of the room. A Dumay, high-styled satin evening dress, it had padded satin roses in pale pink highlighting the skirt and the bodice. Short sleeves with ribbon accents complimented the low cut neckline—front and back. The skirt flared out having a graceful train behind it. Madison gasped. 111

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“It’s beautiful.” “I see you married in it, ma petite.” “Are you serious?” “Always with you.” She threw her arms around him, her nudity an aphrodisiac. Galen kissed her while once more fighting to control his need to fuck her. “Galen, I don’t think I can wait for later.” “You must, ma petite.” A short while later, they stood looking at each other. The gown highlighted Madison’s natural beauty. With her hair loosely piled on her head, Madison looked like a goddess to him. Madison straightened his cravat and fixed the lapel of his jacket. She gazed at him and smiled. “I should be stripping these clothes from your handsome body.” “In due time, ma petite,” he told her, her groan pleasing him. Galen and Madison went downstairs and entered the huge living room to the right of the main entrance. She gasped when she saw who waited for them. “Clarisse? How did you…” “When I received Galen’s note, I just had to be here.” “Galen’s note?” Madison asked, looking from one to the other. “I wrote your mother-in-law asking permission to marry you.” “Very old-fashioned of him.” “And you’re not upset?” “No. I know the circumstances of your marriage to my son and his feelings about Galen. You have done nothing but look after his legacy and I know you need to live. He would 112

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have been happy about your decision to not only marry, but to celebrate his life the way you have.” “People will talk.” “Let them. I think the mourning ritual is so outdated. We are alive. The world around us is alive. A person’s life should be remembered with happiness, not constant grieving. Geoffrey would approve so, yes, I give you both my blessings.” Madison hugged Clarisse Allcott, thanking her. She quickly explained about her agreement with Galen and Clarisse wholeheartedly approved of the move. “Very astute, my dear.” They hugged and Clarisse whispered something in Madison’s ear which warmed her. “You will always be my daughter.” “Maddie, I’d like you to meet Judge Adkins. He is here to marry us.” “Your Honor,” she said as he took her hand in his “Galen told me of your rare beauty. It is my pleasure.” With Steven Marsden and Clarisse Allcott as their witnesses, the judge married Galen Beaumont and Madison Allcott. “May I present Mister and Mrs. Galen Beaumont? Congratulations to you both.”

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Chapter 9 Galen rose before Madison. Since he made sure she would not rise before him, it gave him time to shift into his black hawk and go feed. Until she went through the final phase of the gift’s transformation, he thought it best to control her sleep patterns. He flew toward the wharf where a trawler docked earlier in the day. He followed one of the sailors when he left the ship. Galen found him heading down a dark alley toward one of the brothels. Galen perched on a nearby roof edge and listened. The sailor entered the building at the end of the alley, then went upstairs to where he obviously was a regular customer. Galen tracked his movements to the end of the hallway where his lady of the night waited. Scanning the other rooms, Galen found the couple to be alone, the others unoccupied because of the early time. Galen swept to the window sill and watched. He sent a suggestion to both of them, then shifted back to human form. He fed from them both, shifted back to the hawk, then left them after releasing them from his controlling suggestion. He sent them an additional one telling them they would wake after having one of their many romps. He flew back to the estate, alit on the window sill, then shifted back once he was inside. Quickly, he dressed, then went to Madison. For a few moments, he basked in her radiant beauty. He pulled back the sheeting, Madison naked in 114

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his bed. She’d stopped wearing nightgowns because she felt restricted. It’s time to rise, ma petite. Madison’s eyelids fluttered before she opened them. He watched her closely to make sure no adverse reactions occurred. Madison was still extremely susceptible to anything known to weaken their kind, though she grew stronger after each rising. “Bonjour, ma petite, ma femme.” “Mon cher, salut, mon mari.” “How do you feel?” “Wonderful. I feel like I can do anything.” “You can, cherie.” Madison finally noticed her nudity and smiled. “Do we have time before we have to leave?” “Oui. What do you have in mind?” “Please, take me. I need your strength.” “You are strong, ma petite.” “Galen, I know I’m new to this. I feel stronger than I did last week but…” “But what?” “Tonight scares me. I want to be as prepared as I can be. I know I can’t make the final transition until the full moon and I understand why but if you and I become separated, I want to be able to…” “So far, we can talk to each other mind-to-mind. I can feel your pain.” “Can I feel yours?” “Not as much.” “Galen, please, I need to feed and…” “Shh,” he said, calming her. “I understand what you want. You need to feed and you will become a little stronger though how much, I am not sure.” 115

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While he comforted her, Madison undressed him, sliding his robe off. She slipped to her knees, taking his cock in her hands. “Madison, what…” Madison surprised him by taking his cock and laving it with her tongue. She brushed her lips over him, his cock swelling more. The sensations she sent through him rocked him. Her sweet mouth enveloping his cock became sexual torture. She put her hands behind her back as her pace on him quickened, his hand pressed on her neck. He matched her by fucking her mouth, his release exploding into her throat. “Ma petite!” he yelled. Madison moaned as she took his essence. Her breathing erratic, Madison pulled back, licking his cock clean. She gasped, her breasts moving seductively with each breath. “Si lever, ma petite,” he commanded. “Oui, mon cher,” Madison said, then stood. Galen took her to the opposite side of the room and through a set of double doors. For the first time, she noticed how the alcove to their room had been built. She saw each beam and cross support, glass between each piece of wood on both the outside walls and the roof. The interior crossbeams remained untouched by anything, the room simple. “Why didn’t I notice this before?” “I’ve had the draperies pulled to ease the moonlight coming in. Your eyes have been so sensitive, I didn’t want you suffering moon blindness.” Galen kissed her deeply, his hands squeezing her breasts while his thumbs teased her nipples. “Why did you put your hands behind your back?” “So I would not cut you with my nails.”

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“I thought so. You did well by controlling your teeth. My thanks,” he said, taking her hands. He kissed them before putting them over her head. “Grab the beam.” Madison did, Galen’s cock swelling at the sight of her in the moonlight. “I command my wife to hold onto the wood where you may dig your talons into it without care.” She nodded. Galen went back to squeezing her breasts and slowly tortured her. He parted her feet, then knelt in front of her. “You will now learn why I wanted to shave you here,” Galen said, kissing her. He lifted her left leg over his shoulder and held her ass. His tongue found her clit, then slowly trailed a path forward, parting her lips. Galen’s hand left her breast and moved to lift her right leg so that she sat on his shoulders, his face buried deep between her thighs. Galen’s tongue dove into her, finding a way to drive her over the edge. She dug her nails into the beam for support. While Galen’s siege on her body continued, she held tighter. Her intake of breath as his fingers teased her anus pleased him. He lapped at her as she drowned him in her essence, caused by the trail his fingertips made from her ass to her clit or his finger finding her, Madison’s orgasm ripped through her. Madison cried out just before Galen sank his fangs into her inner thigh, drinking from her. He wanted to complete her transformation but knew he had to wait. Her body bucked as he fed, his fingertips keeping her on edge. She cried out again, her screams echoing through the silent house. She fought to free herself from the beam but her nails had cut deeply into the wood, effectively holding her in place. “Galen, please…” 117

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Galen sealed her wound, then eased her legs down so she could stand. He stood and his mouth covered hers, his kiss brutally passionate. He pressed her body against his. “Feed, my love and gain your strength.” **** Galen buttoned his vest, then placed his pocket watch into its pocket after attaching the gold chain to a button. He slid into his jacket, then checked his look in the mirror. Contrary to legend, he could see his reflection. Over the years, he learned Joelle’s bloodline had a different genetic make-up than most vampires. He snickered—Joelle and her sister were both too vain to not be able to see how beautiful they were. Inability to see their reflections would have been a worse curse than the gift Joelle bestowed on him. Sunlight weakened him some, though he remained out of it as much as possible. Garlic bothered him but only because he had never been happy with the smell, this from his days as a normal human being. Crosses had been legendary death warrants to his kind but with his bloodline, came the exception. The cross had to be blessed. Wooden crosses held no danger unless someone decided to stake him with it like Joelle did with one of her creations. Randomly made crosses had no effect either. The only thing he had to worry about was silver. He’d already removed every piece of silver jewelry in Madison’s possession using his preference for seeing her only in gold as his reason. He didn’t want to scare her unless the subject came up. She had so much to learn and accept and he wanted to make her transition as easy as possible. “How do I look?” Madison asked, bringing Galen back to the present. Galen turned, staring at his beautiful wife. His eyes ran the length of her body, his cock swelling. 118

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Madison’s fair skin radiant, the color of her dress only served to compliment her extraordinary beauty. An off-theshoulder creation, it had puffed sleeves. The satin gown shimmered under a diaphanous overskirt with rhinestones and glitter catching the light. He noticed this same effect to be not only on the front of her skirt but on the train. At her throat—Madison’s desirable neck—she wore a cameo on a thick red satin ribbon and matching ribbons at her wrists. Subtle lip paint matched the dress as did the clip holding her hair loosely to frame her face. “You don’t think it’s too much?” “Ma petite, red is your color,” he enthused, taking her in his arms. “Right now, I want to nibble on your shoulder while I…” “Heaven…” Galen kissed her hand, not wanting to chance smudging the facial embellishments, though why she felt she needed anything he would never understand. He’d married a gorgeous woman and he looked forward to spending eternity with her. “You will definitely be the belle of the ball.” “I only want to impress you, mon cher.” “Bon, ma petite,” he said, her fingertip barely touching her. “C’est magnifique!” “Merci, mon cher.” **** Jonathan Wingate greeted his guests. If only they knew how boring this was. “Mrs. Hart, so glad you could make it tonight.” “Eldon, how long has it been?” Fake smile, false friendliness—Wingate thrived on it. He checked his watch, angry. Madison Allcott and Galen Beaumont had yet to arrive. He paced, then greeted one of 119

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San Francisco’s society matrons. The clocks—one at either end of huge room, chimed eight. Where the hell are they? **** On the way to Wingate’s, Galen and Madison agreed to keep their marriage a secret considering the time factor between it and Geoffrey Allcott’s death. Galen would say he was acting as her escort for the evening at the request of her mother-in-law. Clarisse Allcott would agree with whatever they decided to tell people. They would announce the creation of Allcott-Beaumont, Limited because Galen wanted to keep the wolves at bay. “I will try to remain with you but I have to see his personal papers so I may disappear for a short time.” “How mysterious.” Galen grinned, kissing her hand. “Promise me if I leave, that you’ll find a group or at least be in plain sight of someone.” “In this dress, how can they miss me?” “So very true.” I love you, Madison. Je t’aime, mon cher. Bon. Madison looked at him. “I want every option open.” “I see,” she said concerned. “Ma petite, I need to be able to talk to you at any time. If something happens, it’s the only way I have of finding you.” “Please, Galen, don’t fall into any of his traps.” “I don’t plan to. I have you to live for.” **** Wingate spied them as soon as they entered. Why was she with him? Why had she chosen such a hideous outfit? He made his way through the crowd gathered in his winery, not caring who he shoved out of the way in order to 120

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get to them. Everyone stopped to see what caused the evening’s host to become so focused and without regard. Gasps rose from some of the society matrons, obviously appalled at Madison’s attire. “The woman just lost her husband…” “How could she think to wear…” “Her husband must be rolling in his grave…” “What does Clarisse think? She must be so…” Galen and Madison heard it all. Madison’s grip in his arm tightened, Galen comforting her. Maybe this is a mistake. Non, ma petite. They are the ones who have made the mistake. His reassurance warmed her, Galen sensing this. She felt his mood change when he spotted Wingate. Mon cher, what did you just tell me? Vraimont? Madison caught his amusement, a smile on her face. “Beaumont.” “Here we go, ma petite,” he whispered. “Wingate,” Galen greeted him. “Madison.” “Jonathan.” “You look…different.” “What an interesting comment.” “I’m sure people are talking. I mean…so soon after…” “This dress was my husband’s favorite. What better way to honor his memory?” “Interesting approach.” “I’m sure the wine tasting is much more important than what she’s attired in,” Galen stated. “I suppose but you know how people talk…” “Well then, Wingate, why don’t you change the subject?” 121

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Wingate looked at Galen, anger in his eyes. He wanted Galen Beaumont out of his life. “I could ask you what you’ve been up to lately, Beaumont.” “And that’s supposed to mean what?” “Your peculiar schedule times very well with some— shall we call them—mishaps of late.” “Jonathan, what are you saying?” “No one sees the man during proper business hours but while he conducts his business, people turn up dead.” “If you have an accusation, make it, Wingate,” Galen said quietly. Wingate laughed, then slipped away. “Galen?” “Shh, ma petite.” “But…” “He wants me off-balance. Come.” He led her to the front of the room and handed her a glass of wine. She looked at him. Drink, ma petite. I can? Oui, it is the only thing I taught my body to accept. I refused to give it up. Besides which, we have to appear normal. What would I do without you? Galen smiled. I want you, wife. Being this close and unable to… Then let’s leave. There’s something wrong here. I can sense it. Let me see if I can learn anything, then we’ll leave here so I can fuck you until dawn. Je t’aime, mon cher. “Je t’aime, ma petite,” he whispered as he slid his fingers along her spine. His cock begged for her but he willed it to relax. 122

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“Stay here, my love and I will return shortly.” Madison nodded, watching Galen’s back as he left her. Please, be careful. **** Galen slipped from the winery, found a secluded spot hidden in the shadows and shifted to the black hawk after assuring himself he had not been followed. He flew to the window of Wingate’s study and came to sit on the edge of his enemy’s desk. Shifting back, he expertly went through numerous papers on Wingate’s dealings. He saw how he planned to buy all the properties and surrounding land, then force Madison to either sell him Allcott House or marry him. Galen felt his rage grow but calmed himself. As long as he had an idea of Wingate’s plans, they might be able to remain one step ahead of him. While he read on, a chill went through him. It signaled turmoil in Madison. Madison? He… Madison! No answer. Galen shifted and flew back to where he’d hidden his clothes. Once dressed, he raced back to find his wife while attempting to be nonchalant. Inside the hall, Galen searched for Madison but could not find his wife. He tried to reach out to her in his mind but she didn’t respond. He tried another way by trying to see through her eyes. He only saw darkness. Madison, talk to me please… He scanned the room hearing various conversations, none of which gave him any clue about her whereabouts. He heard blood thrumming through everyone’s veins but his concern for Madison overwhelmed the vampyr’s calling. 123

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Galen searched for Wingate, also missing and realized the awful truth. Jonathan Wingate had Madison and until he made his move or Madison spoke to him, Galen had to be patient, helpless to do anything for his wife. Madison… He willed himself to calm his rage. He’d be of no use to her if he didn’t have control of his emotions. He walked around, mingling with other guests. He had several conversations but if someone asked him what he discussed, he knew he’d be unable to give a coherent answer. Galen’s rage fought to overpower him. It begged to deal with those gossiping about Madison’s disregard for the mores of society, the ones who called her tramp, harlot and gold digger. Most of all, he wanted to kill Jonathan Wingate, the only man who knew where Madison was. Ma petite…

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Chapter 10 Jonathan Wingate smiled as he gazed at his unconscious prisoner. It had been extremely easy to take Madison Allcott from the reception considering she had conveniently passed out for him. As soon as he noticed Galen Beaumont leave her, presumably to go enjoy a cigar, Wingate sent two of his men to escort his prize to the basement of the winery to one of his cellars. One of them returned a short time later, Wingate grinning. He left the reception on the pretext of checking his stock in the wine cellar. No one would think anything of it. His body reacted to his thoughts about his captive. His hands clenched, Wingate took a deep breath, then entered the smaller of several locked storerooms. Lighting a candle, he crossed the room and held the light over his guest. His men had her sitting on a stool, her back against the wall. He checked the shackles at her ankles, then the ones attaching her wrists to the wall over her head. He added a strap over her neck and checked the tightness of the scarf gagging her. He set the candle down on the table next to him, then sat and watched her. “You are beautiful, Madison,” he told her, his voice echoing in the silence. He saw her wince, figuring she’d come around soon, only she did not. “I have to get back to my guests but I’ll be back.” Wingate laughed as he left her alone in the dark. 125

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Now, for Beaumont… **** Madison did as Galen said and remained near a group of younger women who welcomed her to join them. “Your gown is gorgeous,” one complimented. “Thank you.” “Where did you get it?” “My late husband bought for me in Paris on our honeymoon.” “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have…” “No, it’s all right. It was one of his favorites, which is why I chose to wear it tonight.” “Even though the old hags will…” “I don’t care what they think. It hurts but to allow what he gave me go to waste in grief while wearing it celebrates our marriage and his life makes no sense to me.” “You’re amazing. I don’t know if I could do what you are.” “Believe me, your life is too short to waste grieving.” If only they knew… The women left her to dance with their gentlemen. She looked toward the door, praying for Galen to come back to her. Please, Galen… The band struck up a jaunty piece, the volume hurting her ears. She tried to separate the sounds but couldn’t. Music, voices and other noises assailed her, her mind screaming in pain. She closed her eyes, her fingertips massaging her temples as a headache overwhelmed her. Images ran rampant, her concentration shot. “Ma’am, you don’t look like you’re feeling well.” The man’s voice bombarded her senses and she shied away. 126

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“No, I’m waiting for someone. He’ll be back in a moment.” “We’ll tell him where you are. You really should…” “Too many voices. It’s too loud in here,” she whispered. “Please, find Galen Beaumont.” “Come on, ma’am. We have to hurry.” Madison? He… Madison! She could not take it any longer. She felt her head would split apart. Finally, she passed out, feeling some relief. Darkness overtook her, yet she felt relieved. When she woke later, she felt worse than before she lapsed off, then discovered the reason. Unable to move, she began to try to calmly take in her surroundings. Her eyesight more acute, she found herself in a wine cellar she thought was located beneath the reception hall. From one wall lined with wine casks to another lined with shelves of wine bottles, she knew several things. First, Galen would never be able to find her. If memory served her, wine cellars had been designed to be dark and naturally cool. Soundproof, the design provided the newer vintages the chance to age some in a quiet setting. Some wines could change if the bottle vibrated in the wrong way or light caused an adverse reaction. Sounds like me. She heard a sound, a key in the lock to her prison. She closed her eyes, praying she could fool whoever would walk through the door. She heard a match struck and then a candle flare to life as footsteps—one person’s—came near her. Her visitor set the candle on a nearby table. “You are beautiful, Madison.” Wingate’s voice echoed in the silence. Madison winced from the sound but refused to utter a sound. She bit down on 127

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the scarf in her mouth, thankful she could channel her pain. She sensed his closeness to her, her skin crawling while the rough stone against her upper back helped her to endure his presence. When the key turned in the lock, she relaxed some. Now she prayed for Galen, hoping he wouldn’t fall into Wingate’s trap. She knew she had to be very careful of so many things. One slip from her could get them both killed. Madison tried to move but Wingate had made sure she’d be exactly where he had left her. Her mind went over everything Galen had taught her. She needed to since this would be the first time she’d go through a day without his guidance. Galen, I need you… Several hours later, Madison felt dawn come on. Her body knew without a clock and, as sure as the sun came up, Madison felt the heavy weight of another day on her as sleep overtook her without Galen’s help. She felt numb, then stiff before she lapsed off. Madison Allcott Beaumont slept the sleep of the dead alone and imprisoned by the man who had murdered her husband and who would more than likely destroy her while trying to ruin Galen. **** Galen continued searching for his wife. A man told him he’d seen a woman in red taken from the room. Galen’s heart slammed against his chest when he heard she looked as if she had fainted. “Thank you,” Galen said as he followed the man’s directions to where he thought the woman had been taken. While he made his way through the last small crowd of guests to the opposite side of the room, he acted unconcerned while his mind reeled. 128

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Madison… No answer. Madison, s’il vous plait, ma petite. He followed a long corridor to a stairway leading down. He didn’t like this, turning to go back the way he came. The door he had come through had been closed and to his anger, locked. He had fallen into Wingate’s trap, despite knowing his enemy’s intentions. Silently, he cursed, then retraced his steps to the stairs. Dark, it didn’t matter, his eyes accustomed to seeing clearly without light. At the bottom of the stairway, he looked around him. In the basement of the Wingate Winery, the owner had several different cellars. Dark and chilly, the wines would age at a perfect time frame. He counted five doors— two to his left, two to his right and the remaining one at the very end of the hall in front of him. Taking a deep breath, he tried the first door finding it locked. He took a moment to see if he could detect Madison’s presence—nothing. He did this with the next two, learning the same from both. His search left him with one door on his right and the one ahead of him. He took another deep breath and tried it. Another dead end but he felt something he had not with the others. Madison? His natural clock told him dawn was almost upon him. He tried the last door, finding it open. He had to check the room on the slim chance Madison was being held inside though instinct told him the door at the end of the hall was the cellar Wingate held her in. Inside the open room, he found wine but no Madison. He knew where he had to go but when he turned to leave, the door was closing him in. Trapped, Galen groaned. He’d been 129

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a fool and the fool had been caught. The beast within him cried out from loss and being caged. Dawn broke, Galen joining his wife in a deathlike slumber. Ma petite, I’m so sorry you are alone. He heard nothing, though he knew how close she was. Galen, I need you… Madison… **** “What do you mean you hear nothing from them?” "It’s as silent as a tomb down there.” “No, he should be climbing the walls to get to me and she…” “No sound at all, Mister Wingate.” Wingate paced, angered his guests weren’t playing by his rules. He wanted them frenzied, begging him to release them while offering him anything he wanted. He wanted to wield power over them but they weren’t giving him any satisfaction. “Go check on them but be careful. Beaumont is a dangerous man.” While he waited for a report, he paced. He went to his papers, intending to read one of the legal documents his solicitor had sent for his signature but couldn’t concentrate. This angered him more. “Sir, they are both sleeping.” “Sleeping?” “As if they are dead.” **** Madison woke, her eyes opening as if her body had been shocked. Stiff, she tried to move but with very little success. She put her head back, the stone wall unforgiving. Galen, please… 130

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She heard the key turn in the lock and watched as two men brought a heavy object into her prison. Her breath caught when the men dropped it at her feet. In front of her lay her husband, bound and gagged. He had yet to rise from his sleep as she had and it worried her. “Galen?” she tried to scream despite the scarf over her mouth. She fought to go to him, to hold him but the wall held her. Tears ran down her face as she cried. She needed him and she needed to feed. Galen, please… Maddie, play along. Are you all right? So far. Keep up the act as if you’re afraid I’m dying. I love you, Galen. Je t’aime, ma petite. I love you, too. Wingate stormed in, making his entrance. He passed Galen, kicking him as he went by. He heard Madison’s reaction and laughed. “Your gentleman friend—or is he your lover?—seems to have expired on us. I guess he couldn’t take being chilled all night.” Madison whimpered, shaking her head in denial. Wingate cut the scarf from her. She gasped for a breath, tears streaming from her eyes. “What have you done to him?” “What did I do?” Wingate scoffed. “Let’s talk about you two. The both of you sleep like death warmed over and deny me my entertainment.” “What do you want from us? I told you I had no intentions of doing business with you and I believe Galen feels the same. What more do you want?” “Everything. I want it all. Your dead husband’s fortune, Beaumont’s, you—I won’t rest until I get it.” 131

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“I won’t help you. Besides, I can’t do anything without Galen’s signature and neither can he. You kill him, I still won’t deal with you. If he’s alive and you murder another Allcott, Galen will not deal at all.” “You lie.” “Why should I? I have nothing to lose. You’re the scoundrel who murdered my husband. Now you have me here, chained like an animal. You have attempted to ruin Galen for weeks and now, he’s dying. Believe me, I can do more damage to you than you want to know about.” “Ma petite, no,” Galen whispered. “Why do you say that?” “Obviously, you believe I’m a threat to you or I wouldn’t be chained to a wall in a dark wine cellar.” “No, I want to age you like this fine wine. Turn you into a fine woman who’ll grace my arm…” “Why would I want to spend the rest of my life with you? You have nothing I want.” “And I suppose Beaumont does?” “And if he does, it’s none of your business.” “But it is. I want you to be my wife. We’ll combine our fortunes.” “And you can keep dreaming. I told you we made an irrevocable agreement when we created Allcott-Beaumont, Limited.” Wingate’s rage took over. He slapped her like he would a sassy child. She pulled back, then looked at him, her eyes red with fire. Madison, please, calm down. Galen, I can’t stop it. Something’s overtaking me. Concentrate on my voice. You can’t allow him to… I can’t allow him to kill you. If he means… No, Madison, I beg you… 132

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Madison glared at Wingate, seething over his cruelty. She tried to control her breathing and concentrate on Galen’s voice in her mind but something within her took over. New strength pushed the fight to free herself. She knew she had to go to Galen. He’d help her. She fully understood what he’d gone through five hundred years earlier and why Galen did what he did. Maddie, for god’s sake—stop! I can’t. You must. If you don’t, you could die. S’il vous plait, ma petite. I need you. Somehow, Galen’s words got through to her. She relaxed as if tired while Wingate laughed. “You little tramp. You’ll never leave here.” “People will wonder.” “I’ll tell them you went crazy and I sent you to Europe to recover. All the while, you’ll be here.” “You’re a monster.” “Call me what you will but I intend to have everything the way I want it.” He went to her, lifting her chin, forcing their eyes to meet. “Don’t touch me,” she hissed vehemently. “I’ll do what I want because if I don’t, I’ll take it out on him.” “He’s dying, thanks to you.” “And by the time I’m through with him, he’ll wish for death.” “What do you mean?” “Aside from the fact that I could have him jailed for murder…” “Murder? You’re crazy.” 133

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“Don’t ever say that to me again. You do and Beaumont pays.” Ma petite, be careful. “You don’t want to do that,” she warned. “Oh? Why?” “You don’t want to push me. I’ll rip your throat out.” Madison! “I have you locked to one of the thickest walls in the Bay area.” The beast in Madison came to life. She fought the shackles pulling one from the wall. Her body felt as if someone had lit a match beneath her, igniting her emotions and inner turmoil. Madison, please hear me. Concentrate on my voice. You can’t let him know. Galen, I can’t help it. Something’s… Your beast. You have to get some… What the… While she concentrated on Galen and the strange things her body endured, she didn’t realize Wingate had left them and returned. He went to her and locked her hands together over her head. Then, he criss-crossed two lengths of chain over her head, securing her even more. The click of the lock engaging caught her attention. She screamed. “I don’t know what you are but I will take everything from you in order to keep your secret safe.” “What…did…you…do…to…me…” “The chain is silver. It’s supposed to keep demons at bay.” “Why am I so weak?” Silver can kill us, Maddie. I can’t do anything to help you. If I touch it… I’m burning… “Madison,” Galen whispered, his wife’s pain coursing through him. “Why—isn’t this interesting? What are you?” 134

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“A nightmare.”

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**** Galen remained the way Wingate had him bound. Wingate’s abuse was minimal compared to what the monster had put Madison through. Trying to join their minds in order to control her body’s reactions weakened him while it became his primary concern. Pleading with her failed, the terror of what was happening to her overpowering her senses while she put up a good front. Madison, I’m so sorry. Galen, save yourself. I swear if you die, I’ll go to… No, find someone who can… No, Maddie. I will die to be with you. Galen, the heat! Galen’s eyes closed, his mind needing to gain some sort of… What, he was at a loss to describe. When he opened them again, his breath caught as a mist filtered into the room. Realizing what was happening, he acted. Breaking the ropes at his feet and hands, his body bolted up. “What the…” Wingate started. “Galen, help me!” Madison begged. “Yes, Beaumont, go help the trampy piece of fluff.” “I told you what I would do if you ever referred to her like that again.” “You don’t have the nerve,” Wingate taunted him. “To save my wife’s life, I’ll do anything,” Galen stated as he lifted Wingate off the floor, holding him by one hand around his neck. He threw him into one of the larger wine casks. Startled, Wingate stood and hurled himself at Galen, only Galen caught him in a death grip. Galen saw the terror in his enemy’s eyes as he felt his fangs descend. He knew his eyes had become red between his rage and the need to feed for both of them. Madison needed 136

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to feed in order to begin healing from the effects of the silver chains and her captivity. “You did not want to push this, Wingate. Now, you pay.” “My God, it can’t be… They don’t exist…” “We do but you won’t be able to tell anyone. You, Jonathan Wingate, are a dead man.” “No,” Wingate screamed, fighting Galen’s iron grip. The more he fought, the tighter Galen’s hand clamped down on him. Galen’s incisors down, he brought Wingate to him. “You will never hurt anyone I care about again,” he growled. “You can’t be real. This is a…nightmare.” “For you, the nightmare begins. For us, it’s about to be over.” “I swear to God, Beaumont. I’ll ruin you when this is over.” “I told you before, many have tried and they died. Some learned what I was and tried to stake me. I’ve walked this earth for over five centuries and I will for another five or more.” “We can talk about this and come to some sort of agreement,” Wingate suggested as Galen’s hand tightened again. “I don’t think so,” Galen stated firmly. Galen… Galen looked at Madison, her eyes red as fire, weak from the chains. Where the chain touched her naked skin, tiny wisps of smoke rose from the burns. Her fangs had descended, the situation speeding up the gift’s effects. A mist surrounded her writhing body as if cooling her. As if by magic, the silver chains fell to the ground followed by the other restraints. Madison’s body fell to the floor in a lifeless 137

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heap as one of the chains lifted from where it had fallen, only this time, it stayed in the hand of a spirit. “No, it can’t be…” Wingate gasped. “We are full of surprises, Wingate.” “But, Allcott, you’re dead. I killed you with cyanide.” “That’s what I needed to hear,” the spirit stated as the chain lashed against Wingate’s back several times. “See to Madison,” Galen commanded. “I’ll finish with this piece of trash.” “Galen…” a weak voice said. During Geoffrey Allcott’s ghost’s appearance, she’d slipped to the floor. Her strength waning fast, she needed to feed. The mist swirled around her as it shielded her from what it knew Beaumont would do. Galen lifted Wingate’s limp body up, his grip tighter. Seeing Madison angered him, his beast taking over. Without a thought, he brought Wingate against him and sank his fangs into him—feeding and killing while he drained Wingate’s body of every drop of blood. “I told you what I would do.” **** San Francisco enjoyed a beautiful August evening. Life went on as normal until just after eight thirty. The earth shook, rumbling loudly as its movement shocked the region. Considered a light shock from readings taken from a pendulum-styled seismometer, it still startled the city’s residents and visitors. While people attributed it to the ground moving, the real reason for it abated though, thankfully, no one would ever learn the truth.

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Chapter 11 Galen recovered what sanity he could. He dropped Wingate’s dead body and turned to Madison. “She needs you, Beaumont.” “I’m sorry, Allcott.” “You did what you had to. Fortunately, I could take care of the silver.” “Thank you. I couldn’t do anything as long as…” “I know. I owe you my thanks. Now, I can rest, although it’s a shame I’ll never see her or our child again.” “Geoffrey, I…” “Don’t worry about it. You held up your end of the bargain. You got his confession and Madison, while keeping to the conditions I set. She married you because she wanted to.” “Actually, you did. He never expected to see you.” “True.” The winery shook more from the earthquake’s aftershock Galen’s rage created. They heard the creaking around them but cracks opening in the walls concerned him. Another tremor caused the building to begin coming apart. Collapsing around them, Galen found Allcott’s spirit gone, the mist dissipated forever. Another jolt brought down larger pieces of the wall and ceiling. A wine cask rolled from its supports and toward them. Galen threw himself over Madison protecting her from 139

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the cask and the impending collapse. Every time he thought about trying to escape, another jolt cut him off. Galen did his best to keep the weight of the collapse off them. Once the tremors stopped, he looked at their plight, then to Madison, who looked like she was dying. Terror-filled rage drove him to act, causing another rumble of the earth. His beast came to life once again, Galen grateful for his superior strength. Ma petite, hang on. Galen… Galen pushed up, knocking the weight of the debris off his back. Slow at first, he finally succeeded in freeing them. Between terror, rage and his eternal love for Madison, he got them out and away from the building before the rest of it fell in on itself. He took them to a spot a safe distance away from the winery. When Galen glanced back, the building exploded into a fireball. He shielded her from the embers, then, by the firelight, he saw her injuries. He screamed an agonizing scream knowing what he had to do. “I’m sorry, Madison.” “Galen, what…” “I have to take you over now. If I don’t, you’ll die.” “Galen, I love you. We were good together, weren’t we?” “Yes, we are, ma petite.” “I’m sorry I’ve failed you. I should never have allowed Wingate to see me. He’ll use it against us.” “Wingate’s dead, Maddie,” he told her. “Maddie?” When she didn’t answer, he pulled her close and apologized again. Racing against time, his teeth descended, ready to do what needed to be done. He sunk them into her neck, drinking from her until she was drained. Quickly, he 140

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slashed his shirt, catching his chest at the same time to open the wound she needed to feed from. He pulled her to him, pressing her lips to the wound. “Drink, my wife. Share my life and become one with me. I give to you freely, my Madison. My blood for yours. My blood is yours.” Madison instinctively latched onto her lifeline, Galen’s body reacting. Extremely aroused, he ignored his cock’s plea for release to concentrate on the love of his eternal life. While she fed, he kissed her head, praying her physical stress would be a substitute for her reaction to sexual pleasures. Mostly, he prayed for Madison’s survival. **** Madison felt not only the weight of the chains Wingate criss-crossed over her body, but the burning sensation from the silver links. Galen told her why, then apologized for his inability to help her. “Galen…” She barely saw what Galen did to Wingate. She no longer cared, the heat too much for her weakened body. She barely noticed a mist swirling around her feet as it made its way up the length of her body. Madison noticed the chain’s weight lifted from her and the chill of the mist bathing her. Unheard in the midst of what happened around her, she watched the image of her late husband materialize in front of her as the mist took shape. She watched the form take one of the chains and lash Jonathan Wingate with it until he confessed to his murder of Geoffrey Allcott. What’s happening? She needed to know but in his rage, Galen had shielded her. “Madison, don’t try to talk.” “Geoffrey?” she whispered. 141

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“Yes, my love. Your husband could not release the chains but I could. He’s battling my admitted killer, something I failed to do when I was alive.” “I…don’t…” “I know you learned I was already dying. Wingate just sped up the entire process. I couldn’t battle him in life, so I turned to Galen knowing he’s vampyr. I knew he would find out the truth so my eternal soul could finally rest in peace. He did everything I asked but he told me something interesting.” “What?” “He said he was in love with you from the night in the cemetery and he would have you, though I made him promise not to enthrall you. You would get my blessings to be together, only if you went to him willingly. You did, you married and Clarisse loves you both. My murder has been exposed and avenged and my wife is happy. You are happy, aren’t you?” “I am but I don’t know if I’ll survive this. I feel sick. The pregnancy’s advancing so quickly and I feel so weak.” “Galen will take care of you. You’ll survive.” The sound of Wingate’s body hitting the floor followed by the ground rumbling again caused them to look toward Galen. His eyes filled with rage, Madison watched them change from red to obsidian. She tried to reach for him but true death weighted her down. Her body and her inner beast called to him, begging him to come to her. Galen began to relax and she watched her husbands talk before Geoffrey’s spirit left her forever. The rumbling intensified and she could sense Galen’s body covering hers, protecting her from the building she swore would destroy them both. “Ma petite, hold on.” “Galen…” 142

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She didn’t remember much, her life almost gone from her. She tried to say something but didn’t have the strength. She closed her eyes and let the dark take over. **** It is said one’s life sits in limbo between living and Death’s embrace. The soul changes while going from one phase of life to the next. But what happens to the soul of a vampyr in transition? Does the fight become more hostile than during a human death? How great does the risk become, especially when one suffers various maladies like burning, partial change and the collapse of the world as they know it? With everything occurring at once, can a fledgling vampyr survive? **** Madison felt cold, her body drained of its last remaining drop of life sustaining blood. Suddenly, heat coursed through her veins though her mind did not register the fact Galen had forced her to feed from him by pressing her lips to the open wound on his chest. She felt like she was on fire again but this time, the feeling comforted her. She sensed her life returning to her, Madison relaxing some. Once she began to think complete thoughts, she began to remember. Like a baby suckling at its mother’s breast, she knew she fed from Galen. As she did, her body curled closer to his, in need of not only the fire he ignited in her, but the heat of his touch. Contact with him became necessity. “Enough, ma petite,” he softly said when he broke their contact. Her head flopped back over his arm like a rag doll’s. She felt lost without their connection but something assured her Galen knew best. He told her to seal the wound and, realizing the chance he took with her need, she cautiously closed it with her tongue as she laved across it. 143

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“Sleep, ma petite. You’ll need your strength,” he advised, willing her to sleep. **** Galen broke contact but only enough so she could seal his wound. The sheer contact of her tongue laving over his body caused his cock to beg for her touch, to be within her and to consummate the final ritual of the blood bond. Her head fell back over his arm and he gazed at her, horrified by her appearance. From the extremes her body recently suffered to his draining her blood from her, her eyes appeared sunken, her skin pasty instead of her vibrant radiance. He sent her the suggestion to sleep. She needed to rest and recover her strength and would do so while he moved her back to their estate. With the fire burning out of control and smoke and flames shooting high into the night sky, the fire department would be on its way. He did not want them anywhere near when the authorities arrived. He considered how anything in the city would take precedence over anything on the outskirts as well as the first come, first fought attitude as always in the event of an earthquake but he didn’t want to take any chances. His driver pulled his brougham close to where he held Madison in his arms. The man jumped down to help Galen get Madison situated inside the enclosed carriage. Galen looked at the man and grinned. “Steven, how did you know?” he asked, a devilish hint to his voice. “Something about a gift and family duty.” “Merci, mon ami. Now, I think we had better get out of here. I can hear the pounding hooves of the horses racing the steamers here and the rest of the firemen are not far behind.” “Yes, sir.” 144

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Steven held the door while Galen cautiously climbed into the carriage. He cradled Madison’s head and shoulders trying to comfort her. Steven closed the door, got up into the seat and urged the horses to go. They barely missed the firemen and their apparatus, Galen grateful for small blessings. “Don’t leave me, ma petite. I beg you…” **** Galen rose at sunset. The first thing he did was check on his wife next to him, still asleep from the powerful suggestion he’d given her before he brought her home. It had been in her best interests and gave him the chance to feed, then prepare for the difficult night ahead and her transition to the undead as a true vampyr. He changed to the black hawk, soaring over the city while heading back to Wingate Wineries. He perched on a branch and listened to the chatter from the firemen who continued to pour water on the burning remnants of the once huge winery. “They say the owner’s body was found in one of the wine cellars.” “How could anyone tell it was Wingate... The cop said it was burned beyond recognition.” “I heard he was giving a private tour to the Widow Allcott and Galen Beaumont or some other businessman,” another chimed in. “So did I but someone said they escaped before the fire broke out.” “Good for them. He’s a fair man, if you mean Beaumont.” “Ah, and she’s a beauty,” one of the Irish firemen said. Galen smiled to himself. He knew how to proceed with stories to cover their actions after the wine tasting gala. He flew off, finding his prey nearby. One of the police officers 145

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stood a dull boring watch to keep people away from the Wingate estate. Galen changed his evening for him. When Galen left him, he had the suggestion of a happier memory lingering as he woke up. One thing Galen always made sure of—his prey always survived with at least one bit of happiness to their lives. When he returned to the estate and shifted back, he slipped into a robe and headed straight to Madison. “Sophie, how is she?” he asked Madison’s housekeeper. He had Steven bring her back from Allcott House to watch over her while he went out, Sophie more than happy to help out. “She’s still in a deep sleep.” “Good. Any signs yet?” “No, sir,” she started, then stopped. “Oh, there was one a few minutes ago. She started feeling overly hot. I removed her clothes to cool her body down.” “Thank you, Sophie. Go get some rest. It’s going to be a long night if she goes through anything like I did.” It had been five centuries before but he remembered it clearly. “Thank you, sir,” she said before she turned to leave the room. Galen knew Sophie had seen transitions before. Her care for her mistress earlier pleased him. Had Madison been alone or with someone who didn’t know, she could have overheated. Cool compresses did no good while a cool breeze over her naked body did. He smiled. The mere thought of Madison naked aroused his body, his cock needing to drive into her. He watched her carefully, Madison more beautiful now than ever. Her feeding brought back her natural beauty, taking away the sunken eyes and pasty pallor. He held his breath, ready to do whatever he might have to in order to help her. 146

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Madison moaned as she woke, her nudity no longer surprising or bothering her. “Galen?” “Oui, ma petite.” She bolted up, the sheeting falling to her waist. The soft movements of her subtly voluptuous breasts sent his cock throbbing to attention. The rest of his body agreed, heat coursing through him. “Galen, is it over?” “Yes, my love, it is.” “Wingate?” “Dead.” “Did you…” “I had help.” “Did I talk to Geoffrey?” “His ghost. He couldn’t rest until he found his murderer. Geoffrey pushed Wingate to admit to it. Now, your first husband can rest at peace.” “I remember talking to him,” she said quietly, trying to make sure she understood. Before all this started, she had no idea vampyrs and ghosts existed. Her life had changed a lot since then and would continue to do so. “He saved your life. He could remove the silver chains Wingate used on you when I could not touch them.” Galen checked her shoulders where the chains burned her. The wounds had healed with only a faint reminder of what happened evident. He breathed a sigh of relief that she would not have an eternal reminder of Wingate’s malice. He moved the sheeting from her the rest of the way. “What’s wrong?” she asked. “Nothing. I’m making sure there are no wounds we didn’t see before.” “Oh,” she said as she turned to face him. 147

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Galen traced the lines of her body from her shoulders down to her hips. He returned to her breasts, her nipples waiting for his attention. His cock swelled, needing to be embedded in her pussy and the heat that would envelop him. She raised to her knees, spreading them further apart for his pleasure. He bent to suckle one firm bud then the other. She pressed his head to her breast while his long graceful fingers slid into the moist heat of her welcoming pussy. She pushed herself to his hand while she held his head tighter. His thumb pressed on her swollen clit and she gasped from the sensations he sent through her. Her body moved up and down on his fingers needing a release. Galen nipped at her, her breath catching. “Tell me what happens next.” “Next, I’m going to fuck you and you will beg for more.” “What about the…” “We’ll take it as it comes, ma petite.” “Why won’t you tell me?” “I don’t want you to expect anything. It is better to take it as it comes.” While he talked, he drew his fingers out and then into her entry, teasing her while her body went insane. He suckled each nipple, Madison hot with desire. Gently, he laid her back. Her legs spread apart anticipating his ministrations. “Ah, mon cherie, c’est magnifique.” “Merci, mon cher,” she said, her hands holding him close. Galen saw the sexy haze over the fire in her eyes. He growled as he drove his cock deep into her core. He loved the feel of her hot, wet desire clenching onto him, refusing to release him. Galen pounded his cock into her hard and without regret. This was his beautiful wife, the woman he 148

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would spend his eternity with, the one who made him whole and the one who took him however he wanted to give it. His hands ran over the swell of her stomach, more obvious now than the previous night. Her term had sped up like everything else. He held her, feeling movement beneath his touch. Gazing up at her, he smiled while watching the natural movement of her perfect breasts. He leaned to kiss her, then drew back, pulled her to him and drove his cock deeper, impaling her body on his. Galen hammered into her as his inner beast took over, calling to hers. She met his pace as her body closed around him. As he neared the edge, he pulled her to him. Madison was now sitting on his lap with her legs around his waist. He kissed her, his tongue delving deep into her mouth as their passion flowed between them. His teeth descended, he looked at her and sank them deep into her neck. She cried out and pulled him closer. “Galen, I give to you freely and without hesitation.” Galen drank from her, then pulled back and sealed the wounds. He kept her on a sexual peak, her body calling to his. He looked into her eyes, red with a new fire. She smiled, her fangs evident. “Do it, ma petite, take what I give freely.” “Galen, I need you,” she cried as she bit into him. While she fed, he held her, teasing her nipples while languishing in his wife’s radiance. She sealed the wound and looked at him. “Say it, ma petite. Tell me what you want.” “Fuck me, Galen, and don’t hold back.” **** San Francisco experienced numerous aftershocks from earthquakes hitting the region. Most residents became used to them, living with the earth’s rage. When the earth shook over twenty-four hours later, most ignored it and went on with 149

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their evening routine. No one stopped to ask why and no one really cared—this was life in the Napa Valley. One couple felt the power they created and languished in it, ignoring the world around them. After this evening, their world would be changed forever. **** Madison curled around Galen needing to touch every inch of him she could. Her breathing became labored and he knew the final stage had begun. “Je t’aime, ma petite,” he whispered as he held her closer. “Je…” she gasped, her body stiffening. Her pussy clenched around his swollen cock, firmly embedded inside her. She locked their bodies together as the first wave of the change overtook her. Galen held her tight, feathering kisses over her overheated body. “Galen, the fire…” “I know, I feel it.” “The heat…” she cried. “Oui, mon cherie. Let it happen. Do not fight it.” Madison threw her head back, crying out again. He caught her nipple, suckling it. He felt her every reaction, relishing her body as she moved on him. Outside, the thunder crashed as her body took his and drained every drop of come his cock had to give. She leaned against him, weak but still hot. He knew she’d be all right and weather the storm she alone created. She ran her talon-like nails across his skin opening wounds. Her tongue darted out and licked the blood from them before closing them after she enjoyed her “snack”. She smiled against him, knowing what she was doing to her husband’s senses. She felt him swell within her, the fire inside her burning out of control. Only Galen could extinguish it 150

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and she knew he wouldn’t, at least not yet. She moved on him, needing him to fuck her and he did. “I can’t refuse you, mon cherie,” he whispered. “Galen, I can’t control myself.” “Let it go. You’re perfect.” “Please, tell me. When does it start?” “It already has and you’re coming through it without a problem.” She pulled back and heard his gasp. She looked down, her belly larger. “Galen?” she said, apprehensively. “It’s changing with you. At this rate, you’ll deliver soon.” “But…” She never finished her thought. Convulsions overtook her with the second wave of the change. Galen held her while she shook, her body no longer hers to control. The more her body jolted, the tighter he held her. The heat intensified inside while the storm raged outside. Madison trusted Galen, relaxing in his arms and allowing the change to happen. She saw the look on his face, concerned about what was happening. “What?” “You’re bleeding, my love.” “What?” she gasped, wiping blood from her nose and mouth. “Your body has changed inside in order to accept the ancient blood I have given you. It is forcing any remaining bits of yours out anywhere it can in order for you to be pure with mine.” “And the baby?” “Everything you go through, the baby has. Your son will be born with all the knowledge of five hundred years.” “But it’s so much for a tiny life.” 151

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“Madison, shortly after he’s born, he will need to feed. Once he does, the cycle will continue and he will grow up before your eyes.” “But how can one so young take that much change in so short a time?” “From what I’ve been told, it’s in my blood and deals with the ability to shape shift.” “Something I can’t do.” “You can and you will. I didn’t want to teach you until after you gave birth.” “Can I take all this?” “So far, you’ve done admirably.” Madison smiled, secure knowing Galen had been through it and knew what to expect. She preferred not knowing what would happen to her, Galen right in not telling her. “Maddie?” “What, mon cher?” she asked, gazing at him. She knew the look in his eyes. “What?” “How do you feel?” “Why?” “Your eyes are black pinpoints.” “What does it mean?” Before he could answer her, the third wave of the gift crashed over her. She looked at him, her body ice cold. Shivering, it went out of control. He tried to pull her closer but her body temperature pushed him away. “Galen, please help me!” she screamed, begging him for help he couldn’t give. He pulled the blanket over her, wrapping her in it. She cried out, the agony in her voice tearing at his heart. She begged him for help again, Galen helpless to do anything for her. 152

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“Galen, what’s happening? I’ve never felt this cold before,” she stammered, her teeth chattering. “Madison, ma petite, c’est mort.” “Mort?” “Maddie, you must die before you can be reborn.” **** Galen woke as the sun set. Madison lay next to him, her back against his chest. His hand massaged her stomach, heavy with her son waiting to be born at any time. He felt the baby move, relieved the child had survived everything thrown at him in such a short time. Kissing her soft hair, he massaged her stomach more, waiting for her to rise for the first time as a true vampyr. She had to do it on her own for the transition to be complete. Guarding his thoughts from her, he begged her to rise. He pulled her closer, his cock nestled snugly between him and her soft ass. He could hear the blood flowing in her veins, her heart beating strong. All you have to do is… “Galen?” He relaxed, his leg going over hers to hold her closer. “Ici, ma petite,” he said, nuzzling her neck. “What time is it?” “We’ve just seen the start of a new evening.” “What? When?” “Shh, ma petite. What happened to you last night is this—your body died. You fell into a deathlike sleep from which you are now rising. You have successfully made the transition from your old human life to mine as a vampyr.” “Please tell me you’re not joking.” “Non, ma petite.” She rolled to her back, his hand remaining on her stomach. Her hand went to his face. “Merci, mon cher. Je t’aime.” 153

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“Je t’aime, ma petite.” “Galen?” “Oui?” “I feel the need to feed.” Galen had an idea of the reason. He kissed her before he went to the window, then shifted. The black hawk flew off, returning a short time later. He felt her eyes watching his every move from his shift back to human, then walked across the room to join her in bed. “How do you want to do this?” he asked. “I want you to take me, Galen. I want to experience a feeding frenzy with you like we did the other night.” “What about…” “Galen, please. I’m begging you. I need your cock inside me.” “You know I won’t deny you anything. Make sure you tell me if I hurt you.” “Galen, please, I can’t wait. I need you now.” Galen went to her and trailed kisses over her body, hot with desire. Remembering back to Simone and the trouble she had with childbirth, he told her they would do something different. She smiled. “You are too close to giving birth and I’m worried. This baby has gone through so much, I can’t risk it unnecessarily.” Madison knew what he referred to having seen his wife’s hardships when pregnant and her death. She loved Galen more for this and vowed not to push him. “What do you propose?” Galen bent to kiss her. Her hands framed his face as they did. Her eyes widened, then closed, feeling his fingertips tease her clit, followed by them easing into her body. Their tongues danced as he finger fucked his wife, taking her over the edge. 154

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She shuddered as her climax washed over her, her fangs evident. Without a thought, she sought the spot she wanted and sank her teeth into his neck, feeding from him. As she did, his pace quickened, her body in harmony with it. Galen’s teeth descended and he drank from his wife, holding her in a viselike grip. Together, they fed, riding the crest of the orgasm breaking over them. Together, they sealed the wounds, both sated. “Galen?” “Oui?” “It’s time.” “What do you mean?” “I think I’m in labor.” “Mon dieu,” he said. “What do you need? Sophie,” he yelled. A few moments later, Sophie ran into the room. Within minutes, she had Madison ready for her son’s birth. While she did, Galen sought out Steven Marsden and sent him to bring Clarisse Allcott to his wife’s side. He felt she should be near by or at Madison’s side when her grandson met the world. “Why so soon? I’ve only…” “Madison, your son’s birth may be an extension of your personal transition. After all, the pregnancy does come from your past life and as such, it needs to be purged from your body.” “Galen, it’s not like the bleeding, is it?” “I don’t know, ma petite.” Galen held her hand as she dug her nails into him. He steeled himself to the pain, knowing how much she experienced. He felt every bit of it as Madison went through an extremely quick labor. 155

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Clarisse ran into the room, Galen relieved and grateful to see her. After their wedding, Galen had taken Clarisse aside and given her the same gift the Marsden family had received in 1409. In exchange for her knowledge of what the Beaumonts were and the chance to know her grandson, she would take a blood oath to protect them and serve them in any way she could. Clarisse Allcott agreed to keep their secret without hesitation. “Galen, you both have done more to keep the Allcott family safe and the financial legacy alive and well. You’ve given Madison her life back and I’ll have my grandchild.” “Clarisse, I have to warn you…” Galen remembered saying. “How is she?” “Clarisse?” “Yes, Madison. Galen sent for me.” A contraction doubled Madison up. Sophie did a quick check and told them what needed to be done. “Sir, ma’am, the baby is coming so fast and he’s so big, she’ll need to be bound to the bed. If she keeps coiling like a snake, it’ll hurt them both.” Sophie left, then came back with some long strips of soft cloth. She went to start her task when Galen stopped her. “Sir?” “I’ll do it,” he said quietly. “Yes, sir.” Clarisse had an idea what Galen intended to do. “Sophie, why don’t we get what we may need for my grandson?” “Yes, ma’am.” The two women left the Beaumonts alone.

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“Galen, please, don’t do this. No…” Madison pleaded, her memory from Wingate’s wine cellar and his shared memories overwhelming her. “Ma petite, I do this out of love and necessity.” He took her hand, kissed her palm and nibbled on her fingers, then tied it to the bed. He made sure her nails couldn’t cut it. Before he restrained her feet, he pulled the sheet over her. He massaged each ankle, then bound them to the bed. Galen sat beside her, moving the sheet a little so he could gaze at her full breasts. He laved her nipples while he gently rubbed her stomach. The baby reacted, then calmed a little as if he realized his father was near. Her body called to him, Galen’s cock begging for her. He fought his urges, though he could feel the heat between them rising. “Mister Beaumont, have you fed this evening? Has Miss Madison?” “Earlier, why?” he asked the were-cat tending his wife as she reentered the room. “I’ve heard the baby needs to feed immediately after birth. She’ll need to replace the loss.” “Galen, go. I’ll stay with her,” Clarisse said. “Are you sure?” “I’m the closest she has to family. You know how much I love the both of you. I’ll be fine.” Galen looked at Madison. “Go, mon cher,” she said. Galen kissed her, then turned to Clarisse. He kissed her hand, thanking her. Instead of leaving out the window as he had earlier, he went upstairs, shifted and flew off. After the last several days, he decided he would take his family to Europe. Needing to take care of Madison, he had fed more than usual. Wingate’s accusations at the wine tasting 157

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didn’t help either and it would be easier to bring Madison’s son into the family. He smiled. As he soared, the freedom of flight comforted him. He looked forward to Madison enjoying this with him. Galen, are you all right? Oui, ma petite. I love the sound of your voice in my mind. You’re too kind, my love. It’s because of you, Maddie. **** Madison’s contractions hit her hard. She wanted to curl into them but Galen’s bonds made sure she couldn’t. Her strength increased because of her new life but his ties held. “Madison, you have to relax.” “I can’t. I didn’t go through this kind of pain changing.” “From what Sophie told me, only one other has gone through transition and childbirth.” “And?” “The other one gave birth during it. You have rested and I assume you fed a little while ago.” “What happened to her baby?” “She had twins. I believe Galen told you about them.” “Joelle and Danica?” “I believe so.” “The both of them were cruel. I don’t want my son growing up like them.” “He won’t. He has you and Galen, plus Galen can show him the truth of what happened to Joelle.” “How can you be so calm about this?” “Galen helped me understand and he has my vow to protect your secret. You know I’m not one of those society matrons who think they know what’s best for everyone but themselves. I’m open to different things and if this makes you happy and I’m sure he does, then so be it. My grandson will 158

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need to be able to come home here to someone who’ll love him and protect him, because I figure you will be traveling in different circles.” “You’re amazing.” “No, I’m doing what I have to in order to keep my family together. Galen impressed me asking for your hand in marriage the way he did.” Madison winced, her hands clenching. “Sweetheart, watch your nails. I don’t want you cutting yourself.” “The pain’s overwhelming.” Clarisse went to her side and massaged her stomach, gently tracing calming circles over her. “Before you ask, my grandmother lived in Louisiana. She practiced white magic, as they call it, and taught me the secrets of being a midwife. You’re doing fine.” “Vampyrs, ghosts, white magic—what would San Francisco society say?” “You know something—I don’t care.” “Clarisse!” Madison admonished her with a hint of sarcasm. “Madison.” “I love you.” “I love you, too. Now, keep calm and relax. My grandson should join us in a short while.” Madison wept, something she had not done for a while. Clarisse’s revelations stunned her while making a huge difference in her life. In her own way, Clarisse Allcott was one of them, an oddity to the normal life she had been raised to know and accept. This revelation opened her to the realization that in their own way, everyone had a secret hiding in their past. 159

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Clarisse brushed the tears from her eyes, continuing to comfort both mother and child. Madison felt the weight lifted from her soul and finally felt the freedom she’d subconsciously searched for. “Thank you,” she whispered. **** Galen returned, shifted back, then dressed. He went downstairs to the hallway outside their bedroom. He sensed something within Madison, worried about her and the baby. He heard her crying, her tears a cool sensation in his mind. He entered their room and stopped, caught up in the myriad of emotions filling the space. “Maddie?” “She’s fine, they’re cleansing tears.” “What happened?” he asked, unable to hide his concern. “Oh, just some soul searching on both our parts.” Galen went to her, his hand to her face. She leaned into his palm seconds before her body felt overwhelming pain. “Galen, keep her calm. The baby’s ready,” Clarisse said. She called Sophie to help her. “We don’t have much time. Dawn’s a few hours away.” “This baby will be here in a few minutes. Madison, give it all you’ve got.” “Galen…” Madison cried out as he helped her to push. Clarisse gave her instructions on what she needed to do. Pain overwhelmed her, her body fighting itself. Her hands clenched, her eyes tightly closed. “Madison, one more time.” “I can’t…I’m tired.” “Ma petite, look in my eyes.” Madison’s mind obeyed the soft suggestion. She locked her eyes with his. Galen learned before when she was in 160

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turmoil as she experienced now because her eyes turned to black onyx pinpoints. Her eyes glistened in the candlelight. “Madison, once more and your son will be born.” “Yes, Galen,” she said, under his spell. “Good, Madison,” Clarisse complimented, her voice distant to her, though it didn’t matter with Galen at her side. The sensation of her son’s birth sent fire through her. Galen kissed her during the final moments of the birth. Together, they felt everything happening to her. As soon as the baby was delivered, Sophie quickly cleaned him while Clarisse looked after Madison. Galen freed her hands and held her. “What do I do now?” “You will have him feed from your wrist. Once he’s had his first taste, you’ll feed from me to replenish what he takes.” “Sounds exhausting.” “I am here to help you through it.” As soon as Clarisse brought her their son, Madison cut her wrist, then helped the baby latch on to her. He hungrily fed before she broke their contact. She sealed her wound, then looked at her sleeping son. “What will you name him?” Clarisse asked. “Galen?” “Hayden Allcott Beaumont.” Clarisse smiled, taking Hayden from Madison. She and Sophie left with the baby knowing Madison’s need to feed had to be assuaged quickly with dawn near. “Ma petite?” “I can’t, mon cher,” she whispered. “I have nothing left.” “That’s why you need to feed.” Galen slashed his chest and held her to him. She smelled the scent of life and followed it. “Drink, ma petite. Take what I give freely.” 161

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Madison fed, then drew back, laving the wound closed. She felt new energy course through her while the weight of the coming dawn began to take its effect. “Galen, feed. Take from me what I know you need.” Galen laid her back, his thumb teasing her nipple. He did the same to the other and, as he aroused her and the fire burned within her, he bit down, taking from her while making their unique bond stronger. He pulled back. “We take from each other as freely as we give. We are two souls who have become one. I love you, Madison Beaumont, now and to the end of time.” “Je t’aime, mon Galen. We are one.”

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Epilogue The French countryside outside Paris, France 2005 Galen and Madison Beaumont stood in the hallway in front of a closed door. Behind it was the master’s chamber of le Manoir du Chance, Galen’s French estate. “Mon cher?” “I swore I’d never enter this room again,” Galen said, holding her tight against him, needing to touch her. “Before or after you became vampyr?” “Before. Simone died in this room and I failed her here as well.” “Never is a long time, my love.” Galen reached out and put his hand on the doorknob, one not opened by him for nearly six hundred years. The housekeepers had kept it over the years but since his change, he had not returned to it. If he did come back to the area, he stayed at Joelle’s while refusing to return to his family home. Not until Madison talked him into it had he even considered a trip back. Slowly, he pushed the door open to gaze into the room, unchanged since he left it centuries before. “The family has kept it for you all these years,” Corrine Marsden told them. “Merci, Corrine.” “If there is anything I can get you…” she began. 163

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“Why don’t you and the staff enjoy your evening?” Galen asked. “I think my wife and I would like to be alone.” “Oui, monsieur.” “One thing I’d like to ask.” “Oui?” “Have the alterations to the house been completed?” “Oui, monsieur.” “Bon,” he said. Corrine excused herself, then left them. Galen stood in the center of the room, taking it in after a long time away. He’d spent so much time in here—so long ago. “Galen, are you all right?” “I think so. I see this room as I have over the years before we found each other. I thought she’d been at peace all these years, only I didn’t accept it. The feelings are different.” “Why?” “I no longer feel the desperation.” “Then what do you feel, mon cher?” “I feel like I’ve finally come home.” Galen turned her to face him. His cock fought for freedom from his designer suit, needing to be inside her heated body. He could feel the heat rising and when she stepped back and seductively removed her clothes, he groaned. He watched his gorgeous wife remove her short skirt, then her silk blouse, leaving her wearing only a lace thong and nothing else. “I do love modern fashions. Makes it so much easier to fuck my wife.” “You’re still wearing too many clothes, mon cher,” she said, unbuckling his belt. Galen laughed, the sound of it filling the room for the first time in centuries. He adored his wife when she controlled the situation like now. She shoved his Armani pants 164

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to the floor and pulled off his shirt. Sliding down the length of his body, her breasts caressed his swollen cock. She knelt before him, taking his cock deep into her mouth. He groaned at the feel of her tongue dancing over his sensitive skin, an art she’d perfected once she learned to control her deadly fangs. She teased his balls while she feverishly sucked him. He held her head to him, pumping his cock to meet her pace. Exploding into her, he threw his head back, calling her name. She whimpered her response, taking his cum and wanting more. Galen pulled her to him and brutally kissed her. Their love had grown to powerful levels over the last century and she took him as he was. He could never and would never hurt her. “Galen…” “What, ma petite?” “Fuck me. Make the earth shake.” “Oui, ma petite,” he gasped, lifting her up. She wrapped her legs around him and raised herself high enough to press his face to her breasts. Galen nipped at her firm buds, always aroused and wanting his erotic attention. He could feel the damp warmth of her pussy against him and knew he couldn’t hold back much longer. Blood lust came over him as he quickly carried her to bed. She looked at the fire in his eyes as he flipped her to her hands and knees. Madison felt the lust and wanted it. No matter how rough Galen became with her, she basked in his touch and begged him for more. “I want your breasts hanging free, Madison, while I pound your glorious pussy.” “Anything, Galen, please…” she pleaded, needing him inside her. She moaned when he impaled her on his massive 165

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cock. He held her tight against him, the feel of her nether lips kissing his balls an aphrodisiac. Galen hammered his cock into her and she eagerly took him. As he neared the edge, he cupped her breasts, squeezing them while he pricked her nipples. He pulled her tighter and, while kneeling upright, he thrust into her more. Her arms went around his neck as she turned her face to his. They kissed, then he trailed kisses down her neck. “Galen, please, take what I give freely.” “Madison, I…” She felt his teeth sink into her, then her life drawn from her. She reveled in his release into her pussy, passion and pure love unleashed. She cried out when her climax took her over the edge to meet him. “Galen, I love you.” “Oui, ma petite, je t’aime. Je t’aime.” Galen eased back after closing the wounds. He pulled his cock from her and turned her to face him. “I love your eyes when they turn back like onyx.” “Then I need to do the same for you, my sweet Madison.” Galen kissed her, teasing her oversensitive body. His fingertips tortured her nipples as he laved her naked mons. Her breath catching made him smile as he teased her swollen clit. Her body pressed to his face as she led him to her waiting pussy. He nipped at her, sending shocks though her, then he drove his tongue into her, drinking from the sweet wine he knew as Madison. Her body writhed from the sensations as he drove her. She begged him to sink his cock inside her where it belonged. The thought of his wife pleading with him in French seduced him more, driving him as his cock throbbed for her attention. Galen tortured her more, wanting to hear her feelings. “The fire, mon dieu, it’s out of control! Galen, please…” 166

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Galen pulled her to him, sinking his shaft into her waiting body. Hot, tiny flames seemed to dance along her body and to his. She begged him more, needing him. He slowly tortured her until she gazed at him, her eyes shiny black pinpoints. He hammered her as he pumped his seed into her core. At the height of his release, he bent to kiss her, only she sank her teeth into his neck, holding him in place while she fed from him. He screamed her name as a storm raged not only between them but outside the estate. Thunder crashed over them as they loved each other. **** An hour before dawn, Galen carried his bride of just over one hundred years to another room. Renovated to his specifications, it was a complete duplicate to the one they had just spent several wonderful hours in. He’d made some changes, though making the room totally safe for them from the sun. “You knew you’d stay in this house again, didn’t you?” “I did but I wanted to be sure. I had this done, hoping for the best.” “And?” “I have it all. I have you. We have Hayden and good friends.” Madison smiled, pleased he had made peace with his past. “By the way, where is our son?” “He’s at the other house. Since he’s been here, he’s been busy with several lucrative business deals.” Madison laughed. Hayden Beaumont had been born in the wake of her transition from light to dark. The gift had caused her pregnancy to speed up considerably. When she gave birth to him and he’d fed for the first time, he’d been born with all the knowledge and powers of his vampyr father, the looks of 167

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his human father, Geoffrey, and Madison’s love and compassion. In the space of two risings, he had grown to an adult male, forever twenty-five and eternally a handsome young man. As soon as he could, Galen sent Hayden to France and the other estate in order for him to accept his life and not be hounded in San Francisco. Corrine Marsden’s family helped him through it and, when Galen and Madison would visit, they had wonderful times together. Hayden never resented his life, loving his parents and his grandmother without question. The one thing he loved was the capability of flying with his parents when they soared as a black hawk and a merlin, Hayden a golden falcon. Madison put her hand to his cheek, Galen’s hand on hers as he pressed it close. “Where are you, my love?” she asked. “Exactly where I want to be, ma petite.”

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Christy Poff lives in southeastern Pennsylvania with her husband and two teens, although her son is in the Air Force stationed in Minot, North Dakota and remains a cell phone call away. Previously, she wrote news articles for local newspapers and regional firefighting publications. With her articles, she added photography to her pieces. She has been a judge for the Rose City Romance Writers (Portland, Oregon chapter) Golden Rose Author’s contest since 2002. Writing for several years, she has a deep respect for Civil War history and has done extensive research into the times. This love and research have resulted in several Civil War novels looking for a home. CHASE FOR AN ANGEL was born from this and the others followed. She loves old cities with charm and history like Charleston and New Orleans, the wide open spaces in Wyoming, the Dakotas, Civil War battlefields and the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas and seeing the rest of the US. One day, she hopes to see Ireland with her daughter and both Canadian coasts. A volunteer firefighter for over twenty-five years, she's been able to use her experience in several published works for others and even in some of her own works in progress.

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